Real Hometown Rodeo – de Golyer Bucking Horse & Bull Bash

Cody and Kristina de Golyer hosted their Tenth Anniversary Bucking Horse & Bull Bash on June 29, and what a Wild West event it was. 

For those who missed it, many rodeo-goers said this year’s anniversary Bull Bash was the best de Golyer rodeo to date. Cars and trucks filled the C3 Event Complex parking lot to overflow, leaving standing room only in the outdoor arena grandstands. 

Despite the scorching heat, spirits were high among event attendees. The occasional lengthy waits for funnel cake, Wild West Burgers, top-notch tacos, or libations from Troy’s Double Shot Bar became an opportunity for fun chance conversations with long-lost friends and acquaintances. 

“What a whirlwind of a week to commemorate such a huge dream and passion of ours!” said Kristina. “We could not be more happy with the turnout, the way all of our visions came about, all the smiling faces, the roar of the crowd, the contestants' determination, the expansion of adding the VIP section.” This year, attendees in the sold-out VIP section were seated on the arena floor, with nothing but an arena fence between them and the rough stock and contestants, giving them a steady dose of adrenaline to go with their tri-tip dinner catered by Shelly Gallagher’s Wild Horse Café. 

The world-famous Riata Ranch International Trick Riders, pictured right, were on tap for the grand entry, one rider presenting the American Flag while standing atop the saddle. Later in the show, the highly talented young riders wowed the crowd with daring riding tricks and seemingly impossible feats, showcasing the group’s incredible talent. 

Below: Junior Rodeo Clowns Kaydon Bowman and Mutton Bustin' Winner, Jesse Crystal

The annual mutton busting competition kicked off the rodeo, which Fallon’s own Jesse Crystal won. And, as per usual, the Ranch Bronc Riding was wild and woolly, with several broncs getting the best of their would-be riders. Lane Johnson was the winner of this year’s Ranch Bronc Riding, scoring a jaw-dropping 90-point ride on Skydive. Several other riders made their marks, hitting scores in the mid-to-high 80s. 

The bulls were harder to wrangle, with only one bull rider making eight seconds – Blake Cooper Bonds, who scored a more-than-respectable 87-point ride. 

If that was not enough to keep the crowd on the edge of their seats, the Shark Tank certainly was, pictured below. In this bull riding adrenaline bonus, a small circular structure made of fencing panels is placed in the center of the arena. This year, six brave souls from Big Brande Tire & Service, a major event sponsor, experienced the event from the center of the action. It was clear from the fast and furious bullstock that stormed their way around the arena that the bulls were no less fearsome than circling sharks. 

Once the bull riding concluded, contestants, volunteers, and eventgoers of all ages enjoyed live music by White Water, dancing and laughing during what proved to be a made-to-order perfect summer evening.

Below: Shark Tank.

Bottom: Jr. Steer Rider. Photo by Jeff Gresham.