History
Cervi Championship Rodeo has one of the largest rough stock herds in the PRCA. From the foundation of superior bloodlines, the Cervi Championship Rodeo company consists of over 800 horses and over 150 bulls. 2027 will mark the 60th Anniversary for Cervi Championship Rodeo!
What began in 1967 when they purchased the renowned Beutler Brothers Rodeo Company, Cervi Championship Rodeo has grown today into the largest stock contractor for rodeo productions across the United States. Mike Cervi, founder, began his rodeo career at age 14, traveling across North America from the great plains of Texas to the rolling hills of Alberta, Canada serving as a rodeo clown. Throughout the years, the Cervi family has acquired the two largest companies in the rodeo business, including purchasing the Billy Minick Rodeo Company in 1974, formerly owned by well-known producers Harry Knight and Gene Autry. With the acquisition, Cervi became the largest stock contractor in the nation and renamed the company Cervi Championship Rodeo; combining Beutler Brothers & Cervi Rodeo and Cervi Championship Rodeo into one corporation. Currently, Cervi Championship Rodeo produces 10 of the top 50 rodeos in the PRCA and had 69 different animals selected to compete at the 2017 Great Lakes Circuit, Mountain States Circuit and All American Finals. In the past seven years, over 100 Cervi Championship Rodeo animals have been selected for the NFR and they were honored to win three go rounds at the 2016 NFR and two go rounds at the 2017 NFR. Cervi Championship Rodeo’s main goal as a renowned stock contracting company is to produce fast and exciting rodeo with the best bucking stock available.
Binion Cervi
Binion Cervi, Executive Director, has experience in every aspect of rodeo production. Beginning his career while still in elementary school, he earned pocket change at the National Western Rodeo by shining shoes and boots for cowboys and patrons. In his early teens, Binion orchestrated a top trick-riding specialty act, which he performed at rodeos all around the country.
Today, Binion heads up the production of rodeos, oversees the successful breeding program for Cervi bucking horses, manages the finances, and is the face of public relations for Cervi Championship Rodeo. Having experienced the “show business” part of rodeo through his trick-riding acts, Binion is now incorporating these skills to highlight Cervi Rodeo productions that illustrate American patriotism and western heritage. These little extras at Cervi Championship Rodeos provide fans a great feeling about the performances and an added appreciation for the western way of life.
Chase Cervi
Chase Cervi, Ranch Manager and pick-up man, is very involved in the behind-the-scenes organization of the company. Chase organizes a breeding program for the companies’ bucking bulls, oversees the management of staff that work each rodeo, and is a true stockman helping to tend to the Cervi saddle horses and all other stock at the rodeos. As a pick-up man, Chase has the ability to anticipate the moves of the bucking horses and the needs of the bronc riders; he is able to quickly position himself to aid both the animal and the cowboy efficiently and effectively. In 2010 and 2014 – 2016, the top twenty bareback riders and saddle bronc riders in the world standings selected Chase as a pickup man to work the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas, NV and in 2016 & 2018 he won the prestigious Pickup Man of the Year award.
As a team, the Cervi boys control every aspect of Cervi Championship Rodeo performances from raising great bucking stock, to directing the movements of everything that goes on in the arena from the start of a rodeo to the end. Finally, they are forever grateful to their sponsors that make it possible for them take the very best bucking stock down the road every day of the year: Greeley Hat Works, Vitalix and Classic Equine®.
Giving Back
The Cervi Family has also made it a priority to give back to the sport they love. With less cowboys coming off the ranch and less opportunities for them to practice, the world of rodeo is seeing a decline in bareback and bronc riders. And for men like the Cervi brothers, Binion and Chase, this spells trouble. But along with their Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame father, Mike, these second generation PRCA stock contractors set out on a mission to give back to the industry that has been their lives since birth. And so arose the Ace High Rough Stock Academy. Providing students with a better understanding of riding techniques, chute safety, and confidence in the rodeo arena – the Ace High Rough Stock Academy was formed by the Cervi family as a non-profit organization which provides free clinics to students of any age and experience. Unlike other schools and “rodeo camps” available, Ace High provides three advantages for students who join them: 1) free tuition, 2) training in all aspects of the rodeo industry, and 3) personal feedback and coaching from world champion cowboys. To date, 16 schools have been held in four states with over 660 total participants. In 2017 alone, students at our Ace High schools represented 14 states across the U.S, as well as Alberta, Canada.
