Local rodeo legend Shane Proctor is teaching his annual bull riding school at the Nespelem rodeo arena yesterday and today, April 3-4, imparting some wisdom to up-and-coming cowboys and cowgirls.

"We're teaching them a lot about the basics," Proctor said. "We're teaching them about being square on the back of a bull, keeping your free arm close to you, getting up over the front of them as the bull comes up, and getting off your butt. Just really concentrating on the basics."

Proctor was joined by fellow professional bull riders Derek Kolbaba, Garrett Smith, Markus Mariluch, Riker Carter, and Dakota Lewis, who each hail from western states.

Proctor emphasized that they all have their own style of riding and that the kids will develop their own style as they gain more experience.

"If they have a good foundation, then they can go and create their own style from there, but all the foundation is the same," Proctor said.

Proctor has been riding in the area since he was just a young cowboy.

"It means a lot to me," Proctor said about the area. "When I was growing up, when people seen dirt flying from this direction there'd be cars just coming in randomly. They're always really supportive with junior rodeos, the committee and the town. The heritage from around here is amazing as far as rodeo atmosphere, and it's always good just to be back home."

In his own career, Proctor has recently set his sights on the All-Around Cowboy championship title with the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. He was that association's word champion bull rider in 2011.

"It's going good," Proctor said about chasing the prize. "The more I get on, the better I get."

This was the ninth annual Shane Proctor Bull Riding School.