Issuu

$4.99 USD AUG 2020

Humps N Horns August 2020

On The Cover - The Nunn Family - John, Jolena, and their son, miniature bull rider J.W., and daughters Harlie and Hailey, represent the great families involved in the sport of rodeo.

Photo by Phillip Kitts / Avid Visual Imagery Humps-Horns.com Âˇ 4 Âˇ August 2020

HUMPS N HORNS® BULL RIDING MAGAZINE PO Box 34172 Fort Worth, TX 76162 325-500-BULL (2855) www.humps-horns.com

ADMINISTRATIVE Stacie Blake

Publisher/Owner stacie@humps-horns.com

Terry Blake

Editor in Chief/Owner terry@humps-horns.com

Features

ADVERTISING ads@humps-horns.com

CIRCULATION

10 Monster Energy Team Challenge

circulation@humps-horns.com

Championship Weekend in Sioux Falls

FEATURE STORY WRITER Barbara Pinnella barbara@humps-horns.com

12 The MBR Family

Parents’ Dedication to Chasing Kids’ Dreams

18 4G Ranch Bucking Bull

Georgia Akers Justin Felisko Barbara Pinnella Keno Shrum

Also In This Issue

Outside the Arena

Practice Pens Talking Bull w/ Brayden Through My Eyes Where’s the Beef

Andy Gregory Director of Photography andy@humps-horns.com

CONTRIBUTORS

A Family Affair

Bull Pen 19 Classifieds 28 Country Kitchen 15 Inspiration Point 14 Livestock Layovers 28

PHOTOGRAPHY

28 7 8 25

16 Humps-Horns.com · 5 · August 2020

Andy Gregory Phillip Kitts Kelly B. Robbins Andy Watson

Humps N’ Horns® Bull Riding Magazine reserves the right to alter, edit or reject all advertisement or editorial for it’s content, clarity, and/or length. Viewpoints expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of Humps N’ Horns® Bull Riding Magazine. No material may be reprinted or reproduced without first obtaining permission from the publisher and/or editor in chief. All advertisement, editorials, letters, and press releases are accepted with the understanding that the representative, advertiser, and/or advertising agency are authorized to publish the entire contents of submitted material. Not responsible for errors or omissions in any advertisement. Humps N’ Horns® Bull Riding Magazine will not assume responsibility for any late publication due to the printer, the USPS, or an act of God. Under no circumstances will Humps N’ Horns® Bull Riding Magazine be held liable for acts of privacy, plagiarism, copyright, or trademark infringements. Material submitted for publication becomes the property of Humps N’ Horns® Bull Riding Magazine and will not be returned unless prior arrangements are made. USPS #022-617 Periodicals Postage Paid at Fort Worth, TX and additional offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to Humps N’ Horns® Bull Riding Magazine, PO Box 34172, Fort Worth, TX 76162. ISSN1554-0162. Publication Number 022-617. ©All rights reserved. Humps N’ Horns® Bull Riding Magazine 2015

Letter from the Editor I have often said that one of the greatest benefits of being involved in the rodeo and bull riding community is the people that you have the chance to meet along the way. As one who grew up being very shy and did not enjoy talking to any one, especially if I didn’t know you, I love being able to travel to events all across the country and meeting a lot of great people from all walks of life. There have been times where I laugh at myself and think God must have a wicked sense of humor to transform a kid like me into an adult who really enjoys talking to people, even strangers! One of the dear ladies we had the privilege of meeting and getting to know throughout the years recently passed away. I first remember meeting Rose Cameron at the PBR Iron Cowboy several years ago when there was a fan zone before the event. Something rubbed Rose wrong that day and she was fussing about it when she came by our booth. I didn’t think much of it but the next time she came by and talked to us she said that she wanted to make sure and come by so we wouldn’t think she was a mean old woman who griped about everything. She was far from a “mean old woman” and it was always a joy to see her each year during the PBR Finals when we have our booth set up at the Fan Zone at South Point. Our prayers and condolences are with her family. Family is the theme that flows throughout this issue of Humps N Horns. Phillip Kitts gives us an opportunity to see the sacrifice and dedication that families make to help their children pursue

their dreams of becoming professional bull riders. We also get to meet the Griggs Family and the 4G Ranch Bucking Bulls. The 4G Ranch had two bulls who split the Futurity win at the ABBI American Heritage. The Griggs are very proud of the bulls they raise and are also proud to do it as a family. We also get to look back at the PBR Monster Energy Team Challenge which crowned a champion with Team Cooper Tires, led by Jose Vitor Leme, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. We hope you enjoy this issue of Humps N Horns!

Until next time, Terry

Humps-Horns.com · 6 · August 2020

Talking “Bull” with Brayden flipping, and doing everything he could to get Noah off his back. Noah was stuck to him like he had glue in his britchs and got the round win. In the Senior division I was bucked off by Hammer Down. Inthe last event I was extremely close to riding this bull. This time he was squatting a little bit but I took him anyway. When they opened the gate I was jerked up on my rope and broke my wrist. As I’m writing this and right now as you read this, I’m in a cast. Chance Theiss put on a spectacular ride on Festus for 83 points. This bull really bucked! Probably one of his best days ever and that’s why this was such a high score. The best in the seniors was Jay Rodrigue who rode for 84.50 points.

Hi my name is Brayden Hollywood Brown and I am a miniature bull rider. Today I’m going to talk about the Buck Covid19 MBR, our first event back. So let’s get into it. In round number one Tate Gregory rode Red Bull for 50 points. Not the best bull in the pen but still a good ride from Tate. Boston Gage rode Cisco for 60 points. This bull kicked really well and had a few good belly rolls. Boston sat in the middle and got the job done. But the round winner was Kaysen Chaffin who rode Orville for 72 points. In the Junior division Cy Cole rode Cruella for 79 points. He started this bull strong, but towards the end he really had to work for it. JW Nunn rode Texas for 84.50 points. Now, this was a really good bull that jump kicks well and had some good belly rolls. Overall a great score from JW. In the end no one was better than Auston Young who rode Little Feather for 86.50 points. In the Senior division Tucker Aaron rode Harley for 70 points. This bull is a monster. Probably one of the biggest bulls in the MBR but he jump kicks down the pen doing his part to add to the score. Ryder Carpenttie rode Festus for 74.50 points. This is another jump kicker bull that had nothing special to him but still can get you a good score. Although, it was very clear that the winner would be Travoris Zeno who rode NM Gangster for 80.50 points. This bull was one jump out, to the right, cranking it. This bull had a ton of up and down, not much kick but it was enough for the round win. In round number two of the Peewee division Sawyer Roth rode Oriville for 60 points. Most bulls in the Peewee division just jump kick with some nasty belly rolls allowing the rider to get a good score and that is exactly what happened during all of these rides this round. Next Lane Valenzuela rode for 67.50 points. When this kid gets his mind right and in the game you better watch out for him. To be the best you have to beat the best and in this round no one was better than Isaac Escobedo who rode Ferdinand for 76 points. This was an awesome score for this division. In the Junior division Auston Young rode Electric Ride for 74 points. After Auston won round number one he came back firing and got another great score. JW Nunn rode Trigger for 76.50 points. This is another bull that jump kicks really well and set him up for a great score. Noah Lee rode Whitehorse for 82 points. This bull was jump kicking, back

In the Championship round of the Buck Covid19 event Tate Gregory rode Braveheart for 70 points in the peewee division. This bull jump kicks around the arena and Tate got a great score. Isaac Escobedo rode Cisco for 71 points. This was another solid bull that goes around the pen but he adds has some sick belly rolls. That is why he scored a bit higher. Sawyer Roth was the best in the Pee Wee division and won the championship round with 75 points on Tatonka. This was a wild ride. Tatonka kicked up over his head and had some nasty belly rolls. In the Junior division Evan Morrison rode Houston for 81 points. This bull turned back to the left, cranking it. In my opinion this should have won the round but that could be because of the excitement. Houston did come out of the spin and I’m sure the judges docked points there. That could be why he didn’t win the round. In the juniors JW Nunn took home the paycheck and buckle on Fred for 87 points this was almost the highest score of the entire weekend. That recognition goes to a rider in the senior division. This is the one that I’ve been waitng for. Jay Rodrigue! Jay rode Airtime for 89 points. Jay has come extremely close to riding this bull before but this was where he finally got it done. This was definitely the rankest ride all weekend but, not only that, in my opinion this was the Rankest ride all season and it was well deserved! Congrats Jay! Thank you for reading. To find out more about me go to my Facebook page @ Brayden Hollywood Brown. Thank you, Brayden Hollywood Brown

Jay Rodrigue conquers Airtime for 89 points. Photo by Phillip Kitts / Avid Visual Imagery.

Humps-Horns.com · 7 · August 2020

Talent Alone Equals Failure When it comes to the sport of rodeo, any event talent is only a small portion of the equation. Structure, discipline and a strong work ethic are necessary for great success no matter how much talent one has. You have no say in the amount of natural talent you have but the other three are totally your choice. I’ve seen several very talented guys come along with one or more of the other three ingredients missing and they may have had some success but they definitely left some things on the table. On the other hand I’ve seen some with very little talent but the other three ingredients were very strong in them and they went on to be successful. Take a good look and be real honest with yourself about your structure, your discipline, and your work ethic. I hope you choose the necessary ingredients toward your career. No one can do it for you. It is all on you. Cody Custer

Humps-Horns.com · 8 · August 2020

2nd Annual Spring Bull Bash

The Thomas Cowboy Church Arena in Thomas, Oklahoma was the site of the 2nd Annual Spring Bull Bash and Bull Riding School. There were 30 students and 88 contestants entered in the event which was organized by Luke Schalla, Nikki Schalla and Ty Hays. Over the course of two days Cody Custer taught the young bull riders. Saturday night brought the big event where the proceeds from the clinic and Vexil Brand were added to the total purse. Over $11,000 was paid out and many prizes sponsored by Phoenix Performance Products, American Hat, Tres Rios Silver, Punchy as Hell Feathers, and Kowboy Kartel. The first event in 2019 with Ross Coleman was such a success, we decided to host another clinic and bull riding. This idea came after being the weekly practice spot in Western Oklahoma and the desire to give our kids an event out here that was worth attending. Anywhere from 5-15 kids show up weekly in our backyard and we thought it would be fun to do a yearly event. Never in our dreams did we think by the second year it would have grown this much. At the bull riding, we bucked 104 bulls in 4 hours and had

a crowd you don’t typically see at a junior bull riding. We are looking forward to our Labor Day invitational backyard jackpot. -Nikki Schalla

Photos by Terri Abrahamsen / Chute Rodeo Images

Humps-Horns.com · 9 · August 2020

Team Cooper Tires

and Jose Vitor Leme

Photos by Andy Watson / BullStock Media

By Barbara Pinnella

Photos by Andy Watson / BullStock Media

Five weeks after the PBR Monster Energy Team Challenge began, Team Cooper Tires, managed by Cody Lambert and consisting of Captain and World Number One Jose Vitor Leme, six-time PRCA champion Sage Kimzey, Stetson Lawrence, and Keyshawn Whitehorse bound to the top of the ladder to win this event. With a final record of 8-0 and a riding percentage of 48%, their consistency was way too much for any other team to overcome. And it was Leme who was the Built Ford Tough Most Valuable Player, going 11-16 in the competition. Whitehorse, who began the event as a rotation rider for Lawrence, proved his worth, quickly becoming a special part of Team Cooper Tires for Jose. To get that victory, Team Cooper Tires had to make it through Team Pendleton Whisky. While on paper and by their rides up until the final round, that might have looked to be a tough job. In hindsight, however, that wasn’t a hard thing to do. The Pendleton Whisky team were unable to put even one score on the board. While manager Justin McBride certainly wanted to win, he lavished praise on Leme, citing his qualities as both a competitor

and an athlete. Team Pendleton Whisky Captain, Marco Eguchi, was hampered by his preexisting groin injury the entire competition, but was often able to put up a score at the most opportune time. In the Final, however, he was unable to conquer the quality bucking bulls he faced. His other team members, fellow Brazilians Lucas Divino and Amadeu Campos Silva, as well as Boudreaux Campbell suffered the same fate, giving them that second place finish. This was the first time that Team Pendleton Whisky had been shut out in this tournament. And how did those top two get there? To move up, Team Cooper Tires faced off against Team Ariat. J.W. Hart was the Manager of Team Ariat and Cooper Davis captained this team. His team members were Tyler Bingham along with young guns Ky Hamilton and Maverick Potter. But not even Davis could right the ship and move his team on, as his only ride that got a big score of 89 could not stave off the 344.75 points belonging to Leme’s team. This loss landed Team Ariat into third place.

Humps-Horns.com · 10 · August 2020

For their semi-final match, Team Pendleton Whisky had to face off against Team Las Vegas to move into the championship, and by now we all know how that turned out. Team Las Vegas consisted of Captain Stetson Wright, Chase Dougherty, Garrett Smith, and Brady Portenier, and was managed by Ty Murray. This was the closest contest we had seen from the top four teams. With Pendleton Whisky being one ride up, it came down to the last ride from Team Las Vegas to determine a winner. But the great bull Rising Sun made short work of Smith, sending Pendleton Whisky into the Team Challenge Finals. Based on scores received earlier on, we saw a consolation match to determine third place between Team Las Vegas and Team Ariat. In many of the previous rounds, Team Las Vegas had looked as if they might be the dream team. Lead by Wright, who won Games 2 and 7, and placed third in Game 14, they seemed primed and ready to pounce. But that match-up against Team Pendleton Whisky turned the tide and they could never recover. Third place went to Team Ariat. And we can’t forget the bull power that also came to this Challenge, especially the ones we saw the final day. The strongest of those was Chiseled, owned by Flinn/D&H Cattle Co, who was given a whopping 47-point bull score! Two bulls came in behind him, the Dakota Rodeo/Julie Rosen/ Clay Struve/Chad Berger bull Smooth Operator, and Milk Man, owned by TNT Bucking Bulls/Hart Cattle Co. Both of these super bulls were awarded a score of 45.75.

The two others that rounded out the top five were Smooth Over, owned by Hart Cattle/GT Bucking bulls, who was right behind the two that tied for second with a score of 45.5. And in fifth came Zero Time, with a score of 45.25. That bull is owned by Paradigm Bull Company. And in case you were wondering, those bulls were not ridden. Campbell stayed on the longest, 5.6 seconds on Chiseled. One can only imagine just how high his score would have been if he could have been three seconds longer! Eguchi bucked off the quickest, as he only lasted 1.53 seconds on Smooth Over. But remember, he was injured the entire time. As for the top five for this long competition: 1. Jose Vitor Leme went 11-16, and got a total of 954.75 points. 2. Cooper Davis went 7-17, earning 603.5 points. 3. Mauricio Moreira went 6-14 and totaled 519.5 points. 4. Marco Eguchi went 6-14, totaling 519.25 points. 5. Keyshawn Whitehorse went 6-9, earning 501.75 points. While familiar faces to PBR fans made an appearance, there were many strong riders from the PRCA who got the opportunity to compete as well. We saw the aforementioned Kimzey, Wright, Hamilton, Smith, Dougherty, Potter, Portenier and Bingham. But some of the others were Roscoe Jarboe, Jordan Spears, Eli Vastbinder, Braden Richardson, JC Mortensen, and Clayton Sellars. It was super to watch these riders compete in the PBR and hopefully some of them will want to return. Continued on Page 23

Jose Vitor Leme

Humps-Horns.com · 11 · August 2020

the mbr family By Phillip Kitts

Photos by Phillip Kitts / Avid Visual Imagery

Every bull rider got his or her start somewhere. This does not always mean that as a youngster they ran around the world getting to every event they could, but many started the path this way. For every three or four successful bull riders who started their career in the youth ranks there are one or two who never made the commitment until their youth years had passed. As each young athlete starts this adventure of riding bulls, there is an unsung hero in the shadows who put forth a lot to assist their young ones as they chase a dream. How many folks sit back and watch RidePass or any of these other TV or streaming shows and think about how did that youngster get there? Who paid for the gas, hotel, and entry fees for them to compete? Well, the truth is a great majority of these young bull riders do a lot of chores and extra work to cover these expenses but that is only half the battle. It is probably a really good bet that even today’s World Champions will tell you about how their parents drove some long nights and lots of miles to get them to the next event when they were competing at the youth level. This brings us to today and the extraordinary families of the MBR. Most anybody who follows the PBR has witnessed these future superstars of bull riding but not as many have seen or been a part of the substantial investment that comes from the family level. This is much more than the financial pieces that make it possible for these

families to get to and from the events. Being at an MBR event is like stepping into a very special world where, at a competitor level you see 40 to 50 young athletes who all have the burning desire to win and be successful. Just as much as each young athlete wants to win they want just as much to see their friends win and succeed. The truly impressive part comes at the parent level as you can walk around an MBR arena and every parent is helping their own child as well as every other child there. The entire atmosphere exudes a family environment not an athletic competition. As a group, the MBR families are a true example of “it takes a village to raise a child”. In reflection, Marcia Bridwell, who travels from Colorado to all of the MBR events, summed it up well. “The reason is because the atmosphere. These kids are all a team- each child cheers for each rider, each parent too. I also love that parents and kids encourage the kids and even give helpful advice. MBR has the best bulls for every level of rider, always have the best bull fighters for the kids’ protection. The MBR events are the most important events for us to go to as a family because of the bond that these kids create with each other”. The MBR has recognized the importance of the family dynamic, with the acknowledgement that family is the core of the organization and provides all of the right tools for the youngsters and families to have a safe and enjoyable atmosphere.

Humps-Horns.com · 12 · August 2020

Kaysen Chaffin rides at the MBR Buck Covid-19 event in Lockney, Texas.

This is a sentiment that seems to run deep amongst every MBR family and something that speaks profoundly about the organization both as an athletic association but also as a place for young athletes to learn. Even with all the good things that are important and prevalent within MBR, the parents still carry a heavy burden that goes along with providing a platform for their children to chase a dream. However, as one speaks to family after family about the benefits of being a part of the MBR you never hear about the expense, you hear about what great opportunities the MBR provides. Mike and Ashley Chaffin’s son, Kaysen, has become a mainstay with the MBR and is making an impressive name for himself. When they were asked about their concerns when it comes to their son’s future they viewed it like this “I’m really thankful that our son has been able to have the experiences he has had at such a young

age. I wish that when we were kids, we had the opportunities that these kids have nowadays it really sets them up for a successful future!!! We really know what it takes as parents coming from a professional rodeo background. When you know what it takes, it’s easier to help your child be successful with the high demands that rodeo and bull riding requires. We have taught our son that you must work for it not just in the arena but outside the arena as well. Positive energy and a positive attitude goes far inside and outside of the arena. Of course, as a parent, the dangers of the sport definitely weighs on you. When you’re competing yourself, you never worry about those types of things but when it’s your child, yes you do; but I don’t show it to him because it’s negative energy. The demands of travel, juggling school and bull riding definitely is tough but our son knows that his education comes

Humps-Horns.com · 13 · August 2020

Continued on Page 24

Inspiration Point

I had a good family, but to my surprise, I soon learn my family finally disagreed with me; knowing that I was always right. A man must be steadfast. I have never been a factious man? So in strong determination I drew my circle again, leaving me quite alone. The thing I noticed most about this story was that even though this man had the desire and dedication to serve God, he lacked the love that Jesus said we must have.

by Keno Shrum

Remember the things that must be present before you draw your circle, faith, hope and love, and the greatest of these is Love.

I Drew A Circle When I first become a member of the church, my circle was very big...for it included all who, like myself, had believed and had been baptized into the Lord’s church.

The souls of others are far too precious a thing to exclude from your circle, therefore before we attempt to remove the speck of dust from the lives of the people we have excluded; perhaps we should remove the log from our own eye. For more about the subject of love, please come and let us reason together the ways of our Lord. In His Love, Keno

Please allow me to stop my story here to explain that when I use the word church, I am not speaking about the name above the door, or on a sign outside of a place of worship; I am speaking of the church that our Lord died to establish. Therefore, when a person has followed the commands of the Lord, God adds them to His church, not man’s church, but His. Ok, that being said, I’ll continue the story. I was happy in the thought that my brethren were many. But, having a keen and observant mind, I soon learned that many of my brethren were erring. I could not tolerate any people within my circle but those who, like myself, were tight on all points of doctrine and practice. Too, some made mistakes and sinned. What could I do? I had to do something! I drew my circle, again, placing myself and a few as righteous as I within, and the others without. I soon observed that some within my circle were self-righteous indignation, my circle I drew again, leaving the publicans and sinners outside, excluding the Pharisees in all their pride, with myself and the righteous and humble within. I heard ugly rumors about some brethren within my circle. I saw then that some of them were worldly minded their thoughts were constantly on things of a worldly nature; they drank coffee, when like me, they should drink tea. So, duty bound, to save my reputation, my circle I drew again, leaving theos reputable, spiritually-minded within. I soon realized in time that only my family and I remained in the circle, and some to them were questionable.

Humps-Horns.com · 14 · August 2020

Country Breakfast Casserole INGREDIENTS

INSTRUCTIONS

• • • • • • • •

1. Place potatoes in an 8-in. baking dish. Sprinkle with cheese, ham and onions. 2. Whisk eggs, milk, pepper and salt in bowl and then pour over all. 3. Cover and refrigerate for several hours or overnight. 4. Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. 5. Preheat oven to 350°. Bake, uncovered, until a toothpick can be inserted in the center and comes out clean, usually about 55-60 minutes.

3 cups frozen shredded hash brown potatoes 3/4 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese 1 cup cubed fully cooked ham 1/4 cup chopped green onions 4 large eggs 1 can (12 ounces) evaporated milk 1/4 teaspoon pepper 1/8 teaspoon salt

Submitted by Nancy S. - Alamosa, CO

Send us your favorite recipe to bullnews@humps-horns.com

Humps-Horns.com · 15 · August 2020

Outside the Arena with...

Mason Riggin By Georgia Akers

When we go to a bull riding event, we love the action, the bulls and the riders. There are a lot of other moving parts besides the basics (bulls and riders) that I never really thought about who was adding to the performance. Some of the things that come to mind are arranging for the stabling of the bulls, arranging hotel accommodations for riders, stock contractors, workers and the fans. The one that really sets the tone and gets the performance started is the pre-performance such as singing the national anthem, the prayer and also the smoke and fire. Mason Riggin is the fire guy. He and his family started and own RNR Flame FX. To me, this gets the party started.

Tell us about yourself. I live in Lincoln, Arkansas with my wife, Kim. We have two children. A daughter named McKenzie age 9 and a baby son named Rhett. I am 29 years old. Prior to founding RNR, I dabbled in the Futurity contests with my bulls but this was costly. My family raised beef cattle. I grew up around rodeos. My brother is a PRCA sound man. How did you get into this business? I noticed that in many rodeos and bucking bull events, the opening was all the same. I talked with sponsors and contractors of these events and asked them what they would want for opening their show. I sold my bucking bulls, took my life savings, bought equipment and started the company. What events do you contract with? I started with the PBR letters that are on the ground and then lit up before every event. Coleman fuel and a rocket launcher remote were used to flame the letters. Then we added CO2 which when illuminated with lights creates the fog effects. We do all the special effects for PBR, Bullfighters Only (BFO), Bulls Bands and Barrels, and last year we did the PRCA Xtreme Bulls Finals. We try to make every show different. We have the letters of the event in the ground, flame machines, fog machines and close proximity fireworks which are available for a show.

Humps-Horns.com Âˇ 16 Âˇ August 2020

What permit / license is required?

What is involved in setting up for a show?

Each state is different. We are licensed in Arkansas with a Pyro Tech license. When we go outside the state, we partner with someone who is licensed in that state and shoot under their license. There are not a lot of pyro companies out there and we are one of the few that specialize in western sports.

Once we have everything set up the gates are locked and no one is allowed in. My wife and I set up and do the show.

What does the typical show entail? Depends on the sponsor. The full package would be the flames in the dirt of the organization, flame machines, fog machines and close proximity fireworks. The flame machine is usually for special activities such as a 90 point ride or a bull fighter jumps over a bull. How much is the average cost to have this added to a performance? It depends on where and how many days. Could be an average of $2500 to $5000. We try to fit most budgets.

What has been your most dangerous moment? One of the out gates came untied. They were loading bulls and we were packing up our equipment. A bull came running out. Luckily, we were close to the fence and made it out of the pen. What about a funny moment? We were doing a PBR show in Jonesboro. We were fairly new at our business. They had a video going. My dad Heath Riggins had the remote and it detonated prematurely. Spectators thought it was part of the show. They had never seen it so if it happened late or early, they think it is part of the show. Only we know. But this was in the beginning. Have you ever been hurt? No one has ever been hurt. We are very respectful of our product and our surroundings.

How do the animals react? We have not had any issues. Horses react more than the bulls. However, if a nine-year-old is on a horse with the American Flag we are respectful.

Do you travel a lot? We travel a lot. Normally we travel as a family. It started with my

Humps-Horns.com Âˇ 17 Âˇ August 2020

dad and me. Later the kids travel with my wife and me if it does not interfere with school. If Kim has to stay with the kids, then my dad and Billy Rodgers come with me. I have done a show alone but is it better to have another person. It is difficult by yourself but it can be done. How do you plan to expand your business? One show at a time. We don’t think about it. People learn of us word of mouth. We have videos on social media so people can see our product. We hope to venture into concerts or perhaps July 4 celebrations or state fairs.

Photos provided courtesy of the Riggin Family

Humps-Horns.com · 18 · August 2020

Andrew Alvidrez rides for Team Boot Barn during the PBR Team Challenge in Las Vegas, NV. Photo by Andy Watson / BullStockMedia

By Kelly B. Robbins

Texas is the second largest state in the United States in both size and population. Since it joined the union as the 28th state in 1845, The Lone Star State has always been known for producing cattle. Since the beginning, cattle have helped shape the Texas economy and created the image of the cowboy. From the infamous Texas Longhorns of yesteryear, to the rodeo bucking bulls bred today,

cattle are a cultural icon in Texas. The Griggs family of Kerens, Texas, own and operate the 4G Ranch Bucking Bulls. “We are family run competitive bucking bull breeders,” explained John Griggs. “We are also a commercial cattle operation and run about 1,800 acres. Some of that is owned and some of that is leased.” Their operation is truly a family affair. John and his wife Traycie work closely with his parents, Bill and Cindy Griggs and his brother, Jake. John’s three-year-old son Manton and two-year-old daughter Finley will someday be involved as well. “I cannot express how much our operation is a family affair,” John said. “We have an arena that was built soon after I graduated from college. There is a cabin, or I’d call it a “barndominium”, that sits in front of the arena. It is part barn and The Griggs Family - (L to R) John Griggs, wife Traycie, mom Cindy, dad Bill, brother Jake and his wife, Danika.

Humps-Horns.com · 20 · August 2020

part cabin. That is the hub or gathering place of our whole family. There is a pool for the kids, and the cabin has a kitchen, bath and shower, and a bedroom. It is just where our family hangs out. People lay over there all the time.” “We don’t rodeo much,” John admitted. “We are not stock contractors, but bucking bull breeders. The rodeo trail is just a different ball game. We primarily buck our two-year-old bulls at the ABBI (American Bucking Bulls, Inc.) Futurity events. It is hard to have good bulls at the two-year-old level. We just focus on what we want to be good at.” “Dad and I go on the road now,” John continued. “Jake, who is a banker, stays back at the ranch. My dad has always dabbled in buying and selling cows and bulls. My maternal grandfather owned a Lincoln Mercury dealership, that my dad ran for a while. The dealership sold in the early 2000’s, and my dad started buying cows and bucking bulls, which was the beginning of 4G Ranch Bucking Bulls. We now raise bulls to compete at the futurity level. We sell a lot of bucking bulls that end up in the PRCA or the PBR.” John is currently a high school principal at Corsicana High School. He did not grow up as a rodeo cowboy. His dad, Bill,

was a former bull rider. John grew up around his dad’s cattle dealings. He played football and baseball in high school. He graduated from Sam Houston State in Huntsville, Texas, and coached high school football for a few years. After getting his master’s degree, the door opened into school administration. He has been in school administration for seven years now. 4G Ranch Bucking Bulls is having some real success with their futurity bucking bulls. On June 10, two 4G bucking bulls split the win at the ABBI American Heritage in Duncan, Oklahoma. “That was an unprecedented day!” John exclaimed. “Our bulls 812 Quick Wick and 848 Beyond Frustrated were the ABBI Futurity champions and each won over $50,000. We are very honored because we competed against the best two-year-old bucking bulls in the world.” “Both of those bulls really performed that day,” John said. “Quick Wick is a son of 013 Quick Shot. Quick Shot is my alltime favorite bucking bull. He is the super star bull that allowed us to jumpstart and become successful in the breeding business. He won $50,000 in Vegas in his first competition. It seemed every time we put him in the trailer, he brought back a check. Quick Shot was consistent. He never let us down. He hurt his hip as a four-year-old, and we decided he was more valuable as

Humps-Horns.com · 21 · August 2020

a sire. If not for that injury, I believe he could have been a very well known PBR bull. Quick Shot is now “the man” around the ranch. It’s like he knows what he has done! We have bred him pretty hard.” “Quick Wick has been a super star from the beginning,” John continued to share. “His first time out, when the chute opened, he bucked so hard, we thought he broke his neck. He didn’t and we knew we had a super star. He’s been special.” “Beyond Frustrated’s name really describes him well,” John stated. “He seems to have a loose screw in his head. When they open that chute gate, he will either score 90 points or come in dead last! We took him to Vinita, and he jumped out of the loading chute. We had to chase him down and rope him. He is a real hit or miss bull, but he sure chose the right day to buck good! His daddy is 10 Damn Frustrating. He was frustrating too.

(Above) - John Griggs receives the buckles and check for winning the American Heritage Futurity from Jay Daugherty, Executive Director of the ABBI. The two 4G Ranch Bucking Bulls co-champions, Beyond Frustrated (left) and Quick Wick (below) display their winning form. Photos provided courtesy of 4G Ranch Bucking Bulls.

We won’t buck Beyond Frustrated again with a dummy. He is ready to progress to riders.” “One thing we do is buck all our heifers,” John revealed. “This helps to discover who will be the best buckers. We believe the success of a good bucking bull is 75% due to the dam, or mama. It takes a while to figure it out. We look to see if the mama is producing good offspring, and if she is athletic enough to pass on those traits to the offspring. The good cows will pass on the genetics you want.” “I would give this advice to anyone wanting to do what we do,” John shared. “Don’t be afraid to ask questions and go to someone who is successful and have them tell you what NOT to do, what they did wrong. Then go out and buy the best stock you can find.”

Humps-Horns.com · 22 · August 2020

Continued from Page 11

Also, an apology that some but not all of the replacement riders were mentioned in the list of team competitors. Most of the rosters were listed from the original picks, and the players involved changed frequently. For a variety of reasons, the teams had many substitutes along the way. It was a grueling competition, and many of the men came in hurt to begin with. Others got injured during the event itself, although most tried to gut through it, as they do, and ride anyway. Due to travel constraints, Covid-19 kept several others from competing, as they couldn’t get there. Finally, some came to the event, only to test positive for the virus and were not allowed to enter, let alone compete.

Marco Eguchi A total of 12 teams competed in this Challenge. Along with the four we mentioned previously, the others that competed were: Team Lucas Oil: Manager Jerome Davis, Captain Matt Triplett, Dalton Kasel, Ryan Dirteater and Scottie Knapp. Team South Point: Manager Colby Yates, Captain Cody Nance, Shane Proctor, Ty Wallace and Cody Casper. Team Boot Barn: Manager J.B. Mauney, Captain Daylon Swearingen, Braden Richardson, J.C. Mortensen and Kache Mooseman. (During event Andrew Alvidrez replaced and injured rider.) Team Cat: Manager Paulo Crimber, Captain Clayton Sellers, Ouncie Mitchell, Kyle Jones, and Dakota Lewis. Team Can-Am: Manager Chase Outlaw, Captain Fabiano Vieira, Mauricio Moreira, Rafael Henrique Dos, and Ezekiel Mitchell. (During event Mitchell replaced the injured Vieira as Captain.) Team Yeti: Manager Jerome Robinson, Captain Derek Kolbaba, Cole Melancon, Jordan Spears, and Eli Vastbinder. Team Union Home Mortgage: Manager Jess Lockwood, Captain Silvano Alves, Mason Taylor, Luciano dde Castro, and Marcus Mast. Team Wrangler: Manager Ross Coleman, Captain Colten Jesse, Brennon Eldred, Roscoe Jarboe, and Leandro Machado. South Dakota Governor, Kristi Noem, carries Old Glory during the opening ceremony of the PBR Team Challenge in Sioux Falls, SD.

Humps-Horns.com · 23 · August 2020

Continued from Page 13 first and we use that as an incentive for him to be an honor roll student. No good grades then no bull riding”. Mike went on to say “I have no concerns only because he started traveling at the age of 4. Last year we traveled 20,000 miles from as far as Louisiana and Oklahoma, Kaysen got to wake up to the Mississippi River just doing what he loves. Thank God I’m able to help him be who he was born to be.” As you can see by these responses with every concern there is an incredibly special mindset within the parents of the MBR family. The amount of dedication that every family puts into supporting their own is only slightly faded by the focus they put on supporting the one to their right and left

A prevalent point that the Chaffin family makes is all the hard work that these young athletes and their families put into growing. The hard work is not an isolated event, it is not uncommon to hear or see on social media where families travel miles to practice together and help their young athlete develop their skills as riders. For someone outside the rodeo family, it would be next to impossible to understand the concept of a family traveling hours to practice, train and get better with the competition. It is often said that the rodeo family is a special unbreakable bond that knows no bounds. Spend one weekend with the MBR and you will see where the foundation of the rodeo family begins.

Hoss Davis, son of Marcia Bridwell, rides at the MBR Buck Covid-19 event in Lockney, Texas.

Humps-Horns.com · 24 · August 2020

WHERE’S THE BEEF? 2020

*-Added Money Amount Is For Each Night (E)EST · (M)MST · (P)PST Information Subject to Change Without Notice Date

Location

Added $

Open

Time

Call-In #

$1,000

7/27

6-10pm

417-924-3591

Assn/Event

AUGUST Jul 31-Aug 1

Aug 1 Aug 7 Aug 7-8 Aug 8 Aug 8 Aug 14-15 Aug 15 Aug 15 Aug 15 Aug 15 Aug 15 Aug 15-16 Aug 19 Aug 20-22 Aug 21-22 Aug 21-22 Aug 21-23 Aug 22 Aug 22-23 Aug 27

Deadwood, SD Palmyra, MO Odessa, TX Bismarck, ND Garnavillo, IA Goliad, TX Logan County, OK Florence, TX Austin, MN Springfield, IL Kinmundy, IL Lockwood, MO Viroqua, WI Gooding, ID New Windsor, IL Salt Lake City, UT Sedalia, MO Denton, TX Hattiesburg, MS Fresno, CA Coeur D’Alene, ID

Aug 27-29 Denton, TX

CANCELED

$1,000 $2,000 $2,500*

CANCELED CANCELED 8/10 5-9pm 8/3 6-9pm 8/10 6-9pm

618-267-1782 417-924-3591 608-412-0799

CANCELED $1,500*

8/10 6-9pm 417-924-3591 Postponed until Oct. 16-18

Postponed until Oct. 22-24

Humps-Horns.com · 25 · August 2020

PBR Touring Pro Division NFPB PBR Touring Pro Division PBR Unleash the Beast Tour NFPB PBR Touring Pro Division PBR Unleash the Beast Tour Young Gunz & Legends Tour NFPB NFPB NFPB NFPB Bull Blast NFPB PRCA Xtreme Bulls NFPB PBR Unleash the Beast Tour NFPB PRCA/ North Texas Fair & Rodeo Bulls, Bands, and Barrels PBR Velocity Tour PRCA Xtreme Bulls North Texas Fair & Rodeo Bull Blowout

WHERE’S THE BEEF? 2020

*-Added Money Amount Is For Each Night (E)EST · (M)MST · (P)PST Information Subject to Change Without Notice Date Aug 28-29 Aug 29 Aug 29-30

Location Wheeling, WV Eureka, MT Fort Worth, TX

SEPTEMBER Sep 3-4 Huron, SD Sep 4-5 Archdale, NC Sep 4-6 Big Sky, MT Sep 4-6 Sebeka, MN Sep 5 Dickinson, ND Sep 5 Mountain Grove, MO Sep 10-12 Perdido Key, FL Sep 11 Kinmundy, IL Sep 11-12 Waco. TX Sep 11-13 Billings, MT Sep 12 Eureka, MO Sep 12 Rice Lake, WI Sep 18-19 Des Moines, IA Sep 19 Belle, MO Sep 25-26 Portland, ME Sep 25-27 Springfield, MO Sep 26 Wayne CIty, IL

Added $

Open

Time

Call-In #

$12,000

8/24

4-8pm

651-248-2663

TBA

8/24

6-9pm

417-924-3591

$1,000

9/7

5-9pm

618-267-1782

$2,000 $15,000

8/31 9/7

5pm 6-9pm

573-823-2569 608-412-0799

$5,000

9/7

6-9pm

417-924-3591

$1,000

9/21

5-9pm

618-267-1782

7/15 Tue prior

5pm 9am-9pm

361-772-6720 903-754-1034

7/15 Tue prior 7/15

5pm 9am-9pm 5pm

361-772-6720 682-500-2575 361-772-6720

Assn/Event PBR Velocity Tour PBR Touring Pro Division PBR Unleash the Beast Tour

Tuff Hedeman Bull Riding Tour PBR Touring Pro Division PBR Touring Pro Division NFPB Nimrod Bull Bash PBR Touring Pro Division NFPB Flora-Bama Bulls on the Beach NFPB PBR Velocity Tour PBR Unleash the Beast Tour NFPB NFPB PBR Unleash the Beast Tour NFPB Battle of the Bulls PBR Velocity Tour PBR Unleash the Beast Tour NFPB

YOUTH BULL RIDING EVENTS AUGUST Aug 1 Aug 1 Aug 8 Aug 15 Aufg 22 Aug 22 Aug 22 Aug 22

Cuero, TX McAlester, OK Perry, FL Cuero, TX Valley Mills, TX Cuero, TX Snyder, TX Whitney, TX

Aug 25-26 Denton, TX

Sunday prior to event

5-9pm

Postponed until Oct. 20-21

Humps-Horns.com · 26 · August 2020

IMBA Sanctioned Youth Blowout! Built God Tough Roughstock Series IMBA / Little Crackers Rodeo IMBA Sanctioned Youth Blowout! Built God Tough Roughstock Series IMBA Sanctioned Youth Blowout! TCJBR West Region TCJBR Central Region North Texas Fair & Rodeo 21 & Under Rodeo

WHERE’S THE BEEF? 2020

*-Added Money Amount Is For Each Night (E)EST · (M)MST · (P)PST Information Subject to Change Without Notice Date

Location

SEPTEMBER Sep 5 Cuero, TX Sep 5 Eastland, TX Sep 6 Dublin, TX Sep 12 Snyder, TX Sep 12 Carthage, TX Sep 26 Snyder, TX

Added $

Open

Time

Call-In #

7/15 Tue prior Tue prior

5pm 9am-9pm 9am-9pm

361-772-6720 682-500-2575 682-500-2575

Tue prior

9am-9pm

903-754-1034

7/18-7/25 TBA 7/20-7/26 7/20-7/27

Text

303-250-2821 605-842-0915 330-219-7027

Assn/Event

IMBA Sanctioned Youth Blowout! Finals

Built God Tough Roughstock Series Built God Tough Roughstock Series TCJBR West Region Built God Tough Roughstock Series TCJBR West Region

BUCKING BULL EVENTS AUGUST Aug 1 Aug 1 Aug 1 Aug 8 Aug 8 Aug 8 Aug 15 Aug 15 Aug 22 Aug 22 Aug 23 Aug 29

Brush, CO Colome, SD Newton Falls, OH Granbury, TX Springtown, TX Vinita, OK Colorado Springs, CO Chowchilla, CA Attica, KS Burbank, OH Fort Worth, TX Decatur, TX

SEPTEMBER Sep 4-5 Archdale, NC Sep 6 Loveland, CO Sep 12 Duncan, OK Sep 19 Colome, SD Sep 25-26 Springfield, MO Sep 26 Castle Rock, CO Sep 26 Vinita, OK Sep 26 Las Vegas, NV

TBA 7/27-8/3 7/24-8/7 8/10-8/16 8/3-8/10 8/10-8/17

8/10-8/17 8/22-8/29 8/24-8/31 TBA 8/31-9/7 TBA EC 9/11

ABBI / Buckers Unlimited ABBI / MBBA ABBI Sanctioned ABBI TBBA Text / call 417-529-8453 ABBI / Evolution Bull Competitions ABBI Goldcoastbuckingbulls.com ABBI / GCBBA Text / call 620-243-3043 ABBI Sanctioned Text / call 724-421-5601 ABBI Sanctioned ABBI ABBI

Text

303-250-2821 605-842-0915

Text / call 417-529-8453 Enter @ wsbbulls.com

ABBI ABBI / Buckers Unlimited ABBI ABBI / MBBA Finale ABBI (Classic) ABBI / Buckers Unlimited Finals ABBI / Evolution Bull Competitions ABBI / WSBBA Finals

Events highlighted in yellow have ads in this issue of Humps N Horns for more information.

Humps-Horns.com · 27 · August 2020

CLASSIFIEDS Practice Pens

Practice Pens

PISGAH, AL - TIM COX, TCB, ANYTIME, CALL FIRST, 256-996-9426

JACKSONVILLE, NC - Aleck Barnard, Elite Cowboy Rodeo Assoc., Onslow Rodeo Arena, 6pm Every Other Sunday, Call First, 910-381-8597

NEW MARKET, AL - EC Hunt, 5:30pm Sun., 256-683-8169 BATESVILLE, AR - James Bechdoldt, Anytime, Call First, 870-307-9923 CONWAY, AR - Mark Lindsey, Ride & Shine Cattle Company, Anytime, Call First, 501-730-4557 ELFRIDA, AZ - D Davis Bucking Bulls, 4pm Sat., Call First, 520-642-3737 LINCOLN, CA - B Bar Ranch, B Bar Indoor Arena, Rain or Shine, All Rough Stock, 916-206-4059 MARYSVILLE, CA - PacWest, 5pm Wed., Steers & Bulls, Call First, 530-751-6643 FRESNO, CA - Toro Bravo Arena, Thur. by appt., Call First, 559-577-2445 ELIZABETH, CO - Tuff Garcia, Tuff E Nuff, 6pm Mon., Rain or Shine, 970-846-0788 STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, CO - Tuff E Nuff, 6pm Wed., Apr-Nov., 970-846-6828/3354 ALDEN, IA - Circle C Rodeo, 6pm Wed., Rain or Shine, Call for alternate dates 641-373-3625

Do You Have a Livestock Layover or Practice Pen? List it for FREE in the Classifieds.

WOODBINE, IA - Tom & Kristina Kelley, every Sun. (weather permitting). Beginner - rank bulls. Call 712-5922493

Call our office at 325-500-BULL (2855)

KENDALLVILLE, IN - B Bar A Bucking Bulls, Heidi Speicher, 7pm Every Thur, Call First, 260-564-5864/Troy

For More Information on listing your facilities

JACKSONVILLE, IL - Lazy C Rodeo, 10am-3pm Sun., Rain or shine, Call First, 217-245-8280

Humps-Horns.com · 28 · August 2020

CHANDLER, OK - JAM Bulls, 2pm Sun., 7pm Wed., Call First, 405-570-9010 SOPER/HUGO, OK - RBL Rodeo Bulls, Anytime with 4-6 hour notice, Rain or Shine, 307-461-1741 EAGLEVILLE, TN - BF Cattle Company, 2pm Sun., Jackpot, Call First, 615-336-4313 EMORY, TX - Oakes & Greene’s, 7pm Wed., 903-348-8630 LORENA, TX - Rocking S Ranch, Tue., Jackpot, Call First, 254-716-0779 MANSFIELD, TX - JC Knapp Ranch, 4pm Sun/6pm Wed., $5 at the gate to ride as many as you want, 817-223-3692 SIMMS, TX - Wilburn Bucking Bulls, 7pm Every Other Thur., 903-543-3025 PETROLIA, TX - Norris Dalton, 7pm Wed., 940-733-3020 DECATUR, TX - Cullen Calame, Denton Creek Farms, Call First, 940-393-3730 NOCONA, TX - 4x Arena, Call First, 501-944-1907 STEPHENVILLE, TX - Young Arena, every Sunday 2:30pm (rain or shine). $5 at gate to ride as many as you want or to watch. Variety of bulls - beginners to rank. Young Arena Facebook page or call Mike Young 254-967-2313 NOCONA, TX - Locke Bucking Bulls, Call First, 940-872-0733

Livestock Layovers BATESVILLE, AR - James Bechdoldt, White River Rodeo, 870-307-9923

CLASSIFIEDS Livestock Layovers RAYMOND, IL - Randy Littrell, Shop Creek Cattle, 217-556-0551 MARYSVILLE, KS - Gary Hershey, 4H Bucking Bulls and Marysville Sale Barn, Call First, 785-292-4952 LAKE CHARLES, LA - Keith Strickland, Deep South Rodeo Genetics, 337-304-1493 SALEM, MO - Hwy 32 & 72, Salem Livestock Auction, 573-729-8880 HELENA, MT - Jim Horne, Bull Horne Ranch, 406-459-5706 FERNLEY, NV - Nathan Pudsey, Circle P Bucking Bulls, 775-750-2168 CLAYTON, NM - Justin Keeth, Lazy J 3 Bucking Bulls, 575-447-0877 BETHESDA, OH - 15 Miles off I-70, TCB Ranch, 304-281-4530 SOPER/HUGO, OK - RBL Rodeo Bulls, Anytime with 4-6 hours notice, 307-461-1741 BOX ELDER, SD - Gus “Duane” Aus, Lazy Heart O Ranch, 605-923-3426 BUCHANAN, TN - Parsons & Milam 731-642-8346 CLARKSVILLE, TX - Brian Agnew, BA Livestock, 903-669-9189 DUBLIN, TX - Mike Godfrey, Godfrey 4X Cattle, 817-235-2852 MANSFIELD, TX - JC Knapp Ranch, JC Knapp Rodeo, 817-223-3692 MIDLAND, TX - Ted Norton, Norton Bucking Bulls, 432-413-8433 DECATUR, TX - Cullen Calame, Denton Creek Farms, 940-393-3730 SIMMS, TX - Near I-30 Texarkana, Wilburn Bucking Bulls, 863-381-2799

Livestock Layovers

Miscellaneous

CHEYENNE, WY - Floyd & Ann Thomas, TTnT Ranch, 307-778-8806

WINNERS RODEO SUPPLY - Gary Leffews Dare to Be Great DVD $45.00 or I am Hot DVD $35.00-free shipping. Also some remaining Hotman and Lostroh bullropes plus all other bullriding gear. Gold Buckle Rodeo Supply rodeo@wk.net 320-328-4000 Dealers wanted !!

School GARY LEFFEW BULL RIDING SCHOOL

Free bull riding tips on Facebook at Gary Leffew Bullriders Only. 14 World Champions and counting! Learn the guru’s winning techniques: Bull riding drills and mental tricks for a smokin’ hot career! FMI and to register for school, visit

RENOWNED HIGH QUALITY BULL ROPE DickCarrBullRopes.com, PO Box 18, Elk City, OK. 73648, 1-580-225-3208, Be Blessed. Custom Bull Ropes www.jwebullropes.com John Eddleman 575-388-3346

www.garyleffewsbullridingworld.com

2020 Schedule Greenville,TX - Aug 7-9 Greenville,TX - Sep 18-20 Elgin, IL - Oct 2-4 Cave Creek, AZ - Oct 16-18 Panguitch, UT- Oct 23-25 Greenville, TX - Nov 25-29 (R&B incl)

Humps-Horns.com · 29 · August 2020

PROFESSIONAL QUALITY BULLROPES Raymond Branch, Custom Braider Maker of World, NFR, & PBR Champion Bullropes Strictly custom-braided to your specifications. (928) 289-9611 www.mypqb.com

Western Wanderings chuckwagon etiquette When you are on a cattle drive The boss of the camp is Cookie They hired him cause he knows his stuff And because he ain’t no rookie!

To avoid old Cookie’s look of scorn Use your fingers, talk later, and eat fast Make sure that you clean your plate real good And save some food for who’s last

They pay him twice what the old boys make Cause he does his job real well He works through heat and dust and bugs It’s a little bit like hell

If you get up to pour you more coffee And someone yells “Man at the pot!” Be sure to fill up their coffee cups Cause they all like fresh coffee that’s hot

So when you come around the camp There’s certain things you do To make sure you are not the one That swirls dust in the stew!

While the sweet taste of pie still lingers, And the meal is as good as done You drop your plate in the wash tub Knowing Cookie’s thanks has been won

You always ride downwind of camp And bring firewood when you can No one eats until Cookie calls But move fast when he rattles the pan!

By Kelly B. Robbins

PBR Team Challenge Finals - Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Photo by Andy Watson / BullStock Media