Madison Square Garden Transformed As Champion Bull Riders Get Ready To Take Charge

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Don't even think of calling it a rodeo -- this is bull riding.

Madison Square Garden has transformed with 250 tons of dirt packed on top of the Rangers' home ice.

"You better be tough if you're going to ride bulls for a living," PBR World Champion, J.B. Mauny told CBS2's Meg Baker.

Thirty-five of the world's top bull riders were getting ready to take charge this weekend and risk their lives on each ride.

"When that shoot gate opens, that could be the last time. God be willing, that's the price you pay to be doing what you love," Mauny said.

Top contender Ryan Dirteater gave CBS2's Baker a lesson on Friday, and taught her that it's all about timing.

"If we're not staying on our bulls for eight seconds we're not making no money. and if you're staying on longer than eight seconds, well they don't pay overtime," he said.

Some of the bulls can weigh more than 1,500-lbs, so the riders sprint out of the arena as soon as their eight seconds are up.

Cowboys said it's as much about physical strength as it is about mental preparedness. Dirteater said his faith keeps him grounded as well as his physical preparation.

"I hit the gym during the week. I do yoga, hot yoga and stuff," he said.

Bull riding can equal big bucks, but only if you're at the top of your game.

Mauney has won three titles at MSG and has $6.7-million in career earnings at just 29-years-old.

There is a $140,000 prize up for grabs this weekend.