Bulls and barrels are comin’ to town

Never are the cowboys a test for the bulls, but the bulls a test for the cowboys. The Pilot/Jef Hatch

This year’s event will feature over 30 riders attempting to conquer more than 40 bulls and approximately 15 barrel racers attempting to be fastest through the course.

Riders who are able to stay atop their mounts for a full eight seconds will be judged on two factors. First will be a score based on form and control of the ride and second, a score is given based on the difficulty of the bull. 

In the end, the rider with the highest score is crowned the champion and takes home their portion of a $5,000 purse. First place receives $2,000, second takes $1500, third receives $1,000 and fourth pockets $500.

This year’s entrants include a number of world class competitors, including some top-ranked National Professional Rodeo Association riders. 

Nathan Story, Don Nagler, Chase Skidgel, Blane Skaggs and Jimmy Lowe are just a few of the superb bull riders who will be strutting their stuff Thursday, July 29, at the Curry County Fair. 

Future bull riders will get some practice with a mutton busting competition scheduled to happen right before the rodeo at 7:30 p.m.

Mutton busting is just like a bull riding competition with the exceptions being the animal to be ridden and age of they competitors. Children of all ages will be timed as they hang onto the back of a sheep let loose into the arena.

Following the mutton busting will be the grand entry parade with “Old Glory” brought in to kick off the night.

The event will begin at 8 p.m. with a wild night of cowboys versus bulls and cowgirls versus barrels.

Bull riding will be interspersed with barrel racing which will include 10 local 4-H members doing their best to turn in the best times as they race their horses around the barrels.

Barrel racing is considered to be one of the hardest rodeo events, requiring a unique balance of speed, agility and communication between horse and rider.

While admittance to Bulls and Barrels is covered by the $7 fair entrance fee, preferred seating is available at the arena for an additional $3.

Howell Rodeo Company out of Venetta will be providing the bulls and bull riders for the event.

“We’re really well known for our bulls,” said Jerry Howell, owner of Howell Rodeo Company. “We’ve got quite a following for our bulls. We’ve got the offspring of some really famous bulls that will be tough to ride.”

Many cowboys will only ride events where they know the bulls will be tough. According to Howell there will only be three to four full, 8-second rides. 

“The bulls are going to be better than the cowboys,” Howell concluded.

Fairgoers will need to hold onto their seats as the action unfolds beginning at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, July 29 at the Event Center on the Beach during the Curry County Fair.