As we kickoff the final countdown to the 12th annual Big Sky PBR, were diving into the history of the PBR! How the Outlaw bulls have made history being the toughest athletes on dirt. 

The Sport 

Bull riding originated in charreadas, contests of ranch and horsemanship skills that developed on the haciendas of Old Mexico. By the mid-1800s, charreada-style competition became popular in the southwest, particularly in Texas and California. Though bull riding was a popular event, like other rodeos, it lacked standardized rules. Eventually, in 1992 riders broke away from the traditional rodeo scene and created their own organization known at the PBR.

Twenty bull riders from the rodeo circuit came together to give life to a dream they all shared. They never imagined it would so quickly develop into what has officially been declared the fastest growing sport in America – the PBR. The concept is simple enough: match the world’s best bull riding athletes against the toughest animal athletes on the planet in an 8-second man versus beast duel. Then, pit the cowboys against one another in a season-long battle to claim the year-end title of PBR World Champion.

Today, The PBR now holds more than 300 annual events across the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Brazil and Australia, attracting more than 2.5 million spectators each year. "The Toughest Sport on Dirt," combines intense sports action and world-class production that can’t be rivaled by any other major league sport. 

The Bulls 

The PBR wouldn't be the worldwide phenomenon it is now without the help of these athletes. The bulls represent strength and power when you see them in action. The Outlaw bulls are some of the toughest bulls in Big Sky Country, given iconic names representing businesses, attitudes and energy.

To name a few of the bulls you'll be seeing this year...

Hey Bear a pioneer bull, at just four years old, he will let you know he’s come to compete. 

Cliff Hanger who continues to buck off riders with ease for years.

Outlaw who has consistently lived up to his name, continuously bucking off cowboys and getting the job done.

Read more about the bulls you'll be seeing this weekend here

We are so excited for the Big Sky PBR and hope to see you there! Come check out our new merch while you're there! We will be set up all weekend at the Big Sky PBR! 

Sources: 

 https://americancowboy.com/cowboys-archive/history-bull-riding-pbr/

https://www.outlawbulls.com/meet-the-bulls/