Bull Rider Coach Logo

Do you Want to be a bull rider?

Learn How To Ride Bulls Like A Champion!

Online training and live bull riding clinics with Wiley Petersen — proven methods to build confidence, skill, and safety in the arena.

Founded by professional bull rider Wiley Petersen — teaching the next generation to ride with confidence.

Meet the coach

Hey, I'm Wiley Petersen

Former professional bull rider in the PBR for 12 years. I understand this sport and what it takes to be a champion. From mindset to physical fitness, I can help you. Mind, Body, and Spirit!

10x PBR World Finalist

2007 PBR World Finals Champion

Over $1.4 Million In Career Earnings

Coaching Bull Riders for Over 20 Years

Sign Up For My Emails To Get Exclusive Content

Check it out!

WHAT WE OFFER

Live Clinics

Learn By Doing

  • Hands-on Training

  • Cover All Aspects of Bull Riding

  • Ride Real Bulls

  • Complements Online Course

  • Create Awesome Memories

Online Course

Learn At Home

  • Learn At Your Own Pace

  • Covers All Aspects

  • Lifetime Access

  • Compliments In-Person Training

  • Gain Confidence

BEHIND THE CHUTES BLOG

Want to keep learning? Check out Behind the Chutes, our blog with free bull riding tips, mindset strategies, and safety guides designed for new riders.

hand reaching out of water

Overcoming Fear in Bull Riding (and Life)

September 01, 20253 min read

Fear is the biggest opponent you’ll ever face in bull riding—and in life. As a professional bull rider, I remember moments when fear nearly paralyzed me before I even nodded my head. My throat would tighten, my mind would race, and instead of riding to win, I rode to survive. Those were the rides where I walked away defeated.

The truth is simple: besides laziness, fear is your greatest enemy. It can keep you from committing to the ride, cloud your technique, and even put you in danger. But here’s the good news—you can learn to overcome fear.

In this article, I’ll share practical bull riding tips and mindset strategies to help you gain confidence, stay safe, and perform at your best.


What Is Fear?

Fear is “an unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous.” In other words, fear is faith in the negative. It tricks you into focusing on what might go wrong, instead of what can go right.

Yes, bull riding is dangerous. But perspective makes all the difference.

  • A high school rider with 15 rides under his belt sees a top-ranked bull as a life-or-death threat.

  • A seasoned pro who’s been on 2,000 bulls sees the same animal as a 21-point opportunity to win.

The situation doesn’t change—only the perspective does.


Change Your Perspective

If fear is perspective, then perspective can change. Start by paying attention to your self-talk:

  • “I could get hurt” → Replace with: “I’ve trained for this.”

  • “I can’t do this” → Replace with: “I will ride my bull with confidence and my best effort.”

Remember: Fear = False Evidence Appearing Real. Stop rehearsing worst-case scenarios and start focusing on success.


Faith Is the Opposite of Fear

Faith is belief in the good. To overcome fear, you need faith in two areas:

  1. Faith in Yourself

    • Train hard and consistently.

    • Build muscle memory through drills and practice.

    • Attend bull riding clinics to sharpen technique and confidence.

  2. Faith in God

    • Strengthen your spiritual foundation through prayer, scripture, and fellowship.

    • Draw strength from knowing your life has purpose beyond a single ride.

Faith shifts your mindset from fear of failure to expectation of victory.


Find Your Purpose

Bull riding is dangerous—there’s no denying it. So why ride? Your “why” matters more than your “what.”

  • If your purpose is weak, fear will win.

  • If your purpose is strong, it will push you past fear and toward greatness.

For me, my purpose has always been about helping people, inspiring them, and honoring God. Bull riding was a platform to live that purpose—and now coaching is, too.

What’s your purpose? Find it, and fear will lose its grip.


Persevere Through Challenges

Fear doesn’t disappear overnight. You’ll face setbacks, injuries, and discouragement. But perseverance builds resilience.

  • Remember why you started.

  • Lean on your purpose when things get tough.

  • Refuse to quit, no matter what.

Persistence is what separates average riders from champions.


5 Steps to Overcome Fear in Bull Riding (and Life)

  1. Focus on the positive, not the negative.

  2. Build confidence through bull riding training.

  3. Strengthen your faith in God.

  4. Define your purpose clearly.

  5. Persevere through challenges and setbacks.


Final Thoughts

Overcoming fear starts long before you climb onto the back of a bull. It begins in your mind—with faith, perspective, and purpose. When you learn to ride with confidence instead of fear, you won’t just become a better bull rider—you’ll become a stronger person in life.


Ready to Take the Next Step?

Be a champion—don’t let fear dominate you.

overcome fearbull riding trainingbull riding coachingbull riding clinicsbull riding schoolsbull riding coachhow to ride bulls
blog author image

Wiley Petersen

Founder and CEO of Bull Rider Coach. Wiley is a 10x Qualifier to the PBR Finals, 2007 PBR World Finals Champion, and has been coaching bull ridings for over 20 years.

Back to Blog

ready to ride?

New to Bull Riding? Start Here.
Read Wiley's answer about how to get started in bull riding.

Why train with wiley?

FROM RIDER TO COACH

Wiley Petersen started riding at the age of 10. He progressed through high school, college and eventually rode at the highest level in professional bull riding. Now, he’s coaching the next generation of riders with the same passion and dedication. His mission is simple: to help you ride with confidence, stay safe, and reach your true potential in and out of the arena.

READY To ride like a champion?

Choose Your Path & Get Started Today!

Life is short. Every great adventure starts with one step. Take action to live your life without regrets. Learn to overcome fear and challenges so that you can look back on your life without regrets!

Testimonials – What Riders Say About Bull Rider Coach

Real results from riders and families who’ve trained with Wiley Petersen.

If you've worked with us, please leave us a review!

Copyrights 2025 | Bull Rider Coach™ | Terms & Conditions