Professional Bull Riders line up during opening ceremonies of the PBR Buck-Off at MSG. Photo via Liz Rattoballi for 77WABC
(New York, NY) – Reporting from the rodeo! This weekend the cowboys and their bucking companions take over Madison Square Garden. Shout your best yee-haw, because the Professional Bull Riders are in town. The annual event attracts all the urban cowboys for a weekend packed full of action, and 77WABC has an exclusive look from behind the scenes.
Bred to Buck
Not every bull is born equally, as some are destined for the rodeo. Bull riding hails the bulls as athletes, much like the thoroughbred horses that run the derby, or the riders themselves. One of the stock contractors, aka the bull providers – Mike Miller, spoke with 77WABC and said that they are very similar to star athletes. He went on to say that some bulls are just born with natural athletic talent.
How is it Scored
Both the rider and bull are judged separately out of 50 points. Those two scores combine to give a total out of 100. The average score rests around the 70-80 range with extraordinary rides earning their spot in the 90s. However, it’s a fight to even qualify for a score, as the riders have to stay on the bull for at least 8 seconds. Out of the first 10 rides on Friday, only two qualified for a score. The rider is judged on the basis of total control, with extra points awarded for raising or kicking one of their legs. The bull is judged on the height that they jump or kick, general intensity and direction changes.
Listen to one of the top-ranked riders, Sage Kimzey, talk with 77WABC host Greg Kelly about his career and how he got into the league
A Patriotic Crowd
This event was pretty different from a typical gathering at the Garden. All the city slickers paraded around in their best country looks, complete with the cowboy boots and hats. The ceremony began with a prayer dedicated to first responders and service members. There were several recruitment stands set up for US Border Patrol around the concourse. In fact, the agency was the main named sponsor for the team of bull wranglers dubbed the “US Border Patrol Safety Team”. The agency joined with the NYPD to display the flags during the anthem as well. The NYPD Sergeant who sang the anthem received a standing ovation, as did the NYPD Equestrian team.
Bull Riding Taking off in NYC
The PBR league is growing and just recently expanded from 8 to 10 teams. If you missed this weekend and want to catch some action, you are in luck since one of the expanded teams was established right here, the New York Mavericks. Bull riding season fully kicks off in July and you can catch the Mavericks riding at their homebase at UBS Arena.
Watch the first ride of Friday night, John Crimber was unable to qualify the first round
