The Texas
are ready for the 2025 PBR Teams season. Are you?
Rattlers
Photo courtesy of BullStock Media.
Humps N Horns
July 2025
On the Cover - The bull riding world mourns a good man, Gene Owen (1958 - 2025), who passed away unexpectedly on June 26. Our condolences to his family and friends.
Photo courtesy of BullStock Media.
obtaining permission from the publisher and/or editor in chief. All advertisement, editorials, letters, and press releases are accepted with the understanding that the representative, advertiser, and/or advertising agency are authorized to publish the entire contents of submitted material. Not responsible for errors or omissions in any advertisement. Humps N’ Horns® Bull Riding Magazine will not assume responsibility for any late publication due to the printer, the USPS, or an act of God. Under no circumstances will Humps N’ Horns® Bull Riding Magazine be held liable for acts of privacy, plagiarism, copyright, or trademark infringements. Material submitted for publication becomes the property of Humps N’ Horns® Bull Riding Magazine and will not be returned unless prior arrangements are made. USPS #022-617 Periodicals Postage Paid at Fort Worth, TX and additional offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to Humps N’ Horns® Bull Riding Magazine, PO Box 34172, Fort Worth, TX 76162. ISSN1554-0162. Publication Number 022-617. ©All rights reserved. Humps N’ Horns® Bull Riding Magazine 2015
Letter from the Editor
This July issue of Humps N Horns Bull Riding Magazine brings with it some bittersweet feelings.
On one hand, we anticipate the annual Cowboy Christmas, the start of a new PBR Teams season, and the celebration of another birthday of this great country that we get to call home. On the other hand, we mourn the loss of a great man and a big part of the bull riding industry, Gene Owen.
When we hear about accidents, such as the one that occurred with Gene, it is a stark reminder that none of us are guaranteed tomorrow. I want to encourage you to make the most of every day and remind you to make sure that those you love the most, know it.
Gene was open about his faith in Jesus Christ so I am grateful
that we can be assured that he is in heaven today. Those who have accepted the gift of salvation, based on Jesus’ death and resurrection, have hope because we will see him again in heaven one day.
13 Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. 14 For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. 1 Thess. 4:13-14 ESV
Until next time, Terry
Hamilton continues renaissance season with Reno Rodeo Xtreme Bulls win
By Alex Dodd PRCA Media
The 2025 PRORODEO season officially started on Oct. 1, 2024. But every cowboy knows that things turn up a notch when the best in the world head to Reno, Nev. in the middle of June.
The Reno Rodeo signals the start of the summer run, the most lucrative stretch on the rodeo calendar.
On Thursday June 19, the historic event kicked off with the Reno Rodeo Xtreme Bulls and Ky Hamilton seized the moment.
The 2023 PRCA Bull Riding World Champion picked up much needed momentum with a big payday on the RANK 45 Xtreme Bulls Tour, winning the average at 176 points on two head.
“This is a good way to get it started,” Hamilton told The Cowboy Channel after his victory lap. “It’s going to get really busy now and I couldn’t think of a better way to get the ball rolling.”
Hamilton opened the event with an 87.5-point ride on Rosser Rodeo’s Mainstreet to set the tone with the high score of the long round. He entered the short go with two points of breathing room over Hayes Weight, who recorded an 85.5-point ride in Round 1.
As the last cowboy out in the short go, the Mackay, Australia, native knew exactly what he needed to do to earn the win. He did that and more with an 88.5-point trip on Rosser Rodeo’s Thriller to best Qynn Anderson (171 points on two head) by five points in
the average.
Hamilton’s win built on an already impressive renaissance season and helped shore up his position inside the top 10 of the PRCA | Bill Fick Ford World Standings.
The four-time National Finals Rodeo qualifier struggled to overcome injuries after his gold buckle season in 2024 and spent time in another organization before returning to PRORODEO this year. He’s already earned impressive victories at the Clark County (Nev.) Fair & Rodeo, Wharton County (Texas) Youth Fair & Exposition Xtreme Bulls, Rio Grande Valley (Texas) Livestock Show & Rodeo and Cinch World’s Toughest Rodeo in Raleigh, N.C.
After Rodeo Killeen in Texas from May 15-17, Hamilton missed a month of action before returning to the arena with an 84-point ride earlier this week at the Strawberry Days Rodeo in Pleasant Grove, Utah. The time off increased his desire to get back to the top.
“Whenever you have to sit at home like that it dang sure makes you hungry and makes you think about winning,” Hamilton said. “And I just couldn’t wait to get back out here and get back to winning.”
Article provided courtesy PRCA. PRCA photo by Fernando Sam-Sin.
Talent Alone Equals Failure
When it comes to the sport of rodeo, in every event talent is only a small portion of the equation. Structure, discipline and a strong work ethic are necessary for great success no matter how much talent one has. You have no say in the amount of natural talent you have but the other three are totally your choice.
I’ve seen several very talented guys come along with one or more of the other three ingredients missing and they may have had some success but they definitely left some things on the table. On the other hand I’ve seen some with very little talent but the other three ingredients were very strong in them and they went on to be successful.
Take a good look and be real honest with yourself about your structure, your discipline, and your work ethic. I hope you choose the necessary ingredients toward your career. No one can do it for you. It is all on you.
Jesus Loves You,
Cody Custer
Here is a list of Schools I have scheduled and contacts to sign up for them.
July 10
New River, Arizona Ground Clinic Call Cody Custer 580-729-1962
July 18-19
Sweetwater, Tx Call Tanner Boyd (325) 260-8722
July 28-August 2
Cody, Wy Night Rodeo Ground instruction during the day and Help at the night rodeo for students entered those nights. FOR INFORMATION CONTACT MAURY TATE 580-512-1791
August 9-10
Senatobia, Ms Call Jud Moore (662) 292-3390
October 10-11-12
Lindale, Tx Call JRay Bevill (903) 746-9257
October 31-Nov 2
Wetumpka, Alabama Call Sid McKissick (334) 391-0375
Nov 28-29-30
Danny Custer Memorial New River, Az Call Cody Custer 580-729-1962
RIDER RUNDOWN with... Riggin Pearce
By Katlin Truelsen CAC Media Group
One of the things that always surprises me when I talk to riders is their openness about their faith in God. Many of them are eager to share the importance of their faith and how it has helped them build a foundation to stand on. Riggin Pearce from Sheridan, Wyoming, is the most recent rider I talked to who spoke about God and how his belief in Christ has helped him through the highs and lows that bull riding brings. He is also the newest contributor to Humps N Horns, and his work will be featured in his youth ministry piece called Next Step, which can be found in this month’s issue. Here’s what he had to say.
KT: Hi, Riggin, I appreciate you talking with me today. Please tell our readers where you’re from and how old you are.
Riggin Pearce, 16, Sheridan, Wyoming
RP: Yes, Ma’am, I’m from Sheridan, Wyoming, and I’m 16 and a sophomore in high school.
KT: And are you involved in any other extracurriculars at school?
RP: Right now, no, I used to play football, basketball, and baseball, but now I am focusing more on my riding, and I don’t do much with other sports.
KT: What about high school rodeo? Do you ride bulls for that?
RP: Yes, Ma’am, I compete in our high school circuit. This spring, though, I dislocated my elbow, so I wasn’t able to finish out the season. I also struggled this fall. I broke my leg in the first rodeo of the season, so I was out for four or five months, but I was able to start practicing again in January.
KT: Did you struggle at all starting again after your injuries?
RP: Honestly, I think I am riding better than before. My first time back was in Cheyenne, and it went really well. The injury gave me time to reset and refocus, and I went into this year in a better place.
KT: Tell me a little more about that because I know for some riders an injury like that can mean the opposite.
RP: I think it depends on how you handle it. Some guys will just sit on the couch and not do anything, but through the winter, I was working at getting myself back into shape and tweaking my riding style on my barrel, so when January hit and I could come back, I was in a position to make the most of it.
KT: That’s a great way to look at it! What are some things you worked through while you were off?
RP: Some of it was just mentally getting myself to where I wanted to be. Not rodeoing every weekend put a lot of things in perspective, and it made me start to crave it more. I like training, I like the work that goes into it, and I realized how much I wanted to be a bull rider when I couldn’t be one.
KT: That’s interesting. What are some of the advantages of going the high school rodeo route when you could be doing open rodeos on the weekends?
RP: High school rodeo sets you up better if you want to go to college. It helps colleges notice you more. I don’t know yet if I will go the college route or not, but I want to keep my options open, and high school rodeo lets me do that.
KT: How did all of this start for you?
RP: I started a little later than a lot of guys because I played other sports, and I live in town, so I wasn’t around it much, but my dad was a bareback rider until I was born, so it was always the background of my life growing up. I rode a few calves at the county fair growing up, but I never really wanted to do it until I was about 10 or 11, and I saw one of my friends riding. I started with steers, then got on some junior bulls, and finally big bulls.
KT: What was that transition or pivot point for you?
RP: It wasn’t an easy transition for me. I struggled a lot moving from steers to bigger bulls. What I struggled with the most was comparison. I would compare myself to some of the other guys who were also transitioning, and I kept seeing their success, but I couldn’t find that success myself.
KT: So, how did you eventually make it happen?
RP: By talking to other guys who were already succeeding at that level and succeeding beyond that level. They helped me figure out what I needed to work on and gave me tips on what that transition was like for them. Once I started to realize that it looks different for everyone and that I needed to run my race and continue to get past my hurdles, I started riding better. Every bull ride is meeting the jump and the kick, and when you simplify it down to doing those two things correctly every time, it helps you stay focused.
Photo courtesy of Michael Magill Photography.
KT: When did you feel like you could do this and do it consistently to get the results you wanted?
RP: When I started to trust in God’s timing and his hand in my riding. This last fall, when I broke my leg at the start of the high school season, it put me out for several months, but through that struggle, I realized how much I wanted to ride, and so it ended up making me better. I also find that I ride better when I stay out of my own way and just trust in God.
KT: And as you have gotten older, what are some of the bad habits you have outgrown and some of the good habits you have picked up?
RP: I think the bad habit I have outgrown is comparing myself with everyone around me. I am better now at realizing that I am in a different spot than other people and that I have had different challenges and opportunities. My good habit would be becoming more consistent with my training. I am a guy who has always trained, but I haven’t always been consistent with it. I used to work hard for a few days, then take a week or so off, and then come back, and now I hold myself accountable, every day, every week, to make myself better.
KT: How did that shift happen for you?
RP: By realizing that I wasn’t getting the results I wanted. I have done enough sports to know that putting in the work is the best way to get better, and when I wasn’t getting better, I knew I needed to put in more work. It also comes from my faith. My faith is important to me, it is something that I share and something that is at the center of everything I do. Being that person leads you to other like-minded people, and those people are the types of people who also take responsibility for their actions.
KT: Now that you have become more consistent, are there any rides that stand out to you or any that you are particularly proud of?
RP: Probably when I rode one of my first big bulls that turned back. It was in 2023 in Laramie, Wyoming, at a bull riding school, and up to that point, I hadn’t gotten many big bulls ridden, but that ride, I was able to cover one going away from my hand, and I made a clean get off. It felt great to finally break that barrier. I also rode some steers at Cheyenne Frontier Days a couple of years ago, which was really cool.
KT: Has your family been a big part of your success as you have continued to pursue your dream of rodeo?
RP: Oh yeah. My parents have taken me everywhere and have been my biggest support system. Even though my dad rode bareback, he is still great at giving me advice when I am struggling because he knows what it’s like to go through the ups and downs of rodeo.
KT: And is your dad the one with you on the chutes, too?
RP: Yeah, he has always been the guy to pull my rope. When I was younger, it was always my dad. Now, though, I have some of the other guys I ride with there, too.
KT: What about outside of your family, where is that support coming from?
RP: I work a lot with the Frost Legacy Bull Riding School with Josh and Joe Frost, and both of them have been incredibly helpful in keeping me accountable in my riding and breaking down the mechanics of what I am doing wrong and what is going well when I send them videos. I am also a part of Rock & Roll Denim’s High School Rodeo Team and have been for the past few years, which has also been a big help, along with King Ropes. I work for those guys, and they offer me a lot of support and a flexible schedule to pursue my rodeo career.
KT: It is awesome that you have found such a high-quality group of mentors and programs that align with your goals. Alright, Riggin, to wrap up, I always ask some random getting-to-knowyou questions. So, tell our readers what you would name your first NFR bull and why?
RP: I would probably name him Money Maker, because if I own an NFR bull, I hope he can make me a lot of money.
KT: He had better with a name like that! Okay, if you are going out to eat, how do you order your steak, and what do you want to go with it?
RP: I order it medium rare and usually get fries on the side.
KT: Do you put anything on your steak? Steak sauce, or ketchup?
RP: No, just a little salt and pepper.
KT: What’s your favorite book?
RP: Probably the Bible. My faith is a huge part of who I am.
KT: What is your go-to drink in the morning before school?
RP: Chocolate milk, it’s one of my favorites. I am not a coffee guy.
KT: That’s too bad, coffee is excellent! Finish this sentence for me, “If I were not a bull rider, I would be a professional what?
RP: If I weren’t a bull rider, I would probably be a personal trainer or something involving fitness. I think that is the route I want to take when I am done bull riding. I really like some of the stuff Champion Living is doing and the way they work with rodeo athletes to help them accomplish their training goals.
KT: Some of the other guys we have talked to have mentioned them as well. It sounds like they have a good program going.
Continued on Page 24
Stetson Wright Regaining His Stride in Dominant Bull Riding Run
By Alex Riley PRCA Media
Stetson Wright has been waiting for this feeling.
At the 2023 National Finals Rodeo, the Beaver, Utah, native sustained a hamstring injury that ended his time in the arena. Following surgery, Wright had hoped to return to competition midway through 2024, but as the schedule wore on, he decided to take the entire year off to focus on a full recovery.
When the 2025 PRORODEO season opened, Wright was eager to climb back into a bucking chute. He’s been consistent in his
return, picking up some big wins and even bigger checks, putting him first in the all-around and second in the PRCA | Bill Fick Ford Bull Riding World Standings.
But even with all that success, Wright still hasn’t been fully comfortable. That appears to be changing.
As the June schedule closed, Wright put together a showcase to remind everyone why he is one of the most dominant competitors in the PRCA.
Wright went on a tear, winning the Reno (Nev.) Rodeo, the Rodeo of The Ozarks in Springdale, Ark., and the West of The Pecos (Texas) Rodeo. Between his four rides, his lowest score was 89.5 points.
“I was actually telling (my brother) Ryder tonight when I got done (in Reno) that I haven’t felt this good in, shoot, I can’t even remember how long,” Wright said. “I’ve made some good rides this year and I’ve rode some good bulls, but it just wasn’t feeling exactly I guess the way I was anticipating it feeling. But these last few days it felt like I was either back to my old self or even better –and I’d like to think better because that’s what you’re supposed to do every year is get better and not stay in the same place.”
Wright’s resurgence comes at an ironic point in the season. Back in 2024, his name appeared on the day sheets for the Reno Rodeo, leading many to speculate he was ready to return to action.
That never materialized as Wright delayed the comeback before ultimately opting to keep himself sidelined for the year.
A year later, Reno was the capping moment in what could be a defining week. In the opening round, Wright battled Corey & Lange Rodeo’s Speed Dial, posting a 92.5 score to set an early tone.
“My first one, he was a lot better than what I anticipated. I thought he’d be 85-86. I kind of overlooked him and he came out of their firing,” Wright said. “I was super happy with the way he bucked because it put me in a good place to come back in the short round.”
That ride served as a precursor to what would transpire moving forward. Wright’s travels took him to Springdale, Ark., and Pecos, Texas, both of which turned into big outcomes.
At the Rodeo of the Ozarks, he went for 91.5 points against Smokin Hot from Cervi Championship Rodeo. Then, it was a 91-point effort versus Pete Carr Pro Rodeo’s Whiskey River at the West of The Pecos Rodeo. Both results equated to wins.
After that, he returned to Reno for the short go. Wright had drawn Rosser Rodeo bull Loguns Legacy, an animal renowned for its bucking prowess. Last June, Tristen Hutchings drew Loguns Legacy for the Reno finale, posting a 90.5 ride to win the title. Since then, the animal hasn’t been ridden, bucking off more than a dozen competitors.
Wright previously won the 2023 Wing & Barrel Western Days in Sonoma, Calif., against Loguns Legacy. The rematch proved to be worth the price of admission.
“It had been a full year and he had bucked everybody off so I was dying for sure and ready for him to fire,” Wright said.
Article provided courtesy PRCA. PRCA photo by Lara St. Jacques.
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Inspiration Point
Using Your Gifts for God’s Glory
Each person has their own talents, their own motivators and purposes. Determining our talents and gifts can be easy for some, and more difficult for others. We may be able to grasp certain concepts or skills naturally, whereas others have to be intentional and dedicated to bettering their talents. But through this, one thing is true: God has given each of us talents and a purpose to serve. Through these talents God has blessed us with, we can also glorify him.
We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully. — Romans 12:6-8, NIV God, as he was creating us has also blessed us with different talents. We each have our own special talents and skills that may help us serve in our purpose. There are many spiritual gifts you could have, such as teaching, encouragement, leadership or practical abilities like, creativity, organization or problemsolving.
It may not always be obvious what talents we each have, but God helps in preparing us. We can rely and lean on him for guidance and strength through difficult times. God has given us a purpose to be good stewards. In being a good steward, we can recognize that every good thing we have is a gift from God.
Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. — 1 Peter 4:10, NIV
God calls us to be faithful stewards to our gifts by using them diligently and for his glory, not our own. We are not meant
to hide our gifts or to use them selfishly. Instead, we are to use them for our God-given purpose and to advance God’s kingdom. We can also use our gifts to bless others around us, whether through acts of service, leadership, creating beauty or spreading kindness. With each of us serving and using our gifts and talents to help spread God’s love we can help people recognize the strength of Christ.
Give all glory to God in all that we do.
By Riggin Pearce CAC Media Group
More Than a Feeling: The Love of Jesus
The love of Jesus is special. It is different from the teenage love we feel for the first time. We’ve all likely been that kid dating their first boyfriend or girlfriend and experiencing the idea of “love.” This is most likely the butterflies in your stomach feeling, or the cringey, awkward times when you say “I love you,” but have no idea what it actually means to love someone.
The Bible, or the living word of God, describes love perfectly in one of the most famous verses: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16.
If we were to think of love as God does, we would see that love is more than a feeling or a few words; it’s a sacrifice. Jesus was sent to earth to live a perfect life, share who God is, and pay the price that no money could. Jesus was sent to die on the cross for you and me and everyone else’s sin, knowing there would be people who refused to accept it. This shows the power and sincerity of that love, because even though he knew some people wouldn’t accept the act of death for their wrongdoing, Jesus did it anyway because of his great love for each of us.
This true love could also be described as unconditional love. Despite what we do and how many times we sin, despite how many times we mess up, despite how far gone we think we are, nothing can change Jesus’s love for you and me.
Knowing this, we can use it in our relationships with one another. Acting out of unconditional love, we’ll start to be more genuine, to do things for one another out of sincere love rather than expecting something in return.
This can be applied to rodeo as well. As things are heating up during the summer run, show your traveling partners, competitors, and whoever you come in contact with a little bit of grace and love. Being around the same people every day isn’t always easy, but the Bible tells us, “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden,” Matthew 5:14.
As followers of Christ in the rodeo world and in life, we have the chance to be the light and spread love to those around us. When people have a negative attitude or are struggling with things, how we talk, act, and interact with them is our chance to help and share God’s love.
People aren’t always going to follow the rule of treating others how you want to be treated, but that doesn’t mean they don’t deserve to be shown love from you. I encourage each and every one of you reading this to seek a deeper meaning in life and accept the true love that comes from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and then to show that love to the people around you!
My name is Riggin Pearce, and I’m from Sheridan, Wyoming. I am a follower of Christ who’s blessed with the ability to ride bulls and use that as my platform to share the Good News. I am incredibly excited to have the chance to do that through my youth ministry program, Next Step. I can’t wait to encourage and help y’all get to know Jesus for the first time or take the next step in your relationship with Him.
By Harper Lawson
“God is in the Miracle Business”: Remembering Gene Owen
Father. Grandfather. Stock Contractor. Cowboy. Friend.
It is not often someone comes along who changes a sport, not with noise or spotlight, but with quiet conviction and unwavering integrity. Gene Owen was that kind of man.
It is with broken hearts that PBR fans, and everyone in the industry is left reeling following the sudden passing of Gene, one of the most respected stock contractors in professional bull riding. He was one of the best to ever do it. He was 66.
He left this earth the way a cowboy would hope to: boots and spurs on, aboard a new horse in the arena he built with his own two hands on Thursday morning. Gene had been doing what mattered most in the world to him—riding with his kids and grandkids. He was surrounded by the hoofbeats and heartbeats of the things closest to his heart. It was a beautiful, ordinary moment, made sacred by its simplicity. A cowboy’s final ride.
For over four decades, Gene was a pillar of the bucking bull
world. Not just a stock contractor, but a caretaker and a steward of greatness. He was also a dedicated ambassador for the sport, always focused on what was best for the growth of PBR and the future of the stock contractor business. His name is stitched into the fabric of this sport, woven alongside some of the greatest bulls to ever walk through the out gate. Beautifully understated and humble, just like Gene.
His bull roster reads like a chapter from PBR history:
Cochise. American Gangster. Always Been Crazy. Moonlight Party. Lil 2 Train. Zorro. Exodus. Seven Dust.
And of course, Man Hater.
The bull that won back-to-back YETI World Champion Bull titles. The bull that helped redefine unrideable and brought record breaking scores along with it. The bull Gene once said he would not part with for a million dollars.
Man Hater gets 48.25 points after bucking off Clay Guiton in the Championship Round of the 2025 PBR St. Louis Presented by Michelob Ultra in St. Louis, MO
“At one hundred thousand dollars per title, he would need ten,” he would joke.
But everyone knew it was never about the money. The love he had for that bull ran deeper than anything money could touch.
And yet, he never took the credit. Not for the titles. Not for the record-breaking scores. Gene always stepped back and pointed forward. To his co-owner Jane Clark. To the brave rider aboard. To his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. And most of all, to the bovine itself.
He beamed with quiet pride when the world took notice. But Gene preferred holding the rope to holding a microphone. He was not in it for the recognition. He was in it for the ride.
He cared deeply, not just for his bulls but for the people around him. He was one of the busiest stock contractors in the sport, but you would never know it from how present he always was. Behind the chutes or at the fence line, Gene always had a story, a laugh, and more often than not, a photo or two of his grandkids to proudly share.
For all the titles, the headlines and the history he helped write, Gene was, at his core, a family man. A grandpa.
He leaves behind his significant other and best friend Lari, a son, a daughter and four grandkids, as well as a whole sport full of
cowboys, stockmen and friends who were better for knowing him.
Our deepest condolences go out to Gene’s family during this unimaginable time.
They say the best horses in Heaven have no tails, because the ones who loved them most could not bear to let them go. It is a badge of honor, a quiet sign of a life that was lived well and loved deeply.
We like to think Gene is riding one of those good ones now. The kind you save for someone special. Because if God needs a cowboy, He’s getting a top hand.
Thank you for everything, Gene. We will carry your stories forward, one handshake, one nod and one eight-second ride at a time.
Article courtesy of PBR.
Photos courtesy of Bull Stock Media
Gene Owen and Man Hater share a moment at the 2025 PBR World Finals in Fort Worth, TX.
Cochise faces off with Matt Triplett at the PBR Built Ford Tough Series event in Little Rock, AR (2017).
Ridin Solo PBR Superstar Retires
By Kelly B. Robbins
The stage was set and the fans waited in anticipation as the lights in the Cowtown Coliseum were lowered awaiting PBR announcer Clint Adkins introduction of two-time, back-to-back PBR YETI World Champion bull 612 Ridin’ Solo. The spotlight was centered on the chute where Solo waited. Suddenly the gate man opened the gate, and the crowd clapped, cheered, and thundered their love as Solo jumped out of the chute, bucked once, then stopped and surveyed the crowd before moving around the arena. It was as if he was “strutting his stuff” and taking it all in for one last time before walking away into retirement.
This superstar Bovine athlete has had an amazing career! Solo was the 2022 PBR YETI World Champion Bull after a really tough
season battling reigning 2021 PBR YETI World Champion Bull Woopaa. Solo also battled weather issues and was dubbed the Road Warrior by owner Cord McCoy after making 13 trips and logging almost 20,000 miles on the road.
“Solo has been a road warrior this year,” Cord shared in my 2022 interview. “I applaud Solo. He’s been through deserts and blizzards, and he’s traveled from New York City to Glendale, from Milwaukee to Tulsa, and from Fort Worth to Everett and Tacoma! I’m his number one fan! It’s an honor to flank him and prep him for the most exciting sport in the world! It is such a huge honor and a once in a lifetime opportunity to have Ridin’ Solo win the 2022 PBR YETI World Champion Bull title. It’s a big deal, not just
Photo courtesy of BullStock Media.
for Solo, but it really puts our ranch on the map!”
Ridin’ Solo then became one of only six back-to-back champions by winning the 2023 PBR YETI World Champion Bull title. Solo outlasted some fierce competition from 35F Cool Whip, 118 Utz BesTex Legend, and 5G Flapjack to win the title.
“Solo always gives 110%,” Cord said in our 2023 interview. “There are so many tough bulls these days, and you know, even after the whole year, you watch all those top five bulls, and you feel like it’s anybody’s game. So, it’s even more special the second time.”
Ridin’ Solo was the 2018 ABBI Women’s Futurity World Champion, the 2018 ABBI Futurity World Champion, and the 2020 ABBI Reserve Classic World Champion. According to Probullstats.com, Solo had 99 career outs and was ridden 14 times. His average ride score was 89.96 points, and his buck-off percentage was 85.86%. Solo had forty-eight 45+ bull scores and nine 90+ point rides. His last out was on February 22, 2025, in Jacksonville, Florida versus Felipe Furlan, who outdueled Solo to the buzzer for a ride score of 88 points.
As he watched Ridin’ Solo’s final bow before retirement, PBR Commentator, 2016 PBR World Champion and current Carolina Cowboys Bull Rider Cooper Davis, who rode Solo for a score of 91.25 points back in 2021, said, “It was something special just to climb on his back and know that you were climbing on
the back of one of the superior animals of the sport. I was able to have some success on him. He really is one of my favorite bulls of all time.”
Cord shared that he first saw Ridin’ Solo when he was a yearling. “He had everything a good bucking bull needed. I’d never seen a more athletic bucking bull. He was bred and raised by Curtis Peoples out of Ardmore, Oklahoma. I told Curtis that my wife, Sara and I wanted to buy him, and Sara’s dad Steve Best partnered with us on Solo. We had our hands full! It was quite a wild ride for Solo as we tried to train him to be consistent. He just wanted to buck. He was like a home run hitter, always swinging for the fence. It took time and patience to teach him to stand still in the chute and wait for the gate to open before he started bucking. It was always exciting and kind of nerve-wracking too, because you just never knew what he was going to do. Later, Bill McCarty bought in as a partner.”
This nine-year-old champion will retire to his home on the McCoy Ranch in Lane, Oklahoma, where he will undoubtedly entertain the ladies at his leisure. “He’s a big pet in the pen,” Cord revealed. “He really loves the fans and lets them pet him and scratch his back. He has a cool sense of humor. He’ll run and play like a good dog. He loves to play! But I can genuinely say that Solo loves to buck too. He was always excited to get on the trailer. And he knew how to throw that switch when it was time to buck. We knew and the fans knew that when they opened that chute gate, something exciting was about to happen! Solo always gave it his all, every time he bucked.”
I asked Cord what he felt as he watched his champion bovine take a last walk around the arena that night at the Cowtown Coliseum. “Relief!” he immediately answered. “Sara and I both felt a huge sense of relief as we watched Solo, knowing it was finally over, and Solo had a great career! It was special as well. But we were on pins and needles every time he bucked because there was always so much at stake. There was no more pressure. It was the final moment of a heck of a ride!”
The McCoy family posted this on their Facebook page after Ridin’ Solo won the 2023 PBR YETI World Champion Bull title: “He is a special bull and so incredibly deserving. Words can’t describe how much this humble, smart, tender-hearted, yet tenacious and relentless animal athlete means to us. He gives it his all every single time the gate opens- our hat is forever off to him!”
Thanks for the memories, Solo! Enjoy your retirement!
Maverick Potter and Ridin’ Solo square off in Round 5 of the 2022 National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas. PRCA photo by Phil Doyle.
Photo courtesy of BullStock Media.
Continued from Page 11
RP: Yes, it is tailored to rodeo athletes, and they talk about both the physical and mental sides of fitness. They have had a big impact on my riding. Back in April, I started a month-long session with one of their coaches, Logan Corbett, and I’ve worked with Paul Lloyd off-and-on over the years. I feel like when I am working with them, my riding reaches a different level.
KT: It’s nice that there are programs out there doing that. Okay, next question, if you could sit down and have dinner with any bull rider, past or present, who would it be and what would you ask them about?
RP: I would pick Sage Kimzey because he has had an incredibly successful career and because he is a rider with whom I have a similar riding style, so it would be a conversation that could benefit me on multiple levels.
KT: His name has come up before when I asked that question. Maybe someday you can make that happen.
RP: Yeah, I hope so.
KT: What’s your signature? What do you want to be known for?
RP: I want to leave the world a better place. I don’t like to call myself a bull rider, but a man of God who gets to ride bulls. I want my mark to be the way I help others.
KT: That is an outstanding signature to have and a great note to wrap up on. Thank you, Riggin, for talking with me today, and I hope you have a great summer season!
RP: Yes, Ma’am, thank you for reaching out.
KT: For more information about junior bull riding, you can check out the National High School Finals Rodeo page or the Yeti Junior NFR on Facebook. Be sure to look for a new rider featured in our Rider Rundown piece next month.
Katlin Truelsen is a member of the CAC Media Group and specializes in print media and graphic design. She is currently enrolled at Iowa State University, where she is studying Ag Communications and Ag Business.
Another great shot of the bull power from the PBR World Finals in the historic Cowtown Coliseum in Fort Worth, Texas. Photo provided courtesy of BullStock Media.
WHERE’S THE BEEF?
*-Added Money Amount Is For Each Night Information Subject to Change Without Notice
BULL RIDING EVENTS
JULY
Jul 3 Fort Worth, TX PBR Stockyards Showcase
Jul 3 Stoughton, WI
$5,000 6/23 6-9pm 608-412-0799 NFPB
Jul 4 Park Rapids, MN $20,000 PRCA Xtreme Bulls
Jul 4-5 Elkhorn, WI Professional Championship Bullriders
Jul 5 Bagley, WI
$10,000 6/23 6-9pm 608-412-0799 NFPB
Jul 5 Oologah, OK $5,000 6/25-29 NextGen Rodeo Bull Riders, Inc. / IPRA Xtreme Bulls
Jul 7 Oakley City, UT $35,000 PRCA Xtreme Bulls
Jul 8-12 Colorado Springs, CO $682,400 PRCA / NFR Open
Jul 9 Waseca, MN $3,000 6/30 6-9pm 320-226-0949 NFPB
Jul 9 Nephi, UT $35,000 PRCA Xtreme Bulls
Jul 10 Laramie, WY $15,000 PRCA Xtreme Bulls
Jul 10 Oklahoma CIty, OK PBR Heroes & Legends Ceremony
Jul 11 Edgerton, MN
$6,000 6/30 6-9pm 320-226-0949 NFPB
Jul 11-12 Gallup, NM purse= $30,000 6/25 9am-12pm 505-863-5402 WildThing Championship Bull Riding
Jul 11-13 Oklahoma City, OK PBR Teams: Wildcatter Days
Jul 12 Machester, WI
$4,000 7/7 6-9pm 608-412-0799 NFPB
Jul 12 Livingston, MT PBR
Jul 12 Amarillo, TX PBR
Jul 14-15 New Harmony, IN
$2,000 7/7 5-9pm 618-267-1782 NFPB
Jul 16 Park Rapids, MN $4,000 7/7 6-9pm 320-226-0949 NFPB
Jul 16 Salinas, CA
$40,000 PRCA Xtreme Bulls
Jul 17-19 Big Sky, MT PBR
Jul 18 Ottawa, KS
Jul 18 Redwood Falls, MN
Jul 18 Flora, IL
$1,500 7/14 620-228-1795 Bull Riders, Inc
$4,000 7/7 6-9pm 320-226-0949 NFPB
$1,500 7/7 5-9pm 618-267-1782 NFPB
Jul 18-19 Pilot Grove, MO $1,000* 7/7 6-10pm 618-615-2979 NFPB
Jul 18-19 St. Charles, IL Professional Championship Bullriders
Jul 18-19 Thief River Falls, MN PBR
Jul 18-19 Springdale, AR PBR Buckin in the Ozarks
Jul 19 Sacred Heart, MN
Jul 19 La Valle, WI
$4,000 7/7 6-9pm 320-226-0949 NFPB
$12,500 7/14 6-9pm 608-412-0799 NFPB
Jul 19 White Cloud, MN $3,000 7/14 6-9pm 269-908-9020 NFPB
Jul 19 Yates Center, KS
Jul 19-27 Cheyenne, WY
Jul 21-22 Cheyenne, WY
$2,500 7/14 6pm 316-833-6656 Bull Riders, Inc.
$683,000 PRCA / Cheyenne Frontier Days
$100,000 Cheyenne Frontier Days Extreme Bulls
Jul 21-22 Ft Collins, CO PBR Last Cowboy Standing
Jul 23 Anoka, MN
Jul 23 Beatrice, NE
$4,000 7/14 6-9pm 320-226-0949 NFPB
$3,000 7/9 12-10pm T 816-215-3391 NFPB
WHERE’S THE BEEF?
*-Added Money Amount Is For Each Night Information Subject to Change Without Notice
Date Location Added $ Open Time Call-In # Assn/Event
Jul 24 Garden City, MN
Jul 25 Atlanta, MI
Jul 25 Mendon, IL
$4,000 7/14 6-9pm 320-226-0949 NFPB
$3,000 7/21 6-9pm 269-908-9020 NFPB
$5,000 7/14 6-9pm 573-470-5888 NFPB
Jul 26 Topeka, KS PBR
Jul 26 Ladysmith, WI
Jul 26 Palmyra, MO
Jul 26 Kansas City, KS
Jul 26-27 Pierce, NE
$7,500 7/21 6-9pm 608-412-0799 NFPB
$5,000 7/14 6-9pm 618-615-8542 NFPB
$3,000 7/9 12-10pm T 816-215-3391 NFPB
$4,000 712-374-6053 Double-S Extreme Bull Riding
Jul 26-27 Duluth, GA PBR Teams: Duluth
Jul 29 Dodge City, KS $15,000 PRCA Xtreme Bulls
Jul 30 Montevideo, MN $5,000
AUGUST
Aug 2 S. Sioux City, NE $4,000 712-374-6053 Double-S Extreme Bull Riding
Aug 5 Missoula, MT $20,000 PRCA Xtreme Bulls
Aug 6 Rifle, CO $15,000 PRCA Xtreme Bulls
Aug 6 Weeping Water, NE $3,000
Double-S Extreme Bull Riding
Aug 7 Fort Worth, TX PBR Stockyards Showcase
Aug 7 Bloomfield, NE $4,000 712-374-6053 Double-S Extreme Bull Riding
Aug 8-9 Lincoln, NE $8,000 712-374-6053 Double-S Extreme Bull Riding
Aug 8-10 Sunrise, FL PBR Teams: Freedom Days
Aug 9 Goliad, TX PBR
Aug 11-12 Woodstown Pilesgrove, NJ
$60,000 PRCA Xtreme Bulls
Aug 14 Fort Worth, TX PBR Stockyards Showcase
Aug 15 Tecumseh, NE
$3,000 712-374-6053 Double-S Extreme Bull Riding
Aug 15-17 Nashville, TN PBR Teams: Stampede Days
Aug 16 Yankton, SD
$6,000 712-374-6053 Double-S Extreme Bull Riding
Aug 21 Fort Worth, TX PBR Stockyards Showcase
Aug 22-24 Austin, TX PBR Teams: Gambler Days
Aug 23 Eureka, MT PBR
WHERE’S THE BEEF?
*-Added Money Amount Is For Each Night Information Subject to Change Without Notice
Date Location Added $ Open
Aug 24 Bremerton, WA
Call-In # Assn/Event
$35,000 PRCA Xtreme Bulls
Aug 28 Fort Worth, TX PBR Stockyards Showcase
Aug 29-30 Belton, TX
Aug 29-31 Springfield, MO
Aug 30 Ellensberg, WA
Aug 30 Essex, IA
Aug 31 Nashua, IA
YOUTH BULL RIDING EVENTS
JULY
PBR / Central Texas State Fair
PBR Teams: Thunder Days
$118,000 PRCA Xtreme Bulls
$3,000
$4,000
712-374-6053 Double-S Extreme Bull Riding
712-374-6053 Double-S Extreme Bull Riding
Jul 5 Caney, KS EC 7/3 8pm T 620-313-0321 WCMB / Tumble I Mini Bucking Bulls
Jul 5 Thomasville, MO 417-293-9668 WCMB / 5/R Mini Buckers
BUCKING BULL EVENTS
JULY
Jul 5 Duncan, OK ABBI / ClaimABull
Jul 9 Erick, OK ABBI
Jul 12 Ada, OK ABBI / Bar O
Jul 12 Mt. Orab, OH Text 513-256-1225 ABBI / K Bar C
Jul 12 Ogden, UT ABBI / HDBBA
Jul 15 Grandview, TX 254-396-2140 Bull Teams Only Jackpot
Jul 19 Wingate, NC ABBI / Lucky Clover BB
Jul 19 Sheridan, AR ABBI
Jul 23 Erick, OK ABBI
Jul 25 Porum, OK ABBI / Jenkins Ranch
Jul 26 Sisters, OR ABBI / HDBBA
Jul 26 Newton Falls, OH
Text / call 724-421-5601 ABBI / NFG: Mack Arena
Jul 26 Brush, CO ABBI / BULLc
AUGUST
Aug 1 West Monroe. LA ABBI
Aug 16 Lloydminster, AB ABBIC
Aug 16 Newton Falls, OH
Text / call 724-421-5601 ABBI / NFG: KS Arena
Aug 16 Waycross, GA ABBI / Lucky Clover BB
Aug 16 Ada, OK ABBI / Bar O
Aug 21 Halfway River Valley First Nations, BC ABBIC
Aug 22-23 Austin, TX PBR Team Series Classic
Aug 23 Buchanan, TN Text 513-256-1225 ABBI / K Bar C
Aug 23 Green River, WY ABBI / HDBBA
Aug 27 Erick, OK ABBI
Aug 29-31 Springfield, MO PBR Team Series Classic
Aug 30 Ada, OK ABBI / Bar O
Aug 30 Graham, TX ABBI / ClaimABull
Aug 30-31 Ft Lupton, CO ABBI / BULLc Oil Patch Bull Bash
CLASSIFIEDS
Practice Pens
PISGAH, AL - TIM COX, TCB, ANYTIME, CALL FIRST, 256-996-9426
NEW MARKET, AL - EC Hunt, 5:30pm Sun., 256-683-8169
BATESVILLE, AR - James Bechdoldt, Anytime, Call First, 870-307-9923
CONWAY, AR - Mark Lindsey, Ride & Shine Cattle Company, Anytime, Call First, 501-730-4557
ELFRIDA, AZ - D Davis Bucking Bulls, 4pm Sat., Call First, 520-642-3737
LINCOLN, CA - B Bar Ranch, B Bar Indoor Arena, Rain or Shine, All Rough Stock, 916-206-4059
MARYSVILLE, CA - PacWest, 5pm Wed., Steers & Bulls, Call First, 530-751-6643
FRESNO, CA - Toro Bravo Arena, Thur. by appt., Call First, 559-577-2445
ELIZABETH, CO - Tuff Garcia, Tuff E Nuff, 6pm Mon., Rain or Shine, 970-846-0788
STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, CO - Tuff E Nuff, 6pm Wed., Apr-Nov., 970-846-6828/3354
ALDEN, IA - Circle C Rodeo, 6pm Wed., Rain or Shine, Call for alternate dates 641-373-3625
WOODBINE, IA - Tom & Kristina Kelley, every Sun. (weather permitting). Beginner - rank bulls. Call 712-5922493
KENDALLVILLE, IN - B Bar A Bucking Bulls, Heidi Speicher, 7pm Every Thur, Call First, 260-564-5864/Troy
JACKSONVILLE, IL - Lazy C Rodeo, 10am-3pm Sun., Rain or shine, Call First, 217-245-8280
Practice Pens
JACKSONVILLE, NC - Aleck Barnard, Elite Cowboy Rodeo Assoc., Onslow Rodeo Arena, 6pm Every Other Sunday, Call First, 910-381-8597
CHANDLER, OK - JAM Bulls, 2pm Sun., 7pm Wed., Call First, 405-570-9010
SOPER/HUGO, OK - RBL Rodeo Bulls, Anytime with 4-6 hour notice, Rain or Shine, 307-461-1741
EAGLEVILLE, TN - BF Cattle Company, 2pm Sun., Jackpot, Call First, 615-336-4313
EMORY, TX - Oakes & Greene’s, 7pm Wed., 903-348-8630
LORENA, TX - Rocking S Ranch, Tue., Jackpot, Call First, 254-716-0779
MANSFIELD, TX - JC Knapp Ranch, 4pm Sun/6pm Wed., $5 at the gate to ride as many as you want, 817-223-3692
SIMMS, TX - Wilburn Bucking Bulls, 7pm Every Other Thur., 903-543-3025
PETROLIA, TX - Norris Dalton, 7pm Wed., 940-733-3020
DECATUR, TX - Cullen Calame, Denton Creek Farms, Call First, 940-393-3730
NOCONA, TX - 4x Arena, Call First, 501-944-1907
NOCONA, TX - Locke Bucking Bulls, Call First, 940-872-0733
WILLS POINT, TX - Austin Arena Bulls, Barrels, & Poles. $10 per ride/run or $25 for all you can ride. Bulls for all ages. 214-7265799
Livestock Layovers
BATESVILLE, AR - James Bechdoldt, White River Rodeo, 870-307-9923
RAYMOND, IL - Randy Littrell, Shop Creek Cattle, 217-556-0551
Livestock Layovers
MARYSVILLE, KS - Gary Hershey, 4H Bucking Bulls and Marysville Sale Barn, Call First, 785-292-4952
LAKE CHARLES, LA - Keith Strickland, Deep South Rodeo Genetics, 337-304-1493
SALEM, MO - Hwy 32 & 72, Salem Livestock Auction, 573-729-8880
HELENA, MT - Jim Horne, Bull Horne Ranch, 406-459-5706
FERNLEY, NV - Nathan Pudsey, Circle P Bucking Bulls, 775-750-2168
CLASSIFIEDS
Livestock Layovers
CLAYTON, NM - Justin Keeth, Lazy J 3 Bucking Bulls, 575-447-0877
BETHESDA, OH - 15 Miles off I-70, TCB Ranch, 304-281-4530
SOPER/HUGO, OK - RBL Rodeo Bulls, Anytime w/ 4-6 hours notice, 307-461-1741
BOX ELDER, SD - Gus “Duane” Aus, Lazy Heart O Ranch, 605-923-3426
BUCHANAN, TN - Parsons & Milam 731-642-8346
CLARKSVILLE, TX - Brian Agnew, BA Livestock, 903-669-9189
Your Ad Could Be Here! Call 325-500-2855 for more details
Livestock Layovers
DUBLIN, TX - Mike Godfrey, Godfrey 4X Cattle, 817-235-2852
MANSFIELD, TX - JC Knapp Ranch, JC Knapp Rodeo, 817-223-3692
MIDLAND, TX - Ted Norton, Norton Bucking Bulls, 432-413-8433
DECATUR, TX - Cullen Calame, Denton Creek Farms, 940-393-3730
SIMMS, TX - Near I-30 Texarkana, Wilburn Bucking Bulls, 863-381-2799
CHEYENNE, WY - Floyd & Ann Thomas, TTnT Ranch, 307-778-8806
Miscellaneous
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Western Wanderings
cookie
They used to call him “Ramrod”
Back early in the game
This hard workin’ cowboy was trusted
To ride for the brand was his aim
Through the years he’s ate some dust
And branded a few head as well
He’s slept most nights under the stars
And has some tall stories to tell
He’ll talk of the time when he got his foot stuck
Tween a rock and the root of a tree
A stampede was headed right his way
And he cut off his boot to get free
Then there’s the time he was “takin’ a squat”
Behind a big tree near the creek
He turned and saw a big rattler
Who was coiled and aimed at his cheek
Now as he grew older, he realized
He’d need to do something more tame
So he started wrangling those pots and pans
And “Cookie” is now his name
When he dabs a loop around a pot
There’s magic that happens within
But don’t dare call him “Grub Worm” or “Sourdough”
For you might take it right on the chin
By Kelly B. Robbins
His cowboy coffee is famous
He brews it strong and black
But watch out when you take a swallow
It will singe the hair on your back!
He’s mastered that ol’ dutch oven
His biscuits bring renown
When he raises the lid off to fetch you one Your eyes swim in the golden brown
Now his beef n’ beans are a mainstay
He serves them just bout every night
But those cowboys don’t ever say a word
Cause they’re seasoned and cooked just right
That ol’ cowboy does most everything well
So when quittin’ time starts to draw nigh
We figger he’ll go to wranglin’ them strays
For that ol’ Range Boss on high!
Illustrated by Mike Aemmer
Ruger Piva enters Fourth of July run with momentum after Cody Xtreme Bulls win. PRCA photo by Hailey Rae.