A good bull ride is symbiotic and competitive at the same time. Part pitted warfare between man and beast, part beautiful partnership — where for a mere eight seconds the two become one.

Cowboys endure cracked ribs and plenty more for the chance to achieve the high … to feel it even once.

They hope and pray to pick the bull named “Little Hummer” or “Slim Slam,” so they get their shot at a perfect ride, because even if they stay on for the full eight seconds, none of it matters unless they also have an outstanding animal.

A really good bull, the one that gets good scoring and the one a rider hopes he’ll pick, doesn’t just buck a lot. He spins and kicks and puts his whole heart into knocking the rider off.

Humpz & Hornz is a Professional Bull Riders Contractor , with upward of 70 bulls in the herd, including such high scorers as Spartacus, Funky Music, Slim Slam and Little Hummer.

In bull riding, both the rider and the bull are judged on a one to 25 scale by two judges, with a possible total score of 50 points for each. A 22-point bull is considered a good bull,

On June 17 at the El Dorado County Fairgrounds, dozens of cowboys will attempt to ride Wes Ibrahimi’s bulls. They’ll vie for the small chance at a little bit of prize money, a silver buckle and a perfect eight seconds. Many of us might consider it a foolhardy act, but they’ll do it for the love of it, pure and simple.

The bull riding starts at 8pm in the Grandstands at the El Dorado County Fairgrounds. It’s free with admission to the fair.

The 2011 El Dorado County Fair is June 16-19 in Placerville. For more information, call (530) 621.5860.