Why don't they wear head protection in the Rodeo?

Factual Questions
21

I’m not a big rodeo fan, but I do like watching Bronc and Bull riding.

Personally, I was disgusted when most of the riders started wearing body padding. It’s just not right, to me. There’s an assumed degree of risk involved in the sport. If the regs and customs are changed so that it’s safe enough for everyone to do it, it loses a lot of its appeal. It makes about as much sense as putting speed limits in NASCAR races, in my opinion (I know, I know; different forum)

And before anyone asks, yes, I have ridden both bulls and broncs before - although admittedly not well. Given the fact that I’m tall and thin, I did better at broncs than bulls – 9 8+ second rides, as opposed to only 2 for bulls.

22

What do you think those great big horns are for? Oh, oh, you’re talking about the RIDERS!!!

Never mind.
b.

23

I get a kick out of that expression, “broke every bone in my body” I’m sure that some of the secions of her skull, a few bertebrae and the tiny bones in her middle ear remain unbroken :smiley:

An uncle of mine wa a jockey and bull rider in the days before any thoughts of protection like “bull proof vests” He’s had a lot of injuries and broken his back a couple of times. Amazing he wasn never paralized when my own dad was by a damn blood clot.

24

to protect what?

25

Recent exchange between roomie and myself:

Roomie: Whatcha wanna watch?
Myself: I think the rodeo’s on.
Roomie: So it is. You like rodeo? I thought you were a Yankee.
Myself: Yeah, but I’m not a damn Yankee.
Roomie: Oh, I see.
::pause while we watch the rodeo::
Roomie: That guy’s pretty damn hot.
Myself: So he is.
Roomie: He should wear a mask like that other guy.
Myself: Why?
Roomie: So his face won’t get hurt. If he broke his nose he wouldn’t be so hot. His face is, like, his asset.
Myself: Oh. I wasn’t looking at THAT asset.

It was funny at the time.

26

I’ve never done rodeo, but have ridden in the barrel racing event when I was younger. I never wore head protection but as soon as I started taking jumping lessons head protection was required, no ands, ifs, or buts. Why a helmet was required for jumping but not for barrel racing was a mystery to me, but I figure that the people who compete in Pro Rodeo are adults and must know the risks. :rolleyes:

The truth. I learned too late, after I got a concussion on my (almost) bomb-proof horse.