Livestock at Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo some of the best in the country

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO)-- At the Norris Penrose Event Center, temporary pens were put up for the more than 200 heads of buck and stock that will be competing at the 81st Annual Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo NFR Open.

Inside the pens, you'll find guys like Big Poison, Sippin' Sauce, and Con Air.

"Some of the greatest bucking bulls in the business," said Cory Wall the in-arena production manager.

It's something you wouldn't know by just looking at them.

"These bulls' looks are absolutely deceiving. You can’t judge them by what’s inside by their outer appearance," said Wall.

The livestock has been hand-picked by the contestants because of their athletic abilities. This year they've come from around the country and from 17 different contractors.

"These stock contractors, really they trained these animals that when they come out of these back pens and they start loading, the habit is it’s time to go to work and they know what they’re doing," said Wall.

Wall says the characteristics their competitors look for in the animals depend on the event. Horses that can run fast for things like breakaway roping and barrel racing or ones that have a lot of kick for saddle bronc riding.

"Bull riders want something that’s just on the very edge of not being able to ride them because if it’s that close to not being able to ride them and you make the whistle you’re going to be in the 90s. You’ll most likely be in the top three in that competition," said Wall.

The highest score you can get is 100. Half of that score comes from the animal.

"You could be perfect, but if your animal isn’t very competitive you’re not going to place and you’re not going to win any money. You know having that quality animal gives you that competitive edge and the opportunity to cope and place and win a lot of money," said Wall.

For more information on the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo, you can visit their website.