Interview by Sam Campbell
It was a hot July evening as the cowboy’s rolled into Elmore County Rodeo in Glenn’s Ferry, Idaho. Everyone was in good spirits as they started getting all their Gear prepared for the first night of the 8 Second Whiskey Tour Ranch Bronc events. It was good to see old friends and catch up on everything, and what everyone had been doing in this crazy 2020 season.
The rough stock was anxious as well as they started moving them toward the chutes. The broncs were supplied by Outlaw Broncs Jesse and Katie Jones out of Lamoille, Nevada. If you have never had the opportunity to ride or see the Outlaw Broncs in action you are missing something special. This rough stock comes prepared to make you work for every cent you get, and they show no mercy.
I first had the pleasure of meeting Jess and Katie and see their rough stock in action last year at their annual New Year’s Eve Bronc Bash in Winnemucca, Nevada. Wow what a show it was so must fun to photograph. So when I learned they would be at the Elmore County rodeo I could not wait to get there and shoot this event.
As I anticipated they did not disappoint on this hot muggy night. Some cowboys rode for a score, and some as I like to joke with Gabe McKay earned a lot of frequent flyer miles. There was cowboy’s there from Utah, Nevada, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and the Dakota’s to name a few. The time was at hand to Let UR’ Buck.
At the end of the first night Cody McCarthy was in the lead. Cody was last year’s World Champion in Ranch Bronc at the Western State Ranch Rodeo National Finals in Winnemucca, Nevada which as I have mention before in a previous article was a fabulous event that I was tremendously blessed to have the opportunity to shoot.
Saturday night was round two with a fresh batch of cowboys trying to hang on and top Cody’s score. This event not only allowed the cowboy’s to gain points toward the National Finals for this year which I am sad to say has been cancelled due to the corona-virus but it also had $3000 dollars added and a Henry Gold Boy rifle to the winner. So once again there was electricity in the air and it was time to rodeo.
Again the Saturday night event did not disappoint. There were 25 bronc riders there for one thing and one thing only. To win, and take home that prize. But… let’s not forget who would have a say in that winner taking it all, the Outlaw Bronc’s. There were some awesome rides, and there were some still collecting frequent flyer miles. At the end, the top 5 was auctioned off in what is known as a Calcutta. This is where you can bid on the cowboy that you think will have the top score in the short go. There were $2400 bids, there was $1800 bids but who would bid on the correct cowboy.
The winner for this year was Kolten Merrill out of Pingree, Idaho. I caught up with Kolten and spoke with him. Kolten was a member of the Western State Ranch Rodeo Association in 2012. In 2016 he was the Rookie of the year, and Average Champion in the IMPRA. He is married to his wife Billie. They have 2 children Jace, and Timber. This was his second visit to Glenn’s Ferry and it was one he won’t forget. When I ask Kolten what his short term and long term goals were he stated his short term goals were to “Ride as many Bronc’s as he can.” Long term… of course to wear that World Championship buckle.
What a great event. I want to thank the Elmore County Rodeo committee for allowing Eagle Eye Photography to be there and capture this great event. To 8 Second Whiskey for being a sponsor again this year for the Ranch Bronc Tour, for Western State Ranch Rodeo Association, and Marc Page for supporting this event. The Outlaw Bronc’s for providing some of the best rough Stock in the business. And most of all for all the fans that came out and packed the stands each night in support of our awesome sport that we all love and cherish.
This has been a crazy year so if you have the opportunity to go out and support these committees, that are trying to keep rodeo alive in 2020 please do so, as well as the sponsors who help make this happen. If you want good enjoyable events check out a rodeo.
