Bull Rider Training

The bull ride lasts for no more than eight seconds, but riders must spend hours in training sessions. Bull riding requires physical fitness, balance, flexibility and technique. Training for a bull ride increases the chances of a safe and successful ride. The training process involves a combination of film and physical activity. Riding live bulls and bucking systems with expert coaching is useful and training camps are available for riders without local coaching resources.

  1. Strength

    • Strength is required for the bull rider to make quick movements and hold position on the bull. Bull riding strength is primarily concentrated in the abdomen and core muscles. The thigh, hamstring and inner thigh muscles are also important for squeezing the bull and gripping with spurs. Strength training is accomplished by doing basic sit ups along with a weight training routine. Squats, leg presses and lounges are all effective for building core muscle and leg strength. Running sprints and stairs is also effective for conditioning the core muscles.

    Balance

    • Balance is an important skill for bull riders. Developing balance increases the ability to remain upright throughout the ride. Balance drills include walking on narrow planks, hopping on one foot and practicing on barrels and mechanical bulls. Balance is one of the more difficult skills to develop because of the limited number of balance drills. Bull riders develop balance through repeated practice rides.

    Flexibility

    • Bull riding requires fast movements, and stiff muscles are prone to stress and tears. Flexibility increases the range of movement in the torso for long motions and corrections. It also reduces injury and increases the number of rides a bull rider may endure. Basic stretching of the leg and torso muscles is routine before practice and riding, but advance yoga sessions and one hour of dedicated stretching each day are ideal for maximizing flexibility.

    Technique

    • Technique is the most important aspect of training for bull riders. The rider must respond to the movements of the bull by following the direction and holding an upright position. Bull riders develop technique by practicing on moving barrels and live bulls. Technical training requires the rider to practice gripping with the spurs, throwing the free arm overhead for turning towards the anchored arm and pulling the free arm and torso to follow away from the anchored arm. The technically sound bull rider is prepared to make minor and major position adjustments based on the movements of the bull.

    Film

    • Both amateur and professional bull riders utilize film training. Amateur riders study films to learn and imitate the techniques of successful riders. They study the motion of the bulls and response of the rider to understand the movements and techniques required for a successful ride. Professionals study films of specific bulls to prepare for the rodeo. Statistical analysis gives the rider an advantage by determining the most likely first move of the bull. Thorough study of the pro circuit bulls is not necessary but it does help many of the riders.