How to Set Up for a Bull Ride

Bull riding, which has long been a component of the rodeo, has also professionally branched off into its own sport. The minimum threshold for success requires remaining atop a bucking bull for 8 seconds while keeping only one hand on the rope that skirts the beast. The free hand must never touch the bull. Judges assign points not only on the rider's ability, however. The size, youth, ferocity, power and agility of the bull are all factored into the rider's final score. For a competitor who wants the maximum 100 points available, proper setup is key to a successful ride.

Things You'll Need

  • Helmet or cowboy hat
  • Protective vest
  • Chaps
  • Bull rope
  • Boots
  • Glove
  • Resin
  • Mouth guard
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Instructions

    • 1

      Don your body armor. Whether you wear a cowboy hat or a helmet, you need some barrier between your head and the ground. Likewise, the protective vest serves as a shock absorber for the torso. The chaps perform the same function for the legs. The mouthguard is advisable for teeth protection.

    • 2

      Tape the glove to the hand that will grip the bull rope. Secure it firmly at the wrist, as the bull's fierce bucking and rotation can cause the hand to slip out.

    • 3

      Move the bull into the chute. A partner or event employee will -- gingerly -- maneuver the bull rope around the animal's chest, behind its front legs.

    • 4

      Mount the bull, immediately gripping the handle woven into the bull rope. Rub the rope with resin vigorously and wrap it securely around your gloved hand, palm first, then back. The suicide grip -- interweaving the rope between pinky and ring finger -- is prohibited by most rodeos.

    • 5

      Center your body and squeeze your legs firmly against the bull's flanks. Signal the official to release the bull into the arena.