8 Second Challenge to feature some of the toughest bulls

By Matt Bewley | The Daily Journal

Published Thursday, April 19, 2007

Rodeo clowns know their bulls and Slim Garner, an award-winning “barrel man,” is no exception.

He makes a living of putting himself between bulls and their recently departed riders to keep them safe from the horns of the angry beasts and will be working this weekend’s 8 Second Challenge at Red Horse Ranch Arena in rural Fergus Falls.

Bull-riding is one of those events that seems to draw more than the usual rodeo audience.

“It’s very, very dangerous, which means it’s very exiting,” he said. “Every time they bust out of that gate, you can’t tell what’s going to happen. It’s that way from the time it starts to the time it’s over. At any split second, a cowboy can get thrown clear out of the building.”

Each rider will get on one of approximately 30 bulls in the first round and the top eight will ride a second bull in the final round.

That’ll be the championship, or short round, so they’ll get the eight hardest-bucking bulls there,” event announcer Kelly Kenney said.

The top score of that round wins the day, and the top score between the two day-winners will be the 8 Second Challenge champion.

The outfit providing the 45 bulls for this event is the same one that supplies them each year to the Wrangler Nationals in Las Vegas, Nev.

“One of them, he’s called Home Run,” said Slim Garner. “He’s a a Watusi bull with these 3-foot horns and a less-than-friendly attitude.”

Garner knows the bulls well because he makes a living putting himself between the bulls and their recently departed riders. He’s an award-winning “Barrel-man,” like his father was – a specialized rodeo clown.

“There’s also Cannonball, a yellow bull. He’s just really, really wild. He’ll jump 5, 6 feet in the air.”

As with most anything, a bull’s looks can be deceiving.

“Then there’s Eclipse,” he said, his tone ominously low. “Eclipse looks like a little 4-H show calf. He’s a Brangus, looks like about a 1,000-pound show steer. But watch out, man. This animal’s sure to come rattle your head.”

The 8 Second Challenge will last about two hours each night.

“There’s also professional women’s barrel racing and the clown acts,” Kenney said. “Our vendors will also have home-cooked food on concessions and we’ll have an autograph session for Slim and myself.”

Those who go can also see the band, Silverado, in concert following the bull riding event, at no extra charge.

Seating is limited, so RHRA recommends purchasing tickets in advance at BJs, the Country Store and at the arena.