When does the time start for bareback bronc riding?

The time for bareback bronc riding starts when the animal's front shoulder passes the chute gate. This timing rule is crucial as it establishes a consistent standard for judging the performance of riders based on the horse's movement. By starting the clock at this specific moment, it allows for an accurate assessment of the rider's skill in handling the horse's bucking motion.

Starting the time at the moment the front shoulder passes the chute gate ensures that the ride is judged based on the actual performance of the horse once it has cleared the chute, rather than when the rider mounts or when the chute gate itself opens. This method provides a fair and consistent measure for all competitors in the rodeo, focusing on the dynamics of the ride itself.