Bull Riding and All-Around Cowboy

In a continued multi-part series, I will be presenting you with a brief guide to each of eleven (11) pro rodeo competing events and some of the riders that have made them famous. These eleven rodeo events include Saddle Bronc Riding, Bareback Riding, Bull Riding, Calf Roping, Steer Wrestling and Roping, Team Roping (Heading and Heeling), Barrel Racing, Bullfighting and All-Around Cowboy.

(URL's for events already covered at Suite101 are listed at the bottom.)

Today's guide is a primer for Bull Riding and All-Around Cowboy, and the last in the series.

BULL RIDING

For many spectators, BULL RIDING is the most action-packed and exciting event of their rodeo adventure. Oftentimes, this will also be the last scheduled event on the agenda to keep the crowds hanging on to the last minute. "Are you crazy?" is often the question asked of bull riders, and the answer is "Hell, yes!"

But bull riders are also tough and must be athletically fit. Their ability to withstand injury and compete with pains being an occupational requirement. No other event is quite as catastrophic on the body as bull riding. Bull riders suffer from torn muscles, dislocated joints and bone fractures and face these risks each time they settle themselves onto the back of a bull.

The rodeo event of bull riding did not evolve from the skills of a working rancher. Rather, the challenge of staying on top of a raging bull was purely entertainment for ranch hands.

The rules of this timed 8-second event have remained fairly constant. The goal of the bull rider is to stay ON the bull for eight seconds once the animal leaves the chute. The rider cannot touch the bull, himself or his equipment with his free hand during the ride, or he will be disqualified. Doing so requires balance, coordination, quick reflexes, flexibility, and a positive mental attitude. Besides the obvious fact that the bull does not want a rider on his back, the animal also has the added irritation of a braided rope around its chest with a heavy bell hanging from it. The sound of the bell adds to the bull's temper factor and eggs the animal on to more bucking action.

For the cowboy, the braided rope acts as a handhold in which the rider puts his gloved hand. He then takes the rope and wraps it around his riding hand and lays it across his palm again. When the rider is bucked off, his hand and the bell's weight will cause the rope to fall from the bull.

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