The main attractions at the NFR Open at the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo are the amazing athletes who come to compete in Colorado Springs. The NFR Open is the most prestigious rodeo under the PRCA circuit system and will feature contestants in each event from each of the 12 U.S. circuits (plus Canada and Mexico), bringing more than 200 contestants to scenic and historic Norris Penrose Event Center for six competition rounds over the five days. The toughest and most talented cowboys and cowgirls in rodeo will compete in Bareback Riding, Breakaway Roping, Steer Wrestling, Team Roping, Saddle Bronc Riding, Tie-Down Roping, Barrel Racing and Bull Riding, culminating with a semifinals and finals on Saturday, July 13, when the national circuit champions will be crowned.
The Talent
Boyd Polhamus—Announcer
Polhamus joined the PRCA in 1986 as both a competitor and an announcer. His first foray into announcing at that level took place in Utopia, Texas in June of 1986. Two years later, Polhamus bucked his last horse and became a full-time announcer.
Since that first announcing job in Utopia, there was no turning back for Polhamus. During his career that has spanned 36 years, he has been actively involved in more than 1,000 rodeos with more than 4,500 performances across North America. His voice has become a staple at the Wrangler NFR, Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo, National Western Stock Show & Rodeo in Denver, San Angelo Stock Show & Rodeo, College National Finals Rodeo and many more.
Polhamus was named to succeed Shawn Davis as the production manager of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in November of 2017. He worked in that position through the 2019 NFR.
Born in Eau Claire, Wis., Polhamus discovered rodeo at a young age. He was the first three-time all-around high school cowboy in the state’s history. He continued his rodeo career at Texas State University, while also beginning his announcing career. In 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2012, his peers selected Polhamus as the PRCA Announcer of the Year. He also received the Lane Frost Lifetime Achievement Award in 2009.
Bob Tallman—Announcer
Bob Tallman is a 10-time PRCA Announcer of the Year and 2004 inductee to the ProRodeo Hall of Fame, having hosted the Gold Buckle Gala numerous times. In 2020 he was named the Legend of ProRodeo. Born Oct. 25, 1947, in Winnemucca, Nev., Tallman grew up on a ranch and tried his hand as a rodeo competitor, but he quickly discovered his forte was behind a microphone, as evidenced by his first PRCA Announcer of the Year Award in 1982.
During a career that has spanned more than five decades, Tallman has announced more than 15,000 rodeo performances in the U.S., Mexico, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Tallman worked his record 26th Wrangler National Finals Rodeo at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas in 2020.
Matt Tarr—Barrel Man
Matt is well known from coast to coast as a rodeo entertainer that brings smiles to fans' faces. He is a man on a mission, not only to fulfill his dream, but to be an ambassador of rodeo to millions. The western lifestyle is alive and well and Matt Tarr is a part of that tradition and legacy!
His quick wit and passion for making people laugh make him a natural rodeo clown and barrel man, and his many accolades tell the story. Matt is a seven-time WNFR Top-5 Barrelman, a four-time Coors Man in the Can nominee, a three-time Comedy Act nominee, and served as the 2019, 2022 and 2023 WNFR Alternate Barrelman. We look forward to seeing Matt's talents on display this summer at Norris Penrose Event Center!
Bryce Redo—Bullfighter
We are thrilled to welcome professional bullfighter Bryce Redo back to Norris Penrose Event Center for his second stint at the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo!
One of the best in the business, Bryce is at home on the biggest stages in rodeo, having worked both the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo and Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in 2022, and the Professional Bull Riders' World Finals in May 2023.
Cauy Kraut—Bullfighter
An up and coming talent hailing from Arizona, Cauy was named 2021 Bullfighters Only Reserve Rookie of the Year and has also competed in the Ultimate Bullfighting World Finals.
He's plied his trade at the Rodeo de Santa Fe on PRCA's Turquoise Circuit and will bring his skillset to the NFR Open at the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo in July 2024!
Specialty Acts
We're thrilled to welcome two of the best trick riders in rodeo to the NFR Open at the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo! Jessica Blair-Fowlkes got her start as one of Dolly Parton's lead performers at the Dixie Stampede in Pigeon Forge, TN while attending school at the University of Tennessee. Jessica has been dazzling rodeo crowds ever since, from Vegas to Cheyenne.
Dusti Dickerson has been perfecting her barefoot style of Roman riding since her first performance at age 11. A 2-time NFR Specialty Act, Dusti has also featured at Cheyenne Frontier Days, the Great Lakes PRCA Circuit Finals and the First Frontier PRCA Circuit Finals.
Pikes Peak Range Rider Pivots and Rangerettes
Our fans love the precision riding skills of the Pikes Peak Range Rider Pivots and Pikes Peak Rangerettes at the beginning of every performance at the NFR Open at the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo. The Rangerettes were organized in 1957 by the Pikes Peak Range Riders to promote horsemanship, sportsmanship, responsibility and precision riding for young women of the Pikes Peak Region, and to promote the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo. Functions and activities are held to encourage unity, self-improvement and enjoyment of horse-related activities. Please follow them on Facebook for more information.
The Animals in Rodeo
The bucking bulls and horses at Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo are some of the best athletes in the sport. These remarkable animals are owned by stock contractors who make sure the livestock is healthy, well-fed, and fit to perform. The care and treatment of these valuable animals is the top priority for these contractors. Pikes Peak or Bust shares in the responsibility of the care of these animals on-site at Norris Penrose Event Center by having professionally trained judges for each performance, and veterinary staff available throughout the event for any animal care needs.
