Every year throughout North America, including Tumbler Ridge, spectators head for the rodeo grounds to enjoy the fun and excitement of watch- ing cowboys, those men of the past, ply their trade. Roping bronc and bull tiding, along with all the other exciting aspects of the rodeo are readily en- | joyed. As fun-loving spec- tators, there is little thought of all the hard work and planning that occurs before the actual rodeo days begin.

As everyone’ knows, amateur rodeo is a compe- titive sport between cow- boy contestants and healthy rodeo animals, be they bucking horses or bulls, bull doggin steers or roping calves.

The men-who raise and care for these animals are known as stock contrac- tors and are perhaps the single most important fac- tor in the production of a successful rodeo.

There are many stock contractors who provide the stock for the vast numbers of rodeos held each year throughout Western Canada. They cover many miles and are kept busy throughout the entire rodeo season.

It is an immense task to maintain a successful string of rodeo stock as these broncs, bulls, steers and calves receive con- stant care and pampering

due to the scarcity of good

rodeo animals.

The financial invest- ment by the stock contrac- tor is very substantial, he may own dozens of herds of broncs and bulls alone. Hundreds of acres of land are required to maintain a large rodeo string.

The stock contractor has trucks to haul the animals, along with a substantial labor crew to work the animals. A vast supply of feed is required and he must know veterin- arians in all parts of the country, disabling sick-

ness or injury is the last thing he wants to happen

The ball diamonds are always full on any

PORTS

Before the rodeo comes

to any of his stock.

Bucking stock, having enough ‘‘heart’’ to make a career in rodeo, lead a good life, being well cared for while working an aver- age of less than 10 months a year. Stock contractors are understandably very proud, protective, and possessive of their proven bucking strings.

Stock contracting has become a very competitive business in recent years, yet contractors all share one common goal—to find the best bucking horses and bulls available to provide rodeo fans with quality entertainment and present the rodeo cowboy an honest, competitive challenge.

For this year’s Grizzly Valley Rodeo, the Club is proud to introuduce M&R Stock Contractors Ltd., who will provide _ this year’s rodeo stock.

Bob Morrison and Pat Rorison are the men be- hind M&R Stock Contrac- tors, which was started in

the fall of 1986.

Manager Bob Morrison is no stranger to the rodeo circuit. He has been ro- deoing for the past 30 years, aS a contestant, stock contractor, and also as a spectator. And now his two daughters are competing and winning.

Bob’s career as a con- testant was extremely suc- cessful in all five major events. However, he ex- celled in the saddle bronc and bareback events. The over 20 saddles and num- erous buckles he has won throughout the years are proof of his success.

Morrison no_ longer competes in any of the events; his trophy room walls are adorned with three Year End Halters for superb’ bucking.

Pat Rorison is a new- comer to the North. Orig- inally from the Kamloops area, Pat is certainly no stranger to livestock and rodeos. Pat has never competed in rodeos, but as the saying goes, ‘‘It’s never too late.”’

See them at the rodeo

by Nancy Perkins

-This year M&R Stock Contractors will provide stock for the Grizzly Val- ley Saddle Club Rodeo. There are some exciting animals in the line up.

One of these is Holly, a

saddle bronc horse, who was named NRA Saddle Bronc Horse of the Year in 1986 and 1987. Holly was unridden at the Kel- owna Pro Rodeo in 1988 and will surely give the spectators a big thrill.

Tylenol, a name that definitely does not fit this horse, was named the 1987 IRA Bareback Horse of the Year.

Bottoms Up, another

bareback horse, was nam- ed the 1987 YRCA Bare- back Horse of the Year. Big Mike was ridden to 77 points, which was good enough for second money,

evening in Tumbler Ridge as everyone is

at the 1988 Cloverdale Rodeo.

Alley Cat was ridden by David Shields for 83 points and took first place at the 1988 Kelowna Pro Rodeo.

First Aid, a bull who most likely causes the need for his name, was unridden at both the 1988 Kelowna Pro Rodeo and the 1988 Cloverdale Ro- deo. He bucked off four of the toughest bull riders, including Ted Knuce, the 1986 World Champion.

Jonestown, another tough bull, was unridden in the 1987 season and only ridden twice in the 1988 season. Dean Fenton marked 74 points on Jonestown in the long round of the 1988 Clover- dale Rodeo. It was good enough to put him into the short round.

busy playing slo-pitch.

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