Country Lifestyles

Cotton and Reno Rosser of Flying U Rodeo Co.

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Cotton Rosser – Photo by MattCohen

Hundreds of thousands have attended a rodeo at some time or another somewhere in the United States. While cheering and watching in amazement at the skills of the Western athletes performing in the arena, few give a thought about the livestock that are also a part of the PRCA and PBR shows. The animals are bred, raised and provided by stock contracting firms like the company run by Cotton Rosser, his son Reno, daughter Cindy and other family members.

About the Flying U Rodeo Co.

Flying U Rodeo Co Bucking Stock

After an unfortunate accident on the ranch in 1956, Cotton Rosser could no longer compete in rodeos. He determined to focus his energy in a different direction. He purchased the Flying U Rodeo Co. and became a stock contractor. In the years since, the Rosser family worked hard to make their outfit one of the most successful and well-known stock contracting firms known to professional rodeo. Cotton Rosser maintains his life as a cowboy.

The Flying U Rodeo Co. has produced many award winning bulls. Bones was awarded Bull of the Year in 2008. Black Pearl became the World Champion Classic Bull in 2009. Pure Smoke was named World Champion Futurity Bull of 2009. Champion generations have also come from this stock.

Rodeo is Show Business

Cotton Rosser and family

Cotton is also known for his spectacular rodeo productions that often include extravagant opening ceremonies. These presentations were seen that the Grand National Rodeo in San Francisco, the Houston Livestock Show and at the National Finals Rodeo. Rosser believes that the show is what keeps audiences coming back for more.

Growing up, Cotton Rosser was influenced by the cowboys of the day, which included Gene Autry. From the 1930s through the 1950s, each stock contractor added a touch of flair by using silver-studded saddles, matching horses and other forms of decoration. The grand entry was a gala pageant that featured every competing cowboy.

Cotton Rosser via FlyingU website

With entertainment and competition in mind, Cotton in addition to acting as a stock contractor, he introduced various unique events to PRCA and PBR shows that have included Bull Poker, Bull Teeter-Totter, Roman Chariot Races and the Wild Ride. Some of the most well-known competitors in bronc riding wore unbelievable costumes and climbed aboard some of the fiercest bucking horses in the business. The stock originated from the Flying U Co.

For any information concerning PRCA or PBR events, fans can count on the Cowboy Lifestyle Network. The website remains a leading source and community for everything cowboy and Western sports.

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.

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