Champions of the Arena COOPER-SCRUGGS BUCKING BULLS

FOR BRYCE COOPER AND HEATH SCRUGGS, RAISING AND TRAINING RODEO BULLS IS MORE THAN JUST A BUSINESS—IT'S A LABOR OF LOVE, A WAY OF LIFE, AND A TRIBUTE TO THE POWER OF PARTNERSHIP. THE TWO STRIVE TO BRING ONLY THE HIGHEST QUALITY BULLS TO THE PROFESSIONAL BULL RIDERS, AND FOR THE MAY 2024 WORLD FINALS, THEY PROUDLY HAD SEVEN BULLS COMPETING — A TESTAMENT TO THEIR DEEP UNDERSTANDING OF WHAT IT TAKES TO MAKE A CHAMPION.

Amaster of raising and training rodeo bulls, Bryce was born and raised west of Austin and moved to Jarrell in his early 20s. He and his partner Heath Scruggs are also among the roughly 150 stock contractors lucky enough to breed and train bulls for the PBR. The two men own separate ranches but have been combining their strengths and flourishing for nearly two decades, turning their passion for animals into a thriving business. Bryce recently relocated to a 350-acre ranch in San Saba, but the two remain more than just business partners; they are a dynamic duo dedicated to bulls and the sport they love.

A Passionate Lifestyle

Bryce's passion for rodeo began at a young age, growing up in the industry and getting his first bull at 12. Over the years, he has witnessed significant changes in the industry, from advancements in genetics to improvements in training and care. Despite the hard work and challenges, he says he wouldn't trade his job for anything. "It’s a passion and a lot of people get in it, and they don’t realize it’s a lot of work," he admits. But for those who truly love the lifestyle, it's the most rewarding job in the world.

A Partnership Built On Trust

Bryce and Heath have been partners for nearly 20 years, an impressive feat in an industry known for high turnover. Bryce handles the hauling and the physical aspects of the ranch work while Heath manages the technical – social media and online marketing. In their respective roles they complement each other perfectly and ensure all aspects of their business run smoothly. Bryce says, "Our partnership is what has enabled me to have the number of bulls I do. Heath has a family so it would be challenging for him to be on the road. We both bring something to the table, we understand our lands, and we’ve stayed in our lanes."

The Ranches And The Bulls

Bryce's 4C Ranch spans 350 acres, where he raises bucking bulls, yearlings, and competition calves. Despite being a relatively small operation, his focus is on quality over quantity. "Our cow herd is not that big compared to others, but our genetics and selection process over the years means we just keep the best of the best and sell the rest," Bryce explains.

The team’s ultimate goal is to raise bulls that can compete in the PBR circuit. Cooper-Scruggs’ process is rigorous, starting with a large group of calves and narrowing it down through evaluations and smaller events. "Their growth is a lot like kids who play tee ball when they are five. All that talent and temperament is refined at each level as the teams get a little smaller and stronger through high school and college. Where Cooper-Scruggs is now is the major leagues," Bryce says.

THE ATHLETE’S REGIMEN

With pride and a lifetime of love for his vocation, Bryce explains raising rodeo bulls is no small feat. Training starts young, with bulls beginning their journey with a "dummy" device at 1 year old to simulate the bucking experience. As they grow, they are gradually introduced to riders, and their performance is closely monitored. "By the time we get to the PBR, we’ve started with a big group of calves and end up with the best," he says.

The rodeo animals are treated like professional competitors, with a disciplined diet and exercise routine. "The bulls are athletes, so their diet is regimented that we follow to a tee. We also routinely draw blood to monitor their wellness," Bryce states. As well, during transport, he ensures the bulls are well cared for, stopping frequently during long drives to let them rest and acclimate to new environments.

Challenges And Triumphs

Over the years, Bryce and Heath have seen some of their best bulls perform at the PBR World Finals, showcasing their meticulous training and care. He even had one bull, Kid Knapper, that achieved legend status for his ability and longevity before retiring at a very mature 9 years old. Their bulls' performances have consistently earned high scores, often reaching the coveted 8890 point range, which is essential for rider success and thrilling the audience.

Running a ranch does come with its own set of challenges, he says, but making quick decisions and prioritizing the well-being of the bulls have been crucial to Bryce’s success. He wears many hats and routinely handles situations beyond his control, whether dealing with droughts that affect feed quality or navigating unpredictable weather conditions. "A few years ago, we got snowed out in Del Rio and a 4.5-hour drive took 12 hours," Bryce recalls. Despite hurdles like these, Cooper-Scruggs has only grown as an operation through resilience and adaptability.

The Emotional Bond

For Bryce, the bulls are more than just livestock — they are like family.

"These bulls are like my kids," he says. Each has its own personality, and Bryce takes pride in knowing them closely. Outside the arena, many of the animals are gentle and enjoy being petted and loved.

He says, “They know when they get into the chute, or near the arena, it is time to work. But when they get done showing or training, we adjust the feed to let them relax and just be bulls.”

This deep bond ensures the animals are not only well-cared for but also happy and healthy. As Bryce reflects on the partners’ journey with their herds, he acknowledges the unique bond they all share and the indispensable role Heath plays in their success. "I couldn’t do it without him," Bryce affirms. Visit them on Facebook to learn more.