Miniature Bull Riding Is A Family Affair

Miniature Bull Riding Is A Family Affair FARM HOME recreation The number of miniature bull riding events has grown rapidly since our story on the sport Vol 32 No 4 Rodeo bull contractor Tim O Neal has discovered raising mini bulls fits well into his operation O Neal and his family run HOWL Rodeo Bulls out of Lander Wyo in addition to running a commercial Angus beef operation About three years ago O Neal s young son Cole got interested in bull riding So he bought his first miniature bull Now we have a herd of 30 O Neal says To his knowledge he has the smallest bucking bull King Kong a 5-year-old 32-in Zebu He buys bulls anywhere from 300 to 1 000 lbs and has started running his own miniature cow herd Miniature bulls must be 32 to 48 in tall Typical breeds include Zebu Lowline Dexter Longhorn and Scotch Highlands Other than their size they re just like normal size bulls O Neal says That includes their bucking action and varying temperaments If it fits the size parameter we can find a home for it O Neal says explaining that the smallest gentlest bulls work well for beginners or Pewees less than 9 years old As young riders gain skills they advance to bulls that buck more They all think they re big They act just like the big bulls he notes Training is similar for both The family works with the small bulls in different types of chutes and gets them used to riding in a semi trailer He and other contractors supply 90 miniature bulls for the Northwest Miniature Bullriding finals in Helena Mont in November O Neal contracts with about 30 Ultimate Miniature Bullriding UMB events each year That s in addition to 40 to 50 full-size bucking bull rodeos annually The sport has expanded east as well Iowa holds a World competition and one contractor lives in North Carolina While the fee for contracting miniature bulls is less than regular bulls it s a good addition to the family business O Neal says It s also rewarding and a way to secure the future of the sport Kids are the future We are a stepping stone and learning association O Neal says of the UMB for which his wife Joann is secretary We want to keep them learning and help them out Some of these kids are really improving In 10 years I think some of these 8-year-olds could go all the way They are hungry young men That s what makes it all worthwhile Contact: FARM SHOW Followup Howl Rodeo Bulls 46 Mill Creek Rd Lander Wyo 82520 ph 307 349-6400; www howlrodeobulls com

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