BYU NewsNet - Bull Riders Visit Salt Lake

After a seven-year absence, the Professional Bull Riders came to Salt Lake City Friday evening for a two-day event.

Each bull rider hung on for his life Friday and Saturday, but Brenden Clark from Morpeth, Australia rode with poise and confidence to take home the $24,000 winner's check.

The PBR was created in 1992 when 20 bull riders broke away from the rodeo circuit. The PBR is not the rodeo, and the organization stresses the fact. The difference between the PBR and the rodeo is that the PBR does not have any other events except bull riding. The rodeo holds seven events.

The first circuit for the PBR began in 1994, and since then, the sport grew quickly. 19.5 million people either attended an event or watched the PBR on television in 2006.

"[The PBR] is the 7th most popular sport in professional sports," said Megan Darnell, PR and marketing director for the PBR the last two years. "The PBR have only two events left on this 30-city tour."

During the two-day event, the crowd cheered for their favorite riders, but Utah native Tony Mendes received most of the love. During his final ride on Saturday, the crowd rose to their feet as they cheered him on, but boos shortly followed as his score was displayed on the big-screen.

"Not everyday you get to ride in front of your home crowd, and I exceeded my expectations tonight," said Mendes who hails from Jensen, Utah. "That's what it's all about."

Bull riding is a dangerous sport. A professional rider died during competition about five or six years ago. Cuts, bruises, fractures and other injuries are all part of the sport. Earlier Saturday night, Colby Yates was tossed from his bull after his head collided with the bull's shoulder.

"Colby most likely suffered a concussion. There are a lot of concussions. That's why the guys wear helmets," Darnell said.

The PBR tour heads to Ohio next before finishing up in Las Vegas. Justin McBride is the current points leader in the PBR and is the favorite to win the one million dollar check.

The rule of thumb is to stay on the bull for at least eight seconds. If the riders fail to accomplish this task, they receive no points for getting thrown off a raging bull.