The softer side of the PBR

From MOP Squad Sports

Professional Bull Riding
The softer side of the PBR
By LINDA PETERSON, MOP Squad Sports Staff Writer
Feb 11, 2008 - 10:48:15 PM

PBR Mascot Re-Ride learns a new video game from a patient at Children's Hospital of Orange County. Photo: Linda Peterson

Although the theme of the Professional Bull Riders is “Get Tough”, there is a much softer side to this organization that few are privileged to see. At stop eight on the Built Ford Tough Series in Anaheim, California, this was particularly evident.

The day before this three-day event, who should show up in the parking lot at Children’s Hospital in Orange County, but BuckShot, the PBR’s tame bull. Set up in a 12x12 pipe corral near the front door, children walked or were wheeled out to see this beautiful animal. Still hooked up to all their IV lines, smiles lit the faces of these children as they viewed the gentle giant while PBR mascot Re-ride, dressed in full regalia, wandered through and greeted them.

For those who were unable to come outside, we toured the hospital with Re-ride, going through the Oncology wards and intensive care units and various play rooms to visit the children. Again, smiles lit up the hallways from patients and nurses alike. There is nothing more heartwarming than to see the joy that this visit brought to these children.

Astride BuckShot, Sandi Baltes, Principal of Las Positas Elementary School waves as her students approach. Photo: Linda Peterson

When our visit at the hospital was over, we made the short trip to Las Positas Elementary School in La Habra, CA. Here the 12x12 corral was set up on the grass outside the gymnasium and BuckShot was allowed to graze while the teachers organized the children for their walk to the gym. Word raced through the classrooms that there was a ‘real’ bull out there and 700 children fairly danced with excitement.

To add to their delight, the Principal of this school, Sandi Baltes, gamely climbed the fence and got up on BuckShot, waving her hat at the kids as they walked by. This was THE THRILL of the day! BuckShot is enormous and weighs 2200 lbs. When the children saw their Principal on this huge beast, she became the bravest person imaginable and was immediately the school hero.

Former bull rider and PBR Event Coordinator Jerome Robinson educates the children on bull riding and acheiving life goals. Photo: Linda Peterson

Originally, reigning World Champion Justin McBride was scheduled to talk to the children, however a family emergency came up and he was unable to make the appearance. In his stead, former pro bull rider and PBR Event Coordinator Jerome Robinson got on the microphone. He first showed a short video of bull riding and then told the kids about his own career. As he asked for questions, hands literally shot up in the air. The questions ranged from “Were you scared?” to “Why did you do this?” and ‘What makes them buck?” Every minute of the one hour scheduled was used up and were the buses not there to take the children home, it would have gone on longer.

Denise Abbott, PBR Vice President of Public Relations, devised a contest with the winner receiving a family 4-pack of tickets. The children had to write an essay on why they felt they deserved these tickets. How I wish I could share these with you! They were wonderful! And the thank you notes afterwards were even more incredible! As it turned out, the child who won the tickets also had a sister who had written her own essay, so both of the children got to go with their parents.

To continue showing you this softer side of the PBR, at Sunday’s performance, we met the children from the Make a Wish Foundation as they toured behind the chutes. The cowboys all came out of the locker room and signed their programs, then we all held hands and said a prayer. It was beautiful.

On behalf of adults the world over, I would like to say thank you to the PBR. Thank you for bringing smiles to the faces of children, both those with terrible illnesses and those who are blessed to be healthy. Thank you for bringing excitement and education to the children as well. Thank you for giving them the example of people who have strived to be the best that they can be and have succeeded.

Most of all, in this “Get Tough” world, thank you for being a huge corporation with a ‘heart’.

Until next time…

Linda Peterson