It’s more than a rodeo – it’s PBR BULLNANZA. And it’s CRAZY!! Seriously, crazy. These guys risk life and limb each time they enter the arena … and they love it! I’ve been to rodeos before, and admittedly, the bull riding competition is my favorite. And not just because these cowboys are donned in boots, chaps and cowboy hats, although that is reason enough. But it’s fast-paced, it’s exciting, and whether they actually manage to stay on for eight seconds so they can be scored, or not, we cheer for their effort, their technique, and their swagger.

Last night was Round I of this weekend event. Over 40 bull riders competed and the top 10 will return tonight to compete for the championship. Leading at the end of the evening was Cory Rasch, with a score of 89. The bull he rode was massive in size and strength, and at the end of the ride, he tore after one of the bullfighters and actually flipped him twice.

The reigning PBR World Champion, Guilherme Marchi, competed last night riding Tap Out, a huge bull that had never before been ridden. Marchi has won over $3 Million to date, but unfortunately, last night was not his night. He didn’t stay on long enough to be scored. That bull twisted and turned and jumped with all four feet off the ground. Marchi was no match for him and was quickly thrown.

It’s a family event, but it’s not for the faint of heart. The evening kicked off with an invocation and prayers were said for the safety of the riders and the animals. And the Edythe J. Hayes Middle School Chorus sang our National Anthem. The event also includes music, some entertaining banter between the announcer and the rodeo clown, and some pretty cool give-a-ways and promotions. But there’s real danger involved and I know of at least one rider last night who suffered a broken collar bone. Another one competed with a broken foot.

Most often, once a rider is thrown, the bull returns quickly to its pen. But not always. Sometimes they seek revenge and will go after the rider or after one of the bull fighters who are stationed on the floor to try to distract the bull from charging a thrown rider. And when that happens, the bull often succeeds. There is one cowboy on a horse who was kept busy last night lassoing wayward bulls. And many a men limped off the floor after they were thrown, tossed and chased by these bulls.

I enjoyed it much more than I had originally anticipated and the mutual respect between man and beast is evident. The finals begin at 8pm on Saturday, May 30. Tickets are still available, and if you don’t have yours yet, I encourage you to get one now. You won’t be sorry!

Guest Blogged by: Jana Curd