In the world-renowned Calgary Stampede bull riding, cowboys engage in a test of nerves against a bull.

A thick braided bullrope, complete with handhold, is wrapped around the bull and weighed down by a cowbell that allows the rope to fall when the ride is over. The rope is only kept tight by the bull rider’s grip.

He must try to keep his arm from straightening and his hand from breaking loose before the end of the ride. The cowboy isn’t required to move his feet—staying on is hard enough—but if he does spur, he gets higher marks.