From Bulldoggers to Bullfighters: Dane and Cauy Pokorny
Dane and Cauy Pokorny, from Thedford, Nebraska, are two brothers working to make a name for themselves in the rodeo world. What started as a steer wrestling duo has now pivoted into become one of the fiercest pairs in bullfighting.
The Pokorny’s are no stranger to the rodeo world. Their grandfather and father both competed. The boys began roping and riding at a young age. “We worked hard and trained 24/7 to be the best steer wrestlers we could. We also team roped, trained the head horses we used, and steer wrestled all the way through college. We started chute dogging when we were way too small to be throwing steers”, said Dane.
Upon starting their college journey, the Pokorny’s sparked an interest in bull fighting. “It was something that always intrigued me, and my rodeo coach was gracious enough to let me step in on some practice bulls. It did not take me long to realize that it was something I loved to do”, explains Cauy. They started fighting at local college practices and showing everyone they have what it takes. Both brothers have received approval to start fighting PRCA Rodeos and are fresh off their first UBF World Finals.
Dane says, “For me, I am not stopping until I get to the top- fighting at the NFR to fighting at the PBR World Finals”. Cauy expresses he would like to keep building his career and qualify for more UBF World Finals in hopes of bringing home a world title. The pair are looking to make Pokorny a household name.
Dane and Cauy both do not compete in steer wrestling any longer since they kickstarted their bullfighting career; however, they still enjoy helping the next generation of bulldoggers learn when given the opportunity. Both train horses and ranch when they aren’t off competing in bull fighting or protecting a bull rider at a rodeo.
Having a brother who shares the same passion for rodeo is like having a built-in traveling
partner. Dane’s favorite memory from the road is when they were coming home from a bull
riding event in Mississippi. They stepped off the plane, got in the pickup, and started driving
home at 3 am. Dane says he remembers how quiet it was, and how tired they
were, but Cauy said, “This is the life, isn’t it”? Dane replied, “I dang sure don’t want to be doing
anything else”.
When it comes to cowboy protection, this duo knows how to work seamlessly together and step in to do what it takes to keep the riders safe. Dane says, “We’re so similar. We know what each other is going to do before we do it”. As for freestyling, Cauy says “It’s lot of fun competing against your brother. You always want to win of course, but at the end of the day I’m happy to see Dane succeed”. Dane shares the same feelings and expresses, “We have different approaches getting ready to compete but going up to your brother and hyping each other up is awesome”. He feels it brings them closer and creates a bond like nothing else.
The sport of Rodeo is constantly evolving. When starting out, it’s important to be mindful of who
you surround yourself with and how you spend your free time. Cauy’s advice is “You will
become the people that you surround yourself with. Also, keep your head down and keep
working”. Dane adds, “It isn’t just partying and crazy anymore. We are working out and trying to
perfect our craft, staying in shape, and trying to climb to the top. Starting to fight bulls, all things
aside, you must be fearless and selfless. Being able to step in and break bones for someone else so they don’t have to is why I do it, so don’t be afraid, just work hard and go after it."
While on the road, athletes figure out what their favorite pit stop is and their go to snacks. Cauy says he loves a good Red Bull and Chex Mix while traveling, and Dane’s most memorable experience was the road trip to Fort Worth, Texas for the UBF World Finals.
The Pokorny’s are a duo to watch and a name to look out for in 2025. Their hard work and determination will carry them far. This is a pair you’ll see not hestitate to taking a hit in the arena to defend bull riders and stepping in to make fantastic saves. As for freestyle, I watched these two step in the arena for the 2024 UBF World Finals, I can tell there is a fire in their eyes and a passion for bull fighting like no other. I look forward to seeing what their future holds and what’s in store for these two.
