MOSES LAKE - Mike Corey appreciates his hometown rodeo.

The stock contractor for the Moses Lake Roundup Rodeo said the event gets better each year and he works to bring the best stock he has to the three-day rodeo.

"You just put a lot of pressure on yourself to go and do well," Corey said. "(Moses Lake) was the first bigger rodeo to give us a chance."

Since getting the chance, Corey expanded his stock company, formerly Corey & Horst Rodeo Co. co-owned by George Horst, and his partnership with Flying Diamond Rodeo Co.

Corey and Tom Lange partnered to buy out Horst and have renamed the rodeo company Corey & Lange Rodeo Co.

In 2007, Lange bought Beard Rodeos and changed the name to Flying Diamond, putting Corey in charge of the day-to-day operations.

"We're bigger than we've ever been," Corey commented. "And we've become more prominent in the world of rodeo."

One of Corey & Lange's most noted bulls, King of Hearts, finished the 2010 season as the third-best bull in the world.

King of Hearts, along with several other stock animals were bucked in rodeos in Jerome, Idaho and Hermiston, Ore., last weekend and arrive at the Moses Lake arena Wednesday.

"We'll buck about 100 different animals (at Moses Lake)," Corey said.

With the enlargement of the rodeo company, comes a deeper breeding pool for improved stock in both bulls and bucking horses, Corey commented. Those stronger animals will be showcased at the Moses Lake Roundup Rodeo.

"I feel more pressure at this rodeo than anywhere else," Corey said.

He said that pressure was self-induced and stemmed from wanting to put on a good show for the community supporting his business.

"We've gotten this rodeo to be better and better. It's getting to be a pretty big name in the industry," Corey said.

Whether it is the draws, the rides, or the points that bring riders from around the country, Corey gave credit to the fans for making it a good event.

"I appreciate the community support," Corey said.

The Moses Lake Roundup Rodeo is held Thursday through Saturday. Tickets for all three nights are $13 in advance or $15 at the gates for adults, $5 for children ages 7-9 and children 6 and younger get in free.

Tickets can be purchased at the rodeo office, 1036 W Broadway, Moses Lake, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. from Wednesday until the end of the Grant County Fair. Tickets can also be purchased at any rodeo arena gate office.