Concierge

Insider advice from our travel expert on how to ride a bull

ONE OF MY GREATEST disappointments during my time as head concierge at the St. Christopher Hotel in London was missing a one-off event at the venerable Royal Albert Hall: bull riding. I know — I don’t seem the rodeo type, but the spectacle has enthralled me since I was a lad, and I’ve always wanted to try it. Anyway, I’d secured prime tickets for the Sultan of Oman (perhaps the only person more keen than I was to see someone last eight seconds on that brute Panhandle Slim) but I couldn’t leave my post at the hotel to see the action and, consequently, become inspired to pursue my dream. Thankfully, I’ve managed to corral Alberta’s Tanner Girletz, the 2006 Canadian bull-riding champion, to discuss how the average Joe can, shall we say, go buck wild.

WHERE DO I BEGIN IF I WANT TO TRY BULL RIDING?

Whether you want to get on a bull one time or 50 times, spend the money and go to a good bull-riding school. They’ll teach you the correct and safest way to get on. I’ve seen guys go out to practice pens and get on their first bull as a dare, but bulls are usually way over the top of most beginners’ heads.

WAIT — YOU MEAN THERE ARE ACTUALLY BULL-RIDING SCHOOLS?

Yeah. Out here in Alberta they’re at places like Lakeland College in Vermilion and Olds College in Olds, and there’s one in Esterhazy, in Saskatchewan, but they’re all over the country. If you’re really serious about it, I’d also suggest finding an older bull rider who will take you in, work with you and show you the lay of the land around the rodeo scene.

COULD I PRACTISE ON A MECHANICAL BULL?

Well, they’re more fun at the bar than they are good for bull riding! I’ve never been on one myself, but they don’t seem remotely close to the real thing. However dangerous it might sound, the best practise for bull riding is to get on a real bull.

THEN HOW SHOULD I PREPARE FOR MY FIRST REAL BULL RIDE?

Being in half decent physical shape helps, but bull riding really is 110 per cent mental. I’ve seen guys come in that are in great shape but have absolutely zero confidence in themselves and not be able to do it. And don’t look at a bull and try to get a baseline of what you think it’s going to do. If you do, you set a trap for yourself because the bull will do something else and throw you off. Basically, don’t be overconfident.

I’M TALL AND SKINNY. WILL THAT HELP OR HINDER ME?

Bull riders come in all shapes and sizes. I’m built like a soup can — short and stocky. But the ideal height is 5’7” or 5’8” and the ideal weight is between 155 and 170 pounds. You don’t see as many tall guys because it’s harder to do with their centre of gravity. But then some of the best bull riders that have ever lived are great big tall guys, which shows you that it all comes back to what you think you can do.

ANY RECOVERY TIPS?

Rest, water and ice, because it’s like any other sport nowadays. And I’m not opposed to having a beer afterward, that’s for sure. Got a travel question for The Concierge? He’s ready to help. Tweet him @Cangeo_travel and use the hashtag #Cgtconcierge.