Bull Riding
Strength, Reflexes Essential to Bull Riding
Current scores
Most rodeo events originated on the ranches and cattle drives of the
Old West. Roping cattle and riding broncs in competition were natural
extensions of ranch work.
Climbing aboard a bull, however, was not. Many people, in fact, view
attempting to ride a surprisingly agile and powerful 2,000 pound bull as
a concept that is not totally sane.
But to those who make their living riding bulls swear by the
lifestyle.
 "This is it for me. It's all I ever wanted to do," said three-time
world champion bull rider Tuff Hedeman.
Bull riding requires balance, coordination, quick reflexes,
flexibility and perhaps above all else, a positive mental attitude.
The bull riding event is always the last event at a rodeo, and the
most anticipated. It is similar to the bareback bronc riding event,
except that the bull is much bigger and wilder than any horse.
 The bull rider holds a flat-braided rope during his eight-second
ride. In preparation for the ride, he pulls the tail of the rope through
a loop, then wraps the rope around his riding hand sometimes weaving the
rope through his fingers to secure his grip. He nods his head to signal
for the chute gate to be opened and the ride to begin.
The rider can choose to spur the bull or not, however his score will
suffer if he does not. As in all riding events, half of the score is
determined by the animal and the other half by the rider.
|
