ProRodeo Sports News May 3, 2019

number of bareback riders and saddle bronc riders at their circuit rodeos. “It’s different today than when I was rodeoing,” Paul said. “You could get on bucking horses in a practice pen anytime you want. But today you can’t, and it’s tough for them to learn the sport. They’ll get to a junior rodeo and aren’t ready and get their bell rung, and they never come back.” On March 22-23, the clinic at the Walla Walla (Wash.) Frontier Days’ facility offered bareback riding, saddle bronc riding and steer riding introductions – covering everything from groundwork to chute procedures to how to read their horse. The clinic also ensured each participant got on livestock that fit their skill level to help build confidence. “It’s fun to see the amount of confidence they can build in a short period of time,” said Jess Martin, a clinic instructor and four-time Wrangler NFR saddle bronc rider. “One thing you can’t teach is confidence, and that’s a huge part of any event.” Many world champions got their start at similar clinics, Martin said. The clinic also had four-time Wrangler NFR bareback rider Ryan Gray and Montana Circuit saddle

“We were looking for a way to get more roughstock riders at the rodeos in the summer and try to help some guys in the process in bareback riding because there’s a shortage of that everywhere,” said Three Hills Rodeo partner Courtney Morehead. “It gives them a step up into the PRCA and helps us in bucking our young colts and bulls.” Morehead and her husband, Jake, along with his parents Dave and Marla are the core of the effort, but they also get help from returnees such as reigning world champions TimO’Connell (bareback riding) and Wade Sundell (saddle bronc riding). Three Hills has hosted the Buck Out since around 2012, and Corbett was one of the earliest participants. “I cut my teeth on theThree Hills’ ponies,” Corbett said. “Their Buck Out is one of the coolest deals in all of ProRodeo, in my opinion, for young guys. It was a career-changing opportunity for me.” The Buck Out lasts two days. Cowboys can get on as many horses and bulls as they want. Buckles are awarded for the cowboys who earn the most points, which are earned for getting on and for riding for eight seconds. This year’s Buck Out is May 10-11. “We’re doing this to help promote the sport of rodeo by encouraging and helping young contestants who want to get their foot in the door with the PRCA, and we’re trying to help our numbers for our rodeos by

Photo courtesy Gini Roberge The Spurring on Success program in the Columbia River Circuit gives newcomers to rodeo an opportunity to practice with experts.

bronc riding champion Gray Mapston providing pointers, and the riders were aided in the arena by pickup men Joe Blankenship and Jacob Stacy. “The key is great instructors and a focus on kid-appropriate stock and just having stuff there that’s been tried and true,” Paul said. “It’s about wanting them to come back and keep doing it.” SPRING BUCK OUT Three Hills Rodeo in Bernard, Iowa, hosts its Buck Out each spring and purchases permits for five contestants in each roughstock event. The program also pays for their entry fees at all of Three Hills Rodeo’s summer rodeos.

buying permits for these guys,” Morehead said. “They’re committing to come to our events, so we are guaranteed five bareback, five saddle bronc and five bull riders, on top of everyone else entered.” The win-win situation has competitors such as Corbett excited about these efforts to increase roughstock participation. “The environment is what’s cool,” Corbett said. “They’re like family – they cared for you and about you and were genuine and authentic people who care about ProRodeo and this generation of upcoming roughstock riders.”

Photo courtesy Gini Roberge Local interest in the Spurring on Success program was more than the crew could handle, with some applicants being turned away. With so many aspiring roughstock riders in the Northwest, the program is set to expand next year.

ProRodeo Sports News 5/3/2019

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