There's been times when I've had to go home and pick up work roping or riding colts to get enough money to come back out here. Neither Schlattmann nor Bilbery have a sponsor. They don't compete in the flashiest event, either. The bull riders draw the crowds and the bigger prize money as well. But more people come to see that.
Money's a constant concern.
And this year, there's been additional pressure. Unfortunately, saving money on tour often comes at the expense of sound nutrition. It's been a lot of Big Macs and Whoppers. Most cowboys on the tour have travel partners as a way to further defray expenses, according to Bilbery. This is the first year for these two to tour together, not enough time for the pair to start working on each other's nerves.