Twenty-two young aspiring cowboys and cowgirls spent this past Saturday learning the basics of riding broncs and bulls at the free Rodeo Camp at the Gerry Rodeo Grounds. The event, sponsored by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, is one of only 13 such camps nationwide and featured instruction by three professional cowboys – Rick LaDuke from California, Kenny Feidler from Maryland, and Chris Prang from Pennsylvania.
The students learned about the sport of rodeo with emphasis on livestock safety and were given actual riding instruction aboard the PRCA’s mechanical bronc and mechanical bull. These camps are held across the nation to promote the sport of rodeo in the hope that some of the participants will some day choose to be a part of rodeo on a high school or college level or even as a professional.
In addition to the instruction, the young people got to meet, get autographs, and have photos taken with Miss Rodeo New York 2015, Cheyenne Shufelt, and Miss Teen Rodeo New York 2015, Emilya Washeleski. Both girls will also be in attendance at the 71stannual Gerry Rodeo, sponsored by the Gerry Volunteer Fire Department, scheduled for four performances, August 5-8.
Rodeo chairman, Tom Atwell, says it was an honor for Gerry to be selected for this event and it speaks well for the history of the Gerry Rodeo. He added that a special thanks goes to Maplevale Farms, who provided food for the free lunch for the participants.
Additional information about the Gerry Rodeo is available at the website www.gerryrodeo.org or by phone at (716) 985-4847 or toll free at 1-888-985-4847
📷 Professional saddle bronc rider, Nick LaDuke from California, gives young Bradley Swanson of Conewango instructions on the PRCA’s mechanical bronc.