story by Lori O’Harver
Three short years ago, Daryl McElroy’s dream of a ‘for bucking horse riders only’ association took it’s first baby steps. The vision focused around raising funds for and offering scholarships to recent high school graduates, incoming high school seniors and juniors. It’s a goal they’ve succeeded in hitting since their first finals rolled around and one that’s steadily grown along with the association.
“The TBRA mission is all about increasing the number of bucking horse riders by developing systems to make bronc rides accessible and increasing their value and interest to young contestants,” Daryl McElroy said. “Of equal concern to us is being sure that these contestants have educations and skills to employ when their career in the arena is over.”
“With our gratitude for the support of the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo, TBRA will be awarding a total of $15,000 in scholarships at our 2018 finals in Glen Rose, Texas,” McElroy said. “It’s beyond amazing to see the number of young contestants who are taking advantage of this program.”
Scholarship eligible candidates are 2018 high school graduates, and 2019 incoming juniors and seniors who compete in the bareback and bronc riding. No TBRA membership is necessary to be considered for entry in the Texas Bronc Scholarship Shoot Out being held on September 28, 29 and 30.
Average winners first through fourth place at the end of the three-round contest will receive $4,000 scholarship for winning, $2,000 scholarships for second, $1,000 scholarships for third and $500 scholarships for fourth in each event (bareback and saddle bronc riding.)
TBRA will choose fifteen (15) contestants for each event based on short essays submitted by eligible candidates on the topic of why they should be chosen and their academic aspirations. Entries are open by emailing essays to daryl@txbroncriders.com
In other TBRA spotlights, be sure to catch TBRA Ride TV Cowgirls during opening festivities at Cheyenne Frontier Days’ Frontier Friday starting at 2 p.m. Mountain Time on July 20, 2018. The ranch bronc riding ladies will try their luck during a special exhibition.
“We are excited to have the women return to ride broncs,” said Nicole Gamst, Cheyenne Frontier Days Marketing Director. “They have been such a great part of our history and this will be a fine way to celebrate this event and kick off Cheyenne Frontier Days 2018.
Tickets are on sale now at www.cfdrodeo.com or stream it live through your Ride TV Go subscription available at www.RIDETVGO.com.
