Cowboys in the Bullring - Costa Rica

Here's another short video from my trip to Costa Rica. Two cowboys work the bull ring at a weekend bullriding fiesta. Their job is to get the bull out of the ring. Most of the bulls head for the exit chute on their own. Those that need encouragement are roped, and the slack of the rope is tossed over a hook above the exit. The horses draw back on the rope, winching the bull towards the exit until he gets the idea and trots out. The cowboys try to stay on the opposite side of the ring from the bull, in case he should charge them, and to keep the slack out of the rope. Quick reflexes are needed to keep the rope from wrapping around the horse, the cowboy, or the various people hanging out in the ring. The horses, Costa Rican Criollos, are fast and agile and can do a running walk as well as a gallop. Although small, they are tough and sturdy.