To answer this question, you need to look at what caps actually are. Bullrider chaps are made from two solid pieces of leather. One piece is used for each leg and some belts and bras to keep them on.
Cowboys originally wore chaps in the late 1800s. Now I say they were originally worn by cowboys. This is not entirely true. Armas, which means shields, were used in Spain and Mexico long before our days. The weapons were built so that it was a solid piece of leather. The leather was connected to the horn of the saddle and was placed over the front of the horse and the rider’s legs.
It wasn’t until the 1800s that cowboys from Mexico brought the new design worn by the rider for ease of travel to the west coast of the United States.
The benefit of jeans was that they held you on the horse better, especially bareback. The leather of the saddle against the leather of the chaps caused friction, allowing him to stay on the horse more easily. They also provide protection for their legacies against heather snakes and wild animals.
So what the hell are boys riding bulls for?
With all this being said, why do bikers wear chaps? Well, the leather of the chaps gives the cowboy an edge. You have to understand that your legs have more to do with the permanence of the rider than with the hand that holds the rope. A bull rider is always trying to stay on the shoulders of the bull. Staying here keeps them out of the danger zone forward or backward. If they are on the shoulders they are less affected by the jumps and kicks of the bull. I’m sure you can see by now that having something to hold onto helps. It may not be as effective as the spurs used by bullfighters in keeping you out of the danger zone.
Once the bull rider is off the bull, the boys help out again by protecting them from the grinding bulls. They prevent bull horns from piercing their skin and stomping hooves from doing further damage.
Why so striking?
I’m sure you’ve noticed how flashy some of the bull rider boys can be. All this is for show. Standing out helps win fans. The cheering crowd makes the adrenaline rush of the riders and of course that is why they ride bulls. The rider’s chaps also help the judges distinguish the rider’s legs from the bull. You may not think this would be difficult without them. Remember that everything happens in 8 seconds. That’s fast, believe me.
Any and all bull rider chaps have the same benefits for a bull rider as chaps worn by a cowboy. They are a layer of protection and grip. I promise if you are thinking about bull riding, you must have a pair of bull riding chaps. Have a 1500 pound bull land his hoof on your leg with no cracks. You won’t do it twice. It’s like knocking over a motorcycle on the asphalt in your underpants. Why wouldn’t you protect yourself and look great at the same time?
Find a great selection of bull riding chaps here at http://rankrider.com/category/bull-rider-gear/chaps-bull-riding/