Imagine yourself sitting atop a two thousand pound bull trying to get a grip. Who would you want in your little corner of the rodeo ring? Yeah, a BULLFIGHTER.
In fact you’d want Bob — Bob Scott an experienced bullfighter, or rodeo clown, as some would call him. But the courageous few who do this dangerous job don’t take kindly to the handle ‘clown’. As most people who follow rodeo know, there’s little that’s funny about the importance of what Bob Scott does.
A bull rider himself who also farms west of Brandon, Bob has lived around rodeos since he was a youngster. His mom and his sister are barrel racers, so Bob is right at home in the ring. It’s in his blood!
Bull riding is the most popular and recognized of all the rodeo events. Casual observers of the sport usually don’t realize the critical role played by a bullfighter like Bob. What’s most impressive is that the announcers and spectators have the ultimate confidence in his abilities, too.
Bob says that “it’s a total adrenaline rush!” He risks his life in the ring to be the protectorate of others, yet doesn’t seem to dwell on the danger. He knows that ultimately he is working as a very important part of a team. Be it a child on a sheep in the Muttin’ Bustin’ competition, a cowboy on a steer or on a two thousand pound bull, Bob is there for them to keep them safe.
Totally focused all the time, he gets to know the bulls, even gets inside the bull’s head — well, kind of. One bull in particular goes right after him when he is released from the shute. So he creates a distraction; even his clothing — lime green with flags fluttering — catches your attention. There is a dodge and a chase — he’s got all the moves — then a rescue on the spot. He’s an experienced “first responder!” By day’s end, Bob is covered in dirt from head to toe.
Mama, don’t let your babies grow up to be cowboys; unless they know a really good, dependable bullfighter like Bob Scott.
Hats off to you, Bob! You’re our hero!
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