FAITH, SD – As PRCA sanctioned events go, the bronc match held during the Faith Stock Show & Rodeo August 10-15 holds pride of place as where it all began. This year’s event, set for Wed., Aug. 11 at 7pm is heralded as the United States Open PRCA Xtreme Broncs Match and promises pairing champion cowboys and horses for an action-packed performance, says producer Rory Lemmel.
“This has been one of the first sanctioned PRCA events that goes towards the X Broncs Finals,” says Lemmel. We want it to be known as a major event. US Opens with tennis and golf are major events in those sports. This is a major event for bronc riders.”
The talent pool includes 24 cowboys and horses and the best in contract personnel.
“We have world champions, national finalists, some guys going to the national finals for the first time and then we have some of the young South Dakota stars. We’ve got a good mix.” He continued, “Most of the horses will be National Finals horses. The ones that haven’t been there, I think will go this year.”
Announcing this year is Gary Garrigan out of Oklahoma. “The best of the best,” says Lemmel. He announced Cheyenne this year. “We’re fortunate to get him out here in the middle of the prairie.”
As the last stop for cowboys chasing points and money towards the year-end championship held in Rapid City later in the month, a spot on the roster of the bronc match in Faith is highly sought after.
It’s the first elite bronc riding around this country and it remains that way,” said Lemmel. “It’s on the top of the list for these professional cowboys to go to the National Finals Rodeo.”
A highlight of the event is “Riding for Pedro,” a competition held just prior to the bronc match getting underway. “Pedro Dennis, a football, saddle bronc and bull riding athlete from Philip, SD lost his life in a ranching accident a few years ago,” shares Lemmel. “He was going to be a star bull rider and bronc rider and was friends with all these kids.
“We take the best young bronc riders in South Dakota, they ride for a little prize money and a buckle in Pedro’s honor. They ride before the bronc match starts. It’s fun to see the next generation who hope to ride professionally in Faith someday.”
Tickets are available through the city office and at the gate. For more information on the Faith Stock Show & Rodeo, see their Facebook page.
