TUCSON (KGUN9-TV) - Of all the events at the rodeo, Saddle Bronc is the most iconic event.
"We call it 'the classic' event in rodeo, we really do. And that's because really that's where it all began. You know, over a hundred years ago, somebody said, 'Well, I've got a horse that can't be rode.' And somebody said, 'Well, I can't be throwed," said rodeo announces Wayne Brooks.
Brooks says the first rodeo event dates back over a hundred years.
"I think one of the locations where they first started it, the prize was a new suit of clothes over a hundred years ago. So I guess maybe that was a good prize at that time."
Now, with thousands of dollars on the line, it is certainly a crowd favorite. Sometimes, those fans become competitors.
""Ever since I was a little kid it was my favorite one to watch and now to be doing it, to be successful at it, it's a dream come true," said Chet Johnson.
Johnson was Thursday's top Saddle Bronc rider, hoping his score is enough to get him into Sunday's championship round.
Part of what makes the event so exciting is no matter how good you are- you still need a little luck on your side.
"You can be the greatest rider in the world, if you don't draw the right horse, you can't win. You can be a mediocre rider and draw a great horse and maybe get bucked off."
