bronc

Bronc is an informal term for a bronco, a young or untrained horse that bucks when frightened or excited. The word derives from the Spanish bronco, meaning rough or unruly, and entered American English in the 19th century. In modern usage, bronc is common in rodeo culture to refer both to the horse and to the stock used in bucking events.

In rodeo, broncs provide the bucking action for events such as saddle bronc riding and bareback bronc riding. Riders aim to stay mounted for a specified period, typically eight seconds, while the horse bucks and twists to throw them off. The horses are valued for their athleticism and temperament; trainers and stock contractors select and condition animals that reliably buck but remain sound and healthy. The term bronc may also describe a horse that is not yet fully trained, or a mature bucking horse used in competition. Welfare and animal-care standards govern handling, training, and competition, with organizations enforcing rules designed to protect the horses and riders.

Variations of the term and usage appear in popular culture and team names, such as the nickname broncs for teams called the Broncos. The plural form broncs is used in reference to multiple bucking horses. The term remains primarily associated with Western American horse culture and rodeo.