Professional bull rider and Washington state resident Cody Casper is coming to Greenville as one of 45 competitors in the PBR – Pendleton Whisky Velocity Tour Jan. 22 and 23 at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena. The 28-year-old’s love of bull riding began when he started riding steers at 11 and advanced to big bulls when he was 14.
What goes into training as a bull rider?
I do a lot of core work at the gym and ride horses bareback. I do a lot of drills on a stationary barrel, which stays in one spot so I can work on my form. I get on practice bulls [and] ride a drop barrel, which just gets you used to getting your hips down and practicing the movements of a bucking bull.
What made you decide to go into professional bull riding?
I started junior rodeoing when I was a kid and enjoyed the sport a lot. I did high school and amateur rodeoing, [and] I got obsessed with it.
What is your usual routine on an event day?
I try to make sure I wake up and eat breakfast. Sometimes, I’ll get a light workout in at the hotel. I hydrate throughout the day. I stretch and pray before I get on. I try to keep my mind as clear as possible. I just try to enjoy every second of it.
What is the biggest misconception about professional bull riding?
Most people probably think there is some kind of harm that comes to the animals. We treat them like athletes. They are treated better than most people’s horses. They are athletes just as well as we are. There is no harm that comes to the animals. More harm comes to the cowboys than anything.
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Do you have a day job? If so, what is it?
At the moment, I don’t. When I was younger, I was in the plumbing trade. I rode bulls good enough, so I went all in and focused on bull riding.
Want to go?
- PBR – Pendleton Whisky Velocity Tour
- Bon Secours Wellness Arena
- Jan. 22 – 8 p.m.
- Jan. 23 – 7 p.m.
- bonsecoursarena.com
