"Open the gate, and grab for eight!" That's the typical motto for bull riders. Often referred to as the most dangerous eight seconds in sports, bull riding is the top attraction at many rodeos, and some events offer bull riding competitions exclusively.

To enter a competition, a cowboy pays his fee and "draws" his bull. When his number is called, the would-be rider climbs the metal or wooden fencing to get aboard the bovine that's waiting in the chute. Once he's settled, the gate swings open, releasing the bucking beast, and the timer starts.

The rider has to stay on the bull for eight seconds. The bull gets points depending on how much it bucks, swerves, jumps, and whirls, and with how much force it accomplishes these moves. The cowboy is judged on how he stays on, too, and he can touch the bull with only one hand.

Bull riding involves several pieces of special equipment that serve a variety of functions:

Bucking or bull rope: This is a flat braided rope with a sort of handle that's made of leather. The rope wraps around the bull, right behind the front legs. The cowboy pulls the rope tight, with just enough slack for his hand. He can hang on with either hand, but the other hand cannot touch the bull.

Rope pad: This is a thick pad, often made of sheepskin, foam, and/or leather. The pad is placed under and attached to the bull rope, near the handle. It provides protection for the knuckles of the riding hand.

Bull bell: Almost every rodeo association requires a bull bell to be attached to the bull rope, underneath the animal. A typical bell is 6" high, made of bronze, and weighs a pound. The clanging adds to the excitement of the ride, and its weight usually causes the bull rope to fall off the animal when the ride is over.

Flank strap: This strap is placed around the bull's body, just in front of the hind legs. Pulling the strap tight encourages the bull to buck and jump in an effort to rid itself of the strap.

Jeans: Bull riders wear thick denim jeans as protection from scrapes.

Long-sleeve shirts: Notice how bull riders wear long-sleeve shirts, even in the broiling summer? That's because the sleeves offer some protection for the forearms.

Hat: Most bull riders wear either woven or felt hats to protect their eyes from sand. The hats also offer a little protection from flailing hooves and horns.

Protective vest: Think of this piece of equipment as the cowboy's answer to the policeman's bulletproof vest. The vest acts as a shock absorber for the chest

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