Rodeo Bull Riding
There are many rodeos that take place throughout the year across the United States, and bull riding is one of the most popular rodeo events. The Professional Bull Riders (PBR) is a group made up of professional cowboys who ride bulls for a living, mostly during various rodeo events.
Bull riding rules are straightforward. The rider must stay on a bucking, jumping, and leaping (2,000 pound) bull for a full eight seconds, with only one hand strapped to the bull. His hand is strapped to the bull with a rope, and the rider must use the rest of his body to maintain his balance while the bull jumps in every direction trying to knock the cowboy off.
Throughout the year, bull riders compete in a variety of events and rodeos. Members of the PBR also compete in one of several tours, including the Built Ford Tough Series, Copenhagen Bull Ridingsm Challenger Tour, Enterprise Tour, and the Discovery Tour. The winners are awarded cash prizes, and the best bull rider gets an award at the end of the season.
Many older professional riders choose to not wear helmets, as they weren't common several years ago. However, many of the up and coming bull riders choose to wear a bull riding helmet, since they grew up through the amateur ranks wearing a helmet. More and more, riders who suffer head injuries choose to get back on the saddle wearing a helmet.