RodeoGuy
London, ON
Male, 23
I live my life 8-seconds at a time as an adrenaline junkie that goes event to event, matching up against some of the rankest bulls in the world in an 8-second battle for supremacy.
Most bull's start at the age of 3, and often will continue past 10 years of age. Once Bull's are retired, they are welcomed into the breeding program and many live out their lives on their ranches.
The jeans are actually designed for the lifestyle. I'm a big Wrangler fan, and they're the market leader, followed by Cinch. They're "Cowboy Cut", meaning boot cut at the bottom, and they sit comfortably while riding. The original 13MWZ style jean is also a little more resilient in rough situations. The Belt loops are larger to accomodate the wider leather belt to wear a trophy buckle, the pockets are designed to hold your valuables and not bash you while you ride... And if a guy were to get on a bull wearing designer jeans... the beating he's about to take from the bull pales in comparison to the ribbing he'll get from the riders.
The best thing to do is to go to a rodeo school or clinic. They usually are 2 days long, and they give you the opportunity to learn the ground work, chute preparation and get on some easy stock to get into the swing of things.
Google "Rodeo School" and your State or Province to find the closest to you... it's a weekend you'll never forget!
I think one day we'll see a Female World Champ... there are some girls riding tougher dudes... just need more!
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Knee, shoulder, head...
http://www.reuters.com/article/2007/10/05/us-rodeo-injuries-idUSKIM56572320071005
Thank you Mark for your great questions. I can only answer so far, but I would recommend you contact the PBR Media Relations Department and the Justin Sports Medicine Team for more detailed information if necessary.
Fundamentally, the rider is staring between the bull's shoulders, right in front of his hand, "The Spot". When the bull goes in that direction, you kinda follow those front shoulders. But it's quite difficult as they can change direction in the air, or belly roll, etc., and that's only a guide, haha. A big part of it is just matching the bull's moves a split second at a time. Resetting your feet, position, and staying in the middle. You can never guess or anticipate where or what they're going to do. They can feel that weakness and take advantage of it in a heartbeat.
The best advice I can give you is to connect with an experienced bull rider that's going to be at the event. They'll be able to help you with borrowing any equipment you don't have, and also ensuring the equipment you do have will do the task.
It's 2013, back in the day, a small rodeo usually meant jump-kickers and lopers in the bull riding pen, but now, the size of the rodeo doesn't speak to rankness of the pen. Hopefully your bull rider acquaintence will be able to give you a fair assessment of the bull you draw, and help you make the right decision on whether you are going to go ahead with this effort.
If you know anyone (bull rider acquaintance) with a drop-barrel, I'd recommend getting on it. If you have the supplies and space to build a traditional bucking barrel (4 posts, 4 ropes, barrel drum), that would be an ok substitute to sit on and start working on balance, reaction and seat. Sit up as close to on top of your hand as you can, bow your chest out, tuck your chin in, look to the middle of where the bull's shoulders would be, grip with your legs, and lock your toes out. As the barrel tips up, push your upper body forward. As the barrel tips back, lean back, but keep your chin tucked and chest out. Your free arm should remain in front of you and smooth.
Get as much advice before you get on in the chute and commit it to memory... it will be a blank when they start pulling your rope.
Have at 'er!
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