GERRY - One of the most versatile performers in the rodeo entertainment field brought his varied talents to the Gerry Fire Department's 68th annual PRCA rodeo.
Mike "Scooter" Smith, a Louisiana native, is an animal trainer whose menagerie of performing animals includes a llama named Chili, Cisco, a miniature Paint stallion, a miniature bull called Oz, and his dogs. In addition, Smith was the clown, bringing his own brand of unique humor and funny stunts to the arena, as well as working as the barrel man and bull fighter to protect the cowboys during the ever dangerous bull riding event.
Now residing in Texas, Smith performs at rodeos across the country as well as at bull riding events and monster truck shows.
Article Photos
Submitted photo
Cisco jumps through a ring of fire for rodeo clown Mike “Scooter” Smith.
His work includes an appearance as the bull fighter in the movie "Pure Country II" starring George Strait, and he has been a part of four music videos on Country Music Televison. He has received numerous awards for his performances, including being named in 2010 as the Mid States Rodeo Association's "Contract Act of the Year" and Southern Rough Stock Cowboys' Association gave him their "Clown of the Year" award in 2010. He has been chosen to entertain three consecutive years at the International Bull Riding Finals.
"Scooter" says that rodeo has always been a part of his life. He began riding horses at age two, moved on to "Little Britches" kids' rodeos, then to high school rodeo competition, followed by riding bulls and broncs professionally. In 1995 he entered the arena for the first time as a bull fighter and began putting together his own comedy and animal acts. Today he is in demand across the country.
He said he was excited about the trip to Gerry because of its long tradition of producing outstanding rodeos.
The Gerry rodeo is sponsored by the Gerry Volunteer Fire Department and is now the longest consecutively running rodeo east of the Mississippi with all proceeds going to support the fire and rescue needs of the community and surrounding areas.
Additional information is available at the rodeo website www.gerryrodeo.org or by phone at 985-4847 or toll free at 1-888-985-4847. The Painted Pony Rodeo website is www.painted-ponyrodeo.com.
