Meet Potlicker: a 1,700-pound rodeo star defying riders across B.C.

Ed LeBourdais, a seasoned professional in the rodeo world, knows how to command the attention of his bulls at his ranch in Black Pines, just outside Kamloops, B.C. With a simple five-gallon bucket, he summons his herd with a few firm thumps, drawing them in with the promise of a treat.

Among the impressive figures that respond to the rhythmic sounds is Potlicker, a 1,700-pound bull who has become a standout in B.C.’s competitive rodeo scene. Last week, Potlicker was crowned the B.C. Rodeo Association’s 2024 Bull of the Year, a prestigious title voted on by professional bull riders and considered one of the sport’s highest provincial honors.

For LeBourdais, this award is a testament to his lifelong dedication to breeding top-tier rodeo bulls. As a former professional bull rider with over two decades of experience in the arena, he understands the athleticism and innate qualities required for success in the rodeo world.

In 1981, LeBourdais, along with his childhood friend Schaan Perry, founded S&E Bucking Bulls, setting the stage for their journey in raising champions. Each bull at the Black Pines ranch receives individualized care, attention, and a name that reflects its unique personality.

Potlicker, the prize-winning bull, earned his name from LeBourdais’ wife, Alina, who used to feed him grain in an old pot when he was just a calf. The bull’s mother, Little Moo, on the other hand, is known for her gentle demeanor and contentment with a quieter life.

Potlicker’s natural talent and unpredictability have garnered respect from rodeo riders like Sukhveen “Veen” Barmi, who has faced the formidable bull in the arena. Barmi, originally from India and now a professional rider in Canada, describes Potlicker as a perfect challenge, noting the bull’s unique patterns and agility.

Despite his growing experience in the rodeo world, Barmi admits that facing bulls like Potlicker still evokes a sense of fear. However, he sees this fear as a necessary component of his passion for bull riding, pushing him to overcome challenges and strive for victory.

For riders like Barmi, Potlicker represents both a challenge and a goal, inspiring them to push themselves to their limits in pursuit of success in the arena. With LeBourdais’ expertise and dedication to breeding top-tier rodeo bulls, the legacy of champions like Potlicker continues to thrive in the competitive world of rodeo.