Saddle Up, Buttercup: The Brahman Bull Who Became a Dream Ride
From pasture to public events, Spartacus the Brahman bull defies stereotypes and proves that kindness, respect, and consistent training can turn even the most powerful animals into trusted companions.
Riding Hope: The Unbreakable Bond Between a Woman and Her Bull
On a quiet farm in North Carolina, a 2,000-pound Brahman bull named Spartacus is redefining everything we thought we knew about bovine behavior. Raised with love, trained with patience, and trusted with the weight of a dream, Spartacus isn’t just a majestic animal—he’s a symbol of the power of compassion and consistency in animal training. For Cyana Briles, Spartacus is more than livestock. He’s a confidant, a companion, and the living proof that even the most intimidating animals can become gentle giants.
Training a Titan: The Art of Working With Brahman Bulls
Training a Brahman bull is no ordinary task. These animals are highly intelligent, deeply sensitive, and—if mishandled—can be dangerous. But as exotic animal trainer Terri Bowen Lindley teaches, success doesn’t come from dominance. It comes from mentorship.
"It's not about control—it's about communication," says Lindley, whose training resume reads like a zookeeper’s dream list: horses, zebras, llamas, even giraffes. “You don’t show them who’s boss. You lead, gently.”
With consistent reinforcement, clear direction, and gentle correction, Brahman bulls can become surprisingly responsive. In Spartacus’s case, groundwork, desensitization, and even ground driving—a method akin to teaching a tank to parallel park—were all essential steps in preparing him to carry a rider.
Spartacus: From Calf to Gentle Giant
Born May 2, 2016, on Briles' Browse Farm, Spartacus was special from the start. He was affectionate, curious, and never shy about leaning into a neck rub. Raised with daily affection and introduced to gear like saddles early on, Spartacus showed from a young age that he had the temperament to do something extraordinary.
“I wasn’t sure at first if it was even possible,” Cyana admits. “But he had the personality. He loved people. And I thought—maybe this crazy dream of riding a Brahman bull isn't so crazy after all.”
Saddle Up: Facing Fears and Fulfilling Dreams
Cyana, by her own admission, was not a fearless rider. In fact, she once described herself as a nervous trail rider. But her relationship with Spartacus gave her courage. With Terri’s help, she learned to communicate better, move with the bull, and eventually—ride.
The first time she mounted Spartacus, she had to remind herself to breathe. “I wasn’t scared,” she says. “I was just overwhelmed that it was really happening. I was riding my dream.”
Moo-ving Through the World
Spartacus is more than just a ridable bull—he’s a local celebrity. His calm demeanor has made him a beloved figure at farmers markets, town parades, and even Tractor Supply stores. He’s posed for photos, let children sit on him, and earned a fan club of people who waited over 45 minutes just to spend two minutes in his presence.
But perhaps the most extraordinary thing? None of it is monetized. “He’s not a gimmick,” says Cyana. “He’s a gift. I want people—especially kids—to meet him, to see what Brahman bulls can be. That kind of joy shouldn’t come with a price tag.”
Therapy With Horns
For Cyana, Spartacus is more than a public ambassador. He’s her therapist.
“When I’m having a hard day, I go out to the pasture, and he rests his big head on my shoulder like he just knows,” she says, voice thick with emotion. “I talk, and he listens. And somehow, everything feels better.”
A Message Bigger Than the Bull
Spartacus’s story is about more than just one bull. It’s about challenging assumptions—about animals, about ourselves, and about what’s possible with enough love and respect.
He was never just a calf. He was a dream waiting to happen. And now, every time Cyana swings her leg over that broad, strong back and takes a ride through the fields, she rides with pride, with gratitude—and with a new belief:
“If I can ride a Brahman bull at 50, I can do anything.”