Bill Pickett: The Original Bulldogger
William Pickett is a true cowboy legend. He entered the world around 1871 in Travis Country, Texas. His family tree was a mix of African-American, Caucasian, and Cherokee Native American. He and four of his brothers founded the Pickett Brothers Bronco Busters and Rough Riders Association. He invented the art of Bulldogging, or Steer Wrestling, by watching the way his dogs would bring down a runaway steer. He jumped onto the back of the steer and used it's horns to wrestle it to the ground.
The Dusky Demon
His reputation attracted the promoters of the 101 Ranch Wild West Show and soon Bill Picket was a national star. He worked alongside Western greats like Will Rogers, Buffalo Bill, and Tom Mix. He was billed on show show posters as The Dusky Demon, which is not so subtle indication of the racial prejudice that he dealt every day. He blazed a path for Black cowboys and in 1971 he became the first African-American to be National Cowboy Hall of Fame. His name was added to the roster of the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame in 1989.
The Rodeo
Bill Pickett's legend is the inspiration for the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo. The event packs the Los Angeles Equestrian Center every time the Rodeo comes to town. It attracts a primarily African-American crowd, but anyone and everyone will have a blast. It's especially fun for families. The kids are invited into the arena to take part in special events and they even get to take rides on the horses.
The Riders
The Rodeo draws elite African-American cowboys and cowgirls from all over the country. They're a mix of experienced pros, up and comers, and national stars like Bull Riding Champion Justin Richard.
The Horses
At the evening's close some spectators start to rush for the exit to beat the traffic. That's a mistake. After the competition is over there is still one special event left. The riders fill the center of the ring and then a group of spectacular wild horses thunders into the ring and circles the arena. They run with no riders, no saddles, just pure spirit and beauty. It's a spellbinding moment.
The Music
If the ridin' and ropin' weren't enough they've got fired-up country music to boot. Country star Milo Marks in currently touring with the show. New Music Weekly named her the Best New Country Artist of 2006. She gets the arena jumping with songs like The Son My Daddy Never Had and Feelin' the Rain.
Cowboy Church
If the Rodeo's in town on Sunday, they will host a church service in the arena on Sunday at 10am. Get your boots on and check it out. It's a unique experience.
Events
- Bare Back
- Eight seconds of bare back ridin' madness.
- Tie-Down Ropin'
- Rope 'em and tie 'em.
- Bull Doggin'
- Steer Wrestling demands strength, speed and perfect timing.
- Ladies Steer Undecoratin'
- Grab a ribbon off a running steer.
- Ladies Barrel Racin'
- A timed course around barrels.
- Junior Barrel Racin'
- Tomorrow's champions try the barrels.
- Bull Ridin'
- Cowboys face off with 2,000 pounds of angry bull.
Rodeo For Kidz Sake
The Rodeo hosts a special event for kids of all ages called Rodeo For Kidz Sake. Come down and learn about Bill Pickett and the Rodeo, see the horses and meet your favorite riders.
Rodeo Basics
- 2007 Schedule for Los Angeles
- Time:
- Saturday, July 14, 6:30pm
- Sunday, July 15, 3:30pm
- Special Kids show - Rodeo For Kidz Sake
- Friday, July 13, 10:30am
- Place: The Los Angeles Equestrian Center
- 480 Riverside Dr. Burbank, CA 91506
- Phone: (818) 840-9063
- Email Mr. Ed
- Map to the Equestrian Center
- Tickets: $15 in advance, $24 at the gate
- The Bill Picket Invitational Rodeo Website
- Time:
Local's Tip
The food lines will be long, …very long. Grab your vittles when you first arrive and beat the rush. If the kids burn out on the action in the arena, take them to the practice rings out back where the cowboys will take them for rides on the horses.
