|
What is the Difference Between Bulls and Broncs
|
|
|
One of the more recent additions to the International Plowing Match is a small rodeo. This included roping competitions, barrel racing and bull and bronc riding. As my daughter and I watched the bareback bronc riding she said, “I’d totally do that.” I don’t know, I said. I think if I was forced to choose, I might choose bull riding. Yes, they’re bigger and more powerful. But from what I can see, they’re slower and a bit more predictable.
Back in 2011, my daughter and I attended an evening of the National Rodeo Finals in Las Vegas, Nevada. I’m not a big rodeo fan, but local rodeos are a small affair and the opportunities to see a big event are rare. I’m also not a fan of the roping competitions where scared calves are stopped dead, half strangled and then leaped on and tied. I know this was part of cowboy life back when it had to be done. But, I’m not sure what I think of keeping it a sport now. But, the main events were the bronc and bull riding and I don’t think these animals have any worse life than any other animal used for sports.
My impression in Las Vegas was that the horses were much quicker, craftier and agile than the bulls. The bulls, while impressive in size, seemed much more predictable in their movements. They twisted, bucked and plunged. But, they didn’t do it with the cunningness that I saw in some horses. One horse in particular made a point of taking its rider as close to the fence as possible, so that the cowboy was in danger of being swept off on the rails. The horses were more likely to change the rhythm of their bucking, and it looked like they got a lot more air. I thought they twisted more than the bulls and changed direction, rather than staying in a straight line.
But, rodeo riders are likely to disagree with me. Apparently bulls are far more powerful. They twist hard, and change direction more often. They can get their hindquarters much higher than their front end, so the rider has to stick to a steeper incline. I’ve read comments by bull riders online and they claim bulls have nastier tempers and can’t be broke, while a horse can. I think I’d disagree with this, as so much of any animal’s behaviour is shaped by its environment. Bulls can be broke to ride. I know of a Texas Longhorn, with an incredible set of horns that was broke to ride. He was a popular attraction at local parades for a few years.
So what do you think? I still think if I had to, I’d ride a bull. Since it’s not likely to happen, I’ll stick with my opinion, from the nice comfortable seat on my chair. My daughter though, thinks she’d go with the broncs. What would your choice be, broncs or bulls?
--
Lead (Top) Image
© Vcarmstrong | Dreamstime.com - Extreme Rodeo Photo |
|
|
|
Dark Star
The main difference is a bull rider is a bronc rider with a death wish. If you wish to live a long life, you aren't a bull rider. They go into that pen fully knowing they might not walk back out (which I guess is every sport, but bulls are the only rodeo animals that will actually try to kill you)
The main difference is a bull rider is a bronc rider with a death wish. If you wish to live a long life, you aren't a bull rider. They go into that pen fully knowing they might not walk back out (which I guess is every sport, but bulls are the only rodeo animals that will actually try to kill you)
|
Sep 29, 2014
• 3,811 views
|
|
|
|
Winniefield Park
Since I plan to live a very long life, I'll avoid both!
Since I plan to live a very long life, I'll avoid both!
|
Oct 2, 2014
• 3,711 views
|
|
|
|
|
Related Horse News
|
|
Back in 2011, my daughter and I attended an evening of the National Rodeo Finals in Las Vegas, Nevada. I’m not a big rodeo fan, but local rodeos are a small affair and the opportunities to see a big event are rare. I’m also not a ...
|
|
As I write this the Calgary Stampede is in full swing. A few days after it began, a horse was killed during a chuckwagon race. It was an unfortunate occurrence but the injury was not something unusual for race horses. Chuckwagon ...
|
|
The Calgary Stampede has just ended as I write this, and the controversies around the rights of the animals performing always swirl. Those controversies haven’t seemed to dampen the spirits of the people who attended that Stampede ...
|
|
After six horses died during chuckwagon racing at this year’s Calgary Stampede the sport is under scrutiny. July 14, three horses on the same team were euthanized after sustaining irreparable injuries. After one horse broke a hind ...
|
|
More News by Winniefield Park
|
|
CL Echoing Silence is the top ranked horse on PonyBox and belongs to Colins Legacy. Colins Legacy is a top ranked barn, currently sitting at the 38th position. The stable opened July 28, 2008 and in that time has earned 154,737 ...
|
|
A bizarre spate of horse killings in France has owners frightened and authorities mystified. The killings have been happening since 2018, and the nature of the injuries to the horses have been eerily similar. There have been 30 at ...
|
|
Karen Polle was born in Japan, but moved to the United States when she was very young. She rode for the U.S. competing successfully in North American Young Rider Championships. In 2014, she started riding for Japan with a goal of ...
|
|
The Space Force has a new recruit. Currently The United States Space Force has a personnel of about 16,000, but it’s membership has just increased by one. Ghost, a five-year-old grey Mustang is its newest recruit. Unlike his fello ...
|
|
Could horses help treat Covid-19? Immune therapy research being done in South America suggests that antibodies produced by horses when injected with part of the coronavirus might help fight the virus in people. Horse blood contain ...
|
|
A new PonyBox record has fallen with an offspring out-earning their sire. And a new horse sits in the top PonyBox spot. ...
|
|
Many equestrian events have been cancelled, but with some ingenuity, others have made an attempt to carry on safely despite COVID-19. Each year, the Extreme Mustang Makeover offers a chance for young trainers to prove their horse ...
|
|
Freckle Butt the pony clearly believes he’s entitled to all of the comforts of home. That includes access to soft rugs, snacks and back rubs. This house horse lives in Michigan and has only one regret - no fingers or thumbs to use ...
|
|
|
