John Payne – The One-Armed Bandit

The notorious One Arm Bandit, was born to a rancher in the oil rich town of Shidler, Oklahoma on April 19,1953

On June12, 1973, thinking the electricity had been shut off, John climbed up a telephone pole to cut some wires..Probelm was , he was dead wrong about the statues of the wires.

Without warning 7,200 volts of electricity ran through his entire body for an unbearable 10 seconds. It burnt through fingers of his right hand and he fell to his death..

He was brought back to life, but was in bad shape. The electricity exited through his body through his abdomen, leaving his intestines protruding. the voltage had burnt through his left leg as well. Exposing his thigh bone from his knee several inches up. his flaming clothing also had been doused upon reaching the ground. Despite the massive electrocution, he survived. The doctors wanted to cut John’s left leg off but he told them ” I can’t ride a horse with one leg and if I cant ride a horse, then I don’t want to live.” The doctors did, however cut off his right arm because it was completely burnt. After five weeks in the Tulsa Burn Center, the doctor reported “no apparent brain damage, but he was short handed”. So John checked himself out and went home.

Within the last 25 years, While John performs year around still John has since passed on the family tradition to his two kids, Lynn and Amanda along with passing the Bandit Lifestyle onto the Grandkids.. Fans are sure to see The One Arm Bandit and Company some where, some place, some time!



Manu Lataste – Pro Bull Jumping

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

With more than 500 Bulls faced in 20+ years of career, including 250 shows in North America, 4 countries crossed, 2 continents, more than 10 bad injurys, 5 surgerys, 4 years of recovery, several participations to the biggest historic shows in France, Spain, Canada and USA,  MANU LATASTE becomes the first original European & traditional Bull Jumper to work in America.

Manu Lataste isn’t the only Bull Jumper in the world even the creator of the BULL LEAPING.

He is one of The BEST BULL JUMPER of the World, the most traveler, the first to enter in the rodeo industry, the co-founder of the Professional Bull Jumping Company, and the first Bull Jumper PRCA card horlder.

His talent, bravery, honesty and humility in and out the Arena are recognised all over the world.