8/23 Drew Horner: Uncoiled. The American

When I heard yesterday that they were having a rodeo at Dallas Cowboys Stadium, which is basically in my home town, a huge smile came across my face!  After hearing all the talk in the past about having a rodeo at Jerry World that was going to be HUGE and never seeing anything come about, I began to wonder if it was ever going to happen.  Now, FINALLY, they did it, and I am stoked!!!
The American is the next big thing in the sport of rodeo. I have dreamed of rodeos like this. We have a few that are somewhat like it now; Houston, San Antonio, Cheyenne, but this rodeo could be the turning point for our sport. This is EPIC!  This could change the sport! In fact, it already has. They already are putting some pressure on the guys that make the finals to get inside the top 10 just to qualify.  They are also setting a bar, alongside other the great rodeos I just mentioned, that the rodeo industry is going to have to start reaching to even be able to compare. This rodeo could be great.
First off, I am a big fan of having a fair opportunity for people to qualify. The format of this rodeo has opened doors for some cowboys to get in. They are taking the top 10 guys in the world standings after the National Finals Rodeo, and also bringing in another 6 contestants through a system of qualifiers, which gives a total of 16 contestants in each event at the rodeo. The qualifiers gives the “part time” rodeo cowboys a chance to compete against the best for some big prize money. I do think a few things could be different about the qualification rules, but I am just happy to have the chance to be apart of this rodeo and to maybe have the opportunity to compete at $100,000 winners purse!!! Which, by the way, is the richest one day rodeo payout ever.
Secondly, The American is introducing a new era for rodeo. The American is opening doors for the future of rodeo; even if they decide to continue it next year or not.  This rodeo has made a significant impact already on our sport.
Thirdly, this rodeo is pretty much in my hometown. I am from Plano, which is about 30 minutes or so from the AT&T stadium in Arlington, Texas. There are rodeos in the Dallas Fort Worth metroplex that are great, and I could name them off right now, but nothing compares to this one.
The American is changing the game of rodeo for everyone, and it already has started!  This is great thing for rodeo.  All I can say is I WANT IN!

Drew Horner