Local Celebrity Profiles

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  Jerome Davis | Davis Ranch
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  Jerome Davis | Davis Ranch

  

  Q:  How does a person get involved in bull riding? Is it something you grew up around? How did you get your start?

  I grew up in the Archdale and Trinity, and have always been around the farm. My grandparents had cattle and quarter horses, and I always had a love for horses. When I was a kid I rode bareback horses not far from here but always wanted to try riding a bull; and from the very first time I tried it at 11-years old, I was hooked. I rode Junior Rodeo at the high school level and went on from there.

   

  Q:  How did you end up being a professional bull rider? Can you give a little history of how that happened?

   

  Because I did so well in high school I got a full ride scholarship to college in Odessa, Texas. During my freshman year in 1992, I became the world title holder for college. I knew it was something that I wanted to do all my life, so in 1993 I started my professional rodeo career. I made it all the way to the National Finals in Las Vegas and I was ranked fifth in the world standings that year. In 1995 I won the World Title. "He was the first person east of the Mississippi to win a World Championship! No one ever thought someone from North Carolina could win, but Jerome is too humble to talk about most of this stuff," )

   

  According to wife, Tiffany Davis, "He was the first person east of the Mississippi to win a World Championship! No one ever thought someone from North Carolina could win, but Jerome is too humble to talk about most of this stuff."

   

  Q:  For someone who knows nothing at all about bull riding, what are some basic things to know? How long do you have to stay on the bull, and how does it work?

   

  Every rider must be able to stay on the bull for eight seconds, that's a must. One hand has to be on the bull rope, and one hand in the air to show control. There is a total possible score of 100 - the bull gets rated from one to 50, and the rider is also rated one to 50. They combine the points and whoever gets the highest score wins. It's based on the power of the bull, the techniques of how the rider dominates the bull, and how the rider controls the bull. That's putting it briefly!

   

  Q:  You had a life-changing accident that left you in a wheelchair. Why you're still involved in bull fighting and event promotion of this sport?

   

  In 1998 I had nearly completed my final ride in competition when I was stomped by the bull. The doctors told me I would never walk again. It was obviously a huge blow, but it's my passion pure and simple. I just love it! I can't just sit around and feel sorry for myself, so now since I can't ride I help others fulfill their fantasies of bull riding. We have dozens of events every year at Davis Ranch. We have everything from rodeos, lessons, charity events, the Spring Free Rodeo, the Cowboy Stampede...and I do whatever I can to help promote the sport. We're proud to now have so many important bull riding events right here in Archdale. We have head-to-head barrel racing on barrel horses, food drives, and even great concerts - like Tracy Byrd, for example. I'm also proud to host the "Back in the Woods Again," hunting event for guys that are in wheelchairs too. Each year we have a deer hunt for the physically challenged with around 80 people participating. It's growing, and is a really special event!

   

  Q:  What is the PBR all about?

   

  It's an international professional bull riding organization (Professional Bull Riders) that 20 bull riders and I started for bull riders only, so it's different than regular rodeo which has a multitude of events. I'm happy to see it grow so much and for it to become a multi-million dollar sport. It's actually one of the fastest growing sports now and growing all over the world, and I'm loving it! This sport is now broadcast on major television channels around the world.

   

  Q:  What are your hopes and aspirations for the future?

   

  I'm just lucky to do what I do and to have my wife by my side. Each year it's our hope to add new events at Davis Ranch like the Chuck Wagon Cook-Offs, and more charity events to help more kids and those less fortunate than us. I want to keep up with the motivational speaking and I love seeing the sport of bull riding continue to grow, especially here in North Carolina!

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