Tough as Leather

March 23, 2015

What drives a person to get on top of an enormous wild animal and try to stay atop while the beast does everything to send you into orbit? What makes anybody perform an extreme sport? Adrenaline is one thing to consider, but this is a level of thrill-seeking that defies explanation. The rider must remain upright on the bucking bull for eight seconds. They have their hand fastened to a braided rope as the only attachment method while the other hand remains free. It is a risky sport and considered the most dangerous eight seconds in all sports.

Of course, the bull riders are doing this for the million-dollar paychecks.... not! Even though professional circuit riders can earn a six-figure income, the majority are making less. The main reason that riders compete is because of the long tradition and history. This is very generational, going back centuries while originating in Mexico and spreading into the USA. The sport is worldwide, even down to South America and as far as New Zealand.

Bull riding is no different from other youthful endeavors; kids usually start out competing in high school and other youth groups. They hone their craft and train like any other athlete to gain an advantage. Some rodeos and organizations sponsor the sport, with top competitions in the Professional Bull Riders, Championship Bull Riding, and the Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association circuits.

The equipment the rider uses appears minimal, but many components exist to keep them safe. The main piece is the bull rope, which contains a handle braided into it. One side of the rope is tied into an adjustable knot for different size bulls, and the other side is flat braided with an attached bell. In addition to the sound the bell produces, it gives the rope weight allowing it to fall off once the rider dismounts.

The most recognizable protective clothing item is the chaps made of leather; they protect the rider's legs and thighs. Riders are required to don a safety vest made of high-impact foam. The riders also wear gloves, boots, and mostly cowboy hats. Currently, no requirement is in place to use a helmet yet in the professional ranks, but slowly times are changing, and more are wearing them.

The way a rider wins a competition is through judging and a point system. Judges award points based on several aspects of the ride. Judges are also looking for constant control and rhythm in the rider in matching his movements with the bull. Points are deducted if the rider is constantly off balance and none of the eight seconds atop are not achieved. The bulls also receive a score for not allowing the riders to make the eight seconds. Standings are kept for the bulls, and "Bull of the Year" is something that exists.

Bull riding requires flexibility, coordination, and courage. Facing down a two-thousand-pound crazed animal takes as much mental preparation as does the physical ability. It also requires a fantastic amount of training a rider must put into his skill set. They have so much at stake while atop the animal. All of the riders build their core strength to withstand the whiplash effects of the ride. Their upper body stamina must be able to hold the rope against the thrust of the bull gyrations.

Although the sport has its share of issues, a large audience still attend the spectacle. Changes are deliberately being made to improve the items that critics bellow about, but bull riding doesn't appear to be going away anytime soon. The key to its longevity is safety, not for lack of excitement. Yippee Ki Ay!!