One Arm Bandit returns to Sisters

The One Arm Bandit is returning as the specialty act at Sisters Rodeo for the third time.

His performance is a herding spectacular. Whip in hand, he herds buffalo or longhorn cattle from horseback onto the back of a truck and even on the roof of a stock trailer. He is assisted by his exotic Florida Cur Head dogs.

"He was invited to perform for the rodeo's 70th anniversary because his has been one of the top two favorite specialty acts ever presented at Sisters Rodeo," said President Glenn Miller. "You could say he's back by popular demand."

He also takes his act to the Sisters Rodeo Parade in a breathtaking performance with his horse on the roof of a moving stock trailer.

John Payne was born on an Oklahoma ranch, and the cowboy has spent his entire life on a horse with dogs alongside. He partners with his dad and four brothers as ranchers in his home state, but his showmanship keeps him on the road most of the year.

When hired to herd some intractable bulls, John and his cur dogs earned the respect of the ranch owner. The bulls were penned in a short while, and the result was the beginning of Payne's career in the rodeo arena.

Many years ago, Payne made a one-time mistake on a power pole, where he grabbed a line believing the power was off. He sustained 7,200 volts for 10 seconds. While the voltage was burning through leg muscles, it burnt through his fingers, causing him to fall to sure death. He was revived with CPR, licked his wounds for months - including an amputation of his arm - and went back to ranching. Through this shocking experience, Payne became "The One Arm Bandit."

The One Arm Bandit and Company has now taken their legendary act throughout the United States and Canada. This act has been seen at some of the top horse shows and rodeos in the nation, always stunning an appreciative crowd. The skill, displayed in communicating with horses, dogs, cattle and buffalo, has earned Payne the PRCA Specialty Act of the Year from 1989 through 1996. His son and daughter are now carrying on the tradition.

The Sisters PRCA Rodeo will feature four performances on June 11-13.