Taking the Bull by the Horns

There’s a name for someone who makes a living getting on the back of a bad-tempered, 2,000-pound bull--besides crazy.

That person is a professional cowboy. And some of the nation’s best, men and women, will be competing this weekend at the Industry Hills Charity Pro Rodeo.

The City of Industry event is sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Assn., meaning that it follows rules and regulations for the participants’ safety and humane care and handling of the animals.

The association also keeps track of who wins what and how much at about 800 rodeos it sanctions each year. That information is used to determine the top 15 money winners, who will compete in the annual national finals, scheduled for early December in Las Vegas.

More than 40 of the 300 contestants signed up to compete on Saturday and Sunday are in this year’s top 15 standings for their events. Bull rider Cody Custer of Wickenburg, Ariz., bareback rider Ken Lensegrav of Rapid City, S.D., and barrel racer Charmayne Rodman of Galt, Calif., the leaders in their events at the moment, will all be trying to hang onto their positions.

The Industry Hills rodeo is a benefit by the Gabriel Foundation, a charitable organization of business and community leaders in the east San Gabriel Valley. This is the seventh year the foundation has brought together sponsors and volunteers to raise funds for developmentally and physically handicapped children.

The gates to the center at 16200 Temple Ave. will open at noon both days. Rodeo events start at 2 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children each day. The Mayor’s Western Steak Barbecue and Dance, featuring the Black Kettle Country Band, is Saturday from 5 to 11 p.m. Admission is $15.