Agathos Dorea

“There is a thin line between genius and insanity.”

~Oscar LeVant

Bareback bronc riding is the roughest and most explosive of all the rodeo events. It is, far and away, the most physically demanding as cowboys must test their horsemanship skills without the benefit of saddles or reins.

Using a leather rigging (which looks like a big suitcase handle), each cowboy must ride one-handed without touching the horse or the rigging with their free hand. Spurring the horse from shoulder to rigging, the rider hopes to beat the eight second count. Cowboys are judged on their control and spurring technique, and the horses are judged on their power, speed and agility.

On a warm summer’s afternoon in a region of the country where the east gives way to the west, I experienced one of Nebraska’s most sacred and spectacular traditions–the small town rodeo. And although the classic historical period dominated by the American Cowboy lasted only 20 years, I can attest to the fact that the legacy is still alive and well even more than a century later.

A special thanks to the people of Eddyville, NE for their hospitality and kindness and letting me see, firsthand, a glimpse of what makes this town so special.