How to Ride Bulls – The First Move Every Rider Must Master

If you want to learn to bull ride, the most basic and most important move you must master is simple: get to the front. From the easiest steer to the rankest bull, staying forward is the foundation of every successful ride.

But how do you build the skill and confidence to do this consistently? The answer is simple: drills, drills, drills.

Why Drills Are Essential in Bull Riding Training

When I was younger, I wrestled. For years, every season started with the same move — the half nelson. At first, it felt unnecessary to practice something so basic over and over. But what I learned is that repetition builds muscle memory. With enough drills, the move becomes automatic — no hesitation, no second guessing.

Bull riding is no different. Getting to the front must become second nature, and the only way to make it happen is by practicing the right drills.

How I Learned Without Practice Bulls

Like many of you, I didn’t grow up with bulls in my backyard. No practice pen, no horses, not even a 4-H steer. What I had was determination.

I built a stationary barrel out of an old 55-gallon drum and carpet, set it in my dad’s living room, and rode it for hours while watching rodeos on TV. I can’t count how many thousands of bulls I “rode” on that barrel, but what I do know is this: it built my foundation, my confidence, and my love for bull riding.

👉 If you want it bad enough, you’ll find a way to practice — even without live bulls.

The Six-Inch Drill – The Best Way to Learn to Bull Ride

You don’t need a moving barrel to build your skills. In fact, a stationary barrel is often better for beginners because it forces you to focus on perfect form.

The Six-Inch Drill:

• Keep your movements small — no more than six inches forward or back.

• Drive forward with your legs, not your riding hand.

• Keep your chest out, back straight, and shoulders square.

• There should be a little daylight between you and the barrel — don’t sit on your pockets.

This drill trains your body to stay forward, balanced, and ready.

How Long Should You Drill?

• 10–20 minutes at a time, multiple times per day if possible.

• Record yourself to check your form.

• Compare your body position to pro riders.

Like NFL players practicing ghost routes and stance drills, bull riders need to go back to basics. Repetition creates confidence.

Building Confidence Through Repetition

Every beginner struggles with confidence. Getting bucked off over and over without understanding why isn’t fun — and it discourages a lot of riders from continuing.

But with drills, you’ll:

• Build habits that make good form automatic.

• Improve your mental game through visualization.

• Create confidence that carries into live rides.

Confidence isn’t about luck — it’s about preparation.

Final Thoughts – Put in the Work, See the Results

Everyone can learn to bull ride if they want it bad enough. You don’t need fancy gear or a pen full of practice bulls. All you need is commitment, consistency, and the willingness to put in the reps.

Start with the basics. Master the six-inch drill. Build muscle memory. And when you climb on your next bull, you’ll ride stronger, smarter, and with more confidence.

👉 Ready to take the next step?

• Train anytime with our Online Course.

• Get hands-on experience at our live Bull Riding Clinics.

• Read more Bull Riding Tips on our Blog.