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RodeoChat Interview: PRCA Rodeo Clown, Lecile Harris

December 5, 2015December 6, 2015 / buckinmusicrockinhorses / Leave a comment

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! We are about 1 hour away from the third round of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Viva Las Vegas! With that being said, I had to interview a rodeo legend that has payed his dues and deserves to have the spotlight shined on him! Here is my interview with 4 x PRCA Rodeo Clown Of The year, and 2007 Inductee of the Pro Rodeo Hall Of Fame…

LECILE HARRIS

LECILE HARRIS: I’m the Official Cover Clown – not cover girl – of the Exhibitor Guide to the Sands Country Christmas!

Question 1: In the beginning of your book it goes from farming, to football, traveling to different schools, wrestling, bull riding, playing in a band, bullfighting and finally rodeo clowning. How did all of those events that you were involved with lead you into being a rodeo clown that you are today?

Lecile Harris: I realized early picking cotton and chopping corn and hauling hay wasn’t really a great way to make a living. I love the game of football but after shoulder injury and not really being heavy enough I was not going to be able to play professional football and after a really good whipping from a battalion champion in the Marines I decided boxing was not the easiest way to go.
I started riding bulls but calls I was fascinated with the sport but being 6’5″ my center of balance was just too tall to be a good bull rider and and started watching the clowns, that’s when I fell in love with fighting bulls.

My music career was advancing pretty fast but I realized there was an awful lot of night hours and partying and felt Rodeo was a healthier route to take.

when I first started doing bullfighting, you also had to do comedy. It was a requirement so it was a natural for me to go into comedy

when I retired from fighting bulls.

Question 2: Back when you started your rodeo clown career.. Was it easier to entertain crowds then OR is it easier to entertain crowds today?

Lecile Harris: Entertaining was a lot harder to learn than fighting bulls,I am still learning every day now. People were no easier to entertain when I first started then they are now it is just a different type of entertainment.

Question 3: In your book ” Lecile: This Ain’t My First Rodeo ” You had talked about how when you started rodeoing it used to start in the spring time and you went all the way through the summer. You also mentioned that today rodeo is now year around. Do you still pick up a part-time job during the winter times or do you make enough where you don’t have to pick up a part time job and still be able to do what you want to do?

Lecile Harris: Because I have had several businesses that have been successful, a sign business, a printing business a construction company, sandblasting business and now own quite a bit of commercial property that my rodeo career help me finance in the beginning. Fortunately I do not have to have part-time jobs in the winter.

Question 4: What are your thoughts on the rodeo clown industry today? Do you think it’s where it needs to be? Any improvements?

Lecile Harris: Today’s Rodeo clowning is a lot different from the past, a lot having to do with political correctness and a lot to do with today’s entertainment taste. It is a lot more specialized and lucrative, but a lot more expensive to travel.

Question 5: Question 5: Is there still any rodeos this day where you would like to rodeo clown at that you haven’t before?

Lecile Harris: I have pretty much had the opportunity to work all of the rodeos that l wanted to work.

Question 6: The 2015 National Finals Rodeo are just a couple of days away.. What are your goals / things you would like to accomplish in 2016?

Lecile Harris: I would like to stay healthy, keep working and spend more quality time with my family.

Question 7: You just released a new Autobiography with Rex Allen Jones.. What was it like working with Rex? Since you’ve done a book. Have you ever thought about making a movie about your rodeo clown career?

Lecile Harris: Rex Allen Jones did a short documentary on me and that’s how we met. We kind of spoke the same language and it was a pleasure working with . Yes, I would certainly entertain an offer for a movie.

If you are a Lecile Harris fan, and plan on attending the 2015 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo below I have posted the times and dates Lecile will be making appearances! Word on the town is that Lecile brought his autobiography with him, and he will be selling and autographing them as well! Be sure to check out Lecile’s NFR schedule below:

Dec 3-5, Thu-Fri-Sat, 10A-2P at Sands Country Christmas.

Dec 6-9, Sun-Mon-Tue-Wed, 10A-2P at Mandalay Bay Cowboy Marketplace.

Dec 10-13, Thu-Fri-Sat-Sun, 10A-2P at Sands Country Christmas.

Lecile, will also be signing at the Bullfighting Championships in the Las Vegas Convention Center.

LECILE HARRIS: Backstage at Live with Luccia with 5x world champion bullfighter Rob Smets and 7x all-around champion cowboy Ty Murray.

As always, if you can’t make it in person to meet Lecile you can always head on over to his user friendly website by clicking the link below:

http://www.lecile.com/

I thank you for taking the time to read my interview with Lecile Harris. I hope you check back often for more interview with some of your favorite rodeo cowboys and cowgirls!

Dream BIG & Knock out the lights

– Paige Gregory

Little Big Horn, MT

chatrodeo@yahoo.com

RodeoChat Interview: 2016 Miss Rodeo Wisconsin, Beth Kujala

September 7, 2015 / buckinmusicrockinhorses / Leave a comment

10 Questions with your NEW 2016 Miss Rodeo Wisconsin, Beth Kujala! Beth, is looking forward to start her journey as Miss Rodeo WI. January 1st, 2016 and she can’t wait to attend Cheyenne Frontier Days next year with hopes to attend more rodeos out West! I hope you all enjoy my interview with Beth! I had a blast getting to know this gal. Happy Reading Y’all ~

Question 1: Good Evening Beth! How are you doing today, and what state are you joining us from?

Beth Kujala: I am doing great! I am joining you from River Falls, Wisconsin where I am currently attending college at UW-River Falls.

Question 2: You are currently the lady in waiting. Your reign doesn’t start till Jan. 1st, 2016. What are you doing till your time comes?

Beth Kujala: I am a goat tier for the NIRA rodeo team here at UW-River Falls, so I will be traveling to college rodeos!

Question 3: That’s exciting!! Do you compete in any other rodeo events besides goat tying?

Beth Kujala: I have barrel raced in the past, and it’s something I would like to do in the future if I find the right horse 🙂

Question 4: Let’s talk about your Rodeo Queen Career. Before you were crowned Miss Rodeo WI. 2016 Did you compete in any other pageants?

Beth Kujala: I did 🙂 I was the 2011 Spooner Rodeo Princess, 2012 Spooner Rodeo Queen, and I was their 2013 Coca-Cola girl.

Question 5: Entering up those smaller pageants helped you succeed in the Miss Rodeo WI. Pageant. Correct?

Beth Kujala: Absolutely! I would encourage any girl that is considering running for a state title to enter in smaller pageants.

Question 6: What is the right age to start entering, and what smaller pageants should they start out with?

Beth Kujala: It is a great idea to start as young as you possibly can, whether it be for high school rodeos, NIRA, or PRCA.

Question 7: During your Rodeo Queen career you don’t always get to ride your own horse.. Has it gotten easier for you riding other other peoples horses?

Beth Kujala: It has. Sometimes queens can be put on challenging horses, but challenging horses improve your horsemanship!

Question 8: Whats some makeup advice you can give Ladies getting ready for rodeo pageants that will last through the hustle & bustle?

Beth Kujala: Keep everything organized! I keep all of my makeup organized in a tackle box when I travel. They’re very handy!

Question 9: What rodeos are you looking forward to attending during your reign in 2016?

Beth Kujala: Cheyenne Frontier Days is a big one! I would also love to make it to some other bigger rodeos out west!

Question 10: Where can everyone keep up with you on social media as your reign of Miss Rodeo WI. 2016?

Beth Kujala: At http://missrodeowisconsin.com , http://facebook.com/missrodeowisconsin …, or on Instagram @beth_kujala. Thank you!

Paige Gregory

Owner And Founder Of Rodeo

Little Big Horn, Montana

RodeoChat Interview: CBR Bull Rider, Stetson Lewis

August 18, 2015 / buckinmusicrockinhorses / 2 Comments

Stetson Lewis, 2 X CBR Finals Qualifier. Here are 14 Questions I asked Stetson about MMA, the best vehicle to travel down the rodeo trail, and the rules of qualifying for your PRCA circuit finals! I hope you enjoy reading my RodeoChat interview I did with Stetson on Twitter::

Question 1: Where are you joining us from tonight? And how did you do at your rodeos / bull ridings this weekend?

Stetson Lewis: I am joining you from alamogordo new mexico sitting outside my mma gym. And the last few shows I did very well at rode good.

Question 2: Wait.. MMA gym?! Do you also wrestle on the side or is it more of a workout to help out with your bull riding?

Stetson Lewis: I’ve got a couple of fights under my belt and it also keeps me in good shape for riding bulls.

Question 3: Okay.. So you have to share some info on these matches you’ve had. Care to tell us?

Stetson Lewis: Sure I have been doing mixed martial arts for a few years. I started after my grandpa was diagnosed with cancer and had my first fight in December of 2009.

Question 4: Wow! That’s incredible. Did you pick up MMA before you started riding bulls or after?

Stetson Lewis: After I was raised in rodeo my father’s dad was a five event man my dad rode bulls and broncs and my older brothers rode bulls. I started mma as an escape from the reality of my grandpa’s cancer I had been hurt at San Antonio took time off and got into MMA.

Question 5: Insane!! At what age did you pick up your bull rope and decide you wanted to do it professionally?

Stetson Lewis: I started riding bulls when I was seven years old and joined the prca when I turned 18.

Question 6: What are some changes you have noticed from when you first started riding bulls to now?

Stetson Lewis: Well I’m older wiser and feel like I’m at my best at this point in my life than ever.

Question 7: Do you rodeo full time? Or do you work a full time job during the week?

Stetson Lewis: I rodeo full time I plan on making the NFR soon I made two CBR finals but I sure would like to ride in the same finals as tuff and my other heroes.

Question 8: What kind of goals are you setting for yourself right now in hopes of making the NFR?

Stetson Lewis: I plan on making my circuit finals and qualifying for the Dodge circuit finals to open up more opportunities to bigger shows to which will hopefully land me in the NFR.

Question 9: How do you route your rodeo schedule in hopes of making it to your circuit finals and to open up bigger shows?

Stetson Lewis: well I enter as many of my circuit rodeos as I can. Make my rodeo count, win money at these shows to place me in the standings and to make my circuit finals and the rest falls into place.

Question 10: In order for you to make your circuit finals do you have to enter a certain amount of rodeos, $, points?

Stetson Lewis: Yes 13 rodeos for the turquoise circuit and the more money I win the better off I am in the standings.

Question 11: Earlier on twitter you posted a photo of your family. Tell us a little bit about your family. Do they travel with you?

Stetson Lewis: Yes sometimes they do my wife works for her dad who is a veterinarian so she can have a busy schedule.

Question 12: Very nice!! So what’s the farthest rodeo you’ve traveled to this summer with your family?

Stetson Lewis: Cave Creek, Arizona she wanted to go on the summer run Dan Curtin did but we were on the rode for a month so she couldn’t.

Question 13: In your opinion, what’s the best rodeo rig to drive down the rodeo trail?

Stetson Lewis: Well I really don’t have a preference but I like my car to get 30 miles to the gallon and doesn’t take much to fill up.

Question 14: Last Question.. Winters coming up, What’s your plans?

Stetson Lewis: Hit these winter shows do good and win some money to get down the road and shoot for the stars.

Paige Gregory

Big Horn, Montana

RodeoChat Owner // Founder

RodeoChat Interview: Professional Australian Bull Rider – Taran Chirgwin

July 6, 2015 / buckinmusicrockinhorses / 2 Comments

12 Questions with PBR Australia Bull Rider, Taran Chirgwin

Question 1: How did the rodeo bug catch your attention?

Taran Chirgwin: My dad rode bulls for many years so I’ve been brought up around it my whole life. He had me getting on calves since I could walk.

Question 2: Exciting!! What Assocs. Did you grow up riding in/schools you attended to reach the professional level?

Taran Chirgwin: Mostly just the CRCA a circuit close to home and I attended a Troy Dunn school when I was 15 and mostly learned from my father.

Question 3: A lot of rodeo cowboys just finished/still on their cowboy Christmas run. Where did you enter and how did you do?

Taran Chirgwin: We don’t have a cowboy Christmas run here in Australia. Our big run is over Christmas time actually. LOL and I’ve also been out since March due to injury but I’m all heeled up now and ready to do a big run in Western Australia

Question 4: Makes sense! Lol. Isn’t it winter time where you’re at? Is the rodeo/bull riding industry pretty busy?

Taran Chirgwin: Yes it is winter at the moment. Feels like summer some days though. And yeah it is big but a lot of traveling involved to get to all the runs.

Question 5: Oh really! So what circuit Rodeos/Bull Ridings will you ride in this winter?

Taran Chirgwin: NCRA in Western Australia for the winter then I’ll head south and back to Queensland after for the pro and PBR events.

Question 6: In order for you to ride in the PBR events don’t you have to be invited or call in to enter the event?

Taran Chirgwin: Yes you just call in and enter and 30 go into the event and then there’s the big invitational events that are invite only.

Question 7: What’s it like competing in PBR Australia events VS. PBR events in the states?

Taran Chirgwin: The PBR events in America are a lot bigger and there’s so many events where is Australia there is less events.

Question 8: Do you think that it’ll change and there will be more PBR events?

Taran Chirgwin: PBR Australia is getting bigger and bigger and more events each year which is good too see.

Question 9: What are some highlights you’ve reached in your bull riding career?

Taran Chirgwin: Traveling around the world meeting so many nice people and being able to ride bulls and make a dollar out of it.

Question 10: What are your TOP 5 FAV events that you’ve had the opportunity to compete at?

Taran Chirgwin: Calgary pbr, Ponoka pbr, big sky Montana pbr, Livingston and defs my home town bull ride in calliope Queensland.

Question 11: What’s next for you? Ex. Goals, events etc.

Taran Chirgwin: Win a heap of events in the next few months and get back to Canada and America and continue to get my bulls rode over there.

Question 12: What’s something totally random about you that no one knows?

Taran Chirgwin: Well I’m pretty random with where I end up if I get an idea in my head or wanna go somewhere I do it without telling anyone.

Fan Questions that were sent in:

Jeanine Leiting – If you had the chance to pick any one PBR bull to ride ,which one would you want most?

Taran Chirgwin – I’ve always wanted to get on Roy and brown sugar would be a bunch of fun and points.

Jeanine Leiting – Do you travel with a buddy or alone?

Taran Chirgwin – I’m currently traveling alone at the moment, sometimes I ride with a buddy if we are up at the same event.

Paige Gregory

Mesquite, Texas

RodeoChat Interview: 2015 College National Finals Bull Rider – Donaye Smith

June 30, 2015 / buckinmusicrockinhorses / Leave a comment

12 Questions with 2015 College National Finals Rodeo Contestant, Donaye Smith

Question 1: Where are you joining us from tonight and who is your favorite bull riders?

Donaye Smith: I just gotten back home in Cheney, Washingtobull rider is Chris Shivers.

Question 2: What Rodeo Assocs/Circuits do you ride in? Are you a 1st generation, 2nd generation Rodeo Cowboy in your family?

Donaye Smith: I ride for the PRCA mostly Columbia River circuit, and the prof. Western rodeo assoc. I’m actually 1st Generation Rodeo cowboy.

Question 3: Do you travel the rodeo trail alone? Or do you have traveling buddies? If so – who?

Donaye Smith: This season I’ve travelled a lot by myself. When you are determined as hard as I am, it’s hard to find people that committed. I usually have my Aussie and beagle for company.

Question 4: What was your very first event that kicked off your 2015 Summer Run?

Donaye Smith: My first rodeo this year was in Elma, WA. It was a pro west, which I barely made it to because of my college rodeo the same day. I lead our college region for a lot of the season so that wasn’t the first time I had to hit multiple rodeos in one day. there are a lot of sacrifices you have to make when your on top, not always as glorious as it seems.

Question 5: Wow! A double-header.. How do you handle more than 2 or 3 rodeos a day?

Donaye Smith: You have to pretend that your not tired, and the hundreds of miles between them are nothing compared to winning them. I once drove up to Ellensburg for a college rodeo and then had to drive back to Mossyrock, WA for a pro rodeo 2 days in a row the rodeo was in the morning and the college rodeo was mid day. Over 600 miles of driving back and forth.

Question 6: You also had success recently by competing at the 2015 College National Finals Rodeo! Tell us a little bit about that?

Donaye Smith: The CNFR was amazing. Since it was my senior year, it was a once in a lifetime opportunity, and a highlight of my career. I have competed at big rodeos, but this was more valuable to me because of how hard I worked in school. It meant more. I was lucky to get good bulls, but no cigar for me besides great memories and a moral boost.

Question 7: What’s your Cowboy Christmas run look like? Will you be hitting the road pretty hard?

Donaye Smith: I am going to try and hit the road as much as possible. But I like to hit a lot of rodeos as local as possible. I don’t care much to travel far. One may hit two rodeos and get 2 big checks while I hit four not as far and accumulate checks. I will be going back down to Cali, and head down to Texas and Arizona for some rodeos. Most guys can’t hit rodeos back to back like I can which allows me to make more rodeos in shorter time and travel.

Question 8: Wow! That’s pretty exciting!! Who will you travel the rodeo trail with in Texas?

Donaye Smith: With how far it is, it may be the first time this season I just hit up good ol Alaska airlines and make it easy on myself. In which it would just be me. Like I said it’s hard to find some as dedicated as I am to hit the rodeo trail. I want someone though. It does get boring, and it is definitely more fun with a partner. Usually local guys will travel with me, but not to big rodeos.

Question 8: How do you do it?

Donaye Smith: Eating healthy and working out, while also doing yoga keeps my stamina up for long runs. I came from the city and started at an older age, so I feel like I have to catch up to everyone else if I want to be the best and my mom raised me all by herself, and besides being an architect later on, bull riding has always been my dream. Making it big in bull riding allows me to give back to all my mom has done for me to be able to chase this dream. My motivation to go hard doesn’t come from the gold buckle, it comes from my background and my mother. Where I come from bull riding has allowed me to rise above that, and an opportunity for my mom to be proud.

Question 9: What kind of rodeo equipment do you use to make a perfect 8 second ride?

Donaye Smith: I use my tiffany made glove, my get twisted made bull rope to really spur one down. one thing many are amazed at is my beastmaster pro rodeo gear bag that I carry everything in. I love how innovative their bags are and makes getting ready much easier than a suitcase many riders use and of course I’m all about being flashy and standing out, and the best way to do that is with cinch shirts. they seem to always have the brightest colors and cool patterns that make me stand out from the rest. Gotta be different!

Question 10: In your eyes – What is a perfect bull ride to you?

Donaye Smith: The perfect bull ride is when I progress my skills. Win or lose, when I cover and I know I did the best I can, I am a winner. There was a hard bull at the CNFR, and even though I didn’t cover I was so proud of the moves I made on him. Made me hungry I always make sure that I learn from every ride. I am very hard on myself to make sure I do the best every ride I have. I want to always be progressing and getting better.

Question 11: Top 5 FAV bulls you’ve been on so far in your bull riding career?

Donaye Smith: 5. Get smacked (red knection) 4. High rise (gold buckle) 3. Flashpoint (frontier) 2. South paw 1. Black bart (mossyrock cc) . Most are pbr bulls, but there is also high rise and flashpoint that were pro west and PRCA bulls. I loved the rides. The hardest, the flashiest, and the best for my progression of my skills, I have encountered so far in this game.

Fan Questions Sent In:

Cowboy Coffee Chew: Why is bull riding such a passion and what are your plans after that ride ends?

Donaye Smith: I have always loved sport, and I just can’t think of something more awesome than a bull rider. It’s the toughest sport where men can become heroes and legends.. I want that for me and my family. My plans after and during rodeo is to start my architecture career with a firm designing zoos. It’s 1 out of 3 majors I have and I love animals and designing and it’s a passion I will pursue.

Paige Gregory

Mesquite, Tx

RodeoChat Interview: 3 X CPRA Entertainer Of The Year – Dennis Halstead

June 23, 2015 / buckinmusicrockinhorses / Leave a comment

Good Evening Everyone! Hope you all are having an amazing week! This week, I had the opportunity to interview 3 X CPRA Rodeo Entertainer Of The Year Dennis Halstead on Twitter! We talked about Firefighting, Making the #2 spot on the CRAZIEST Rodeo Wrecks in Canada. Last but not least, the sacrifices Dennis has had to make to chase his dream of making the NFR one day! Pull up a seat, and grab yourself a cold drink. I hope you enjoy my interview with Canadian Prof. Rodeo Clown, Dennis Halstead!

Question 1: How did the whole rodeo clown idea get started?

Dennis Halstead: Was Calgary firefighter full-time and one time 18 years ago rodeo clown never showed up and I did it and from their every thing just grew to what it is today.

Question 2: Wow!! Where was this at? And were you nervous or just all for it?

Dennis Halstead: No to be honest it was kind of natural cause of my personality lol and never dreamed to make a living rodeoing.

Question 3: When rodeos hire you to be there rodeo clown and put on an act.. How do you decide which act to use or come up with?

Dennis Halstead: I have twenty-two acts so I do different acts every night and keep track so if I go back next year I do different acts. The hardest part of our business is coming up with ideas for new acts other guys have not done.

Question 4: What are some of your most popular acts that you do at Rodeos all over the world?

Dennis Halstead: My flying bathtub is my favorite, I have a bathtub that does 40 mph and I jump off ramp and through ring of fire first it all blows up with me and chicken under the hood, you can see it on Youtube. I have a couple great kid acts and always enjoy letting kids be in the show.

Question 5: What happens when you create an idea and you test it for 2 months and another rodeo clown steals your idea?

Dennis Halstead: That’s just something that happens I always look at it as a complement if somebody wants to do something I’ve done. But there’s also the acts you think up and build and try that don’t work but you don’t know till you try.

Question 6: What was the very first Prof. Rodeo you clowned at and are you still doing that rodeo today?

Dennis Halstead: Medicine Hat was first and try to work it when I can but a lot if my rodeos are in the states now. I’m pretty lucky to get to do most of the major rodeos in Canada and also work south and I do about 140 perfs a year.

Question 7: What are some new rodeos/bull ridings you picked up this year that you haven’t rodeo clowned at before?

Dennis Halstead: To make a run at the NFR , you need to stay in the PRCA to get there so 10 months a year I’m on the road. This year Strathmore up here which is one of the biggest , Bremerton Washington , Rapid City , Salt Lake. I move around a lot go no more than 2 years and I’ve been lucky to work big rodeos all over Pendleton last year.

Question 8: A lot of rodeo clowns join different assocs. So Question is – How many assocs. Do you have your cards in this year?

Dennis Halstead: 2 assoc CPRA and PRCA.

Question 9: How do you handle rodeo clowning in two assocs? Does it ever conflict at all?

Dennis Halstead: No trying to balance my rodeos in Canada and then trying to do the rodeos I need to do in the states is the toughest. But if that’s my hardest part I’m pretty lucky as I’m living a dream doing what I live and love to do.

Question 10: How busy are you this cowboy Christmas vs. Last years Cowboy Christmas?

Dennis Halstead: I’m booked from Feb to end of Nov and my 2016 is almost done, So pretty lucky you have to book almost 2 years a head. So every month is cowboy Christmas for me 🙂

Question 11: If you could give advice to someone who wants to be a rodeo clown.. What would it be and why?

Dennis Halstead: Develop your own style and show it makes you a better rodeo clown and recognized more for it.

Paige Gregory

RodeoChat Owner And Founder

Mesquite, Texas

RodeoChat Interview: PRCA Saddle Bronc Rider Joe Harper

May 18, 2015 / buckinmusicrockinhorses / Leave a comment

This evening I had the chance to interview Upcoming PRCA Saddle Bronc Rider, Joe Jarper. I found out about Joe Harper through my good friend Jace Angus who is also a PRCA Saddle Bronc Rider, and currently traveling with Joe down the PRCA rodeo trail. Before Joe’s summer run got extremely crazy.. I thought tonight would be a good night to interview Joe. Check out my FULL interview with Joe, and some of the WICKED bucking horses Joe hopes to draw this summer below:

Question 1: When people tell you that saddle bronc riding is a dying breed.. What are the first thoughts come to mind?

Joe Harper: Personally I believe saddle bronc is a difficult rodeo event for people to master, very few want to dedicate the time.

Question 2: True! But how do you take the time to educate them, and teach them the ropes of saddle bronc riding?

Joe Harper: A desire to ride – that’s not taught though! Having faith in yourself, good mentors and focusing on the goal!

Question 3: So let’s take a step back – How did you get involved with Saddle Bronc? Did it run in your family?

Joe Harper: My family never rodeoed but raised me right – on a ranch! I have wanted to ride since I first saw it at 3 years old!

Question 4: Wow! So you’re a first generation? How did you learn how to ride saddle bronc if you’re family didn’t rodeo?

Joe Harper: I knew a lot of excellent bronc riders that helped me out – the Marvel and Angus families, Craig Latham. The list is long with the support I had. My family also encouraged me in pursuing my goals.

Question 5: Gotta give a S/O to Jace Angus! Great guy. You also travel with Jace as well, correct? What’s it like traveling with Jace?

Joe Harper: Great energy in the truck! We all encourage each other and coach each other as a team great guys!

Question 6: Now your competing on the PRCA trail. How long have you had your PRO card, and what steps did you take to get there?

Joe Harper: I have always wanted to go to the top and the PRCA is currently the best cowboys. I have had my card 2 years now. That being said I don’t try to beat anyone, I try to better myself each time.

Question 7: Super Exciting! How many bronc rides/rodeos should a bronc rider have under his belt before he purchases his card?

Joe Harper: Honestly the amount of rodeos or broncs doesn’t matter. It’s more how experienced the rider is!:) There is no set number but it is best for them if they have a healthy dose of experience !

Question 8: Fair enough! What was your first pro rodeo you ever entered and how did you go about choosing it?

Joe Harper: Honestly I just got a PSN and entered a string of rodeos- the first was Mtn. Home Idaho!

Question 9: Sweett!! What’s been the highlight of your Prof. Saddle bronc riding career?

Joe Harper: My favorite PRCA memory was winning Elko, NV last year on One Robin of bar T rodeo. Closest hometown ProRodeo. Also winning reserve at the CNFR2013 was a major milestone for me!

Question 10: A lot of rodeo cowboys have already begun their summer run. Have you started your summer run yet?

Joe Harper: Yes, I have! It is going to be a very busy 4-5 months! I will be going to as many ProRodeos as possible!

Question 11: What are some rodeos you are SUPER excited to ride in this summer that you haven’t rode in before?

Joe Harper: I honestly don’t know! There are a lot of rodeos that I want to make! The best would be the NFR or DNCFR.

Question 12: What’s one bucking horse you’d like to get on this summer that you haven’t been on before?

Joe Harper: Lunatic from Hell of Burches or Spring planting of Flying 5! But I may add to that list as I go 🙂

To keep up with Joe Harper down the rodeo trail this summer. Be sure, and follow Joe on his social media pages:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JoeHarp74090435

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/jlharper92

Paige Gregory

http://www.Instagram.com/RodeoChat

RodeoChat Interview: 13 Questions with Jaime Macdonald

May 10, 2015 / buckinmusicrockinhorses / Leave a comment

Good Evening Everyone! This week on my LIVE RodeoChat Twitter interview I interviewed, Jaime Macdonald. Jaime, is a barrel racer, Basketball coach, clothing designer and author! I had SO much fun talking to Jaime about Social Media, Fashion, and barrel racing! Read on, to see the other AMAZING topics that we talked about such as Rodeo keeping the modern style but modernizing it a bit!

Question 1: If you had to explain what the rodeo industry is like today in 140 characters.. How would you describe it?

Jaime Macdonald: It has changed over the years. Horses are even better, competitors are more athletic and $ is greater.

Question 2: What do you think caused the change?

Jaime Macdonald: It’s a business, the sport is growing & you need to adapt to keep up.

Question 3: Absolutely!! Do you think that there is still changes that needs to be made in the rodeo industry today?

Jaime Macdonald: Yes! We need to be treated like a sport. Safe ground is a big one! The NFL wouldn’t play on dangerous ground.

Question 4: In order for you guy’s to be treated like a sport.. What needs to be done to make that happen?

Jaime Macdonald: We need to take a stand if we don’t agree with bad ground for example. Social media could play a big part.

Question 5: Exactly! Social media is very powerful! I feel like if a rodeo/bull riding didn’t have social media today they’d be missing out on a HUGE market! Would you agree?

Jaime Macdonald: Without a doubt! So many people would never know without social media. It’s a powerful way to grow the sport.

Question 6: Besides the media part of the sport.. You also, Rodeo as well and you wrote a Rodeo Guide book. Correct?

Jaime Macdonald: Yeah, I do! I am taking a rodeo time out, though still doing clinics, but I’m very excited to get back at it.

Question 7: Tell us about your clinics! Do you have any planned for this summer?

Jaime Macdonald: I will be up in Canada , then Fl & Ga for the summer. I have an abroad one in the works which is pretty cool.

Question 8: Wow! That’s extremely exciting! Do you teach barrel racing and roping or just barrel racing?

Jaime Macdonald: Mostly barrel racing, sometimes breakaway. & anytime there is interest for goat tying with the jr/hsr girls.

Question 9: Nice!! Besides teaching rodeo schools, and working on media.. What else do you do?

Jaime Macdonald: I am a high school basketball coach & have a clothing line!

Question 10: Clothing line? Fill me in on the details of your clothing line!

Jaime Macdonald: All online, casual wear, super unique! Ready to get some rodeo wear out there soon though!

Question 11: Would you say that the fashion industry is pretty big in the rodeo industry today?

Jaime Macdonald: I think so, we need our western wear and casual wear, we just need a lot of clothes!

Question 12: I have to ask.. Did you include the fashion part in your “Rodeo Guide” book?

Jaime Macdonald: You bet, one of the first parts in the “Rodeo 101” for the newbies. Link: https://www.facebook.com/jaimedmacdonald?_rdr

Question 13: If someone asked your opinion on what the rodeo industry will be like in the next 10 yrs. What would you say?

Jaime Macdonald: Technology will play a big part, I just hope that the western heritage element will stay in years to come.

Paige Gregory

Cookeville, TN