Sul Ross State University’s rodeo team has taken a unique approach to ensuring they have top-notch bucking horses for their competitions. While many rodeo teams rely on finding suitable horses from various sources, Sul Ross has decided to start their own bucking horse breeding program right on campus in Alpine, Texas.
CJ Aragon, the rodeo coach at Sul Ross, recently spoke to the Texas Standard about their breeding project. He explained that the university is raising their own bucking horses to provide their students with high-quality practice horses that are specifically trained to buck effectively. This breeding program allows the students to work with horses that are bred to excel in the rodeo arena, giving them valuable experience and training opportunities.
The Types of Horses Being Bred at Sul Ross
The horses being bred at Sul Ross are not just any ordinary horses that happen to buck. Instead, they are carefully selected and bred from proven bucking horse bloodlines to ensure that they have the genetic predisposition to excel in their job. According to Aragon, the school has tapped into breeding programs from renowned stock contractors such as Harry Vold, Cervi, Pete Carr, and Rafter G to acquire mares with strong bucking traits.
The goal of the breeding program is to produce horses that not only have the physical ability to buck effectively but also the mental readiness to perform in the rodeo arena. These horses are trained to understand when it is time to perform and when it is time to relax, making them reliable partners for the rodeo students who ride them.
Unique Approach for a College Rodeo Program
Aragon mentioned that there is only one other program in the nation that he knows of that is implementing a similar bucking horse breeding program. While other college rodeo programs may rely on purchasing horses from outside sources, Sul Ross’ decision to breed their own bucking horses sets them apart and provides a unique opportunity for their students to work closely with the animals from a young age.
The university has acquired mares from reputable breeding programs and even leased a stud from Rocky Mountain Rodeo Company to breed with their mares, ensuring that they are producing top-quality bucking horses. By collaborating with established breeding programs, Sul Ross is able to access a wealth of knowledge and expertise in the field, setting their program up for success.
Potential Revenue and Student Benefits
While the primary focus of the breeding program is to provide practice horses for the rodeo team, there is also the potential for revenue generation in the future. Aragon mentioned that top-quality bucking horses can sell for significant sums at auctions, which could be used to fund scholarships for the students or reinvest in the breeding program.
In addition to the financial benefits, the students involved in the breeding program also gain valuable hands-on experience working with the horses. They learn about the care and training of bucking horses, as well as the daily responsibilities of ranch management. This experience not only enhances their rodeo skills but also prepares them for potential careers in horse breeding or stock contracting in the future.
Overall, Sul Ross State University’s bucking horse breeding program is a unique and innovative approach to providing their rodeo team with top-quality practice horses. By breeding their own horses, the university is not only ensuring the availability of suitable animals for their students but also providing valuable learning opportunities and potential revenue streams for the program. This hands-on approach to horse breeding sets Sul Ross apart from other college rodeo programs and highlights their commitment to excellence in the sport.
