By Magie Downares-Nevius
A first place win in Canton, Kan., has not only, put close to $600 in Paul Osgood’s pocket, but has landed the 26-year-old cowboy back in the saddle again. “I was able to make a 72-point ride, so can’t complain on how my season has treated me this far,” he says. After suffering an injury and undergoing reconstructive shoulder surgery following the incident of being stepped on by a pickup man in 2013, Paul is chomping at the bit to make the best of his reestablishment to the CePRA saddle bronc riding. “It would be nice to make the finals and come out in the best shape I can be…hopefully, keep sitting well in the standings,” Paul stated.
Growing up on a ranch and watching the big boys compete in the PRCA caught Paul’s interest as a youngster. “There was just something about broncs that seemed to tickle me pretty good,” he says. So, with help from 1974 World Champion saddle bronc rider, John McBeth, and his son, Bart, Paul started his course with the hack-rein in eighth grade. “The two taught and helped me out a bunch and got me headed down the right track,” Paul says. Through his progression, the Cedar Point, Kan., cowboy has taken to the CePRA, on-and-off, for approximately 5 years, and has beefed up his chute time by being a former member and finals qualifier to the Kansas Professional Rodeo Association, the United Rodeo Association and the Missouri Rodeo Association. “I sure like to go compete when I have time,” he says. Paul’s passion for bucking horses continues through his holding of a PRCA permit and extends his freetime to riding ranch broncs within the Working Ranch Cowboys Association. “It would be nice to live up to the standings of some of the big guys someday; for instance, Ty Murray, Billy Etbauer and John McBeth, and all I can do is give it a try. I’ve been fortunate with the backing of great guys to help me and without the support of my parents, I wouldn’t be where I am today,” Paul says.
When he his not working eight-seconds at a time, Paul remains a cowboy. Running around 300 mother cows and taking in between 700 to 800 yearlings, depending on the year, cattle and horses consume the bronc rider’s life. “Being a cowboy is all I know and I love it. There is nothing better than this way of life,” he says.
