Two thousand pounds of pure muscle and eight seconds on the clock. That’s bull riding. At the Silver Spurs Rodeo in Kissimmee, riders go head-to-head with locally bred bulls for a chance at the highest score and an even bigger check.

But staying on isn’t enough to win. Judges look for skill, control, and style. Every move counts toward a cowboy’s score, and even the bull’s performance plays a role.

We’ll explain how bull riding is scored, how riders and bulls earn points, and what judges look for during each ride.

Object of Bull Riding

Bull riding rules sound simple: stay on the bull for at least eight seconds. But when the gate opens and the bull explodes into the arena, those seconds feel much longer.

The rider must hold on with one hand and use the other, called the free arm, for balance. The bull bucks, kicks, and spins in every direction, trying to throw the rider off.

To earn a score, the rider must show control, balance, and timing through every movement. It’s not just about surviving the ride. It’s about matching the bull’s rhythm and proving you can handle one of the toughest animals in the world.

How Bull Riding Is Scored

Just like other roughstock events, two judges score every bull ride. Each judge scores both the rider and the bull, with up to 25 points for each. Together, that makes a possible 100 points.

A perfect 100-point ride is almost impossible. In 1991, Wade Leslie became the only bull rider in history to earn a perfect score when he rode Wolfman. The closest came in 2021, when Jose Vitor Leme scored 97.75 on Woopaa.

At the Silver Spurs Rodeo, an 80-point ride is considered excellent. Anything above 90 is the kind of performance that brings the crowd to its feet.

How Riders Earn Points

Judges score riders on control, balance, and timing. The smoother and more in sync the rider is with the bull, the higher the score.

Spurring in rhythm earns bonus points and shows confidence. If the rider touches the bull, themselves, or the equipment with their free hand, the ride is a no-score.

How Bulls Earn Points

Bulls earn points for power, speed, and how hard they buck. Judges look for strong jumps, quick turns, and consistent energy through the whole ride.

Some bulls are naturally harder to ride and tend to earn higher scores for difficulty. Many Silver Spurs bulls are bred to buck, making them top performers in the arena.

The Re-Ride Rule

Sometimes, a bull doesn’t give a fair ride. If it stumbles, stops, or runs into a fence, the rider may be offered a re-ride.

Choosing a re-ride means giving up the first score and waiting for a new bull after the other riders finish. It’s a risky choice, but it can lead to a higher score if the next bull performs better.

See Bull Riding Live

Want to see all the action up close? Experience bull riding at the Silver Spurs Rodeo in Kissimmee, Florida!

Watch the best cowboys take on powerful, locally bred bulls and see who can make it to eight seconds. The Silver Spurs Rodeo takes place every February and June, bringing nonstop excitement to the arena.

FAQ

What’s the average score at most rodeos?

Most professional rides fall between 75 and 85 points. Anything above 90 is rare and always crowd-pleasing.

Can a rider win with a lower score?

Yes. Winning depends on the competition. If all riders have lower scores in a round, even an 80-point ride can take first place.

What happens if a rider doesn’t last eight seconds?

If the rider is thrown off before eight seconds, they receive a no score. The clock stops as soon as the rider’s hand leaves the rope or they touch the ground.

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