Bull Riding

Bull Riding brought to you by Blackfoot Telecommunications Group!

Who would have thought that watching a man climb on the back of a 2000-pound bull would draw so much attention!

Bull riding is dangerous and predictably exciting, demanding intense physical prowess, supreme mental toughness and courage. The bull rider may use only one hand to stay aboard during the eight-second ride. If he touches the bull or himself with his free hand, he receives no score. But unlike the other roughstock contestants, bull riders are not required to mark out their animals. While spurring a bull can add to the cowboy's score, riders are commonly judged soley on their ability to stay aboard the twisting, bucking mass of muscle.

To stay aboard the bull, a rider grasps a flat braided rope, which is wrapped around the bull's chest just behind the front legs and over its withers. One end of the bull rope, called the tail, is threaded through a loop on the other end and tightened around the bull. The rider then wraps the tail around his hand, sometimes weaving it through his fingers to further secure his grip.

Then he nods his head, the chute gate swings open, and he and the bull explode into the arena!

Every bull is unique in its bucking habits. A bull may dart to the left, then to the right, then rear back. Some spin or continuously circl in one spot in the arena. Others add jumps or kicks to their spins, while others might jump and kick in a straight line or move side to side while bucking.

Whatever the outcome, bull riding is one of rodeo's most popular events!