One Arm Bandit to perform at Logan County Fair PRCA rodeo

Has won PRCA Specialty Act of the Year award 12 times

By Sara Waite

Oklahoma native John Payne grew up in the ranching way of life.

At age 20, he was electrocuted by power lines and his right arm had to be amputated. But his way of life didn't change — doctors wanted to amputate his leg as well, but he told them he wouldn't want to live because he couldn't ride a horse with one leg. "After five weeks in the Tulsa (Okla.) burn center... John checked himself out and went home to start breaking a horse he had bought while in the hospital," says his website, theonearmbandit.net.

That was 40 years ago. In 1987, he started in rodeo in Ponca City, Okla., selling wild bulls to the stock contractor. After making negative comments about an act. the contractor challenged him to do better. His first show was a year later in that same place.

In his first year, he was nominated for the PRCA Specialty Act of the Year. Since then, he was won the award 12 times, most recently in 2011.

Animals in the show consist of Longhorn-Watusi steers, mustangs, mules and buffalo. Blackmouth cur dogs are a key part of the training process, the website says.

He says on his website that he believes "anything can be accomplished through sheer nerve, determination and the drive to excel in one's field."

Payne's act has expanded since his children, Lynn and Amanda, joined the gang.

The One Arm Bandit will be the specialty act at the PRCA Rodeo at the Logan County Fair. Tickets for the rodeo are available at lcfair.org.

Contact Journal-Advocate managing editor Sara Waite at 970-526-9310 or swaite@journal-advocate.com