To answer this question, you need to look at what the types actually are. Bull rider chaps are made from two solid pieces of leather. One piece is used for each leg and some belts and bras are used to keep them on.
Cowboys originally wore chaps in the late 1800s. Now I say that originally they were worn by jeans. This is not entirely true. Armas, which means shields, were used in Spain and Mexico long before our time. The weapons were built in a way that was a solid piece of leather. The leather was connected to the horn of the saddle and covered the front of the horse and the legs of the rider.
It wasn’t until the 1800s that cowboys from Mexico brought the new design worn by the rider to facilitate travel to the west coast of the United States.
The benefit of the cowboys was that they held your horse better, especially bareback. The leather of the saddle against the leather of the chaps caused friction that allowed him to stay on the horse more easily. They also provide protection for your legs against bramble snakes and wild animals.
So what the heck are bull riding dudes for?
All that said, why do cyclists wear chaps? Well, the leather from the showers gives the cowboy some sway. You have to understand that your legs have more to do with the rider who stays, than with the hand that holds the rope. A bull rider is always trying to stand on the bull’s shoulders. Staying here keeps them out of the danger zone forward or backward. If they are above the shoulders, they are less affected by the jumping and kicking of the bull. I’m sure you can see now that having something to hold on to helps. It may not be as effective as the spurs that bullrider chaps wear in keeping you out of the danger zone.
Once the rider is off the bull, the boys come back to help by protecting them from the crushed bulls. They prevent bull horns from pinching your skin and hooves from stomping on causing further damage.
Why so flashy?
I’m sure you’ve noticed how flashy some of the types of bull riders can be. All of this is for show. Standing out helps gain followers. The cheering crowd makes the riders’ adrenaline surge louder and of course that’s why they ride bulls. The types of bull rider also help the judges distinguish the legs of the rider from the bull. You may not think this would be difficult without them. Remember that everything happens in 8 seconds. That’s fast, believe me.
Each and every bull rider chaps have the same benefits for a bull rider as the chaps worn by a cowboy. They are a layer of protection and grip. I promise you if you are thinking about riding bulls, you must have a set of chapels for riding bulls. Have a 1500 pound bull land his hoof on your leg with no cracks. You won’t do it twice. It’s like leaving a motorcycle on the asphalt in shorts. Why wouldn’t you protect yourself and look great at the same time?
Find a great selection of bull riding types here at http://rankrider.com/category/bull-rider-gear/chaps-bull-riding/