The One Arm Bandit and Company

I started in rodeo in 1986 at the 101 Wild West Rodeo in Ponca City, Oklahoma. I sold Walter Alsbaugh, the stock contractor, some wild bulls I gathered in the Florida swamps and wanted to see them buck.

In those days I gathered wild cattle in several states. My slogan: "If you can turn them loose, I can catch em with Blackmouth Cur dogs.”  This was the foundation of my rodeo career.

Meanwhile, back in Ponca City this act came out that bored me to death. It seemed low on talent. Of course I mouthed off that I could do better and that launched me into the rodeo entertainment business.

My first show was in the same place the next year. I put Corrientte Cattle on top of a trailer with Blackmouth Cur dogs. It was a hit! Soon Clem McSpaden hired me to go to Bushyhead, Oklahoma to preform.  I got my first paycheck there and I was hooked. It seemed like a paid vacation after ranch work for 34 years.

A fading cattle market and high interest had left me flat broke, $100,000 in debt and living with my grandmother. I built my first trailer from scratch and bought my first truck from my brother Bob for $800 (which took a year to pay for) and joined the PRCA in 1988.

That first year I entertained about 90 crowds traveling with the Walt Alsbaugh Rodeo Company and was nominated for PRCA specialty act of the year.  Though I did not win the award that year I did win in 1989, 90,91,92,93,94,95,96 and 2008. In 2008 I rode a mule in my act a lot.

Animals in the show consist of Longhorn-Watusi Steers, Mustangs, Mules, South Dakota Buffalo and sometimes Blackmouth Cur dogs, which are a very important part of the training process. My son Lynn and daughter Amanda hit the road at 18 and we took our show in three directions across North America.

It is very fulfilling to have my son and daughter display their talents. They are truly my right hand. Soon, I will have grandkids in the show and may slow down a bit to spend more time with my wife, Judy.