Bull Riding Gear

Protective Vest
The Kevlar vest is made from the same material used to make bullet-proof vests, and was invented by Professional Bull Riders vice president and former bull rider Cody Lambert. It's worn by PBR athletes for protection. It serves two primary purposes; it absorbs shock and dissipates the blow to the body, while protecting the torso from threatening punctures caused by direct contact with the bull's hooves and horns.
Since the athletes began wearing protective vests, the number of riders suffering from internal injuries has dropped dramatically.

Glove
Cowboys wear a glove only on their riding hand (the hand that grips the bull rope). This leather glove protects their hands and fingers. It also makes it easier to hold onto the bull rope. The cowboys actually tape the gloves onto their hands, since the force of the bull and the friction of the rope could easily tear off a glove during a ride. Roidin helps the cowboy's glove adhere to the bull rope. This sticky substance provides the cowboy with a little extra grip.

Bull Rope
The bull rope is a flat rope that goes around the bull behind his front legs and is what the cowboy hangs onto during a ride. It's made from braided nylon or grass. The rope has a handle, constructed partially of leather, that is braided into it and serves as the cowboy's only anchor for the duration of his ride.
Most cowboys run the rope through their little or index finger. However, some riders prefer to use a 'suicide' wrap which is harder to get out of, increasing the chance a rider will get hung up in his rope.

Boots
Cowboy boots have a special spur ridge on the heel that helps their spurs stay in place. Some cowboys wear the traditional pull-on boot, while others prefer those that lace up to fit the foot snuggly.

Cowboy Hat
Wearing a cowboy hat is not only traditional, it's practical as well. A hat offers a layer of protection between the cowboy's skull and the bull's sharp hooves. A cowboy hat can offer just enough protection to keep a rider from needing stitches. Some cowboys wear a helmet to protect their heads or a face mask to protect their faces and jaws, although some cowboys feel it restricts their vision and throws their weight off balance. Often cowboys will wear a helmet and/or mask after a serious head, face or jaw injury.

Chaps
Each PBR athlete wears chaps. These are custom made and often sport the logo of a cowboy's sponsors, as well as various decorative elements. Chaps may be flashy, but they are part of the armour that protects the cowboy against a bull's horns and hooves.

Spurs
Bull-riding spurs help the cowboy stay in position on a bull and maintain his balance by giving him added grip. The rowels (the wheel-like part of the spur that comes in contact with the animal) are dull so they don't injure or cut the bull's hide. You will often see a cowboy 'spurring' a bull to display the cowboy's level of control during a ride.