The Mesquite Championship Rodeo closes the chutes on its 2008 season on Saturday (Sept 27), with several races for gold and silver championship buckles too close to call. One of the closest races is in saddle bronc competition. Loren Barber of Slate Shoals, entered on Friday, has taken the lead with $3,157 after winning $475 last weekend. Barber is followed by Waxahachie cowboy Cody Smith, also competing on Friday, who trails by only $230.
Saturday’s bronc riding features Kaila Mussell of Stephenville, who for several years has been the only cowgirl bronc rider on the circuit.
It’s also close in PBR bull riding where Cody Byars of Marrietta, OK, leads with $9,159. Byars is in action on Saturday. Not far behind is Mark Fisher of Weatherford who trails Byars by $879. Fisher, who leads in the all-around race with $8,550, competes on Friday. Also seeing PBR action on Saturday is former world PBR champion Cody Hart of Gainesville and Helton Barbosa of Euless, 53rd in world PBR rankings with $42,376.Cowgirls barrel racing is also too close to call, with the two leaders taking center stage on Saturday. Defending champion Rivon Nilson of Grand Prairie is tops with $5,062 after a first place run last weekend paid her $548. Her lead is precarious, with Mineola’s Arinda Richards winning $311 last weekend to trail by only $421.
Trick rider Leann Pollock makes her second appearance at the Mesquite Rodeo on Saturday. The Delisle Saskatchewan, Canada, native is a second-generation trick rider, following in her mother’s (Sandy Short) footsteps. Pollock is one of the few females in the business who vaults and is the longest-running trick rider at the Calgary Stampede. She’ll be joined by fellow trick rider Paige Calloway, also originally from Canada.
There are no increases in admission prices for Saturday’s added trick riding act.
The rodeo agenda includes dangerous cowboy poker, chuck wagon races and the calf scramble and mutton bustin’ events for youngsters.
The Mesquite Rodeo closes the chutes on its 51st season after Saturday’s performance. The action starts at 8 until 10 pm. Rodeo admission is $7-$30. Doors open at 6:30 pm for Wild Bill’s Rodeo Shoppe and a home-style BBQ buffet in the 250-seat Sonny Bryan’s Pavilion ($10.95 adults, $7 youngsters). Group discounts are available for 20 or more.
Resistol Arena is air-conditioned and located on I-635 at Military Pkwy, only 15 minutes southeast of downtown Dallas. For more on this western institution visit www.mesquiterodeo.com.
Copyright 1996 - 2008 Rodeo Attitude, LLC., All rights reserved.