Community Invited To Free Bull Riding Clinic

Hawai’i residents and visitors are invited to witness first-hand what has been called “America’s original extreme sport” – bull riding – during a free public clinic conducted by several of the top members of the exclusive Professional Bull Riders (PBR) organization at Parker Ranch’s Paniolo Park Friday.

Registration to participate in the clinic begins at 11 a.m. The clinic will run from noon to 4 p.m. There is no charge and everyone’s invited.

Nationally recognized big money PBR bull riders, McKennon Wimberly and Sean Willingham, and stock contractor Mesa Pate will partner up with the Paniolo Preservation Society (PPS), Parker Ranch Round Up Club and Hawai’i Tourism Authority (HTA) to introduce this popular, adrenaline charged sport featuring powerful bulls provided by South Point Buckers.

By co-hosting the clinic, Parker Ranch Round Up Club will earn a contribution to its annual scholarship program which benefits the children of Parker Ranch families.

Likewise, PPS will fulfill its not-for-profit mission by creating an opportunity to share Hawai’i’s unique ranching story with PBR’s vast national and international television audiences. Also, “PPS, PBR and HTA hope to create interest in bringing an action-packed PBR event to Honolulu’s Aloha Stadium. Such an event would benefit both Hawai’i’s visitor and diversified agricultural industries while continuing to help perpetuate Hawai’i’s unique paniolo culture and heritage,” said PPS President Robby Hind.

The bull riding clinic is one of several Hawaiian ranching events that the PBR professionals will participate in and film to share with television audiences. Other events include a branding at Parker Ranch’s Wahinekea Corral at Makahalau and a benefit lu’au with entertainment by the Beamer-Solomon Halau o Po’ohala, which in addition to hula and music has an 80-year ranching history. These events will be filmed but are not open to the public.

All of the PBR Hawai’i Island events will be documented by David Neal Productions for features to be broadcast during PBR’s 2011 Built Ford Tough Series events, on television and in event arenas, as well as on www.PBR.com. The production company produces BFTS telecasts which are broadcast nationally each week on VERSUS with select events being shown on NBC and CBS. David Neal is a 30-time Emmy® Award winner and Peabody Award winner.

PBR is not entirely new to Hawai’i. The organization held an event on Maui in 2006 featuring Hawai’i bull rider Myron Duarte, and on Oahu with the Hawai’i All-Star Challenge. Also, Zack Brown, who has earned over $865,000 competing in PBR events, was raised on the North Shore of O’ahu.

For more information or to register to participate in the bull riding clinic, call Deedee Bertemann (325-5937) or South Point Buckers. A concession will be available during the clinic with proceeds also benefiting the Round Up Club. No coolers please; this is an alcohol and drug free event.