Bad Company Rodeo’s mascot – Party Animal

Have you got a minute? Let me tell you a little bit about a friend of mine. I once had a friend who was a friend to everyone. He live a full life, bringing happiness, excitement and a little fulfillment to all he met. Many found happiness in just being in the gentle giants presence and giving him a loving pat on his neck. Others found excitement just being at an arm reach of a true rodeo athletic and star who they just witnessed preforming in the arena. And to some who dreamed of being a bull rider it was as close as they would ever get to feeling the rush of adrenaline just being able to sit atop a true to life bucking bull. Experiencing fulfillment. My friend’s name was “ Party Animal “ He loved his role at “Bad Company Rodeo”. After all it consists of some: Lazy days just hanging out behind the chutes or at the ranch enjoying the best grain and hay Mack could buy. JR Gamboa always provided him generous helpings. Weekdays he enjoyed visiting the kids at school, parades down Main Street, or where ever the Public Relations agenda had him booked. Mark and Chad always made sure he was dressed to the nines, with his finest wild rag wrapped around his neck. And then, I know he enjoyed his weekends in the bright lights just being the superstar he was! After his laid back week of being “Mr. Nice Guy” It was his turn to show everyone why he was the star he was. As the rodeo began and the rattling of the chute gates rang in his ears he transitioned in to the rodeo athlete that burned inside. He was there on this and every Saturday night to give “Smurf” all he had! And Smurf was there to give “Party” all that he had. There was nothing to lose or nothing to win, for no entry fees had been paid, except the heart of those in the stands. So, He and I would give them our all in hopes happiness could be delivered to all. As soon as the whistle blew or I hit the dirt it was back to Mr. Nice Guy” for Party Animal. You see it was time to give all those kids who had been watching a ride. Sometimes five or six at a time. One to remember, the best one yet! “Party Animal” and Bad Co. Rodeo. 

– Micheal “Smurf” Horton – 1987 World Champion Bullfighter

Party Animal is being immortalized again with his own t-shirt in the all new Bad Company Rodeo merchandise line produced by Hooey and coming out in the Fall of 2025 to a retail store near you.

Bad Co. Rodeo was bless with the best mascot anyone could ask for in “Party Animal”. A true to life bucking bull willing to take on the task of promoting Bad Co. Rodeo through being a gentle giant. Being gentle and loving to all who wanted to experience him up close, while at the same time a fierce competitor to anyone wanting to try and make an eight second ride upon his back. I tried my hand at him many a time! Some successful and sometimes not. Truly I find myself the winner to have experienced such a magnificent animal ! Thanks to Mack for making it all happen ! 

–  Michael “Smurf” Horton – 1987 World Champion Bullfighter