Categories: Rodeo News

Bull Riding and WMPO Rodeo Party Hosted by The Thunderbirds

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Believe it or not, this spectacular bull-riding event was held at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess Hotel & Resorts grand pavilion tennis court in Scottsdale, Arizona. Including an exclusive concert by the famous American Country Music band, Parmalee. The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess is an AAA 5 Diamond Scottsdale luxury resort, which made a beautiful setting for this high-class (CLN) Cowboy Lifestyle Network bull riding competition and kick off party for the (WMPO) Waste Management Phoenix Open hosted by The Thunderbirds.

WMPO Director Cheryl Ruggiero, Thunderbird Andy Markham and CLN’s Patrick “OD” O’Donnell

When CLN’s founder, Patrick O’Donnell and WMPO Thunderbird, Andy Markham ran into each other at a Buffalo Chip Saloon Bull Riding event in Cave Creek, AZ last summer, a vision of something that has never been done before emerged from thin air. Markham asked “OD” if it was possible to come together to put on a bull-riding event for the Waste Management Phoenix Open private kick-off party at the Fairmont Pavilion. “Absolutely,” replied O’Donnell. But special thanks to Cheryl Ruggiero AKA “The Redheaded Cowgirl” of Waste Management Phoenix Open and all her hard work, the entire event was a complete success, as she did a remarkable job making sure everything went smoothly throughout the night.

People arrived at the WMPO Rodeo opening night party shocked to see a bull-riding arena set up on the tennis court at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess. As people migrated inside the tent, they got a taste of what the Western lifestyle is all about. Nathan Dean and the Damn Band kicked off the party off right with some amazing music and covers by Country Music’s biggest artists.

Country Music artist, Laura Walsh

Accordingly, the party migrated outside to the Fairmont Pavilion as Country Music artist, Laura Walsh, graced the crowd as she sang the National Anthem to kick off the bull riding event. With K4 Bucking Bulls (Gina and Luke Krout) bull herd and some of the best bull riders and bull fighters around, there was no question that this was going to be a phenomenal event to start the Waste Management Phoenix Open off right. Meanwhile, Australia’s legendary bull fighter Luke Krout was the official announcer of the event. At the same time, Jake Jacobson, the Vice President of Parada del Sol Rodeo was there making sure the sound was on point and the music playlist was just right.

Near the end of January, the weather couldn’t have been better in Scottsdale, Arizona. With sponsor banners from WM Phoenix Open Thunderbirds, Cowboy Lifestyle Network, Coors Banquet, Coors Light, Crescent Crown Distributing, Alliance Beverage Distributing Co., Annexus, Waste Management, Oakley, SRP, Kyocera and Sprint placed around the arena’s fences, this unforgettable bull riding event was set in-motion.

The bull riding was split up into two segments, with a total of 12 bulls and 6 riders totaling 12 total bull rides. Along with some adrenaline packed bull riding, came some gnarly Rodeo Wrecks that had the Phoenix Open crowd in awe.

Walt and Addison Brown donated $1000 to Dusty Ephrom who was the winner of the WMPO Bull Riding Challenge

Canadian bull rider, Dusty Ephrom, won with the best ride and 8 second ride winning the Waste Management Bull Riding Challenge Buckle, $1,000 and a signed electric guitar signed by Dierks Bentley to give back to the Thunderbirds charities.
Parmalee rocked the stage after the bull riding event for the Waste Management Phoenix Open kick-off party featuring their #1 hit song, “Carolina.”

Special thanks to everyone that made the bull riding event and WMPO Rodeo opening party a complete success. We are looking forward to doing it again next year.

Aaron Kuhl

Aaron Kuhl is a passionate advocate for the western lifestyle, bringing a wealth of experience and expertise to his role as Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Cowboy Lifestyle Network (CLN). Growing up as an Arizona native, with a mother who worked for Wrangler Western for over 30 years, Aaron was immersed in the cowboy culture from a young age. Aaron and his sister Heather grew up watching rodeos, as their grandfather and uncle were PRCA ProRodeo cardholders. This early exposure has given him a profound understanding and appreciation for the western way of life. Aaron went to Corona del Sol High School in Tempe, AZ, then to the University of Arizona in Tucson, AZ, where he received a Bachelor of Science after creating his own major. This unique course of study wove together Business Marketing, Geography, Sociology, Philosophy, and Religion. After graduating from the University of Arizona, Aaron joined CLN in its nascent stages, contributing to its growth and development over the past decade. As COO, Aaron manages operations, using AI to streamline processes and analyze data, ensuring CLN remains a leading voice. With expertise in business development, he innovates and cultivates client relationships, supporting CLN’s exponential growth. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Aaron values his faith, family, and friends, which are the cornerstones of his life. This personal foundation, combined with his professional expertise, makes him a trusted and authoritative voice in the western lifestyle community. Aaron’s commitment to philanthropy is the bedrock of his personal ethos. He actively supports local Arizona organizations such as the Boys & Girls Club, Chandler Compadres, Horses Help, Harris Brothers Charity Foundation, and the American Heart Association (among others), reflecting his dedication to giving back and strengthening the community he calls home. Through his work, Aaron aims to preserve and promote the traditions of the west, ensuring that the spirit of the cowboy lives on for future generations.