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Most
rodeo events originated on the ranches and cattle drives of the
Old West. Roping cattle and riding broncs in competition were
natural extensions of ranch work. Climbing aboard a bull, however,
was not.
Many
people, in fact, view attempting to ride a surprisingly agile
and powerful 2,000 pound bull as a concept that is not totally
sane. But those who make their living riding bulls swear by the
lifestyle.
“This is it for me. It’s
all I ever wanted to do,” said three-time world champion
bull rider Tuff Hedeman.
Bull riding requires balance, coordination,
quick reflexes, flexibility, and, perhaps above all else, a positive
mental attitude.
The bull rider holds a flat-braided
rope during his eight-second ride. In preparation for the ride,
he pulls the tail of the rope through a loop, then wraps the rope
around his riding hand, sometimes weaving the rope through his
fingers to secure his grip. He nods his head as a signal for the
chute gate to be opened and the ride to begin.
Each bull has a unique style of
bucking. Many bulls spin, or continuously circle, in one area
of the arena. Others add a jump or kick to their spin, making
them more difficult to ride. Still others jump, and kick in a
straight line, move side to side during a jump, or lunge forward
in an attempt to rid themselves of a rider.
The cowboy’s control during
the ride and the bull’s bucking efforts each account for
half of the rider’s score.
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