10 Tips to Maximize Bull Riding Practice Bulls

When it comes to learning how to ride bulls, practice makes all the difference. Whether you’re just starting out or sharpening your skills for competition, practice bulls are one of the best ways to build confidence, improve technique, and prepare for the real competition. As a professional rider who’s been there, I want to give you my top 10 bull riding tips to make every practice count.

If you’re serious about being a bull rider, these steps will help you take your bull riding training to the next level.

1. Warm Up Before You Ride

Bull riding isn’t just about being physically tough—it’s about flexibility and technique. Stretch your hips, shoulders, and core before climbing on a practice bull. A proper warm-up reduces injury risk and keeps your body responsive.

2. Focus on Proper Gear

Safety starts with the right equipment. Always wear a helmet, vest, and mouth guard. Check your gear before going to the practice pen. Keeping your gear in top condition is one of the most important bull riding safety habits.

3. Perfect Your Chute Procedure

Leaving the chute correctly sets up your entire ride. Practice your nod, body position, and setting your feet so you don’t get beat out before the bull even makes his first move. Check out this article for more info: https://bullridercoach.com/post/how-to-leave-the-chute

4. Train Your Free Arm

Your free arm is your balance tool. On a practice bull, work on controlling your free arm so it doesn’t get too high or out of position. Small adjustments here will pay off big in the competition arena.

5. Ride the Right Kind of Bulls

It's really important that you find a set of bulls that match your skill level. Don't go to a place where they are bucking bulls that are at a pro level if you're still a beginner. That would be like a high school foot ball player thinking they can go practice with NFL players...it's dangerous.

6. Visualize the Ride

Before climbing on, take a few minutes to picture the ride in your head. Imagine how you will feel (i.e. confident, aggressive, focused). Visualization is a proven way to boost confidence and prepare your body to respond naturally.

7. Ride With Intensity

Don’t go halfway. Treat every practice bull like it’s the short-go at the PBR or PRCA Finals. The effort and mindset you bring in practice are the same ones you’ll carry into competition. Put forth the same amount of try no matter how many people are watching and no matter how much money is on the line. Ride bulls because you love to ride bulls!

8. Work With a Coach

A bull riding coach can see things you can’t. Get feedback on your form, technique, mindset, and position so you can correct mistakes before they become bad habits.

👉 Check out our Online Bull Riding Course for step-by-step training.

9. Watch Your Videos

Film your practice rides and review them. You’ll spot things in your form and technique you can’t always feel while riding. Video feedback is one of the fastest ways to improve.

10. Practice Mental Toughness

Bull riding is as much mental as it is physical. Push yourself through fear, stay focused, and remind yourself why you’re doing this. The mental toughness you build in practice will carry you when it counts.

Take Your Bull Riding Training Further

Practice bulls are an essential part of learning how to ride bulls, and nothing will accelerate your progress like proper coaching before you go to the practice pen. If you’re ready to grow your skills:

• Enroll in our Online Course to master fundamentals.

• Sign up for an in-person Bull Riding Clinic for live feedback and instruction.

• Explore more Bull Riding Tips on our Blog.

With the right coaching, mindset, and practice, you’ll not only ride better—you’ll ride smarter.

Be a champion!