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Bull riding photos courtesy of BullstockMedia |
Most people from Milwaukee would see the initials PBR and think of that liquid gold flowing out of a red, white and blue can. But it also stands for the Professional Bull Riders. And for the first time ever, they’re coming to Wisconsin.
You can catch “America’s original extreme sport” live Sept. 9-10 at the Bradley Center (1001 N. Fourth St.). The Milwaukee Invitational is part of the 23-state Built Ford Tough Series. The top 40 riders will take a crack at taming the bull in a fierce and rough romp.
In case you don’t know the rules of the sport, allow me to enlighten you. A cowboy hops atop a temperamental 2,000-pound bull and must ride it for eight seconds while keeping one hand strapped to the bull’s massive backside. No problem, right?
Why would any risk their life like this? Well, there is a cool million in it for the ultimate victor, who will be crowned later this fall in Las Vegas at the PBR Built Ford Tough World Finals.
One of the most promising competitors is 28-year-old Luke Snyder from Missouri, who’s already been a pro for 10 years and who’s already won about $1.4 million in prize money. I had the chance to pick his brain about being a professional bull rider and the upcoming event in Milwaukee.
JK: How did you get started?
LS: I started riding when I was 10. I went to a rodeo school just like a kid would go to baseball camp and stayed three days to learn the ropes.
JK: What made you want to be a bull rider?
LS: I went to a local show in the Kansas City area and just fell in love with it. Also, we had always had horses and my grandpa raised cattle.
JK: How many bones have you broken/which ones?
LS: I’ve broken both legs, both arms, my tailbone, ankle, hand and my nose – three times. The most major injury is when I broke the C-7 bone in my neck. Dealing with all the injuries is the hardest part about the sport.
JK: What is the typical reaction from the audience in a place like Milwaukee where bull riding isn’t as well known?
LS: Some of our biggest fans are people who don’t know what to expect and have never seen our sport. Milwaukee will be good and rowdy I’m sure and people will drink plenty of cold beer!
JK: What are most people surprised to find out about bull riding?
LS: People are surprised to learn how well our animal athletes are treated. They are right on par with a prized Kentucky Derby horse.
To learn more about Luke, see his Facebook fan page. Cheer him on starting at 8 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 9, and at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 10. Score tickets by clicking here and for more information call 800-745-3000.
Follow me on twitter @jkashou for more insider tips, events and happenings around town. Or, tip me off to an event you know of that you’d like me to cover.
