Keep in mind these bulls don't have to show up every week. As a matter of fact, they're managed very well to where they only perform once every couple of weeks, at the very most. Their travel is very limited because the stock contractors don't want any stress of any kind on these bulls.
If they have a poor out, unlike a cowboy, then they're going to go back to the minor leagues and prove themselves again or gain some confidence.
They don't have to go week-in and week-out. I think Cody Lambert just keeps bringing fresh bulls. That's his job and that's just the nature of the beast. There's nothing unusual about that expect that the pool for fresh bulls is much deeper than it's ever been.
The notion earlier in the season that the bulls weren't as strong as they have been was not even worth talking about among the people who really know and understand the bulls because that just doesn't not play into the high riding percentages at all.
The guys simply just stepped up for whatever reason we've talked about on this blog in the past, but the bull power just continues to get better and better and better.
I guess that had been a conversation among people who don't really know as much, don't understand or just want something to talk about, but that's just the furthest from reality.
It always goes back to this: every time a bull's ridden he looks weaker then when he bucks somebody off in 2 or 3 seconds. If the guys are feeling sticky this year – I still think they are – then those bulls are going to look weaker.
Just figures with all those 90 point rides that the bulls and the riders have stepped up. Yea, from time to time a judge might be off a bit and a score might be a tick more or less than it could be (Every sports official misses 'em sometimes). Yes, when a lot of the riders stick a bull might seem easier, especially for some of those riders who are just soooo smoooth in their styles, but that is why PBR has pro judges and don't ask fans in the stands to vote.) BUT - when it comes right down to it the riders have stepped up and so have the bulls. A perfect storm of perfection, effort and success evidenced by the 90 point rides.
You touched on something that maybe we have ignored on the blog - Cody Lambert is doing a helluva a job.
Cody, Congratulations for great work.
Don in CA
I love watching bull riding, but get nervous when the bulls are unsettled in the bull chute, fearing another accident like that of Ross Coleman. Why couldn't they construct rubber barriers that fit on the gates of the chute as follows: Back gate would have one that comes down over the top of the bull's rear when the gate is pulled down, preventing him from raising up his back end. On both sides of the back of the shoot, there would be rubber which extends in a figure eight design along the back part of the bull's body, but stopping short of the sides where the bull rider puts his legs, (this area would be left open as it is now) thus eliminating the time it takes to get set up when the bull has his body up against one side of the shoot. On the front parts of the shoot, the sides would be the same as the back (this rubber would have to be flexible enough to allow for the different sizes of the bulls) and on the front of the shoot that raises up, aother piece of rubber like that on the back that would go over the top of the bull's neck, which keeps him from jumping up and throwing the rider into the chute bars. In all there would be six separate pieces of rubber forms that would fit on each of the moving parts of the chute. This would protect both the rider and the bull from injury, while still allowing for moving the bulls in and out of the chutes. With the bull having padding on his back and front sides, he would be limited to movement until the gate opened and would remain calmer. This seems like a feasible and simple idea to me, but perhaps the PBR prefers the bulls to be a little anxious in the chutes, so as to enhance their performance. Anyway, just wanted to pass along my thoughts to you and hope they might lead to finding a solution to some of the injuries that occur in the chutes.
Thanks,
S. J. Smith
I have really been keeping up with the classic standings with the new bull talent coming and that is already here. I must say that D&H are back with a full load. I have noticed a bull, Apollo from Jones genetics, that has been doing really well this year. I really enjoy you giving information during your telecast about the bulls. I know it is about the riders, but the bulls are the reason for the sport, and make the legend riders. You do a wonderful job and keep on keeping on!
John
Tyler, Texas