by Becky Robbins

Created on: June 24, 2009   Last Updated: September 18, 2009

There is usually some type of equipment required when competing in any sport. Bull riding is not different in this case. Protective gear is a major part of the equipment necessary for bull riding. However, there are some pieces of equipment to assist the cowboy in a successful ride.

Head Gear
Bull Riding is a dangerous sport, so it is important for the cowboy to protect his body from injury. A bull's horns or hooves are sharp and a cowboy runs the risk of being punctured by either the horns or hooves. Therefore, a cowboy needs to protect his head, face, and torso. Head gear is the necessary protection for the head. Many cowboys choose the traditional cowboy hat. You may think it's just for style, but the hat adds a protective layer between those sharp hooves of the bull and the rider's skull. When deciding on headgear, some cowboys find a helmet and face mask to be the best choice. The helmet and face mask protect the face, jaw, and head. Since this is just an alternative form of protection, some cowboys feel the added weight throws them off balance and disrupts their timing. Others feel that it interferes with their vision. However, a cowboy who has suffered a serious injury to the face, jaw, or head will often choose the helmet and protective face mask for protection. Also, a mouthpiece is important for teeth protection. The impact of the bull or hitting the ground is enough to injure the teeth.

Protective Vest
Cody Lambert, the Livestock Director for the Professional Bull Riders, Inc. and a former bull rider, designed the protective vest to protect the cowboy's torso from direct contact with the hooves and horns. If a rider were to come in direct contact with the horns and hooves, they risk internal injuries from punctures. It also helps diffuse blows to the body and absorbs shock. With the introduction of the vest, internal injuries happen less frequently.

Chaps
Chaps may look decorative as they showcase the cowboy's sponsors. However, the chaps serve an important role by adding another layer of protection. Chaps help prevent injury to the legs by bull's hooves and horns.

Gloves
The last necessary piece of protective equipment is the glove. A cowboy only wears a glove on the hand that grips the bull rope, also known as their riding hand. Cowboys often tape the glove to their hand to keep it in place because a bull's strength or just friction from the rope can pull it off during the ride. Mainly the glove protects a cowboy's hand and fingers. It also provides grip to hold onto the bull rope.

Boots
Boots in this case are not a fashion statement. The boots have a special spur ridge to help keep the spurs in place.

Rosin
Cowboys use a sticky material called rosin to provide extra grip for the glove. It helps stick the glove to the bull rope.

Bull Rope
And last but definitely not least, you cannot have a success bull riding experience without a bull rope. The bull rope goes around the bull's girth, behind the front legs. The handle of the rope is really the only anchor for the length of the cowboy's ride. The handle is partially made of leather. How the bull rope is held depends on the rider's preference, with some riders preferring the suicide wrap.

Bull riding is a true man-versus-beast sport. If you are seeking a challenge, there are some reputable bull riding schools out there to get you started. All of the equipment for bull riding is important to keep you protected against the bull and also to help you succeed. So get out there and grab the bull by the horns!

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