The stock contractor may be the most overlooked person in the production of a successful rodeo. The job duties of the stock contractor vary, from breeding livestock to loading animals to haul to the next rodeo. The main task is ensuring that the four-legged athletes of professional rodeo are healthy, well-fed, properly cared for and fit to perform. And while the cowboys get most of the recognition, the bucking bulls and horses at PRCA rodeos

play a vital role in the success of the contestant. In roughstock events, half the cowboy’s score comes from the animal’s ability to buck with power and consistency. The value of top bulls can reach $30,000 and a first-rate bucking horse can sell for more than $15,000.

The following are the PRCA-member stock contracting companies for the Lynden Rodeo:

Northern Cross Rodeo Co.

Stock Contractor: Glen Herriman; Location: Omak, Wash.;

Background: Glen Herriman and his wife, Belinda, started their stock contracting business in the amateur ranks 20 years ago. Eventually, their five daughters had a hand in the operation as well. In 2004, the company purchased its PRCA card. Herriman, a former PRCA contestant, who is a pick-up man on occasion, has two ranches in Omak, Wash.

Big Bend Rodeo Company

Stock Contractor: Don Hutsell; Location: Ritzville, Wash.;

Bucking Stock of the Year: BB – Spring Fling, 1997; SB - Spring Fling, 1999-2000; BR – Rapid Fire, 1997; Unforgiven, 2002; Tahonta, 2003-04.

Background: Don Hutsell and Sonny Riley, who also are co-owners of Flying 5 Rodeo Company, formed Big Bend Rodeo Company in April 1992 when they bought the Kelsey and McLean Rodeo Company from the late Ralph McLean. In their first year, a Big Bend bull, Dog Face, was selected for the NFR, and was named the top bull of the Columbia River Circuit. Dog Face was the runner-up for bull-ofthe-year honors in 1996. In 1997, Big Bend completed a rare double play with bareback horse Spring Fling and bucking bull Rapid Fire both capturing stock-of-the-year honors. Following

the 1999 DNCFR, Don decided to put a saddle on Spring Fling, and it paid off as she blossomed and was voted the top saddle bronc. In 2002, the company received PRCA Bull of the Year honors for Unforgiven. The company held that title for two more years with Tahonta. Spring Fling was voted as one of the top three bareback horses for 2005. Hutsell retired Tahonta in 2006.