NABANow.com :: What is Bullriding?

What is Bullriding?

The rodeo sport of Bull riding is simple to understand but not simple to compete in. The purpose is for a rider to get on a male bovine and stay mounted for at least eight seconds. The rider fastens one hand to the bull with a braided rope and when the bucking shute is opened, the bull barrels out. While only touching the bull with one hand and keeping the other in the air, the rider must stay on for at least eight seconds.

The bull is naturally wary of having a strap around its midsection and instinctively bucks wildly and runs at high speeds to try and throw off what it is carrying. Some bulls tend to carry an extra intensity and they can become as well known as some of the riders.

Both the bull and the rider are awarded points from 0 to 50, totalling 100 between them. Zero scores are common since a lot of riders lose control almost immediately and are thrown off. Experienced professionals can get scores of 75 or more; above 80 is excellent - 90 is considered exceptional.

Some of the aspects the judges consider in a rider include constant control and rhythm (where the rider matches his movements with the bull's). To be given points the rider must stay on at least eight seconds. Points are deducted if a rider is constantly off-balance. If a rider can control a bull well, he can receive extra "style" points. If the rider touches the bull with his free arm, he is disqualified. When looking at the bull, judges consider overall agility, speed and power, back end kicks and front end drops. If the bull gives the rider a hard ride, more points are awarded. The bull still receives points if the rider does not last eight seconds. The bull's points are recorded just like a rider's, so he can come to the finals in some organizations.

If a bull performs poorly, some organizations will let the rider use a re-ride option. If he takes it the rider loses his first score in an attempt to get a better score with another bull.

There is a variety of equipment needed in bull riding. Riders wear a protective vest, typically Kevlar, to reduce the risk of serious injury and dissipate shock. Protective gloves help prevent rope burns. The gloves are fastened onto the rider's hand because the bull's force could otherwise pull it off. Cowboy boots that spurs can be attached to are also important. Spurs can help in controlling a bull and "spurring" can lead to extra style points from the judges. Spurring doesn't hurt the bull, as their hides are about seven times thicker than a human's. Cowboy hats offer a decent amount of protection from skull trampeling. Helmets are allowed but many riders don't use them.

The bull must have a bull rope, usually made of grass, polypropylene or a combination, that has a handle braided into the center and sometimes stiffened with leather. One end of the rope is wrapped around the bull and the other end is held by the rider. A metallic bell is attached to the knot to give the rope some weight so it will fall off the bull once a rider is dismounted. A flank strap is tied around the midsection of the bull. This is to encourage the bull to use it's hind legs in a bucking motion, to truly test a rider's skill. If the flank rope is tied improperly, in some places a rider can request to ride again.


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