Gearing up for a bull ride

Sun staff

Thursday, Dec. 1, 2011 | 2 a.m.

Bobby Welsh began bull riding in 1991 after catching the bug from his dad, Robert. The Gillette, Wyo., resident — who is currently ninth place in the world standings — explains the necessary equipment to keep safe on a bucking bull.

Helmet — The helmet is similar to a hockey helmet but with a special titanium faceguard that is farther away from the face than those worn by goalkeepers. The helmet also has different attachment points than a regular hockey faceguard.

Vest — The vest contains a special material to spread the force of impact over a wide area. It’s the most important equipment in terms of safety.

Chaps — Chaps’ main purposes are looks and flash, but they also add another layer of protection for the bull rider’s legs while in the chute and from the bull during the performance.

Glove — The glove, to protect the riding hand, is made of deerskin and is tightfitting. Bull riders tape the glove around the wrist to make sure it won’t come off.

Rope — The other most important part of bull riding safety, the rope goes around the bull at the shoulder. Each rider brings his own rope. The bell adds weight to the rope so it falls away when the rider dismounts or is thrown off.

Boots and Spurs — The boots have hard heels for spurs. Straps keep the spurs in place and the boots from coming off. The spurs are one of the most important parts of bull rider gear. Unlike traditional spurs, the rowels on the spurs have only 1/4 turn of rotation. This gives bull riders another way to grip the bull.