Bull Riding
Bull riding is one of the more exciting - and dangerous - rodeo events. A rider sits atop a 2,000-pound bull holding on only via a rope.
The rope is wrapped around the bull's chest, just behind the front legs. One end of the 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. A bell attached to the rope excites the bull, causing it to buck harder, and acts as a weight that pulls the rope off the bull once the rider has released his grip.
Bull riding requires exceptional balance, upper body strength, flexibility and quick reflexes. Riders are not required to spur the bull, but it usually results in higher scores.
When the rider nods his head, the chute opens and the bull and rider explode into the arena, twisting and turning. The rider's goal is to stay atop the bull for eight seconds.
Disqualifications:
- Failing to stay on the bull until the eight-second whistle
- Touching the bull or his equipment with his free hand