From Rescue to the Record Books: OptiWize Rescue Story’s Unforgettable PBR Debut

On March 18, 2022, a newborn calf was found cold, stiff and unresponsive in a pasture.

Chad and Jenny Drury and their daughter, Addi, carried him into the house and began fighting to save him. They warmed him, tube-fed him and cared for him through those first critical hours.

For nearly 36 hours, his future remained uncertain—but the little calf refused to give up.

That calf became OptiWize Rescue Story. Four years later, during his debut weekend beneath the bright lights of the PBR, he became part of bull riding history.

Raised by Nothin’ But Try Ranch

Rescue Story belongs to the Drury family of Nothin’ But Try Ranch in Erick, Oklahoma.

For Chad, Jenny and Addi, raising bucking bulls is about far more than producing great animal athletes. Their bulls are part of the family, and each one receives the individual attention and care needed to reach his full potential.

The Drurys have raised and cared for numerous bulls that have competed in the PBR. Their experience in the bucking-bull industry has taught them that success in the arena begins long before a bull enters the chute. It starts at home with consistent care, thoughtful management and a genuine commitment to every animal.

The family uses OptiWize products as part of the care they provide for their animal athletes. That shared dedication to supporting animals throughout every stage of their lives made the partnership between Nothin’ But Try Ranch and OptiWize a natural fit.

A Name With Meaning

The Drurys named the calf Rescue Story after the Christian song of the same name—a fitting tribute to the remarkable beginning of his life.

His journey did not begin with expectations of packed arenas, elite riders or national recognition. It began with a family willing to fight for him when he could not fight for himself.

As Rescue Story grew stronger, his potential became impossible to overlook. The calf who once struggled to survive developed into a talented animal athlete with the power, athleticism and heart required to compete at an elite level.

Adding the OptiWize name to Rescue Story’s journey carried special meaning. OptiWize is committed to supporting animal athletes through every chapter—from their daily care at home to their biggest moments in competition.

A PBR Debut Weekend to Remember

OptiWize Rescue Story made his first trip out of a PBR chute on Friday night in Anaheim.

The ride was challenged and ultimately ruled a no-score after the rider touched the bull at 7.96 seconds. Rescue Story received a bull score of 42.55, officially marking the beginning of his PBR career.

His second opportunity came on Sunday, when he was matched with one of the greatest bull riders in the history of the sport: three-time PBR World Champion José Vitor Leme.

This time, Rescue Story delivered an even stronger trip. Leme reached the whistle, and the pair earned a combined score of 88.45 points while helping the Austin Gamblers secure a victory over the Florida Freedom.

The qualified ride was the 400th of Leme’s celebrated career at PBR’s premier level, making him only the 11th rider in PBR history to reach that milestone.

For Rescue Story, it was an extraordinary introduction to the PBR. In only his second trip out of a PBR chute, he carried one of the sport’s greatest athletes into the record books.

Made for the Bright Lights

The arena environment introduced Rescue Story to loud music, a roaring crowd and an entirely new level of energy—but Chad noticed something unexpected.

Instead of displaying his normally restless personality, Rescue Story stood calmly and appeared completely comfortable with the noise and excitement surrounding him.

Maybe he was made for the bright lights all along.

From Fighting for Life to Making History

There is something special about seeing where Rescue Story began and recognizing how far he has come.

He went from lying unresponsive in a pasture to carrying a World Champion through one of the most significant rides of his career. His first moments were defined by uncertainty. His PBR debut weekend was defined by strength, athleticism and history.

For Chad, Jenny and Addi, the moment represented years of care, faith and belief in a calf whose life nearly ended before it had truly begun. It also represented everything behind the name Rescue Story: perseverance, second chances and the incredible things that can happen when someone refuses to give up.

OptiWize is proud to support the Drury family, Nothin’ But Try Ranch and Rescue Story as they begin this exciting new chapter.

His PBR debut may already be one for the history books, but Rescue Story’s journey is only getting started.

From rescued calf to PBR athlete, OptiWize Rescue Story was built to overcome.