"Sunday Afternoon at the Arena"
Buckouts Provide Entertainment For the Daring

 

by: Bobby McDonald

Are you "thinking" about being a bullrider?  Well, Sunday afternoon's are the perfect opportunities to "get your feet wet," as several area arenas provide an opportunity for "bullrider wanta'bes" to try their skill at riding a bull, without the big crowds. Several local producers of bucking bulls bring their young bulls to town and provide an opportunity for those desiring to ride a bull, the chance to mount and ride!

 

 

Sunday afternoon, we were in Paris at the Paris Rodeo Association Arena, located on the Lamar County Fairgrounds, and some 10 or 12 young bulls had been brought to the arena to a buckout. Both experienced and inexperienced youth were on-hand to try their skill at riding the young bulls and offering the producers of these bulls the opportunity to see how they buck.

 

 

 

 

"It's a great way to practice your skills," allowed one youth, riding on Sunday afternoon. "Some of these bulls are 'really salty' and can give you quite a practice ride!"

 

 

"It's a way to learn the art of bullriding and gives you the opportunity to practice without all the crowds," denoted another participant. "It's just your friends and the stock contractors, and maybe a few spectators, but not like riding in a rodeo, and you can ride more than once, usually, and try your skills on different bulls!"

 

 

"But, the risk of getting hurt, is just the same," lamented another young rider, with an arm in a sling. "Some of these young bulls that are being ridden this afternoon, will be in UPRA and other major shows, when they get a little bit of arena experience!"

 

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