text: is it true that bulls who participate in rodeos have a rope tightened around their genitals?   some of these answers would be funny if not for the thought y'all believe it.  anyone wear a belt? next time you see someone wearing a belt notice how they jump and spin and hop around. :-d   there is a flank strap. it is not a rope tightened around the genitals - that is a false statement by people who have never been to a rodeo. if they had they'd see it's not a rope - it's a leather strap usually with fleece on it - basily a belt. it is well in front of the genitals.  furthermore - there is a way with ropes if it's tightened enough it touches nerves and renders the animal unable to move. this used to be done to work on animals on farms before cattle chutes were routine. if it were tight ropes the bull would be unable to move.  the strap does not hurt them...it makes them buck higher. that's it. they're bred to buck and bred for attitude. for the brief time they are bucking there is absolutely no harm done to the animal.