Bull riding is the most dangerous and the most exciting of the rodeo events. These bulls are very fast, powerful and can weigh as much as a ton. Consequently, bull riding is saved until the last and no one leaves until the final bull has been ridden. It also draws a lot of participants because the cowboy usually gets a tough, mean-spirited bucking bull - there are no duds - and, therefore, more money can be made. Not only does the bull rider have to stay on the twisting bull for 8 seconds but he has to escape on foot once he gets off. He does have some help reaching safety from the clowns whose job it is to distract the bull and to free the cowboy if he gets hung up in his bull rope. Many a cowboy has been saved from serious injury by the clowns. Horses and pickup men can't be used because cross-blood Brahma bulls will attack the horses.

The cowboy hangs on to a loose rope tied around the bull's middle with one hand. He may use a duffletype handle or not, but his free hand can not touch the bull, himself, or the equipment at anytime. Disqualification results if he touches anything or if he gets bucked off. There must be a bell attached to the rope around the bull's middle. judging is based on control and the rider who sits upright will score higher than the one who winds up off to the side for part of his ride. Extra points are awarded for spurring, as are turned-out toes.

Cody Nite Rodeo and Cody Stampede Program 1996, page 69