| Trick Riding; A Lost Art |
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 Trick Riding traces its roots to the Romans, who stood on their horses to race, and the Russian Cossacks, an army group who would do stunts such as hanging off the side of the horse. Trick riding in America began in the early 1900's as a rodeo contest event. Cowboys and cowgirls entered the trick riding event--pushing their bodies, strength, equipment, and horses to the limit as they sought to outdo one another in terms of difficulty, speed, and danger. When the competition became so intense that the danger became out of control, trick riding evolved into the specialized, contract act that we now know as modern trick riding. Modern trick riding focuses much more on poise, grace, balance and style than did early trick riding. Until the 1930s trick riding was a standard competition at rodeos. In the '50s, however, rodeo organizers demoted it to an entertainment act. Tom Mix was the first Western movie stuntman-actor in movie history. Seems everyone in America knew who Tom Mix was by the late 20s. He made over 400 films and a 15 episode serial in the mid 30s. Now, all but a handful has been destroyed by the elements and poor storage. Most were silent films. What was unique about this actor? He wasn't just an actor with flashy moves and stuntmen doubles to make him look good; he did all of his own stunts. He was an accomplished rodeo star, who could ride, do trick riding, roping, take on the bad guys, and woo the ladies. For more trick riding information and entertainment please watch Ag Lifestyles' show Trick Brahma. |
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