Louisiana Natives Headline Tuff Hedeman Bull Riding in Bossier

Eldorado Resort Casino Tuff Hedeman Bull Riding presented by Landers Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram

BOSSIER CITY -Two National Finals Rodeo qualifiers who call the Bayou State home will be returning to their native state for one night only as they hope to tap the hometown advantage atmosphere while trying to win the Eldorado Resort Casino Shreveport Tuff Hedeman Bull Riding held February 2 at the Century Link Center in Bossier City.

“Koby Radley and Dustin Boquet are premier athletes from Louisiana and you won’t want to miss the opportunity to see them ride - if you didn’t make it to the NFR in Vegas where the ticket prices are high, you will see several world champions and at least 9 NFR guys right here in Bossier,” said Hedeman. 

Louisiana bull rider and NFR qualifier Koby Radley who grew up in Louisiana hopes Bossier will be a hometown advantage in Bossier. Radley finished 2018 10th in the PRCA World Standings..

The pioneer behind the sport of professional bull riding, 4-Time World Champion and Pro Rodeo Hall of Famer Tuff Hedeman, brings backs his two hour signature three round tournament style bull riding event to North Louisiana where he showcases the industry’s top 24 ranked bull riders for a one night only performance which tests their skills against the highly-skilled animal athletes.

Bullfighters Only Champions Bryce Redo and Beau Schueth provide cowboy protection as the Tuff Hedeman Bullfighers in Bossier.

The Pro Rodeo Hall of Famer has lined up the roster of World Champions and Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (NFR) athletes to compete for the second stop on his national tour, the Eldorado Resort Casino Shreveport Tuff Hedeman Championship.

“This is family fun entertainment and no bull riding experience or knowledge is necessary to enjoy this high energy adrenaline rush show, said Hedeman.

FOR THE KIDS - Stick Bull Riding – Your budding rodeo star can enter the stick bull riding for a chance to compete on a stick bull on the floor of the main arena prior to the show. Entries earn prizes and the champion wins a Tuff Hedeman trophy buckle. Enter by emailing stickbullrider@aol.com.

SPECIAL GUEST

Stoney LaRue will be Tuff’s special guest and he will be in concert on the arena floor immediately following the bull riding. LaRue has sold over one million records over his career and plays 200-plus shows a year and is known and loved for his real life, thinking man’s music.

TICKETS

Tickets are available online at Ticketmaster or Tuffhedemanbullriding.com, and in person at the CenturyLinkCenter box office, 200 CenturyLink Drive, Bossier, La., 71112

With 30 years of bull riding history on his resume, Hedeman is one of the most recognizable cowboys in the history of rodeo and bull riding, but he defers to the young superstars like Radley and Boquet as the best bull riding talent he has seen in recent years.

Tuff Hedeman Returns to Bossier with his signature 3 round 24 man Invitation only bull riding

You and your family will enjoy top-shelf entertainment including the Tuff Hedeman Bullfighters, grand pyrotechnics introductions, and great family fun entertainment from leading entertainers in a jammed packed two-hour adrenaline rush show.

Doors will open at 6:00 p.m. for ticket holders to enjoy the pre-event activities on the concourse including great food, cold beer, shopping and autograph opportunities.

Hedeman and bull riders will be at Landers in Bossier on Saturday, Feb. 2 from 11 am - 2 pm

MEET THE HEDEMAN AND THE COWBOYS

Friday, Feb. 1

6 - 8 pm               Tuff Hedeman Meet and Greet with Bull Riders at the Eldorado Resort Casino Hotel Clyde Fant Parkway, 451 Clyde Fant Pkwy, Shreveport, LA 71101, 877-613-0711

Saturday, Feb. 2

11 am – 2            Tuff Hedeman Meet and Greet with Bull Riders, Landers Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram Dealership - 2701 Benton Rd, Bossier City, LA 71111

2 pm – 4 pm        Tuff Hedeman Meet and Greet with Bull Riders,   Cavenders Boot City, Shreveport location - 7580 Youree Dr, Shreveport, LA 71105   

Tickets are available at the CenturyLink Center Box Office located at ground level across from parking lot A on the Northwest side of the arena.  The Box Office is open Monday – Friday from 9:30 am – 4:30 pm. Patrons may purchase tickets in person during these times or 24-7 online at Ticketmaster.com.  For more information, interviews and media credentials, please contact Leigh Ann Schroeder, 940.902.1112 or tuffhedemanpr@gmail.com.

JT Moore Rides Three to Win Season Opener in Hobbs

JT Moore earns 89 points on Hou Did He Buck (Dennis Davis/Gem) in the final four Shoot Out Round of the Hobbs Tuff Hedeman Bull Riding.

Hobbs Tuff Hedeman Bull Riding Tour at the Lea County Events Center

HOBBS, New Mexico – Two familiar sparring partners faced off on the arena floor when 23-year-old JT Moore made a big move in front of a packed house to stay on top of Hou Did He Buck for 89 points in the Shoot Out round to win the annual Hobbs Tuff Hedeman Bull Riding (THBRT). 

 "I am extremely blessed and got on some great bulls here tonight, I would not want to be anywhere else than here, thank you Tuff, and I want to thank Jesus Christ, my savior for allowing me to do this, all the glory to God first," said an emotional Moore as he accepted his first THBRT event win check and custom trophy buckle from Hedeman.

Fans were watching the Tuff Hedeman Bull Riding Tour streaming live for the first time on TuffRideTV.com, witnessed Moore execute a perfect 3 for 3 night outlasting thirty of the industry's top competitors collecting $26,625, the largest win check of his young career.

Moore added he plans to let the winnings bankroll his dream of becoming a World Champion bull rider.

Moore, one of three riders to hear the whistle on all three bulls, thrilled the rowdy crowd at the Lea County Events center edging out veteran rider Jeff Askey when they both posted 89 points in the final round. THBRT rules defer to the back judge in the event of a tie, and Moore received the higher score and was declared the 2019 Hobbs Tuff Hedeman Bull Riding Champion.

 Moore, a former CPRA and UPRA champion, began his career riding sheep and progressed to the pro events thru the ranks of junior and youth rodeo. He is a three-time Region 7 Texas High School bull riding champion, and in addition to the THBRT, he is currently riding in the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. 

On a night where the bull riders were in control and in hot pursuit of the biggest payout on the THBRT, the fans enjoyed 22 qualified rides from forty-eight outs. Hedeman’s two-hour adrenaline rush bull riding has entertained west Texas fans for nine years with the sidesplitting humor of barrel man JJ Harrison, Stick Bull Riding Championships, t-shirt throws, and this year an emotional moment of recognition for Patriot U.S. Marine Veteran Justin Rokohl, who lost both legs in service to our country.

The Hobbs THBRT produced by 4-time World Champion bull rider and pro rodeo hall of Famer Tuff Hedeman featured a field of 30 elite bull riders including World Champions and 12 PRCA NFR qualifiers.

 "The fans here are awesome, and they love watching bull riding…you can't beat the atmosphere, they are knowledgeable about the sport, from the introductions to the last rider they are as loud as you can ask for and it's always fun to come here," said Hedeman who transitioned from riding to producing when he retired from riding in 1998. 

“For me transition from retiring as a cowboy athlete was easy because I went from competing to producing and I love both, I put the same amount of effort and energy into producing events as I did while I was competing. I love coming back to Hobbs, I grew up coming here and have a lot of friends here, it was a great night night,” said Hedeman.

 ROUND ONE

 The bull riders came ready to ride and posted 13 qualified rides in the opening round. The first gunner Juan Alonzo opened up the round and the event with an 87.5 ride on Nightmare (Richardson Land & Cattle). Alonzo would retain the lead past Trey Benton (85 pts), Tyler Tayler (82), Brody Yeary (86) and Riker Carter (85).  But in section two, JT Moore drew 2801 Speckled Chicken (Rawson) and was 88 points to win the round in spite of noble efforts from Boquet (87), Tyler Bingham (87), Koby Radley (86), Jeff Askey (84), Parker McCowan (83) Matt Palmer (83), and Lane Nobles (81).

"My first bull I  had gotten on before, and he bucked me down in San Angelo, and tonight he was right around to the right, but he started to push back a little, and I had to bow my chest out, but at about 6 seconds I started spurring, and it worked out," said Moore about Mike Rawson's Speckled Chicken.

SEMIFINAL ROUND

Seven qualified rides highlighted the 12- man semifinal round with six riders now with two scores. Parker McCown stole the show with the first and only 90 point ride of the night. Bringing the crowd to their feet, McCown scored the highest marked ride of the night aboard Owen Washburn's 191 Big Jake, an NFR and CBR World Finals bull who is rarely ridden and McCown was now in the lead with 174 on two bulls.

Jeff Askey was not sure he was going to get out of round two as he describes his bizarre twist of fate when he was fouled twice and got on three before posting his 85.5 scores to clock in at 170.5 on two.

"I knew my second bull Divinity from watching a buddy win the round on him at the NFR, I was excited to have him, but he got kind of caught up in the ground and went down, so I got a re-ride. The next bull was a black bull that wore us both out in the box, and then he hipped himself causing a second foul resulting in a re-ride. Then I saw a familiar face loaded as the re-ride bull Savage Moves which I had won a rodeo on him before, and he was right around to the left and jumped out of his pattern a little, but I got the score (85.5) to move on."

Watching and waiting thru the Askey drama, gave Moore more time to think about riding Gin Smoke Lies (Winston/Melton) and he posted an 88 for the final ride of the round and was now in the lead with 176 on two earning the first bull pick of the Shoot Out round.

"My second bull was one of Cory's (Melton), and he was a great bull to get on, just right there around to the left kicking and spinning the whole time," continued Moore as he signed autographs.

Askey, one of two bull riders to ride three rode Melton’s Chaos Ghost for 89 points in the Shoot Out round. Askey lost the title to Moore on a back judge tie-breaker score. Askey placed second and took home $15,000 for his efforts.

SHOOT OUT ROUND

The four-man was set with the top four average scores coming back to duke it out for the check, which the amount is determined by the number of scored rides in the three rounds.

Six bull riders posted scores on two which resulted in Lane Nobles and Matt Palmer being edged out by Tyler Taylor, Parker McCown, Jeff Askey, and the event leader JT Moore determined by aggregate scores at this point in the competition.

 Tyler Taylor bucked off first.  Askey, now boarding his fifth bull of the night let Cody Rostockyj pick his bull. Wearing his color of cash green chaps, Askey was right on the money with Rostockyj’s pick and seemed to be glued to Chaos Ghost (Melton) for 89 points and the first man to go three for three.

“I have won several events and have never picked my own bulls - Cody said he would fit me and would be right around to the right and he was,” continued Askey. 

Parker bucked off, and that left JT Moore who was confident and excited to put his rope on Hou Did He Buck, a familiar opponent.

"This was an easy pick for me, it was my South Texas buddy Dennis Davis's bull and I had been on him and ridden him twice, he was right there around to the left. I rode him two years ago, and I felt really confident," continued Moore. "You know when you come to Tuff's events that you are going to get on really good consistent bulls and then it's up to us with what we do with that."

Tuff Hedeman Bull Team Challenge

Tuff Hedeman presents $30,000 win check to Mike Rawson for the Bull Team competition in Hobbs. Rawson’s trio of buckers won the title on three qualified rides.

 Mike Rawson collected the $30,000 check and custom trophy buckle from the 15 team TH Bull Team competition. His trio of buckers posted three qualified rides to put him in the winner's circle. Riker Carter was 86 points on 220 High Voltage, and JT Moore won the first round with 88 points on NFR and CBR Finals bull 2801 Speckled Chicken. Demond Haynes took 490 Westbound for an 87 point spin in the Semifinal round clinching the win for Rawson.

 “Tuff got the best lineup of bull riders you could ask for for this event and I was blessed tonight to draw three good riders who all gave great effort, Speckled Chicken led the team with a grudge match, but JT won, and he was 88 with a good trip," said Rawson of Martinsville, Texas.  

 2.55 points behind Rawson was JC Knapp with 276.45 total points from two road warrior bulls, Uptown Funk and Kookaburra and a new bull named Simple. In contrast to Rawson,  Knapp earned his check in Hobbs from rank bull scores with Kookabura leading the night of rank scores in an all-out 6-second effort by Trey Benton in the semifinal round.  

Billy Jones who returned to THBRT with partners Carr Pro Rodeo and Ferguson earned his check with 3 bucks offs and solid bull scores that totaled  276.08 points.  

In fourth place was Winston and Melton Bull Company with two qualified rides from Tyler Taylor and JT Moore and a 7.39 time by Cody Rostockyj on 435 Time to Shine.

 Hobbs Tuff Hedeman Bull Riding Results

Shoot Out Round

1., JT Moore, Alvin, Texas,  $26,625. 2, Jeff Aksey, Athens, Texas, 89 pts on  15,375. 3, Parker McCown,  $2,250.4,Tyler Taylor, Stephenville, Tex., $2,250.

Average

1., JT Moore, 265 pts on 3. 2, Jeff Askey, 259.5. 3, Parker McCown 174. 4, Tyler Taylor 170.5. 5, Matt Palmer 169.5 on 2.

TH Bull Team Challenge Results

1, Mike Rawson Bucking bulls, 279 points, $30,000. 2, JC Knapp Bucking Bulls, 276.45 pts, $22,500. 3, Carr/Jones/Ferguson, 276.08, $15,000.  4, Winston/Melton/Bull Co. 275.87, $7500. 

Bull Riders Know It Pays to Discover Hobbs

Two-time NFR qualifier and 2017 PRCA Rookie of the Year Boudreaux Campbell Returns to Hobbs to attempt a third Hobbs Championship title. Campbell is from Crockett, Texas.

Tuff Hedeman Bull Riding Tour Returns to Lea County Event Center

HOBBS - Bringing professional bull riders and money together for years, Tuff Hedeman hits town this weekend with the season opener for the 2019 Tuff Hedeman Bull Riding Tour. The four- time World Champion and Pro Rodeo Hall of Famer has 24 bull riders lined up to take a shot at this year’s prize purse worth a total of $54,000.

“It pays to come to Hobbs,“ said Hedeman who owns and produces the annual bull riding this weekend at the Lea County Events Center. Hedeman who is considered the pioneer of the sport of bull riding continues to develop ways for bull riders and stock contractors to make a living on and off the rodeo trail. When the final check is written Saturday night, Hedeman will have paid out $154,000 between the 2018 and 2019 bull riding making Hobbs the largest purse on Tuff’s bull riding tour.

Kids 6 and under can enter the Stick Bull Riding - Email Stickbullrider@aol.com to enter.

Bull riders know - money and momentum are the two most important factors in building a successful season.    

“This weekend’s purse will help several cowboys fund their rodeo season giving them money to travel and pay entry fees to their next event while pursuing their dreams,” said Hedeman.

Hedeman brings the family friendly event to Hobbs with fun for the entire family. Kids 6 and under can get in on the action and win custom trophy buckles and prizes at the stick bull riding which begins before the show. Email stickbullriding@aol.com to enter and its free!

“New Mexico is a big part of my personal history and the people here supported me during my career and I enjoy keeping the bull riding tradition going and bringing a family friendly event to the people of New Mexico,” continued Hedeman who honed his craft as a youth attending junior rodeos in New Mexico.

According to Hedeman if you did not make it to Las Vegas for the NFR, you can see the same guys in Hobbs for a lot cheaper. Tickets are several hundred dollars a seat at the National Finals Rodeo and start at only $25 in Hobbs.

The Contenders

Three World Champions including the reigning PRCA champ Sage Kimzey, four-time PRCA World Champion JW Harris and CBR World Champion Josh Barentine will be challenged by at least 21 additional riders 13 of whom have qualified for the National Finals Rodeo.

Of that list only two bull riders in five years have come close to beating 5-time World Champion Sage Steele Kimzey (Strong City, OK) for year- end titles and gold buckles and both will be in Hobbs trying to get an early jump on the champ.

Trey Benton III (Rock Island, TX) came close in 2017 at the National Finals Rodeo (NFR) and Eli Vastbinder (Athens, TX) in 2017 lost the CBR World title to Kimzey by a mere six points. Eli is rested and ready after winning two rounds and over $78,000 at last month’s NFR and Benton has made it a personal goal to win a year end gold buckle before retirement. Kimzey who continues to break records is one step closer on his quest to beat Don Gay’s bull riding record of eight PRCA World Championships as he racked up No. 5 in Vegas.

Back in Hobbs from his broadcasting debut at the NFR is four time World Champion bull rider JW Harris (May, Texas).  You might have heard JW commentate from the back of chutes on CBS Sports last month and now you can see him put his money where his mouth was as he lands in Hobbs for a shot at the big pot of gold.

Two Time HOBBS champion Boudreaux Campbell returns to Hobbs where he thinks the arena is “magic” to try and win a 3rd Hobbs championship. This 2017 PRCA Rookie of the Year and 2-time NFR competitor is on the bull riding world’s young gun list.

The two hour adrenaline rush event features a star studded line up of world class bulls pitted against the proven champs and the hottest bull riders on the tours today.

Dancing with Bulls

Past Bullfighters Only champions Bryce Redo (Dayton, TX) and Beau Schueth (Emmitt, NE) will be saving lives on the dirt in front of the chutes. Both are personally selected by Hedeman to assure the rider’s safety in Hobbs as they dismount and get clear of the bull and the arena. They work all 50 “outs” and remain in the arena for the entire duration of the show protecting all personnel on the dirt.  

Local Lubbock businessman and stock contractor (aka bull man) Tom Baker and 14 other teams of bulls will compete in the Bull Team Competition that features three bulls per team entries, total prize purse $75,000.

$75,000 in prize money to the animal athletes and their owners brings Extreme Bull power to Hobbs

Hedeman, who has produced the Hobbs event for 9 years, recruits rodeo’s leading entertainment including returning NFR barrel entertainer JJ Harrison who will join Hedeman and the riders at the Meet and Greet on Friday, January 18th from 5:30-7:30 PM at the Pacific Rim Restaurant, from 5 – 7 pm, 1309 Joe Harvey Blvd, Hobbs, NM 88240.

Doors will open at 6:00 p.m. and the competition will get underway at 7:30 p.m.

Event Location: Lea County Events Center - 5101 N Lovington Hwy, Hobbs, NM 88240 (575) 391-2900

Date: Saturday, January 19, 2017 – 7:30 PM

TICKETS: Hobbs Ticketing Link (selectaseatlubbock.com) or Lea County Events Center Box Office (575) 391-2900.

For interviews, press credentials and more information, please contact Leigh Ann Schroeder 940.902.1112. tuffhedemanpr@gmail.com. or www.tuffhedemanbullriding.com. Photo Credit: Todd Brewer or Courtesy of THBRT

$54,000 prize purse lures 3 World Champions and NFR megastars to Hobbs

5-Time World Champion Bull Rider Sage Kimzey Returns to Hobbs after missing 2018 due to injury.

Momentum and money generate the superstar roster of bull riders scheduled to compete at the 2019 Hobbs Tuff Hedeman Bull Riding on January 19. The annual event at the Lea County Events Center kicks off Hedeman's 2019 nationwide bull riding tour with a one night only three-round tournament style performance worth $54,000 in prize money to the invitation-only bull riders.

“Anytime you have over $50,000 available to riders, you will draw the elite athletes of the sport, Sage Kimzey continues to break bull riding records and the talent level this year exceeds expectations with the NFR’s hottest guys riding in Hobbs, said Tuff Hedeman, 4-time World Champion, Pro Rodeo Hall of Famer, and pioneer of the sport of bull riding.

The invitational roster is headlined by 5-time and reigning PRCA World Champion Sage Kimzey, but he will have his hands full as the challenges include many of the same riders he fought past less than 30 days ago at the recent National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas. Scheduled to compete are 4-time PRCA World Champion JW Harris, CBR World Champion Josh Barentine, NFR superstars Eli Vastbinder, Jeff Askey, Trey Benton, Dustin Bouquet, Boudreaux Campbell, and Cole Melancon.

NFR Round 5 and 9 winner Eli Vastbinder heads to Hobbs

“If you didn’t make it out to Vegas, it’s okay most of them will be riding in Hobbs next week, and it is ridiculous how easy they make rank bulls look,” said Hedeman who defers to the younger generation as the real stars.

Ticket holders can look forward to the family-friendly event featuring an adrenaline rush two-hour event wrapped around a field of 24 elite bull riders competing in a three-round tournament-style bull riding contest. Budding bull riders, boys and girls, aged six or younger are invited to enter the Stick Bull Riding held before the performance for a chance to win prizes and a Tuff Hedeman Championship Stick Bull Riding Buckle. Hedeman encourages interested kids and parents to email soon as space is limited. For more information and to enter email entries to stickbullrider@aol.com.

Boys and girls age 6 or under are invited to compete in the Tuff Hedeman Stick Bull Riding with a chance to win a trophy buckle. Email stickbullriding@aol.com to enter.

Hedeman, who has produced the Hobbs event for 9 years, recruits rodeo’s leading entertainment including returning NFR barrel entertainer JJ Harrison and the Tuff Hedeman Bullfighters who will join Hedeman at the Meet and Greet on Friday, January 18th from 5:30-7:30 PM at the Pacific Rim Restaurant from 5 – 7 pm located at 1309 Joe Harvey Blvd, Hobbs, NM 88240.

Infamous rodeo entertainer JJ Harrison returns to Hobbs to keep the crowd entertained during the bull riding.

Doors at Lea County Events Center will open at 6:30 p.m. and the competition will get underway at 7:30 p.m.

Event Location: Lea County Events Center - 5101 N Lovington Hwy, Hobbs, NM 88240 (575) 391-2900

Date: Saturday, January 19, 2017 – 7:30 PM

TICKETS: Hobbs Ticketing Link (selectaseatlubbock.com) or Lea County Events Center Box Office (575) 391-2900

For interviews, press credentials and more information, please contact Leigh Ann Schroeder 940.902.1112. tuffhedemanpr@gmail.com www.tuffhedemanbullriding.com.

NFR Qualifier Profile Parker Breding

No. 2 ranked PRCA bull rider Parker Breding at the South Point Tuff Hedeman Bull Riding Tour event in March.

Photo Credit: Todd Brewer

All eyes will be on second generation PRCA bull rider Parker Breding as he qualified for the NFR in 2018 for the third time with a career high No. 2 position. The Edgar, Montana athlete will lead the pack of bull riders attempting to knock off four-time World Champion Sage Kimzey from the throne he has occupied since 2014.

After missing the 2016 and 2017 NFR, 26 year old Breding found his inspiration and with $185,475.93 in 2018 earnings he heads to Las Vegas to make a legitimate run for his first bull riding gold buckle.  

He started 2018 with $449,946.00 in his PRCA bank of career earnings. He won the National Circuit Finals bull riding title for a third time (2014, 2016, 2018), now sharing the record with ProRodeo Hall of Famer Cody Custer who won three straight (1990-92).

He also left Rodeo Houston with almost $60,000 and the infamous rodeo bull riding championship complete with trinkets, prizes and airline vouchers.

Breding’s rise as a top contender in the bull riding world is no surprise as he has great advice and coaching from 5-time NFR qualifier Scott Breding, or Dad to Parker.

Tuff Hedeman welcomed Parker, son of one of his PRCA and PBR competitor, Scott Breding, to the Tuff Hedeman Bull Riding Tour in 2018

Photo credit: Todd Brewer

“My father is such a big influence in my life,” said Breding in an April interview. “And he’s such a positive person. I never used it to my advantage.”

When his oldest son was struggling, “I would have a few bad bull rides and let it snowball into a bad situation,” Parker admitted, Scott would try to offer some advice.

“He told me not to worry so much,” Parker Breding continued. “He helped me learn how to shake things off easier. I’ve had some hardships … injuries, financial things … it made me grow up and see things differently.

“His advice helped me see things in a better way. It made me a better bull rider.”

Breding joined the PRCA in 2011 and earned $3,534 in the first year on his permit. In 2012 he won the Pendleton Round-Up and several other rodeo titles, but finished just outside the top 15 at No.25 with $39,338 in money earned.

Breding’s 2013 season set his life on a new path as he made a solid NFR Rookie appearance placing in three rounds at his NFR debut. He finished sixth in the average with 312.5,and tenth in the world standings with $114,189.

In 2014 he missed the NFR but won the Ram National Circuit Finals and several rodeo titles. A fractured right arm at the Clovis rodeo curtailed his season and he finished 27th in the World Standings with $45,694.

In 2015 he finished seventh in the PRCA with $176,247 after winning round 1 and placing in two rounds at the NFR after a bull hooked him under his protective vest and he suffered three fractured ribs on his right side. He continued to compete at the NFR but could not gain any traction in the standings.

“When the gate opened, it didn’t hurt. The adrenaline took over,” Breding said. “But it did mess with your mind. It took the air out of me. I had a chance to win the world.”

In 2016 Breding won the RAM National Circuit Finals Rodeo and finished 33rd in the world standings with $41,160.

2017 saw Breding win several rodeo titles but would finish the year outside the NFR as No. 46 with $33,527 in PRCA earnings.

Breding began his career as many of his competitors as a high school champion. Breding won the Montana high school bull riding title twice representing the state at National High School Finals Rodeo placing 10th his senior year. He played guard on his Juliet high school basketball team.  He looks up to his Dad and Jim Sharp in the bull riding world and when he’s not rodeing you can find him team roping and hunting, following Dallas Cowboys football and San Antonio Spurs baskeball team.

NFR Qualifier Profile Dustin Boquet

Cajun Cowboy Dustin Boquet of Bourg, Louisiana qualifies for his first National Finals Rodeo

28-year-old Dustin Boquet jumped 47 places from the 2017 PRCA World Standings to qualify for the 2018 National Finals Rodeo as the No. 3 ranked bull rider in the PRCA. He joins the nation’s top cowboys as they head to Las Vegas next week for the ten round Super Bowl of Rodeo.

Boquet competed in approximately 110 rodeos that earned him $114,587.51 during his quest to compete at the Thomas and Mack for the first time.

Bouuet didn't get on his first bull until he was 16 years old which some would call a "late" start, but he more than made up for it with this stellar season. His process was to give it all he had and know that there would be tough times and great times. "I just keep my faith strong and kept chasing the goal I had, and it paid off. “

"If Prayer becomes a habit then success becomes a lifestyle" is the phrase on Facebook describing the twenty-two-year-old bull rider who also uses #mygamehisglory.

 The Louisiana native from the Deep South city of Montagut is currently sharing the spotlight with Koby Radley as one of the two latest bull riding sensations to come out of the Bayou state.

Finishing third in the PRCA standings headed into the 2018 NFR is no easy feat as this Cajun Cowboy’s home is 45 minutes south of New Orleans.

“It is a long drive just to get out of Louisiana - much less to a rodeo or bull riding,” said Boquet now living in Bourg.

Boquet financed his NFR run from a good showing early in the year at the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo where he won over $41,000 in PRCA dollars. It was that moment he realized he now had more money at his disposal than ever before.

He started the 2018 season with $32,272. He has added $114,588 to that already and plans to make more in Las Vegas. He will start the NFR in third place.

At 28 years old, it is not his first thought or attempt at bull riding stardom.

Dustin Boquet clowning around in Cheyenne during the 2017 CBR World Finals introduction

In 2016, Boguet was attempting a PRCA and CBR run, and in January he broke his leg in the practice pen eliminating him from competition for seven months. When he got back on his feet, he qualified for the 2017 CBR World Finals in Cheyenne where he finished in top 25 and shifted his efforts to rodeo where he earned $32,272 in the early days of 2018 qualifying.

Dustin enjoys outdoor sports including fishing and hunting and joins a long line of successful Louisiana bull riding talent including PRCA World Champion Mike White (1999), PBR World Champions Troy Dunn (1998) Chris Shivers (2003), and CBR World Champion Cole Echols (2013).      

2018 Highlights

• Won the Snake River Stampede (Nampa, Idaho)

• Won Dixie National Rodeo in Jackson, Miss.

• Won Division 2 Xtreme Bulls in Lawton, Okla.

• Won Tops in Texas Rodeo in Jacksonville

• Won That Famous Preston (Idaho) Night Rodeo

• Co-champion at the Mineral Wells (Texas) Rodeo

• Co-champion at the Mid Winter Fair & Rodeo in Lafayette, La.

NFR Qualifier Roscoe Jarboe

Three Time NFR Qualifier Roscoe Jarboe - New Plymouth, Idaho

Three-time National Finals Rodeo contender and Resistol’s Bull Riding Rookie of the Year in 2016 earned $109,737.37 in 2018 PRCA qualifying money and enters Las Vegas in the highest position of his career checking in at No. 4 in the bull riding category.

Jarboe’s strong finish inside the top 5, was a noteworthy feat considering he missed three months of the season after injuring his back March 21 following an 87-point ride on Andrews Rodeo’s F1 at Rodeo Austin (Texas). Jarboe was forced to leave the rodeo trail and return home after he was diagnosed with a broken L3 vertebra.

Jarboe surprisingly returned for the infamous summer run which is key to determining who goes to the NFR, but he had many obstacles in his way including 4-time World Champion J.W. Harris.

August 26, was a big day when Jarboe, who at the time was sitting No. 16 less than $400 behind Harris, won the Rancho Mission Viejo Rodeo. Jarboe posted an 89.5-point ride on 780 (C5 Rodeo) to win $6,373 and the event bull riding title.

“My back gets pretty sore now and again, but I think in the long run I will be all right,” he said following the win. "This win (in San Juan Capistrano) is something I needed for a while now. I won some smaller rodeos since I came back, but nothing like this. I want just to keep the ball rolling. This is a huge confidence booster for me."

He finished No. 15 in the Xtreme Bulls Tour with earnings of $18,646.16.

Jarboe finished ninth in the PRCA 2017 World Standings earning a total of $156,855 and placing in three rounds of the NFR earning $53,154.  He was second in round one with an 87 point ride on 3070 Braggin Rights (Honeycutt) for a check worth $20,731. Fifth in round six earning $7,615 with 71 points on 2031 Undercover (Big Rafter Rodeo). In round seven he was 84 points on 077 Salty Dog (Pickett) and finished third with $15,654.

 In 2016, his rookie year and NFR debut, he won round 2 and placed in two rounds to rank no.11 in the average and finished ninth in the World Standings with $149,765.

The 5'11, 145-pound bull rider joined the PRCA in 2015 where he earned $20,058 while competing on his PRCA permit. In 2015 he received $1,975 on his PRCA permit. He also competed in the PBR Touring Pro division from 2014-2016.

Jarboe is a past Oregon high school bull riding champion and a two-time National High School Finals Rodeo qualifier where he finished 11th his junior year of competition.

2018 Professional Highlights

• Won the Rancho Mission Viejo Rodeo (San Juan Capistrano, Calif.)

• Won the Goliad (Texas) County Fair PRCA Rodeo

• Won the Meridian (Idaho) Lions Rodeo

• Won the Eugene (Ore.) Pro Rodeo

• Won the Gem State Classic Pro Rodeo (Blackfoot, Idaho)

• Won the Division 2 Qualifying Event Xtreme Bulls (Lewiston, Idaho)

NFR Qualifier Profile Chase Dougherty

Photo Credit: Matt Cohen Chase Dougherty checks into Las Vegas as No. 5

Chase Dougherty, a three-time Oregon High School Bull Riding Champion enters Las Vegas as the No. 5 ranked bull rider and the second highest ranked contestant competing for the first time at the PRCA National Finals Rodeo.  Dougherty, a second-generation cowboy is following in his father’s footsteps as a bull rider and credited his father for his success.

“More than anything he taught me how to be a cowboy and just never quit and have a never-die attitude,” Dougherty said. “Don’t let go until you hit the ground. If you’re in a bad spot, just get out of it.”

The 20-year-old cowboy was born in Portland, Oregon and currently living in Canby.  Dougherty Joined the PRCA in 2016, and less than two years later he qualified for his first NFR with $109,349.48 earned and a 51.38 ride average in PRCA competition.

Chase launched his NFR bid in January winning the National Western Stock Show & Rodeo in Denver with 252.5 points and an $8,262 check. He would also win the California Rodeo Salinas, and the RAM Columbia River Circuit Finals. He posted his first PRCA 90 point ride in October at the Grand National Rodeo in San Francisco.

He graduated from Canby (Ore.) High School in 2016 where he played football, wrestled and was a pole vaulter in high school. After winning three state bull riding titles, he was recruited for the Montana State University rodeo team where head coach Any Bolich had this to say during his freshman year (2017).

 “He is just a really mentally tough kid as far as bull riding,” said Bolich after recruiting him for the Bobcats. “He is a student of the sport and works at his game all the time. As you know, they kind of live for moments like this where the crowd is big and is loud.”

Chase competed for MSU with success in the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association, but his coach and teammates were aware he was going to make a full-time career out of bull riding. “It’s that kind of mental toughness that will get him to the next level,” said Bolich.

 “All week long he’s in the gym and working on his balance,” the coach described. “He rides a unicycle — all of these things pay off. That work really shows through in the arena.”

In 2017, the 5’11, 140 pound Dougherty finished in the PRCA World Standings in 19th place with $72,754.00. In 2018 he won six PRCA event titles. Professional

2018 Highlights

• Won the National Western Stock Show and Rodeo (Denver, Colo.)

• Won the California Rodeo Salinas

• Won the Santa Maria (Calif.) Elks Rodeo

• Won the Ram Columbia River Circuit Finals (Yakima, Wash.)

• Won the PRCA Last Stand Rodeo (Coulee City, Wash.)

• Co-champion at the Sheriff's PRCA Rodeo (San Bernardino, Calif.)

Chase Dougherty

NFR Qualifier Profile Jeff Askey

Askey on 3381 Wet Willey at the Forth Worth Tuff Hedeman Bull Riding.

The healthy pro cowboy who vowed to never attend a performance at the National Finals Rodeo (NFR) until he earned his way there as a contestant, returns to the Thomas and Mack Arena next week for the second time as he enters the final leg of the 2018 PRCA World Championship as the number sixth ranked bull rider.

A Pennsylvania born bull rider now making his home in Athens, Texas, Jeff Askey is the 2010 College National Finals Bull Riding Champion and a graduate of the University of Tennessee Martin with a degree in Animal Science.

Jeff Askey, 2010 College National Finals Rodeo Champion representing University of Tennessee Martin

Attending approximately 110 rodeos, Askey put a string of wins together in June that moved him out of the “might qualify” lane into a solid standing among the top 15 bull riders of the season.

Once parked inside the top 15 Askey never wavered.

“Early in the year it seemed I was staying on all my bulls but not winning any money,” recalled the 5’8 155 cowboy.

Citing debt as his number one inspiration, Askey explained.

"I have never had any debt, and I borrowed money to buy cows in the spring, and I knew I had to stay on to pay it off early," said Askey.

“Light ranching” as Jeff refers to his Athens, Texas ranch via Facebook

Traveling earlier in the season with Dustin Boquet and Bayle Worden and in August and September with Trey Benton, Askey felt his season really kicked off in June when he put together a string of wins including the Xtreme Bull Riding in Weatherford, Texas.

“My best ride would be Cody, Wyoming where I was 89.5,” continued Askey.

Earning $107,386.73 during qualifying, Askey won six titles and one Xtreme Bull competition. Taking the bulls and the victories one at time Askey had this to say about studying livestock.

"I like them to keep me guessing I don't study bulls, I think it's a preference deal, I go at it bull by bull, and that seems to work for me, if riding bulls is your life and lifestyle and if you enjoy it it’s not a job.”

30-year-old Jeff Askey will check into the NFR as the eldest bull rider in the locker room, but bull riding analysists might argue that with age comes wisdom and experience and that is a trademark of the straight-talking right-hander.

In 2016 Jeff qualified for his first NFR with $109,339.24 in money earned and placed in one round to rank 14th at the Wrangler National Finals and 11th in the World Standings with total earnings of $134,993.

“In 2015 I missed the NFR by $207 and was sixteenth, the year before I was nineteenth and the year before that I was twenty-first.” 

Askey won 3 CBR event titles in 2017 and finished inside the top ten of the CBR World Standings.

With a college degree on the wall at home, Askey claims to be the adult in the traveling department.

"Riding bulls is your life and lifestyle, and if you enjoy it, it's not a job. The riding itself is what you love to do and enjoy, and the planning is just tending to business."

Askey competed on the Tuff Hedeman Bull Riding Tour this season where he likes the challenge.

 "The fast pace is challenging of the three-round format, you don't get much time and as soon as you ride you have to get your rope and your mind ready for the next bull.”

In 2017 Jeff fueled his bull riding career on the CBR Road to Cheyenne run. Riding over 50% of the bulls, he attempted including that season he scored a season-high 91.5 in El Paso on 3381 Wet Willy.

He won three events on the Road to Cheyenne, Mercedes, Conroe and Jackson, Tennessee. As a graduate of the nearby University of Tennessee Martin, Askey was embraced by the crowd as one of their own each time he pulled his rope.

Advice to the next generation of bull riders…

“You have to know what works for you and what your own mentality is and what is effective for you – take everything with a grain salt and find your own path,” Jeff Askey.

You can follow Jeff on Instagram and Facebook. For more information contact Leigh Ann Schroeder, tuffhedemanpr@gmail.com or 940.902.1112.

NFR Qualifier Profile Boudreaux Campbell

Two-time NFR qualifier Boudreaux Cambpell, Crockett, Texas.

Photo by Todd Brewer

Declaring make or break rides at the last two rodeos of 2017, Boudreaux Campbell hung on to qualify for his first PRCA National Finals Rodeo. With one NFR on record, this year he finished significantly higher on the pecking order with $106,430.78 in qualifying dollars, and he arrives next week at the Thomas and Mack Arena as the number 8 ranked bull rider.

"I made one NFR, and I really wanted to go back again, and I want to win a world title," said Campbell in response to the question of what inspired him as he climbed 7 rungs on this year’s qualifying ladder.

At 19 years of age Campbell, the 2017 PRCA Ram Rookie of the Year, split round 9 of the 2017 NFR with Trey Benton. He finished 10th in the world, earning $37,712 at the NFR plus $88,062.84 in qualifying money which totaled $144,601 in total earnings during his rookie PRCA year.

Boudreaux Campbell, now 20 years old, is described by industry insiders as a tough as nails Southeast Texas cowboy with a completely focused attitude on the back of the bucking chutes.

Campbell discusses Shoot Out round opportunities with Tuff Hedeman.

Campbell's athletic ability and complete bull riding history indicate he is further ahead, much more than your average second-year athlete competing in Las Vegas.

 “I love the adrenaline of getting on the back of a bull and conquering stuff that’s not easy to conquer,” he said. “I just love it deep down in my heart,” said Campbell in his first magazine cover story interview and photo shoot.

Campbell at the 2018 Eldorado Resort Casino Shreveport Tuff Hedeman Bull Riding

This team roping, basketball playing Dallas Cowboys fan is no stranger to 4-time World ChampionTuff Hedeman and the bull riding world. Twice Campbell accepted a jumbo check from Hedeman in front of the bucking chutes in Hobbs, New Mexico. The left-handed bull rider is a 3-time CBR World Finals qualifier who earned over $47,000 his CBR rookie year, rode for 90 points to finish second at the George Paul Memorial (Del Rio, TX) and finished third in the 2017 CBR World Standings after advancing to the Shoot Out round.

He is the 2015 Texas High School Rodeo Finals Bull Riding Champion and the 2013 Texas Junior High School Bull Riding Champ.

But success comes with a price and Campbell knows that first hand. He suffered his worst bull riding injury as an amateur youth rider when a cut to his forearm became infected, and after eleven days and five surgeries in a Dallas hospital, he and the arm were lucky to survive.

“Those ups and downs make bull riding a “very humbling sport, Boudreaux said. “One minute you can be on top of the world, and the next minute you can be at the very low end.”

Campbell was recently honored at his alma mater, Lovelady High School

Boudreaux suffered another potentially career-ending injury in 2017 in Louisiana when he was knocked unconscious. Subsequently, air pockets developed in his lungs, and scans showed lacerations to his liver. After being convinced to stay overnight in the hospital for observation, he not only recovered but rode two weeks later.

His advice to anyone interested in bull riding is simple…

“If you want to start bull riding, just know that’s what you want to do and put all the work that needs to go into bull riding. Follow your dream and don’t give up.”

Campbell’s dream began at four years old when he was watching the sheep riding in Liberty (Texas) with his Dad Jay Campbell. “After that, I told my Dad that’s what I wanted to do,” Boudreaux said. “I fell in love with it. And ever since then I wanted to be a world champion bull rider. I started out on calves and then moved up to steers and all of that.”

Jay and Boudreux Campbell with sister Katy Adair

 “I have to thank that man for everything, he might be hard on me when I buck off but he taught me to put it in the past and you got one tomorrow you are going to win the round on,” remembers Campbell.

Tuning up not timeout is Campbell's motto this year as he prepares riding bulls every other day. "I am spending more time in the gym too."

Campbell won ten pro rodeo titles this year on his way to the NFR including the Cody Wyoming Stampede Xtreme Bulls. He said his best ride was in Oakdale, California on Four Star Rodeo’s Yellow Fever where he scored 90 points and over $3,000. His bull riding skills and charisma off the chutes have not gone unnoticed as he now represents Barstow Rodeo Equipment, Rock N Roll Jeans, and Vexil Brands. 

Boudreaux Campbell after winnings Round 9 at the 2017 NFR

Campbell and company after his Round 9 win at the 2017 National Finals Rodeo. 

NFR Qualifier Profile Garrett Tribble

In February, two-time NFR Qualifer Garrett Tribble jump started his bid to return to the NFR by winning over $34,000 at the San Antonio Livestock Show and Rodeo.

On September 29, Garrett Tribble of Bristow, Oklahoma won the Corn Palace Challenge Extreme Bulls.  Scoring 88 points on Dakota Rodeo’s Pile River, Tribble won over $6,000 and sealed his fate as the eighth-ranked bull rider headed to the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) National Finals Rodeo.

The 21-year-old International Pro Rodeo Association (IPRA) World Champion Bull Rider (2014) earned $102,225.58 to qualify for his second NFR. 

“Missing last year’s NFR was the driving force and really the only inspiration I needed for this season, knowing what and how much I missed out on,” said Tribble.

The 5'7 - 145-pound bull rider missed the 2017 Super Bowl of rodeo finishing in 22nd place with earnings of $67,235.

The Bristow High School graduate returns to Las Vegas where he was the co-champion of Round 7 and placed in two rounds to rank 12th at the 2016 Wrangler NFR. Tribble finished 13th in the 2016 PRCA world standings with $129,118.  

Winning the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo in February, Garrett Tribble built a solid foundation for his return to the NFR in 2018, the win padded his bank account by $34,574.40.

“Winning one of the biggest rodeos of the year helped me out and once I had that I had the confidence and the money to set the pace for the season,” continued Garrett. “I knew then if I just kept doing my job and having fun I would qualify for the NFR.”

Traveling with Corey Atwell and Denton Fugate, Tribble attributes his winnings to being with guys that are just as good if not better than him.

“It makes you want to try harder and do better when you are living with and competing with great riders.”

He would go on to win Spanish Fork, Utah, Merrill River Pro Rodeo, 101 Wild West Rodeo in Ponca City, Okla., the Will Rogers Memorial Rodeo in Vinita, Okla., Crosby (Texas) Fair & Rodeo, Elk City (Okla.), Rodeo Of Champions, the Corn Palace Challenge, Mitchell, S.D., and the Pasadena (Texas) Livestock Show & Rodeo.

“Garrett’s bull riding career really started when he was about two or three years old,” says his dad, Rodney Tribble. “He fell in love with bull riding and has wanted to do it since he was very young. From about the time he was three, he’d come home from school and put in the movie Eight Seconds – he watched it every day!”

With 8 Seconds on his mind, Tribble began his bull riding career at five years old in the mutton-bustin' arena. His first experience was with a friend who was entered.

His Dad Rodney finally took him to a rodeo and from that day he made up his mind he was going to be a bull rider. With the help of his family, Tribble progressed to youth association competition in the Junior Bull and Bronc Riders Association (JBRA), National Junior Bull Riders Association (NJBRA) and the Oklahoma Junior Rodeo Association (OJRA).  He began competing in 2012, and at 17 years old he won the IPRA world title in 2014. He graduated from high school the next year joined the PRCA, and by 2016 he was qualified and headed to Las Vegas as a rookie bull rider at the NFR.

“I won’t be as nervous as I was in 2016, I won’t take myself as seriously as I did then,” said.

Tribble who admittedly will study the bull draws harder in Las Vegas than on the rodeo road, said most of them he sees during the qualifying season.

Garrett Tribble / 402 Sacred Famous of Flying Diamond, St. Paul 2018 - Photo by Matt Cohen

“If I don’t know one, I’ll sure ask for information on him,” laughed Tribble.

Tribble says his best ride of the year was on Page’s Double Vision in San Antonio and his 91 point ride in Spanish Fork on Frontier Rodeo’s Footloose.

“I learned you can never let up, I was sitting pretty good then fell down towards the end until that Extreme Bulls wins that put me up to 8th,” said Tribble.

For more information contact Leigh Ann Schroeder, 940.902.1112 or leighann@theshortround.com or lschroeder@prorodeo.com.

NFR Qualifier Profile Tyler Bingham

25-year-old pro bull rider Tyler Bingham of Honeyville, Utah fought hard this year to earn $101,583.48 while competing in pro-rodeos during the 2018 season after narrowly missing qualifying for the 2017 National Finals Rodeo.

The younger of the Bingham bull-riding brothers won the Tuff Hedeman El Paso Bull Riding Championship in February, finsihed second in the average in March at the TH Las Vegas event and managed that momentum (and money) to make an impressive rodeo run in 2018 as he enters the NFR in the 9th position.

Hedeman who characterized Bingham as resilient had this to say about the cowboy who competed in San Antonio at 2 pm and then hopped a flight to El Paso to compete later that night. 

“You are not going to come to these events and win unless you are a major league caliber athlete, 90 percent of the riders in his position tonight would have gotten a zero,” added Hedeman.

"I want to say thanks to everyone that stood behind me this far, I have finally qualified for my first WNFR beginning with my wife Jerica who has believed in me since day one. She pushes me every day to be the best I can be and most of all her patience she has for me being gone 24/7,” said Bingham after he received official word he would be competing at the NFR won six titles this season.

Tyler and Jerica Bingham recently celebrated their fourth wedding anniversary.

The 5’10 165 pound Bingham admits to losing the “fire” for bull riding when he went to college but rekindled the flame when his brother Tyler qualified for the NFR. Older brother Tim Bingham, 26, is a three-time National Finals Rodeo qualifier in bull riding. The NFR rookie credits brother Tim for teaching him how to rodeo and achieve his goals in and out of the rodeo arena including heading to the practice pen to stay in shape.

“Every year I go watch him in Vegas, and he shows me how much it means just by watching his actions watching Tim go to the finals kind of re-lit the fire. Pretty much every year just makes it better,” Tyler said.  

The bull riding brothers, Tim and Tyler Bingham of Honeyville, Utah.

Bingham is the 2011 National High School Bull Riding Champion and CBR World Finals qualifier for four consecutive years (2015-2018). He is a graduate of Freemont High School where he was on the wrestling team as well as high school rodeo. Bingham attended Hill College where he was on the rodeo team.  Bingham works construction part time when he is not riding bulls and aspires to someday retire as a full-time rancher.

I’d also like to thank my parents for always supporting me through all the ups and downs – they are amazing.  Tyler is a former National High School Finals Rodeo Champion (2011). There are a couple reasons why Bingham is in this position, fighting every day to not only hang on to a bull but to score high enough to keep pace in a hotly contested rodeo season.

Tuff Hedeman Announces Stoney LaRue Joins Bossier Bull Riding Lineup

 Eldorado Resort Casino Shreveport Tuff Hedeman Bull Riding presented by Landers Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram Tickets on Sale

Bossier, Louisiana – Get a jump on the holiday season with the ultimate stocking stuffer! Four-time World Champion Bull Rider and Pro Rodeo Hall of Famer Tuff Hedeman announced today tickets are on sale for the annual Eldorado Resort Casino Shreveport bull riding presented by Landers Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram in Bossier with a special guest this year, Stoney LaRue in concert immediately following the bull riding.

The annual event will be held February 2 at the CenturyLink Center at 8:00 pm.  Tickets are available online Tuff Hedeman Bull Riding, Ticketmaster, and the CenturyLink Center box office, 200 CenturyLink Drive, Bossier, La., 71112

Hedeman and Larue invite you to bring the family and friends to cheer on the top-ranked and world-renowned bull riders as they battle the next generation on the televised Tuff Hedeman Bull Riding Tour and then relax and enjoy the Stoney LaRue concert. LaRue has sold over one million records over his career and plays 200-plus shows a year and is known and loved for his real life, thinking man’s music.

With 30 years of bull riding history on his resume,  Hedeman is one of the most recognizable cowboys in the history of rodeo and bull riding, but he defers to the young superstars that are currently leading the ranks of pro bull riding and rodeo as the best bull riding talent he has seen in over 15 years.

Presented by Tuff Hedeman Bull Riding Tour, the Eldorado Resort Casino Shreveport Bull Riding event is the second stop on the televised tour featuring 24 of the world’s top bull riders who are selected by Tuff Hedeman, 4- time World Champion and pro rodeo Hall of Famer, to test their skills against the highly-skilled animal athletes.

2018 Eldorado Tuff Hedeman Bull Riding Champion Sage Kimzey accepts the check from Tuff Hedeman

Elite riders including 7- time World Champion Sage Kimzey, will have his hands full as he battles multiple National Finals Rodeo qualifiers and the emerging young talents who won Tuff Hedeman Tour titles in 2018. The riders will compete in a 24 man field in a three-round tournament style event with the winner taking home the lion's share of the $30,000 prize package.

You and your family will enjoy top-shelf entertainment including the Tuff Hedeman Bullfighters, grand pyrotechnics introductions, and great family fun entertainment from leading rodeo entertainers in a jammed packed two-hour adrenaline rush show.

The former 4-time world titled Hedeman, who in recent years has made a name for himself in the production of great bull riding events will serve as the "chute boss" and television commentator from the dirt in front of the bucking chutes.  Come early and enjoy the pre-event activities including great food, cold beer, shopping, and autograph opportunities.

The Annual Stick Bull Riding competition held during the bull riding is a local favorite for kids.

Doors will open at 6:00 p.m. for ticket holders to enjoy the activities on the concourse including great shopping and meet and greets. Riders and Hedeman’s appearance schedule for Bossier will be released at a later date. 

Tickets are available at the CenturyLink Center Box Office located at ground level across from parking lot A on the Northwest side of the arena.  The Box Office is open Monday – Friday from 9:30am – 4:30pm. Patrons may purchase tickets in person during these times or 24-7 online at Ticket Link or Ticketmaster.com.   

For more information, interviews and media credentials, please contact Leigh Ann Schroeder, 940.902.1112 or tuffhedemanpr@gmail.com.

National Finals Rodeo Qualifier Profile Trey Benton III

Trey Benton III, the only bull rider in history to win the Tuff Hedeman Fort Worth Challenge after competing their as a youth in the intermission steer riding competition.

 Fueled by extreme motivation, Trey Benton III has developed into a five-time NFR qualifier by maintaining his level of effort. In the face of fatigue, physical training, pain, and distraction, Trey Benton III of Rock Island, Texas remains motivated to become the best bull riding athlete he can be.

Benton is a student of the mind, body, sport, and his four-legged opponents.  His pro career began in 2012 when he earned the PRCA Resistol Rookie of the Year title. But the years of highs and lows have taught him to recognize that his own foundation is the key to supporting his solid effort and accomplishments.

Persevering past double knee replacement and then a broken femur during the course of his young career, Benton has evolved into a competitor that understands the thrills and spills of the sport.

Earning over a million dollars in his nine years as a pro, it is no secret that trusting motivation is the key to his success. Benton is aware it is the only factor an athlete can control. Whether you were on the couch or in a seat at the Thomas and Mack arena last year, you recognized Benton managed his bull riding ability at the 2017 National Finals Rodeo as he mounted an attack on the number one bull rider in an effort to knock Sage Kimzey off the pedestal. Benton finished second and left with $181,981 in NFR earnings. He earned a total of $322,208 for the 2017 season.

“I was an underdog the first few trips (2012-14) but last year I finished second in the world, and I'm looking for first this year," said Trey Benton in July.

"I grew up watching the NFR in Las Vegas, the noise and the vibes here for those two weeks is unbelievable, I am living the dream and wouldn't have it any other way," said Benton during his NFR run this summer.

Benton arrives in Las Vegas as a top ten ranked cowboy earning $100,931.60 on the 2018 pro rodeo trail with hundreds of rodeos in his rear view mirror, this year began with a bang with two 90 point rides to win the San Angelo rodeo for the third consecutive year. He finished fourth in the 2018 Extreme Bull Standings with $37,523.17. He has won 5 rounds in his career NFR competition and has finished in the top ten twice in his four qualifications.

A graduate of Sam Houston University, Trey is an all-around cowboy who began his rodeo career as a mutton buster in 1996, he progressed to roping and riding bulls. He holds titles in roping events as well as bull riding including Texas Jr. High School Champion calf roper. Benton can rope both ends in the team roping competition and is a multiple Texas Youth Rodeo champion in bull riding, calf roping, and team roping and earned All-Around Champion buckles in 2008-2010. He racked up titles in the Texas High School Rodeo Association and qualified for the National High School Finals Rodeo twice, once as a tie-down roper and then a bull rider.

Benton stands alongside the legends as a three-time George Paul Memorial Bull Riding Champion (Del Rio) and won the coveted Tuff Hedeman Fort Worth Challenge buckle in 2014. He remains the only champion of that event that also competed in previous years as a junior steer rider during intermission. He enjoyed a stellar CBR career winning multiple event titles including the premier bull ridings in Fort Worth, Del Rio, Lufkin, and Bossier and competed in numerous CBR World Finals.  

Benton riding Mike Rawson’s 1380 Lumberjack at the George Paul Memorial Bull Riding circa 2013

 Twenty-seven-year-old TB3 was born with undeniable gifts. He is a professional athlete with a college degree, and he’s the kind of guy that you don’t mind waiting on for an interview because he is pulling trinkets out of his rigging bag for young fans while signing autographs.

In the face of career ending injuries, followed by insanely competitive comebacks, it is not his mind or his physical strength that pervails, but his passion for rodeo and competition. Benton refuses to show any signs of personal doubt. He has always carried on keeping the injuries in perspective.

“A chance to compete is all I want.”

Trey Benton is a cowboy and thrives on the western tradition surrounding that label.

Tuff Hedeman welcomes Trey Benton to the Tuff Hedeman Bull Riding Tour.

Tuff Hedeman Announces Season Opener Tickets on Sale

Tickets are on sale NOW to the Hobbs Tuff Hedeman Bull Riding at the Lea County Events Center in Hobbs, New Mexico

Hobbs Tuff Hedeman Bull Riding

HOBBS, New Mexico – Get a jump on the holiday season with the ultimate stocking stuffer!

Four-time World Champion Bull Rider and Pro Rodeo Hall of Famer Tuff Hedeman announced today tickets are on sale to his annual bull riding in Hobbs held January 19 at the Lea County Events Center at 7:30 pm.  Tickets are available online Tuff Hedeman Bull Riding, selectaseatlubbock.com and at the box office located at 5101 N Lovington Hwy, Hobbs, 88240.   

 Bring the family and friends to cheer on the top-ranked and world-renowned bull riders as they battle the next generation on the televised Tuff Hedeman Bull Riding Tour.  

 With 30 years of bull riding history on his resume,  Hedeman is one of the most recognizable cowboys in the history of rodeo and bull riding, but he defers to the young superstars that are currently leading the ranks of pro bull riding and rodeo as the best bull riding talent he has seen in over 15 years.

 Presented by Tuff Hedeman Bull Riding Tour, the Hobbs Bull Riding event is the season opener for the televised tour where 24 of the world’s top bull riders are selected by 4 times World Champion Tuff Hedeman to test their skills against the highly-skilled animal athletes.

 Elite riders including 7 time World Champion Sage Kimzey, will have his hands full as he battles multiple National Finals Rodeo qualifiers and the emerging young talents who won Tuff Hedeman Tour titles in 2018. The riders will compete in a 24 man field in a three-round tournament style event with the winner taking home the lion's share of the $60,000 prize package.

 You and your family will enjoy the personally selected Tuff Hedeman Bullfighters, grand pyrotechnics introductions, and great family fun entertainment from the top rodeo entertainers in the business combined in a jammed pack two-hour adrenaline rush show.

 The former 4-time world titled Hedeman, who in recent years has made a name for himself in the production of great bull riding events will serve as the "chute boss" and television commentator from the dirt in front of the audience.  Come early and enjoy the pre-event activities including great food, cold beer, shopping, and autograph opportunities.

 Doors will open at 6:00 p.m. for ticket holders to enjoy the activities on the concourse including great shopping and meet and greets. Riders and Hedeman’s appearance schedule for Hobbs will be released at a later date.

 Tickets are available at the Lea County Box Office in person or online electaseatlubbock.com.  For more information, interviews and media credentials, please contact Leigh Ann Schroeder, 940.902.1112 or tuffhedemanpr@gmail.com

NFR Qualifer Profile Cole Melancon

Two -Time NFR Qualifier Cole Melancon rides Time to Shine (Winston/Melton) for 89.5 points at the Tuff Hedeman Fort Worth Challenge last April.

“Get my job done” is always the mantra of Southeast Texas cowboy Cole Melancon when describing his professional career goals. In spite of surgery to repair a herniated disc in his lower back last January, Melancon defeated the odds of recovery and used the fear of not returning to the NFR to fuel his competitive fire and qualify for his second PRCA National Finals Rodeo.

“Having to sit out two months after the NFR was hard and with my family and new baby girl being born right before surgery, I knew I had to get back,” said Melancon.

Melancon, who advanced to the Shoot Out Round at the Tuff Hedeman Fort Worth Bull Riding Challenge in April earned his No. 11 position winning a total of $99,973.49 in PRCA earnings and collected five PRCA rodeo titles during the 2018 qualifying season.

Cole Melancon on Chaos Ghost (Melton Bull Co.) in the four-man Shoot Out round at the Tuff Hedeman Fort Worth Challenge.

Described by Tuff Hedeman bullfighter Bryce Redo as having an “electric type of ride style different from most others," Melancon earned $200,350 riding in PRCA competition, including $92,288 at the 2017 NFR in Las Vegas.

According to Cole one of his favorite match ups was in Hugo, Oklahoma where he was 87.5 on 144 Deets (Rafter H) to win the rodeo, but the highlight of his year was in Bremerton, Washington.

“It was getting close to the end of the year and I was on the bubble. I was starting to get aggravated with myself because I wasn’t riding so good. I saw my chanced of making the finals going out the window. I needed something big to happen. I ended up winning the Xtreme Bulls that night and that win secured a spot in the top 15,” continued Melancon.

At his first NFR Melancon was seen and heard. He placed in four rounds, splitting the Round 3 win (91.5 points) with Sage Kimzey.

Enduring pain in his back and legs for eight months during and before the NFR, Melancon still managed to finish sixth in the 2017 PRCA World Standings.

After the NFR, I just decided I was going to have some time off, and I wanted to get it fixed. I tried everything else to get it fixed before surgery with rehab and everything, and it wasn't getting better. It was something I didn't want to deal with anymore."

Melancon’s then returned to competition Feb. 21-22 in San Antonio riding one of three. He advanced to the final four Shoot Out Round at Rodeo Houston.

 “Everything felt great, I was just pretty sore because I had not ridden in two months,” Melancon said. "Since the surgery, my back feels a lot better, and the problem really wasn't my back. The disc was in my lower back, and it was pinching my sciatic nerve, and it was going down my leg, and that's where the pain was. I'm glad I had the surgery because the pain is finally gone."

Melancon had some ups and downs and moments he was not sure he would make the trip back to Vegas.

The right-handed bull rider's climb to the Super Bowl of two years ago began with missing the 2016 NFR.

Coming close was my inspiration for 2017, I had to get the confidence in myself that I could hang with the top 15 riders – every weekend,” said Melancon who also represented the USA in the inaugural 2017 Global Cup bull riding competition.

Beyond the Dream

Just before having back surgery, Melancon and his girlfriend, Raelee Self, welcomed a daughter, Lariat Lace, into the world.

Cole, Raelee Self, and Lariat Lace Melancon

“It was good to be home for around two months to be with my daughter,” Melancon said.

The 24-year-old graduate of Hull Dasietta High School was born in Beaumont and currently resides in Liberty, Texas, a small town rich in rodeo culture located south and west of Beaumont.  He joined the PRCA in 2014 after competing in just five rodeos in 2013.

"No one in my family really rides bulls. Once I was old enough to see bull riding, I knew I wanted to do it, so I took off and did it," he said.

Melancon gets a little help from his friend - neighbor and Tuff Hedeman Tour bullfighter Bryce Redo who describes him as “electric”.

In 2015 he ranked sixth in the Resistol Rookie Standings for bull riding; and won the Xtreme Bull Riding (Albuquerque, N.M.) with a 70th place that year in the world standings with $18,703 in earnings.

Melancon is the 2017 College National Finals Bull Riding Champion and was a four-time Texas High School Rodeo qualifier (2009-12).

Representing Hill College, Cole accepted the honors in 2017 as the Intercollegiate National Bull Riding Champion

The 5’9 145 pound athletes’ preparation schedule for the 10 rounds in Las Vegas includes working on his new place he purchased, getting on some practice bulls and riding his drop barrel.

 “Champions are not people who have never lost they are people have never quit,” Cole Melancon on Facebook.

Looking out for each other Southeast Texas Cowboys Cole Melancon (Liberty, Texas) and Bryce Redo (Dayton, Texas) on the Tuff Hedeman Bull Riding Tour.

Tuff Hedeman Bull Riding Tour Salutes PRCA Award Nominees

Each year, the PRCA recognizes and awards a group of highly skilled and enthusiastic nominees for their highest honors bestowed at the annual PRCA Awards Banquet in Las Vegas held before the start of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo.

The Tuff Hedeman Bull Riding Tour is fortunate to have the pleasure of working with many of these professional rodeo personnel nominees and we would like to congratulate them and wish them luck.

The selections are made from a ballot process for eligible voting PRCA members. The winners for each category will be announced at the PRCA Awards Banquet at the South Point in Las Vegas on Dec. 5.

Music Director of the Year Nominee

Jill Franzen Loden - Riverton, Wyoming

Working 36 events a year totaling 121 performances Jill Franzen Loden loves being a music director. Citing “Don’t stop Believin’ (Journey) as her favorite song, the ultra-talented rodeo and bull riding DJ admits she’s an 80’s classic rock nerd.

“Entertaining crowds and enhancing the sport of professional rodeo through great sound and music, it’s my passion and what I love most about my job,” said Loden

Franzen hails from a famous rodeo stock contracting family, Powder River Rodeo Company and can trace her roots to a mishap one weekend some 19 years ago.

“When you are a contractor’s daughter you fill in wherever you are needed at the rodeos, back then it was just “the sound guy” didn’t show up to a bull riding. My folks nominated me. I was terrified but really enjoyed it and decided to pursue it. Now I’m super blessed with an amazing career and can’t imagine doing anything else.”

Clown of the Year Nominees

Cody Sosebee - Charleston, Arkansas

The 2017 man in the barrel at the NFR and 2018 Clown Act of the Year Nominee, is known nationwide as the fan-friendly face - stopping in Cheyenne to give fans rides in a mini chariot pulled by ponies, taking selfies along the parade route, and forever grateful for the life he leads and how rodeo has affected his entire outlook.

“I am thankful every day for the life I lead, traveling in and out, jumping on plane and being in Las Vegas one day and back in my home town a day later, all in the name of making people happy and I’m grateful I have a platform to use for good.”

Sosebee says his secret weapon when coming up with jokes or acts is everyday life.

“I’m a glass half full guy and try to see the positive in everything, but the daily mess ups are what’s funny to me and is what helps me so much,” said the guy who says he is part of the “chicken mafia.”

How does he describe his first NFR appearance (2017)?

 “I had so much fun, I can’t describe it,”  he said. “Everything was 10 times more than I thought it would be. It was 10 times more work, 10 times more fun, and 10 times more gratifying.”

 Sosebee says the best part is working and producing a clean family comedy show intertwined with one of the most traditional sports in America, my teachers said I would never make it being a clown - but I’m proving them wrong.”

Cody Sosebee and Tuff Hedeman have been working together since – well no one really remembers when - but it’s been over 10 years. He can be seen in the arena and on the concourse making people laugh again beginning in January on the Tuff Hedeman Bull Riding Tour.

 “My job is to always make sure people are having fun.”

JJ Harrison - Walla Walla, Washington

Also nominated for 2018 PRCA Clown Act of the Year, 43 year old JJ Harrison is an off the cuff style clown and spur of the moment trickster. He is a combo of his bigger than life experiences including graduating from Washington State University and he earned a master’s degree from Grand Canyon University. He can be found on the motivational speaker trail and various voice talent endeavors when he is not entertaining rodeo fans.

JJ Harrison has been a PRCA clown since 2006. He is known for his sumo suit, queen run, and walk and talk antics. He keeps the fans on the edge of their seats in Las Vegas at the Tuff Hedeman Bull Riding and before he takes to the dirt you can find him taking selfies and singing autographs on the concourse with fans. JJ Harrison grew up in Okanogan, Wash., where his love for the rodeo began. It wasn’t until high school when JJ Harrison decided to actually get involved in the events at the rodeo.

He took his passion to college with him and joined the rodeo team as a bull and bronc rider at Washington State University.  “I gradually realized that I was a wimp and I migrated to team roping.” Harrison said. “I had a lot of fun and success roping over the years, but it wasn’t a career I could have.”

Harrison taught science and social studies at a Walla Walla middle school for eight years. “I think I enjoyed that middle school humor almost more than the kids.” After a few years of balancing teaching and rodeo, Harrison was forced to choose between the two.

Harrison believes that his time in the classroom has influenced his act as a rodeo clown. “I’m a ball of energy that is quick witted and eager to find humor in every situation. I think it stems from natural ability and my experience in the classroom.”

Harrison will describe himself as a ball of dancing energy that will be all over the arena.

“I think comedy and comic relief are both a very important part of rodeo and its entertainment value.” 

Justin Rumford - Ponca City, Oklahoma

Justin Rumford entertaining the crowd at the Red Wilk Construction Bull Bash on the Tuff Hedeman Bull Riding Tour in Huron, South Dakota.

2012 PRCA Clown of the Year, and the 2014 NFR man in the barrel, Justin Rumford is a third-generation rodeo cowboy and considered by his peers as one of the top barrelmen in the PRCA.

His grandfather, Floyd Rumford, started Rumford Rodeo Company in the 1950’s and ran the company until he was laid to rest in 1998. Justin’s father, Bronc Rumford, took it over and still raises rodeo stock in the small town of Abbyville, Kansas.

Justin has seen both sides of the arena working working as a contestant and pick-up man in the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association since 1999. He qualified for the College National Finals Rodeo, in steer wrestling and saddle bronc riding, three of his four years of college. In 2010, his rodeo career took a different direction when he was asked by a friend to fill-in as the barrel-man for a rodeo in Kansas. One month later, he received his PRCA card to be a rodeo entertainer and he’s been on the vertical rise ever since! He returned to the CNFR as a clown in 2011 and 2012.

Justin has been blessed with a deep family rodeo history and a bright future in the sport he loves, “the greatest show on dirt.” 

Snapchatting Rumford was a super-sized hit at the 2018 Tuff Hedeman Bull Riding in Huron, South Dakota as he entertained the arena level VIP’s for two nights.

Follow Tuff @TuffHedemanOfficial on Instagram and Tuff Hedeman on Facebook.

For more information contact Leigh Ann Schroeder, 940.902.1112 or tuffhedemanpr@gmail.com; www.tuffhedemanbullriding.com. 

NFR Qualifier Profile Koby Radley

 It’s Geaux Time

Deep in the bayou state, there is an athlete from the Baton Rouge area who has surfaced in a sport's national rankings and is not on the No. 3 ranked LSU football team. He is the professional bull rider, Koby Radley.

Radley rides Mike Rawsons Kojack for 88 points at the 2018 Tuff Hedeman Bull Riding at the South Point Hotel and Casino Equestrian Center.

Radley, the 20-year-old Cajun Cowboy from Montpelier, Louisiana, a town of 214 people near Baton Rouge, heads to Las Vegas to ride bulls for the first time in December after completing his best season professionally since turning pro in 2016. Radley who has wanted to ride bulls all his life, stepped up and out of his comfort zone in 2018 to compete in the PRCA with one goal – qualifying for the National Finals Rodeo (NFR).

Radley finished 28th last year in the PRCA and that disappointment turned into inspiration for this year.

"I had to prove myself this year, and I am ready to get after it for the richest 10 days in rodeo," said an excited Radley from a duck blind in Nebraska.

Radley cites respect as the best cowboy tradition, and he earned $97,257.63 of it this year to finish just outside the top ten, No. 12 in the bull rider in PRCA earnings this season.

Radley competed on the Tuff Hedeman Bull Riding Tour during his first successful NFR run.

In addition to qualifying for his first NFR, Koby rode on the Tuff Hedeman tour.

He was recruited to be a member of the Panola Junior College Bull Riding team as well where he represented the club in bull riding at the College National Finals Rodeo riding two of three and advancing to the short round with a top 10 finish. 

The 5'7 145-pound bull rider who can be found duck hunting and fishing before getting back on some practice bulls won 10 PRCA rodeo titles including two Xtreme Bull competitions. He finished fifth at Cheyenne Frontier Days rodeo winning the first round and leading the average thru the second round.

Koby Radley of Montpelier, La., rode Dakota Rodeo’s Soup In A Group for 91.5 points to win f the Mandan Rodeo Day on July 2. Photo by Jackie Jensen

“My best ride this year was in Mandan, I scored 91.5 points on Dakota Rodeo’s 34 Soup In A Group, a bull that was only ridden once last season, to win the rodeo,” continued Radley.

Radley has qualified for the Texas Circuit three times, and in 2017 he finished 28th in PRCA standings with $52,880 in earnings and three event titles.  Radley joined the PRCA in 2016.

THE BEGINNING

Radley is a past International Finals Rodeo (IFYR) Youth World Champion bull rider where he was the only rider to cover three bulls at the 2015 Super Bowl of youth rodeo. He started riding calves when he was 8. He began competing and progressed in junior rodeo including competing in high school rodeo in both Mississippi and Louisiana as a junior bull rider.

 “I have been waiting on this for a long time, this is my dream, I started riding when I was 8 or 9 years old when my Dad put me on for the first time,” remembered Radley.

Radley won the Mississippi High School Rodeo title 3 times as a freshman, sophomore, and junior.

In 2016 Koby Radley joined his brother in law as a professional bull rider. Radley’s sister Kortlyn is married to NFR qualifier Jacob O'Mara, and they competed on the road together. In their journeys, they amassed seven CBR event titles with Radley winning the Salina Championship title and the year-end CBR Horizon Championship buckle and the bonus check.

Jacob O’Mara, Kortlyn Radley O’Mara and Koby.

According to Radley, they used their time in the truck wisely talking about bulls and how they can better their riding skills and themselves. With O'Mara retired now from riding, Radley filled his seat in the truck with Eli Vastbinder. The buddy system seems to work for Radley and Vastbinder as they operated together – monitoring and helping each other. The two traveling together, both earned back numbers for the 2018 NFR.

Traveling with Eli Vastbinder, these thicker than thieves bull riders believe being together is one of the secrets to their success. Radley had competed and traveled with brother in law Jacob O’mara when he began his pro career during the 2015-16 season. He learned that studying, talking and getting on bulls constantly with someone has its advantages.

Koby Radley and Eli Vasbtinder, 2018 NFR Qualifiers

 “I’ve always wanted to do this, watching everyone else ride while I was growing up, it’s my dream.”

Radley who describes his ride style as “under control” likes time in the chutes to assure the bull is standing.

As a first time competitor at the NFR, odds are unpredictable but be assured Koby Radley will be prepared. His young life to this point has been preparing for this moment. He lives, eats, and breathes bull riding. He studies bulls, knows bulls and will be prepared for each ride as much as possible.   

Follow Koby and the NFR bull riding on Facebook, Tuff Hedeman; Instagram, Tuff Hedeman Official, and Tuff Hedeman Bull Riding.

NFR QUALIFIER PROFILE - JOE FROST

While many bull riders feed off of adrenaline rushed schedules and lifestyles, steadiness seems to suit 2018 NFR bull riding qualifier, Joe Ferd Frost.

Frost is one of two bull riders at this year’s NFR that is making his fifth consecutive appearance. His life changes significantly each year, but the constant is that every December he packs his truck and heads to Las Vegas to attempt the one title that eludes him -  PRCA World Champion Bull Rider.

Joe Ferd Frost knows how to win. The five-time National Finals Rodeo qualifier is the first and only cowboy in history to earn the triple crown of national championship titles. He entered the professional rodeo world as a promising young bull rider who won the National Jr. High School title (2007), a few years later he stood on the podium winning the National High School Rodeo Championship (2010), and soon advanced to earn College Rodeo's top bull riding honor in 2014.

"You have to block out the pressure and be the very best every time, and if you can't do your job you take a chance of getting hurt, it's a dangerous sport and important to stay focused," said the bull rider who hails from a long line of pro rodeo athletes named Frost.

Frost is an all-around cowboy who enjoys competing in multiple events. He claimed four individual rodeo all-around titles in 2017 and earned over one million dollars as a professional athlete. His mantel is littered with buckles and awards including the coveted Bill Linderman Memorial Award, which is presented yearly to the leading cowboy with minimum earnings of $1,000 in three events.

THE ODDS

Since first taking the dirt in 2014 at the Thomas and Mack, Frost has won five rounds in NFR competition. He has never finished outside the top 5 in the average. His best finish was that same year where he was second in the average, 490.5 points on 6 bulls, and second in the final PRCA World Standings. In 2015 he tied for fourth with Clayton Foltyn,404.5 pts on 5.  In 2016 he did not win an NFR round, but was fourth in the average, 407.5 on five.

In 2017, Frost rode 7 of 10 and 585 points to finish second in the NFR standings and fourth in the title race. His strong second in the average finish was slightly overlooked in the rodeo world behind the highly contested photo finish between Trey Benton and Sage Kimzey.

Flanked by Clyde and Elsie Frost, his wife Kylee and a host of special people in Joe’s life, he accepts the Round 7 NFR win buckle at the South Point buckle ceremony in 2017.

A great deal has changed in Joe’s life and the PRCA since he began his career. Joe graduated from Panhandle State University, he was married in 2017 (Kylee Frost), and his younger brother Josh is now carrying the Frost family tradition as a professional bull rider, and they travel together when possible.

“Our goal is to be first or second wherever we go. There is nothing better when we all do good. We don't even care who is first, second or third. We want to take everything home in the same truck,” said Joe referring to his younger brother turning pro.

THE BEGINNING

Joe Frost is a third generation PRCA competitor. His grandfather Joe Frost and his Dad Shane Frost were both PRCA members. Josh's great uncle Clyde Frost competed at the first NFR in 1959 in bareback riding and returned multiple times in both bareback and saddle bronc riding. Josh's second cousin is the late Lane Frost, a five-time NFR qualifier and PRCA World Champion bull rider whose rodeo life was depicted with Tuff Hedeman in the feature film 8 Seconds.

This generation of Frost’s grew up in Utah in a family that also included two brothers and a sister.

It is no surprise he wanted to be a bull rider. He learned how to ride bulls by watching his legendary cousin’s instructional video, “Lane Frost Bull Talk.”

“That’s the basis of my riding,” he said. “I started watching that when I was 4 or 5 years old. Before I came out here (to the NFR), I watched it every day.

 “You grow up a Frost, we all ride bulls. My dad and Lane, my brothers. That’s all we talk about,” Joe said. “That’s all we play as little kids. Riding bulls.”

“I’ve been very lucky to have so many great people around, a lot of great mentors,” Joe said. “My dad has been the biggest mentor and role model for me my whole life. He taught me everything I know.”

He graduated from Union High School in Roosevelt, Utah where he won two state bull riding championships and an all-around state title. He would go on to win the 2014 intercollegiate bull riding championship as a member of the Panhandle (Okla.) State rodeo team and it was there he met one of the most influential people in his life, his rodeo coach and nine-time NFR qualifier, Craig Latham.

TURNING PRO

Joe dedicated his 2014 eighth-round win to Latham and presented him the buckle at the South Point ceremony following the victory. Latham was fighting cancer at the time and made the trip to Las Vegas not knowing how many more chances he would have to see his star student compete.

“I’ve learned so much being around him, I’ve learned a lot about rodeoing, but even more about the type of person I want to be,” said Frost.

“Good character is more important than winning, it goes alot further because when you’re done rodeoing, all you got is a pile of hardware and the friends you’ve made.” - Joe Frost

Although the final word is yet to come on the 2018 season, Joe won 8 PRCA bull riding event titles to earn $96,162.70 in the qualifying regular season race and enters Vegas as the No. 13 bull rider.

Since turning pro in 2013, Joe has dabbled in bull riding only tours winning Tuff Hedemans Bossier (2015) and his legendary Fort Worth Championship Challenge in 2017.

According to Frost, the Fort Worth event win was special. With close family friend Tuff Hedeman handing him the check and the buckle, and earning the W at the event that is revered as the historical birthplace of stand-alone bull riding.

“It was exciting to have my name up there in history on such a prestigious event,” said Frost.

In 2018 Joe and his brother Josh competed in the Tuff Hedeman Bull Riding Tour with a top 3 finish in El Paso and they competed in Las Vegas as well. Joe is a CBR two-time event champion and was a three-time CBR World Finals qualifier. One of Joe’s highest marked career rides was with Hedeman standing at the chute when he posted a 92.5 in 2017 on Hurst’s NFR bucker - Yellowhair.

THE CONSISTENCY THEOREY

One of Joe’s mentors is Denny Flynn, a 10-time NFR qualifier and 3-time average winner. Joe follows Denny’s advice of getting on practice bulls consistently during his career, the gym does not provide the same workout as getting on bulls, and it seems to be paying off, year after year.

How do you prepare mentally?

I think over the last 4 years it has gotten easier to prepare because I have a better understanding of where I need to be mentally and physically when I walk into the Thomas and Mack Center for the 1st round, as well as how I need to feel when I walk in there on the night of the 10th round. I better understand the emotional roller coaster that those 10 days attempt to take you on and how I have to battle that.

What will be your physical workout routine?

“I will prepare for the finals by riding between 20 and 25 practice bulls, the main reason for that is to make sure I am in the best “riding shape” possible. I will also work out daily for the whole month of November, workouts that target flexibility, strength and speed.

What would be your first and last round stock picks if you could select?

If I could pick my first and last round bull what would it be? I don’t really know what pens will be put on those nights but if it was all up to me, I’d start out with Broken Arrow of Bar T and end with Sweet Pro Bruiser of D&H.”

Best up and coming bull rider you saw on the trail this year?

 There are a lot of young bull riders that I’m really impressed with right now, I would have to say Koby Radley really impressed me bring a young guy who stepped up when it mattered and made the finals kinda how Boudreaux Campbell did last year!

What do you do when you are not on the road riding bulls?

“When I’m not rodeoing I’m at home doing ranch work, my wife and I have 150 head of cows and we also spend a lot of time gardening and we have gotten into preserving a lot of the food we grow, we also have about 50 head of chickens and 6 ducks. After that Amy spare time I spend doing leather work or braiding bull ropes.”

What is Joe Frost's inspiration this year?

My inspiration comes from a lot of people like that who have had an impact on my life. But at this point in my career it’s as simple as I love riding bulls and more than that what really thrills me is riding really rank bulls and making it look easy, it doesn’t happen like that as often as I’d like but that’s the goal I have every time I get on.

*Frost is a second cousin to Lane Frost who won the PRCA world bull riding title in 1987 and was killed at the Cheyenne Frontier Days in Wyoming in 1989 by a bull he had ridden in the finals for prize money.