Judging Bull Riding
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Serious injury occurs more often in this event than in any other sport. The loose-hided animals add injury by trying to gore or trample a fallen rider. They are most dangerous in the chute where their leaning weight can easily break a rider's legs.
Woven with a single handhold, a flat-braided length of Manila rope about an inch-and-a-quarter in width is used noose fashion around the bull, set just behind the animal's shoulders. A weighted bell is attached to the rope, which allows it to fall free when the ride is completed. Tightly strapped spurs and a riding glove complete the necessary gear. Chaps are optional.
Spinning bulls are considered more dangerous to ride than those that buck straight. There is more danger of being trampled or butted if a rider falls to the inside -"in the well "- of the whirling animal. A rider dismounts on his own, and relies on the bull-baiting "clown " to keep the animal's attention while he gets out of range.
The contest is judged basically the same as the bronc riding events, with the bull being given 1 to 25 points and the rider given 1 to 25 points each by two judges. A score of 100 would be a perfect ride.
Marking stock and rider as a single entity, the most common judging error, is often found in bull riding because many judges assume that it takes a good rider to ride a good bull. This practice is in violation of the rules pertaining to marking stock and rider separately. Any time a judge marks a rider 21 or more for his ride, the rider must be spurring his bull.
There are four main categories in evaluating bull riders.
Poor: 1 - 12
Fair: 13 - 15
Good: 16 - 20
Excellent: 21 - 25
Within the categories point values are assigned on the basis of form, seat, and the origination and execution of spurring motion.
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Rider's Score Characteristics |
Poor
1 - 5 |
Lack of form, seat, control throughout the ride. |
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6 - 7 |
Lack of form, seat, control for part of the ride. |
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8 - 12 |
Form, seat, control for 3/4 of the ride. |
Fair
13 - 15 |
Lack of any one factor (form, seat, or control). |
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16 - 18 |
Lack of any one factor (form, seat, or control) for part of the ride. |
Good
19 - 20 |
Maintenance of form, seat, and control throughout the ride. |
Excellent
21 - 23 |
Maintenance of form, seat, and control throughout the ride. |
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Addressed to Various Animal Rights Activist Groups
As you may know I am the livestock contractor and producer for many rodeos and bullridings. It is my understanding that you folks may be considering organized opposition to my shows by various means. I realize that it is difficult for either you or I to approach these matters in a dispassionate fashion. In that regard, we welcome any objective, informed and responsible view of our activities.
On the other hand, we will not tolerate the type of inaccurate, blatantly uninformed, or ignorant false statements that properly characterize the publicity, which is sometimes generated in these situations. We will not condone any mass interference with the scheduling of our shows, and we shall seek injunctive relief and/or money damages from any individual or organization, which intentionally interfere with our lawful business.
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