How to Apply Flank Straps

Good bucking horses and bulls are as much professional athletes as the cowboys who ride them -- or try to. Part of their working equipment is an accessory called a flank strap, sometimes known as a bucking strap. The preoccupied rider needs help in putting the equpment on the animal. Whether the helper is a professional rodeo stock handler or just a fellow rider helping a buddy at practice, correct use of a flank strap can make or break a cowboy's ride.

Instructions

    • 1

      Examine the sheepskin-covered cotton ropes for bulls and the sheepskin- or neoprene-lined leather straps for broncs for wear, breaks, loose stitching and other flaws.

    • 2

      Check the quick-release buckle or knot that fastens the strap on top of the animal's back to be sure it is in working order. This enables the pickup man to release the strap as soon as the rider is off to prevent the animal from getting used to it.

    • 3

      Lay the straps over the top rail of the back side of the bucking chutes so they are ready to apply.

    • 4

      Open and close slide gates to load animals into the individual chutes.

    • 5

      Place the flank straps across the backs of quiet animals and fasten them loosely around the animal's body at the flanks (between the ribcage and the hind legs), but do not tighten them. If the animals are active or fighting the chute, leave the flank strap on the fence to be applied later. Some animals take placement of a flank strap as a cue that it will soon be their turn to perform.

    • 6

      Have the flank strap in place when the bronc saddle or bareback rig or the bull rope is on and the rider is in position to mount or already mounted. If it is not already in place because the animal is active, place it now. Reach underneath the animal's belly with a wire hook. Catch the strap on the far side and bring it back to fasten, avoiding any flying feet.

    • 7

      Hold the free end of the flank strap or rope. When gate opens and the animal leaves the chute, pull until you feel contact and then release it. The object is to snug it up just enough to tickle the animal in a sensitive area analogous to the human groin and encourage it to use its hind legs to jump and buck.