Mechanical bull

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A man riding a mechanical bull in Rio de Janeiro

A mechanical bull is a machine-operated ride that replicates the sensation of riding a bull. The mechanical bull includes a saddle and often a model head of a bull, complete with horns. Its speed can be adjusted. Padded flooring is often installed around the bull in order to prevent injury to those thrown off it.

Mechanical bulls have been in circulation for quite some time as a training device, as they enable a bull rider to enhance rodeo performance and refine skills without the risk and unpredictability of a live bull. The commercial use of mechanical bulls gained popular appeal with the release of the 1980 movie Urban Cowboy. In this movie John Travolta and Debra Winger demonstrated the art of riding a mechanical bull to the larger movie-going population. The mechanical bull featured in this movie was the El Toro brand of mechanical bull. This brand of mechanical bull is still in circulation, but does not carry the same safety features that are available on more current models.

Although mechanical bulls are frequently used for rodeo training, they are also utilized as a mobile rental (i.e., party entertainment) and stationary entertainment found in bars, restaurants, and clubs.

A “Quick Stop” motor allows the operator to safely control the ride and ensure safety for the rider; this feature allows the operator to stop the ride prior to a rider being thrown. The trained operator at the variable speed control box regulates the bull’s Buck-and-Spin speed, as well as, spin direction. The bull has the capability of starting rides very slowly and can be advanced to speeds according to a rider’s ability. The mechanical bull can go slow and simply spin for beginners and run at a more advanced speed for experts/professionals.

The Mechanical bull was created by Fred Wagenhals for the movie Urban Cowboy.