Boots-N-Bulls: The Rules of Bull Riding
We’ll see you there! September 15th at the Northern Maine Fairgrounds! Boots-N-Bulls presented by Huber Engineered Woods & Hogan Tire!
Tickets available at Hogan Tire locations in Presque Isle, Houlton & Caribou
The rules of bull riding are simple – stay on for 8 seconds and get a score. It sounds way easier than it is.
If it’s your first time watching a bull ride, you’re going to want to know what to look for. It happens fast, so keep your eyes on the cowboy and the bull.
A perfect score is 100 points which rarely happens. An average score ranges from 75 to 85 points.
The bull gets 50 points for how it spins, bucks, and stays in a tight spin (running around the arena takes away points). The rider gets 50 points based on style. You want to keep an arm in the air, body squared, and legs tight and spurring if possible. You can’t touch the bull with your free hand – even accidently – or the ride is disqualified.
The rider in the chute is trying to get the bull to stay straight for a clean start. Once the rider nods or gives a go ahead, the chute swings open and the clock starts. You'll see the cowboys tightening their rope for a good grip.
Part of the excitement – but not part of the score - is the dismount. When the 8 seconds is over, the rider needs to get off ASAP. A good way to do this is loosen the rope and jump off away from the way the bull’s spinning. It doesn’t always go as planned.
As they say in bull riding – it’s never over ‘til it’s over.
That’s why the bull fighters are right there to get the bull’s attention and let the rider get away safely (hopefully).
That’s a bull ride – and it’s awesome. The key is to watch the nuance and technique in the middle of a romping and raging storm.
Time & Schedule:
10 AM: Gates open. Come and enjoy food and beverages + check out the vendors
12 Noon: The rodeo starts with the National Anthem & invocation and the Grand Entry Parade. Catch all the thrills of the bull riding, bareback, saddle bronc, barrel racing and more. (Hosted by Nationally acclaimed Rawhide Rodeo Company and sanctioned by SEBRA (Southern Extreme Bull Riding Association).
2 PM: Tennessee Haze will take the concert stage, followed by Chris Ross and the North and The Mallett Brothers close out the night.
Event Parking: Parking is available at the Fairgrounds and is free of charge accessed on the Mechanic Street entrance only.
Beer Tent & Concessions
Buy your tickets now! VIP Tickets are Sold Out. Combination ticket for rodeo and concert $35. Concerts only ticket $25. Those ticket holders will not have access to the event until 2pm. Children’s ticket ages 3-12 years old $20 includes all events. Children 2 and under are free.
Thanks to our Sponsors:
Huber Engineered Woods - Title Sponsor
Hogan Tire - Title Sponsor
North Country Auto - Arena Sponsor
Richardson’s Hardware - Chute Sponsor
Cary Medical Center - Presenting Sponsor
Aroostook Milling - Presenting Sponsor
Machias Savings Bank - Rodeo Clowns Sponsor
TAMC – Event Sponsor
IGA – Silver Spur Sponsor
Rathbun Lumber - Stage Sponsor
5K Tent & Event - Tent Sponsor