A night at the Professional Bull Riders' BULLNANZA brings new respect for the world's top bull riders, who spring out of the chute atop two-ton beasts determined to toss them.

But the riders only have to spend 8 seconds atop the ornery bulls. Truck driver Doug Butcher spends so much time with the burly bruisers, he knows each of them by name and temperment.

"I have more friends in the animal world than in the people world," says Butcher, who drives for Herrington Cattle Co., a stock contractor for the Professional Bull Riders, or PBR.

Herrington Cattle, based in Moss Hill, Texas, provides about 20 bulls for many of the PBR's events, including the Built Ford Tough Series, a 29-city, $9.5 million tour that has an estimated 100 million viewers annually.

Hauling performing bulls is a little different than driving around typical livestock, Butcher says, recognizing his precious cargo.

"I'll go 450-500 miles a day, but then have to stop for the night to rest the bulls," says Butcher, who drives a 13-speed 460 hp 2001 Mack sleeper truck. "Most bull haulers don't use a Mack, but it does real good in the mountains and hills. I'll outrun everything the other haulers have."

Star Treatment

Butcher has found that being on the road with famous buckers like Gunsmoke and Curly Bill is just like traveling with any stars who spend time in the spotlight: you attract groupies.

"When we first started, the toughest thing was finding a place to rest and feed the bulls, but once people heard what I was hauling, they were glad to have us. Now they spread the word and draw a crowd," Butcher says. "One morning I got up at 6:30 a.m. to feed the bulls and there were 60 people out there with cameras."

Butcher, who grew up riding bulls and also owns a rodeo company, Diamond D Rodeos, is no stranger to a life that combines livestock and entertainment.

"People come out to see the bulls as much as the riders," Butcher says. "The bulls can be a little on the mean side, especially when they're young. But after I feed them and care for them a while, I earn their respect. 'Course, some stay hardheaded and have to be kept separate from the others."

Keeping the bulls safe and (relatively) happy is vital to a successful show. The bull riders may be competing for the money, but the bulls are just as vital to the bull riding competitions. Half of a rider's score, which is on a 100-point scale, is based on the bull's performance. The other half is determined by the rider's control and body position, assuming he stays on for the required 8 seconds.

On the Road

The Professional Bull Riders' Built Ford Tough Series crosses the country throughout the year, and it's trucks that deliver the goods. Salem Leasing, based in Winston Salem, N.C., leases three trailer trucks to the PBR to haul all the necessary equipment, from gates to gear. Salem's owner, Tom Teague, is also a bull owner. His stock includes the reigning PBR World Champion Little Yellow Jacket.

For more details, go to www.pbrnow.com.

Eight Seconds to Fame

The 2003 Built Ford Tough Series culminates with the World Finals in Las Vegas. Catch some of the top bull riders competing for a share of the $9.5 million given away at these upcoming events: