At Xtreme Bulls rodeo, fans get to see some cowboys feel bullish

There aren’t many things that can be accomplished in eight seconds. And for most people, it’s very difficult to make a living eight seconds at a time.

Bull riders, however, think that philosophy is bull.

When the Xtreme Bulls Tour made its way through Greeley on Tuesday night at the Greeley Independence Stampede, 40 bull riders boarded a herd of snarling, snorting, stomping, stinking bulls.

Greeley’s Jarrod Ford, who participated in the second section of the event, rode a bull rightfully named Demon for 5.2 seconds. Ford was delayed in the chute prior to being released to a melee of bucking while trying to get his hand gripped suitable to his liking.

Ford, who lives nine miles out of town, said participating in this proximally-close event is a treat.

“I go to a lot of big rodeos, but it’s nice to be able to ride in front of your hometown,” Ford said. “I’ll be sleeping in my own bed, so that’s a plus.”

To record a score in bull riding, a rider must stay aboard the bull for eight seconds. If that is accomplished, judges rate the rider based on his performance and the bull’s difficulty. Because Ford was unable to ride for eight seconds, he did not make the final round. Of the 40 riders, just 12 recorded a score.

Ford said it would have meant a lot to win at his hometown rodeo.

“I’d like to win this rodeo — I ain’t never won it,” he said. “Just to do my best and ride what I get on, that’s my main goal.”

Kanin Asay, of Powell, Wyo., was tied for the lead with a score of 85.5 heading into the final round, which accepts the top 12 riders. Asay, who rode 10th in the finals, scored an event-high 90.5, giving him a total of 176, good enough for first place.

Westminster’s Ross Kleven scored 80 during his first ride, but but was bounced off the bull’s back after 7.2 seconds in the finals.

Ford received a special introduction during the event’s initial ceremony. Before he rode, he said riders’ minds are mostly blank while atop a bull.

“You don’t do much thinking, it’s all reaction,” he said. “You hope things go right when you’re there against the bulls.”

Xtreme Bulls Tour results

Greeley Stampede

1. Kanin Asay 176; 2. Bryan Richardson 173; 3. Ted Bert 168.5; 4. Cory Melton 85.5; 5. Chad Eubank 82.5; 6. J.W. Harris 82.5; 7. Dave Samsel 82.5; 8. Garrett Vig 82; 9. Ross Kleven 80; 10. Tyler L. Johnston 78; 11. Cameron Castleberry 77.5; 12. Jed Moore 77.