In the western sports entertainment industry, sometimes the most important word of that gets forgotten; ENTERTAINMENT. We as rodeo athletes and producers have a job because other people will pay to come watch us do what we do. In order to keep that position alive, we need to make sure the fans' hard earned money doesn't go to waste. Just from personal experiences, I have seen numerous times when that gets thrown by the wayside. Entertainment takes a backseat due to very selfish things such as greed and laziness or sometimes just a sheer lack of education. Just from personal observation I have seen that the difference is and has been in the details. The little things. The things that seem miniscule and tedious but when executed completely and correctly can make an amateur production into a professional one.
Especially being a bullfighter, we are to step into a position that takes a lot of focus and energy; which sometimes makes it difficult to remember the reason we're ALL there. To entertain. In order to entertain, the show must be conducted in a professional manner and that includes everyone involved. There's no mistaking that hard work and/or talent will get you places in this industry; but an educated mind and a professional attitude can put some extra force behind your name. On the flipside, a bad attitude and an over-inflated ego can make you go hungry. Food for thought: Don't always be looking for the best interest of yourself in the matter, think about the production as a whole and how your decisions will effect it.
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Dusty Tuckness, Chuck Swisher, Nathan Harp, Cody Webster, Matt Baldwin, Tanner Zarnetski (pictured), and many many more have graced their presence through the North Texas State Fair Arena in pursuit of the championship buckles and big purse in Denton, Texas. Since the mid 90's, professional bulfighters from all over the country have come to Denton to not only stake their claim at big prize money, but also to network with other great competitors in hopes of catching their own big break. This event is typically invite-only and since 2010 has been mainly controlled by our Hooked Up Cowboy Protection Judges, Jay Brewer and Steve Wangler. In talking with Brewer, he said the atmostphere in Denton has changed in from the trash-talking, mind-game playing, competitive nature to an uplifting group of talent that are in the same place for the same reason; to fight bulls to the best of their abilities'. Brewer says this is the greatest part of Denton, just being around such a concentrated group of great bullfighters. For many, Denton has been a stepping-stone on the path to an illustrious career, serving as an eye-opening experience for many first-timers. This year, there is $11,500 added to the cowboy protection match, making it the largest in the country. This event is held the last 3 days of the North Texas State Fair in conjunction with a bull riding event. Typically there will be 8 teams competing and each will get to fight about 5 bulls/night. When asked what is watched for in invitees, Brewer says it's not only the in-arena talent that gets taken into account, but professsionalism also plays a factor along with other out-of-arena traits. Many promotional appearances will be made during the days of the competition and it is important to be personable within the community. The competition that is stacked against each other in Denton is extremely fierce, and points don't come by easy. Mistakes are few and far between, and the proof is in the results. Do you think you have what it takes to compete with the greats? Get entered in our Hooked Up Online Protection Competitions and you will get to perform in front of the men who send the invitations. Opportunities like this have never before been present in the protection bullfighting industry; so now is the time. #JOINTHEREVOLUTION Todd Brewer Photo
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