Saturday night I was lucky enough to go to my first bull riding event.  I was broadcasting live from the Mathewson Expo Center.  NFPB Bull Riding event.  I had spoken to Clint Jackson the head man for Federation Productions who were in charge of the event.  I was coming from the angle of being not familiar with the sport and how people get involved.  The lifestyle of bull riders, etc. What go into pulling off an event like this.

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The first thing I learned is that, for the riders, it is a way of life.  For many of them, it is in the family business, or just a big passion.  One of the bull riders I spoke to, said he got started when he was 13.  This was something that really surprised me.  13?  When I was turning 13, I can assure you that riding a bull was on my mind.  To be fair, where I grew up, this would not have even been an option.  If I grew up around cattle, and horses, and farming, I may have had those ideas.  I can tell you this.  Bull riders, are strong, brave, and it is a talent and skill I will never have.  They have my respect.

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I learned that not only are the riders judged, but the cattle are as well.  So the cattle owners take as much pride in their bulls, as the riders do.  The popularity around here of the event was impressive.  And it seemed to go right down to the young kids.  I saw people at this event, with their infant children coming in.  Start them young, I suppose. And big props to the rodeo clowns.  Often a thankless job and under-appreciated.  But they keep the riders as safe as they can.

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Pony rides were offered to the kids before the rodeo began. You can see the smiles on these kids faces, that they are having a great time.  I had a chance to go horseback riding when I was in 8th grade.  I passed.  I have regretted that ever since.

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If you missed the bull riding event, the rodeo will be here this Friday and Saturday.  Get your tickets.  You will see things that the average person can't do.  I have more respect for the people in this profession than I used to.  It may not be my way of life, but I can appreciate what they do, a lot more than I used to.

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