35th Bud Light Cowboy Downhill

Nearly 70 ProRodeo Cowboys & Cowgirls Competed In World’s Most Unique Ski Rodeo

STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, CO--January 20, 2009—Riding took on a whole new meaning for 64 professional rodeo cowboys from around the United States, Canada, New Zealand and Australia as they participated in the 35th Annual Bud Light Cowboy Downhill in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. The cowboys and cowgirls traded in their bulls and broncs for skis and snowboards in the legendary race series at the base of Mt. Werner.

The event began with the dual slalom where side by side courses tested the racers speed, agility and rodeo skills. Competitors had to race down the gates, survive the large jump in the middle, lasso a Steamboat Ambassador, saddle a horse and cross the finish line in the fastest time. Just surviving the course was tough enough as many cowboys were bucked from their equipment on the jump or had to deal with a less than cooperating horse near the finish line. Everyone finished in one piece and with smiles on their face.

Jed Moore (Bib #12), a bull rider from Cheyenne, WY, won the dual slalom event with a time of 25.96 seconds. Jed improved vastly shaving off almost 5 second from his 7th place finish last year (30.31 seconds). This is the third year in a row that a bull rider has taken the top spot. Dustin Mulroney (Bib #10), a bareback rider from Pomery, WA, took second place with a time of 26.93 seconds. Third place went to Eric Brynildson (Bib #5), a steer wrestler from Rifle, CO., with a time of 27.69 seconds.

The highlight and fan favorite event of the 35th Bud Light Cowboy Downhill was the Stampede event. With the course cleared and only the jump to master, it was every cowboy for themselves as all the racers stormed down the mountain in the winner-takes-all race. Jed Moore proved he really was the fastest cowboy in the west by taking first place in the chaotic Stampede event. Not to be out down, Jared Johnston, a bareback rider from Stephenville, TX, was honored as the best wreck of the day on the slalom course when he cleared the jump, but then crashed into the next gate, lost a ski, flipped around and then somersaulted down the hill.

35th ANNUAL BUD LIGHT COWBOY DOWNHILL RESULTS

1. Jed Moore (#12), Cheyenne, WY 25.96
2. Dustin Mulroney (#10), Pomeroy, WA 25.93
3. Eric Brynildson (#5,) Rifle, CO 27.96
4. Wes Burns (#15), Stephenville, TX 29.35
5. Jesse Kruse (#51) Great Fall, MT 29.49
6. Winston Kusler (#45), Havre, MT 29.77
7. Scott Montague (#7), Rapid City, SD 30.07
8. Tyrell Nelson (#30), Cheyenne, WY 32.39
9. Luke Butterfield (#32), Ponoka, AB 33.43
10. Todd Herzog (#38), Penhold, AB 34.20

The Cowboy Downhill was the brainchild of Billy Kidd, Steamboat’s Director of Skiing, and Larry Mahan, six-time All-Around World Champion cowboy, when 35 years ago they decided to invite a few ProRodeo stars to Steamboat for a day of skiing. Three and a half decades later, the Bud Light Cowboy Downhill has become one of the most popular and unique ski rodeos in North America featuring cowboys from ProRodeo World Champions and first-timers on skis and snowboards. Billy Kidd and Larry Mahan are still an active part of the event and this year’s competition began with the two pre-running the race.

The Bud Light Cowboy Downhill is always scheduled in January to coincide with the National Western Stock Show and Rodeo in Denver. Participants must be entered at the Stock Show and be a member of the ProRodeo Cowboys Association or the Professional Bull Riders to compete in the event.

www.steamboat.com