Top 10 Mistakes Every Beginner Bull Rider Should Avoid
Bull riding is one of the toughest sports on earth—it demands strength, courage, and smart technique. But every champion started as a beginner. If you want to learn to ride bulls like a champion, avoid the common pitfalls that hold riders back. At Bull Rider Coach, we help riders build confidence, master technique, and stay safe through bull riding coaching, bull riding clinics, and our step-by-step online training program.
Here are the top 10 mistakes every beginner bull rider should avoid—and how to ride better, safer, and more consistently.
1. Skipping the Basics
Many new riders jump straight on a bull without learning proper fundamentals.
Learn the correct technique before you ever nod your head.
Invest time in bull riding training equipment like stationary barrels or drop barrels.
Do drills over and over to develop muscle memory. Make sure you are doing the right drills to prevent bad habits!
👉 Check out our Online Course for step-by-step training before you climb in the chute.
2. Getting on the Wrong Bulls
Getting on the wrong bulls puts you at risk for injury and frustration.
Always ride bulls that are matched to your experience level, even if this means riding steers.
You should be riding bulls that challenge you but allow you to stay on long enough to learn something.
Avoid the young "born to buck" bulls that are bred for professional events. Find the "dinks."
3. Poor Body Position When Nodding
Leaning back or forward too far will get you bucked-off in the first jump.
Find your center of balance. Not far forward or too far back. Your chest should be over the bull's shoulders.
Back straight and weight going down your legs. Don't sit on your butt!
Keep your free arm up so that your hand is about eye-level and your elbow slightly below your shoulder.
You should have slight bend in your riding arm and a good grip on your rope.
Have a slight bend in your knees and your knees should be over your rope so that you can see the rope behind your knees. Push your knees into the bull's shoulders.
Turn your toes out to grip with your spurs as soon as the bull starts to move out of the chute.
4. Holding Your Breath
Nervous riders often hold their breath. This tightens muscles and slows reactions.
Practice breathing techniques before and during rides.
Exhale when the bull kicks.
Inhale when the bull jumps (front legs off the ground).
5. Ignoring Physical Fitness
Bull riding isn’t just about guts—it’s about strength, speed, and endurance.
Focus on core, legs, and grip strength.
Add flexibility work to prevent injuries.
6. Riding Without Coaching
Trying to learn alone is a fast track to bad habits.
Professional bull riding coaching corrects mistakes early.
Clinics provide real feedback that speeds up progress.
👉 Sign up for one of our Bull Riding Clinics to train in person with a pro.
7. Not Practicing Mental Toughness
Fear and doubt can ruin a ride before it starts.
Visualize success before nodding your head.
Practice meditation and mindfulness to calm your mind before you nod your head.
Build confidence through repetition and coaching.
8. Improper Warm-Up
Skipping warm-ups increases risk of injury.
Use dynamic warm-up exercises to get your muscles warm.
Warm-up from head to toes...neck, shoulders, wrists, back, hips, groin, legs, ankles, and core before every ride.
Light cardio like jumping jacks or jogging-in-place helps sharpen focus.
You should be warmed up to where you are starting to sweat when it's time to ride.
9. Ignoring Safety Rules
Beginners sometimes try to prove toughness by taking risks.
Never ride without spotters and bullfighters.
Respect the bull, the chute, and the arena crew.
👉 Learn more bull riding safety tips on our Articles Page.
10. Giving Up Too Soon
The road to becoming a champion isn’t easy.
Every rider gets bucked off—winners get back on.
Focus on progress, not perfection.
Keep fighting for your position on that bull and try to ride 2 jumps past the whistle.
Conclusion: Ride Smart, Ride Strong
Avoiding these 10 mistakes will save you time, injuries, and frustration. Bull riding isn’t just about toughness—it’s about technique, preparation, and coaching.
At Bull Rider Coach, we’ve helped riders of all levels learn to bull ride with confidence. Whether you’re starting out or fine-tuning your skills, you don’t have to do it alone.
👉 Ready to ride smarter? Explore our:
Online Course – Learn the fundamentals anytime, anywhere
Clinics – Get hands-on training with Wiley Petersen and pro coaches
Blog – More bull riding tips, safety advice, and mindset training
Be a Champion—start your journey today.
