Humps N Horns October 2023
On The Cover - Parker Florer rides Rodeo Bob from the Wicked Sticks Mini Buckers. Photos provided courtesy of Angelina Downing / Flying 4D Photography
Humps-Horns.com · 4 · October 2023
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 16 19 22
Blake Masden
CIRCULATION
Rider Rundown- CAC Media Group
circulation@humps-horns.com
FEATURE STORY WRITER
Randy Magers
Barbara Pinnella barbara@humps-horns.com
Tougher Than Nails
PHOTOGRAPHY
Wicked Sticks Mini Buckers
Andy Gregory Director of Photography andy@humps-horns.com
Molding the Next Generation
CONTRIBUTORS
Texas Bucking Bull Association
Georgia Akers Justin Felisko Barbara Pinnella Keno Shrum
2023 Finals
Also In This Issue
Bull Pen 16 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 · October 2023
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
I hope this issue of Humps N Horns finds all going well for you and your family. We had a chance to catch up with some very interesting people this month. Randy Magers is a bull rider who went head to head with some of the greatest names in the history of the sport. He qualified for the NFR nine times and was the Reserve World Champion Bull Rider twice finishing behind the 8X World Champion, Donnie Gay. Wicked Sticks Mini Buckers is a family affair owned and operated by Ryan and Fannie Davenport. They are raising mini bucking bulls in Arkansas and are doing all they can to help mold the next generation of young bull riders. I know you will enjoy learning more about them.
As always, I want to encourage you to check out the Where’s The Beef section and find some events that you can help support. It will be good for you and also good for the bull riders, the producers, stock contractors, and the communities they support. Katlin Truelsen and the CAC Media Group bring us another Rider Rundown where we get to meet Blake Masden, a young bull hand from the State of Washington. We hope you enjoy! Until next time, Terry
Plus, we also have some news from the world of bull riding as the PRCA brings its 2023 season to a close and we get to see who makes the cut for this year’s National Finals Rodeo. The PBR is nearing the finish line for its second season of the PBR Team Series and heads toward the PBR Team Championship in Las Vegas.
SEND US YOUR COMMENTS To contact the editorial dept.: E-mail bullnews@humps-horns.com Comment on our social media www.facebook.com/humpsnhornsmagazine instagram@humpsnhorns twitter@humpsnhorns Write us Humps N Horns Bull Riding Magazine PO Box 34172 Fort Worth, TX 76162 Please include your full name, address and a daytime phone number. We reserve the right to edit all letters for clarity and space.
Humps-Horns.com · 6 · October 2023
Brady Fielder leads the Texas Rattlers to the win as Event Champions at the PBR Team Series Thunder Days in Ridgedale, MO. Photo provided courtesy of BullStock Media.
Humps-Horns.com · 7 · October 2023
Our place as a son or daughter is the safe place with The Father Then Jesus said: “A certain man had two sons. And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the portion of goods that falls to me.’ So he divided to them his livelihood. And not many days after, the younger son gathered all together, journeyed to a far country, and there wasted his possessions with prodigal living. Sons sometime take advantage of the Fathers gift of sonship. But when he had spent all, there arose a severe famine in that land, and he began to be in want. Then he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country, and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. And he would gladly have filled his stomach with the pods that the swine ate, and no one gave him anything. A natural cost is involved with taking advantage of Fathers Grace. “But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you, and I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants.” The problems caused from taking advantage of His love and grace will bring us to a place of us desiring to be close to the Father but religious spirit always tries to twist our identity. “And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him. And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.’
Change of heart from Fathers Spirit is good for us but either our lack of knowledge of Fathers heart or a misrepresentation from mans teaching we can miss His true heart toward us. He’s not mad at us, maybe sad for us in the consequences of our choices, but not mad at us. The boy was rehearsing the speech he had for the father. “But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet. And bring the fatted calf here and kill it, and let us eat and be merry; for this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ And they began to be merry. The Father ignored the boys rehearsed speech to be like a hired servant. Why, because His love never changed toward the boy and the boy was never destined to be a servant, he was a son all along. The Love & Grace story above is from Luke 15 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. (John 1:12-13) Jesus Loves You Cody Custer
When we get off track the enemy of our lives will attempt to skew the view we have of our true identity.
Humps-Horns.com · 8 · October 2023
RIDER RUNDOWN with...
Blake Masden By Katlin Truelsen CAC Media Group
Senior bull rider Blake Masden is wrapping up his last years on the high school rodeo circuit with some big wins. He has overcome a lot these past couple of summers with injuries making it hard to do his job. Still, he says he wouldn’t want to spend his time doing anything else but riding bulls. KT: So let’s start off with an introduction.
BM: I am Blake Masden and I am in 12th grade from Goldendale, Washington. KT: How did you get started with bull riding? BM: I have family that rides, I didn’t start out doing it right away. I used to ride dirt bikes and stuff like that. I tried it one day and really enjoyed it so I wanted to kinda try and pursue it as a career and see where I could go with it. KT: So, you had the chance to ride in Wyoming this summer, can you tell us how you qualified for that? BM: At the start of the fall season last year for the high school rodeo circut, I had a knee injury for a while. I worked to overcome that. I started getting back on and riding and I was luckly to be healthy enough to ride in the qualifier. When I went to state finals, I rode everything except one bucking horse and it set me up to make it to nationals. KT: Were you single qualified or did you qualify in multiple events? BM: I qualified with bare back horses and bull riding. KT: And which of those two things is your favorite? BM: I would say bull riding is something that I enjoy more. Bare back is fun, just not as enjoyable as bull riding. I would say it’s my calling, I like doing it a lot more. KT: How many riders were there at the qualifier for nationals out of your state? BM: At the qualifier for nationals there were 11-12 riders.
Humps-Horns.com · 9 · October 2023
KT: And what about in Wyoming, what were the numbers there?
KT: What does the rest of the season look like for you?
BM: There were about 200 riders and I ended up about 28th overall. It was a good experience.
BM: It is slowing down now. I have just some pop up rodeos around. Nothing too big. We have a Challenge of Champions coming up again. I’ll find whatever I can get into but it isn’t as busy as the summer season.
KT: That is good for over 200 riders! Can you explain the difference between weekend rides and nationals? BM: It is a little more high pressure for some, for me not really. I try to just focus on what I have to do no matter the location and work to put together the best ride I can. Nationals is more put together than some other rodeos. They want you ready to go and keep things moving in the chutes. That makes it a little more high pressure and a litlte more intense. KT: So, this is your last year of high school, what are some of your plans after you graduate? BM: Well I have been looking at some colleges down in Texas like Alpine State and Weatherford and around here and I have found some with some good rough stock programs. I am good friends with the coaches down there and I have been looking trying to get a scholarships. KT: What are you looking to get for a degree in college? BM: Possibly a business associate degree. So I have something when looking for a job. It looks better to do something like that to show that you tried. If I start a program I want to see it through. I have also thought about a welding certificate too if I don’t end up doing the business associate degree.
KT: So do you have rodeos close to you or are they a bit of a drive? BM: We have a circuit up here call NPRA. They have a bunch of rodeos spread out up here across a couple different states. I bet there are 45 rodeos between May and August. There is a rodeo every weekend and all of them are within eight or ten hours. KT: What are some setbacks you have had this year? BM: Man this season has been rough for me. Last year I was riding good and I was where I wanted to be and making progress. I think I let that get to me a little bit and didn’t work as hard as I should have and started to plateau and I think that gave me a tough season this year. I was in a slump this season and it was hard to crawl back out of. I have just been off and on and it has been a bit of a rough patch. KT: How do you mentally do that? BM: It is really tough. That is the deal with rodeo. It is mostly mental and the rest is executing. Sometimes it is hard and you just have to tell yourself to keep going that it is going to get better. If you don’t think you can get through a rough time, you probably
Blake Masden - NPRA Rodeo in Bickleton, Washington Humps-Horns.com · 10 · October 2023
shouldn’t be rodeoing because they are always going to come around. The thing is though, if you make youself mentally stronger, you can make progress in bull riding.
Blake Masden - WHSRA Rodeo in Basin City, Washington
KT: Do you have a support system to help you work through that? BM: My family and friends are definately supportive. They are always there to cheer me on no matter what, they are always there to back me up and help me chase my dreams. It isn’t easy to do this every weekend, especially when things aren’t going the best, so I am always glad to have them with me. They help me keep doing what I love to do. KT: What is one piece of advice you would to tell to a rider struggling? BM: You have got to be tough and you have to know that good times are ahead. There are always going to be ups and downs but you have to keep your head down, keep trying and just grit it out. You have to know you can do it. KT: To wrap up here are some fun questions. KT: What is your favorite food?
do a lot of that stuff. KT: We do a lot on our farm too. Thank you Blake for taking the time to talk to me this morning and good luck with your high school events this fall. BM: Thank you guys!
BM: Probably just a good ol’ hamburger. KT:Favorite music artist? BM: Motley Crew. That is what I listen to when I ride bulls, they get me pumped up.
KT: To hear from more of your favorite junior bull riders, 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.
KT: What is the name of the coolest bull you have ever ridden? BM: Blacky Chan was the best bull I have ever rode and he is owned by Dawson Branton. KT: Favorite hobby outside of rodeo? BM: Being outside and I work on the farm with my grandpa. We
Humps-Horns.com · 11 · October 2023
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.
Jose Vitor Leme rides Woopaa for 98.75 points in the Championship Round of the 2021 PBR World Finals. By Darci Miller
What is the Best Moment in PBR History? Current Riders Weigh In
PUEBLO, Colo. – The PBR is celebrating its 30th anniversary season, and in those 30 years, there’s been no shortage of incredible moments. But which is the best? There’s no way to answer that question definitively, but as we attempt to, we do have one invaluable resource: experts. Earlier this year, PBR.com spoke to the current bull riders of the PBR to find out which moments they rank above the rest. From the rankest rides to historic achievements, plus a few sentimental favorites, some of the all-time greatest accomplishments are on the list. There was also some love for PBR Teams, and who knows what moments could be added to the “greatest” category in the future from the 2023 PBR Teams Championship on Oct. 20-22 in Las Vegas. Without further ado, read on to see what today’s stars think.
Koltin Hevalow: “I wasn’t really old enough to remember, I went back and watched it, but one of the best was when they rode all the best bulls in the world at the time. I think it was ’99. (There were eight 90-point rides in Round 2 of the 1999 World Finals), and that was probably the best night. Everybody that they video interviewed, they couldn’t believe it. And I still go back and watch it every now and then.” Jose Vitor Leme: “There’s a lot. I watched a lot of great moments of PBR. But when Cooper (Davis) rode Smooth Operator, that was one of the best rides ever, for me. I was there watching. There’s a lot of great moments I forget now, but that was one of the best moments for me.” Andrew Alvidrez: “I’d definitely say it was when Jose Vitor went 98.75 on Woopaa, because I feel like that was definitely a statement that was stamped that he’s in a league of his own. And I respect Jose as a competitor, as a person, a bull rider, and that’s what we’re all working towards: to get to that level, and maybe even surpass his level. Because at the end of the day, yeah, we’re competing against the bulls, but at the same time, we all have that competitive nature of being the best bull rider.”
Humps-Horns.com · 12 · October 2023
Dalton Kasel: “It’s hard to say. I think – I’m partial to this, but me riding Woopaa for 96.75 is something that I always look back on, and I think of it every day, the way it felt and stuff. That has to be something that sticks out. And it’s hard to not have it stick out whenever Jose rode also. That’s an awesome bull, and he has some of the best scores in PBR history. So that’s something that sticks out to me.” Jesse Petri: “Probably J.B. Mauney on Bushwacker. He was like 95 points. He’d been on that bull a lot of times and never rode him, so it was kind of something everybody was looking forward to and building up. It was great to see that.” Austin Richardson: “That’s a hard one. There’s been a lot of great moments. I guess the Teams deal has been pretty cool, and it’s a pretty cool moment to start up for us, riding for a team. Every other sport’s riding for a team, and we’ve been riding for ourselves for 29 years. And now we get to ride as a group and get to meet all the bull riders. That’s a pretty cool moment and life-changing for the bull riders, for sure.”
barely, barely slapped Bushwacker. I think that is one of the best rides of all time. I mean, it did get ruled a slap, but oh, that was rank.” Aaron Williams: “Well, I’m biased (because he really was the first professional to take time out of his own practice and bring me up), but when Zack Brown clinched his win in Billings on Soulja Boy in the championship round, and it came down to a review because Soulja Boy pulled Zack down. And this is one of the things Zack taught me – he said, ‘Hey man, you wear a helmet for a reason. If they’re going to pull you down, fighting them is only going to make it that much harder.’ He said, ‘Let them have you. Keep that free arm away from you. If you’ve got to take a pop, well, you’ve got to take a pop. Sit up and ride ‘em.’ And that’s exactly what he did, and they reviewed it, and he ended up winning Billings. And that was also a very important win for Zack because Billings was also the event that almost ended his career. But not only almost ended his career, almost ended his life. So it was pretty cool that he won that event, and also that he won it on that bull, and in the fashion that he did. That’s my standout moment in PBR history.”
Griffin Smeltzer: “To me, it’s the best ride that comes to mind, and the best I could think of is when Douglas Duncan barely, barely,
Article courtesy of PBR. Photos courtesy of Bull Stock Media
JB Mauney ends Bushwacker’s PBR premier series buckoff streak at 42 with a 95.25 point ride in Tulsa, Oklahoma in August 2013. Humps-Horns.com · 13 · October 2023
Inspiration Point
each and every day, allowing us to develop a deeper relationship with him. If you feel stuck in a mundane routine, ask God to give you the eyes to see the purpose behind your life. While these things may not be easily seen now, trust that as his children, God has a plan for us that is greater than anything we could imagine.
Finding Meaning in the Mundane Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. — Colossians 3:1-3 Do you ever find yourself getting stuck in a routine? Maybe you feel as though each day consists of the same pattern. When this happens, it can be hard to find motivation and be hopeful about the future, and you may question what God has in store for you. To start, it is important to remember that when we make the decision to follow Christ, we leave our old selves behind. Our life becomes filled with purpose, and we can begin finding meaning in the mundane tasks we complete on a daily basis. Rather than focusing on the things of this world, we can fix our minds on things above and see how God works through each minute of our lives. Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. — Proverbs 3:5-6 Even when we feel like we do not know where we are going, God promises us that when we put our trust in him, he will guide our path. So, how can we apply this truth to our lives and find meaning in our day-to-day activities? Remember that God has you where you are for a reason. When we respond to his plans with obedience, he uses us to point back to him, which is not something to be ignored. In addition, it is important to remember that God uses each of our experiences here on Earth to prepare us for something greater. Following God is a process, as he transforms our hearts
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Our mission is to assist Western Athletes both while competing and after.
Humps-Horns.com · 14 · October 2023
Pumpkin Bars INGREDIENTS
INSTRUCTIONS
• 4 large eggs, room temperature • 1-2/3 cups sugar • 1 cup canola oil • 1 can (15 ounces) pumpkin • 2 cups all-purpose flour • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon • 2 teaspoons baking powder • 1 teaspoon baking soda • 1 teaspoon salt
1. In a bowl, beat the eggs, sugar, oil and pumpkin until well blended. Combine the flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda and salt; gradually add to pumpkin mixture and mix well. 2. Pour into an ungreased 15x10x1-in. baking pan. Bake at 350° for 25-30 minutes or until set. 3. Cool completely. 4. For icing, beat the cream cheese, confectioners’ sugar, butter and vanilla in a small bowl. Add enough milk to achieve spreading consistency. Spread icing over bars. Store in the refrigerator.
ICING • 6 ounces cream cheese, softened • 2 cups confectioners’ sugar • 1/4 cup butter, softened • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract • 1 to 2 tablespoons 2% milk
Submitted by Brenda K. Eight Mile, AL
Send us your favorite recipe to bullnews@humps-horns.com
Humps-Horns.com · 15 · October 2023
RANDY MAGERS By Kelly B. Robbins
“I often get asked why I never won a PRCA World Bull Riding Championship,” former great bull rider Randy Magers shared. Then he laughed as he continued, “I always tell them the answer is two words: Donnie Gay! I was Reserve World Champion to Donnie twice. I call that the Donnie Gay era of professional bull riding!”
champion Palomino roping horse and competed in calf roping and heading and heeling (which was called team tying back then). He loaned his horse to a friend to use in competition, and the horse was killed.
Randy went on to reveal, “I saw Donnie do an interview a while back on the Legends show on the Cowboy Channel. They were talking about some of the great bull riders Donnie competed against. Riders like Ted Nuce, Denny Flynn, and Bobby Delvecchio. Donnie told the audience that there was one guy that was tougher than nails and got the least recognition. That guy was Randy Magers. It surely made me proud to know that Donnie Gay said I was tougher than nails!” Randy was a nine-time NFR qualifier and the Reserve World Champion twice. He was inducted into the Bull Riders Hall of Fame in 2017. He was also inducted into the Texas Rodeo Hall of Fame in 2006, the Tarleton Rodeo Hall of Fame in 2013, and the Walk of Fame Town Square, Stephenville, Texas in 2013. “Being inducted into the Bull Riders Hall of Fame was a real honor,” Randy shared. “Especially because I was inducted with Denny Flynn.” Randy grew up in Fort Worth, Texas and was always around good horses. After high school, he attended Tarleton State University in Stephenville, Texas. He had a Humps-Horns.com · 16 · October 2023
“My horse got killed, so I started riding bulls,” Randy said. “I rode good from the first time I got on one. I could just ride bulls! I guess that’s why I liked it so much! And I really liked it! That adrenalin rush was like a dope head hung up on drugs and couldn’t turn it loose! Back then a bull rider paid his own way. Back in the Donnie Gay era, you had a glove, a pair of spurs, and a rope.” “It’s a different ball game today,” Randy continued. “These bull riders today need to learn to pull on that bull rope. You should be stuck to that bull rope like the driver of a car gets up under the steering wheel. You have to ride from your crotch all the way down to your ankles! Some of these guys only ride about 20% of their bulls. Back in my day, if you only rode 20% of your bulls, you’d be flipping burgers at the hamburger joint!” In his first year as a professional bull rider in the Rodeo Cowboys Association (forerunner to the PRCA, the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association), Randy rode in 101 rodeos, and was only bucked off 19 times! That’s a 71% riding percentage. He finished the season in fifth place in the world standings.
Randy rode bulls until he was 48 years old in 1992. “I really loved riding bulls,” Randy declared. “I probably should have retired in 1983. Riding bulls is an adventure for the youth, not for old people. The last good year I had was in ’83. I was 38 years old. The PRCA used to invite the 16th through the 21st place bull riders to the Wrangler Protection Competition for the bull fighters. I won that event in ’83 and ended the year with $47,000.” I asked Randy to give me his greatest accomplishment as a bull rider. “Being runner-up to Donnie Gay twice, qualifying for the NFR nine times, and having all the guys I rode with consider me a tough bull rider,” he answered. Randy also rode the famous bull, Oscar. Oscar, owned by RCS Rodeo Company, had over 300 outs in his career, and was only ridden to the eight-second buzzer eight times. Randy Magers made two of those successful rides. Oscar was later inducted into the Cowboy Hall of Fame and the Bull Riding Hall of Fame. Giving back to the sport he loved, Randy was the volunteer rodeo coach at Tarleton State University from 1989 through
Humps-Horns.com · 17 · October 2023
1992. The program needed help and Randy stepped in. “I got them pulled up by their bootstraps,” he said. “They started winning. They won the regionals two years in a row and came in second in the nationals in 1992.” Randy and his wife Sue live on the Running M Ranch in Comanche, Texas. There they breed and raise champion quarter horses. They have been married for 54 years. Both of their families were well established in the quarter horse business of breeding top horses. Randy and Sue started breeding quarter horses in the late ‘60’s. Randy was honored to receive the AQHA (American Quarter Horse Association) 50 Years Breeders Award in February. This award is given for 50 continuous years of breeding quarter horses.
the AQHA Hall of Fame in 1997. “We have nine brood mares and our stud Royal Boonsmal. An offspring of Royal King, he has the pedigree to produce the kind of horse to suit any interest, whether it be cutting, reining, snaffle bit, or roping. Sue and I invite anyone who’s interested to visit our website at runningmquarterhorses.com.” “I still believe that I’m going to have a world champion horse,” Randy predicted. “And I am prouder of that 50 Years Breeder Award than all of my nine NFR qualifications.” Photos provided courtesy of Randy Magers.
Randy and Sue are continuing the bloodlines of their parent’s champion quarter horses, two of the most famous quarter horses. Poco Tivio, who belonged to Randy’s dad, Cliff, was inducted into the AQHA Hall of Fame in March of 2013. Royal King, owned by Sue’s dad, Earl Albin, was inducted into Humps-Horns.com · 18 · October 2023
If you are a five-year-old cowboy and you have a hankerin’ to ride bulls, you would probably start out “mutton busting”, riding sheep to the buzzer. Then you would graduate to riding calves. While this is great fun for the rider, and great fun for the fans, it really doesn’t teach the young would-be bull rider the basic fundamentals of safe bull riding. These animals don’t actually buck, they just run around the arena.
By Kelly B. Robbins Photos by Angelina Downing / Flying 4D Photography
Enter miniature bucking bulls. Miniature bull riding is real bull riding on a smaller scale. Both the rider and the bull are smaller than in professional rodeo. The riders are mostly under the age of 18. The bulls weigh between 500 and 800 pounds. A full-grown mini bull is 36-46 inches in height, and they buck, kick and spin just like a full-size rodeo bull. Ryan and Fannie Davenport own Wicked Sticks Mini Buckers in Lincoln, Arkansas. “We are associated with the World Championship Miniature Bull Riding Association. We provide real miniature bucking bulls for several age groups. For under five years old, there is the Walk and Trot series. The PeeWee series is for kids 6-8 years old. The Junior series is for 9-11 years old, and the bulls buck a little harder. The Senior series is for 12-14 years old. And last is the Novice series, for 15-19 years old. The Novice series riders are bucking full size bulls.” “Our goal is to develop these kids as bull riders from the Walk and Trot series through the Novice series,” Ryan said. “We fit the bulls to the size of the kids. We go all over the country to find our bulls. We want a miniature bull that actually bucks Humps-Horns.com · 19 · October 2023
Ryan and Fannie Davenport
and looks like a bucking bull. This is 100% about the kids, and their development as bull riders. If you’re not for the kids, you’re not on our ship!” “Fannie and I put our heart and soul into this,” Ryan continued. “When we do a show, we try to make it feel like a regular rodeo bull riding event. We have about 40 acres at our place in Lincoln, and we have an arena. When we have an event, there is an announcer, two judges, two bull fighters, and occasionally, if it’s a big event, we’ll have a barrel funny man.” “We have a great group of parents, some who are former bull riders, who help us out. We teach the kids correct bull riding techniques, which also helps keep them safer as they learn how to ride these mini buckers. We work with the kids and try to help them. If they get in a slump, we try to match them on a bull that can help them recover their confidence.” “There is an entry fee of 75.00 per event,” Ryan explained. “The kids can win money for placing in their series event. A Senior series winner walked away with $400.00. I was talking to the dad of one of the Walk and Trot series riders, and he said his son had earned over $2000.00 for all the rides he’s made this summer so far!” Miniature bull riding has really taken hold. Many folks feel that mini bull riding is a logical step for an aspiring bull rider from steers to regular bucking bulls. “Fannie and I have
Coy Williams riding Crazy Horse
been providing miniature bucking bulls for four years,” Ryan declared. “We’ve put on our own junior bull rides for two years now. We are building a name for ourselves in the miniature bucking bull game.” I spoke with Angela Downing, owner of Flying 4D Photography, who photographs many of the miniature bull riding events. Her
Caleb Carlisle - Senior Division
Humps-Horns.com · 20 · October 2023
“We try to have at least one event a month,” Ryan shared. “During the summer, we average about 30-40 kids per event. But in the winter, we are the only ones still going around here. Last year we had 60-70 kids at our New Year’s event. We cover northwest Arkansas and northeast Oklahoma with our events. Fannie and I do most of these events out of our pocket. There is no sponsor money or added money for most of our events.” “We have some mini bulls that will really buck,” Ryan said. “But we’re all about developing the kids as bull riders. If you learn the basics, and don’t stub your toe, you’ll ride our bulls.”
Carson Florer riding Trump
husband, Shane, is getting certified as a judge for these events. “There are not a whole lot of places in our area who do what Ryan and Fannie and Wicked Sticks Mini Buckers do,” Angela disclosed. “Because of who they are, what they have, and what they offer, people come from all around. They want their kids to have an opportunity to learn to ride bucking bulls the right way.” “I rode bulls for about 12 years,” Ryan revealed. “Then I got married, had kids, and started Davenport Construction, my own construction company. Later, I thought it would be fun to own a miniature bucking bull, so I bought two. That has grown to 70 miniature bucking bulls. So now Fannie and I frame houses, put on siding, and do junior rodeos.” Caleb Williams - Walk / Trot Division
I asked Ryan what the future holds for Wicked Sticks Mini Buckers. “We’re thinking about doing mini broncs,” Ryan shared. “It’s kind of dying out around here, and we’ve had several kids asking about doing this. If we can generate enough interest, we’ll get some ponies and do that along with mini bulls!”
Madison Eilert - Novice Division
“Ryan and Fannie are just good, down-home people altogether,” Angela offered. “They go out of their way for anybody. They are all about the kids and the community.”
Humps-Horns.com · 21 · October 2023
2023 TBBA Finals
Humps-Horns.com · 22 · October 2023
! m E ‘ k c u Let’s B For more information, please visit www.texasbuckingbullassociation.com Humps-Horns.com · 23 · October 2023
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
BULL RIDING EVENTS SEPTEMBER Sep 1-2
Dickinson, ND
Sep 1-3
Sebeka, MN
$13,000
8/22
4-8pm
651-248-2663
PBR Challenger Series
Sep 2
Mountain Grove, MO
$1,500
8/21
6/8pm
417-924-3591 C NFPB
Sep 2
Essex, IA
$3,000
Mon
6-8pm
712-374-6053
Sep 2
Ellensburg, WA
PRCA Xtreme Bulls
Sep 2-3
Belton, TX
PBR Challenger Series
Sep 2-3
Window Rock, AZ
PBR Challenger Series
NFPB / Nimrod Bull Bash Bullriders of America
Sep 3
Galena, MO
$1,500
8/28
6-10pm
417-677-6596
BRI
Sep 3
Nashua, IA
$4,000
Mon
6-8pm
712-374-6053
Bullriders of America
Sep 5
Unionville, MO
$3,000
8/27
6-10pm
816-215-3391
NFPB
Sep 6
Lewiston, ID
Sep 7
Fort Worth, TX
Sep 8
Osakis, MN
Sep 8-9
Albuquerque, NM
PRCA Xtreme Bulls
Sep 8-9
Kennewick, WA
PBR Challenger Series
Sep 8-9
Eureka, MO
Sep 8-10
Oklahoma City, OK
Sep 9
Kinmundy, IL
$1,500
9/4
5-10pm
Sep 9
Kramer, NE
$4,000
TBD
712-374-6053/402-657-8904
Sep 9
Duncan, OK
$3,000
Sep 11-12
Pendleton, OR
PRCA Xtreme Bulls Tour Finale
Sep 14
Fort Worth, TX
PBR Challenger Series
Sep 15-16
Nebraska City, NE
Sep 15-17
Ridgedale, MO
PBR Team Series
Sep 16
Lewsiville, TX
PBR Challenger Series
Sep 16
Stockton, CA
PBR Challenger Series
Sep 16
California, MO
Sep 16
Wahpeton, ND
$5,000
9/4
5-9pm
320-226-1487
NFPB
Sep 20
Archie, MO
$1,000
9/17
6-10pm
816-215-3391
NFPB
Sep 22-23
Minot, ND
PBR Challenger Series
Sep 22-24
Greensboro, NC
PBR Team Series
Sep 23
Belle, MO
Sep 23-24
Fairfax, VA
Sep 26-27
Fort Smith, AR
Sep 27
Hillsdale, MI
Sep 28
Fort Worth, TX
PBR Challenger Series
Sep 28-30
Sioux Falls, SD
Cinch Playoff Series Championship
Sep 29
Pasadena, TX
PRCA Xtreme Bulls
PRCA Xtreme Bulls PBR Challenger Series $5,000
$2,000*
8/27
8/28
5-9pm
5pm
320-226-1487
NFPB
573-823-2569 T NFPB PBR Team Series
$7,500+
618-267-1782 580-467-5468
Mon
6-8pm
712-374-6053
NFPB Bullriders of America 3rd Annual Rowdy Swanson Memorial
Bullriders of America
Amped Up Pro Bull Tour
$5,000
9/11
6/8pm
417-924-3591 C NFPB PBR Challenger Series PRCA Xtreme Bulls
$2,000
9/18
6-9pm
269-908-9020 T NFPB
Humps-Horns.com · 24 · October 2023
WHERE’S THE BEEF? *-Added Money Amount Is For Each Night Information Subject to Change Without Notice Date
Location
Sep 29-Oct 1
Glendale, AZ
Sep 29-30
Hope, AR
Sep 30
Ruidoso, NM
Sep 29-Oct 1
Marietta, GA
Added $
Open
Time
Call-In #
Assn/Event PBR Team Series
$5,000
EO now
$3,300
9/25
479-393-8282
BOA / Bullriding Nationals
864-682-9578
American BullRiders Tour
PBR Challenger Series 4pm
OCTOBER Oct 5
Fort Worth, TX
PBR Challenger Series
Oct 6
Columbus, OH
PBR Challenger Series
Oct 6-8
Mill Spring, NC
WCRA Rodeo - Carolina
Oct 6-8
Fort Worth, TX
PBR Team Series
Oct 6-8
Waco, TX
Oct 7
Kinmundy, IL
Oct 9-11
Los Lunas, NM
PRCA Xtreme Bulls
Oct 10-13
Waco, TX
PRCA Texas Circuit Finals
Oct 12
Fort Worth, TX
PBR Challenger Series
Oct 12-14
Duncan, OK
PRCA Ram Prairie Circuit Finals
Oct 13
Cuba, MO
$1,500
10/6
8pm
636-206-9773
NFPB
Oct 14
Battle Creek, MI
$2,500
10/9
6-9pm
269-908-9020
NFPB
Oct 14
Owensboro, KY
Oct 14-15
Cumming, GA
$3,600
10/9
4pm
864-682-9578
American BullRiders Tour
Oct 19
Las Vegas, NV
PBR Challenger Series Championship
Oct 19-21
Redmond, OR
PRCA Columbia River Circuit Finals
Oct 20-21
Bismarck, ND
PRCA Bucking Battle (BB,SB,BR)
Oct 20-21
Loveland, CO
PRCA Mountain States Circuit Finals
Oct 20-22
Las Vegas, NV
PBR Team Series Championship
Oct 21
Phoenix, AZ
Oct 21-22
Aiken, SC
Oct 26
Fort Worth, TX
PBR Touring Pro Division
Oct 28
Tyler, TX
PBR Touring Pro Division
Oct 30-Nov 2
Ladson, SC
PRCA Permit Finals $1,500
10/6
5-10pm
618-267-1782
NFPB
PBR Challenger Series
PRCA Xtreme Bulls $3,000
$5,200
10/16
10/23
4pm
4pm
864-682-9578
864-682-9578
American BullRiders Tour
American BullRiders Tour
YOUTH BULL RIDING EVENTS SEPTEMBER Sep 6-9
Ogden, UT
IMBA World Finals
Sep 9
Decatur, TX
Sep 9
Kirbyville, TX
Sep 16
California, MO
Amped Up Pro Bull Tour
Sep 19-22
Ada, OK
PYRA Finals
Sep 30
Decatur, TX
M-Th prior
Mesquite, TX
8/2-9/11
M-Th prior $1,250
Mon prior
940-453-2364 / 817-296-4766 CYBR Txt
903-754-1034
Built God Tough Roughstock Series
940-453-2364 / 817-296-4766 CYBR
OCTOBER Oct 2-7
Humps-Horns.com · 25 · October 2023
WCMB World Finals
WHERE’S THE BEEF? *-Added Money Amount Is For Each Night Information Subject to Change Without Notice
Date
Location
Oct 7
Added $
Open
Time
Call-In #
Carthage, TX
Mon prior
Txt
903-754-1034
Oct 14
Decatur, TX
M-Th prior
Oct 21
Tatum, TX
Mon prior
Oct 28
Decatur, TX
M-Th prior
Assn/Event Built God Tough Roughstock Series
940-453-2364 / 817-296-4766 CYBR Txt
903-754-1034
Built God Tough Roughstock Series Finals
940-453-2364 / 817-296-4766 CYBR
BUCKING BULL EVENTS SEPTEMBER ABBI Sanctioned
Sep 2
Archdale, NC
8/21-28
jeromedavis.com
Sep 2-3
Fort Lupton, CO
8/13-20
abbireg.com
ABBI
Sep 9
Duncan, OK
8/28-9/6
abbireg.com
ABBI Sanctioined
Sep 9
Springtown, TX
8/28 8am - 9/6 8pm
817-304-5603
TBBA Finals - 2023
Sep 15-16
Mt. Orab, OH
Cristy McElroy
ABBI Sanctioned
Sep 16
Lloydminister, AB
9/5-6
abbireg.com
ABBI Sanctioned
Sep 23-24
Texarkana, TX
8/7-14
abbireg.com
ABBI
Sep 29-30
Hope, AR
EO now
479-393-8282
BOA / Bullriding Nationals
Sep 30
Fallon, NV
9/18-22
208-550-0229
ABBI Sanctioned / highdesertbulls.com
Sep 30
TBD, OK
9/18-25
abbireg.com
ABBI / Claim A Bull
Oct 7
Sterling, CO
9/10-17
abbireg.com
ABBI / Buckers Unlimited Finals
Oct 17-21
Las Vegas, NV
9/18-25
OCTOBER ABBI World Finals
Events highlighted in yellow have ads in this issue of Humps N Horns for more information.
email: bred2buck@gmail.com
Humps-Horns.com · 26 · October 2023
Ezekiel Mitchell and the Austin Gamblers were a perfect 3-0 to win the PBR Team Series Cowboy Days in Greensboro, NC. Photo provided courtesy of BullStock Media.
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 · October 2023
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 · October 2023
Western Wanderings a cowboy’s pardner By Kelly B. Robbins
I greet my pardner every day When the sun sparkles on the dew “Howdy Pard!” is what I say As I hand him old Cookie’s brew Most cowboys have a pardner They ride the range together A pardner has the other’s back Through any kind of weather We share the workload every day We share tobacco too We share our stories around the fire We share lies about what we do Now most cowboys are willing to do any work That can be done from the back of a horse But most don’t like menial labor Nor do I or my pardner, of course But when the range boss says a job must be done You jump to that job right away Like hauling barbed wire and fence posts To the cowpoke stuck fencing that day Havin’ a pardner makes it easier For any job that you do And chowtime is much more pleasant As you both share old Cookie’s stew
Illustrated by Mike Aemmer