I've got the "Bull Retirement Blues"!

The handsome Chicken on a Chain

Maybe it’s the after-Easter sugar let-down, but this morning I’m feeling rather sad over the number of big name bulls we’ve lost to retirement recently.  Chicken on a Chain’s announcement last week was the “straw that broke the camel’s back” for me.  Since I started watching the PBR in January 2009, every bull that I immediately “fell in love” with has retired, or in one case, worse!  I guess that is the norm in a sport where animal athletes have highs and lows, just like humans.  And who have a short life-span of being at the top of their game.

The first 3 bulls I attached myself to were Big Tex, Bones and Apollo.  I loved Big Tex’s size and strength in turfing cowboys quickly.  His horns were so distinctive, that I could always pick him out of a grouping of bulls without seeing his whole face.  Later, I learned what a “sweet” boy he is, and how a good scratch would instantly make you his friend!  Bones was so amazing in the way he would explode out of the chute, with a huge drop then kick, almost to vertical.  Something an animal that size shouldn’t be able to do!  And Apollo, may he rest in peace, was incredible!  He jumped so high and was nearly impossible to ride.  I loved his big floppy ears and they way he wiggled his hind legs while he was in the air.

2008 & 2010 World Champion BONES

BIG TEX

In recent months, we’ve seen big name bulls Voodoo Child, Major Payne, I’m a Gangster, White Magic, Spit Fire, Code Blue, Bones and now Chicken on a Chain retire.  From what I understand, Big Tex will now be a breeding bull, bucking career over.

Major Payne during his retirement romp in Vegas 10/2011

Stock Contractors Tom Teague, Boyd & Floyd, and Jeff Robinson during the Bull Retirement Ceremony in Las Vegas last October

So I look to the next wave of great bulls:  Bushwacker, Asteroid, Buckey, King Lopez, Back Bender, Bad Blake, Shepherd Hills Tested, Gonzo, Rango...to name a few, who will have to replace the retired greats in my heart.  Thankfully, Charlie Bullware, Black Pearl, Yellow Jacket Jr and Smack Down are bucking, and going strong!

I guess it is the normal ebb and flow of bucking bulls, but that doesn’t make it easy for a bull lover like me.  These big boys wiggle their way in to our hearts, and for some of us, are more exciting to watch than the cowboys.  I hope the stock contractors know that there are fans out here who adore their bulls, and pay lots of money to see them buck.  The cowboys get the attention, as they should, but for a fan like me, I’m just happy to sit and watch bulls play in the dirt and sling snot!

So I look forward to the next event...the next big bull who will shine in the arena and wiggle his way in to my heart.  Because for a simple gal like me, It’s ALL about the Bulls!






All photos by Susan Hanrahan