A Belly Full of Bedsprings: The History of Bronc Riding

Book by Woerner, Gail Hughbanks

Until this one, no book has covered the full evolution of rodeo into a major American sport. The cowboy's horse was always a necessity for trail drives and ranching, so early on, at informal gatherings, the breaking of horses drew cowboys and townsfolk alike as spectators. In the later part of the 1800s, more formal events began to develop, but they were few and far between. It wasn't until the twentieth century that they took on a more formal style, with a regular schedule of events and rules. Woerner presents the full story from the earliest days through the era of Buffalo Bill and right up into the present day. The names and backgrounds of the major competitors, promoters, and even famous bucking horses are all covered. As the title indicates, the book concentrates on the premier event of bronc riding, without mention of the other events such as bull riding and roping. Filled with many historic photographs. Fred Egloff