2012 Mar/Apr - The American Bucking Bull by ABBI Magazine

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Contents q q q q q q q q q q q q q q q q q q q q q q

features

Boyd-Floyd Bull Co.: The Story Behind the Success

Where Lightning Strikes: Lightning C Cattle Co.

Jane Forbes Clark: From Baseball to Bucking Bulls

By Susan Bedford

What is Back Seat Buckers?

Back Seat Buckers Starts with a Bang!

recaps

Nutrition The Other Half of the Equation: Getting Your Bulls Ready for Breeding Season

Warnerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Corner: Beat the Heat

Junior Profile: A Family Affair with Karis and Kaleb King

OKC Classic and Futurity Recap

By Sugar Kuhn

by Keith Ryan Cartwright

Columns

by Susan Bedford

By Susan Bedford

2011 Drought Affects the Industry and the Nation By Sugar Kuhn

More Maturity! By Susan Bedford

page

Boyd-Floyd Bull Co.

departments

12 50 62

ABBI Biz

Reminders, notes, deadlines, and schedules

Blast from the Past:

page

2011 Drought

Brent Thurman 1969-1994

CC Rider and CC Stealth: Building a Smarter Dummy By Susan Bedford

On the cover:

Chris Shivers on Shepherd Hills Tested

Obituaries Follow us! Facebook: American Bucking Bull, Inc. Twitter: twitter.com/abbinow

Photo by Andy Watson

q USBBA

Hannah Gant

Susan Bedford

Sugar Kuhn

Publisher Editor-in-Chief

The American Bucking Bull q Mar/Apr 2012

Account Executive Assistant Editor

USBBA 101 W. Riverwalk Pueblo, CO 81003

Cedric Maniquiz Creative Director

Andy Watson Allen Glanville Matt Breneman Sugar Kuhn Photography

Phone: 719-242-2747 Fax: 719-242-2746 email: info@americanbuckingbull.com

President’s Message

The 2012 season is well underway now with several Classics and our first Futurity behind us. By all accounts, it looks like we’ll have a great year. It’s obvious to me that our members want more and bigger events to play at, so we are doing all we can to have more competitions on the schedule. This includes having more Maturities this year, including one at our upcoming ABBI hometown event in Pueblo. Any weekend I get to travel to an ABBI event is a great weekend for me, but I always look forward to the one event that lets me stay close to home. It’s great to bring the Spring Fling back to Stephenville once again and to have the chance to see so many members from all across the country. It is a lot of work for the entire Boyd-Floyd Bull Co. team and the ABBI staff to produce, but I think everyone involved would agree that the Spring Fling is well worth it. I’m honored to get to put on two of the season’s biggest events and support the ABBI. We kicked off 2012 with the Cowtown Classic at the historic Ft. Worth Stockyards. It was a great way to ring in the New Year and we had over 130 entries (we were able to take 80 of those). We’ll have hundreds of bulls at the Spring Fling this Easter weekend.

with Brad Boyd

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Between the Classic, Futurity, Junior Futurity and Derby events I can promise you two outstanding days of bucking bull action in Stephenville. I hope you are able to attend with your family since this is an event where we try to do everything with the kids in mind- including our annual Easter egg hunt and a breakfast on Friday, April 6 and Saturday, April 7 to benefit our local Erath chapter of the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization. Speaking of kids, Spring Fling will kick off the 2012 Junior Futurity season. I’d like to thank all of our generous sponsors and donors who have made the youth events possible over the years. We are still looking for support for this season, so please contact the ABBI office if your family, brand or company would like to be an official sponsor. I also want to take a moment to remind everyone of what really matters-family and friends. The industry has suffered the loss of some truly special people lately and it should make us all take time to re-evaluate our priorities and dedicate ourselves to spending more time with the important people in our lives.

q Mission Statement q q Record and preserve the pedigrees of the world’s premier

bucking bull livestock while maintaining the integrity and enhancing the value of the breed. q Provide beneficial services for ABBI members that enhance

and encourage “best practices” in bucking bull ownership, breeding, training and welfare. q Generate interest and growth in ABBI through registered

cattle ownership, membership, education, sponsorship and involvement through marketing, promotion, advertising and publicity of the bucking bull breed and ABBI benefits, services and events. q Develop diverse and comprehensive programs and events

that will educate and familiarize owners, members and the general public in the unique heritage and qualities of bucking bull livestock.

The American Bucking Bull q Mar/Apr 2012

Brad Boyd President, American Bucking Bull Inc.

q q q q q q q ABBI Member Benefits q q q q ABBI

From your official sponsors:

Members receive 6 colorful, educational issues of The American Bucking Bull magazine each year. In addition, members qualify for the special Member Rate when they advertise in The American Bucking Bull, the ABBI Breeders Guide or the ABBI Las Vegas Finals program.

q To be the Official Equipment Company of the PBR, Priefert has to prove its equipment is worthy every week! Designed with ultimate durability and safety for both man and animal, Priefert’s Rough Stock line of bucking chutes, arenas and holding pens not only withstand being tested by the toughest bulls in the world, they must also repeatedly handle being loaded, unloaded and set up for PBR events all across the country. Priefert is proud to support the Toughest Sport on Earth and understands the importance of protecting your investment in the next 4-legged star of the PBR. Visit www.priefert.com or call 800-527-8616.

q With more than 30 years of combined experience designing and manufacturing Hydraulic Squeeze Chutes and Working Facilities for Feedlots and Cattle Producers, Cattleac chutes are built with the same heavy material needed for strength and lasting durability. Standard layout, or customize a layout to fit your needs. www. cattleequip.com

pace.com/pbr_bfts

Twitter/team

Michael Gaughan’s South Point Resort and Casino is proud to host the ABBI for their 2011 World Finals. The South Point is a 2,200-room resort in Las Vegas, Nevada providing affordable luxury while catering to visitors and locals alike. This casino destination features a world-class spa, bowling center, nine restaurants, showroom, equestrian arena, convention center, exhibit hall, bingo and all of the casino games that made Las Vegas famous. The South Point opened in 2005 with a large casino expansion in Summer 2010.

q There’s a New Gun in Town! At Outlaw Saddles we Specialize in Custom Saddles, Custom Buckles, Jewelry, Tack, Willard Ropes and Western Essentials. See our line of Trophy and Awards Saddles, Breast Collars,Rope Bags, Head Stalls and more at outlawsaddles.com.Our skilled toolers can duplicate any logo or type style. Contact us at outlawsaddles@gmail. com to learn more. www.OutlawSaddles.com

The American Bucking Bull q Mar/Apr 2012

Q & A with Kaycee

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Jamie Lopez Sanders posted this question for Kaycee on the ABBI Facebook page: Ok, here’s my question: In order to get ABBI members inventories and livestock caught up to date which for one reason or another (economy, time, upset, etc.) many of us have not registered all our animals. Therefore, can the members have a AMNESTY PERIOD of approximately 60 days to get livestock of any age registered, dna’d, etc.? If yes, would you give us 30 days notice of the 60 days. If no, why not? Thanks.

Jamie, Your question is one we get at the ABBI office regularly. We understand that with the economy, drought and a million other reasons our members have animals on their ranches that are not registered. ABBI is committed to our members so we are going to help our members by offering a “clean up your herd” program. The month of July we are offering any animal, not of competition age, to be registered for $60 through the office or $50 online. I hope this will help you and your fellow members clean up your operations. Thanks for your question and I hope this program will help.

You can submit questions for me on our Facebook page or by emailing me at: questions@americanbuckingbull.com.

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Kaycee simpson Vice President, American Bucking Bull Inc.

The American Bucking Bull q Mar/Apr 2012

q q q q q q q ABBI Member Benefits q q q q ABBI

From your official sponsors: We believe that when someone works hard enough to earn a title, the award they receive should reflect that hard work and dedication. At Cut Above we put that same effort into every piece we make. Each one is designed to make your event a unique one of a kind experience. There is a world of styles and ideas to meet your needs. The prices are negotiable based on volume. We also have group discount programs. Please feel free to contact us at acutabovesilver@hotmail.com with any questions you may have. We proudly make the trophy buckles for the ABBI and the ABBI World Finals. We look forward to building the finest Buckles, Leather and Silver in the world. www.ACutAboveSilver.com

q CC Stealth is proud to be the official dummy of the ABBI. All CC products are built bull tough and hand tested by American cowboys. Whether the CC Rider, CC Stealth or CC Micro Stealth fits your needs, you can rest assured that there are no safer or tougher bucking bull dummy products on the market today. Made in the USA, and then tested by some of the industry’s top stock contractors and cowboys, you can rest assured that a CC product will outlast and out perform any other dummy you can buy. We also put bull safety first and foremost. All our products are made with no sharp edges and are designed with two control and release systems completely independent of each other to reduce hang-ups and dummyrelated injuries. Visit ccrider.net to learn more about our products.

q The Official Trailer of the PBR and the ABBI, Big Tex Trailers, is also the no. 1 selling utility trailer in the U.S. The PBR and ABBI’s business relies heavily on trailers, whether it’s hauling production equipment or bulls across the country. Trailer quality, functionality, and durability are critical, and Big Tex provides just that. Utilizing the most advanced assembly and finishing processes in the utility trailer industry, Big Tex provides its customers with the highest quality and most competitively priced products available on the market. www.bigtextrailers.com

ok/professional bull riders IT’S EASY TO ADVERTISE!

1 Contact a sales rep for The American Bucking Bull. 2 Send us your ad, or ask us about our affordable design services. 3 If you don’t have photos you own to use, contact bullstockmedia.com. They have ABBI and PBR event photos and have special packages for stock contractors (for print ads as well as for

your website needs).

Approve your ad proof.

See your ad in the next issue of The American Bucking Bull!

ADVERTISE WITH US: • • •

Susan Bedford: Susan@americanbuckingbull.com Sugar Kuhn: Sugar@americanbuckingbull.com Hannah Gant: hgant@uark.edu

The American Bucking Bull q Mar/Apr 2012

Behind the Chutes

with Susan Bedford

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Be an Ambassador for the Sport I was thinking the other day that it would be so nice if everyone did what they could to make the world a better place. Even just one small action a day could make such a big difference- a kind word to a friend who needs it, a smile for a stranger or a few dollars to a charity can positively affect someone’s life. It might sound overly simplistic, but the reality is we each can make a positive change to the world each day if we choose to do so. The same is true for our industry. You can’t underestimate the power of positive thinking and the power of your words. It is easy to complain about what is wrong in life, just as it is easy to complain about what you don’t like about the industry. Instead, try positive words and positive actions. Try building up people and the industry instead of cutting them down. If everyone in the industry (regardless of where your bulls buck or how many you own) was positive about the industry, then it would benefit breeders of all sizes and in all organizations. I’m not saying to overlook what is wrong or what needs to be changed, but everyone’s focus should be on improving what they can within the industry- not just criticizing what others are doing wrong. How many negative people do you enjoy being around? We all know people who seem to have negativity or a martyr complex engraved into their DNA. And those tend to be the same people who are quick to criticize everyone and everything else (online, on the phone and in person). Those are the same people most of us don’t want to spend too much time around because they are so emotionally draining. It’s almost always easier to be negative because it gives you an excuse not to act or change. People who feel helpless tend to be negative because it is a defense mechanism. But instead of being helpless, if you try being helpful it can be extremely empowering. As the saying goes, “if you’re not part of the solution, you’re part of the problem.” I assume everyone reading this loves their country. If you have ever traveled abroad, you are probably aware that you were representing your country to people in foreign lands. Approach the bucking bull industry the same way. Just as you have pride in your country, have pride in the sport of competitive bucking bulls. I’m sure everyone reading this would agree that there are far more positives about breeding and raising bucking bulls than negatives (otherwise why would you do it), so try to function as an ambassador to the sport rather than a detractor of the sport. You can find a downside to everything. You can also find a silver lining if you so choose to. I will use myself as a perfect example since I have to have surgery in 10 days. I had been focusing (and complaining) about 6 months of rehab and all the things I wouldn’t be able to do for a year (paddleboard! swim! lift a ridiculously heavy carry-on suitcase over my head into the luggage bin!).

The American Bucking Bull q Mar/Apr 2012

I realized what I needed to be do was focus on the positive. I may have a torn bicep and rotator cuff, but I also have one of the country’s best surgeons to fix me up (thank you Dr. Tandy Freeman). I have a mom who will take care of me after surgery and a husband who will play chauffeur and handle all the house chores for half a year (yes, you read that correctly and yes, I do know how lucky I am). Just to be clear- I am not naturally one of those bubbly, sunis-always-shining kind of people. I worry. I over-analyze and, as an introvert, I spend a lot of time in my own head. The glass is probably exactly half empty and half full on any given day for me. But when it comes to things I believe in and things I am passionate about- that cup is going to overflow and I am going to share it with others! I will talk to complete strangers for hours about my job and the ABBI and PBR if they will let me. Although I’ve never raised or ridden a bull, I absolutely consider myself an ambassador of the sport. Because of my conversations with strangers, people have bought tickets to events, started watching the PBR on TV and even bought bulls. If I can be an effective ambassador, imagine how much better anyone of you could do! You actually breed, raise and train the bulls and have a wealth of hands-on knowledge I will never equal. On a sad note, we recently lost four extraordinary ambassadors. I’d been lucky enough to know Howard, David and Gary and they all brought a smile to my face when I was in their presence. I wish I had been able to spend more time with them and I wish I’d met Sandra, she sounds like an amazing woman. If you knew any of these people, or were just inspired by their lives, please carry on their work. Go out and share something you love about the industry. Touch somebody’s life in a positive way. Work hard at what you believe in. Volunteer at a church, charity or school. Become a mentor. Brighten someone’s day just because you can. Go out and be an ambassador not just for our sport, but for living life to its fullest.

Susan Bedford, Editor-in-Chief

ABBI

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Introducing the TEGO™ Card ately in the storage envelope provided. The TEGO cards can also be used for BVD and Pregnancy Testing. Mark Gilles of Sigel Sunset Ranch says “With TEGO there’s no more fumbling with FTA cards and needles. It’s an all in one easy package. I can just put TEGO on the animal’s ear, and do my vaccinations while TEGO collects the blood on its own. When TEGO’s done, I’m done. I just pull TEGO off and I’m on to the next animal. Simple – the way life should be.”

TEGO Bovine Blood Collection Kit The Collection Kit is not necessary when using these blood cards but could be a useful tool and is available upon request. If you have questions please feel to contact the ABBI office at 719-242-2747. ABBI is excited that ITL Animal Healthcare will provide us with a new blood card called the TEGO™ Card. ABBI will phase in these new blood cards over the course of the year. These DNA kits will come with a TEGO™ Card , lancet and an envelope to avoid cross-contamination. The TEGO™ Card can be used in the TEGO™ Bovine Blood Collection Kit, a system that simplifies livestock blood collection.

TEGO™ is a trademark of ITL Corporation, Melbourne, Australia Allflex® is a registered trademark and Retract-O-Matic™ is a trademark of Allflex USA Inc.

BENEFITS OF TEGO™ Bovine Blood Collection Kit • •

TEGO™ Card

The blood sample will be collected much the same as the previous blood cards with the lancet to prick the ear and the card will soak up the blood. The card is then labeled with animal registration number (if registered online) and herd number and placed immediately in the storage envelope provided. The envelope is breathable, but does not leach blood allowing the card to dry inside the envelope without the risk of cross contamination. The envelope should be labeled with the animal’s registration number and herd number as well. With TEGO, there is no need to set cards out to dry for hours, which saves the sample collector time. TEGO cards and envelopes are then sent via regular mail to the ABBI. It is always good to get a tracking number when sending the blood cards in the mail. DNA stored on cards in the form of blood spots has been used for many years in both human and livestock DNA sampling and has been proven to have excellent longevity. Blood collected on the TEGO card is accepted for DNA testing including parentage verification, genetic disorders, and both 3K and 50K platforms, by the major testing laboratories in the United States. The cost for the DNA kit will remain the same at $3.00/kit and it will include a TEGO™ Card, lancet and envelope per kit. TEGO™ Bovine Blood Collection Kit and How the Kit works The device is simply applied to the animals’ ear with Allflex® ear tag applicators (either the Allflex® Total or Global Retract-O-Matic™). As the taggers and the TEGO device are closed over the ear, a small set of retractable blades quickly nick the ear to create a blood access point. The TEGO blood collection card is held against the back of the ear by the device as the blood is absorbed. After 10 to 30 seconds, a large blood spot is visible and the TEGO device is pulled away from the ear. The card is then labeled with animal ID and placed immedi-

The American Bucking Bull q Mar/Apr 2012

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Easy to use with minimal training Device is held onto the ear, so while blood is being collected, other processes such as vaccinations or de-worming can be carried out Quick – adequate blood sample is collected in 10 – 30 seconds Ability to visualize blood spot therefore confidence in sample quality Cards are individually barcoded, able to be scanned for easy recording No more handling of dirty tails Room temperature storage and transport, can be returned via regular postal mail Large quantities of high quality DNA can be extracted from the card DNA can be extracted from cards after long term storage Potential for both genetic, disease, and pregnancy testing from the same card Improved processing time in the laboratory

BENEFITS OF TEGO™ Card • •

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Cards are individually barcoded, able to be scanned for easy recording TEGO cards can be placed directly into TEGO envelope after blood collection which saves time and reduces the chances of cross contamination Room temperature storage and transport, can be returned via regular postal mail Large quantities of high quality DNA can be extracted from the card TEGO cards provide a very cost effective sample source

qq q q q q q q q q q q q q q q q q q q q q Clean Up Your Herd- Save $ on ABBI Registration in July!

Birth Year Registration Discount in August

The month of July will be ABBI’s “Clean Up Month” and we’ll allow members to register any animal (who is not of competition age) for the birth-year price of $60/head . You can save $10 by doing it online at americanbuckingbull.com for just $50.

Here’s another reason to mark your calendar: During the month of August the ABBI will offer $5 off all birth-year registrations. This is an effort to alleviate the end-of-year rush and help everyone save some money.

Welcome New Sponsor CC Rider!

Save Money on a Dummy and Help the ABBI Junior Futurity Program

The ABBI would like to welcome new sponsor CC Rider. CC Stealth dummies will be used at all 2012 ABBI Futurity and Back Seat Buckers events. CC Rider products are built “bull tough” and have two completely independent release systems to virtually eliminate hang ups. CC products are made with bull safety in mind.

CC Rider is generously donating $50 to the ABBI Junior Futurity Program for each dummy sold! Visit www.ccrider.net to learn more about their complete line of products. CC Rider is also offering all ABBI members $100 off a dummy. Contact CC Rider to get your discount on a dummy and help support the Junior Program.

Go Pueblo!

Watson photo

Breneman photo

The PBR, Greater Pueblo Chamber of Commerce, and the community of Pueblo will host the Fourth Annual Wild Wild West Festival from May 18-20. The western- themed festival features events for the entire family. PBR’s Wild Wild West Fest is also one of the ABBI’s Premier events. This year Pueblo will feature an ABBI Classic, Maturity, Junior Futurity, Futurity and the first Back Seat Buckers Futurity! As the ABBI’s hometown event, it is always much-anticipated by both breeders and staff. The festival will be held throughout the Pueblo community with the majority of the events centered on the Riverwalk (by PBR and ABBI Headquarters) and the Union Avenue Historic District. Events throughout the three-day festival will be hosted by community non–profit organizations and the Wild Wild West Festival Committee. Some of the events you can participate in include the PBR Fan Zone, live entertainment, carnival rides, street vendors, team roping, and much more!

Justin McBride entertains the crowd from the Cooper Tire Stage in the Fan Zone during the 2011 Wild Wild West Festival.

Pueblo Fan Zone

The American Bucking Bull q Mar/Apr 2012

ABBI

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Super Stakes Incentive Program Want to increase your bucking stock’s market value? Then you’ll want to be a part of the Super Stakes Program. This new program provides added incentive for Bucking Stock owners who buck their bulls in ABBI Events. The Super Stakes Program pays cash dividends for money earned by nominated bulls at ABBI-approved events. In fact, the Super Stakes Program is the most unique incentive program in the bucking stock industry today. Here are some of the program benefits: • Bull calves that are registered in their birth year by December 31 will have the opportunity to enter into the program for only $25/ head • As a bull calf gets nominated the sire and dam also gets nominated provided that both sire and dam are verified. • Super Stakes money is divided and paid annually. Payouts are based on the total number money earned by the bulls at the end of the 2-Year-Old Year, 3-Year-Old Year and 4-Year-Old Year. • A list of nominated calves will be published January through October issues of The American Bucking Bull, Inc. This is an added service to provide potential buyers with the information needed to make informed decisions when buying ABBI registered bulls. • The calf will be listed as a Super Stake Participant in the registry.

Information for Bull and Cow Owners This program highlights not only the calf but the dam and sire as well. This is a great way to increase the value of the sire or dam by enrolling their offspring into the program.

How to Enroll:

For 2011 Calves it is even easier, enrollment can be done when registering your 2011 calves. There is an option to add it to the registration or if you would like you can send your Super Stakes Enrollment Form into the office.

How is the amount of prize money awarded each year determined? An ABBI bull has a competition career for three years. Based on that fact, the total money awarded in any year is determined by the amount of bull calf nominations in their birth year and then a percentage will be used for each year of competition. A minimal management fee may be taken out at time of payout. • The $25 / head is split up between sire, dam and calf. As a calf is nominated $15 goes into the calf payout, $5 goes into the dam payout and $5 goes into the sire payout. • 2-Year-Old Year - payout is 20% of bull calves nominated in the same birth year • 3-Year-Old Year - payout is 30% of bull calves nominated in the same birth year • 4-Year-Old Year – payout is 50% of bull calves nominated in the same birth year

Payout: Payout will occur every year the bull is competing in an ABBI event at the end of the season. Payout will be based on money won. Please visit abbinow.com for more information on the Super Stakes Program.

2010 Calves can be enrolled until Sept 30, 2011 through online enrollment or filling out a 2010 Super Stakes Enrollment Form and sending it into to the office.

Super Stakes Participant’s List (By Year) SS NUmber 2010-001 2010-002 2010-003 2010-004 2010-005 2010-006 2010-007

bulls Spartan Breach Pride Nine Ball Neon Hammer Murdock 018 Cash King

2010

abbi# 10120217 10120218 10120219 10120220 10120221 10120222 10115928

2010-008

DKS Scarecrow 120

10115835

2010-009

DKS 1199

10127378

2010-010 2010-011 2010-012 2010-013 2010-014 2010-015 2010-016 2010-017 2010-018 2010-019 2010-020 2010-021 2010-022 2010-023 2010-024 2010-025 2010-026

TN042 Po Panda JB085 Missouri Grace High Stakes 951 High Stakes 290 High Stakes 941 JSCS 902 High Stakes 422 Mr. Wu Tiny Shot Hyland 001 Hyland 002 Hyland 005 Hyland 008 Hyland 013 Hyland 014 Hyland 015

10115906 10115972 10115976 10116764 10116765 10116767 10121426 10121430 10117937 10115808 10116250 10116251 10116254 10116257 10116262 10116263 10116264

owner Cross Lazy S Bucking Bulls Cross Lazy S Bucking Bulls Cross Lazy S Bucking Bulls Cross Lazy S Bucking Bulls Cross Lazy S Bucking Bulls Cross Lazy S Bucking Bulls Sun Country Bucking Bulls Simmons Bucking Horses / David and Kathleen Simmons Simmons Bucking Horses / David and Kathleen Simmons T & N Cattle Company High Stakes Bucking Bulls High Stakes Bucking Bulls High Stakes Bucking Bulls High Stakes Bucking Bulls High Stakes Bucking Bulls High Stakes Bucking Bulls High Stakes Bucking Bulls S & P Cattle Heien Cattle Co. Hyland Cattle Co Hyland Cattle Co Hyland Cattle Co Hyland Cattle Co Hyland Cattle Co Hyland Cattle Co Hyland Cattle Co

The American Bucking Bull q Mar/Apr 2012

2010-027 2010-028 2010-029 2010-030 2010-031 2010-032 2010-033 2010-034 2010-035 2010-036 2010-037 2010-038 2010-039 2010-040 2010-041 2010-042

Hyland 000 011 Wilson 059 Wilson 084 00 Wilson Pepper Sneeze Ski Hi Pepper McConnell -100 McConnell -101 McConnell -102 Double Vision 0193 SB 370 Colonel Conagher SB 220 Mr. Coffee SB 260 Pazaz SB 380 Kit & Kaboodle SB 170 Dancing Water

10116265 10114331 10114332 10114333 10114335 10114928 10117594 10125173 10125175 10125176 10114953 10113575 10115084 10116631 10117877 10113576 2011

2011-001

Wild Bo DKS 131

10129650

2011-002 2011-003 2011-006 2011-007 2011-008 2011-009 2011-010 2011-011 2011-012 2011-013 2011-014

Fool's Day Gitcha Some Wine Smoke 'em Suenami Corona Hou Dis TN143 Hou Dat TN144 TN146 BC 135 Whitewater Rafter Hou's Slinging

10129662 10129789 10129847 10129851 10130099 10130404 10130405 10130406 10130484 10130547 10130548

Hyland Cattle Co Hookin "W" Ranch Hookin "W" Ranch Hookin "W" Ranch Hookin "W" Ranch Burris & Sons Bucking Bulls Burris & Sons Bucking Bulls McConnell's Bucking Cattle McConnell's Bucking Cattle McConnell's Bucking Cattle RPM Bucking Bulls Bonsall Bucking Bulls.com Bonsall Bucking Bulls.com Bonsall Bucking Bulls.com Bonsall Bucking Bulls.com Myles Bucking Bulls Simmons Bucking Horses / David and Kathleen Simmons Swim Cattle Company 2J Bucking Bulls Sun Country Bucking Bulls Candy Cane Quarter Horses La Piedra Mexicana Ranch T & N Cattle Company T & N Cattle Company T & N Cattle Company BearClaw Bucking Bulls King and Minchin Bucking Stock King and Minchin Bucking Stock

qq q q q q q q q q q q q q q q q q q q q q 2011-015 2011-016 2011-017 2011-018 2011-019 2011-020 2011-021 2011-022 2011-023 2011-024 2011-025 2011-026 2011-027 2011-028 2011-029 2011-030 2011-031 2011-032 2011-033 2011-034 2011-035 2011-036 2011-037 2011-038 2011-039 2011-040 2011-041 2011-042 2011-043 2011-044 2011-045 2011-046 2011-047 2011-048 2011-049 2011-050 2011-051 2011-052 2011-053 2011-054 2011-055 2011-056 2011-057 2011-058 2011-059 2011-060 2011-061 2011-062 2011-063 2011-064 2011-065 2011-066 2011-067 2011-068 2011-069 2011-070 2011-071 2011-072 2011-073 2011-074 2011-075 2011-076 2011-077 2011-078 2011-079 2011-080 2011-081 2011-082 2011-083 2011-084 2011-085 2011-086 2011-087 2011-088 2011-089 2011-090 2011-091 2011-092 2011-093 2011-094 2011-095 2011-096 2011-097 2011-098 2011-099 2011-100 2011-101 2011-102 2011-103 2011-104 2011-105 2011-106 2011-107 2011-108 2011-109 2011-110 2011-111 2011-112 2011-113

Cocked Pistol Pearl's Bandit 19 Wilson 174 Wilson No Slack Mad Jack Texas Pacific Smash Cash BO DINI Top Red Little Bo Pete WM 404 Son Of Pain WM 405 Buster WM 406 Otis WM 407 Dr Hockett #109X #164 TC-130 James's Slip Knot Bama Widow Maker Back Draft Smoke N Outlaw Joe Black Cooter Cat Hou's Black Shanghai Express Cross C 137 Cross C 132 Pan Head L-F 1411/2 L-F 1411/1 V 1-5 MTZ 1654 MTZ 1723 Hyland 139 Hyland 121 Hyland 127 Hyland 122 Hyland 112 Hyland 108 Hyland 114 Hyland 126 Hyland 120 Hyland 104 Hyland 134 Hyland 143 Hyland 102 Hyland 111 Hyland 133 Hyland 138 Hyland 109 Hyland 141 Hyland 115 Hyland 129 Hyland 118 Hyland 116 Hyland 123 Bloyd 102 Bloyd 104 Bloyd 108 Wilburn 102 Wilburn 161 Wilburn 130 Wilburn 134 I'll Make You Famous Model 94 # 2- Wu Hargis / James H162 Hick's 163 Godfrey 116 Armand Hammer Carolina Crusher Doc Lock TRR Yellow Fever In Your Pocket KC 391 KC 431 KC 441 KC 511 KC 621 Red Fern Candy's Boots Lucky Luke Faith Builder Little Bojangles Vootylicious Voo-Ya CD'S Chance CD'S Dumbo Dr. House Pythagoras Keg Stand T-M 27 Eclipse L-F 1411/3 -F 195 -F -135 -F -146 -F -124

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Fletcher Farms Rockin Rafter P Bucking Bulls Hookin "W" Ranch Hookin "W" Ranch Elite bucking bulls R&L Qualls Bucking Bovine Genetics R&L Qualls Bucking Bovine Genetics R&L Qualls Bucking Bovine Genetics R&L Qualls Bucking Bovine Genetics R&L Qualls Bucking Bovine Genetics We Milk ''em Cattle Genetics We Milk ''em Cattle Genetics We Milk ''em Cattle Genetics We Milk ''em Cattle Genetics Burris & Sons Bucking Bulls Burris & Sons Bucking Bulls J4 Bucking Stock Dismukes Bucking Stock Dismukes Bucking Stock Dismukes Bucking Stock Dismukes Bucking Stock Dismukes Bucking Stock Rockin Rafter P Bucking Bulls Rockin Rafter P Bucking Bulls Rockin Rafter P Bucking Bulls Cross C Bucking Bulls Cross C Bucking Bulls Cross C Bucking Bulls Bar F Rodeo Genetics Bar F Rodeo Genetics Wilson / Foutch Martinez Bucking Bulls Martinez Bucking Bulls Hyland Cattle Co Hyland Cattle Co Hyland Cattle Co Hyland Cattle Co Hyland Cattle Co Hyland Cattle Co Hyland Cattle Co Hyland Cattle Co Hyland Cattle Co Hyland Cattle Co Hyland Cattle Co Hyland Cattle Co Hyland Cattle Co Hyland Cattle Co Hyland Cattle Co Hyland Cattle Co Hyland Cattle Co Hyland Cattle Co Hyland Cattle Co Hyland Cattle Co Hyland Cattle Co Hyland Cattle Co Hyland Cattle Co Bloyd Bucking Bulls Bloyd Bucking Bulls Bloyd Bucking Bulls Wilburn Bucking Bulls/Four Way Ranch Wilburn Bucking Bulls/Four Way Ranch Wilburn Bucking Bulls/Four Way Ranch Wilburn Bucking Bulls/Four Way Ranch S & P Cattle S & P Cattle S & P Cattle Hargis Bucking Bulls EBO Cattle Bucking Stock Godfrey 4X Cattle and Hauling, Inc. Griego Ranch Thunder Run Ranch Thunder Run Ranch Thunder Run Ranch Thunder Run Ranch Cox Bucking Bulls Cox Bucking Bulls Cox Bucking Bulls Cox Bucking Bulls Cox Bucking Bulls Eastview Ranch Eastview Ranch Eastview Ranch Eastview Ranch Eastview Ranch Todd McClure & Derek Cobb Todd McClure & Derek Cobb CD Bucking Bulls CD Bucking Bulls CD Bucking Bulls Rafter M Ranch Prime Time buckers T-M Bucking Cattle Homestead Genetics Bar F Rodeo Genetics Bar F Rodeo Genetics Bar F Rodeo Genetics Bar F Rodeo Genetics Bar F Rodeo Genetics

2011-114 2011-115 2011-116 2011-117 2011-118 2011-119 2011-120 2011-121 2011-122 2011-123 2011-124 2011-125 2011-126 2011-127 2011-128 2011-129 2011-130 2011-131 2011-132 2011-133 2011-134 2011-135 2011-136 2011-137 2011-138 2011-139 2011-140 2011-141 2011-142 2011-143 2011-144 2011-145 2011-146 2011-147 2011-148 2011-149 2011-150 2011-151 2011-152 2011-153 2011-154 2011-155 2011-156 2011-157 2011-158 2011-159 2011-160 2011-161 2011-162 2011-163 2011-164 2011-165 2011-166 2011-167 2011-168 2011-169 2011-170 2011-171 2011-172 2011-173 2011-174 2011-175 2011-176 2011-177 2011-178 2011-179 2011-180 2011-181 2011-182 2011-183 2011-184 2011-185 2011-186 2011-187 2011-188 2011-189 2011-190 2011-191 2011-192 2011-193 2011-194 2011-195 2011-196 2011-197 2011-198 2011-199 2011-200 2011-201 2011-202 2011-203 2011-204 2011-205 2011-206 2011-207 2011-208 2011-209 2011-210 2011-211 2011-212

Circus Peanut Duck On A Junebug Cappie Denim Dan Kill the Lights KC 221 Daddies Jacket Mega Mind Carolina White Lighting Parallax Pompous Pinkerton 109 Power Ball 115 Patriarch Pernicious Hot Wire 126 Phantom 134 Pompadour KC 281 Copp 101 Copp 102 Copp 103 Copp 104 Copp 105 Copp 106 Copp 107 Copp 108 Copp 109 Copp 110 Copp 111 Copp 112 Copp 113 Copp 114 Copp 115 Copp 116 Copp 117 Copp 118 Copp 119 Copp 120 Copp 121 Copp 122 Copp 123 Copp 124 Psycho Rat Cache Creek Mc -581 CS 152 Bonkers Hardy 1908 LKP 101 WM 111 WM 12 WM 121 Red WM 122 WM 132 Jones 02 Jones 38 Jones 765 Boyd 649 Boyd 650 Boyd 651 Boyd 652 Boyd 653 Boyd 654 Boyd 655 Boyd 656 Boyd 657 Boyd 658 Boyd 659 Boyd 660 Boyd 661 Boyd 662 Boyd 663 Boyd 664 Boyd 665 Boyd 666 Boyd 667 Boyd 668 669 Boyd 670 Boyd 671 Boyd 672 Boyd 673 Boyd 674 Boyd 675 Boyd 676 Boyd 677 Boyd 678 Boyd 684 Boyd 685 Boyd 686 Boyd 687 Boyd 688 Boyd 689 Boyd 692 Boyd 693 Boyd 698 Boyd 699 Boyd 700

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Rafter Y Bucking Bulls Rafter Y Bucking Bulls Rafter Y Bucking Bulls Rafter Y Bucking Bulls Rafter Y Bucking Bulls Cox Bucking Bulls RLH Ranch N4 Land & Livestock Thunder Run Ranch DJ Stull Bulls DJ Stull Bulls DJ Stull Bulls DJ Stull Bulls DJ Stull Bulls DJ Stull Bulls DJ Stull Bulls DJ Stull Bulls DJ Stull Bulls Cox Bucking Bulls Lightning C Cattle Co. Lightning C Cattle Co. Lightning C Cattle Co. Lightning C Cattle Co. Lightning C Cattle Co. Lightning C Cattle Co. Lightning C Cattle Co. Lightning C Cattle Co. Lightning C Cattle Co. Lightning C Cattle Co. Lightning C Cattle Co. Lightning C Cattle Co. Lightning C Cattle Co. Lightning C Cattle Co. Lightning C Cattle Co. Lightning C Cattle Co. Lightning C Cattle Co. Lightning C Cattle Co. Lightning C Cattle Co. Lightning C Cattle Co. Lightning C Cattle Co. Lightning C Cattle Co. Lightning C Cattle Co. Lightning C Cattle Co. B Bar T Bucking Bulls CS Land & Cattle Backlund Bucking Cattle and Bull Co. Canyon Oaks Farms Pedone Ranch Wayne Mataska Bucking Stock Wayne Mataska Bucking Stock Wayne Mataska Bucking Stock Wayne Mataska Bucking Stock Wayne Mataska Bucking Stock Jefe Livestock LLC Jefe Livestock LLC Jefe Livestock LLC Jefe Livestock LLC Jefe Livestock LLC Jefe Livestock LLC Jefe Livestock LLC Jefe Livestock LLC Jefe Livestock LLC Jefe Livestock LLC Jefe Livestock LLC Jefe Livestock LLC Jefe Livestock LLC Jefe Livestock LLC Jefe Livestock LLC Jefe Livestock LLC Jefe Livestock LLC Jefe Livestock LLC Jefe Livestock LLC Jefe Livestock LLC Jefe Livestock LLC Jefe Livestock LLC Jefe Livestock LLC Jefe Livestock LLC Jefe Livestock LLC Jefe Livestock LLC Jefe Livestock LLC Jefe Livestock LLC Jefe Livestock LLC Jefe Livestock LLC Jefe Livestock LLC Jefe Livestock LLC Jefe Livestock LLC Jefe Livestock LLC Jefe Livestock LLC Jefe Livestock LLC Jefe Livestock LLC Jefe Livestock LLC Jefe Livestock LLC Jefe Livestock LLC Jefe Livestock LLC Jefe Livestock LLC Jefe Livestock LLC Jefe Livestock LLC

The American Bucking Bull q Mar/Apr 2012

ABBI

ABBI Biz q q q q q q q q q q q q q

Super Stakes Participantâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s List (By Year) (cont.) 2011-213 2011-214 2011-215 2011-216 2011-217 2011-218 2011-219 2011-220 2011-221 2011-222 2011-223 2011-224 2011-225 2011-226 2011-227 2011-228 2011-229 2011-230 2011-231 2011-232 2011-233 2011-234 2011-235 2011-236 2011-237 2011-238 2011-239 2011-240 2011-241 2011-242 2011-243 2011-244 2011-245 2011-246 2011-247 2011-248 2011-249 2011-250 2011-251 2011-252 2011-253 2011-254 2011-255 2011-256 2011-257 2011-258 2011-259 2011-260 2011-261 2011-262 2011-263 2011-264 2011-265 2011-266 2011-267 2011-268 2011-269 2011-270 2011-271 2011-272 2011-273 2011-274 2011-275 2011-276 2011-277 2011-278 2011-279 2011-280 2011-281 2011-282 2011-283 2011-292 2011-293 2011-294 2011-295 2011-296 2011-297 2011-298 2011-299 2011-300 2011-301 2011-302 2011-303 2011-304 2011-305 2011-306 2011-307 2011-308 2011-309 2011-310 2011-311 2011-312 2011-313 2011-314 2011-315 2011-316 2011-317 2011-318 2011-319 2011-320

Boyd 702 Boyd 704 Boyd 707 Boyd 705 Boyd 708 Cowboy Jam Loaded and Ready Voodoo Time Big Red One DOA Slapout Smoke Wagon 574 Backspin Demonic On the Fly Bad Bad Man Boss Man 592 Big Bang Taz 1011 Dirt Hurts Kung Fu Panda Pop It Spotted Rocket Black Beard Auto Cat Castle 1157 Castle 1191 Castle 1193 Castle 1122 Castle 1139 Castle 1109 Hot Hot Pepper Ellis 1100 Ellis 1101 Ellis 1102 Ellis 1103 Ellis 1104 Ellis 1105 Ellis 1107 Ellis 1110 Ellis 1113 Ellis 1114 Ellis 1117 Ellis 1118 D-X 1111 Boyd 709 Boyd 710 Boyd 711 B 712 Boyd 713 Boyd 715 Boyd 716 Boyd 717 Boyd 718 Boyd 719 Boyd 721 Boyd 722 Boyd 723 Boyd 726 Boyd 727 Boyd 729 Boyd 730 Boyd 978 Boyd 735 Boyd 736 Boyd 738 Boyd 739 Boyd 740 Boyd 741 Boyd 742 Boyd 743-744 Chicken Hawk 1 Black Hawk 1 Rusty Hawk WM401 Vertical Curve JKH X07 WB 1 WB 10 WB 11 WB 12 WB 13 WB 14 WB 15 1-1 SMACK FREAK BEAST Moody-Rice 16 Moody-Rice 192 Moody-Rice 12-1 Cyrus Say Win Say Goodnight Say Hou Say Red Bull Say Yes Boss LS 156 LS 159 118/c 131/c 152/c

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Jefe Livestock LLC Jefe Livestock LLC Jefe Livestock LLC Jefe Livestock LLC Jefe Livestock LLC Miller Farm Creek Bend Bucking Bulls Todd McClure & Derek Cobb kodoc kodoc kodoc kodoc kodoc kodoc kodoc kodoc kodoc kodoc kodoc CLH Cattle Co. 2J Bucking Bulls Rafter A Ranch Rafter A Ranch Rafter A Ranch Rafter A Ranch Castle Ranch Castle Ranch Castle Ranch Castle Ranch Castle Ranch Castle Ranch Creek Bend Bucking Bulls Cross E Bucking Bulls Cross E Bucking Bulls Cross E Bucking Bulls Cross E Bucking Bulls Cross E Bucking Bulls Cross E Bucking Bulls Cross E Bucking Bulls Cross E Bucking Bulls Cross E Bucking Bulls Cross E Bucking Bulls Cross E Bucking Bulls Cross E Bucking Bulls D-X Ranch Jefe Livestock LLC Jefe Livestock LLC Jefe Livestock LLC Jefe Livestock LLC Jefe Livestock LLC Jefe Livestock LLC Jefe Livestock LLC Jefe Livestock LLC Jefe Livestock LLC Jefe Livestock LLC Jefe Livestock LLC Jefe Livestock LLC Jefe Livestock LLC Jefe Livestock LLC Jefe Livestock LLC Jefe Livestock LLC Jefe Livestock LLC Jefe Livestock LLC Jefe Livestock LLC Jefe Livestock LLC Jefe Livestock LLC Jefe Livestock LLC Jefe Livestock LLC Jefe Livestock LLC Jefe Livestock LLC Jefe Livestock LLC Circle 8 Ball Ranch Circle 8 Ball Ranch Circle 8 Ball Ranch We Milk ''em Cattle Genetics JKH Bucking Bulls Wade & Cleo Barry Ranch Wade & Cleo Barry Ranch Wade & Cleo Barry Ranch Wade & Cleo Barry Ranch Wade & Cleo Barry Ranch Wade & Cleo Barry Ranch Wade & Cleo Barry Ranch Broken T Cattle WJ Cattle Company WJ Cattle Company Moody-Rice Cattle Co. Moody-Rice Cattle Co. Moody-Rice Cattle Co. kodoc Santa Teresa Cattle Company Santa Teresa Cattle Company Santa Teresa Cattle Company Santa Teresa Cattle Company Santa Teresa Cattle Company Lone Star Bucking Bull Genetics Lone Star Bucking Bull Genetics 2K 2K 2K

The American Bucking Bull q Mar/Apr 2012

2011-321 2011-322 2011-323 2011-324 2011-325 2011-326 2011-327 2011-328 2011-341 2011-342 2011-343 2011-344 2011-345 2011-346 2011-347 2011-348 2011-349 2011-350 2011-351 2011-352 2011-353 2011-354 2011-355 2011-356 2011-357 2011-358 2011-359 2011-360 2011-361 2011-362 2011-363 2011-364 2011-365 2011-366 2011-367 2011-368 2011-369 2011-370 2011-371 2011-372 2011-373 2011-374 2011-375 2011-376 2011-377 2011-378 2011-379 2011-380 2011-381 2011-382 2011-383 2011-384 2011-385 2011-386 2011-387 2011-388 2011-389 2011-390 2011-391 2011-392 2011-393 2011-394 2011-395 2011-396 2011-397 2011-398 2011-399 2011-400 2011-401 2011-402 2011-403 2011-404 2011-405 2011-406 2011-407 2011-408 2011-409 2011-410 2011-411 2011-412 2011-413 2011-414 2011-415 2011-416 2011-417 2011-418 2011-419 2011-420 2011-421 2011-422 2011-423 2011-424 2011-425 2011-426 2011-427 2011-428

110/c 157/c Union Jack Tee Time TR12 TR13 TR14 TR16 Hargis / James H133 Hargis X59 Hargis X14 Hargis X43 Hargis X28 Hargis X84 104x BD x105 BD 106x BD 109x BD 111x BD 116x BD 119x BD 120x BD 122x BD 123x BD Wyatt 111 BS 103 New Found Hater Bucksnort Brother Black 130 Owens 119 Owens 122 Owens 118 Owens 1121 Owens 114 Owens 123 Owens 109 Owens 126 Owens 108 Owens 128 Owens 107 Owens 112 Owens 115 Wax Job ALINE 391 ALINE 311 ALINE 351 ALINE 041 AV21 Majic Man AV41 Mr. Bass Man AV51 Moon Shine Owens 120 Owens 110 Owens 113 Owens 117 Owens 116 Dirty Johnny Ole Gray Fox Mtn 661 Fox Mtn / Futrell 151 Fox Mtn. 371 Humphrey Hick's 165 McIlroy Ranch 1559 McIlroy Ranch 1179 SCC 133 Superior 107 Superior 120 Superior 132 Superior 141 Superior 155 Superior 158 EC 1106 EC 1111 EC 1118 Wild Rock Rocking Jack Silk Jacket Dueces Full 981 Tequila Gun 991 Hot Sauce 001 Tequila Man Davis Rodeo 1X1 Davis Rodeo 1X2 Davis Rodeo 1X3 Davis Rodeo 1X4 Davis Rodeo 1X5 Davis and Guidry 1X6 SOB-Freightliner 051 Cocoa Loco SB 701 Timbucktoo SB 731 Thunder Cloud SB 271 Folgers SB 171 Colonel Klink SB 091 Hilton Hotel SB 581 Kit Moody-Rice 72-4 Hou's Cash Moody-Rice 72-2 Hou's Rice

2012-001 2012-002

SC24 Cat Squirrel

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2K 2K Locke Bucking Bulls Ledford Bucking Bulls Thunder Ridge Farm Thunder Ridge Farm Thunder Ridge Farm Thunder Ridge Farm Hargis Bucking Bulls Hargis Bucking Bulls Hargis Bucking Bulls Hargis Bucking Bulls Hargis Bucking Bulls Hargis Bucking Bulls Braindead Cattle Co Braindead Cattle Co Braindead Cattle Co Braindead Cattle Co Braindead Cattle Co Braindead Cattle Co Braindead Cattle Co Braindead Cattle Co Braindead Cattle Co Braindead Cattle Co Owens Cattle Stewart Farms Bucking Bulls Owens Cattle Owens Cattle Owens Cattle Owens Cattle Owens Cattle Owens Cattle Owens Cattle Owens Cattle Owens Cattle Owens Cattle Owens Cattle Owens Cattle Owens Cattle Owens Cattle Owens Cattle ACL Bull Genetics ACL Bull Genetics ACL Bull Genetics ACL Bull Genetics ACL Bull Genetics Ackworth Valley Ackworth Valley Ackworth Valley Owens Cattle Owens Cattle Owens Cattle Owens Cattle Owens Cattle 36- Bucking Bulls 36- Bucking Bulls Fox Moutain Cattle Co. Fox Moutain Cattle Co. Fox Moutain Cattle Co. Burkhardt Cattle Co. EBO Cattle Bucking Stock McIlroy Ranch McIlroy Ranch Sanders Cattle Company Superior Genetics Superior Genetics Superior Genetics Superior Genetics Superior Genetics Superior Genetics East Coast Cattle Company East Coast Cattle Company East Coast Cattle Company Rising Star Cattle Company Rising Star Cattle Company Plum Farms 3JH 4C Ranch 4C Ranch 4C Ranch Davis Rodeo Ranch Davis Rodeo Ranch Davis Rodeo Ranch Davis Rodeo Ranch Davis Rodeo Ranch Davis Rodeo Ranch SOB Ranch 4C Ranch Bonsall Bucking Bulls.com Bonsall Bucking Bulls.com Bonsall Bucking Bulls.com Bonsall Bucking Bulls.com Bonsall Bucking Bulls.com Bonsall Bucking Bulls.com Rice Cattle Co. Rice Cattle Co. Sun Country Bucking Bulls Sun Country Bucking Bulls

q q q q q q q q q q Upcoming Events Date

Schedule subject to change. Visit www.abbinow.com for up-to-date information.

2012 Season Events Event

12.31.12 - 1.1.12 1.25.12 2.10.12 - 2.12.12 2.10.12 - 2.12.12 3.31.12 - 4.1.12 4.6.12 - 4.7.12 4.7.12 4.7.12 5.5.12 5.12.12 - 5.13.12 5.18.12 5.19.12 5.18.12 5.18.12 5.19.12 5.20.12 5.26.12 5.31.12 6.14.12 - 6.17.12 6.14.12 - 6.17.12 6.14.12 - 6.17.12 6.14.12 - 6.17.12 6.22.12 - 6.23.12 6.22.12 - 6.23.12 7.3.12 - 7.4.12 7.7.12 7.7.12 7.13.12 - 7.14.12 7.28.12 8.10.12 - 8.12.12 8.11.12 8.10.12 8.10.12 8.31.12 - 9.1.12 8.31.12 8.31.12 8.31.12 - 9.1.12 8.31.12 - 9.1.12 9.6.12 - 9.7.12 9.14.12 - 9.16.12 9.14.12 - 9.16.12 9.14.12 - 9.16.12 9.14.12 - 9.16.12 10.1.12 10.22.12 - 10.28.12 10.22.12 - 10.28.12

ABBI

Location

New Year's Eve Cowtown Classic Wednesday Night Classic Oklahoma City BFTS Classic Oklahoma City Futurity Kansas City BFTS Classic Spring Fling Classic Spring Fling Futurity Spring Fling Junior Futurity Archdale Futurity - Round 1 Boise BFTS Classic Pueblo BFTS Maturity Pueblo BFTS Classic Pueblo Futurity Pueblo Junior Futurity Back Seat Buckers Futurity BFTS Short Round Jackpot JW Hart Challenge Santa Maria Classic American Heritage Futurity American Heritage Junior Futurity American Heritage Derby American Heritage Maturity Ardmore Classic Ardmore Futurity Pendleton Classic West Jordan Classic Gonzales Classic Weatherford Battle of the Bulls Archdale 3D/4D Futurity Tulsa Built Ford Tough Classic Back Seat Buckers Futurity Claremore Futurity Claremore Junior Futurity Thackervile BFTS Classic Thackerville Futurity Back Seat Buckers Futurity Jerome Davis' Archdale Classic Archdale Futurity Claremore Classic Springfield BFTS Super Classic Springfield BFTS Maturity Back Seat Buckers Futurity Springfield Futurity Futurity Wild Card Back Seat Buckers Finals ABBI World Finals

Ft Worth, TX Stephenville, TX Oklahoma City, OK Oklahoma City, OK Kansas City, MO Stephenville, TX Stephenville, TX Stephenville, TX Archdale, NC Boise, ID Pueblo, CO Pueblo, CO Pueblo, CO Pueblo, CO Pueblo, CO Pueblo, CO Decatur, TX Santa Maria, CA Guthrie, OK Guthrie, OK Guthrie, OK Guthrie, OK Ardmore, OK Ardmore, OK Pendleton, OR West Jordan, UT Gonzales, TX Weatherford, TX Archdale, NC Tulsa, OK Tulsa, OK Claremore, OK Claremore, OK Thackerville, OK Thackerville, OK Thackerville, OK Archdale, NC Archdale, NC Claremore, OK Springfield, MO Springfield, MO Springfield, MO Springfield, MO Stephenville, TX Las Vegas, NV Las Vegas, NV

Type Classic Classic BFTS Futurity BFTS Classic Futurity Junior Futurity Futurity BFTS BFTS BFTS Futurity Junior Futurity BSB Jackpot Maturity Classic Futurity Junior Futurity Derby Maturity Classic Futurity Classic Classic Classic Classic Futurity BFTS BSB Futurity Junior Futurity BFTS Futurity BSB Classic Futurity Classic BFTS BFTS BSB Futurity Futurity Finals Finals

Status Confirmed Confirmed Confirmed Confirmed Confirmed Confirmed Confirmed Confirmed Tentative Confirmed Confirmed Tentative Tentative Tentative Confirmed Tentative Tentative Tentative Tentative Tentative Tentative Tentative Tentative Tentative Tentative Tentative Tentative Tentative Tentative Tenative Confirmed Tentative Tentative Tentative Tentative Confirmed Tentative Tentative Tentative Tentative Tentative Confirmed Tentative Tentative Tentative Tentative

2012 ABBI BOARD OF DIRECTORS President Brad Boyd

Vice President Kaycee Simpson

Treasurer/Secretary Cindy Rosser

ABBI SHAREHOLDERS Scott Accomazzo & Moody-Rice Cattle Co. David M. Allen Berger Bucking Bulls Diamond S Bucking Bulls & Scott Pickens Dillon & H.D. Page Jerome & Tiffany Davis Bob Diedrich & Jason Diedrich Brad Boyd & Toby Floyd

Monty Samford Sean Gleason J.W. Hart

Russell Gant Lyndal Hurst Doug & Stephanie Joseph Don & Janelle Kish Tino/Edward Martinez Cotton Rosser/Cindy Rosser & Julio Moreno Jim Bob & Diana Nall Paradise Farms Monty Samford

Cody Lambert Shawn McDermott Ty Murray Tony Sharp & Craig Zaunbrecher Kaycee Simpson Bob & Kristen Tallman Thomas Taylor & Nikki Gusel Tom Teague Trevor Walker Cliff Wiggins

ABBI Contact: 101 West Riverwalk Pueblo, CO. 81003 Phone: 719-242-2747 Fax: 719-242-2746 info@americanbuckingbull.com

The American Bucking Bull q Mar/Apr 2012

Features

Heavy Hitter

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Boyd-Floyd Bull Co.

The story behind the success q by Susan Bedford With nearly 1,000 head of bucking cattle, numerous PBR short round bulls, an ABBI World Champion, two ABBI Wild Card Champions, countless ABBI event winners, more trophy buckles than a case can hold, and having sold the highest-selling Back Seat Buckers prospect at $98,000- Boyd-Floyd Bull Co. has plenty to be proud of. My 13 plus years in the industry, means I've known Brad Boyd and Toby Floyd a long time- and for me it is always hard to write about people you know. I remember when they first started hauling bulls to PBR events. I got to know Brad further when he was elected ABBI President. Neither Brad nor Toby is big on bragging about their program, which makes writing a story about them even more difficult. But a program as successful as theirs was long overdue for a feature, so I decided to head to Stephenville before the ABBI events in OKC last month. That way I could see the complete Boyd-Floyd Bull Co. operation for myself and get an idea of what is really involved with such a large and successful bucking bull operation. And I learned that with Boyd-Floyd Bull Co. there is far more than just what meets the eye- and a background story that was too good not to tell. Photos by Andy Watson / Bullstockmedia.com

Toby Floyd and Brad and Nicolle Boyd accept their award for 2011 ABBI Event of the Year.

The American Bucking Bull q Mar/Apr 2012

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It all started at Tarleton State University. Students Brad Boyd, Toby Floyd and Nicolle Minder were all students studying in different fields, but eventually their paths would cross. “Toby was like the cool guy all the girl’s liked because he rodeoed,” recalled Brad while sitting in his Erath Iron and Metal office in Stephenville, Texas. Surrounded by antlers on the walls and pictures of his bulls, Brad gazed outside at the space-age looking metal arms moving crumpled cars around like they were toys in a scene that could have been from a Terminator movie. Toby had been around bulls his whole life and ultimately spent 12 years riding in the

dinner or not but I remember us trying to get them all back in the pasture. We eventually did it but it took forever.” While in school, Brad began working for a man who owned cattle and a scrap yard. By 1991 Toby had bought some bulls at a sale barn and was ready to put on his first event. The scrap yard came on board as a sponsor and Boyd-Floyd technically produced their first event together. Toby proved he had an eye for talent, eventually selling some of those same sale animals to Jerry Nelson. Toby went on to get his master’s degree in animal science while Nicolle earned her master’s degree in marketing and finance. Brad focused on building his own business, having bought a scrap yard, and was also raising beef cattle. Brad and Nicolle also focused on each other. Brad had his eye on the pretty petite blonde from Minnesota, who ultimately stayed in Ste-

phenville and became Mrs. Boyd. “We’ve been married 17 years now,” shared Nicolle. By 1993 Toby had a cow herd and was ready to really start his own program. Brad was fascinated by bloodlines and genetics and would watch events on TV. “I remember that Brad would always be writing down bull’s names and information,” Nicolle shared. “You know how some people pay attention to race horses and how they do and what their bloodlines are? Brad was that way with the bulls. He was really interested in what worked and what didn’t and would always watch the PBR on TV.” In 1999 both Brad and Toby realized that their different strengths and shared interest in the bucking bull business would compliment each other well. An official partnership was born. The first bull that Boyd-Floyd got on the Built Ford Tough Series was Hondo, a bull

“Our goal is to only have bulls we've raised on our truck and have 2-3 of those be short-round bulls. It was such a rush having Black Pearl, who we own with Steve and Julie Ravenscroft, be the 2009 ABBI Classic Champion. Someday we hope to experience that with a bull from our own breeding program. We'd also love to have the PBR Bull of the Year. Those would be our ultimate goals.” —Brad Boyd PRCA. “He was kind of crazy back then,” reminisced Brad. “I remember one time in college that he got on a bull drunk at Diamond C. You know, crazy stuff that people do when they are young that no one should do.” “Brad was always a good, solid guy,” reflected Toby as he drove between his and Brad’s ranch to pick up bulls to haul to Oklahoma City. “We were different but we got along really well. You couldn’t ask for a better friend.” “I remember one time we were supposed to go to a party or out to dinner or something,” shared Toby. “I had Brad and Nicolle with me and I had to stop and feed some cattle real quick on the way.” “He didn’t close the gate,” added Brad in his version of the story. “As soon as those heifers saw the opportunity, they took it. Hundreds got out!” “We were chasing cows all over!” chuckled Toby. “I don’t remember if we ever got to that

Black Pearl, 2009 ABBI Classic Champion

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Boyd-Floyd Bull Co.: The Story behind the Success cont. they had purchased from Harry Vold. “I still remember that event in Oklahoma City. Jody Newberry got on him,”related Brad. By 2004 Boyd-Floyd was established at a PBR level. “We always knew we were putting together a pen to go to PBR events,” explained Brad. “That was the best organization and that was where we wanted our bulls to be. “We decided we better get serious and treat our bulls like a business. We bought the Paradise Farms bulls,” said Toby. “We knew we needed to have 20 bulls good enough to go to a Built Ford Tough series event. To be at the top level, we knew we needed to have Cody (Lambert) call us for an event and knew we’d be able to bring a truck load if he needed them.” “Back then we purchased most of our bulls that went to Built Ford Tough Series events,” said Toby. “Now we can use the bulls that we raise.” Boyd-Floyd Bull Co. hauled 21 PBR bulls to Baltimore this year and 19 to OKC. Having their own bulls good enough to compete at the elite level gives both men immense pride. “Our goal is to only have bulls we’ve raised on our truck and have 2-3 of those be shortround bulls,” shared Brad. “It was such a rush having Black Pearl, who we own with Steve and Julie Ravenscroft, be the 2009 ABBI Classic Champion. Someday we hope to experience that with a bull from our own breeding program. We’d also love to have the PBR Bull of the Year. Those would be our ultimate goals.” Later in the week, Brad would be sitting at the arena in OKC beaming after their Futurity bulls took four of the top five spots. He hadn’t been happy at how their Classic bulls had performed the night before. “After yesterday, this is great. What makes it really meaningful is that all of those Futurity animals came from our breeding program.” Boyd-Floyd Bull Co. is obviously a fulltime bucking bull operation, but both Brad and Toby have enjoyed success outside of the bucking bull world as well. Toby and his wife Scarlet run a dairy cattle business and an oil field service company that operates in four states. With Toby hauling the bulls to an average of 10 BFTS a year, that puts a lot in Scarlet’s lap to handle. Luckily, Scarlet is a former Marine (who looks like she could be a model) who doesn’t get flustered easily. “We’ve been together almost 6 years now and for awhile it was a com-

muter marriage. Toby will be in Oklahoma City for our anniversary. But we don’t stress out on missing certain days- otherwise we’d both be disappointed a lot,” she explained to me over tea at her kitchen table. Growing up in Cameron, Texas, Scarlet said she always knew she wanted to serve her country. Despite the protest of some friends and family, she followed her heart and really blossomed as a Marine. “I learned a lot and grew a lot because of it. It taught me not to judge people and that people can grow up hard but rise above it. To illustrate her toughness, Toby proudly pops his head into their kitchen to tell me Scarlet has also ridden bulls. She modestly brushes it off explaining she grew up around beef cattle and rodeoed in high school, but I’m not surprised. This woman is tough. But per-

me his toys. Scarlet explains, “He only wants to play bulls. His other toys get ignored so we don’t even buy him anything else anymore.” Briar shows me his custom made play arena- complete with chutes and back pens and an arena sign with the Floyd name on it. He takes his bulls out of the chutes and shows me how they buck. Briar then plays with his big rig truck that has a bull hauler. It has a “broken” axle that I try to fix unsuccessfully. The Floyds travel together to events in the summer and the kids look forward to the Christmas break when Toby is home for a long stretch. They also go to weekend events as a family if it’s within a two hour radius of their home. Sometime after Briar’s dog had passed away, he asked Scarlet when Toby was coming back from a work trip. When she told him it

“I’d have to say my favorite bulls so far have been Camo and Spit Fire. I like Eye Candy who we raised and are hauling to OKC. We have Mailman who’s a half-brother to Jefe and Rack Em Up who’s a fullbrother to Jefe. We expect great things from him.” —Brad Boyd haps that is what makes them a perfect match for each other. “Toby is hard-headed, I can’t tell him anything,” she confessed. “9/11 happened just 6 months after I enlisted. I would have stayed in the service if I hadn’t had kids, I really loved being a Marine,” she shared. Scarlet was last stationed in San Antonio. It was there that her brother Todd (who had fought bulls for Toby) convinced her to go on a blind date with his friend. When she and Toby decided to start a family together, she made the move to Stephenville. Scarlet splits her time 50/50 between the businesses and has the added full-time job of being mom to her 8-year-old daughter Arianna and their 4-year-old son Briar. “Arianna will do the ABBI Junior Futurities next year when she’s old enough. Briar is so bull-crazy that he flanks the dog,” said Scarlet. “At our house, bulls aren’t a ‘daddy thing.’ It’s ‘our thing’ as a family.” Almost on cue, the adorable Briar takes me to his room to show

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would be soon, Briar replied with ‘or maybe dad’s dead.’ “That about broke my heart,” said Scarlet. “The worst thing about the bull business is leaving the kids,” confessed Toby later that day, who then pulled out his phone to proudly show me a picture of Briar with a bird he killed with a BB gun when he was just 3. Besides the two youngsters at home, Toby has a 17-year-old daughter, Cierra, who lives with her mother. “That is why Stephenville is a nice event, I get to sleep in my own bed and be home with my family. Unfortunately, I’m so worried and focused on production and how everything is running at our events that my focus isn’t on our bulls as much as I’d like.” Toby explained that having a quality event and providing people an opportunity to buck their bulls is a priority. Brad and Toby put on such a top-notch product that their events (the annual New Year’s Eve Cowtown Classic in Ft. Worth and the Spring Fling in Stephenville)

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tend to lose money rather than make any- even though they are two of the most popular events each year that usually get more entries than they can accommodate. “I have a great business so I can afford to put on big events and do it right,” said Brad. “We want to give back to the ABBI and the in-

cal sports teams.” In addition to ABBI events, Boyd-Floyd also puts on regular events just to buck their own bulls to see what they’ve got. On Wednesdays nights they put on “Buck ‘n Ducks” at the local Lone Star Arena. They also buck bulls at Toby’s arena at his ranch. At one point, they were so

ence early on, so when we do eventually buck them at an arena they are better prepared.” In this day and age, more and more cowboys expect to be paid to get on a bull (or they expect a big prize purse). Between that cost, renting an arena and having a production staff on hand it is an expensive process to test out

Spit Fire and Pisolero at the 2010 World Finals.

dustry, and that is one way we can do it.” Brad and Toby are big believers that the youth are critical to the future of our industry. For the inaugural season of the ABBI Junior Futurity, they put up $10,000 of their own money so the kids could have a prize purse. They continue to be Junior Futurity sponsors to this day. This year, there will also be an ABBI Junior Futurity as part of the Spring Fling- the first of the season. Boyd-Floyd also supports local youth organizations in and around Stephenville. “We always support 4-H and FFA,” Brad shared. “We also buy animals from the kids and sponsor lo-

behind that they had 5-year-olds that had never been bucked. “We had about 250 unbucked bulls at one time,” recounted Toby. “Now we are just down to about 40.” In this day and age that is a lot of untested mouths to feed and care for, so it is a relief that they are almost caught up. Besides using Buck ‘n Ducks to test out their young bulls they also use it as an opportunity to get their Futurity age bulls used to the experience of being hauled, unloaded and spending time in the back pens. “Events are noisy and there is a lot going on,” explained Toby. “This gives them an important experi-

your unbucked bulls. “It probably runs about $30 a bull,” explains Toby. “That adds up pretty quickly if you are bucking bulls every Wednesday. We are always open to other people who want to bring their bulls out to our events, but it’d be nice if they offered to pitch in on the costs. For awhile we were paying out a lot of our own money so other people could test out their bulls- when we still have bulls we need to test.” In addition to the Wednesday night Buck ‘n Ducks, local cowboys can also try their hand at Toby’s ranch on Tuesdays. This also gives Toby a chance to work with bulls who are problemat-

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Jesse Byrne saves Cord McCoy from Boyd-Floyd’s Mailman during the second round of the Thackerville Built Ford Tough series.

ic in the chutes. That also means that on top of their regular day jobs and caring for the bulls, the Boyd-Floyd team usually spends at least two nights a week bucking their bulls. Brad and Nicolle run one of the largest family-owned scrap metal companies in the country. What started out as one yard has grown into seven. Their two-story office building at Erath Iron and Metal in Stephenville appropriately features his and hers offices. She has the top floor on the west side and handles all the books and finance, while Brad’s office is the top floor on the east. Brad makes all the deals, having his iPhone going practically 24/7. “If I’m working out a deal with someone in China that might mean I’m texting into late in the evening.” His point is illustrated when we go out to dinner for sushi later that night and his fingers keep flying back to the phone keyboard while Nicolle and I discuss her upbringing. Although from Minnesota, Nicolle grew up with rodeo and was a member of AQHA, FFA and 4-H. She had a passion for horses growing up (and the trophies to prove it were tucked away in a loft bedroom I discovered at the guest house at the deer ranch, although she never mentioned her equine success to me) and she is now involved with cutting horses. “I had friends who had dairies growing up and rodeoed, so I was familiar with cattle before I came to Texas,” Nicolle explained. Although

some of her fondest memories growing up include playing in the snow and tapping trees for maple syrup with her grandparents, she admits she loves the climate of Texas and living someplace warm. With her marketing and finance background, Nicolle has been instrumental in the success of Erath Iron and Metal as well as Boyd- Floyd Bull Co. Although unwilling to take credit, Nicolle has been the driving force behind the bucking bull events they have produced. Nicolle is currently working on how to get the word out about the Buck ‘n Ducks, so more people in the community can come out and enjoy the action- which besides local college athletes attracts some top-notch PBR talent who live in the area. “I couldn’t do it without her,” affirms Brad. “She has worked so hard for so many years to make our events a success. I don’t know how she does it, but she does it and she does it all very well. No one works harder than Nicolle.” Erath Iron and Metal has made it possible for Boyd-Floyd Bull Co. to be as large and successful as it is. Although his heart is with his bulls, Brad knows that it is the scrap metal business that makes it realistic for him to pursue his passion. As a self-made man, Brad doesn’t take anything for granted, nor is he ever content to rest on his laurels. He wants both his scrap yards and his bucking bulls to be as successful as possible.“I purchased this yard

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(Erath Iron and Metal) in 2000,” shared Brad. “It has doubled in size every year,” he added as a matter-of-fact. “If it wasn’t for this, the bull side would be impossible.” Brad has favorite memories of both of his businesses over the years. His best scrap yard tale involves a cross-dresser in a Corvette who pulled up with a fridge on top that he wanted to sell. His best bucking bull tale isn’t quite that colorful, but it is especially telling. “Years ago in Dallas was the first event where I had my stock contractor credential and got to come in the back door of the arena,” related Brad obviously still moved by the experience. “I really felt something. That was the first time I understood the scope of what I was a part of. To see all the wires, tv cables, back pens, production staff – I was amazed at how involved it all was. Right then I knew I was part of something great that I wanted to be an even bigger part of.” If you’ve read past issues of this magazine or attended PBR and ABBI events, you know how big the Boyd-Floyd Bull Co. name has become. However, both Brad and Toby are modest about their success and give credit to their spouses and the staff that helps them to keep everything moving along. With bucking cattle at both of their homes as well as at Brad’s deer ranch- just feeding them all can be a full-time job. Dustin Richards, John Dodson, Jorge Soria,

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Boyd-Floyd Bull Co.: The Story behind the Success cont. Stanley “Bucks” Gramps, and Kevin Hall have kept the bulls well cared in heat), they now prefer to do things the old-fashioned way. “We don’t for over the years. The newest member of the team is Jackie Sitterle who do much embryo work anymore,” said Toby. “We’ve had greater success with natural breeding,” added Brad. “And handles the office side of Boyd-Floyd Bull Co., which now includes helping Nicolle produce their two major events (Cowtown Classic and Spring since we are just breeding our own bulls now and not really buying anyFling) in just a 6 month time-span. Jackie had worked at Lone Star Arena thing, we are keeping things simple with our breeding.” They may be keeping things simple, but that looks like it will be as an event coordinator and was responsible for the Boyd-Floyd Bull Co. events. “So I know both sides of the production equation,” she explained. translating into some big success in the future. They sold several bulls to At the Boyds’ home is the “retired” pasture. From their kitchen win- the ABBI’s Back Seat Bucker’s program, including Boyd-Floyd 911. The dow Brad and Nicolle can look out at the bulls who are enjoying their calf out of 252 Santana (Short Stack) and D Floyd 772 (Boding) went golden years. Bulls like Spit Fire and Camo contentedly meander around for a big $98,000 to Gary Long, making it the highest-selling lot of the enjoying their retirement. The yearlings- currently about 130- are also auction. So how exactly does the Boyd-Floyd partnership work? “I don’t get at the Boyd home. At the Floyd home are majority of the bulls who compete on tour. The deer ranch is also home to some more of their bulls in his way. Toby is the bull man. I’m not the kind of guy who wants to be on the chutes anyway,” said Brad. “I’m happy to sit in the stands and and cows. On the back of the Boyd property is where some of Brad’s favorite watch our bulls buck.” After reflecting for a moment, he added, “Boyd-Floyd stands for a animals are buried. “Smokeless Wardance’s daddy is back there. Short Stack was our first breeding bull and raised some great daughters.” Bur- great business relationship between Toby and myself. Our combination of business sense and sheer ass hard work is what makes it work.” ied next to him is Reindeer Dippin’s mother. Being one never to mince words, Brad concluded, “It’s been a hell “I’d have to say my favorite bulls so far have been Camo and Spit Fire. I like Eye Candy who we raised and are hauling to OKC,” stated of a ride so far. We’ve been extremely lucky to have the support of our Brad. “We have Mailman who’s a half-brother to Jefe and Rack Em Up families and such an amazing team who are willing to work as hard as we who’s a full-brother to Jefe. We expect great things from him.” Rack Em are to make Boyd-Floyd a success. I’m really excited about our future.” Up won the 2011 Las Fabiano Vieira rides Boyd-Floyd's Perfect Poison for 91.75 during the fifth round of the PBR World Finals Built Ford Tough Series Vegas Wild Card event and Jefe was an ABBI Reserve Futurity Champion. Their parents are Raspberry Wine and Gift From God. Brad also likes Perfect Poison. “He should have been named Wounded Warrior. When we got him he’d ripped half a toe off and it took a year to grow it back. He was ungodly mean. We’re hauling a son of his, Tremors now.” Although the Boyd-Floyd bull office at the ranch is filled with about anything and everything you might need to breed and raise bulls (including a high-tech looking device that Toby explained they used to use to notify them when cows were

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Where Lightning Strikes

LIGHTNING C CATTLE q By Sugar Kuhn

How many times have we heard the old myth, “Lightning never strikes twice in the same place?” Not only has science disproved this myth, but Lightning C Cattle seems to be making a mockery of it with both their handle and the depth of their achievements.

ightning C has proved that lightning strikes have no limitations. They’ve had multiple champs, multiple wins and the team has feasted on mountains of triumph since they began in 1998. As self-proclaimed small breeders, Lightning C is perhaps one of the most successful in the entire industry. The program calls Claremore, Oklahoma home and stretches the boundary of what it means to have a well-rounded team which has made them tougher than ever to avoid. The program is a family effort lead by Jerry Copp and wife Tracy, son-in-law and daughter, Britt and Angie Bockius, and long-time family friend Cody May. “Everyone assumes Cody May is a family member,” shared Tracy. “He's no relation, but he’s as much like family as you can get. He has

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worked for us for 14 years and started when he was only 15. He and Jerry have traveled many miles together. Jerry has helped him with breeding and he has been putting his own program together the last couple of years.” When it comes to who’s doing what, it seems like the Lightning C bunch all play a role—and each effort is just as important as the next in making them a solid, steady force. “As a family we have always been pretty close,” continued Tracy. “Our entire bunch rodeos so this is just an extension of it. We tend to do things that everyone enjoys. Several years ago Jerry gave our six grandkids a heifer. They now have several calves and have started their own herd. In 2010 our grandson Cash Bronson entered the youth events and did quite well. Our other grandson Brazen Bockius is competing with

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Cody May & Brazen Bockius at the 2011 ABBI Finals Las Vegas

a Copp Hou calf this year. This calf looks promising so far and he is excited. When it comes to our program, everyone's opinion is considered on prospects and what gets hauled. Besides the cattle, the family works the events at our facility as well. All six grandkids have jobs from picking up dummies to working the concession stand and even when it comes to picking up trash.” The close knit group experienced their first lightning strike in the form of home-grown, Copp Hou. The white and black, spotted-up, super star that took the juvenile class by storm in 2008 ultimately won the Futurity World title. Copp Hou doubled back with a Wild Card win as a 3-year-old, a strong Classic season and remains one of the ABBI’s alltime high money earners to date. His win also made Lightning C Cattle the Horizon Breeder of the Year. If that doesn’t show what sort of lift-off this program had in 2008, the sheer fact that they had 3 bulls land in the top 6 slots of the American Heritage results should be plenty. “Looking back, we never anticipated achieving the level of success that we have,” shared Jerry Copp. “We knew in 2008 we had the capabil-

ity with Copp Hou, but we just had to see what the year brought us—and it ended up being very good for us. We raised him and he just always showed promise right from the start. He just did everything right from the beginning. We never had to do much but keep him in shape. He was a natural and always so consistent in all areas.” For those that followed the lightning myth and assumed Copp Hou was a one hit wonder for Lightning C, Bad Blake proved lightning does strike the same place twice. The brazen bovine came on as a 3-year-old and then dominated the season last year as a 4-year-old. In fact it looked like he had the year-end race all bolted down until the final event of the season when he lost his grip to Back Bender. The storm wasn’t over and Bad Blake rolled into Las Vegas recoiling and flashing his tools right off the bat in the first classic round. “Being in Las Vegas last year with Bad Blake was kind of like watching your kid at super bowl. I am sure we went in more nervous than he was. When he was marked the high point bull on his first round, our nerves kicked up a notch. When you get to that level, you just are hoping for a consistent buck and that you will draw a cowboy that will show him. Through the week our nerves were pretty good, but by the second round we were definitely starting to have some butterflies. There are always great bulls at that level and we were just glad ours could hang with them.” While Lightning C is in no way limited to the success of these two dynamos, they are the two bovines that pushed the program over the hump to bonafide, top-end contenders. So how does a program like

McKennon Wimberly attempts to ride Lightning C’s Copp Hou during the third round of the Tulsa Built Ford Tough series PBR.

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Where Lightning Strikes cont.

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Kody Lostroh attempts to ride Lightning C’s Reserve World Champ Bad Blake.

Lightning C pick out these gems? “Over time we’ve learned that every animal is different. They all are not going to buck—even if they do have the breeding behind them. You have to give them all several chances to see if they will make it. We bought Bad Blake as a yearling. He never showed well with a dummy so we just let him grow. When we started taking him to classics, he just had what it took. When I’m looking, my main thing is kick. We let them build their confidence and consistency slowly and don’t rush them. When it comes to bulls that you are competing with, they all are athletes and they need proper care, good nutrition and exercise. When I first started out I would have four or five all together in a pen. Now, once we determine that one has the possibility of making it in competition; they get moved to a pen by themselves so that we can monitor their feed and condition. My wife is my biggest critic on when one isn’t looking up to par. We also tend to go slow with them and not push a young bull or heifer once handling starts.” Lightning C knows that success is comprised of multiple facets and offers up some advice on how to get from possibilities to the winners circle. “The best advice I can give others is not to push or rush them. Another piece of advice is to get with a nutritionist and make sure they are getting what they need. We randomly have labs done on competition bulls just to make sure everything is in sync.” Copp continues pressing the role that nutrition, stress and anxiety can have on a bull with potential once they are being hauled. “We try to keep their stress level down and if they have high anxiety you absolutely can not rush them when you are handling or hauling them. When we do haul we sometimes haul a buddy which helps so they will eat and drink on the road. In order to have a good bull become a consistent money earner, you have to minimize stress and not over haul them. They require maintenance with a good diet and nutrition. When all these things are in place and they have built up their confidence and consistency we think they are ready and can handle all the distractions that come with competition at the Built Ford Tough Series level.” When Copp Hou finished his classic year there were many offers that

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came Lightning C’s way—none which were accepted. On the flipside, when the dust cleared in Las Vegas, Bad Blake belonged to Wolf Creek Cattle Company and Jeff Robinson Bucking Bulls. “Bad Blake is a very strong, athletic bull. We produce bull ridings but felt he was too tough for these associations and that he needed to shine in the PBR. We have several nice looking calves coming up from him, and we will just have to wait and see what that brings. Our family talked about the possibility of selling Bad Blake before we even left for the finals. We knew that this was his market. Back when Copp Hou was competing at the classic finals, I was told before I left home that I had better come back with him. He has given us so much that his spot will always be in Claremore.” Copp Hou has done much for the Lightning C family. He’s fueled their passion and love of this competitive sport, he was their first bigleague champion and his immense success helped them design and build a world-class training and event facility. “When we started building our facility, it was going to be a generic place to buck, train and exercise our bulls. We had seen several barns and tried to take the best aspects out of each for the bulls.” While the goals started meek, Tracy Copp shared how Copp Hou had a much bigger and better plan. “He just kept winning big pots,” mused Tracy. “Every time he did, Jerry was adding in items on the facility. Our goal was a covered place where weather and bad ground would not hold us back. With each win something else was added. It originally was going to be a smaller place for us to practice and have a little kitchen for our bunch to eat. Copp Hou hit another lick and that grew into three bathrooms, a full commercial kitchen and a very large family room for reviewing video of the prospects.” Copp Hou’s success ultimately built one of the best facilities for ABBI competitions and the facility is the venue when Lightning C hosts its annual Summer Bash, an event that has become a favorite among breeders. When looking at the commonalities in the careers of Lightning C’s first consecutive lightning strikes, Copp Hou and Bad Blake, their success may be all that the two bulls actually have in common. “Bad Blake and Copp Hou are two completely different animals. Bad Blake's disposition was the same at home as it was at a competition. He was aggressive in everything he did. His name originated from the Crazy Heart movie with Jeff Bridges. He had that personality. He didn’t really give a darn and was going to do it his way. On the other side, Copp Hou was sweet. You could pet and feed him with no aggression. He would stand his ground if he was pushed but that was about the only time he had a mean streak.” While the lightning bolts have been landing in Claremore, one thing’s for sure—everybody is always learning no matter how much success is had. For Copp he feels the best place to learn is with others who have been successful. “I think I probably learn something every day when it comes to these bulls. I have always raised bucking bulls, but went into the breeding and bucking aspect 15 years ago. We started off small and we still are not so big that we can't keep up with it. In the startup days, Monty Samford and Dillon Page were my mentors. I listened and watched how these successful guys were making it work. They have become lifelong friends that I don’t hesitate to bounce things off of and get their opinion.”

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Jane Forbes Clark From Baseball to Bucking Bulls

by Keith Ryan Cartwright

Jane Forbes Clark is a fascinating woman and there is no one particular way in which to tell her story. However, for those who know her best or those who are only now getting to know her, it all starts with the depth and complexity of a simple quote.

“I just love doing things as well as I can do them,” said Clark, who was equally relaxed yet stoic as she sat at a table in the lobby of the Marriott Marquis Times Square on a chilly Sunday morning in early January. Even though it always comes back to those 12 words, she further added, “I am competitive, but it’s competing for excellence.” “I was always brought up that if you do something as well as you can do it, the winning the recognition will follow. It’s not about winning. It’s not going out every day and saying, we have to win. It’s going out every day and doing it the best possible way you can do it.” For the past few years, that includes the bucking bull business she shares with Gene Owen and Shane George. Her interest in owning bucking bulls was born out of a 30-year friendship with George, with whom she shares a set of bulls in Houston. Clark, who grew up dividing her time between Middleburg, Va., and Cooperstown, N.Y., has five more bulls she keeps with Owen at his ranch in Oklahoma. She met George, who relocated from Westport, Conn., to Houston when he was 18, in the early 1980s at a time when he was still riding jumping horses as well as hosting clinics and training horses. As his

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competitive career came to an end, he met some folks who introduced him to bucking bulls, but it wasn’t until seven years ago that he partnered with Owen on two bulls. “We started doing a little business together and then we started doing bigger business together” recalled George. In addition to raising bulls they’re always looking to see what’s available to purchase. The more George became involved with the PBR and the ABBI, the more questions he said Clark began to ask. “She heard about the bulls and wanted to participate in this,” he said. It was something really different for her as well, and she has the best show horses in the world she’s had Olympic horses in every section of the horses and this is something that’s just really different for her. “She’s gotten a big kick out of it and really loves it.” That was when Clark began attending BFTS events, watching the television broadcast with more regularity and listening to people talk about their own experiences in the industry. Ultimately, Clark decided she wanted to get more involved with the PBR. And like anything worth doing, Clark decided to do it well. However, the story of the Clark family doing things as well as can be done dates back to the mid-1800s. In 1851, her great-great grandfather helped found the Singer Sewing Machine Company and 85 years later her grandfather founded the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, which was first located in a converted gymnasium. It was there, in Cooperstown, where her future was shaped. Clark was only 3 years old when she got a white pony for Christmas. Too little to sit in a saddle, she began a lifetime of horseback riding by sitting comfortably in a basket on its back. Eventually she began showing horses as a child and continued through college, when she wanted to become more involved with show jumping horses and fell in love with the U.S. Equestrian Team. She was drawn to the gracefulness of the horses as well as the artfulness and athleticism of them as animal athletes something that would grab her attention years later when George first introduced her to the PBR.

Clark established herself as a difference-maker among the international equestrian world. She owns world-class dressage and showjumpers that have won multiple medals (five) in three separate Olympic Games Athens (2004), Sydney (2000) and Atlanta (1996). She is also the President of the United States Equestrian Team Foundation and past Director of The United States Olympic Committee. In 1992, she became a member of the Board of Directors of The National Baseball Hall of Fame and in 2000 she became the first woman to chair the Hall of Fame Board. According an online biography posted at www.baseballhall.org, she made it her mission to make sure all of the living Hall of Famers return for induction ceremonies each year. A recipient of many awards and honors, Clark has been recognized by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation with its Pillar of New York award; the Fire Department of the City of New York with their Humanitarian of the Year award; Harlem R.B.I.; the Baseball Assistance Team; and is a member of the BoysClub of New York All Sports Hall of Fame. The Clark family has been a devoted steward of the Baseball Hall of Fame since Stephen C. Clark founded the Museum in 1936. In addition to being one of the only women in a management position in professional baseball, she was the first woman to head the U.S. Equestrian Federation. “I don’t view that as exceptional,she said of being the first woman. “I don’t view it as special. I just view it as I’ve been asked to do some things in life and I’ve said yes and I’ve tried to do those as well as I could do them. I don’t see it as a feminist movement sort of thing.” She later explained, “I was brought up to see myself as a person and

not as a woman who was going out to prove women could do something. I just don’t believe in that as a fundamental philosophy.” It’s the same advice she would give other women or impressionable young people. “Again, it comes back to doing things as well as I can do them.” But, in this case, the idea of one day becoming the first woman named Stock Contractor of the Year isn’t lost on her. Such an honor would illustrate an exceptional pen of bulls more than her gender. While Clark has the financial means to make any purchase that would strengthen and deepen their pen, it’s up to George and Owen to find those potential bulls. “I see us building a great team of bucking bulls,” said Clark, whose pen currently features Game Changer, Ludacris and PFI’s Boot Daddy, “and I think we’ve had a very good start at it and I think we’re headed in the right direction. We’re on the right road and I think I just need to be patient now and just keep trying to have the best possible bulls we can have on that truck to go to PBR events.” George agreed, “We’re definitely stepping in the right direction with it. The hardest thing about any of these businesses is finding the stock. That’s the hardest part-going out and searching and getting those good bulls.” That said, all it takes is one bull to change your fortunes. George points to what Chicken on a Chain did for two-time defending Stock Contractor of the Year Jeff Robinson or how Asteroid parlayed Circle T Ranch and Rodeo from being just another truck hauling bulls down the highway to one of the most sought after storylines in the PBR. The American Bucking Bull q Mar/Apr 2012

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Jane Forbes Clark cont.

Watson photos

Luke Snyder attempts to ride Boot Daddy during the Short Round of the NYC Built Ford Tough series PBR.

Valdiron de Oliveira rides Game Changer for 89.25 during the Short Round in NYC.

They are looking for the next superstar and so too is everyone else, so in the meantime they are hoping to raising a title contender. “We’ve always keeping our eyes open to find that next superstar and a lot of times it’s not on the scene yet,” George said. “How’s that going to happen? We don’t know yet.” For those who think Clark’s interest in bucking bulls is wildly different from either horses or baseball, they ought to think again. All three areas of interest at deeply rooted in American culture. The iconic image of the cowboy is as recognizable if not more so than that of Babe Ruth standing at home plate with his back to the Yankee Stadium photographer that day. Where would America be without horses? They carried settlers west, transported soldiers to war and took families to the general store for food and supplies as well as exploring. In 1912, the Army was the primary resource for horses used in the equestrian events for the Olympic Games. “Whether you’re a baseball player, a rider horse or bull to achieve excellence in the sport, whichever of the three, you have to have an enormous degree of athleticism,” Clark explained, “And inherent in that you have grace and beauty. There’s an artfulness to all three.” Owen has hauled her bulls east to New York, where she owns a condominium in addition to homes in Upstate New York and South Florida.

Last year she had two bulls Game Changer and Boot Daddy that were chosen for the PBR World Finals, which was a first for Clark, but she and her partners need to keep a keen eye on the ever-evolving bucking bull industry. Clark is currently Chairman of The Farmers Museum and is President of The Clark Foundation, The Scriven Foundation and The Clara Welch Thanksgiving Home (Cooperstown, N.Y.) as well as a Trustee of Bassett Healthcare. She also serves as Vice Chairman of The Jackie Robinson Empire State Freedom Medal Commission and a past trustee of The Little League Foundation. Based on the success she’s had in other areas of her life there seem to be three keys to success: being aware of the competition, being agile enough to change direction, and thinking to achieve excellence. It’s also about keeping their goals, though she’s not a fan of the word, in front of them. “I’m very patient I think- not only with my work with the National Baseball Hall of Fame as chairman and in my role with the United States Equestrian Team Foundation as an owner and chairman,but also with my bucking bulls. I’m striving to be very good at what I do in all of those areas. We know that sports evolve and, to me, you need to evolve as well to keep yourself relevant.”

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.com s r e k c u b t a e s k c ba

k c a B s i t a h W ? s r e k c u B t Sea rd by Susan Bedfo

fo? n I e r o s! Need M Call u 47

-27 2 4 2 19

BSB Schedul e Pueblo, Col o. May 18-20 Tulsa, Okla . Aug. 10-11 Thackervill e, Okla. Aug . 31- Sept.2 Springfield, Mo. Sept. 14 -16 Las Vegas O ct. 24-28

Back Seat Bucker s is a program th at allows anyone to become a stock contractor. You buy 1 of 100 Back Seat Bu ckers bulls and st art competing at Back Seat Bu ckers Futurities in May. The animal is housed, fe d and trained at an ABBI facility in Colorado. ABBI ha uls the bulls to Ba ck Seat Buckers events and fla nks them for you. Literally all you have to do is enjo y watching your bull buck...and hopefully win your share of Half A M illion. All of the four Back Seat Bu ckers events will be held in conjunction with PBR Built Ford Tough Series events and the Back Se at Buckers World Finals will be held in Las Vega s during the PBR and ABBI World Finals in October . There are neve r any hidden fees and at the end of the 2012 season , you can sell your bull, continue on competing in the Back Seat Buckers system, or pick up your bu ll and take him home.

The American Bucking Bull q Mar/Apr 2012

BACK SEAT BUCKERS CONT.

Back Seat Buckers Starts with a Bang! By Susan Bedford

Photography by Andy Watson

Awesome Auction and Top-Notch Trainers The 2012 Back Seat Buckers Season has officially begun and it is off to a strong start. A large crowd of BSB owners and spectators packed the Miller Lite Club at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas on March 3 to bid on the 2-year-old bulls. The event was structured so bids were taken on the auction spots, once the high bidder was confirmed they then got to immediately draft an animal- making the action fast, furious and nail-bitting. Large screens throughout the club kept track of what bulls were still available as well as showing videos of the bulls as they were drafted. Long purchased the first lot for an auction high of $98,000. This earned him a new F-150 King Ranch Edition truck, which Ford generously donated. Boyd-Floyd Bull Co., who bred the bull, received the other F-150 King Ranch Edition trucks which Ford provided. “We couldn’t be happier,” stated ABBI Executive Director Kaycee Simpson. “The auction went even better than expected and I want to congratulate both Gary Long and Brad Boyd and Toby Floyd for getting trucks from Ford.” Long bought several bulls and shared that Monty Samford would be his partner on some, including Lot 119 (Boyd-Floyd 911). The $98,000 pick had Santana as a sire and D Floyd 772 as a dam. Grandsires were Short Stack and Boding. The second highest selling lot was a Lance Bloyd bred bull that was purchased by Trevor Walker for $82,500 via the internet auction feature. Lot 95 came out of Winchester’s Image (Coffey’s A22) and Penelope Cruz (Bloyd breeding). Some other high-selling highlights included Lot 30 for $60,000 and Lot 96 for $45,000. The majority of the members bid in person in a fast-moving and adrenaline-filled event, but some bid by phone, internet, or proxy. The sale was also televised on the internet. It took place at “the house that Jerry built” before the third annual PBR Dickies Iron Cowboy Invitational event. Dave Mullins and Ty Groshans headed up the professional auction team. Mullins served as auc-

The American Bucking Bull q Mar/Apr 2012

tioneer and Groshans ensured everything ran smoothly on the technology side and online. “I think that the recordsetting results of this auction indicate the level of professionalism and quality that is represented by the ABBI and the Back Seat Buckers program,” shared Mullins. “It was certainly a pleasure to be affiliated with such a great event.” The Back Seat Buckers weekend started with a welcome dinner and cocktail party for members at the Hilton Arlington, where videos of the eligible bulls played on giant screens. Back Seat Buckers bull trainers Kent Cox, Joe Baumgartner, and Dean Wilson also shared their insights into the contenders and all agreed that any bull had a shot at the $250,000 grand prize. The bulls were pre-screened to make the playing field as level as possible, although certain members had their hearts set on specific bulls - based on

the potential ability they saw on video or for the animals’ bloodlines and bid accordingly at the auction. All the bulls are housed in Colorado and trained by Cox, Baumgartner, and Wilson. Cox has trained and hauled famed bulls such as current ABBI World Champion Back Bender and PBR World Champion Bushwacker. Baumgartner has spent decades face-to-face with the rankest bulls in the world as an elite PBR bullfighter, as well as working with bulls outside of the arena. Wilson is a retired professional bull rider who, besides working as a judge in the PBR, has spent his life raising roughstock. “This combination of expertise makes these guys the best group of bull men I could imagine for the task of training the Back Seat Buckers animals,” said Simpson. “Our concept is to take young bulls with outstanding bloodlines that have already proven they can buck and have that raw talent needed to become a champion. Our new bull staff will now make sure they get the absolute best training available- which will not only benefit them as they compete in the Back Seat Buckers events this year, but throughout their careers.” After the last bull was drafted on Saturday, the newest group of stock contractors included fans of bull riding, established stock contractors and breeders just breaking into the industry. It also has its fair share of celebrities including sports legends John Elway, Wayne Gretzky, Reggie Jackson, Bear Pascoe, Chad Ochocinco and CBS Sports’ Boomer Esiason and Craig Carton. Celebrated Thoroughbred trainer Bob Baffert and Hall of Fame Jockey Gary Stevens also became involved in the bull business through Back Seat Buckers unique turn-key ownership program. Baffert and Stevens have named their bull Silverbulletday. Gretzky’s bull will be called T Dog, Elway’s will be Mile High Miracle and Jackson’s is Ariat’s Mr. October. Esiason and Carton will be calling their bull

Boomer and Carton, and all money the animals wins will benefit The Boomer Esiason Foundation. Forrest Lucas (Lucas Oil) also joined the ranks of ABBI stock contractors with his bull purchases at the event. This year’s Super Bowl was held at Lucas Oil Stadium, home to the Indianapolis Colts. Lucas Oil also sponsors several motorsports teams and events and manage their own racing series, Lucas Oil Off Road Racing, and MavTV. Associated Press writer Jenna Fryer, who covers NASCAR and IndyCar, will partner with Lucas on one of his bulls. Pilgrim Studios - the largest reality television production company in Los Angeles who produces some of the most popular shows on TV today including American Chopper, Dirty Jobs, and the new show Full Metal Jousting - is also embracing the adrenaline-charged world of bucking bulls by becoming an owner, naming their bull Lil’ Pilgrim. The other owners are deciding on names and we’ll run a complete list next issue once that information has come into the office. Training of the Futurity bulls has already started and the contenders for half a million dollars in prize money will have their first event in Pueblo in May. “I think I’m as excited as the new owners to see what these bulls will do at their first Futurity,” said Simpson.”I’m hoping all the Back Seat Buckers members come out for our Pueblo event. Not only will it be their first opportunity to see their animals compete, we are a planning an entire weekend of special VIP events for them.” Owners will receive more information about Pueblo, but can also visit backseatbuckers.com or americanbuckingbull.com to learn more about the schedule of events. If you missed out on the opportunity to get involved, we’ll have information out soon about the 2013 season. “As proud as we are about our record-setting prices at the auction, Back Seat Buckers was formed with the intent to give anyone who wanted to play an opportunity to get involved with our industry,” said Simpson. “That is why we went out and got 120 bulls that demonstrated the same basic level of talent. The bulls that weren’t good enough after we bucked them were cut from the auction. Even the owners who couldn’t afford to pay any extra for a higher draft spot got a good bull with the potential to be the $250,000 champion at the end of the year. Anyone of these 100 bulls could win and I think it’ll be exciting to see what happens on our season-long road to Vegas.”

“As proud as we ar e about our record setting prices at th e auction, Back Seat Buckers was formed with the intent to anyone who wanted to play an opportunitgive get involved with our industry.” y to —Kaycee Simpson

The American Bucking Bull q Mar/Apr 2012

BACK SEAT BUCKERS CONT.

BSB Draft

3 2

1. Auctioneer Dave Mullins kept the action exciting from the auction stand. 2. BSB high bidders the Longs with partner Monty Samford. 3. Hartford Insurance had an information booth for new owners who needed a policy above the $7,500 provided by BSB. 4. The draft crowd watches the list of available bulls. 5. ABBI and event staff was on hand to help with the draft. 6. ABBIâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Executive Director Kaycee Simpson watched the draft with PBR CEO JIm Haworth and some young fans. 38

The American Bucking Bull q Mar/Apr 2012

David Mullins Licensed Auctioneer 317.503.2798 dmauctioneer.com

You.

Thank

ABBI MEMBERS AND SUPPORTERS FOR MAKING THE 2012 BACK SEAT BUCKERS DRAFT & AUCTION A RECORD-SETTING EVENT.

AUCTION MANAGEMENT AND INTERNET MARKETING SERVICES AVAILABLE. Ty Groshans 816.261.2618 tg_90@hotmail.com

l a n o i t a t i v In y o b w o C n Iro

After an exciting auction at the arena level of the beautifu l Cowboys Stadium, Back Sea t Buckers owners were treated to a Dierks Bentley concert and VIP seating at the PBRâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Iron Cowboy Invitational.

1. PBR cowboys hold the American flag. 2. PBR bullman James DeBord worked to keep the bulls in line and the event running smoothly. 3. Dierks Bentley entertained the crowd. 4. The crowd was delighted by Renato Nunesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; trademark flip. 40

The American Bucking Bull q Mar/Apr 2012

BACK SEAT BUCKERS CONT.

6 7

5. JB Mauney on Bushwacker, 2011 PBR World Champion Bull and 2010 ABBI Classic Champion. 6. Iron Cowboy winner JB Mauney. 7. Austin Meier faced off against Howard Talleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Asteroid. The TheAmerican AmericanBucking BuckingBull BullqqMar/Apr Jan/Feb 2012

2011 Drought Affects

the Industry and the Nation Story and Photos by Sugar Kuhn

Older Bred cows in southwest Texas being supplemented with range cubes to curb effects of no forage.

Bull feeds on range cubes.

2012 is off to a much more promising start for breeders, considering what they’ve faced over the past year. The 12-month drought that baked breeder’s pastures and dried up their ponds in Texas and Oklahoma – the nations top two beef producing states and also the heart of ABBI’s membership–had many taking unpleasant measures in 2011. Many breeders in these regions have been forced to cull heavily, selling off large percentages of their herds to lighten feed and water bills, and minimize pasture stress. Like cattle ranchers, ABBI breeders in drought hit regions were faced with difficult decisions. During 2011 most had to sell cattle and buy feed because of barren pastures which could not sustain their animals. Further, if they opted to buy hay while watching for rain clouds, they risked losing everything. If they sold cows early in their production life, they did it knowing rebuilding their herd later would be a long, costly process. In auction yards across Oklahoma and Texas scales and facilities looked like seas of cattle. At the Elk City Livestock Auction it was common to see more than 4,000 animals awaiting the public sale. With this many head, a realistic period of up to 24 hours could be expected for this many cattle to be processed. Bob Edington, who owns the Coleman Livestock Auction 160 miles southwest of Fort Worth, said ranchers sold calves they would normally keep until fall. On July 20, he had nearly 4,700 head of cattle move through his auction compared to 1,200 only a year earlier.

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Oklahoma, the nation’s second-largest cattle producer, like Texas saw about a 12 percent drop in cows according to Oklahoma State University agriculture economist Derrell Peel. Oklahoma ABBI breeders have had to make many painful adjustments to stay alive. “I can sure tell you how it has affected my bank account,” said a somber Brady Roach. “But I’m sure that wouldn’t be any different than what you’ve already heard from so many other breeders. The most dramatic affect it’s had on us is that buyers are not buying due to doubt in their areas. The areas most affected are the area’s most associated with raising cattle and specifically bucking bred cattle. We have cut our numbers to be able to afford to feed them and have gotten much pickier about what we keep.”

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Cows in Southwest Texas in drought conditions.

The drought, the worst in Texas’ history, ultimately led to the largest-ever one-year decline in the leading cattle-state’s cow herds, raising beef prices as the numbers of animals declined. From January through November, Texas got just 46 percent of its normal rainfall of about 26 inches. “Since Jan. 1, the number of cows in Texas has dropped by well over 600,000, a 12 percent decline from the roughly 5 million cows the state had at the beginning of 2011,” said David Anderson, who monitors beef markets for the Texas AgriLife Extension Service. “That’s likely the largest drop in the number of cows any state ever has seen, though Texas had a larger percentage decline from 1934 to 1935, when ranchers were reeling from the Great Depression and Dust Bowl.” Lance Bloyd discussed the measures taken to survive and the impact the drought has had on his original plans. “In previous years,” explained Lance Bloyd, “we have gotten all of our hay from our neighbor who bales a few thousand round bales a year. He called me in late summer and told me he wouldn’t be able to sell us any. One of his hay pastures that would normally produce 600 plus round bales only yielded 100. It’s been tough hanging in there with hay and feed as high as it is.” As the grass dried out and water became scarce, some were buying hay from up to a thousand miles away, despite the high cost of shipping. They also had to sell bulls they normally would have kept. “We sold all of our 2 and 3 year old bulls last summer,” continued Bloyd. “We had plans of putting a group of home raised bulls together to haul to events, but we had to buy hay and selling them helped pay for it—and made it so we didn’t need as much of it. The two bulls we sold into the Back Seat Buckers would not have been sold if it weren’t for the drought. We had just bought our first load of hay from North Dakota when it was released

As the record-setting drought strengthened its sinewy grip across Texas, one may wonder what the remaining livestock and wildlife were eating. Across the western half of Texas, mesquite beans most likely were a big part of the answer, according to a pair of Texas AgriLife Extension Service experts at Fort Stockton. Bruce Carpenter, Ph.D., AgriLife Extension livestock specialist, and Alyson McDonald, Ph.D., AgriLife Extension range specialist, said while mesquite beans do have good feed value, it takes an awful lot of them to really make much of a difference to a hungry cow. “I recently raked up all the beans from a 10 foot mesquite; total weight was just over 5 pounds,” McDonald said. “Those dry beans had a moisture content of 1 percent. I also picked some green beans from a tree and they jumped to 50 percent moisture. “Now, for a cow to meet her daily dry matter intake by eating beans alone, she’d have to eat about four 5-gallon buckets of dry beans or eight buckets of green beans. That’s an awful lot of beans.” Carpenter said problems can arise when cattle eat mesquite beans for more than 60 percent of their diet continuously for two months or more. He said this usually happens when other forages become limited due to drought or when drought-stricken forage lacks enough protein to meet the animal’s needs. “The protein content of mesquite beans drops from 28 percent in young beans to about 12 percent at maturity while fat increases from about two to three percent and fiber increases from 17 to 30 percent,” Carpenter said. “Many parts of Texas have seen a bumper bean crop this year and some areas even got a second crop, so mesquite beans are definitely on the menu.” As with anything else, Carpenter said too much of a good thing can be bad. The beans have a high sugar content of 65 percent to 80 percent. Too much sugar can cause increased acidity in the cow’s rumen, killing the micro flora needed to digest course fibrous plant material. This causes a digestive slowdown, leading to an impaction of the digestive tract that can be fatal. “Under normal circumstances this high fiber would be broken down and digested or passed out as undigested material,” he said. “Impacted animals essentially begin to starve. Severe weight loss is the most obvious sign, but other symptoms include swelling under the jaw, partial tongue or jaw paralysis, excessive salivation and constant chewing.” Carpenter said affected animals can recover if placed on a high-quality ration. Inoculation of the rumen with fluid from a healthy animal is also reported to help. Most ranchers want less mesquite, so how much mesquite is actually spread through bean-eating animals? Not as much as many may think, McDonald said. “It’s true that ingestion is an important dispersal mechanism and that exposure to digestion does increase germination, because the seed is able to more quickly absorb moisture,” McDonald said. “However, seedling establishment is dependent on the seed being in contact with the soil and covered slightly. That soil must also receive adequate moisture within days of germination for the plant to live, which hasn’t been much of a factor this year. Even in a good year, many seeds may germinate, but only a fraction, 20 percent or less, will become established. And if after one year the seeds haven’t germinated, as few as 5 percent will even be viable.” Reprinted in portion and with permission from High Plains/Midwest Ag Journal

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2011 Drought Affects the Industry and the Nation cont.

Aerial photo of poor forage & heavy mesquite conditions.

that breeders were going to be able to submit bulls for the program. We had just spent $3000 on 30 bales of hay-three times the amount we would normally spend. The 2 bulls we sold we’re going to be our two futurity bulls for 2012, but we had to alter our plans.” Jim Owens shared his own version of the reality his program was faced with. “Well it has been a terrible year to be in the livestock business,” said Owens. “Especially here in Southeast Oklahoma. We had a good spring, but when summer hit the rain stopped. The grass was gone and the ponds were empty. There was no hay to be found locally. Even though cow prices were down we had to sell a quarter of our herd to pay the water bill and the trucking on the hay. On top of all that feed prices were outrageous.” While many cattle were moved to states that had grass, many othYoung cows eating cake during drought conditions.

The American Bucking Bull q Mar/Apr 2012

ers were slaughtered. In Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Louisiana and Arkansas, it’s estimated that about 200,000 more cattle were slaughtered in 2011, a 20 percent increase over 2010. “I cut down from my normal number of 20 cows to 11,” shared Jerry Hargis. “I also sent ten of my yearlings and 2-year-olds to a guy in Missouri to feed for me since they had so much rain and grass there. Fortunately I had enough grass and hay to make it through after I cut my numbers back, but just barely. I also didn’t keep any heifers as replacements like I had intended. The stories from ABBI breeders continue and Jason Aduddell finds himself facing the same battles as so many others. “This past year’s drought of course has affected me in the obvious financial ways that everyone else experienced. Pastures were burnt up, which led to a shortage of hay and the need to feed that hay earlier than Supplementation is key during times of severe drought.

The American Bucking Bull q Mar/Apr 2012

Drought development likely

Drought likely to improve, impacts ease

Drought ongoing, some improvement

No Drought Posted/Predicted

Persistence

Some Improvement

Persistence

Development

Depicts large-scale trends based on subjectively derived probabilities guided by short- and long-range statistical and dynamical forecasts. Short-term events -- such as individual storms -- cannot be accurately forecast more than a few days in advance. Use caution for applications -- such as crops -- that can be affected by such events. "Ongoing" drought areas are approximated from the Drought Monitor (D1 to D4 intensity). For weekly drought updates, see the latest U.S. Drought Monitor. NOTE: the green improvement areas imply at least a 1-category improvement in the Drought Monitor intensity levels, but do not necessarily imply drought elimination.

Persistence

Development

Drought to persist or intensify

KEY:

Some Improvement

No Drought Posted/Predicted

Development

Valid for March 1 - May 31, 2012 Released March 1, 2012

Drought Tendency During the Valid Period

U.S. Seasonal Drought Outlook

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2011 Drought Affects the Industry and the Nation cont.

normal. Feed prices rose to an all time high also. I was fortunate enough to battle through that, but it still took its toll on the condition of my cattle.” Those that have managed to hang on to a good portion of their cattle aren’t out of the woods yet. Besides being hopeful from some much needed rains, breeders are now faced with the back draft the drought has placed on their pastures. “I can get my cattle back into shape,” says Aduddell “but what I’ve really had to concentrate on is the quality of my pastures going into this year. Unfortunately most people, including myself, push their pastures to the extreme anyways, so to have the type of year we’re coming out of, I’m worried about getting my pastures back to normal. I don’t have the luxury to move cattle off of places to replenish quality grass, so herd reduction is about the only answer. I’m reluctantly selling some cows and heifers to help. Another thing I’m doing is having my soil tested to find out what’s needed to give my pastures every chance to replenish. I don’t know the answer yet or if it will work but I’m trying to be proactive and do everything I can to stay in the fight.” When the drought ends, demand for animals to rebuild herds is likely to peak just as the nation’s cattle population is at its lowest since 1958. Prices for those still in business are expected to be sky-high which may be good news for those ABBI breeders who have managed to maintain their herds. “If we didn’t have a deep love for these animals and didn’t have the set of females we have, we would have sold out and then tried to rebuild our herd when the drought broke,” continued Bloyd. “A lot of breeders have done that. We couldn’t afford to replace our cows. Ours were bought one by one over a matter of years. I couldn’t fathom spending that much money all at one time.” With all the strain the drought has placed on the ABBI breeder, ironically most are remaining positive as both Oklahoma and Texas continue to receive some much needed rains. “Luckily we were blessed with a couple of really nice bulls that were sold for enough to make up for the extra costs,” added Owens. “Thank goodness we are having an early spring. The grass is green and the ponds are full. The bulls are bucking and we are hopeful that we might have a profitable 2012.” “We’ve had a great winter and have more winter grass than normal,” concluded Hargis. “With that the bulls and cows I have left are doing really good.” “It worked out for us and we have no regrets,” said Bloyd in closing. “We’re looking for lease land to expand our operation and we’re excited to see what the future has in store for us. We bucked Cash Prize’s yearlings yesterday for the first time and I’m very excited about them. Looking ahead has a way of inspiring you to press on from hard times.”

The American Bucking Bull q Mar/Apr 2012

With one of the worst droughts in Texas history on record and extremely scarce cattle forage, the breeder should be on the lookout for mesquite bean toxicity in cattle. Although it is a rare problem, mesquite bean toxicity is a definite possibility where mesquite is plentiful and severe drought conditions such as those seen over the past year exist. The problem can arise when cattle consume a great number of mesquite beans coupled with a very poor quality forage diet. The combination of the two results in the pH of the rumen becoming very acidic, which ultimately kills beneficial bacteria in the rumen. These bacteria are vital to digestion in ordinary circumstances let alone when poor quality roughage or cellulose is the only available feed source. When rumen pH suffers, a vitamin B deficiency is also most likely present. This can cause nerve damage to the tongue making it non-functional. Unfortunately cattle with mesquite bean toxicity are very expensive and difficult to treat and in many parts of Texas where mesquite beans are plentiful and common, prevention is difficult when conditions of drought and resulting poor forage exist. Under these conditions the only answer is supplementation with good quality hay to prevent rumen acidity and beneficial rumen bacteria destruction.

Texas cow browses on mesquite beans during drought.

Mesquite Bean Toxicity Symptoms: • • • • • • • • •

Gradual jaw and tongue trouble development after 2 or more months of heavy mesquite bean ingestion Rapid weight loss, often up to 50% of cows normal weight Continuous salivation and chewing with or without head tilting even when there is nothing in the mouth Partial tongue paralysis with tongue protruding 1-4” from mouth (not to be confused with “woody-tongue”) Tongue and lower jaw swelling with noticeable enlarged salivary glands Severe loss of appetite Nervousness with a “wild” expression Bulging eyes Death

Features

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More Maturity! By Susan Bedford There will be more Maturities in 2012. “Our members wanted places to take their bulls after 4,” related ABBI President Brad Boyd matter-of-factually. “When we came up with the idea for Maturity events, we hoped they'd be popular but the response of the members has actually been phenomenal.” Maturities for Pueblo, American Heritage, Springfield, JW Hart Challenge and Las Vegas are already in the works. The ABBI was created for a number of reasons, but a primary goal was to increase the value of bucking cattle, as well as the value of their genetics and offspring. It worked, and it worked very well. The concept of competitive events, similar to what occurs in the horse industry, was put in place so younger bulls would have a place to compete and hone their skills prior to (hopefully) making it to the major leagues- the PBR. This ability to display their talent and potential would also make the young stand-outs a “name” before they ever even appeared underneath D&H Cattle Co. accepting the winning $35,000 Maturity check at the Las Vegas World Finals.

Watson photo

The American Bucking Bull q Mar/Apr 2012

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“Our members wanted places to take their bulls after 4. When we came up with the idea for Maturity events, we hoped they'd be popular but the response of the members has actually been phenomenal.” a cowboy on TV. With success at the Futurity level, even 2-year-old bulls could have in-demand genetics. Each year since the organization's inception, the animal who wins $100,000 in Las Vegas garners a lot of attention. Between the ABBI Finals and the purse heavy American Heritage event, a calf can make us much as $200,000 or more by winning both of these prestigious events. Not long after the ABBI Classics were put in place, these 3 and 4-year-olds bulls were no longer relegated almost exclusively to PBR Touring Pro events. They were being called up more regularly to Built Ford Tough Series events. The 3 and 4-year old bulls in the ABBI were soon competing for $250,000 in Las Vegas. A top Classic bull could win his owners over $300,000 in a single season. As their skill level rose, PBR Livestock Director Cody Lambert started using Classic bulls for entire rounds at some Built Ford Tough Series events. Classic stars like 2009 Champion Black Pearl and 2010 Champion Bushwacker were regularly called back for short-round appearances. The ABBI's system worked so well that bulls aged 2-4 could make more money competitively than they could bucking at traditional events. This left older bulls at a disadvantage. PBR super stars certainly have some of the most valuable genetics and their likeness on merchandise can sell products, but there is no quarter-million payday for a stellar performance once they are 5 years of age. “It isn't just about the money, although getting a check is great,” said Boyd. “People like competing and winning. It is every stock contractor's dream to see their bulls bucking in the PBR on TV and, since bulls are always scored, you do know where your animals stands- but it's not the same thing as being in a competition with the other bulls.” Maturity events allow bulls age 5 and older a place to compete. It also allows animals 3 and older who don't have ABBI registered parents a field to play on with no fee for not having a DNA registered sire and dam. As an open event, there are fewer requirements an animal has to meet in order to compete. “Last year we had so much positive response from our member about Maturity events that we know one of our goals for 2012 was to add more of them to our schedule,” explained Boyd. “Right now, we have confirmed Maturities on the schedule and we will add to the schedule as they become official.”

ABBI Executive Director Kaycee Simpson confirmed that there will be another ABBI Maturity and Claimer at the 2012 ABBI World Finals. Just as the Futurity and Classic events have grown and evolved over the years, so will the Maturities. The 2011 Las Vegas Maturity paid out $35,000 to the winner, D&H Cattle's Play Harder and attracted a healthy crowd to the South Point Arena. Hopefully the sky will be the limit in entries and prize money when it comes to Maturity, but it will all ultimately depend on what the ABBI members want and how they respond to the opportunity to compete in these events.

The American Bucking Bull q Mar/Apr 2012

Legends

A Blast from the Past q q q q q q q q

q BRENT THURMAN 1969-1994 By Sugar Kuhn

In the American Bucking Bull’s series Blast from the Past, veterans of the sport both human and bovine are remembered and reflected upon. These are men who inspired and improved the sport of bull riding that we know today, and bulls that earned notoriety in the arena and have gone on to become foundational in the American Bucking Bull breed. These are the men and bulls that today’s sport have been stimulated by. In this Blast from the Past, we remember one of the true role models of the sport of bull riding, 2011 PBR Ring of Honor inductee Brent Thurman aboard Bad Company Rodeos -46 Sharp Dressed Man. It only seems fitting to honor Brent Thurman in this issue of Blast from the past. Especially since March 3 marks the day that he joined our world. Born Brent Cullen Thurman and hailing from Austin, Texas, he began riding bulls at the tender age of 8. Known as a motivator and for his smile, he seemed to grin his way through a life that was deeply woven into the sport of bull riding. Brent was one of the original founders of the PBR and was recognized for his contribution to the PBR and the sport of bull riding. Last October Brent was inducted into the PBR Ring of Honor where his mother Kay accepted the honor on the late bull rider’s behalf. “He lived everyday of his life exactly like he wanted,” said his mother Kay. “Brent lived more in 25 years, than I could if I lived to be a hundred.” In 1989 Thurman was ranked in the top 30 bull riders in the world during his first year riding professionally. Plagued with minor injuries for several years which prevented him from early NFR; Thurman managed to be a three-time Texas Circuit Finals Rodeo qualifier and ultimately qualified for his first NFR qualification in 1993. He finished fifth at the NFR that year and 13th in the overall World Standings. He again qualified for the NFR in 1994. During the final round after getting bucked off, Thurman was stepped on and knocked out. He sadly never regained consciousness. A big supporter of youth, Thurman volunteered in special rodeos, competitions for physically and mentally disabled youth, and judged bull riding events throughout Texas in his spare time. He was involved with a program for Special Needs Children at Covington Middle School located in Austin, Texas where he frequently served as a volunteer. An inspiration and role model of many youth, Thurman is someone remembered for his love of life, God and community. Still sorely missed by many, his memory lives on in his family’s charity work in his honor with the Brent Thurman Foundation, as well as in the hearts of many of today’s core PBR founders, personnel and fans.

Pictured right > Brent Thurman on -46 Sharp Dressed Man. Jennings photo

The American Bucking Bull q Mar/Apr 2012

-46 Sharp Dressed Man

Status: ABBI Registry #: Owner: Breeder Hauled By: Sire: Dam: ABBI Registered Offspring with Probullstats: Career Highlights:

Deceased 10001634 James Riley Derrel Hargis Mack Altizer Bad Company Rodeo -59 (Plummer Breeding) Ms. Parrish (Hargis Breeding) 413 Sharp Dressed Kid, S-310 Sandyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Sharp Shooter, 302 Too Sharp Bucked off both Jim Sharp and Lonnie Steverson in 1995, Probullstats 100% buck off on record

The American Bucking Bull q Mar/Apr 2012

Columns

Nutrition

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The Other Half of the Equation:

Getting Your Bulls Ready for Breeding Season By Ron Gordon

Sugar Kuhn photo

Correct Body Condition Scores are similar among competition bulls and breeding bulls.

In the November/December issue we discussed the necessary steps to get your cow herd ready for breeding season. In this issue we want to look at the other half of your breeding program, the bulls. Getting your bulls ready for breeding season can play a major role in the overall success of your program. Body Condition Scores (BCS) Just as BCSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s are important to ensure your cows are ready to be breed, it is equally important for your bulls. Ideally your bulls should be in a BCS of 5.5 to 6 just like your cows. With bulls that are being hauled and bucked this should not be a problem. This is basically the BCS that you keep bulls in while you are bucking them. The one thing to keep in mind is if you are breeding cows during the week with bulls that you are hauling to events, you should pay close attention to their nutritional

The American Bucking Bull q Mar/Apr 2012

needs. Breeding will expend more calories and it will take more energy to fill that need. Keeping your ration balanced with protein, energy, minerals and vitamins is key. Where BCS becomes a bigger issue is with bulls that are retired. Once a bull is retired he might receive less exercise and a change in diet that can cause him to lose or gain body condition. To get him ready for breeding season think about getting him in shape to haul again. This should get the bull into the desired BCS. Testing: Breeding Soundness Evaluation (BSE) and/or Fertility Associated Antigen (FAA) You should have your bulls tested before the start of breeding season. Bulls should be tested every year as good fertility one year does not mean good fertility every year. Many factors from year to year can play a role in fertility. Thirty to 60 days prior to breeding you should have a Breeding Soundness Evaluation and /or a Fertility Associated Antigen test on all bulls that you plan on using for breeding. These tests are the best way to assure you are not wasting time and money in your breeding program. A Breeding Soundness Evaluation is an overall look at your bulls

Columns

Nutrition

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Nutrition cont. prior to breeding. It is both a physical examination and an examination of the bull’s semen. The BSE will start with the physical exam to include BCS, feet and legs, eyes, vesicular glands, ampullae/prostate, inguinal rings, penis/prepuce, testes/spermatic cord, epididymides and scrotum. A Semen Examination will look at motility and quality. The BSE should be done yearly. The Fertility Associated Antigen is a test for a specific protein in the bull’s sperm. Bulls that are tested positive for FAA are 15 to 20 percent more fertile than bulls that are negative for FAA. Bulls that are positive for FAA tend to settle more cows and do it earlier in the breeding season; this effect also applies to artificially bred cows. The test for FAA has evolved over the years. The test once took three days in the lab, now it is done chute side with a lateral flow cassette, which looks like a home pregnancy test, in about 20 minutes. The FAA test only needs to be done once in the bull’s lifetime.

Nutrition When thinking of feeding bulls for breeding season think in terms of 60 days. From the time a bull reaches puberty he produces sperm throughout his life in a continuous cycle. From initial spermatozoa creation to germ cells to ejaculation of mature sperm in semen is about a 60 day cycle. The way your bull was fed 60 days ago will affect his semen today. Protein and energy are important factors in your bulls ration. Protein plays a large role in lean muscle production, which is very important to bucking bulls. Some of this muscle can be lost during breeding season when added to the stress of hauling and bucking. Make sure that your ration has adequate protein to overcome the additional stress of breeding season. Energy is the fuel that keeps your bull bucking and breeding. When the additional vigor of breeding is added to your bull’s routine make sure you are meeting his energy requirement. Watch his BCS and adjust your ration appropriately. Minerals and vitamins play a major role in bull fertility. Zinc is important for testicular tissue, sperm quality and scrotal circumference. Zinc is also vital for hoof quality. A bull with bad feet won’t travel well and will not breed many cows. Copper and manganese are critical for libido and semen quality. Selenium is essential for spermatogenesis, the development and maturation process of the sperm. As we discussed in the November/December issue, the availability of these minerals in feedstuffs is highly variable. Make sure you have a mineral source that is balanced for these minerals. QualiTech’s SQM zinc, copper and manganese are more bioavailable to the bulls and will ensure that these minerals are being utilized by the bulls. If you are in an area that is selenium deficient you might want to look for an organic selenium source. Organic selenium is produced as selenium yeast and will be more bioavailable.

The American Bucking Bull q Mar/Apr 2012

A Breeding Soundness Exam and a Fertility Associated Antigen Test for your sire are recommended 30-60 days prior to breeding.

Vitamin A and E are known antioxidants and can play an important role in overcoming the added stress of the breeding season.

Conclusion Maintaining a BCS of 5.5 to 6 is as important for your bulls as it is for your cows during breeding season. Make sure each year your bulls have a BSE, and they should have a FAA test done once their life. Feed a balanced ration at a level to maintain the proper BCS. Rations with SQM will deliver trace minerals that are more bioavailable to the bulls and may make a difference in fertility. Ron Gordon is a QualiTech representative. For questions or additional information please email him at rong@qualitechco.com

Ron Gordon is a Beef Business Manager for QualiTech, Inc. with over 25 years of experience working with cattlemen and horsemen across the U.S. Gordon helps clients with the herd and program nutritional needs. If you have questions or would like a QualiTech representative to evaluate you feeding program contact Ron at 913645-4770 or rong@qualitechco.com

CHAMPIONS TAKE THE RIGHT GENES, THE RIGHT ATTITUDE AND THE RIGHT NUTRITION.

Championship nutrition starts with SQM. With its unique PolyTransport™ technology, SQM ensures organic trace mineral absorption, the key to high conception rates and healthy cattle. Raising winners is hard enough. Let SQM help improve your odds of delivering a whole new generation of champions. Photo courtesy of Bonsall Bucking Bulls Cow. Miss Mud Puddle, Calf: Miss Kathy’s Plum Crazy Wine.

F O R M O R E I N F O R M AT I O N A B O U T S Q M, C A L L 8 0 0 . 3 2 8 . 5 8 7 0 O R V I S I T Q U A L I T E C H C O. C O M .

Columns

Warnerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Corner

with Dr. Gary Warner

Beat the Heat Since this is my column, I would just like to say a big thank you to Julio Moreno and Kent Cox for allowing me and my staff the opportunity to help Bushwacker continue his bucking career. Their confidence in our recommendation to remove the bone chips from his fetlocks by arthroscopy enabled us to shorten his recovery and allow him to perform for his fans much earlier than normal. I believe he has many good years left and it was certainly a thrill to watch him come back and perform the way he did at the Iron Cowboy! Even though he appears to have put on a few extra pounds, I think the rest did him good.

Sugar Kuhn photo

Flies can add to the degree of heat stress cattle experience.

GET THE JUMP ON HEAT STRESS

FACTORS

By popular demand, the subject of heat stress will be discussed again. From the look of the long range forecasts we are in for another hot summer if not a dry one in the south and southwest. Heat stress can be a major concern for any of our cattle, but in particular competition animals are extremely vulnerable to the condition.

Factors to be considered are home location, relative humidity, wind speed, ambient temperature, the amount of shade present, type of diet and an often overlooked subject, external parasites. Each of these factors can increase the effect of environmental heat on cattle.

The American Bucking Bull q Mar/Apr 2012

Columns

Warner’s Corner

with Dr. Gary Warner

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Warner’s Corner cont. Water Requirements increase dramatically with heat stress

PARASITES

FEED COMPOSITION & ADDITIVES

When it comes to parasites, horn flies can have an enormous impact on cattle. In a recent paper published by Oklahoma State Extension (Talley 2010) it was shown that when the population of horn flies reached 100 or more, an animal’s body temperature can increase by a ½ degree. Further, if the population reached 500 body temperature could increase by nearly one degree. The importance of the elimination of insect pests from our competition athletes is therefore just as detrimental as the other factors that are considered when evaluating heat stress and its prevention.

Preparing bulls to perform in the southern environment takes a little planning, particularly if they usually reside in more temperate environments. One of the most important considerations one should make when preparing a bull is to reduce the amount of high-end carbohydrates he takes in before an event. Forages, as a general rule, produce less internal body heat during digestion than corn. Higher quality forage alone may produce an adequate amount of energy to meet needs and should be considered. There are certain feed additives available that help to lower core te-

The American Bucking Bull q Mar/Apr 2012

qqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqq q Sugar Kuhn photo

AIRFLOW & COOLING Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also important to insuring that the housing area has adequate ventilation, particularly if the humidity is high. Airflow, over and around the animal, will help to dissipate body heat and in Brahman influence animals this will actually have a cooling effect as they sweat thru their skin much like horses or humans. The less Brahman influence a bull has the more he has to rely on the exchange of body heat thru the respiratory tree. That is why overheated cattle can be seen to open mouth breathe as they become overheated. Whatever the conditions, it behooves us to be aware of environmental stressors on our cattle. This not only goes for competition bulls but as well as the cattle we have back home in the pasture. Access to clean fresh water and reduction of external parasite numbers will insure that we are doing all we can to reduce the impact of adverse weather conditions.

Elgin Veterinary Hospital Gary D. Warner, DVM

600 Highway 290E, Elgin, TX 512-285-5362 or 512-BULLDOC elginbullvet@yahoo.com

Special interest in bucking stock.

peratures in cattle. Several of these products come from natural sources and there is research to back up the companies claims of reduction in body temperatures and heat stress as well as an improvement in immune function. I have used one of these products in feed for our show cattle and noted a marked improvement in the cattleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ability to deal with heat stress in the more difficult environments.

We have available digital radiography, ultrasonography, arthroscopy, hydraulic chutes and tables, and hospital facilities with special bucking pens. We are located 20 miles east of Austin Texas.

HYDRATION Insuring that bulls have cool, fresh water that they are willing to drink will also aid in keeping them cool. Just because bulls have water available does not mean they will drink it, you must insure it is palatable. The American Bucking Bull q Mar/Apr 2012

Columns

Junior Profile

by Hannah Gant

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A Family Affair with Karis and Kaleb King

Karis King barrel racing

aris and Kaleb are the kids of Ken and Robin King, who run and operate Box K Cattle Company, along with Kenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s father Buddy, out of Canadian, Texas. The reason the King family got involved in the bucking bull business was because Kaleb was watching the PBR on TV, and began to ask questions about pedigrees, and about the bull business. They then began buying bucking bull stock. The Kings are now some of the most involved ABBI members, and do so much for and with the ABBI. Ken is one of the best supporters of the ABBI Junior Futurities, and is one of the reasons his kids, and other kids in the bucking bull industry can compete in these awesome events. Kaleb, 13, has competed in the ABBI Junior Futurities for three years. Last year he bucked the bull Butterbean, a Dillinger son. He has not decided on his calf this year, but he has many prospects. Kaleb loves the bucking bull industry, and devotes a lot of his time helping his Dad

The American Bucking Bull q Mar/Apr 2012

around the ranch. Kaleb plays football and team ropes. As a 6th grader he qualified for Texas State Jr. High Finals in Gonzales, Texas last summer heeling. He injured his roping arm this fall in football so he hasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t been able to rope this season. He has competed in UIL on Robotics and Social Studies teams at school. Needless to say, Kaleb is a very well rounded young man. Karis King, 9, is one of the few girls who compete in the ABBI Junior Futurities, and she absolutely loves it. She has got a lot of personality and energy, and it takes her far. She is determined to keep up with her brother, and she is not going to let the fact she is a girl stop her. She runs barrels, poles and ties goats. She won the junior rodeo finals average in barrels last summer, and took home winnings for fastest time in the barrels. Karis also takes dance and competes with solos and duets in dance competitions from Oklahoma City to Lubbock. She has qualified for

qqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqq q Dance Nationals the past three years and this year qualified for Nationals with her solo to “Amazing Grace” by Chris Tomlin. She was the UIL first place oral reader at school this year, and took first place in story telling UIL last year. Last year Karis bucked River Rat, who is a Moody Blues son. She’s pretty spunky, and thinks anything her brother can do, she can too. So when she was 8 and told she was too young to flank her own bull in ABBI, she was determined she would as soon as she was old enough. She already has a bull picked out for this year’s Junior Futurities, a red bull named Redneck. Karis did a Q&A with us, and was so excited that she was going to be featured in the magazine.

The ABBI cannot wait to see Kaleb and Karis in the upcoming year. Good luck kids! And thanks again, Box K Cattle for all you do for all the kids in the junior program. Kaleb and Ken King on horseback.

Q&A with Karis King Q: Favorite Bucking Bull of all time? A: Apollo Q: Favorite part about the Junior Futurities? A: Getting to see the bulls and be with my dad and brother Q: Favorite PBR rider? A: Chris Shivers Q: Favorite thing about rodeo? A: Having fun doing it and winning The American Bucking Bull q Mar/Apr 2012

q ABBI Sponsor

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CC Rider and CC Stealth: Building a Smarter Dummy

By Susan Bedford

â&#x20AC;&#x153;No one wants to take a chance on a dummy getting hung up or stepped on by a bull. I can't think of anything worse than someone having a once-in-a-lifetime kind of bull and that bull getting injured or having his career ended.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Larry Gardner

Five years ago, Larry Gardner faced a problem many bucking bull breeders and stock contractors have- how do you buck your bulls at home without the potential liability of using a cowboy? The potential liability of a cowboy getting hurt on one of their bulls stops many contractors in their tracks from even considering putting a person out their bulls at home anymore. However with the rising cost of feeding bucking cattle, it can be costly to wait too long to find out if your young bulls have any potential. Determined to find a solution, the ABBI member set out to build something that could replicate a cowboy. "At first, everything I built would eventually get destroyed by the bulls." Two years after he started the design process, he met Dillon Page. "Dillon let me bring a prototype to his place and test it on 30 PBR-level bulls. They destroyed it, but it was an invaluable lesson as to the kind of punishment it needed to be able to take." Gardner went back to the drawing board. One year later he had a new model of the CC Rider that was ready to take on the rank Rocking P bulls once again. This time it survived the 30 bulls- and then some. "Dillon told me the other day he has used it more than 4,000 times now and it is mighty tough." After Page's seal of approval, Gardner also sent out the CC Rider to other stock contractors to test and provide input on. The CC Rider (complete with chaps and the ability to "ride" left or right handed) is designed to feel and move (and look) like a real cowboy. It has two quick pull cinches and can also be used to chute break bulls. Page was so impressed with the CC Rider that he asked Gardner to design a more traditional dummy to use for his younger bulls. Gardner knew he wanted to stay away from the "box" design of traditional dummies, so he used the curved, low-profile shape that was the base of the CC Rider as inspiration.

The American Bucking Bull q Mar/Apr 2012

Larry Gardner with the Smokey the Bear Statue he created for The National Forest.

The CC Stealth was the result of Gardner's desire to make a better and safer futurity dummy. Some of the early challenges Gardner faced were being able to make the metal properly curve (ultimately he found a shop that could do it and used aluminum). He also wanted bull safety and comfort to be first and foremost and that meant all rounded corners (no sharp edges), a padded bottom and everything recessed that could

qqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqq q possibly catch on the animal. He also was determined to find a solution to dummies getting hung up on the bulls. "No one wants to take a chance on a dummy getting hung up or stepped on by a bull," said Gardner. "I can't think of anything worse than someone having a once-in-a-lifetime kind of bull and that bull getting injured or having his career ended." All of the CC products have two independent latches, two batteries and two remotes. The systems work independently of each other to nearly eliminate the problem of a dummy getting hung up. "Even if one side somehow got smashed in, the other side would still work and release." Gardner explained. CC Stealth was used at the ABBI Futurity in OKC and when videoing all of the Back Seat Buckers bulls. "ABBI is the top organization and I'm extremely proud that they are using the CC Stealth. I set out to build the best dummy and it's now used by the best," stated Gardner. It isn't just ground-breaking dummies that Gardner builds however. He has always been artistic and always appreciates a challenge. Gardner never had any formal art training but has excelled in a variety of mediums- the latest being metal work. "I have two Indian sculptures I made on either side of my gate at my ranch," explained Gardner. "The Forest Service saw them and, to make a long story short, asked if I could do a Smokey the Bear for them."

Honored by the request, Gardner started assembling the 1,300 pound sculpture piece by piece. "All my metal work is cut by hand and hand bent. Even if I ever wanted to duplicate something, I couldn't since each is unique." The Smokey the Bear sculpture has an estimated 4,000 metal pieces and the Forest Service is planning on having Gardner and the statue go on tour together in the future. Between bucking his own prospects for the season, the CC line of dummies and his art, Gardner has a busy year ahead of him. "I don't like to do something unless it challenges me. People are surprised by how long I work on things to get them right, but I can't imagine doing it any other way." As the official dummy of the ABBI, CC Stealth will be used at all ABBI Futurities and Back Seat Buckers Futurities this season. The 24-pound dummy is designed to prevent a rocking back and forth motion and the black leather pad prevents it from pinching a bull's back. The latest CC product is the CC Micro Stealth. This is a smaller version of the CC Stealth which allows breeders to buck their yearling bulls, weighing just 12 pounds. "As pleased as I am with our products, I will never stop looking for ways to improve them," shared Gardner. "To be the best you always need to push yourself and look for ways to do things better."

CC Rider is Proud to be the Official Dummy of the ABBI

CC Rider â&#x20AC;˘ CC Stealth â&#x20AC;˘ CC Micro Stealth See the CC Stealth at all ABBI Futurity and Back Seat Buckers Events!

For ordering Information please call:

936-689-9987

www.ccrider.net The American Bucking Bull q Mar/Apr 2012

Recaps

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OKC Classic and Futurity ABBI Classic, Oklahoma City, Okla.

February 10-11, 2012

By Susan Bedford short rounds in the Touring Pro events in Denver and Pueblo. Cody Lambert also invited the bull to the Houston BFTS where he bucked off Chris Shivers (see our cover shot). The first ABBI Futurity of the season was held in Oklahoma City on February 11. Thirty-seven animals competed and nearly $15,000 was paid out in prize money. Boyd-Floyd Bull Co. stole the show with the four top young finishers. “What makes us really proud is that all of them are from our breeding program,” explained Brad Boyd. Floyd 946 earned a 20.75 from the judges and over $4,300. He beat out second-place Boyd 596 by threequarters of a point. “It’s exciting to do so well with a Futurity calf this early in the season, hopefully we will be able to have continued success with some of our bulls that did well here.”

Watson photo

20 U Shepherd Hills Tested once again passed the test. The bull from Luthy/Duckwall/D&H Cattle chalked up a victory in Oklahoma during the first round of the PBR’s Built Ford Tough Series event on February 10. Shepherd Hills Tested earned an 91.75 from the judges for his impressive performance against Austin Meier at the third ABBI Classic event of the season.. Coming in second was 01 Gonzo from Ruben and Wanda Gonzales with an 89. Gonzo had split second at Cowtown Classic with Shepherd Hills Tested and Carney Man. Shepherd Hills Tested (formerly Smooth Groove) had a strong ABBI season in 2011 as a 3-year-old (winning the High Money 3-year-old title) and it looks like his 4-year-old year could have him in contention for 2012 Classic Champion. He’s having a great year so far, bucking in both

OKC Classic Results Rank 1 2 3 4 5/6 5/6 7/8/9/10/11 7/8/9/10/11 7/8/9/10/11 7/8/9/10/11 7/8/9/10/11

Bull 20U Shepherd Hills Tested 20U Gonzo 01 Big Stink 61 Ragin JT 33-8 Jungle Juice 845 R351 Pancho 898 Little Kombat 822 Carney Man 10 Super Cool Cat 821 Altercation 875

Austin Meier on Shpherd Hills Tested ABBI # 10061808 10096230 10127586 10085388 10114165 10108177 10059486 10069910 10119617 10065102 10084394

OKC Futurity Winners Boyd-Floyd Bull Co. Owner

Luthy / Duckwall / D&H Cattle 22qqq Ruben & Wanda Gonzales Chad Berger Jerry Tuttle Pillow / Barrett Clapp Cattle Ace Of Spades / Beach City Circle T Ranch & Rodeo Chad Berger Jackson / Holmes / Baker Cody Ohl / Barker / Leschyshyn / K Bar C

event Score 91.75 89.00 87.50 87.25 86.25 86.25 85.75 85.75 85.75 85.75 85.75

PAYOUT $9,253.50 $6,268.50 $4,776.00 $3,283.50 $2,238.75 $2,238.75 $358.20 $358.20 $358.20 $358.20 $358.20

total payout (actual) $29,850.00

OKC Futurity Results Rank 1 2 3 4/5/6 4/5/6 4/5/6 7/8 7/8 9

Bull Floyd 946 Boyd 596 Floyd 951 Boyd 594 JT 90 RT1006 Wiggins 091 High Stakes 290 Page 105X

ABBI # 10127442 10128008 10127447 10128036 10118658 10113952 10121993 10116765 10113763

Owner Boyd-Floyd Boyd-Floyd Boyd-Floyd Boyd-Floyd Jack / Taylor Ranch Owens Cattle Sycamore Springs Ranch High Stakes Bucking Bulls Flinn / D&H Cattle Co.

The American Bucking Bull q Mar/Apr 2012

Total score 20.75 20 19.5 19 19 19 18.75 18.75 18.5

points 36 35 34 31 31 31 29 29 28

PAYOUT $4,310.85 $2,675.70 $1,858.13 $1,238.75 $1,238.75 $1,238.75 $817.58 $817.58 $668.93

total payout (actual) $13,626.27

qqqq q q q q q q q q q q q q q q q qStandings 2012 Classic Standings (By Money) place 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 16 16 19 19 21 22 22

id# 20U 1 U816 61 821 845 R351 10 33-8 898 801 943 1388 822 818 9-39 238 810 311 810 875 89 35

ABBI # 10061808 10096230 10071833 10127586 10065102 10114165 10108177 10119617 10085388 10059486 10076052 10101713 10069830 10069910 10081694 10100583 10076070 10072517 10082328 10071918 10084394 10068133 10068057

bull 20U Shepherd Hills Tested Gonzo 816 Ringo Big Stink Super Cool Cat Jungle Juice R351 Carney Man Ragin JT Pancho Razor Blade Beer Nuts Seminole Wind Little Combat Smiling Bob Egor 238 Skatman Hou Lets Take It Outside Davis/Clapp 311 Hou's Little Man Altercation 89 Dozier Lucky you

Total Winnings Paid To Date: $69,477.05 Updated as of: February 17, 2012 owner

earnings

D&H Cattle Co. / Luthy / Shepherd Hills / Duckwall Ruben & Wanda Gonzales Ace Of Spades / Beach City / Moody-Rice Chad Berger Jackson / Holmes / Baker Pillow / Barrett Clapp Cattle / Hart Cattle Chad Berger Jerry Tuttle Ace Of Spades / Beach City Rockin T Ranch Dozier Cattle Co. Martinez Bucking Bulls / Jack Bucking Bulls Circle T Ranch & Rodeo Rawson Bucking Bulls J&K Bucking Stock Wolf Creek Cattle Company Hotshot Bucking Bulls Davis Rodeo Ranch / Clapp Cattle Davis / Daw Cody Ohl / Barker / Leschyshyn / K bar C Cox / Dozier Ackerman / Cox

$12,412.82 $9,427.82 $6,983.76 $6,024.23 $4,470.00 $4,358.82 $3,863.77 $3,517.52 $3,412.00 $2,707.80 $2,027.66 $1,762.20 $1,745.94 $1,606.43 $881.10 $779.44 $779.44 $779.44 $660.83 $660.83 $358.20 $128.50 $128.50

q q q q q q q q q q q q q q Obituaries q The ABBI, PBR, fellow stock contractors and industry breeders mourn the loss of four of their own in the month of March. The heavy blows came one after the other in just a 10 day span in what has become a rather somber month. While some of these losses were more shocking than others, each loss was equally devastating to the industry. There are no words to express the sadness, sense of loss and tremendous grief felt as each of these industry enthusiasts and superb human beings have been laid to rest.

Sandra L. Riley

Marietta, Okla. 1948-2012

Sandra L. Riley of Marietta, Oklahoma passed away on March 8. Along with husband James, Sandy spent nearly two decades being an active participant in their program, Double R Bucking Bulls. She was absolutely hands-on in the daily responsibilities of being a bucking bull breeder and there was no mistaking that she had a deep passion for bulls. James and Sandy made their share of treks hauling their top-notch bull to various events including several trips to the PBR Finals. Well known bulls owned by the Rileys include; the historical -46 Sharp Dressed Man (see page 50 Blast from the Past), Sharp Shooter, Sharp Dressed Kid and Cadillac Man among others. Fittingly, Sandra was buried with her PBR credentials in hand. Survivors include her husband, James of the home; three sons and daughters-in-law, T.J. and Darla Willis of Penrose, Colo., Casey and Lisa Willis of Gainesville, Texas and Jim Riley of Marietta; three daughters and sons-in-law, Kathy and Chris Kirk, Connie and Richard Barker and Karen Riley, all of Marietta; 12 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Contributions can be made in her name to the Justin Crisis Fund.

The American Bucking Bull q Mar/Apr 2012

q Obituaries

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Obituaries cont.

Howard C. Talley

Keatchie, Louisiana 1945-2012

Howard C. Talley, owner of Circle T Ranch and Rodeo of Keatchie, Louisiana passed away on March 10 at age 66 after a valiant battle with cancer. Preceded in death by his wife Shirley, the duo made an enormous splash in the industry having tremendous success in both the ABBI and the PBR. Howard was dearly loved by many and served his community for over 50 years. His friendly nature and love for the American Bucking Bull made him popular with fans, but the way he lived life and the toughness he demonstrated during his battle with cancer made him a hero to those who got to know him on a personal level. The way he went at his illness is no different than the way he went after his bull ambitions. In an interview last year, he told American Bucking Bull Magazine that when it came to cancer his outlook was the same, “Go after it with everything I have, to try and get the best results that I can.” With bulls like 2011 PBR Reserve World Champ Asteroid and other heavy hitters like Jack Daniel’s After Party, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey and Shepherd Hills Trapper, Howard no doubt realized what he’d set out to do. Howard was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley Talley. Left to cherish his memory are his mother, Madeline Cavender and husband, Charles; father, John L. Talley and wife, Virginia; son, Jeff Talley and wife, Amy; grandchildren, Jacob and Eric Talley; sisters, Sharon Howell and husband, Bobby, and Sheila Kennedy and husband, Terry; and brother, Johnny W. Talley and wife, Ginger.

David W. Wisener

Lufkin, Texas 1961-2012

On March 15 David Wisener, General Manager of Lufkin Ranch and Rodeo was tragically killed in a wreck near Midland, Texas while on his way with bulls to the PBR event in Glendale, Arizona. Wisener was absolutely instrumental in the tremendous success that Lufkin Ranch has experienced for more than a decade. He was a Champion High School Rodeo Bull Rider as well as a professional bull rider and bullfighter. When it came to bucking bulls,nobody had a greater passion. He taught and encouraged hundreds of youth in the sport of rodeo and was known for his contagious smile and sunny disposition. Lufkin Ranch and Rodeo owner Chuck Griffith said, “Those of you that knew him know that he had such a tremendous passion and love for the bulls. He had a heart of gold and there wasn’t anyone he wouldn’t help. He loved what he was doing but has now found an even greater path to travel with God, where everyone has as big a smile as David always had.” David’s survivors include his daughter and son-in-law, Hailey and Cory Burns of Huntington; son, Jordan Wisener of Lufkin; grandson, Weston Burns of Huntington; parents, Donald W. and Linda Beth Wisener of Lufkin; sister and brother-in-law, Sharon and James Whittemore of Baton Rouge, Louisiana; brothers and sisters-in-law, Larry and Sharon Wisener and Kevin and Jerrie Wisener, all of Lufkin; special friends, Chuck and Patti Griffith of Lufkin; mother of Hailey and Jordan, Leshia Johnson and husband Jamie of Lufkin; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and a host of friends Memorial contributions may be made to the Cross Timbers Cowboy Church, P.O. Box 118, Lufkin TX 75902.

Gary Walter

Wiggins, Colorado 1959-2012

Beloved Colorado ABBI breeder and bull riding enthusiast Gary Walter tragically lost his life in an auto/motorcycle wreck on March 16 near Ft. Morgan, Colorado. Gary and wife Leslie enjoyed the PBR and ABBI and could always be found during World Finals sharing and discussing genetics with other breeders. Gary was a huge fan of PBR super-star Black Pearl and had a passion for both the bulls and the riders. Gary’s breeding program began over 9 years ago and encompasses some of the industry’s deepest bloodlines including those of Whitewater and Reindeer Dippin’. Gary won multiple state bull riding titles and had a great passion for horses and cattle. Remembered for his beautiful blue eyes, genuine smile and love of his family, Gary will be remembered and greatly missed by many. Gary leaves behind his wife Leslie, sons Brady and Sean, three sisters; Garnet Leys, Kelly Lefever, and Becky Hansen, brother Pat Walter, and parents Earl Jr. and Ginny. Friends who wish to make memorial donations in Gary’s name may do so at: Morgan Federal Bank, 321 Ensign Street, Ft. Morgan, CO 80701

The American Bucking Bull q Mar/Apr 2012

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