Wednesday Mini Mag

Seemingly appropriate, Frontier Rodeo Company was again honored as the PRCA Stock Contractor of the Year during the evening’s presentations. Not nearly every cowboy has the desire or abilities to be a rodeo pickup man. “It’s not as easy as others might think,” Bugbee had confirmed. “You have to be on the ball all the time. “Picking up is a two-cowboy job. You can’t do it alone. Fortunately, I’ve worked with several top pickup men,” Bugbee credited. He was obviously pleased working with two-time National Finals Rodeo pickup man Shawn “Too Tall” Calhoun at his last job. “It takes a special horse. Many horses just don’t make it.” Bugbee had insisted. “I’ve been through a lot of the horses over the years and fortunately ridden several outstanding pickup horses.” Rodeo wasn’t just a lifestyle for Rex Bugbee. It was a part of his life. From riding 4-H steers to saving cowboys as a pickup man in arenas across the country. “I think winning this award was because what a great guy he was. Rex always gave everyone his time and recognized everyone,” Teri said. Bugbee was selected to pick up at many major events including Cheyenne, Wyoming, Frontier Days twice and RFD-TV’s The American in Arlington, Texas. He also worked the Prairie Circuit Finals Rodeo multiple times. “Rex just loved what he did and loved going to the rodeos and seeing all the committeemen. He looked forward to every rodeo,” Teri said. “Rex had a big impact on rodeo. Everyone loved him and he loved them. Rex was always glad to get back home to his ranch family, but he loved what he did.” Abbyville native Justin Rumford, now of Ponca City, Oklahoma, was also honored that evening as the Clown of the Year.