Bull riding
A rodeo event in which a rider tries to stay on a bucking bull for eight seconds, holding on with one hand.
Also: bull ride
In bull riding, a rider sits on a bucking bull holding a flat braided rope wrapped round the bull's chest, with one hand only; the other must not touch the bull or the rider. A ride lasts eight seconds, and scores are given both for the rider's control and for how hard the bull bucks, so a strong bull is as prized as a strong rider. The bulls are often of Brahman descent, bred for the sport and known by name. Bullfighters, once called rodeo clowns, distract the bull when a rider falls. It is counted among the most dangerous sports, and riders usually wear protective vests and, increasingly, helmets.