Days of '76 Rodeo: Bull Riding

Bull Riding is my favorite rodeo event. It is also the last event of the rodeo. I do not 'follow' the bulls or the riders; I have no idea who is the top money winner for 2014 or who may be heading to the PBR finals in Vegas later this year. Like most other sporting events, I know enough info to enjoy the performance, but not enough to be a bore to those around me.

My friend Wikipedia says:  Each bull has a unique name and number used to identify the bull. The rider and bull are matched randomly before the competition.

A rider mounts a bull and grips a flat braided rope. After he secures a goodgrip on the rope, the rider nods to signal he is ready. The bucking chute (a small enclosure which opens from the side) is opened and the bull storms outinto the arena. The rider must attempt to stay on the bull for at least eight seconds, while only touching the bull with his riding hand. His other hand must remain free for the duration of the ride. 

this bull put on quite a performance

he threw his rider almost immediately

This photo shows the Wikipedia info very nicely: The bull bucks, rears, kicks, spins, and twists in an effort to throw the rider off. This continues for a number of seconds until the rider bucks off or dismounts after completing his ride. A loud buzzer or whistle announces the completion of an eight second ride.

The equipment for the bull: The flank strap is a rope made out of cotton which is tied around the bull's flank. Contrary to popular belief, the flank strap is not tied around the bull's testicles. This rope is to encourage the bull to use its hind legs more in a bucking motion, as this is a true test of a rider's skill in maintaining the ride. 

I did NOT know this piece of Wikipedia information:  The flank strap is applied by the stock contractor or his designate. 

usually the bull willingly and quickly leaves the arena after 

the buzzer sounds, but sometimes the three pick-up men 

need to encourage the bull to leave

they will rope it and lead the bull to the exit gate & pen

this guy was roped twice and 'led' to the exit gate

but he refused to leave

he just stood there

he laid down and no amount of prodding

or encouraging got him to move

one began to feel sorry for the bull

all of the straps had been removed, but he wasn't 

going anywhere

the event is at a stand-still until the arena is cleared

the bull finally got up

and with some more pulling and tugging, 

he finally left the arena

most bull riders wear helmets now days

they did not used to...

they also wear a protective vest

Bull riders are required to wear a protective vest, most usually wear one made of high impact foam that allows the shock to disperse over a wide area, thereby reducing pain and injury. 

Chaps are probably the most noticeable piece of bull rider clothing, as their distinctive coloring and patterns add flair to the sport. Usually made of leather, chaps also provide protection for the rider's legs and thighs.

Cowboy boots are also worn. The dull spurs help in keeping a rider balanced, and are crucial to the sport as a whole. The bulls are unharmed by the rowels, as their hide is roughly seven times thicker than a human being's skin. Truly skilled riders will often spur the bull in the hope of achieving extra style points from the judges.

To prevent a rope burn, riders must wear a protective glove, usually of leather. This glove must be fastened to the riders hand since the force the animal is able to exert could tear the glove away. The rider often applies rosin to the glove, which allows for additional grip.

Wikipedia again: Throughout the ride, bullfighters, also popularly known as rodeo clowns, stay near the bull in order to aid the rider if necessary. When the ride ends, either intentionally or not, the bullfighters distract the bull to protect the rider from harm.

Scoring info from Wikipedia: For the bull, judges look at the animal's overall agility, power and speed; its back end kicks; and its front end drops. In general, if a bull gives a rider a very hard time, more points will be awarded. If a rider fails to stay mounted for at least 8 seconds the bull is still awarded a score. A rider is disqualified for touching the bull, the rope, or himself with his free arm.

it takes quite a crew to get a bull and rider ready

for the 8 second ride

Wikipedia says: Bulls have more raw power and a different style of movement from bucking horses. One move particular to bulls is a belly roll or sunfishing, in which the bull is completely off the ground and kicks either his hind feet or all four feet to the side in a twisting, rolling motion. Bulls also are more likely than horses to spin in tight, quick circles, while they are less likely to run or to jump extremely high and "break in two".

 More scoring and points from Wikipedia: The ride is scored from 0–100 points. Both the rider and the bull are awarded points. There are usually two judges,each judge scoring the bull from 0–50 points, and the rider from 0–50 points. The combined point totals from both judges make up the final score for the ride. Scores of zero are quite common as many riders lose control of the animal almost immediately after the bull leaves the bucking chute. Many experienced professionals are able to earn scores of 75 or more. Scores above 80 are considered excellent, and a score in the 90s exceptional.

the bulls were the winners in all 3 rodeo performances

I will say I learned quite a bit of new info

by using Wikipedia for these rodeo posts

HOWEVER,

I promise not to do it very often

sometimes less is best