In what is being called the most significant rule change in the history of pro bull riding, PBR today reduced the length of time required for a qualified bull ride from 8 to 6 seconds.
Any rider who holds onto the bull rope without touching the animal, himself, or the ground for a period of 6 seconds will now be granted a score.
The new rule will cover all PBR events at all levels in the U.S., Australia, Canada, and Brazil.
“These cowboys earn everything they get. It’s not like we’re going to start giving participation trophies,” said Sean Gleason, CEO and Commissioner, PBR. “That said, who among us cannot be sensitive to the rejection a bull rider feels when unable to stay on for a very long 8 seconds. This change will significantly increase the number of qualified bull rides, raising their self-esteem.”
According to an analysis conducted of all outs in 2024 that have not resulted in a score, 18 percent of riders were bucked off or otherwise disqualified from receiving a score between 6 and 8 seconds after the bucking chute opened and the clock started.
“The way the bloodlines go, these bulls are bred to be stronger and more powerful. Nobody’s breeding stronger bull riders. If the idea is to level the playing field, they better put up an asterisk when counting rides for the record books,” said J.B. Mauney, who now coaches the Oklahoma Wildcatters in the PBR Camping World Team Series and is second all-time in qualified rides with 538.
In a related development, New Line Cinema, owner of the rights to the seminal motion picture 8 Seconds, based on the life of fallen rider Lane Frost and the inspiration for many young Western sports athletes to pursue a bull riding career, will now market the film as 6 Seconds.
There are no changes planned, however, for the popular cologne 8 Seconds, marketed by Tru Fragrance.
“We like the way 8 Seconds sounds, and we love the way it smells,” said Jake Nagle, VP Brand Growth for Tru Fragrance.
The new rule goes into effect on Monday April 1.
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