Bull Riding

Bull Riding

A humorous recounting of trying to rude bulls with my son.

Caleb has taken an interest in the cowboy life. I’m not sure where it started but it was kind of cemented when he watched Cody Johnson’s Dear Rodeo Documentary on Amazon Prime. So, for his 18th birthday, we got him a spot in Let R Buck Bill Riding School. This is a kid who did not like riding roller coasters until a couple of years ago. So, I was pretty excited when he said he was interested. I couldn’t be prouder of how he rode and stuck it out even through the pain and adversity. I could tell he was scared but he pushed through it anyway. That’s cowboy stuff right there. He is becoming a man right in front of me and I am proud to be his dad. I had a blast watching him learn and ride. He did quite well from my perspective. He definitely got a glimpse of real cowboys and cowboy life.

As this weekend approached, I started getting an itch to give it a try myself. So I waited until Tuesday before to call to see if the school still had spots for the weekend (I may or may not have waited that long in hopes they didn’t have spots🥴). And, as you can tell from the pics they had a spot. I had a blast. The folks at Let R Buck Bull Riding School are friendly, skilled, fun and the real deal. I can assure you they are patient too.

I did in fact get knocked out first ride today. The team at Let R Buck took great care of me. With a little help finding the gate, I did walk out on my own power. I did ride two more times.

As usual on my adventures, I’ve made some observations about my experience for your entertainment and learning. Enjoy! (I’ll write more about a couple of these later – stay tuned)

Observations / Lessons I learned bull riding (riding is being very generous):

1. It makes one feel quite manly when asked at the store “What do you need a mouth guard for, football or boxing?” to be able to reply “Bull riding.” 😂

2. When playing Rock Paper Scissors to see who goes first, never pick rock 🤦‍♂️

3. Being kissed by a bull while laying on the ground he threw you to should be a felony. No means no. Sir.

4. I should have done this when I was young. It isn’t too late though. Take the chance, give it a shot now before you miss your opportunity. #noregrets

5. It’s too late to think or train when the gate opens. Muscle memory or lack thereof takes over.

6. While respect is earned, being respectful anyway is a given.

7. The fear is usually far worse than whatever you are afraid of.

8. You’re supposed to let go before the bull starts riding you 😳

9. They taught me how to dismount the bull before I got on. You know, in case I actually rode it for 8 seconds. Turns out that was very optimistic and unnecessary.🙃

10. Buy the cowboy hat even if you think it makes you look like Woody from Toy Story. 🤪

11. A four wheel carry-on bag can be used as a make shift cane / walker when hobbling to your hotel room.

12. Pain is inevitable. Suffering is optional. #priscillaanne

13. Your shin should never look like your calf! 😑

14. When you are living on the edge it is always good to have a wingman or two. #bullfightersrock

15. Getting back in the saddle is far easier said than done. Do it anyway.

16. Never be afraid to suck at something new. (But you don’t have to start with riding a bull – you could try synchronized swimming or just moving out of the left lane if you’re only going the speed limit.)

17. While Toby Keith is quite convincing, perhaps I should not have been a cowboy.

18. Age is just a number.

19. Sometimes numbers do matter, especially when referring to age. 😁

20. Encouragement is powerful, even if you know that you in fact did not “ride him like you owned him.”

21. Cowboys in general are MEN. And bull riders / fighters are super human. *tips cap to JW Cowan, Chad, Joney, Endy, Jason, Cindy and the whole Let’R Buck gang.

I feel like I have been hit by a truck. It was worth it. I had a blast