PHOTOS COURTESY OF HENRY NAKAI - NAKAI PHOTOS, BLOOMFIELD, NM
The Southwest’s source for rodeo, roping & barrel racing news and information
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Wild Thing
2010 Wild Thing champion, Spud Jones sticking it on one for 90 points.
Rain or Shine – The Event That’s Unstoppable! It has become known that Gallup, New Mexico and the Wild Thing bull riding have the biggest and best fans in the country.
T
o prove it, this year’s event topped out with over 3,500 spectators on Friday night and more than $5,000, and close to 90% capacity on Saturday who watched the nights event in a steady downpour – now that is dedication. “I have never seen so many umbrellas in all my life,” said Wild Thing producer Larry Peterson. The rain did not stop this year’s fans, nor
Past Wild Thing champion and 2010 reserve champion, Ryan McConnel scored 88-points.
the ton of talented bull riders who came out to try to win part of the $24,000 in prize money. The July 9 and 10 event had riders from all across the country competing on one of the best pens of bucking bulls anywhere. From Sammy Andrews Rodeo Company’s first string, Owen Washburn’s top 12 bulls and Martin Baca’s top ten bulls, every contestant who nodded his head had a chance to fill his pockets if he could stay in the middle for eight ticks of the clock. The action was nowhere short of exciting on both Friday and Saturday nights. The first night was pleasant with a smaller crowd, good weather and a steady stream of talented cowboys making their bids for the top spot. Saturday turned grey and as spectators poured into the event, so did the rain. However, in great spirits,
those who hunkered down to enjoy the event witnessed lots of great muddy action in the arena. From the women’s balloon and sack races that helped entertain to high marked rides, the event showcased everything Wild Thing fans had come to enjoy. Some of the best in the business came to compete. From some of today’s top PBR talents to those who have seen the lights of Las Vegas and the PRCA National Finals Rodeo, the spectators had a chance to see a ton of today’s best bull riders in action. The bull rider on everyone’s mind to watch was last year’s Wild Thing winner and PBR sensation, Ryan McConnel. McConnel did his job of continued on page 2
2010 Wild Thing contestants bidding for their chance at fame.
August 2010 Volume 16 • Number 8 $2.00
For the past fifteen years, winners of the Wild Thing include Jim Bob Custer (1994), Shawn Ramirez (1995), Casey Payne (1996), Shane Thurston (1997), Daniel Mueller (1998 & 1999), Talmadge Langley (2000), Romeo Maryboy (2001), Darren Francis (2002), Matt Clouser (2003), Robertson Cody (2004 & 2005), Terry Minica (2006), Kevin Salazar (2007), Justin Howlett (2008), Ryan McConnel (2009) and this year’s champion, Spud Jones!