Bob Feist Invitational under new ownership

After 35 years of ownership by founder Bob Feist, the world’s richest one-day Open roping has been purchased by Ullman Peterson Events, LLC.

Corky Ullman of Santa Ynez, CA, and Daren Peterson of Franktown, CO, have taken the reins in time to prepare for the 2012 Bob Feist Invitational (BFI) in Reno, NV, on June 18. The two met while competing at a USTRC roping in Scottsdale, AZ, in the late 1990s.

“It’s exciting and a little scary to consider producing something as big and prestigious as the BFI,” said Ullman, 60. “We’ll try to upgrade where we can and do some things in the future to help get the fans more involved during the actual event.”

Ullman, whose extended family owns some of the oldest parking lots in Hollywood, is a rancher. He and his wife, Kristi, breed horses on their California spread and raise beef cattle in Oregon and California.

Having known Feist for nearly 20 years, Ullman was aware that the roping kingpin wanted to slow down and hand off the BFI to a friend. That’s when Ullman contacted Peterson.

“We’re excited,” said Peterson, 43. “It’s probably the most elite roping there is in the United States, with the longest history. Even guys who aren’t rodeoing anymore come out to it.”

Peterson has been roping for about 20 years and has worked in residential and commercial construction since 1987. He and his wife, Kami, split their time between Colorado’s front range and the Phoenix area, producing jackpots in both areas throughout the year under Longhorn Productions.

“I’m excited for them,” said Feist, who set out to build the greatest Open roping in the world – from the perspective of actual team ropers – in 1977. “I’ve always wanted the roping to be privately owned and for someone to take it and run with it.”

Feist, 71, will remain a hands-on adviser to Ullman Peterson Events. “He’ll be our consultant until he doesn’t want to be anymore,” said Peterson. “This roping is his child.”

That means the half-million-dollar BFI will continue hosting 100 teams over an 18-foot score with a 97 percent payback.

For more information, call 303-870-6489

– BFI

visit http://www.bobfeistinvitational.com