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 18, when the national circuit champions will be crowned.
The Talent
Bob Tallman—Announcer
During a career that has spanned more than three decades, Bob Tallman has announced nearly 15,000 rodeo performances in the United States, Mexico, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. His gravel-laced baritone and his story-telling prowess are legendary in ProRodeo. In recent years Tallman has become the voice of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo: he's announced the Wrangler NFR a record 17 times, including a record nine straight.
Born Oct. 25, 1947, in Winnemucca, Nev., Tallman tried his hand as a rodeo competitor, but he quickly discovered his forte was behind a microphone, as evidenced by his being named PRCA Announcer of the Year in 1982, 1987, 1997 and 1999-2001.
Tallman’s philosophy is simple, yet effective. “Tell them the truth,” he said. “Say what you are seeing because the fans are seeing the same thing that you are. And if you can’t be positive, don’t say anything.”
Doug Mathis—Announcer
Over the course of his illustrious 35-year career, Doug Mathis has become one of the top rodeo announcers in the PRCA, being heard all over the country at rodeos like the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo, National Circuit Finals Steer Roping, New Mexico State Fair & Rodeo, and Kit Carson County Rodeo. He has also announced the Mountain States Circuit Finals, Prairie Circuit Finals and the Wilderness Circuit Finals, in addition to serving as the voice of the Evergreen, Colorado PRCA rodeo for the last 26 years. In 2019 Mathis was honored with the PRCA Announcer of the Year Award.
In addition to his announcing duties, Mathis' voice can also be heard on TV and radio in various commercials. Doug has also appeared in the film "Pure Country" with George Strait, and in Season 4, Episode 9 of the Taylor Sheridan’s "Yellowstone". Doug has worked in the NFR media room for over 26 years, making sure the round winners get to their TV interviews each night in addition to facilitating interview requests from the media.
When Doug and his beautiful wife Dee are not on the road, they can be found on their ranch outside Stephenville, TX enjoying family time with their daughter Shiloh and her husband Luke, as well as their grandson Brodie.
Barrel Man—Matt Merritt
Known for his impeccable humor and impressive dancing skills, Matt Merritt is a rodeo favorite for fans of all ages. This globetrotter has performed in 48 states, Canada, New Zealand, and Australia! No matter where he travels to, Merritt finds ways to incorporate local flavor to cater each show to his audience.
Matt’s been a professional rodeo clown for 20 years. It’s his job to do the comedy and entertain the crowd when there are gaps in the show and during commercial breaks. Besides being an entertainer, Matt also acts as barrel man, meaning that during the bull riding event, he gets inside a padded barrel and distracts the angry bull long enough to for the cowboys to make their escape.
Specialty Act—Flying Arena Stars
Sisters Shyla, Layna and Clara Navarre are the Flying Arena Stars, professional entertainers that are following the footsteps of their deeply rooted family tradition. The girls' parents, Corey and Melissa Navarre, make their home in Weatherford, OK, and Melissa passes the art of trick riding down to her girls as a third generation of performers.
The young trio found themselves in Las Vegas at the WNFR in 2023 performing as one of the selected Specialty Acts. Being chosen to work together at the NFR is the highlight of the girls' young career thus far—we can't wait to watch them add the NFR Open to the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo to their accolades in July!
Beau Schueth—Bullfighter
Hailing from Nebraska, Beau Schueth’s love for rodeo was ignited at a young age as he watched the Clearwater Rodeo from the stands. While many young rodeo fans dream of roping or riding, Beau chose a different path—one of bravery and selflessness—as a bullfighter.
Since joining the PRCA in 2018, Beau has fought his way to the top with grit, determination and dedication. Today, he’s known across the circuit for his quick feet, fearless attitude, and unwavering commitment to keeping riders safe.
Tyler Dahl—Bullfighter
We're pleased to welcome Tyler Dahl to the NFR Open at the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo! Hailing from Oklahoma, Tyler walked onto his college rodeo team as a bullfighter at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College, and the rest is history. He's been fighting bulls professionally for over a decade, joining the PRCA in 2017.
Dahl's many accolades include 2015 Creek County Fair Freestyle Bullfights Champion, 2018 Mustache Bash Protection Champion, 2020 Fort Worth Bull Sale Protection Champion, and a 2021 Prairie Circuit Finals appearance.
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 to learn more.
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.
