Bucking Bronco Puzzle 
by Guest Writer Roberta Shore

We invite you to read Roberta Shore's review on the following jigsaw puzzle. Since she has discovered the advantages of jigsaw puzzling, she has reviewed/journaled several that will be available on this website.  Bucking Bronco puzzle Amazon link

Bucking Bronco Puzzle - Roberta's Review

Bucking Bronco Puzzle

New York Puzzle Company
Random Cut
100 Pieces
Finished Dimensions: 9” x 7”
Roberta-Profile
Bucking Bronco Puzzle

New York Puzzle Company
Random Cut
100 Pieces
Finished Dimensions: 9” x 7”

Bucking Bronco Puzzle

New York Puzzle Company
Random Cut
100 Pieces
Finished Dimensions: 9” x 7”

My Confident Puzzle Difficulty Rating: Fairly Easy

A puzzle can help you go to sleep. Please allow me to explain the benefits of doing a 100 piece count puzzle at the end of a hectic day. First of all, the puzzling process is calming and relaxing. Such a puzzle is small enough to do in bed. All that’s needed is a 20” x 30” foam core board. Sit up and rest it on your thighs. There’s room to lay out all the pieces face up and build the puzzle.

Quality: Quite good. The piece fit is loose, but not much of a hassle with so few pieces. Otherwise, all fine. The small, sturdy, box has the full illustration on the top. Color match to the pieces is excellent. Inside is a sealed bag of solid, low sheen pieces. There was no puzzle dust. No pieces were damaged or together uncut, and none were missing.

Getting started: Find the edge pieces and sort by color. While I was turning up the pieces, I set aside the edge pieces and did a little sorting: the red lettering, the cowboy and his arms and shirt, the ground, and the background. I set aside the stirrup, the horses hooves and white lower part of the horse’s leg. The remaining pieces made up the rider’s fur chaps and the horse.

Construction: I built the frame first. A little tricky, there was one piece very close to a false fit. With such a small puzzle, rearranging those edge pieces was almost embarrassing! I filled in the ground, then the signage and cowboy and much of the background, and then the chaps and horse. A fun little exercise that produced the anticipated benefits. Relaxed and calm, I yawned, shut off the lights, and went to sleep.

Bucking Bronco Puzzle

New York Puzzle Company
Random Cut
100 Pieces
Finished Dimensions: 9” x 7”

Final thoughts: I rated this fairly easy because the background and all the dark pieces took more time to assemble than some others in this brand’s “Mini” puzzle collection. Check it out! Hundred piece puzzles are not just for kids. The pieces are not much larger than those in their higher piece count offerings. The finished size makes a framable statement. Many of the illustrations will appeal to adults, including vintage, art, well known cities and parks, food and drink, birds, and more. (The bird at left is one of nine from The Cornell Lab of Ornithology). The boxes are very small. Traveling? Take your hobby with you!

My grades: Quality A-, Fun Factor A+



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About: Enhanced Puzzle Enjoyment: The Benefits of EZ Grasp and Extra Large Piece Jigsaw Puzzles for Seniors and Children

Introduction

Jigsaw puzzles are not only a fun and entertaining pastime but also offer numerous cognitive and therapeutic benefits. For seniors and children facing specific challenges such as arthritis, dementia, or sore hands, EZ grasp and extra large piece jigsaw puzzles provide a solution that enhances their puzzle experience. In this article, we explore the advantages of using these specialized puzzles and highlight some notable brands that offer them.

Improved Dexterity and Hand-Eye Coordination

Seniors and children often encounter difficulties with fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. EZ grasp puzzles feature larger, easier-to-handle pieces that enable individuals with arthritis or sore hands to engage more comfortably. These puzzles reduce strain and allow users to maintain a better grip, promoting improved dexterity and coordination.

Enhanced Focus and Cognitive Skills

Jigsaw puzzles are excellent tools for cognitive stimulation. They require concentration, problem-solving, and spatial reasoning. For individuals with dementia, puzzles can provide a sense of accomplishment, boost memory recall, and help maintain cognitive function. The larger pieces in EZ grasp and extra large puzzles make it easier for seniors and children to see and distinguish the details, enhancing their focus and cognitive engagement.

Reduced Frustration and Increased Confidence

Traditional puzzles with small pieces can be challenging for seniors and children, leading to frustration and discouragement. EZ grasp and extra large piece puzzles alleviate these frustrations by offering larger, more manageable pieces. This allows individuals to participate in the puzzle-solving process with greater ease, leading to increased confidence and a sense of achievement.

Notable Brands Offering EZ Grasp and Extra Large Piece Puzzles

Several puzzle companies recognize the importance of catering to the needs of seniors and children with specialized puzzles. Cobble Hill, Springbok, Ravensburger, and White Mountain are notable brands that offer EZ grasp and extra large piece puzzles.

Cobble Hill is known for it's quality, colorful and variety of images for those with sensitive or small hands.  No matter the season, there's a product available to share the family fun. 

Springbok offers a variety of puzzles designed specifically for seniors and children. Their EZ grasp puzzles feature large, easy-to-handle pieces and vibrant, captivating images that cater to various interests and skill levels.

Ravensburger, a renowned puzzle brand, also offers a range of extra large piece puzzles. Their high-quality puzzles are designed to provide an enjoyable experience for seniors and children, with larger pieces that are easy to grip and assemble.

White Mountain offers nostalgic and visually appealing puzzles with extra large pieces. Their puzzles are known for their high-quality craftsmanship, attention to detail, and beautiful artwork, making them a favorite among puzzle enthusiasts of all ages.

Conclusion

EZ grasp and extra large piece jigsaw puzzles offer numerous benefits for seniors and children facing challenges such as arthritis, dementia, or sore hands. These specialized puzzles enhance dexterity, hand-eye coordination, focus, and cognitive skills. By reducing frustration and increasing confidence, they provide an enjoyable and rewarding puzzle experience.

Notable puzzle brands like Cobble Hill, Springbok, Ravensburger, and White Mountain recognize the unique needs of seniors and children, offering a wide range of puzzles designed to cater to their requirements.

Whether it's for therapeutic purposes or simply for fun, EZ grasp and extra large piece puzzles open up a world of possibilities, enabling seniors and children to engage in the joys of puzzling while overcoming physical and cognitive limitations.

(ChatGPT, personal communication, June 20, 2023)