Bobby Mote Talks Rodeo Memories and the 2013 Wrangler NFR
Bobby Mote shares his pre-competition rituals and the memory of his first world championship bareback title.
Q: Tell us about your first bareback experience.
First time I got on a horse I was 15. I went out to a local practice pen where you could get on a horse for $8. I got on my first bareback horse there and the rest is history.
Q: Tell us about your first world champion win.
2002 was the first year I won a world championship. I had to win the 10th round to win the world. I ended up coming back with a great horse called Ally Mays who was the bareback horse of the year that year. That night I won the round and the world championship.
Q: Who was your idol growing up?
My rodeo idol as I was coming up through my career was Clint Corey. He was the 1991 World Champion Bareback Rider.
Q: Do you have any pre-competition rituals?
I like to get to the arena about two hours before the round, get my equipment out and make sure everything is the way it should be. I start warming up and loosing up then I relax and wait for my turn.
Q: What advice do you have for those who are trying to enter the rodeo world?
If you want to get into rodeo as a career, I think that there are a lot of opportunities, but I think you want to get around whoever the best professional is that you can and learn as much from that person as you can.
Q: Do you think your kids will follow in the footsteps of their dad?
You know, I guess time will tell. I don’t know. They are all into riding horses. My daughter rides barrels and ropes a little bit. My oldest son ropes a little bit. They’re all into that way of life.
Q: Why do you wear Wrangler jeans?
I wear Wrangler jeans because I’m a cowboy and that’s what cowboys wear. Long Live Cowboys!
PHOTO: PRCA