$4.99 USD SEP 2020
Humps N Horns September 2020
On The Cover - Andrew Alvidrez tries to tango with Smooth Over (GT Bucking Bulls / Hart Cattle Co.) in the Monster Energy Team Challenge in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Photo by Andy Watson / BullStock Media
Humps-Horns.com ¡ 4 ¡ September 2020
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
10 Andrew Alvidrez
CIRCULATION
8 Seconds That Changed His Life
circulation@humps-horns.com
FEATURE STORY WRITER
16 Mark Dobosz
Barbara Pinnella barbara@humps-horns.com
Western Sports Foundation
PHOTOGRAPHY
18 Built God Tough Roughstock Series
Andy Gregory Director of Photography andy@humps-horns.com
Building the Next Generation of Bull Riders
CONTRIBUTORS
22 Cowboy Protection Association
Georgia Akers Justin Felisko Barbara Pinnella Keno Shrum
Stand Up for America Tour
Also In This Issue Bull Pen 19 Classifieds 28 Country Kitchen 15 Inspiration Point 14 Livestock Layovers 28 Outside the Arena
Practice Pens Talking Bull w/ Brayden Through My Eyes Where’s the Beef
28 7 8 25
16 Humps-Horns.com · 5 · September 2020
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
Many times in life it is the little things that really keep you going from one day to the next. We had an unexpected blessing this week in the form of a cold front. Instead of the high temps being 100 degrees or more, they were only in the low 90’s. It’s almost funny to think that it actually felt pretty good. Again, it’s the little things in life. We are excited to bring you this issue of Humps N Horns. One of the things I enjoy most is watching some of these young cowboys work their way up through the regional associations and then to the developmental tours, and eventually making it to the big leagues where they have a chance to make a name for themselves. Andrew Alvidrez is one of those young men who we’ve watched from a distance as he has progressed through his career. We first saw him riding in the National Professional Bull Riders (NPBR) which is a great association in the southern part of Texas. Alvidrez won quite a few buckles there and then made his way to the PBR Touring Pro Division and Velocity Tours. He qualified for his first Unleash the Beast event in North Little Rock, Arkansas in March of this year. He rode two out of three bulls and finished second for the weekend. Not too shabby for his first big league event. Barbara Pinnella had a chance to catch up with Andrew and gives us a great look at this young man who has the talent to be around for many years to come. We are also excited to share articles about Mark Dobosz who took the reins last year as the Executive Director of the Western Sports Foundation (WSF). The WSF was formerly known as the Rider Relief Fund but has changed its focus to take a more holistic approach to the well-being of athletes in all western sports, not just rodeo and bull riding. Last, but certainly not least, we are excited to introduce you to the crew from Built God Tough Roughstock Series. This is a dedicated group of men and women who strive to combine their faith in God and their passion for bull riding into an organization
which helps prepare young riders of all ages. This is a top notch association which provides a number of events for riders of all ages and skill levels. I know you will enjoy learning more about them and the great work they do. Thankfully, more events are beginning to be held around the country. I hope you have a chance to get out to an arena near you and take in the greatest sport on dirt! Until next time, Terry
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 · September 2020
Talking “Bull” with Brayden my opinion. Now, there is no recorded score but what we do know is that Freckles Brown was the only man alive to ever ride Tornado. Freckles broke the bulls 220 buck off streak and was one of only 4 men to ever ride Tornado in six years. Freckles rode him a second time in Miami, FL.
Hi my name is Brayden Hollywood Brown and I am a miniature bull rider. Today I’m going to start a series of articles and every so often I’m going to write an article called the old timers. In these articles I will talk about an old bull rider that made his mark and how he did it. Today’s going to be about Freckles Brown. So let’s get into it. When Freckles was just a young gun who had not been on too many bulls he was still just as humble and just as calm, as he was when he was an old bull rider. Freckles rode some of the rankest bulls in the world at the time, some bulls that not a lot of people knew about as well. Freckles was the first person to ever ride Tornado, one of the rankest bulls ever to buck in
Freckles Brown is one of my favorite bull riders of all time. He was the oldest person to ever win a world title at the age of 41. Later during World War II he was called to the line of duty which ended his professional career. However, that did not stop him from riding. Later on after saving a city Freckles gathered up some oxen and mules and put on a miniature rodeo. That will always be one of the craziest things that I have ever heard. Thank you for reading. To find out more about me go to my Facebook page @BraydenHollywoodBrown. Thank you, Brayden Hollywood Brown
Humps-Horns.com · 7 · September 2020
How Did I Learn How To Ride Rank Bulls? As a kid, I never got put in the position to think I couldn’t get the job done. Oh, I got on some that were over my head and it usually didn’t go my way but every time it happened it was followed up with some successful rides. The reason was that there were not bucking bull programs out there to the extreme of what the youth are seeing today. I experienced so much success in the arena (not talking about winning every time, but did make the whistle more than not) that getting the job done was a huge part of bull riding for me. Few young guys experience that much success at making the whistle.
Proper practice (experiencing success) is the key to getting better at any sport. Don’t practice on juice hogs because if you get them twisted you probably aren’t going to know all you did to get him rode. Slower, easier bulls afford you the opportunity to wrap your mind around why you got the job done. Practice for success. As you mature physically, mentally and gain in your experience you will begin to ride ranker bulls and you’ll know why/how you did it. Riding rank bulls consistently has to do with how you go about it. Guys who are prepared will make the whistle more often
as the quality of the bulls increase. My story as a bull rider has success tied to it at every level. There might be something to just slowing down a bit to perfect the fundamentals and allow your experience as a bull rider to prove successful.
Here are names of a few others that I’ve talked to that went about it this way. Don Gay, Denny Flynn, Ted Nuce, Justin McBride, Michael Gaffney, Kody Lostroh, Sage Kimzey, Ty Murray, Charlie Sampson, Jerome Davis, (just a few who experienced a little success). There and on plenty more. Makes you think!
Jesus Loves You! Cody Custer
Humps-Horns.com · 8 · September 2020
Spanish Fork Fiesta Days PRCA Xtreme Bulls. Photo by Phillip Kitts / Avid Visual Imagery.
andrew alvidrez By Barbara Pinnella
Photos by Andy Watson / BullStock Media
His dad was an amateur boxer, and would have liked him to follow in his footsteps. But Andrew Alvidrez had his own idea, and that was to ride bulls. This talented young rider from the small town of Seminole, Texas, is one to keep an eye on. “I’m just a small-town boy,” he told us. “My dad worked in an oil field and my mom was a nurse. I didn’t grow up in a cowboy family or anything, so we kind of adopted this cowboy culture in a way.” It all began when his mom rented the 8 Seconds movie. When I mentioned that it was all her fault, he agreed, then laughed. “Although not very vividly, I do remember how cowboys were; they were tough, stand-up men. I guess I wanted to be that, so that’s what made me take on the bull rider role, and now I’m living it. Before I was born my dad raised race horses, but he gave that up once I came into the world; he kind of gave up his dream for mine. But I never wanted to ride broncs, just bulls.” With regard to the afore-mentioned boxing, his dad not only wanted Andrew, but also his brother, to box. “My dad would train with us, and we went to boxing gyms growing up as well. Activity was always in our lives. I would
spar in the gym with the guys who were fighting, but I had no ambitions to go in the ring, because I knew my heart was towards bull riding. You can’t half-heart boxing.” There was a sport that Andrew excelled at, but when approached about powerlifting, he knew nothing about it. Coach Eric Pierce spotted Alvidrez when he saw him break the pushup record, and told him he needed to come powerlift for him. “I didn’t even know what that was,” Andrew confessed. “but I said, ‘yeah, ok.’ He told me that I had to lift weights, and I told him that I could do that. I got really strong, and broke state and regional records.” Alvidrez still works out, but he had to create an entirely new workout program. The reason? He got too big. As he put it, the weights got to be too much. With the help of the Western Sports Foundation at the center in Colorado and Antwon Burton, Andrew began his transformation. “Man, Antwon really breaks it down. I am not supposed to be lifting weights, I am more focused on core stability, shoulder stability, my glutes; it’s a totally different ball game then powerlifting. I feel 10 times better, because I remember when I was riding at those NPBR’s (National Professional Bull Riders), I was walking around at that time at 180 pounds. Now I walk around at 150. “And that’s the thing,” he continued, “I wasn’t trying to get big. I guess the way I’m built I put on size quick. And the whole time I was thinking I was being productive. But I was doing worse in bull riding, so I had to quit the weights.” Andrew began his PBR quest as soon as he turned 18, but by his
Humps-Horns.com · 10 · September 2020
own admission, he was not mature enough yet for that quality of bull. “When I was 18, I just wasn’t seasoned. I wasn’t at the level that I believe I should have been, especially mentally. I really took off after the Touring Pros when I turned 21. (He will turn 24 this month.)” Proving that he was strong in those PBR Touring Pro events, Alvidrez was the Touring Pro Champion in 2018, and things have gone well for him since then. Thus far, he does have a ride that he remembers the most. “That one would have to be my debut on the Unleash the Beast event in Little Rock. I rode Lockdown. Being that was my first bull on the UTB series, to me that meant a lot, especially since my whole family was there. “It’s a lot when you come from a small town to achieve what you set out to do, and it was a lot for me emotionally. We didn’t expect this, you know? It started out as a hobby and it grew and flourished into an ambition, and it’s almost obsessive now. My dad is such a hard worker and he would preach in my head that my perception is my reality. Through my parents I learned that I could create my own reality. It’s a very humbling thing just to think about.” Andrew doesn’t really pay much attention to what bull he has, and told us that he really doesn’t look to see his bull until he arrives
at the event. He explained how he approaches the bulls he draws. “I just visualize that every bull is the same, they just decide to do something different that day. I try to keep it simple. I’m already a head case, so the simpler I can make it the better for me. I’ve always known I was physically capable of doing this sport at this level, it’s just the mental part of it. “I’ve talked with J.B., Silvano Alves, and all these great bull riders have different ways of approaching the sport, and basically I’m just putting it all together. Silvano tells me when he’s in the chute, he just focuses on his breathing. And J.B. says that he makes sure, and excuse my language, that he’s hung the **** up before he nods. So you take those two; I’m gonna make sure I’m hung up before I nod, and then I’m not gonna think about anything else – I’m gonna put it together.” Making it possible for some fans to attend events is an added bonus, but we spoke about what a great job the PBR has done in bringing bull riding back for these men. At the time of this interview, Andrew had been tested 10 times! And yes, it is that long nasal swab. “Today was the worst,” he said. “It seems like these tests are getting more excruciating. At first it didn’t seem so bad, but now, I don’t know. But they (PBR) are spending quite a
Humps-Horns.com · 11 · September 2020
bit of money to get this going. So far, everything looks like its going according to plan.” For hobbies, working out acts as a stress reliever for Andrew. He is certain that after bull riding, fitness will continue to be a big part of his life. He is also getting into real estate. “The goal is to be a real estate investor. If I keep being smart with my money, then hopefully in God’s time I’ll create my own business, so that’s the goal. But it’s still baby steps. I’ve always had big ambitions of owning a business, or something of that sort, when I was a kid. Bull riding just happens to be my obsession.” Not only is he a very good bull rider, but Alvidrez is an intelligent and focused young man. He knows what he wants and is sure he can achieve his goals. He gives huge credit for that to his parents, and he sums that up in this quote:
“I always say that I am the product of a disciplined father and a stern mother.” We at Humps N Horns Bull Riding Magazine wish him all the best in all of his ventures.
Humps-Horns.com · 12 · September 2020
Bullfighters work hard to save the fallen bull rider at the Cowboy Ptotection Association match in Bridgeport, Texas. Photo by Andre Silva Photo.
Inspiration Point
beginning abides in you, you also will abide in the Son and in the Father” (1 John 2:24). What they heard from the beginning was the teachings of Christ, the Word of God. So in closing, let us each take time to exam ourselves and make sure we are filling ourselves with the seed, which will lead us to the obedience of his commandments that we may learn how to love. Guest article writen by Keden Shrum
by Keno Shrum
An Empty Wrapper For as long as I can remember, I have always enjoyed butterscotch candy. I generally keep some on my desk or in my pocket, but the other day, I reached for one, and all I got was an empty wrapper. I found myself feeling a little disappointed, here was this small package that was supposed to carry something pleasant, but yet… it was empty. It looked like a regular wrapper, it was the same color, sealed on both ends, but inside, there was nothing. What about you? What about me? The one thing that truly separates us from being just an “empty wrapper” is what’sinside. You see a “Christian” without Christ is like a butterscotch wrapper without the candy…it’s ultimately of no value. So, what things should be found inside the follower of Christ? Let’s look at just a few found in Scripture. 1. Love – Jesus says, in John 13:34-35, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” He follows this up in chapter 14 by saying, “If you love Me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15). There are many other passages we could look at dealing with love, but it is clear that Jesus gave the command to “love one another” and if we love Him, then we will keep this and all other commands. 2. Obedience – Again, Jesus states, “If you love Me, keep My commandments” but this is not the first time we see such. Throughout the Bible, there is an emphasis placed on obeying. God tells Solomon in 1 Kings 9 that if he or his sons do not keep “My commandments and My statues” that he would “cut off Israel” from the land he gave them. Jesus reaffirms this need to obey in Revelation 22:14 “Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life…” 3. Seed – “Whoever has been born of God does not sin, for His seed remains in Him…” (1 John 3:9a). Now, if Luke 8:11 tells us that “the seed is the word of God” then we must return to 1 John because, in chapter two, he says, “Therefore let that abide in you which you heard from the beginning. If what you heard from the
Humps-Horns.com · 14 · September 2020
Chocolate Depression Cake INGREDIENTS
INSTRUCTIONS
CAKE • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour • 1 cup sugar • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder • 1/2 teaspoon salt • 1 teaspoon baking soda • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract • 1 teaspoon white vinegar • 1/3 cup vegetable oil • 1 cup water
CAKE 1. Preheat oven to 350°F. 2. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, cocoa powder, salt, and baking soda. Whisk to combine. 3. Add vanilla, vinegar, oil, and water to the dry ingredients and whisk until ingredients are fully combined. 4. Pour into a greased or parchment-lined 8x8-inch pan and bake for 30-35 minutes. When an inserted toothpick is removed with a few crumbs (not clean!) the cake is done. Let it cool while you prepare the frosting.
FROSTING • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened • 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder • 1 tablespoon honey • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract • 1 cup confectioners’ sugar • 3 tablespoons whole milk, or heavy cream
FROSTING 1. With a hand-held mixer, combine room temperature butter, cocoa, honey, vanilla, and confectioners sugar. 2. Turn mixer on low and let it combine ingredients for about 30 seconds. 3. Slowly add milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach desired consistency. You may not need all 3 tablespoons, you may need 1 more, it can vary from season to season and kitchen to kitchen. 4. Spread over cooled cake.
Send us your favorite recipe to bullnews@humps-horns.com
Humps-Horns.com · 15 · September 2020
Submitted by Kimberly C. - Columbia, BC
Outside the Arena with...
Mark Dobosz By Georgia Akers
With the added services and expansions for the Western Sports Foundation to encompass all western sports athletes, it became apparent that a different type of leader was needed to head up the WSF. Someone with expertise beyond the rodeo background. I served on the selection committee and we had many fine, qualified candidates. But Mark Dobosz impressed me with his expertise in thinking outside the typical fundraising box, his warmth and genuine caring about helping others. He wasn’t from a cowboy/ rodeo background but the selection committee believed he was what we needed at this time. Someone who could reach out to not only the western sports world but also the donation world. His smile is infectious and his demeanor shows he really cares about helping others.
Tell us about yourself. I was born and raised in inner-city Detroit, Michigan. I started out as a teacher. I have always seen development and fundraising as a form of education and so have been able to practice this passion for the last 37 years. I have been a resident of Florida since 1994. I am blessed with a wonderful wife Stephany. We have three children Peter and Veronika, Katie and Tanner, and Tim and Tina. We also have our first grandchild Emory who is Tim and Tina’s daughter. I have a BA from St. Mary’s College and Executive Certificates in Nonprofit Management and Leadership from the University of Notre Dame Mendoza School of Business. In my free time, I write and have just published a book through Covenant Books Called “Simple Man Simple Message” which is available online. How did you get involved in non-profits? I have been in non-profit work for 37 years. My Mom had always involved us in volunteer activities when we were growing up, so I guess I naturally gravitated toward wanting to be involved in helping other people. While I was working in education an opportunity came up to take on a formal fundraising position and from that point on, I never turned back and have been doing development and nonprofit management ever since. What attracted you to apply for the Executive Director position with the Western Sports Foundation? I was intrigued by the organization’s commitment to helping
Humps-Horns.com · 16 · September 2020
to work both in groups and individually on enhancing and developing their careers and their sport. Through the generosity of our supporters and their donations, we have already been able to touch the lives of nearly 100 athletes over the past 18 months. Roughstock sports are a large component of the overall western sports industry and as one might assume-the real and potential injuries are that much more significant. Concussions are regularly seen by the sports medicine teams at rodeo events and thus our Mental Wellness program is one of the more widely utilized services. From the overall concussion protocols utilized to assess an athlete in the beginning, to the ongoing treatment and services provided by Dr. Anthony Alessi at the UConn NeuroSport Program, WSF diligently works to provide the best mental wellness services for an athlete who may be experiencing a potentially life altering injury such as a concussion. How has the COVID virus impacted our athletes?
others through health and wellness programs and services, as well as, it’s movement to rebrand and take the organization to the next level. Those two things spoke to my own interests, skills and experience in being able to make a difference in people’s lives. What was your first impression upon attending a Western Sports event? Having grown-up in inner-city Detroit, rodeos and bull riding were not common sporting activities. Hockey, football, basketball and baseball were my primary sporting exposures and so this was a whole new in-person experience that was pretty exhilarating and exciting.
Like all professional sports, COVID-19 has sidelined many athletes with the cancellation and rescheduling of many rodeo events nationally and around the globe. The recent re-opening of bull riding by the PBR and some of the rodeos sponsored by PRCA and regional bodies has given some new opportunities for a segment of the large western sports athlete population. However, we have a long way to go to get everyone back to work. What has the Western Sports Foundation done to assist them? Once COVID hit and started closing down events, WSF created a special fundraising and grant program called “Protect the Ride”. Basically, we reached out to our individual donors, sponsors and corporate partners to seek financial support to provide one-time $1,000 economic hardship grants to western sports athletes whose employment and income have been impacted by COVID-19.
Tell us about the programs that the Western Sports Foundation has developed over the past two years? WSF has focused on creating mental, physical, life skills, education and financial wellness programs for western sports athletes to avail themselves on a regular basis. Whether through our Sports Performance Clinics, presentations at athlete meetings or oneon-one interactions with our individual health providers, WSF has built a comprehensive approach to meeting the health and wellness needs of athletes and their families. One of the great programs we are running are our Athlete Performance Clinics in Pueblo, Colorado. The three-day clinic gathers our neurologist, sports psychologists, financial planner, life skills expert, physical trainers and veteran retired athletes with current western sports athletes to get in-person training in all five of WSF’s core wellness programs-Mental, Physical, Financial, Education/Social and Life Skills. Through a combination of classroom and training exercises, athletes have an opportunity
Humps-Horns.com · 17 · September 2020
As of today, over $150,000 has been raised including generous support from Pendleton Whisky, PBR, YETI, Marcene Taylor, Inc, RideTV, RidePass and several individuals. And, we have already distributed 60 applications and funded over 35 athletes. You have been the Executive Director for over a year now. What is your impression of Western Sports now? I have come to better understand and appreciate how integral Western Sports is to the overall western lifestyle, culture and communities around the globe. It is not merely “just a sport” but more a way of life.
are some that provide financial assistance or address immediate medical needs, but none that provide the comprehensive programming like WSF. How do the western sports fans/supporters differ from other nonprofit supporters? Western sports fans and supporters, like all passionate philanthropists and volunteers, have a deep emotional attachment to the cause and the individuals involved in that cause. Where do you see the WSF in the future?
What do you see as the biggest challenge for the Western Sports Foundation?
I see WSF as a household name recognized as the premiere health and wellness programs in western sports.
Creating awareness about the programs and services that we offer to ALL western sports athletes that span beyond the traditional financial assistance the Rider Relief Fund traditionally offered over the past two decades.
If someone is interested in becoming involved in the WSF, what activities are available for volunteers and who should they contact?
What is being done to meet this challenge? In May 2020, the WSF Board just completed and approved a new strategic plan for the organization that had as its top priority increasing the awareness and branding of the programs offered to athletes and their families. One of the first activities currently underway is the formation of an Athlete Advisory Board spearheaded by WSF Board Secretary/Treasurer Marcene Taylor. The new Athlete Advisory Board will have athlete representatives from all the various rodeo events to help both shape future programming as well as serve as liaisons to the thousands of athletes in each of those disciplines. Approximately how many athletes have been assisted by the WSF? How much money has been paid to these athletes or to providers helping these athletes?
There are a variety of ways someone can be involved including assisting in any of our special events (Boot Daddy Bash, Golf Tournament, etc.), helping in the arenas with our raffles and information sharing or hosting a fundraiser in their local community, just to name a few. If someone is interested in volunteering they should contact our National Office at info@westernsportsfoundation.org or 719-2422900 What if a company is interested in sponsoring an event, who should they contact? They should contact me, Mark Dobosz, Executive Director at 941232-4447.
In the history of the organization over 600 athletes have been served. In the first half of 2020 We have supported 71 athletes from 14 organizations and provided over $326,000 in financial assistance or services through one of our Wellness Programs. How do you develop sponsors? We look for corporations and businesses whose business goals and philosophy align with the western lifestyle and/or any of our health and wellness programs. We approach our relationship building from a sponsor-centric, long-term relationship mindset that provides for a win-win between the sponsor and WSF. How does the WSF differ from other nonprofit agencies? We truly are very much like all other nonprofits with the exception of our mission. There is no other nonprofit providing a comprehensive set of health and wellness programs and services on an ongoing basis specifically for western sports athletes. There
Humps-Horns.com · 18 · September 2020
By Kelly B. Robbins
The sport of rodeo is all about development. Developing competition, developing rodeo skills, developing a better fan experience, and developing character, toughness, and a will to win in the kids who participate. These kids have dreams of greatness and have their sights set on future world championships. Andy Holloway’s Built God Tough Roughstock Series helps those kids to develop both athletically and spiritually. “We have two main goals at Built God Tough,” Andy shared. “Our first goal is to make sure they hear the Word of God and have an opportunity to accept Jesus as their savior. Our second goal is to give each rider an opportunity to make a qualified ride. We provide age-appropriate miniature bulls and bulls for each age group. We also provide instruction and training to help the young riders to learn proper techniques. This helps keep them safe and is really appreciated by the parents, especially the single moms.” “This all started seven years ago,” Andy explained. “We were doing a once a month bull riding event at the Stillwater Cowboy Church in Carthage, Texas. We just grew from that into what we have today. Our name says Roughstock Series, but we only
have bull riding. That first year we tried to have bareback and saddle bronc riding, but we just never had enough contestants to justify having the stock contractors bring the bucking broncs. It just didn’t work out.” Doug Hale is the announcer for all the Built God Tough events. He has been announcing for Andy for five years. My interview gave Andy and Doug an excuse to drive an hour with their wives and meet to share a steak dinner! Andy and his wife, Brandi live in Carthage, Texas. Doug and his wife Karen live in Texarkana, Arkansas. During the interview, Doug laughed and said, “Andy and I are sitting in the truck talking to you. We left our wives in the restaurant and passed up the blueberry cobbler to do this interview!” “We bounce around between East Texas, West Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Arkansas,” Andy said. “We had 14 events scheduled this year, but four were cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic. We are up and running again and our next stop is on August 22 at the Top Hand Cowboy Church in Valley Mills, Texas.”
Humps-Horns.com · 19 · September 2020
“To understand where it all started and to see what it has grown to now is very humbling,” Doug revealed. “It is amazing how God has blessed us. The cowboy churches and Built God Tough are family. The cool deal about our association is that we have folks from all four states that come together to put on our events. Everyone just knows what to do and it all just falls into place. There are bull fighters, concession workers, gate men and many others. It truly is a family effort. Our people all have the same heart and the same goal. That helps us through the hard times because we remember why we’re there.” Andy and Doug are both former bull riders. “Our heart is to bring these kids into the rodeo business and bypass a lot of the stuff we had to go through,” Andy declared. “There are usually 30-40 kids at each event. There are five age groups: Pee Wee (8 years old and under), Junior Mini (11 years old and under), Senior Mini (14 years old and under), Junior bull (16 years old and under) and open (17 years old and older). Each age group has added money, from $100 to $500, depending on the age class.” “We average about 35 bulls per event,” Andy continued. “Built God Tough owns 27 bucking bulls, from miniature bulls to open bulls. Local contractors also provide bulls for each event. In the bull riding game, most contractors want to own the biggest, rankest bulls. We want to provide bulls that give the kids the opportunity to ride to the buzzer.”
“We charge no association membership fee for the riders, and no admission fee for the fans. There is a $65.00 entry fee at each event,” Doug said. “We just ask the kids to show up, pay the entry fee, and give 110% as they go try to win it. The cowboy churches and our sponsors also help support us. The riders earn points toward eligibility for our Finals. The top eight riders in each age group move on to the Finals. There they ride for championship money and buckles. Every rider walks away with a check at our Finals.” “Twice each night we stop the event and have a devotion or a testimony,” Andy disclosed. “We don’t beat anyone over the head, but our absolute bottom line is for people to have an opportunity to hear the Word. We’ve baptized six people in the
Humps-Horns.com · 20 · September 2020
arena at our events. At one event, we baptized a father, daughter and son on the same night. We just hauled a horse tank in on a trailer. The crowd was fine with it.” “We have all types and levels of bull riders in our open events,” Andy shared. “We have even had some of the PBR stars stop by and ride our bulls for practice. The open class is 17 years old and up, but we have some 15 and 16-year olds who we let compete in the open class, because they are that good. Their parents must sign for them to ride in that open class.” The name Built God Tough was originally a play on words to the PBR’s Built Ford Tough Series. “It started out as a play on words,” Andy said, “but it
turned out to be much more than that. Without our faith in the Lord, we wouldn’t have survived.” “This is a passion for us,” Doug said. “We could go somewhere every weekend and make a lot more money. But we just want to go where the Lord sends us and let Him use us to share His Good News! The Lord just keeps blessing us. We’re already scheduling events for next year. We just keep going and the Lord just keeps blessing! Even with the pandemic, we’ll just try our best to keep rolling on. Any way to keep putting His Word out there. They will have to chase us to stop us!” Photos provided courtesy of Built God Tough Roughstock Series.
Humps-Horns.com · 21 · September 2020
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Humps-Horns.com ¡ 22 ¡ September 2020
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Humps-Horns.com ¡ 23 ¡ September 2020
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Shane Proctor rides at the Spanish Fork Fiesta Days PRCA Xtreme Bulls. Photo by Phillip Kitts / Avid Visual Imagery.
Subscribe today online or by phone -
www.humps-horns.com 325-500-BULL (2855)
WHERE’S THE BEEF? 2020
*-Added Money Amount Is For Each Night (E)EST · (M)MST · (P)PST Information Subject to Change Without Notice Date
Location
AUGUST Aug 28-29 Porum Landing, OK Aug 28-29 Sidney, IA Aug 29-30 Fort Worth, TX SEPTEMBER Sep 3-4 Huron, SD Sep 4-6 Sebeka, MN Sep 4 Checotah, OK Sep 5 Cedarville, KS Sep 5 Dickinson, ND Sep 5 Mountain Grove, MO Sep 5-6 Sep 6 Sep 10-12 Sep 11 Sep 11-12 Sep 11-12 Sep 11-13 Sep 12 Sep 12 Sep 15 Sep 18-19
Lathrop, MO Galeno, MO Perdido Key, FL Kinmundy, IL Muskogee, OK Waco. TX Billings, MT Eureka, MO Rice Lake, WI Abilene, TX Waco. TX
Added $
Open
Time
Call-In #
7,500
Assn/Event
LJ Jenkins Bull Riding Tour BOA Battle with the Bulls PBR Unleash the Beast Tour
$12,000 $1,000 $1,000
8/24 8/31 8/3
4-8pm
651-248-2663 918-605-6265 918-706-7752
TBA
8/24
6-9pm
417-924-3591
Tuff Hedeman Bull Riding Tour NFPB Nimrod Bull Bash Bull Riders, Inc. Bull Riders, Inc. Bulls & Broncs PBR Touring Pro Division NFPB
$1,000*
8/30
6-9pm
479-763-8699
Lathrop Bull Bash
$1,000
8/31
6pm
417-677-6596
$1,000 $3,000*
9/7 9/7
5-9pm 6pm
618-267-1782 918-467-0067
$2,000 $15,000 $10,000
8/31 9/7 9/7
5pm 6-9pm
573-823-2569 608-412-0799 832-326-1075
Bull Riders, Inc. Flora-Bama Bulls on the Beach NFPB Bull Riders, Inc. BRI vs Mexico PBR Velocity Tour PBR Unleash the Beast Tour NFPB NFPB West Texas Bulls at Night PBR Velocity Tour
Humps-Horns.com · 25 · September 2020
WHERE’S THE BEEF? 2020
*-Added Money Amount Is For Each Night (E)EST · (M)MST · (P)PST Information Subject to Change Without Notice Date Sep 19-20 Sep 19 Sep 25-26 Sep 25-27 Sep 26 Sep 26 Sep 26
Location Des Moines, IA Belle, MO Portland, ME Springfield, MO Delaware, OK Prineville, OR Wayne CIty, IL
Added $
Open
Time
Call-In #
$5,000
9/7
6-9pm
417-924-3591
$2,000
9/21
$1,000
9/21
OCTOBER Oct 2-3 Tampa, FL Oct 2-3 Syracuse, NY Oct 3 Iola, KS Oct 3 Oct 9-10 Oct 10 Oct 10 Oct 10
Gerald, MO Greensboro, NC Ambrose, GA Bartlesville, OK Toledo, OH
Oct 16 Oct 16-17 Oct 17 Oct 17-18 Oct 17-18 Oct 23-24 Oct 31
Altamont, IL St. Joseph, MO Kinmundy, IL Minneapolis, MN Laredo, TX Nampa, ID Locust Grove, OK
Oct 31 Oct 31Nov 1
TBA
9/28
918-467-0067 5-9pm
618-267-1782
Assn/Event PBR Unleash the Beast Tour NFPB Battle of the Bulls PBR Velocity Tour PBR Unleash the Beast Tour Bull Riders, Inc. Challenge of Champions Tour NFPB
PBR Unleash the Beast Tour PBR Velocity Tour Bull Riders, Inc.
6pm 573-823-2569 Text
$1,000
9/21
5pm
$500 $1,500
10/5 10/5
7pm
$1,000
10/5
5pm
573-823-2569 Text
$1,000
10/12
5-9pm
618-267-1782
$2,000
10/26
912-383-8432 918-467-0067
918-869-2410
$2,500
Las Vegas, NV
NFPB PBR Unleash the Beast Tour Extreme Bull Challenge Bullride Bull Riders, Inc. PBR Velocity Tour NFPB Amped Up Bull Riding Tour Finals NFPB PBR Unleash the Beast Tour PBR Velocity Tour PBR Unleash the Beast Tour Bull Riders, Inc. Ride Rank Rodeo Productions Boo-Tacular PBR Velocity Tour Finals
YOUTH BULL RIDING EVENTS SEPTEMBER Sep 5 Cuero, TX Sep 5 Eastland, TX Sep 5
7/15 Tue prior
5pm 9am-9pm
361-772-6720 682-500-2575
Perry, FL
IMBA Sanctioned Youth Blowout! Finals
Built God Tough Roughstock Series Little Crackers Rodeo
Humps-Horns.com · 26 · September 2020
WHERE’S THE BEEF? 2020
*-Added Money Amount Is For Each Night (E)EST · (M)MST · (P)PST Information Subject to Change Without Notice Date
Location
Sep 5-6 Sep 6 Sep 12 Sep 12 Sep 26
Dublin, TX Snyder, TX Carthage, TX Snyder, TX
Lathrop, MO
Added $
Open
Time
Call-In #
8/30 Tue prior
6-9pm 9am-9pm
479-763-8699 682-500-2575
Tue prior
9am-9pm
903-754-1034
10/5
7pm
Assn/Event Lathrop Bull Bash / IMBA Built God Tough Roughstock Series TCJBR West Region Built God Tough Roughstock Series TCJBR West Region
OCTOBER Oct 10
Ambrose, GA
Ride RIght Roughstock / Little Crackers Mini Bulls
BUCKING BULL EVENTS AUGUST Aug 29
Decatur, TX
SEPTEMBER Sep 4-5 Archdale, NC Sep 4 Checotah, OK Sep 6 Loveland, CO Sep 12 Duncan, OK
8/10-8/17
ABBI
8/10-8/17 9/1 8/22-8/29 8/24-8/31
ABBI Bull Riders, Inc. Bull Teams ABBI / Buckers Unlimited ABBI
Text
918-605-6265 303-250-2821
Sep 19 Sep 25-26 Sep 26 Sep 26 Sep 26
Colome, SD Springfield, MO Castle Rock, CO Vinita, OK Las Vegas, NV
TBA 8/31-9/7
605-842-0915
TBA EC 9/11
Text / call 417-529-8453 Enter @ wsbbulls.com
ABBI / MBBA Finale ABBI (Classic) ABBI / Buckers Unlimited Finals ABBI / Evolution Bull Competitions ABBI / WSBBA Finals
OCTOBER Oct 10 Oct 10 Oct 17 Oct 31
Vinita, OK Attica, KS Vinita, OK Locust Grove, OK
TBA
Text / call 417-529-8453 Text / call 620-243-3043 Text / call 417-529-8453 918-869-2410
ABBI / Evolution Bull Comp. Finale ABBI Sanctioned ABBI / Evolution Bull Comp. Finale Bull Riders, Inc. Bull Teams
TBA 10/26
Events highlighted in yellow have ads in this issue of Humps N Horns for more information.
Humps-Horns.com · 27 · September 2020
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 · September 2020
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 STEPHENVILLE, TX - Young Arena, every Sunday 2:30pm (rain or shine). $5 at gate to ride as many as you want or to watch. Variety of bulls - beginners to rank. Young Arena Facebook page or call Mike Young 254-967-2313 NOCONA, TX - Locke Bucking Bulls, Call First, 940-872-0733
Livestock Layovers BATESVILLE, AR - James Bechdoldt, White River Rodeo, 870-307-9923
CLASSIFIEDS Livestock Layovers RAYMOND, IL - Randy Littrell, Shop Creek Cattle, 217-556-0551 MARYSVILLE, KS - Gary Hershey, 4H Bucking Bulls and Marysville Sale Barn, Call First, 785-292-4952 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 CLAYTON, NM - Justin Keeth, Lazy J 3 Bucking Bulls, 575-447-0877 BETHESDA, OH - 15 Miles off I-70, TCB Ranch, 304-281-4530 SOPER/HUGO, OK - RBL Rodeo Bulls, Anytime with 4-6 hours notice, 307-461-1741 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 DUBLIN, TX - Mike Godfrey, Godfrey 4X Cattle, 817-235-2852 MANSFIELD, TX - JC Knapp Ranch, JC Knapp Rodeo, 817-223-3692 MIDLAND, TX - Ted Norton, Norton Bucking Bulls, 432-413-8433 DECATUR, TX - Cullen Calame, Denton Creek Farms, 940-393-3730 SIMMS, TX - Near I-30 Texarkana, Wilburn Bucking Bulls, 863-381-2799
Livestock Layovers
Miscellaneous
CHEYENNE, WY - Floyd & Ann Thomas, TTnT Ranch, 307-778-8806
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 !!
School GARY LEFFEW BULL RIDING SCHOOL
Free bull riding tips on Facebook at Gary Leffew Bullriders Only. 14 World Champions and counting! Learn the guru’s winning techniques: Bull riding drills and mental tricks for a smokin’ hot career! FMI and to register for school, visit
RENOWNED HIGH QUALITY BULL ROPE DickCarrBullRopes.com, PO Box 18, Elk City, OK. 73648, 1-580-225-3208, Be Blessed. Custom Bull Ropes www.jwebullropes.com John Eddleman 575-388-3346
www.garyleffewsbullridingworld.com
2020 Schedule Greenville,TX - Sep 18-20 Elgin, IL - Oct 2-4 Cave Creek, AZ - Oct 16-18 Panguitch, UT- Oct 23-25 Greenville, TX - Nov 25-29 (R&B incl)
Humps-Horns.com · 29 · September 2020
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
Western Wanderings they call me peanut butter cowboy Some cowboys act real rough and tough They barely crack a smile They work real hard from dawn to dusk And travel many miles
It is a substance in a jar Golden, smooth and creamy A treat sent here from heaven above The taste is just quite dreamy
When they gather at the campfire And settle down to eat They’re tired and worn and prickly But then I bring a treat
I grab a spoon and dip it in And offer all a glob Smiles break out among the crew As sweetness does its job!
I ride into camp, and jump off my horse Taking saddle bags in hand I spin around and open them up To reveal something quite grand
That little bit of cowboy gold Is such a taste delight And when I share with all this treat There’s not a frown in sight!
By Kelly B. Robbins