PBR Now 2009 Vol.2

GUILHERME MARCHI, 2008 PBR WORLD CHAMPION.

STAY HUNGRY OR GOHUNGRY.

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GUILHERME MARCHI, 2008 PBR WORLD CHAMPION.

STAY HUNGRY OR GOHUNGRY.

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BLEED 8”

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Rocky McDonald attempts Dakota/Rosen’s Big Tease during the third round of the Worcester Built Ford Tough PBR event.

PublisherChristopher Burkhardt

VP of Publications/FanCorp EditorSusan Bedford

PBR Editor-in-ChiefJeff Johnstone

ContributorsCindy GotoskiBridget CookKelly Pickens

Keith Ryan CartwrightBen D’Andrea

Graphics WranglerCedric Maniquiz

Director of OperationsJeannie Kaiser

MarketingLisa Marie Swearingen 714-434-2579

Jeannie Kaiser 714-434-2579Darren Epstein 661-263-3200

PhotographersAllen GlanvilleAndy Watson

Matt Breneman

“Adriano Moraes, Justin McBride and J.W. Hart’s shared traits of courage, strength

and character earned them entry into the brotherhood of the Professional Bull Riders

Ring of Honor.”

“I’m definitely earning a lot of frequent flier miles this season! I’m getting on a lot of bulls

and a lot of planes.”

“Maybe someday I will beat him, but I don’t know. He is so good.”

“It’s much more exciting going as an owner than just a spectator; you’re much more

involved in it. It brings it up to a new level and it is extremely exciting and I recommend it to

anybody who really enjoys the PBR.”

SuSan bedford writing about the PBR Ring of honor in The Fellowship Of The Ring

rocky Mcdonald, talking about his extensive traveling including trips to Australia, Mexico and Brazil this Summer in Up To The Challenge

2008 PBR World Champion GuilherMe Marchi on Teague Bucking Bulls’ Bones after the PBR World Champion Bull bucked him off to end a remarkable

string of 7 straight rides on his way to the gold buckle.

rebecca hewkin talking about partnering on a PBR bull in the special section, “Put Your Name on a PBR Bull”

[PG 14]

“If you have the talent, the Challenger system allows you to rise to the top.”

Jay dauGherty, VP of Event Tours, discussing the 2009 Challenger Tour season

[PG 16]

[PG 20]

[PG 58]

[PG 39]

Rocky McDonald: Up To the Challenge page 20

Cody’s All Starspage 52

matt Brenem

anandy w

atson

PBR Copenhagen Bull Riders Challenger Tour program published by FanfCorp Western Lifestyle PublishingCosta Mesa, Calif. USA | 714-434-2579 | [email protected] | ©2009 all rights reserved | Trend Offset Printing

The Riders

4 contentS

Table of Contents

JACK DANIEL’S and OLD NO. 7 are registered trademarks. ©2006 Jack Daniel’s. Come visit us at www.jackdaniels.com

randy bernardPBR CEO

elcome to the 2009 Co-penhagen Bull Riding Challenger Tour, and the Enterprise Rent-A-Car Tour! I’m grateful

that you’ve joined us, and hope you enjoy experiencing the PBR as much as we enjoy bringing it to you.

Some have described our Challenger and Enterprise Tours as “minor league.” And to an extent, they’re right. At this event you’ll see a number of up-and-coming athletes do-ing their best to break into the rarified ranks of the Built Ford Tough Series.

But unlike just about any other sport’s alternative leagues, you’ll also see superstar veterans at the top of their game. They’re

not here to “practice,” or to recover from in-juries while facing lesser talent. They’re here to win.

The name of the game is competition, and that’s what you’ll get. Every dollar earned at this event counts toward qualifica-tion for our Built Ford Tough World Finals in Las Vegas. And with the number of points available in Las Vegas, almost any of these young men has a shot at winning a World Championship.

Let me take a moment to thank our title sponsors. Copenhagen has been a strong ally of the PBR since the beginning. They’ve stuck with us jump for jump, through good times and bad. Their generosity allowed us to award over a million dollars at the Chal-

lenger Tour Championship in 2008. We’re honored to call them our friends.

Enterprise Rent-A-Car is to car rental what the PBR is to bull riding. There’s sim-ply nothing else that comes close. I’m ex-tremely grateful to them for their steadfast support, and look forward to many more great years with them.

Again, thank you for coming. We’re the seventh largest sport in the nation, and we know it’s because of your passion. We won’t forget that.

Enjoy!

W

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challenger tour logo

The PBR Headquarters building in Pueblo, Colorado.

The Riders

6 GreetinGS

Greetings

©2009 Ariat International, Inc. All rights reserved.

JUSTIN McDANIEL2008 WORLD CHAMPIONBAREBACK RIDING

OFFICIAL BOOT OF THE PBR

randy VaughnOne-On-One Marketing Mgr.

Copenhagen Bull Riding

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he Copenhagen Bull Riding Challenger Tour has be-come our signature program of the year, attracting the top contenders from all over the world. These cowboy athletes are chasing one of the three most prestigious gold buckles in the world, which includes the Built

Ford Tough World Championship, the PBR World Finals event championship and the Copenhagen Bull Riding Challenger Tour Championship. Each year the Challenger Tour grows—in both available prize money and in quality of competition.

Clayton Williams showed us once again that he has what it takes to be a champion—drive, determination, dedication and sacri-fice—by overcoming injury and achieving an unprecedented second consecutive Copenhagen Bull Riding Challenger Tour Champion-ship in 2008. His prize money check for $525,000 was well-de-served, putting him over a million dollars in career earnings. Wil-liams had enough Challenger money won to lay claim to the title of overall Challenger Tour Champion as well. Close behind was Bryan Richardson, who took home $112,000 for second place, and Brazil’s Robson Palermo, with $83,000. Kody Lostroh and Austra-lia’s Jared Farley rounded out the top five.

Copenhagen Bull Riding is proud to provide this showcase for the rising stars of the sport—both human and bovine. There are as many four-legged superstars as there are cowboy superstars com-peting at the Challenger Tour events.

It’s an exciting time for our company and for the sport of bull riding. On behalf of U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Co. we appreciate your support of this tour and the PBR.

ty MurrayPBR Co-Founder9-time World Champion

elcome to the show. I’m glad you can be a part of the PBR and I hope that you’ll enjoy the Challenger Tour experience. I always like these events because I get to see not only some of the current stars, but also the young

guys who are the future of our sport.In the past few years we’ve seen some serious talent emerge

from the Challenger system. If you have the talent and the drive, the PBR tour system is structured so you can rise to the top. Reigning Challenger Champion Clayton Williams won over $740,000 at just the last two Challenger Finals alone and 2008 PBR Rookie of the Year Reese Cates is another rising star to come out of the Challenger system recently.

The PBR has always been about being inclusive. A big part of our Challenger system are the international tours in Australia, Brazil, Canada and Mexico. At my event in Albuquerque, N.M. this year I invited the Top 5 Native American riders to participate. The PBR wants the best athletes in the world competing, regard-less of where they were born or currently live. The PBR provides a proving ground that gives an equal chance to any guy to climb up the ladder to the elite Built Ford Tough Series, provided he has the talent.

When we founded the PBR over 15 years ago, a primary goal was to make sure that one day, bull riders would get paid a fair amount for the work they do and the risks they take. Just like the NFL or NBA, only talent and your work ethic can take you to the top in the PBR. Once you are there, you should be paid accordingly. I am proud of the money our riders are starting to make. The recently retired two-time World Champion Justin McBride made over $5 million in his decade in the PBR.

We have the toughest and most gifted athletes in the world and I’m thrilled with what we’ve already achieved and where we’re headed. Thanks to you, the fan, for supporting our dream and for helping to make bull riding into what we always knew it could be.

W T

The Riders

8 GreetinGS

Greetings

Enterprise is proud to once again join the PBR as an official partner. Since the relationship began in 2003, Enterprise has been proud to support the PBR in a variety of ways.

TEAM ENTERPRISE, otherwise known as “The White Shirt Guys,” includes a rough and tumble core of 12 riders, two legends of the sport in Michael Gaffney and Tater Porter and one world renowned, entertaining barrel man in Flint Rasmussen. The entire team is built to bring you the best overall experience the sport has to offer.

The Enterprise RIDE WITH THE BEST® challenge has become a PBR institution and fan favorite. The rules are simple, but the ride won’t be. It’s bull rider versus bull in a fight to the finish. If the previous Built Ford Tough Series long-round winner can stay on the bull he’s drawn for 8 seconds, he wins $5,000. If he can’t, the bull takes home the prize. Be it man or beast, winner takes all.

The Enterprise Tour also is back for another year, providing opportunities for the sport’s up and coming athletes. With nearly 100 annual events spread out around the country, it’s just one more way that Enterprise is committed to promoting the sport and giving more riders more opportunity to succeed.

So the next time you need to rent a car, truck or van, please consider Enterprise, the Official Rent-A-Car Company of the PBR. Visit us at enterprise.com or call 1-800-rent-a-car.

8.5”x11” Full page 4c bleed 904326 JM

2009 built ford tough Series

2009 copenhagen bull riding challenger tour Schedule

follow the Pbr on pbrnow.com for the most up-to-date schedule and events. Schedule subject to change without notice.

ticketinG: pbrnow.com/ticketing

as of July 1st, 2009as of July 1st, 2009

Date Event Title CityJanuary 2-3 Baltimore Invitational Baltimore, MDJanuary 9-11 Madison Square Garden Invitational New York, NYJanuary 16 Table Mountain Casino Invitational Fresno, CAJanuary 17-18 Sacramento Classic Sacramento, CAJanuary 24-25 Dickies Invitational Dallas, TX

January 30-31 Copenhagen Bull Riding Invitational Presented by Pike Electric Winston-Salem, NC

February 06 Tampa Invitational Tampa, FLFebruary 7-8 Troy-Bilt Invitational Presented by Cooper Tires Tallahassee, FLFebruary 13-15 Express Classic Oklahoma City, OKFebruary 20-21 Anaheim Invitational Anaheim, CAFebruary 22 Glendale Invitational Glendale, AZFebruary 27- March 1 Enterprise Rent-A-Car Invitational St. Louis, MOMarch 7-8 Kansas City Invitational Kansas City, MOMarch 14-15 Pike Electric Invitational Birmingham, ALMarch 21-22 Tacoma Invitational Tacoma, WA

March 27-29 Sandia Resort & Casino presents the Ty Murray Invitational Albuquerque, NM

April 3-5 Nampa Invitational Nampa, IDApril 17-19 The NILE Invitational Presented by Cooper Tires Billings, MTApril 24-25 Bass Pro Shops Shootout Presented by Tracker Boats Omaha, NEMay 1-3 U.S. Air Force Invitational Worcester, MAMay 8-9 Genuity Invitational Des Moines, IA

May 16-17 The Ford F-150 Invitational Presented by Copenhagen Bull Riding Pueblo, CO

July 17-19 U.S. Border Patrol Invitational Tulsa, OKAugust 1-2 Bud Light Invitational Presented by Cooper Tires San Antonio , TX

August 15-16 Jack Daniels Invitational Presented by Copenhagen Bull Riding Nashville, TN

August 28-30 PBR World Cup - Barretos Barretos, BRSeptember 11-13 Copenhagen Bull Riding Invitational Reno, NVSeptember 19-20 Springfield Invitational Springfield, MOSeptember 26-27 Dickies Invitational Ontario, CAOctober2-3 Portland Invitational Presented by Cooper Tires Portland, OR

October 10-11 Cooper Tire Invitational Presented by Copenhagen Bull Riding Columbus, OH

October 16-18 Mohegan Sun Invitational Presented by Cooper Tires Uncasville, CTOctober 30-November 1 2009 PBR Built Ford Tough World Finals Las Vegas, NVNovember 5-8 2009 PBR Built Ford Tough World Finals Las Vegas, NV

Date CityNovember 21-22, 2008 Florence, SCDecember 5, 2008 Lexington, VADecember 6, 2008 Lexington, VAJanuary 24 Augusta, GAApril 10-11 Ft. Pierce, FL April 23 Clovis, CAMay 23 Decatur, TXMay 29-30 Lexington, KYJune 4 Santa Maria, CAJune 5-6 Elk City, OKJune 13 Bastrop, TXJune 19-20 Bismarck, NDJune 30 St. Paul, ORJuly 4 Giddings, TXJuly 3-4 Tidioute, PAJuly 2-4 Park Rapids, MNJuly 10 San Antonio, TXJuly 11 Springdale, ARJuly 15 Salinas, CAJuly 15 Bozeman, MTJuly 17 Thief River Falls, MNJuly 18 Thief River Falls, MNJuly 20-21 Cheyenne, WYJuly 24-25 Guthrie, OKJuly 31-Aug. 1 FL Fort Myers, FLAugust 2 Paso Robles, CAAugust 6 Santa Barbara, CAAugust 7-8 Molalla, ORAugust 22 Prescott, AZAugust 21-22 Archdale, NCAugust 21-22 Beaumont, TXAugust 28-29 Baton Rouge, LASeptember 6 Steamboat Springs, COSept. 14-15 Pendleton, ORNov 20-22Copenhagen Bull Riding Challenger Tour Championship presented by Dickies

Atlanta, GA

follow the Pbr on tV!for a list of televised events, visit:

www.pbrnow.com/media/tv/

The Riders

10 Schedule

2009 Schedule of Events

The challenger Tour System

CopenhagenBull RidingChallenger Tour

The PBR’s Copenhagen Bull Riding Challenger Tour is comparable to baseball’s minor league. It offers up-and-coming bull rid-ers the opportunity to compete in PBR sanc-tioned events while earning money to qualify them for the elite Built Ford Tough Series.

The top athletes of the Built Ford Tough Series can also compete in Challenger events, and most choose to do so on weekends that they don’t have a Built Ford Tough Series event on their schedules.

Once the season begins, the world’s top 40 bull riders have to be on top of their game to stay in the Built Ford Tough Series. Several cuts of the bottom athletes are made over the course of the year, with the top Challenger ath-letes moving into these positions.

Enterprise Tour

The PBR Enterprise Tour is an exciting series catering to both current and future stars. All prize money won on the Enterprise Tour counts toward qualification toward the lucra-tive Challenger Championship and the Built Ford Tough World Finals in Las Vegas.

The Discovery Tour

The Discovery Tour enhances the PBR’s competitive structure by providing a level four tier affiliated with the PBR that includes smaller grass roots markets and more permit entries. Discovery Tour events feed the Chal-lenger and Enterprise Tour levels, which in turn operate as stepping-stones to Built Ford Tough Series action. All prize money won on the Discovery Tour counts towards qualifica-tion for the Challenger Tour Finals and the Built Ford Tough World Finals.

2009 enterprise tour

2009 discovery tour

Date CityNovember 1, 2008 Kansas City, MO November 4, 2008 Las Vegas, NV December 13, 2008 Grand Island, NE January 9-10 Louisville, KY January 9-10 Bossier City, LA January 9-10 Pensacola, FL January 9-10 North Charleston, SC January 10 Knoxville, TN January 12-14 Denver, CO January 15 Pueblo, CO January 16-17 Monroe, LA January 16-17 Columbus, GA January 16-17 Wichita, KS January 16-17 Spokane, WA January 24 Davie, FL January 24-25 Fairfax, VA January 24-25 Bridgeport, CT January 30-31 Jackson, TN January 30-31 Johnson City, TN February 13-14 Saginaw, MI February 13-14 Wheeling, WV February 21 Little Rock, AR March 13-14 Poplar Bluff, MO March 20-21 Hampton, VA March 20-21 Columbia, SC March 20-21 Roanoke, VA March 21 Evansville, IN April 4 San Francisco, CA April 17-18 Southaven, MS April 24-25 Trenton, NJ April 25 Cleburne, TX April 24-25 Brawley, CA May 1 Gonzales, LA May 30 Midland, TX May 29-30 Ada, OK

Date CityJune 5 Elizabeth, CO June 6-7 Providence, RI June 12-13 Sidney, MT June 19 Evergreen, CO June 19-20 Rapid City, SD June 26 Greeley, CO June 27 Binford, ND June 26-27 Kinder, LA June 27-28 Manchester, NH July 2 Wimberly, TX July 3-4 Rocksprings, TX July 12 Gonzales, TX July 17-18 Clemson, SC July 23 Grand Junction, CO July 25 Hastings, NE July 25-26 Del Mar, CA July 31-Aug. 1 Weatherford, TX August 5 Goodland, KS August 13 North Platte, NE August 15 Ft. Smith, AR August 19 Helena, MT August 21-22 Sulphur Springs, TX August 21-22 Aiken, SC August 22-23 Santa Fe, NM August 28 Lancaster, CA September 5 Hollister, CA September 4-5 Belton, TX Sept. 10-11 Fort Collins, CO September 19 Stockton, CA September 24 Red Bluff, CA October 2-3 Lafayette, LA October 9-10 Roswell, NM October 9-10 Pasadena, TX October 17-18 Clovis, NM

Date CityOctober 24, 2008 San Antonio, TX October 25, 2008 Augusta, GA November 14, 2008 San Antonio, TX December 5, 2008 San Antonio, TX December 31, 2008 San Antonio, TX January 9 San Antonio, TX January 23 San Antonio, TX February 6-7 Salina, KS February 12 San Antonio, TX February 21-22 Kalamazoo, MI March 6-7 Victoria, TX March 13 San Antonio, TX March 28 Palestine, TX April 3 San Antonio, TX April 3-4 Stephenville, TX April 3-4 Mesquite, TX April 10-11 Summerfield, NC April 10-11 Mesquite, TX

Date CityApril 17-18 Mesquite, TX April 24-25 Greensboro, NC May 6-7 Wharton, TX May 8-9 Richlands, NC May 16 Stephenville, TX May 22 San Antonio, TX May 29 Ardmore, OK May 29 San Antonio, TX June 6 Perryton, TX June 19 San Antonio, TX June 20 Winner, SD June 26 San Antonio, TX July 10-11 McLeansville, NC July 18 Harrison, AR July 25 Dublin, VA July 29-30 Yuba City, CA September 11-12 Richlands, NC September 11-12 Boone, NC

as of July 1st, 2009

as of July 1st, 2009

Schedule 11

ty Shakes his Groove thing

If you thought Ty Murray could only two-step, think again! Murray was a hit on the popular ABC show “Dancing with the Stars.” De-spite a rough start, the “King of the Cowboys” was able to channel his inner “Lord of the Dance” and improved remarkably from week one until the second to last week—when he was one of the last four couples still dancing.

“For me, taking part in Dancing with the Stars was about en-joying the process, having a good time and making sure you put in the work,” explained Murray. Murray credits his loyal fans, the “Ty Army,” for keeping him in the competition so long. Murray also embraced the opportunity to reach new fans and to show America what the PBR is all about.

ross coleman Gives back

PBR Superstar Ross Cole-man knows how to throw a party—he shoots for the stars!

The Fifth Annual Ross Cole-man Invitational will be held on Aug. 6-8 and will once again ben-efit the Make-A-Wish Foundation

of Oregon. Besides supporting a great charity, the bull riding will feature live music, a Metal Mulisha Motocross freestyle demonstra-tion before the event and an auction.

“The event got started because my good buddy Jack Peterkin had cancer,” explained Coleman.

“We had a meeting to discuss how we could help him and came up with the idea to hold a PBR bull riding to benefit him.”

Folks from Coleman’s hometown of Mollala, Ore. came out to see the PBR riders and to support Peterkin. That first event was a huge success, and the next year it was decided that the money raised would go to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, which grants the wishes of children facing terminal and chronic diseases.

The Ross Coleman Invitational has raised over $400,000 during the last three years, including $127,000 for the Foundation. The Ross Coleman Invitational starts with a team of horses driven by Peterkin (whose cancer is in remission) pulling a carriage filled with the guests of honor: the kids from the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

The weekend festivities will kick off with a Golf Tourna-ment and a Kick-Off Party on August 6 with the Justin McBride Band. Eighty cowboys will ride over the two-day event. Log onto rosscoleman.com or call 503-759-BULL to buy tickets. Tickets are just $16 in advance.

Must See Pbr tV

You won’t have to wait for the weekend to watch the Toughest Sport on Dirt anymore. PBR.TV, a new broadband network, will allow fans to watch hours of high-quality footage online. Tune in for highlight action from previous events. Watch behind-the scenes interviews with your favorite riders. Listen in to podcasts from Ty Murray and Cody Lambert. Watch Flint Rasmussen’s “Outside the Barrel” show. It’s all there, it’s all new, and it’s all free.

Visit PBR.TV today.

bulls Go bionic

Most bull riders leave mechanical bull riding to the patrons in country-western bars. Bull riders have always found a way to practice their craft between events (from a barrel on springs to practice pen bulls), but mechani-cal bulls just weren’t “real” enough to be of much use to professionals—until now. The radio-controlled Robo

Bull machine is completely mobile and mimics the movements of a live bull. It is part of Robo Cyber System/JLD’s line which also includes a Robo Bronc and a Robo Steer.

PBR superstar Mike White has used Robo Bull at his bull rid-ing schools and he also uses it for rehab.

“Once I was introduced to the Robo Bull and Robo Steer, I’ll never use anything else,” stated White. “As a teaching tool for young students, it’s a great way to give them the feel for a real animal without the same danger. For me, it’s been a lifesaver for keeping me in shape and helps me focus on using my legs while my arm is still injured.” White is expected to return to competition in August and is planning on using the Robo Steer to practice his rop-ing once his arm and shoulder heal.

“From my love of riding bucking bulls and broncs,” shared Robo Cyber System’s Jim Donnelly, “I knew we could develop a bucking machine that had forward momentum and could travel in dirt and be run through a bucking chute. What we have now is better than we even imagined. This machine can go as slow as you need for beginners or younger riders and then you can crank it up to be rank—if you want it to be.”

Imagine the Terminator in bull form on an ATV that can move 360 degrees, and you have a good idea of the Robo Bull. The re-mote device allows the operator to be in full control of the direction of travel, speed and intensity of the ride—which means if a cowboy has a problem with a specific type of bull, he can now practice on a “bull” that simulates the problem the cowboy needs to work on. Unlike past machines, the Robo Bull doesn’t create bad habits and it enables riders to train correctly. Visit robocybersystems.com to learn more.

12 Pbr Scene

PBR Scene

he Ring of Honor is more than just a physical ring. It is a fellowship. The Ring of Honor recognizes those who have had the most profound impact on bull riding. They are the true ambassadors of the sport.

The actual ring they receive is hand-crafted of diamonds and gold, and features the PBR logo, the recipient’s name, and the year he was honored. The concept behind the ring is even richer than the materials it is made from.

The tradition was begun in 1996 by the PBR Board of Directors who wished to bestow appropriate laurels on the sport’s legends. They wanted a way to recognize the unique individuals who—through blood,

sweat, heartache and handshakes—were instrumental to the past, present and future success of the sport. The PBR Ring of Honor is awarded to individuals who have made a significant and lasting contribution to the sport of professional bull riding, both in and out of the arena.

Deciding on each inductee is no easy task. There have been many great competi-tors in the sport, but talent alone doesn’t earn the Ring. Some recipients hold mul-

tthe fellowship of the ring d

by Susan Bedford

watson photo

14 rinG of honor

tiple world titles while others have never known the weight of a world champion gold buckle. But in and out of the arena, all have devoted themselves tirelessly to the sport they love.

They are all men of character and distinction—the rock upon which bull riding is built.

In Pueblo, Colo., on May 16, the three newest members put on the ring that has now been awarded to only 30 cowboys in the world. Adriano Moraes, Justin McBride and J.W. Hart’s shared traits of courage, strength and character earned them entry into the brotherhood of the Professional Bull Riders Ring of Honor.

Justin McBride

From a long line of cowboys and bull riders, Justin McBride’s chosen profession came as no surprise but his enormous suc-cess did. Despite roughstock events being in his blood, no one is born a great bull rider, and McBride excelled at the sport through hard work and gritty determination, win-ning two world titles. He earned over $5 million during his 10-year career in the PBR, the most of any man in history.

“Justin is the kind of guy I wanted to put my gear bag next to in the locker room,” shared Ty Murray, “because he didn’t whine or make excuses. He did things the cowboy way-being tough and laying it on the line each time.”

McBride’s talent was so immense that no one was surprised in 2005 when he won his first PBR World Champion title and no one was surprised in 2007 when he shattered countless records. He broke the single season event wins record with eight event wins-the previous record was six. McBride also eclipsed his own record , set in 2005, for the most money won during the regular season. He earned $835,321 and then went to Las Vegas and earned a bonus $1,000,000 for being the World Champion. McBride also surpassed Adriano Moraes’ record of 28 career event wins by chalking up 30 event wins to his credit. Before he retired, he won another two events.

A bull rider as skilled and experienced

as McBride could have had another decade in the spotlight. But McBride was ready to retire by the end of last year. He had a country music career just taking off and a knack for being in the PBR broadcast booth. The legendary bull rider most recently performed at the legendary Grand Ole Opry.

J.W. HartWhen the PBR was founded over 16

years ago, one of the first cowboys to make a name for himself was J.W. Hart. Over the next 13 years, The “Iron Man” Hart earned his nickname one bull at a time. In a sport where athletes are plagues by injuries, Hart was tough and talented enough to keep go-ing. He competed at 197 consecutive events, setting a PBR record that stood until 2007.

Hart was just 18 when the PBR started but he was already wise beyond his years. Hart had a clear vision of what his sport could become and what a group of dedi-cated cowboys could accomplish. From the very beginning, Hart was an ambassador for the sport. Hart was always a PBR fan fa-vorite, but he was also a cowboy’s cowboy. Seemingly cut from a cloth of an earlier era, Hart truly embodied the concepts of “heart” and “try” each time he entered the arena. Ty Murray appropriately described him as an icon for his era and an example of every-thing a great bull rider should be.

After having to take time off for a seri-ous injury, Hart unofficially retired in 2008. His last ride came on May 23 at the PBR event in Decatur, Texas. Hart’s talent helped him accomplish many impressive feats over the years—1994 Rookie of the Year; 2002 World Finals winner; thirty 90-point rides; six event wins; and 2004 U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Co. Challenger Finals event win-ner. But it was his no nonsense attitude and straight talk that helped him this season as he transitioned into the TV broadcast booth. Paired with his extensive knowledge of bucking bulls, due in part to his own success as a stock contractor with bulls that include Cat Man Do, Hart continues to reach and educate fans about the sport he loves. Hart will once again serve as the Team America captain for the 2009 PBR World Cup competition in Brazil. Last year under his leadership the Americans were

able to beat Brazil, Canada, Australia and Mexico for the crown.

Adriano Moraes

There is no bull rider in history as decorated as Adriano Moraes. The PBR’s only three-time World Champion (1994, 2001, 2006) Moraes is also the two-time Challenger Tour Champion and the second-highest money earner in PBR history with over $3.5 million won. But the real value of Moraes’ accomplishments can’t be mea-sured in dollars or buckles.

“Adriano is a true legend and has rewrit-ten the history books on professional bull riding,” said PBR CEO Randy Bernard. “He took a chance and flew over here from Brazil in the late 80’s not speaking any English, very poor, but with a passion for riding bulls. His ability along with his pas-sion helped him become one of the greatest, if not the greatest, bull riders of all time.”

Last year at 38 years of age, Moraes re-tired. He had been the oldest man compet-ing on the elite Built Ford Tough Series and qualified for the PBR World Finals more than any man in history. Moraes paved the way not just for himself, but for every young man from Brazil who came to Ameri-ca with a dream. Ednei Caminhas and Guil-herme Marchi would not be PBR World Champions if not for their fellow country-man. Besides blazing the way, Moraes also served as mentor, friend and father-figure to dozens of Brazilian bull riders competing in the U.S. over the last 15 years. Moraes is also serving as Team Brazil’s captain at this year’s PBR World Cup in Barretos, Brazil in August.

“Adriano’s won about everything you can win as far as a bull rider goes,”stated Cody Lambert, PBR Livestock Director, co-founder of the PBR and Ring of Honor member. “When we had the first PBR Fi-nals he was there and he was our first PBR World Champion. In the couple of years that he competed in rodeos professionally, he went to the National Finals (Rodeo) twice and rode 19 out of 20 bulls; he was the National Finals Champion both times. When they talk about the all-time greats, he’s right up there at the top of the list.”

• 1996: Cody Lambert, Ted Nuce, Jim Shoulders and Harry Tompkins

• 1997: Donnie Gay• 1998: Larry Mahan and Jerome Davis• 1999: Tuff Hedeman, Lane Frost and Jerome

Robinson

• 2000: Clint Branger• 2001: Wacey Cathey• 2002: Daryl Mills, Ty Murray and Denny Flynn• 2003: Cody Custer, Myrtis Dightman

and Aaron Semas• 2004: David Fournier and Charlie Sampson

• 2005: Troy Dunn, Michael Gaffney and Bobby Steiner

• 2006: Bobby DelVecchio and Cody Snyder• 2007: Phil Lyne and Carl Nafzger• 2008: J.W. Hart, Justin McBride

and Adriano Moraes

rinG of honor inducteeS

rinG of honor 15

ans and cowboys alike are pas-sionate about the Challenger tour—and for good reasons. Where else do you have green rookies competing alongside seasoned pros, both riding the best bulls in the business?

Where else would you have the opportunity to see next year’s Daisy Rookie of the Year and a PBR World Champion each make the whistle on the same night over the course of two adrenaline-fueled hours?

Fans love the Copenhagen Challenger tour events because they bring together the best cowboys and the best bulls—regardless of how much experience or chute time either has experienced. Man or beast, if qualified for a Copenhagen event, it’s because they are talented athletes with the right stuff and the potential for greatness.

“You can be a guy who is virtually un-known, like Clayton Williams was before he won the Challenger Event title for the first time in 2007,” commented Jay Daugherty, VP of Event Tours, “but if you have the tal-

ent, the Challenger system allows you to rise to the top.”

The rookies appreciate the opportunity to ride alongside legends they’d previously only seen on television. The veterans often find themselves reminded of what the heart and soul of bull riding is truly about. “Both the rookies and the veterans enjoy Chal-lenger events. The level of competition is extremely high, but it still retains an atmo-sphere that the cowboys really like. Most of the guys count our Challenger Finals as one

of their all-time favorite events every season,” shared Daugherty.

The Enterprise and Discovery tour events also have top-notch talent and the vast number of events in this system assure that Americans from coast-to-coast can ex-perience the thrill of a live PBR bull riding within an hour or two of their hometown. Enterprise events, like Copenhagen events, feature some big-name stars while the Dis-covery tour is for guys just starting out on their professional careers. Discovery events have the same energy as a top college foot-

ball game and the crowd is usually electric with excitement knowing that, in a few years, these are the guys they’ll be watching on the Versus television network.

PBR fans are the best for this reason: they’ll support a cowboy from his first ride until his retirement. Fans appreciate that they are an integral part of the organization and they love the intimacy of a Discovery event where they can sit just a few hundred of feet away from a talented young man just start-ing on his professional bull riding career, but

already displaying a spark of genius, 8 sec-onds at a time.

It is impossible to tell who the next big break-out stars will be who will graduate to ride on the elite Built Ford Tough Series with the top 45 bull riders in the world. Over the past few seasons, Clayton Williams certainly has made a big name for himself on the Chal-lenger tour and on the Built Ford Tough Se-ries. Other Challenger cowboys on the cusp of greatness include Kolt Donaldson, Cody Ford, Harve Stewart, Ryan McConnell and Ryan Dirteater.

“You can be a guy who is virtually unknown, like Clayton Williams was before he won the Challenger Event title for the first time in 2007, but if you have the talent, the Challenger

system allows you to rise to the top.” - Jay Daugherty, VP of Event Tours

LEFT: Jared Farley rides Berger/Ryken’s Walk the Line for 88.5 points during the championship round.RIGHT: Josh Koschel can’t ride Page & Teague’s Hustler.

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F

watson photos

Aim for the Stars

16 challenGer tour

challenger tours: aim for the Stars (cont.)

The Brazilians and Canadians who come to the U.S. to compete in the Chal-lenger tours are also an extremely impressive bunch. Leonil Santos, Edimundo Gomes and Pim Rosa are just three of the men who could very well follow in the footsteps of Adriano Moraes and Guilherme Marchi. At a Challenger event it isn’t unusual to get to see Canadian Champions like Scott Schiff-ner and Aaron Roy competing alongside some of their talented countrymen—Tyler Thomson and Vince Northrop to name a few.

No matter what country or state they hale from, all the cowboys look forward to the Copenhagen Bull Riding Challenger Tour Championship each year. With a $500,000 purse, it is the second-biggest event in the world for any bull rider (only the PBR Built Ford Tough Series World Finals has a bigger total purse with the PBR World Champion earning a million-dollar bonus). Not only do Challenger athletes work tirelessly to ac-crue enough money to qualify for the event, the cowboys on the Built Ford Tough Series compete at Challenger events when they have a weekend off from the televised series in hopes of making it to the Finals.

And it isn’t just the cowboys who look forward to the Challenger Finals. PBR CEO Randy Bernard has compared the impor-tance of the Challenger Finals to PBR fans

to what Wimbledon means to tennis fans. In other words, it is a big-time event with big-time talent and big-time money. To be able to attend is to be able to witness greatness—and history—in the making.

“2009 looks to be our best season ever,” affirmed Daugherty. “Each year we’ve just seen the Challenger Finals get bigger and better. We get the best bull riders from all of the PBR tours and the toughest bulls and a huge prize purse. I think our cowboys and fans have a lot to be excited about. We’ve got some great things in store for this season.”

Pandora’s Box gets the best of Guilherme Marchi.

Robson Palermo can’t make the whistle on Berger/Ward’s Blue Boy during the short go.

Shorty Gorham risks life and limb to save Ryan Littau from D&H’s Bad Yeller.

“it is a big-time event with big-time talent and big-time money. To be able to attend

is to be able to witness greatness—

and history—in the making.”

- Randy Bernard, PBR CEO

watson photos

18 challenGer tour

challenGer tour 19

ITH INTERNA-TIONAL STARS, A NEW HOME FOR THE FINALS AND UNPARAL-LELED ROOKIE TALENT, THE

PBR’S COPENHAGEN BULL RIDING CHALLENGER TOUR is having one of the most exciting seasons in its history. So is one of its most dynamic riders, fan favorite Rocky McDonald.

McDonald, who was sitting in the No. 1 spot in late June, may very well win the Challenger title this year. First he traveled to Australia where he won two Challenger events. His next international stop will be

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20 rocky Mcdonald

South America where he will serve as the captain for Team Mexico in the PBR World Cup.

“This has been a great season for me so far. I hope I can bring some of that luck to Team Mexico. I think our team has been able to fly under the radar and I’m looking forward to competing with them in Brazil,” shared McDonald.

McDonald, who was born in Col. Juarez, Mexico, competes at Challenger events from coast to coast and across the seas. “If there is a good event, I’m there,” shared McDonald, “and if it is a Challenger event—no matter where it is—you’re going to have a chance to get on good bulls and win some really good money.”

McDonald had won just over $10,000 before he headed down under. Winning Troy Dunn’s and Brendon Clark’s name-sake events nearly tripled his Challenger earnings. “Those victories were so impor-tant to me,” he explained, “and not just to get ahead in the standings. It also meant that I have enough money won that I’ll be at the Challenger Finals and the PBR World Finals. Winning those Challenger events made a lot of things possible for me.”

It also gave McDonald a boost of confidence before he faces Team America, Team Canada, Team Australia and Team Brazil in late August. “I’m definitely earning a lot of frequent flyer miles this season,” he joked. “I’m getting on a lot of bulls and a lot

of planes.”After the World Cup, McDonald will

start preparing for the PBR World Finals in Las Vegas. After Las Vegas, McDonald will head down south for the 2009 Copenhagen Challenger Tour Championship presented by Dickies. Previously held in Oklahoma City in February, the new date will place the Challenger Finals after the PBR World Finals which conclude on Nov. 9.

The marquee Challenger event will now take place in Atlanta, Ga. from Nov. 20-22. The Gwinnett Center will play host to the three-day event where $500,000 is up for grabs. Clayton Williams, who did the super-human feat of taking the Copenhagen Challenger Tour Champion title two years

“If there is a good event, I’m there, and if it is a Challenger event—no matter where it is—you’re going to have a chance to get on good bulls and win some really good money.”

22 rocky Mcdonald

in a row, has been sidelined by a shoulder injury since February. It required surgery and should keep him out of the arena until early September.

McDonald isn’t the only international athlete making a run at the prestigious buckle. Other international stars near the top of the Challenger standings are 2002 PBR World Champion Ednei Caminhas from Brazil and Pete Farley from Australia. PBR Canada Champion Aaron Roy is also sitting in the top 20. But you can never count out America, with the deepest talent pool. With 32 of the top 45 Challenger ath-letes hailing from the U.S.A., odds are good that it may be an American who follows in Williams’ footsteps. But McDonald is hop-

ing it’s a Mexican-American. “It’d be nice if I could win it!” said the cowboy who resides in Hachita, N.M.

McDonald is the perfect example of the fact that the Challenger Tours can propel a cowboy to success pretty quickly if he’s got the talent. If your favorite cowboy isn’t sitting in one of the top spots, just wait a few weeks and see what happens. A big win or two can send a cowboy, whether he is a seasoned veteran or an 18-year-old rookie, to the top of the standings. Williams won over $800,000 at Challenger events in 2007-2008, but he will have a lot of ground to make-up to even qualify for the Challenger Finals this year. It can be done, but it won’t be easy. There is so much talent in the PBR

and the Challenger Tours are where it all comes together. The guys that can stay on top of the Challenger standings will find their way onto one of the 40 spots on the Built Ford Tough Series.

As one of the top Challenger cowboys, McDonald’s victories ensured he’d be headed back onto the Built Ford Tough Series when it came time for the next cut. “I’ve been riding good and won enough to get promoted again,” chuckled the self-dep-recating McDonald. “Now I have to figure out how to stop getting fired!” Rest assured that should McDonald ever get a Built Ford Tough Series “pink slip” again, he knows the path to reinstatement -the wildly excit-ing, and lucrative, Challenger Tour system.

“I’m definitely earning a lot of frequent flier miles this season,” he joked. “I’m getting on a lot of bulls and a lot of planes.”

LEFT: Rocky McDonald attempts Jeff Robinson/Anchor Bull Co.’s Bugs Bunny. MIDDLE: Rocky McDonald attempts Dakota/Rosen’s Big Tease. RIGHT: Rocky McDonald attempts Lufkin’s Over the Edge.

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rocky Mcdonald 23

brian canterHometown: Randleman, NC

Birthdate: 6/25/87Ht: 5' 3" Wt: 120

Challenger Event Earnings as of 6/23/09: $25,754

matt Brenem

an

Pete farleyHometown: Kempsey, Australia

Birthdate: 11/22/88Ht: 5' 9" Wt: 140


mark scott

cody nanceHometown: Paris, TN

Birthdate: 12/23/87Ht: 5' 8" Wt: 162


mark scott

rocky McdonaldHometown: Col. Juarez, Mexico

Birthdate: 11/1/79Ht: 5’ 10” Wt: 150


matt Brenem

an

3

21Standings based on challenger event earnings as of 6/23/09

4

The Riders

24 riderS

Top 50 Challenger Athletes

caleb SandersonHometown: Kissimmee, FL

Birthdate: 2/13/89Ht: 6' 4" Wt: 170


caleb sanderson

reese catesHometown: El Dorado, AR

Birthdate: 1/12/89Ht: 5' 8" Wt: 135


mark scott

ednei caminhasHometown: P. Alves, Sao Paulo, Brazil

Birthdate: 10/6/75Ht: 5' 8" Wt: 150


mark scott

7

6

austin MeierHometown: Kinta, OK

Birthdate: 1/5/87Ht: 5' 11" Wt: 165


mark scott

5

8

riderS 25

11

10

12

Jock connollyHometown: Australia

Birthdate: 2/10/77Ht: 5' 9" Wt: 150


J.b. MauneyHometown: Mooresville, NC

Birthdate: 1/9/87Ht: 5' 10" Wt: 140


Skeeter kingsolverHometown: Mclouth, KS

Birthdate: 8/29/89Ht: 5' 10" Wt: 165


dusty ephromHometown: Arcola, Saskatchewan, Canada

Birthdate: 10/8/80Ht: 5' 11" Wt: 160


andy watson

matt Brenem

an

matt Brenem

anskeeter kingsolver

9

26 riderS


13 14

16

clayton baethgeHometown: Johnson City, TX

Birthdate: 4/27/89Ht: 5' 9" Wt: 145


beau hillHometown: West Glacier, MT

Birthdate: 2/7/79Ht: 6' 1" Wt: 190


chad dentonHometown: Oroville, CA

Birthdate: 4/19/78Ht: 5' 6" Wt: 150


matt Brenem

anelliott jacoby

elliott JacobyHometown: Fredericksburg, TX

Birthdate: 4/26/91Ht: 5' 8" Wt: 140


andy watson

andy watson

15

riderS 27

billy robinsonHometown: Galax, VA

Birthdate: 12/22/79Ht: 5' 8" Wt: 145


mark scott

l.J. JenkinsHometown: Texico, NM

Birthdate: 7/17/87Ht: 5' 10" Wt: 140


mark scott

aaron royHometown: Asquith, Saskatchewan, Canada

Birthdate: 7/2/87Ht: 5' 11" Wt: 165


mark scott

17 18

20

cory raschHometown: Clarksville, TN

Birthdate: 11/21/78Ht: 6' 0" Wt: 150


mark scott

19

28 riderS


21

23

22

24

ben JonesHometown: Goulburn, NSW, Australia

Birthdate: 3/9/79Ht: 5' 11" Wt: 163


tyler thomsonHometown: Black Diamond, Alberta, Canada

Birthdate: 1/22/81Ht: 6' 1" Wt: 180


dusty labethHometown: Louisburg, KS

Birthdate: 9/6/79 Ht: 5' 8" Wt: 170


nick landreneauHometown: Sulphur, LA

Birthdate: 12/6/84Ht: 5' 6" Wt: 150


matt Brenem

an

matt Brenem

an

andy watson

mark scott

riderS 29riderS 29

kody lostrohHometown: Longmont, CO

Birthdate: 9/18/85Ht: 5' 7" Wt: 150


matt Brenem

an

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27

ross lewisHometown: Reed Point, MT

Birthdate: 12/7/83Ht: 6' 1" Wt: 155


andy watson

allan MoraesHometown: BrazilBirthdate: 11/7/78Ht: 5' 8" Wt: 165


credit pending

ned crossHometown: Midland, OR

Birthdate: 4/8/85Ht: 5' 8" Wt: 155


mark scott

26

28

30 riderS30 riderS


jt sumner

Josh koschelHometown: Greeley, CO

Birthdate: 11/22/84Ht: 5' 8" Wt: 130


29

31

30

32

Jody turnerHometown: Cochran, Alberta, Canada

Birthdate: 5/19/81 Ht: 5' 10" Wt: 145


Matt GrayHometown: Montecello, AR

Birthdate: 8/10/89Ht: 5' 11" Wt: 160


robson aragaoHometown: Aracaju, SE, Brazil

Birthdate: 1/31/80 Ht: 5' 9" Wt: 180


andy watson

matt gray

pbr photo

riderS 31

travis SellersHometown: Wentzville, MO

Birthdate: 7/3/83Ht: 5' 11" Wt: 135


35

34

36

Michael ManesHometown: Conway, AR

Birthdate: 12/31/79Ht: 5' 7" Wt: 135


colby yatesHometown: Fort Worth, TX

Birthdate: 7/2/81Ht: 5' 8" Wt: 135


Mckennon wimberlyHometown: Cool, TX

Birthdate: 6/16/88Ht: 5' 9" Wt: 150


mark scott

michael m

anes

matt Brenem

an

matt Brenem

an

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32 riderS


bonner boltonHometown: Gardendale, TX

Birthdate: 6/1/87Ht: 5' 11" Wt: 175


bonner bolton

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39

38

40

douglas duncanHometown: Alvin, TX

Birthdate: 5/8/87 Ht: 5' 8" Wt: 165


Jimmy tubbsHometown: Greenbrier, AR

Birthdate: 3/11/86Ht: 6' 0" Wt: 145


Jason o’hearnHometown: Rothbury, New S. Wales, Australia

Birthdate: 6/17/79Ht: 6' 0" Wt: 165


pbr photojason o’hearn

matt Brenem

an

riderS 33riderS 33

pbr photo

edevaldo ferreiraHometown: Andradina, SP, Brazil

Birthdate: 12/5/81Ht: 5' 9" Wt: 145


43 44

Josh fairclothHometown: Randleman, NC

Birthdate: 4/10/89Ht: 5' 10" Wt: 155


tanner GirletzHometown: Cereal, Alberta, Canada

Birthdate: 5/12/86Ht: 5' 7" Wt: 145


andy watson

josh faircloth

41

ryan dirteaterHometown: Hulbert, OK

Birthdate: 4/14/89Ht: 5' 6" Wt: 125


mark scott

42

34 riderS34 riderS


Zane lambertHometown: Westbourne, Manitoba, Canada

Birthdate: 1/22/81Ht: 6' 2" Wt: 185


andy watson

45

47

46

Valdiron de oliveiraHometown: Aparecida de Goiania, Goias, Brazil

Birthdate: 6/13/79Ht: 5' 9" Wt: 165


kevin kieckheferHometown: Prescott, AZ

Birthdate: 9/9/89Ht: 5' 11" Wt: 160


evan raschHometown: Clarksville, TN

Birthdate: 6/19/80Ht: 6' 1" Wt: 170


matt Brenem

an

andy watson

48

riderS 35riderS 35

mark scott

Pistol robinsonHometown: Burleson, TX

Birthdate: 1/1/84Ht: 5' 10" Wt: 135


Juarez SilvaHometown: Anteroza, MG, Brazil

Birthdate: 12/12/83Ht: 5' 6" Wt: 154


49 50

pbr photo


36 riderS

>> Keep in mind that really young and really old animals tend to be the cheapest. Bulls that are already

how to

own a bucking bull without owning a ranchPart-time, Full-time or No-time—it’s your choice

d

No matter what your age, occupa-tion or experience level, you CAN own a bucking bull! More stock contractors than ever are offering partnerships in the buck-ing bull industry. A partnership means you can get involved without needing to care, feed, house or haul a bull yourself. If you want to own a bull 100%, that is now easy to do too—there are some top-notch contractors who, for a monthly fee or a portion of the bull’s earnings, will take care of an animal that bears your name and brand.

Your level of involvement in the buck-ing bull business depends on your interest and what a stock contractor offers. There are plenty of options. Some folks buy into a bull, name him and then just sit back and enjoy watching him buck at televised PBR events. Others want to get in on the ground level (or womb level)—buying embryos with championship bloodlines and hoping they’ll turn out to be young stars that will win futurity events such as the Exclusive Genetics Million-Dollar Futurity (which is a partner and sponsor of the PBR) or one of the ABBI’s many lucrative and high-profile competitions for

2-year-old bulls. The ABBI also offers com-petitions for 3 and 4-year-old bulls (called Classics) where top animals can win over $300,000 a season.

The ABBI has so radically changed the game for bucking bulls that animals can now earn more competing at ABBI events than bucking at PBR events. Top Futurity and Classic animals can also command as much (or more) money than established buckers. However, bulls of a caliber high enough to be chosen to buck at top-tier PBR events can earn money in other ways: being a star can greatly increases the price of a bull’s genet-ics (semen). Superstar animals can also earn money through merchandise and naming rights.

Keep in mind that really young and real-ly old animals tend to be the cheapest. Bulls that are already established and successful will cost more (unless they are at the tail end of their careers or are not proven sires) than green ones. Certain pedigrees can add an ex-

tra zero—or two—to the price based on what other animals from the same bloodline have accomplished.

You may also want to go in with a group of friends of family members to purchase a share of a bull to make it more affordable. Some stock contractors will even allow you to come to their ranch and “meet” your bull. If you want a more hands-on experience, many are also happy to teach you some of the basics of caring for bucking bull athletes. If you are looking for an investment and don’t have your heart set on owning a bull, you may want to take a look at the ladies. Top cows that produce sons that really buck are also extremely valuable.

Don’t be afraid to give a stock contractor or bucking bull breeder a call to learn more. Most embrace partners from outside of the bucking bull or ranching communities. Get a feel for what is out there and determine what matters most to you—fame, fortune or just some fun—and get into the game. -SB

Mike Lee rides Berger/Loe/Rosen’s Palace Station Deuces Wild for 87.75 points during the first round of the 2008 PBR World Finals.

watson (lee on palace station)

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38 Put your naMe on a Pbr bull

established and successful will cost more (unless they are at the tail end of their careers or are not proven sires) than green ones.

tom Peterson – partnered with diamond S

Tom Peterson, of Rhome, Texas, used to get his kicks out of building his sand-mining business, but as time marched on and the business became more successful, the head-on challenge that he loved so much decreased by the day.

“There aren’t too many things that I have left to enjoy, but I enjoy the heck out of these bulls.” Peterson said of the five bulls he has in partnership with Diamond S Bucking Bulls. “It was convenient for me to be partners, I don’t have to get to a show a day ahead with my bulls, and it’s a lot easier on me because I don’t have a lot of time, so it’s easier for me to write a check then to haul them.”

Peterson has three bulls competing in Ve-gas, two in the 2-year-old Futurity and one in the Classic. His favorite is Kinder, La. cham-pion Top Diamond, followed by More Bucks and Top Bucks.

Peterson makes it to as many regular season events as his schedule allows and this year showed up at more than 10. He gives preference to the futurities. “I sure enjoy go-ing to the events. I like playing the futurities with the 2-year-olds. They’re unpredictable,

they’re like the Dallas Cowboys—anybody can beat them on a given weekend; a bull can always have a bad day. My bull might be good, or be beat.

“They’re interesting. Some of them can be standing real still and calm in the chute and then they come out of there like a stick of dynamite—they’re just jumping and a-blowing. That’s exciting to me. I love their breeding and am excited to be able to do that.”

Peterson loves to watch the bulls and enjoys the advantages of being a partner without the hassle. “I can be as hands-on as I want. I’m around them and I know them but I don’t flank or go behind the chutes—I’d rather watch them when they come out be-cause behind the chutes you can’t see them as good.

“I’ve enjoyed the heck out of it and I don’t go to Shreveport to gamble near as much as I used to since I got in this bull busi-ness – it’s taken the gambling spirit out of me because I’d rather play with these bulls.”

rebecca hewkin – partnered with ravenscroft

Kankakee, Ill., schoolteacher Becky Hewkin attended her first PBR event back in 1998. Since then, she’s attended up to 10 events per year. Three years ago she decided it was time to be more than just a spectator. When visiting family in Colorado, she, her two grandkids and a friend made a side-trip to Steve and Julie Ravenscroft’s ranch in Ne-braska to look at a yearling son of Little Yel-low Jacket numbered SJR204.

“I saw the bull and we decided to partner on him. We named him Try This Jacket after my grandkids, Ty and Ry.”

As a 4-year-old, Try This Jacket competed at the Classics in Oklahoma City, Kansas City and Albuquerque. “When Try This Jacket en-tered Classic competition in Oklahoma City, I learned first-hand just how much excite-ment went along with having an interest in a competition bull. It was fantastic, as was the competition in Kansas City where Valdiron de Oliveira rode him for an 88-point score, and Albuquerque, where he bucked off J.B. Mauney and Colby Yates. It brought my in-terest to a totally higher level,” Hewkin en-thused.

Both Kansas City and Albuquerque were televised, and Hewkin explained that the thrill of having your bull on TV extend-ed beyond her and to her friends and family. “Everybody back home was calling me as they were watching it on TV. You actually get to see more sometimes on TV then in person and it brings a lot of other people into it also.”

Try This Jacket was sold to Diamond S and bucks under the name Bigger Man. With his sale, Hewkin didn’t want to lose the thrill of bull ownership and became partners in 2-year-old prospect SJR311.

“Having a bull like Try This Jacket aka Bigger Man was a great beginning experi-ence. His performance level far surpassed my expectations for my first bull partner-ship. I can only hope that SJR311 will bring the same level of thrills. Partnering on bulls with the Ravenscrofts has been a great op-portunity and experience. I have told them ‘thanks for the ride’. ”

An added bonus for Hewkin was that she’s always loved the West, and having bulls has enabled her to be part of it while living in Illinois. “It’s much more exciting go-ing as an owner than just a spectator; you’re much more involved in it. It brings it up to a new level and it is extremely exciting and I recommend it to anybody who really enjoys the PBR.

“I’ve had the opportunity to meet several of the other contractors and they’re all very gracious. I learned quite a bit, and I hope to continue getting more and more involved. Being a schoolteacher compliments it be-cause I have summers and weekends off. I really like the fact that the ABBI has gone to having most of the Classic events on week-ends, because that way people like us can make it to them.”

Partnershipsin Bulls

by Bridget Cook

Tom Peterson, left, and Diamond S’ Scott Pickens, center, buck their futurity bull 615 B Top Diamond in Kinder, La.

Rebecca Hewkin and her horse, Jack.

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These stories illustrate the success investors have had in the bucking bull business.

Put your naMe on a Pbr bull 39

ost PBR personnel and contractors have fielded this, or similar queries, concerning the finan-cial aspects of investing

in the bucking bull business. The answers may vary depending on the person ques-tioned, and how much time he or she has to devote to the conversation. Whether or not, you own a trailer, land, or even a truck, there are numerous ways for interested per-sons to become involved in today’s bucking bull industry. But if you are looking for the “yellow brick road” to bull ownership, you need to obtain the map to Oz first. Without the proper knowledge of ownership rights and requirements, flying monkeys will be the least of your concerns.

With the notoriety of such superstars as Little Yellow Jacket, Reindeer Dippin’ and Mossy Oak Mudslinger, through PBR competition, and parent verification of animals by the ABBI, the bucking bull industry has achieved unimaginable levels of success.

Because of the large variety of oppor-tunities for ownership in the bucking bull business, one must first decide what they want to accomplish by becoming an owner/investor. Do you want to own a competi-tion bull, a PBR Built Ford Tough Series-level performance bull, a breeding bull or a cow? How quick of a return are you want-ing from your investment? And how active of a role do you want to play in the mainte-nance of said animal?

Competition bulls start at the Futurity level for 2-year-old bulls. These bulls, in lieu of paying an entry fee per event, may compete for prize monies, and a chance to compete at the annual ABBI Futurity Fi-nals. It sounds very simple, but if you want to invest in a long-term ownership, you should research the bloodlines of any pros-pects. Through information made available by the ABBI, performance history can be

researched on any bull with confirmed par-entage.

Much like the Futurity bulls, 3 to 4-year-old Classic bulls also pay an entry fee and compete for prize monies. However, these bulls are also eligible to perform at any lev-el of PBR competition (if approved by the PBR livestock director). If your bull makes it to a PBR Built Ford Tough Series perfor-mance, you may see him on the Versus tele-cast, and you may have your name broad-cast as the owner. In addition to this type of notoriety, bulls bucked in PBR shows are eligible to earn “out” money depending on their performance.

The third level of bull usually available for ownership opportunity is that of the PBR performance bull (over the competi-tion age limit). Due to the performance his-tory/reputation of these bulls, they are usu-ally the higher priced animals to purchase for ownership. However, these bulls bring the most notoriety to owners, due to their exposure at PBR Ford Built Tough shows.

Once you decide what level of owner-ship/partnership, you aspire to, along with the limitations of your budget, you must then come to an agreement with the seller. This is where actual and hypothetical situ-ations must be explained in intricate detail. There is not a “standard or universal” con-tract for this type of transaction. Basically, each contract can be tailor-made to fit both party’s needs and expectations.

Because you are dealing with a potential breeding animal, there is always the avenue for semen collection, sales and rights. Usu-ally, an agreement is made splitting the cost of the semen collection and storage, with an even number of semen straws distributed to each party. If one or both parties own cattle, they may agree on live coverage breeding of said bull.

Also, both parties must decide who will be responsible for the maintenance, train-ing, and representation of the animal(s).

This would cover the daily feeding and upkeep of the animal, as well as hauling to competitions/performances, payment of entry fees and veterinarian/medical fees as well as the division of any monies won.

Another important aspect to any con-tract of joint ownership deals with the hy-pothetical situation of one party’s decision to sell their interest/ownership of the bull. Often, it is agreed that first opportunity for purchase rests with the partner in owner-ship of the animal.

If your budget does not allow for the possibilities of long-term ownership, there are facilities/businesses that specialize in term ownership of bulls, for a lower price. Term ownership typically means that as the buyer, you would be part owner of the bull throughout a said amount of time. (Usually the competition age span of the bull.)

If your interests lean toward the repro-duction side of the bucking bull industry, there is an entirely different scale of ele-ments to consider. Owning a bucking bred cow(s), can be another exciting avenue for investment. Due to the aspects of flushing cattle and embryo transference, a buyer can actually own a small herd, and reap the benefits from the ever-growing demand for embryo solicitation.

Locating an animal for purchase is the easy part. Locating a business partner, be it through ownership, or training, is a com-pletely different story. As a potential own-er, research is your most important tool. Becoming a member of the ABBI should be your first action as a potential buyer. The ABBI provides a wealth of informa-tion pertaining to the bucking bull industry, including an in-depth understanding of the different levels of both Futurity and Classic competition.

For more information go to www.americanbuckingbull.com.

>> “Locating an animal for purchase is the easy part. Locating a business partner, be it through ownership, or training, is a completely different story.

The Nuts & Bolts“i want to invest in the bucking bull

industry. where do i start?”by Kelly Pickens

M

THE AUTHORITY ON BREEDING, BUYING AND BUCKING BULLS.

THE AUTHORITY ON BREEDING, BUYING AND BUCKING BULLS.

www.bullpenmagazine.comA USBBA Publication

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Nationwide Delivery Available


>> Becoming a member of the ABBI should be your first action as a potential buyer.

a nutshell, the ABBI is to bulls what the PBR is to bull riders.

American Bucking Bull Inc. (ABBI) was started five years ago. This sister or-ganization to the PBR focuses on bucking bull DNA registration (to track bloodlines of bucking cattle) and to hold high-dollar competitive events for 2, 3 and 4-year-old bucking bulls.

The winning Classic bull earned a purse of $250,000 in Las Vegas during the ABBI Classic Finals, while the champion Futurity bull took home $100,000. Just like the bull riders, the ABBI Classic (3 and 4-year-old) bulls and Futurity (2-year-old) bulls have been competing all season long to earn a spot in Las Vegas.

The 2-year-old bulls buck with a small metal dummy on their back for 4 seconds, a new rule for 2009.

In November, the ABBI holds their an-nual sale featuring some of the most exclu-sive bloodlines in the industry. It is open to the public and is fantastic for fans interested in the industry—and for stock contractors looking to add more top-notch genetics to their programs.

Many of the top bucking bulls in the PBR start their careers in the ABBI. Trou-badour, contender for 2008 PBR Bull of the Year, was the 2007 ABBI Classic Cham-pion. Versus Blackout (formerly known as Stray Kitty) was the 2004 ABBI Futurity

Champion and 2005 ABBI Classic Cham-pion. Many ABBI Classic bulls are so tal-ented that they have already bucked in the championship round of Built Ford Tough Series events this season and some were also selected as members of the prestigious PBR Bull Team Challenge.

So many great PBR bulls have come out of the ABBI that it is hard to believe the organization is barely five years old. The ABBI has had unprecedented growth since its inception in 2003 and has evolved into the leading bucking bull organization in the world today.

In September 2008, the ABBI claimed over 2,300 members (with 188 junior mem-bers) and over 70,000 registered animals. The primary goal of the ABBI: to improve the quality of the bucking bull industry.

In January 2007, the ABBI headquar-ters relocated to Pueblo, Colorado, to move into the new PBR World Headquarters building. Due to a large increase in animal registrations, growing membership volume, and sanctioned Classic and Futurity Events, being able to utilize the resources within the PBR corporate office was crucial for the ex-pansion of the ABBI.

A large portion of membership growth can be attributed to the popularity of becom-ing a bull owner or bucking stock breeder. The ABBI has made possible—through pro-fessionalizing of its events, updating com-petitive standings and genetic investigation

(DNA)—a reli-able way to re-search the buck-ing bull industry and specific ani-mals before mon-etarily investing in it.

ABBI board member and breeder J.W. Hart stated, “It is going to do nothing but get bigger and bet-ter from here. I think that with Andee (Lamor-eaux) and the entire staff at ABBI aggres-

sively seeking ways to protect the quality of the registry, while benefiting its members, we will continue to see growth in member-ship, as well as increased value of our buck-ing stock.”

To get everyone involved, ABBI started the U.S. Bucking Bull Association (USBBA) in 2004 for fans of the bulls and members of the bucking bull industry. The Bull Pen Magazine, which every USBBA member receives, is the leading bucking bull indus-try publication in the world. Visit american-buckingbull.com or bullpenmagazine.com to learn more.

Whether you want to invest in a single bucking bull, start your own herd or just cheer from the sidelines, the ABBI is for you—and the world’s best bucking bulls!

Join the uSbba

One of the many facets of this fast-growing bucking bull business is a relatively unknown association that is doing its part to increase the credibility and accessibility of the entire industry.

With the formation of ABBI in 2004, a tax-exempt nonprofit agricultural asso-ciation known as the United States Bucking Bull Association (USBBA) was also estab-lished.

“The primary mission of USBBA is to publicly promote bucking bull ownership,

breeding, training and welfare,” noted ABBI General Manager Andee Lamoreaux, “while simultaneously enhancing the mar-ketability and value of bucking bull stock.”

That mission is accomplished through the promotion and growth of USBBA membership, as well as aggressive market-ing, advertising and promotional campaigns developed and administered by USBBA,

what is the ?

Scott Accomazzo, Toby Floyd and Brad Boyd present the Junior Futurity check for $10,000 to Cash Roberts, second from left, in Ardmore.

In

glanville (winner shot)

>> Learn more about the Bucking Bull Business by visiting www.americanbuckingbull.com

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>> Join the USBBA and receive 6 colorful issues of Bull Pen magazine! Visit www.bullpenmagazine.com

including advertising and marketing pro-grams conducted in association with ABBI’s activities and events. USBBA will also ben-efit bucking bull owners, breeders, trainers and the bucking bull stock registered with USBBA through the organization and op-eration of an innovative incentive program.

incentive Program

“One of the key objectives of USBBA is to increase not only the marketability but the value of all bucking bulls,” Lamoreaux continued. “USBBA has created and imple-mented a bucking bull incentive program that will continue to have a dramatically positive impact on the animals participating, the owners of those animals, as well as the bucking bull industry as a whole.”

The USBBA Bucking Bull Incentive Program works as follows: Owners of ma-ture bucking bulls who are also members of USBBA may, for a fee, register one or more of their animals in the Incentive Program. Once registered, a bull (Incentive Bull) will have the option of remaining registered throughout the life of the Incentive Pro-gram. Upon payment of a registration fee,

each bull calf produced from an Incentive Bull will qualify to be registered in the In-centive Program. Calves must be registered with ABBI on or before the date they reach the age of seven (7) months. Calves of non-ABBI registered bulls will not be permitted to be registered in the Incentive Program. Incentives are set up to be able to be paid at designated events throughout the year or at World Finals.

Recent payments of the Incentive pro-gram were over $46,000 in 2006 and over $71,000 in 2007.

Member benefits

USBBA members also receive the bi-monthly Bull Pen Magazine, The Author-ity on Breeding, Buying and Bucking Bulls. You don’t have to own any bucking bulls, but you can still be in the know about what is going on in the bucking bull world.As a benefit of USBBA, you will receive 6 col-orful, informative issues of Bull Pen Maga-zine, the official magazine of the ABBI. Bull Pen is the Authority on Buying, Breeding and Bucking Bulls.

Each issue recaps the events that are happening, lists the standings of Classic

and Futurity animals, has feature stories on some of the top and up-and-coming breed-ers within the bucking bull industry and is a resource to experts in the field.

Each issue will teach you tricks of the trade, whether you are just starting your herd or have a breeding program of your own.Bull Pen will also introduce you to the breeders who could be a resource to pur-chasing interest in a bucking bull that is cur-rently performing in the PBR.

To get your membership started, go to americanbuckingbull.com or bullpen-magazine.com or call 719-242-2747.

It is just $25 per year to join USBBA and receive all the benefits.

Stay in the know – join USBBA today!

uWhat is the ABBI? (continued)

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you are a cowboy, you aspire to be the PBR World Champion.

If you are a bull, you’re aiming to be the PBR World Champion Bull.

If you are a stock contractor, no award is bigger than PBR Stock Contractor of the Year.

That award goes to the contractor who has the most consistently great group of bucking bulls all season long. It takes more than a superstar or two to earn the Stock Contractor of the Year buckle. You must provide top-notch stock at PBR events year-round.

The winner is determined annually by a vote of the top 45 bull riders in the world, who appreciate being able to compete against the best animal athletes in North America.

The 2008 PBR Stock Contractor of the Year was announced at the PBR Stock Con-tractors Banquet at the South Point Hotel and Casino on Nov. 5, 2008. The room liter-ally fell silent as the envelope was opened; after all, it was the equivalent of the Gram-mys or Oscars for the bucking bull industry.

Chad Berger and Clay Struve were an-nounced the winners to a standing ovation from the audience as they made their way to the stage. It was the second year Berger has received the prestigious award. In 2007, Berger and partner Larry Ryken earned the honor.

“He’s just into it in a bigger way than most guys,” stated Cody Lambert, PBR Livestock Director, of Berger. “He buys more bulls than anybody I know. He puts on several events himself and he does a re-ally good job of keeping ‘em good once he buys ‘em,” “He’s got a great eye for talent and he’ll scout out some bulls that are maybe a little under the radar that I’ve never heard of. When he shows up with one that he says is good enough to be there, I know I can count on him.”

Berger views the Stock Contractor of the Year honor as a reward for years of hard-work. He emotionally thanked his family when accepting the award and emphasized that his extensive bull knowledge came from his father, Joe Berger, who raised the legend-ary Little Yellow Jacket. “This is a team effort from my family, veterinarians, drivers and business partners. I could not have not done

>> “We love the PBR. At the last Chicago event we bought 100 seats and tried to get as many of our friends and family hooked as possible.”friends and family hooked as possible.” - Clay Struve

clay Struve partnered with chad berger five years ago, and now wears his own Pbr gold buckle.

Pbr fan Strikes it rich—Wins 2008 PBR Stock Contractor of the Year

Clay Struve, left, and Chad Berger

If

fancorp photo


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it without them,” affirmed Berger. Berger and Struve also were honored by having Copperhead Slinger as one of the top five bulls, as chosen by the bull riders, in con-tention for 2008 PBR Bull of the Year.

Struve was a big fan of the PBR when he first met Berger at the PBR’s annual Calcutta in Las Vegas five years ago. The men continued to cross paths and Berger finally suggested at the PBR Built Ford Tough Series event in Chicago that Struve might want to look into getting involved in the bull side of the business. Struve thought it was a great idea, called Berger the next day—and a successful partnership was born.

“I sold him half-interest in a few and now we own 80 together,” related Berger. “I think it is so cool that a city kid from Chicago could grow up to be Stock Con-tractor of the Year!” The prestigious award was as meaningful to Berger the second time around. “Clay has been such a great partner to me. That made this win very fulfilling. We’ll work even harder this year to win it again. Getting there is one thing—staying there is another!”

“(Wife) Donna and I were big fans for 10 years We saw it on tv and were hooked. We started going out to Finals and have been about 12 times in a row now, “ said Struve. “We love the PBR. At the last Chi-cago event we bought 100 seats and tried to get as many of our friends and family hooked as possible.”

Struve went from being hooked on the PBR to being hooked on bulls. Some of Struve’s favorite bulls include Copperhead Slinger, Crown of Thorns and “old-timer” Bulldog Disco. Other top bulls include Evil Forces-”rideable and a guy will be 90 on him” and Say I won’t Gunner who Struve

“I think it is so cool that a city kid from Chicago could

grow up to be Stock Contractor of the Year!” —Chad Berger

predicts will be a breakout star in 2009. “I cheer for all of Chad’s partners’ bulls.

It really is a team operation. I was lucky to be the guy up there (winning the award) but the whole team enjoyed it and were there to support Chad,” said Struve.

“Better bulls make it more challenging for the guys and more fun to watch for the fans,” explained Struve of Berger’s quest for the best. “All our success is due to Chad, I just help improve the pen. Chad and his fam-ily and staff really do all the work and de-serve all the credit. They should have been the ones on the stage (accepting the award). Chad actually just wanted to be in the run-ning (for Stock Contractor of the Year). Things went his way last year, but he wasn’t really expecting it this year. There are some other guys with some real top-notch bulls, the competition was very tough.”

Runner-up for PBR Stock Contractor of the Year was D&H Cattle Co., who has won the award a record six times from 2001-2005. In 2006 they won the honor with partner Tom Teague. Adding to their past honors,

D&H has the record for the most short-go high scores, 2006 World Champion Bull honors with Mossy Oak Mudslinger, 2005 ABBI Classic Champion with Stray Kitty, 2005 ABBI Futurity Champion with Crazy Train and 2004 Bull of the Finals, Crossfire Hurricane.

Like Berger, the Pages also partner on some of their bulls and the father-son team of Dillon and H.D., along with their part-ners, didn’t leave the 2008 Finals empty-handed. With 20-plus bulls competing in Las Vegas, D&H won over $716,000. D&H were also part of the team that took home first in the inaugural PBR Bull Team Chal-lenge. D&H/Enlow/Gilbert earned $250,000 and bragging rights for the 2009 PBR Bull Team Challenge season. They also won the ABBI Wild Card competition with Show-time (owned with Jim Anderson), winning $50,000. ABBI Classic Champion Cross-wired (owned with Cliff Wiggins) added another $250,000 to their total and in the ABBI Futurity Finals, D&H bulls collectively won $21,125.

“You always hope to win first,” related H.D., “but we can’t complain. Chad has some great bulls and overall we were really, really blessed.”

Copperhead Slinger is one of Clay Struve’s favorite bulls.

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HE RIDER HITS THE DIRT LIKE A SACK OF WET CONCRETE.

The bull feels it. Turns. Searches for The Man—the

small, two-legged thing who insulted his dig-nity.

Sees him. The Man is hurt. Slow. He charges.From nowhere, two human streaks flash

by his wild eyes. Their names are Joe Baumgartner

and Shorty Gorham, and this is their job. They’ve drawn his attention. He turns to chase them, forgetting about The Man on the ground. Frank Newsom comes in from another direction and the bull turns to him.

The rider is up. Limps to the gate. Sur-vives.

The Dickies DuraBullfighters are the guardian angels of the PBR. They spend 6-9 hours every weekend keeping the top 45 bull riders in the world alive. On a good day, they’ll simply need to distract the bulls long enough to get the rider to safety. But when hang-ups happen, they’re leaping in to free the tangled hand. They’ve been known to shield downed riders with their own bodies.

“I think the bullfighters save my butt more than I even realize,” says PBR rider Kody Lostroh.

“Bull riding would end pretty quickly without them,” adds Wiley Petersen.

The bullfighter’s uniform has changed over the years. The oversized clothing which once lent itself to the “clown” role has evolved into a loose-fitting jersey and shorts, which allow for maximum movement. The

size of the garments serves another purpose: it makes the bullfighter a bigger target. In the words of Frank Newsom, “The bull might think he’s got you, when he’s just got your shorts.”

The vest is notably different from those worn by the cowboys. For one thing, since the vest is worn under the outer clothing, fashion plays no part. Another difference is that the bullfighter’s vest features hard plastic outer shells on the front and back, while the rider’s does not. Both types of vests feature break-away construction in the event of a hooking.

ABOVE: Shorty Gorham takes a shot while trying to save Tyler Pankewitz from D&H’s Crooked Face during the first round of the 2008 Albuquerque Built Ford Tough Series PBR.

watson (gorham

saving pankewitz)

T

50 durabullfiGhterS

The Dickies Durabullfighters

Cotulla, TX5’ 10”, 180

Years Fighting Bulls: 10Injuries: Broken vertebra, shattered left shoulder, broken sternum, tore pectoral muscle off the sternum, broke both

ankles, blew out left knee and other assorted minor injuries.

Red Bluff, CA6', 190

Years Fighting Bulls: 20Injuries: Torn up knees, broken legs several times, broken

numerous fingers, broken jaw and nearly lost an eye.

Kilkivan, Queensland, Australia5’ 10”, 170

Years Fighting Bulls:15Injuries: Broken back, broken neck, broken pelvis, broken lower back, face reconstruction, broken leg, broken ankle,

broken fingers, broken ribs and multiple concussions.

Paul’s Valley, OK5' 9", 210

Years Fighting Bulls: 16Injuries: Broken left leg (twice), broken left arm (twice),

broken ribs (all), broken scapula, several concussions, sepa-rated sternum and a shattered ankle.

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Shorty Gorhamc d

Joe baumgartnerc d

c darrell diefenbach d

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durabullfiGhterS 51

watson (bones); Brenem

an (lambert)

The PBR couldn’t be where it is today without top-notch live-stock. You can’t be one of the top bull riders in the world if you’re not facing the toughest adversaries on the planet. PBR Livestock Director Cody Lambert works tirelessly to ensure each PBR event only uses the top bulls from a select group of stock contractors.

Of the hundreds of bulls he saw buck over the past year—these are the bulls Lambert considers the best.

cody’Sall StarS

eg

bonesOwner Teague Bucking Bulls,

LLC

Age 5

Weight 1,525 lbs.

Sire Bone Collector

Dam Whitewater Skoal daughter

2009

Buckoff % 93.33

Avg. Mark 45.98

Avg. Score 93.5

Avg. Buck-off Time

4.40 seconds

J.B. Mauney was the first man in PBR competition to successfully ride Bones.

All stats as of 4/10/09

52 cody’S all StarS

wat

son

(voo

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child

, gna

sh);

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(jaco

b’s p

et)

Jacob’s PetOwner D&H/Runyan

Age 4

Weight 1,650 lbs.

Sire Hot Shot

Dam Cow 53

2009

Buckoff % 100

Avg. Mark 45.08

Avg. Score N/A

Avg. Buck-off Time

3.6 seconds

GnashOwner Tino Martinez

Age 7

Weight 1,450 lbs.

Sire 133 Stitch

Dam Fenhaus 162

2009

Buckoff % 70

Avg. Mark 45.05

Avg. Score 87.92

Avg. Buck-off Time

4.07 seconds

Voodoo childOwner

Robinson/Broken N-N/Beutler/Hyland/Jennings

Age 6

Weight 1,650 lbs.

Sire Houdini

Dam BW51

2009

Buckoff % 100

Avg. Mark 45.25

Avg. Score N/A

Avg. Buck-off Time

3.33 seconds

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Only Justin McBride has covered Voodoo Child. Ironically, both athletes live in Elk City, Okla..

Pistol Robinson lasted 4.8 seconds on Gnash in, of all places, Nashville.

Besides being a top PBR bull, Jacob’s Pet was one of the top ABBI Clas-sic bulls in 2008 and led the regular season standings with over $71,000 in money won.

cody’S all StarS 53

chicken on a chainOwner Robinson/Tedesco/

Larry The Cable Guy

Age 7

Weight 1,850 lbs.

Sire Scar

Dam Mark Hart cow

2009

Buckoff % 80.72

Avg. Mark 45.20

Avg. Score 89.41

Avg. Buck-off Time

5.06 seconds

i’m a GangsterOwner Teague Bucking Bulls,

LLC

Age 4

Weight 1,425 lbs.

Sire High 007 Yippy High Yea

Dam High X 23 Boo Hoo

2009

Buckoff % 94.44

Avg. Mark 45.06

Avg. Score 90.75

Avg. Buck-off Time

2.58 seconds

white MagicOwner Diamond G Rodeos,

Inc.

Age 6

Weight 1,600 lbs.

Sire R605 Crush Boss

Dam V84 (Red)

2009

Buckoff % 80

Avg. Mark 45.45

Avg. Score 88.81

Avg. Buck-off Time

3.13 seconds

Renato Nunes’ 95.75 points aboard Chicken on a Chain in St. Louis was the high score of the 2008 sea-son, which Mike White tied in Tulsa.

Kasey Hayes was launched from I’m a Gangster in 2.6 seconds. Very few riders have lasted more than 3 seconds on this unridden bull.

White Magic, ferocious in the arena, is quite differ-ent at home. “He’ll follow you around like a puppy dog,” says owner Steve Gilbert.

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watson photos


Troubadour’s name – chosen by the late Mikel Moreno, son of stock contractor Julio Moreno – was inspired by singer/songwriter Jewel.

Pistol Robinson tries Soulja Boy in 2008 in Anaheim.

troubadourOwner Moreno/Flying U

Age 5

Weight 1,500 lbs.

Sire Whitewater Skoal

Dam Moreno 97-1

2009

Buckoff % 75

Avg. Mark 47.04

Avg. Score 91.66

Avg. Buck-off Time

6.5 seconds

Soulja boyOwner Priest Creek Ranch

Age 4

Weight 1,300 lbs.

Sire Unknown

Dam Unknown

2009

Buckoff % 53.33

Avg. Mark 44.86

Avg. Score 90.28

Avg. Buck-off Time

5.5 seconds

copperhead SlingerOwner Chad Berger /

Clay Struve

Age 4

Weight 1,750 lbs.

Sire Mossy Oak Mudslinger

DamCopperhead daughter(Mother to Western Wishes)

2009

Buckoff % 75

Avg. Mark 45.2

Avg. Score 89.14

Avg. Buck-off Time

5.10 seconds

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Copperhead Slinger and Guilherme Marchi have met three times in 2008, for scores of 92.25, 92.25, and 91.

watson photos


In Las Vegas, Tom Teague’s bull Bones proved he is pure muscle. The 5-year-old bull was one of Cody Lambert’s All-Star picks for the PBR World Finals as well as one of the cowboys’ Top 5 picks for World Champion Bucking Bull.

Bones faced stiff competition. In order to prove Cody and the cowboys’ opinions correct he needed to out-perform four other superstars in Las Vegas: Troubadour, Cop-perhead Slinger, All In and Spit Fire.

Of the five bulls in contention to be crowned the king of all buckers, Bones was the only one who entered the Finals unrid-den. But a 100% buckoff rate wasn’t enough. The bull scored the highest by the judges would be the animal that would take the title. Julio and Cindy Moreno’s Troubadour initially looked to be the front-runner head-ed into Las Vegas. Troubadour tied for 2007 Mikel Moreno Bull of the PBR Finals hon-ors and was the 2007 ABBI Classic Cham-pion. He won a record-setting $318,000 in 2007. In 2008 Troubadour had some of the highest marked scores of the season and was only ridden twice—once by Mike White in Tulsa in what Cody Lambert described as “one of the best rides ever.”

However, Troubadour wasn’t the only bull to have an outstanding season lead-ing up to the showdown in Sin City. Bones was the bull of the event in Nashville and Jacksonville, and during the regular sea-son he bucked off such notables as Ednei Caminhas twice, and also Brian Canter, Jus-

tin McBride and Guil-herme Marchi. Bones, whom Lambert de-scribed earlier in the season as an “up and coming champion” was also all business in Las Vegas. First he bucked off McBride in 4.7 seconds in round two, and then Zach Brown in two seconds in round four.

Marchi faced Bones once again in the championship round of the World Finals. Marchi had ac-crued enough points to seal the World Cham-pion title the night be-fore, but was looking to ride eight for eight and to set a record and win the event title as well. Ultimately, it was Robson Pal-ermo who rode Boyd-Floyd’s retiring Camo (the bull who helped secure the world title for McBride in 2005 and 2007) to the whistle and took the event win. Marchi held no ill-will toward Bones, though. “He is a great, great bull,” stressed

Marchi. “He beat me before and he beat me again! Maybe someday I will beat him, but I don’t know. He is so good.” Bones was the

Trainer Boyce Knox, Tom and Penny Teague, their son Lacy Teague and his girlfriend Jana Jarreau celebrate after TG 05 Bones was named PBR Bull of the Year.

2008 Pbr world champion bucking bull

Guilherme Marchi attempts Teague’s Bones during the championship round of the 2008 PBR World Finals.

watson (bones, m

archi on bones); glanville (teague fam

ily and trainer)

58 boneS

Teague Bucking Bulls’ Bones beat out second-place Moreno’s Troubadour to win 2008 Bull of the Year by the slimmest of margins—a quarter-point.

2008 PBR World Champion Bull Final Standings:

1 Bones (Teague Bucking Bulls)

2 Troubadour ( Moreno Livestock/Flying U Rodeo)

3 All In (Naccarato Bucking Bulls)

4 Spit Fire ( C-G Rodeo Livestock)

5 Copperhead Slinger (Chad Berger/Clay Struve Bucking Bulls

only bull Marchi didn’t get to pick — all other rounds of the Finals were drafts. “I would like to ride him again, but I don’t know if I’d pick him right now!”

Bones was scored 47.25 for his trip with Marchi. That brought his total to 140.75, a quarter-point ahead of Troubadour. Bones’ victory came with $20,000, a Big Tex trailer and a buckle Teague will probably wear for years to come.

Teague’s program will undoubtedly produce more champions. Herd sires he now owns include Mossy Oak Mudslinger, Little Yellow Jacket, and Big Bucks.

Teague has been fond of his star since he was just skin and bones. “He was so skinny a few years ago! I was always saying we need to feed that bull and he’d just be standing out there by himself,” shared Teague. That skinny bull filled out to 1,525 pounds and more than came into his own. The Torres Bros. offered Teague $15,000 for Bones a few years ago. He told them he wanted $30,000 and they declined. “Boy am I glad!” he declared of their deci-sion.

Bones, son of Bone Collector and a Whitewater Skoal daughter, is from Tom Teague’s breeding program. Back in 2006 when Teague shared Stock Contractor of the Year honors with D&H Cattle Co. he said that the only thing that could beat the thrill of that honor would to be to have a bull from his breeding program someday win PBR World Champion Bucking Bull. That day probably came sooner than Teague expected, and he was thrilled.

“This is the first bull that I’ve had make the PBR Finals that we’ve reared,” shared Teague at a press conference following the championship round. “At home I can walk-up and rub his head. I love him to death!”

The Mikel Moreno Memorial Bull of the World Finals is awarded to the bull with the highest combined score at the PBR World Finals.The Bull of the Finals award was re-named for Mikel Moreno after he lost his battle to cancer in 2006 at the age of 18. Mikel was the son of Julio and Cindy Moreno and the grandson of rodeo legend Cotton Rosser. Bones with a score of 140.75 points earned the award and $12,500.

The PBR World Champion Bull is voted on by the top 40 cowboys prior to the World Finals in Las Vegas. Of the five bulls that get the most votes from the bull riders, the animal with the highest score at the conclusion of the Finals earns the title, $20,000 and a trophy trailer from Big Tex.

boneS 59

Spurs help the rider maintain his balance by giving him added grip with his feet. Bull riding spurs have dull row-els (wheels) that are loosely locked into place—unlike a horse, a bull has loose skin that has a degree of “roll” to it. The spurs do not cut a bull’s hide, which is seven times thicker than human skin.

A single glove protects the riding hand from the in-tense pressure and friction of the bull rope during the ride.

The bull rope is wrapped around the bull’s chest, di-rectly behind his front legs. Custom-made from nylon or grass, the flat rope has a leather handle braided into it that the cowboy grips. The tail of the rope then passes through the palm, behind the hand, and back through the palm. The metal bell on the bottom of the rope serves as a weight which helps the rope to fall off once the rider has released it.

JudGinG

PBR 101 Invented by PBR Livestock Direc-tor Cody Lambert, the protective vest the cowboy wears absorbs shock and dissipates blows to the body, helping prevent injuries to the internal organs. Made of leather and thick foam, the vest is surprisingly lightweight, and is built to tear away in the event of a hooking.

A cowboy must ride for 8 seconds to earn a score. The clock starts when the bull’s shoulder or hip breaks the plane of the gate. It ends when the rider’s hand comes out of his rope—voluntarily or not.

Four judges rate each rider and each bull on a scale from 1-25. Those points are added together and divided in half to reach a score between 0 and 50 for both the rider and the bull. Those final numbers are then combined to reach a final ride score between 0 and 100.

Any score over 90 points is considered a great ride – a “home run” of bull riding. The highest score ever earned in the PBR is 96.5, a feat accomplished by Chris Shivers, Michael Gaffney and Bubba Dunn.

A cowboy is judged on how well he matches the bull’s moves and maintains con-trol of the ride. He cannot touch anything with his free hand. Extra points are awarded for style; spurring, for example, demon-strates good control.

A bull is judged on his athleticism, which

takes into account spin (right or left), direc-tion changes (contrasted with spin, a change of direction means a switch in movement forward and backward or side to side), kick in the back end, drop in the front, height of jumps and difficulty to ride.

8 Seconds = Qualified Ride

60 Pbr 101

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Rosin is a sticky sub-stance that provides extra grip. It comes in powder and rock form. You’ll of-ten see cowboys rubbing it into their ropes before riding.

The flank strap is positioned around a bull’s flank, in front of his hips. It is designed to give him a sense of timing when he bucks. A bull without a flank strap could lose his rhythm, and his buck-ing will become very unorthodox.

The flank strap does not irritate the

animal’s genitals in any way. Bulls, like peo-ple, aren’t very enthusiastic about moving around if their sex organs are in pain. And with breeders paying as much as $5,000 a straw (vial) for genetic material, it would make no sense for a stock contractor to risk the reproductive health of his animal.

Leather chaps protect the cow-boy’s legs from both the bull and the unforgiving steel chutes. Custom-made and worth up to several thou-sand dollars, each rider has chaps with his own unique colors, designs and sponsor logos on them. The fringe on the sides—a traditional dec-orative accent—helps the rider bring the judges’ attention his legwork.

Cowboy ScoreBull Score

Ride Score

The PBR leaves the choice of headwear up to the individual rider. Many choose to wear only a cow-boy hat out of a sense of tradition, or because they feel helmets inter-fere with balance and vision. Often, cowboys will wear a helmet and/or mask after a particularly nasty face or head injury. The helmet is simi-lar to those worn in hockey, with some adaptations.

Pbr 101 (continued)

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Documents

PBR Now 2009 Vol.2