YAKIMA, Wash. – The Yakima Valley SunDome is buzzing with excitement as the SunDome Showdown PRCA Rodeo event wraps up its two-day competition. The event is the first in the 2025 season of the Columbia River Circuit, attracting competitors from all over.
One of them, Joe Harper, is a professional saddle bronc rider and five-time Columbia River Circuit Champion, shared his perspective on the unique experience of saddle bronc riding.
“Sometimes it feels like that 8 seconds goes just like that. And other times it feels like it’s about 30 minutes when you’re sitting out there. It’s like a dance on top of a stick of dynamite. Really. In a lot of ways, you’re when that horse leaves and breaks and you have to stand timing with them,” he said.
In the event of a rider being bucked off, professionals like Cheyne Anderson step in to assist. Anderson, a professional bullfighter, plays a crucial role in protecting cowboys when they are thrown to the ground.
“My job is to make that bull think I’m a slower target and keep his attention so the bull rider can get to safety so they can go to their next rodeo,” Anderson explained.
Anderson has been in the bullfighting scene for 10 years and recently came out of a two-year retirement. He emphasized the importance of family in his decision to return to the sport.
“I now got two little girls that are growing up and they get to experience the family dynamic of rodeo and that really helps us go down the road,” Anderson added.
Despite the inherent risks involved in bullfighting, Harper highlighted the focus on achievement rather than injuries.
“If you put thought into those actions and those situations, then your mind is always constantly working on those instead of the achievement that you can have. So I try to focus on winning and doing the very best job that I can once that chute gate cracks,” Harper stated.
The Sundome Showdown PRCA Rodeo continues to be a thrilling event for both participants and spectators, showcasing the dedication and skill of those involved.
