Bull riding is widely regarded as the most dangerous rodeo discipline, requiring riders to stay on a powerful, unpredictable animal for just eight seconds. To succeed and avoid injury, riders invest extensive time in both physical and mental training. Physically, they focus on building core and leg strength and maintaining flexibility to adapt to the bull’s movements. Mentally, riders develop concentration and preparedness through techniques ranging from traditional experience-based learning to modern sports psychology practices like meditation and visualization.

Training approaches vary between the traditional “old school” methods, which emphasize manual labor and frequent bull rides for functional strength and real-world experience, and newer methods that incorporate sports science innovations such as hot/cold therapy, electrotherapy, mechanical bulls, and professional mental coaching. Despite differing philosophies, all riders share a commitment to rigorous preparation aimed at maximizing performance and minimizing injury, recognizing that their training can mean the difference between earning a paycheck or ending up in the hospital.