Cowboy Lifestyle Network

The job of the beloved rodeo clown may seem like it’s just a bunch of fun and games, but think not. This job involves a lot of risk-taking and is in no way secured safety. The rodeo clown, otherwise known as the “bullfighter,” does not question whether or not he will survive with any injuries every time he enters the arena, but questions more like how many injuries he will end up with when it is over.

Originally, the idea of rodeo clowns emerged in hopes of simply keeping the children and other spectators in the audience entertained between events. Nowadays, therodeo clowns or bullfighters have three jobs: to clown, entertain, and protect the cowboys.

The main priority of the bullfighter, however, is to protect the bull riders from serious injuries or even death. The bullfighters are essentially putting their own lives on the line to save the rodeo cowboy. Protecting the cowboy from a bull is very different from saving them from a horse because in general, a horse will try to avoid stepping on the cowboy.

Some bulls, on the other hand, will go out of their way to attack anything that stands in their way. To keep the bulls from attacking the cowboy, the bullfighter attempts to distract them, so their target becomes them and not the cowboy.

It is clearly necessary that the bullfighters wear their protective gear under the funny clown costumes. Dressed with padded equipment to help prevent injuries to every body part including their chests, ribs, thighs, hips, tailbones, shins, and ankles, these brave bullfighters still suffer from traumatic wounds.

One professional rodeo clown compared his job of getting charged by a bull to that of a car blazing towards you at 20 mph. This same rodeo clown explained that over his 23 years of clowning around, he has suffered from over 24 broken bones, three concussions, a dislocated jaw, internal injuries, and a torn-off ear.

While the bulls and other livestock always leave the arena alive and unharmed, it is the rodeo clowns, cowboys, and cowgirls that are tormenting their bodies for the sake of what they love. We here at the Cowboy Lifestyle Network know that this job is one difficult, courageous, and exciting task, but are truly grateful for the men and women that continue to do it and keep rodeo alive. Read more about one of the most famous rodeo clown’s story, Flint Rasmussen, by clicking here.

Breakaway roping is one form of rodeo sport. The competition features a mounted rider and a calf. The calves are initially moved to a chamber which leads to a chute equipped with spring-loaded doors.

The horse and the rider stay in another box which is adjacent to the chute which is commonly referred as the barrier. A rope is attached to the calf’s neck. It is released once when the barrier is opened allowing the calf to head toward the arena. The aim of the roper (rider) is to throw the lasso around the calf’s neck.

Tips to perform better in breakaway roping competitions

When the rope is around the neck of the calf, the rider signals the horse to stop suddenly. The end of the rope is attached to the saddle horn by using a string. While the calf moves further, the end of the rope breaks which marks the victory as well as the end of the game. The rope usually contains a bright colored flag at its end to make the timer see it more vividly. Winner of the game is chosen by the judges based on duration of the run. A rider with least time taken to rope the calf is considered as the winner.

There are several factors which are necessary for good rope breaking performance. The horse plays a vital role in a good rope breaking competition. Any cowboy can rope a calf, but no scores will be given to him if he doesn’t have an excellent partner.

Therefore, one needs the help of a good roping horse to win the game. Training up the horse when it’s young is very important to develop its skills. You should train the horse in such a way that it understands your actions and signals. The sole focus of training should be based on this. You can train the horse in the actual setting of rodeo competition. Once the horse is trained for the game, you will have a suitable companion who helps you to become successful in the sport. A horse which is gradually trained well will best serve your needs.

Secondly, you need to have good roping skills. Therefore you must learn a set of horsemanship skills. A career in this field can help you. Light hands and solid seats are a must to rope the calves.

The roper must be able to control the horse with one hand while the other hand should be used to rope the neck of the horse. Accuracy is also a major thing that a roper requires while roping a calf. Start your practice by roping on dummy calf’s head.

After you obtain the skills, increase your distance. This will improve your accuracy gradually. Mount the horse and start practicing on the moving calves. Remember, the more you practice, the more successful you will become in rodeo competition.

The main aim of the rider is to score points. Warming up the horse is recommended well before any runs in a real competition. Make your horse relaxed and comfortable. This will make it perform better in the ring.

There are many families that carry on the tradition of the western way of life through farming, ranching and other similar activities, and many of these families also have a strong rodeo tradition. However, few have earned the recognition and success in the same way that the Wright family has. The Wright family has been ranching for several generations, and they also have a tradition of very successfully competing in rodeo events. In fact, the Wright brothers are among the most well-known in the saddle bronc riding event, and those who follow pro rodeo or the Wrangler NFR are very familiar with the names Cody, Jake, Jesse and Spencer Wright.

How the Wright Brothers Grew Up

Cody, Jake, Jesse and Spencer are just a few of the Wright brothers, but they are among the most famous in the PRCA pro rodeo circuit. Saddle bronc riding may be in their blood, but so is ranching. The family has raised cattle on their large ranch in Utah for many generations. Generations of Wright’s have struggled with conditions that range from droughts to price fluctuations in the cattle industry, and they know what it is like to put in a hard day’s work with manual labor. With many of the boys participating in PRCA events and making it to the Wrangler NFR, their father largely runs the ranch on his own much of the year. However, when the boys are available to do so, they do work on the ranch with their father.

Their Success in the PRCA Pro Rodeo

The success of the Wright brothers in saddle bronc riding is well-known by those who follow the Wrangler NFR and pro rodeo events. One of the boys has won the world title in this event every other year since 2008. Another, Spencer, has qualified to compete in the finals this year, and this breaks previous records held by other families. Cody has several sons himself that have shown an interest in saddle bronc riding as well, and if they choose to pursue the tradition and carry on this way of life themselves, they would be the sixth generation of ranchers and rodeo champions in this event.

Whether you love rodeo or are just starting to follow it, you are sure to hear the names Cody, Jake, Jesse and Spencer Wright more than a few times. If you have the opportunity to do so, check out their saddle bronc riding skills at an upcoming PRCA event. The Wrangler National Finals Rodeo will be held in Las Vegas this year, and you can watch coverage of the events on the Cowboy Lifestyle Network at CowboyLifestyleNetwork.com if you are unable to see them compete in person.

When most people think of college athletics, their thoughts usually turn to such sports as football or basketball. However, at many colleges across the United States sports such as bull riding take center stage.

In fact, many schools offer athletic scholarships for bull riding just as others do for more conventional sports. The types of schools participating in bull riding vary, with both community colleges and four-year universities boasting some of the top teams and riders. For cowboys and cowgirls who want to spend their college years riding the biggest bulls while earning a degree, there are many opportunities to do so.

The Top Bull-Riding Schools

The best college programs for amateur bull riding span the country, though most are located in the western half of the United States. While many schools compete, there are 10 schools that have become powerhouses when it comes to amateur bull riding. Among the best of the best are:

University of Nevada-Las Vegas

Walla Walla Community College

Tarleton State University

New Mexico State University

Central Wyoming College

Cal-Poly Tech

Mesalands Community College

Weber State University

Sam Houston State University

College of Southern Idaho

Of all these schools, Sam Houston State has won the most national championships, having won eleven over a thirty-year span. Most schools have both men’s and women’s bull-riding teams, with schools such as Tarleton State boasting both men’s and women’s teams being ranked in the top 10 nationally.

The Stars of the Show

While the emphasis during competitions focuses mostly on teams, individual titles are also up for grabs. Some of the best-known competitors come from tiny Mesalands Community College in Texas and include female bull rider Macy Fuller and her male counterpart Mike McGinn, the nation’s top male bull-riding recruit out of high school. Other top competitors include:

• Roy Johnson–Central Wyoming
• Jesse and Cody Wright–College of Southern Idaho

As the sport gains in popularity, schools are finding it much easier to locate students who want to earn a degree while also spending time in the corral after class trying to figure out how to stay on the biggest bull there.

College National Finals Rodeo

• Justin French–Central Arizona College
• Dustin Elliott–Chadron State College
• Matt Peak–Dodge City Community College

So while students at many colleges will be taking leisurely strolls around campus, students with dreams of becoming professional bull riders will be found wearing their faded blue jeans, cowboy boots and hats around the corral, hoping to figure out the right techniques to become world champions.

CLN’s Look into the Most Popular Country Western Baby Names

Lindsay Elshere, the wife of JJ Elshere and mother to five boys, shared her country western baby names with Cowboy Lifestyle Network.

From oldest to youngest, the future Elshere saddle bronc riders are: Talon, followed by Thayne, Trik, Tel and Trailon.

The cowboys range in age from 11 to nearly 2-years-old and are seasoned rodeo kids.

While attending the Casey Tibbs Match of Champions in Pierre, South Dakota, on May 31, 2014, several rodeo moms were interviewed about how they selected their country western baby names.

The most popular answer was they wanted a unique name with western hertiage.

The reigning World Champion Saddle Bronc Rider Chad Ferley and his wife Jessica are the proud parents of a daughter, Teagan.

Behind the bucking chutes, names such as Cactus, Clover, Dakota,  Raelynn, Tradeon and Luke can be heard when parents call their kids.

Sources for parents-to-be in researching country western baby names are: www.prorodeo.com, www.wpra.com, along with the www.nhsra.org and www.nlbra.com.

Cowboy Lifestyle Network noticed a trend that Cody nearly doubles the number two name. Jake followed closely by Justin, Matthew and Michael among current ProRodeo contestants.

The popularity of Cody dates back to William “Buffalo Bill” Cody and his Wild West Show.

Today popular cowboys such as Cody Ohl, Cody Wright, Cody Teel and Cody Hancock boosted the continued western name.

Rodeo legends Casey Tibbs and Lane Frost also have a handful of namesakes.

Jennifer, Brittney, Jessica, Kelly and Christine all ranked fairly close with spelling variations for cowgirl names among barrel races on the WPRA site.

Cowboy Lifestyle Network realized that names are often handed down through generations and sometimes surnames become first names for young ladies.

Historical western and pioneer woman like Annie Oakley, Calamity Jane and Laura Ingalls are popular but birth certificates don’t follow the trend.  Country western baby names seem too often follow with popular western movie characters and towns.

Some favorite baby names also include western fashion brands with Bailey Hats, Justin Boots, Stetson Western Wear/Hats and Levi Jeans.

DeAnne and Justin Friese from South Dakota named their three sons Cody, Kyle and Austin after western characters and landmarks.

“We liked the name Cody for a boy or girl and were just going to change the spelling if we had a girl.

Kyle was suppose to be Sutton, but he didn’t look like a Sutton and Austin was named Wyatt throughout the entire pregnancy but at birth we changed it to Austin,” stated DeAnne.

She admits her Austin is the lawman in the family and should have named him after Wyatt Earpe.

The duo also admit choosing the name Cody was based off “Buffalo Bill” Cody and Cody Lambert‘s character in the movie 8 Seconds.

The following names are grouped in popularity of the 2014 Contestant Names – Cowboys & Cowgirls

2014 Contestant Names – Cowboys

2014 Contestant Names – Cowgirls

The (PRCA) Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association is an organization that was created in the early 1930s and has a long tradition of rodeo promotion and contests. Its biggest event is the (WNFR) Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. The PRCA entry fees vary depending on whether the cowboy is getting a permit or becoming a card holder.

Permit Information
A cowboy who wishes to become a member of the PRCAmust first apply for a permit. The PRCA entry fees for permit application costs $300. Anyone of legal age can enter to become a permit holder and gain access to many of the contests. The legal age is based on the state in which the cowboy lives. If the age of majority is over 18, then that legal age is applied to the applicant.

The potential permit member must complete an application signed in front of a notary public and mailed with their social security number or tax number. Applications cannot be submitted electronically. Membership lasts from January 1st until December 31st each year, and dues are accepted for the following year starting in September.

Member Information
After becoming a permit member, cowboys must earn at least $1,000 during rodeos sanctioned by PRCA before they can become a card holder. There’s no time limit to fill the permit with money earned from PRCA sanctioned rodeos. While money earned under a permit will count towards circuit standings, they do not apply to world standings.

A permit holder that earns the money required to become a member must file to be a card holder. The application to become a card holder costs $500, and the member has access the Professional Rodeo Communications system. PROCOM allows cowboys to enter rodeos with a phone call. The computerized system schedules the cowboy randomly into competitions. The system allows cowboys to add three other cowboys so friends can share expenses when traveling.

PRCA entry fees must be paid at least three days before the new year begins on January 1st, or the cowboy will not be able to participate in events scheduled around that time. Applicants can pay by check if they are applying for a permit. Members can call in a payment to the PRCA offices too.

Any money paid to the cowboy will be paid through RodeoPay. The member will also be able to participate in the insurance for cowboys in case of injury too. Any interested applicants can visit PRCA ProRodeo for more information on contests and fees for entry in the individual rodeo events.

If you have been dreaming about becoming a professional rodeo cowboy, you may be wondering how much money a professional in this line of work can actually make. Some professionals who you may know may earn a sizable income, and others may seem to be barely making it. With a closer look at the average earnings of a rodeo cowboy, you may more easily be able to determine if this is a line of work that you want to get started in.

Professional or Amateur Events

Skills are very important, and you must be able to perform well at almost every event you participate in if you want to earn a decent income or better.It is important to note that average rodeo cowboy overall earnings can vary considerably based on skill level and skill type. Generally, cowboys who participate in rodeo events must quality at the amateur level to compete in professional events. This means that they must perform at a certain level before they can even compete for the larger prizes and awards at the professional events.

The reality is that the larger majority of cowboys & cowgirls heading down the rodeo road do not make much money on a consistent basis.

In fact, most are looking underneath their seats for change in order to gather enough gas money to make it to the next town.

Rodeo life on the road is not for the weakhearted, it takes a lot of grit and determination (and I mean a lot). Especially when you factor in the likeliness of being injured. But that is what makes the sport of rodeo so amazing. There is no other sport on this planet that can compare. It is the Wild Wild West out there, literally. Nevertheless, Cowboy Lifestyle Network encourages everyone to find what it is that they love and follow their dreams, because thats what we stand for at CLN.

The Number and Type of Events

It is also important to note that the type of events that you participate in as well as the number of events will also reflect on your income. Those who are a member of the (PRCA) Professional Rodeo Cowboy’s Association or the (WPRA) Women’s Professional Rodeo Association can compete in different events than those in the (CBR) Championship Bull Riding and (PBR) Professional Bull Riders. Some individuals are a member of multiple associations, and they may have skills that range from bull riding to calf roping.

More dangerous or exciting events to watch may have a higher prize or award associated with them. For example, RFD-TV’s The American event at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, payout $2 Million dollars to the victors and over $500,000 in prizes last March. However, your take home pay will realistically be based on the number and type of events that you participate in regularly. The CLN, Ak-Chin Indian Community and Earnhardt Auto Road Team even witnessed rodeo cowboys and cowgirls at the 2014 Calgary Stampede win $100,000 for winning their event.

Ultimately, being a rodeo cowboy is similar to many other types of jobs. If you work hard and if you have great skills, you can earn a better income. Generally, amateur rodeo participants may earn the equivalent of a part-time income, which may be close to $10,000 to $15,000 per year while professionals may earn much more.

However, there is considerable variation in this based on numerous factors.

If you want to make more money than the average rodeo cowboy, it is best to develop impressive skills in a variety of events so that you can compete more frequently and with better results at each event.

The Tulsa State Fair is the largest family event in Oklahoma, with great entertainment provided over the course of 11 days. A premier fair with an estimated attendance of 1,150,000 million in 2017, this year it will be hosting, in addition to a number of other events, the Red Dirt Rodeo. Presented by the PRCA, the Red Dirt Rodeo & Concert Series has been designed to be action-packed and extremely memorable.

On October 5 and 6, guests will be presented with engaging rodeo events in the historic Pavilion, known for its great view of the entertainers. The Red Dirt Rodeo will showcase the following PRCA events in order: Bareback Riding, Steer Wrestling, Saddle Bronc Riding, Tie-Down Roping, Barrel Racing, and Bull Riding. Additionally, it will also have the Calf Scramble and Grand Entry.

Tickets for the event are inclusive of the Tulsa State Fair Gate Admission. Red Dirt Rodeo & Concert Series ticket includes Gate Admission for $35. Guests can also purchase Weekend Passes for $60 over the phone at 918.376.6000, or in person at Expo Ticket Xpress, located in the southwest corner of the Pavilion, during business hours.

The Weekend Pass includes one Red Dirt Rodeo ticket for both October 5th and 6th, as well as admission to the concert on both days. On Friday, visitors can dance along to the musical styling of Stoney LaRue after the main events, and on Saturday, Kevin Fowler will take center stage.

In addition to the Red Dirt Rodeo, guests can also visit other attractions at the Tulsa State Fair, including an international beer garden, Disney on Ice, livestock events and more. The Tulsa State Fair is an official Autism Friendly Location.

On February 25th RFDTV The American returns to AT&T Stadiumin Arlington, Texas for its fifth anniversary. Every year there have been twists and turns and this year the American is rolling out special seating sections. World Champion Bull Rider Sage Kimzeyfans can purchase special seating section tickets. The Wrangler endorsee will offer fans a meet-and-greet. The tickets also allow a special reserved section near the bucking chutes and a behind-the scenes tour.

The World’s Richest One-Day Rodeo is the perfect opportunity to check out new Wrangler clothing at your local retailers. For years to come you’ll want to show off your photographs, videos and social media posts wearing the newest in Wrangler fashions.

Wearing the Wrangler label is important. Long Live Cowboys is the battle cry of the brand. Through a unique format the contestants are invited or come up via a qualification system to compete for a million dollars. During this annual event, amateurs compete with a mixture of champions and top athletes from the PRCA, PBR and WPRA. THE AMERICAN is the only time the champions of these professional organizations can be seen at one event all competing in the same format series.

In 2014 the first million dollar cowboy Richmond Champion rode his bareback horse to make history. He came through the qualifications system so he was eligible for the million dollar side pot. In 2015 the million dollars was split between Tie Down Roper Reese Riemer and Bareback Rider Taylor Price. The third year Wade Sundell from Iowa won the million dollars in Saddle Bronc Riding. This was an exception for the million dollars to go an invitee…if he had a three-peat. Sundell won his event in 2014 and 2015. Last year the million dollars was split between Bull Rider Sage Kimzey, Saddle Bronc Rider Cody DeMoss and Barrel Racer Hailey Kinsel.

It’s About to Get Wild in Tennessee!

Jackson, Tennessee – Bull riding fans from all over the continent are making travel plans for the first Professional Bull Riders tour stop of the 2019 season. The Cody Nance Invitational PBR is the event that fans, riders and bull owners all want a piece of.

“I’m excited about our October 26 and 27 production right near my backyard of Paris, Tennessee,” said international PBR top hand Nance. “We’ve put a lot of thought and creative energy into producing the hottest, new bull riding on the U.S. Mainland.”

“First, Oman Arena is the venue. Seating only 4,500 people in the building created for NCAA College Basketball means that every seat in the house is close to the action,” Nance said. “It’s location between several colleges with great rodeo programs like University of Tennessee Martin and Kentucky’s Murray State University will draw a hot, young crowd as well as alumni and fans from all over.”

“We’ve put a ton of thought into what fans want to see and that’s rank rides! Our bull team format for owners and stock contractors means that 15 guys will bring two bulls each. They’re judged in two categories; one, rankness of the bull and the other takes the combined points of bull and rider. With $30,000 at stake, these guys will bring their best barely rideable boys out to play. Our rider roster looks like a who’s who in the PBR. We expect a heated, exciting contest you won’t want to miss,” Nance said.

The news is out! October 25-27 Cody’s will be your official party spot for the Cody Nance Invitational! Cody’s Saloon & Dance Hall will have the pre-party Thursday the 25th and then we will be the after party Friday and Saturday! Keep an eye out as the event gets closer for more specials!

Currently sitting 4th in the world PBR standings, Nance won’t be entered in his signature event. He will ride a special match-up for a charity to be announced, donating money for every second he sticks on.

Media Contact: Mandi J.McCary | MMGNV
Phone: 702-277-7107,
Email: mandi@mmgnv.com “for any media contact.”

Don’t be left out! Get your tickets now at:

• https://monumentaltix.com/events/26-27-oct-2018-cody-nance-invitational-pbr/tickets