Friday, March 4, 2011

Five Riders I'm Watching and Why

Photo credit:  Susan Hanrahan
Even though Austin Meier had a rough Iron Cowboy, we all know that he is an iron cowboy.  Other riders may have more flash and attract more attention while Austin gets the whole talent versus strength thing thrown at him every time he turns around.  The guy has got to be weary of that.  So while other guys run hot and cold and flash in the pan, there he is, quietly duking it out with Valdiron de Oliveira for the number one spot.

Speaking of running hot, Shane Proctor's name these days might as well be "I'm on Fire."  He's always on my list of riders I want to do well and worry that they won't.  He's taken a back seat in the visibility department to his brother-in-law and friend, J.B.Mauney, for some time.  This year he's been competing in a lot of PRCA events and leads the standings there with a massive lead over the pack, with all other top contenders clustered together about $16,000 behind him.  Whether it's that, which must be a major confidence booster, or he's just coming into his own, I'm all about Shane.  Plus he's got the best chaps out there.  Think purple zebra.

I'm always watching Chris Shivers because when he rides he's still the best guy out there.  Yeah, I know, most of the world would dispute that, but watching him makes me sit up straight.  It makes me happy, and if you've been around here for a while you know I don't get stupid about cowboys.  There's a reason this guy was a world champion twice, and there's a reason he's still getting on bulls.  He'll be on my list til he takes his last ride.

Sean Willingham is on a bit of a tear since switching to the Brazilian bull rope and it's going to be interesting to see if it will continue to make a difference.  A lot of guys have been switching over, but not all of them are doing well with it.  So eyes are on Willingham as a new poster boy for the rope.  Plus, it's light blue, and pretty, and this week I'm all about prettiness in bull riding.  I also like red flank straps.  Go ahead, take a shot.  I believe I can take it.

And last, but not least, there's the bad boy himself.  J.B. Mauney is a good bull rider and from what I hear he is not a bad guy.  This is a guy I want to see do well.  I feel disappointed for him and for us when he doesn't.  To come as close as he has, twice, is really kind of heart-breaking.  The "behavior" doesn't matter all that much to me and I'm not all riled up about it.  It's bull riding, and frankly, as long as his tossing stuff around doesn't hurt any humans or any bulls, I don't really care much.  But I find myself feeling a little bit embarrassed for the guy.  The little boy stuff looks bad on little boys and it looks worse on a man.  If they haven't already, someone should do him a favor and take him aside.

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