Has Anyone Ever Rode All 10 Bulls at the NFR? Let’s discover the incredible story of the few cowboys who conquered all 10 bulls at the National Finals Rodeo (NFR). Learn about Jim Sharp’s historic run, the difficulty of the perfect bull ride, expert insights into the physical and mental demands of the sport, and what modern riders can learn from his legacy.
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Has Anyone Ever Rode All 10 Bulls at the NFR
Yes – but only a few exceptional cowboys have done it. The National Finals Rodeo (NFR), the Super Bowl of rodeo, has hosted bull riding legends for decades. In the event’s 65-year history, only Jim Sharp in 1988 and Norman Curry in 1990 have achieved the impossible – successfully riding all 10 bulls for the full eight seconds of each round.
The Historical Record: Jim Sharp’s Perfect 10
In December 1988, Jim Sharp made history as the first cowboy to ride all 10 bulls at the NFR, earning his first world title and redefining the upper echelons of the sport. Sharp’s perfect streak earned him widespread respect in the rodeo community. His technical precision and calm control set a new standard for professionalism in bull riding.
Just two years later, Norman Curry repeated the rare feat in 1990, proving that maintaining consistency through ten consecutive rides at the championship level was possible – but extremely difficult.
Why Riding All 10 Bulls Is So Difficult
The NFR format consists of 10 consecutive rounds, meaning cowboys must ride a different ranked bull every night for ten days. Each bull is selected from the best stock in the country – often the most aggressive, unpredictable animals. To successfully ride all 10, a cowboy must combine mental focus, perfect balance, and world-class physical agility.
According to the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA), the ride success rate throughout the NFR is often less than 40%, meaning that on average only 4 out of every 10 bulls are fully ridden. That makes a perfect streak of 10 for 10 almost unheard of.
Expert Insights: The Mind and Muscle of Bull Riding
Sports biomechanics experts note that bull riding requires intense engagement of the core, glutes, hamstrings, and spinal stabilizers, just like high-endurance athletes. Staying centered while riding a 1,700-pounds bull demands unexpected physical control.
Dr. Lisa Conway, a rodeo sports physiologist, explains: “A perfect NFR streak isn’t just about strength – it’s about harmony with chaos. Every muscle in the body stabilizes the rider during those 8-second bursts of rage.”
Veteran rider J.W. Harris, a multiple NFR qualifier, added: “Sharp’s 1988 run wasn’t a fluke. It was about muscle memory, emotional control, and zero hesitation. The slightest doubt can cost you your seat.”
Case Study: Jim Sharp’s 1988 NFR Performance
Sharp’s dominance in 1988 wasn’t just about power – it was about rhythm and reaction time. Over ten rides, his average score exceeded 86 points per ride, culminating in one of the highest total scores in NFR bull riding history.
He famously said: “I never tried to muscle out a bull. You can’t. You ride him like water – go where he goes.”
This philosophy became a blueprint for future riders who aimed for consistency across all rounds.
Lessons for Modern Riders
Thanks to modern-day programs, today’s riders face even more powerful bulls. Yet Sharp’s and Curry’s achievements remain the gold standard. Advanced sports analytics and wearable biomechanical sensors – used in rodeo research and training – show that experienced bull riders generate up to 5Gs of force during moments of peak bucking.
Modern cowboys use virtual reality simulations and motion capture tech to train neural coordination, blending old-school restraint with modern sports science.
Statistics: Riding Success at the NFR
Statistics: Riding Success at the NFR
| Year | Rider | Bulls Ridden | Result | Notable Fact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1988 | Jim Sharp | 10/10 | NFR Champion | Only perfect score in 1980s |
| 1990 | Norman Curry | 10/10 | NFR Winner | Last perfect run ever |
| 1987–2024 (avg) | Multiple Riders | 3–5/10 | Varies | Less than 40% of rides successful |
Original Insight: What the Perfect 10 Means for Rodeo Culture
The fact that it’s been more than three decades since anyone last rode all 10 bulls tells us something profound – the sport has evolved faster than human limits. Bulls are bred to be stronger, smarter, and more unpredictable. Sharp’s success represents a moment when man briefly mastered chaos.
For audiences in the U.S. – many of whom follow rodeo culture in Las Vegas, Texas, and Oklahoma – the story embodies the heart of the Western tradition: fearless perseverance and self-reliance in the face of raw nature. That’s why the NFR is one of America’s most-watched live sporting events every December.
Expert Opinion: Could It Happen Again?
PRCA bull riding coaches believe another perfect 10 is theoretically possible, but not likely anytime soon.
Coach Clint Adkins, a former PRCA judge, says:
“With today’s bulls, most riders are thrilled with 7 or 8 out of 10. The sport’s evolved – bucking stock is tougher, and scoring margins are tighter.”
However, new training technologies – such as force feedback sensors and microbalance riding platforms – could one day close the gap for young athletes trying to rewrite history.
The Future of Bull Riding Excellence
Real-time motion tracking helps identify dangerous body angles before injury, improving rider safety.
Bull riders today may not pursue perfection – but they strive to push their personal limits on every ride, keeping the spirit of Jim Sharp alive.
Frequently Asked Questions for Has Anyone Ever Rode All 10 Bulls at the NFR?
1. Who was the first bull rider to ride all 10 bulls at the NFR?
Jim Sharp did it in 1988, becoming the first cowboy to ride all 10 and winning the world title that same year.
2. Has anyone else done it since?
Yes, Norman Curry managed the same feat in 1990.
3. Why is it so hard to ride all 10 bulls?
Because NFR stock contractors select the toughest bulls in the world, and riders must last the full 8 seconds without a fall or disqualification every time.
4. Could someone achieve it again?
This is possible but rare due to the rapid athletic power of modern bulls and the rigorous 10-day schedule.
5. What score does a perfect 10-round streak usually achieve?
Riders who complete all 10 typically advance with a total score of 850-870 points, depending on the judging system and the difficulty of the bull.
