Lets uncover Can You Use 2 Hands in Bull Riding? Use of 2 hands in bull riding is prohibited in professional competitions. Check out PBR rules, safety reasons, exceptions for juniors, and how scoring works.
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The Short Answer: No (With One Critical Exception)
In professional bull riding – including PBR (Professional Bull Riders) and major rodeos such as the Tucson Rodeo – riders cannot use two hands during the 8-second ride. Rules Follows:
- One hand must grip the bull rope (secured with rosin-treated leather gloves).
- The free hand must stay in the air—no touching the bull, equipment, or rider’s body.
- Violation results in immediate disqualification and a score of zero.
The sole exception: Junior divisions (e.g., Novice Steer Ride) allow riders under 15 or 50kg to use two hands for safety.
Why the One-Hand Rule? Safety, Skill & Fairness
The main challenge of bull riding is controlling a 2,000-pound bull using only balance and core strength. The one-hand rule exists because:
- Safety Requirement:
- Touching the bull with the free arm increases risk of hand entrapment (“hung up”).
- Bullfighters rely on riders keeping arms clear for quick rescues.
- Technical Mastery:
- Riders prove control through body positioning (staying “over the hand”), not grip strength.
- Spurring (optional) demonstrates athleticism for higher scores.
- Scoring Integrity:
- 50% of the score evaluates bull difficulty; 50% assesses rider technique.
- Two hands would distort scoring fairness.
Bull Riding Hand Rules: Pro vs. Junior Events Compared
| Event Type | Hand Usage | Ride Duration |
|---|---|---|
| PBR Unleash The Beast | One hand only | 8 seconds |
| PRCA Rodeos | One hand only | 8 seconds |
| Novice Steer Ride | Two hands allowed | 8 seconds |
| Junior Steer Ride | Two hands allowed | 8 seconds |
| Event Type | Age/Weight Limits | Safety Gear Required |
|---|---|---|
| PBR Unleash The Beast | 18+ | Helmet (if born after 1994), vest |
| PRCA Rodeos | 18+ | Vest, optional helmet |
| Novice Steer Ride | Under 15, steer ≥275kg | Vest, helmet, mouthguard |
| Junior Steer Ride | Under 50kg, calf ≥200kg | Vest, helmet, mouthguard |
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What Happens If a Rider Uses Two Hands?
- Immediate Disqualification: Judges disqualify the ride, awarding zero points.
- Not Eligible for Re-Riding: Unlike a foul by the bull (eg, hurt contact), a hand violation is the fault of the rider.
- Score Impact: A potential 90 point ride becomes 0 with one misplaced.
Equipment Essentials: How Riders Stay On With One Hand
- Bull Rope: A braided rope wrapped behind the bull’s shoulders, with a leather handle and weighted tail for quick release.
- Rosin: Applied to gloves for a non-sticky grip.
- Protective Vest: Absorbs shock from kicks/horns.
- Helmets: Mandatory for riders born after 15th October 1994.
Why Juniors Can Use Two Hands: Safety First
Novice and Junior Steer Rides (6-second rides) permit two hands because:
- Low physical strength: Young riders lack the muscle control of adults.
- Smaller animals: Steers weigh 200–275kg (vs. 400kg+ pro bulls) but still pose risks.
- Skill Development: Trains beginners to ride one-handed later on.
Busting Myths: What New Fans Get Wrong
❌ Myth: Flank straps injure or force bulls to blink.
✅ Fact: Flank straps are sheepskin-padded, quick-release tools; bulls naturally.
❌ Myth: Riders pull on ropes to injure bulls.
✅ Fact: Judges monitor rope tension — excessive force penalizes riders.
Rider Safety And Competitive Integrity
Can You Use 2 Hands in Bull Riding? The use of two hands is strictly prohibited in professional bull riding – a non-negotiable rule that ensures rider safety and competitive integrity. While the junior divisions allow this for developmental purposes, elite PBR and rodeo athletes prove their skills through one-handed control, balance and split-second reflexes against the most dangerous bulls in the sport.
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