Blair bringing trick riding to Bonner County Rodeo

PRCA event features top regional riders

By ERIC PLUMMER

Sports editor

SANDPOINT — A handful of some of the toughest cowboys in the region will ride bulls, wrestle steers and hop atop bucking broncos as the Bonner County Rodeo rolls into town on Friday and Saturday night at the Fairgrounds.

But some of the craziest and most adrenaline-charged action will be taking place in a new event to the popular local rodeo, which continues to grow in stature, as a pair of trick-riders will also be performing.

Jessica Blair and Madison MacDonald will perform each night in both trick riding, which is doing a variety of acrobatics and stunts while blazing around the arena on a horse, and Roman riding, where the rider performs tricks while standing atop two — yes two — horses.

Did we mention Blair plans to jump a fire barrier while standing with a foot atop each horse? Even for someone who has been riding horses her entire life, it’s an amazing feat and inherently dangerous. But for Blair, it’s just part of a night’s work.

“Even bull riders tell us we’re crazy,” claimed Blair, admitting injuries aren’t a matter of if but when. “The freak accident can always happen, but you have good animals, good training and take the time to learn the tricks. I’ve been very fortunate.”

Blair, 30, grew up in Tennessee but currently calls Kentucky home. She does between 40-45 rodeos a year, currently touring the country with MacDonald and her 2 year-old child.

Considering her immense skill and athleticism, thrill-seeking nature and love of horses, the job was a no-brainer for Blair.

“It was a way to turn a hobby into a career. I’m an adrenaline junkie. You can be girly and a little bit crazy at the same time,” said Blair. “Horses have been a lifelong passion. I grew up riding, it’s second nature.”

Blair and MacDonald wear bright and sparkling attire, just one of the reasons trick-riders are so popular among kids, and especially the little girls, who sit transfixed by the unique action.

Last weekend they performed at a rodeo in Joseph, Oregon, and next weekend it will be another stop in Omak, Washington. But first things first, including a first ever stop in Sandpoint, where they’ve spent the better part of the week and were duly impressed.

“We just left the beach, it was absolutely beautiful,” described Blair, enjoying the calm before returning to work on Friday night, executing feats that boggle the mind. “I stand on two horses and jump them over fire. That’s probably what takes the most time to learn.”

The rodeo, once again a stop on the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association tour, will also feature the usual action of bull riding, team roping, saddle bronc, steer wrestling, and Women’s Professional Rodeo Association barrel racing among the many events.

It’s the third straight year the PRCA and WPRA have stopped in Bonner County, and the rodeo continues to grow in popularity each year, drawing stronger competition along the way.

“This year, we have folks from the Columbia River Circuit’s top 10 competing in multiple areas. We have some top names in the rodeo arena attending this year,” claimed Ashley Gerstenberger, who handles the media and images for the Bonner County Rodeo. “And a lot of rough stock riders, nearly doubling last year. Things are shaping up for a fantastic performance for both Friday and Saturday.”

Gates open at 6 p.m. both nights at the Bonner County Fairgrounds, followed by the grand entry at 6:45, and the first chutes opening at 7 p.m.

For more information, visit www.bonnercountyrodeo.com.