Stock Contractors Rally Around Rodeo Hand

Northern stock contractors are taking care of their own, hosting a benefit roughstock event and barrel race for their help in the back pens after an accident.

Northern Minnesota isn't the first place that comes to mind when thinking of rodeos or the western lifestyle. Though the community is small, they show up for each other in big ways.

After Daniel "Pudgy" Hiemenz was injured in an accident mid October, his rodeo family are doing just that. 

Hiemenz can be found nearly every weekend of the summer in the back pens of 3T Bucking Bulls events and other rodeos sorting, loading and stripping bulls. Spending hours on end through rain or the heat, Heimenz has been back there for nearly 15 years. 

"He's more than a hired hand, he's my right hand man," said Mike Traxler Jr. of 3T Bucking Bulls.

Supporting the sport and the next generation of cowboys keeping it alive is worth it to Hiemenz. 

"There's nothing he loves more than his family and rodeo," said Carly Lathrop of 3T Bucking Bulls. "We spend more time with him than our actual families."

Daniel "Pudgy" Heimenz working a gate for MT Bucking Bulls / submitted

Some contractors that have donated the use of their stock include MT Bucking Bulls, C Check Bucking Bulls, North Star Stampede, Phenom Genetics Inc., Rockin N Mini Bulls, and Bohlmann Bucking Bulls.

"Our fun-loving buddy that has worked the back pens loading broncs and bulls for the last 10 years is fighting for his life right now," said Cimmaron Pitzen of the North Star Stampede in Effie, Minn., in a facebook post. "North Star Stampede is donating our good broncs for this event, mark the date down and come help our friend out."

Hiemenz friends and family are hosting a benefit barrel race and roughstock event to aid his medical bills while in recovery at the Double F Arena in Hinckley, Minn. An auction has also been organized with various handmade items, breedings to horses and bucking bulls, and more. A trust has also been set up in his name at Unity Bank in Genola Minnesota.  

The barrel race is set for Nov. 11 at noon, competitors must pre-enter the race by Nov. 10 at noon via text. The race is PEWC approved with two open races with $250 added to each and a youth race. 

3T Productions are set to host a bulls and broncs event Nov. 18 as well at the Double F Arena with $3,000 added to the bull riding and $1,000 added to the broncs. Bronc riders can choose to ride bareback, saddle or ranch bronc style and all the scores will count as one event.

Pudgy Hiemenz Benefit Bulls and Broncs Flyer / 3T Bucking Bulls

Pudgy Hiemenz Benefit Barrel Race Flyer / 3T Bucking Bulls