Off topic for a moment, I must say one thing I love about the PBR is it's support of the USA Military. Many nights I have been moved to tears watching a group of young people being sworn in to a branch of the military or the honoring of veterans returning from war. This past Friday, I was able to watch the event from my computer and saw the tribute to a 99 year old World War II veteran. The tribute piece was beautifully done and extremely emotional, as we have few of these hero's left. My thanks to the PBR for honoring this great man and those who served in WWII.
Friday night and Sunday night, the ABBI Classic bulls were competing for over $15,000 in prize money. So far in 2013 the Classic bulls have a 75% buck-off rate. This weekend proved them no different and perhaps even a little better than that. D&H Cattle Company's 44W STONE SOBER won the Classic event with two powerful and convincing buck-offs! Friday, Douglas Duncan was off in 3.3 seconds with Stone Sober scoring 44.75 points. On Sunday, H.D. Coleman was off in 2.87 seconds, with the bull scoring 45.25 points. WOW! Another great young bull from D&H Cattle Company! Congratulations to them!
Saturday night was an ABBI Maturity round in which Stock Contractors had to pay an entry fee of $1000 for their bull to buck in the competition. The big winner was 331 BULL ARROW from Gene Owen. Bull Arrow is unridden in 7 attempts in 2013, ridden once in 15 attempts overall. His score of 44 points in the long round won the $8500 check. Congratulations to Gene Owen!
In the PurePBR segment on Sunday, bull fighter Shorty Gorham explained why a ride is a successful ride for 8 seconds. He explained that after much "trial and error" 8 seconds was chosen because "a bull can buck for 8 seconds without being fatigued". Any longer and the bull won't buck as hard at the end of the ride as he did in the beginning. Thanks Shorty! I've always wondered why 8 was the magic number.
 |
| BLONDE BOMBER was out Saturday night, and had a really good trip. He was awarded 44.5 points. I love to watch him buck as he jumps really high and his big ol' ears are flopping around! |
I have to mention a problem that has me in fits and I'm throwing the bullshit flag! Why does the PBR allow riders to stay so long in the chutes and tighten bull ropes so tight that a bull is in obvious distress when bucking? Even TV commentator Justin McBride talked about the "tight bull rope" and "the bull being out of air" in the arena. This from the Saturday night ride, of the eventual Springfield event winner. Soaking is cheating, and cheaters should not win. But for whatever reason, the PBR is ok with that. This is my opinion and I feel strongly about bull safety and health.
 |
| Circle T Ranch and Rodeo's DAVID'S DREAM was wicked Sunday. He bucked off Aparecido in 1.95 seconds and left him with a parting gift...a big bruise I'm sure. David's Dream was awarded 45 points. |
 |
| SHEPHERD HILLS TESTED continued his dominating ways with a powerful buck off of Chase Outlaw in 3.44 seconds. Tested received 45.5 points. |
 |
| Marlene Henry's MICK E MOUSE was left for last in the Championship Round, and Austin Meier attempted to ride this powerful and underrated bull. Austin was off in 2.28 seconds. Mick E Mouse received a 45 point score. |
For folks who love to see 8 second rides, this was not the weekend they wanted. For me and my bull-loving compatriots, it was ideal! With only 4 events left before the World Finals in Las Vegas, the bulls are making their case to completely dominate the cowboys for the rest of the season!
On a personal note, a visit to Let R Buck Bull Riding School to see my bulls was also part of the birthday celebration weekend. I just had to share this photo of THE SPOOK. After lunch, the bulls quieted down and settled in for a nap. I snuck around the fence to take this photo...I'm not sure Spook could be any cuter!
 |
| THE SPOOK snuggled in to the hay and fell asleep quickly. Sweet baby! |
All photographs property of and by Susan Hanrahan
No comments:
Post a Comment