Homemade Bull Rope
The bull rope serves as an anchor for a cowboy attempting to complete his eight-second ride during bull riding competitions. Although there are many options for buying a bull rope, many riders choose to braid their own.
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Preferences
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The specifications of a bull rope are generally dictated by personal preference. Even when buying a rope, the rider will have to give his preference for length, number of plaits and material. According to Allan Jordan, Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association Pro Official and former bull rider, by braiding his own rope, the rider can build to his own needs.
Material
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Ropes are braided using a number of different materials for the body and tail. Nylon and grass are the most commonly used. According to Jordan, nylon blends are by far the most prevalent in use by today's bull riders.
Plaits
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Once a rider has chosen his material, he must decide how many plaits to use. Most riders use either five, seven or nine plaits. Many use a combination such as seven plaits in the handhold and five in the tail.
Handholds
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When braiding his rope, a rider must also make choices regarding the handhold. Some riders prefer stiffer leather or wider leather strips to build the handhold. The handhold will generally be 10- to 12-inches long.
Equipment
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In addition to materials such as nylon and leather used to build the rope, many riders use gloves for the braiding process.
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References
- Photo Credit bull & rider image by Clarence Alford from Fotolia.com
