Comments on: Bull Riding: Helmet Required?

By: Maggie Lineback

Maggie Lineback — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 19:48:08 +0000

Well, I have to admit, when we covered the rodeo, I hadn’t seen one before and I found it really interesting to watch.

By: Maggie Lineback

Maggie Lineback — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 19:46:25 +0000

I think it’s definitely a voluntary thing– I don’t think they’re trying to force it on anybody, but there seem to be more people trying the helmets.

By: Maggie Lineback

Maggie Lineback — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 19:45:36 +0000

What amazed me was the doctor we talked to who said they were actually studying the “g” forces that the riders are under. It didn’t even dawn on me that the impact could be so great until I actually saw some of the riding and saw those guys getting really rocked back and forth. Just watching it made me want to take a couple aspirin.

By: Maggie Lineback

Maggie Lineback — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 19:42:04 +0000

It seems like that’s where they’ve left it– if you want to wear a helmet, that’s fine but if not, that’s ok too. For now. And I will definitely stay away from the needlepoint!

By: Maggie Lineback

Maggie Lineback — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 19:40:52 +0000

Bill- I have to tell you– I laughed so hard when I read the part about needlepoint. To be honest, I don’t know how you guys do it, helmets or not. I hope you don’t feel too sad because it seemed like all the guys we talked to had a lot of heart.

By: Chad R

Chad R — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 02:27:20 +0000

Maggie, “bull riding has absolutely nothing to do with the business of cattle ranching”. Those were the words of my father. I’m 53, and I’ve used horses through the years for the business of raising cattle. I’ve ridden some hard to ride horses, roped cattle big and small, wrestled some smaller ones to the ground. All work related. In the only rodeo I participated in, I rode a bull. Young, and wanting to prove how tough I was, I decided to give it a try. I survived with a few bruises, but was told the right rear hoof narrowly missed coming down on my skull while down on the ground. I decided right then that ol’ dad was right again. Bull riding is somewhat of a gladiator sport, but I don’t feel it should be outlawed. I just think people should only INTENTIONALLY risk life and/or limb to an extreme when a life is in danger.

By: William

William — Sun, 23 Mar 2008 21:39:40 +0000

Well once again someone is trying to tell us what to do. Well I say the hell with that people know bull riding is dangerous and if they want to do it then that is there choice! Dont try and tell them they will or will not wear some helmet. Politcal Correctness is ruining the nation. May God help us all.

By: Edwin Johnson

Edwin Johnson — Sun, 23 Mar 2008 17:56:39 +0000

You completely miss the entire point of this (and many other endeavors). The whole point is to stay on the bull and not fall off! By attempting to make it safe to the point of stupid is just that - S-T-U-P-I-D. If you have all this “protection” why not fall off? Then again, why ride the bull? Many of us baby boomer’s are wondering how we survived anything without all this so called “safety”. Oh I know how, we knew things were dangerous and tried like heck to avoid getting hurt by being damn good or by not doing it. Hey, now there’s a concept.

Edwin J

By: Gary Chapman

Gary Chapman — Sun, 23 Mar 2008 16:34:37 +0000

Maggie,I grew up working on ranches in central and west Texas and have rode many young horses (broncs) and have rode a few bulls although I never was able to actually Rodeo. I think we all know we would probably be better off with a helmet and vest. The vest is not really a problem, but the helmet for me would take some getting used to. I readily concede it would prevent a lot of head injuries as we see regularly in rodeo and the PBR.

Gary C.

By: Billy B

Billy B — Sun, 23 Mar 2008 10:55:01 +0000

Maggie, I am 62 years old and have seen the rodeo scene change from old to new. If bull riders want to wear vests or helmets or full body armor, it should be their choice…not mandated. We are losing our freedom of choice more and more every year. Yes, bull riding is dangerous as are so many other things in life. As the previous commentor stated…have a huge sneeze while working needle point and you could lose an eye!
Billy B

By: Bill Wright

Bill Wright — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 22:49:30 +0000

Maggie, I rode Bulls for 14 years and yes it can be dangerous but I do not believe that helmets are the answer. I never rode with the vests as they came about after I stopped riding but they also seem to me to be restrictive and heavy when trying to scramble to avoid getting hit by a Bull. I guess if they want to be safe they should take up needle point. Wait, they might get poked. Rodeo is a celebration of a bygone era that should not be watered down because injuries can happen. Guess what no matter what you do injuries will happen. It is sad to see the sport I love get changed so much.

Bill