More and more cow horses are being broken to ride by patience and gentleness. Today’s horse is rarely a wild mustang caught on the prairie and broken by a “buster.” Usually he is of special breeding, intended to develop him for his particular type of work. The bucking horse, seen in rodeos, is trained to buck; many of them such as “Midnight” and “Five Minutes To Midnight” have become world-famous for their skill at throwing riders. Usually bucking horses or “broncs” are part of a “string” provided for rodeo use. Many of these “wild” horses live to a ripe old age and have many peaceful years grazing in lush pastures long after their bucking days are over. [Illustration: “TWISTIN’ HIM DOWN”] BULL DOGGING This breathtaking feat consists of a dive from a horse at full gallop to the horns of a full-grown steer and throwing the animal by hand. One of the most dangerous stunts in the rodeo business, it also requires extraordinary strength and agility on the part of the cowboy. The bull dogger must stop the animal and “twist him down” so that all four feet are off the ground on the side in which the head is pointed. The record time for this event is three and two-fifths seconds. [Illustration: Cowboy and bull] Bull dogging is purely an exhibition trick, but it has developed into a regular rodeo event, with many outstanding bull doggers contesting for the large prize money offered for it. [Illustration: A “ROLLIN’” HORSE] BAREBACK BRONC RIDING Actually, this is less dangerous than riding a bronc with a saddle, but more difficult to stay aboard. Balance is all-important, since the cowboy is without benefit of stirrups or saddle and must depend upon his knees for controlling his position on the horse. One hand holds the halter and the other must swing free, never touching the horse. Even the good bareback riders are often thrown, but the fall as a rule is “clean” and results only in the cowboy being thoroughly jarred. [Illustration: BIG BRAHMA AND COWBOY PART COMPANY] BULL RIDING This is an extreme test of balance and courage. Bull riders are usually “top hands” and represent the cream of fancy riders. Brahma bulls are ridden with only “bull rigging,” which consists of two ropes, one around the flank and one serving as a cinch with a bell to irritate and infuriate the animal. They are always unpredictable and hard to ride. The Brahma bull’s skin is very loose, like that of a dog, and the rider must stay on by sheer balance. Oftentimes the bulls become mean and dangerous unless distracted by a man in the arena. A so-called “clown,” actually an expert at distracting the bulls, is a part of the rodeo performance, and it is he who prevents the animals from turning on thrown cowboys. Adding to the excitement at these events is the fact that Brahmas can and do quite often leap an eight-foot fence.