The opening night of the PBR World Finals was all about the bulls. In fact, just nine cowboys scored qualified rides. That says something about the quality of the animals. I suspect things will change some over the next few nights, but I believe the trend will remain on the side of the bulls. It’s[...]

The first two rounds of timed events are complete at the American Royal rodeo in Kansas City. Because the space limitations at the Sprint Center, the first two rounds — and Thursday morning’s first round of barrel racing — are taking place at Lone Wolf Arena in Cleveland, Mo. The top 40 times in the[...]

This week is supposed to mark five years I’ve covered the American Royal rodeo in Kansas City. In that time, I will have covered it via closed-circuit from the hospitality area, written from the top of a trash can and done interviews in a bathroom stall. Ah, the glorious life of a writer, I know.[...]

The American Royal rodeo will feature some of the greatest contestants in the sport, from world champions to regular qualifiers to the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. It will also feature the 2011 world champion bucking horses, both owned by Frontier Rodeo Co. – bareback horse Full Baggage and saddle bronc Medicine Woman. They are outstanding[...]

How consistent is Todd Suhn? He’s finished in the top 15, qualifying for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, 15 times in 16 years. The only year he missed ProRodeo’s grand finale was 2006. Care to guess where he finished in the final world standings that year? Yeah, he was 16th. The string of qualifications started[...]

Wade Sumpter’s goal, as it always is, was to qualify for the 2011 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo and battle for the steer wrestling world championship. That didn’t happen. Instead, the Fowler, Colo., cowboy finished in 17th place, just $2,700 out of his fifth qualification by finishing in the top 15 in the world standings at[...]

I visited today with Brandon Westphal, president of www.PlayRodeo.com. He’s getting ready for his fantasy contest associated with the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. I provided a few tidbits and thoughts, focusing primarily on the worlds of barrel racing and bareback riding. He plans to post those insights on the website soon, so keep an eye[...]

One of my regular assignments is as the rodeo correspondent for the Kansas City Star. A week ago, I got a message from the assistant sports editor about a metro section story on steer roping and the American Royal rodeo. The editor asked me pointedly, “Is this a controversy you’re familiar with?” I wasn’t familiar[...]

By the PRCA WACO, Texas – The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association has signed an agreement with the Heart O’ Texas Fair & Rodeo Committee that will keep the All American ProRodeo Finals, presented by Pendleton Whisky, in Waco for the next three years. The Extraco Events Center in Waco has been the home of the[...]

Vickie Shireman and Dollie Riddle do a lot of the same things in the world of rodeo. Both are secretaries and timers in the PRCA, and both work a lot of events for Beutler & Son Rodeo Co., the family livestock firm that’s been around as long as ProRodeo. Their brother, Bennie, and nephew, Rhett,[...]