BRIDGEPORT, Texas – A solid partnership always makes things better.
That’s the case with the Karl Klement Butterfield Stage Days Rodeo and its livestock producer, Dallas-based Pete Carr Pro Rodeo.
“Pete has been amazing to work with,” said David Turnbow, president of the volunteer committee that produces the annual rodeo, set for 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 13, and Saturday, May 14, at Sunset Retreat and Weddings Arena, formerly the Bridgeport Riding Club Arena. “He’s been helpful to us in many ways, and it’s been that way since the first day we began working together.”
The livestock firm is one of the premier stock contractors in the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, having received four nominations for Stock Contractor of the Year. No other PRCA producer has had more animals selected to the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo over the last three years than Carr.
Over the last six years, three Carr animals have been named PRCA Bareback Animals of the Year, including the last two years with Dirty Jacket, a 12-year-old bay gelding. He was joined by Big Tex in 2010 and MGM Deuces Night. The talented herd of bucking horses also includes Real Deal, the 2005 winner.
It’s that type of athletic talent that will help draw the biggest names in the sport to Bridgeport in May. Take last year’s top finishers in bareback riding as an example: Richmond Champion won the Butterfield Stage Days title, followed by three-time world champion Will Lowe and Evan Jayne. All have competed at the NFR.
They also have had great success on Carr animals.
“Pete sure enough has a bunch of great horses,” Lowe said. “You dang sure know you’d better be ready when you get on one of Pete’s horses.”
The bull riders feel the same way. Carr has developed one of the top bull herds in ProRodeo.
“Pete Carr’s got a great set of bucking stock,” said Sage Kimzey, the reigning two-time world champion bull rider from Strong City, Okla. “It’s awesome what he’s done.”
It all comes down to putting together a great contest for the cowboys and a powerful production for the fans. That’s just what the Butterfield Stage Days Rodeo committee and its fans have come to expect.
“The production of a Pete Carr rodeo is second to none,” Turnbow said. “When you put his production in with great livestock that comes to Bridgeport every spring, we know we can expect the best.”
It’s an overall great experience for everyone involved.
“Pete Carr puts on a great rodeo,” Kimzey said. “I’m thankful he loves the sport of rodeo so much and wants it to be so great.”