Dos Amigos bull rides still alive after nearly three decades

Brandon Inskeep has gone to the monthly Dos Amigos bull riding competitions since he was a little boy, and now the 23-year-old works the event hauling bulls up to the corral.

"It really hasn’t changed since I was younger. It’s always a good time and a great crowd," he said.

His mother, Cyndi Inskeep, is the manager of Monahans Main Street and said many like to come out and see the fun at the long-standing Odessa event offering fun for both rider and spectator.

"We’re a rodeo family and have always had a huge interest," she said. She said rider Scotty Cox practically grew up with the family.

Dos Amigos schedules open bull rides to allow more people to show the spectators how good of riders they are. Cox said a key aspect to providing bulls as riding stock is keeping the bulls going because bad habits can develop in the bulls if they aren’t active enough.

Dos Amigos owner Rick Purcell said the venue has had bull riding for the past 27 years. He believes it’s the longest running circuit ride in the country, as events take place monthly except for some of the colder months.

"It’s an integral part of Dos Amigos, something I kept up when I bought the place," Purcell said. "I’m from Pennsylvania. I never saw a bull ride until I saw Dos Amigos. It’s just part of the culture."

He said the event is designed to be something parents can bring their kids to, while being a unique way to experience the thrill of bull riding.

Anybody can sign up for the open bull ride by paying the $75 fee, with prizes varying based upon the number of riders signed up.

Purcell said the circuit is famous enough that a 1998 buckle provided to a bull ride winner ended up on the cover of "Elle" magazine in September 2008. Jessica Simpson wore the buckle because it had came into the hands of the agency choosing clothing for the photo shoot.

While each bull rider is different, Cox said he doesn’t really see much when the gate opens and the bull charges onto the dirt desperately trying to buck him off.

"I only see bits and pieces of the ride. I don’t know how long it lasts," he said. "The adrenaline and the people are great."

Junior rider Bonner Bolton has been going to Dos Amigos for 10 years, growing up in the sport. His dad is a former rider, so Bonner grew up watching videos of his father. He said Dos riding is different from a major event because of the more intimate setting.

"It’s a more laid back atmosphere, and sometimes the bulls are a little less tough," Bolton said.

He said the monthly rides give young guys a chance to learn the skills needed to thrive and step up to a more professional level.

Sul Ross student Jamon Turner said he enjoys riding because he’s good at it and has been coming for three years. While at school, he rides bulls several times a week, while he tries to get on one or two a day during summer.

If one wants to start riding, he has a pointer: "The biggest thing is to keep forward," he said.

THAT’S NO BULL

>> Dos Amigos schedules monthly open bull rides for those who want to show off their skills. The next ride will take place Sept. 20, with doors opening at 2 p.m. and the ride starting at 5 p.m. For information, call Dos Amigos at 368-7556.