Mechanical Bull Riding “Bucking Bull” in Perth

Looking for an adrenaline-rushing amusement ride to hire in Perth? Mechanical bull riding will thrill the crowd with friendly competition and hilarity.

A mechanical bull (otherwise known as a bucking bull or rodeo bull) is a machine that replicates the sensation of riding a bucking bull (or horse), usually powered by a variable-speed electric motor with padded or inflatable flooring around it.

Mechanical bulls have existed for decades as a primary training device for rodeo competitors, as they enable the rider to ride rough stock (bucking horses and bull riding) to enhance their rodeo performance and refine their skills without the risk and unpredictability of a live animal.

Although mechanical bulls are still routinely used for training in rodeos, they are also used as an amusement ride for parties, at saloon-style bars, clubs and at festivals. There is also modified, less dangerous types of mechanical bulls that can be used for children’s parties.

Below is me riding one at Throwing of the Grape festival in Swan Valley.

They call me Tahnee the brave bullrider! #bullriding at the #ThrowingOfTheGrape festival in #Perth. YEE-HA

A post shared by Hello, I'm Tahnee! ☺️ (@hellotahnee) on May 22, 2015 at 10:48pm PDT

I didn’t ride the bull properly as I cheated and held on with both hands. You’re supposed to sit up as high on the bull (closer to the head) as you can. Holding on to the rope using your dominant hand, you keep your non-dominant arm out away from you (as a trapeze acrobat would do) to keep your balance. And you must grip the sides of the bull tightly with your inner thighs to keep stability.

What made mechanical bulls popular again was the release of the 1980 film Urban Cowboy, starring John Travolta and Debra Winger. Both demonstrated the art of riding a mechanical bull to a new generation. The movie follows Travolta, a young man from the country, learning about life and love in a Houston Bar.

Check out Travolta giving good dance moves on the bull below:

And yes, there is a Guinness World Record that has yet to be beaten in mechanical bull riding. Australian cowboy Jamie Manning riding a mechanical bull for 2 min 4.49 sec on the set of Guinness World Records in Sydney, Australia on 2 April 2005.

He managed to ride from level 1 to 9, and he stayed on level 9 for 9.5 seconds.

We’ve had a look at professionals doing it.

Alternatively, lets now take a look at non-professionals taking on the bucking bull and failing hilariously.

Safety

Injuries from mechanical bulls are relatively rare, with the most common likely scenario that you may pull a muscle by straining too hard or not stretching beforehand. There are a variety of ways a person can risk being injured while riding a mechanical bull by falling on the ground, striking the bull or getting caught on it, or injuries caused by the bucking motion (you may pull a groin muscle). Because of the risk of injury many venues require varying levels on insurance coverage to keep themselves protected and there are also few insurance companies that will insure mechanical bulls because of the risks involved.

There are some models of mechanical bulls that keep the risk of injury much lower, with many now having pressure airbags, rounded padded body designs and controls that control the speed and bucking motion of the bull to keep it extra safe.

Bucking Bull Hire Options in Perth:

Airborn Amusements, Medina WA – Website

Monster Ball, Fremantle WA – Website

Big Fun WA, Perth CBD – Website

Mad Cow Entertainment Co, Warnbro WA –  Website

Absolute Hire, Coffs Habour WA – Website