As the 136th iteration of the World's Oldest Rodeo, Frontier Days, draws near, the pulse of our town quickens, and Prescott comes alive. Scheduled from June 28th to July 4th, 2023, this iconic event is a living testament to the unbroken cowboy spirit that first took root in 1888. Featuring a diverse roster of events including steer wrestling, bareback riding, tie-down roping, team roping, barrel racing, and electrifying bull riding, the rodeo continues to thrill attendees year after year. After a conversation with the charismatic and gregarious San Martin of The Prescott Times regarding our anticipated hijinks at the rodeo this year, I found myself mulling over the profound role Prescott has played in the story of western history and the evolution of cowboy culture. I could sense a compelling narrative, but I did not want to do just another story about the World’s Oldest Rodeo. We connect things to people here at Prescott Days. So, in light of this conundrum, I did what every writer does when the pieces are not coming together: I got a large latte and let the universe speak to me. As I sipped my latte from Wild Iris Coffeehouse, I could feel a story brewing in the recesses of my cranium, yet the precise elements had yet to barrel race their way to my cerebrum. Then, with the sudden force of a bull bursting from the chute, the Mortensen family bucked their way into my pre-frontal cortex, and off we went. The story of JC and Jaxton Mortensen cannot be told without also telling the story of the Mortensen legacy writ large. Their legacy spans the rodeo arena to community service, enriching Prescott through their unwavering dedication to preserving the cowboy way of life. As Frontier Days loom closer, our town stirs, mirroring the excitement of the Mortensen family’s tale—a tale that, much like Prescott's heritage, underscores that the spirit of the West is as much about the future as it is about the past.

The world of professional bull riding is not for the faint of heart. It's a domain where courage, tenacity, and grit are not just admired but required. And in this demanding and dangerous arena, two local young guns that were raised in the greater Prescott area are making some serious noise: JC and Jaxton Mortensen. Both brothers, carrying a lineage of rodeo royalty, have quickly ascended the ranks of professional bull riding. Despite their youth, they showcase a maturity and poise in the ring that belie their years. Their entrance into the world of professional bull riding serves as a continuation of a family legacy that has evolved over time as a result of courage in the face of danger, embodying the ethos of the cowboy spirit and western heritage as a whole.

JC Mortensen: Polite and Tough as Nails

JC Mortensen, the eldest of the three Mortensen brothers, is an embodiment of the classic cowboy ethos—combining grit, charm, and an unyielding spirit of adventure that is at the heart of professional bull riding. A figure of modern cowboy charisma, JC carries with him a genteel demeanor that harks back to an old-world charm. His chivalrous approach to life is encapsulated in the classic cowboy mantra: "Always tip your hat to a lady, but never back down from a bull."

This unyielding bravery is as evident in his personal conduct as it is in his professional bull riding career. JC's bull riding resume is filled with notable accomplishments, including an average score of 82.04, a testament to his consistent performance. His personal best score, a formidable 89.5, is a further demonstration of his prowess and command in the sport. In 2023, JC put on a stellar performance at the Mile High PBR event, his hometown rodeo event, which not only cemented his reputation as a formidable rider but also underscored his commitment to the community that has nurtured his talent and cheered him on every step of the way. If you weren't fortunate enough to catch his performance at the Mile High PBR, fear not, as JC is slated to compete at the Frontier Days World’s Oldest Rodeo in Prescott, Arizona, on Wednesday, June 28th, a chance for fans to witness his skills in action.

Reminiscing about his journey into professional bull riding, JC recalls a pivotal moment: "The week I turned 18 was a turning point in my life. I went to my first PBR event, and, as luck would have it, I won the event and enough money to buy my first car. That week, I transitioned from being just a competitor to a professional bull rider." This anecdote speaks volumes about JC's passion for the sport and his swift rise in the professional ranks.

Yet JC's story is more than a tale of victory and achievement. It's a testament to the resilience and tenacity of the cowboy spirit. His career has been marked by significant challenges, including a near-fatal injury that required an arduous, months-long recovery process. Nevertheless, JC's indomitable spirit shone through as he answered adversity with resolve, making a triumphant return to the sport he loves. His courage in overcoming such a daunting setback is a testament to his mental fortitude and physical resilience. JC Mortensen's journey—marked by his prowess in the ring, his gentlemanly conduct, and his unyielding resilience—paints a vivid picture of a modern-day cowboy. He stands as a beacon of inspiration for upcoming riders, a shining example of the Mortensen family's legacy, and a testament to the enduring spirit of professional bull riding. Through his journey, JC proves that the cowboy ethos—combining grit, charm, and a love of adventure—is alive and well in the modern era.

Jaxton Mortensen: A Young Gun on the Rise

Jaxton Mortensen, the middle sibling of the Mortensen trio, is a burgeoning talent making considerable strides on the PBR 'Unleash the Beast World Championship Tour'. Jaxton perfectly embodies the old cowboy adage, "A gentleman in the parlor, a savage in the saddle." Despite being the youngest rider on the tour, he bears the weight of an enduring family legacy with remarkable grace and steadfast determination. His lineage is steeped in rodeo royalty—he is the son of the renowned bull rider, Judd Mortensen, the grandson of the celebrated rodeo cowboy, JC Trujillo, and the younger brother of the accomplished bull rider, JC Mortensen. The pressure to uphold such a prestigious heritage could be overwhelming, yet Jaxton navigates this challenge with impressive maturity and resolve. Rather than being daunted by the magnitude of his family's reputation, he draws inspiration from fellow riders such as Andrew Alvidrez, Brady Turgeon, and Daylon Swearingen. Their performances ignite his ambition and fuel his drive to carve his own unique path in the world of bull riding.

Reflecting on the psychological demands of his chosen sport, Jaxton muses, "In this sport, you have to focus on the best outcomes and keep your mind clear of the worst possibilities. Because, truthfully, the stats say you shouldn't even be getting on these beasts. People break bones all the time, and death is always hanging out on the sidelines, ready to take souls. But the moment you start thinking, ‘Maybe I'll get hurt,' that's when it happens. So, you have to tap into a lion-like killer mamba mentality and just let your body rely on muscle memory, instinct, and reaction."

Jaxton's adventure in the realm of professional bull riding traces back to his earliest memories of participating in the 4-to-8 calf riding at the Arizona Junior Rodeo Association. His career trajectory reflects not just his innate talent but also his resilience and adaptability, attributes that have been honed through experiences both in the arena and beyond. An illustrative incident from his childhood, when he disregarded his father's advice about his rope being overly sticky, culminated in a wild three-lap ride around the arena at the tender age of four. Such early experiences, replete with lessons well-earned, have shaped Jaxton into the skilled rider he is today.

His career statistics testify to his growing prowess in the sport, with an average score of 83.17 that peaks at an impressive career high of 89.5. One of Jaxton's most significant victories to date was at the Professional Bull Riders (PBR) Pendleton Whisky Velocity Tour in Fresno, California. His exceptional 2-for-3 performance not only earned him his first event win but also 126 Velocity Global points.

While the shadow of his family's legacy could be daunting, Jaxton Mortensen continues to rise, unperturbed. Instead, he channels the pressure into motivation, steadily carving out a name for himself in the arena of professional bull riding. His journey is not simply about upholding a legacy; it's about establishing his own identity and leaving his own indelible mark on the sport. His unwavering dedication and tenacity hold the promise of a bright future in the sport, positioning him as a rising star in the world of professional bull riding.

Juke Mortensen: The Promising Youngster

And then there's Juke Mortensen, the youngest of the Mortensen boys. He might not yet be a professional rider (he is still a boy), but he's already making waves in the bull riding arena. His nascent career is marked by a blend of raw talent and the Mortensen cowboy spirit. Already, he's showing his mettle by emulating his father and elder brothers, demonstrating not only exceptional skill but also the courage and tenacity inherent to the sport. A recent Professional Bull Riders event in Prescott Valley showcased Juke's extraordinary performance, drawing attention to his potential as a rising star. Despite his young age, Juke is proving that he can hold his own, riding with a determination and flair that pay homage to his family's legacy while also shaping his own path in the world of bull riding. As he continues to grow and mature in the sport, there's no doubt that Juke will carry the Mortensen torch with pride, further cementing the family's influence on this, the last of the true gladiator sports.

A Legacy Rooted in Western Heritage

The Mortensen family is a household name in the world of professional bull riding, a reputation that begins with the patriarch of the family, Judd Mortensen. Although, to be honest, if you are involved in the world of bull riding at all and you do not know Judd, you probably just got your spurs or just moved from San Francisco. Judd's vaunted status, stemming from his own achievements and contributions to the sport, has cemented his place in bull riding and rodeo history. Hailing originally from Idaho Falls, Idaho, and a longtime resident of the greater Prescott area, Judd's influence is deeply felt in the western culture of our great nation. His distinguished career is marked by a phenomenal ride percentage and an esteemed place in the 90-point ride club, solidifying him as a legend in the Bull Riding Game. Beyond his personal accomplishments, Judd's contributions extend to the larger rodeo community. His years-long active role in the Professional Bull Riders (PBR) tour and the Mile High PBR event in Prescott Valley demonstrate his far-reaching impact in the bull riding world.

The Mortensen family's legacy can be traced back to an earlier generation with the boys' grandfather, JC Trujillo, a legendary rodeo cowboy and a member of the ProRodeo Hall of Fame. Trujillo, a native of Prescott, Arizona, embarked on his rodeo career when he was just six years old. He has a rich career filled with numerous achievements. Among his many accolades, JC was named the world champion bareback rider in 1981 (this is a link to a YouTube video of JC getting his world championship) and was honored at the ProRodeo Hall of Fame in 1994. Other milestones include winning the Arizona Junior Rodeo Association's bareback riding championship, being part of the Arizona State University rodeo team, earning the 1968 intercollegiate bareback riding championship, and qualifying for 12 National Finals Rodeo Competitions. To put that into perspective, JC qualified for the NFR for more than a decade—a remarkable accomplishment. Moreover, Trujillo holds the record for the most bareback championship wins at the Frontier Days World's Oldest Rodeo in Prescott. Recently, Trujillo hung up his spurs from his role as the General Manager for Prescott Frontier Days and the 'World’s Oldest Rodeo,' the historic venue where the iconic rodeo has been hosted since 1888. Given his exceptional career, it's not surprising that JC Trujillo is often celebrated as one of the finest bareback riders to ever step into a pair of boots.

The influence of both Judd Mortensen and JC Trujillo extends beyond their personal accomplishments and community contributions. As father and grandfather, respectively, they have inspired the next generation of Mortensens to uphold the family's iconic legacy in cowboy culture.

True Ambassadors of the Western Way of Life

Western and cowboy cultures are inextricably woven into the fabric of American identity. Events like the Frontier Days rodeo in Prescott serve as vivid reminders of this enduring heritage, bringing to life the spirit of the Old West with every buck and every rope. Families like the Mortensens stand as living embodiments of this tradition, their legacy interweaving with the timeless saga of the American cowboy. Through their achievements in the bull riding arena and their tireless efforts in the community, they help preserve and promote a culture that is quintessentially American. This symbiotic relationship between events like Frontier Days and families like the Mortensens ensures that the cowboy culture, a vibrant chapter in our national narrative, continues to thrive, inspiring future generations to carry forward the legacy of the American West.