In this episode, I’m joined by ranch bronc rider, pickup man, and all-around cowboy TeJay Fenster. We dive deep into the roots and rise of ranch bronc riding—from its roughstock origins and "beer behind the chutes" days to its emergence as a full-blown professional sport. TeJay shares stories from the road, insight into different rulebooks and associations, and the nuances of bronc riding technique, culture, and horsemanship. We talk about how rodeo has changed over the years, the evolution of ranch rodeos, the role of professionalism in the arena, and why the Western States Ranch Rodeo Finals might just be the proving ground for the best bronc riders in the world.
🎙️ Topics include:
The evolution of ranch bronc riding from tradition to sport
The unwritten “house rules” and how different associations approach the event
What separates a ranch cowboy from a rodeo cowboy
The role of horsemanship and authenticity in bronc riding
The importance of professionalism in and out of the arena
Legendary horses and what makes a “next-level” bronc
Growing the sport: clinics, mentorship, and media coverage
Breaking misconceptions about the sport and its future
If you love cowboy history, rodeo culture, and stories from the working end of the arena, you won’t want to miss this one.
🔗 Learn more about the Western States Ranch Rodeo Association: www.wsrra.org
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