I can't find any result of that conflict 8 years ago. I don't think anything came from trying to start a new association on a national level because there are several regional associations that are more people-oriented than corporate-minded. We have a pro rodeo association in the northwest that is every bit as good and more about the people than the PRCA. They work with other regional rodeos that are like-minded. Pro rodeo is like so many things. There is more honesty and people involvement at regional levels but at a national level, many more avenues are available for outside influence and big money talks.
I have to think that part of the issue is the allure of money to the participants. It's nice that everyone wants "local," but someone else is making a sizeable financial sacrifice for it (this applies to a lot of stuff.)
Here is the link to the biggest Northwestern pro rodeo. Northwest Pro Rodeo Assoc – NPRA – The largest regional rodeo organization in the Western United States (nprarodeo.com)
Yes, money and fame rule for some, but most do love what they do. You don't see many PRCA winning contestants coming from lower middle class or poor families since these participants cannot afford to practice and develop their skills many hours a day, in lieu of a paying job, without outside sponsors. Like any sport, sometimes sponsors have expectations.
As far as PRCA goes, I absolutely think it's a great Association. But, then again, I've been involved as a member and as a fan, since 1985. That's a long time! PRCA rodeo is about money, but what isn't about money today? I remember when a few PRCA members started an organization called ERA aka Elite Rodeo Association. PRCA didn't like the competition and told those with ERA if they competed in ERA, they couldn't compete in PRCA rodeos. To me, that was fine, even though I wasn't a member of ERA. So, ERA was dissolved/stopped. As for the CEO of PRCA, I seriously doubt that if the dude had absolutely no experience with rodeo, he wouldn't be the CEO. One thing for sure, for a person to become a CEO, CFO or COO, the person has to have the previous experience and college degree. The last company I worked for, hired a new CEO who went to Princeton University and got a Degree. Yes, PRCA has major sponsors, just like NBA, NFL, MLB, NHL has. And, those sponsors are what keeps PRCA rodeo going strong. Many Top 15 contestants also have sponsors that pay for many things, including transportation costs, horse feed and other things. Wife and I will never/ever say anything bad about PRCA. Never!
Faye, who in the heck is NPRA??? Only joking, I know the Association. NPRA is where you are, as well as PRCA is, but IPRA, out of Oklahoma, is big also. Actually, I knew a saddle bronc rider who quit PRCA and became a member of IPRA. He told me "The competition isn't nearly as big. I'm not afraid to go to a IPRA rodeo and leave with no money. I pretty much always place." He wound up leaving So California and went back to Oklahoma for the rest of his part-time rodeo career.
There is a small rodeo not far from me that has one event per month during the summer. They also do trail rides. I really need to go check it out. They operate under the Southern Extreme Bull Riding Association. This isn't the best view of it, but you get the idea:
After I typed that comment a few thoughts came to mind. First, lots off them are probably happy to do this part time and keep their jobs and their stable home lives. Second, I think of how the Minors took off some years ago when professional baseball wandered too far away from its roots. I've known folks who much prefer the low-key experience of "local baseball" to the pros. It's how the sport was meant to be.
First, John, don't make the same mistake many people do, a bull riding is not a rodeo. A rodeo has more than one event, not just bull riding.
@John Brunner Cody reminded me that the new association in 2015 was the ERA. They lasted one year. Here is a link that will answer many questions you have asked. Cody, I wasn't trying to criticize the PRCA, just bring out some facts that will help others interested in this general rodeo thread about the history of the PRCA. Pro rodeo is much larger than just the PRCA and then if one considers all the other rodeos and things associated with it, it makes for a more interesting discussion. I think the PRCA is much like other national pro sports organizations, its fans watch it for a variety of reasons. Some fans may have an interest in technique and strategy, while others watch to compile stats for discussions with others, etc. Some watch in general and don't care about who is who or what time a contestant got or what buckle or trophy they won, they just enjoy the thrill of the action and the sport in general. I think this thread needs more general appeal and maybe grandma or pas would like to post and brag about their grandkids riding in a 4 H mutton busting rodeo. I wish this thread was combined with fairs, trail riding, and parade riding and not just a focus on pro rodeo which very few are interested. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elite...tes (ERA,ceased operations the following year.
Wrong Cody! Bull riding is considered a rodeo, yes the PBR events are a rodeo, and a pro elite rodeo. I have been to just roping rodeos. A rodeo can be one event or many.
I was thinking the same thing. I think of how hard Super Bowl tickets are to get, and it's not because the stadium is filled with real fans, the stadium is packed with people who just want to be seen at "the event." The same goes for concerts. It can be annoying if you are really into a group and the venue is full of people who are just looking for something to do for the evening...they kinda ruin it for those who care about the music. Of course, it's those unwashed masses that pump the dollars into these things that keep them going.
The word rodeo comes from the word roundup, a cattle roundup originally. It was at the old roundups that some cowboys liked to show their skills. This developed into an organized roundup of cowboys meeting at a place to compete against each other. Sometimes it was just broncs and other times bulls, and sometimes roping or horse racing. Our local vaqueros have their own rodeos to compete in horsemanship skills. One event that many find amazing at what some can do with their horse. Our local Indian tribes have rodeos for just horse racing. One event, but still a rodeo.