The Rodeo: Bull Riding - Cheyenne Frontier Days

Tough Competition

Gaining popularity in the nineteenth century, Bull Riding started as a competition among cowboys to determine who was the toughest rider. Starting on small ranches and moving to wild west shows and finally going on its own, bull riding has become the rodeos most popular event to-date.

Some Bulls even become more famous than the riders, a Bull named “Mr. T” bucked off every bull riding champ of the 1980s. He was ridden for the first time in Cheyenne. Only two other men ever rode “Mr T” before he was retired in 1990.

Rules

The rider must hang on with one hand for 8 seconds to qualify. Sounds easy, right?

Scoring

The Bull is scored from 1-50 points

Front End Drop
Backspin
Kick
and Directional Changes

The Rider is also scored from 1-50 points

Body Position
Position of the Free Hand
and Leg motion

All while not touching the bull with the free hand .

Exclusive Bull Riding Events grew out of Rodeo and have become popular with both fans and contestants.

The Record

Holder: Lynn Uptmor

Year: 1999

Score: 94 Points

... getting to come here to Cheyenne, it’s been quite the deal of the century. It’s special to be a part of something that's tradition and history - not to mention the greats that have been here. It’s just, it’s awesome. - Cody Webster

It's Just Awesome