Introduction
“Them Bareback Horses” is a song by Chris LeDoux, a celebrated country music artist and rodeo champion. LeDoux’s authentic portrayal of the rodeo lifestyle in his music stems from his personal experiences as a professional bareback rider. Born on October 2, 1948, in Biloxi, Mississippi, LeDoux developed a passion for rodeo at a young age, participating in his first event at 13. His dedication led him to win the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) World Bareback Riding Championship in 1976.
To support his rodeo career, LeDoux began composing songs that vividly depicted the trials and triumphs of rodeo life. In 1972, he recorded his debut album, “Songs of Rodeo Life,” in a friend’s basement studio in Sheridan, Wyoming. He sold the tapes from the back of his pickup truck at rodeo events, gradually building a dedicated fan base.
“Them Bareback Horses,” featured on “Songs of Rodeo Life,” encapsulates the essence of the bareback riding experience. The song narrates the physical challenges riders endure, such as aching backs and sore necks, yet highlights their unwavering passion for the sport. LeDoux’s lyrics also delve into the nomadic lifestyle of rodeo cowboys, detailing their travels in unreliable vehicles, financial struggles, and the relentless pursuit of victory.
LeDoux’s commitment to authenticity in his music resonated with many, as he drew directly from his life as a rodeo competitor. Over time, his musical career flourished, leading to a contract with Capitol Records in 1991. Despite his passing in 2005, Chris LeDoux’s legacy endures, with “Them Bareback Horses” standing as a testament to his genuine representation of the cowboy spirit and the rodeo way of life.