The ride must last the standard eight seconds for the rider to score. Courtesy photo

DIXON, CA (MPG) - The Dixon May Fair welcomes the Flying U Rodeo Company of Marysville back to our local arena after an absence of several years.

Bull riding! In the mind of many rodeo fans, rodeos almost always save the best for last.

It didn’t evolve from ranch work, but it has long been a competition between man and bull.  Using only a rope around the bull’s girth, the cowboy puts one hand inside a handle on top of the bull rope, raises his free hand, and nods for the ride.

The ride must last the standard eight seconds for the rider to score. There is not a 'mark out' requirement, but if the free hand touches the animal or the rider, a disqualification results. Judges score the bull and cowboy a total of 50 points each. The bull is judged on its strength and ability to maintain its momentum throughout the eight second ride.

Legendary Showman Cotton Rosser was at the Flying U helm for more than 60 years producing top tier events throughout California and the West. Since 2022, when Cotton’s son picked up the reins, Reno Rosser has continued to present plenty of thrills and spills to keep fans on the edge of their seats. See you there!