In the chute a fraction of a second before the gate opens; saddle bronc rider Cody Wright sits on Handsome gripping the hack rein. The strands of black horsetail tied to the rein are a marker to assist the rider in measuring the grab spot. In contrast to bareback and bull riding, saddle bronc riding relies less on strength and more on timing, finesse and skill. It's a very hard event to master and amazing to watch these men control the ride via leg muscles and this flexible joystick.