CBR Rolls Into College Station ,TX

The CBR Bull Bash rolls into College Station ,Texas on April 29th at 8 PM at Reed Arena at Texas A&M University. Reigning CBR/PRCA World Champion Matt Austin will be there as will 2000 PRCA World Champion Cody Hancock and 2004 PRCA World Champion Dustin Elliott and many more great cowboys as Jesse Schellhammer,Ronnie Kitchens,Texas A&M's Tate Stratton, Clayton Williams,B J Schumacher, and so many others barring injuries. Among the bulls  in the long go will be Mean Machine,Renegade,Choctaw,Baldy, Del Rio,Culpepper,Coyote Ugly,Orbit,Wampus Cat,Lil Wasp,Consider This,Ram Jam,Society's Child,Boobie Dance, Cha Ching,Predator and so many others. Great riders and great bulls from great contractors.Wish I had been able to get out there. Its sure going to be exciting.Ticket prices are $12,$25,$32 and $50. The host hotel is the Hilton-College Station and has a special CBR rate of $89/night.
After the CBR Bull Bash there will be an after event party at The Texas Hall od Fame with music by Texas Country Music Star Johnny Bush.
You can catch the CBR on Outdoor Channel TV three times/ week and they never get pre-empted  for hockey,football,races,etc.
One of the event's stars will be Tate Stratton  attends Texas A&M  in their Animal Science program.He graduated from Western Texas College with an associates degree and Magna Cum Laude honors in 2005.That is quite an achievement for anyone..He is currently ranked 12th in the PRCA and this boy can ride.I have seen Tate at PRCA and CBR events  and he is just a great guy with lots of guts and lots of heart.
Tate has long been a protégé of CBR President 4X WorldChampion Bull Rider Tuff Hedeman.He began his career at age eight   and Tuff was right there for instruction and guidance. I will have to check this out but would not be surprised to find out that  Tate was one of Tuff's mom's "boys" as she calls  young riders she tries to help.She lives in  Mexico and is very active in JR and high school rodeo.
Tate has won multiple New Mexico titles and the 2004 National Intercollegiate Rodeo Championship.
And do not forget .May 5&6 will be the dates for the CBR's Red Rock Championship Bull Riding.I attended it last year and  had planned to make the trip this year  but  may not be able to go . Between the cost of fuel today and having our own bulls at events out here I have had to curtail a lot of trips.Iwill have all the results though. Red Rock is a real bargain as tickets are only $16 for adults and $6 for children 6-12.Five and under are free(advance sale-$2 more at door).The CBR bullfighters and barrelman Rocket Ryan will sign autographs at  Rio West mall from 10 am - noon on May 6th while CBR President Tuff Hedeman and Pam Minick the greatest lady of rodeo broadcasting will sign at Gurley Motor Company from 1:pm -3PM.Judging from last year's crowd you ought to try and get there early.Lines stretched around the block at the showroom.While there try a Ford Focus.With today's gas prices its a great buy.I am on my second one now and am completely sold on the Focus.Ford has a real winner here.
There is a really cute piece on CBR bullfighter Matt Baldwin on PRCA's www.prorodeo.com entitled "Nutcase"{. Prior to his fighting bulls in the CBR Matt  spent a summer at Scott Littrell's Circle 13 both riding and bull fighting along with Scott's son Matt.I remembered Matt Baldwin from there when I met him on the CBR tour. Great guy and very talented bull fighter.He reminds me of Ronnie and Donnie Sparks.
I want to congratulate CBR National Sales Director Justin Monsen and his wife Diane on the birth of their second child, daughter Ellie Grace. Sometimes we don't say enough about the people behind the scenes but everyone who is part of the CBR  is great.They are caring people with lots of heart and I salute the behind the scene people today.
Terry Holland  has gone from the broadcast booth to judging events for the CBR while Andy Stewart  is their arena announcer now that Tuff  Hedeman and Jeff Medders  have taken over the broadcast positions.And Tuff really has been making some cute remarks  about the bulls and the riders.
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PBR News and Results

The PBR has had three more BFTS events since my last report . The Ty Murray Invitational was held in Albuqurque,NM the weekend of the  Circle 13 Bull Riding Clinic;and for the first time I missed seeing Ty's event as I was bucking my own bulls. I was glad to see that Sammy Andrews ,Tommy Tsosie and Caspar Baca all had bulls at Ty's event.
It was 24 year old Colby Yates(Ft .Worth) who won the event. He scored 88 points on Diamond S' Hoodlum in the first round to come in second behind Cody Whitney who scored 90.25 aboard 5G's Dash Cat.Cody faced off against Sammy Andrews' Bo's Excuse in the Mossy Oak Shoot Out  and failed to make the whistle.
Colby scored 86.25 aboard Clueless in round two and finished 7th in the round but bucked off of Tequila Magic in the third round.He entered the championship round in seventh place and like so many others in the past Colby had been riding well but was getting bucked off of his  short go bulls.His draw for the championship round was Diamond S's Cat Daddy who had bucked him off at another event.It was Colby who beat the odds here as he made a great ride for 90.75 to win the event.
Jared Farley and Edgard Oliviera tied for 3/4 in round one.Jared was second in the average while Edgard finished  sixth and round one winner Cody Whitney was third.
Round two was won by Jared Farley with 87.75 aboard Martin Baca's Speedy Gonzales.Farley faced Silverado Rodeo's Polywog in the Mossy Oak Shoot Out but was unsuccessful. Rookie Brian Canter was second aboard Tommy Tsosie's  T Bull with 87 points while finishing 7th in the event .Andre Moraes tied for third/fourth aboard Hart Cattle Company's Hillstreet ( 86.75) with Steven Shelley aboard Frontier Rodeo's Silent Angel.Andre was 10th in the event while Shelley didn't make the cut for the championship round.
Robson Palermo (Rhome ,TX) won round three aboard  Sammy Andrew's Rompus with 89.25 points while J.B. Mauney was second with 88.5 on Hebert's Shark.Luke Snyder was third with 88.25 aboard Diamond S' Gigilo.Brian Canter scored  88 on Bruce/Goodall's  Chicken Hawk to tie with Guilherme Marchi aboard Caspar Baca's Painted Wolf for 4/5 in the round. Its good to see Luke Snyder back in form.He finished 9th in the average.
Edgard Oliveira scored 91 aboard Jerry Nelson's Just A Dream in the short go and took top honors there. Colby Yates was second in the short go aboard Cat Daddy with 90.75 while Cody Whitney was third in the round with 84.5 aboard Shanghai. They were the only qualified rides in the round.
Kody Lostroh was fourth in the event while Matt Bohon was fifth.J.B. Mauney whom I met on the CBR tour was 8th.
Round two added more riders to the injury list as Dan Hendricks aggravated his elbow injury and is out of competition now.Dusty LaBeth fractured his femur and had to undergo surgery to place a rod inside the bone and will be out six months  while Sevi Torturo was stepped on and suffered two broken ribs. Although no injuries were reported for Friday's round Cody hart was stepped on and may have a broken ankle.
In more PBR news former General Hospital star Tava Smiley seems to have failed as the replacement for the much loved  and respected Leah Garcia. Smiley made the character of Chloe Morgan come alive for GH fans and they all felt bad when her character was killed off. No such feelings here as PBR fans wish OLN could get Leah back.And now the big news-why Smiley as a replacement? The perennial thorn in the side who has now been given the boot Brett Haber  brought her aboard. Now with both gone maybe ,just maybe if they ask nicely our Leah would return.Meanwhile Craig Hummer has been filling in and Craig is good but  the broadcast team has always had a female interviewer and  it really needs Leah back.Wish NBC would replace  Kenny Rice with Hummer though.
According to Josh Peters Randy Bernard acted like John Kerry on the Smiley issue. Randy ,probably remembering the first  fiasco with a replacement for Pam Minick raised concerns when OLN said they were hiring Smiley.When OLN firmly decreed it was to be Smiley as the interviewer to keep peace Randy  diplomatically defended her lack of abilities. Now that she is gone Randy no longer needs to defend her.Again if this reeks of Kerryism do not forget as CEO Randy has to keep peace  with OLN .
The next event was the Niles Invitational held in Billings,Mont. Rookie Brian Canter  won his first BFTS event in yet another three round event.I saw Brian ride on the CBR tour last year and was impressed.He was compared to Lane Frost in style but  at 5'3" reminded me of Chris Shivers when I first saw him ride in high school rodeo with Andy Stewart doing the announcing.
Kody Lostroh won round one aboard Sankey's Coyote with 86.25 points. Chad Denton was second in the first round with 86 points on Diamond S/Jaynes Gang's Black Willy.Travis Briscoe scored 85 on Diamond S' Hoodlum and Brian Canter was 4th on Berger/Whitford's Big Mack with 83.75 points .Kody failed to ride the Mossy Oak Shoot Out bull Dr.Proctor.
Brian Canter won round two with 88 points aboard Doug Butcher's Navajo  and took the lead in the event.He was unable to make the whistle on Shallow Hal in the Mossy Oak Shoot Out.
Cody Whitney is riding hot this season and he was second in the round with86.75 points aboard Berger Bucking Bull's Caramel Corn. Cord mcCoy was third with 86.5 aboard another great berger bull Peacemaker while Chris Shivers was 4th on Diamond S' Hot Diggity with 86.25.Somehow I cannot get used to this new point system;and frankly I don't like it.
Round two had its share of injuries with newcomer Justin Koon out for a possible 6 weeks with a separated right shoulder.Fellow newbie  Rusty Patrick sprained his neck and was doubtful to compete while yet another rookie Matt P injured his right elbow and thumb.Colby Yates re-injured his right shoulder.
Chad Denton won round three with 88 on Chad Berger/Chad Weishuhn's Kamo Kat.Canter made a good choice opting for a reride when  Big John had a bad trip.Canter scored 86.25 aboard Berger/Ryken/Smith's What About Me and finished tied for 2/3  in the round with Colby Yates aboard Navajo.Fourth in the round wasTravis Briscoe with 85.5 on Dippity Doo. Steven Shelley's87.25 ride on  C&H's Stoney was the only qualified ride in the short go..Brian Canter now has his first event win  while Marcello Cruz was second in the event.Jody Newberry finished  third with Chad Denton 4th. Steven Shelley was 5th,Gerardo Venegas 6th,Travis Briscoe 7th,Cody Whitney 8th,Jared Farley 9th and Guilherme Marchi 10th.
More injuries were :Jared Farley - strained groin andAdriano Moraes - strained right hip.I hate to hear that as Adriano has been in first in the standings.get well soon guys.

Detroit results to follow.

Circle 13 Bull Riding Clinic

There were definitely future stars of bull riding present at the Circle 13 Bull riding Clinic held March 31st and April 1st in Denmark ,TN. Between the bulls and the riders present there was so much “heart” exhibited that it was phenomenal. I have attended other schools but never have seen the positive atmosphere as I did here. There were no quitters! Neither was there negative feedback. Riders were shown errors in such a positive way that they could only feel like trying harder. Matt Littrell ,an accomplished rider and also bullfighter knows the value of positive reinforcement and proved to be a good instructor while carrying on the tradition his dad , Scott Littrell, rodeo stock contractor and General Manager of the American Bullriding Association taught him.

This has become an annual event at the Littrell’s ranch with the entire family taking part in the clinic though this year daughter Morgan barely had time to show up due to her heavy schedule at college. Terry Littrell is the event and clinic secretary while younger son Marv who helped out in the arena and during the clinic is now a stock contractor on his own . And it was great to see former rodeo promoter Pete DeLoach.He was there celebrating his birthday.

The clinic really started with a bang as severe thunderstorms rolled through the area on Friday afternoon. As we traveled there along I-40 we hit gully washer downpours with hail and lots of thunder and lightning. Fortunately the only Tornado we saw was the four legged kind-our own TN Tornado who we were transporting to Circle 13 along with his sons Cat Five Hurricane and TN Two Hawks. The rain was over by the time we arrived and the cowboys were going over drills with Matt and Scott. Terry Littrell made photographer Teri Lann, her son Nathan and myself comfortable in the house as we waited for the riders and bulls to get ready for the first riding workout in the arena.It was good to sit and talk with Terry.

It was great seeing all the positive effort these riders put into their practice. Steven Davis from Martin, TN was the first one out aboard our own Cat Five Hurricane and stayed on him for 6 leaps. He was followed by Tony Schuller aboard Two Hawks who unloaded Tony on his second leap. Then came their daddy the TN Tornado who is about 300 pounds over his bucking weight and Tornado gave Carl Klouse a loping buck in the mud for a good confidence building ride. Circle 13’s Golddigger came out with Robert Millholland aboard and proved its not just the riders who are future stars here. The bull bucked hard in a straight line for seven jumps before Robert came down. Blayne Hayse who is only $600 shy of filling his PRCA permit was the next out on White Demon who faked left seven loping leaps then faked right then faked left. Evan Garner drew Joker’s Wild who faked left then faked right getting Evan off on the seventh jump. Tornado came back out with Brad Williams aboard. The bull faked right then turned back to the left in a loping buck and it was another confidence builder. Brock Hayse got too far back on his pockets as Cat Five Hurricane took three jumps to the left; and Brock was in the mud. Circle 13’s Git R Done bucked straight left with Billy Summers aboard and then stopped.

TNT Dynamite is a typical Plummer. He bucked hard as he took three jumps out then faked left to get Jeremiah Melson off early. Now don’t forget this was not an event but the first riding drill of the clinic and we were already seeing some good form in the riders and some hard bucking in the young bulls.

Brad Williams came back out aboard Two Hawks who took five hard bucks out straight with lots of kick getting Brad down early. Tony Schuller was a little sore after coming off of Two Hawks earlier and turned out Tornado who was getting lazy in the chute. The riders were allowed ask for certain bulls and it was Hurricane again with Jeremiah Melson who made it seven strong leaps.J6 Jordan’s Pet was awful in the chute and a real challenge once the gate opened He had Steven Davis off on the second jump as he beat him out of the gate with lots of power and kick.

We missed part of Saturday’s early riding drill session but got there in time to see Carl Townsend come down early off of #33 who took two leaps out of the chute then turned left. Billy Summers came out on Joker’s Wild who bucked straight five leaps then turned left to get Billy off. Blayne Hayse drew Boo who faked right then faked left then faked right and left again with good action.Blayne made a good ride and we wish him well in the PRCA.Hope to see him at some Xtreme Bulls Tour events..

Tornado just loped across the arena in that loping buck with Steve Davis aboard.

Watch for #21 Black Jack! This bull is going to be a star. This small black bull not only bucks hard but leaps with all four off of the ground. He went airborne then bucked to the left with Brad Williams aboard. Evan Garner made a good ride aboard Get You Some who bucked to the left along the rail with good kicking action.

Brad Williams came back on Two Hawks who took four strong leaps with high kicking to get Brad off. The next bull out was unnamed and I told Scott he ought to call him Texas Hold Em.Jeremiah Melson was aboard and the bull took a hop skip jump and then stumbled and Jeremiah was down. Kyle Townsend went out on Snowman who took four hop, skip and jump leaps to get Kyle down. Kyle asked if he could try Tornado again and we said okay and Tornado loped out with lots of power but Kyle made the ride. The guys stopped the drills then as they had a jackpot bull riding that night. They went through some more balance drills and watched the videos of the rides.

Aside from the practice on the bulls Matt had led the riders through drills aboard a Mighty Bucky and also aboard horses bareback for balance. Photographer Teri Lann and I were surprised when her son Nathan took right to riding Mighty Bucky like a pro.I think he has been bitten by the bull riding bug! The first time aboard his dad had him and his younger brothers on backwards so they could hold onto the bucking pole. The second time aboard Matt Littrell had Nathan sit the right way and Nathan had perfect upper body and free arm motion. I think Matt and Scott have turned an “I don’t ever want to ride a bull” boy into” I might decide to be a bull rider “ boy!

The actual bull riding began at 7PM.Brock Hayse became the first rider to ever ride Cat Five Hurricane; and Hurricane had bucked them all off on The Young Guns Tour last year in Kentucky. Hurricane made eight good leaps and Brock rocked a little side to side but scored 67.

Brad Williams came out on Two Hawks who took three high jumps to dust the rider. I didn’t catch the name of the third bull out that Evan garner drew but he took two leaps out then spun to the left and threw Evan off into the gate.

Jeremiah Melson drew Boo who faked right then faked left then took three jumps forward then faked right again and it would have made a good ride but Jeremiah touched the bull with his free arm and was disqualified. Steven Davis drew Black Jack who took two jumps out to the left with lots of action to toss Steven off. I really like this bull and I think he will be a real star. TNT Dynamite took two leaps straight out of the chute then faked right ,faked left faked right and faked left again as Blayne Hayse scored 72.

Golddigger had Robert Millholland off at 6.2 and his 4th jump as he bucked out straight with belly rolls.

What was unusual in this bull riding was that the riders were allowed to choose the bulls and the riders also scored the rides. Because of this Cat Five Hurricane got the nod again with Tony Sellars aboard. Hurricane circled left with lots of kick and had Tony off by the fifth buck. He then did something he never has done before-he cleaned the arena out. He is not used to being rode and I think that made him mad! Carl Townsend drew Snowman who took one leap out then made one spin to the left then jumped out of it and bucked straight left getting Townsend down early.

Carl Klouse drew another of Scott’s bulls that I think will go far-Super Dave. Super Dave took four strong leaps out straight before turning to the left in a loping buck and Carl scored 71. Congrats to new daddy Billy Summers. He drew 49 percent who took two leaps to the left then reversed right in a circle to buck Billy off.

Tony Sellars hit his head hard when Git R Done took two hard leaps out and threw him to the ground. Toad Frog had Steven Davis off as he reversed sharp right and dunked his head down after three leaps straight left. Brad Williams got a reride as Star came out on his knees and fouled. Brad got a reride on the same bull. I missed the name of the next bull who took two leaps out with belly rolls to get Robert Millholland down. Evan Garner drew Jordan’s Pet who had good action and took one leap out then two bucks to the left and sent Garner off over his horns. Jack Hammer was turned out as his rider injured his leg.

I have to say Scott Littrell is a good arena announcer. He even has a Jay Leno side when he picks on people. He gets the audience involved and to be honest with Scott announcing you don’t need a funny barrel man! Scott handles it all!

Lower tier PBR rider Altus Dieterheim and his wife were here and Altus helped out. Hopefully he will make it to the BFTS soon.NFB rider Billy Joe Berry was also here helping out.

Carl Klouse drew Recon who took two leaps out with lots of action but fouled himself at the gate and Carl was awarded a reride. Blayne Hayse drew Prince Albert who has lots of power and elevation. He faked left then faked right then circled around to the right.Blayne scored 77 and had 149 on two. Brad Williams took his reride on Star who bucked left but flat and then bucked straight down the arena. Brad scored 64.

Super Dave finally proved himself. He took two leaps straight out then went into a fast right spin and beat Jeremiah Melson around the corner. Brock Hayse bucked off as the bull he drew(some of the bulls are unnamed)after two loping leaps. Billy Summers hurt his knee when the bull landed on it in round one .he was the rider who turned Jack Hammer out. Carl Klouse got his reride aboard Beevis who has bucked in the PBR with Junk Bull Rodeo Company. The bull took two very strong leaps out and had Carl off.

Blayne Hayse won the event with 149 on two while Carl Klouse was second with 71 . Brock Hayse was third with 67 and Brad Williams was fourth with 64.

Blayne Hayse broke his arm when he came off of Prince Albert

After the event we all gathered back at the ranch house where they held the awards ceremony. Special thanks was given to Wayne Elison who cooked the meals served all weekend. That man makes a great barbecue and his sauce is to die for. Marv Littrell and Norman Totten were thanked for bringing their bulls while Matt Littrell and Brent Sisco were thanked for their bullfighting efforts. Teri Lann was acknowledged for her photography and Scott had to tell all about her great country music singing talents. Terry Littrell was thanked for her work as secretary.

The riders voted for the awards. Top Hand went to Mississippi and Dave Miller. Top bullfighter went to Matt Littrell.Most improved rider was Tony Sellers Jeremiah Melson and Kyle Townsend didn’t receive awards but they are expected to do really well.]

Pictures from the event will post shortly.

It was a great weekend and the most positive bull riding clinic I have ever attended. Circle 13 currently has a Thursday night practice pen going on so if you are in the area contact Scott ,Terry or Matt Littrell at :1 -731-424-1296.

 

NAIS-The Raw Deal by Tina Bloom

The following is  an article posted by Tina Bloom and I invite all comments.This is an issue that effects everyone as it is not only an invasion of privacy but  an isssue if implemented that will drive prices for the end products way up.Please read this carefully.

 

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>> NAIS the Real Deal
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>> The National Animal Identification System is being developed for all animals that will benefit from rapid trace backs in the event of a disease concern. Currently, working groups comprised of industry and government representatives are developing plans for cattle, swine, sheep, goats, horses, poultry, bison, deer, elk, llamas, and alpacas.
>> ( Information provided by http://animalid.aphis.usda.gov/nais/about/index.shtml )
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>> In retrospect NAIS might sound like a good idea, however the burden put on the livestock producers, hobby farmers, FFA and 4-H kids might make you take another look. Along with the burden on these people you also have to take a closer look and see that NAIS also violates several Constitutional Rights.
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>> The main focus of the NAIS program is to get every single animal registered into a National Database, so that the government can track every animal’s movement. The burden is on the producer who must pay to get the premises registered, pay to get animals tagged/chipped, pay for a RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) reader, pay a yearly premise feeand pay for the paperwork involved in all of this and to do their own paperwork involved.
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>> Did you know that every time your animal leaves your property, commingles with animals from another property, and/ or enters another property this has to be reported within 48 hours? You will need the date, time, ID number of the animals, your premises ID, and the premises ID of the property the animals have been transported to, and the commingling of livestock; while the person who owns the property that the animals have been transported also needs to report. There is also a fee associated with reporting an animal’s movement; while there is also a $1,000.00 per day fine for non-compliance with the NAIS program. So if you find that your livestock have gone on a walkabout to the neighbors, both you and your neighbors will have to report to the USDA(United States Department of Agriculture).
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>> This is going to be a nightmare for people who compete, show, or have pleasure animals. The show staff will need a separate secretary just to handle the NAIS reports. So will the people who travel with their animals.
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>> Imagine how much this is going to cost the consumer. With the cost of tagging animals, paying for the RFID reader, extra time spent doing paperwork, and the time spent making sure where the animals are will drive up the price of meat and dairy products. Basically the more it costs to raise the animal the more the consumer is going to have to pay for the product. Taxpayers need to think about this also; the Government has 33 billion of our tax dollars tied up in this program already. BSE (3 cases) and Hoof and Mouth disease (no documented cases in the U.S. after 1929) are not relevant concerns strong enough to necessitate this program. Neither is the bird flu because, this disease is also carried by migrating wild birds, not just our domesticated birds.
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>> Also NAIS is unconstitutional as it violates several of our rights beginning with the First Amendment: Many Christians (as well as persons of other religious beliefs) cannot comply with the Department's proposed program because it violates their First Amendment right to free exercise. For example, the Old Order Amish believe they are prohibited from registering their farms or animals in the proposed program due to, inter alia, Scriptural prohibitions. Fourth Amendment: The NAIS program proposes surveillance on all properties that have livestock and every single animal has to be tagged/chipped with a RFID. Fifth and Fourteenth: NAIS is the first attempt by the federal government at forced registration in a huge, permanent federal database of individual citizens' property (the property where animals are kept) and personal property (the animals) ( Information Provided by http://reliableanswers.com/politics/nais.asp )
>> So you may ask “What does NAIS have to do with bull riding or rodeo?” Like any other cattle producer or horse breeders, the owners of those animals will have to have a premises ID (so will the properties that hold events), RFID tag/chip all their animals, and file daily reports on their animals movements. That means that there will have to be a separate person at events to just process the NAIS paperwork. The owners of the livestock might even have to hire aseparate person to report to the USDA for their own operations. What this means is more time doing paper work, less time working on their stock, and more money out of pocket for the livestock owners. Then it comes down to the fans. If NAIS gets implemented then it will cost more to put on a bull riding or rodeo, so ticket prices will go up.
>> In conclusion, the only people who are going to benefit from this program are the U.S. Government, and the businesses that manufacture the RFID tags/chips and readers. I also do not understand how the Government can expect to keep track of the billions of livestock in this country when they can barely keep track of a piece of mail, shipping container, illegal aliens, ect.
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>> NOTE: I am just trying to spread the word on NAIS if you would like more information please contact me off list at twinpinesmt@yahoo.com Also if you forward on this article please give me credit for writing it. Thank you. Tina Bloom, Montana Rancher

 

Youth Featured Rider-Will Gore

Youth Rodeo Featured Rider
Thirteen year old Will Gore from Mayfield ,KY began mutton bustin' at age two.At seven he was riding steers and added young bulls to that at age eight. He entered Jr. Rodeo at age six where he did Mutton Bustin' ,Steer Riding,Bareback Bronc and Chute Doggin'(first on calves ,now on steers)This is a real all around prospect who has been to the National Finals
His first year steer riding he finished third in KY and took 1st his next year.He also was first in steer riding  in his third and fourth year.He was third in his first year of bull riding.
At age eight Will made it to the National Finals of Little Britches Rodeo where he was third in bull riding and 1st in bareback.Although he confessed to me that bareback was his first choice  he is only riding bulls and chute dogging this year. He went to the MS. Finals and made it to the National Finals by that route.He was 8th in the world  in bull riding and 3rd in bareback.He would love to be another Ty Murray.
At the 2005 KY Jr.rodeo Finals  Will was 3rd in bull riding,1st in bareback bronc and 2nd in saddle bronc.He told me "I'm just kicking butt in bronc riding.Not doing too good in bull riding." as if 3rd is bad! Will has a great smile and is loaded with personality.His smile reminds me of Tuff Hedeman. Will went on to say"At the National Finals I bucked off of all my bulls. I want to be a stock contractor or a bull fighter if I can't make it as a bull rider. Lane Frost and Tuff Hedeman are my heroes."
Will took a break from the action at the season's end and now is back riding.He was second in his first event in Richmond,KY two weeks ago.His friend Steven Back was first.
Will won all around two years in a row and he is aiming  for more titles.

Wiley Petersen Wins BFTS's Omaha,Neb.Event

Wiley Petersen Wins BFTS Omaha,Neb. Event
I am thrilled that my Shoshone-Bannock friend Wiley Petersen won this event.its been a real drought for Wiley lately and hopefully this is the start of a hot event winning streak.This is his first event win since winning four in 2004 and my husband and I witnessed them in person. Wiley was the only rider in Omaha to cover  three bulls in the event.
JW Hart took round one with 88.5 on Frontier Rodeo's King's Court while Dusty LaBeth was second with 87.75 aboard Doug Joseph's Evil Forces. Wiley was third in the round with 86.75 on Berger's Spaghetti.Sean Willingham scored 86.5 aboard Page and Teague's Mossy Oak Break-Up..Hart faced Shallow Hal in the Mossy Oak Shoot Out and failed to make a qualified ride.
Dan Henricks scored 88.75 aboard Squirt Gun  to win round two while Matt Bohon  scored 85 points on Berger/Ryken's Big Red for second place.
Austin Meier who I got to know on the CBR and Xtreme Bulls tour was third with84.75 aboard Berger /Gunderson/Whitford's Big Mack and Corey Navarre was 4th aboard Dixie Chicken with 83.25.
Wiley took a page out of Matt Austin's playbook in this event as he proved that you do not have to win a round to win an event.Just ride every bull and make a good score.
Matt Bohon won the championship round with a great 91.5 ride aboard Berger/Ryken/Loe's Palace Station Deuces Wild.He took over the lead with 176.5 on two head. Wiley was the 12th to ride  and he faced Page and Teague's Bo Time who had unseated Wiley last year in Reno. Wiley rode Bo Time jump for jump and made no mistakes this time while earning a score of 89.25 which would eventually give him the event title.
Sevi Torturo scored 91 on P&T's Red One  and was second in the round Wiley was third and Hugo Pedrero scored 88.5 on Hebert's Shane  to place fourth.
In the overall standings Wiley won the event with 255.75 while winning $28,136. Matt Bohon was second  while Sevi Torturo was third .Brian Herman was fourth. Adriano still leads the standings with Mike Lee right behind.
Jason Bennett dislocated his shoulder and cannot compete.JW Hart has a possible fractured ankle and is questionable for  Albuquerque while Cody Whitney has a possible sprained neck .Cody was not listed on the PBR's latest injury updates.

PBR Event Results And News

Recent PBR News
Congratulations to PBR World Champion Justin McBride and his lovely wife Jill on the birth of their new baby girl.She was born on March 20th at 8:09 am and weighed 8 pounds 2 ounces while measuring 19 3/4 inches long .According to Justin's web site both Jill and  Addisen Claire are doing great.
The PBR has so many events  at this time of year that I am going to summarize the past few BFTS events.Mike Lee is on a roll and he won his third event
title as the PBR roared through  Kansas City ,Mo. with the Cabella's Classic event March 10-12.Mike was the only man to ride all four bulls, and was in the lead going into the short go.He  scored 89.25 aboard Page and Teague's Holy Moly who took two leaps out  of the chute then spun  to the left before reversing back right.Mike  is always very focused an he has his eye on another title.
Jason Bennett won the first round with 91 points aboard Diamond S ' Cat Daddy.Cody Whitney was right behind him in second with 88.25 aboard Berger/Ryken/Loe's Palace Station Deuces Wild.Sean Willingham scored 87  aboard Frontier Rodeo's Silent Angel and was third while Dan Henricks scored 86.75 on the Berger /Ryken bull Dixie Chicken. Bennett faced Frontier's  Rocket Man in the Mossy Oak Shoot Out  but failed to ride him.
Travis Briscoe and Mike White tied  at 89.5  to top  round two.It was Briscoe on Dixie Chicken while Mike White scored aboard the Berger/Ryken /Loe bull Gold Ball Wine. Chris Shivers tied for 3/4  with Luke Snyder.Chris was 89 aboard Chad Berger/ Larry Ryken's Peanuts while Luke scored 89 aboard their Rockin Robin. As previously reported it was during the Mossy Oak Shoot Out aboard the bull we all knew as Leroy that Mike White broke his back.The bull who now is Bill and Betty Morrison/Page and Teague's  had his name changed to The Boogerman which certainly fits. Mike is recuperating at home and we wish him well.
Matt Bohon won round three aboard Lemmon's Splat Kat  with 90.25.I have to say I really don't like this quarter point system and having an extra judge has not helped  to end the catching the loop controversy!
Greg Potter was second aboard Haines/Owen' Pandemonium with 88.75 while Brian Herman was 88 aboard Frontier Rodeo's White Line Fever. Jody Newberry was fourth aboard Stokesbury/Thorsell/Owen's Freightliner with 86.75.They beat me to the punch with that name as my husband's rig is a Freightliner.
It was Brian Canter  who won the championship round with 91 points on Page and Teague's Hear's Your Sign.Mike Lee was second aboard their Holy Moly with 89.25. The overall finish was:1) Mike Lee (Decatur, Texas) 341.5 points, $41,744; 2) Brian Canter (Randleman, N.C.) 258 points, $18,290; 3) Guilherme Marchi (Leme, Sao Paulo, Brazil) 248.25 points, $9,124; 4) Jason Bennett (Honeygrove, Texas) 177.25 points, $8,130.
Adriano Moraes remains in first place in the standings ahead of Mike Lee  withGuilherme marchi third and Chris Shivers fourth.
And for those who thought Jerry Nelson had too many bulls at Tuff Hedeman's  Championship Challenge (CBR) in Ft.Worth this weekend-best look at how heavy the KC bullpen was with Page and Teague  bulls. And it was a Page and Teague bull-Red One-who won the Salem National Lease's Bonus.Teague owns the trucking company Salem Nat'l. Lease so to those  who complained about Jerry need I say more!
There were quite a few injuries aside from Mike White.Bowdy Peach has a groin tear and will be out 4-6 weeks while Ross Coleman had a severe concussion with loss of consciousness and will miss 4-6 weeks also.
And if I neglected to mention it  Brett Haber is gone for good! His  crass remarks  when he thought his mike was off about Herman and also his later bad taste remark  made when Willy Ropp lay unconscious on the arena floor added fuel to the fire.No concern for the rookie was shown.Haber was mad that the event would be delayed and cause him to miss his red-eye flight back to D.C.If OLN had listened to the fans back in 2003 and certainly by 2004  Haber would have been gone along time ago. They even ignored fan petitions to remove him .
Sean Willingham won his third event title of the season at Tacoma,WA.Previously Sean had won  the Portland ,Oregon and Reno ,Nevada events; and is having a great season.Like two years ago Adriano Moraes remains in first  ahead of Mike Lee in the standings in spite of nagging injuries.
Willingham edged out Jody Newberry for the event title by just 3.25 points.It was Sean's great 91 point ride aboard Kelly Bowcutt's Scream that clinched the victory.Jody rode Corey and Horst's Patient for 86 points which was not enough. Dustin Hall bucked off of Paradise Farms Rodeo Genetics' Jeopardy  which  ended the round.So far only Mike Lee and Chris Shivers had won three events so far this season.The win shot Willingham up to 4th place in the standings.
Cody Whitney won round one with 89.75 aboard Flying U/Moreno's Werewolf Snuff but bucked off of their great Reindeer Dippin in the Mossy Oak Shoot Out at 7.7 -a real heartbreak for Cody but a lesson to the naysayers on Josh Peters' blog who have given Reno Rosser a hard time.Love ya Cody but love Reindeer too! Montgomery County,TN's Cory Rasch made an eventful comeback by finishing second on C&H's 3 Spot with 88.25 points while Cord McCoy was third with 87.5 on Johnny Hoyle's Tar Baby.  Dustin Hall tied with Dusty LaBeth for 4/5  with 87.Cord rode  Mike Solomon's Ditto while Dusty rode Bowcutt's Pistol Case.
JW Hart won round two with 89 aboard Diamond G's Whompin Willow while Corey Navarre was second with 88 aboard Ditto.Adriano Moraes scored 86.75 aboard Diamond G's White Rose for thirdwhile Jody Newberry was 4th aboard Paleface. with 86.
Sean Willingham topped the event and championship round with his 91 points aboard Scream.Kody Lostroh was second in the round and third in the average with 88.25 aboard Diamond G's Orange Crush Jr. Francisco Felix was third with 86.5 aboard PFRG's Camo and 4th in the average. Jody Newberry was 4th in the round with 86 on C&H's Patient and second in the average.
No sooner did Cory Rasch make his comeback then he was sidelined again. On Saturday he aggravated his right shoulder injury and will be out for an indeterminate length of time with a strained right rotator cuff. Travis Briscoe injured his left elbow (riding arm) and will not be riding at Ty's event.He is out for an indeterminate length of time.
Luke Snyder broke his right fibula  but is competing.
Rookie Matt Pojanowski sustained a concussion with a loss of consciousness and is out of action.
Willy Ropp is out with a deep thigh bruise.