Bull Riding is a rodeo sport where a rider mounts a bull and attempts to stay mounted. The rider with the longest time on the bull is the winner.

Bull riding began in the late 19th century as part of a competition to see who was the best ranch hand. Today it is a popular competition throughout much of the United States. In professional tournaments riders aim to stay on a bucking bull for at least eight seconds. Each ride is judged and awarded points based on a number of technical aspects.

Score points by riding a bull, one-handed, for at least eight seconds.

Bulls and riders are matched randomly, prior to competition. A rider begins by mounting the bull and gripping the rope. When ready, a gate is opened and the bull is released. The rider must stay on the bull for at least eight seconds, while only touching the bull with one hand. Throughout the ride bulls kick spin and twist in an effort to throw the rider off. Most competitions feature a format involving multiple rounds spanning two or three nights. Riders may only ride once a night. Each ride is scored from 0 to 100 points, with the rider and bull each awarded 0 to 50 points. The combined point total forms the final score for the ride.

Bull riding is said to have begun in 1869 when two groups of cowboys met in Colorado to settle a dispute over which group was best a general ranch tasks. In 1936 the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) was created to serve as an organizing body for all competitive rodeos in the United States. In 1994 bull riders created a splinter organization called the Professional Bull Riders (PBR). The PBR World Finals, the largest and most prestigious bull riding event, is held annually in Las Vegas. Today, thanks to television, bull riding has expanded in popularity, and is now practiced across North America.

Bell
Boots
Bull Rope
Chaps
Flank Strap
Glove
Hat
Rosin
Vest

Bull riding is an extremely dangerous sport. Proper form and technique should be learned on small, less wild bulls prior to riding those used in professional competitions.

Bull riders must have great balance and a strong upper body. These can be attained through yoga and weight training. The exact skills used in bull riding are unique, and are hard to simulate outside the sport.

Bull Rope - rope placed around the bull's neck; one end features an adjustable knot, while the other end features a leather handle

Chaps - seatless leather pants, worn over ordinary pants to protect the legs

Flank Strap - rope made out of cotton, which is tied around the bull's flank to encourage the bull to use its hind legs in a bucking motion

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bull_riding