Okay, so today I wanted to get into something totally new – bull riding spurs. I’ve watched bull riding, but never really understood the details, you know? So, I decided to find out how they work, and how they are used.
Digging into the Basics
First, I watched a bunch of videos online. Just trying to see how bull riders actually use the spurs. It’s not about hurting the bull, that’s a big misconception. It’s more about getting a good grip and staying balanced, these bulls are powerful.
Getting My Own Spurs
After watching the videos, I decided to buy a pair of bull riding spurs, just some basic ones to start with. You can find them online, at sports stores, or even at some western wear shops.

Figuring out how they work
I started by just holding them, getting a feel for the weight and how they’re shaped. The rowel, that little spiky wheel, is what I was most curious about.
- I strapped one onto my boot. Just my regular work boots, nothing fancy. It felt weird at first, a little clunky.
- Then I tried walking around. It took some getting used to, changing my balance a bit.
- Next, I set up a simple barrel I have, and I practiced. I tried to simulate some basic bull movements, rocking and twisting, just to get the feel.
Practicing the Technique
The key, I realized, is using my legs and feet for grip, not just digging the spurs in, I think it will cause me to lose my balance. It’s more about using it to get a grip.
My First “Ride”
I have practiced on the barrel for a few hours, I can feel my legs and feet getting more and more stable.
Wrapping Up
This was a totally new experience. Bull riding spurs aren’t as scary as they look, and it’s all about the technique. I am going to keep practicing.