Bull Riding Training Barrels: The Ultimate Guide for Beginner Riders

Why Every Bull Rider Needs a Training Barrel

If you want to learn to bull ride, build confidence, and sharpen your skills without climbing on a live bull every day, a bull riding training barrel is a game-changer. Training barrels allow you to practice technique, improve balance, and develop muscle memory in a safer environment.

As a pro rider, I know first-hand the importance of having a practice device at home. When I was a kid, I built a rough bucking barrel in my backyard. It didn’t buck well, but I rode it every day and even paid my sister and niece $20 to try to buck me off. That simple barrel helped me fall in love with training—and it showed me that consistency matters more than perfection.

Later in my career, I discovered better practice devices like the Mighty Bucky and eventually the drop barrel, which changed the way I trained.

Types of Bull Riding Training Barrels

Not all barrels are created equal. Here are the main options riders use today:

1. Rocking Barrels

• Example: Rockin Bull Trainer by Matt Askew (~$500)

• Rocks back and forth and can also spin with help from a partner

• Compact and affordable for beginners

2. Manual Drop Barrels

• Example: Better Barrel by Josh & Joe Frost (under $1,000)

• Spring-driven design that mimics the “drop” of a real bull

• Excellent for practicing body position and reaction timing

3. Electric Drop Barrels

• Motorized for solo practice (no partner required)

• Consistent bucking pattern and speed

• Higher cost (upwards of $5,000) and harder to find - let me know if you find someone that makes them!

Why Drop Barrels Stand Out

Of all the practice devices I’ve used, the drop barrel stands above the rest. Unlike barrels that have a center pivot, the drop barrel pivots in a way that makes the barrel move away from you as it drops—just like a real bull. This helps you:

• Train proper chest-forward posture

• Avoid bad habits like leaning back or sitting on your pockets

• Practice daily without needing live stock

• Build confidence before climbing on the next bull

Pro Bull Riding Tips for Training at Home

Practicing on a barrel is only effective if you train the right way. Here are my top bull riding tips for getting the most out of your practice device:

• Focus on technique. Keep your chest out, back straight, chin down, and ride with your legs—not your arms.

• Record your rides. Watching video helps you see mistakes and track progress.

• Work with a coach. A bull riding coaching program or clinic will correct bad habits before they stick.

• Stay consistent. Daily drills build muscle memory and confidence.

• Mix it up. Ride your barrel often, but don’t replace practice bulls completely—nothing matches live experience.

Bull Riding Training = Bull Riding Safety

Remember: training barrels don’t just improve performance—they improve bull riding safety. The better your fundamentals, the less likely you’ll get into dangerous positions when riding live bulls. A safe rider is a confident rider.

Ready to Take Your Training Further?

If you’re serious about your bull riding journey, don’t stop at a barrel. Combine at-home training with expert coaching and live practice to become the rider you want to be.

• Learn anytime with my Online Bull Riding Course

• Sign up for an in-person Bull Riding Clinic

• Explore more Bull Riding Tips & Articles

Be a champion! Start training the right way today.