PHILIP, S.D. – Known as the place where ‘the sun kisses the earth,’ it’s also known as the place where cowboys may eat some dirt. As match bronc rides go, the 17th annual invitational in Philip is an event stock contractors, cowboys and spectators never want to miss.
Set for Saturday, June 10 at 7:30p.m., 30 of the top PRCA cowboys will give the nod on 30 of the rankest PRCA stock in the country coming from Korkow Rodeos, Blunt, S.D., Summit Pro Rodeo, Centennial, WY, and Muddy Creek Pro Rodeo, Scenic, S.D.
Among those who helped initiate the bronc match 17 years ago is Brandon West.
“It’s still going strong,” said West. “Lots of bronc riders. It’s turned into a tradition. Everyone wants to come.” He added, “The one thing we’ve done is always have outstanding horses. I would guess there will be at least a dozen horses, maybe more, that have been to the NFR.”
And what makes an outstanding horse?
“Well, I guess its something you know you can show up and win on. All you have to do is your part. Traditionally, those are the type of horses we’ve always had here.”
Drawing thousands of people to Philip, the invitational match bronc ride puts significant money in the pockets of winners and counts as points towards an NFR finals berth…all in a rodeo arena that is continually upgraded.
“When we started, we had an old set of bucking chutes,” remembers West. “Now we have all new bucking chutes, all new arena panels and all new aluminum bleachers. Over the years we’ve added to the arena to make it better.”
The following day, Sunday, June 11, the annual Ranch Rodeo opens with a calcutta, according to Tucker McDaniel.
“The calcutta is at 1:30p.m. and the ranch rodeo starts at 2:00p.m.” he said. “Events include team branding, a stray gather, a horse race and ranch sorting.”
Twelve teams made up of four members each will compete for top money. Teams represent both east and west river competitors.
“We have $4,000 added from all the local businesses which we really appreciate,” said McDaniel. He added, “We hope to see everybody here. Come and enjoy the day.”
A special fundraiser is also being held over the weekend in Philip. The Hupp Family Benefit Auction is Saturday, June 10 at the Philip Livestock Auction. A free-will lunch and silent auction gets underway at 11:00a.m. The live auction begins at 2:00p.m. See the event page on Facebook for more information and auction items.
The benefit will raise funds for the Hupp/Richter family who lost parents and a child in a home explosion south of Ft. Pierre, S.D. Two other children were also seriously injured in the tragic accident.
