The Genetic Shift

My interest in history and science stems from my exhaustion with self-help literature. I prefer quirky, obscure topics. Although I’m not particularly fond of bull riding or similar sports, the underlying dynamics are intriguing.

This situation relates to sexual dimorphism, which explains the differences in size and appearance between males and females. For instance, horses show minimal dimorphism, with males and females looking quite similar. In contrast, male gorillas can be over twice the weight of their female counterparts.

As for cattle, my experiences in farming areas have shown me that cows are generally calm creatures—unless a calf is involved. In that case, it's best not to stand between a protective mother and her young.

Bulls, on the other hand, often embody the stereotype of being large and aggressive. This behavior serves a purpose, as a dominant, muscular male helps safeguard the herd.

The Popularity of Bull Riding

Bizarrely, humans decided that riding these powerful animals would make for a thrilling sport. One such rider is Ryan Dirteater, a name that sounds like a punchline.

(Source: PBR.com — open use)

Today, bull riding is gaining traction, and the athletes appear more human than ever—primarily due to the increasingly unrideable nature of the bulls.

The Concept of Super Bulls

The premise of bull riding is straightforward: stay on the bull for a full eight seconds. There are varying levels of difficulty; the tougher the bull, the more points a rider can earn.

This sport essentially divides into two: bulls compete to be deemed the "rankest bull," which means they are the least rideable. Remarkably, bulls even earn spots in hall of fame inductions.

Bull trainers are incentivized based on their bulls' rideability. If no one can stay on for the entire eight seconds, they earn more prize money and advance to larger competitions, increasing their breeding rights value.

This creates a clear motivation for breeders: seek out the most aggressive and athletic cows and bulls for breeding.

Escalating Danger in Bull Riding

In the 1970s, top riders could typically manage the full eight seconds on any bull. Today, even the best riders face significant challenges, with average ride times dropping from 7.6 seconds in the 1980s to just 4.4 seconds currently, particularly on the most challenging bulls.

Why the shift? As interest in the sport has surged, advancements in breeding and nutrition have produced a new generation of bull super athletes.

Initially, there was Bodacious, known as “The World’s Most Dangerous Bull.”

Many riders left with injuries or hospital visits after confronting Bodacious, who could alternate between vertical jumps and headbutts faster than previous bulls.

The Pinnacle of Bull Performance

Bushwacker represents the epitome of super-athlete bulls. Weighing more than an entire NFL front line combined, he once appeared on the cover of ESPN magazine. As a calf, he was identified as having a bad attitude, but his exceptional lineage led him to an astonishing career.

Bushwacker set the record for the most consecutive buck-offs, tossing riders like they were lightweight.

His ability to leap vertically while spinning made him nearly impossible to predict. For riders, watching footage offered little assistance in preparing for the challenge.

As a result, the sport has seen a rise in injuries, leading to new regulations requiring riders to wear protective vests and helmets—some may soon need full-body armor.

A Misunderstood Sport

Bull riding is often misconstrued as cruel, especially compared to the brutality of bullfighting. A common myth is that a rope is tied around a bull’s privates to provoke it. In reality, the ropes are secured around the torso for grip and to encourage the bull to kick more.

There are strict guidelines regarding how often a bull can perform, and a veterinarian is present at every event. Champion bulls are treated exceptionally well, enjoying a life of luxury with the best food and care.

These bulls often display signs of frustration when they see the trailer leaving for an event without them, expressing their displeasure vocally.

The Future of Bull Riding

As history has shown, the pursuit of creating bull super athletes is only expected to intensify. Attending a bull riding event should definitely be on your bucket list, but riding one? Perhaps that's best left to the professionals.

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