Rodeos are synonymous with the Southwest, and it should be no surprise that competitors would want to continue “breaking the barrier” as they age — that’s rodeo slang, by the way, for leaving the box too early in a timed event. KJZZ’s Kathy Ritchie reports on the senior rodeo happening this weekend at the Gila River Indian Community.
It used to be called the Old Timers Rodeo Association.
"Later on it changed to the National Senior Pro Rodeo Association, but 1979 was the first Senior National Finals Rodeo," Dirt Terrell said.
He’s on the association's executive board. You have to be over the age of 40 to participate. As for the max age: "Well, no max ... as long as you're breathing well you can still compete."
The oldest competitor is 91. Unfortunately, he has to miss this weekend, Terrell said.
"He had triple bypass surgery the other day. He was a little disgusted that he wasn't able to come," Terrell said.
Terrell said there will be plenty of action, including tie-down roping, barrel racing, saddle bronc riding and bull riding. Terrell says one of the competitors in that event is 66.
"Well, one thing about cowboys is, there's not much precaution taken, ever. You know, cowboys: it's a way of life and, and you know cowboys, it's in your blood and you just want to compete and it's the thrill of it," Terrell said.
For these cowboys, this is a way of life.
"I personally think that it keeps a lot of them going. It's a passion for them and it drives them to get out of bed in the morning," Terrell said.
If you go
The National Senior Pro Rodeo is back at the Buck-N Rodeo Grounds, 5244 S. 48th St. next to Rawhide, at Wild Horse Pass for the Senior National Finals Rodeo on Oct. 16-20.
