Cowboys show they're tough

Jeffrey Fuehring could have worn turquoise, blue or even green Friday night at the Greeley Independence Stampede rodeo.

Fuehring, 24, was as vibrant as a rainbow after his ride in the bareback bronc competition at Island Grove Arena.

"Yeah, that horse is rank," Fuehring said in reference to Tucson and his score of 83, which puts him atop the leaderboard and almost guarantees him a trip back on July 4th.

Fuehring donned a plaid shirt that included pink on "Proud To Be Pink" night to raise money for the Susan G. Komen Foundation, which raises to funds to fight breast cancer.

"I don't know anybody personally with breast cancer, but my grandfather (William Chenowith) died of cancer when I was in fourth grade," Fuehring said. "I wear this shirt on "Proud To Be Pink" night at every rodeo I'm in.

"It means a lot."

Fuehring's ride atop Tucson, a National Finals Rodeo horse, will equally mean a lot if it puts him in the money.

"Hey, don't be doing a press interview just yet, I just got a re-ride," said Matt Bright, whose ride, Molly Brown, came out of the chute sideways.

When Bright asked Fuehring what his score was, the reply was subtle: "I'm not sure. They never really announce what it really is."

Fuehring then grinned, and added, "he doesn't need to know what I scored. He'll find out."

Fuehring's 83 equals that of Chip Dees IV, recorded earlier this week.

However, it didn't come as a total surprise to Fuehring.

"I've watched so much video of that horse, you can't believe it," Fuehring said. "There's a group of us who compete and record a rodeo every time it's on television.

"I've watched the Greeley (Independence) Stampede on television before."

With a vision of Tucson's tendencies firmly etched in his mind, Fuehring weathered every turn and twist on his way to a huge ovation from the crowd.

He then stood and pointed at the crowd in a show of appreciation.

"It's such a blessing that I drew that horse, praise the Lord," he said. "When I saw my draw, it took me about three hours to stop giggling. I watched Darren Clark ride that horse in the NFR. I've watched what he does about a million times."

Fuehring grew up in Tennessee, but now calls Fort Collins home, where he "piddles," in his own welding business.

"I don't even really have a name for my business," Fuehring said. "If somebody needs some welding done, I do it."

Fuehring cashed in at this year's National Western Stock Show in Denver, and also made a profit from a rodeo in Gillette, Wyo., but explained that his biggest payday may come in the next few days.

"This will be my best year -- after I win this rodeo," he said. "That's right. That's what I said. This is the first time I've ever competed here, but after tonight, I'm good for the rest of the year."

* HOME COOKIN': Greeley's Cole McCall looked to be on his way to a successful ride in the bareback bronc riding, but was bucked off just inside the eight-second minimum.

* HOMEBOY: Rodeo clown Lance Brittan, of Windsor, is one of three clowns performing. Brittan, who has battled through injuries most of his career, said he's healthy and happy to be home.

"I'm in good shape right now," Brittan said. "I'm here all week, and then I go up to Cody, Wyo."