July 2026
On the Cover - Dener Barbosa wins Round 1 of the PBR Unleash the Beast tour in Sioux Falls, SD with a 93.10 point ride on 247 Pegasus (McCoy Rodeo / Spencer Neil).
Photo courtesy of BullStock Media.
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As we turn the calendar to July, the rodeo and bull riding world enters one of its most exciting stretches of the year. The Fourth of July run—better known to fans and competitors as Cowboy Christmas—is more than just a busy week on the schedule. It represents the heart and soul of Western sports: long miles on the road, packed grandstands, patriotic celebrations, and opportunities that can define an entire season. From small-town rodeos to the sport’s biggest stages, the energy and tradition of Cowboy Christmas remain unmatched.
As we celebrate America’s 250th birthday, Cowboy Christmas takes on even greater significance. Few traditions capture the spirit of our nation quite like rodeo and bull riding—sports built on courage, perseverance, hard work, and an enduring love of freedom. For two and a half centuries, the American story has been written by individuals willing to take risks, overcome challenges, and pursue opportunity, values that remain at the heart of the Western way of life. As communities across the country gather to honor this historic milestone, we are proud to
celebrate the athletes, fans, and families who continue to preserve and advance these traditions.
From all of us at Humps N Horns, we wish you a safe and memorable Independence Day and invite you to join us in honoring both our nation’s remarkable history and the enduring spirit of the American West.
Until next time,
Terry
Josh Frost completed a long journey to his first PRCA Bull Riding World Championship at the 2024 National Finals Rodeo. But the road since reaching the pinnacle of the sport has arguably proved more difficult.
The Randlett, Utah, cowboy suffered a shoulder injury late in the 2024 regular season after dominating the standings throughout the year. But he found a way to achieve his dream of earning a gold buckle in Las Vegas.
Three days after cementing his spot in PRORODEO history, Frost underwent surgery to repair a torn labrum and rotator cuff in his left shoulder. In 2025, following rehab, he made a brief return to PRCA competition, riding from June to early August and picking up more than $14,000.
But things didn’t go as planned, and Frost went back to square one a few months after launching his comeback bid.
“I got shoulder surgery the first of November (2025) on the same shoulder that I got fixed after the Finals in 2024,” Frost told the PRORODEO Sports News. “The (first) surgery didn’t hold, and it started dislocating on me again last year once I started riding. So I got it fixed again, and they got me all put back together. It’s feeling great this time, it has been holding up and getting stronger.”
Frost didn’t reinjure his shoulder because of a lack of rehab. He took all of the necessary steps to pick up where he left off. It just didn’t work out the way he or his doctors hoped.
“It was pretty disappointing,” he said. “There was so much work that went into it the first time, and I was pretty dedicated to doing what the doctor said. Any time I’ve ever been injured, I’ve always come back 100 percent, so this was pretty tough.
“I did everything they told me to and was on the right path. It was pretty much just bad luck that it happened again. They said if I went a full year without (my shoulder) ever coming out, it would have been 100 percent. It was just a pretty flukey situation that I got in, that it was able to come out again. Once it came out, it just kept coming out.”
Frost maintained perspective despite the setback and got back to work after the second surgery.
Since he’d already been through the same procedure once, he knew what it’d take to get back in a groove with rehab. He also had confidence that the second surgery would keep his shoulder in place and focused on what he could control in physical therapy to get back to full strength rather than rushing a return.
Now, Frost said his shoulder feels exactly like it’s supposed to. And since getting back on the road during Rodeo Austin (Texas) in March, he’s beginning to return to form.
As of June 26, he sat 26th in the PRCA | Bill Fick Ford World Standings with $50,263 in earnings.
“I haven’t been off to the start that I’ve wanted,” Frost said. “ I’ve had a couple of really good rides and got some good wins to get back in the standings, but we’re looking at getting consistent. I want to ride every bull I get on.
“Things get pretty hot and heavy for the summer run, so we’re looking to start stacking some rides together, and to just get out there and get in the hunt.”
The 31-year-old is already a PRCA World Champion, a twotime NFR average champion (2021, 2024) and a five-time NFR qualifier.
For many, that’d be enough – especially after two shoulder surgeries in less than a year. But Frost isn’t satisfied.
“I’ve got a lot of goals left that I want to accomplish,” Frost said. “When you talk about the elite, there’s no top level to the elite, and when you do it once, you’re at this level. But you just want to go prove that you can do it again.
“Winning is addictive and I love riding bulls. That’s what I wake up every day thinking about, being the best bull rider in the world.”
Article provided courtesy of PRCA.
How many of you guys entering really understand what it takes to ride bulls for a living?
I watch the Cowboy Chanel and I can most times pick out the guys who didn’t show up to the rodeo with the right understanding or mentality to actually pay money to be entered.
I wasn’t always the best bull rider entered but I was prepared when I left the house. I loved to see the guys show up that were either unprepared or just there to impress someone. They paid my house payment, insurance and any other things I needed. Winners prepare before they leave the house. The Cowboy Chanel has exposed the guys who haven’t prepared. In the old days the only ones who knew were the ones who didn’t prepare and the ones whom benefited. In today’s world we all know.
If you really want to sow your money, think about coming to a school so your investment will help you, not the guy who makes a living riding bulls. Real bull riders stay on more than they hit the ground.
Come on boys do something for yourself, not just help the real bull riders make a living. I don’t really care either way. I love bull riding but I also like to see guys who are prepared when they get there. Be honest with yourself, are you ready to make a living riding bulls? There’s a ton of guys just waiting to pay the note on your place.
Just a fan watching the same guys get the money week in and week out.
Cody Custer
Jenna Stevens CAC Project Group
Hometown and State: Red Bluff, CA
Age: 13
How Long Have You Been Riding? 10 years.
I decided to start riding bulls after entering into some mutton busting events when I was three. I liked the sheep riding and continued to progress up to steers and now to mini and some junior stock. My dad used to ride bulls in college and did some amateur rodeos, so it is kind of in my blood.
Do you do any other events outside of bull Riding?
Not right now, but I am hoping to do chute dogging and ribbon roping for my last junior high season. I would like to enter the all-around race. All-around is a big thing in California, and I think it would be fun to try for my final year.
How did your Junior High season go for 2026?
one for being the short-round champion, and the last one for being the overall state champion.
Q: A:
It was awesome! I ended up winning and came home the California State Champion! In California our state is split into nine different districts. Those districts each take the top five competitors to state. I was sitting fourth in my district, but at state everyone starts from the bottom. I managed to cover all three of my bulls and on my last bull I scored a 68, which was enough to win it. There were four of us who came into the short-go having covered all three of our bulls, so it was really anyone’s race. I came home with three new buckles, one for winning the first go-around,
Where is your favorite place you have ever Ridden?
A:
My favorite place I have ridden was Lakeport, California. It was the first place I ever covered a spinner. The bull was one from Maxwell Bucking Bulls and I was able to stay on for eight and managed to win the event. I go to Maxwell’s and practice. They live about fifteen minutes from me, so having the chance to win it on one of their bulls was really cool for me.
Q:
What are some of the bigger rodeos you are riding in this year?
It is going to be busy year. I just finished up with Junior High Nationals in Oklahoma, and later this year I am going to be riding in several Vegas qualifiers and JBR events. I am hoping to go to the finals for both JBR and JNFR.
If you could pick any rodeo to compete in, where would we find you riding?
A:
You would find me riding at Pendleton, Oregon. I have a lot of family in Oregon, and I think it would be fun to ride with all of them in the crowd.
Q:
A:
Who is your favorite rider to watch right now?
My favorite rider that I am watching right now is Lane Vaughan. He is riding in the PBR and the PRCA and is doing really well in both.
Q:
What about your favorite bull?
Q:
What can we catch you ordering from the concession stand at rodeos this summer?
A:
Either ice cream or a snow cone. I like watermelon and grape snow cones.
A:
Man Hater. He was a really good bull to win on. He always bucked hard and gave riders a good score.
For more information about junior bull riding, you can check out the Yeti Junior NFR on Facebook. Be sure to look for a new rider featured in our Rider Rundown piece next month.
By Tierney Myers
Resistol Rookie Hayden Welsh put together two electric rides to get the win at the 2026 Reno (Nev.) Rodeo.
Welsh placed in both rounds and finished with 177.5 points on two bulls and picked up $20,798 along the way after his winning ride in the finals Saturday night.
Welsh matched up with Big Stone Rodeo Inc.’s Hank in Round 1, and put together an 87.5-point ride, tying him for second in the round with Hudson Bolton. While John Crimber was the winner in Round 1, he bucked off his bull in the finals. Bolton went just before Welsh in the final round and posted an 88.5-point ride on Rosser Rodeo’s Sambo, making him 176 points on two bulls.
Welsh would have to be at least 89.5 points on his final bull to take the lead.
Aboard Rosser Rodeo’s Commissioner, Welsh delivered in a big way with a 90-point ride. The final round was packed full of young bull riders, including several Resistol Rookies. Welsh said it felt like being back at the high school rodeos again.
“Tonight was like a perfect scenario like the high school finals back in 2022,” Welsh said. “Back then, John rode and put the pressure on me, and then tonight the roles just sort of reversed.”
Welsh is now No. 4 in the PRCA | Bill Fick Ford World Standings, trailing fellow Resistol Rookie, Noah Lee by just more than
$4,000.
Currently, there are four rookies within NFR qualifying position, and several more sit just outside of the top 15, including Eyer Morrison at No. 20.
Welsh said many of them who competed together in high school rodeos still remain friends now as they take on the PRCA.
“Those guys are still my buddies,” Welsh said. “They’re going to come back stronger, and by the middle of the summer, we’re going to be taking everybody’s money.”
With $133,110 in season earnings already, Welsh is likely headed to his first Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. So much young talent thriving at the top of the standings is sure to make for an exciting remainder of the rodeo season.
Other winners at the Playoff Series Rodeo were bareback rider Kade Sonnier (260 points on three head); steer wrestlers Tristan Martin and Dalton Massey (13.2 seconds on three head each); team ropers James Arviso/Levi Lord (15.0 seconds on three head); saddle bronc rider Ryder Wright (264.5 points on three head); tie-down roper Bryce Derrer (26.5 points on three head); breakaway roper Madison Outhier (8.2 seconds on three head); and barrel racer Emily Beisel (50.74 seconds on three head).
Article provided courtesy of PRCA. PRCA photo by Kathryn Coleman
Happy Independence Day!
Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. - Matthew 5:16 (NIV)
In today’s culture, boldness is often mistaken for volume. We’ve come to associate courage or boldness with those who are the loudest, post the most or dominate a room when they enter. But biblical boldness looks different. It doesn’t care about who is the loudest in a room. It cares more about the soul. Biblical boldness encompasses quiet strength, firm conviction and steady obedience. It is not about drawing attention to us but instead about drawing attention to our Creator through the way we are living.
When Jesus walked the earth, He didn’t care about being the center of attention. But even though that is true, His boldness was evident from everything He did and said. He stood up to religious hypocrisy, showed compassion to outcasts and laid down His life for sinners.
However, one important thing to note is that Jesus often retreated to somewhere quiet to talk to His father. He understood that no matter what chaos ensued from His teaching, He needed to take a break to really hear God. We see this pattern over and over during Jesus’ time on earth. Another way that He showed the need to be quietly bold was that He told people not to let Him be known after the miracles — He didn’t seek His own popularity with the people and He didn’t need to be praised for these feats. He only wanted to proclaim God’s name in the best way he could.
Being bold without being loud means living with integrity when nobody is watching, speaking truth with grace and compassion, and staying faithful in the small things. It means being unshakably rooted in God’s word and not being swayed by people’s opinions. It’s a quiet courage that doesn’t need a stage. It’s a heart fully surrendered to God.
Think about Daniel; he lived boldly by remaining faithful to God even in a foreign land when things got risky. He never shouted or protested, just remained faithful to God through prayer. And
through his unwavering belief, God’s power and strength shined through. This shows us that God doesn’t need you to be loud and take center stage for His light and power to show through. He can work through anyone, even those labeled as quiet. And that’s not just a tolerance — it’s a preference. The Bible tells us multiple times that the wise man should be quiet, seeking refuge in God (Isaiah 30:15). While the wicked are loud, raging like the ocean during a storm, because they cannot be quiet (Isaiah 57:20). God invites His people to be quiet and attributes that quietness with strength, rest and finding a home in Him.
An important thing to note is the why of being quiet. Why should we want to be quiet? When we take the time to be quiet and remove the distractions of the world around us, that’s when we really start to hear God speaking to us. As we embrace moments of stillness, we experience a peace that cannot be found anywhere else. Many times, we forget to tune out the noise of the world to hear God’s voice, and it is very important to listen to what God is telling us. That’s when we experience growth in our faith journey.
Your boldness doesn’t have to look like preaching from the stage. It can look like showing up to work or school with character, being kind to your peers in any situation, praying silently for a friend and refusing to cheat even if everyone else is. That’s not being loud, but it is being bold. Bold enough to stand up for the morals that God teaches us to follow in our daily lives, even if it doesn’t make you the popular or fun one.
By
The name “Next Step Ministry” often stands out to people. Oftentimes, when someone asks me about it, they say it with a weird tone, like they think they may have read it wrong. At first glance, you may not understand what the name really means, or how that even relates to your life as a follower of Christ. But if you miss the meaning of it, you’re missing a huge part of your faith.
People as a whole, despite their beliefs, ethnicity, or background, tend to want to have things “figured out.” “I will do this on this date, then go to this, then accomplish this, then because of this I will do this,” and they go on to plan out their entire lives. Truth be told though, this is just false reassurance, because we don’t know where our path is taking us. We can have goals and a general idea of where we’re going, but so much of life is out of our control. This is why, instead of focusing on the circumstances of life or where our path is taking us, God just calls us to focus on him and take the next step.
Picking the verses I wanted to use for this column was tough because there are so many times throughout the Bible, Old Testament and new, when the idea of taking the next step is brought up. But the one that stuck out the most to me is Matthew 16:24, when Jesus was talking to the disciples, and he told them, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. I think this verse is so important because it’s a command. It’s not a suggestion or a request. If you want to be a disciple, you MUST deny your own fleshly desires and follow Jesus! For many new believers or people of the world, they have an idea that you say you believe in Jesus and the resurrection and boom, you’re good. Which, yes, we are saved by grace through faith, as Paul tells us in Ephesians, but with that faith comes a change in heart which leads to a change in decisions. Because the Holy Spirit is now inside of us as believers were called to make Christ-like decisions. This is where denying yourself comes in.
As humans, we are naturally born with sinful desires that separate us from God. All of us. So, in our faith, we were called to deny those desires. When someone asks if you want to go out and do bad things after the rodeo, the thing inside of you that wants to go do that is a natural thing. But you, as a follower of Christ, have to deny that desire. In circumstances like these, the next step is so important. Saying, “No, I’m good,” and sticking to it is that next step.
At the moment, it would be easy to think about “what is going to happen if I say no?” or “what are they going to think about me? Will they still like me?” But the next step is to say no, and after that you take the next step to figure out what you are going to do instead that brings favor to God. God doesn’t expect us or even want us to have everything figured out right now, or ever, for that matter. He just wants you to take the next step and he will guide you. Proverbs 3:5-6 tells us, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Here it is again! We are called to take the next step by submitting to him and HE will have the rest figured out. It’s also important to recognize how to “lean not on your own understanding.” It’s easy to get caught up in trying to have it figured out. I struggle with this even in my own life. So many times the circumstances of life are confusing, loud, and distracting, and serve to remind me that I don’t have it all figured out. I just need to trust God that he has it figured out for me.
Thinking about how we’re called to focus on the next step, the word disciple really stands out to me. The definition of disciple is to be a dedicated FOLLOWER, learner, or student. So, when Jesus tells us to be a disciple and that we must follow him. He wasn’t lying. We literally need to follow Jesus in order to actually consider
Continued on Page 20
Looking back on the life of 247 Pegasus, we remember the raw power, the intensity, and the almost supernatural energy and strength this amazing bovine athlete brought to every event as he built a reputation of almost mythological proportions that fit his name and carved his place as one of the greatest bucking bulls in the history of bull riding.
As we remember Pegasus, we want to honor his legacy. At the time of his passing in June, Pegasus was the number two ranked bull in the PBR following the Finals. Despite the pain from the horn infection that had plagued him for over a year, Pegasus remained in first place for the last quarter of the season and carried that lead into the PBR World Finals.
Dener Barbosa rode Pegasus in April in Sioux Falls for a career high 93.10 score. PBR 2022 World Champion Daylon Swearingen rode him in May in Tacoma for a career high score of 94.90 points, the highest ride score of the PBR season!
Pegasus is owned by McCoy Rodeo and Spencer Neil. I interviewed owner Cord McCoy just prior to the World Finals in May. “I love it that Pegasus is number one going into the Finals,” Cord shared. “Pegasus has really stepped it up this last quarter of the season, and I like our chances. Pegasus’ intensity, consistency and athleticism create a dominant force. We are truly honored and pumped about his chances for the championship.”
Pegasus fought hard and gave it 110% during the Finals. He bucked off Daylon Swearingen in 3.67 seconds in round two for a bull score of 46.80. In round five, Alex Cerqueira rode him to the buzzer for a whopping score of 94.35, with Pegasus getting a bull score of 46.30.
Pegasus held a slim .05-point lead over Ransom going into the final championship round, but Ransom needed a huge 47.30 score to overtake Pegasus for the championship. Pegasus dispatched Callum Miller in 2.42 seconds in that championship round for a bull score of 46.10. It looked like Pegasus would clinch the
championship. But when the dust finally settled in Dickies Arena, Ransom had claimed the championship with a bull score of 47.35 points and a world average bull score of 45.96 points, after finally unseating Brady Fielder in 7.48 seconds. Ransom was able to keep his score despite a re-ride being awarded to Fielder. Pegasus finished just short with a world average bull score of 45.95. Folks, that’s a difference of one-one hundredth of a point!
Certainly, one would have to say that part of Pegasus’ legacy is his toughness and tenacity as he hung in there week after week this past season. He received daily attention and doctoring from the McCoys to make sure he was healthy and pain-free and ready to buck.
“As you know, we are extremely proud of him,” Cord and his wife, Sara, posted on Facebook as Pegasus was recovering from surgery shortly before his death. “Not just for what he’s been able to accomplish in the arena, but for just how hard he fought with us here recently for a PBR world title. He’s a testament of how the special ones truly love exactly what they’re bred to do, even when their back is against the wall. With (our) continuous care, he rarely ever showed signs of pain or discomfort…We always felt he was telling us to make a run for it and that’s what we did.”
It is for sure that Pegasus was a fighter and an extremely tough bucking bull. A team of veterinarians removed his right horn to eliminate the infection after the 2025 PBR World Finals. “He bounced back from that for the most part…” the McCoys posted on Facebook. “Then it seemed like we were constantly taking two steps forward and one step back. Just when we felt like he was making a full recovery, something would change and there was a new challenge we would nurse him back from…Though it was a constant roller coaster ride of highs and lows, good news, bad news, somehow he stayed in good spirits and through all of this he kept bucking his tail off from New York City to Tacoma, Washington…And we’ve learned that he did a good job at hiding things, traveling and bucking like a champ, meanwhile a storm was quietly brewing (in his sinuses) behind the scenes…he’s
special and extremely tough.”
Pegasus’ legacy must include his exceptional performance in the arena. With every trip out of the chute, Pegasus unleashed raw power and almost supernatural athleticism that left both fans and riders in awe. His unfailing consistency, fierce competitive spirit, and explosive intensity have defined a legacy that will echo through the sport of bull riding forever.
“He played a part in so much bull riding history,” Cord reflected. “So many of his appearances were career defining moments. Like when Jose Vitor Leme rode him in Fort Worth for 91.25 points in round four of the PBR World Finals in 2025, on his way to his third world championship. And when Hudson Bolton rode him in Arlington in round three of the PBR World Finals for 87.50 points on his way to the title of 2025 PBR Rookie of the Year.”
Pegasus’ breeding is an important part of his legacy. This writer first interviewed Cord McCoy for an article about Pegasus for Humps N Horns February 2026 issue. Pegasus had just been crowned the Bull of the 2025 NFR in December. Cord shared that he had been watching Pegasus for a while. “I had my eye on Pegasus, and we bought him from Pete Carr between rounds five and ten at the 2024 NFR. I saw his intensity and athletic ability,
and his perfect size for a bucking bull. He weighed just a shade under 1700 lbs. I checked out his pedigree, and his sire was the 2009 PRCA Bull of the Year 455 Buckeye and his grand sire was 315 Panhandle Slim. His mother was HC39, daughter of 1998 PBR World Champion Bull 125 Moody Blues. Pegasus had all the ingredients of a champion bucking bull.”
I was able to follow up with Cord this past Friday, June 26. “I really grieved the first 24 hours after we learned that Pegasus had passed on Sunday,” Cord shared. “But I woke up Monday hit by gratitude. I realized that I got to stand behind one of the greatest bucking bulls of all time. I was so proud of his legacy. He loved to buck and he did not like to be rode. He had one gear, and that was full out whether he was in New York City or Tacoma. To me, he was the rankest bull in the world. He just didn’t get the buckle. He loved the competition and he loved what he did.”
“We had collected semen from him about a year ago,” Cord continued. “But we never had a chance to breed to him. I’ve got about 40 Ridin’ Solo and Blue Duck heifers, and we’ve got them set up to breed with Pegasus. We are anxiously looking for his offspring. If his offspring can be half as good as he was, it will be exciting, and his legacy will live on through his offspring.”
Continued from Page 15
ourselves a disciple. Something I’ve learned from different bull riding camps and different speakers is the idea of living in the moment. This is applicable to all aspects of life and is biblical, as Matthew tells us in chapter 6 verse 34: “Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.” This verse just reminds us to draw our focus away from the future and back to the steps we’re taking now.
Oftentimes, motivational speakers will use the power of present focus as a way to get through hard things. To be a Navy SEAL, you have to go through BUDS, which is a six-month training program that is known as one of the hardest things to go through both in the armed forces and in life. To get through their training, a common tactic they use is focusing on what they’re doing now. Because if they start to think about how they’re going through this hard thing for another six months, it would be overwhelming. The same thing goes for our faith. When we start to think about how hard the rest of our life will be, or try to plan everything out, it becomes overwhelming. Instead, God called us to focus on today and take the next step in our faith by pursuing Christ in whatever we do.
A story that reflects this practice of how important it is to focus on the next step is found in Mathew chapter 14. This is when Jesus walked on water, which alone is crazy. I think we often overlook that fact. I think everyone knows that “Jesus walked on water,” but JESUS WALKED ON WATER! As the disciples were out in a boat in the middle of this body of water, Jesus walked over to them. Matthew tells us that the disciples were terrified. They thought it was a Ghost. But when Jesus spoke to them, he said one single word to Peter. “Come.”
Jesus called him to come to him, which required a step of faith. And at first, Peter set his focus on Jesus and was taking his steps toward him. But then Peter took his focus off Jesus and focused on the winds, the storm, and the waves. That’s when he started to sink. I think many people can relate to Peter at this moment. Life is hectic; the winds are whipping, and the waves are 20 feet tall. And when you’re focusing on those aspects, it probably feels like you’re sinking or maybe even drowning. But, just like Peter, there was a time when you were walking on water. This was when your focus was on Jesus and the very next step God was calling you to take.
Life is hectic. Waiting for a time when life isn’t hectic will lead you to a point of waiting your entire life. As we see many times throughout the Bible, like in this story of Peter, when we focus on the craziness of life, it feels like we’re drowning. But just like Peter started with his focus on the Lord and his next steps, we too can live a life focused on the goodness of God and the step he’s calling us to take. Living a life where you try to have everything figured out also creates that drowning effect, which led King Solomon to write in Proverbs, “Lean not on your own understanding”. Rather, we should lean into the one who has it figured out for us. We don’t have it figured out, and we never will, but what we can do is set our eyes on Jesus and focus on the next step in life that God is calling us to take!
My name is Riggin Pearce, and I’m from Sheridan, Wyoming. I am a follower of Christ who’s blessed with the ability to ride bulls and use that as my platform to share the Good News. I am incredibly excited to have the chance to do that through my youth ministry program, Next Step. I can’t wait to encourage and help y’all get to know Jesus for the first time or take the next step in your relationship with Him.
email:
bred2buck@gmail.com
Anyone who has spent time around rodeo knows it finds its roots in family, legacy, and ingenuity. Cowboys keep traditions alive while continuing to search for new avenues to grow and expand the businesses and brands they represent.
These same principles hold true for an up-and-coming bucking bull business in Los Molinos, California. About 15 miles from the famous Red Bluff rodeo grounds, a trio of brothers embodies the cowboy characteristics of family, legacy, and ingenuity. The three brothers manage a small ranch, which includes their own cow-calf herd and pens of miniature bucking bulls. These pintsized lookalikes of the PBR’s big bulls are perfect for starting new riders, something that appeals to the Maxwell family. In fact, it is an important part of their story.
Each of the three Maxwells, Colton, 21, Hunter, 19, and Quintin, 17, made their arena debuts on the backs of sheep in mutton busting events around Northern California. While Colton and Quintin decided to pursue different paths, Hunter continued riding, moving up to steers and mini bulls. He found early success on the junior circuit and eventually made the transition to the PBR and PRCA ranks. He is currently riding for Feather River College in Quincy, California, and in June will make his freshman appearance at the College National Finals in Wyoming.
But before college rodeo, or his PRCA permit, Hunter started bucking bulls in his backyard. A place that would eventually be the start for many young cowboys in the area.
The Maxwell Bucking Bulls enterprise began on Christmas Eve, when their father, Jim told the boys he had a surprise for them in the yard. They scrambled out the door to find a waiting stock trailer backed up to the pen out front. Lifting the creaky old latch
on the back gate, the boys discovered three miniature bucking bulls.
“I was shocked!” Hunter exclaimed. “It was one of the most awesome nights of my life because it meant that I could now practice what I loved to do at my house.”
As those three bulls sauntered into the lot, throwing dirt onto their backs and making themselves at home, the boys and their parents grinned at one another from the railings of the fence. It was that night the Maxwell’s found themselves taking the first step towards starting their stock contracting business. Even if they didn’t fully realize what that meant at the time.
They quickly began to expand to accommodate their new bulls, adding more pens, better chutes, and a bigger practice arena. Eventually, kids from around the area started to show up. People heard about Hunter’s success on the mini bull circuit and wanted to come over and ride for themselves. And they were welcomed with open arms. But just as they were starting to grow their new business, the family experienced a devastating loss.
“Our dad passed away when Hunter and I were in high school, and Quintin was in elementary,” said Colton. “We were kids trying to figure out how to keep it together. And it was hard. Those first few years were really hard. But we knew we wanted to honor our father and keep his dream alive, and that is what kept us going. We didn’t want to quit on something that meant so much to him. It’s still what drives us today.”
A lot has changed since those first years on their own. What remains the same, though, is the desire to grow their business and carry on with their father’s dream.
Colton Maxwell poses with Wedding Crasher in front of the chutes at the Maxwell Bucking Bulls arena.
Their biggest growth has come after taking on the roles of mini bull stock contractors. Now, they haul their bulls to events across California and beyond. They have even been working with the Rocky Mountain Regional Director for the Junior NFR and have hosted qualifying events in Red Bluff. They have another one scheduled there later this summer.
“I love seeing the kids we have worked with at the house go out and qualify for the Junior NFR on the stock that we raised,” Hunter told me. “There is no better feeling than that. Those kids are earning their chance to compete in Vegas, and to get to be a part of that is truly special.”
Another event they are excited about being a part of later this fall is the Junior Bull Riders (JBR) World Finals in Pendleton, Oregon. This event is put on by Donnie Landis, owner of Roughstock 101, and is one of the top mini bull exhibitions in the country.
All of these opportunities work because the boys understand their own unique roles in the business and are selfless about stepping in when life gets hectic.
“Hunter is at college now, rodeoing for Feather River, so he’s gone a lot,” Colton said. “That means that Quintin and I take care of things at home. Quintin is good at doing chores and seeing to the day-to-day stuff with the bulls, and I take them to events on the weekends. When Hunter started college, we knew things would change, but it’s okay. We’re committed to making it work.”
Making it work also means continuing to find new ways to grow. And for the Maxwells, some of their best growth comes from their own backyard.
“We put on clinics and jackpots here at the house throughout the summer,” Quintin said. “It is one of our favorite parts of our business. Our dad loved having kids come out to the house, and we love it too. They like working with us, and we have built a good system of communication with their parents. The parents are also helpful in getting our name out there, which builds our network and helps us to grow.”
“I really enjoy working one-on-one with the kids,” Hunter added. “I remember when I was growing up that I always wanted to be around other bull riders and learn from them whenever I could. Now I get to be the one helping that kid I used to be! It doesn’t get any better than that in my opinion.”
Another big change to their operation is the implementation of a specialized breeding program, with the goal of raising their own stock. In fact, one of the bulls they unloaded that Christmas Eve night did so well in the arena that he earned a spot as their top herd sire. A role he continues to hold today. But even with their own stock, the buying and selling of bulls is constant.
“We want to keep expanding our bull offerings and keep finding new rodeos and sponsorship partners to work with,” Quintin explained. “We had so many doors open in 2025, and even more people have been reaching out this year. It’s truly a blessing. We know that being committed to putting on the best events that we can, even if they are backyard jackpots, is one of our biggest strengths as contractors.”
Doing the best job they can includes being innovative. Perhaps the most unique avenue of promotion has been a foray into the world of authorship in the form of a bull riding book. Yep, you read that right. Hunter has spent the last year co-authoring the new bull riding book, Rank.
This fiction story follows the main character, Hudson Evans, a high school bull rider from Montana, through injuries, slumps, mental struggles, and self-doubt.
“We chose these topics to focus on because they are things bull riders work through all the time,” Hunter said. “The story also has a lot of mindset lessons scattered throughout, and those lessons can be applied across rodeo events or really to any sport.”
Even though the characters in the story are fictional, many of the experiences are from Hunter’s own journey. In fact, you will even find Maxwell Bucking Bulls, along with photos and descriptions of some of their stock, mentioned within the pages.
While a book might seem like an unconventional way to reach kids in a world dominated by digital, its layout contains graphics and photos to keep readers engaged. In the back, they implemented a digital component in the form of a QR code to scan that takes you
to the Mindset with Maxwell podcast, where Hunter and other professional bull riders discuss how to persevere through tough seasons and come back stronger.
“This project has taught me a lot,” Hunter said. “I have learned more about communication, sales, and marketing, all of which will be useful for our bull business down the road. I am excited about promoting Rank at rodeos this summer, and I even have some sales opportunities set up for it at the NFR in December.”
A kinship. A vow. An idea. Family. Legacy. Ingenuity. The Maxwell brothers are the embodiment of these cowboy characteristics and continue to be at the cutting edge of mini bull stock contracting in California. Their commitment to one another and their business is unmatched by most young men their age, and it is safe to say that their business growth in recent years is just the beginning.
To purchase your copy of Hunter’s new book, visit cacmediagroup. com. Rank was sponsored in part by a grant from the Iowa Corn College Advisory Team.
*-Added Money Amount Is For Each Night Information Subject to Change Without Notice
Date Location Added $ Open Time Call-In # Assn/Event
BULL RIDING EVENTS
JULY
Jul 1 Red Lodge, MT
$20,000 PRCA Xtreme Bulls
Jul 1-4 Park Rapids, MN $1,000 PRCA Xtreme Bulls- Permit
Jul 2 Fort Worth, TX PBR Stockyards Showcase
Jul 2 Marion, IL
Jul 2 Stoughton, WI
$10,000 6/22 6-9pm 608-412-0799 NFPB
$5,000 6/22 6-9pm 608-412-0799 NFPB
Jul 3 Imperial, NE 712-374-6053 Bullriders of America
Jul 3 Park Rapids, MN $35,000 PRCA Xtreme Bulls
Jul 3-4 Elkhorn, WI Professional Championship Bull Riders
Jul 3-4 Somerset, KY PBR Challenger Series
Jul 3-12 Calgary, AB $1.8M PRCA - The Calgary Stampede
Jul 4 Falls City, NE 712-374-6053 Bullriders of America
Jul 4 Bagley, WI $10,000 6/22 6-9pm 608-412-0799 NFPB
Jul 6 Oakley City, UT
Jul 8 Nephi, UT
PRCA Xtreme Bulls
PRCA Xtreme Bulls
Jul 8 Clay Center, NE 712-374-6053 Bullriders of America
Jul 9 Fort Worth, TX PBR Stockyards Showcase
Jul 9 Laramie, WY
$20,000 PRCA Xtreme Bulls
Jul 9 Adel, IA 712-374-6053 Bullriders of America
Jul 10 Edgerton, NM
Jul 10 Harlan, IA
$6,000 6/29 6-9pm 320-226-0949 NFPB
712-374-6053 Bullriders of America
Jul 10-11 Athens, TN $1,000* 7/6 6-9pm 423-737-7750 Triple T Bulls/ Bull Riders & Outlaws
Jul 10-12 Fort Collins, CO PBR Teams Series
Jul 11 Manchester, WI
Jul 11 Waseca, MN
$5,000 7/6 6-9pm 608-412-0799 NFPB
$4,000 6/29 6-9pm 320-226-0949 NFPB
Jul 11 Livingston, MT PBR Challenger Series
Jul 11 Amarillo, TX PBR Challenger Series
Jul 11 Grinnell, IA
712-374-6053 Bullriders of America
Jul 13 Sioux Center, IA 712-374-6053 Bullriders of America
Jul 13-14 New Harmony, IN
$2,000 7/6 6-9pm 618-267-1782 NFPB
Jul 14-18 Colorado Springs, CO $683,000 PRCA - NFR Open
Jul 15 Salinas, CA $40,000 PRCA Xtreme Bulls
Jul 15 Park Rapids, MN $4,000 7/6 6-9pm 320-226-0949 NFPB
Jul 15 Sibley, IA
712-374-6053 Bullriders of America
Jul 16 Fort Worth, TX PBR Stockyards Showcase
Jul 16 Mitchell, SD $20,000 PRCA Xtreme Bulls
Jul 16 Ida Grove, IA
712-374-6053 Bullriders of America
Jul 16-18 Big Sky, MT PBR Challenger Series
Jul 17 Redwood Falls, MN $4,000 7/6 6-9pm 320-226-0949 NFPB
Jul 17 Red Oak, IA
712-374-6053 Bullriders of America
*-Added Money Amount Is For Each Night Information Subject to Change Without Notice
Date Location Added $ Open Time Call-In # Assn/Event
Jul 17-18 St. Charles, IL Professional Championship Bull Riders
Jul 17-18 Thief River Falls, MN PBR Challenger Series
Jul 17-18 Springdale, AR PBR Challenger Series
Jul 17-19 Twin Lakes, WI
Jul 18 La Valle, WI
$8,000 7/13 5-9pm 618-267-1782 NFPB
$10,000 7/13 6-9pm 608-412-0799 NFPB
Jul 18 White Cloud, MI $3,000 7/13 6-8pm T 517-260-0492 NFPB
Jul 18 Sacred Heart, MN
$4,000 7/6 6-9pm 320-226-0949 NFPB
Jul 18 Rockwell City, IA 712-374-6053 Bullriders of America
Jul 20-21 Cheyenne, WY
$100,000 PRCA Xtreme Bulls
Jul 22 Burwell, NE $30,000 PRCA Xtreme Bulls
Jul 22 Anoka, MN
$4,000 7/13 6-9pm 320-226-0949 NFPB
Jul 23 Fort Worth, TX PBR Stockyards Showcase
Jul 23 Clarinda, IA 712-374-6053 Bullriders of America
Jul 24 Flora, IL
Jul 24 Canby, MN
$1,500 7/20 5-9pm 320-226-0949 NFPB
$4,400 7/13 6-9pm 320-226-0949 NFPB
Jul 24 Atlantic, IA 712-374-6053 Bullriders of America
Jul 25 Binford, ND PBR Challenger Series
Jul 25 Pierce, NE 712-374-6053 Bullriders of America
Jul 28 Dodge City, KS
$20,000 PRCA Xtreme Bulls
Jul 29 Springfield, NE 712-374-6053 Bullriders of America
Jul 29 Montevideo, MN $5,000 7/20 6-9pm 320-226-0949 NFPB
Jul 30 Neligh, NE
Jul 31 Kalkaska, MI
Jul 31 Mendon, IL
Jul 31-Aug 1 Eureka, MO
712-374-6053 Bullriders of America
$3,000 7/27 6-8pm T 517-260-0492 NFPB
$5,000 7/22 6-10pm 573-470-5888 NFPB
$10,000 7/20 5pm T 573-823-2569 NFPB
Jul 31-Aug 2 Oklahoma City, OK PBR Teams Series AUGUST
Aug 1 Charleston, IL
Aug 1 South Sioux City, NE
Aug 4 Missoula, MT
$5,000 8/3 5-9pm T 573-823-2569 NFPB
$20,000 PRCA Xtreme Bulls
Aug 4 Lovington, NM $44,500 PRCA Xtreme Bulls
Aug 5 Salem, IL
Aug 5 Washington, MO
$2,500 8/3 5-9pm 618-267-1782 NFPB
$5,000 7/27 5pm T 573-823-2569 NFPB
Aug 5 Weeping Water, NE 712-374-6053 Bullriders of America
Aug 5-6 Willmar, MN
$5,000 7/27 6-9pm 320-226-0949 NFPB
Aug 6 Fort Worth, TX PBR Stockyards Showcase
Aug 6 Rifle, CO
Aug 6-7 Iron River, WI
Aug 7 Parkers Prairie, MN
Aug 7-8 Salem, MO
Aug 7-8 Lincoln, NE
$20,000 PRCA Xtreme Bulls
$8.000 7/27 6-9pm 608-412-0799 NFPB
$7,500 7/26 5-9pm 320-226-1487 NFPB
$1,500* 8/3 5-9pm 870-926-0478 NFPB
712-374-6053 Bullriders of America
*-Added Money Amount Is For Each Night Information Subject to Change Without Notice
Date Location Added $
Call-In # Assn/Event
Aug 7-9 Sunrise, FL PBR Teams Series
Aug 8 Goliad, TX PBR Challenger Series
Aug 8 Hoover, AL PBR Challenger Series
Aug 8 Garnavillo, IA
Aug 8 Lockwood, MO
Aug 10-11 Woodstown Pilegrove, NJ
Aug 12 Gaylord, MI
$5,000 7/27 6-9pm 608-412-0799 NFPB
$4,000 7/27 6pm 417-793-3025 NFPB
$60,000 PRCA Xtreme Bulls
$3,000 8/3 6-8pm T 517-260-0492 NFPB
Aug 13 Bloomfield, NE 712-374-6053 Bullriders of America
Aug 13 Fort Worth, TX PBR Stockyards Showcase
Aug 14 Tecumseh, NE 712-374-6053 Bullriders of America
Aug 14-15 Austin, MN
$4,000* 8/3 6-9pm 320-226-0949 NFPB
Aug14-16 Nashville, TN PBR Teams Series
Aug 15 Yankton, SD 712-374-6053 Bullriders of America
Aug 15-16 Viroqua, WI
Aug 18 Fairmount, MN
Aug 19 West Branch, MI
$5,000 8/10 6-9pm 608-412-0799 NFPB
$6,000 8/10 6-9pm 320-226-0949 NFPB
$3,000 8/10 6-8pm T 517-260-0492 NFPB
Aug 20 Fort Worth, TX PBR Stockyards Showcase
Aug 21 Appleton, MN
Aug 21-22 Sedalia, MO
Aug 21-22 Cowden, IL
$4,000 8/10 6-9pm 320-226-0949 NFPB
$5,000 8/10 6/8pm 417-924-3591 NFPB
$2,000 8/17 5-9pm 618-267-1782 NFPB
Aug 21-23 Austin, TX PBR Teams Series
Aug 22 Eureka, MT PBR Challenger Series
Aug 27 Fort Worth, TX PBR Stockyards Showcase
Aug 27 Coeur D’Alene, ID
Aug 28 Wheaton, MN
$20,000 PRCA Xtreme Bulls
$4,000 8/10 6-9pm 320-226-0949 NFPB
Aug 29 Paso Robles, CA PBR Challenger Series
Aug 29 Linn, MO
Aug 30 Bremerton, WA
BUCKING BULL EVENTS
JULY
$7,000 8/17 6/8pm 417-924-3591 NFPB
$35,000 PRCA Xtreme Bulls
Jul 4 Duncan, OK ABBI / ClaimABull
Jul 8 Lloydminster, AB ABBI Canada
Jul 11 Erick, OK ABBI / Nothin But Try Ranch Yearling
Jul 11 Elizabeth, CO ABBI / Buckers Unlimited
Jul 18 Belton, TX ABBI
Jul 22 Kinsella, AB ABBI Canada
Jul 24 Strasburg, VA ABBI / BOBB
Jul 25 Grandview, TX T 254-396-2140 Bull Teams Only
Jul 25 Pierceton, IN 724-421-5601 ABBI / NFG
Jul 25 Sisters, OR ABBI / HDBBA
Jul 31-Aug 2 Oklahoma City, OK ABBI Classic
*-Added Money Amount Is For Each Night Information Subject to Change Without Notice
Date Location
Aug 1 Walterboro, SC 7/20-27 ABBI / JI Invitational
Aug 1 Duncan, OK ABBI / ClaimABull
Aug 7 Elnora, AB ABBI Canada
Aug 8 Glen Rose, TX ABBI
Aug 14 Halfway River Valley First Nations, BC ABBI Canada
Aug 15 Clemson, SC ABB / SFBB
Aug 15 Elizabeth, CO ABBI / Buckers Unlimited
Aug 15 Talequah, OK ABBI / Cherokee Nation
Aug 21-23 Austin, TX ABBI Classic
Aug 22 Newton Falls, OH
724-421-5601 ABBI / NFG
Aug 22 Billings, MT ABBI / HDBBA
Aug 22 Ada, OK ABBI / Bar O
Aug 27-29 Denton, TX $5,000*
940-391-8179 NTFR Bull Blowout (bull teams)
Aug 29-30 Erick, OK ABBI / Carsen Perry Futurity
PISGAH, AL - TIM COX, TCB, ANYTIME, CALL FIRST, 256-996-9426
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
WOODBINE, IA - Tom & Kristina Kelley, every Sun. (weather permitting). Beginner - rank bulls. Call 712-5922493
KENDALLVILLE, IN - B Bar A Bucking Bulls, Heidi Speicher, 7pm Every Thur, Call First, 260-564-5864/Troy
JACKSONVILLE, IL - Lazy C Rodeo, 10am-3pm Sun., Rain or shine, Call First, 217-245-8280
JACKSONVILLE, NC - Aleck Barnard, Elite Cowboy Rodeo Assoc., Onslow Rodeo Arena, 6pm Every Other Sunday, Call First, 910-381-8597
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
NOCONA, TX - Locke Bucking Bulls, Call First, 940-872-0733
WILLS POINT, TX - Austin Arena Bulls, Barrels, & Poles. $10 per ride/run or $25 for all you can ride. Bulls for all ages. 214-7265799
BATESVILLE, AR - James Bechdoldt, White River Rodeo, 870-307-9923
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 w/ 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
Your Ad Could Be Here! Call 325-500-2855 for more details
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
CHEYENNE, WY - Floyd & Ann Thomas, TTnT Ranch, 307-778-8806
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Most cowboys on a cattle drive
Like a tobacco chew or two
Others will roll their cigarettes
And each day smoke a few
Cigars are another favorite choice
While relaxing around the fire
When cowboys have finished supper
And are wondering who’s the biggest liar
But sometimes they’re joined by the elder
When their tall tales start to get ripe
His wrinkles are his life’s road maps
He sits there and fills his old pipe
By Kelly B. Robbins
Tobacco gets poured in his pipe bowl
He’s relaxed as he tamps it all down
“Is that the best ya’ll can do?”
He questions them with a frown
He strikes a match and lights up his pipe
Then blows out a couple smoke plumes
He sits back and lets out a chuckle
And enjoys the aroma of fumes
Because they know what is coming next
They all sit and quietly wait
He’s about to let out with a story
His stories are always first rate
He puffs on that pipe as he ponders
Then blows out another plume
He starts to tell them a story
Perhaps one of doom and gloom
The one thing that all these cowboys know
They give the respect that is due
Cause when he let’s go with a story
They all know that it’s actually true
