Professional Bull Rider EquipmentThe protective vest absorbs shock, and dissipates it over a larger area. After a ride, you'll often see a cowboy put something into the front pocket of his vest. He is usually putting away his mouth guard.
2.
RosinA sticky substance that provides the cowboy with a little extra grip.
3.
GloveCowboys wear a glove only on their riding hand. The glove is made of thick yet soft leather, and protects a cowboy's hand. The glove usually bears the initials of the athlete over the wrist. The cowboys actually tape the gloves onto their hands, since the force of the bull and the friction of the rope could easily tear a glove off during a ride.
4.
Bull RopeThe bull rope is what the bull rider hangs on to throughout the ride. Most cowboys run the rope through the pinky or index finger. Some exceptions use a "suicide" wrap which is harder to get out of, increasing the chances a rider will get hung up in his rope.
5.
BootsThe boots the cowboys ride in have a special heel which helps the spurs to stay in place. Some cowboys wear the traditional pull-on boot, while others prefer those that lace up to fit the foot snuggly.
6.
Cowboy HatWearing a cowboy hat is not only traditional, it is practical as well. A hat offers a layer of protection between the cowboy's skull and a sharp hoof.
7.
FlankstrapThe flankstrap is the rope that goes around the bull's midsection. Its purpose is to enhance the natural bucking motion of a bull and to encourage the animal to extend its hind legs when trying to get his rider on the ground. A common misperception is this strap irritates or is tied to the bull's testicles! This is simply not true. The flank strap never covers or goes around a bull’s genitals, and no sharp or foreign objects are ever placed inside the flank strap to agitate the animal.
8.
ChapsEach PBR athlete wears distinct chaps. Chaps may be flashy, but they also offer an added layer of protection against a bull's horns and hoofs.
9.
SpursBull riding spurs help the cowboy stay in position on a bull. The rowels (the wheel-like part of the spur) are dull so they don't or cut the bull’s hide, which is seven times thicker than a human’s skin. You will often see a cowboy "spurring" a bull. This is often done when a cowboy is in control of the ride and is looking for a few extra "style" points from the judges.
10.
Athletic CupHard to believe,
but not one PBR athlete wears one! A cowboy will often wear a pair of tight spandex bicycle style shorts under his Wranglers, but no cup.
Apparently wearing a cup during bull riding is just plain uncomfortable!
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