How to Use a Bull Rope

Bull ropes have been a vital piece of equipment since the sport was born.

Climbing on the back of a 1,000-pound bull may terrorize some people, but it's the ultimate high for bull riding enthusiasts. A tradition dating back more than 100 years, bull riding has its roots in spur-of-the-moment contests between cowboys and the wild bulls they rounded up. The cowboy would use his lasso to tie himself on the back of the bull, and whoever stayed on the longest was declared the winner. The sport has remained virtually unchanged, although the ride is now only eight seconds long and the bull rope evolved from a simple lasso into a precise piece of equipment.

Things You'll Need

• Leather riding glove
• Bull rope
• Rosin

Instructions

1. Protect your riding hand with a leather riding glove.

   The supple leather helps you grip the rope and stay aboard the bull for the entire eight seconds.

2. Load the bull into a bull chute.

   The chute keeps the bull facing forward and prevents him from turning around as you fit him with the rope. Ask a helper to stand on the outside of the gate to help you with your rope.

3. Hold the end of the rope with the handle near the bull's withers, and drop the free end between the bull's body and the chute gate.

   Have the helper push the end of the rope under the bull's chest, and bend down and pull the rope up with your other hand to completely encircle the bull.

4. Fill your gloved hand with rosin pellets, and rub your hand vigorously up and down the rope.

   Rosin becomes sticky with friction, helping the rope stay wrapped around your hand and preventing an early dismount.

5. Thread the end of the rope through the loop near the handle, and pull up on the rope as firmly as you can.

   The bull may snort and fidget as you tighten the rope, but that is his way to express nervousness and excitement in preparation for a ride.

6. Sit directly over the bull's withers and push your riding hand through the handle, wrapping the free end around your hand.

   Pull the rope tight as you wrap, threading the end between your middle and ring fingers and locking the trailing end of the rope inside your closed palm to keep you on the bull as he charges out of the chute.

Tips & Warnings

• Never climb on a bull without adequate training. It may seem like a simple sport, but a marauding bull will cause serious bodily injury if you don't know how to ride.

References

• Professional Bull Riders: Bull Riding Equipment