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What is the Difference Between Bulls and Broncs
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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?
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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)
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Sep 29, 2014
• 4,052 views
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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!
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Oct 2, 2014
• 3,952 views
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