On June 16, a herd of 300 cattle and 75-plus wranglers and guests meander into the Reno Livestock Event Center to mark the start of the state’s much beloved annual event. The cowboys and cowgirls led the cattle 100 miles over open range from Doyle, Calif. into Reno, arriving at high noon.
Regarded as the rodeo’s most dangerous event, the Xtreme Bull Riding features 40 of the world’s best professional bull riders along with 40 of the best bulls in the nation. This intense couple of hours offers nonstop action as the bulls did their best to buck riders off their backs in a small amount of time.
“A lot of these guys have more talent in their little fingers than most men have in their whole bodies,” announcers Bob Tallman and Wayne Brooks say as professional bull riders are steadily released from the pen.
The riders are not only being judged for staying on the bull a full eight seconds, but their etiquette and control in riding the bull too. Some riders fall off right out of the chute but others stay on for the full duration before jumping off.
Top bull riders from all over the nation including Oklahoma, Idaho and New Mexico are donning full-face helmets competing for a $40,000 cash purse.
“That must’ve been a skier that snuck in the pen,” the announcer said when a small bull bucked a rider t the dirt in 1.9 seconds.
XTreme Bull Riding All Week Long
The Reno Rodeo’s Xtreme Bull Riding competition is a stop on the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRSA) circuit where competitors get the chance to win cash and move up in the standings. The bulls are scored as well based on their spinning, jumping and kicking tactics, along with the cowboy’s performance. Brennon Eldred, the winner of Thursday night’s competition, rode a bull named Yeti from the Rosser Rodeo for the first time.
“I knew he bucked and if I rode him, he was going to be getting some points,” Eldred told the PRSA. His 87.5-point ride on Yeti definitely helped him claim the Division 1 event championship and $10,716 prize for the evening.
Eldred’s first place prize came from a cumulative 166.5-point score riding on two head, followed by Cody Johansen in second place with 158 points and Jeff Askey taking third. PRSA will be hosting other events throughout the week including roping competitions, WPRA Women’s Barrel Racing and steer wrestling, along with more XTreme Bull Riding.
Don’t Miss the Mutton Bustin’
But “Mamas if you don’t want your babies to grow up to be cowboys, you best keep them away from Mutton Bustin’”, the Reno Rodeo website says. Happening all week long, this is truly an event not to miss. It looks like an intense cuddle session as kids that weigh no more than 65 pounds hold on to their muttons as tight as they can.
Watch Bobby Kerr, Renowned Horse and Animal Trainer
A renegade cowboy who has an impressive way with animals is none other than Bobby Kerr, a renowned horse trainer who has been in the business for over 40 years. Nominated for the PRCA Specialty Act of the Year in 2015, Kerr is a fan favorite who will be performing a different specialty act each night with his animals. Running away from home when he was 14 to become a cowboy, Kerr says that he never dreamed of becoming a rodeo performer and this is his favorite job.
Every day through June 25 the Reno Rodeo offers fun and exciting events for the whole family. Check out www.renorodeo.com for the schedule and enjoy the show.
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