There have always been guys who rope really well who don't pursue a career in rodeo. They grew up junior and high school rodeoing, and maybe went on to amateur rodeos. They had a little taste of the rodeo industry, but the full-time rodeo deal wasn't really for them, so they focused on a different career. The travel and the lifestyle aren't for everybody. As glamorous as it looks from the outside, it's not always a bed of roses, especially for a family man. Several of us-guys like Clay (O'Brien Cooper), Allen Bach, Walt Woodard and myself-have chosen the rodeo road, and have been able to continue our careers while raising our families. Then there are guys like Travis Bard, who are competitive, but choose to only go to the really good jackpots and some of the better circuit rodeos, so they can be home with their families and for their other careers.
At this point in my life, I'm kind of envious of guys who've made the decision to do other things. I'm looking forward to being in that position someday, where I don't chase the rodeo scene and stay gone so much. We focus so much on the NFR (Wrangler National Finals Rodeo), but it takes 365 days to get qualified for the Finals. That's just such a sacrifice.
Hopefully, the rodeo business will change and improve, so we can go less and have an opportunity to win more. With the economy and fuel prices, times are changing and it's getting tougher and tougher to make it all work. You have to take a hard look at the numbers. If I could write my own script, I'd go to 30 rodeos or less, the tour finales and the NFR. That would allow me time at home with my family, but still the opportunity at big money and a decent living.
