Bulls of Terror

I hadn’t been to a rodeo-type event since I was a kid growing up in Southern Idaho, and I probably wouldn’t have went to this one except for one thing — I was invited. I know this sounds like such an unbelievably simple thing, but the reason folks don’t show up to events is due to the fact that we all — me included — take it for granted that everyone would know of things that are going on. That, unfortunately, is not the case for many events going on in our own community and our neighboring communities as well.

I was minding my own business while out taking pictures for the Bonners Ferry Badger varsity football team when a graduate of BFHS approached me. I’ve known this young man for years, and after greeting each other he asked if I would come to the bull riding event the next day. I didn’t even know the event was scheduled and, after a half-second of thought, agreed to go and shoot photos for them. This young man is Wyatt Snider, and he was one of the brave recipients of the bulls’ angst.

Wyatt, along with several other local bull riders, are a part of the Elite Professional Bullriders Association who hosted the event with a $2,000 added money prize for the winner of the competition. The prize money wasn’t the only thing going for this competition, as a local family who had their home burn down would be honored and helped by the ride as well. A pair of amazing chaps were donated, and the proceeds of $500 went to the local family. Thank you for showing this family your support during this trying time of life.

Mixed in with the bull riding was a team roping competition that featured many local riders who charged out and tried to rope the running animal around the neck and then around the back legs for a score. This proved more difficult than most could manage, but some did get the job done before the day was finished.

During this part of the competition, a huge bull jumped over the fence and ran out across the soccer field snorting and bucking. Thank you Lord that no one was out in the field and that all the riders atop horses took off to corner the feisty animal. It took several riders, ropes at the ready, nearly 10 minutes to get the beast back into the proper staging area so that he could attempt to throw a determined rider to the ground. The professionalism that the cowboys exhibited was outstanding and the crowd loved every minute of the fiasco.

The stock (the bulls to be ridden) must have been in a foul mood on this day as none of the riders got off easy. Yes, some of the riders successfully remained on the bull’s back for the eight seconds, but ask any one of them about how easy that was and you’ll get a hardened look for sure. These beasts were ready for a fight, and each cowboy gave them their best as they lurched and jumped trying to dislodge the determined rider. A few of the bulls started the show while the gate was still closed and that proved to be quite a challenge for the rider trying to get settled before taking to the arena.

There were many a rider whose boots were above his head as the bulls of terror dealt them a furious ride for sure. And that is where another group of brave folks come into the picture. The bullfighters that keep the bull’s attention when a rider is toppled really have their work cut out for them. They are dressed in bright clothing, and their job is to protect the rider at all costs — and what a cost it is. When over 1,000 pounds of angry bull is charging after you, you know that your job is pretty exciting to say the least. Brett Summer and Casey Suivenga ran around the bulls once a rider was thrown and kept everyone safe at great personal risk. Great job guys!

This was definitely a family-friendly event that could be recommended to everyone you know. Heck, the next time someone invites you out to watch a rodeo you would probably have a lot of fun and may even see one of our local boys win the whole thing!

#local #lifecommunity #entertainment