53 Years 'n' Still Buckin Strong

The sport of bull riding has always been a true favorite among the rodeo crowds. Brave cowboys climb aboard a bucking bull that is over 2,000 pounds of muscle and bad attitude. The bull's goal from the moment the chute opens is to spin, twirl, buck, and jump to send its rider sailing through the air. Jeff Davis and the Four Star Rodeo Company out of Cottonwood, California raise the bulls supplied for the 17th Annual Benz Bad Bulls Tour. These bulls come from champion stock, known for their natural bucking ability. Set to premiere at Bad Bulls, the Bounty Bull of the evening is a prime Four Star Rodeo bull by the name of Kattin Around. He is out of a Bodacious cow and Champion Bull Skat Kat. Adding to the bull's innate sense of wanting to buck is the need to remove the weight of a rider from its back, the cowboy's bull riding equipment, and the bulls flank strap. The cowboys look forward to riding bulls like Kattin Around to test their riding ability and win big money.

The comic relief in the arena is provided by a barrel man who helps the bull fighters as he taunts and teases the animals from a barrel in the middle of the arena. This is done to distract the bull while the bull fighter provides safety for fallen or dismounting riders. Barrel men also wear loose fitting clothes with protective gear underneath.

Like the rodeo clowns of days past the barrel man will wear brightly colored face makeup. He banters back and forth with the rodeo announcer and members in the audience and provides entertainment in between rodeo events. PRCA funnyman Nate Reed will be at the Benz Bad Bulls bull ride to entertain the fans. Nate takes great pride in working his barrel, and being able to react to the situation by walking his barrel in to help assist in the protection of the bull riders. He also provides a viable tool with his barrel for the bull fighters to use in cowboy protection, while putting on a show for the audience.

Our association boasts a large group of truly committed volunteers who spend countless hours to create thesetwo spectacular days of rodeo excitement. We are motivated by a deep love forthe community, the sport of professional rodeo, and our desire to showcase true Western Americana celebrating the "Western Way of Life".

The Benz Bad Bulls Tour is heading into Tehachapi this July 4th at the Tehachapi Event Center and Rodeo Grounds at 601 South Dennison Road in Tehachapi. This action packed event, which pays homage to the brave men, and women who serve our country displays a grand fireworks finale that can be viewed from the wonderful bleachers there at the arena.

Discount tickets for this great family affordable event are now officially on sale at our ticket outlets. The tickets for the Benz Bad Bulls bull riding tour can be purchased for a presale $2 discount prior to the day of the event at our local ticket outlets in Tehachapi at Albertsons, Hemme Hay in Tehachapi and Lancaster, Keller-Williams and the Tehachapi Chamber of Commerce. The Emporium Western Store in Bakersfield as well as the Boot Barn in both Bakersfield and Lancaster are also outlets. The price of presale tickets will be Adults $13 with a special admission ticket price of $10 for Seniors 60+, active military personal with a military id, and children ages 5-12. Children under the age of 5 are admitted free with a paid adult. Parking will be $5 and is a fundraiser for the Tehachapi Police Explorers Post. Tickets prices at gate will be Adults $15 with a special admission ticket price of $12 for Seniors 60+, active military personal with a military id, and children ages 5-12.

The event starts at 6 p.m. but our gates will open 2 hours before the first bull bucks. But you should plan to come early to pick your favorite seating area and enjoy shopping from our Bad Bulls vendors. There are special box seats for parties of 8 available for $1000 which will give you and your guests an arena level view of the bull riding and also for the Tehachapi Pro Rodeo August 19th and 20th which will provide two days of action packed riding, roping and rodeo fun. There are only a limited number of these box seats so contact us early to save your special spot and be in the action.

The Tehachapi Mountain Rodeo Association is proud to be a part of preserving the proud American legacy of rodeo by promoting the western way of life. This 53-year history of rodeo is made possible through the hard work and dedication of many hard working and selfless volunteers. But our sponsors are the true lifeblood of our rodeo. Their generosity and kind hearts are allowing TMRA to continue a western tradition rich in family values, good sportsmanship and camaraderie here in the city of Tehachapi.

It is still possible for your family or business to be a part of TMRA and our rich rodeo history. There are a wide variety of sponsorship packages available to suit your needs.

Visit our website at http://www.tehachapiprorodeo.com or phone TMRA at (661)557-7336 to learn more about joining the TMRA family. Be sure to like us on Facebook so we can keep you updated with all the latest and greatest rodeo news.