Davy asked why he could not get his Bull Rigging to pull tight when putting it on the Bull. He suspected that his loop may have been to big and that is an important point. Most ropes are 7x7 or 8x8 with one end knotted. When going to smaller stock, often the rider needs to use a double loop knot because the rope is too big for the livestock. You can adjust the knot to the size of live stock and also remember to move an adjust the keepers. By reducing the rigging, your rope should easily be able to be pulled through and then tighten, laying the end across your hand. If you do not know how to tie a double loop knot, you need to learn as too often new comers end up tying a slip knot and when pulling tight, it just reduces and ends up slipping. A proper loop or double loop will not slip.

Since this is also your second ride, you may want to stretch your rope as much as possible if it is brand new. To stretch, secure one end and then lay back into it pulling it as far as it will possible go. I've known some riders who tied weights on one end and then tied the other into a tree over night to help get the new rope broken end and don't forget to rosin the rope too. The rosin will keep the arena dirt out of the fibers along with giving you that needed grip to your glove to hang in there for that 8 second ride of your life.

Other notes: I used a five plait rope, but because it is narrow, it has a great chance of rolling over and could have caused becoming hung up. IF you don't have a 7 or 9 plait rigging, I recommend you get one if you plan to keep riding. A quality rope is utmost important.

I also recommend to not take a wrap around your hand unless your Jim Shoulders who I believe invented the suicide wrap securing the rig around his thumb and back of his hand.... Good luck in the Bull Pen Partner and hope the information helps.