Beyond the Chutes

Today we sit down with the legendary Mike Fletcher, the 1983 IPRA All Around World Champion, for an engaging trip down memory lane. Mike delves into his early years in Louisiana, his journey into the world of rodeo starting with his first acquisition of a Jim Houston bareback rigging, and clinching the National High School Bareback Riding Championship in 1972 and 1973. We'll hear tales of his adve...

Join Sam and Doug as they dive into a lively discussion about the IRA Project before sitting down with Daylon Swearingen for an insightful interview. They'll also look back at the highlights from last week's American rodeo event, delve into the excitement around the Kid Rock's Rockin' Rodeo, explore the latest developments in PBR Expansion Teams, and analyze the current PBR Standings. The duo will...

In this second episode of the Cowboy Round Table, Gary steers the discussion towards his 1973 competition experience at the Pontiac Silverdome, where he drew Longhorn’s Panic in front of 73,000 spectators. The group reminisces about road tales, the horses they’ve cherished, and J Bar J's three-time IPRA Bucking Horse of the Year, Nightmare. They delve into the progression of bareback riggings and...

Four legendary New York rodeo cowboys came together for an unforgettable gathering in early December at the Rawhide Ranch in New York. Here are the riveting conversations that ensued. Gary shares his early rodeo days in Rochester, Dave recounts the beginnings of the Lima, NY Rodeo and his unique honeymoon at the Gerry Rodeo, while Darryl opens up about his fight against cancer. Settle in and enjoy...

In this engaging interview with Mike Swearingen, Mike delves into the intricacies of securing a PRCA Permit and strategizing which rodeos to enter, alongside the challenge of navigating the logistics between events. He sheds light on "2 headers", competing in the chill of winter within indoor arenas, and participating in prestigious rodeos like Longhorn and World’s Toughest. Moreover, Mike shares...

Fred's journey begins in Buffalo, NY, where he transitions from a swimmer and pizza enthusiast to training and showcasing horses. He embarks on his rodeo path by learning bareback bronc riding at Phillip’s Arena and, at 17, decides to pursue rodeo full-time. Fred's rodeo career spans competing in the PRCA, APRA, and IPRA, leading to qualifications for prestigious events like the Dodge Circuit Fina...

Melanie recounts her early days in the Attica area, where she first mounted a horse and entered the world of team penning in the Attica Rodeo Arena. She reflects on the cherished memories and lasting bonds formed within the Attica Rodeo Community. Carlene and Logan then share insights into their current pursuits in rodeo events, as they navigate the competitive landscape of the National High Schoo...

In 2024, Attica marks its 66th anniversary in the world of Professional Rodeo, a legacy initiated by Dave Wheeler, a founding member. Dave shares his horsemanship journey, rooted in the Attica region, where he mastered riding from a tender age in Gene Redding’s arena. His experiences span showing horses, honing his roping skills, and engaging in playful horseback chases through the woods along Ton...

Rob delves into his upbringing in upstate New York, surrounded by horses, where he mastered calf roping, horse training, and equine chiropractic techniques. He discusses the outset of his rodeo journey, highlighting the perilous yet vital role of a rodeo pickup man, alongside the characteristics he values in his horses. Additionally, Rob touches on his responsibilities as the Rodeo Chairman for th...

Pat shares his journey from Rochester, New York, where he was the eldest of 10 siblings, to his first horse, Tex, at age 5, and delivering newspapers on horseback. He recounts his initial encounter with the rodeo at Edgerton Park in Rochester and his first visit to the Attica rodeo, where he was captivated by Rodeo Clowns, Old Man Barrett, and Bobby Toad Cook. Pat also discusses founding the Clark...

Sam and Doug recap Round 4: the Aggregate Winners, the Year End Champions in each event and the new Earning Records in each event. We hope that you enjoy. Resources: International Professional Rodeo Association https://www.facebook.com/iprarodeo https://www.ipra-rodeo.com/ International Finals Rodeo https://www.facebook.com/ifrodeo https://www.ipra-rodeo.com/ifr IPRA Media https://www.ipra-rodeo.c...

Join hosts Sam and Doug as they dive deep into the heart of rodeo culture, exploring the most thrilling and iconic events that make up the rodeo circuit. From the adrenaline-fueled rough stock events like Bareback Bronc Riding, Saddle Bronc Riding, and Bull Riding to the precision and speed of timed events like Steer Wrestling, Team Roping, Calf Roping, and Cowgirl Barrel Racing, Sam and Doug brea...

Sam and Doug recap Round 3 and talk with Blayn Hughston, Eli Hershberger, Hudson Bolton and Miss Danna Gann during the Buckle Awards Ceremony. We hope that you enjoy. Resources: International Professional Rodeo Association https://www.facebook.com/iprarodeo https://www.ipra-rodeo.com/ International Finals Rodeo https://www.facebook.com/ifrodeo https://www.ipra-rodeo.com/ifr IPRA Media https://www....

Sam and Doug recap Round 2 at the Lazy E Arena. Three of Round 2 Winners: Kody Rinehart - 3 Time World Champion Saddle Bronc Rider; Plymouth Indiana Barrel Racer, Emily Stiles tells us about her horse Sophie; and Kyla Matthews - the 2022 Cowgirl Break Away Roping Champion. We hope that you enjoy. Resources: International Professional Rodeo Associations https://www.facebook.com/iprarodeo https://ww...

Sam and Doug recap Round 1 and Round 1 Saddle Bronc Winner Joe Farren. the 22 time World Champion, Justin Thigpen, and winner of the Round 1 Tie Down Calf Roping also stops by. We meet Pro-Rodeo Announcer Clay Drake and learn a bit of his background. AND we have the pleasure of a very fun conversation with New York Trick Rider, Riley Minteer. We hope that you enjoy. Resources: International Profes...

Sam and Doug talk about the IFR Week-long schedule, the WCRA Stampede at the E weekend wrap up. We talk about the rodeo personnel that we will see and hear in the arena, the $500,000 IFR payout, the “win-out $22k, the probability of new year end earning records and breaking up the association “alphabet soup”. We review each event’s standings, arena records and Sam makes some predictions. Doug admi...

Discover the fascinating journey of Sam Swearingen, the founder of Rawhide Rodeo Company. In this episode, Sam takes us back to 1987 when he decided to pursue his passion for rodeo. Listen as he shares the challenges and joys of starting his venture, from investing in equipment to hosting his first rodeo in Maryland. Hear about the camaraderie of the Rawhide Rodeo crew, the Rawhide Ranch, and Sam'...

In this episode Joe talks about the World Series of Team Roping Finale in Las Vegas, he gives us his take on Las Vegas – his first visit to the city. He steps us through the contestant’s point assignment – their assigned handicap. We talk about the roping that he attended while in Vegas, the payoff and his 2024 goals. We hope that you enjoy. Resources: Joe Farrelly’s BTC Episodes Episode #26: http...

Join us for an insightful podcast episode featuring Daylon, the 2022 PBR champion, as we catch up with him at the PBR Unleash the Beast Event in Johnstown, PA. Get a glimpse into Daylon's diverse background, from growing up in rodeo to his ventures in NASCAR and go-kart racing. Discover the importance of physical and mental conditioning in his journey, as well as his dedication to mastering the ar...

Join us as we sit down with Danna for an intimate conversation about her journey through the rodeo world. From her humble beginnings growing up to her adventures competing in rodeo events, Danna shares her experiences of grit and determination. At just 20 years old, she took on the role of rodeo secretary, delving into the behind-the-scenes action of the rodeo circuit. Hear about the unique challe...

Sam and Doug talk about the Johnstown, PA PBR UTB event, we update our Pro Rodeo Fantasy Teams - 2023 NFR Game – through Round 3, and the Daily Game Team for Round 4. Resources: Pro Fantasy Rodeo Pro Fantasy Rodeo PBR Professional Bull Riders - Professional Bull Riders ( pbr.com ) National Finals Rodeo www.nfrexperience.com International Finals Rodeo IFR | International Finals Rodeo | IPRA Rodeo (...

Sam and Doug talk about Pro Rodeo Fantasy 2023 NFR Game, discuss their Podcast recording sessions, announce that BTC will be on the road, heading to the IFR in Gutherie, Oklahoma. We preview the Johnstown PBR event and the WCRA at the Lazy E. We hope that you enjoy! Resources: Pro Fantasy Rodeo Pro Fantasy Rodeo PBR Professional Bull Riders - Professional Bull Riders ( pbr.com ) International Fina...

Sam and Doug record at the Rawhide Ranch. We discuss the upcoming NFR, our ProFantasy Rodeo 2023 NFR Game Team and our ParaSight Systems testing results. We hope that you enjoy. Resources: Pro Fantasy Rodeo Pro Fantasy Rodeo National Finals Rodeo PRCA Sports News ( prorodeo.com ) New York State Rodeo Museum https://www.facebook.com/groups/1159615314694489 Beyond the Chutes Facebook Page https://ww...

Join us for a road trip like no other as Shawn shares the incredible story of his rodeo career while driving to Utah with his sons, Kole and Tate. From his roots in Canadian rodeo to the pinnacle of success with 23 world championships in the IPRA, Shawn takes us on a wild ride through the highs and lows of his journey. Hear about his unforgettable moments competing at the IFR, overcoming injuries...

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Shawn, a true legend of the rodeo world and a remarkable 23-time IPRA world champion. From humble beginnings on a ranch in the Sandhills of Nebraska to the pinnacle of success in the rodeo arena, Shawn shares his incredible journey of determination, passion, and perseverance. Listen as he reflects on the challenges he faced along the way, the thrilling vi...