News & Notes from the Rodeo Trail, July 20
The rodeo world lost one of its best horses this summer. Big Bend Rodeo’s Spring Fling, who was inducted into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame in 2014, passed away July 10. She was 27.
Spring Fling started out as a bareback horse and received the PRCA’s top honor in that category in 1997. She came back to twice claim the saddle bronc award, winning it outright in 1999 and sharing the honor in 2000.
Spring Fling was a staple at the National Finals Rodeo and was voted the top saddle bronc at the 2001 and 2002 NFRs.
“She meant a lot to us and really helped put us on the map,” said Chad Hutsell, general manager of Big Bend Rodeo. “She let people know that we did have bucking horses up here in the Northwest. I think what made her so special was her heart. Her heart was so big. Even up to the day she passed away she had a lot of life in her eyes.”
Big Bend Rodeo is based in Ritzville, Wash., and Spring Fling was buried at Hutsell’s ranch about 20 miles outside of Ritzville.
Spring Fling was 15.2 hands and weighed 1,300 pounds.
“She wasn’t super big, but she had really good bone structure,” Hutsell said. “She was really heavy boned for a horse of her size. I loved watching her in the bronc riding, that has always been my favorite, but she was spectacular in bareback riding. She wasn’t the friendliest horse; she was pretty much business. She knew when that anthem started it was time to go to work.”
Hutsell said the last time he bucked Spring Fling was in 2012 in saddle bronc in Cloverdale, British Columbia.
“She is the best horse we’ve ever had,” Hutsell said.
Mike Lucke, the 2011 president of the Reno (Nev.) Rodeo passed away July 19 in Reno. He was 66. Lucke, a native of Reno, also was honored as the John Justin Committeeperson of the Year in 2004.
Lucke was affiliated with the Reno Rodeo Association since 1981, serving on the board of directors since 1986, 15 years on the executive board and with being the arena director or co-director for more than 13 rodeos.
“Mike was a fantastic guy who was loved by all,” said George Combs, general manager of the Reno Rodeo. “The Reno Rodeo Association was his life.”
Lucke also was a member of the Association of Rodeo Committees board. He also served as a board member of the California 6 Pack Rodeos and served on the board of the Animal Welfare Council.
Lucke was the owner of Lucke’s Saloon in Reno for more than 40 years.
The PRCA is excited to refresh its online store at Shop.ProRodeo.com! Shop the exclusive collection and styles as contestants get back in the saddle this summer. Look for new looks each week and a full relaunch later this summer. #WeAreProRodeo #ProRodeoStrong2020
On May 15, The Cowboy Channel and the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association launched the PRCA on The Cowboy Channel Plus App, which brings the most exciting PRORODEO streaming to fans’ fingertips.
The new and exciting app will also allow subscribers to stream The Cowboy Channel’s Western lifestyle content on any device, anytime, anywhere.
As the world’s destination for all things PRORODEO, the PRCA on The Cowboy Channel Plus App will keep fans up-to-date with their favorite PRCA rodeos and athletes, as well as provide behind-the-scenes access to livestreamed and on-demand PRCA rodeo events from around the country.
The content can be accessed via the mobile app (available on Android and iOS), as well as any browser, smart TV or device. Viewers will be able to enjoy free access to up-to-the-minute news, bios, rodeos and highlights. Those with a subscription will unlock premium content such as up to six simultaneous live rodeo feeds, classic PRCA archived rodeos, The Cowboy Channel video-on-demand programming, and the only place viewers can stream the National Finals Rodeo.
The Cowboy Channel Plus App is available for only $9.99 a month or save up to 25% and purchase the whole year for $89.99. To sign up for the PRCA on Cowboy Channel Plus app, visit www.cowboychannelplus.com.
Courtesy of PRCA