Question: What is a free-flow bull exerciser?
Answer: This new concept allows a bull to exercise in a natural manner. A carousel rotates a hanging gate that provides an individual compartment for one or more bulls to exercise and walk freely. There is a distance of 150 feet so the bull has plenty of room. When allowed to manage his own speed, a bull will go a little slower at times and a little faster at times. The free-flow bull exerciser is an efficient time management and labor saving invention. It allows for natural regulation of energy expenditure, resulting in a more comfortable exercise session. It can go from 0 to 10 mph, allowing the bull to exercise at all speeds in both directions. This allows for stress-free movements in all gaits. In addition small jumps may be added to increase development of muscular and skeletal systems while improving cardiovascular improvement plus eliminating boredom. Observation and attention to this task are necessary just as these skills are in any other training program. One plans the training bouts to increase in duration and intensity gradually.

Question: What makes a bull buck?
Answer: Genetics are one of several major factors influencing the ability of a bull to buck. Add to that conformation, heart, conditioning, and athletic ability. Proven pedigrees enhance the odds of a bull bucking but they are not a written guarantee. A bull will only buck if he possesses the innate desire and natural instinct to do so. The science of breeding great bucking bulls has made the business lucrative. Young bulls have a remote control dummy placed on their back weighing approximately 30 pounds plus a flank strap. Using a remote control device one can control the time the dummy is released. The first time allowance is usually near two or three seconds as one builds confidence in the young bull as he bucks off the dummy.

Question: What is a flank strap?
Answer: As the name suggests, a flank strap is a strap that goes around the flank of a bull. Its purpose is to enhance the natural bucking motion of a bull and to encourage the animal to extend its hind legs when trying to get his rider on the ground. The flank strap never covers or goes around the bull's genitals, and no sharp or foreign objects are ever placed inside the flank strap to agitate the animal. Furthermore, a flank strap cannot be too tight around the bull's flank or the will be too uncomfortable to perform. Pulling the flank strap too tight would restrict a bull's motion, resulting in an inferior performance by the bull and quite possibly a reride for the bull rider. The flank strap is designed for quick release and is removed immediately after the bull exits the arena.

Question: What is a bull rope?
Answer: 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 bell has smooth, rounded edges and does not harm the bull in any way.

Question: What is a Futurity event?
Answer: To be eligible to compete in Futurity a bull must be 2 yrs. old. A bull must be ABBI age certified by a licensed Veterinarian according to the ABBI approved mouthing chart. In addition each bull will have an EID (electronic identification device) ear tag. A bull bucks for only six (6) seconds in a Futurity and is judged in five categories: buck, kick, spin, degree of difficulty and intensity - on a scale of zero to five, with intervals of a quarter of point in between. Scores from four judges are tallied together, with the maximum being 25 points per judge. The owner pays an entry fee and by placing or winning the owner will receive prize money. The bull will be given points that will qualify him for an ABBI World Finals Futurity at the end of the season.

Question: What is a Classic event?
Answer: Classic events have actual bull riders for 3 and 4 years old bulls. The bull bucks for eight (8) seconds and is being judged by four judges with an option of six judges dropping the highest and lowest scores. All professional judges are approved by ABBI. A bull will be scored from one (1) to twenty-five (25) points per trip, per judge. Quarter (1/4) points may be used. The Classic competitions are held in conjunction with PBR events such as the Discovery Tour, the Enterprise Tour, the Challenger Tour, and the prestigious Built Ford Tough Tour. Entry fees range from $700 to $l,500 depending on the specific event. The top 50 money earning bulls will be accepted to the ABBI World Bucking Bull Classic Finals.

Question: What is the ABBI?
Answer: The ABBI or the American Bucking Bulls, Inc. is the governing association for bucking bulls. Much like the AQHA (American Quarter Horse Association) this organization is responsible for promoting, organizing, and making rules and regulations for these Futurities and Classic events. In addition, they keep registration, genetics, and information on bucking bulls within their office. For more information contact the ABBI - www.americanbuckingbull.com or call (580) 928-5001.