It might seem odd to describe a bucking bull as a “big puppy dog,” especially when watching a 1,000-kilogram animal fiercely trying to throw off its rider. While it may appear that these bulls are wild animals thrust into a rodeo, the reality is quite different. These bulls are meticulously bred, cared for, and trained over months and years before they ever enter an arena.
Alex and Dean Tyson, based in Gunning, New South Wales, breed and train these bulls on their property. What began as a small hobby has grown into a passionate endeavor for the couple. They spend extensive time with the bulls, learning their personalities and social dynamics. Their work with the bulls starts early, as soon as the animals are weaned. The Tysons guide the bulls calmly through the yards and chutes, familiarizing them with the environment without immediately subjecting them to bucking.
The training involves exposing the bulls to various scenarios to prepare them for competition, ensuring they are comfortable and nothing surprises them. The Tysons keep about 20 bulls, including novices like Jubba and Footloose, who participate in the futurity category. In this category, young bulls carry a 9-kilogram dummy to simulate a rider, with the dummy being remotely released after four seconds.
Despite the extensive training, not all bulls make it to the stage of carrying a rider. Only those with the right temperament and athleticism can perform at the highest levels. Those that don’t qualify either join the commercial beef chain or live out their days in the Tysons’ paddocks. According to Ms. Tyson, the key to a bull’s success is feeling comfortable, as they perform best when they are not in a fight-or-flight state.
