Did you know that originally mechanical bulls were a tool used to train rodeo competitors? Then in 1980 the movie Urban Cowboys featured a mechanical bull at a bar in Houston. John Travolta wowed the masses with his skills at riding a mechanical bull and the activity began to rise in popularity as entertainment.

If you are ready to take your turn on the bull there are techniques you can use to help amaze your friends with your skills. Keep reading for 7 tips and tricks that will have you riding a mechanical bull like a pro.

One: Dress Appropriately

Your best friend calls and tells you they are planning to rent a mechanical bull for their party. You are ready to climb on and take your chances the day of the party.

However, before you head out the door you need to make sure that your clothing is appropriate. Your best bib and tucker might not cut it.

Ladies, the dress or skirt may look cute when you are perched on top of the bull but it’s not so cute when that dress or skirt rides up and you give everyone a different kind of show.

Jeans or pants are a good choice for your bull riding fun. If you leave your legs exposed your legs, ankles, and knees can end up with scrapes and cuts.

If you wore a belt and your best cowboy belt buckle, take it off. It may look good but the belt buckle can rub against and dig into your stomach during the ride.

Finally, if you have long hair ladies or gents, bring a hair tie. Your hair flying around may look great but it will cut your concentration and make it difficult to stay on longer.

Two: Be a Mirror

A key secret to riding a mechanical bull is mirroring the motion of the bull. If the mechanical bull leans forward, you lean back. If the mechanical bull leans back, you lean forward.

If you lean forward when the mechanical bull does it creates a possibility of falling forward. If you do not want to end up on the horns at the end of your ride then be sure to be a mirror.

Three: Balance

Balance is another key to riding a mechanical bull like a boss. Balance is going to come down to how you position your body on the ride.

When you sit on the mechanical bull position yourself towards the front of the seat as close to the handle as you can to help center your weight. This also helps with control over your body during the ride.

There will be a leather or rope strap on the bull. You will want to grab that with your non-dominant hand and keep your other hand free. Your free arm can help to direct your body and keep you on the mechanical bull.

Finally, make sure that you put your legs and feet forward on the bull. Keep your feet turned out.

Four: Get a Grip

When the bull is bucking and you are holding on there are two places you should be gripping. The first place is the leather or rope strap at the front of the bull. Get a firm grip.

You are going to grip there with your non-dominant hand. When you are holding the handle you want to grip so that your palm is face-up. There are two reasons for this.

The first reason is that if you do fall off the bull it will be easier to release the handle. The second reason is that it allows your body to move in the ways it needs to during the ride.

The second-place you are going to grip is with your thighs. You are going to dig your heels into the side of the mechanical bull with your toes pointed out to help with this grip. It is recommended that you keep your thighs strong and knees together to help you stay on the mechanical bull for a longer amount of time.

Five: Eyes Forward

You are on top of the bull and it is bucking and you want to see your friend’s reactions. This is normal. However, another key to riding a mechanical bull is to keep your eyes on the mechanical bull’s head.

Keeping your eyes on the head allows you to watch for directional changes and keep your balance. Do not look up from that bull’s head as this can cause you to be distracted.

There are sure to be plenty of cameras going. After an epic ride, high-five your buddies and check out the video.

Six: Study The Mechanical Bull

Before you climb on for your ride, watch. Watch your friends and the bull. Understanding how the mechanical bull moves will help you be prepared when you take your ride.

If others have good technique you can also watch and see what works and does not. Finally, when it is your turn if needed, ask the operator to start it off slow so you can adjust.

Seven: Stay Calm

Eyes will be on you. It is easy to panic if you have never ridden a mechanical bull before. However, if you panic or freak out you are more likely to be thrown.

Also, make sure you know how to tell the operator to stop the ride if you find you are in over your head. Many mechanical bull rides will have a signal. Remember that the important thing is to have fun, at the end of the day it is a ride.

Get to Riding a Mechanical Bull

With these tips to riding a mechanical bull climb on and have a hog-killin’ time. Your friends will quickly think you have been riding a mechanical bull for years!

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