"The most dangerous 8 seconds on Earth!"

The principles of bull riding are quite simple. A rider mounts a bull gripping a braided rope, and after he fastens the rope the rider announces he is ready. The bucking chute (a small enclosement which opens at the front) is opened and the bull storms out. The rider must attempt to stay on the bull for eight seconds, touching the bull with one hand while the other remains free for the duration of the ride. The cowboy's best friend is the bullfighter, who distracts the bull while the rider runs to safety.

Both rider and bull are awarded points ranging from zero to fifty by each of two judges who look for constant control and rhythm in the rider in matching his movements with the bulls. The bull is scored on his athletic ability as well, the harder and higher bucks, the harder it is for a rider to stay on. A rider is disquailified if he touches the bull with his free arm. If a rider scores poorly due to a poor bull performance, the judges ma award the rider a re-ride option.

The bull rope is a braided rope with a handle braided into its center, and is usually stiffened with leather. The rope is wrapped around the bull and then wrapped around the hand in the handle to give the cowboy a handhold during the ride. A cowbell is strapped to the knot and hands directly under the bull, it is designed to give the rope some weight, thus allowing it to fall off the bull once a rider is dismounted.

Bull riders at the top of their profession can win several hunred thousand dollars during the regular season, as well as receive endorsements deals.