Updated: Sun Jul. 05 2009 18:08:10

ctvcalgary.ca

Professional bull riding is one of the most dangerous rodeo sports. But a former pro rider has set up a school to teach cowboy wannabes how to ride a bucking bull. The course requires no farm or rodeo experience, only a keen desire for adventure.

Joe Messina is a 14-year bull riding veteran. He now teaches crash courses at his Fantasy Adventure Bull Riding school to share the thrill of the sport with others.

"I want to educate people as to why we do it. You know, people say 'Look at those guys, they are crazy'. Well you know what, we are not crazy. Some kids play hockey, some kids play football, we rode bulls as kids."

Girletz Ranch is home to over 50 Brahma Bulls, many of which are featured in Alberta's Pro Rodeo circuit.

"As soon as they run down these chutes, they know their job is to buck."

Students ride the same bulls the pros do, but in the beginner's class, the chutes don't open.

Even then it doesn't take long for students, like Adam Geisbrecht, to get a feel for the sheer power underneath them.

"I was a little scared. It was exciting. Oh yah, definitely still catching my breath."

For most, curiosity brings then to the school. CTV's Sneha Kulkarni couldn't help but give it a try and test out her nerves. But after few jolts from the 2,000 pound animal, she was ready to hop off and leave it to pros.

"Sitting on a real live bull takes courage and gets your adrenaline pumping," said Kulkarni. "But learning how to stay on a bucking bull - that takes skill. We are learning the tricks of the trade using the same simulators the pros do."

The El Toro may look like the machines you see in the bars, but the one the pros use builds up their technique and strength.

"A career as rodeo star is a long shot for the weekend cowboys," said Kulkarni. "But an afternoon on the ranch has left us all with a few sore muscles and a new respect for a truly unique sport."

More than 500 people have braved the bull riding camp since last year. There's a second course called "Get Bucked" where students get a chance to ride a bull out of the chutes.

For more information on Fantasy Adventure Bull Riding, click here.