Horse Sense

Rough Stock Events: the Safety Person’s Role

Each rough stock rider (Steer Riding, Bull Riding, and Bronc Riding) should have at least two helpers: one rigging-puller and one "safty" person. The "safety" person’s role is key to providing a safe environment in the chute at all times, up until the animal and rider leave the chute. I stress, "leave the chute" because occasionally, an animal will not leave the chute, creating a dangerous situation for the rider. So the "safty" person is still "on duty" until either the gate closes or the animal moves out of the chute. The "safety" person acts as the eyes and ears of the rider, who must focus on getting ready for his ride, rather than activity in the chute. The "safty" must be ready, willing, and capable of lifting the rider out of the chute and off the animal. The "safty" should monitor the animal for such things as bucking in the chute, head tossing, leaning or trapping the rider, going to the ground in the chute, or removing the rider when called for or when needed.

There is a correct and incorrect way to "safty" for a rider.

1. A. Incorrect way (less safe). Holding the rider by the belt only is not a safe way to begin. In the event that the rider needs to be "yanked" out of a dangerous situation, lifting by the belt only, may force the rider’s upper body forward into the danger zone: near the animals head. Other incorrect ways include: standing on the chute without contact with the rider, or supporting the rider under one arm.
2. B. The correct way (safer). The "safty" should place one arm, full length, between the arms of the rider, placing the "safety’s" hand on the rider’s chest. The "safety’s" arm should be between the rider’s arms so the rider has two options:
   1. 1. Being lifted out by the "safty" or
   2. 2. Grabbing the "safety’s" arm and lifting themselves out. Contact between the rider and "safty" should be the full length of the "safety’s" arm, from palm to armpit at all times. Only when this chest contact is in place, can the "safty" use his free hand to grasp the belt of the rider for additional leverage. The "safty" should stay in place until the rider calls for the gate, and actually leaves the chute.

In Steer and Bull Riding, the "safty" should be prepared for the animal to pull the rider forward while in Broncs, the "safty" should be prepared for the horse to rear up throwing the rider backwards, rather than forward. One final note, pay attention when you are acting as a "safety." The rider is counting on it!!