"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 and ribs and also protects the rider's vital organs from puncture wounds.
Protective pads: Some riders wear pads on their elbows and knees to help protect joints from impact injuries.
Chaps: Leather chaps protect the rider's legs and are especially important if the rider gets "hung up" in the rope and is dragged through the sand by the bull. Chaps can also make the cowboy's ride look better by creating the illusion that the rider's legs are moving more than they actually are. In addition, some chaps advertise the rider's sponsors.
Glove: Bull riders wear a tough leather glove on their riding hand. The surface is usually rough suede, which helps keep the cowboy's hand from slipping from the bull rope. Most riders secure the glove by wrapping strapping tape or athletic tape around their wrist.
Rosin bag: If you've ever been around bull riders just before a competition, you've probably seen them pounding a small bag with their riding glove. What's in the bag? Rosin. The sticky substance helps the gloved riding hand remain on the rope during the rough ride.
Boots: Leather cowboy boots help protect the rider's feet and shins. Also, they have a groove just above the heel to support the spurs.
Spurs: Bull riders need spurs to rake the bull's shoulders and sides, enhancing the action of both the bull and the cowboy. Special bull rowels, the revolving part of the spur, are used. This type of rowel has blunt points that do not penetrate the animal's hide. The spurs are attached to the boots with adjustable straps.
Mouth guard: This protects the teeth and mandible from sharp blows. It's the same type that boxers and football players wear.
Rope bag: Most bull riders have a round bag used to carry their bull rope. The bag is usually made of leather, vinyl, or nylon, and it has a carrying handle.
Helmet and facemask: This is a fairly new piece of equipment that hasn't been fully accepted by professional bull riders yet. It's similar to a motorcycle helmet and can be worn with or without a facemask shield. It provides much more protection from head and face injuries than a typical cowboy hat does.