Pinnt wins the 24th Annual Bull Riders Challenge
VERNAL, UTAH – The adrenaline-pumping sport of bull riding took center stage once again as the 24th Annual Bull Riders Challenge, Utah’s Premier Bull Riding Event! Featuring bull riders from 11 states and some of the world’s toughest bulls, the Bull Riders Challenge promised heart-stopping action and fierce competition as cowboys vie for the prestigious title and beloved gold buckle.
This championship represents the epitome of bravery, skill, and sheer determination. We are proud to be able to continue providing a platform for riders to showcase their talents while entertaining audiences with the electrifying spectacle of man versus beast.
Ty Pinnt, the 23-year-old sensation from Craig, Colorado, arrived at the arena with more than just his gear and grit. As the 2022 BRC Champ and gold buckle winner, Pinnt carried the weight of expectation alongside his determination to defend his title.
Kicking off the event Friday evening, Pinnt blazed a trail of excellence with an impressive 88.5-point ride astride P S Bucking Bulls “Gangsta John”. He continued the following evening with an 84-point ride atop “Krispy Krunch” from Rockin B Rodeo, culminating in a commanding lead with a total combined score of 172.5-points claiming his second BRC Championship Title, his second gold buckle and $5,000.00.
Pinnt’s dedication to his craft and his family shone through as he reflected on the hard work and sacrifices that have brought him to this moment. His poignant dedication to his grandfather serves as a testament to the deep connections and motivations that drove him as a bull rider to excel. Not only did Pinnt recognize the major role his grandfather played in the success of his second, First-place gold buckle, he also made it a point to honor his own hard work as well as his Lord and Savior. Pinnt states “I’m out there at 12 o’clock at night and early in the morning getting in the gym, getting on the bull, taking care of all my animals, and working for my family. That’s what drives me every day. When I come here, I put all of that to the side and tell myself ‘You’ve done your hard work, now put it into God’s hands’. Giving 100% to God is all that matters, he’ll take care of the rest!”
19-year-old Brody Hasenack from Weatherford, Texas by way of Jackson Hole, Wyoming placed second with a total of 164.5-points, earning himself $3,000.00 and a silver buckle. Hasenack successfully rode his first two bulls, one earning him a score of 83.5 points on “Flight Risk” from R&R Bucking Bulls and a second score of 81-points on “Carmelo” from P S Bucking Bulls.
In an interview, Hasenack humbly recognized the struggle it was to ride his last bull in the Short Go. “Getting bucked off always takes a toll on ya,” he said. “That bull had me thinking and I made too big of a move, so he got me down.” His upbeat attitude and determination to bounce back after a challenging round exemplifies the spirit of perseverance that defines bull riding. Despite any setbacks, Brody’s focus remains on the next opportunity to ride and succeed. He said, “seeing some of my friends bucked off and myself bucking off that third round was painful. But, knowing that we’re all going to get to ride one more day is something I will always be grateful for.”
This year’s third place finisher, 25-year-old Austin Allred from Cleveland, Utah, totaled 151.5-points on two-head. Allred’s first ride scored him 77.5-points on R&R Bucking Bulls “High Roller” followed up with a second score of 74-points on “Second Chance” from Rockin B Rodeo. For a decade, Allred has been a steadfast presence at the event, whether competing himself or cheering on his younger brother Dalton, who also competed alongside him this year. Reflecting on his own performance, Allred expressed pride in his perseverance throughout the competition. He remarked, “I’ve really been struggling after coming off a bad neck injury. I’ve been doubting myself and losing faith so to be able to hold this check feels so good!”
Allred attributes his passion for the sport to the legacy his grandfather started within their family. “My Grandpa Arch is where it all started. He makes me a third-generation bull rider,” Allred said. With his grandfather’s recent passing serving as a poignant reminder of his roots, Allred cherishes the inspiration and guidance he continues to draw from his family’s heritage. Allred says, “When I ride, I ride for him.”
As we reflect on this year’s Bull Riders Challenge, let us remember the passion, determination, and camaraderie that unite us all in the sport of bull riding. Here’s to many more years of exhilarating rides, unforgettable moments, and shared memories in the arena.
Ride on!
