Wacey Schalla, an 18-year-old college student, got on his first bull at the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo’s Pro Rodeo Tournament on Sunday afternoon and made the most of his opportunity. Schalla was an injury replacement and rode United Pro Rodeo’s Happy Days for 85.5 points to win the round and $2,167. FWSSR photo by James Phifer.
Humps N Horns February 2024
On the Cover - The herd from C Check Bucking Bulls enjoy life on the ranch in Gays Mills, Wisconsin. Photo provided courtesy of C Check Bucking Bulls
Humps-Horns.com · 4 · February 2024
HUMPS N HORNS® BULL RIDING MAGAZINE PO Box 34172 Fort Worth, TX 76162 325-500-BULL (2855) www.humps-horns.com
ADMINISTRATIVE Stacie Blake
Publisher/Owner stacie@humps-horns.com
Terry Blake
Editor in Chief/Owner terry@humps-horns.com
Features
ADVERTISING ads@humps-horns.com
9 12 16 22
Macon Thomas
CIRCULATION
Rider Rundown- CAC Media Group
circulation@humps-horns.com
FEATURE STORY WRITER
PBR Unleash the Beast - Tulsa
Barbara Pinnella barbara@humps-horns.com
A Short Round for the Ages
PHOTOGRAPHY
C Check Bucking Bulls
Andy Gregory Director of Photography andy@humps-horns.com
Built on Faith and Family
CONTRIBUTORS
American Bucking Bull Inc
Georgia Akers Justin Felisko Barbara Pinnella Keno Shrum
How to Make a Bucking Bull Buck
Also In This Issue
Bull Pen 22 Classifieds 28 Country Kitchen 15 Inspiration Point 14
Livestock Layovers Practice Pens Through My Eyes Where’s the Beef
28 28 8 25
Humps-Horns.com · 5 · February 2024
Andy Gregory Phillip Kitts Kelly B. Robbins Andy Watson
Humps N’ Horns® Bull Riding Magazine reserves the right to alter, edit or reject all advertisement or editorial for it’s content, clarity, and/or length. Viewpoints expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of Humps N’ Horns® Bull Riding Magazine. No material may be reprinted or reproduced without first obtaining permission from the publisher and/or editor in chief. All advertisement, editorials, letters, and press releases are accepted with the understanding that the representative, advertiser, and/or advertising agency are authorized to publish the entire contents of submitted material. Not responsible for errors or omissions in any advertisement. Humps N’ Horns® Bull Riding Magazine will not assume responsibility for any late publication due to the printer, the USPS, or an act of God. Under no circumstances will Humps N’ Horns® Bull Riding Magazine be held liable for acts of privacy, plagiarism, copyright, or trademark infringements. Material submitted for publication becomes the property of Humps N’ Horns® Bull Riding Magazine and will not be returned unless prior arrangements are made. USPS #022-617 Periodicals Postage Paid at Fort Worth, TX and additional offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to Humps N’ Horns® Bull Riding Magazine, PO Box 34172, Fort Worth, TX 76162. ISSN1554-0162. Publication Number 022-617. ©All rights reserved. Humps N’ Horns® Bull Riding Magazine 2015
Letter from the Editor
We hope this issue of Humps N Horns finds all going well for you and yours. The year has been off to a fast and furious start in the world of bull riding. The PRCA has started their big winter rodeo run with Denver and Fort Worth already in the books. They now move to San Antonio, Austin, and Houston to close out the Texas swing. Meanwhile, the PBR is also setting a frenzied pace as they make tracks across the US as bull riders chase the coveted gold buckle and $1M bonus that goes to the 2024 World Champion.
There is no shortage of talented young guns who are doing all they can to make their mark. Some of these names include John Crimber, Leonardo Castro Ferreira, Wingson Henrique da Silva, and Cassio Dias. It should make for an exciting year all the way around. Until next time, Terry
PBR Unleash the Beast event in Houston, TX. Photo provided courtesy of Todd Brewer /BullStock Media.
Humps-Horns.com · 6 · February 2024
T Parker captured the bull riding title at the National Western Stock Show and Rodeo with an 84-point ride on Cervi Championship Rodeo’s Dirty Mike. He was the only cowboy to ride in the finals. PRCA photo by Greg Westfall
By Tanner Barth, PRCA Media
T Parker gets key early season win The outcome of the 2023 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo wasn’t what Resistol Rookie of the Year T Parker had envisioned. In his Las Vegas debut, he rode three bulls and missed Rounds 7 and 8 with a shoulder injury. He pocketed $40,459 in the process to finish 13th in the PRCA | RAM World Standings. He didn’t let that disappointment linger long. The Winnie, Texas, bull rider took nearly a month off after the NFR to recover from an injury but was right back to his winning ways at the National Western Stock Show and Rodeo in Denver. Parker was the last cowboy out in the 12-man short round. The excitement inside the Denver Coliseum mounted to a fever pitch after the first 11 bull rider bucked off. That set the stage for Parker’s 84-point ride on Cervi Championship Rodeo’s Dirty Mike. His payoff including ground money amassed $16,003 in the Mile High City. “I’m really excited about this win,” Parker said. “I just bought a house two or three weeks ago. So, this is perfect, it gives me some more money to go buy some land with.” A pep talk from stock contractor Binion Cervi helped Parker reach the right mindset moments before the ride. “I saw Binion, and he looked at me and said, ‘let’s go get this done’,”
Parker said. “I met him for the first time in Houston and ever since then I’ve always liked the guy. He told me that and it reminded me of my dad telling me to go grit down, have fun, and ride him jump for jump.” The win didn’t come without some additional drama. Parker said a miscommunication led to the gate being swung open before he actually nodded his head. “I was sitting there telling the judge to push him over and he asked if that was good, and I said push him over one more time and I shook my head, and the gate came open and I was like oh no,” Parker said. “I didn’t nod, but I just had to go back to the basics, and I rode him. My dad used to do that to me in the practice pen if I was taking too long. He would just throw the gate on me. I had God on my side, and it couldn’t have worked out better.” Parker hopes this is only the beginning of a successful winter run. “This win gives me a whole lot of momentum,” he said. “It sets me up pretty good going off into this season because I was injured after the NFR. I couldn’t really go anywhere, so I took a little break. But I’m back and ready to keep riding.” Article and photo provided courtesy of PRCA.
Humps-Horns.com · 7 · February 2024
Here is a list of Schools I have scheduled and contacts to sign up for them.
March 8-9-10 Cody Custer/Wiley Petersen Idaho Falls, ID Contact is Hoke Morton (208) 569-0602 March 15-17 Hopkinsville, KY Contact Tim Cruthers (270) 763-3311 March 22-24 Reedley, CA Contact Robert Trejo (559) 356-1240 March 29-30-31 New River, AZ Call Cody Custer 580-729-1962 April 5-6-7 Coulee City, WA Contact Emily Schultz (509) 750-3658 April 26th 27th 28th Cody Custer/Robby Shriver Naples, NY Fort Drum 10 Mountain Contact is Amber (920) 539-6576
May 11-12-13 Grand Ridge, IL Call Matt Wright (217) 898-2124
August 23-24-25 Senitobia, MS Call Jud Moore (662) 292-3390
May 17-18-19 Battle Ground, WA Shaun Roggenkamp (360) 513-6160
November 29-December 1 Danny Custer Memorial New River, AZ Call Cody Custer 580-729-1962
June 3-4-5 Camp of Champions Youth Camp (6-17 yrs) Sayre, OK Call Trinity Fellowship 580-928-2345 June 5-6-7 Thomas, OK Call Nikki Schalla (505) 927-2487 June 20-21-22 Greenville, MI Call Denny Count for info (269) 208-0794 August 9-10-11 Huron, SD Call Bubba Riddings (605) 941-4702
Humps-Horns.com · 8 · February 2024
RIDER RUNDOWN with...
Macon Thomas By Katlin Truelsen CAC Media Group
For Macon Thomas, rodeo wasn’t something built on a family tradition and passed down from generation to generation. It was something you watched on television with your grandpa on the sofa on Saturday night. Rodeo was something that someone else did, not him. Eventually, though, that little kid who watched from the sidelines stepped up and took a chance at riding bulls, and in 2023, he found himself competing at the Junior World Finals in Las Vegas and getting his moment to shine.
KT: Can you tell us your name, age, and where you are from? MT: My name is Macon Thomas, I am 17 and I am from Cuero, Texas. KT: What made you get into bull riding? MT: I don’t come from a rodeo background and none of my family does anything with rodeo. I was just one of those kids that when I was younger, I loved following the PBR with my grandpa. I watched Eight Seconds and thought it was the coolest movie, but I didn’t get on my first bull until I was 14. KT: You definitely have come a long way in four years. How many times have you been to Vegas and what did qualifying look like for you? MT: This was my first time out here. I qualified in a previous year, but I got hurt beforehand and couldn’t ride. This year though, I qualified through a Branded for Christ series in Texas. I won the series, so I was able to come to Vegas. KT: What are some big challenges for you bull riding? MT: I have faced a lot of injuries; I had surgery in July on my collarbone for the second time. I also have to have surgery on my shoulder when I get back home. KT: That sounds like a lot, what makes you keep going? MT: There isn’t an option to quit. I have already come really far, and I plan to keep going.
Humps-Horns.com · 9 · February 2024
guys that push me and make me better and I bring those types of guys with me to these rodeos when I can because they help me to become a better rider and an all-around better person. KT: Does it ever get competitive between you guys? MT: Oh yeah, it is pretty competitive. For me, if I fall off, I am hard on myself, but my guys don’t make it any easier. We bet among ourselves a lot that whoever falls off or falls off the soonest has to buy dinner and stuff. We get pretty tough on one another, but it is always in good fun. KT: Well hopefully you aren’t the one buying dinner too much this year. MT: I hope not either! KT: What are the kinds of things that set you apart as a rider? MT: I have a strong faith in God and my faith is very important to me. I try to be a good example of a Christian. KT: What do you do in bull riding that allows you to practice this?
KT: Who are some role models that have helped you? MT: I have a few role models that have helped me out. One is Dean Huff. He rode bareback horses and bulls in the 90s. He helped me with advice and figuring out what to get on and what rodeos I should be going to. KT: How does that help you when it comes to practice? MT: Well, I would say practicing is a big part for me. I get on way more practice bulls than competition, that’s the biggest part for me. I love to get on practice bulls to help keep me fresh and ready for competition. KT: And with all your practicing and riding in competitions, talk to me about some of the friendships you have made. MT: I have found my best friends in this sport. They are the
MT: I always try to be on my best behavior when I am around others and try to model what a Christian should look like by being respectful and kind. I read my Bible every time before I ride and I try my best to be a positive influence, so others see me and they may also want God to be a part of them. He has allowed me to impact others because of my faith in Him. KT: And how has your connection to your faith grown as you make your way in this sport? MT: I would say that learning to be grateful and seeking God out in tough times as much as I do in good times is important. I have learned this from Him through the hardships I have faced in this sport. It has not been easy, but I have continued to find success in spite of the challenges, and it is because of God that this has happened. KT: What advice do you have for younger kids? MT: Find the right bulls and don’t get on too quickly. Take it
Humps-Horns.com · 10 · February 2024
slow. Since I started so late, I found myself trying to get on big bulls too fast instead of getting on smaller ones and learning. All it did was get me hurt. I broke something every few weeks and I didn’t get anywhere. You have plenty of time to get on bigger stuff, but you need to learn the basics first. KT: That is good advice. We hear that from a lot of riders. It sounds like it is pretty common to want to get on bigger bulls too fast. What are your plans for the future? MT: I plan to go to college for rodeo at Sul Ross State University. I want to spend a few years there and then hopefully go on to the PRCA. KT: What are you planning on studying? MT: I am not a hundred percent sure, but I am thinking ag business. KT: That is a good degree choice. To wrap up, we always ask some fun questions at the end. MT: Okay, sounds good. KT: What was your favorite thing you got to do outside of the JWF while you were in Vegas? MT: Going to the watch parties. I got to go to the one at Westgate and it was a great experience. KT: What is your favorite place you have ever ridden? MT: Probably Del Rio, Texas out of the old-school bucking chutes. KT: What is your favorite food? MT: Whataburger. Chicken strip sandwiches are about my diet. I’ve been to the Midwest before and y’all don’t have Whataburgers, so we had to eat stuff like pizza. KT: Yeah, I have never had Whataburger before. Maybe I will put that on my bucket list this year.
KT: Thanks for chatting with me, Macon, and I hope you have a great 2024 season! MT: Thank you, ma’am. 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 highlighted in our Rider Rundown next month.
MT: You should definitely try it. The chicken strip sandwich. KT: I will see if I can get that done in 2024. Okay, last question. If you could take a trip to any other country, where would you go? MT: I want to go to Australia. Humps-Horns.com · 11 · February 2024
Katlin Truelsen is a member of the CAC Media Group and specializes in digital and print media. She is currently a high school junior and lives with her family on a diversified grain and livestock farm in Eastern Iowa.
Dalton Kasel and Joao Ricardo Vieira (below) tied for the win in one of the best rounds in PBR history.
Bull riders light up Tulsa with seven 90-point rides in the championship round PUEBLO, Colo. – Looking back into the annals of PBR history, a few rounds jump out as being the best ever.
Saturday night at the Express Ranches PBR Tulsa, presented by the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, now joins those ranks.
There was, of course, the iconic night of 90s at the 1999 PBR World Finals, which featured eight 90-point rides in a single round of competition.
All the 90 Points Rides in the Championship Round of the 2024 PBR Unleash the Beast Season Express Ranches PBR Tulsa presented by Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Tulsa, OK The championship round in bull country saw an astounding seven 90-point rides.
There was the night in June 2019 in Bismarck, North Dakota, that saw eight 90-point rides at Chad Berger’s $125,000 team challenge. There was the championship round in St. Louis in 2001, with five 90-point rides. There was the championship round of the 2021 PBR World Finals, with five 90-point rides, including Jose Vitor Leme’s record-breaking 98.75-point ride on Woopaa.
First came Dawson Branton, who rode Hunting Trip for a careerhigh 91.25 points. The next man out was world No. 1 Cassio Dias, who’s off to one of the hottest starts in PBR history, riding two-time reigning YETI World Champion Bull Ridin Solo for 90.75 points. Three riders later, newcomer Clay Guiton rode Bandito Bug for 90.25 points. That was also a career-high, besting the 90-point
Humps-Horns.com · 12 · February 2024
score he’d received on Punchy Pete earlier in the evening in Round 2. “There’s no words for it,” Guiton told Kate Harrison on CBS Sports Network after his Round 2 ride. “I saw the draw last night, and everybody told me that was a really tough bull to ride. I think it was one of the only ones that counted myself in that deal, and that’s all I needed.” Immediately following Guiton, Dalton Kasel rode UTZ BesTex Smokestack for 91.5 points – also his second 90 of the night following his 91.75-point score on Doze You Down in Round 2. “I needed that,” Kasel told Harrison after Round 2. “I haven’t had a 90, and I haven’t been hustling the way I hustled just now. And so I’m very thankful and blessed with this opportunity to ride this amazing bull, get a little revenge on him.” Two outs later, Wingson Henrique da Silva rode Ricky Vaughn for 90 points. Then came 18-year-old rookie John Crimber, looking to secure his first premier-series event win and become one of the youngest riders ever to win an event. He made the 8 on Chateau Montelena’s Montana Jacket for 91.5 points, also a career-high. In the last out of the night, 39-year-old Joao Ricardo Vieira rode
Flyin Wired for 91.75 points, tying Kasel for the round win and tying Gary Richard as the oldest rider ever to win a premier series event. “This is because I love this now,” Vieira told Harrison following his win. “I saw in the locker room these young guys, 18 years old, and I look at him and I say, ‘Oof. I stay here? I ride bulls with these guys?’ I’m so, so proud for my career, for God giving this work for me. This is fantastic.” The performance – both from Vieira and the championship round field – drew high praise from one of the greatest riders of all time. “That’s how you finish out probably the championship round of the decade right here. I’m just going to say it,” said two-time World Champion Justin McBride. “Look, all the guys rode so good. Joao, though, was the best all weekend long. And just another – not a good ride, a great ride in the championship round.” Remember this night in Tulsa. We may not see another one like it for a long, long time. Photo provided courtesy Todd Brewer/Bull Stock Media Article provided courtesy of PBR.
Humps-Horns.com · 13 · February 2024
Inspiration Point
When we think of God’s creation, we probably think of nature and the abundant types of terrain He has created in the world. Of course, this is a big part of God’s creation. However, people are also a hugely important part of God’s creation and plan. Genesis 2:7 says, “Then the Lord God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.”
God Saw It Was Good
“God saw all that he had made, and it was very good.” — Genesis 1:31
When we are interacting with other people, we need to remember that they are God’s creation. He chose to put them here in this time and place, just like He did with us. Thus, caring for God’s creation requires caring about others with love. “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.” — John 15:12 God wants us to love and respect others, like He does. He finds them valuable as His creation, so we, as Christians, should be treating others us such. It can be easy to get caught up in our own lives and our own perceptions of others and forget how God created and Christ died for these people.
Everything around us, from nature to people, is a beautiful reminder of God’s creation. In the beginning of the world, when God was creating the details of the world, He looked back each day and saw that it was good. As He completed His creation, He saw it was very good.
Changing How We See Ourselves
Unfortunately, there are times when we don’t treat God’s creation as good. At times we may treat others or even ourselves as invaluable or flawed. However, we are made in the image of God.
At times, as human beings we can be hard on ourselves. We may be unhappy with certain qualities we possess like our appearance, the way we talk, our talents or any other variety of things about ourselves. However, we are God’s creation and the aspects we don’t like about ourselves are intentional.
Isaiah 64:8 says, “Yet you, Lord, are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand.” God is our designer, creator and maker. It is not what we think of ourselves or others that matters but what He thinks. Knowing this, how can we embrace the goodness of God’s creation and change our perspective on the world around us? Continue reading to find out more. Caring for God’s Creation With Love “The heavens are yours, and yours also the earth; you founded the world and all that is in it.” — Psalm 89:11
“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” — Psalm 139:14
We are “fearfully and wonderfully made” by Him. What we consider imperfections are by His design in our lives. His work is wonderful and that includes us, even if we feel we are not good enough. Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” So, when we are struggling with seeing the good in ourselves, we can remember that God called His creation good, and we are His creation and treasured by Him.
Humps-Horns.com · 14 · February 2024
Philly Cheesesteak Fries INGREDIENTS
INSTRUCTIONS
• 1 pound frozen French fries • 1 pound thinly sliced steak • 1 green bell pepper, sliced • 1 red bell pepper, sliced • 1 onion, sliced • 2 cloves garlic, minced • Salt and pepper • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese • Cheese sauce
1. Bake the French fries according to package instructions until crispy. 2. Cook the thinly sliced steak until browned. Set aside. 3. Sauté the sliced bell peppers, onion, and minced garlic until tender. 4. Arrange the fries on a baking sheet. Top with steak, sautéed vegetables, and shredded cheddar cheese. 5. Drizzle with cheese sauce and optional jalapeños. 6. Broil until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
Submitted by C. Bell - Pineville, LA
Send us your favorite recipe to bullnews@humps-horns.com
Humps-Horns.com · 15 · February 2024
C Check Bucking Bulls Faith & Family By Kelly B. Robbins
I was chatting with an acquaintance about cowboys, rodeo, and bull riding. He said that cowboys are a dying breed. I argued that cowboys and the spirit of the west are alive and well! He just laughed and said that maybe there were a few cowboys still out west, or maybe just in the southwest. It was my turn to laugh! I informed him that I was getting ready to write an article about a bunch of bull riding cowboys in the southwest… the southwest corner of Wisconsin! Yes, there are indeed cowboys in Wisconsin! Curtis Check owns C Check Bucking Bulls in Gays Mills, Wisconsin. Gays Mills lies 71 miles due north of Dubuque, Iowa. Curt was just a typical country boy who lived on about two acres in the small town of Eastman, Wisconsin, about 17 miles southwest of Gays Mills. He and his brothers fished and hunted and just enjoyed the country life. When he was eight years old, his dad asked the boys if they wanted to learn how to ride. Dad built an arena and bought some horses and bulls, and Curt began his rodeo career, riding bulls for 24 years. He rode in the PBR and was a three-time champion in the BOA (Bull Riders of America) and the NFPB (National Federation of Professional Bull Riders). The C Check Bucking Bull website states “Everything we do here at C Check Bucking Bulls starts with two principles: faith and family. Curt’s family includes seven kids and his wife, Jamie. There are four boys, Trey 14, JW (John Wrangler) 13, Curt Check
Humps-Horns.com · 16 · February 2024
Ryder 4, and Rowdy 2 months. The girls are Bristol 11, Brindle 8, and Kinley 6. “Our home place is 50 acres,” Curt revealed. “We’ve got about 400 animals. There are 130 cows, and about 130 bulls. There are 50 two-year-old bulls, 50-60 three-year-old bulls, and about 30-40 big bucking bulls that we haul to the PBR events. We’ve got mini bulls and 115 weanling calves right now. We also have some odds and ends in our breeding program. In the summer, we rent about 300 acres of pasture for the stock to run.”
We award buckles to the winners of each category at our Finals in April. Our events are sanctioned by the PYRA (Professional Youth Roughstock Association), and the WCMB (World Championship Miniature Bullriding Association).” “My 14-year-old son Trey is leading the Senior Winter Series right now,” Curt proudly shared. “And my 13-year-old son Wrangler, (his name is John Wrangler, but everyone calls him Wrangler) was the Senior Mini Reserve World Champion in Mesquite last year. My boys are really good riders!”
“Our heated, covered arena is 72’ x 96’, and indoors,” Curt continued. “We also have 40 x 130 back pens that are covered and heated. We’ve had the arena for 15 years. We hold a bull riding event every Saturday night from November-April. The first three weekends of every month we have bull riding. Our winter deal is a jackpot event and then a practice pen.”
Curt continued to explain, “On the fourth weekend, we have the C Check Futurity Series, where we buck Yearling and Futurity bulls with a dummy. We also buck three-year-old Derby’s, but you must bring your own rider. This event showcases our bulls and other folk’s bulls. The finals will be on June 1, and there is $5,000 added to each open class.”
“We have 6-8 yrs. on PeeWee Mini Bulls, 9-11 yrs. on Junior Mini Bulls, and 12-14 yrs. on Senior Mini Bulls. Then we have 15-19 yrs. competing in Senior Bulls, Novice, and Pro together.
“We buck 60-70 bulls on a Saturday night and have 200-300 spectators,” Curt disclosed. “We believe our arena is for the future of the kids. It is what we do for a living because we love
The Check Family - (L to R) Curtis, Kinley, Wrangler, Bristol, Brindle, Trey, Ryder, and Jamie.
Humps-Horns.com · 17 · February 2024
it! Raising bulls is what I know how to do. When I can give back to others and help these kids get on the right bulls that will teach them and give them a chance to practice and ride and get better, it gives back to me. We hold a bull riding school every spring in April or May. We usually have 15-25 students enrolled.” C Check Bucking Bulls also offers an exciting way for fans to get involved in bull riding through their bull team partnerships. They offer several partnership levels which will give bull riding enthusiasts the opportunity to see their name attached to the bulls competing and possibly win some money.
Trey Check - 14 years old
“A lot of the kids look up to my kids,” Curt concluded. “My kids are humble and down to earth. My wife and kids are all cowboys!” Curt has just offered proof that cowboys, and the spirit of the west are alive and well in America. Not only in the west and the southwest, but also in the southwest corner of Wisconsin! Photos provided courtesy of C Check Bucking Bulls
Ryder Check - 4 years old
If you are thinking about adding an exciting bull riding competition to your event, C Check Bucking Bulls offers event services from just providing bulls to a complete set up with everything needed, including gates, chutes, timers, judges, and bulls. “We do a lot of competitions,” Curt said with a chuckle. “Bull teams and yearling competitions. Between that, and hauling bulls to the PBR, and our own events, we are busy all the time. But it pays the bills, because 400 cattle eat a lot!” Humps-Horns.com · 18 · February 2024
Wrangler Check - 13 years old (L) and Trey Check (R)
Humps-Horns.com · 19 · February 2024
Shoulder Injury Sidelines Reigning PRCA Bull Riding World Champion Ky Hamilton Indefinitely
Ky Hamilton is no stranger to the injury bug. He battled through a list of injuries to claim his inaugural PRCA Bull Riding World Championship this past December in Las Vegas. He will have to overcome yet another setback in 2024. Hamilton told the ProRodeo Sports News on Jan. 30, that he suffered a labrum tear in his right shoulder that will require surgery and a lengthy recovery time. The Mackay, Australia, cowboy said the injury originally occurred at the National Western Stock Show and Rodeo in Denver on Jan. 18. “My shoulder came out in Denver and then it came out again on me in Fort Worth,” said Hamilton, 23. “I have a torn labrum and the ball on my joint is a little messed up and dented. So, I have to have it fixed. If I don’t have surgery, it’s just going to keep coming out on me. Dr. Tandy (Freeman) is going to fix it for me.”
Hamilton, currently sits 16th in the PRCA | RAM World Standings with $14,076 earned in 2024. He said the injury will require him to miss a majority of the rodeo regular season, but he’s not giving up hope on making a return trip to the Wrangler NFR next December. “I’m going in to get surgery on Feb. 21 and they say it’ll be a sixmonth recovery after that,” Hamilton said. “I think I’ll still have enough time to make the Finals. The injury bug is just part of it. If you want to play the game, you have to take the pain.” Article provided courtesy of PRCA.
Humps-Horns.com · 20 · February 2024
PBR Unleash The Beast - Houston, Texas. Photos provided courtesy of Todd Brewer / BullStock Media. Humps-Horns.com · 21 · February 2024
How Are Bucking Bulls Trained to Buck? The most commonly asked question in regards to a bucking bull is, “How are bucking bulls trained to buck?” Bucking bulls are bred to buck, there is no other way around it. Nothing you can do to a bull will make him buck to the level that bucking bulls are performing at the ABBI competition or PBR levels. They have to want to do it on their own. It is a natural instinct for them to buck. As calves they are started with a dummy for them to learn the ropes. The first few trips as calves, typically as young as weanlings (6-8mo) is far from what they will end up. It is kind of like a young child at their first sporting practice. They have to learn to swing the bat or shoot the ball before they can become a good hitter or shooter. As each calf gets more trips under their belt, the better they will become. The better ones will rise to the top.
However, it is crucial to emphasize that the majority of a bucking bull’s bucking ability is natural, and their genetics play a significant role in what that bull might become. With over 300,000 animals registered with the ABBI and competition data, a breeder can make an educated decision on what genetics might cross good with their cows or what genetic crosses they need to make. Continued bucking (at home or at events) will dial in their natural ability and genetic potential into what they will become at the peak of their career. Stock contractors closely monitor the bulls’ well-being and ensure their physical condition is maintained throughout their careers to enhance the bulls longevity. Article provided courtesy of ABBI. Photo provided courtesy of BullStock Media.
Humps-Horns.com · 22 · February 2024
Three $1M Futurity Qualifier Events Three Different Event Champions Two Different Sires The winner in Las Vegas (D634 Red Mike) and the winner in Bryan, Texas (Page 25-K) are both sired by 10G Turner Burner (D&H Cattle Co.). Turner Burner is a son of past Sire of the Year 29A Magic Maker and had Lifetime Earnings of $153,125.83! Provided courtesy of ABBI. Humps-Horns.com · 23 · February 2024
Brody Yeary of nearby Morgan Mill, Texas, took first place in the bull riding at the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo’s ProRodeo Tournament Thursday to win round one of bracket 4. Yeary, who is currently ranked 16th in the world championship standings, rode Dakota Rodeo’s Yellowstone for 86.5 points and $2,000. FWSSR photo by James Phifer.
WHERE’S THE BEEF? *-Added Money Amount Is For Each Night Information Subject to Change Without Notice Date
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Call-In #
Assn/Event
BULL RIDING EVENTS FEBRUARY Feb 1
Fort Worth, TX
PBR Touring Pro Division
Feb 2-3
St. Paul, MN
Cinch World’s Toughest Rodeo
Feb 2-3
North Charleston, SC
Feb 2-3
Ottumwa, IA
$15,000
Feb 2-3
Verndale, MN
$8,000
Feb 2-4
Sacramento, CA
PBR Unleash the Beast Tour
Feb 3
Bakersfield, CA
PBR Velocity Tour
Feb 3
Gays Mills, WI
Feb 8
Fort Worth, TX
PBR Velocity Tour BOA Finals 1/22
5-8pm
Mon prior
651-248-2663
608-412-1544
NFPB
C. Check Bucking Bulls PBR Touring Pro Division
Feb 9-10
Guthrie, OK
Feb 9-10
Reading, PA
$30,000
PRCA Xtreme Bulls - Bullnanza PBR Velocity Tour
Feb 9-10
Cedar Park TX
PBR Velocity Tour
Feb 9-10
Salt Lake City, UT
PBR Unleash the Beast Tour
Feb 10
Gays Mills, WI
Feb 15
Fort Worth, TX
PBR Touring Pro Division
Feb 16-17
Youngstown, OH
PBR Velocity Tour
Feb 16-17
Los Angeles, CA
Feb 16-17
Waterloo, IA
$5,000
2/5
12-6pm
701-674-3214
BOA
Feb 16-17
Sedalia, MO
$1,000*
2/5
6/8pm
417-924-3591
NFPB
Feb 17
Columbus, OH
Feb 17
Memphis, TN
Feb 17
Gays Mills, WI
Feb 18
San Antonio, TX
Feb 18
Okeechobee, FL
Feb 22
Fort Worth, TX
Feb 23
Grand Island, NE
Mon prior
608-412-1544
C. Check Bucking Bulls
PBR Unleash the Beast Tour
Cinch World’s Toughest Rodeo PBR Velocity Tour Mon prior
608-412-1544
C. Check Bucking Bulls PRCA Xtreme Bulls
$35,000
PRCA Xtreme Bulls PBR Touring Pro Division
$15,000
Humps-Horns.com · 25 · February 2024
PRCA Xtreme Bulls
WHERE’S THE BEEF? *-Added Money Amount Is For Each Night Information Subject to Change Without Notice Date
Location
Added $
Open
Feb 23-24
Springfield, MO
Feb 23-24
Jacksonville, FL
PBR Unleash the Beast Tour
Feb 23-24
Hampton, VA
PBR Velocity Tour
Feb 24
Gays Mills, WI
Feb 24-25
Worcester, MA
PBR Velocity Tour
Feb 29
Fort Worth, TX
PBR Touring Pro Division
$10,000
Mon prior
Time
Call-In #
call/text
479-393-8282
608-412-1544
Assn/Event BOA / Bullriding Nationals
C. Check Bucking Bulls
MARCH Mar 1-2
Bridgeport, CT
Mar 2
Lufkin, TX
PBR Velocity Tour
Mar 2
Knoxville, TN
Mar 2
Gays Mills, WI
Mar 2-3
Indianapolis, IN
PBR Unleash the Beast Tour
Mar 7
Fort Worth, TX
PBR Touring Pro Division
Mar 8-9
Columbia, SC
Mar 8-10
Bangor, ME
Mar 9
Mobile, AL
Mar 9
Gays Mills, WI
Mar 9-10
Milwaukee, WI
Mar 12-13
Mercedes, TX
Mar 14
Fort Worth, TX
PBR Touring Pro Division
Mar 15-16
Wheeling, WV
PBR Velocity Tour
Mar 15-16
Little Rock, AR
PBR Unleash the Beast Tour
Mar 15-16
Thousand Palms, CA
Mar 15-16
Vernal, UT
Mar 16
Gays Mills, WI
Mar 21
Fort Worth, TX
PBR Touring Pro Division
Mar 22-23
Dayton, OH
PBR Velocity Tour
Mar 22-23
West Plains, MO
BOA
Mar 22-24
Albuquerque, NM
PBR Unleash the Beast Tour
Mar 23
Gays Mills, WI
Mar 28
Fort Worth, TX
PBR Touring Pro Division
Mar 28-29
Ivins, UT
PBR Touring Pro Division
Mar 28-30
Nampa, ID
PBR Unleash the Beast Tour
Mar 30
Oakland, CA
Mar 30
Raleigh, NC
Mar 30
Gays Mills, WI
Mar 30
Lebanon, MO
$25,000
PRCA Xtreme Bulls PBR Velocity Tour Mon prior
608-412-1544
$37,500
C. Check Bucking Bulls
Cinch World’s Toughest Rodeo PBR Velocity Tour PBR Velocity Tour Mon prior
608-412-1544
C. Check Bucking Bulls PBR Unleash the Beast Tour
$15,000
PRCA Xtreme Bulls
PBR Velocity Tour $15,000
PRCA Xtreme Bulls Mon prior
Mon prior
608-412-1544
608-412-1544
C. Check Bucking Bulls
C. Check Bucking Bulls
PBR Velocity Tour $37,500
Cinch World’s Toughest Rodeo Mon prior
608-412-1544
C. Check Bucking Bulls Show-Me State Ultimate Challenge BR
Humps-Horns.com · 26 · February 2024
WHERE’S THE BEEF? *-Added Money Amount Is For Each Night Information Subject to Change Without Notice Date
Location
Added $
Open
Time
Call-In #
Assn/Event
YOUTH BULL RIDING EVENTS FEBRUARY Feb 3
Gays Mills, WI
Mon prior
608-412-1544
WCMB / C. Check Bucking Bulls
Feb 10
Gays Mills, WI
Mon prior
608-412-1544
WCMB / C. Check Bucking Bulls
Feb 10
Monahans, TX
Feb 10
Natural Dam, AR
Sun prior
text
Feb 11
Mt. Vernon, MO
1/1
Feb 16
Elizabethtown, KY
Sun prior
Feb 17
Banning, CA
Feb 17
Gays Mills, WI
Mon prior
Feb 24
Natural Dam, AR
2/19
Mar 2
Gays Mills, WI
Mon prior
Mar 3
Wingate, NC
Mar 9
Gays Mills, WI
Mar 9 Mar 16 Mar 16
Jasper, TX
$2,250
Mar 22
West Plains, MO
$6,000
Mar 24
Wingate, NC
5-10pm
8am-8pm
432-634-0901
IMBA / PYRA / YBR - TOYBR
479-883-7319
PYRA / Jesse James Buckin’ Bulls
417-229-5537
WCMB / PYRA
270-735-2777
PYRA / Double-T Cattle Co
akbuckingbulls.org
IMBA / AK Bucking Bulls
608-412-1544
WCMB / C. Check Bucking Bulls
479-445-3286
Wicked Sticks Mini Buckers
608-412-1544
WCMB / C. Check Bucking Bulls
MARCH IMBA / YBR / Carolina Rodeo Company Mon prior
608-412-1544
WCMB / C. Check Bucking Bulls
Natural Dam, AR
Sun prior
479-883-7319
PYRA / Jesse James Buckin’ Bulls
Gays Mills, WI
Mon prior
608-412-1544
WCMB / C. Check Bucking Bulls
903-754-1034
Built God Tough
saddlebook.com/events/6434/entries/new
WCMB Bull Bash
3/11
text
IMBA / YBR / Carolina Rodeo Company
BUCKING BULL EVENTS FEBRUARY Feb 17
Archdale, NC
Feb 17
Texarkana, AR
Feb 24
Oklahoma City, OK
ABBI / Davis Rodeo Ranch $10,000
abbireg.com
ABBI / Claim A Bull
abbireg.com
ABBI / $1M Qualifier #4
MARCH Mar 2
Knoxville, TN
2/12-19
Mar 2
Duncan, OK
ABBI / Claim A Bull
Mar 9
Chatham, VA
ABBI / NFG
Mar 15
Little Rock, AR
Mar 22
Amarillo, TX
ABBI Spring Fling
Mar 30
Fredonia, PA
ABBI / NFG
Mar 30
Texarkana, TX
ABBI / Claim A Bull
2/26-3/4
ABBI / PBR Velocity Classic
ABBI / PBR UTB Classic
Events highlighted in yellow have ads in this issue of Humps N Horns for more information.-
Humps-Horns.com · 27 · February 2024
CLASSIFIEDS Practice Pens
Practice Pens
PISGAH, AL - TIM COX, TCB, ANYTIME, CALL FIRST, 256-996-9426
JACKSONVILLE, NC - Aleck Barnard, Elite Cowboy Rodeo Assoc., Onslow Rodeo Arena, 6pm Every Other Sunday, Call First, 910-381-8597
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
Do You Have a Livestock Layover or Practice Pen? List it for FREE in the Classifieds.
WOODBINE, IA - Tom & Kristina Kelley, every Sun. (weather permitting). Beginner - rank bulls. Call 712-5922493
Call our office at 325-500-BULL (2855)
KENDALLVILLE, IN - B Bar A Bucking Bulls, Heidi Speicher, 7pm Every Thur, Call First, 260-564-5864/Troy
For More Information on listing your facilities
JACKSONVILLE, IL - Lazy C Rodeo, 10am-3pm Sun., Rain or shine, Call First, 217-245-8280
Humps-Horns.com · 28 · February 2024
CHANDLER, OK - JAM Bulls, 2pm Sun., 7pm Wed., Call First, 405-570-9010 SOPER/HUGO, OK - RBL Rodeo Bulls, Anytime with 4-6 hour notice, Rain or Shine, 307-461-1741 EAGLEVILLE, TN - BF Cattle Company, 2pm Sun., Jackpot, Call First, 615-336-4313 EMORY, TX - Oakes & Greene’s, 7pm Wed., 903-348-8630 LORENA, TX - Rocking S Ranch, Tue., Jackpot, Call First, 254-716-0779 MANSFIELD, TX - JC Knapp Ranch, 4pm Sun/6pm Wed., $5 at the gate to ride as many as you want, 817-223-3692 SIMMS, TX - Wilburn Bucking Bulls, 7pm Every Other Thur., 903-543-3025 PETROLIA, TX - Norris Dalton, 7pm Wed., 940-733-3020 DECATUR, TX - Cullen Calame, Denton Creek Farms, Call First, 940-393-3730 NOCONA, TX - 4x Arena, Call First, 501-944-1907 NOCONA, TX - Locke Bucking Bulls, Call First, 940-872-0733 WILLS POINT, TX - Austin Arena Bulls, Barrels, & Poles. $10 per ride/run or $25 for all you can ride. Bulls for all ages. 214-7265799
Livestock Layovers BATESVILLE, AR - James Bechdoldt, White River Rodeo, 870-307-9923 RAYMOND, IL - Randy Littrell, Shop Creek Cattle, 217-556-0551
CLASSIFIEDS Livestock Layovers
Livestock Layovers
Livestock Layovers
MARYSVILLE, KS - Gary Hershey, 4H Bucking Bulls and Marysville Sale Barn, Call First, 785-292-4952
CLAYTON, NM - Justin Keeth, Lazy J 3 Bucking Bulls, 575-447-0877
DUBLIN, TX - Mike Godfrey, Godfrey 4X Cattle, 817-235-2852
BETHESDA, OH - 15 Miles off I-70, TCB Ranch, 304-281-4530
MANSFIELD, TX - JC Knapp Ranch, JC Knapp Rodeo, 817-223-3692
SOPER/HUGO, OK - RBL Rodeo Bulls, Anytime w/ 4-6 hours notice, 307-461-1741
MIDLAND, TX - Ted Norton, Norton Bucking Bulls, 432-413-8433
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
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
DECATUR, TX - Cullen Calame, Denton Creek Farms, 940-393-3730 SIMMS, TX - Near I-30 Texarkana, Wilburn Bucking Bulls, 863-381-2799 CHEYENNE, WY - Floyd & Ann Thomas, TTnT Ranch, 307-778-8806
Your Ad Could Be Here! Call 325-500-2855 for more details
Miscellaneous WINNERS RODEO SUPPLY - Gary Leffews Dare to Be Great DVD $45.00 or I am Hot DVD $35.00-free shipping. Also some remaining Hotman and Lostroh bullropes plus all other bullriding gear. Gold Buckle Rodeo Supply rodeo@wk.net 320-328-4000 Dealers wanted !! RENOWNED HIGH QUALITY BULL ROPE DickCarrBullRopes.com, PO Box 18, Elk City, OK. 73648, 1-580-225-3208, Be Blessed.
PROFESSIONAL QUALITY BULLROPES Raymond Branch, Custom Braider Maker of World, NFR, & PBR Champion Bullropes Strictly custom-braided to your specifications. (928) 289-9611 www.mypqb.com
Humps-Horns.com · 29 · February 2024
Western Wanderings a cowboy’s saddlebags There’s a piece of gear that heads them all It’s used for a cowboy’s survival It’s called the cowboy’s saddlebags And it really has no rival If you open a cowboy’s saddlebags You’re likely to find a small pan And a coffee pot, a cup and some coffee And some peaches in a can There’s likely an extra shirt or two And some jerky just for fun He may have some extra bullets in there And a cleaning kit for his gun Piggin’ strings will be there in a ball Next to tinder and matches for fire You’ll also find extra makin’s Cause a good smoke he does require There’s probably some bacon and hard tack And fishin’ line with a stout hook There might be a bit of dried fruit as well And you’d probably find an old book Saddlebags are surely important All he owns is what they hold It’s a sure thing he can’t do without them On the trail pushin’ four-legged gold! Illustrated by Mike Aemmer
By Kelly B. Robbins
