Bull Rider Sailor

NORFOLK, VA, UNITED STATES

11.15.2017

Story by Petty Officer 3rd Class Caleb Strong 

USS Bataan (LHD 5)

A Livingston, Montana native, when Sulages isn’t working on radars or maintaining electronics equipment onboard the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) he is in the ring. While it seems unusual, for Sulages riding is a stress reliever, because in the ring all that matters is him and the bull.
“Bull riding is about conquering the fear that’s within you,” said Sulages.
His passion for bull riding began when he was nine years-old.
“A buddy got me into bull riding,” said Sulages. “I rode mechanical bulls at first, just for fun. Eventually I began riding actual bulls and I’ve been hooked ever since.”
Like anything, preparation and safety are key to going inside the ring on a bull.
“I try to arrive two hours early,” said Sulages.
“I relax and listen to music. I mentally prepare myself and I prep my gear. My wife doesn’t care if I ride, but she makes sure that I wear a helmet when I do.”
It is this attitude and fortitude that embodies Sulages and other bull riders to keep riding.
“In the Navy as an ET, I do a lot of problem solving,” said Sulages. “When I’m in the ring, all my problems go away. I know what I’m doing, I have confidence in myself. It’s hard and easy at the same time, you don’t have to worry about day-to-day stressors when you’re in the ring.”
Whether he is on the high seas or in the ring, Sulages plans to continue to serve his country and ride as long as he can.
In September he returned from his second deployment overseas. After spending time with his wife and kids, he was ready to get back in the ring.
“A lot of people see bull riding as grabbing onto the bull and going. It’s not that at all,” said Sulages. “There is a balance to it and is very difficult to stay on. I love riding, it’s controlled chaos. I plan on riding for many years to come.”

• Date Taken: 11.15.2017
• Date Posted: 11.21.2017 08:26
• Story ID: 256082
• Location: NORFOLK, VA, US
• Hometown: LIVINGSTON, MT, US