Bull Riding 101: The Chutes

 

Today we’re going to chat on the chute. Why? Well, because the wife asked me to, and when your wife has a request that you can manage? You manage it. Not only that, but, well, they’re kinda important.

Quick and dirty definition:

The bucking chutes are stock pens where the bucking bulls are loaded so that the cowboys can get their riding gear on the critter and get on. The gate will swing open up into the rodeo arena to start the ride when the cowboy nods his head. These things can be permanent — think a rodeo arena that’s been around for a while where they do numerous events — or portable for traveling shows. Bucking chutes are a different thing than a stripping chute, which is where the bulls get the flank rope removed after their ride.

Photograph courtesy of Red River Arenas

What’s it for:

Well, it holds a lot of sponsor signs, it holds a great big bucking bull, and it holds a cowboy straddling the back of said bull.

Now, y’all see those dark upside-down U-shaped parts over the chute rails? Those are chute pads. Why are they important?

Watch this. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qczPn9ENw9w.Go ahead. I’ll wait.

Now, are those pads going to save your bacon every time?

Watch this. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aHduWwSXcxk

See?

Still, it’s important, and more important are the cowboys helping the rider — holding the rider’s vest from the back, supporting from the front.

What happens in the chute? 

I can’t explain it better than this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OZHmqZJCmqA (What? I’m a fan, not a professional. Besides, EYE CANDY!)

Why do we care?

I admit it. I spend 90% of my time at events watching the cowboys in the chutes. I want to see how they interact, I want to watch them work. I want to see all the ways they stretch. :D

If y’all have questions, feel free to give me a holler and leave a comment. 

Much love, y’all.

BA