©2008 Hesperia Recreation & Parks District

Bull Riding

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Bull Riding - the ultimate rodeo challenge.  This event has been known for years as the most dangerous sport and demands fearlessness, or foolhardiness, as well as physical strength and mental toughness form every cowboy who sits astride a 2,000 pound monster with horns.  Bull riding became a rodeo event in the 1930's.  Before that, steers or wild cows were used and some were even ridden with saddles.  Every bull is unique in its bucking style.  They can jump, kick, spin or twist, or use any of those motions in combination.  All are tremendously strong, agile, dangerous and unpredictable.

The bull rider uses only one hand to hold onto a flat-braided rope tied around the bull's chest just behind the front legs and over its withers.  One end of the bull rope, called the tail, is threaded through a loop on the other end and tightened around the bull.  The rider must stay on board for eight seconds.  His free hand and arm must not touch the bull or himself or he receives no score.  The rider uses his free hand to counter the bull's spins and turns.

Unlike other rough stock events, bull riders are not required to "mark out" their animal on the first jump out of the chute, they just need to stay on.  Spurring the animal can add to a cowboys score, however, riders are commonly judged solely on their ability to stay aboard the twisting, bucking mass of muscle.

Local bull riders include past and present Earl Bascom, Frank Bogert, Joe Barr, Buck Abbott, Wally Terry, Roy Gwatney, Bruce Gwatney and Scuno Gwatney.