Many things contribute to the way a bull performs when he exits the bucking chute. Much like any other athlete, conditions must be right: he should be rested, should have adequate abdominal fill and be free of any musculoskeletal pain. This can be most difficult to assess when presented with the bull that is off in his performing ability. Lameness is easily diagnosed when bulls are trying not to use a limb. Usually, the magnitude of the injury will intensify the lameness response.