Bull Riding

BULL RIDING 101

Bull Riding is the world’s first extreme sport. This event is judged with a maximum score of 100. Both the bull and cowboy are scored on their performance, with a maximum of 50 points allocated to each. Judges carefully analyze how hard the bulls buck, how high they jump, and how much they spin, and award the points accordingly. The higher the degree of difficulty, the higher the score. A bull rider’s score is determined by his ultimate display of balance, control and spur action. The athlete’s body should be parallel to the bull’s body, working in sync to reduce the G-force produced by the massive animal. The athlete uses a leather glove and holds on to a braided rope with one hand. Throughout the duration of the ride, he may not touch the animal or himself with the free hand. Failure to do so results in a disqualification. A qualified ride lasts for eight seconds. The highest score at the end of this grueling eight seconds wins.

THE HISTORY OF THE DAY’S OF ‘47 AND COMMITTEE MEMBERS

The Days of ’47 Rodeo is one of Utah’s longest-standing traditions – celebrating Utah’s heritage since 1857. The rodeo and other Days of ’47 events, commemorate the day – July 24, 1847-when Brigham Young and a determined company of Mormon pioneers realized their dreams upon entering the Great Salt Lake City Valley, thus becoming the vanguard of one of the greatest treks in American history.

Pulling handcarts or driving wagons with oxen or horses, thousands of pioneers carried a firm commitment to America’s belief in freedom of religion as they slowly trudged across the plains to a vast desert landscape that became known as the Utah Territory. Coming together from many nations, they sought to create a new life. This trek of the early Utah pioneers exemplifies the courage, foresight and faith that continue to inspire modern-day pioneers.

In 1882 the Territorial Legislature officially named July 24 as Pioneer Day, which it has been known and celebrated as ever since.

The Days of ’47 Cowboy Games & Rodeo presented by Zions Bank, runs for 5-days each July ending on July 24 to commemorate Pioneer Day. Since 2017, the event has taken place at the $17.5 million, state-of-the-art Days of ’47 Arena at the Utah State Fairpark. The venue—an outdoor arena located in the heart of Salt Lake City—features over 10,000 stadium-style seats.

The Days of ’47 Cowboy Games & Rodeo is a private, non-profit, volunteer, charitable organization. Our mission is to honor Utah’s pioneer heritage and educate Utah’s kids. We believe the example of past and present pioneers’ courage creates a vision for our combined future that everyone can follow as our new Pioneer Spirit! Visit daysof47cowboygames.com for more information.

2021 Days of ’47 Cowboy Games and Rodeo Executive Committee:

Chairman-Kem C. Gardner Vice Chairman-Scott Anderson President & CEO-Dan Shaw Senior V.P.-Tom Whitaker V.P.-Cliff Blonquist Secretary-Chantelle Martin Director-Bruce Bingham Director-Governor Spencer Cox Director-Alex Dunn Director- Luz Escamilla Director-Paul Gibbons Director – Derek Miller Director-Deirdre Naff Director-Jim Olson Director-Craig Peterson Director-Walter Plumb III Director-Jeff Robbins Director-Lane Summerhays Director-Vicki Varela Director-Heidi Walker Director-Tom Welch Director-Matt Wiese Director-Kim Wilson Director-Derreld Yost