So you want to buy a gift for a bull rider? Are they just getting started and need the basics? If so, this is the perfect gift giving guide for you! I must warn you that these items are expensive! Bull riding is not a cheap sport to get into. Obviously the danger involved causes injuries and hospital bills, but the equipment is also pricey. Here are some gift ideas for that new bull rider:
Chaps
The most prominent piece of equipment on a bull rider is often his chaps. They are known to be colorful and flashy. Some bull riders also show their personality in their chaps. They also often need to be custom made. You are going to need to know the cowboy’s inseam and approximate waist or hip measurements. Preference as to colors, designs and fringe-length are also useful things to know. You can expect to pay around $200 to $300 minimum for a pair of custom chaps.
Vest
A protective vest is a must-have for any bull rider. They are a mandatory and necessary piece for any participant. A popular brand is Saddle Barn. The basic color is black and you are going to need to know the cowboy’s approximate chest size. These often come in small, medium, or large but are also available for custom sizes. These are made of high density foam and an outer shell. Leather is a more popular covering but is more expensive. A new vest is going to cost you at least $175.
Ropes
A bull rope is probably the most important because with out it, you ain’t ridin’! The bull rope is what the bull rider hangs on to throughout the ride. It is wrapped around the chest of the bull directly behind the animal’s front legs. At the bottom of the rope hangs a metal bell designed to give the rope some weight so that it will fall off the bull as soon as the rider is bucked off or dismounts the animal. The first thing you need to know about the rider is his riding hand. I would also suggest that the new rider consult an experienced bull rider on what to start out with. The minimum price for a good quality new bull rope is going to be around $125.
Bells
One of the long standing traditions in bull riding is using old style cowbells as weights attached to the rider’s bull rope. Add a little weight, make a little noise, carry on the cowboy tradition. As I mentioned before, they actually do have a value. By adding the bells onto your bull rope you have just enough weight to help pull your rope off the bull once your ride is complete. This will save you from trashing your rope, losing it in the back pens and caking it with mud. Bells are commonly made from copper and steel. A copper bell will have a price tag of about $10 or $15 but a steel one will cost about $20 or so.
Hat or helmet
A cowboy has to have cowboy hat! Despite the dangers of head injuries, many bull riders continue to wear a classic cowboy hat will riding. Others prefer to protect their head with a helmet. You are going to need to know his crown size to figure out if he will need a small, medium or large. These helmets cover the head and face. Some even include a dental warranty! A basic price for a quality helmet is around $120.
Gloves
A bull rider must use a glove when holding the bull rope. You must know what hand he rides with. Some gloves come with a strap and others require a leather strap around the wrist. A basic glove will be about $20 but they can run to around $50.
Spurs
Bull riding spurs help the cowboy stay in position on a bull and maintain his balance by giving him added grip with his feet. The rowels (the wheel-like part of the spur that comes in contact with the animal) are dull so they don’t injure or cut the bull’s hide, which is seven times thicker than a human’s skin. You will often see a cowboy “spurring” a bull. This is often done when a cowboy is in control of the ride and is looking for a few extra “style” points from the judges. A decent new set including spurs, rowels, and straps will cost about $60.
Rosin
This is a stick substance that is used so that the bull rider can get a better grip on the bull rope. It comes in black, amber or white. It is often used in conjunction with a glycerin bar. Cowboys often prefer this to be in a special “rosin” bag. The bag and rosin will cost about $15.
Shirts
Rodeo shirts are another must have. These can cost from $30 to $60 or more. Wrangler and Cinch are popular brands. Just know the cowboy’s shirt size and color or brand preference. Your local western wear store probably has a nice selection.
Gear Bag
A cowboy has to have somewhere to put his stuff! Gear bags from Rodeo Barn or PBR are great options. They come in different colors and materials. A good gear bag will be about $60-$100.
Don’t forget that used gear can be great gifts too! Many bull riders may even prefer a used, broke-in bull rope. These items are also available in gear sets, and sometimes are cheaper if purchased this way. Have a happy holiday season and cowboy up!
