Training mustangs is about more than taming a wild animal for Texas cowboy Bobby Kerr — it’s about rooting for the underdog.

“A lot of people think these mustangs aren’t worth a hoot, especially other horsemen and trainers,” said Kerr. “It’s fun to hear them say, ‘I’ll be god dang, I never seen a mustang that could do that or looked that good.'”

The five-time winner of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association Specialty Act of the Year award knows how it feels to be the underdog, something that connects him to the horses. With expertise — and a lot of patience — Kerr trains mustangs to do things that some people believe are impossible.

“Well, they never seen a mustang that was gathered up and fed good feed and wormed and had their teeth done. That’ll make a difference,” Kerr added. “Once they get past that wild horse point … It’s not different than any other horse.”

On the road touring his specialty act with mustangs, Newt and Poncho, Kerr and his wife Susan pulled up to the Howelsen Rodeo Grounds after being invited to perform through the last two weekends of the 2025 Steamboat Pro Rodeo Series.

After two stellar performances last weekend, Kerr is ready to give Steamboat Pro Rodeo guests the perfect summer send-off with his mustang tricks and highly-trained ranch dogs this Friday and Saturday night — the final weekend of this summer’s rodeo.

From ranch dogs leading mustangs to mustangs sitting in cars, Kerr’s act is truly impressive — especially knowing these magnificent horses were once nearly untamable.

Kerr has been training horses for over 50 years, but he fell in love with mustang training after participating in a mustang makeover, a contest revolving around training mustangs in only 120 days.

“When you make the finals (of the mustang makeover), you get to do a three and a half minute freestyle to show the judges and crowd, in an entertaining way, ‘I broke your horses,'” said Kerr. “That’s what got me into the rodeo business.”

Kerr added that he liked the challenge of training mustangs and identified with their spirits. For him, training is about gaining trust, even if it takes time.

“Each one’s different,” he said. “Some are wild as hell … That first impression on that horse means everything. They’re gonna be scared.”

Sometimes, Kerr can manage to ride a mustang on the first day of training — something he said is usually a bad idea. Other times, the first ride can happen after a month of training and establishing trust.

Regardless of a horse’s temperament, Kerr said mustang training takes thoughtful intentionality. In every moment of the training process, he calculates the next move before he makes it.

“You gotta really think about what you’re fixin’ to do to that horse,” Kerr said. “If you screw up and get mad and get after them, you haven’t got time to fix it in that 120 days before that contest. It really makes you stop and think what you’re fixin’ to do.”

Intentionality continued to be one of Kerr’s top priorities in touring his specialty act after he was diagnosed with Stage 4 esophageal cancer in 2021.

Despite the cancer, Kerr continued performing.

“I didn’t do the surgery. Big decision, but why stay home? You’re gonna sit in the recliner and probably die,” he said. “If I die, at least I’m on the road doing what I love to do. I’ll go as long as I can.”

Kerr’s act has changed little by little since his cancer diagnosis. By cutting back on tricks like jumping a car off running boards that are on fire, he keeps his health at the top of his mind.

Kerr and Susan are well-acquainted with the Steamboat Pro Rodeo, having performed there in past years and maintaining ties with Chairman and Arena Director Brent Romick, as well as Board President and Announcer John Shipley.

This year, Steamboat’s 6,900-foot altitude presented an added challenge due to Kerr’s health. Still, he persists, giving his all every night and leaving the crowd in awe.

Kerr said the Steamboat Pro Rodeo is one of his favorites to perform at, with space to practice, good dirt and a community that loves its local rodeo.

But without his wife, Susan, Kerr said he would have had to quit performing a long time ago. He attributes much of his success to her dedication and teamwork.

“You see what you see me do, but you don’t see what she does,” he said.

For Susan, the rodeo and ranching community across the country has been instrumental in their ability to keep touring Bobby’s act.

Whether folks are caring for their animals, driving their trucks across the country, or flying Bobby to last-minute doctor appointments by private jet, the Kerrs always have support wherever they go.

“This industry is top-notch,” said Susan. “Like a family.”

The support allows Kerr and Susan to continue their passions and lead a life they find meaningful. Plus, Kerr said he hates to disappoint a crowd — keeping his word is a value he holds dear.

When he commits to performing at a rodeo, he does everything in his power to keep that promise unless his health won’t allow it.

“(Rodeos) respect that. They respect us trying to do our damnedest to make their rodeo,” he said. “That’s the biggest value — your word, your handshake.”

Keeping his word translates to Kerr’s horse training, too. Trust, responsibility and intentionality remain at the core of his long career.

At the end of the day, Kerr said nothing is more satisfying than a happy crowd and a trusting mustang.

“When you watch (mustangs) let down their guard, and watch them come to trust you, that’s a life-changing experience,” Kerr said. “It’ll change your heart. It did mine.”