Bull Riding Facts and Equipment

Bull riding is a rodeo sport involving a rider getting on a large bovine also known as a bison while attempting to stay on that creature for at least 8 seconds with one hand to the bull and one free. The sport is a vigorous one and you can't be born into riding one, but it takes many years of practice and confidence that will be useful when riding. One thing a bull rider must have is confidence and no fear. Before you begin to test a bull, here's a little background and what materials are needed to ride one.

The sport was born in 1864 when 2 groups of cowboys from neighboring ranches met in Deer Trail, Colorado to settle dispute to see who was better at completing general ranch tasks. Many years after, it became a loved and famed of all rodeo sport to many ranch fans.

Each bull has a specific name, strength, health, agility, and age. The rider must stay on his/her particular bull at least 8 seconds to get a high score with one hand to the bull with a long braided rope and the other had free for the duration of the ride. Before it begins, everything is set in place in a bucking chute- a small enclosment which opens in the front. This is where the rider is on top of the bull waiting to begin the tough game. Also in the distance somewhere out in the ring, is a bullfighter to enhance the ride and to protect the rider should the rider fall off.

The Rider

The equipment necessary for the ride doesn't seem like much, but riders use many pieces of equipment both functionally and to ensure maximum safety, both to themselves and animals involved. The primary piece is a braided bull rope made of polypropylene, grass, or some combination. A handle is braided into the center of the rope and is usually stiffened with leather; one side is tied in an adjustable know that can be changed for the size of the bull. The other side of the rope is a flat braid and is usually coated with rosin to keep it from sliding through the riders' hand. A metallic bell is strapped to the knot and hangs directly under the bull throughout the ride but besides the noise; it gives the rope weight and allows it to fall off the bull once a rider dismounts.

The rider wears chaps with distinctive coloring and patterns that add a great deal of flare to the sport; leather straps are worn to protect the legs and thighs. A protective vest is made of hard material to absorb shock and reduce pain and injuries. Protective gloves are made of leather and rosin is applied to rosin for marginal amount of extra grip and to prevent rope burns. Another item is cowboy boots and spurs are often attached which is crucial because the bull is unharmed when kicked. Generally the bison's hide is 7 times thicker than humans. Cowboy hats are the headwear that is really not generally for show but to protect the riders head from any "light injury".

The Bull

Equipment for the bull contains a flank strap which is a rope made of nylon rope or sheepskin and leather is tied at the bull's midsection known as the flank. It encourages the bison to use its hind legs more in a bucking motion.

Area

The area needs to be that of which a circus would be held in and needs to be free from anyone that could be injured. If everything looks clear, the rider is ready to ride!