The PRCA has announced the barrelman, pickup men, and bullfighters who will play a vital role at the 2023 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, presented by Teton Ridge.
The Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, presented by Teton Ridge and held in Las Vegas, Nevada from Dec. 7-16, is a highly anticipated event that brings together the world's top 15 cowboys and cowgirls to compete for top honors. Ensuring the safety of the athletes and animals is of utmost importance, which is why multiple personnel are involved in the event. The PRCA has now revealed the names of these vital pros following a rigorous selection process.
John Harrison will serve as the barrelman for the event, with Matthew Tarr as the alternate. Barrelmen are an essential part of the rodeo, providing entertainment and a protective barrier between the cowboys and the bulls. Working with the announcer, arena crew, and crowd is quite the task that Harrison has proved qualified for.
Tyler Kraft, Josh Edwards, and Matt Twitchell will serve as the pickup men for the event, with Twitchell as the alternate. The pickup men will ensure the safe and efficient handling of the animals during the roughstock events, while assisting cowboys as needed.
The bullfighters are NFR veterans as well with Dusty Tuckness, Cody Webster, and Nathan Jestes ensuring cowboy and livestock safety. Their role is to distract and divert the attention of the bulls away from fallen or injured cowboys, thus protecting the riders.
The presence of these skilled personnel adds to the excitement of the event while ensuring the safety of all participants and animals involved.
