Bull riding
Bull riding refers to rodeo sports that involve a rider getting on a large bull and attempting to stay mounted while the animal attempts to buck off the rider. In the American tradition which is the most important the rider has to stay on at least eight seconds. The rider tightly fastens one hand to the bull with a long braided rope. It is a risky sport and has been called "the most dangerous eight seconds in Bull riding sports.Bull riding Rules and regulations
Outside of the USA, bull riding traditions with varying rules and histories also exist in Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, New Zealand and Australia.
Each bull has a unique name and number used to identify the bull. A sufficient number of bulls, each judged to be of good strength, health, agility, and age, are selected to perform. The rider and bull are matched randomly before the competition, although starting in 2008, some ranked riders are allowed to choose their own bulls from a bull draft for selected rounds in PBR events.- A rider mounts a bull and grips a flat braided rope. After he secures a good grip on the rope, the rider nods to signal he is ready. The bucking chute (a small enclosure which opens from the side) is opened and the bull storms out into the arena. The rider must attempt to stay on the bull for at least eight seconds, while only touching the bull with his riding hand. His other hand must remain free for the duration of the ride.
- The bull bucks, rears, kicks, spins, and twists in an effort to throw the rider off. This continues for a number of seconds until the rider bucks off or dismounts after completing his ride. A loud buzzer announces the completion of an eight second ride.
- Throughout the ride, bullfighters, also popularly known as rodeo clowns stay near the bull in order to aid the rider if necessary. When the ride ends, either intentionally or not, the bullfighters distract the bull to protect the rider from harm.
- Many competitions have a format that involves multiple rounds, sometimes called "Go-rounds." Generally, events span two to three nights. The rider is given a chance to ride one bull per night.
- The total points scored by the end of the event are recorded, and after the first or first two go rounds, the top 20 riders are given a chance to ride one more bull.
- Final round is called the "Short go". After the end of the short go, the rider with the most total points wins the event.
How to Become a Professional Bull Rider
Professional bull riding is one of the most dangerous occupations in America. To become a professional bull rider, you will need to practice bull riding, purchase good equipment and become a member of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. Read on to learn how to become a professional bull rider.- Practice Your Bull Riding Skills as
- Grip the bull with your knees and legs. You want to keep the lower half of your body in tight contact with the bull to stay seated as long as possible.
- Practice keeping your upper body loose. You use your upper body as a counterbalance to the bull's bucking by leaning in the opposite direction.
- Allow your free hand to wave high in the air. You will be disqualified in competition if your free hand touches the bull or yourself.
- Grip the bull with your knees and legs. You want to keep the lower half of your body in tight contact with the bull to stay seated as long as possible.
- Gather Bull Riding Equipment
- Think about buying a protective vest. Protective vests made of ballistic material are lightweight, but can help deflect many horn strikes. Vests are rather expensive, though.
- Invest in a good pair of bull-riding gloves. As a professional bull rider, you will spend a lot of time holding fast to biting ropes. Choose gloves that feature slightly longer fingers, which can be pulled on more tightly to reduce the chance of getting caught up in the rope on dismount.
- Pick a 9/16-inch-thick bull riding rope for a firm connection. Many professional bull riders prefer rope with three "sliders" (pieces of the rope that can loosen or tighten depending on the bull's movement).
- Think about buying a protective vest. Protective vests made of ballistic material are lightweight, but can help deflect many horn strikes. Vests are rather expensive, though.
