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 12, 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.
Garrett Yerigan—Announcer
Garrett Yerigan's announcing career began at age six, and two decades later, he's become a household name in the sport of rodeo. A two-time PRCA Announcer of the Year, he grew up around rodeo and learned the ropes from a "Who's Who" of announcing legends including Clem McSpadden, Hadley Barrett, Bob Tallman, and our very own Boyd Polhamus.
During his career, Yerigan has announced a list of prestigious events including Cheyenne Frontier Days, Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo, and the inaugural Cinch Playoffs Governor's Cup. This summer, he will add the NFR Open at the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo to that impressive resume, and we couldn't be more excited!
Rodeo Entertainment: Johnny "Backflip" Dudley—Barrel Man
As a professional rodeo clown with over two decades of experience, Johnny Dudley has become a beloved figure both in big-time events and small-town rodeos. Known for his quick wit and athletic antics, "Backflip" keeps crowds on their toes and laughing until their sides hurt. His talents were honored with the Coors Man in the Can award in 2019.
Dudley brings a unique CV to the world of rodeo that includes an eight-year stint in the United States Marines Corps and a college degree in International Business. We look forward to seeing Dudley's talents on display this summer at Norris Penrose Event Center!
Rodeo Entertainment: Allan Dessel
A self-avowed adrenaline junkie, Allan Dessel got his first taste of bullfighting at age 15 and was hooked, parlaying that into a successful stint as a PRCA bullfighter, working at NFR and several Great Lakes Circuit Finals across the Midwest.
Urged by peers to give rodeo clowning a try, Dessel found his clown act to be a natural evolution from bullfighting—needless to say, it's worked out well! Dessel has found success working solely as a clown since 2020 and we can't wait to see his high-energy antics in July 2025.
Cody Emerson—Bullfighter
Over the course of an illustrious pro bullfighting career, Cody Emerson has demonstrated his talent on the biggest stages in rodeo, racking up accolades including being named a 4x Top 5 PRCA Bullfighter of the Year and winning a Freestyle World Championship in 2012.
Emerson works a full slate of rodeos from coast to coast and has claimed additional individual bullfighting honors in Salinas, CA and on the RAM Texas Circuit. Both our contestants and fans will be lucky to have him at the NFR Open at the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo!
Erick Schwindt—Bullfighter
An up-and-coming talent hailing from Oregon, Erick followed his older brother into the rodeo business and has been fighting bulls since the young age of 13. He's since plied his trade at numerous rodeos from the Pacific Northwest to Oklahoma.
He was thrilled to be named to his first NFR Open and we're excited to see his talents on full display at Norris Penrose Event Center in July 2025.
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.
