TUCSON, Ariz. (KGUN) — Competitors from across the country took part in bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, barrel racing, bull riding and several other events across two weekends at the Tucson Rodeo.
Cooper Filipek, a 23-year-old bareback riding competitor from South Dakota, has been riding for 10 years.
"It's the life that nobody else really gets to live so I thank God to be able to do that," Filipek said.
He said the sport is a humbling and unique way of life.
"It's pretty humbling compared to life. You think you know one thing until you get on a horse the next time and it shows you you don't know exactly what you know you're talking about," Filipek said.
Filipek said staying competitive requires a 30-minute workout every day. When he can't get on an actual horse, he said he practices on the spurboard.
"We take a beating and we got to be able to be limber and be able to still be flexible," Filipek said.
Bryce Eck, a bareback riding competitor from Kansas, has been riding for seven years. Last year was his first year competing at the Tucson Rodeo.
"Making a good ride, that's what you live for, you also practice for, that perfect ride," Eck said.
Eck said mental focus is key to performing well.
"Just keep a heavy mindset, just stay sharp in every way I can. That's what kind of brings me, gets it good at the rodeos," Eck said.
Winners at the rodeo take home a belt buckle and prize money.
For anyone hoping to compete in a rodeo someday, Filipek had simple advice.
"Don't give up, just keep trying, keep going," Filipek said.
This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.
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Andrew Christiansen is a reporter for KGUN 9. Before joining the team, Andrew reported in Corpus Christi, Texas for KRIS6 News, Action 10 News and guest reported in Spanish for Telemundo Corpus Christi. Share your story ideas with Andrew by emailing andrew.christiansen@kgun9.com or by connecting on Facebook, or Twitter.
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