PUEBLO, Colo.  – As of Professional Bull Riders (PBR) Choctaw Casino Resort Iron Cowboy powered by Kawasaki Strong, taking place this weekend on Feb. 28 at AT&T Stadium (Arlington, Texas), the PBR will become the presenting sponsor of the Miniature Bull Riders (MBR) Association.

Owned by two-time PBR World Champion Chris Shivers in partnership with Cirildo and Lillie Leal, the MBR began in 2010 as a mini bull stock contracting business which supplied bulls to local rodeos, and quickly turned into a multi-event, mini bull riding circuit with more than 50 youth bull riders between the ages of 8-14 competing in events across the country.  

The MBR’s Leal-Shivers Invitational on Saturday, Feb. 28 is one of two major stops on the 2015 MBR schedule, with its world championships in Las Vegas, taking place in conjunction with the PBR’s Built Ford Tough World Finals on Oct. 21-25, as the other. Other events on the MBR’s 2015 calendar include the recent PBR St. Louis, Missouri event (Feb. 13-15), and the upcoming PBR Colorado Springs, Colorado event on May 2-3 at World Arena.

Two-time PBR World Champion Chris Shivers’ became part owner of the MBR in 2011 and looks at it as a way to begin cultivating future PBR talent; his son Brand competes on the circuit.

“I wish this circuit was around when I started riding,†Shivers said. “It gives my son and other young bull riders the chance to learn and progress naturally in the sport, and to develop their skills at a reasonable pace. This is important to me and the PBR, so it’s great to see them stepping in to support the program in this way. Their stamp of approval further legitimizes our association.â€

Logan White, son of 1999 PBR Rookie of the Year Mike White, also competes in the MBR.

“It is very important to the PBR that we are a part of the youth bull riding movement,†Jay Daugherty, Senior Vice President of PBR Competition said. “We are not only concerned with ensuring the safety of the young riders, but also developing new talent as we look to the future of our sport.  The MBR is providing a great opportunity not only for young men looking to follow in their father’s footsteps, but also for youth breaking into the sport – and it’s great entertainment.  These young competitors show a lot of heart and determination.  We’re happy to be a part of this development process.â€

For more information on the MBR, visit www.gombr.com.