HEMPSTEAD, Texas – In order to be the best, you have to associate with the best.
That cliché has become a philosophy for the members of the Waller County Fair and Rodeo board as they have taken a major jump in their annual event and joined the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association.
“As far as making this a PRCA rodeo, our main decision was really based on the fact that this is the next step in our fair and in our organization,” said Clint Sciba, co-chairman of the rodeo committee. “We saw an opportunity to make the move, especially with the success of our local cowboys.
“When we’re seeing that kind of success out of guys from right here, then we want them to be a part of our rodeo.”
They’ll get their chance during two outstanding performances of the rodeo, set for 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 30, and Saturday, Oct. 1.
“One of the things we knew we needed to do was have the best stock contractor we could find come in and help us put on this rodeo,” Sciba said.
That’s when Dallas-based Carr Pro Rodeo came into the picture. With its ranch in Athens, Texas, the proximity was just a benefit. The deciding factors came down to recommendations and a good feeling the fair and rodeo’s organizers had in Pete Carr and his crew of professionals.
“We had three contractors that were suggested, and we went through a two- to three-week process,” Sciba said. “We called each contractor, and we asked about doing everything, from public relations to stock to daily calls even while the event going on. Pete Carr definitely came highly recommended. When we looked at everything, Pete just seemed like a natural fit for us. I felt it was important with the PRCA that we took the opportunity with a fresh contractor that could bring ideas to us. We’re getting that with Pete.”
Bareback rider Clint Cannon of nearby Waller, Texas, was one of those elite ProRodeo contestants who recommended the Carr crew to work the inaugural event at his hometown rodeo.
“I love Pete Carr rodeos, and that’s one of the reasons his name came up first on my list,” said Cannon, a two-time qualifier to the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo and a two-time winner of RodeoHouston. “He always brings good horses to rodeos. He runs a good show. The great thing about Pete is that he’s not afraid to bring his good horses.”
That’s important to guys who ride bucking horses for a living. In saddle bronc riding, bareback riding and bull riding, half the score is given to the athletic animals. Bronc busters know it takes quality mounts if they want to earn the lion’s share of the prize money.
“We know that when we go to one of Pete’s rodeos that you don’t have to get on a piece of junk,” Cannon said. “You know you’re going to have a chance to draw a good horse, and it’s going to come down to who rides best to decide who wins.”
But that’s just a small part of the puzzle that is a professional rodeo.
“We’re looking for a hell of a production as well,” Sciba said. “When you go back to the spectator side, we want people to leave here thinking that Waller is the one you want to see. From the stock to the production, we just thought Pete would be the perfect fit for us.”