Espuela Design Co. – true heritage in the bag!

The tried and true recipe for Espuela Design Co.’s success is:

1. They do what they love, and love what they do.
2. They’ve stayed true to their roots.
3. They’re generous – they share their unique story with their clients, customers, business, and products.

Each bag comes standard with a lifetime warranty and is crafted using the highest quality materials, including vintage 1970’s belts; antique laundry pins adorned with Spirit Beads from their family business; 10-inch horse hair “shoo-fly” tassles; and hand-cut, leather fringe.

Espuela Design Co. is born of West Texas Heritage, bred from a family of true, hardworking cowboys and cowgirls who have, for generations, held a strong belief in God and being good stewards of the land with which they’ve been entrusted. Cody Oden’s family also owned and operated numerous dry cleaning/laundry services in West Texas.

Cody Oden, Espuela Design founder and owner, started working on his family’s cotton farm/cattle ranch and at their laundry businesses at the tender age of six.

When Cody was still just a young boy, his grandmother Geraldine “Gerry” Cook, took the time to teach the wiry cowboy who loved to ride horses, how to quilt!

Yes, you heard me right – how to quilt! And then, when Cody attended Cotton Center High School, his Home Economics teacher was none other than his mother, Vicki Oden, who went on to teach her son the basics of sewing and smart business.

 

Cody grew into a young man who wanted to carry on his family’s love for the land, so he attained a degree in Agronomy from Texas Tech University. He remained active in riding and selling rodeo horses for competition, and remained involved with the laundry business.

He met and fell in love with an Ag Science teacher, Karen, who happened to live and work 891 miles from his doorstep. During their courtship, they frequently made arrangements to meet each other.

One such destination was Sante Fe. While there, they were both inspired by the art, the fashion, and the feel of the historic town. They happened upon an upscale resale shop, where he found a handmade bag. It was very expensive ($1800), and he insisted on purchasing it for Karen; but she equally insisted that he not.

So he went home and started to design his own for her.

He poured his West Texas Heritage into the creation. He made the bag from a beautiful, saddle blanket. He added a laundry pin from his family business, hand-cut fringe, a shoo-fly tassle, and a vintage 1970 leather-tooled belt as a handle.

When he presented it to Karen; she at first thought he’d gone and purchased the expensive bag from Sante Fe; but was ecstatic when she discovered that Cody had made it especially for her.

And the rest has been history in the making. Her friend, her mother, etc were soon asking for their own custom bag; and when Cody’s family lost their crops of cotton and sorghum, he told himself “I know how to sew – I can make it happen”. And that, he did!

Currently, Espuela Design has over 22,000 Instagram and nearly 11,000 Facebook followers.

They are sold in over 160 boutiques; will be featured in the 2018 Christmas Edition of the prestigious magazine “Cowboys and Indians”;  and are now international – selling all over Australia in correlation with PBR and ABBI events in the Buckaroo Boutique (Jazmine Wallace, owner).

Upcoming Espuela Design Co. Trunk and Fashion Shows:

September 11-15

Pendleton Roundup, Happy Canyon Pendleton Roundup Store (exclusively with Espuela Design Co.); and the Triangle T Boutique on Main Street, Pendleton, OR

October 4-5

Junk Gypsy (Texas Antiques Week)

November 14-17

WRCA World Finals, Amarillo, Texas

December 6-15

Rodeo Fashion and Western Arts Expo, Plaza Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada – DURING THE WNFR!!!

2018 BBR World Champion on Fortunes Flame

Qualified for The American Semi’s on 5 Different Horses:

 2016

Frenchmans Bandito (Las Vegas, NV Qualifier, 7th)

2017

Shawnees French Bug (FT Worth, TX Qualifier, 7th)

 Frenchmans Assassin (Last Chance Qualifier in Glen Rose, TX 7th)

 2018

Fortunes Flame

Cashin Chicks (won the Chickasaw, OK Qualifier)

• London won over $40,000 at the 2018 Semi’s
• She also won the “Up & Comer Award” of $5,000 from Dish
• Father is PBR Bullfighter Shorty Gorham
• Grandfather is 5X World Champion Phil Lyne
• Brother is Professional Tie-Down Roper Tanner Green
• Aunt is WNFR Qualifier Samantha Lyne           
• Uncle is PBR Bull Rider JB Mauney

I suppose I have the same questions in life as many others. I’ve often wondered just what is my purpose? Who am I? Am I headed in the right direction?

And then, I meet this chick. Her name is London Gorham. London won the 2018 BBR World Championship (on Fortunes Flame), is a 5-Time American Semi-Finals Qualifier, and she is all of ten years old.

She knows who she is, where she’s headed, and who is responsible for herself. I know, because I asked her, and without a second’s hesitation, she told me so confidently, so honestly, and so quickly – that I was taken aback.

I suppose I expected her to properly giggle or hem-haw around for an answer that would befit a ten year old; but she did not. It was then that I decided this ol’ gal here could learn something from Miss London Gorham!

Here’s how part of our phone interview went:

Me: “London, I’ve read all about your strong rodeo roots within your family, your coach and best friend James Barnes; and how supportive your Mom is of you. I’m just wondering, who is your biggest mentor? Who is the person that drives you the most?”

London: “Me.”

Her mother, Amanda Lyne, later texted me to explain more about London’s matter-of-fact, and quick answer: “London doesn’t even think about her competition….she’s her only competition and that’s why she answered you the way she did earlier. You can’t worry about anyone else. Stay in your lane and focus on you. She will say “The difference between me and them is I don’t think about them at all”.”

Amanda continued, “Consistency is KEY!! “

We spoke at length on the importance of having a team; as well as other tools for success.

Amanda wrote to me, ” I’m behind the camera, do all the work, pay for everything, enter her, haul her everywhere, give her all the tools she needs to be a champion and she gets it done at 10 years old. God gave her a gift. I just nourish it.”

The London Gorham Team

 

• Dr Marty Tanner – Tanner Equine
• Charlie Thompson – Farrier
• James Barnes – Life, Horse, and Arena Coach, Mentor, and Friend
• CR Ranchwear (shirts)
• Shorty’s Caboy Hattery
• 5-Star Equine
• Dave Elliot Bits
• Tammy Fisher Sports – saddles

“We can only offer them the tools…what they choose to do with it is up to them. Both of my children are fierce competitors”, stated Amanda.

In fact, her 20 year old son, Tanner Green, competed in the Tie-Down Roping at the 2018 American Semi-Finals, alongside his kid sister. In addition, her uncle, JB Mauney competed there. It certainly was a family affair!

I asked London if she leaned on her older brother at all during the nerve-racking competition, and she recollected, “I think we said something like ‘good luck’ at the hotel, and then we just went and did our own thing”.

An important member of their team is London’s coach and mentor James Barnes. He first became a team member through social media, and is now very close friend.

When London’s Mom saw James at a mutual friend’s place, she remembered a  humorous comment made by James on Facebook when she purchased Shawnees French Bug A.K.A. “Thump” from Alexis Willis: “If Thump ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy!”, James commented.

“I asked him if he would mind working Thump and Assassin before London ran them. Give them a little tune-up. He did, and the rest is HISTORY!! Best decision I could have ever made…we are a TEAM…we all work together!!”, said Amanda happily.

And London really does appreciate her rodeo roots. With regard to her famous grandpa Phil Lyne, “Londie calls him “Da World Champion of pretty much EVERYTHING!”, says her Mom.

She continued with,  “My father (5-time World Champion) tells everyone Londie  is “VERY COACHABLE”…In order to succeed it is imperative that you be coachable.”

“She has a NATURAL FEEL…can’t be taught or bought.”

“London’s success hasn’t happened overnight. She  has been competing since the age of two – so realistically, she has seven or eight years under her belt”, her Mom explained.  

“She rides every, single, day. She’s the only one who rides her 4 yr old mare, “Repo”. That takes dedication.”

Thank you London Gorham; for reminding this ol’ gal what it means to “stay in your lane”, use your gifts from God, and utilize the tools given you in life.

I’ve thoroughly enjoyed getting to know London and her Mom, Amanda. And, plan to take a serious look at life, goals, and the tools in my possession; in order to assess what can still be accomplished in the next seven or eight years of my own life!

41st Annual BFI

“The Roper’s Roping”

June 18, 2018

in Reno, Nevada

Bob Feist’s focus has always been on what’s ahead of the next curve. For instance, he’s the creator behind the infamous BFI roping event, now held in Reno, Nevada.

It’s the richest one-day roping in the world; awarding $500,000 in prize money to the team that can rope six head in the fastest combined time.

There’s nothing like it, and here’s the CLN Insider story on the man behind the BFI, inarguably the event that was the catalyst for what Team Roping has become today; a multi-million dollar sport, attracting thousands of contestants, men and women alike, from ages as young as 14 and as old as 78.

Many of our CLN fans and followers are aware that Mr. Feist is a well-known and award-winning PRCA announcer.

In fact, he’s worked a lifetime to become one of the best in the Biz; working shows such as the National Finals Rodeo, Reno Rodeo, Salinas, Cheyenne Frontier Days, the Calgary Stampede and the Bishop California Mule Days, just to name a few.

He’s narrated television and radio programs, hosted numerous shows on RFD-TV, and even made a cameo appearance on Clint Eastwood’s movie “Pink Cadillac”!

Things you may not know about Bob Feist, is that he has honorably served our country as a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Army; and after his service there, remained active in the Army Reserves.

Mr.  Feist graduated from Oklahoma State University with a major in Hotel and Restaurant Management; and spent some time in Oklahoma City actually managing a restaurant.

Bob Feist doesn’t just “talk the talk”, he can also “walk the walk”.

He was raised on a working cattle ranch in Santa Rosa and Ukiah, California; and is perfectly capable of driving an eight-mule or horse hitch; and can be seen doing so at annual trail rides such as the Rancheros Visitadores and with the Sonoma County Trail Blazers.

He’s an excellent snow and water skier; and has announced the prestigious “Cowboy Downhill Race” for years, held each January in Steamboat Springs, Colorado.

In fact, Bob Feist loves the outdoors, period.  Fishing, kayaking, and golfing round out his love of outdoor activities.

Feist’s Focus: Ahead of the Curve

The year was 1968. It was decades prior to the advent of glossy team roping magazines.

Bob Feist had a vision. He focused his attention and finances on creating a publication especially to keep Team Ropers informed of local and national roping events and results.

The Ropers Sports News  has an impressive 20,000 per month readership; and is distributed in 48 states, Canada, Australia, France, Germany, and Brazil.

When asked how he’s managed to stay in the tough business of publications – especially in light of all the new team roping magazines that have recently come onto the scene and – not to mention the advent of the internet –  Feist confidently stated, “We service smaller arenas; ‘Mom and Pop’ arenas. We keep our costs down with our newspaper format. Smaller producers can afford to advertise their events in the Roper’s Sports News.”

 

He has certainly been a pioneer of team roping publications.

But that’s not all. In 1977, he focused on producing a team roping event. It would be deemed “The Roper’s Roping” or, as it’s commonly known today – the BFI.

He was light years ahead of the curve when he produced the very first “Bob Feist Invitational” in Chowchilla, California with a 35-foot score.  

His good friend Perry Bigbee sent Bob a check and underwrote that first event. Bigbee was a great supporter and believer in the Focus of Feist from the very beginning.

The BFI was created around three basic concepts:

1)      Horsemanship: Each steer currently gets an 18-foot head start.

2)      Mental: One partner, no mistakes. For six rounds. In one day.

3)      Elite: Only 100 elite teams are accepted to enter each year.

A summary and brief history of the BFI is as follows:

• 1977-1980: 35-foot score at Chowchilla, CA
• 1981: 25-foot score at Las Vegas, Nevada
• 1982: 35-foot score at Denton, Texas
• 1984-1988: 18-foot score at Reno, Nevada (outdoor arena)
• 1989-2017: 18-foot score at Reno, Nevada (indoor arena)

The 2018 BFI will award $500,000; making it the richest one-day open roping in the world!

The June 18th event will feature two men who’ve made the event for all 41 years; Dennis Watkins (heeling for Caden Clay) – and Mike Beers (heeling for Jace Johnson).

Bob Feist sold the BFI in 2012 to Ulllman-Peterson Events.

However, he still remains the name and face behind his visionary focus to create the ultimate “Roper’s Roping”, the Bob Feist Invitational.

Ullman-Peterson Events now hosts BFI Week, a week of roping for the whole family; all centered around the Focus of Feist, the original BFI.

If you would like to subscribe to or advertise in the “Roper’s Sports News”, please call their Lodi, California office (209-333-2924) or visit their website: – http://roperssportsnews.com/

Webster, Harris and Lockwood team up in Wayne, Oklahoma

Bullfighting and Bull Riding School – May 25, 26, 27

“If you want to be a champion, you need to be taught like a champion.”

Cody Webster, Professional Bullfighter

What:

The 2nd Annual Bullfighting and Bullriding School is being hosted by Cody Webster, on his Flying W Ranch just outside of Wayne, Oklahoma.

Blackwell Bucking Bulls is providing everything from practice calves and steers to Jr Bulls on up to full-sized bulls. There’s a spot for everybody at this school – and stock fitted to every level of competitor.

There will be plenty of barrel practice, time horseback to learn basics, and daily classroom video reviews.

A daily lunch will be provided to students; and concessions will be available for all others attending.

Accommodations can be found just a short 12-15 minute drive to Purcell or Paul’s Valley.

Email Cody Webster at: bullfighterbull@yahoo.com to reserve your Champion Spot.

School tuition is only $650; and the $325 deposits are due by May 1.

When:

May 25, 26, 27 (deadline for school deposit is May 1)

Where:

At the Flying W Ranch just outside of Wayne, Oklahoma.

Who:

Cody Webster

• WNFR Bullfighter for the last five years
• PBR Velocity Tour Bullfighter for the last three years
• 3x Salinas Free-Style Bullfight Champion

Who:

JW Harris

• 4x PRCA World Champion

• 9x WNFR Qualifier

• 2014 PBR Rookie of the Year

Who:

Jess Lockwood

• 2017 PBR World Champion (the youngest champion in history)

• 2x Northern Rodeo Association Champion

There’s no doubt about it, this school is for the serious-minded competitor, looking for the champion edge!

 

CLN is known as the hub of western enthusiasts. Our purpose is to not only spread industry news, but also to pass along information about products and services that we feel would benefit our audience.

Winnie’s Cookies, with over 20 years of baking high quality, organic horse treats, is one such product that we’d like to pass along to our peeps!

Winnie’s Cookies are baked fresh in America, and are delivered via FedEx in a sealed bag.

• There are a myriad of supplement and equine treat choices out there. What sets Winnie’s Cookies apart, are a few things:
• Winnie’s Cookies are made from human-grade, organic ingredients.
• They are baked fresh, per order and sent out immediately.
• No mixing, measuring, and adding. Just a simple cookie that horses love.
• They are a product that works like a supplement, but taste like a treat.
• The Winnie’s Cookie Club offers substantial discounts and private offers on their products.
• Fresh-baked, in America.

“My Winnie’s delivery came in a sealed bag; and when I opened them, the scent was heavenly!” – Eileen Moss, CLN Insider Reporter

Winnie’s Cookies’ bakers arrive at 4am and bake until noon, five days a week. Then, the orders for the day are packaged and shipped same day via FedEx.

What we at CLN also love about this company is that they are very customer oriented. For example – they have a peppermint and rosehip cookie that is primarily offered on a seasonal basis. However, if a customer requests an order of them at any time, they will get them. (Peppermint extract, is known for its digestive tract benefits; and Rosehips, for their high Vitamin C and antioxidants.)

Known as the cookie that “works like a supplement, tastes like a treat“, they are chock full of human-grade, organic ingredients, including unsulphered, blackstrap molasses, rich in concentrated minerals; as well as an ingredient called “dulse”, which is a bottom-growing seaweed harvested off the coast of New Brunswick.

For more information on these made in America, homemade treats, go to: winniescookies.com

“Great cookies…My horses love these treats. They are soft enough for my old horses to enjoy and to use as pill pockets when giving pill medications. Not to mention the benefit of the ingredients and knowing they are right out of the oven when you get them.”

Geri

“I started feeding Winnie’s Cookies, and I noticed a change in their coats; and then, as the months went by and the years went by, I noticed their coats getting richer and more dapple.”

From a promotional YouTube video, Linda Parelli – Parelli Natural Horsemanship

“With my own personal horses, the bloom came back; their entire attitude seemed to improve. They really have a benefit, beyond just being a treat.”

From a promotional YouTube video, Dr. Mark Wooten – Nolensville Veterinary Hospital

When the Cowboy Lifestyle Network (CLN) was first launched, it was because we at CLN recognized a need for a social media hub for Western Lifestyle Enthusiasts.

We respect our loyal fans as both knowledgeable, and intelligent individuals.

We value our agricultural comrades and utilize this Network to keep our CLN Web Family informed.

There is a group fighting the good fight for all who love the Western way of life:

“Protect the Harvest”, a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation, was founded in 2014 by American family-man, business entrepreneur, and cattle rancher – Mr. Forrest Lucas.

The “Protect the Harvest” Board of Directors is comprised of some very qualified and competent individuals, who work tirelessly to protect America’s freedoms and rights to feed, clothe, and protect themselves.

Protect the Harvest tackles important issues like the recent attack on horse owners’ rights; hunting and fishing rights; animal and pet ownership; access to affordable food; and what’s going on in our legislature regarding the performance arena , affecting our rodeo and bull riding events and animal athletes.

So who’s protecting the harvest? Who’s responsible?

CLN encourages our network of nearly 1 Million Western Enthusiasts to stay informed and  be involved – because, truthfully, we ALL have a responsibility to Protect the Harvest!

Gila River Casino Arena  –  March 23 & 24 

The third annual Ak-Chin Invitational PBR event will be the 12th stop on the 25th PBR “Unleash the Beast” 2018 Tour.

http://www.gilariverarena.com/events/detail/professional-bull-riders-ak-chin-invitational

Tickets are currently available at Ticketmaster    

Each “Unleash the Beast” Tour event contains 35 PBR Bull Rides – and Round 1 of the Ak-Chin Invitational will take place at the Gila River Arena in Glendale, Arizona on Friday, March 23, @ 7:45 pm (MT).

Round 2 will take place at the Gila River Arena on Saturday, March 24 at 6:45 pm (MT); immediately followed by Round 3, comprised of the advancing top 15 riders in the “Unleash the Beast Championship”.

Each PBR Bull Rides who will be competing at the 2018 Ak-Chin Invitational will be vying for his own spot in the 25 PBR World Finals event, scheduled to take place November 7-11, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Other FREE, fan-friendly activities during the Ak-Chin Invitational:

PBR Meet and Greet

Thursday, March 22    3:30pm (MT)

UltraStar Multi-tainment Center

Top PBR Athletes will sign autographs and take photos throughout evening.

 

Fan Zone PBR Pre-Party

Friday, March 23    11am (MT)   

Tanger Outlets Wesgate

“Rodeo Days” celebration at the Tanger Outlets. Younger kids can ride a pony, pet a goat, or do wild west crafts.

Fan Zone PBR Pre-Party   

Friday, March 23    4pm (MT)

Gila River Arena

FREE event, right outside the doors of the Gila Arena – where guests will have opportunity to take photos with a live bull, etc.

 

Fan Zone PBR Pre-Party    

Saturday, March 24    3pm (MT)   

 la River Arena

FREE entry beer garden, with live country music, games, dancing, photo ops with live bull, etc. Beer sale proceeds will benefit the Western Sports Foundation.

Danny & Aaron Custer Memorial Team Roping

Sunday, March 25   10am (MT)

Downtown Arena, Wickenburg

Open to the public, and hosted by PBR Co-Founder Cody Custer. For more info, email Cody at: codycuster12@gmail.com

2018 Ak-Chin Invitational Presented by Cooper Tires PBR Broadcasts:

Friday, Mar 23 Round 1 10:30pm (ET) PBR RidePass

Saturday, Mar 24 15/15 Bucking Battle 2pm (ET) CBS

Saturday, Mar 24 Championship Round 9:30pm (ET) LIVE PBR RidePass

Sunday, Mar 25 Championship Round 5pm (ET) CBS Sports Network

2016 Ak-Chin Invitational Champion:

 

              Ryan Dirteater

2017 Ak-Chin Invitational Champion:

      Cody Teel

 

Event Photos:

15 World Champion Bull Riders Compete for $100,000 June 15 & 16

Reigning PBR Stock Contractor of the year, Chad Berger, recently announced he will be hosting a historical bull riding event June 15 & 16 at the Bismarck Event Center in Bismarck, ND.  

Chad Berger, 7X PBR Stock Contractor of the Year. He and his wife and business partner Sarah, hail from Mandan, North Dakota.

For the first time in Bull Riding History, 15 Champion Bull Riders will compete in one arena for $100,000.

Those invited to the “Match of Champions” include eight PBR Champions, 5 PRCA Champions, the reigning Intercollegiate Rodeo Champion, and the reigning Indian National Finals Champion:

Silvano Alves, 3X PBR World Champion

JB Mauney, 2X PBR World Champion

JW Harris, 4X PRCA World Champion

Sage Kimzey, 4X PRCA World Champion

Jess Lockwood, 2017 PBR World Champion

Cooper Davis, 2016 PBR World Champion

Cody Teel, 2012 PRCA World Champion

Shane Proctor, 2011 PRCA World Champion

Kody Lostroh, 2009 PBR World Champion

Guilherme Marchi, 2008 PBR World Champion

Wesley Silcox, 2007 PRCA World Champion

Mike Lee, 2004 PBR World Champion

Ednei Caminhas, 2002 PBR World Champion

Cole Melancon, 2017 CNFR Rodeo Champion

Cody Jesus, Indian National Finals Rodeo Champion

Renato Nunes, 2010 PBR World Champion (coming out of retirement)

This may be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see this many champions compete with one another in one arena. They will be competing on Chad Berger, 7X PBR Stock Contractor of the year’s bulls, including the infamous Pearl Harbor.

Match of Champions Invitee, Sage Kimzey,  rode Pearl Harbor for 92 points and $20,000 last year during an exhibition showdown at the PRCA rodeo in Berger’s North Dakota hometown of Mandan.

June 15 & 16 Match of Champions at the Bismarck Event Center Quick Facts:

• • Tickets go on sale March 10.
  • There are a combined 22 World Champion gold buckles between the “Match of   Champions” contestants.
  • There is a 223-year difference between the youngest bull rider (19-year-old Indian Finals Champion Cody Jesus), and the oldest rider (42-year-old Ednei Caminhas).

• The winner of each round will win $25,000.
• The winner of the event with the largest aggregate score will win $50,000.
• There will also be a Touring Pro Division event prior to the “Match of Champions” event.
• For the first time in Bull Riding History, 15 Champion Bull Riders will compete in one arena for $100,000.

Wickenburg, AZ – December 4-12, 2017 – It’s Vegas Week in Wickenburg, and this historical town’s inhabitants and business owners embrace the sport of Team Roping!

Wickenburg, just 54 miles from the hustle and bustle of downtown Phoenix, is named after the adventurer and prospector Henry Wickenburg. Henry’s quest for gold was rewarded through the discovery of the Vulture Mine, and with the help of other miners, he founded this community in 1863.

During this time in December, Wickenburg boasts a permanent population of just over 7,000 souls; but bursts out the seams to well over 20,000 during Vegas Week – and it’s all about Team Roping, Baby!

The “Downtown Arena” and “Rancho Rio” arenas bring in the competitors, ranging from teenagers to senior citizens; from women to men; and from the seemingly rich, to those trying to get rich from the wealth of prize money up for grabs at the various levels of competitive team roping events.

I truly believe that the adventurous spirit of Henry Wickenburg lives on through the influx of team ropers who arrive via everything from first-class, huge living quarter trailers pulled by Freightliners;  to single-horse trailers pulled by just a car.

These adventurous people range from the very young to the very old; from man to woman; and from beginner to pro.

While my guy roped in the #13 division, I sat at a picnic table and listened to a young, 11-year-old girl boast of her roping pony.

She soon moved on and was replaced by an 82-year-old man who had spent his younger years as a bull-dogger and bull rider. He stated, “I always thought of team ropers as a bunch of pusses, and now I guess I’m the biggest puss of them all!” He makes his winter home in Wickenburg and has consistently won enough money to help pay his bills.

Then, I ran into past NFR qualifier Terry Selland (Heeler, 1993). He flies back and forth from Denver once a week – specifically to rope and enjoy he and his wife’s Wickenburg condominium.

One thing is for sure: There’s money in them thar Wickenburg hills! And, if you want to surround yourself with history, the cowboy way of life, and rub elbows with the roping elite, then Wickenburg, Arizona is a stop for you!

What I love most about sharing stories with CLN Fans, is sharing those about people whom I’ve known and admired for years.

Gary Leffew is one such person. People are naturally drawn to the man. He’s an entertaining speaker, a visionary, and attracts positivity. You know when you meet him, that he is not  “putting on airs”. When he tells you something, you could literally take it to the bank.

In CLN’s first article on Mr. Leffew, we focused on his visionary way of thinking and how he developed Gary Leffew’s Bucking Ball℠

“ over a 43 year period into “the place to be” nightly, during the 2017 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Vegas at the Tropicana.

I’d like to expand upon that story and go into how Gary, now accompanied by his son Judd,  have developed a bull riding empire based upon the principles of positivity, visualization, and persistence.

Judd Leffew has followed in his father’s footsteps;  also utilizing his time and talents to maximize opportunities within the world of Bull Riding. Judd raises bucking bulls, many from embryos. He has performed as a stunt double on an episode of the series “House”; appeared in a Super Bowl commercial for KIA and worked on the movies “Jackass 2.5”,  “Jackass 3D” and “The Jackass Movie”. He’s also been the guest host on MTV’s “Ridiculousness”; and was the Wrangler for the CMT show “Cowboy U” (2003-2007).

Judd himself had started a brilliant bull riding career, winning the 1999 and 2000 California Circuit Bull Riding Championships, and barely missed qualifying for the 1999 WNFR. His competitive career was cut short by knee and shoulder surgeries in 2001 – but that hasn’t stopped him from staying involved and being successful at what he loves.

Gary Leffew’s Proven Training Techniques for Riding Rank Bulls

Gary Leffew’s web site beams with pride over having trained 13 students who’ve gone on to win World Championships; as well as two 19 year olds who went on to win PBR World Finals titles.

He enjoys teaching – and looks forward to each “new crop” of students. At the core of his bull riding curriculum is his passion with “Psycho-Cybernetics”, a book written in the 1960’s, by Maxwell Maltz.

He has concentrated on perfecting his mental game; and has even used this technique to train actors such as Luke Perry, who played the role of the great Lane Frost in the movie “8 Seconds”, to actually ride a bull. Perry, who only had mere weeks to train before riding in front of the movie camera, was prepared mainly through mental and visual skill development before lowering himself into the chute.

“Actors are trained mimics”, stated Leffew, “…so they are naturals when it comes to visualization and mental preparedness”.

“When you clear your head of all conscious thought, you access the experience of 10,000 lifetimes”, explains the former World Champion. He went on to explain, “The state of being out of the conscious and into the unconscious side – there’s nothing like it – you will amaze yourself once it happens”.

“There’s a spot on that bull – one that someone else found. If you find that advantage, then you take the power away from that bull” – Gary Leffew, from the short documentary “The Bull Rider – Life of a Real American Cowboy”.

“Of the hundreds of 1st Place wins I had throughout the US and Canada – there is one thing I am most proud of….I competed at the top 25 Rodeos, where the pressure is the most intense, the stock is the toughest, [and] riding against the greatest bull riders in the business…After a positive thinking program taught me how to keep my mental attitude and riding mechanics at a peak performance level; I ended up making 24 trips to the winner’s circle at those elite rodeos…I rode 9 out of 10 bulls, to win the NFR average; and I won the World’s Championship.” – Gary Leffew – Web Site – http://www.garyleffewsbullridingworld.com/

There’s the physical side to learning, and of course Gary Leffew believes and instills in all future champions that there’s nothing like good, hard work and practice to accompany a strong mental game. He has specific types of equipment that he prefers, and there’s always plenty of good practice bulls and, of course, a mechanical bull of some sort. 

He believes that a good bull ride is like learning to dance. “Try to pick a rhythm – one in which the bull leads”.

“When you’re doing it right, it’s a euphoric experience”….”Get in a different mind-set”…[stay away from] “self-sabotage and start to worry about success – visualize what it looks, sounds, and feels like to win – going to the office to pick up a check” – Gary Leffew, on April 18, 2005, Dave Davies’ “Fresh Air” on NPR.

Upcoming Gary Leffew Bull Riding schools near you:

October 27-29                Philadelphia, Mississippi

November 3-5                Montpelier, Louisiana

November 10-12           Weatherford, Oklahoma

Other interesting, and related links:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xdqJYhFI7P8 – “The Bull Rider – Life of a Real American Cowboy” Documentary

http://www.npr.org/programs/fresh-air/2005/04/18/12988663/ – Interview with Dave Davies, on “Fresh Air” – NPR Radio

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9H6xXqooXTo – hilarious, motivational speech given by Gary Leffew on July 24, 2014 for the San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce.