Honoring A Young Cowboy That Left The World Too Soon

When tragedy strikes, the rodeo community comes together. In early May, a respected Western Slope ranch bronc rider passed away unexpectedly. In light of the tragic accident, the 1st Annual Hunter Norman Memorial Bulls & Ranch Broncs event has been established as a tribute to Hunter Scott Norman, the cowboy the world lost too soon.

Speaking of the event, Hunter’s former girlfriend Emma Rushing said,“Hunter and I had been wanting to put something like this on for years. Riding bucking horses was one of his passions and this rodeo will share that with not only the rodeo and ranch community, but with the local community as well.  He was a very special person and although he has already made a huge impact on everyone in his life, through this rodeo, he will continue to do so and we can keep accomplishing his life missions. I’m excited to ride in his honor, I hope to draw well, the stock will be top notch, the cowboys will be top notch.”

In order to better support the memorial rodeo, please read the full press release below. Information for cowboys and cowgirls who would like to enter is included in the release, as well as ticket information for those who would like to attend.

1^st Annual Hunter Norman Memorial Bulls & Ranch Broncs

Grand Junction, Colorado (May 22, 2018) – The 1^st Annual Hunter Norman Memorial Bulls & Ranch Broncs debuts on Saturday, June 23^rd, 2018 at 7pm at the Mesa County Fairgrounds in Grand Junction, Colorado. The event pays tribute and honors respected Western Slope ranch bronc rider, Hunter Scott Norman who passed away unexpectedly earlier this month. With an added guarantee of $3000+ for ranch broncs and $2500+ for bull riding, the event is anticipated to draw competitors from near and far.

Organizers of the memorial include family and long-time friends of the Fruita Monument High School Class of 2016 graduate Hunter Norman. This annual memorial helps the community celebrate the young cowboy’s life through his love and passion for ranch bronc riding and by putting on the best bronc and bull riding event that has come to the area. Event organizer and two-time Colorado Bullfighter of the Year (2007, 2013), Tyler Williams and his wife, Crystal have been engrained in the Western Slope community their whole lives and promise to put on an unforgettable annual event this year and for many years to come.

For those interested in competing in the 1^st Annual Hunter Norman Memorial Bulls & Ranch Broncs, details are as follows:

• $3000+ added guarantee for Ranch Broncs (limited to 30 riders)
• $2500+ added guarantee for Bull Riding (limited to 20 riders)
• Top 10 to Short-Go
• Payouts for 1^st, 2^nd & 3^rd places (plus other awards)
• Buckles, spurs, jackets & a bronc halter awarded to high point rider in Ranch Broncs
• Ranch Broncs Entry Fee – $200; Bull Riding Entry Fee – $150
• ½ of entry fee must be paid before June 8^th, 2018 (cashier’s check, money order or cash)
• Entry fees are non-refundable

Special thanks to buckle sponsors Diamond Peak Cattle Company and Twin Butte Ranch. Special thanks to stock contractors Ty Farris, Lonny Lancaster, Bryan Flynn and Wes Clegg of 7C Buckers. And special thanks to event sponsor Growing Spaces Greenhouses based in Pagosa Springs, Colorado.

Ticket prices are $10 for adults (5 years old and over); $25 for family of four; $5 for Seniors (65 years and older) and all children under 5 years old are free.  The Mesa County Fairgrounds is located at 2785 US-50, Grand Junction, CO 81503. For more details on Mesa County Fairgrounds, visit mesacounty.us/fairgrounds/events/ or call 970-255-7107.

For entry fee registrations and other details, please contact Tyler and Crystal Williams at 970-589-2369. For sponsorship opportunities, please contact Scott Norman at 970-471-5900. To donate to the event, please visit: gofundme.com/hunter-norman-memorial-rodeo2018.