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Photo by Hans Hallgren

Ben Yeager holds on while attempting to meet the 8-second time requirement in saddle bronc.

Eight seconds.

A small amount of time to stay on a bucking horse with a $2,000 payday waiting.

But to those who ride in saddle bronc matches, eight seconds sometimes seems like an eternity.

Saddle bronc riders from the Western United States got the opportunity to prove their meddle Saturday during the 2008 Wes Hertzog bronc match at the Moffat County Fairgrounds.

The event was part of the 90th Annual Moffat County Fair, which began Aug. 2 and concludes Sunday.

Dedicated to the late Wes Hertzog, a professional saddle bronc rider from Hayden who was an 8-time world champion and 5-time finals champion who was elected to the National Senior Pro Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Fame in 2006, the event had plenty of friends and family of Hertzog cheering on those who competed in what he loved.

Hertzog died Aug. 26, 2005, while doing what else? Riding saddle bronc.

More than 20 riders donned crisp long-sleeve white shirts with Hertzog's name imbedded on the back as fans packed under the lights of the Moffat County Fairgrounds pavilion to catch a glimpse of the night's entertainment.

The shirts wouldn't stay white for long.

As the gates opened, cowboy after cowboy dug their heels in and attempted to hang on to a disgruntled horse that had no will to be ridden.

Many of the riders - from amateurs to professional circuit riders - said the event was a blast.

"This is a very good cause to come out and participate in," Durango resident Travis Darling said after scoring an 82 in his 8-second ride. "There are good stock contractors, good fans and good money. Why not come out?"

The 19-year-old Darling hit the professional rodeo circuit this year and said he's using the Craig event to keep him sharp.

"It's all about lifting the reigns and keeping your toes in," he said. "When you are out there, it seems like a million things are going through your mind. So, if you remember what to do and hang on, everything should go well."

Jeb Loney, a Tula Rosa, N.M., resident and close friend to Hertzog, had everything going right for him Saturday.

Loney completed his ride, scoring an 84 in the first round, which vaulted him into the final eight.

"There is a lot of money at stake here tonight," Loney said. "This event has a lot of gas. You just have to grit it out. I know I will."

As the first round came to a close, Towsend Prince was strapping on his gear in anticipation of his upcoming turn in the main arena.

Prince is considered new to the event, considering the numerous professional riders present, but he wouldn't admit he was nervous.

"No, not at all," he said. "I've done this before."

But, when asked what goes through his mind while competing, Prince didn't have the typical cowboy response.

"I have no idea. It's all kind of a blur most of the time," he said. "I just wonder if it's going right or not and hope I don't fall off."

A few seconds later, Prince's number was called, and a few seconds after that - not eight - Prince hit the dirt in a pile of dust.

Eight seconds may be too long for some, but not for Cody Horwedel.

Horwedel captured the $2,000 prize money, the $3,000 custom leather saddle and another belt buckle to add to his collection.

All in eight seconds.

John Vandelinder can be reached at 875-1793 or jvandelinder@craigdailypress.com