How to Ride a Bull

Bull riding is the most famous rodeo event, but is also the toughest. Bull riding is dangerous but thrilling and attracts many new competitors each year. Learn how to ride a bull by reading the following article.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

1. Sit on the bull in the chute only after someone has put your bull rope on the bull and when the gate men and other helpers are there to assist you.
2. Wrap your bull rope around your hand to secure yourself to the bull. Wrap the rope to that you can hold on and get a good grip.
3. Let the gate man know when to open the gate. Hang on with your hand and legs as soon as the bull starts to move.
4. Move your body with the bull, keeping your seat in balance with his every move. On the smoothest bull this may feel almost like a rocking chair so you should be flexible in your core (stomach, hips, back) to easily keep rhythmn with the bull's movements. Most bulls are not smooth and will jump around and spin, so be prepared for this also. Use your heels to 'score' or kick the bulls shoulders to get a possible higher score for your ride.
5. Hang on for eight seconds to receive a score. Jumping off, removing your hand from the rope or touching the bull with the free hand before the buzzer sounds will get you disqualified no matter what.
6. Jump off of the bull after the buzzer sounds, but only if your hand is completely free of the rope. Pull your hand out, look around and jump off. Be prepared to scramble straight to the nearest fence. The bullfighters will try to keep the bull's attention so you can safely exit the arena, but the bull may still possibly come after you.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't touch the bull with your free hand at all. Doing this will disqualify you immediatley.