Quamby Rodeo - Open Bull Ride

Bull riding is an ultimate test of courage and of strength. It is classed as the most dangerous event in the rodeo. Not only is it dangerous for the rider but for anger of a bull after the 8 seconds. It can be extremely dangerous if the bull has bucked the rider off or if the rider is injured and defenseless on the ground .

A successful ride on a bucking bull seems like its near impossible. The bulls themselves have great strength and agility and they can weigh a tonne or more putting the odds in their favour. 

The fact that bull riders on a regular basis do make qualified rides is truly a tribute to their skills and their intense concentration and focus . A rider needs to have strong legs,a lot of upper body control and super fast like reflexes. 

Bull riders aren't required to spur, they can use their feet to pull themselves into position and to hold themselves up on a spinning bull. If a bull bucks you off and you land on the inside of it , it invites the bull to attack immediately and is very dangerous.

During the ride the rider sits over his hand , this helps to avoid being whipped back and forth and coming into contact with the bulls head and horns. Bulls seem to watch and feel every move the rider makes and this gives them a chance to buck the rider off if he moves even slightly out of position.

In judging they look for use of combinations of the free hand and the riders legs and feet to keep him balanced and in the best position for the ride.

Even though spurring isn't required, extra points are earned for the use of feet during the ride for things such as the way the rider uses them in the response to the twists and turns of the bull and the body  positioning.

Riders will be disqualified for touching the animal or equipment and of course if they are buck off before the end of the 8 seconds.