ProRodeo Sports News - April 17, 2020

TIME CAPSULE RED BLUFF ROUND-UP WILD RIDE

Larry Smith photo Although it’s not part of the official rodeo, winners of the Wild Ride are awarded for creativity and overall performance in the arena.

BY MATT NABER S piderman, the Easter Bunny, Bruce Jenner and 120 cans of silly string bursting out of the chutes have been signs that spring has sprung with a colorful explosion during the Red Bluff (Calif.) Round-Up’s Wild Ride. “It’s really grown tremendously,” said James Miller, general manager of the Red Bluff Round-Up. “The Wild Ride is definitely the feature the Round-Up is known for.” As one of the first (Wrangler ProRodeo) Tour rodeos, a short round was required but Red Bluff ’s fans were used to seeing a dozen rides per day. That is where Cotton Rosser’s ingenuity as a rodeo producer came into play. Rosser, named the 2019 Legend of ProRodeo, came up with the idea for the Wild Ride in 2000. Wild Times

Red Bluff Round-Up’s Wild Ride is a yearlong process

“The fans felt a little ripped off since we shortened the performance time for a TV schedule,” Miller said. “Our fans were used to three hours, so we put this into it, and it’s taken off to a new level.” Cowboys can bring their own costumes or use one fromHaley DiDio. The local florist’s life takes a 180-degree turn each spring while overseeing the Wild Ride the last five years. “Some guys bring their own costumes but every year I have had the Wild Ride they have won in a costume I have chosen,” DiDio said. And it’s not just costumes. “It’s quite a sight to see some of these guys who are in the world standings helping their buddy get ready and putting lipstick

HeithDeMoss, riding inhisAvatar-inspired costume, takes his turn during theRedBluff (Calif.)Round-Up’sWildRide competition. RyanMacKenziewon theevent this year.

–DanHubbell photo

ProRodeo Sports News 4/17/2020

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