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STEER WRESTLING ONE FUN EVENT AMONG MANY AT FESTIVAL

By Erin France/OF THE COMMERCIAL STAFF
Friday, October 2, 2009 9:28 PM CDT

Like other rodeos, the Southeast Arkansas District Livestock Show, Rodeo and Fair at Hestand Stadium features steer wrestling.

A rodeo performer takes a tumble during rodeo activities at the Southeast Arkansas District Livestock Show, Rodeo and Fair. Pine Bluff Commercial/Ralph Fitzgerald

Steer wrestlers, also known as bulldoggers, move from saddles to a running calf, hooking their arms around the head and flipping the animal upside down — usually in 3 to 10 seconds.

“It’s just the adrenaline rush,” said Rusty Smith, president of the Arkansas Rodeo Association and a White Hall resident.

A second rider, called a hazer, keeps pace with the calf, herding it in a straight line for the bulldogger.

“He tells me that rodeo is the best drug ever invented,” said Rusty Smith’s wife, Jennifer Smith.

“Rusty’s 50 years old and he’s been steer wrestling since he was a teenager,” she said.

She said she learned about the rodeo from her husband. Thursday night she sat on a top bleacher at Hestand Stadium and recorded Rusty’s first night trial.

Southeast Arkansas fair steer wrestlers average three trials over three nights. Many cowboys did not immediately flip their calves Thursday night to help their overall score.

“I like the sportsmanship,” Jennifer Smith said. “It’s so family oriented.”

Plenty of families gathering in Hestand Stadium for the rodeo’s kickoff — including the Smith clan.

J.W. and Carole Smith presided over a large brood from their seats in the stands.

Besides Rusty, Carole Smith said the couple claims two more children, seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. That’s not counting the in-laws, nephews and long-time family friends chatting, riding or roping nearby.

J.W. Smith said he started the family trend.

“When I got released out of the Army I joined the Pine Bluff Saddle Club,” he said.

Members of the club competed in different rodeo events and J.W. Smith said he started participating.

“It was just a hobby,” he said. “It was just a weekend deal.”

Now Rusty and Jennifer Smith’s 10-year-old son, Ruston is slated to practice wrestling his first steer this weekend.

Ruston Smith pointed to his grandfather.

“He doesn’t think I can,” he said. “Cause I’m small.”

J.W. Smith smiled and said he had a little calf in mind for his grandson.

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