8 seconds can seem like forever

Peter Schreiber holds on as long as he can in the mutton busting. The Pilot/Jef Hatch

But when you add Evil Eyes, Rattler, El Taco, Dark Vador and Jacquizz to the mix you realize there might be something a little more sinister on the horizon than watching some cute bunnies save the world, you’ve got yourself some bull riding.

Thursday night Curry County was treated to some of the best bulls to ever run a rodeo circuit with only three being ridden to a full 8 seconds.

More than 30 riders attempted to stay on their bull for the full ride and while the crowd roared when riders were bucked off, they went crazy when the riders kept their seats.

Mikel McIntyre of Merrill was the first bull rider to complete a ride garnering himself a score of 80.

While a number of riders were pitched violently from the backs of their bulls, only three required assistance of any kind to get out of the arena.

R.J. Kreige of Prineville eventually won the event and took home $2,500 after scoring an 83 while riding Disco Dog.

Barrel racing was the co-main event of the evening with two classes of riders racing to get the best time around three barrels. Among the open riders, Tiffany Duran of Scio took first place with a time of 14.44 seconds. 

Riders from the Brookings and Gold Beach 4-H programs made a great showing with 10 individuals turning in times ranging from 17 seconds to 34 seconds.

One of the most anticipated events of the evening may have been the mutton busting. Parents held their breath as their 12 precious 4-8 year-old children grabbed handfuls of wool and rode a sheep as long as they could.

Kira Stevenson was able to hold on for more than 20 seconds and secured the $10 prize along with a green ribbon and a giant belt buckle.

Kira Stevenson won top prize for mutton bustin.' The Pilot/Jef Hatch

“I had a lot of fun,” Stevenson said. “It was hard to hold onto but I did it.”

Stevenson is a 7-year old Gold Beach resident who is excited about coming back next year for a chance to defend her hard-earned title.

While facing a sheep that is almost as tall as the rider may prove scary to many children, those who rode showed their strength and bravery.

Tears were few and far between and when they came they were tears of anger as the rider pointed out the “mean” sheep that he was going to “take care of next time.”