Cowboys and bulls compete for attention, points at Bull Bash

SPRINGVILLE — The name of the event, in its 61st year, could have been picked out specifically with Saturday night in mind.

Though the first raindrops in months fell earlier in the day, the night was sultry and dry at the annual Hot Summer Nights Bull Bash, hosted by the Springville Rodeo Association.

In addition to bull riding, the event also offered mutton busting, a matador exhibition and live music.

A total of 37 riders competed for $5,000. The top four walked away with prize money, but it seemed as if the bulls were the true victors of the day.

No points at all were awarded in the final championship round as none of the riders remained on their bulls for the requisite eight seconds.

Springville Rodeo Association board member Mike Brown, who helped coordinate the event, said the crowd was smaller than previous years due to the economy.

He said the average attendance is around 1,500.

“We just do our thing and hopefully people show up,” he said.

Riders from as far away as Alabama competed for up to 100 possible points, with 50 awarded for the feistiness of the bull and 50 for the abilities of the rider.

A score in the 80- to 90-point range for a bull rider is a sign of a good ride, independent bull stock contractor Wes Ibrahimi said.

“To get that many points, that’s an accomplishment,” he said.

Visalia’s Bobby Roberts took first place with an 85-point ride.

Ibrahimi, who has been involved with the Bull Bash for 17 years, called matador Dennis Borba the “real deal.”

Borba, who has performed in Europe and Latin America, used brightly-colored capes to direct a charging bull around his body to the delight of the assembled crowd.

Bakersfield attendee Jack White, who has attended rodeos in other states, said he liked how close the audience was situated to the bull riding ring at the Bull Bash.

“My favorite thing about [the Bull Bash] is that you’re up and close to the action,” he said.

The crowd groaned in disappointment each time a rider was bucked off and cheered for riders who managed to stay seated.

“It’s a thrill when they can stay on for eight seconds,” White said.

If riders don’t stay on the bull that long, they receive zero points.

Local bull rider Evan Matthews said he was disappointed by his showing at the event, citing an injury from a previous ride.

Matthews, 26, who has been riding for 12 years, said he recently suffered a severe groin pull.

Though hurting, he said he couldn’t resist the opportunity to ride at the Bull Bash.

“The money’s good and there’s always the chance to win,” Matthews said.

His son, Gavin, looks like he plans to follow in his father’s footsteps — he emerged with a first-place championship buckle from the Bull Bash mutton-busting contest.

Contact Sarah de Crescenzo at 784-5000, Ext. 1045, or sdecrescenzo@portervillerecorder.com.