Do you have a child that is interested in getting started in Bull Riding? Riding is an expensive and dangerous event. There is a lot of equipment, stock fees and entry costs. So before you jump in and make a big investment, you should do a few things first.
1) Borrow some equipment. You will need:
Helmet – Make sure it fits. A loose helmet is not going to help.
Vest – This helps if you get stepped on.
Bull rope – A good rope is stiff where your hand goes. Before you buy, get someone with some experience to help you pick it out.
Riding Glove – It is important that you get a riding glove. These are not work gloves. Don’t substitute.
Other Equipment – Boots, chaps, spurs, rosin, athletic tape, and strips of leather.
1) Borrow some equipment. You will need:
Helmet – Make sure it fits. A loose helmet is not going to help.
Vest – This helps if you get stepped on.
Bull rope – A good rope is stiff where your hand goes. Before you buy, get someone with some experience to help you pick it out.
Riding Glove – It is important that you get a riding glove. These are not work gloves. Don’t substitute.
Other Equipment – Boots, chaps, spurs, rosin, athletic tape, and strips of leather.
2) Find a local practice arena. There should be a contractor and a bull fighter in the practice pen. The bull fighter is going to help get you out of a bad spot. Be sure to let them know that you are a beginner. Most of the time, they will be helpful.
3) Attend a clinic or school. The best thing you can do for your kids is to have them learn from someone who has done it well. They will learn how to not only ride but how to get off and get out of the arena as safe as possible.
Once your child has been on several times and is really ready to make the commitment, start of with the basic equipment above. Check with local kids that ride and see if they have any used equipment. Also look for some small local events to enter and gain some experience.
