The rider inserts her hand into the rope and the rope is then pulled tight. When the ride is completed, the contestant pulls on the free end of the rope, thus releasing her hand and she jumps away from the bull. Upper body control and strong legs are essential to riding bulls. Leaning back could cause her to be whipped forward when the bull bucks. The cowgirl may ride with one or two hands and will be disqualified if she touches the bull, herself or her equipment with her free hand, or when riding with two hands, if one of her hands comes loose.
Judges watch for good body position and other factors, including spurring action.
Although not required, spurring will add points to a rider's score. As in bareback riding, half of the score in bull riding is determined by the contestant's performance and the other half is based on the animal's efforts.