The most dangerous event in rodeo, bull riding requires a positive attitude from the cowboy as he faces a test of nerves with a tough bull. A braided rope, of varying width, is wrapped around loosely around the bull with a weighted cowbell hanging underneath, allowing the rope to fall free as the ride is completed. The rope has a woven handhold that is pulled tight around the rider’s hand and with one more wrap taken to ensure a snug fit. During the ride, the cowboy must keep himself close to the handhold to prevent his arm from straightening and jerking his hand lose. He will be disqualified for failing to have a bell attached to his rope, touching the bull with his free hand or bucking off before the end of an eight-second ride.
Riders are not required to spur, as staying on these loose-hided animals is difficult. But naturally, if they do they will receive a better mark. Pick-up men are not used, as a bull would just as soon fight a man on horseback as on foot. The rider must depend on bullfighters to distract the bull until the cowboy is safely out of the bull’s range.
Stay tuned for 2023 qualifiers!
