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.

Learn more about this author, Holle Abee.
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