What is eight seconds? Virtually nothing when you think about it, but to some eight seconds is a lifetime. Experiencing fear, excitement, and either success or failure this short amount of time can feel like forever.
The Bear Claw Casino held their annual rough stock rodeo on Wednesday, June 12, and Thursday, June 13.
Buck-a-rama welcomed many riders competing in saddle bronc, bare back, and bull riding. Though riders came from far, there were four local bull riders including Jesse Lawrence of Kennedy, Roman Lonechild from White Bear, Cody Floyd of Kipling, and Teagon Hodgson of Manor who partook in the action.
Another well known name in the area included Prime Time Rodeo, located near Kennedy, owned by Jim Lawrence provided all of the bucking stock.
"We have built a strong reputation for producing exciting, quality events run in a professional manner," writes Prime Time Rodeos. "Our ranch raised bucking stock has proven itself to be some of the 'best in the business.'"
Bucking stock working hard at Buck-a-rama included Up in Smoke both the MRCA 2012 Bareback of the Year and CCA Bareback of the year, while O.M.G., the MRCA 2012 bull of the year was also found at the Bear Claw Casino. Both animals featured as the bounty rides in the short go-round.
With packed stands, the crowd "whooped" and "hollered" as Barry Bodine announced the beginning of the event welcoming Shelby Thue, a young trick rider from Bengough, to carry the flag as O' Canada was played.
Thue would be back both days to perform between the long go-rounds and the short go-rounds. Her stunts amazed the crowd who were in disbelief as she showed her many skills.
Wade Cutler was announced as the Calcutta auctioneer and was one to pull double duties as a judge of the event as well.
Gordo Bones, the rodeo clown, started off a little shaky with the crowd by wearing a Winnipeg Blue Bombers jersey. As Bones laughed he threw off his Winnipeg jersey to show Roughrider gear, which caused a loud applause to erupt.
Buck-a-rama was also host to Monty Phillips a top bull fighter who resides in Qu'appelle. Phillips won the Canadian Cowboys Association Finals freestyle bull fight in November last year and watching him work at Buck-a-rama spectators knew why. Phillips ensured the safety of the cowboys competing.
Wednesday, Buck-a-rama winners included bareback rider Colton Harden, saddle bronc competitor Tyrel Larson, and bull rider Carl Greene.
Cody Floyd was able to make it to the short go-round where he was slotted to ride O.M.G. The tough bull has only been ridden twice before, both times by the young Floyd, but the third would not be at Buck-a-rama.
The next day saw competitors fight for buckles and prize money again, but names were unavailable by press deadline.
The free event was extremely well attended by many rodeo enthusiasts who thoroughly enjoyed the action and appreciated watching the skills of animals, cowboys, and bull fighters.
