Bull riding guidlines

There's more to bull riding than just holding on.

Both the riders and the bulls can earn up to 50 points each, with 100 points being a perfect score, during an eight-second ride.

Bulls are judged on speed, power, body rolls and direction changes. Judges look for bulls that come out of the chute and turn, kick and make every effort to get the rider off its back for the entire eight seconds. The bull loses points if it breaks into a flat run.

Riders are judged on their ability to match the bull beneath them. The rider must remain centered, maintain control and demonstrate good form for the entire eight-second ride, while keeping a hand free from touching him or herself, the bull or the rope. A rider can earn extra points by spurring the bull.