RENO, Nev. (KRNV & MyNews4.com) -- Over the next 10 days, News 4 is taking you to the soil at the Reno Rodeo.
For the roughest, toughest cowboys, it's a sought-after eight second ride of getting thrown, tossed, pulled and yanked -- bull riding is one of the most popular events to watch at the Reno Rodeo.
Upper body control and strong legs are essential to riding bulls. The rider tries to remain forward, or "over his hand," at all times. Leaning back could cause him to be whipped forward when the bull bucks.
Judges watch for good body position and other factors, including use of the free arm and spurring action. Although not required, spurring will add points to a rider's score. A bull rider will be disqualified for touching the animal, himself, or his equipment, with his free hand.
As in all the riding events, half of the score in bull riding is determined by the contestant's performance and the other half is based on the animal's efforts.
Director of Bull Riding for the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, Jeff Boetcher, explains what you can expect to see at this year's Reno Rodeo.
Plus, Dina Kupfer goes live from the back of a registered bucking bull.
The Reno Rodeo runs June 14-23 at teh Reno Licestock Events Center. The main show takes to the soil every night at 7 p.m.
