The Complete Beginner's Guide to Bull Riding Gear
Bull riding is equal parts thrilling and demanding. And if you’re just getting started, figuring out the list of gear you need is straight up overwhelming.
What do you actually need? Should you go for the high end gear, or start with something cheaper? Where the heck do you even get it all?
Here’s everything you need to know to get geared up the right way.
The Quality of Your Gear Does Matter
Sooo… we get this question a lot: “Can I get away with cheaper bull riding gear since I’m just starting?”
Here’s the thing. When you’re learning to ride, your mind should be focused on technique - not whether or not your bull rope is going to snap halfway through. Good gear protects you physically, but it also frees up your brain. When you trust that you’ve got solid gear, it’s going to be so much easier to actually learn.
This is especially true for bull riding because split-second decisions matter. One loose fit or faulty piece of equipment can change everything, and fast. Investing in quality gear from the get go will mean that you’ll get to spend less time worrying and more time improving.
The Essential Bull Riding Gear Checklist
Bull Rope
Your bull rope is going to be the single most important piece of gear you own because your choice can make or break your ride.
When you’re shopping, size matters most. A rope that’s the right size is going to give you better grip and feedback throughout your ride.
I know we already talked about quality, but don’t cut corners with your bull rope. If you can only splurge on one thing, make it this.
Want more tips on picking the right rope? Learn how to choose the right bull rope.
Shop Bull Rope
Protective Vest
Safety first! But really, a bull riding vest is non-negotiable (especially when you’re learning). Modern vests are made to help absorb and distribute the impact to your ribs/chest/internal organs. These are the spots most vulnerable when you fall.
Bull riding vests are made specifically for the sport, so they’ll flex with your movement while still protecting your body. When you’re shopping, find one that’s got a snug fit without being too restrictive.
Too loose = shifting on impact.
Too tight = ride limiting.
Helmet
Wear a helmet. No matter your experience level. Bull riding puts your head at risk in ways that are really hard to predict, and having the right helmet makes a huge difference physically & mentally.
You want to make sure you have a well-fitting helmet that meets safety standards. Fit is the most important factor, along with solid impact absorption and good ventilation.
Bull Riding Spurs
Spurs look pretty cool, but I promise they’re not just for aesthetics. They’re functional and can make a big difference in your grip. Bull riding spurs have dull, free spinning rowels that won’t hurt the bull while giving you the traction you need to stay on.
Fit is important here, too! Spurs need a secure fit to your boots so they don’t slip around during your ride.
Boots
The boots you pick matter, too. You need something that’s got a spur ridge and enough of a heel - with a heel edge that’s solid and well defined. Pay attention to the sole, too. Don’t pick anything with aggressive tread or patterns that can catch.
Overall, you want a boot that’s tough enough to take some damage with a good fit and a solid look.
Glove & Rosin
No one likes rope burn, especially not from a bull rope. A solid bull riding glove will save your hand while giving you a better grip. You want something with a tight fit and no extra material.
Seam styles come down to personal preference. In seam gloves are going to feel different from no seam gloves, so it’ll come down to what works best for you. That said, if you’re right on the edge of a half size, it’s worth trying both. Switching between the two can sometimes solve a fit issue.
Don’t forget rosin. If you’re just starting out, start with black rosin. It’s got a good tack level for beginners and is easy to work with. Liquid resin is out there, but it’s really geared toward experienced riders who already know what grip they’re going for.
Shop GlovesIs New Bull Riding Equipment Worth the Price?
We see a lot of riders coming in wondering whether they should buy new or save a bit and go for used equipment. And that depends on the piece of gear.
For protective equipment like your vest and helmet, you should always buy new. There’s no way to know what kind of impact history is attached to that used gear. A helmet could look great on the outside, but might be pretty beat up after a hard hit. And you wouldn’t know until you take a hard hit of your own.
For ropes and other equipment, buying used from a trusted source might be reasonable - as long as you know what to look for when you’re inspecting it. That said, high-quality gear holds up pretty well over time so buying new equipment is often better value than cycling through cheaper options.
Gearing Up at Rodeo Mart
We’ve got everything on this list in the shop (and then some). And we’re always here to help you figure out exactly what you need. Whether you’re buying your first set up or filling in the gaps, our bull riding gear is built to perform and made to last.
Start with the essentials, invest where it counts, and focus on the ride.