Custer's Eight Seconds to Victory

A whole lotta bull was on display at the 24th Annual Saratoga Bullfest as thirty of the best riders competed on August 24 to be this year’s winner.

Each bull rider gave it their all and then some, but it would be Riverton’s Marty Custer who would walk away with the coveted Bullfest Spurs.

“I have been here many years and never had a good shot at it,” Custer said. “I was going hard all summer and it feels good to finally win at Bullfest.”

Custer said his work to prepare for bull riding is always around the clock.

“My work is 24/7,” Custer said. “I get on as many bulls as I can all week long. Slow times are Monday through Wednesday and go time is Thursday through Sunday.”

Custer said the moment he arrived at Buck Springs Arena, he reminded himself to keep a steady grip and balance. He said he was determined to outlast the competition.

“I wanted to be champion and it is something I have wanted my whole life,” said Custer. “This is my first year I gave myself a good shot at winning.”

Custer said an important lesson his mother taught him on staying on the bull for a long time is to keep your mind in the middle.

“My mom told me, when I was 3 years old, to keep my mind in the middle and stay strong," Custer said. “It has been slow going my whole life. I have won some buckles here and there. I recently won bull riding events at Johnson County in Gillette and this is my second biggest win this year. I plan on going on to the WRA (Wyoming Rodeo Association) finals and hopefully win the championship there.”

Rodeo promoter Bo Alameda said he was pleased with the outcome of Bullfest.

“It was a good event and it started slow but then everyone started riding some good bulls,” Alameda said. “We finished this event well.”

Alameda said Custer worked hard and deserved to win at Bullfest. He said Custer put on a great performance and the crowd had a great turnout.

“Marty deserved to win. He did some good jam up bull riding,” Alameda said. “This event came together well. We had a full crowd. The bleachers were full and I hope everyone had a good time.”