The PBR Camping World Team Series’ first day of Thunder Days concluded with the Kansas City Outlaws defeating their in-state rival Missouri Thunder, 256.75-87.50, to win the 2024 edition of the Show Me State showdown. Photo courtesy of BullStock Media.
On the Cover - Red Demon (Universal Pro Rodeo / Rachel & Dustin Powell / Delmas / Williams) was named the 2023 Bull of the NFR by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association.
courtesy of PRCA.
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Welcome to the September issue of Humps N Horns. I used to say that September brought the back to school feeling but it seems that most of the school aged kids have already been in school for the better part of August. I typically try to live in the here and now and not dwell on how great things were back in the glory days, but I sure liked it a lot better when the school year started right after Labor Day and then finished around Memorial Day.
Another change since we were all a little younger, is that the month of September brings the close of another rodeo season in the PRCA. Those who are on the bubble are scrambling across the country in a mad dash to earn enough to be counted within the top 15 and qualify for the National Finals Rodeo.
As I write this, there are another 5-6 bull riders within $10-15,000 of the number 15 spot in the PRCA World Standings. It should be exciting to see how it all shakes out over the next month.
The PBR is halfway through the 2024 Teams season where the teams will continue to battle for a spot at the PBR Teams Championship in October.
One thing that has stood out this year is the number of young bull riders who are making a mark. Some of the names that come to mind are Cassio Dias, John Crimber, and Kaiden Loud have set the tone for young guns in the PBR Unleash the Beast Tour and PBR Teams Series. Wacey Schalla, Cooper James, and Jeter Lawrence are all PRCA rookies well on their way to an NFR berth in their rookie season.
I believe the sport is in good hands with this many solid young cowboys on their way to the top.
As always, I encourage you to get out and support bull riding and rodeo events in your area. You never know when you may be watching the next young gun that will rise up and be a World Champion.
Until next time, Terry
The rain is annoying, the temperature is dropping but everybody is still looking forward to something. Even when Mother Nature is in a bad mood, the bulls don’t stop bucking.
In conditions suited more for the fall than the summer, Taylor Toves took another step toward achieving a special winter.
The 31-year-old is aiming for his first Wrangler National Finals Rodeo presented by Teton Ridge berth and moved closer to the top 20 in the PRCA | RAM World Standings with a win at the Kitsap Stampede Division 1 Xtreme Bulls Saturday afternoon in Bremerton, Wash
Toves posted an 86.5-point ride on Big Stone Rodeo’s Bert, snatching the top prize in what has been a memorable 2024.
“It was a good ride. I had seen that bull a couple of times, and I thought he would fit me. And for dang sure that happened. He went to the right. And I was able to ride it easy,” Toves said. “I actually got to step off and not even get covered in mud.”
Toves appreciated the strong crowd given the rainy conditions. Nothing, though, was capable of souring his performance. He’s been on a bit of a roll over the last several months, winning three events.
Toves entered Saturday 28th in the world standings with $71,587. Cashing in at Bremerton creates a window of opportunity to reach the Top 15 over the last month of the PRORODEO regular season concludes Sept. 30.
“This has been my best season rodeoing so far for sure. I am trying to make this last push and see if I can squeak into the Finals. But I have to keep doing good work,” Toves said. “It would be huge, a big deal. I rodeoed in 2012 and 2013, then I went to the PBR Finals a couple of times. But the goal is the NFR. I have never been. That’s where I want to be.”
Toves wasn’t born atop a bull. It took some cajoling for his mom to allow him and his brother to ride steers when they moved to Texas. Now, it’s hard for Toves to picture his life without being on the road and the weekly competition of man vs. beast.
“It’s not for the faint of heart, that’s for sure. If are you doing it, you gotta love it, otherwise it won’t be any fun,” Toves said. “I love rodeoing. We are hanging out with all of our buddies living a pretty good life. You can’t put too much pressure on yourself, even though we do sometimes. It’s just hard to describe. There’s just nothing like it.”
Article provided courtesy of PRCA.
August 9-10-11
Huron, SD
Call Bubba Riddings (605) 941-4702
August 23-24-25
Senitobia, MS
Call Jud Moore (662) 292-3390
September 28-29
Natural Dam, AR
Aaron Coody (479) 430-0945
October 4-5-6
Bunnell, FL
Call Austin Cody (386) 585-0784
October 11-12-13
Hurricane Utah
Call Amber Rees (435)216-8263
October 18-19–20
Pale Horse Ranch
Big Sandy, TX
Call JRay Bevill (903) 746-9257
November 22-23-24
Danny Custer Memorial New River, AZ
Call Cody Custer 580-729-1962
By Katlin Truelsen CAC Media Group
The triple crown is most notably found in horse racing but over the years, the term triple-crown has become known in other sports when someone stacks up a string of impressive wins. Wins that might include a bull riding championship at the Texas State High School Finals, Shawnee, and the National High School Finals Rodeo. For 16-year-old Jack Mitchell, that triple-crown victory is exactly what happened earlier this summer. Here’s more.
KT: Hi, Jack! Thanks for chatting with me today. Can you please start off by telling us where you are from and how old you are?
JM: Thanks for interviewing me. I am from Weatherford, Texas and I am 16 years old.
KT: And how long have you been riding bulls?
Jack Mitchell, 16, Weatherford, Texas
JM: I started riding sheep back when I was about three and then went to steers and then to bulls, but I didn’t compete right away. I do some team roping as well and train cutting horses. My family is really involved in the cutting horse industry.
KT: Why did you decide to stick with the bulls?
JM: Well, I always wanted to ride broncs, but my dad told me I wasn’t big enough, so I got on bulls instead. I kept waiting until I got big enough for the broncs, but he never told me I was, so I ended up being a bull rider instead.
KT: And do you still want to ride broncs?
JM: No, Ma’am, I am going to stick to bulls.
KT: After the year you have been having, I can see why. Can you tell our readers a little about your state finals win and everything that has happened since then?
JM: So last year was my freshman year at state finals and I had a bunch of re-rides and couldn’t get it done, but this year was different. I drew a lot better this time around and I was able to win the average.
KT: Where did you go after the state finals?
JM: After state finals I had a lot of momentum going into Shawnee. I bucked off my first bull while I was down there and had to regroup, but I got the second one ridden and stayed on my third bull in the short round and ended up winning that, which gave me a lot of confidence heading to the National Finals.
KT: I bet! It is impressive to get two big wins back-to-back and you were able to add in a third one as well, right?
JM: Yeah, I knew going into nationals that it was going to be tough and that I had to have the mindset that I needed to ride anything I got on. I couldn’t have a bad bull. I did get to win it and it was incredible. It is probably my favorite thing that I have ever done.
KT: That is awesome! What happened right after you finished your ride?
JM: Well, the guy that was ahead in the points still had to ride and he was riding his bull and I thought he was going to win it, so I was nervous, but he bucked off right at the last second. I felt bad for him, but I was able to win a national title.
KT: What were some of the prizes you got to bring home?
JM: I got a bunch of buckles, a toolbox, some bags, free Cinch jeans for a year, a new American Hat. They gave us so much stuff. I couldn’t believe it.
KT: And you also get to represent Cinch this next year, as well, right?
KT: What has been the drive behind you for these three wins, because there are not a lot of guys who can say they won all three of those events in a row.
JM: Yeah, it has been a heck of a run. I have been lucky to be with my friends this summer going to all these places, and it has been a lot of fun. I have been feeling good and riding good and everything just lined up.
KT: What was it like to win against some of the guys who are finishing up their high school seasons but have already started riding in the PBR?
JM: I have known Clay and John for a long time and have been riding against them for a long time. We are all friends, and I knew it was going to be tough because they are great athletes, but I got lucky this time, and everything worked out.
KT: What was it like for you going into the short round?
JM: The morning of the short round I looked at the points when I got up and I was sitting in sixth place and here wasn’t that much difference between scores, so I knew it was doable, but it would depend on my draw. When I found out my bull, I was a little disappointed. It was a bald-faced bull that hadn’t done great in previous rounds. I felt knocked down at that point and I remember telling my dad that I was just going to go have fun because I had already made it that far and whatever happened was going to happen. It turns out he had a great showing that night and I was able to win it.
JM: Yeah, they did pictures and then they put all the national champions on their semi for the next year.
KT: So, you get to see your picture going down the road?
JM: Yes, Ma’am. I haven’t seen it yet, but it will be fun when it happens.
KT: What can you tell me about getting to ride for Team Cavender’s?
JM: I have been riding with them for two years now and it is a great time. I love what they do, they help us out so much. If we need something they help us get it and it is a really cool team. They don’t let just anyone on it. You have to be a good person outside of being good at rodeo to get to work with them. They hold a summit every year that we go to at a nice hotel and we get to go to their warehouse and see it all. It is a lot of fun.
KT: How did you get picked to be a part of the team?
JM: They sent me an email to see if I was interested. They look at how you ride but then also what you do outside of rodeo, how you act around the chutes, and what you post on social media. They want people who are going to be good role models for their brand.
KT: Well congratulations on being a part of that team and for being someone the next generation can look up to. What about the rest of your summer, what does it look like?
JM: Thank you. For the rest of the summer, I am going to do a lot
of bull teams, that is my main focus, and I am hoping to make the UPRA finals as well.
KT: Can you talk about the bull teams and how that process works?
JM: For bull team events, stock contractors bring in two bulls for two riders and they have their part of it and then the riders have a part. So, the stock contractors reach out to the guys they want to ride their bulls and they send us videos of the bulls and how they buck and then we decide if we want to ride with them. If we decide to ride and we stay on, we get paid like we would in a normal bull riding event and we also get 10% of whatever the contractor makes if his bull has the highest score. It is good money, and you get to ride really good bulls because the contractors always bring stuff that is going to buck.
KT: I bet after this summer you will have quite a few contractors who want you to ride their stuff.
JM: Yeah, I have been getting videos from different guys about their bulls and I get to pick which ones I think will help me get the best scores.
KT: That sounds like it is good for everyone involved. Can you tell readers where your favorite place you have ever ridden is?
JM: I would say Australia. I actually just got back from there the day before I went to high school nationals. My grandma lives over there, that is where my dad is from, so we went to visit, and I got to ride.
KT: What was that experience like? Is it a lot different?
JM: The stock for my age group was a lot smaller than here, but I am sure they have some really good stock for their bigger events. There have been a lot of great bull riders come from Australia.
KT: I talked to a rider from Australia last year for this piece and he said that one of the main reasons he likes to come and ride in America is because the bulls are a lot better.
JM: Yeah, it was interesting to see how they do things over there.
KT: Who are some of the people you look up to in bull riding and why do you consider them role models?
JM: One of the main guys I
consider a role model is Nathan Burtenshaw. He rides in the PBR, and he lived with us for a while. He honestly taught me everything I know about bull riding. And my family has been a big part of it too. My dad can be really blunt sometimes, which helps me to figure out what I am doing wrong pretty fast, and my mom is always there for me. She is the one who takes me to most of my bull ridings and makes sure I have everything I need.
KT: What are your next steps in terms of bull riding?
JM: I am going to finish my high school career, I still have a couple of years left, and then I am planning on trying to get into the PBR.
KT: Anything you have to tell those guys that you rode against this year who would love to be sitting where you are right now with three big wins under you this summer?
JM: I would tell them not to quit and not to get in their own way. You have to be able to stay out of your own way and your own head. You can’t get down on yourself when you have a bad ride, you have to learn how to let it go and learn from it and just focus on the next ride you have coming up. You just need to learn to take it one bull at a time and ride the one that is next instead of thinking about what comes after that.
KT: And how do you teach yourself to do that?
JM: A few years ago, I would get mad when I bucked off because I thought I should be able to ride everything I got on, but I didn’t take the time to figure out why I bucked off. Now I look at what happened and what it is I need to change and that is what I focus on.
Continued on Page 23
Brady Oleson caps off the Texas Rattlers’ season with an 88.75-point ride on Smooth Over It at the 2023 PBR Texas Rattler Days in Fort Worth, Texas. Photo provided courtesy of BullStock Media.
By Darci Miller
PUEBLO, Colo. – On [August 26, 2024], Brady Oleson of the Texas Rattlers announced on his Instagram that he’s retiring from bull riding.
“Last weekend in Austin, Texas I had a little accident and ended up tearing some ligaments in my neck along my C3 C4,” Oleson posted. “Thank you all for the messages and prayers! I undergo surgery this week to have my neck fused. Unfortunately they’ve informed me that my bull riding career has come to an end. It’s a very tough moment in my life, but I am very grateful that it wasn’t any worse and I am still able to walk! Thank God for the blessings and the amazing life I’ve been lucky enough to experience!”
The fateful ride came aboard Fast Flow as the Rattlers took on the Kansas City Outlaws at Gambler Days. Fast Flow pulled Oleson down over his head, and Oleson landed on his own head on the arena dirt.
Oleson was carried off on a stretcher, still able to move his
extremities and communicate with those around him, and was transported to Dell Seton Medical Center. He was treated for a ligament injury, held overnight, and discharged, returning to the Moody Center the following day to cheer on his teammates in a neck brace.
“Brady retires a Champion,” said Texas Rattlers GM Chad Blankenship. “A member of our squad since its inception, his rides helped make us the only undefeated team on home dirt and the 2023 PBR Team Series Champions. But it’s the sparkle in his eyes, his work ethic, and the love he brings to our locker room that makes him a lifelong Texas Rattler.”
Indeed, Oleson was a vital member of the 2023 PBR Team Series Champion Texas Rattlers, going 9-for-19 (47%) as the Rattlers chased the title.
Oleson is a career 40-for-138 (28%) on the premier series with one event win – Tucson, Arizona, to begin the 2023 Unleash The Beast season.
He began his PBR career in 2014, competing at Touring Pro Division, Pendleton Whisky Velocity Tour and PBR Canada events before making his UTB debut in 2018. However, after 2018, Oleson didn’t see the premier series again until 2022.
The Blackfoot, Idaho, native was on the cusp of becoming a regular on the premier series in 2018, but he needed surgery on his riding wrist that April. A failed return from that injury resulted in him deciding to get a necessary surgery on his left shoulder five months later.
“After the injuries and surgeries, I kind of fell into a dark place and used alcohol frequently,” Oleson told PBR.com in 2022. “Financially, things were starting to fall apart, and I had no structure. I sat at home, and I struggled bad. I was always a little bit out of control, especially when it came to alcohol. After I would have my first beer, there was never a stopping point for me. A normal person could have two or three, have a buzz, and say, ‘Okay, I’m good.’ To function, I needed to have alcohol. Then, when it was time to get my life back together, I was out of control. It kind of went too far for me to regroup, right?
“A lot of people in my life were fed up with it, and I honestly was too, but I couldn’t stay away from it.”
Oleson got things together enough to attend a few events in 2019, but when COVID hit in 2020, he returned to his old habits.
“I was not capable of riding bulls,” Oleson said. “The crazy thing was I never wanted to drink, right? Once I hit a certain point, I wanted to focus on bull riding and doing well, but I kind of just lost the choice. I know people say you have a choice to drink or not. But it got to a point where I didn’t have that choice. I was getting that alcohol. I would drink before I ate.
“A lot of people told me if I don’t fix my life, that this would never be a part of it again. I saw in my past everything I destroyed and ruined. There was no chance anything came back if I didn’t get sober.”
So get sober he did.
Oleson admitted himself into a 60-day alcohol addiction treatment program at the Renaissance Ranch Treatment Center in Logan, Utah, and then elected to double down on his recovery, registering for the Renaissance Ranch’s outpatient program. He was placed into a sober house with a group of other men working together to improve their mental health while addressing their addiction.
In December of 2021, the itch to ride bulls started coming back, and he entered his first PBR event in a year and a half – a TPD event in Klamath Falls, Oregon, on December 31, where he went 0-for-2.
Oleson returned to the Velocity Tour on January 15, 2022, at the Portland Classic, where he went 3-for-3 to earn the event win and a spot back on the Unleash The Beast. He finished second at the Spokane Classic before returning to the UTB in Sacramento, California.
Oleson was drafted by the Rattlers in the third round in May before winning in Tucson in November. From 2022-2024, despite struggling with injuries, he was a staple on the premier series.
While Oleson’s career has been cut short, his story is one of perseverance, self-belief, and success.
“I was a little hesitant at first about opening up because it is a little embarrassing, but it really is not,” Oleson said. “I wish when I was going through it, I knew someone. I didn’t know anyone who was going through it, and I just kind of thought I was a little crazy.
“If someone hears my story, maybe it sends them down a good path. It is something I think that is important for everyone to know is out there.”
Article provided courtesy of PBR.
“For our boast is this, the testimony of our conscience, that we behaved in the world with simplicity and godly sincerity, not by earthly wisdom but by the grace of God, and supremely so toward you.” (2 Corinthians 1:12)
We are all called to a simple, even child-like, faith. But how is that attainable when our lives feel anything but simple and when we are faced with so many un-child-like things, such as careers, debt, relationships, etc.? A simple faith feels impossible, frustrating and even insulting to all of the responsibilities we have.
The truth is that a “simple faith” is anything but simple. At first, that is.
It takes dedication and discipline to have a sincere relationship with the Lord. A simple faith is not a naive faith and it’s not an easy faith either. It’s a choice to believe who Jesus is and what He has done for us. It’s plain belief. That doesn’t mean we won’t have questions, or that we’ll understand everything at all times, or even that this plain belief will come naturally. In fact, we will always have questions and we will always wrestle with the complexity and mystery of God.
The difference is that when these questions arise, we would be encouraged to stretch our belief even further and accept that there are things in this world and in this life that we will not understand. Yet, we still believe that God is in control and that He has a plan for our individual lives, the whole world and for His kingdom. In John 13:7, Jesus told the disciples while washing their feet, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.”
It takes courage to address the things in the Bible we don’t understand or the parts of God we don’t see or feel. It’s difficult to face all the world’s tragedies and brokenness, to hear of their
opinions and claims against “God” and to still choose to believe in God and who He says He is. There is no task more difficult than to turn all of that off and to focus on God and His Word.
Today’s world preaches self-protection and preservation. We have so much anxiety attached to belief, always so fearful of being tricked or being wrong. The hardest part of Christianity is truly receiving God’s forgiveness and love. It feels wrong to accept something that we so obviously don’t deserve. It feels too good to be true, too easy, too simple.
But that’s what God is offering each one of His children! He made faith so simple, and He did it to rid our hearts of fear and to make room for love and praise towards Him. Sin entered the world and made love complicated, but sin cannot distort God’s love. When we accept His love, we can live a simple faith. Though there will be times that we do not understand ourselves, our lives or the world we live in, we can be confident in who God is and sure of His love.
So, learn to embrace a simple faith! It’s what God designed and intended for each one of us. And it might just be the bravest thing you can do.
• 1 lb chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
• 1 lb bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 cup ranch dressing
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 can cream of chicken soup
• 1 lb frozen tater tots
• Salt and pepper to taste
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, ranch dressing, shredded cheddar cheese, and cream of chicken soup. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Spread the chicken mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
4. Arrange the frozen tater tots on top of the chicken mixture in a single layer.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
6. Once cooked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.
By Kelly B. Robbins
In the world of bull riding, there are hundreds of stock contractors providing thousands of bucking bulls, all over the globe. Most of the bucking bulls are solid, bovine athletes providing excitement for the fans and a challenge for the riders. Some bulls have just mediocre bucking skills, and some bulls have exceptional bucking skills.
Then there are a few bucking bulls that are on a whole different level. Their moves, their strength, their athleticism, and their intelligence place them in a category far above other bulls. These are the elite bulls that are the championship contenders.
We invite all of you bull riding fans to keep your eyes and your 2025 season expectations on a bull who has been called “a force to be reckoned with”, and a “heart-stopping powerhouse!” He is currently the number two ranked bull in the PBR, with a world average bull score of 45.53. His name is Red Demon!
Red Demon thrilled the crowd at the 2023 PBR Unleash the Beast World Finals. He was fourth in the PBR world standings going into the Elimination Rounds at the Cowtown Coliseum, but he caused a shake-up in the bull standings with two good outs that helped him roll into the championship weekend at AT&T Stadium in second place, behind first place and eventual champion bull Man-Hater.
Red Demon dueled with “Mr. 90 Point Ride” Dalton Kasel in Round Three on Championship Sunday and had Kasel rolling in the dirt in just 1.87 seconds for a truly stunning bull score of 48.5 points, just one quarter of a point away from the PBR world record bull score of 48.75 points set by Woopaa at the 2021 PBR UTB World Finals. But even with that amazing bull
score, Red Demon fell just short of what he needed to beat out Man Hater for the PBR YETI World Champion Bull title. That 48.5 bull score earned Red Demon the YETI Bull of the Finals title and the right to be considered a major contender for the 2025 PBR YETI World Champion Bull title!
After that amazing out, CBS Sports commentator, twotime PBR World Champion, and current head coach of the Nashville Stampede, Justin McBride said, “We might just…go ahead and throw Red Demon in the conversation for Bull of the Year next year!”
Red Demon is owned by Universal Pro Rodeo, Rachel and Dustin Powell, Delmas and Williams. I spoke with Red Demon co-owner Dustin Powell. He explained that Universal Pro Rodeo is 1/3 owned by Terry Williams, 1/3 owned by Dustin Powell, and 1/3 owned by Dustin Delmas. Terry and Dustin Powell own ranches in Carthage, Texas. Dustin Delmas has a ranch in Moss Point, Mississippi, where he houses, trains and cares for all the bulls. He hauls the bulls to events and flanks them.
“Dustin Delmas is our livestock handler,” Dustin Powell revealed. “He’s as good as gold! You can’t ask for a better guy to take care of livestock.”
“Red Demon is five years old,” continued Dustin. “We’ve had him for three years now. We purchased him in the summer of 2021 from Beutler & Son Rodeo. Red Demon was also named the 2023 PRCA Bull of the NFR.”
According to Probullstats.com, Red Demon currently has 50 outs with five rides. That gives him a 90% buck off percentage. His average ride score is 85.95 points.
Dustin shared that Red Demon gets along with the other Universal Pro Rodeo bulls. His travel partner is 85 Big Bank, who is currently in sixth place in the PBR world standings. They have quite a few other exceptional bulls. 925 Hunting Trip is currently 19th in the PBR bull standings, and G34 Dirty Bru is in 22nd place. They also have 727 Grey Fox, 808 Stone Cold Gangster, 12 Rorschach, 710 Do Dat Eddie, 751 Spotted Demon, 819 American You, and 95 Barbarosa,
“Red Demon doesn’t try to hook you or hurt you,” Dustin shared. “He has kind of a laid-back personality. He’s an “all business as usual” kind of bull. He knows his job and he’s kind of straight forward in doing it. He loads on the trailer with no trouble. It’s like he knows he’s going to do his job somewhere, and he’s ready to go!”
Next up for Red Demon will be the 2024 Pasadena, Texas Livestock Show and Rodeo Xtreme Bulls September 27 at the Ross Kelly Arena.
I asked Dustin to describe Red Demon in one word. “Explosive!” he answered without hesitation. “I was just looking at some stats today. In his last 30 outs, Red Demon has scored 47 points or better nine times! Three of those nine were 48 points or better. Man-Hater is number one, but we have closed the gap in the last six or eight outs. We really like our chances, and we are looking for a championship.”
“We’d like to say that Red Demon is definitely one of the top runners,” Dustin concluded. “There’s a lot of hype around him. We’ve had several offers from contractors who want to buy him, but we’re hanging on to him. He’s feeling good and he’s everything a bull can be. We can’t say enough good about him!”
PUEBLO, Colo. – There aren’t many cowboys who attempt 400 bulls in their career, let alone get 400 rode during premier series competition.
Specifically, only eight had accomplished said feat prior to Friday night’s opening round of PBR Teams: Thunder Days action, including:
Guilherme Marchi, J.B. Mauney, Mike Lee, Silvano Alves, Joao Ricardo Vieira, Valdiron de Oliveira, Chris Shivers and Ross Coleman.
Perhaps you recognize a few of those names?
That number grew to nine by the time the second showdown of the evening got underway, as Arizona Ridge Riders’ veteran Eduardo Aparecido officially punched his ticket to the 400 Club.
Matching Dark Thoughts jump-for-jump for 88.5 points en route to earning his Ridge Riders a temporary lead, you could tell the veteran was excited. Happy to help his team, but equally juiced to meet the legendary mark.
“I’m blessed for this, for this 400th bull (right) now,” Aparecido shared with Matt West during a postgame interview.
“Thank you to my team for believing in me every day. And my coach, Colby Yates. I’m happy and blessed for this moment.”
Aparecido had the chance to meet the mark last weekend after picking up qualified ride No. 399 in Austin, Texas. And while things didn’t end up working out down south, he understood the assignment this time around, soaring into the PBR history books.
Holding four fingers up with one hand and a big ole’ clinched fist to represent the zeroes, he knew this was a big moment, and celebrated appropriately.
Everyone else on the chutes? Holding up some big ole “fours,” themselves.
“Four, oh, oh for Eduardo. There it is,” play-by-play analyst Craig Hummer announced with some enthusiasm on the Merit Street broadcast.
“And it’s a bit of payback, as that bull had bucked him off and now
Dark Thoughts helps him make some personal history.”
Once his accomplishment was announced to the audience following the judge’s scores, the crowd also understood their assignment, quickly showering the veteran with applause.
Each and every PBR Camping World Team Series event is guaranteed to showcase greatness, no doubt. There’s too much talent, drama and camaraderie for that not to be the case.
But any given night doesn’t promise the historical lore of what Aparecido provided for the fans inside Great Southern Bank Arena. An evening he and thousands of fans in attendance likely won’t forget anytime soon.
“What that’s gotta feel like for Fast Eddy right there … Not only a bull who has thrown him off before. His coach puts him right back under him again,” color commentator Cord McCoy said on the broadcast.
“After all of these years and the hundreds of bulls he’s gotten on, the 400th bull this guy has rode for 8 seconds … that’s an amazing career, right there.”
Having clocked into his beloved profession back in 2012 as the No. 1-ranked rider in PBR Brazil action, he was an obvious candidate to showcase his skills while going head-to-head with some healthy competition.
While he needed a bit of time to adjust to the stateside bulls, as most international riders do, he quickly figured things out while continuing to dominate in his home country (all the way until 2015, despite turning in sixth and seventh-place finishes in premier series competition in 2013 and 2014).
Since then? He’s been one of the most consistent and respected riders in bull riding history.
Regularly greeting friends, families, tour workers and beyond with a warm smile and friendly handshake, he has been one of the faces of PBR for more than a decade. He just hasn’t always lived in the limelight.
This weekend, however, was a bit of an exception, as he was the big
man on the Springdale campus.
His Arizona Ridge Riders eventually lost the Friday night matchup 244.25-175.25 as the reigning two-time PBR Teams MVP showed up and did his thing, in typical walk-off fashion.
But his historic achievement was much bigger than any one regular season game result. Especially when it was Jose Vitor Leme who provided the walk-off wonder.
There’s not much you can do some days – But a little celebratory cake sure helps.
Especially when friends of the PBR and your wife hand deliver it to the locker room!
And it wasn’t just members of the Ridge Riders in the black and white dressing area that night. Friends from several teams were on-hand to congratulate the storied rider.
Giving the cake a quick smooch and sharing his appreciation with the room, he quickly followed the sentiment up with a one-liner to remember. He may have shared each of those 400 rides with the tour and industry in general, but this cake – this one was for him!
“Just for me, guys!” he shared with a joking laugh, moments after pretending to wipe away a celebratory tear.
He’s been an absolute gem on the dirt. But it’s his personality as a cowboy, as a person, which has ultimately made him such a huge part of this Arizona squad. And a member of the PBR brotherhood for more than 12 years.
He may be one of the elder statesmen on tour these days, but he didn’t exactly limp his way to the 400 mark by any means. One of the Ridge Riders’ most productive cowboys in the first half of the season, he’s officially 9-for-17 on the season and ranked No. 11 in the PBR Teams MVP standing as he continues to lead the way for his Arizona unit.
Continuing to punch the clock as the weekend went on, eventually improving to 2-for-2 Saturday night during a huge 261-172.75 win over the Texas Rattlers, he teamed up with Luciano De Castro and summer series rookie JaCauy Hale in helping the Ridge Riders end a nasty seven-game skid.
As the weekend came to an end, the talented cowboy ensured it was a showcase to remember, eventually completing his perfect weekend Sunday afternoon courtesy of a 71-point dance with Late Hit. It wasn’t a perfect ride, as the bull didn’t bring its’ best stuff. But with Yates declining the re-ride, thus further positioning his team to close out a win against the New York Mavericks, he was easily Arizona’s MVP on the weekend as they bounced back in a big way, leaving Great Southern Bank Arena with a 2-1 record.
Finally able to ditch the down stretch while positioning themselves to bring some momentum into next weekend’s PBR Teams: Outlaw Days in Kansas City, Missouri, is Arizona starting to catch fire here at the right time?
Seeing the team go 8-for-15 on the weekend in game play is certainly an encouraging sign for Yates and his Ridge Riders. But with a 6-10 record, currently still in the basement of the league standings as the only squad with just five wins on the season so far, they have plenty of work to do should they want to find themselves dancing inside T-Mobile Arena during the 2024 PBR Teams Championship.
The team’s homestand, set to invade Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona, Oct. 4-6 is quickly approaching, which certainly should help their journey of ascending the standings.
Especially when you consider it’s the regular season finale.
So, if Yates’ squad can start stringing some wins together here while Aparecido and company keep turning in some quality qualified rides, the Ridge Riders are very much alive here in the second half stretch. And as the only team to find themselves competing in Las Vegas for each of the postseason gauntlet’s Championship Sunday showdowns, we have a feeling they are turning things up at the perfect pace.
But for now, it’s Aparecido who’s earned the freshest flowers.
Article provided courtesy of PBR.
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By Brady Renck
Comb through Clayton Sellars’ career, and his success remains impossible to miss. He won the Resistol Rookie of the Year in 2018. He qualified for three straight National Finals Rodeos beginning in 2019.
Then, Sellars left the PRCA. He’s back full time in 2024 and pushing toward a berth in Las Vegas. He strengthened his bid with a stellar ride at the Ellensburg (Wash.) Rodeo Xtreme Bulls.
Sellars posted an 89-point ride on Wayne Vold Rodeo’s Wild Time in the long round, pocketing $10,469. His night was far from over. The ride helped him advance to the 12-man finals. Unfortunately, no cowboy made the whistle in the short round. Sellars was crowned the champ from his top ride in the first round. The firstplace average check was worth an additional $17,449.
For Sellars, it continued his successful season. He did not reinvent himself. He leaned on old staples. He was hungry, motivated by an NFR bid. He used the end of his 2023 season to get back on track, knowing he would not be going to Las Vegas. It has worked. He has been healthy. When it comes to riding bulls over the long season, sometimes availability is the best ability.
And Sellars has been showing up and showing out. His resume this season includes victories across the country. The Wildwood,
Fla., native has topped the leaderboard at the Crossett (Ark.) Riding Club, the San Antonio (Texas) Stock Show & Rodeo and the 10th Annual Acardia (Fla.) Fall Rodeo.
He has also performed his best when it matters most. With big money on the line, Sellars boasts four X-Bulls wins.
“The -XBulls have always been good to me. A lot of money available,” Sellars said. “And a lot of good bulls.”
For Sellars, the last six weeks have been a whirlwind. He has been eating miles on the road, canvassing the country for events. And in mid-August his wife Billie gave birth to the couple’s first child, Poncho Pete Sellars.
From becoming a father to re-establishing his elite status in bull riding, this year has been a reminder to take nothing for granted.
“In the bull riding what keeps me coming back, I don’t know it’s that cliche. The dragon and the goat. Here is the big scary animal. If you can be your best, everything you need for your family is on the other side of it,” Sellars said. “It’s super hard. And it makes you better when you work hard and get rewarded by staying on for those eight seconds.”
Article provided courtesy of PRCA.
KT: Good advice. Alright, to wrap up we always ask you guys some fun questions, so here it goes. What are some of your hobbies outside of bull riding?
JM: I actually like to golf. I go golfing whenever I can.
KT: We hear that quite a bit, which I still find surprising. Are you any good at golf?
JM: Good, no. I would say I am mediocre.
KT: At least you are honest about your golf game. What about if you are out on the road traveling, what is your favorite place to eat at?
JM: Probably Cane’s or Chicken Express.
KT: What is Chicken Express? We don’t have that up here.
JM: You don’t have Chicken Express? You need to try it and order the catfish. It is the best.
KT: Alright, so I need to head to Texas to order catfish at a chicken restaurant, got it. And what are you currently watching for a Netflix series right now?
JM: Right now, I am watching All American.
KT: Okay, last question, what other career could you see yourself having outside of bull riding?
JM: If I wasn’t a bull rider, I would be a stock contractor. I own some bulls and the business side of things. My grandpa was a cattle buyer and I used to go to all the sale barns with him when I was little and since I am a bull rider, raising bulls seems like a natural fit. I have taken a lot of my winnings and put them into bucking stock, and I have grown a pretty good pen of practice bulls. They get used a lot. Kaiden Loud and I own some of them together and the PBR guys use them for practice.
KT: It sounds like you have a pretty good game plan for your future already! Thank you, Jack, for chatting with me today and congratulations on a great summer run!
JM: Thank you, Ma’am, I appreciate it.
KT: For more information about junior bull riding, you can check out the National High School Finals Rodeo page or the Yeti Junior World Finals 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 digital and print media. She is currently a high school senior and lives with her family on a diversified grain and livestock farm.
*-Added Money Amount Is For Each Night Information Subject to Change Without Notice
BULL RIDING EVENTS
SEPTEMBER
Sep 1 Nashua, IA $4,000 712-374-6053 Bull Riders of America
Sep 4 Lewiston, ID $20,000 PRCA Xtreme Bulls
Sep 5 Fort Worth, TX PBR Challenger Series
Sep 6 Osakis, MN $5,000 8/25 5-9pm 320-226-1487 NFPB
Sep 6 Salem, IL
9/2 5-10pm 618-267-1782 NFPB
Sep 6-7 Kennewick, WA PBR Challenger Series
Sep 6-7 Albuquerque, NM
PRCA Xtreme Bulls
Sep 6-7 Siloam Springs, AR $10,000 8/5 479-393-8232 Bull Riders of America
Sep 6-8 Kansas City, MO PBR Teams Series
Sep 7 Thomas, OK
Sep 7 Kinmundy, IL
Sep 7 Kramer, NE
Sep 9-10 Pendleton, OR $150,000 PRCA Xtreme Bulls Tour Finale
Sep 12 Fort Worth, TX PBR Challenger Series
Sep 13-14 Eureka, MO $2,000* 9/2 5pm 573-823-2569 NFPB
Sep 13-15 Anaheim, CA PBR Teams Series
Sep 14 Lewisville, TX PBR Challenger Series
Sep 14 Stockton, CA PBR Challenger Series
Sep 19 Fort Worth, TX PBR Challenger Series
Sep 20-21 Nebraska City, NE $7,500 712-374-6053 Bull Riders of America
Sep 20-22 Greensboro, NC PBR Teams Series
Sep 21 Wahpeton, ND
$5,000 9/8 5-9pm 320-226-2569 NFPB
Sep 21 Charlottesville, VA PBR Challenger Series
Sep 21 Cuba, MO
Sep 25 Fort Smith, AR
Sep 27-28 Belle, MO
$1,000 9/9 5-9pm 573-823-2569 NFPB
$15,000 PRCA Xtreme Bulls
$6,500 9/16 6pm/8pm 417-924-3591 NFPB
Sep 27-28 Fort Worth, TX PBR Teams Series
OCTOBER
Oct 3 Fort Worth, TX PBR Challenger Series
Oct 4-6 Waco, TX
$80,000 PRCA Permit Finals
Oct 4-6 Glendale, AZ PBR Teams Series
Oct 5 Omaha, NE
Oct 8-11 Waco, TX
$7,000 712-374-6053 Bull Riders of America
$90,000 PRCA Texas Circuit Finals
Oct 10 Fort Worth, TX PBR Challenger Series
Oct 11 Salem, IL
$2,000 10/7 5-10pm 618-267-1782 NFPB
Oct 11 Columbus, OH PBR Challenger Series
Oct 12 Kinmundy, IL
Oct 12 Phoenix, AZ
$1,500 10/7 5-10pm 618-267-1782 NFPB
$15,000 PRCA Xtreme Bulls
*-Added Money Amount Is For Each Night Information Subject to Change Without Notice
Date
Oct 16-17 Las Vegas, NV PBR Challenger Series
Oct 17 Las Vegas, NV PBR Teams Champ Ride In Round
Oct 17-19 Redmond, OR $40,000 PRCA Columbia River Circuit Finals
Oct 18-20 Las Vegas, NV PBR Teams Championship
Oct 19 Mansfield, TX 817-994-0238 4th Annual Pitching in the Pecans
Oct 24 Fort Worth, TX PBR Touring Pro Division
Oct 25-26 Minot, ND PBR Touring Pro Division
Oct 26 Owensboro, KY PBR Touring Pro Division
Oct 31 Fort Worth, TX PBR Touring Pro Division
NOVEMBER
Nov 1-2 Camp Verde, AZ $36,000 PRCA Turquoise Circuit Finals
Nov 15-16 Tuscon, AZ PBR Unleash the Beast
Nov 23-24 Ontario, CA PBR Unleash the Beast
YOUTH BULL RIDING EVENTS
SEPTEMBER
Sep 6-7 Ogden, UT IMBA World Finals
Sep 7 Thomas, OK $250 9/3 6pm Cowboy Up for Christ Bull Riding- Jr Steers
Sep 8 Ft Gibson, OK 9/2 6-9pm 918-519-5169 Lazy B-T / Zane Cook Mini BR Tour
Sep 14 Mt. Pleasant, TX
$3,250 Mon prior text 903-754-1034 Built God Tough Roughstock Series
Sep 21 Lakeland, FL Mon prior Enter online - link on FB page WCMB / Legends in the Making
Sep 28 Carthage, TX
$3,250 Mon prior text 903-754-1034 Built God Tough Roughstock Series
Sep 30-Oct 5 Mt. Pleasant, TX EC 9/14 saddlebook.com/events/7647 WCMB World Finals
OCTOBER
Oct 5-6 Sweetwater, TX
$10,000 AJRA
Oct 8-12 Ada, OK $10,000 PYRA Finals
Oct 12 Tatum, TX Mon prior text 903-754-1034 Built God Tough Roughstock Series
email: bred2buck@gmail.com
*-Added Money Amount Is For Each Night Information Subject to Change Without Notice
Date Location Added $ Open Time
BUCKING BULL EVENTS
SEPTEMBER
Sep 1 Ft. Lupton, CO
ABBI / BULLc
Sep 5 Prince Albert. SK ABBIC
Sep 7 TBA, OH
Sep 7 Elko, NV
ABBI / K Bar C Beast of the East Finals
ABBI / WSBBA
Sep 7 Lloydminster, AB ABBIC
Sep 7 Duncan, OK
Sep 8 Erick, OK 8/19-26
Sep 13 Duncan, OK 8/26-9/2
Sep 14 Okeechobee, FL
Sep 14 Fallon, NV
Sep 21 West Sunbury, PA
Sep 21 Porum, OK
ABBI / Claim A Bull Finale
ABBI / Carsen Perry Memorial
ABBI / Fall Series 2
ABBI / Buckin for the Cause Futurity
ABBI / HDBBA
ABBI / NFG
ABBI / Jenkins Series Finale
Sep 28 Texarkana, AR 936-661-2285 Northeast Texas Futurities
Sep 28 Glen Rose, TX Bull Teams Only Finals
OCTOBER
Oct 4 Edmonton, AB ABBIC
Oct 14 Las Vegas, NV ABBI World Finals
Events highlighted in yellow have ads in this issue of Humps N Horns for more information.-
Nov. 15-16, 2024 Tucson, Arizona Tucson Arena
* 2025 PBR World Finals
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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
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
BATESVILLE, AR - James Bechdoldt, White River Rodeo, 870-307-9923
RAYMOND, IL - Randy Littrell, Shop Creek Cattle, 217-556-0551
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
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
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MIDLAND, TX - Ted Norton, Norton Bucking Bulls, 432-413-8433
DECATUR, TX - Cullen Calame, Denton Creek Farms, 940-393-3730
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When I ride out on the dusty trail
And work the drag a while
Water is how I quench my thirst
My canteen becomes my pal
Though the water might be somewhat warm
And smells like an old piece of wood
It sure wet’s my whistle going down And still tastes mighty good
Lemonade was a treat when I was young
Sassparilla was a later desire
But when I thought I was ready for more
That first whiskey burned like fire!
So, beer became my drink of choice
Whenever I visited town
Until I got some hair on my chest
And could keep the whiskey down
At the end of the day, I ride into camp
I’m tired and I’m thirsty and sore
Cookie hands me a cup of his glorious brew
Sometimes laced with something more
My hand gets warm wrapped around that cup
The coffee tastes strong, black, and hot
Cookie’s added splash of whiskey
Most surely hits the spot.
By Kelly B. Robbins
