Andy’s Anecdotes: October 17, 2014

Andy Villanueva

Andy Villanueva

By Andy Villanueva

Took a week off to mourn the loss of Cigar. I know it sounds crazy, but the horse meant a lot to be in my younger years. I visited every year he was retired at Kentucky Horse Park and planned a trip this year to see him again, but unfortunately couldn’t see him before his final days.

Been waiting for this October 18th since the PBR announced that the final 15/15 Bucking Battle would be at Huntington Beach last month. I know more Pro Bull Riders tour information and talk, but it is the largest growing sport in terms of attendance and viewing.

There are only three outs left for the incredible Bushwacker as his career begins to fade into the sunset. Bushwacker is scheduled to appear at the Huntington Beach event, where he will be the $25,000 Bonus Bull. Then next Thursday and Sunday will be his last two scheduled appearances in the PBR before getting retired.

As his career comes to a close the burning question in the PBR has been who will replace the 2-time Champion Bucking Bull.

One bull that maybe the heir apparent is Mick E. Mouse from Marlene Henry. This young bull has never been ridden in 25 outs in the PBR dating back to 2012. Mick E. Mouse had a shortened season this year after being injured in the Iron Cowboy back in March at Dallas. He was nearly ridden in Thackerville, OK by J.W. Harris before bucking him off at 7.47 seconds. Mick E. Mouse certainly has the credentials to get the torched passed beginning in 2015 when the new season begins.

Before Bushwacker goes for third title to join Little Yellowjacket as the only three-time Champion, he must face Mick E. Mouse, I’m a Gangster Too, Asteroid, Shepherd Hills Tested, Jared Allen’s Air Time, Roy, and Fire & Smoke.

In 2012, Asteroid nipped Bushwacker for the World Title and has been on a limited schedule this year. His last out in Nashville, TN sent the bull riders a message that he’s back with a 47 bull score.

Jared Allen’s Air Time and Roy have shown flashes of brilliance in their outs this season. Air Time had his best showing at the Last Cowboy Standing with a 47.50 point outing back in May. Roy has only been out seven times in his PBR lifetime and ridden once by Cody Nance last October 2013 in Las Vegas, NV.

But before next week begins, it is one final time for Southern California bull riding fans to say goodbye to Bushwacker in a free event on the famed beaches in Huntington Beach, CA.

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