Bob Pecora of Eureka calls it the largest competition of its kind in America.

And it will take place in the Flathead Valley this weekend.

The 2013 Cinch Bucking Horse Championships are set for Saturday evening at Majestic Valley Arena.

The saddle bronc event will showcase the top 4- and 5-year-old horses along with the top 22 cowboys from the World Class Bucking Horse Association (WCBHA) series.

Doors open at 6 p.m. with arena action beginning at 7.

Admission is $15 for adults and $8 for children ages 6-12.

There is a limited number of VIP tickets on the arena floor for $40.

“The unique thing about it, is that the 4- and 5-year-old horses haven’t bucked that much,” Pecora, executive director of the WCBHA, said.

“They don’t have a set pattern. So it’s kind of like letting air out a balloon (when you watch the horses leave the chute). You don’t know which way they will go.”

Thus, those attending can expect to see some lively action in the arena plus high scores for the riders.

The WCBHA, now in its second season, has 46 contractors which provided 350 horses for its nine sanctioned events. Sixty-six cowboys are on the circuit list.

Twenty stock contractors will have horses at this event.

“My intentions (were twofold),” Pecora said.

“When I was rodeoing I never saw them do anything for the breeders or the contractors. There was no competition for them to win something.”

He’s changed that. At the CBHC, horses will be competing for $56,000 in added money.

One of the top horses from the finale last year recently sold for $60,000. Another one went for $55,000.

“I also wanted to entice young bronc riders to come to these events,” he said.

“Making if affordable for them, to keep the bronc world alive. Next year we hope to start a scholarship program.”

For the cowboys this weekend, there is $22,000 in added money.

“Cinch jeans and shirts put up $50,000,” Pecora said.

“They brought this event to the next level. We couldn’t have done it without them.”

Pecora, 55, held a PRCA card for eight years. He quit riding at the age of 40.

“It has exceeded my expectations,” he said of the championships.

“I didn’t think it would go this fast, this soon. Sometimes it’s overwhelming, a lot of work, but it is what it is.”

This marks the second year Majestic Valley has hosted the championships. Last year it was called the World Class Battle of the Broncs.

“It was held the same weekend last October,” Pecora said.

“It was very well received. The crowd really like it. I expect a bigger crowd (this time).”

Since the majority of the contractors and cowboys are from Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming and Western Canada, Pecora said the Flathead Valley was the logical choice for the WCBHA season finale.

“Rob Brisendine from the Kalispell Convention and Visitors Bureau has been extremely helpful the last couple years,” Pecora said.

“Kalispell has been good to us and the facility is outstanding.”

Rodeo fans will notice some familiar names on the finals list for cowboys.

LeRoy Eash of Trego has competed at Majestic Valley many times for bull riding and bronc events. He’s a veteran of the Northern Rodeo Association circuit and a PRCA member.

Eash is sixth in 2013 season earnings for the WCBHA.

Rob McGilvray of Whitefish is another NRA veteran. He comes in 22nd in the standings.

Jake Costello of Newell, S.D., topped the WCBHA standings this year with $6,807.70.

Josh Reynolds of Ekalaka was second, $4,192.35, and Shane Moran of Ulm was third, $3,467.50.

In addition to the championships, the CHS Fast and Furious barrel racing will take place Saturday. That action begins at 9 a.m. The top 15 advance to the evening performance.

Last year 176 barrel racers competed.

This will also be another barrel racing event on Sunday beginning at 9:30 a.m.  

Bronc Riders

Order Based On Series Earnings

1.  Jake Costello, Newell, S.D.

2. Josh Reynolds, Ekalaka

3. Shane Moran, Ulm

4. Kendall Green, Cohagan

5. Zeke Thurston, Big Valley, Alberta

6. Leroy Eash, Fortine

7. Chase Kukuchka, Dickinson, N.D.

8. Andy Clarys, Riverton, Wyo.

9. Blaze Hamaker, Centennial, Wyo.

9. Francis Marshan, No Town Listed 

9. Bryan Martinat, Marsing, Idaho

9. Brady Dinwoodie, Griffin, Saskatchewan

13. Shane Menefee, Pavillion, Wyo.

13. Kc Longbrake, Eagle Butte, S.D.

13. Chase Brooks, Deer Lodge

16. Guy Simanton, Malta

16. Buck Demers, No Town Listed

16. Dillon Barkshire, Delburne, Alberta

16. Jc Desaveur, Roberts

20. Shawn Sorlie, Billings

21. Britt Luger, Fort Yates, N.D.

22. Colin Stalley, Riverton, Wyo.

22. Rob Mcgilvray, Whitefish 

Contractors

Order Based On Series Earnings

1. Wildman Rodeo/Steve Waagen, Bottineau, N.D.

2. Flying 5/Sonny Riley, Pomeroy, Wash.

3. Fettig Rodeo Broncs, LLC, Dickinson, N.D.

4. Powder River Rodeo, Riverton, Wyo.

5.  JS Rodeo/John Smith, Cascade

6. Vaira Rodeo Co/Shane Vaira, Richey

7. Big Bend Rodeo, Pomeroy, Wash.

8. Stan Headings, Watford City, N.D.

9. Bobby Morrison, Arras, British Columbia

10. MX Bar Ranch/David McDonald, Lad La Biche, Alberta

11. Jess Martin, Dillon

12. Russ Kling/Doug Vold, Belfield, N.D.

13. Mosbrucker Rodeo’s, Inc. Mandan, N.D.

14. John Franzen Riverton, Wyo.

15. C’n Stars/Shane Gunderson, Baldwin, N.D.

16. Frank Wyzykoski, Eckville, Alberta

17. Francis Rodeo Stock/Art Francis, Craven, Saskatchewan

18. Burns Rodeo/JD Hamaker, Centennial, Wyo.

19. Bowcutt Bros., Roosevelt, Wash.

20. Prairie Rodeo/Carl Barrett, Regina, Saskatchewan