Rodeo

Once a part of the traditional rodeo, bull riding now stands on its own. Many bull riders felt that as the premier event of the rodeo, they should venture out on their own. In 1992 a group of riders did just that and formed the Professional Bull Riders organization. The sport would never be the same after this. Bull riding would now be the focus of the entire show and it would allow the sport to approach mainstream status. Bull riding can also be funny as an play in online games.

Today there are a few professional circuits, but the Professional Bull Riders is the most prestigious league. Before 2010 there were several circuits within the PBR. The Built Ford Tough Series presented by Wrangler is the elite portion of PBR. There were three developmental leagues as well. They were the Challenger tour, the Enterprise Rent-A-Car league and the Discovery tour. These developmental leagues allowed riders to gain experience and skill as they work to join the elite riders.

In 2010, the PBR started the Touring Pro Division. This league replaced the 3 former minor leagues. However, the Touring Pro Division has the same goal which is to allow riders to gain experience and participate in PBR sanctioned events. The main goal for all bull riders is to qualify for the PBR World Finals, held in Las Vegas each year.

Today’s bull riders have the chance to make real money riding bulls. The league was not a certainty when it was first formed, but it is now financially stable. The annual prize money exceeds over 10 million dollars. With a wide variety of sponsors, the sport keeps gaining popularity in different markets. The attendance numbers at the actual events are climbing as well. It is clear that there is a place for the PBR in the hearts of sports fans.