Top 8 Best Rodeo News Stories of 2005

1. A Torch is Passed at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo

The most telling marker of a sport's future is the talent of its competitors. From Matt Austin to Ryan Jarrett, 2005 witnessed the passing of the torch to a group of young and talented cowboys and cowgirls. It is in these men and women where the future of rodeo lies.

We can all take a little comfort and rest from the worrying about the PRCA's financial health and whatnot and realize that the talent displayed at this year's NFR is an exciting new chapter for professional rodeo.

2. The PBR Decides to Go Global

The PBR seems to be one step ahead of itself at all times. As the face of the PBR includes more and more bull riders of other nationalities, the media-savvy organization decided to open satellite offices in countries where the popularity of bull riding is taking off.

This can open up world-wide exposure and give bull riding (and rodeo in general) a boost that fans and competitors will reap the benefits of. My only question was what took so long?

3. Calgary Stampede Becomes an Even Greater Powerhouse Event

With the CPRA and PRCA divorce, the fate of the Calgary Stampede was a question on the minds of many. What Calgary did was take a step into the 21st Century and make itself into an even more prestigious, must-compete, must-attend event.

I think that this kind of event model is something that needs to be looked at as rodeo heads into the future. The money and quality of competition is going to be unmatched at the Stampede this year. Could we get something like this down here in the states?

4. Xtreme Bulls Ride Hard Tour

The Xtreme Bulls and PRCA losing loads of cash caused even the most optimistic fan to scratch their heads in wonder. So when the PRCA announced that the franchise rights to the Xtreme Bulls had been sold, I did a dance of joy and began to worry all at once.

Apparently there wasn't the opposition to this that the PRCA/GritRock Deal faced and there is no doubt that the Xtreme Bulls Tour needed to be revamped. This could be the start of some major competition for the PBR.

5. Reopening of the ProRodeo Hall of Fame

All the uncertainty about the state of the PRCA caused some real anxiety in the rodeo community. Then when the Hall Of Fame closed, it drove home the seriousness of the situation. When it eventually reopened with a mind to making a profit none-the-less, I think the rodeo world breathed a collective sigh of relief.

6. PRCA / Grit Rock Deal is Called Off

The details of this merger were never very popular and prompted some circuits to issue statements about continuing in the event of PRCA bankruptcy. The abrupt resignation of the former commissioner after the announcement of this deal never sat right with a lot of people including me. I'll admit that I was happy when this deal went south and so it qualifies for the good news section of the year in review.

7. Governor Bill Richardson Establishes Rodeo Council

It was great to see Governor Richardson getting behind his states rodeo culture. Being proactive rather than waiting until rodeo is under attack before doing something. It is a culture worth promoting, especially in this day and age.

8. Rising Rodeo Attendance

Several rodeos reported higher attendance in 2005 than in previous years. Filled seats means that rodeo is meeting a need and I can only hope that this is the precursor to a reawakening of the American public to the rich traditions and values that rodeo represents.