Belly Full of Bedsprings: The History of Bronc Riding
Ever since the first wild horse was lassoed and tamed, there has been continuous debate about which rider rode longest and which horse bucked the best. The tradition goes back 150 years, when the earliest competitions were scattered across the western United States, at Fourth of July celebrations and later on during trail drives to northern markets. Bronc riding is a thriving sport today, but now its home is in the arena of professional rodeo.
Belly Full of Bedsprings traces the history of bronc riding, and its evolution into a sport, from those early days in the American West to the current pro-rodeo circuit. Woerner examines the development of rodeo competition and the changes that have evolved specifically in the bronc riding event: the move from open corrals to chutes, the development of the ideal saddle, the introduction of bareback riding, changes in timing and judging events, increasing purses and sponsorship, the organization of unions, providing safety gear, and bringing the cowboy into the twenty-first century with computer technology. Interspersed are tales to evoke laughter and tears, including the incredible (but hilarious) transportation problems early riders had, as well as the tragic injuries incurred by both horses and cowboys.
Selected bronc busters and broncs of each decade in the twentieth century are covered, highlighted by action-packed photos throughout. Complete statistics of competitions are included in an appendix.
Belly Full of Bedsprings is more than an eight-second ride, guaranteed to inform and entertain not only true fans of the sport but also those who may be hesitant to sit atop a bucking tornado.
Published by Eakin Press • Paperback - 258 pages • Retail Price $24.95
Hardback with Dustjacket • Retail Price $29.95
Belly Full of Bedsprings traces the history of bronc riding, and its evolution into a sport, from those early days in the American West to the current pro-rodeo circuit. Woerner examines the development of rodeo competition and the changes that have evolved specifically in the bronc riding event: the move from open corrals to chutes, the development of the ideal saddle, the introduction of bareback riding, changes in timing and judging events, increasing purses and sponsorship, the organization of unions, providing safety gear, and bringing the cowboy into the twenty-first century with computer technology. Interspersed are tales to evoke laughter and tears, including the incredible (but hilarious) transportation problems early riders had, as well as the tragic injuries incurred by both horses and cowboys.
Selected bronc busters and broncs of each decade in the twentieth century are covered, highlighted by action-packed photos throughout. Complete statistics of competitions are included in an appendix.
Belly Full of Bedsprings is more than an eight-second ride, guaranteed to inform and entertain not only true fans of the sport but also those who may be hesitant to sit atop a bucking tornado.
Published by Eakin Press • Paperback - 258 pages • Retail Price $24.95
Hardback with Dustjacket • Retail Price $29.95