Well, the year has definitely started far from what I expected. Obviously if you've logged onto www.pbrnow.com with the incentive of reading my blog you've realized that I got cut along with some of the great names like Clayton Williams, L.J. Jenkins, Brian Canter, Colby Yates, Pistol Robinson, Dustin Hall and Aaron Roy, just to name a few.
There are some top-name guys who made the short round at the 2008 PBR World Finals that got cut. It just goes to show you that when you're hot you're hot and you're not you're definitely not.
This new system that PBR has come up with, where they're cutting back to 40 riders instead of 45, well, usually they cut 10 and now this first time they're having to cut 15 so if you're not in the Top 30 you're not going to be on tour anymore.
As I went into Dallas I was sitting 30th so I would have been all right, but I slapped my first bull and got a no score on my second one. I ended up 32nd and I was on the cutline.
It sucks.
I have to say that the drive home Sunday night was the worst drive or flight that I've ever had to make, and it was only three hours from my house.
It's definitely heartbreaking and I would have never imagined it. Once you get to the Built Ford Tough Series it's something you work for your whole life and you never imagine leaving there, but, I guess, it's something that everyone has to deal with.
I was sitting in the locker room kind of disgusted with myself and Kody Lostroh said, "I just realized that after I won Rookie of the Year, I got cut the first cut the next year too." And now he's sitting second in the world.
That was supposed to make me feel a little bit better, but it didn't. Maybe in the long run it will.
Now it's back to the Challenger events, and I can definitely say that right now it's the biggest letdown of my career. From the time I started riding bulls this really is the biggest letdown. I don't have an injury and there was no amount of time I had to sit out and miss events.
It sucks this bad because I have no excuses for not making the cut. It's just my performances that failed me.
Most of all, I have to say that it's embarrassing. I had my whole entire family in Dallas watching me ride and not only did I not perform very well in Dallas, but the whole first five events of the season I didn't perform very well.
The thing I hate most about it is that I haven't been riding that bad. I slapped a couple bulls that got me no score, I've made two short rounds and I had one bull that fell down with me that I didn't get a re-ride with, and I still haven't quite figured that one out.
I'm not having a great year by any standards, but I'm not riding very bad and that just goes to show you that you're going to have to be riding at the top of your game each and every night to stay in the Top 40.
I know it's a letdown to the fans. It's a letdown to my family. Most of all, it's a letdown to myself.
But, hopefully, within a couple of events I'll be back and definitely have a new fire about me. This will definitely keep me from sitting on the couch and not doing anything about my bull riding from now on.
A world title for 2009 is definitely not out of sight, but it might have to be a dramatic come-from-behind victory. It's what I'm shooting for.
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I was so sorry to see your name on the list. You've fully embraced not only the whole BFTS experience, but your fans and the celebrity that goes with it and you did it without an attitude. I'm sure your family and friends are proud of your for that alone.
I hope you find that fire again right away and start kicking butt at the Challenger Events. Good luck and we'll be waiting for you.
you can and you will do it, because you represent every cowboy that knows how to deal with tough times. When you fall off the horse, get back on! I'll see you on the tour soon.
Still please don't let it get you down too much. I know you'll be back on tour with the BFTS quickly. Until then, good luck and know all your fans will miss you, and we look forward to your return.
But with your talent, I'm sure that you will be back on the PBR in a few short weeks.
One thing life never fails to teach us is that there are good times and bad times, ups and downs, yin and yang. You'll get back to BFT, because you have the talent, the skills and the determination, otherwise you wouldn't have made it in the first place. Please, please continue your blog while you are on the challenger tour. We want to know how you are doing. Good luck, get in there and do it one ride at a time.
"I swing big, with everything I've got. I hit big or I miss big. I like to live as big as I can." ~Babe Ruth
Sorry to hear about the cut.. I was hoping it wasn't going to happen to you!! I am a big fan, I know that you have the potential to get back to the BFTS. Making it that far in the Finals last year as a Rookie proves it, just go into the Challenger Events beat them there and come back to show them what you got!!
Good Luck and see you in Omaha!!
I'm real proud of you. Yes, you're acknowledging that you feel awful about this, but you aren't throwing the blame and you've made up your mind to fight your way back. You'll do it. Just remember to keep having fun!
Hope to see you in San Antonio.
And I'll second Kathy's comment -- please do continue writing whenever you can. Your posts are the best part of the PBR website!
Trey and Tye Allen and I want you to know we all believe in you;and feel you will bounce right back at the next cut.Best regards from the Cumbeland Furnace Redneck Practice Pen.We are all rooting for you .
I think cutting back to 40 riders is a bad move.It shakes confidence in the PBR.Theymust have just posted the cuts becaus e the last time I checked that was not up.
Take care and know we all feel you are a great rider.
I was heartbroken to see you cut, but I know without a doubt you'll be back soon! Reese, don't let this get you down but rather make you stronger! You're an amazing bull rider with lots of talent- you can do this! Like others have said, I really do hope you continue this blog so we know what you're up to. You're awesome Reese!!
This is just a minor set back. You'll be back up and riding before you know it. The cut is really dumb this time seems they're trying to cut all the young guns. It's just as hard on us as you seeing such a talented young man cut like you. Keep you head up and we'll see you back in a couple weeks . You'll get that World Title. You're fans are behind you and know you can do bit. Keep us up dated on how you're doing. See you soon.
This advice comes from a mom's perspective, who wants her kids to realize their dreams. You are a champion as a bull rider and as a man. Don't be hard on yourself, you are riding good. Don't try to force things to happen, just roll with it and stay in the moment and remember to breath! Good Luck and we will see you soon.
Cheyenne
I wrote to headquarters and hope they will rescind the 40 riders back to 45. They should never remove anyone under 35 even with the cutback. What they did to you was terribly unfair when it was never done this way before. To much of changing the rules in the middle of the game.
You are so good you will be back. To bad that it such a costly move to be in the lower leagues.
Every fan that can afford it should support a bull rider with donations as I have done. This way they still have a chance to compete in these hard times.
You have nothing to be ashamed of. Your riding is fantastic. Jeana, ND
Thanks for posting and giving us an update on your feelings and plans. As you can tell, your fans are backing you. We are here for you and have faith that you will be back at the next cut. Ride 'em cowboy!
I do not think cuting the tour to only 40 is a decision that is not in the best interest of the cowboys and when the PBR began I thought that was what it was all about.
Have faith, you will return because you are not just a bull rider, you are a cowboy, and you will "cowboy up" and accomplish your goal. I remember when you were a senior in high school you would be the PBR Rookie of the Year in 2008 and you were. You know how to achieve goals you set.
Susan Graham
I was at Dallas with my mom for my birthday for the Championship round and we were cheering for you. Your one of my favorite riders and still are despite the cut. Not everybody rides to their fullest all the time but the point is you try and still havent gave up. Your not a let down to anybody unless you give up so you have no reason to feel that way. You did great just by getting on the bull and trying. That takes guts and courage. Its not easy to get where your at and you did it. You should be proud for trying.
Oh and Thanks for siging my jacket for me!!! Its the best birthday EVER!!! You have pretty eyes :)
See you next year!! ~Shanna~
Don't you ever think that you let your fans down, because you did not. Your fans are still with you. I am so sorry that you got cut, but you will be back. "What does not destroy you, will make you stronger." You will be back stronger. Just hang in there and do you best. Cowboy Up.
LJK
I am so sorry you were cut. I was disappointed as I didn't think you were riding that bad also. However, the new standards are what got you. I pray that this "trial" will make you stronger and I look forward to you coming back. Thank you for continuing your blog and sharing how you feel with your fans.
May you have a better day in the LORD!
It is true that a lot of good riders got cut in Dallas. I haven’t been as angry with the PBR as I am after I found out who was on the cut list, but I also see it as a good thing. I am a huge L.J. Jenkins fan and he was my only rider left riding after McBride retired. Anyway, I never like to a rider of your caliber get cut but as I read your blog and I was thinking about a song. The song that might put it all in perspective is Tracy Lawrence, “It’s All How You Look at It.” You might be wondering why this guy from North Dakota is rambling about Tracy Lawrence and other riders to you, but it’s for a point. The point is, if you look at it as a disappointment, it’s a disappointment. Look at it as a blessing. I think this is a blessing for you because you will understand how important that position on the Built Ford Tough Series is. You will achieve a new appreciation for the position. There isn’t a bull rider on tour that hasn’t worked hard for the spot they are in, but do they understand the value of the position their in? I was also reading the comments and the way it sounds, your family and friends will love you no matter what happens and family is the most important thing in a situation like this. Just keep your head up high and you’ll make it back in no time.
All I am saying with this comment is, don’t be so hard on yourself because all your fans know you will be back and I truly hope you are soon. I don’t know that I helped you and I hope I didn’t upset anyone with this comment. I have the most respect for you Reese, as well as any rider that is able to achieve their dreams and ride in the PBR. Again I am sorry if I offended anyone including you, Reese. Hope to see you soon.
Thanks,
Ryan
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=keWnVCiV8b0
and yes we know we have NO singing ability so you just have to look past that when watching the video.
My mom saw you at the world finials and you wrote a postcard for me. THANKS!!!!
Thanks for the blog, it's such a great thing, and you write well, I know it's extra work, but we appreciate it so! Praying for all you boys, but especially those, like you, that we miss seeing.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=keWnVCiV8b0
and you cant really take us seriously in this video.... we do not have any singing ability.
Oh and my mom (tiffany) saw you at the finials in Vagas and you wrote a postcard for me. THANKS!!!!
ps. That youtube video someone posted was hilarious! I'd love to hear you blog about that one!
Reese,
You will be back on top soon keep up the blogs and the ridin'!!
Thank you so much for the comment we are really glad you like it because it we put a ton of time and thought into it.!
:)
Reese,
You and Harv should to to the Enterprise Tour event in Little Rock. (smile)
I am 6 years old. You are my #1 bullrider. Please don't give up. I have a picture of you and me up in my room you even signed it. Keep riding and I will ride with you on the couch arm. See you in Springdale,AR at the Bucking in the Ozarks and in Springfield,MO.
Bubba
Reese,
My little boy thinks you are the best. You may have gotten cut but remember how much the kids think of you. You made his day when you took the time to take a picture with him and get some of the guys to sign his sheet. You are a big influence on him and many others. This summer he will get on his first calf, he wants to be jjust like you. Keep your hand closed, and ride. God bless you, and thank you for being such a good role model foe my son.
michelle
another Arkansas fan
Keep on riding. See you in Springdale. You are the best!!
Bubba