“I’m lucky I’m still alive! And I realized it when they lifted my trembling, injured body to safety from the rodeo arena. Thank the Good Lord there were brave and talented cowboys who distracted that devil bull long enough to get me. I haven’t done it since. Now mind you, that’s been many, many years ago and I’m thankful bull-riders today have more protection than we did back then. Now, they wear helmets, riding vests and eye protection. And that’s a good thing, a REAL GOOD thing!” stated Cowboy Talltale, with conviction.

“Bulls are MEAN! And NASTY! Bulls are mean and nasty!” he continued, shaking his head with disdain. 

“Now-a-days, everyone talks about multi-tasking, multi-tasking. Y’all want to talk about multi-tasking, talk about bull-riding. That’s one of the most multi-tasking sports I can think of.”

“Ponder this: In the turn-out chute, you are trying to get that bull rope wrapped around your hand just right and all the whiles, this two thousand-plus-pound bull is moving and snorting under you, trying to ram parts of your body with force into the gate before the ride even starts. For a second, you look at his massive horns and pray you will not feel one shoved into your back during the event.”

“Then, reality sets in. You must keep your body balanced on the strong bull’s back when the bucking begins. Balance is key; do not lean too far forward and do not get off-centered by leaning too far back. Then the multi-tasking begins. You must maintain control as this mighty beast tries to ram forward. When you give the “ready” nod, you are raking your spurs on both sides of the bull with all your lower leg strength. By raking his sides intently with your spurs, that demon will buck. The more fight and buck in him, the more attractive the ride and a higher score by the judges.”

“But all the while, you pray you will be able to stay on eight seconds once he does break out -- bucking, snorting and kicking. And, while you are raking with your spurs, you must keep your one arm high in the air so as not to get disqualified while your other hand is held tight by the bull rope to this raging being of fury.”

Cowboy Talltale took a breath and sighed, “And mentally, you have to be convinced you are going to be the victorious one. Otherwise, those bulls are mean and nasty. They know if they have a weak one on their backs and they run with that knowledge. No pun intended,” he laughed.

“Now, I’m way old to even try again and, after my last ride many decades ago, I doubt, even if I was young again, I would try!” 

Truly, rodeo is an intricate part of the heritage of Payson and surrounding areas. Many may be able to relate to Cowboy Talltale because Payson and Rim Country has produced many talented rodeo cowboys and cowgirls through the years. (Just a note: When I tried to pinpoint which rodeo Cowboy Talltale participated in, his memory suddenly became sketchy. It is unclear if he participated in an actual rodeo or practiced with his cowboy buddies in a field in Gila County. Regardless, he does appear to have knowledge of riding bulls and the fear of the experience.)

The rodeo in Payson has long entertained many of all ages. In August of 1884, Charley Meadows was very instrumental in establishing the first rodeo. He not only played a key role in starting the event; he also participated as a contestant.  

Payson is famous for having the “World’s Oldest Continuous Rodeo.” Even in times of war and peril, the cowboys in the Payson area gathered to mingle in friendship and sport. Although cowhide racing and bull riding do not appear to be events at the early Payson rodeos, they were added later. In the first rodeos, many gathered to witness the fastest horse in the horse races and to cheer for the cowboys and cowgirls with the best roping skills as noted by Jayne Peace Pyle and Jinx Pyle in their book, Images of America Payson. 

Rodeo events today do not include the cowhide racing -- and maybe for very good reason (although I do think it may have been absolutely fascinating to watch). One cowboy would lay a cowhide on the ground and jump on it. While trying to stay on the cowhide, the cowboy would hold onto a rope pulled by a horse and the cowboy in the saddle. The trick was being able to stay on the cowhide while being dragged through the dust by the cowboy on the horse. I wonder how many cowboys ended up with road rash or skinned off places after trying this contest. Definitely would want a thick, THICK cowhide for this one. OUUUCHHH!

In the early years, the rodeo was held on Main Street in Payson near the area of what is the Oxbow Saloon today. The road was unpaved -- dust and dirt -- and perfect for the gatherings of the rodeo. If you get the chance, take a drive down Main Street. Park near the Oxbow Saloon. Walk down the sidewalk. Close your eyes. Do you hear the roars of the crowd of yesteryear? Do you see faint images of cowboys and cowgirls showing off their unique skills of roping and bulldogging in the western setting, surrounded by sturdy horses, robust cattle and thrilled spectators sporting cowboy boots, chaps and dipped cowboy hats?

In 1987, Payson lost one of its native rodeo talents, Gary Hardt, who was known throughout the rodeo circuits for roping and bull riding. In recognition of Gary Hardt, the spring rodeo bears his name. This May, the Gary Hardt Memorial Spring Rodeo will once again entice spectators at the Payson Event Center, Thursday, May 16, 2019 through Saturday, May 18, 2019.  

Thursday, May 16, 2019, will feature the Cactus WPRA Barrel Racing.

Friday, May 17, 2019, will feature Tough Enough to Wear Pink Night.

Saturday, May 18, 2019, will feature a tribute and recognition to our veterans with the Patriotic Performance to Honor Wounded and Fallen Veterans.

All performances start at 7:00 p.m. with gates opening at 5:00 p.m.

For prices, tickets and more information, please contact the Payson Pro Rodeo Committee at www.paysonprorodeo.com.

From our family to yours: May your bull rides in life be successful! Keep your bull rope secure; spur with all your might and hang on for dear life! At least the full eight seconds! Good luck and Godspeed!