Battle Born Broncs PRCA Rodeo Clinic: Giving Youth a Leg Up in the Arena and Beyond

Did you miss out on the rip-roaring, bronc busting fun at Rafter 3C Arena a few weeks ago? If you did, fear not—we’re here to catch you up on one of the weekend's most impactful events: the PRCA Rodeo Camp. 

This year, Battle Born Broncs producer and creator Darcie Spero, along with county officials and Rafter 3C Operations Deputy Jesse Segura, moved the event from June to April. The change brought two great rodeo events together—Battle Born Broncs and the Fallon High School Rodeo. 

While it may have seemed like a lot of bulls, broncs, and barrel racers in one weekend, the move was strategic. As Spero shared, one of her greatest passions is the Battle Born Broncs PRCA Camp—a rodeo training clinic designed to help the next generation of rodeo stars. Friday’s rodeo school gave area youth a rare opportunity to learn from some of the best bronc riders, bull riders, and ropers in the business and opened the arena to high school and junior high rodeo competitors from across the state. 

Before hitting the arena, students were treated to something new: Coffee with the Coaches. Thanks to Spero, Segura, and Fallon’s rodeo community, five college rodeo coaches attended to talk with clinic participants. Coaches from Cal Poly, Fresno State, UNLV, the College of Southern Idaho, and Feather River College spoke with students about collegiate rodeo and academic programs at their schools. 

In addition to college coaches, Cody Custer, one of the sport’s most renowned instructors, delivered expert advice and a good measure of cowboy wisdom. A professional bull rider for 14 years, Custer was the 1992 PRCA World Champion and was inducted into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame in 2017. His clinics are known across the country for drawing top young bull riders and many NFR qualifying bull riders have attended his schools. 

Youth rough stock riders learned safety fundamentals, technical skills, and the importance of health and fitness. Among the professionals sharing their knowledge were six-time world champion bareback rider Kaycee Feild, and 14-time NFR qualifier and five-time world champion steer wrestler Luke Branquinho, who also hosts the popular podcast “The Luke Branquinho Show.” 

Mitch Pollock, a professional saddle bronc rider and NFR qualifier from Winnemucca, worked with young riders, while bareback rider and rodeo coach Logan Corbett provided instruction in both riding and fitness alongside with bareback rider Logan Corbett, a pro rodeo cowboy, university rodeo coach, and the founder of Champion Living Fitness. 

Each year, youth practiced on mechanical bucking machines – until now. For the first time, clinic students got the chance to put their knowledge to the test on live practice horses, working side by side with world champions and top-ranked riders who are likely headed to the 2025 National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas. 

Previously, the clinic focused primarily on saddle bronc and bareback riding, but this year it expanded significantly. Custer led bull riding instruction, and for the first time, students were offered training in timed events like roping. Professional team roper Garret Archuleta worked with youth of all ages on their roping technique. 

Spero even offered a queen clinic to guide aspiring rodeo queens through the skills needed to advance in competition and represent their communities. Along with grace and poise, rodeo queens must excel in horsemanship, public speaking, and promoting America’s Western heritage.  

Following the clinic, students gathered in the grandstands for a talk about social media. Bella Pruit and Oasis Academy Middle School Counselor Gabby Medraso led a well-received discussion on personal branding, professionalism, and the importance of kindness and ethics online. They shared how students’ behavior on social platforms can influence both academic and professional opportunities, whether in rodeo or beyond. 

As the arena quieted and dust settled, one thing was clear—the future of rodeo in Nevada is in good hands. Thanks to the vision Spero and many others, the dedication of top-tier coaches, and the courage of young riders willing to get in the saddle and learn, this year’s PRCA Rodeo Camp proved that the spirit of the West is alive and well.