PUEBLO, Colo. (June 4, 2010) - Wiley Petersen wants to share the knowledge he’s gained in 11 years on the Built Ford Tough Series.
“Whatever you go through in life, that’s what it’s for,” he explained. “To pass on what you’ve learned. It helps you feel good and helps you feel like you’re being a valuable part of a community or of the world.”
Petersen and his friend Wyatt Smith have paired up to unveil a Web site and release an instructional video, which they claim is the only training video with lessons for all six rodeo events for boys, available at www.winwithwy.com.
In addition to the video, Petersen and Smith will update the site regularly with tips and personal one-on-one lessons.
“It’s almost like having a virtual coach,” said Petersen, who focuses on bull riding, while Smith provides instruction on the other five sports.
According to Petersen, students can email specific questions that will be addressed online for all subscribers, or arrange for private in-person lessons.
Currently the video and Web site introduce viewers to proper technique, equipment, chute procedure and the basic fundamentals of riding, including how to dismount and what to do if you get hung up.
“A lot of it is focused more on safety, because we’ve seen a lot of kids forget that part of it, or you go to a school and they don’t really focus on that too much,” Petersen said. “They’re just in a hurry to get you on a bull and they don’t teach you the safety aspect of it, which is a big part of it.
“Obviously it’s a dangerous sport, so you don’t want to get hurt from something that you could have prevented. There are certain things that don’t have to happen if you know what to do and what not to do.”
One key safety tip Petersen illustrates in the video involves spotting fellow riders while they’re in the chute.
“When you’re spotting somebody, how do you spot them?,” asked Petersen. “That’s a big deal, and a lot of guys don’t even know how to spot a guy. A bull goes to kicking in there and some of them don’t know how to hang onto them. Even when you’re doing it right it’s tough.”
Petersen said that in a lot of cases bull riding schools are in hurry to get young riders on the backs of bulls, because they know that’s what excites them. However, a long-lasting and enjoyable career is sustained by learning the correct processes early on.
Petersen said it’s important for riders of all skill levels, including professionals, to remember “there is no age limit as far as who needs help.”
“I’m in the same boat,” said Petersen, who is currently ranked 20th in the world and has won well over $1 million is his career. “I’m always thinking, ‘Who could I call and talk to and see what the heck is going on here? What am I doing wrong?’
“Mike Lee and I, he’s a good buddy of mine and he’s a really technically correct rider. He’s always helping me if he sees something. Here lately he’s been telling me that I’m stiff when I’m coming out of the chute, so I need to relax, slide up and give them the nod and go for it.”
The 31-year-old Petersen hinted that his career is nearing its end, and that serving in a coaching capacity is a means of staying involved in the sport.
“I don’t have much longer to ride, and here lately if I don’t get my act together I won’t be riding long at all,” he said. “I’m just kind of opening a door and seeing what happens. If the need is there, then maybe I can go into being a coach and helping kids get to the PBR level.
“If you’re humble enough to accept the help, then I’d dang sure give it.”
For more information on ordering the DVD or subscribing the “virtual training system,” log onto www.winwithwy.com. Petersen can also be found on Facebook by searching “Wiley Petersen Christian bull rider.”
