Function
The picador has three main functions:
- To pierce the muscle on the back of the bull’s neck in order to straighten the bull's charge.
- To fatigue the bull’s neck muscles and general stamina as it tries to lift the horse with its head.
- To lower the bull’s head in preparation for the next stage.
If the public feels that a picador is over-enthusiastic in his lancing they will whistle, boo or jeer as they see fit. This is because they do not want the bull to lose all its strength and energy as this can lead to a dull bullfight.
The picador is obliged to give the bull two lances in a first category bull ring (Barcelona, Madrid, Sevilla, Zaragoza etc.) but the matador may request that the second is waived in second and third category rings. The bull may receive three lances if it is particularly ferocious.
The willingness of the bull to charge the picador is often cited as the biggest test of its courage. A bull that does not charge may be punished with a black banderilla, which although somewhat longer than a normal banderilla is largely symbolic and a mark of shame for the breeder. This is very rare.
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