The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association returned to Clovis on Thursday with bucking broncs, steer wrestling, barrel racing, mutton bustin’ and, of course, bull riding, following a year off due to the coronavirus pandemic.
It was the first day for PRCA rodeo at the 107th Clovis Rodeo after opening with the Pro Bull Riders event on Wednesday. New safety protocols were in place to keep fans and participants safe from the spread of the virus.. Those include proof of vaccination or a negative test and face coverings required for entry. The stands were also limited to 67% of capacity.
This is the first time that the rodeo will host four PRCA events instead of three. Normally the PBR event is held on Thursday with three days of PRCA action.
PRCA rodeo action will continue Friday through Sunday.
See more photos of the action below:
Teagan Smith rides Strawberry Rocket in the saddle bronc riding section of the PRCA event at the Clovis Rodeo on Thursday, April 23, 2021. CRAIG KOHLRUSS ckohlruss@fresnobee.com
Joe Wilson of Martin, SD, tries to turn over a steer in the steer wrestling section of the PRCA event at the Clovis Rodeo on Thursday, April 23, 2021. CRAIG KOHLRUSS ckohlruss@fresnobee.com
Connor Hamilton of Calgary, Alberta, rides Tequila Time in the bareback riding section of the PRCA event at the Clovis Rodeo on Thursday, April 23, 2021. CRAIG KOHLRUSS ckohlruss@fresnobee.com
Riders carry American flags during the opening ceremonies for day one of Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association action at the Clovis Rodeo on Thursday, April 23, 2021. CRAIG KOHLRUSS ckohlruss@fresnobee.com
Stetson Wright of Milford, UT rides Sergeant Whitney in the saddle bronc riding section of the PRCA event at the Clovis Rodeo on Thursday, April 23, 2021. CRAIG KOHLRUSS ckohlruss@fresnobee.com
Teagan Smith celebrates his ride on Strawberry Rocket in the saddle bronc riding section of the PRCA event at the Clovis Rodeo on Thursday, April 23, 2021. CRAIG KOHLRUSS ckohlruss@fresnobee.com
Garrett Shadbolt of Merriman, NE, rides Jericho in the bareback riding section of the PRCA event at the Clovis Rodeo on Thursday, April 23, 2021. CRAIG KOHLRUSS ckohlruss@fresnobee.com
Bridger Anderson of Carrington, ND, has trouble pulling down a steer in the steer wrestling section of the PRCA event at the Clovis Rodeo on Thursday, April 23, 2021. CRAIG KOHLRUSS ckohlruss@fresnobee.com
Garrett Shadbolt of Merriman, NE, appears pleased after riding Jericho in the bareback riding section of the PRCA event at the Clovis Rodeo on Thursday, April 23, 2021. CRAIG KOHLRUSS ckohlruss@fresnobee.com
Denard Butler of Checotah, OK strains to pull down a steer in the steer wrestling section of the PRCA event at the Clovis Rodeo on Thursday, April 23, 2021. CRAIG KOHLRUSS ckohlruss@fresnobee.com
Lefty Holman of Visalia hangs on while riding Scarlet Lady in the saddle bronc riding section of the PRCA event at the Clovis Rodeo on Thursday, April 23, 2021. CRAIG KOHLRUSS ckohlruss@fresnobee.com
Chase Brooks rides Live it Up in the saddle bronc riding section of the PRCA event at the Clovis Rodeo on Thursday, April 23, 2021. CRAIG KOHLRUSS ckohlruss@fresnobee.com
This story was originally published April 22, 2021 at 11:15 PM.
Craig Kohlruss is a photographer, videographer and drone pilot for The Fresno Bee. He has been a part of The Bee’s visual team since 1999. His work has been recognized by the California News Publishers Association, the National Press Photographers Association, the California Press Photographers Association and other journalism organizations. Support my work with a digital subscription
