In Loving Memory - Mick E Mouse

As I sit at my computer this morning, I am still in utter shock from learning the news of Mick E Mouse's passing.  Just a week or so ago, we got news that Mick was being pulled from the Biloxi event but was doing good.  I think the bucking bull world is completely stunned right now.  We/I just can't believe it.  Rest in Peace sweet boy.  Heaven needed another superstar bull in the pens.

I've copied and pasted the text from the PBR's site of the announcement.

PUEBLO, Colo. – PBR stock contractor Marlene Henry informed the PBR this afternoon that Mick E Mouse was put down today because of unforeseen medical complications.
Mick E Mouse suffered a slight fracture in his lower back during the event in Billings, Montana, earlier this year when he slipped as Nathan Schaper attempted to ride him during the 15/15 Bucking Battle. He was treated at Texas A&M for the injury and returned to his home – stock contractor Kevin Loudamy’s ranch in Brownsboro, Texas, – to recover during the summer.
Henry expected Mick E Mouse to return to the Built Ford Tough Series (BFTS) last weekend in Biloxi, Mississippi, but irregularities in his behavior in July led Henry and Loudamy to seek an additional opinion about his condition from renowned veterinarian Dr. Gary Warner. During the examination, Dr. Warner discovered that the athlete had developed a lesion on his back.
“We suspect that Mick E had a lymphoma lesion within his lumbar spine that caused an inability to properly be able to use his rear limbs.” Dr. Warner explained. “We tried to treat him, but he wasn’t responding so it was time to make that decision. It was a great loss for the sport. I really loved that old bull.”
FULL STORY: Mick E Mouse will always be Henry's World Champion
It was not an easy decision for Henry, but she wanted to ensure that her prized bovine athlete would not be suffering anymore.
“Mick E is no longer in pain,” Henry said. “I will say it has not been all bad. It has been the greatest ride ever. I don’t care if he was No. 1 in the PBR books, but he was to me. He can go to the rainbow bridges and be fat and sassy.”
2015 was the 7-year-old bovine athlete’s fourth season on the BFTS where he remained unridden in 34 outs. He gathered 40 outs over his entire career without a single bull rider conquering him, leading him to the possibility of reaching or even surpassing a PBR record set by Bushwacker back in 2013 of 42 consecutive BFTS buckoffs.
The 2015 PBR World Champion Bull contender managed to buck off riders such as 2013 PBR World Champion J.B. Mauney, 2014 PBR Rookie of the Year J.W. Harris, 2008 PBR World Champion Guilherme Marchi and current No. 3 rider in the PBR world standings Matt Triplett. He also posted the top bull score of the 2015 BFTS season with 47 points out of 50 in Anaheim, California, against Harris.
According to probullstats.com, Mick E Mouse has acquired an average bull score of 44.76 points. The rider who was closest to hitting the 8-second mark atop this unridden bovine was Harris during the 2014 BFTS event in Thackerville, Oklahoma, but Mick E Mouse successfully tossed him in 7.47 seconds.
“Mick E Mouse was an extraordinary animal athlete with an incredible story behind his rise to fame.” PBR CEO Sean Gleason said. “He was one of those special bulls with the raw talent and a never-quit attitude that made him virtually impossible to ride. It is with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to a remarkable bucking bull and the entire PBR organization is grieving with Ms. Henry and Mr. Loudamy as they have to deal with the loss.”

© 2015 PBR Inc. All rights reserved.

Last year, at the PBR World Finals in Las Vegas, I had the privilege of meeting  Mick's owner, Marlene Henry.  What a kind lady, and obviously in love with her bull.  Mick was very cool, hanging out in the pen next to us, as we chatted.  From all of the videos, to TV time, to postings on Social Media, this was a very special, unique and once-in-a-lifetime bull, and Marlene loves him and always...ALWAYS...put his needs first!

I only got to see Mick E Mouse buck in Las Vegas, at the World Finals.  It was a real treat to see him, and the photos posted above are from his outs in Vegas in 2014.

Bucking Bulls are special animals.  They are bred to be athletes.  They are big, powerful, stubborn, mean, focused, strong, and so very smart.  Yet, when you spend time around them, you find them to be funny, each with quirks and specific tastes.  Some love to be petted and scratched, and seem to enjoy human interaction.  Some just want to be left alone, and kept at a distance.  These bulls are valuable.  These bulls are well cared for.  These bulls are loved by their owners, and fans.  These bulls are true athletes.  Without them, there is no PBR, no sport of bull riding. 

The longer I follow this sport, the harder it gets when a bull is lost.  My heart becomes invested in them.  And, I become protective of them.  I think many bull fans will agree...it's a unique love and devotion...and a heart-breaking one, on a day like today.

My heart goes out to Marlene Henry, and Mick's handler, Kevin Loudamy.  I can only imagine the pain and loss they feel.  It has been touching to see the outpouring of love and grief on social media.  Mick E Mouse and Marlene touched so many lives, and they have so many fans.  We all grieve today.

Mick E Mouse, rest in peace Big Boy!  You will be greatly missed!  With much love and respect, Susan

All photos by, and property of Susan Hanrahan