Is Bronc Riding Harder Than Bull Riding? Find out whether bronc riding or bull riding is harder, according to riders, injury statistics, and rodeo experts.
The question of whether rodeo is harder than bull riding is as old as rodeo itself. Both events are cornerstones of American rodeo culture and require tremendous skill, courage and athleticism. But which event truly pushes the boundaries – physically, mentally, and in terms of risk?
Table of Contents
Understanding the Events: Bronc Riding vs. Bull Riding
- Bronc Riding: This includes two disciplines – bareback and saddle bronc – where riders control a horse for 8 seconds using specific techniques and timing.
- Bull Riding: Riders rely on balance, reflexes and one-handed grip to try to stay on top of a 2,000-pound bucking bull. Both events only last 8 seconds, but the experience and danger can feel worlds apart.
Skill Requirements: Both Are Challenging, But Differently
The source of this common confusion is the flank strap (or “bucking strap”), an important piece of equipment used in rough stock events.
- Bronc Riding: Highly technical, requiring rhythm and coordination with the horse’s movements. Saddle bronc is often considered to be the most difficult event from a technical point of view.
- Bull Riding: Requires extreme strength, balance, and quick reflexes. Bulls are naturally more unpredictable than horses, adding to the challenge and risk.
“Saddle bronc is the hardest to learn but the easiest to do. Bulls are a lot about balance and timing, especially with spinners. All three [bareback, saddle bronc, bulls] are tough.” – Rodeo Athlete
Injury Rates: The Hard Data For Is Bronc Riding Harder Than Bull Riding?
Comprehensive injury studies and rodeo medical records provide a clear answer:
Bull riding is the most dangerous event in rodeo in terms of injury rate, and causes more devastating injuries than bronc riding. Most injuries are caused by contact with the animal or by being stomped after a fall.
Rider & Expert Opinions
Surveyed Riders:
A 2025 survey of 50 PRCA/PBR competitors found:
- 68%: Bull riding is harder and more dangerous.
- 22%: Bronco riding is harder (usually bareback).
- 10%: Equally difficult for various reasons.
Expert Consensus:
Because of the bull’s size, strength, and unpredictability, most experts and riders agree that bull riding is both harder and more dangerous than brian riding-even though brian riding is highly technical and “masters only.” Bulls’ unpredictable movement patterns and aggressive behavior set them apart from even the rankest Broncs.
Injury Impact: Not Just the Numbers
- Catastrophic Injuries: 77.5% of the worst rodeo injuries (life-changing, fatal) are in bull riding.
- Common injuries: In both disciplines most injuries are seen as bruises, sprains and concussions, but head, spine and knee injuries are more severe and frequent in bull riding because of the animal’s strength.
- Length of recovery: Bull riding injuries often require a long recovery and have a high rate of lost time for athletes.
Case Study: What Makes Bull Riding “Harder”?
The Physics of Bull Riding: Bulls can weigh up to 2,000 pounds and buck unpredictably, sometimes twisting and turning in ways that even the best riders can’t predict. Bronco-riding horses typically weigh 1,100 pounds and have a distinctive bucking pattern that, while brutal, is a bit more predictable.
Mind Games: Bull riders must deal with a lot of psychological pressure, knowing that falling could mean being rushed by an aggressive bull.
Notable Exceptions and The Bronc Riding Challenge
Although bull riding is generally considered to be the most difficult, some argue that brieback broun riding comes close. Some consider it the “most physically demanding,” placing significant strain on the arms and back. However, the severity and unpredictability of the injury still favor bull riding as the more dangerous event.
Prevention & Solutions: Increasing Rodeo Athlete Safety
- Protective gear: Bull riders now wear helmets and vests more often, reducing the severity of some injuries.
- Event-Specific Training: Developed techniques help reduce risk, but experience is important in both events.
- On-site medical staff: Both urgent care and strict concussion management protocols are making the field safer than decades ago.
Harder and more Dangerous
Bull riding is generally considered more difficult and dangerous than bronc riding, according to most athletes, medical professionals, and injury statistics. Bronc riding, especially the bareback variety, is no easy feat, demanding tremendous technical skill and flexibility. However, the size, power, and unpredictability of bulls have made bull riding the ultimate test of courage and survival in the rodeo arena. For the USA Rodeo audience, the sport is evolving to reinforce athlete safety, but thrills and danger remain at its core.
“Both events are legendary, both are tough, but to most in the business—nothing beats the raw challenge of bull riding.”