erms and meanings you need to know if you plan to talk abo ut rodeos.

Bull rope: a flat braided rope wrapped around the bull's midsection for the bull rider to hang on to Tip from six-time rodeo world champion Larry Mahan on how to ride a bull: "Before the gate is open, find the correct position on top of the bull and stay there. Stick your hand in the rope and stay as close to the back of your hand as possible. If you get back off your rope, a bull has a tendency to whip you down over his front end and slam dunk you onto the ground.

Chaps: leather coverings worn over riding jeans (originally worn by working cowboys to protect their legs from cactus and brush)

Cowbell: a bell on the end of the bull rope, used to drag the rope from the bull after the rider dismounts (or is dismounted)

Half-Hitch: a knot used by calf ropers to secure the rope around three of a calf's legs

Hobble: leather strips wrapped around a horse's front legs to keep it from straying

Lariat: rope

Latigo: leather strip

Loop: refers to a loop of rope which can be configured as a long or wide loop, or which can be thrown at an animal in order to bring them down in events such as Heading

Rein: rope made of woven cotton used in saddle bronc riding

Riding glove: worn by contestants in bareback and bull riding

Rigging: a handhold made of leather and rawhide used in bareback riding

Roughout: an unfinished saddle, sometimes preferred by riders when bronco busting

Stirrup: a foot rest hanging from both sides of the saddle