Stan Schofield hangs on for the mandatory eight seconds during the bareback competition at an European Rodeo Cowboy Association event in Griesheim, Germany, in 2002. (Michael Abrams / S&S file photo)
Rodeo buffs and wannabes who have been itching to climb on a bull or saddle up a bronc could get their chance beginning this spring.
The European Rodeo Cowboy Association is urging prospective members to join during a membership meeting on April 3 at the Abrams Center in Schweinfurt, Germany.
The association, which has existed in Europe since 1971, has an average of 500-600 members each year, according to Steve Witt, ERCA vice president.
He said about 200 of those members participate in rodeo events, using horses and bulls rented from a local contractor.
Members must join each year, with an annual fee of $85 for participants, $75 for nonparticipants and $65 for family members. The membership card covers the cost of admission to the rodeos and other extras, such as partial camping fees and barbecues at the end of each weekend’s rodeo.
The association conducts about 18 rodeos each year from late April until the European finals in mid-October, Witt said. Participants pay an entry fee for each event and cash prizes are awarded. Standings are kept throughout the year.
Only participating members can take part in the events, but family members or nonparticipating members can upgrade their membership to participate at any time, Witt said.
ERCA is for both seasoned rodeo vets and beginners, he said.
“You can’t make a living from our rodeos, because we don’t have the cash prizes offered in the States,” Witt said. “We work 9 to 5 during the week and hit the road on weekends to rodeo. It’s a great stress reliever.”
He said the association can provide equipment and tips — including safety pointers — for those who have never participated.
“One of two things will happen with new members: You’ll either love it and get it under your skin, or you’ll walk away,” he said.
ERCA’s first rodeo of the season is April 30 through May 2 in Otterberg, Germany, near Kaiserslautern.
The membership meeting begins at 1 p.m. and will be followed by a disc jockey playing country music for dancing.
Directions to the Abrams Center are available on the ERCA Web site: www.ercarodeo.com. Additional information is also available by calling Bob Thompson at (+49) (0)170-145-6565 or Witt at (+49) (0) 162-440-1238
