PBR Gonzales to feature bull riders from around the world

PBR is back in Gonzales and will feature many professional bull riders hailing from as far away as Australia to as close as down the street here in Gonzales. Although there are many different personalities attending the event, one thing remains a constant for these riders. Everyone has that eight-second mark in mind.

Zachary Miles will be one of the riders that will be featured tomorrow at PBR Gonzales. This marks the third year that the Gonzales native has attended the event. Although he hasn’t had much success in the past, Miles is hoping to finally push through and have a good score for the home crowd.

“First year I was riding hurt with uh, I tore some cartilage in my wrist,” Miles began to explain. “Then last year I broke my foot and tore my PCL and meniscus. I tore my PCL and meniscus on New Years, broke my foot in March and then here at the PBR last year I dislocated my hip and I got stepped on in the short round.”

Despite his slew of injuries, Miles said he feels fine now.

“I’m good, I’m healthy. I got on five bulls last weekend in one day and thought I could have got on five more and been alright.”

Injuries are a huge concern in bull riding. Rocky McDonald from Chihuahua, Mexico had to pull out the competition because a bull stepped on him. McDonald will require surgery.

Jared Farley from Australia echoed the same concerns.

“The next bull you get on could be your last,” Farley claimed. “Every day is a different day.”

The 10-year pro will also be riding in PBR Gonzales. He is currently ranked 37th in the world in the Built Ford Tough Series (BFTS) and 25th in the Touring Pro Division (TPD) standings.

The Touring Pro Division is considered the minor-league tour of the PBR, which offers up-and-coming bull riders not competing in the BFTS the opportunity to compete in PBR-sanctioned events while earning money to qualify for the BFTS.

As a child, Farley rode on calves and junior bulls before riding full time once he turned 13.

Last year’s second and third place winner will be making a return to PBR Gonzales. Cody Nance from Paris, Tenn. is currently ranked second in the BFTS and first in the TPD standings. The 25-year-old is entered three times in the competition, which means he’ll be riding six bulls at the venue.

“Last year went really good, I rode five of six bulls,” Nance mentioned. “The venue is really good, though very hot.”

Nance has had a great year in both PBR tours, earning $160,114.18 this season.

“This year I’ve felt really free. I grew a lot, had no complains. I’m trying hard, learning how to do things right.”

In terms of health, Nance mentioned that he felt wonderful and that it was truly God’s blessing.

Although each rider had a different path to bull riding, they all shared similar advice for young cowboys who want have a career in bull riding.

Miles attributed his success to youth rodeo.

“[Youth rodeo] helped me a lot,” Miles started. “I chased youth rodeos all up and down, everywhere. I did YRA, TYRA, CTYRA, high school rodeo, junior high rodeo, I went all over. I went more places going to youth rodeos in one weekend than most people will go in their entire life.”

Miles also advised future riders to “not be scared” and if riders “are scared and don’t put forth the effort to ride one is when you’ll have the most tendency to get hurt.”

Farley mentioned that future riders should try to find bull-riding schools or clinics.

“You have to learn from the best,” Farley said. “Got to get on a bull.”

Nance talked more about chasing dreams and how a future bull rider is similar to anyone else chasing their own dreams.

“You need purpose to chase a dream,” Nance began. “You’ll face hardships, come across hard times and may even take a fall. But if your heart is big enough you’ll find success.”

PBR will be hosting a “Rider Cup” golf tournament the morning of PBR Gonzales. The four-man scramble will start at 10 a.m. at the Independence Golf Course. Miles will be one of many riders who will compete with local golfers in the tournament.

The main event will be tomorrow at the J.B. Wells Arena where the doors will open at 5:30 p.m. The competition is set to start at 7:30 p.m.