No bull: Mexican rodeo offers thrills

Loud, lively music, an energetic crowd and 14 daring bull riders could be heard across the fairgrounds Saturday night. It was the Colusa County Fair’s second year presenting the Fiesta Mexicana Jaripeo Ranchero and American Rodeo.

“The rodeo is a universal language, you don’t have to understand it to enjoy it, it’s just good entertainment,” said Rick Wilmoth, volunteer captain of the Colusa Fire Department, which was on standby in case any riders were injured.

The more than five-hour event drew a large crowd, almost filling the grandstands. The jineto de torro – bull-riding – and jaripeo – horse show – were the main attractions.

“(The rodeo) is fun for Hispanics that work a lot. Some of them work really hard all year and this is a good break with some entertainment,” said Rosa Bautista, a fair ticket saleswoman.

Juan Rodriguez, 24-year-old Fresno rodeo entrepreneur, said both Mexican and American riding styles were on display. American bull riders try to hang on for eight seconds and jump off if they complete that time. In Mexican bull riding, the charro – rider – tries to stay on the bull until he stops bucking, demonstrating power over the animal. American-style riders use one hand to hold onto the bull, while Mexican riders use both.

“(The bulls) are really just big ol’ pets,” said Bernie Rodriguez, Juan’s younger brother also involved in the rodeo business. Each bull brought to the show was named.

Patrick Holloway, 21, and Joey Porbert, 19, were two of the American-style riders. Holloway also was a fighter, coaxing the bulls away from the riders after they fell.

“I’m a cowboy lifesaver,” he said, “but really I don’t mind doing it. We are all like family out here.”

Holloway had his head stepped on and was hooked by a bull’s horns twice, but he was not severely injured. Laura Rico, one of the spectators, watched in horror while he was being hit by the 2,200-pound Speckles.

“I like to watch, but I get scared when people get hurt,” Rico said.

Entertainment is an understatement of the sport said the Rodriguez brothers; it is their way of life. The brothers and their riders were glad to be back at the Colusa County Fair this year and hope to return in 2009.

Contact intern Samantha Richards at 458-2121 or srichards@tcnpress.com.