The Pros & Cons of Being a Bull Rider

Bull riding is a dangerous yet thrilling sport. On the rodeo circuit, the best bull riders in the world compete for top dollar on a regular basis. The profession is not without its risks however. Like many of the world's most competitive sports, the dangers are high, and most athletes have careers cut short by injury.

  1. Money

    • Like other professional sports, the money for those who compete at the top of the bull riding sport is very attractive. The professional circuit for bull riders is run by the Professional Bull Riders organization. On the group's website, a list of the top earners of all time in the sport is maintained. As of mid-2011, the top 23 riders in the sport earned over $1 million, with the top earner, Just McBride, topping out at well over $5 million.

    Fame

    • Bull riding has a loyal following among fans and the top riders in the sport experience levels of fame similar to those of other pro athletes. From 2002 to 2005 the sport of bull riding increased attendance at events a total of 72 percent. In 2004, the sport attracted more than 100 million TV viewers. In 2009 the sport had grew popular enough on TV that CBS broadcasts were garnering a 1.2 rating which placed the sport on par with professional baseball.

    Ride Risk

    • Bull riding is without a doubt one of the riskiest sports a person can pursue. The 300-pound linemen that crush each other in a football game have nothing on a 1,700-pound bull. Brain injuries happen from impacts with the ground, or with the bull. Back and spinal injuries occur in falls and from the motion riders are subjected to during their rides. Joints are frequently strained and bones are constantly broken. Riders are gored by bulls on occasion. The severity of the injuries is what makes the sport so dangerous. The University of Calgary conducted a study classifying 36 percent of injuries sustained in the sport as severe.

    Short Careers

    • Bull riding is primarily a young man's sport. Most careers do not last very long, and so to achieve success riders have to compete frequently and do well in order to build a life based on their bull riding career. The frequent injuries end many riders careers, and even those who do not get seriously injured often get worn down by the constant bruising and battering. The intense physical strain of riding a bull also makes it difficult for any but the youngest and strongest to compete.