Cowboy Lifestyle Magazine | Winter 2022

cowboy CowboyLifestyleNetwork.com

Winter 2022

LIFEST Y LE

THE LEGENDARY LIFE OF

Chris LeDoux JUST

PRESENTED BY DRINK

LEDOUXIT TM

nk Just LeDoux It Collaborate | LeDoux Fam ily Philanth Artist Tim Cox, Dri | A & Q x u ropy Ned LeDo

City Limitless ® | Western Art: Susan a s e M | R F N t a von Borste s to do l 10 Thing

CHUTE .

L L I R H T O T

STETSON WRIGHT

BACK-TO-BACK ALL-AROUND WORLD CHAMPION

winter 2022

CONTENTs

Working with the

ICE AGE Ned LeDoux Q&A

16

P.

Navajo Nation Parks

P.

Warmup

46

P.

6

Wrangler National Finals Rodeo

Mesa City Limitless ®

8

Legendary Rewind 24

Fast Forwarding Classic Movies

10

Wyoming Proud: Ian Munsick

11

10 Things to Do

Winter Rodeo Road Trip

Forney, Bales Hay Farm Announce Partnership 22 DRINK

JUST

Presented by

LEDOUXIT

It’s All in the LeDoux Family

14

Q&A with Ned LeDoux

16

18

A Classic Collaboration

26

Insider’s Guide 29 Cowboy Q&A: Kaycee Feild

30

Cowgirl Q&A: Lisa Lockhart

32

TM

The Legendary Life of Chris LeDoux 12

Navajo Nation

2

36

“Oh My” Your Wardrobe

Western Art, Lifestyle & More Meet Susan von Borstel

40

Let’s “Oh My” Your Wardrobe

46

Working with the Ice Age

52

Explore Navajo Nation Parks

36

From the Lens 56

History of the Squash Blossom

38

Bucks for the Brave Winners

62

For hands, neck & face

IT ’S A GR EAT TI M E TO

be a Cowboy!

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he time has finally come for the super bowl of rodeo, the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo 2021! Cowboy Lifestyle Network is beyond excited to be back in Las Vegas and we hope you are too.

Welcome to the NFR Edition of Cowboy Lifestyle Magazine, in this issue, you can expect stories on everything you might want to know about shopping, entertainment, athletes, and fashion. With a creative blend of modern and classic story-telling, we are excited to share the stories of those in the western industry and beyond.

With Cowboy Lifestyle magazine, you are reading stories about real people, crafted by real people. Our goal is to tell the story of cowboys, farmers, ranchers, small business owners and so many more. Because their stories matter and we want to share them. If you’re looking for more beyond these pages, you can visit cowboylifestylenetwork.com for new stories daily.

From the entire team here at Cowboy Lifestyle Network, we raise a cold one for you as we head into the finals because you are what keeps us going. Make sure to follow us on social media for all the behind-the-scenes action of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo.

We hope you enjoy the stories enclosed in this magazine as much as we enjoyed creating them.

Thank y’all for supporting us and God bless.

A S P E CI A L T H A N K YOU

The photography of Chris LeDoux featured on the front cover is courtesy of James W. Fain. Mr. Fain has been a rodeo photographer for 60 years, with his first published image appearing in Rodeo Sports News in 1961. Learn more about Mr. Fain at jamesfain.com.

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COW BOY LI FE ST Y LE M AGA Z I N E

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Here’s to the men who live for the dirt — the ones who know every ride comes to an end and the ground that awaits is inevitable. What’s important is getting back up, straightening your spurs, and gettin’ back on. We tip our hats to you.

Alabama • Arizona • Colorado • Georgia • Nebraska • North Carolina • South Carolina • Oklahoma • Tennessee • Virginia • And especially, Texas • TECOVAS.COM

WINTER RODEO ROAD TRIP

Bundle up and hit the road, here are 5 winter rodeos to get your blood flowing!

National Western Stock Show & Rodeo Dates: January 13-23 Location: Denver, Colorado Website: nationalwestern.com

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tart your winter rodeo road trip in beautiful Denver, Colorado! The National Western Stock Show and Rodeo come to town for 16 days. The National Western Stock Show has been going strong ever since 1906, celebrating western heritage and entertainment. NWSS brings over 650,000 visitors each year, and it’s one of the largest tourist destinations for rodeo, horse, and western trade shows. NWSS is bringing entertainment for all ages, from tasty BBQ to shopping for the latest western accessories, there will be a large selection of vendors that you won’t want to miss out on.

The annual National Western Stock Show Kick-Off Parade will begin in Denver at the Union Station at noon on January 6th. Taking a step back in time, the streets will be filled with cowboys and cowgirls. You will get the chance to see over 30 Longhorn cattle, horses, marching bands, and floats. You can check out the schedule and ticket information at NationalWestern.com. Mark your calendars and get ready for a good time!

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Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo Dates: January 21-February 5 Location: Fort Worth, Texas Website: www.fwssr.com

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he next stop on our winter rodeo road trip is the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo, taking place January 21st through February 5th, 2022. With everything from rodeos to Mustang Challenges and stock shows to horse shows, there is something for everyone in Fort Worth, Texas. All of the action kicks off with the All-Western Parade on January 15, 2022, in Downtown Fort Worth. Along with numerous animal shows and rodeo, there are tons of food and shopping vendors to explore as well.

“This Thing is Legendary” is their motto and the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo aiming to have another legendary year. In addition to all the fun that comes with a stock show, you can also find the Fiddle Showdown taking place on January 24. The competition is open to local youth between the ages of 14-18 and awards $7,500 in scholarships and awards. For more information on schedules and tickets, make sure to head to www.fwssr.com to start planning your trip.

San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo

La Fiesta De Los Vaqueros

Dates: February 10-26 Location: San Antonio, Texas Website: www.sarodeo.com

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ext stop, San Antonio! Mark your calendars for 18 days of wild western action this February 10th through the 26th. Established in 1949, the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo was a labor of love for Texan volunteers, ranging from ranchers and cowboys to businessmen and sports fans who all desired one thing: a coliseum that could be used to facilitate several large community events. Under the direction of Joe Freeman, the movement began. As community support and funding grew, the construction of the Joe and Harry Freeman Coliseum became a reality for San Antonio. Construction began in January of 1948. Today this coliseum is home to The San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo.

Year after year the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo takes great pride in protecting and promoting the western way of life. The San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo mission statement reads, “a volunteer organization that emphasizes agriculture and education to develop the youth of Texas.” Through community education and involvement, The San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo is active in preserving an integral part of Texas’ history. Whether your interest lies in the rodeo arena, stock shows, concerts, or shopping, there are various opportunities to explore the activities that make The San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo such a hit each year! Join Cowboy Lifestyle Network as we saddle up for another larger-than-life adventure in The Lone-Star State!

Dates: February 10-February 27 Location: Tucson, Arizona Website: tucsonrodeo.com

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t’s time to head to historic, Tucson, Arizona! Gear up and pull on your cowboy boots, because the annual La Fiesta De Los Vaqueros Rodeo is kicking off February 10-27, 2022. Tucson is famous for its wild western flair and has seen its fair share of award-winning western action. While it may be a hotspot for filming some of the world’s most popular westerns, including Tombstone (1993) and The Frisco Kid (1979,) Tucson is much more than a movie set!

The year was 1925 when an idea sparked in Leighton Kramer to draw more visitors to Tucson during the mid-winter months.

With a chance to promote Tucson and celebrate its western history, La Fiesta de Los Vaqueros was born. This nine-day long rodeo is for cowboys and cowgirls as they compete in PRCA (Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association) rodeo events such as bull riding, bareback and saddle bronc, steer wrestling, team roping, tie-down roping, and barrel racing. With a past as rich as a prospector hitting gold, La Fiesta de Los Vaqueros combines western tradition, with new-age excitement to create one of the most exciting events during the early PRCA season.

Roots N’ Boots Queen Creek Dates: March 17-20, 2022 Location: Queen Creek, Arizona Website: rootsnboots.org

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ince its inauguration in 2011, Roots N’ Boots Queen Creek has become an integral part of Queen Creek, Arizona’s ranching and agricultural community. Beginning as a two-day event with an estimated 8,000 guests, Roots N’ Boots Queen Creek has expanded to become one of the fastest-growing event extravaganzas in Arizona! Now boasting four days of non-stop action, Roots N’ Boots Queen Creek proudly welcomes well over 15,000 spectators to Horseshoe Park & Equestrian Centre where the festivities take place each year.

2022 Roots N’ Boots Queen Creek activities will begin March 17th and will run until Sunday, March 20th. Each day is packed to the brim with activities the entire family will enjoy. Some of the activities included are a carnival, rodeo dances, horsemanship clinics, petting zoos, Mutton Bustin’, live musical entertainment, and even a cornhole tournament! A full list of activities can be found on their website, rootsnboots.org. Presented by Banner Ironwood Medical Center, the 2022 Roots N’ Boots Queen Creek has been brought to life once again by the dedicated, Friends of Horseshoe Park Event Committee. Months of planning go into bringing the best-ofthe-best family fun entertainment to Queen Creek, Arizona for this yearly extravaganza. Saddle up for the ride this March 17th-20th, 2022!

Remember, Roots N’ Boots Queen Creek is “More than a rodeo!” cowboylifestylenetwork.com

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MESA CITY LIMITLESS®: ARIZONA ADVENTURES IN THE AMERICAN SOUTHWEST

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elcome to Mesa, Arizona’s authentic outdoor Sonoran Desert destination.

Mesa is the perfect city for Western and outdoor adventure, culinary discoveries and Arizona beauty with mountains, lakes and rivers and canyon lands. In fact, Mesa was named the “Best Place for Outdoor Lovers” because of the thousands of acres of natural desert that surrounds the quaint urban core. Staying in Mesa is the best decision for visitors that want to take easy day trips to neighboring Queen Creek, where agritourism is at the heart of their heritage. Go shopping, hiking, and explore relaxing waterways where wild mustangs share the river with paddleboarders, rafters, and kayakers.

Mesa’s location in the center of the Valley of the Sun also allows visitors to play day trips to the Grand Canyon, Sedona and into Northern Arizona. Mesa offers a premium selection of full-service hotels and is the ideal ‘hub and spoke’ destination for exploring all of Arizona’s unique experiences and landscapes.

TONTO NATIONAL FOREST: OUTDOOR ADVENTURE IN ARIZONA Mesa, Arizona is neighbor to the Tonto National Forest and visitors to this desert oasis take advantage of being incredibly close to one of the nation’s largest outdoor recreation areas. Tonto is the fifth largest forest in the United States and one of the most-visited forests in the country. There are three lakes and two rivers in Mesa that allow for desert boating, paddle boarding, kayaking and water skiing. These tucked away canyons, rivers and the interconnected lake systems are all surrounded by breathtaking Arizona mountain ranges. Mesa has miles of shoreline and miles of trails that set the stage for back-country wilderness trips with expert outfitters serving as guides. Visitors can choose their own adventure such as paragliding in our parks, climbing up the cliff faces of the Superstition Mountains, or hiking to the Wind Cave set high atop Usery Mountain.

RANCHES AND RODEOS, THE COWBOY WAY

Visitors will discover a celebrated Western heritage when they visit the town of Queen Creek, the Arizona hub for working cattle ranches and homesteads and they were named one of the Best in the West towns by American Cowboy magazine. In Queen Creek, be sure to head to the Horseshoe Park and Equestrian Centre, host to the Navajo Nation Queen Creek PBR in November and the Roots N’ Boots Queen Creek rodeo each spring.

This year’s rodeo will take place March 17 – 20, 2022 and feature a carnival,

rodeo dance, live entertainment and all the fun that comes with a sanctioned PRCA and WPRA event including bareback riding, steer wrestling, saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping, team roping, and bull riding and more. Don’t miss this exciting party that takes over the entire town.

THE APACHE TRAIL: ARIZONA WESTERN & NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE

One of the most popular day trips for anyone visiting Mesa is up the historic Apache Trail through the mysterious Superstition Mountains. To this day, the area continues to pay homage to its Western roots, which took shape in the late 1800s. On this scenic drive guests will encounter an authentic old west stagecoach stop, a ghost town, the famous Elvis Presley Chapel, and the majesty of a mountain lake, all nestled in the beautiful Sonoran Desert landscape that captures the true essence of Arizona.

FRESH FOODIE TRAIL®

Visitors that love all things culinary will want to take the ultimate foodie road trip on Arizona’s Fresh Foodie Trail®. The trail features more than 10 farms with restaurants, activities and educational tours on Arizona farming.

There is a variety of seasonal goods for visitors to enjoy year-round. Top Arizona foodie attractions include the Queen Creek Olive Mill, Schnepf Farms – a 300-acre working farm with organic peach orchards, Agritopia, Steadfast Farm and Jalapeno Bucks, award-winning Arizona BBQ in the middle of one of Arizona’s oldest citrus farms. Visitors can also enjoy Mesa’s growing collection of craft breweries and Arizona’s first cidery on the Fresh Foodie Trail.

For more information and directions to all these Arizona adventures and experiences, head online to VisitMesa.com

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it’s more than a

rodeo ROOTS N’ BOOTS QUEEN CREEK MARCH 17 - 20

PRCA Rodeo performances. Carnival. Live entertainment. Pony rides. Petting zoo. Dances. And more.

It’s one of those special events you and your kids will hold tight.

visitmesa.com/rnb

Fast Forwarding Classic Western Movies Are you ready for a twist of some favorite classic western movies? The team at Cowboy Lifestyle Network took a stab at who should star in 2022 remakes of several famous Western movies. For those scoring at home, all recast decisions were determined based upon the following factors: character fit (60%), looks (15%), and acting style (25%). Ready, set, action.

Lonesome Dove

Unforgiven

Two former Texas Rangers rekindle their spirit of adventure when they decide to do a cattle drive from Texas to Montana with themselves and several others. The two main characters are Augustus “Gus” McCrae (Robert Duvall) and Woodrow F. Call (Tommy Lee Jones). Known for their hard-ass antics and no non-sense attitude, the two cowboys face many problems on the open range including storms, Indians, rustlers, and just plain trouble. If Lonesome Dove were to be remade, here’s our pick for these two characters:

After a gruesome attack on the town prostitute, there is a huge bounty on the heads of the guilty put in place by Sheriff “Little Bill” Daggett’s (Gene Hackman) insatiable need for justice. The infamous former outlaw turned hog farmer, William Munny (Clint Eastwood), embarks on an adventurous final mission to find the outlaws responsible for the heinous crime. Along for the ride is his old partnerin-crime, Ned Logan (Morgan Freeman), and an inexperienced young gunman, the “Schofield Kid”. This recast selection shouldn’t be a surprise, but here are our picks. We are dying to see Scott Eastwood play in a classic western!

Our Recast Selection

Augustus “Gus” McCrae: Matthew McConaughey Woodrow F. Call: Robert Downey Jr.

Tombstone Everyone should know the story of the great shootout at the OK Corral in Tombstone, Arizona.

But what about the story of the men involved in the shootout? Tombstone follows the storyline of the infamous Doc Holliday (Val Kilmer) and the Earp brothers, Wyatt (Kurt Russell), Morgan (Bill Paxton), and Virgil (Sam Elliot), as they try to stay on the path of the straight and narrow. Unfortunately, a reckless bunch of outlaws changes that for them as they start causing problems in the region, making it Doc’s and the Earp’s problem to clean up. A string of events all leading up to the bloodiest shootout the west has ever seen.

Our Recast Selection

Virgil Earp: Christian Bale Wyatt Earp: George Clooney Doc Holliday: Woody Harrelson Morgan Earp: Jeffrey Dean Morgan

Dances with Wolves Lt. John Dunbar (Kevin Costner) is named a hero after an accidental Union victory during the Civil War. When he starts a new position on the western frontier, he comes upon a wolf he lovingly calls “Two-socks” and an American Indian tribe. Lt. Dunbar is quick to make friends with the tribe and soon discovers there is a white woman, Stands With a Fist (Mary McDonnell) who was raised by them. Over time, he earns the respect of the tribe and leaves behind his white man’s ways.

Our Recast Selection William Munny

Bill Daggett

NED Logan

Scott Eastwood

Daniel Craig

Jamie Foxx

Open Range A retired gunslinger comes out of retirement when a corrupt lawman threatens his cattle crew and livelihood. In this western classic, in addition to the rough and tough cowboy plotline, there is also a budding romance between the main character, Charley Waite (Kevin Costner), and Sue Barlow (Annette Bening).

Our Recast Selection Charley waite

Sue barlow

Jude Law

Kate Winslet

Our Recast Selection

Lt. John Dunbar: Liam Neeson Stands With a Fist: Julia Roberts

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WYOMING PROUD

IAN MUNSICK’S WESTERN POP COUNTRY SOUND IS INFLUENCED BY NED LEDOUX AND POST MALONE

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igning his first major record label deal with Warner Music Nashville at 27 years old, Wyoming country artist Ian Munsick is putting his spin on western country.

Releasing his debut album, Coyote Cry, earlier this year, Munsick already has close to one hundred million streams.

Self-proclaiming to be in the western pop country genre, Munsick says that his record is influenced by people such as Ned LeDoux and Post Malone. Rebranding country music and taking it to a new level, Coyote Cry will give listeners something that they haven’t really heard before. Just as Texas has “Red Dirt Country”, Wyoming has their own flavor of country music. From the LeDoux family to Chancey Williams, Munsick is making a place for his name among the list of greats from the Cowboy State.

In 2017, Munsick released a self-titled EP, “Horses Are Faster”, winning iHeartRadio’s Rocky Mountain Song of the Year in the process and becoming the only artist who simultaneously qualified two tracks as finalists in the NSAI/CMT songwriting competition.

In addition to his previous accolades, in October 2021, Munsick was able to experience something that most musicians can only dream of; performing at the Grand Ole Opry. What made this occasion even more amazing for Munsick was that he was able to share the stage with his father who is a fiddle player. Learning the love of music and how to play from his father, the younger Munsick was able to pay those lessons back and show his appreciation in an incredibly special way.

Performing at events such as NFR in 2019 to gracing the stage at Grand Ole Opry, Munsick is currently touring with fan favorites, Cody Johnson and Easton Corbin.

Munsick says, “being on tour with these guys is awesome. I’m on tour (with Cody) through the spring and releasing my first major record while on the road has been incredible. Cody’s fans are hardcore and they’re at the venues right when the doors open, so we always play for a full crowd.

We’re excited to continue this for another few months!”

You can find Munsick headlining the Hooey Party presented by Pendleton Whiskey, on December 3rd at NFR over at Brooklyn Bowl.

Munsick will also be performing at NFR alongside Cody Johnson on December 9th at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.

•• Ian Munsick’s debut album, Coyote Cry, already has had close to 100 million streams.

Be on the lookout for additional NFR parties & tour stops by visiting: www.ianmunsick.com

cowboylifestylenetwork.com

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CH RIS

12

LE DOUX T

o this day, LeDoux is the epitome of a true American Cowboy.

Chris LeDoux was born on October 2, 1948 in Biloxi, Mississippi.

At 12 years old, LeDoux’s family moved to Austin, Texas, after his dad retired from the Air Force.

At 14 years old, the young LeDoux started playing guitar and writing songs. His love for rodeo also blossomed around this age as well.

When his family moved to Wyoming was when Chris started taking rodeo more seriously and started competing in high school rodeo competitions which led to a college rodeo scholarship. He continued singing and quickly became known in the rodeo circuit for songs such as “Bareback Jack”, “Hometown Cowboy”, and “Rodeo Life”.

It was 1970 when LeDoux made the leap to become a professional rodeo cowboy in the PRCA riding broncs. In order to help offset the costs of gas and entry fees, Chris got serious about composing songs that described his lifestyle. Within a few years, he had written enough songs to produce his first album.

Wanting complete control over his songs and albums, he started his own record label -- American Cowboy Songs -- with his father.

He recorded his first album in a friend’s basement and then began selling his tapes at rodeo events out of the back of his pickup truck.

In 1972, Chris married Peggy Rhoads.

During this period, music came second behind being a cowboy. His commitment paid off as Chris went on to win the world championship bareback riding at the National Finals Rodeo in Oklahoma City in 1976. For Chris, the best thing about winning the NFR was the credibility he gained with his music audiences. It served as proof that the cowboy songs he wrote were a part of him. LeDoux continued competing for the next several years, then retired in the early 1980s.

“I won a saddle and a buckle and I got a hat and a pair of boots – and a little bit of money. The money’s gone. The boots are worn out. The hat’s gone – someone bit a big chunk out of it at Fort Worth that next winter. I still have the saddle and the buckle. But that championship gave me credibility in the music that I’m doing and helped tremendously,” LeDoux said at the time.

After his retirement from rodeo, Chris wasn’t close to done with the western lifestyle. His family settled on a 500-acre ranch in Kaycee, Wyoming. LeDoux continued to write and record his songs and also began playing concerts. His concerts, were very popular and were designed to mimic the feel of a rodeo, often featuring a mechanical bull and pyrotechnics. He even rode the bull during his show while he sang.

By 1982, LeDoux had sold more than 250,000 copies of his albums with minimal marketing effort. By the end of the decade, he had self-released 22 albums.

Then in 1989, everything changed, again, when LeDoux was name-dropped in Garth Brooks’ song, “Much Too Young (To Feel This Damn Old)”. He gained national recognition almost overnight. Shortly after that happened, Chris signed a deal with Capitol Records, then in 1991, released his first national label album, Western Underground. He followed that album up with, Whatcha Gonna Do with a Cowboy, in 1992.

This album was certified gold and reached the top 10, with the title track, a duet with Garth Brooks, became LeDoux’s first and only top-10 country single, reaching number seven on the music charts in 1992.

At 52, Chris was diagnosed with a type of liver disease that required him to receive a liver transplant. After he recovered, he cranked out two more albums in true cowboy spirit.

Then in 2004, he was diagnosed with liver cancer and immediately started treatment.

Only a year later, LeDoux passed on March 9, 2005, at age 56. His spirit lives on through his wife Peggy and their five kids, Clay, Ned, Will, Cindy, and Beau.

It’s no surprise that America was left with a hole the size of Wyoming Skies in their hearts when LeDoux passed.

LeDoux changed the face of country music and helped influence several of today’s classic talents such as Garth Brooks and Toby Keith.

His legacy lives on today in several different ways -- family philanthropy, a spirits line, the Chris LeDoux Memorial Foundation, Chris LeDoux Days, music that will forever be cherished by fans of country music, and his son, Ned LeDoux. who carries the family name and tradition of singing songs that encompass the American West.

Chris LeDoux is a true American Cowboy who will never be forgotten.

Chris LeDoux Playlist Start a Chris LeDoux playlist with these 10 all-time great songs:

“This Cowboys Hat” “Western Skies” “Eight Second Ride”

“Look at You Girl” “Cadillac Ranch” “Cadillac Cowboy”

“Copenhagen” “County Fair” “A Cowboy’s Got To Ride

“Even Cowboys Like a Little Rock and Roll”

cowboylifestylenetwork.com

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IT’S ALL IN THE

LEDOUX FAMILY Chris LeDoux’s passing in 2005 launched new events, scholarships, a restaurant and monuments that keep his legacy alive for not only his fanbase, but also his friends and family.

11th Annual Chris LeDoux Days Taking place every June in Kaycee, Wyoming, the town comes alive with Chris LeDoux fervor. Going on their 11th annual event, you can expect to catch some bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, a kids barrel race, and plenty of music to feed your soul. The next event takes place June 17 & 18, 2022. chrisledoux.com

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June 17-18, 2022

Drink Just LeDoux It

Chris LeDoux Memorial Park

Inspired by the namesake, Drink Just LeDoux It is a wine and spirits brand dedicated to promoting the spirit of Chris LeDoux’s music, rodeo, and the American West. A portion of all proceeds goes back to the Chris LeDoux Memorial Foundation and Make-A-Wish. Drink Just LeDoux It has something for everyone, here are their Wine & Spirit Collections: Just LeDoux It Whiskey, Western Skies Vodka, Just LeDoux It Wine, Haywire Flavored Whiskey, Gunslinger Juniper Gin, and Rum Ranch.

Located in Kaycee, Wyoming, in the central part of town, is a park that was built

by The Chris LeDoux Memorial Foundation.

In the heart of the park is the original 3,500-pound statue of Chris LeDoux, titled ‘Good Ride Cowboy,’ which was created by Buffalo Artist, D. Michael Thomas. The land of the park was owned by Chris and Peggy LeDoux but was donated to the Foundation in order for the park to be built. Having been an integral part of the community, it was only fitting for Chris to have a permanent place in a town he loved so dearly.

drinkjustledouxit.com

JUST

DRINK

LEDOUXIT TM

chrisledoux.com

Chris LeDoux Memorial Foundation The Chris LeDoux Memorial Foundation raises money for the Chris LeDoux Rodeo Scholarship, which is awarded each fall to a Casper College rodeo cowboy or cowgirl. Each applicant’s work in the classroom, leadership, and overall conduct is considered.

Scholarships are also given to two high school seniors (one boy and one girl). In addition, the Chris LeDoux Memorial Foundation raises money for the Wyoming Make-A-Wish organization.

Just LeDoux It Saloon & Steak Out

Chris LeDoux Monuments

in Kaycee, Wyoming & Cheyenne, Wyoming Buffalo, Wyoming artist and sculptor, D. Michael Thomas designed and created a life and ½ size bronze statue of Chris LeDoux and his 1976 world championship ride on a buckskin named Stormy Weather.

Named after the Garth Brooks song “Good Ride Cowboy,” the statue was unveiled in 2010 at the Chris LeDoux Memorial Park in Kaycee, Wyoming. In a similar fashion Thomas also crafted a bronze statue for Cheyenne Frontier Days titled, “Just LeDoux It”, which was dedicated this past summer with the entire LeDoux Family in attendance as well as other notables, Garth Brooks, and the entire CFD Committee.

The statue now sits in its permanent home in Frontier Park.

Come visit us in the beautiful Big Horn Mountains outside of Sheridan Wyoming and enjoy some of the best USDA Prime Steaks ordered by the ounce and cut per order before being flame grilled to perfection. Enjoy craft cocktails along with an inviting décor that celebrates the rodeo life, artwork and musical career of Chris LeDoux. The many screens around the restaurant play the music videos and trivia of the life and accomplishments of one of the greatest western artist of our time. Each day the LeDoux Saloon and Steak Out donates a portion of its proceeds to the Chris LeDoux Memorial Foundation which supports the Make a Wish Foundation. So come on in, enjoy a fantastic meal, and help out a great cause. Hope to see ya’ll soon. ledouxsaloon.com

cowboylifestylenetwork.com

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Walking in his father’s Footsteps

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ned ledoux Playlist Build your Ned LeDoux playlist right now with these 10 songs:

“Forever A Cowboy” “Dance With Your Spurs On” “Some People Do” “Brother Highway” “The Hawk” “Cowboy Life” “Never Change” “By My Side” “Old Fashioned” “Travel Alone”

Ned LeDoux, son of the famous rodeo cowboy and singer/songwriter, Chris LeDoux, was born in Kaycee, Wyoming, in 1977.

LeDoux began his musical career as a drummer working with regional bands in and around Wyoming. In 1998 he joined his father’s band, Western Underground, and spent the following six years touring with his dad.

It wasn’t until several years after his father passed away in 2005 that Ned decided to follow in his dad’s footsteps and start singing and recording his own music.

LeDoux began touring as an artist with a full band in January 2016. His debut EP Forever a Cowboy was released inDecember 2016 and his first full-length album followed in 2017.

LeDoux is known for his high-energy live shows that mix his western roots with the rock and roll influences he acquired in his youth.

He routinely headlines his own shows, but has also earned coveted opening slots for Toby Keith, Aaron Watson, and Garth Brooks.

Cowboy Lifestyle magazine was excited to snag a few minutes of LeDoux’s time to chat about his deep western roots and what he’s working on these days.

YOU BEGAN YOUR MUSIC CAREER AS A DRUMMER WORKING WITH REGIONAL ARTISTS IN AND AROUND WYOMING AND ULTIMATELY DRUMMING FOR YOUR DAD IN HIS BAND, WESTERN UNDERGROUND. WHAT DID THE TRANSITION LOOK LIKE FROM DRUMMER TO SINGER? When I started singing, the only songs I wanted to learn were my dad’s songs. I never gave it any thought to learn anybody else’s. And so now after many solo gigs, rehearsing in my basement, and getting the band together we continue to play dad songs during the show. Now with three of my own albums out, I’ve got to write my own story. I think it’s a good combination of my own material that I wrote myself blending in a few of dad’s classics.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY OF YOUR DAD? I’ve got so many great memories and stories of my dad. It was such a pleasure to play drums for him. I never thought I would be asked to do that. It’s probably the pinnacle of my drumming career. I loved every moment.

But one great memory that I would like to share is when we would go to the Big Horn mountains to gather Christmas trees. It’s a family tradition. Every year the day after Thanksgiving we go up to the mountain with a cooler full of lunch supplies including thermoses of hot tomato juice and hot chocolate and we hike through the woods in search of that perfect Christmas tree. Every year is a new adventure. Sometimes we get stuck, and sometimes we have to cut a tree down with a pocket knife or a shovel! It’s a great time of year and a great tradition.

CAN YOU TELL US A LITTLE BIT MORE ABOUT YOUR MUSIC STYLE? I’m not really sure how I would describe my music style. When it comes to writing songs I write about what I know. I like to include family, friends, and the landscape I grew up around. And of course all my years of working on the family ranch. I’m so fortunate to have grown up that way. And of course, spending most of my life on the road there’s bound to be a song or two that comes from that. So I suppose what it boils down to is, I guess I’m sort of a storyteller. But I also like to crank it up from time to time.

ARE YOU CURRENTLY WORKING ON ANY NEW MUSIC OR HAVE DONE SO RECENTLY? I have a brand new album coming out on March 11th, 2022. It’s titled “Buckskin”. I spent a lot of our time off during the pandemic working on new material. I wrote eight of the 12 songs. Mac McAnally produced it. He has produced everything that I’ve ever put out. And it was such an honor to have the same group of guys that played on my very first album (Sagebrush) play on this one as well. Top shelf session players. I just can’t wait for the release date and for people to hear it.

WHAT DOES YOUR PROCESS LOOK LIKE FOR CREATING NEW MUSIC? My process of creating new music starts with taking a lot of notes. And usually when I get ideas for a song is when I am either driving, doing something in the garage, or working outside fixing or building something. I get ideas out on the golf course sometimes too (ha)! And when those ideas just fall out of the sky, I’ll either write them down on something or type the idea on my phone. And then I continue with whatever project I’m in the middle of. Then when I feel inspired and have lots of notes and time, I’ll go down to my basement and start piecing things together. But there’s a lot of pacing back-and-forth that is involved.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT WHAT YOU DO? My favorite part of what I do, is everything! I enjoy the creativeness that is involved. Writing the songs, being in the studio and hearing it all come to life, and then hearing the mastered mixes. And I love the touring part of it. From packing my suitcase getting ready to head to the airport. Meeting up with the guys and hitting the stage with them. Every little thing that is involved with what I get to do for a living I never take for granted.

For more information on Ned LeDoux and his music, make sure to check out his website: nedledoux. com and you can catch him in Las Vegas playing at the Silverton Hotel and Casino on December 2 & 3, 2021. cowboylifestylenetwork.com

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A Classic Collaboration Tim Cox’s Famed Art Appears on Just LeDoux It’s Western Skies Peace of Mind Vodka Collection

BY MEGAN DEFABRY Drink Just LeDoux It was created to keep alive legacy of world champion bareback rider and singer-songwriter Chris LeDoux. Drink Just LeDoux It offers a wide variety of handcrafted spirits that perfectly capture the western lifestyle Chris LeDoux not only sang about, but also lived. To honor Chris’s legacy, Drink Just LeDoux It collaborated with famed western artist and genuine cowboy Tim Cox. Cox’s breathtaking work appears on the bottles of Drink Just LeDoux It’s Western Skies Peace of Mind vodka collection. Cowboy Lifestyle magazine sat down with Cox to discuss his career and his collaboration with Drink Just LeDoux It. CAN YOU GIVE US A LITTLE BIT OF BACKGROUND ON YOUR LIFE AND HOW YOU CAME TO BE AN ARTIST? I don’t ever remember not drawing, I would draw on whatever was available to me when I was a little kid. I’d draw on paper sacks or at church. I’d take the xerox copy of the church program for the day and draw on the back of it and turn around on my hands and knees and use the pew as a table to draw. In the eighth grade, I had teachers buy a painting that I did on paper. One painting was a moose and the other was a pheasant. I had done some wildlife, but it’s always been horses, cowboys, and ranch life as I was raised out in the country. My first job was cowboying when I was eight years old. I worked on the ranches on weekends and in the summertime. I learned to shoe my first horse when I was eight years old. I grew up working ranches, and that’s what I loved. I pretty much always had a horse that I rode where we lived out in the country. So that’s always been a subject matter.

My parents always supported me and got me supplies.

We had an artist in the little town where I grew up in Duncan, Arizona. He had a pharmacy and an art gallery.

So we could buy supplies and go in there. He had a place where you could buy malts, shakes, Cokes, hamburgers, and that kind of stuff. I’d walk down there at lunch from school and watch him paint and get supplies from him. In high school, they only offered two years of art but they made sure I got four years. More of my teachers started buying my paintings and my dad started selling them at work and around town. Teachers started having me do the pep rally art where they would have me paint the mascot on the wall and on the circle in the center of the gym where they jump for basketball.

When my wife Suzie and I got married, her wedding gift

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to me was an art class at a lodge in Ruidoso, New Mexico.

The class was a week-long workshop and by the time it was over, I think every person in the class had asked me to do a painting and it just took off from there. Cowboy and artist, Grant Speed took me to Scottsdale, Arizona, and introduced me to Trailside Gallery and they took me in when I was seventeen years old. From there that’s what I continued to do to make our living during all this time for about 46 years now. They started making prints and calendars and my wife, Suzie helps run that part of the business. We’ve sold artwork to feed stores, clothing stores, and all kinds of people all over the world. I still ranch, it gets my batteries recharged. I never thought about not being an artist to tell you the truth or thought we couldn’t make it. It was just a lot of luck and hard work along the way.

In the early days Suzie and I first moved out to the cowboy camps and nobody else would stay in them, there was no electricity and just spring water for the house. I would cowboy during the day and then paint at night. In the early years without electricity, I’d use two Coleman lanterns and I’d set them up in the bathroom. I did this because it had white walls and propane lights around the wall that I could turn on which would reflect off those walls so I could get more light in there. I’d work till two or three in the morning and then get up early the next morning and go to the cowboy work. We moved closer to town so our kids could go to school and we now reside in Bloomfield, New Mexico.

HOW LONG DOES EACH PAINTING TAKE YOU AND WHAT MEDIAN OF PAINT DO YOU USE? It takes about six weeks to two months to do one painting.

I use oil paint on a masonite board. Some of the time I paint on a canvas, but I like the surface I can get on a masonite board. It’s more like drawing paper, I can control the surface a lot better than having the canvas weave.

View Tim Cox’s website, timcox.com to order prints, canvases, and calendars. Every once in a while you’ll see an original painting available for sale.

To purchase Chris LeDoux’s Western Skies Peace of Mind vodka showcasing Tim Cox’s western art head to drinkjustledouxit.com

YOUR PAINTING STYLE IS A DIRECT REFLECTION OF YOUR LIFE, HOW DOES THAT SHOW UP IN YOUR PIECES, AND DOES IT HELP WITH THE CREATIVE PROCESS OF CREATING NEW PIECES? I know the people in all of the paintings, they’re friends or people I have worked with within the places that I’ve been. I don’t paint from just one photograph. I take photographs when I go out on the ranch and use about thirty to forty photographs to reference a painting. Robert Henri once said, “If you’re going to paint history, paint your own history and it will become history”. I think because I experience it all, it adds more heart and authenticity to a painting. I think people can see the heart and soul that you put into each piece.

WHAT IS YOUR PROCESS FOR CREATING NEW PIECES OR COMING UP WITH NEW CONCEPTS? I’ve always got something in the back of my mind to do. Whether it’s a place I’ve been to, I want people to experience the west through my eyes through the work I do and what I see. I want people to feel like they’re there and experiencing it on their own. As far as the details, growing up around cowboys, farmers, and ranchers all my life it is the little details that stand out to me. The details of how a horse or calf holds its ears or if they were off on their own somewhere. All these little details of life make a difference in each piece.

CAN YOU DESCRIBE A MOMENT OR EVENT THAT CHANGED THE COURSE OF YOUR CAREER OR DRAMATICALLY INFLUENCED YOU IN SOME WAY? The red letter moment was when I was introduced to Candy Bedner at Trailside Galleries in 1975. She took me under her wing, I was just a country kid, and she taught me how to act in the art world. She took care of me and made sure the collectors were the right collectors. That moment was a big day. She didn’t have any children, but I had always told her she was my art mother. When she passed, her obituary was written saying “is survived

by Tim Cox, her near son and his wife, Suzie.”

Another moment was when William Whitaker, who taught at Brigham Young University in the art department, contacted me to be one of the five students he chose from all over the world to be in his special art class. The class was five days a week, six hours a day and that helped improve my drawing and I learned a lot about painting there.

HOW DID YOU COME TO BE AWARE OF CHRIS LEDOUX AND HOW DID YOU COME TO COLLABORATE WITH THE DRINK JUST LEDOUX IT BRAND? I’ve listened to his music forever. I remember when we lived in Eagle Creek, New Mexico, in the ’80s and early ‘90s listening to his music while I was painting. I’ve always known of his music.

Drink Just LeDoux It brand had contacted me through my website because they had seen and thought my paintings would go well with their brand for their Western Skies vodka line. It was really important to us that a portion of all proceeds from Drink Just LeDoux It went back to the Chris LeDoux Memorial Foundation. That was a big deal, plus our whole family has known Chris LeDoux’s music and still listens to it to this day. I thought it was an honor, a great thing to do, and a great cause to be a part of.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE CHRIS LEDOUX SONG? Chris LeDoux’s song, “You Just Can’t See Him From The Road” is one of my favorites.

JUMPING INTO THE LABELS OF THE WESTERN SKIES VODKA LINE, HOW DOES IT FEEL TO BE PARTNERING WITH A BRAND THAT PROMOTES THE WESTERN WAY OF LIFE? That’s important to me, carrying on the western way of life, keeping it out there and keeping it alive. That’s very important to Suzie and me as we both grew up around the cowboy way our whole life. We’ve always had horses and been around horses. We just have always loved that lifestyle and raised our kids in that lifestyle. The deep roots of the western way of life are important to keep alive and for people like Chris LeDoux’s brand and keeping it out there is just awesome.

IN CONCLUSION, HOW DO YOU HOPE TO INSPIRE PEOPLE WITH YOUR WORK WHETHER IT BE ON A VODKA BOTTLE OR HANGING IN THEIR HOME? I want people to have something they can enjoy looking at and have them wishing they were there in that moment. I hope it helps make people want to be a part of the western experience and lifestyle.

We get emails every day from people telling us how they’re inspired and how they love to just sit down and look at my paintings because it takes them away to a calmer and more peaceful time. They just enjoy seeing the art and feeling like they are there. cowboylifestylenetwork.com

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FOR N EY, BALE S HAY FAR M AN NOUNCE YOUTUBE COLLABOR ATION

Two Family-Oriented, American Companies are Joining Forces in 2022

T

revor Bales and his Bales Hay Farm and Ranch YouTube channel and Forney Industries, one of America’s longest operating family owned tool, equipment and accessory product companies, will be collaborating on YouTube content to appear on Bales’ channel.

The partnership between these two is fitting in that Forney Industries continues to strengthen its position as one of the premiere metalworking tools, welding equipment and accessory brands in the farm and ranch industry.

And Bales not only has a need for Forney products, but he can continue to use the new equipment to develop content and create conversations in many future episodes.

Bales’ YouTube endeavor was featured in the spring edition of Cowboy Lifestyle magazine. It was that feature that caught the eye of Forney executives. Trevor’s partnership with Forney will include both on-air use and demonstration of Forney products, as well as off-camera testing of new products and equipment updates.

“I’m excited to be partnering with Forney Industries,” Trevor Bales said. “We always have so much work to do around here on the farm, they really provide me and my workers with a lot of support. I can’t wait to show Forney off on my channel doing real work around the farm.”

“We are excited to partner with Trevor Bales and see our metalworking products and welding

•• Watch for Forney and Bales Hay Farm collaborations this winter at youtube.com/c/ BalesHayFarmandRanch

equipment be put to work around the Bales Hay Farm,” Forney announced in a statement. “Since 1932, Forney has been supporting farmers and ranchers like Bales and we are proud to have this 6th generation farmer on our team. We’re eager to see what’s in store for Bales and the rest of the crew at Bales Hay.” Trevor Bales is a 6th generation farmer, whose family began farming as homesteaders over 100 years ago in Buckeye, Arizona back in 1891. He, his family, and his whole crew of employees grow, harvest, and store feed for wholesale and retail customers to purchase throughout the year.

Trevor started his channel in late 2019, and has already grown to over 29,000 subscribers and averages more than 250,000 views per month. He has worked with some of the biggest creators in the scene, and his sense of humor is a fan favorite with his highly engaged community of viewers and followers.

Headquartered in Fort Collins, Colorado, Forney Industries was founded in 1932 and introduced the first publicly available arc welder in the 1940s. Today, Forney offers thousands of metalworking products within four categories: welding, abrasives, personal protective equipment and shop tools.

Forney is committed to providing the best product mix and most personal support services possible. We are large enough to source globally and sell nationally, yet remain humble to remember who it is we are actually working for and with.

40 P Plasma Cutter FOR HEAVY-DUTY CUTTING ACTION, NOTHING PERFORMS QUITE LIKE THE

Forney 40 P plasma cutter. Designed with the professional metalworker in mind, this powerful unit features dual-voltage capabilities, allowing you to work wherever 120V and 240V power is available. For farmers and ranchers, this is a valuable and versatile tool. It will save time and money as it cuts through dirty, painted and even rusted metals with minimal pre-work. It features the ability to clean cut up to 1/2” on mild steel, stainless steel, aluminum and copper, and the ergonomic design makes transporting your unit from job to job a breeze.

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Worried about storage? The Forney 40 P has removable leads, making storage efficient and hassle-free. In short, this machine is the farm hand you never knew you needed.

Complete your Forney 40 P plasma cutter with Forney accessories and get to work. A Forney Command PRO face shield, clear safety goggles and multi-process gloves will keep you safe while you’re working! For the full Forney Industries offering, visit forneyind.com or a local dealer near you.

BY RACHEL BIGUM

WR ANGLE R NATIONAL FI NALS RODEO

S P E CI A L S E CT ION

LEGENDARY REWIND Revising some of the NFR’s Top Performers

With the first NFR having taken place in 1951, in Dallas Texas, this year will mark the 62nd year of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. That means that there are 61 years worth of champions that have left their stamp on the rodeo world. Here are a few of the men and women who took part in rodeo history and made a lasting impact on the sport and the event.

JIM SHOULDERS

LARRY MAHAN

All Around, Bull Riding, Bareback

All Around, Bull Riding

When people are meant to do something, there is very little that gets in their way. Jim Shoulders was born on May 13, 1928, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. His family has no background in livestock or ranching for that matter. So how did such a prominent figure in rodeo come to be one of the best in history? He entered his first pro rodeo at only 14 years of age and right off the bat, his natural talent was enough to get him a whole $18 in the bareback riding.

In order to sharpen his skills, he continued entering in rodeo and getting on bareback horses, bulls, and the occasional saddle bronc. In 1949, at 21 years old, he won the first of his 16 world titles and was almost unbeatable for the next decade. Even after his career in rodeo, he went on to be a PRCA Stock Contractor and played a huge part in what rodeo is today.

Larry Mahan will forever be known for his 5x consecutive All-Around World Championship Titles. A record that took nearly a decade to break. But how did he do it?

Larry Mahan was born on November 21, 1943, in Salem, Oregon. His rodeo career started at only 14 years old when he developed an individual talent for three, very different events: saddle bronc, bareback and bull riding. His All-Around Titles were captured starting in 1966 to 1970.

His record was matched about a decade later by Tom Ferguson but wasn’t beat until 1994 by Ty Murray. After his rodeo career he went on to create music, play on TV shows and have his own line of boots, clothes and hats.

DON MCLAUGHLIN

All Around, Steer Roping, Tie-Down Roping Don McLaughlin was born on October 24, 1927, in Chester, Pennsylvania. Having grown up in rodeo arenas and one his first gigs being a trick roper, he was destined for a career in rodeo. One thing that really helped McLaughlin’s roping career was his keen “cow sense”. He was able to read the calf/steer’s body language to better positon himself when roping. His NFR accomplishments include, four consecutive tie-down championships, then a fifth title three years later, and three championship titles in steer roping. As an innovative thinker and roper, Don created a new form of tying calves. Instead of taking the first two wraps around three feet, he shaved his time down by only wrapping once around the back feet, then cinching it with a final half-hitch, forever changing the sport of tie-down. Don died on July 20, 1994 but will forever leave his mark on the world of rodeo.

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ROY COOPER

CASEY TIBBS

All Around, Tie-Down Roping, Steer Roping

All Around, Saddle Bronc, Bareback

Cooper...the name might sound familiar because Roy Cooper is the father to Tuf Cooper. Roy was born November 13, 1955, in Hobbs, New Mexico. When he was a child, he had a really bad problem with asthma, which, at the time, gave him very little hope of making a career out of roping.

Having worked through his early years with asthma, he overcame that hurdle and went on to be the most prominent ropers in the history of the sport. He earned the nickname “Super Looper” and was the first PRCA cowboy to surpass $2 million in career earnings. Roy went on to win eight world championships, six in tie-down roping, one in steer roping, and one world all-around title.

MARTHA JOSEY

Barrel Racer If there was any woman that changed the scene of rodeo for women, it would be Martha Josey. Martha was born in Gregg County, Texas, on March 11, 1938. Her love for horses started at a young age as her father was one of the first directors for the AQHA. Her first horse was CeBe Reed and this was the horse that sealed the deal for her in barrel racing. Some of her career highlights include qualifying for the NFR 11 times on six different horses across four consecutive decades, she was inducted into the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame, and won the WPRA barrel racing world title in 1980 on Sonny Bit O’ Both, the same year the duo also won the AQHA World Championship, a feat unmatched at the time. Currently, her and her husband run Josey Ranch, train and market barrel-racing and roping horses, and host clinics. There is no doubt that Josey made a huge impact on the sport of barrel racing and women in rodeo.

Casey Tibbs was born on March 5, 1929 in Fort Pierre, South Dakota. This was another man that was bound for greatness from the start. At the young age of 14, he started breaking colts which eventually led to his feather-light touch style and perfect timing when riding rodeo broncs. Casey went on to win six saddle bronc champion titles, two all-around titles, and one bareback riding title between 1949 and 1959.

He was also a major contributor to bringing national attention to rodeo a true, American sport. Even after a lucrative rodeo career, Casey went on to become a stunt man, stunt coordinator, technical director, livestock consultant, wrangler, and actor for the film industry. Casey Tibbs died from cancer in 1990 in his home in Ramona, California.

BILL “CODY” SMITH

Saddle Bronc Bill Smith was born on July 28, 1941, in Red Lodge, Montana. His horse riding career started when he was about 20 years old when he started breaking colts. In his rodeo career, he went on to win three saddle bronc riding titles, in 1969, 1971, and 1973. You will sometimes hear him referred to as “Cody” Smith after his adopted hometown in Wyoming. He and his wife, Carol Smith settled down in a little town called Thermopolis, Wyoming, and went on to breed and sell top-of-the-line Quarter Horses.

cowboylifestylenetwork.com

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WR ANGLE R NATIONAL FI NALS RODEO

S P E CI A L S E CT ION

TOP 10 THINGS TO DO AT

The Wrangler National Finals Rodeo 2021 So, you’re headed to Las Vegas, Nevada for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo 2021, get ready!

Las Vegas literally transforms for the 10-day rodeo phenomenon that comes to town. Rodeo, gambling, shopping, and epic entertainment are in store for the 150,000+ people who will make their way to Sin City. Whether this is your first or fifteenth time to travel to the finals, this list will hopefully narrow down the immense options you have to choose from.

10 Sightseeing

There’s so much to do that involves rodeo and western culture, but you’re still in Vegas. Soak up a little bit of the Vegas experience by going by the Bellagio fountains. They’re beautiful and only take up about 20 minutes of your night. The Neon Museum, featuring preserved neon lights of Las Vegas’s past, is downtown but definitely worth the drive. While you’re at that end of the strip, don’t forget to take a walk down Fremont Street. The canopy of lights, street performers, and historic casinos are definitely a sight to be had.

Binion’s World Famous 9 Benny Bucking Horse and Bull Sale

Benny Binion was an instrumental piece in bringing the WNFR to Las Vegas in 1985. Binion’s sale is a great way to get some rodeo action early in the day. This is one of the most prestigious bucking horse sales in the country due to the fact that selections for the 2021 sale will be solely based on their performance in the arena and their potential in becoming future WNFR bucking horses and bulls. On Dec. 2nd and 3rd at the South Point Arena, the sale will feature the PRCA’s Permit Member of the Year Challenge. This challenge consists of the Top 5 PRCA Money Earners on their permit in all PRCA Rodeo Events in a two-round competition.

For more information and tickets go to www.bennybinionsale.com

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World 8 Junior Finals

The Junior World Finals, presented by YETI, will host over 850 contestants in the Wrangler Rodeo Arena, which is housed in the Las Vegas Convention Center and takes place over 10 days of NFR in December. These young, rodeo athletes will compete for more than $1 million in cash and prizes on their journey to claim an infamous Montana Silversmiths championship buckle. Taking place December 2-11, 2021 you will be able to catch kids ranging in age competing in nine different events all vying for a number one spot. You can find the full schedule here.

7 World Series of Team Roping

World Series Team Roping (WSTR) had its beginnings in 2006 and since then is now considered to be the secondlargest paying equestrian event in the world ($10.5 million) behind the Breeder’s Cup World Championships. In fact, in years past, the WSTR Finale surpassed the payoff of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, awarding $10,535,000 in cold, hard CASH and another $250,000 in prizes to its winners. And it’s back after a long two years, in December, in Vegas, at the South Point Arena. YETI is a national sponsor of the WSTR (World Series of Team Roping) with the Finale taking place at the South Point Arena, December 4-11th, 2021.

4 NFR After Dark

The party doesn’t stop after the rodeo ends. The MGM Grand Gold Buckle Zone offers free live music and viewing parties every night. The Buckin’ Bash hosted by Justin Rumford also hosts a free party over at The Orleans starting at 9 p.m. But something you need to see at least once is an NFR buckle presentation. Every night you can go see the champions get their winning round buckles and then stay for the free concert at South Point Hotel.

3 Concerts

There are plenty of great concerts in town, and a large number of them are free. But you can’t miss some of the legends that will be performing during this year’s WNFR. Shania Twain at Planet Hollywood, George Strait at T-Mobile Arena, and Ned LeDoux at the Silverton are just a few of the artists that will be in Vegas during the rodeo. To see the full list and get more information go to nfrexperience.com.

2 Cowboy Christmas

It wouldn’t be the NFR without a trip to Cowboy Christmas. The Las Vegas Convention Center will host the grand scale shopping event again this year. With over 300 exhibitors the shopping and entertainment options have something for everyone. Cowboy Christmas is free admission and is open all ten days from 9 a.m to 4 p.m. You can stop in for some food and drinks at the Coors Rodeo Saloon or get an autograph from your favorite athlete. For more information go to nfrexperience.com/ cowboychristmas/.

Only Las Vegas 6 Bullfighters Championship Dec. 3rd-11th live at 1:30 pm daily, the World Resorts will host the Bullfighters Only Championship. The world’s top freestyle bullfighter faces off with the best bulls out there. Only one athlete can be crowned the 2021 BFO World Champion and claim his share of over $150,000 in prize money.

5 Ariat Rodeo Live

The Las Vegas Convention Center will host Rodeo Live during Cowboy Christmas.

Every day you can go watch live entertainment with some of your favorite competitors and personalities. Cowboys for Conservation Calcutta, Outside the Barrel with Flint Rasmussen, and the NFR Tailgate Park will have free shows all ten days.

National Finals 1 Wrangler Performance

Number one on the list has to be attending an actual performance at the Thomas and Mack.

Watching it on TV doesn’t do the production justice at all. Right from the start, the grand entry is thundering, the music and lights are brilliant, and the performances are top-notch.

It’s a rodeo that you won’t forget nor regret going to at least once. Get your tickets and book your stay soon because they sell out fast!

YOU CAN LOOK AT THE SCHEDULE OF EVENTS FOR THE

2021 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, get tickets, and keep up with your favorite athletes by downloading the NFR App. In addition, make sure to check out what our friends are doing at the Tropicana Hotel and Casino, they should be your number one pick for where to stay during your trip to the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo 2021.

cowboylifestylenetwork.com

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WR ANGLE R NATIONAL FI NALS RODEO

An Insider’s Guide to National Finals Rodeo If you’re a lifelong rodeo fan then this will not be new to you, but we are all about educating new fans so we want to include the in’s and out’s of what goes down during the 10 days of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo.

S P E CI A L S E CT ION

The Athletes Athletes work all year round, October through September, trying to earn a spot in the top fifteen in their event. They work their way through the ranks by attending PRCA sanctioned rodeos and winning money that goes towards their year-end total, which determines who gets a ticket to the NFR in December.

Here is a rundown of the top 15 athletes headed to the NFR in each event.

All qualifiers include qualifying for the 2021 finals.

TIE-DOWN

1. Shane Hanchey | Earnings: $175,079.46 | Sulphur, LA | 11x NFR Qualifier | 1x World Champion 2. Westyn Hughes | $133,336.69 | Caldwell, TX | 2x NFR Qualifier | 3. Shad Mayfield | $131,915.83 | Clovis, NM | 3x NFR Qualifier | 1x World Champion 4. Caleb Smidt | $126,879.19 | Bellville, TX | 7x NFR Qualifier | 2x World Champion 5. Tuf Cooper | $120,474.03 | Decatur, TX | 13x NFR Qualifier | 4x World Champion 6. Marcos Costa | $113,741.70 | Menard, TX | 4x NFR Qualifier 7. Ty Harris | $110,355.97 | San Angelo, TX | 3x NFR Qualifier 8. Justin Smith | $105,984.09 | Leesville, LA | First Time NFR Qualifier 9. Marty Yates | $100,751.04 | Stephenville, TX | 8x NFR Qualifier 10. Cory Solomon | $99,151.54 | Prairie View, TX | 8x NFR Qualifier 11. Haven Meged | $98,925.41 | Miles City, MT | 3x NFR Qualifier | 1x World Champion 12. Ryan Jarrett | $91,933.10 | Comanche, OK | 14x NFR Qualifier | 1x All-Around World Champion 13. Hunter Herrin | $89,778.90 | Apache, OK | 11x NFR Qualifier 14. Taylor Santos | $89,038.26 | Creston, CA | 2x NFR Qualifier 15. John Douch | $88,874.19 | Huntsville, TX | First Time NFR Qualifier TEAM ROPING (HEADERS)

1. Dustin Egusquiza | $147,515.78 | Marianna, FL | 4x NFR Qualifier 2. Erich Rogers | $122,017.13 | Round Rock, AZ | 11x NFR Qualifier | 1x World Champion 3. Kaleb Driggers | $119,330.40 | Hoboken, GA | 9x NFR Qualifier 4. Clay Smith | $110,570.20 | Broken Bow, OK | 7x NFR Qualifier | 2x World Champion 5. Clay Tryan | $94,250.33 | Billings, MT | 19x NFR Qualifier | 3x World Champion 6. Tyler Wade | $89,037.53 | Terrell, TX | 4x NFR Qualifier 7. Cody Snow | $79,676.58 | Los Olivos, CA | 6x NFR Qualifier | 1x World Champion 8. Clint Summers | $74,482.63 | Lake City, FL | 2x NFR Qualifier 9. Brenten Hall | $73,505.74 | Jay, OK | 3x NFR Qualifier 10. Rhen Richard | $71,544.76 | Roosevelt, UT | 4x NFR Qualifier (Tie Down & Team Roping) 11. Derrick Begay | $70,893.20 | Seba Dalkai, AZ | 9x NFR Qualifier 12. Andrew Ward | $68,841.69 | Edmond, OK | 2x NFR Qualifier 13. Coy Rahlmann | $63,925.97 | Ellsinore, MO | First Time NFR Qualifier 14. Coleman Proctor | $62,755.13 | Pryor, OK | 6x NFR Qualifier 15. Quinn Kesler | $62,403.22 | Holden, UT | 3x NFR Qualifier TEAM ROPING (HEELERS)

1. Junior Nogueira | $133,715.50 | Presidente Prudente, SP | 8x NFR Qualifier | 1x All Around Champion 2. Travis Graves | $126,869.12 | Jay, OK | 13x NFR Qualifier 3. Paden Bray | $116,936.91 | Stephenville, TX | 2x NFR Qualifier 4. Jade Corkill | $110,570.20 | Fallon, NV | 12x NFR Qualifier | 3x World Champion 5. Wesley Thorp | $102,036.91 | Throckmorton, TX | 6x NFR Qualifier | 1x World Champion 6. Jake Long | $95,225.85 | Coffeyville, KS | 11x NFR Qualifier 7. Trey Yates | $84,181.86 | Pueblo, CO | 2x NFR Qualifier 8. Chase Tryan | $74,775.92 | Helena, MT | 5x NFR Qualifier 9. Ross Ashford | $71,822.41 | Lott, TX | First Time NFR Qualifier 10. Jeremy Buhler | $70,511.68 | Arrowwood, AB | 3x NFR Qualifier 11. Logan Medlin | $69,335.01 | Tatum, NM | 2x NFR Qualifier 12. Buddy Hawkins | $68,841.69 | Columbus, KS | 4x NFR Qualifier 13. Douglas Rich | $63,849.20 | Herrick, IL | First Time NFR Qualifier 14. Brady Minor | $61,878.45 | Ellensburg, WA | 12x NFR Qualifier 15. Joseph Harrison | $61,688.45 | Marietta, OK | 5x NFR Qualifier

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STEER WRESTLING

1. Jacob Talley | $117,256.41 | Keatchie, LA | 4x NFR Qualifier 2. Jesse Brown | $92,358.49 | Baker City, OR | 2x NFR Qualifier 3. Dakota Eldridge | $81,783.93 | Elko, NV | 8x NFR Qualifier 4. Tyler Pearson | $81,609.00 | Louisville, MS | 5x NFR Qualifier | 1x World Champion 5. Will Lummus | $79,016.91 | Byhalia, MS| 4x NFR Qualifier 6. Tyler Waguespack | $76,442.72 | Gonzales, LA| 7x NFR Qualifier | 2x World Champion 7. Scott Guenthner | $74,953.44 | Provost, AB | 4x NFR Qualifier 8. Stetson Jorgensen | $71,668.16 | Blackfoot, ID | 3x NFR Qualifier 9. Stockton Graves | $71,223.36 | Alva, OK | First Time NFR Qualifier 10. Dirk Tavenner | $69,048.86 | Rigby, ID | First Time NFR Qualifier 11. Cody Devers | $67,714.75 | Balko, OK | First Time NFR Qualifier 12. Rowdy Parrott | $67,254.05 | Mamou, LA | 2x NFR Qualifier 13. Riley Duvall | $66,720.70 | Checotah, OK | 4x NFR Qualifier 14. Tristan Martin | $65,071.45 | Sulphur, LA | First Time NFR Qualifier 15. Curtis Cassidy $64,547.88 | Donalda, AB | 8x NFR Qualifier BAREBACK RIDING

1. Tilden Hooper | $161,952.10 | Carthage, TX | 8x NFR Qualifier 2. Tim O’Connell | $156,056.09 | Zwingle, IA | 8x NFR Qualifier | 3x World Champion 3. Clayton Biglow | $142,003.68 | Clements, CA | 6x NFR Qualifier | 1x World Champion 4. Caleb Bennett | $140,213.24 | Corvallis, MT | 9x NFR Qualifier 5. Kaycee Feild | $125,855.67 | Genola, UT | 12x NFR Qualifier | 5x World Champion 6. Jess Pope | $110,023.71 | Waverly, KS | 2x NFR Qualifier 7. Richmond Champion | $98,945.26 | Stevensville, MT | 7x NFR Qualifier 8. Cole Reiner | $98,215.89 | Kaycee, WY | 2x NFR Qualifier 9. Orin Larsen | $97,843.73 | Inglis, MB | 7x NFR Qualifier 10. Garrett Shadbolt $96,013.17 | Merriman, NE | First Time NFR Qualifier 11. Tanner Aus | $85,674.99 | Granite Falls, MN | 6x NFR Qualifier 12. Cole Franks | $77,393.35 | Clarendon, TX | First Time NFR Qualifier 13. R.C. Landingham | $72,128.73 | Hat Creek, CA | 3x NFR Qualifier 14. Taylor Broussard | $70,204.02 | Estherwood, LA | 2x NFR Qualifier 15. Zach Hibler | $65,381.32 | Wheeler, TX | First Time NFR Qualifier SADDLE BRONC

1. Stetson Wright | $193,095.74 | Milford, UT | 4x NFR Qualifier | 3x World Champion (AllAround & Bull Riding)

2. Ryder Wright | $181,893.72 | Milford, UT | 6x NFR Qualifier | 2x World Champion 3. Brody Cress | $142,224.71 | Hillsdale, WY | 5x NFR Qualifier 4. Dawson Hay | $120,349.11 | Wildwood, AB | 2x NFR Qualifier 5. Layton Green | $102,246.38 | Meeting Creek, AB | 2x NFR Qualifier 6. Zeke Thurston | $99,802.49 | Big Valley, AB | 7x NFR Qualifier | 2x World Champion 7. Chase Brooks | $97,387.90 | Deer Lodge, MT | 4x NFR Qualifier 8. Kolby Wanchuk | $86,858.68 | Sherwood Park, AB | First Time NFR Qualifier 9. Wyatt Casper | $84,947.58 | Miami, TX | 2x NFR Qualifier 10. Tegan Smith | $82,814.34 | Winterset, IA | First Time NFR Qualifier 11. Sage Newman | $82,717.59 | Melstone, MT | First Time NFR Qualifier 12. Ben Andersen | $82,234.41 | Rocky Mountain House, AB | First Time NFR Qualifier 13. Wade Sundell | $79,159.85 | Boxholm, IA | 9x NFR Qualifier 14. Cody DeMoss | $74,798.76 | Heflin, LA | 14x NFR Qualifier 15. Spencer Wright | $74,061.39 | Milford, UT | 4x NFR Qualifier | 1x World Champion

BULL RIDING

1. Sage Kimzey | $264,738.71 | Salado, TX | 8x NFR Qualifier | 6x World Champion 2. Stetson Wright | $204,100.35 | Milford, UT | 4x NFR Qualifier | 3x World Champion (All-Around & Bull Riding) 3. Clayton Sellars | $147,020.87 | Fruitland Park, FL | 3x NFR Qualifier 4. Creek Young | $143,511.78 | Fort Scott, KS | First Time NFR Qualifier 5. Josh Frost | $130,192.12 | Randlett, UT | 2x NFR Qualifier 6. JB Mauney | $112,299.75 | Cotulla, TX | First Time NFR Qualifier 7. Dustin Boquet | $112,011.26 | Bourg, LA | 3x NFR Qualifier 8. Parker Breding | $102,713.88 | Edgar, MT | 4x NFR Qualifier 9. Ky Hamilton | $101,747.48 | Mackay, QL | 2x NFR Qualifier 10. Trey Benton | $98,791.92 | Richards, TX | 7x NFR Qualifier 11. Braden Richardson | $98,539.81 | Jasper, TX | First Time NFR Qualifier 12. Ruger Piva | $98,267.64 | Challis, ID | First Time NFR Qualifier 13. Shane Proctor | $97,927.43 | Grand Coulee, WA | 6x NFR Qualifier 14. Boudreaux Campbell | $96,910.00 | Crockett, TX | 5x NFR Qualifier 15. Roscoe Jarboe | $95,778.20 | New Plymouth, ID | 5x NFR Qualifier BREAKAWAY ROPING

1. Shelby Boisjoli | $52,485.90 | Stephenville, TX | 2x NFBR Qualifier 2. Sawyer Gilbert | $51,122.10 | Buffalo, SD | First Time NFBR Qualifier 3. Erin Johnson | $38,323.68 | Fowler, CO | 2x NFBR Qualifier | 3x WPRA Breakaway World Champion 4. JJ Hampton | $37,213.72 | Stephenville, TX | 2x NFBR Qualifier | 17x World Champion (Breakaway, Team Roping, Tie-Down, All-Around) 5. Taylor Munsell | $36,474.58 | Alva, OK | First Time NFBR Qualifier 6. Lari Dee Guy | $36,427.90 | Abilene, TX | 2x NFBR Qualifier | 8x World Champion (Breakaway, Team Roping, All-Around) 7. Jackie Crawford | $36,173.82 | Stephenville, TX | 2x NFBR Qualifier | 20x World Champion (Breakaway, Team Roping, Tie-Down, All-Around) 8. Danielle Lowman | $34,843.72 | Gilbert, AZ | First Time NFBR Quaifier 9. Martha Angelone | $32,360.11 | Stephenville, TX | 2x NFBR Qualifier 10. Kelsie Chace | $31,189.39 | Dublin, TX | First Time NFBR Qualifier | 8x World Champion (Breakaway, Tie-Down, All-Around) 11. Cheyanne Guillory | $31,154.89 | Gainesville, TX | First Time NFBR Qualifier 12. Sarah Morrissey | $30,560.86 | Ellensburg, WA | First Time NFBR Qualifier 13. Nicole Baggarley | $29,085.61 | Las Cruces, NM | First Time NFBR Qualifier 14. Joey Williams | $25,112.71 | Volborg, MT | First Time NFBR Qualifier 15. Taylor Hanchey | $24,567.15 | Carmine, TX | First Time NFBR Qualifier & 2x NFR Qualifier (Barrel Racing)

*Special Note: WPRA has previously had finals for breakaway separately. Only since 2020 have the finals taken place at the same time in Las Vegas during the finals. You can find the schedule for Wrangler National Breakaway Roping below.

BARREL RACING

1. Hailey Kinsel | $113,528.59 | Cotulla, TX | 5x NFR Qualifier | 3x World Champion 2. Jordon Briggs | $102,618.20 | Tolar, TX | 2x NFR Qualifier 3. Shelley Morgan | $94,225.56 | Eustace, TX | 3x NFR Qualifier 4. Dona Kay Rule | $84,989.96 | Minco, OK | 3x NFR Qualifier 5. Jessica Routier | $78,847.28 | Buffalo, SD | 4x NFR Qualifier 6. Cheyenne Wimberley | $77,132.30 | (G) Stephenville, TX | 5x NFR Qualifier 7. Amanda Welsh | $76,919.48 | Gillette, WY | First Time 8. Nellie Miller | $75,519.15| Cottonwood, CA | 5x NFR Qualifier | 1x World Champion 9. Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi | $73,785.70| Lampasas, TX | 15x NFR Qualifier | 2x World Champion 10. Emily Miller-Beisel | $73,472.20 | Weatherford, OK | 3x NFR Qualifier 11. Stevi Hillman | $71,178.49 | Weatherford, TX | 6x NFR Qualifier 12. Ivy Saebens-Conrado | $70,806.08| Nowata, OK | 5x NFR Qualifier 13. Wenda Johnson | $67,384.56| Pawhuska, OK | 2x NFR Qualifier 14. Lisa Lockhart | $65,043.71| Oelrichs, SD | 15x NFR Qualifier 15. Molly Otto | $64,172.51| Grand Forks, ND | First Time NFR Qualifier

AV E R AGE W I N N E R S & WOR LD CH A M P ION S H I P W I N N E R

So, now we know that the top 15 contenders from each event make it to the NFR, but who gets the World Championship title? Good question!

Each night of the NFR, there will be an average winner for the night and a “Gold Buckle” awarded for each event, every night. Average titles allow athletes to earn money throughout the week, adding to their total. Whoever has the most accumulated at the end is the World Champion. In some cases, we have seen athletes come, not win any averages, and still come out the champion. It really depends on how tight the competition is and who is bringing their A-game.

cowboylifestylenetwork.com

29

COWBOY Q&A

KAYCEE

FEILD BAREBACK RIDING

Wrangler NFR Average Titles:

4

(2011-14)

World Titles Won:

5

(2011-14, 2020)

Wrangler NFR Qualifications:

11

(2008-15, 2018-20)

Sponsors: Priefert, PWR Pro CBD, Ariat International, Polaris Off-Road, Frontier Roping Supply, Capri Camper, Resistol, Karl Malone Heber Dealership

CAN YOU GIVE OUR AUDIENCE A LITTLE BIT OF BACKGROUND ON HOW YOU STARTED RIDING BRONCS? I grew up in it and watched my dad do it. My dad was my hero. He would bring his traveling partners and rodeo buddies around the house quite often and they were all winners and champions. I was automatically attracted to their attitude and how they carried themselves. Being a rough stock cowboy, bareback rider, it’s rough and it’s tough and it’s painful at times, but I wanted to be someone that could push aside the pain and even when things pull you in the wrong direction, you can still achieve your goals. That was what I wanted to become. Bareback riding kind of fell in my lap but truthfully, I like to push my body, I like to do adrenaline junkie things like skydiving, snowmobiling, and dirt biking. At the end of the day, I like to kind of scare and push myself. Bareback riding is still a question every time that I nod my head. The anticipation of that horse leaving the bucking chute never gets old and that’s one of several reasons why I chose bareback riding, why I love to do it.

BAREBACK IS ONE OF THE HARDEST EVENTS IN RODEO, CAN YOU DESCRIBE WHAT IT’S LIKE WHEN THE CHUTE GATE OPENS? Kaycee: It changes every time. There are days where it feels like you can chew bubble gum, blow bubbles, wave at the crowd, and it’s not rough at all. Then there are some days where eight seconds feels like two years and you get off and feel like you’ve been hit by a bus. But the thought for every ride is “Bring it on, let’s do this.

The horse is bucking, let me show you what I got. I can turn my toes. I can tuck my chin. I’ll make this look cool.”

WAS THERE EVER A TIME YOU WANTED TO DO ANY OTHER EVENT IN RODEO? You know, I roped a lot and still do quite a bit. I tried saddle bronc riding, but it just wasn’t my deal at all, it didn’t fit me at the time when I was learning. Early on I rode Jr. steers and Jr. bulls and was decent at it, could compete with the best but I was terrified of bulls and I didn’t enjoy getting on them. When you’re going to nod your head on an animal like that and you lack confidence, you’re going to get defeated.

WHAT WAS AN EVENT THAT CHANGED THE COURSE OF YOUR CAREER? The year I won RFD-TV’s The American was the first time I won a half-million bucks. It was impactful because of where I was at in life. I just lost my father and was balancing life with my career at the time. That win paired with the horse that

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I drew and the people that were there, was what helped me grab the second gear in my career.

That’s when I really had to start digging down and start figuring out what I really wanted from this from the sport. And you know, I’ve had a lot of other significant wins and life-changing wins but The American truly changed the course of my career. The event truly stepped up to the plate and provided an opportunity for rodeo athletes to compete on a level playing field. In my opinion, The American has done so much for the sport of rodeo.

EDITOR’S NOTE: The American Rodeo had its

first event in 2014, making 2022 its 9th year. The American changed the trajectory of rodeo events across the country by shaking up the entry system.

Half of the competitors were invited and half had to work through a series of qualifying events to make it to the million-dollar weekend. The American is said to be the “richest two-day rodeo” in existence.

It truly provides life-changing opportunities for those that compete in it as we have seen above. Kaycee has won the American twice, both wins having a significant impact on his career.

YOU’RE SITTING AT NO. 5 HEADING INTO THE NFR, HOW HAVE YOU BEEN PREPARING FOR IT? The way I get ready for the NFR is the same every year, but the goals and things I focus on are what has changed. From here on out, it’s completely strengthening my mind, putting myself in every scenario in Las Vegas, the worst horses, the best horses, and then taking care of my body. I have to get my body ready for 10 days of bareback riding. If you’re not in perfect condition with your body, it’s a grueling 10 days. You’re pretty sore by performance 5 and 6 but then by performance 7, your body is acclimated and it’s go time.

WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE YOU CAN GIVE SOMEONE WANTING TO GET INTO BAREBACK RIDING? Start the right way. It’s tough on your body as it is and if you don’t get on the right bucking horses for your caliber of riding, it’s gonna be a long hard road if you can stick it out, which is not a lot of people do. But if you start the right way, you’re going to start winning way faster and way sooner.

YOU’VE ACCOMPLISHED SO MUCH ALREADY IN YOUR CAREER, WHAT ELSE ARE YOU HOPING TO ACHIEVE IN THE NEXT 5 YEARS? I need to win two more world titles. One world title this year is my main goal and then I need to win Pendleton RoundUp and Cheyenne Frontier Days as I’ve never won those two rodeos.

•• Kaycee’s father, Lewis Feild, was the world all-around rodeo champion three years in a row in the 1980s.

Kaycee’s love for rodeo started during those years when he traveled with his dad and brother on the circuit.

cowboylifestylenetwork.com

31

COWGIRL Q&A

LISA

LOCKHART BARREL RACER Sponsors: Platinum Performance, B Bar Heart Performance Horses, DeTye Vet Supply, Woody’s Horse Nutrition, Priefert Ranch Equipment, Polaris Off Road, Rodeo Rigs, Classic Equine, Outback Customs, Martin Saddlery, Fay Ranches, Durango Boots, PEMF Complete, Woodbury Performance Horses, and Teton Ridge Ranch

CAN YOU GIVE OUR AUDIENCE A LITTLE BIT OF BACKGROUND ON HOW YOU GOT INTO BARREL RACING? I grew up in rural eastern Montana, with my family farming and ranching, so it’s always just been a western lifestyle for me. Starting from the time I was a little girl, I’ve always been extremely horse crazy, whether riding or just “hanging out “ for hours with them.

I had the privilege of getting to compete in rodeos as a young girl because of my sisters before me that got the ball rolling. I was involved in youth and high school rodeo growing up, but I was also involved in sports, so because of sports and our northern winters, rodeo was more of a seasonal thing for me. I graduated from Montana State University with an Elementary Education degree and also competed in college rodeo. From there, I went to the amateur level and got my feet wet at the professional level by competing locally. I always say your horsepower dictates your level of competition, where you go, and what you do, so that is how things progressed for me. It wasn’t until 2006 that my husband was the one that encouraged me to go more, as he felt like I had the horsepower to do so. In 2006 I became the Canadian Champion Barrel Racer at my first Canadian Finals Rodeo, and following that in 2007 was my first National Finals Rodeo qualification, and the rest is history. It’s been 15 amazing years for sure!

WAS THERE A TIME YOU WANTED TO DO ANY OTHER EVENT IN RODEO? I competed in all events (pole bending, goat tying, breakaway roping, and barrel racing) throughout my youth and high school years. I became a National Little Britches Pole Bending Champion on a horse that my older sister had trained. That was my first “big” win as well as going to the National High School Finals in the pole bending several years. I loved working on multiple events throughout my career! At this level of professionalism though it’s hard to diversify much, so as athletes we are pretty streamlined in one direction.

BARREL RACING IS VERY MUCH A “PARTNER” SPORT WITH YOU BEING HALF OF THE EQUATION AND YOUR HORSE BEING THE OTHER HALF. WHAT ARE SOME THINGS YOU DO TO KEEP YOUR HORSES WORKING THEIR BEST BEFORE A RODEO? Yes, barrel racing is very much a partner sport, and I often refer to my equine partners as my soulmate as well. In my opinion, having a connection with them makes things so much better, easier, and definitely more rewarding. I love to ride horses that I have trained and I have been very fortunate to do so. I feel like when you truly know your equine partner, you know their mannerisms, their likes/ dislikes, and actions so well that the two of you can feed off of each other easily.

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PHOTOS BY KENNETH SPRINGER

Knowing your horse well allows you to better accommodate their needs. They are all unique individuals and keeping them physically fit, staying on top of their nutrition, as well as dealing with their mental state are all part of the equation and it is of utmost importance to me. It’s different for each horse, so meeting those individual needs is crucial.

WHAT WAS AN EVENT THAT CHANGED THE COURSE OF YOUR CAREER? I would say qualifying for and winning my first Canadian Finals Rodeo Barrel Racing Championship turned everything around for me. It gave me the confidence to compete at the top level. The stepping stones of being a Badlands Circuit champion several years and such were also great motivators, but the success of the Canadian Finals was definitely the game changer boost for our career and the 15 consecutive National Finals qualifications.

YOU’RE SITTING AT NUMBER 14 HEADING INTO YOUR 15TH NFR, HOW HAVE YOU BEEN PREPARING FOR IT? I feel like as competitors we basically stay prepared year-round as there really is no “off-season“. Our rodeo season officially ends September 30, and the new one begins October 1 with events, and so it may slow down but we keep going. For the NFR specifically, my main focus is keeping my horses healthy and fit, and then preparation is basically trying to get my horses into the indoor arena mode after competing mostly outdoors all year. Getting some runs and competing in some of the smaller arenas helps to get your sense of timing and feel for the small arenas that would best adapt one for the small confines of the Thomas and Mack. In this sport we are very adaptable to various conditions, so once again we just need to adapt to a condition of a small arena with yellow banners that say National Finals Rodeo!

WHICH ONE OF YOUR HORSES WILL YOU BE RIDING THIS YEAR? OR DO YOU TAKE ALL THREE? I will take all three horses to the NFR. I will make some competition runs on all three of them in the next few weeks and that will help me to determine what the game plan is. One always has to take into consideration where you enter, what you need to do to fit your horses to the situation, and I’m basically going to have all of them prepared to the best of my ability and go from there. Sometimes there is always the unexpected so having options is a good thing!

WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE YOU CAN GIVE SOMEONE WANTING TO GET INTO PROFESSIONAL BARREL RACING? I would say study the game. In the fast-paced and technological world that we live in right now, it’s made it a lot easier to educate yourself as there’s so much information provided. We all want to be the best that we can be so do your best to always be progressing. Also, my advice is to “make it your own program“, not getting caught up in what everybody else is doing, where they’re going, or how they’re doing it. You’ve got to do what works for you and your horses. It works differently for each and every

one of us, so do it your way. It’s not a one size fits all aspect, as some ride one horse and some ride several. Just stay focused, stay true to yourself, and try to always get better and move forward. I always say that rodeo is such a roller coaster but you’ve got to be along for the entire ride because there are lots of ups and downs, but you need to enjoy the whole journey!

IN 2020, YOU WERE BROUGHT ONTO THE POLARIS’ EMPOWERSPORTS WOMEN’S RIDING COUNCIL, CAN YOU TELL OUR AUDIENCE A LITTLE MORE ABOUT YOUR INVOLVEMENT WITH THAT AND THEIR GOAL? It is a very diverse group of women brought together from a pool of Polaris enthusiasts representing many backgrounds and riding terrains. It’s been really cool for me to see and get to know these other amazing women within the powersports industry. Our goal is to empower other women to ride and build community within the industry. No matter what the passion is, we all just want to fuel their passion to get out there and just go do it!

DO YOU HAVE ANY CLOSING THOUGHTS OR ANYTHING ELSE YOU’D LIKE TO MENTION BEFORE WRAPPING UP? Being involved in the western industry is not just what we do, it’s a lifestyle. It’s definitely a hard lifestyle, whether you are rodeoing, ranching, or farming, but as hard as it is sometimes, the rewards are twice as great!! I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to be involved in it all my life and raise my family in this lifestyle. I love it and cannot imagine it any other way!

•• Lisa and the six horses that she’s ridden at the NFR over the last 15 years.

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Boots For All Generations www.smokyboots.com

Explore NAVAJO NATION PARKS

BY MEGAN DEFABRY

The Navajo Nation Reservation is an extraordinary place as it is over 25,000 miles and covers over four states: New Mexico, Utah, Colorado, and Arizona.

The Navajo Nation Parks and Recreation oversee all Navajo Tribal Parks in the Navajo Nation Reservation.

Private lands make up the Navajo Nation which means all non-Navajo travelers and visitors must comply with and abide by the regulations, policies, and laws that are communicated by the Navajo Nation Government. Their intent is to continue the caretaking of Mother Earth, which Navajos respect at all times.

“Protect, preserve and manage tribal parks, monuments and recreation areas for the perpetual enjoyment and benefit of the Navajo Nation” -THE MISSION OF THE NAVAJO PARKS & RECREATION DEPARTMENT

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Little Colorado River Gorge Little Colorado River (LCR) is a very scenic view and it’s the entrance to the historic Grand Canyon which is incredible. There are rigged rocks and rugged terrain is what the area has to offer for the avid hiker. Little Colorado River (LCR) is a very scenic view and it’s the entrance to the historic Grand Canyon which is incredible. There are rigged rocks and rugged terrain is what the area has to offer for the avid hiker. Let someone know where you will be hiking, sign out upon return, and please attain a Backcountry Permit before hiking. For more information, you can visit the Navajo Park and Recreation Visitor Center located at the entrance into the canyon. Hwy 89 and 64. It’s located about 10 miles from the Navajo Parks and Recreation Visitor Center.

The Monument Valley NAVAJO TRIBAL PARK

The Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park is one of the most majestic and highly photographed. The park is made up of sandstone masterpieces ranging from a variety of heights, 400 to 1,000 feet tall. Miles of mesas, buttes, windblown sand, shrubs, and trees surround these beautiful pinnacles of rock. All of these components make up the magnificent colors of the valley and are a one-ofa-kind sight to witness. You can view the world-famous panorama Merrick Butte and Mitten Butte from the visitor center. Sit back, relax, and take a guided tour in a jeep through all of the mystical formations for a narrated cruise by the Navajo tour operations. The visitor center offers Haskenneini Restaurant serving American cuisines, Hakenni, and a film, snack, and souvenir shop.

Lake Powell NAVAJO TRIBAL PARK

The next stop is Lake Powell Navajo Tribal Park where long before, herds of antelope roamed freely in Antelope Canyon. That is where the canyon got its English name from. There are plenty of unique places including, the Rainbow Bridge Trail, Upper, and Lower Part East Waterholes, and Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon. Cattle would graze in the wintertime in the canyon and LeChee area. To many older Navajos, entering Antelope Canyon was a very surreal experience from the landscape. To be in the right state of mind, to prepare for protection and respect, Navajos would take a moment and pause before making an entrance. This would allow them to be in harmony with something greater than themselves, and allow them to leave with an uplifted feeling of what Mother Nature has to offer. It was, and is, a sublime experience for the Navajos. You have the opportunity to take a guided tour and immerse yourself in the rich history of learning about the Antelope Canyon tours within Lake Powell Navajo Tribal Park.

Canyon de Chelly TSEYI HERITAGE CENTER

Tseyi’ Dine’ Heritage Area – Cottonwood Campground (TDHA) is located near the entrance of Canyon de Chelly National Monument in Chinle, Arizona. Come take in the breathtaking views and enjoy the rich history of the ancient ones who put down their roots and flourished within these canyons by booking a guided tour. You’ll book with one of the local tour operators who will take you in my vehicle, foot, or by horse. You also have the option of taking a self-guided tour of the North and South Rim Drives and view the canyon from the overlooks. Park your RV or come pitch a tent to enjoy a quiet night underneath the stars with a barbeque grill and a picnic table available at each campsite. TDHA is managed

by Navajo Parks and Recreation through a cooperative management agreement with the National Park Service.

Four Corners Monument NAVAJO TRIBAL PARK

The only place where four states meet, Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, and Utah is where the Four Corners Monument Navajo Tribal Park is located. You can purchase native artwork directly from the artisan at a new vendor market. There are no accommodations and services are limited as the monument is located in a very rural area. Please be prepared as you travel to this location as there is no electricity or water at this location. The nearest gas station/market is located 30 miles away from the monument.

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History of the Squash Blossom

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efore we can enlighten you about the history of this piece of jewelry, it is imperative to understand its basic shape and make.

The center of attention is the inverted crescent or the Naja. It is surrounded on both sides by the flowering beads which are the only part of this piece of jewelry that resembles its namesake.

The inverted crescent or Naja is a Navajo symbol. The inverted crescent has been used as a pendant and talisman for protection against the evil eye and evil forces or as a symbol of prestige by many civilizations -- from the Old Stone Age to the Romans to the Greeks.

The inverted crescent is also prevalent in the Middle East. The Muslim Moors brought it with them as a ward against the evil eye into Spain. Coupled with the long centuries of Muslim rule over Spain, the symbol eventually entered the cultural consciousness of Spain. From Spain, it traveled with the conquistadors to South America where it left an impression on local tribes and peoples, eventually being incorporated into their ornaments and jewelry. Over time it came to be strongly associated with these tribes.

As for the six flowers on each side, there are competing theories —each of which is more interesting than the other. Some say their presence has more to do with pomegranate-shaped ornaments of the Spanish, which were impressed upon the Navajo, while others say they were inspired by the local squash blossom which was a very important and widespread crop for the Navajo.

Then of course, there is the gemstone -- turquoise -- which holds a special place for the Navajo. Turquoise is simply a bringer of good fortune. The Navajo would store it in baskets or hang it from the ceilings to ward off evil in the home, and they would surround the exteriors of homes or graves with it for the same reason. Warriors would carry it to battle for

strength and protection, hunters would bring it on excursions to promote luck and safety.

Tribespeople would give it as gifts or symbols of kinship.

Similarly, there are competing views about the origin of the name, which are either a result of a loss in translation or deliberately based on the flower.

Wherever the truth lies, one thing holds true: despite its use by other civilizations, the squash blossom holds no spiritual or ritual significance.

Instead, it is a marker of cultural and social prestige, reputation, and wealth for the Navajo and is often made with precious metals and gemstones.

The Squash Blossom is truly a sight to behold and to cherish.

The Squash Blossom Necklace With western fashion becoming more and more prominent, let’s highlight the culture and history of one of the most notable items in western fashion -- a piece of jewelry created by Navajo Jewelry Makers called the “Squash Blossom”.

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PHOTO CREDIT TO EAGLE ROCK TRADING POST

L e a t h e r R a n c h C oa t. n e t

@L e at h er R a nchCoat

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Meet

Move As One oil on travertine 18” x 24”

SUSAN

VON BORSTEL

S

usan von Borstel is an internationally known artist of horses, wildlife, and people. Crazy about horses and wild about art, she started painting and drawing horses at a young age and went on to receive a B.S. degree from the University of Colorado in Zoology and Art. Von Borstel paints in oils on canvas and archivally prepared natural stone that inspire her with their patterns and textures. When she finds a special stone, she creates a painting suggested by the stone that teases the viewer into supplying the details.

Taking suggestions from years of painting on stone, Susan also works in oil on canvas and follows where her imagination takes her. These paintings are layered, complex, often suggesting deeper meanings. Her lifelong involvement with nature guides her hand.

Von Borstel ‘s work has appeared on numerous magazine covers, in magazine articles and at many art galleries. She works full time in her studio in Davis, California.

View von Borstel’s work at

susanvonborstel.com

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5 WITH SUSAN QUESTIONS

Your passion for horses and art started at a young age. Which passion came first ... horses or art? Can you share a childhood memory?

My love of horses seems to have been inborn. We lived in the city in Southern California then after much begging, I was given riding lessons on my fifth birthday. I strongly remember the intensity of touching the big horse’s head and feeling we were joined, sharing some vast universal secret. I’ve wanted to convey that feeling to others ever since. We moved to the country and I was given a foal. The rest is history.

Your website www.susanvonborstel. com is not only very thorough, but also very personal. Can you share with readers why you love what you do?

I was fortunate to study Zoology and Art at the University of Colorado. After that, my life often centered around owning, observing, drawing, and painting horses and other animals. Our two daughters were also involved. I love the process of developing an inspiring set of visual problems to solve and then seeing if I can pull it off. It’s self-perpetuating, especially when I get feedback from folks that enjoy my work. Really seeing, understanding, and remembering shapes, shadows, textures, and colors in their daily lives helps artists to be constantly aware. Life is richer for it. I am fortunate to have a studio several miles from my home. It’s easier to separate “work” and play with few interruptions. My husband is my business partner and framer so it’s never lonely. I am very grateful for my life.

In the Hills oil on slate 16” x 23”

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Three Heads oil on slate 24.5” x 15.5”

Just Checking oil on quartzite 28” x 7.5”

The favorite, oil on slate, 12” x 12”

Horsing Around, oil on travertine, 16” x16”

Green River Crossing oil on marble 24” x 36”

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Tell us about the process of painting on archivally prepared natural stone? That sounds very challenging.

I discovered the amazing textures, patterns, and colors of natural stone a while back and started seeing horses and other subjects in some of them. It’s like seeing objects in a cloud. They’re open to interpretation. Some people might see a dog, others a fish. The hardest part of painting on stone is finding just the right ones with a picture already suggested on them. Sometimes it depends on which way the stone is turned. After staring at the stone for a while I often shape it with a diamond saw and smooth it with a grinder. A chemist and I worked out the best way to make the paint stick to rock so it is archival.

Surface texture helps the paint grab and hold. The stone is sandblasted and/or sanded to give it tooth. It’s also best to have a neutral pH so it’s washed, dried, and treated with a light acid to etch a bit and adjust the pH to neutral. It’s then sealed with an oil painting sealer, painted, sealed again, and varnished. When it’s dry it’s framed and made ready to hang. I like to think of it as a modern-day cave painting.

You were chosen to illustrate for the multi-million dollar Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky. Professionally, that was a huge opportunity for you.

What would you consider to be the thrill of your lifetime so far?

The Kentucky Horse Park assignment was a thrill. It opened doors for me with new magazine interest, clients, and galleries. I don’t think there was one bigger thrill unless it was meeting my husband. I try to live day by day and have lots of smaller thrills worth celebrating.

One fun experience was when I was showing my work at Cattlemen’s Western Art Show in Paso Robles several years ago. I received an email from two owners of a large stone quarry and slab company in Shanghai, China, who saw my website said my artwork was “perfect”. I invited them to the show and they flew over. They bought five of my paintings there and five more large ones at a nearby gallery where I was represented. They spent two days at my studio afterward, great fun!

You also paint in oil on canvas. Is there any similarity to the processes of working on stone and on canvas?

The two are quite different in my mind. Stones tell what they need.

Canvas is so blank. Since anything goes color-wise, texture-wise and subject-wise decisions must be made and problems solved before starting. I enjoy that. I studied Photoshop a bit to save images of my paintings. I now use it to try out compositions, colors and to solve the problems I make up. That frees up the painting time and reduces mistakes. I draw thumbnails first and decide on the shape and texture of the canvas. Right now, I’m exploring square formats. It’s challenging but can add drama I think. Recently I went to a field south of town and found a small herd of fairly wild cattle. I had recorded a violin piece on my phone because I heard cows really like instrumental music. The cows all came tentatively forward until they were close enough to photograph with detail. They had great expressions. I painted four square paintings of them enjoying the concert. Two are now in the Mountain Oyster Club Annual Art Show in Tucson, AZ.

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Fall Drive oil on slate 37” x 13.5”

Goodlookin’ oil on granite 20.5” x 26”

Perfect Storm, oil on canvas, 20” x 30”

oreo, oil on canvas, 20” x 20” cowboylifestylenetwork.com

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PHOTO BY: MISS MILLER’S PHOTOGRAPHY

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Get the Inside Story on 2022 Western Lifestyle Fashion Trends The year 2022 is here and of course you are wondering about the latest western fashion trends. Cactus Cowgirl Boutique and Crooked Horn Co. have you covered -from denim, fringe, jewelry, all the way down to unique boots.

Let’s get started.

Fashion awaits!

BY MEGAN DEFABRY

Cactus Cowgirl Boutique

C

actus Cowgirl Boutique has you covered for western-chic clothing that’s unique and at an affordable price.

They are a one-of-a-kind boutique providing you with versatile pieces and hand-curated collections for any A selection of footwear is offered from look you are wanting to bring to light. slides, ankle boots, to booties. Do you want They offer a variety of western a shoe that no one else has? Then you need chic tops, whether you’re lookone of their unique cowhide shoes whether ing for a blazer, button down jacket, it be cowhide slides to Stiefeld ankle boots. graphic tops, sweaters, to shackets.

Wanting to make your outfit pop with some An array of bottoms are offered western jewelry? This boutique has got you from bell bottoms, shorts, straight leg covered with a variety of jewelry from silver jeans, mom fit jeans, lounge pants, pearl necklaces, turquoise, to concho earrings. flare jeans, fringe skirts to mini-skirts.

Providing the finishing touches to There are a variety of dresses to fit any your outfit, Cactus Cowgirl Boutique occasion whether you’re wanting a sundress, offers hats, bags and fun accessories. bodycon, satin, sequin, or fringe dress.

You can shop Cactus Cowgirl Boutique by visiting her website at, www.shopcactuscowgirl.com and be sure to check out her Instagram for the latest news on new pieces available, @cactus.cowgirl. cowboylifestylenetwork.com

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Fringe has always been a part of western style, and I don’t see it going anywhere any time soon! We really love this suede blazer because of its fringe detail and versatility.

This piece is great because you can dress it up for the NFR one night, and then style it for a professional look the next day. We love classy pieces with a fun, western spin.

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About Cactus Cowgirl Boutique: Cactus Cowgirl Boutique’s owner and operator is Chloe. She is a power-women and runs the show by doing the boutique’s website design, social media, packaging and shipping all orders! Chloe is from a small farming town on the Central Coast of California but now resides in northern Colorado. She’s a fan of outdoor activities, riding her horse or hanging out with her little cattle dog, Luna. Chloe is a huge fan of all things turquoise, fringe, or cowhide and is very passionate about sharing her love for western fashion through her boutique. Chloe wants you to look and feel your best with just the right styling of clothing and accessories, without breaking the bank.

PHOTOS BY: MISS MILLER’S PHOTOGRAPHY

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Cowboy boots might be one of the most important pieces in the classic western closet, but Stiefeld Boots brings some creativity and uniqueness to your boot collection. A popular style this season are the hair-on-hide ankle boots.

These boots are some of our favorites because each pair is 100 percent unique – and they’re handcrafted with the highest quality leather and materials. These boots are sure to have you stand out from the crowd, whether you wear them with a dress or jeans. Cowboy boots aren’t going anywhere, and hair-on-hide is timeless!

Graphic T-shirts: always a western closet staple! Everyone loves a good t-shirt, and they’re so easy to throw on, whether you’re headed out to ride or just for a quick trip into town.

Over the last few years, I have had so much fun developing our own t-shirt line exclusive to Cactus Cowgirl Boutique. We work with talented artists who help bring our vision to life and handdraw every design. T-shirts are so fun to dress up or down and you can wear them in so many ways. We are continually working on developing new artwork and bringing new exclusive pieces to the boutique, so something new is always right around the corner!

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PHOTO BY: MISS MILLER’S PHOTOGRAPHY

Crooked Horn Co. brings a unique flare of western fashion to the western shopper.

You can shop from a variety of shirts, graphic tees, thermal crew, blouses, button ups, sweaters, sweatshirts, shackets, bralettes, knit tops, and tank tops.

A selection of bottoms is offered from joggers, high rise boyfriend jeans, straight leg jeans, flare jeans, a variety of Kimes Ranch jeans, shorts, to mom jeans.

Western-chic purses, bags, a variety of accessories, and jewelry are available.

Whether you’re looking for jackets, sneakers, sandals, booties to cowboy boots, Crooked Horn Co. has you covered.

You can shop Crooked Horn Co. at crookedhorncompany.com and be sure to check out their Instagram for the latest news on new pieces available, @crookedhornco.

Spring 2022 styles will range from basic knit tops to that oversized button-down silk layering top with a favorite pair of jeans, boots, and extra-large tote. Adding a favorite bra top to this outfit will add some elevation and provide the desired unique flare! Keeping things simple and fresh will be the key for allowing that comfortable, yet classic and chic look.

About Crooked Horn Co. BEHIND CROOKED HORN CO. IS A MOTHER-

daughters trio that are bringing a unique flare in western fashion. All three were raised on a ranch in Northern Arizona and dedication, hard work, and sacrifice are all second nature to all three. At a very young age the girls lost their father and husband. This loss taught them that life has many curve balls, but it’s important to face those challenges head on and push through to find a way to succeed.To help the three ladies out, their father and grandfather help assist them on the ranch all while raising his own cattle. In honor of the men in their life who passed, the women created Crooked Horn Company with a belief that work ethic, family, integrity, and quality would be the base of the business.

PHOTO BY: KYLEE JO PHOTOGRAPHY

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Working with

HOW DUSTY BAKER GREW HIS BISON HERD

I

f you’ve been around YouTube lately, you know there’s a large and vibrant farming community, with a wide variety of unique and interesting views into the life of a homesteader. But there’s one type of farming you won’t see much of - and that’s Bison.

Dusty Baker wanted to change that. He started his channel, Cross Timbers Bison, in 2018 to help show this amazing animal to the world. His channel chronicles his entire journey from starting the herd all the way through raising them and working them on his farm. Viewers delight at seeing these creatures in action, especially the stars of the channel - Dunbar, Eleanor, and Big Joe. Dusty shares with us the complete story of Cross Timbers Bison. What was the inspiration for the channel, what are the challenges of raising such a rare animal? And just who starts a bison farm in this day and age anyway?

Let’s meet Dusty, and let him tell you all about it.

WHO IS DUSTY BAKER?

I

grew up in the country, farming and being again. And at that time, I met my wife. And we talked about, “Hey, I want around livestock. I grew up in Sulphur, Oklahoma, and the Nato get back to that country life, we miss it so much.” And so we threw the tional Park is there. One of the National idea about raising our own bison herd.

Parks is Chickasaw National Recreation Area.

In 2018, I did a lot of research. I contacted And they’ve always had bison there.

Gerald Parsons, a guy I always look up to and In high school, my Oklahoma history teachwork with about 30 minutes or so from the farm er’s husband was the chief of resource managetoday. I told him I was thinking about getting ment at the National Park. He was in charge into this, I’ve got a place that’s pretty much ready of the bison, wildlife population research and to go. And he said, “Well, I’ve got five right here all that. So I got an awesome opportunity to for you if you want.” And I was just blown away become a summer hand, a biological technician at that. for the National Park Service.

He had one bull, five yearlings, and four yearOne of my first jobs was to take care of the biling heifers. And he said, “Here you go.” And so son, make sure they had water, give them some we gathered some money up, and about a month cubes every now and then, hang out with them, later, got the trailer and we went and picked check them, make sure their babies were okay. them up, brought them home, and that’s how we And so I did that for four summers, and that was started raising bison.

DEJAY ARMS PHOTOGRAPHY kind of my first step being hands on with the So it’s kind of a crazy deal we just literally just •• Dusty and Marisa Baker bison. And so I’ve got a lot of good stories there, jumped in. My wife was very supportive of me

you know, hanging out with them.

I graduated, and actually became a teacher and coach down in Texas for five years or so. And then I moved back to Oklahoma, and started teaching

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and we want to do this thing together. It started in May of 2018, and now we’ve got a herd of 27 started. It’s been a journey, a lot of learning for sure.

the Ice Age

FROM NOTHING TO YOUTUBE STARDOM

DEJAY ARMS PHOTOGRAPHY

WHY START A YOUTUBE CHANNEL?

W

hen I started doing research, I wasn’t a big YouTube guy. There just wasn’t a lot out there. And if you want to learn something new, whether you’re plumbing or electrician, or working on your lawn mower, you go to YouTube, right? And so that’s what I did. We noticed that there was nothing on YouTube about bison.

My brother in law, Daniel, from the YouTube channel Arms Family Homestead, had been doing it for eight years or so, before YouTube even blew up. And I was literally sitting in my classroom one day, and Daniel put it on our family text message that he was doing a YouTube video live at the farm. And he was showing the bison for the first time to the public on his YouTube, and he has quite a following, over 600,000 subscribers now.

One of the things that he said was, “Hey, what do you guys think about my brother in law starting a YouTube channel for bison?” He threw me out there into the public and the YouTube world. And I had always wanted to educate and share more about these awesome animals, because there’s just not a lot of information publicly out there about them.

And so I decided I’m gonna try it. I did a couple of videos and got a lot of positive feedback. And I just kept running with it. It’s this whole journey, I’m growing a farm, I’ve been working on it and building it up for bison. And so the whole process of this is I’m learning from the bison, and I get to share that with people.

FORMING AN ONLINE COMMUNITY

The Cross Timbers Bison Community are just people that love seeing the bison, they love seeing the story. We work hard. I think they love that sort of American backbone, good old fashioned farmers or local small town people working hard. We tried to do that, and we fit that mold.

And I think just people love seeing those majestic animals. You just don’t see a lot of those types of animals on YouTube. And then there is a small community, a lot of potential bison, ranchers, a lot of people that are interested in raising bison. They reach out to me, and they want help, to give them guidance. And that’s where my experience in teaching comes in.

I don’t have a whole bunch of experience. Yes, I have three years of experience of owning them. But there’s guys out there that have 20 or 30 plus years raising them. But people reach out to me, and I try to guide them on their journey of starting a herd and, and the challenges and things that we face. And they’re watching my videos, they want to learn from me.

THE BIG HITS

My favorite videos are the ones where I travel, I like those. Some of the best footage I got was in West Texas, at the Addington farm, and that video received 2.5 million views.

Some of my favorite ones probably are the ones where we work them.

There’s not a lot of talking, I can’t do a lot of talking when we work the bison because I’m pretty focused. Whenever you’re working the bison, my focus is on the bison, keeping them safe, and keeping people safe. But it gets pretty wild and hairy when you work them. cowboylifestylenetwork.com

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THE UNIQUE CHALLENGES OF A HERD

I

like to compare them to cattle because of body size and all that. But one of the most challenging things about bison is that they’re just so much more athletic than cattle. God made those creatures to survive, they survived the last ice age where the mammoth didn’t. And so he made them animals to turn fast to run fast, drop those tips and turn on a dime.

And that’s probably the most challenging thing is when you’re working with them, they can just move and they’re powerful. They’re strong. When they’re out there grazing, they’re just nice and majestic, and they flow right there with the land. It just looks like a natural landscape when you see a bison out eating grass.

But they are athletes. It doesn’t matter if you’re dealing with a seven year old bull, or a calf, or a yearling. They can make some moves on you that will surprise you. And you just have to be aware of that, and know that they can get you at any moment. Not that they’re trying, but you’re just in their way.

The other thing is they’re smart. They’re very smart animals, smarter than cattle. I’m not trying to throw cattle under the bus or anything, we love our beef. Bison are just smart animals, and if you know them, they know you, too. There’s a respect level, you just have to learn their ways and then use it to your advantage.

DEJAY ARMS PHOTOGRAPHY

FORMING A BOND WITH YOUR HERD

I spend time with my herd. My step dad spends time with them on a daily basis. You get in the pens with them and they see you, they physically see you.

When they’re calves, we try to get them to calm down and get used to us so that they’re not wild and crazy when they’re older, and so you can work with them.

We’re not getting out there screaming and yelling, you can’t be doing that with them. And we don’t have to do that, because they spend time with us.

So when you work them, they move a lot better, they act a lot better.

Now they get a little crazy when you pen them up, put them in a corner, just like any animal would. This is a high stress animal. And if you take an animal off of Custer State Park, throw it in your pens and try to work it, that suckers gonna bounce off the pens and probably break your equipment or jump over a fence. And now you’re putting yourself in danger, and others in danger, as well.

So with us spending time with them, it helps us later on down the road, it helps us when we go to push them. It helps us when we go to vaccinate them, and they’re running through all the equipment, and you’ve got to squeeze them down. They’re not bouncing off of the pens, and they’re not being reckless and crazy.

And you know, I try to paint this image that yes, this is nice, and I’m able to do this, but you can’t do this everywhere. You can’t do this in those parks where they don’t ever see people or have been up that close to them. Those are wild animals.

THE MAJESTY OF THE HERD

With YouTube, I like being able to show people my passion and love and care. And if you love and care about something so much, you can make it what you want. And I think that’s where I am today. I’m able to share that (through YouTube, and Facebook) with people because of my love and care of those animals. I just appreciate their support. And I appreciate the positive comments that I get from a lot of my followers.

The other thing is, this animal is not as popular as cattle. We take it for granted that these animals almost disappeared in the early 1900s. And one of the things I always tell people is, when you’re driving down the road, and you see cattle, you just turn your head and you keep driving. When you drive down the road and you see bison, you slow your car down. You look, and you appreciate it, and you get the wow factor. “Wow, wow, look there’s bison!”

I get to raise that animal. I get to raise an animal that went from a population of 30-60 million down to less than 1,000; an animal that was basically approaching extinction and has been around since the Ice Age. That’s amazing to me. And I have that animal, and I’m close to the animal, and passionate about the animal. I’m just very lucky and blessed to be doing this.

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Meet Dunbar THE

LADIES MAN

D

unbar was my first bull I got when beginning the herd. I got him in as a yearling. So he was one to two years old, and he was just a character when I got him.

He’s different, he’s unique. He would come up to me, and he was one of the first ones to eat out of my hand, and I just loved this character. And as he got older, I just happened to catch some action of him being goofy.

Dunbar got a lot of his character from just banging on stuff as a young boy. He likes to make a lot of racket, he likes to show off, he likes to show that dominance. He has big tough guy syndrome, and he would bang on troughs and bang on panels. I would just happen to catch a lot of it and film it. I put a lot of it in the videos, and I think that’s where Dunbar got a lot of attention just breaking stuff, being a boy, really.

He’s just trying to show off in front of ladies. So I think that’s where he got his charisma and his popularity.

Meet Eleanor

SWEET AND PETITE

E

Meet Big Joe THE

GENTLE GIANT

W

leanor came in my e got Big Joe I first group, and she was one of the believe in the fall of 2019. biggest yearlings that we got. And And he’s just big. He’s a she would come up to you, she was super big old dude, a gentle giant is what he sweet. She’d come up to you in the middle is. He’d never been worked with and as of a pasture and want cubes, and she and far as being in a squeeze chute. I got him Dunbar were the only two that would do when I think he was about five years old. that.

And he wasn’t used to being worked, so But as far as her size, the rest of them we had the challenges of working him started to get bigger and bigger and bigger, and getting him to even go down alley and she got to a certain size and stopped. into a squeeze chute.

And I don’t know what happened, but she’s And we wanted to weigh him, people kind of abnormally short. And so, of course, wanted to know how big he really was. she’s different.

So I had this build up of a story of tryShe was put on the bottom of the hieraring to get him in a squeeze chute. And chy. When that happened, she got pushed then last spring, we finally got him in a around, she got kicked off of feed. And the squeeze chute ,and we weighed him. He herd naturally put her down at the bottom weighed 1,885 pounds, which is big for a of the pile. And so I had to separate her and Southern bison. They’re a lot bigger up in give her special care. I think people like the north, they’re 2,000 pounds plus up in that, and they gravitated towards her. And the north. But Big Joe is just a big, pretty viewers like her just being sweet, and me statured bull. He had a building storyline feeding her or whatnot. She’s pretty gentle, with him, he’s nice, and he’s been good to she’s easy to work with, and I think people us, too. When we finally got him on the just like the sweetness of her. scale, that was a big celebration.

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In each edition, Cowboy Lifestyle features a talented rodeo photographer who deserves the opportunity to have her or his work showcased to a national audience. In this edition we feature Crystal Amen of Crystal Amen Photography (crystalamenphotography.com) in Cottonwood, Calif.

“Laughter is timeless, Imagination has no age, and Dreams are forever.”

- WALT DISNEY

•• I was photographing a rodeo in Santa Rosa, Calif., and getting ready for the performance, but I couldn’t help myself with this cute little cowgirl and the perfect golden sunset. She was the daughter of the pick-up man and was getting ready to ride in the grand entry.

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1 PHOTO 1

“Work hard, Have Fun, and Make History.” ~ JEFF BEZOS

•• This was a photo from a branding at Holiday Ranch. I just love this photo because he had that big smile on his face and was having fun! Just trying to capture emotion is the best part of photography.

PHOTO 2

“The power of determination will make you unstoppable”

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~ JEAN CHAREST

•• This is a photo of Clare Boles from the California State High School Rodeo Association (CHSRA) District 1 rodeo in Red Bluff, Calif. I was laying flat on my belly under the fence right at the end pole to get this shot. That angle was pretty amazing and the photo turned out amazing! Believe it or not, this cowgirl made a clean run and kept that end pole up PHOTO 3

“If you don’t think fear can control you, then you’ve never been chased by a mad momma cow.” ~ AMERICAN CATTLEMEN

•• I just loved how that one momma cow was peaking over the rock wall looking for her baby.

PHOTO 4

“Though she be little, she is fierce!” ~ WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE

•• Jordyn Staley is small, but she makes some big runs! This was another CHSRA District 1 rodeo shot where that low angle captures the action with the dirt flying, and creating an awesome photo.

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5 PHOTO 5

“Be Brave. Take Risk.

Nothing can Substitute the Experience.” ~ PAULO COELHO

•• I was so excited to get this shot! The night before the pickup man (Rick Moffat, letting the cowboy down), had asked me if he was scaring me when he ran the horses super close to the fence. The reason being is that I always jump the fence when he does.

I told him, ‘Nope, just getting out of the way when the train is comin’ through.’ This photo shows just how close they can get to that fence when they are helping a cowboy off the bucking horses. Yes, I was on the fence when I took this shot.

PHOTO 6

“The difference between the impossible and the possible lies in a person’s determination.” ~ TOMMY LASORDA

•• While shooting the Oakdale Rodeo in California during the tiedown roping, I shot from the roping box to get a different angle for one of the go-rounds. I wanted to try something different, and it worked out pretty sweet!

Meet Crystal Amen 6

Hi, my name is Crystal Amen.

I am a mother of three spunky, fun, crazy little girls.

I have been capturing memories since 2012. I enjoy photographing pretty much everything from weddings, maternity/newborn, kids, families, high school & college seniors, landscapes, real estate, animals, and rodeos.

My husband and I run 70 head of cattle as well as run our family feed store Shasta Farm & Equipment. If you don’t see me out taking photos you will find me at the feed store. My girls love riding horses and being little ranch kids. Now, my oldest is starting her own string of show cattle. They love animals and the outdoors, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. cowboylifestylenetwork.com

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EQUI N E LAW

Stop Horsin’ Around & Use a Waiver

BY KIMBRELL J. HINES, ESQ.

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lthough frequently used, many horse owners and professionals remain unaware their liability waivers would not protect them from a lawsuit. Often horse persons and professionals treat waivers as a mere formality and remain unsure of their effectiveness. Since not all waivers are useful, you may be wondering whether your program needs one. And the answer is yes, all horse programs should use a properly drafted waiver to protect against liability in the event of an accident. As many of us know, horses—even the most gentle and well-trained— involve some risk, and accidents do happen. And because a horse-related accident can result in severe injury, it is important for clients, guests, and spectators to sign a waiver before engaging in any horse-related activity.

Waivers benefit equine professionals in two significant ways. First, waivers provide a defense if there is a lawsuit. When adequately drafted in compliance with state law, signed waivers can result in complete dismissal of a lawsuit. Second, waivers discourage people from filing lawsuits in the first place. It is important to note that waivers do not entirely prevent a lawsuit—a person can still file a lawsuit, even if they signed an enforceable waiver. However, once the lawsuit begins, the waiver can be used as a defense. Additionally, reading and signing a document causes a person to think twice before engaging in risky horse-related activities.

A collateral benefit of waivers is people are discouraged from suing. Attorney’s representing those seeking damages for horse related injuries generally work on contingency arrangements - meaning they get paid a percentage of the money their client wins. Attorneys recognize waivers as an obstacle to success. Consequently, those seeking to file such suits, may find that in order to proceed they would have to, at a minimum, pay out of pocket for an attorney to take the case outside of a contingency arrangement.

For a waiver to be successful in court, the waiver must have clear language, specify the parties, comply with state law, and be signed. When using waivers in their programs, horse persons should keep the following in mind:

Use Clear Language

The first element of a good waiver is clarity. A reader should be able to pick up the document and quickly determine its purpose. It is best to keep a waiver to a single page and have the terms typed in standard-sized

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print. Waivers should avoid complicated and unclear language. A well-written waiver makes it more difficult for someone to argue they did not understand what they were signing.

Be Specific

Waivers must have clear and unambiguous terms; generally, with a waiver’s language, the more specific, the better. A waiver should inform the participant of the inherent risks related to equine activities. A vague statement such as “horseback riding can be dangerous” does not adequately tell the risks. The waiver should also include an explanation of why horseback riding can be dangerous. A good starting point for coming up with this language could be your state’s equine activity statute, which likely defines equine-related activities’ inherent risks.

An equine activity statute is a state law designed to limit liability for injuries and deaths connected with horse-related activities. The idea behind these laws is that people dealing with horses “assume the risk” inherent in horse-related activities. Some horse persons and organizations believe that because they posted a sign with their state’s equine law, they are immune from liability. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Waivers and equine laws offer different protections. Even though posting a sign with the state’s equine law is a great practice, horse professionals should still require people who use their services or enter their property to sign a waiver.

Generally, waivers only protect the parties specifically named. The waiver should clearly state the name of each person or entity exempted from liability, so there is no uncertainty about who is covered.

Comply with State Law

To be enforceable, a waiver must comply state law. The legal requirements of a waiver vary from state to state, and failure to comply with state law can make the waiver unenforceable. It is crucial to keep state law in mind, as many people use liability releases obtained from a friend or downloaded from the Internet. These generic documents typically contain broad language not in compliance with state law or specific to the equine program. A court may find such generic forms unenforceable.

Get a Signature

It is important for a waiver to be signed. A signature demonstrates the person signing read and understood the agreement. Before having a person sign, ensure the person has adequate time to read the entire document.

Additionally, a person can only sign away his or her rights. It is important to have family members, guests, and spectators on the property sign their own liability releases. If the participant is a minor, the minor’s parent or guardian should also sign the waiver.

Remember, a waiver is no substitute for other risk-management practices. Create and maintain safe practices to reduce the likelihood of accidents. Further, obtain proper liability coverage for all equine activities. Finally, obtain a well-drafted waiver, and have counsel lined up to answer any questions that come up regarding using a waiver in your horse program. While it may take a little time and money to use a proper waiver, it will undoubtedly be less expensive and less time consuming than a lawsuit.

5a Horse

Tips on buying

FOR MOST HORSE PEOPLE, FEW THINGS ARE AS

exciting as purchasing a horse. Unfortunately for some, buying a horse can be a difficult experience– emotions cloud buyer’s judgment, sellers misrepresent, and your new horse may feel more like an adversary than a partner. To avoid a bad purchase, buyers should keep in mind the following: Use a Contract. Even if not required in your state, it is always a good idea to have a written sales contract signed by both parties stating the rights and duties of the buyer and seller. The contract allows the parties to have a written record of the horse that was agreed upon.

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Get a Pre-Purchase Veterinary Exam.

Always get a pre-purchase veterinary exam performed by your vet. It is also a good idea to drug test the horse during the prepurchase.

Verify. Confirm the horse’s registration number and show record with the applicable breed association or equine organization.

Obtain a Second Opinion. Buying a horse is incredibly exciting. Try to take an experienced horse professional with you when looking at a horse. An objective horse professional will be able to tell you if the horse you’re looking at is a good fit.

Take a Break. After looking at a horse, try to go look at other horses or take a short break from shopping altogether to give yourself time to reflect on whether a particular horse is right for you. If the seller consents, videotape the horse and watch the video a few days after you visited the horse. Doing so will allow you to look at the horse again without time constraints or pressure from the seller.

Kimbrell J. Hines is an active equestrian and an attorney with Williams Parker in Sarasota, Florida. She obtained her law degree and bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida, where she competed for the University of Florida Equestrian Team. She also has a Master of Science in Human Resource Management from the University of Tennessee. Kimbrell may be reached at khines@williamsparker.com or (941) 366-4800.

This article is provided as a guide for educational purposes only. It is not intended to serve as legal advice and should not be used as a substitute for consultation with an attorney.

Don Woodard

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“F in e Art in Wood”

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WINNERS OF THE 2021 BUCKS FOR THE BRAVE HUNT HOSTED BY RECORD RACK

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n honor of veterans everywhere, Cowboy Lifestyle Network has partnered with Record Rack Feed (a brand of Cargill) to promote their annual Bucks for the Brave Hunt in Batesville, Texas.

For readers unaware, here’s the backstory. Record Rack wanted to create an event to recognize those who have put their lives on the line for their community and their country. Record Rack wanted to honor these heroes with a once and a lifetime opportunity. So, the Bucks for the Brave Program was born. Families and friends had the chance to nominate their own heroes. This year, seven winners were selected from seven categories: Air Force Veteran, Army Veteran, Coast Guard Veteran, Marine Corps Veteran, Navy Veteran, Retired Firefighter and Retired Law Enforcement. One individual from each category was rewarded with an all-inclusive five-day hunt at Trinity Oak’s Thumbtack Ranch in Batesville, TX, which took place from November 11-15, 2021. Congratulations to these fine gentlemen.

•• The winners of the Bucks for the Brave Hunt hosted by Record Rack enjoyed their time together at Thumbtack Ranch in Batesville, TX, in November.

2021 BUCKS FOR THE BRAVE WINNERS

(CA P SU LE S A R E I N T H E WOR D S OF T H E I N DI V I DUA L NOM I NAT I NG T H E W I N N E R)

Randell Hall

Jerry Kuczynski

Randell has been a selfless public servant since high school and he continues to serve today.

Randell started out in ROTC then went to serve and save lives in the Coast Guard.

In the Coast Guard, Randell was a Boarding Team Member who conducted narcotics operations, migrant interdictions, and search and rescue missions. After that, he was an Aviation Machinist Technician who flew over 1,000 hours on Dolphin Helicopters that included numerous search and rescue and port security missions. After numerous stations and serving in the Coast Guard, Randell joined the Bryan Police Department (Texas) in 2004.

He continues to make a positive impact in the lives of the citizens of Bryan by serving on the SWAT team and working tirelessly to combat the war on drugs.

Over the years with the police department, Randell won many awards, including 2019 Officer of the Year and four police commendations, the latest commendation being involved with a group of officers who saved lives at an active shooter incident. Randell is not only dedicated to his career; he dedicates his free time to our two young boys to show and guide them through the outdoors. Hunting and fishing are what Randell breathes and we love how he is able to share his love of the outdoors with his sons.

I want to nominate my husband, Jerry Kuczynski. He recently retired from a large urban Fire Dept in South Florida after 44 years of service.

He was a Captain for more than 35 years who always worked in the busiest stations by choice. Jerry was the most senior member in the Dept still working in the field. In his last five years, he was assigned to the training division where he trained all the new FF starting their careers. He taught them not only how to be a firefighter but how to love the job. In addition, Jerry was a 30-year member of his Fire Dept. Honor Guard where he served as Honor Guard Commander. Here he was most proud to honor all those who had fallen and pay respects to their family. He made the annual trip to Colorado Springs every September for the national IAFF Fallen Firefighter Memorial to honor all firefighters who died in the line of duty. Jerry was also a Boy Scout leader for which he is most proud of his four sons being Eagle Scouts. He was a baseball coach and a Hunter Safety instructor who took new hunters on their first hunt. Jerry believes family comes first always spending his off-duty time with his family. He is an avid hunter who has never harvested a mature buck to allow his family or his hunting partners to take the buck instead of him. He now enjoys his time hunting with his family. His oldest son is a Firefighter several counties away and his third son just became a Deputy Sheriff.

COAST GUA R D V E T E R A N

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R E T I R E D FI R E FI GH T E R

Jason Carey AIR FORCE & ARMY VETERAN

Jason Carey served 20 years in the armed forces.

First in the Army, then the Air Force with Security Forces where he was medically retired. Although he could no longer serve his country in that capacity, he continues to impact citizens far and wide. He provides support to a veteran group offering advice, encouragement, mental health, and suicide prevention. He is most well known for surprising complete strangers with his random acts of coolness.

He has made an impact on so many people’s lives, he received 24 nominations in hopes they could finally give back to him.

John Baird

R E T I R E D L AW E N FOR CE M E N T & A R M Y V E T E R A N

My dad has faced so much adversity. Injured in Iraq in 2003. Another deployment in 2009 and then another in Afghanistan in 2012. He spent 35 plus years in the Army, reserve, and national guard. He also spent 29 years as a deputy and game warden. He has always placed his kids and family first and has sacrificed hunting and fishing trips so we had things to succeed. He put me and my sister through college sacrificing his GI Bill so we could go to school. He drives an older model truck so his children have safe and dependable vehicles.

He is a quiet hero that doesn’t discuss his time in the war. Just a good man who was recently called “a salt of the earth type man” living in our community by one of the county council. He deserves this hunt!

Brandon Bryan

James Roberts

Brandon is the most resilient, brave, and humble person I have ever met. He suffered from the effects of psychological and physical impairment for years, directly related to combat missions he was part of. A little over three years ago, he agreed to get help and has started an amazing journey of healing. I have so much admiration for him asking for help and even more respect for his continued dedication to his physical and mental health. This road of healing has not always been easy, there are days when I can see he feels defeated-but he never gives up on moving forward. He has sacrificed so much of himself physically and mentally as part of his job in one of the elite forces within our military. His determination to persevere in difficult times is inspiring to me. I know I can’t erase the bad memories that haunt his dreams at night, but I’d love to see him experience awesome things in life to maybe one day make those nightmares less frequent. I believe this hunt would be one of those awesome things and I can’t think of anyone more deserving than Brandon.

James Roberts – JD -joined the army at 17. He did two tours in Vietnam. The first was personal security for a chaplain who was behind the lines. His second tour was with a special forces group as a lieutenant.

He then spent several years in Europe before being selected to be an instructor for the Rangers. He was then selected to be one of the founding members of Delta Force under Colonel Beckwith. He survived the plane crash during the Iranian Hostage Crisis. He retired after 20 years with decorations and medals including the Silver Star, multiple Bronze Stars with Valor, a Purple Heart with OLC, and the list goes on.

Even after retiring, he went with a group to Jordan on a mission to rescue a young girl kidnapped by her father. The event resulted in a made-for-TV movie starring Mariel Hemingway called “Desperate Rescue”. He didn’t stop there though. He spent an additional 20 years serving with the DHS. JD now lives in Crossville, TN with his wife and suffers from Parkinson’s disease caused by agent orange in Vietnam.

NAV Y V E T E R A N

A R M Y V E T E R A N & LE O

Marcus Fischer MARINE CORPS & AIR FORCE VETERAN MASTER GUNNERY SERGEANT M. FISCHER

served in the United States Marine Corps for 32 years. Joining at the age of 26, he entered force recon and began his extensive training in hostage negotiations in Central and South America, Seer school, jump school, master diving, working in southeast Asia while on missions from naval ships. He jumped on ships in the Persian Gulf during the Gulf War, commanded units and allies in the Iraq Invasion. He also worked in international CI training with allies in Europe and Africa. But none of this would’ve been known if it wasn’t for his wife who discovered the records and write-ups of his numerous adventures in the Marine Corps after a brain injury in 2004 from an IED explosion in his un-armored Humvee. It created a silent death certificate in his brain which went unnoticed for a decade.

Fortunately, before it was too late, Master Gunnery Sergeant Fischer with the unrelenting support and drive of his wife went through every medical battle to find the right surgeon to remove a cavernous malformation from his brain stem in 2016, 12 years after the initial incident. That was 30 years after his initiation into the Marine Corps the year that he was to retire and become a stay-at-home dad to his kids who at the time or three and four years old. After having a successful resection of his brain stem, Master Gunnery Sergeant Fisher endured a stroke to his right cerebellum during that same brain surgery leaving him a victim of not just a stroke, but a resected brain stem. That happened on election day November 8, 2016. After seven months of inpatient hospital care at three different inpatient brain injury facilities, Master

Guns has maintained a harsh regimen of 5 to 8 different therapies a week. With the persistence and drive that any Marine has, he has recovered to the point where he can communicate clearly in sentences that are understood, have an independent environment at home, play with his kids, help with homework and sports, and is still aiming to hopefully walk with a cane instead of of wheelchair.

Prior to Covid, Master Gunnery Sergeant Fischer became more involved in fishing, deep sea and fly, and biking on his recumbent bike with his therapist and wife. His children have since been going to summer camps and learning to shoot rifles and archery and have recently joined before eight sharp shooting club in their hometown with a desire to learn to hunt and be better marksman like their father was as a marine. His son is ten years old now and his daughter just turned nine. Master Gunnery Sergeant Fischer deserves this chance to hunt not only to show him that he can pick up a gun and he can shoot it as he has tried at shooting ranges over the past few years but also with the intention that he can teach his children this life skill and respect of weapons that he has acquired through his lifetime. A dream of his would be to be able to take his children on a hunt of their own. Marcus has done more than just live, he has pursued, persisted, and is winning the battle despite it being a very slow hard, and the uphill battle he still pushes forward. cowboylifestylenetwork.com

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