Daddy Dearest

Working in the “ready area” where rough stock cowboys prep, wait, and recount their rides at Cheyenne Frontier Days (CFD) has its privileges. Here are a few nuggets I didn’t get a chance to share the past ten days while writing the highlights for The Rodeo Hand:

• The bareback riders organized a fundraiser/auction at Frontier Park last Friday night. Recently, fellow rider Tom McFarland was pushed against a chute by his horse with such force McFarland’s arm was broken in 22 places. With a wife and three kids – and no way to earn money – McFarland is in physical pain and financially very strained. His friends just would not let this situation go unaddressed. Will Lowe invited me to the event noting dozens of cowboys, outfitters, companies and individuals had donated items. Will, who would go on to win Cheyenne, gave a go-round buckle won at the national finals. There were hunting trips galore, Lowe said, and a lot of rodeo memorabilia. I couldn’t make the auction called by Royce Ford but on Saturday Royce said he was pleased with the take. The McFarland family will be receiving $30,000. The auctioneer may have been wearing olive drab britches he spirited from the Salvation Army for five bucks but his voice brought a five-figure night for a family in need.

• Clint Cannon leads the world standings in bareback riding and the Texas cowboy will soon be the lead actor in a movie scripted, produced and directed by a Frenchman. The crew spent a few days in Cheyenne and the rodeo family story is being based on true-life circumstances mostly surrounding the relationship between Clint and his dad, Jay, who competed professionally for 20 years. We chatted with director Frederic Laffont while seated for a break in the rough stock riders ready area.



The film should be ready for the big screen in Europe next year. We’ll keep you posted as to its availability in the U.S.

• Seth Glause, the Rock Springs, WY bronc and bull rider and newest member of Team Wyoming, is out for the season with a knee injury. Seth, upset enough about his own inability to compete, saw two close friends and traveling partners suffer head injuries at Cheyenne Frontier Days. Bull riders Tyler Willis from Wheatland and Patrick Geipel of Elbert, Colorado were both knocked out in the arena. Willis’ injuries require surgery and clicking below will show you why he may consider buying a helmet.



Geipel was rendered unconscious but his helmet protected him from more serious injuries and facial surgery.