Many young cowboys and cowgirls have their first ride on a sheep (called mutton busting) which are often as fast as a bull but don’t buck much and are a lot closer to the ground. And many youngsters find a way to get on a calf and go for a short ride without asking Mom and Dad first.
If you are serious about bull riding there are several excellent schools which will teach you the right way to do things and give you opportunities to ride bucking bulls.
Our local Santa Fe 4-H club gave an opportunity for a half dozen youngsters to spend time with professional bull riders and learn how it is done. And then all got to ride real cattle until they got a “qualified ride”. It was truly amazing to watch how serious the kids were – and how courageous.
The Santa Fe Turquoise Trail Wranglers 4-H club is run by my friends Rick Ianucci and Nancy De Santis, and many volunteers. You may have seen an article about the club in a recent issue of Western Horseman magazine.
Bull riders John Vigil, Steve Tanuz and Billy Jackson taught the kids the basic routine to be followed, put them on hay bales that they then “bucked” and helped refine a good technique.
Just like the professionals they did stretching exercises and got a pep talk. Then it was riding time. In the bull chute the pros put the bull rope carefully on. Then made sure the rider had a helmet, vest, and gloves.
They then reminded the rider that this was his or her bull and they were now in charge. With some prompting the riders rubbed the bull rope to get the resin to get stick, then told the assistants when to pull the rope tight, then wound the rope carefully around their hand and pressed the fingers tight. Then scooted up towards the animal’s head and took a deep breath. Everyone around shouted encouragement and it was time to “cowboy up”. Some had to be reminded to nod their heads when they wanted the gate to open.
And then managed chaos. The instructors and bullfighters ran along side as the animals ran and bucked. Most riders were off in a few seconds but that was enough. All had good runs with no big mistakes. And every single one had a big grin on their face. I mean really big. It was beautiful to watch. And certainly a day they will never forget.
You can get more information at the Turquoise Club Blog by clicking HERE.
[That’s me in the last picture on the left in a white shirt hanging on the arena fence]