Cowboy Lifestyle Magazine | Winter 2023

w in t e r 2 02 3 W

Q&A

WITH COUNTRY MUSIC LEGEND CLAY WALKER NFR ENTERTAINER

CODY

JOHNSON

THE ART OF

Wanderlust

Skulls RODEO PROFILES

TAYCIE

MATTHEWS

RILEY

WEBB

ALL THINGS LAS VEGAS

NFR 2023 Life rave | Desert Farm B e th r o f s Buck

| NFR Fashion | Forney’s Holi day Gift Gui de

tography | Beyond the Brand: Pure Dixie | Rodeo’s Next Gene o h P n o s p ration om Click Th

Custom built safes and vault doors

www.visaliasafes.com 559-592-SAFE

COME VISIT US AT RMEF-HUNTER’S CHRISTMAS - BOOTH 20203

Q&A with tie down roper Riley Webb

P.

32

The Art of Wanderlust Skulls

4

P.

P.

36

Desert Farm Life From Arizona to Namibia

P.

56

NFR Performance Schedule

6

NFR Schedule of events

8

NFR Viewing Parties

10

NFR Athlete Guide

12

NFR Fashion with Shelby Smith

18

Beyond the Brand with Pure Dixie

20

The Hooflink System by Lip Chip

22

Barrel Racer Taycie Matthews Q&A

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Q&A With COuntry music legend clay walker 62

NFR 2023 Performer Cody Johnson

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5 Crazy facts about mini cows

A classic American recipe: The Cowboy Patty Melt

30

Rodeo’s next generation

42

2023 Bucks for the brave winners

44

Forney Gift Giving Guide

46

Through the lens: CLick Thompson

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AG Women COnnect

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The credit for this issue’s cover photo goes to photographer Click Thompson. You can find his work online on Facebook and Instagram @ClickThompson and you can learn more about his photography at ClickThompson.com.

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WINTER 2023

NFR 2023

CONTENTs

ALL THINGS VEGAS

64

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NFR 2023

It’s Time For the

Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas, Nevada!

Everything you need to know about attending the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas.

W

hether it’s your first time in Vegas for the NFR or your tenth, this guide serves as your go-to for things going on around town plus everything you need to know about performances, concerts, gift shows, special events and so much more.

Taking place at the Thomas and Mack Center, fans and athletes alike are more than ready for the 10-day super bowl of rodeo. There’s something truly magical about this time of year in Las Vegas. It’s everything from people stopping in their tracks for the National Anthem played every evening at the Thomas and Mack Center to the athletes competing with everything they have to get to that world championship. The best way to describe it is electric, there’s nothing else quite like in the world of sports. If you’re experiencing it for the first time, then I hope to give you all of the ins and outs that you need to know about while you’re there.

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NFR 2023 NFR Performance Schedule

K

ick back and relax as you enjoy two hours of the best sport on dirt. With entertainment openings every night by renowned country

artists and explosive pyrotechnics, a live NFR performance is unlike anything you’ve ever experienced before. Every performance starts promptly at 5:45 and goes on until 8 pm each evening.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7

WRANGLER NATIONAL FINALS RODEO — FIRST PERFORMANCE ■ 5:45 p.m. — 8 p.m.

■ Performance Sponsor: Pendleton Whisky ■ Opening Entertainment: Vegas Night | National Anthem: Terry Fator FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8

WRANGLER NATIONAL FINALS RODEO — SECOND PERFORMANCE ■ 5:45 p.m. — 8 p.m.

■ Performance Sponsor: Coors ■ Opening Entertainment: Ian Munsick | National Anthem: Zach Top SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9

WRANGLER NATIONAL FINALS RODEO — THIRD PERFORMANCE ■ 5:45 p.m. — 8 p.m.

■ Performance Sponsor: Hesston by Massey Ferguson ■ Opening Entertainment: Bryan Martin | National Anthem: Mae Estes SUNDAY, DECEMBER 10

WRANGLER NATIONAL FINALS RODEO — FOURTH PERFORMANCE — MEMORIAL NIGHT ■ 5:45 p.m. — 8 p.m.

■ Performance Sponsor: Polaris Ranger ■ Opening Entertainment: Cody Lee | National Anthem: Casey Kearney

MONDAY, DECEMBER 11

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14

WRANGLER NATIONAL FINALS RODEO — FIFTH PERFORMANCE — TOUGH ENOUGH TO WEAR PINK NIGHT ■ 5:45 p.m. — 8 p.m.

■ Performance Sponsor: Montana Silversmiths ■ Opening Entertainment: Chancey Williams | National Anthem: Annie Bosko

WRANGLER NATIONAL FINALS RODEO — EIGHTH PERFORMANCE — CANADIAN NIGHT ■ 5:45 p.m. — 8 p.m.

■ Performance Sponsor: Durango Boots ■ Opening Entertainment: Jake Worthington | Old Hickory - National Anthem & Lynnae Meyers Canadian Anthem

WRANGLER NATIONAL FINALS RODEO — SIXTH PERFORMANCE — RESISTOL ROOKIE NIGHT ■ 5:45 p.m. — 8 p.m.

■ Performance Sponsor: Resistol ■ Opening Entertainment: Drake Milligan | National Anthem: Contest Winner

WRANGLER NATIONAL FINALS RODEO — NINTH PERFORMANCE ■ 5:45 p.m. — 8 p.m.

■ Performance Sponsor: RAM ■ Opening Entertainment: Lainey Wilson | Anthem: Britney Kellogg

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 12

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13

WRANGLER NATIONAL FINALS RODEO — SEVENTH PERFORMANCE MILITARY NIGHT ■ 5:45 p.m. — 8 p.m.

■ Opening Entertainment: Drew Six | National Anthem: Jenna Paulette

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 16

WRANGLER NATIONAL FINALS RODEO — TENTH PERFORMANCE — WRANGLER NATIONAL PATRIOT NIGHT ■ 5:45 p.m. — 8 p.m.

■ Performance Sponsor: Wrangler ■ Opening Entertainment: Gold Night | Anthem: Kameron Marlow Included with your ticket is access to the Cowboy Corral which is located in the Cox Pavilion, which is adjacent to the Thomas & Mack Center. There are live performances by the acts below BEFORE and AFTER the Wrangler NFR performance. Doors open nightly at 4 pm.

Entertainment at the Cowboy Corral Includes: ■ Will Jones | December 7 — 9 ■ Mae Estes | December 10 & 11 ■ Old Hickory | December 12 — 14 ■ Wyatt McCubbin | December 15 & 16

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• Photography courtesy of Christopher “Click” Thompson

1.

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NFR 2023 Schedule of Events Daily Events LIVE WITH LUCIA ■ 10:30 a.m. — 11:30 a.m.

■ The Cowboy Channel Cowboy Christmas | Las Vegas Convention Center, South Halls ■ Ariat Rodeo Live Stage ■ Free Admission/Open to the Public OUTSIDE THE BARREL WITH FLINT RASMUSSEN ■ 12:30 p.m. — 1:30 p.m.

■ The Cowboy Channel Cowboy Christmas | Las Vegas Convention Center, South Halls ■ Ariat Rodeo Live Stage ■ Free Admission/Open to the Public CONSERVING COUNTRY WITH HOSTS BRANDON BATES AND SHANE MINOR ■ 11:30 a.m. — 12:30 p.m.

■ The Cowboy Channel Cowboy Christmas | Las Vegas Convention Center, South Halls ■ Ariat Rodeo Live Stage ■ Free Admission/Open to the Public RMEF CALCUTTA ■ 1:30 p.m. — 2:30 p.m.

■ The Cowboy Channel Cowboy Christmas | Las Vegas Convention Center, South Halls ■ Ariat Rodeo Live Stage ■ Free Admission/Open to the Public NFR TAILGATE PARTY ■ 1:30 p.m. — 4 p.m.

■ The Cowboy Channel Cowboy Christmas | Las Vegas Convention Center, South Halls ■ Ariat Rodeo Live Stage ■ Free Admission/Open to the Public YETI JUNIOR WORLD FINALS ■ 9 a.m. — 3 p.m./4 p.m.

■ Las Vegas Convention Center, South Halls ■ Wrangler Rodeo Arena — RMEF Hunter & Outdoor Christmas Expo

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ALL IN BARREL RACE ■ Start times vary by day ■ The Orleans Arena ■ Free Admission/Open to the Public ARIAT WORLD SERIES OF TEAM ROPING ■ December 9 -17 | South Point Arena & Equestrian Center ■ Free admission/Open to the Public

Specialty Events DECEMBER 5 - 6

NATIONAL FINALS BREAKAWAY ROPING ■ Doors open at 1 p.m. | 2 p.m. competition start ■ South Point Arena & Equestrian Center ■ Ticket Required ($30+) | Tickets available at South Point Box Office or Online

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7

BENNY BINION’S WORLD FAMOUS WRANGLER NFR BUCKING HORSE & BULL SALE ■ Doors open at 8 a.m.

■ South Point Arena & Equestrian Center ■ Tickets available at South Point Box Office or Online PRCA PERMIT HOLDER OF THE YEAR CHALLENGE ■ Doors open at 11 a.m.

■ South Point Arena & Equestrian Center ■ Tickets available at South Point Box Office or Online BULLFIGHTERS ONLY LAS VEGAS CHAMPIONSHIPS ■ December 7,8 & 14-16 1:30 p.m. | Resorts World Las Vegas ■ Ticket Required | More at BullfightersOnly.com FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8

STACE SMITH WORLD BRONC FUTURITY FINALE ■ Doors open at 9 a.m. | 10 a.m. — Finale starts; Featuring top 4 & 5 year saddle bronc horses in North America ■ South Point Arena & Equestrian Center ■ Tickets available at South Point Box Office or Online WRANGLER NFR AUTOGRAPH SESSION — BARREL RACERS ■ 11 a.m. — 1 p.m. | Golden Nugget — The Grand Event Center Foyer ■ Free Admission/Open to the Public ■ First come/first served; contestants depart at 1 p.m.

BULLFIGHTERS ONLY LAS VEGAS CHAMPIONSHIPS ■ December 7, 8 & 14-16 1:30 p.m. | Resorts World Las Vegas ■ Ticket Required | More at BullfightersOnly.com

MONDAY, DECEMBER 11

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15

WRANGLER NFR AUTOGRAPH SESSION — TEAM ROPERS ■ 11 a.m. — 1 p.m. | Horseshoe Las Vegas | Guy Fieri’s Flavortown Sports Kitchen ■ Free Admission/Open to the Public ■ First come/first served; contestants depart at 1 p.m.

WORLD OF RODEO REUNION & GOLD CARD GATHERING ■ 10 a.m. — 2 p.m. | The Orleans — Second Floor ■ Featuring Western celebrities, rodeo champions and legends ■ Live music, panel discussions, and more ■ Ticket Required WRANGLER NFR AUTOGRAPH SESSION — SADDLE BRONC RIDERS ■ 11 a.m. — 1 p.m. | Dawghouse at Resorts World Las Vegas ■ Free Admission/Open to the Public ■ First come/first served; contestants depart at 1 p.m.

BULLFIGHTERS ONLY LAS VEGAS CHAMPIONSHIPS ■ December 7, 8 & 14-16 1:30 p.m. | Resorts World Las Vegas ■ Ticket Required | More at BullfightersOnly.com

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 12

WRANGLER NFR AUTOGRAPH SESSION STEER WRESTLERS ■ 11 a.m. — 1 p.m.

■ The D - Bar Canada ■ Free Admission/Open to the Public ■ First come/first served; contestants depart at 1 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13

WRANGLER NFR AUTOGRAPH SESSION — BULL RIDERS ■ 11 a.m. — 1 p.m. | Treasure Island — Gilley’s ■ Free Admission/Open to the Public ■ First come/first served; contestants depart at 1 p.m.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9

WRANGLER NFR AUTOGRAPH SESSION — TIE-DOWN ROPERS ■ 11 a.m. — 1 p.m. | MGM Grand — Main Lobby ■ Free Admission/Open to the Public ■ First come/first served; contestants depart at 1 p.m.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 10

MISS RODEO AMERICA PAGEANT – CORONATION PERFORMANCE PRESENTED BY SOUTH POINT HOTEL ■ 9:45 a.m. — Doors open | 10:30 a.m. — 12:30 p.m.

— Coronation Performance ■ South Point Hotel, Casino and Spa — Grand Ballroom ■ Ticket Required GOLDEN CIRCLE OF CHAMPIONS — CLINIC AND BANQUET ■ 11:30 p.m. — 3 p.m. | Tuscany Suites & Casino ■ Honoring children and families fighting cancer and other life-threatening illnesses

Shopping In addition to Cowboy Christmas, there are several other shopping marketplaces that you can find around town. You can find the full list below. All vendor shows are free and open to the public!

ANNUAL PRO RODEO LEAGUE OF WOMEN STYLE SHOW & LUNCHEON ■ 11 a.m. — 2 p.m. | South Point Grand Ballroom ■ Hosted by The South Point Hotel, Casino & Spa ■ To benefit the Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund WRANGLER NFR AUTOGRAPH SESSION — BAREBACK RIDERS ■ 11 a.m. — 1 p.m. | New York–New York — Beerhaus ■ Free Admission/Open to the Public ■ First come/first served; contestants depart at 1 p.m.

EXCEPTIONAL RODEO PRESENTED BY NEVADA STATE BANK ■ 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. | At the Thomas and Mack Center ■ Free Event/Open to the Public BULLFIGHTERS ONLY LAS VEGAS CHAMPIONSHIPS ■ December 7, 8 & 14-16 1:30 p.m. | Resorts World Las Vegas ■ Ticket Required | More at BullfightersOnly.com

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 16

BULLFIGHTERS ONLY LAS VEGAS CHAMPIONSHIPS ■ December 7, 8 & 14-16 1:30 p.m. | Resorts World Las Vegas ■ Ticket Required | More at BullfightersOnly.com

THE COWBOY CHANNEL COWBOY CHRISTMAS ■ Open daily December 7 — 16 | 9 a.m. — 4 p.m. | Las Vegas Convention Center, South Halls CINCH WESTERN GIFT SHOW ■ Open daily December 5 — 17 from 9 a.m. — 6 p.m.

■ South Point Exhibit Hall ROPER COWBOY MARKETPLACE GIFT SHOW ■ Open daily December 7 — 16 from 10 a.m. — 5 p.m.

■ Horseshoe Las Vegas STETSON COUNTRY CHRISTMAS ■ Open daily December 7 — 17 from 10 a.m. — 5 p.m.

■ Rio Las Vegas DOWNTOWN CHRISTMAS EXPO ■ Open daily December 7 — 16 from 9 a.m. — 4:30 p.m.

■ The Plaza cowboylifestylenetwork.com

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NFR 2023 YOUR GUIDE TO ALL OF THE NATIONAL FINALS

Viewing Parties in Las Vegas Get your viewing party details all in one place or see if there’s a viewing party where you’re staying! BY KRYSTA PAFFRATH

T

he National Finals Rodeo is the most prestigious rodeo event of the year for professional athletes and fans alike. With

the rodeo action taking place in the Thomas and Mack Center every night, that’s not the place you can catch the action. There are several hotels that host viewing parties so you don’t have to miss any of the action and you don’t have to deal with the crowds.

NFR viewing parties in Las Vegas aren’t just any old after-party, they are typically packed full of other entertainment as well such as concerts, Calcuttas, and more. Whether you’re a die-hard rodeo fan or just looking to experience the excitement, these parties offer something for everyone. All viewing parties take place every night December 7-16 unless otherwise noted.

NFR AFTER DARK AT WESTGATE LAS VEGAS ■ 4 p.m. — Free entertainment in iBar ■ 5:15 p.m. — 8:30 p.m. — Viewing parties in iBar and Cabaret Theater ■ 8:30 p.m. — 10 p.m. — Free concerts in Cabaret Theater ■ 10:30 p.m. — 2 a.m. — Live entertainment in iBar ■ Free Admission/Open to the Public ■ For more information, visit www.westgatelasvegas.com SOUTH POINT PRESENTS RAM RODEO TAILGATE PARTY ■ 5 p.m. — 10 p.m.

■ South Point Convention Center ■ Free Admission/Open to the Public BOYD’S RODEO VIEWING PARTY AT THE THE ORLEANS HOTEL & CASINO — BOURBON STREET LOUNGE ■ Opens at 5 p.m.

■ Free Admission/Open to the Public — 21 & Up ■ For more information, visit www.BoydGaming. com/NFR GILLEY’S SALOON AT TREASURE ISLAND ■ 5 p.m. — Close Gilley’s Saloon, Dance Hall & Bar-B-Que ■ Viewing party starts at 5 p.m. All Ages until 9 p.m.

■ Live entertainment to follow and drink specials nightly!

■ Cover charge is $20 at the door after 9 p.m. No charge for guests arriving prior to 9 p.m. (21+ after 9 p.m.)

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■ Free Admission prior to 9 p.m./Open to the Public ■ For more information, visit www.TreasureIsland.

com or www.gilleyslasvegas.com SILVERTON CASINO PRESENTS NFR VIEWING & AFTER PARTIES ■ Opens at 5 p.m.

■ Live, free all-ages viewing parties followed by live entertainment ■ Veil Pavilion ■ Free Admission/Open to the Public ■ For more information, visit www.silvertoncasino.com PALMS CASINO RESORT ■ 5:15 p.m. — Live Viewing Party in William-Hill ■ 9:30 p.m. — 11:30 p.m. — Live concerts each night following the Viewing Party in William-Hill ■ 10 p.m. — Close — Round Up the night with a captivating view mixed with high-energy music in Ghostbar ■ Free Parking for fans!

■ Open to the Public ■ For more information, visit www.palms.com/experiences/nfr/ THE MIRAGE — VIEWING PARTY AND RODEO AFTER PARTY ■ 5:45 p.m. — 12 a.m.

■ Live viewing party followed by free concerts nightly from Country Music’s Biggest Stars ■ Daily drink specials and giveaways ■ Must be 21+ to enter ■ The Mirage Race & Sports Book ■ Free Admission/Open to the Public

■ For more information, visit www.Mirage.com/NFR MGM GRAND GOLD BUCKLE ZONE ■ 6 p.m. — 4 a.m.

■ Live viewing parties followed by free concerts and DJ ■ Level Up ■ Free Admission/Open to the Public ■ For more information, visit https://mgmgrand. mgmresorts.com/en/entertainment/nfr.html WRANGLER NFR GO ROUND BUCKLE PRESENTATIONS HOSTED BY FLINT RASMUSSEN & JOE BEAVER | DECEMBER 7 — 15 ■ 9:30 p.m. (with a live broadcast on The Cowboy Channel) ■ South Point Showroom ■ Free concerts to follow each night in the South Point Showroom: Aaron Watson on Dec. 7-10, Randall King on Dec. 13-14, & Ghost Houndson Dec. 15-16 ■ Free Admission/Open to the Public

In conclusion, the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas is not just a sporting event, it’s an immersive, western experience. The viewing parties are an additional perk for anyone in Las Vegas during the NFR who wants to experience the magic of the National Finals Rodeo. Whether you experience the rodeo live or at a viewing party, you’re sure to be swept up in the electrifying atmosphere that makes the NFR a truly unforgettable event.

THE OFFICIAL ENERGY DRINK OF THE NATIONAL FINALS RODEO

GET BUCKED UP MEET THE BUCKED UP WESTERN TEAM AT THE NFR KAYCEE FEILD • STETSON WRIGHT • RYDER WRIGHT • RUSTY WRIGHT ROCKER STEINER • MASON CLEMENTS • MATT MILLS • LEFTY HOLMAN

AVAILABLE AT:

NFR 2023

TOP

15

NFR Athlete Guide 2023

If you’re a lifelong rodeo fan, you’ve likely been keeping up with the standings all year, but we are all about educating new fans, so we want to include who you can see competing under the bright lights during the ten days of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (NFR). These 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. Check out the top 15 athletes headed to the NFR in each event below. All information about the number of qualifications include this year’s 2023 NFR qualification.

TI E -DOWN

1. Riley Webb | $280,404.98 | Denton, TX | 2x NFR Qualifier 2. Shad Mayfield | $206,603.81 | Clovis, NM | 5x NFR Qualifier | 1x World Champion 3. Haven Meged | $195,067.76 | Miles City, MT | 5x NFR Qualifier | 1x World Champion 4. Shane Hanchey | $156,660.20 | Sulphur, LA | 13x NFR Qualifier | 1x World Champion 5. Ty Harris | $139,681.50 | San Angelo, TX | 5x NFR Qualifier 6. Westyn Hughes | $136,447.44 | Caldwell, TX | 3x NFR Qualifier 7. Caleb Smidt | $133,128.44 | Bellville, TX | 10x NFR Qualifier | 4x World Champion 8. Cory Solomon | $129,105.72 | Prairie View, TX | 10x NFR Qualifier 9. Kincade Henry | $127,481.34 | Mount Pleasant, TX | 2x NFR Qualifier 10. Blane Cox | $119,607.98 | Cameron, TX | 2x NFR Qualifier 11. Beau Cooper | $117,416.88 | Stettler, AB | First Time NFR Qualifier 12. Brushton Minton | $116,551.48 | Witter Springs, CA | First Time NFR Qualifier 13. John Douch | $115,054.18 | Huntsville, TX | 3x NFR Qualifier 14. Hunter Herrin | $114,326.32 | Apache, OK | 13x NFR Qualifier 15. Tuf Cooper | $114,326.32 | Decatur, TX | 15x NFR Qualifier | 5x World Champion

TEAM ROPI NG (H E A DE R S)

1. Kaleb Driggers | $160,144.53 | Hoboken, GA | 11x NFR Qualifier | 2x World Champion 2. Tyler Wade | $154,925.69 | Terrell, TX | 6x NFR Qualifier 3. Nelson Wyatt | $145,083.21 | Clanton, AL | 2x NFR Qualifier 4. Dustin Egusquiza | $138,347.99 | Marianna, FL | 6x NFR Qualifier 5. Derrick Begay | $138,115.41 | Seba Dalkai, AZ | 10x NFR Qualifier 6. Coleman Proctor | $133,487.42 | Pryor, OK | 8x NFR Qualifier 7. Rhen Richard | $123,483.95 | Roosevelt, UT | 6x NFR Qualifier 8. Erich Rogers | $119,653.63 | Round Rock, AZ | 12x NFR Qualifier | 1x World Champion 9. Tanner Tomlinson | $118,705.98 | Angleton, TX | 2x NFR Qualifier 10. Andrew Ward | $114,765.21 | Edmond, OK | 4x NFR Qualifier 11. Clay Smith | $103,154.31 | Broken Bow, OK | 9x NFR Qualifier | 2x World Champion 12. Marcus Theriot | $102,163.55 | Lumberton, MS | First Time NFR Qualifier 13. Clint Summers | $100,522.33 | Lake City, FL | 3x NFR Qualifier 14. Jake Clay | $100,127.21 | Sapulpa, OK | First Time NFR Qualifier 15. Luke Brown | $97,752.47 | Rock Hill, SC | 14x NFR Qualifier

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NFR 2023 TEAM ROPI NG (H E E LE R S)

1. Wesley Thorp | $172,152.96 | Throckmorton, TX | 8x NFR Qualifier | 1x World Champion 2. Junior Nogueira | $160,144.53 | Presidente Prudente, SP | 10x NFR Qualifier | 3x World Champion 3. Colter Todd | $153,282.61 | Willcox, AZ | 4x NFR Qualifier 4. Levi Lord | $138,347.99 | Sturgis, SD | 3x NFR Qualifier 5. Logan Medlin | $133,487.42 | Tatum, NM | 4x NFR Qualifier 6. Jeremy Buhler | $123,483.95 | Arrowwood, AB | 13x NFR Qualifier | 2x World Champion 7. Paul Eaves | $120,004.95 | Lonedell, MO | 10x NFR Qualifier | 2x World Champion 8. Patrick Smith | $118,705.98 | Lipan, TX | 14x NFR Qualifier | 2x World Champion 9. Buddy Hawkins | $114,765.21 | Stephenville, TX | 6x NFR Qualifier 10. Jake Long | $114,023.57 | Coffeyville, KS | 13x NFR Qualifier 11. Paden Bray | $98,555.62 | Stephenville, TX | 3x NFR Qualifier 12. Hunter Koch | $97,752.47 | Vernon, TX | 3x NFR Qualifier 13. Cole Curry | $94,986.72 | Liberty, MS | First Time NFR Qualifier 14. Jonathan Torres | $94,909.03 | Ocala, FL | 2x NFR Qualifier 15. Tyler Worley | $93,983.17 | Berryville, AR | 3x NFR Qualifier

STE E R WR E STLI NG

1. Dalton Massey | $193,430.03 | Hermiston, OR | First Time NFR Qualifier 2. Jesse Brown | $161,613.04 | Baker City, OR | 4x NFR Qualifier 3. Tyler Waguespack | $146,647.41 | Gonzales, LA | 9x NFR Qualifier | 4x World Champion 4. Will Lummus | $143,988.44 | Byhalia, MS| 6x NFR Qualifier 5. Ty Erickson | $124,275.40 | Helena, MT | 8x NFR Qualifier | 1x World Champion 6. J.D. Struxness | $122,396.63 | Milan, MN | 5x NFR Qualifier 7. Dakota Eldridge | $116,047.80 | Elko, NV | 10x NFR Qualifier 8. Dirk Tavenner | $107,839.27 | Rigby, ID | 3x NFR Qualifier 9. Cody Devers | $104,132.34 | Balko, OK | 2x NFR Qualifier 10. Stephen Culling | $104,025.95 | Fort St. John, BC | First Time NFR Qualifier 11. Jacob Talley | $101,453.41 | Keatchie, LA | 5x NFR Qualifier 12. Stan Branco | $98,289.58 | Chowchilla, CA | 2x NFR Qualifier 13. Nick Guy | $96,316.87 | Sparta, WI | 8x NFR Qualifier 14. Bridger Anderson | $85,510.84 | Carrington, ND | 2x NFR Qualifier 15. Don Payne | $84,611.81 | Stephenville, TX | First Time NFR Qualifier

BAR E BACK R I DI NG

1. Keenan Hayes | $265,895.60 | Hayden, CO | First Time NFR Qualifier 2. Clayton Biglow | $162,737.96 | Clements, CA | 8x NFR Qualifier | 1x World Champion 3. Kade Sonnier | $160,469.47 | Carencro, LA | First Time NFR Qualifier 4. Tim O’Connell | $159,326.29 | Zwingle, IA | 10x NFR Qualifier | 3x World Champion 5. Leighton Berry | $157,955.35 | Weatherford, TX | 3x NFR Qualifier 6. Orin Larsen | $147,236.77 | Inglis, MB | 9x NFR Qualifier 7. Rocker Steiner | $143,123.37 | Weatherford, TX | 2x NFR Qualifier 8. Dean Thompson | $131,451.53 | Altamont, UT | First Time NFR Qualifier 9. Jayco Roper | $127,967.91 | Oktaha, OK | First Time NFR Qualifier 10. Jess Pope | $127,047.73 | Waverly, KS | 4x NFR Qualifier | 1x World Champion 11. Mason Clements | $126,165.50 | Spanish Fork, UT | 4x NFR Qualifier 12. Tanner Aus | $119,896.86 | Granite Falls, MN | 8x NFR Qualifier 13. Cole Reiner | $118,219.69 | Buffalo, WY | 4x NFR Qualifier 14. Jacob Lees | $117,807.62 | Caldwell, ID | First Time NFR Qualifier 15. Richmond Champion | $111,687.69 | Stevensville, MT | 8x NFR Qualifier

SADDLE BRONC

1. Stetson Wright |$251,626.41 | Beaver, UT | 9x NFR Qualifier | 7x World Champion 2. Sage Newman | $247,263.50 | Melstone, MT | 3x NFR Qualifier 3. Kade Bruno | $225,259.17 | Challis, ID | 2x NFR Qualifier 4. Zeke Thurston | $221,919.01 | Big Valley, AB | 8x NFR Qualifier | 2x World Champion 5. Dawson Hay | $155,974.09 | Wildwood, AB | 4x NFR Qualifier 6. Ben Andersen | $150,940.14 | Eckville, AB | 2x NFR Qualifier 7. Ryder Wright | $150,402.41 | Beaver, UT | 8x NFR Qualifier | 2x World Champion 8. Wyatt Casper | $142,420.78 | Miami, TX | 4x NFR Qualifier 9. Chase Brooks | $139,220.98 | Deer Lodge, MT | 6x NFR Qualifier 10. Layton Green | $136,829.01 | Millarville, AB | 4x NFR Qualifier 11. Tanner Butner | $135,288.54 | Daniel, WY | 2x NFR Qualifier 12. Brody Cress | $132,743.15 | Hillsdale, WY | 7x NFR Qualifier 13. Damian Brennan | $129,743.87 | Injune, QL | First Time NFR Qualifier 14. Lefty Holman | $128,954.60 | Visalia, CA | 3x NFR Qualifier 15. Ryder Sanford | $125,388.16 | Sulphur, LA | First Time NFR Qualifier

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NFR 2023 BULL R I DI NG

1. Stetson Wright | $368,629.98 | Beaver, UT | 9x NFR Qualifier | 7x World Champion 2. Ky Hamilton | $254,164.59 | Mackay, QL | 4x NFR Qualifier 3. Josh Frost | $232,033.97 | Randlett, UT | 4x NFR Qualifier 4. Tristen Hutchings | $181,192.18 | Monteview, ID | 2x NFR Qualifier 5. Trey Holston | $178,544.16 | Fort Scott, KS | 2x NFR Qualifier 6. Creek Young | $156,286.35 | Rogersville, MO | 3x NFR Qualifier 7. Hayes Weight | $154,694.97 | Goshen, UT | First Time NFR Qualifier 8. T Parker | $152,792.48 | Winnie, TX | First Time NFR Qualifier 9. Trey Kimzey | $150,714.71 | Strong City, OK | 3x NFR Qualifier 10. Sage Kimzey | $145,020.68 | Salado, TX | 9x NFR Qualifier | 7x World Champion 11. Jordan Hansen | $144,222.51 | Amisk, AB | 3x NFR Qualifier 12. Jared Parsonage | $139,551.62 | Maple Creek, SK | 2x NFR Qualifier 13. Cody Teel | $135,671.02 | Bryan, TX | 6x NFR Qualifier | 1x World Champion 14. Jeff Askey | $135,243.62 | Athens, TX | 6x NFR Qualifier 15. Cullen Telfer | $128,244.93 | Plant City, FL | First Time NFR Qualifier

BR EAK AWAY ROPI NG

1. Shelby Boisjoli | $164,548.50 | Stephenville, TX | 4x NFBR Qualifier 2. Hali Williams | $146,742.61 | Comanche, TX | First Time NFBR Qualifier 3. Martha Angelone | $132,865.18 | Stephenville, TX | 3x NFBR Qualifier | 1x World Champion 4. Sarah Angelone | $114,284.11 | Lipan, TX | 1x World Champion 5. Kelsie Domer | $109,725.58 | Dublin, TX | 2x NFBR Qualifier | 9x World Champion 6. Joey Williams | $106,799.15 | Volborg, MT | 3x NFBR Qualifier 7. Taylor Munsell | $105,902.00 | Alva, OK | 3x NFBR Qualifier 8. Bradi Good | $95,277.34 | Abilene, TX | First Time NFBR Qualifier 9. Cheyanne Guillory | $85,703.08 | Kingston, OK | 3x NFBR Qualifier 10. Jackie Crawford | $85,239.66 | Stephenville, TX | 3x NFBR Qualifier | 20x World Champion 11. Danielle Lowman | $82,816.11 | Gilbert, AZ | 2x NFBR Qualifier 12. Kendal Pierson | $80,031.07 | Wardlow, AB | First Time NFBR Qualifier 13. Rickie Fanning | $79,481.91 | Spearfish, SD | 2x NFBR Qualifier 14. Josie Connor | $74,763.21 | Iowa, LA | 2x NFBR Qualifier 15. Erin Johnson | $66,742.14 | Fowler, CO | 4x NFBR Qualifier | 3x World Champion

BAR R E L R ACI NG

1. Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi | $270,563.42 | Lampasas, TX | 17x NFR Qualifier | 2x World Champion 2. Jordon Briggs | $160,824.20 | Tolar, TX | 4x NFR Qualifier | 1x World Champion 3. Emily Beisel | $158,752.41 | Weatherford, OK | 5x NFR Qualifier 4. Taycie Matthews | $145,439.17 | Wynne, AR | First Time NFR Qualifier 5. Lisa Lockhart | $134,591.65 | Oelrichs, SD | 17x NFR Qualifier 6. Kassie Mowry | $133,802.17 | Dublin, TX | 4x NFR Qualifier 7. Wenda Johnson | $120,505.57 | Pawhuska, OK | 4x NFR Qualifier 8. Jessica Routier | $117,695.43 | Buffalo, SD | 6x NFR Qualifier 9. Summer Kosel | $115,681.61 | Glenham, SD | First Time NFR Qualifier 10. Ilyssa Riley | $111,473.37 | Hico, TX | First Time NFR Qualifier 11. Sissy Winn | $109,022.49 | Chapman, TX | 2x NFR Qualifier 12. Stevi Hillman | $109,015.44 | Granbury, TX | 8x NFR Qualifier 13. Hailey Kinsel | $105,775.77 | Cotulla, TX | 7x NFR Qualifier | 4x World Champion 14. Sue Smith | $105,643.94 | Blackfoot, ID | 3x NFR Qualifier 15. Paige Jones | $102,968.22 | Wayne, OK | First Time NFR Qualifier

Average Winners & World Championship Winner So 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 a round winner for the night and a gold buckle awarded for each event, every night. Round wins allow athletes to earn money throughout the week, adding to their total. The NFR Average Winner is the contestant in each event with the best average time or score during the 10-day event. Whoever has the most money accumulated at the very end is the World Champion. In some cases, we have seen athletes come, not win any rounds or the average, and still come out the champion. It really depends on how tight the competition is and who is bringing their A-game. Who do you think will be bringing home the World Champion Title?

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NFR Fashion with Western Influencer Shelby Smith Not sure what to wear or pack for the National Finals Rodeo?

Western Influencer Shelby Smith has you covered!

BY SHELBY SMITH

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Accent Pearls Forget the rhinestones, pearlstudded shirts are trending. Pearls add a touch of elegance to any outfit, and they’re perfect for dressing up a pair of jeans or boots. You can find pearl-studded shirts in a variety of styles, from classic button-downs to trendy crop tops.

Pearls are a timeless accessory so ramping up an outfit with them will certainly draw eyes to your outfit.

You can pair a sheer pearl studded shirt under a slip dress.

White pearls go with everything, so any color of slip dress will work.

You can accentuate the outfit with a cluster type necklace. This one is Denim Lapis from Wild Pony Trading Co.

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t’s the most wonderful time of the year, time for the Nationals Finals Rodeo! All the miles traveled this rodeo season have led up to one place, the coveted Thomas and Mack Center, home of The National Finals Rodeo.

The NFR is the premier rodeo event in the world, and it’s known for its exciting competition, world-class athletes, and stylish fashion. From the rodeo arena to Cowboy Christmas and everywhere in between, you’re sure to find plenty of cowboy hats, fringe, rhinestones and more.

For most, the NFR isn’t just about rodeo, it is a time of year where all the trends in the western fashion industry come together for ten magical days. So what will we see this year in terms of western fashion? There’s quite a few trends that have popped up in the last couple of months that I am sure will make an appearance at this year’s main event, but let’s dig a bit deeper into this year’s fashion trends.

Barbie Cowgirl If you’re feeling daring or enjoy the color pink, try the Barbie cowgirl trend.

This trend is all about pink and flashy outfits.

You could wear bright pink cowboy boots with your dresses.

Take a hot pink sequin blazer (pictured) and make it into a blazer dress paired with white boots. This trend is fun and will surely get you out of your comfort zone. There are many different ways to incorporate a little Barbie in your outfit. As with any trend, Barbie has its fair share of originality. You can take this trend and make it your own.

Turquoise also pairs well with this trend!

Feature Contributors R A NCH & FA MOUS BOU T IQU E -

M A N DE E AS H LE Y DE S I GN S

Dava is the owner of Ranch & Famous Boutique, a women’s boutique based out of San Angelo, TX that specializes in Western fashion. She has a wide selection of clothes, from dresses and skirts to jeans and boots. She also carries a variety of accessories, such as hats, jewelry, and belts. Find her on the web at ranchandfamous.com or on Instagram @ranchandfamous.

Mandee is a fashion designer in Las Vegas. Her unique eye for style is sure to have you standing out in the crowd. All of her pieces are one of a kind. No two things are alike. She offers a variety of items from fringe dresses, to custom hats and rhinestone embellished shirts. Find her on Etsy at MandeeAshleyDesigns or follow her on Instagram @mandeeashleydesigns.

DAVA R AB B

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MAN DE E

R AQU E LI N GU E R R E R O P HO T O GR A P H Y

R AQUE GUE R R E RO Raque is a talented photographer who specializes in portraiture, fashion, wedding, and family photography. She has a knack for capturing the beauty and spirit of her subjects. Find her online at raquelinguerrerophotography.com or follow on Instagram @raquelin.guerrero.photography.

Neutrals are In

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You can Never go Wrong With Fringe

Fringe is a classic cowboy look that’s still in action. You can find fringe on everything from jackets and vests to dresses and skirts. For a subtle fringe look, try a pair of denim shorts with a fringed hem.

Or, go bold with a fringed leather jacket or dress. A timeless pair is taking a fringe embellished button up, tied up and paired with a satin slip dress. Any color dress will do. This top pictured is from Ranch and Famous.

Another great pairing is a custom t-shirt dress from Mandee Ashley Designs. The dress pictured is a Cody Johnson concert T-Shirt embellished with fringe on the sides. These one of a kind fringe dresses are sure to make a statement. Pair with your favorite pair of boots and accessories, you’ve got an NFR outfit worth talking about.

Wear it alone or pair with a jacket or blazer of your choice.

While neon seems to be making its way down the pike, you’re going to see one trend making a strong comeback, Neutral Colors.

Neutral colors are making a comeback at the NFR this year. You will still see shades of neon, but be on the lookout for clothes in shades of brown, tan, white, black, and gray.

Neutrals are easy to mix and match, so you can create a variety of looks with just a few pieces. Take a nude colored dress and dress it up with turquoise jewelry and white or colored cowboy boots.

Neutral colors allow for more color to be added in the accessory department. Add a colored jacket or blazer to add dimension. You can also take a neutral outfit and use brightly colored boots or a felt hat as your statement piece. The jewelry in these photos are also from Wild Pony Trading Co.

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Men’s Fashion

Now for the cowboys, the fashion is still the same, crisp starched jeans, tucked in button ups or pearl snaps with boots & buckles, but the trend you’ll see amongst the shirts may be some colored patterns. The vintage patterns from the 90’s are slowly making a comeback as well. You’ll see these types of patterns in stores amongst some popular brands such as Wrangler and Rock & Roll Denim. The shirt pictured is a vented style button up with a serape pattern.

This type of shirt pairs nicely with a straw or felt cowboy hat for the dressed look, or a nice snap back for the casual cowboy look.

In the end, no matter what your style is, Cowboy or Cowgirl, you’re sure to find something to wear to the NFR. Just remember to have fun with it and be yourself. After all, the NFR is all about celebrating Western culture and fashion. The real thing to remember is to stay true to you and be original. It is easy to blend in with the crowd.

Although, some of the outfits may come off as costumes or overwhelming, which is where originality is key. You will stand out being yourself and being confident in any outfit you choose to wear. When you find the right outfit, confidence will come.

Additional Styling Tips for

NFR

ACCESSORIZE DON’T FORGET TO

accessorize your outfit with cowboy boots, a felt hat, and jewelry. A statement belt or necklace can really add something extra to your look. You can also add extra flair to your outfit with a denim jacket or a blazer.

BE COMFORTABLE YOU’LL BE DOING A

lot of walking at the NFR, so make sure you’re wearing comfortable shoes and clothes for all the shopping during the day.

Save the flashy clothes and uncomfortable shoes for the night life, if you go to a watch party get there early so you can grab a seat to rest your feet.

MOST IMPORTANTLY: HAVE FUN! THE NFR IS A TIME

to celebrate, so don’t be afraid to experiment with your fashion. Wear whatever makes you feel confident and beautiful.

It is your style, make it unique to you and be confident in the skin you’re in!

W I LD PON Y T R A DI NG CO.-

A BOU T T H E AU T HOR A N D MODE L

Wild Pony Trading Co. has a beautiful collection of Authentic Navajo Jewelry. From gorgeous turquoise squashes and najas to spiny oyster and conch shell, their jewelry is made with high-quality materials and craftsmanship. Shop their collections online at wildponytradingco.com or follow on Instagram @ wildponytradingco.

Shelby Smith is a western fashion influencer from a small town in Texas. She is also a teacher and owner of a blog called The Western Aesthetics Blog. She is co-owner of a business with her fiancé Dillon Barron, called Barron Hat Co. She is also partnered with Visit Cheyenne as their Texas influencer for marketing social events.

You will see her wearing the Cheyenne brand at rodeos around Texas. She is very passionate about the brands she represents and the connections she makes with them. She loves western fashion and the lifestyle.

You can follow her on Instagram @southern_beauty113 and Facebook under Shelby Smith-The Official Southern Beauty. Check out her blog and more at www.westernaesthetics.blog

TH E R E SA R E E DE R

cowboylifestylenetwork.com

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Beyond the Brand with Pure Dixie The goal was never to start a western accessory business, but when prayers are answered, that is exactly what happened to Dixie Berger.

BY ELLEE HAGEMAN

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he Western Industry has always been home to some of the most gifted makers of any industry, whether that be in leather, tools, or clothing, and Pure Dixie is nothing short of that! This brand has become a familiar and beloved fixture at events nationwide including the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, Cheyenne Frontier Days, even Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo! Pure Dixie has seen remarkable growth, with their stalls bustling with people eager to explore the leather creations on display. But what draws people isn’t just the quality leather goods or the unique selling point of customization that Pure Dixie offers, it is the people behind the brand itself!

Kirby & Dixie Berger’s story didn’t start with Pure Dixie. The two met in college and once they tied the knot they moved to Kirby’s family ranch in Saratoga, Wyoming where they started their own family. Dixie found herself yearning for more while reveling in the joys of motherhood. Her entrepreneurial spirit led her to establish an embroidery and screen printing business, stitching her community closer one design at a time. Kirby, hands seasoned by ranch work on his family’s ranch, crafted saddles and leather tack in his free time.

Their worlds collided in creativity, merging embroidery with leather, an experiment that birthed a unique belt that caught the eyes of many. It wasn’t long before Dixie was traveling to ranch rodeos, her tote brimming with handmade belts, each sale sowing the seeds for Pure Dixie.

2015 was a year of transformation; they sold the printing business, praying for a sign. It came, not in whispers, but in an innovative roar — an interchangeable D-ring system that redefined functionality in fashion.

This brainwave laid the cornerstone for Pure Dixie in 2016, and their first significant show at Cheyenne Frontier Days was a testament to Wyoming’s warm embrace. Then an unexpected moment of inspiration struck when a friend casually slung one of their wide custom belts over her shoulder while picking through their collection, leading to the birth of the “Dixie Fix” - a fusion of belt, purse, and mini bag. Dixie states, “I dream it up and Kirby brings it to life.” Dixie further explains, “Our products stand out because they’re all about personal choice. Customers can come in and pick

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their pieces, creating their style. We provide the components, and they bring them together in ways that reflect their individuality.”

The journey wasn’t without its trials.

For small-town souls like them, plunging into metropolitan areas where a lot of the big shows are located was almost daunting. Balancing parenting, business, and travels was a tightrope walk.

Dixie, the heart of design and fashion, found her perfect counterbalance in Kirby, whose prowess in structural business dynamics propelled them forward. Their symbiotic partnership was the wind beneath Pure Dixie’s wings.

Their latest collection, “Judy Lou,” is a heartwarming tribute to Dixie’s mother, Judy, a beacon of strength in her fierce battle with brain cancer. The collection mirrors Judy’s vibrancy — the green leather reflects her enviable green thumb, and the floral accents are reminiscent of the lush gardens she tendered.

These gardens weren’t confined to her backyard; they thrived in Saratoga, where Judy’s flowers found a second home, and in Dixie’s heart, where they bloomed reminders of her mother’s enduring presence.

The “Judy Lou” collection transcends aesthetics; it’s a narrative, a legacy, a prayer. A divine nudge led Dixie to delve into the meaning of her mother’s name, unraveling it as prophecy — Judy, “He will be praised,” and Louise, symbolizing a “renowned warrior destined to stand her ground.” This revelation was God’s way of blessing their journey, and Judy’s valiant spirit.

Prayer patches, also part of the collection, have become harbingers of hope, stitching our community in prayer and support, proceeds from which have eased the financial burdens of Judy’s medical care. This collection isn’t just a homage; its active support, love manifesting in the most pragmatic way possible.

For Dixie and Kirby, Pure Dixie isn’t just a brand; it’s a life chapter written in stitches and leather, imprinted with memories, dreams, and the indomitable human spirit that connects them all. It’s a testament to venturing into the unknown, armed with faith, love, and the comforting knowledge that sometimes, the most unfamiliar roads lead us to the most beautiful destinations.

Family Owned and Operated For Over 30 Years

www.smokyboots.com

THE HOOFLINK SYSTEM

TNALPMI

The HoofLink System also includes an advanced Bluetooth scanner to easily scan each horse, take daily temperatures, and unlock the identity of each horse on a smartphone application. The HoofLink app retrieves data for each horse, tracking daily temperatures to alert the handler if a horse has a fever, and stores coggins, health certificates, and registration documents. It’s the perfect tool for horsemen juggling a large herd or keeping track of horses that are consistently on the go.

“Our main goal is to help make life at the barn a bit easier, whether your horses race, show, or rodeo,” said Bolen. “I personally have over 120 in my care, so it is impossible to keep track of every piece of paper they need.”

NACS

IT’S TIME TO MAKE Lip Chip is proud to utilize brand ambassadors in the industry to ensure their technology is and tested in the field. Five-time NFR LIFE AT THE BARN tried qualifying tie down roper, Ty Harris, who is also from San Angelo, TX, has been a Lip Chip brand A LITTLE EASIER ambassador for over a year.

It’s not often a technology company is formed from a professional horseman. Especially not one who hails from a small town in West Texas.

Lip Chip LLC was founded by Brad Bolen of San Angelo, TX after training racehorses for over 30 years. Bolen saw severe problems affecting the horsemen he worked with every day and decided it was time to do something.

“I love how I can use the tech to check on my horses when I’m hauling, it helps me know they are staying healthy and I can keep up with their coggins,” said Harris.

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“I just saw so many issues making life harder on the people I worked with and the racetracks where I train. I started asking around in other parts of the horse industry and realized we are seeing this across the board,” said Bolen.

Bolen’s journey to create Lip Chip was not an easy road. “It took a while to find the right technology partner, but once we did, we hit the road talking to horsemen across America to find out what we could do to help.”

Bolen teamed up with leading Bluetooth expert Antonio Rodriguez of Pretty Smart Labs, and together their team has created advanced technology solutions that are truly built for horsemen, by horsemen.

Harris said he is seeing changes in the industry that make him thankful for the convenience of the HoofLink System.

“We are starting to see in some states that they are asking horse trailers to stop and check paperwork on the road. It’s very helpful to be able to look up each horse on my app, and see their current coggins and photos of each horse.

It makes being on the road so much easier,” said Harris.

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moc.knilfooh.w ww To learn more about Lip Chip and the HoofLink

The HoofLink System, powered by Lip Chip, starts with a simple low frequency microchip placed in the upper mandible area of the horse. This microchip becomes a secure key to identify each horse, and when equipped with a thermal microchip, easily take their temperature.

System, or to find a veterinarian in your area who can equip your horse with their own microchip, please visit www.hooflink.com.

IMPLANT SCAN UNLOCK Powered By: www.hooflink.com

NFR TOP 15 ATHLETE

TAYCIE BARREL RACER

MATTHEWS Getting to Know Taycie Matthews Headed Into First NFR

BY HANNAH CRANDALL

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aycie Matthews, the young cowgirl from Wynne, Arkansas, is on her way to wrapping up a big year in her rodeo career! Growing up in the sport, Matthews experienced the world of barrel racing, especially the futurity side, nearly every weekend. After deciding to finish her education at home, she began competing at amateur and International Professional Rodeo Association (IPRA) rodeos throughout her childhood; and at the age of 14, she knew she wanted to compete professionally as soon as she got the chance.

Matthews has worked her way through the ranks of college rodeo; and after coming in reserve for two years, she took home the 2023 College National Finals Rodeo barrel racing title this June.

All while studying for a business administration degree and competing on that level, Matthews has dominated on the professional scene and will be rocking and rolling at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas at her first Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (NFR) as a contestant. She finished the regular season as number four in the world standings, and she is ready to see what her and her horses can get done to finish out the year.

AT THE SAME TIME YOU’VE BEEN PROFESSIONALLY RODEOING, YOU HAVE ALSO COMPETED AT THE COLLEGE LEVEL, QUALIFYING FOR THE CNFR THREE TIMES AND WINNING THAT TITLE IN 2023. TELL ME ABOUT YOUR COLLEGE RODEO EXPERIENCE AND THE SUCCESS YOU HAVE HAD ON THAT LEVEL. “I only high school rodeoed one year, and I was homeschooled; so I had never really been around people my own age very much. I had a lot of fun,

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so I knew I wanted to college rodeo to be around people my own age. My older sister college rodeoed, and I knew she enjoyed it; so I definitely wanted to follow in those footsteps, and it’s been really cool to do it with my sister. I go to school at the University of West Alabama; but my mom wasn’t going to let me take a stud off to college, so I’ve done online school, and the horses and I have gotten to stay home. I went in 2021, 2022 and 2023 to the CNFR, and this is my senior year.”

WHO DO YOU HAVE IN YOUR CORNER, AND WHY IS THAT SUPPORT SYSTEM

SO IMPORTANT IN THIS SPORT? “I have a great support system. My mom and dad both support me 100%. I grew up in church, and God has always come first. He has a plan, and whatever is going to happen is going to happen.

But as long as you are trusting God, then everything will be okay; and they have continued to teach me that. I’ve been very blessed, because this sport is so humbling. You can be on a high and drop to the low so fast. Even if you have a good year, you are still not going to do good at every single rodeo.”

T

aycie Matthews, the young cowgirl from Wynne, Arkansas, is on her way to wrapping up a big year in her rodeo career! Growing up in the sport, Matthews experienced the world of barrel racing, especially the futurity side, nearly every weekend. After deciding to finish her education at home, she began competing at amateur and International Professional Rodeo Association (IPRA) rodeos throughout her childhood; and at the age of 14, she knew she wanted to compete professionally as soon as she got the chance.

Matthews has worked her way through the ranks of college rodeo; and after coming in reserve for two years, she took home the 2023 College National Finals Rodeo barrel racing title this June. All while studying for a business administration degree and competing on that level, Matthews has dominated on the professional scene and will be rocking and rolling at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas at her first Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (NFR) as a contestant. She finished the regular season as number four in the world standings, and she is ready to see what her and her horses can get done to finish out the year.

WHO DO YOU CONSIDER YOUR BIGGEST INSPIRATION TO DO WHAT YOU DO? “I look up to my mom the most, because she has inspired me and always pushed me to be the best I can be. When I’m down, she’s always there to encourage me and build me up, which I’m sure that’s what most moms do for their kids, but she’s just always been that person I really look up to.”

AS A BARREL RACER, YOUR HORSES ARE CRUCIAL TO YOUR SUCCESS. WHAT HORSES HAVE GOTTEN YOU TO THIS POINT?

I WOULD NOT HAVE THOUGHT I WOULD BE SITTING WHERE I AM TODAY, BUT I AM VERY LUCKY. NONE OF IT WOULD HAVE BEEN POSSIBLE WITHOUT GOD.

“Heavenly Firewater, which we call him Bud, he’s 11 now; and he was my main horse. Then, PopRocks, which is Fame Five Rocks, she’s six.

I started riding her halfway through last year, and then I just stayed on her most of this year.

I swapped out a couple times, but I stayed on PopRocks the majority of the year. She was originally bought for my mom, because my mom was going to rodeo too; but she decided she wasn’t going to, so I got to take PopRocks with me. She started handling rodeo really well, way better than I thought she would. She’s improved a lot cowboylifestylenetwork.com

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this year versus last year; but I’ve been really blessed with both of them, and they have both given me 100% all year.”

WHAT WERE YOUR EXPECTATIONS FOR THIS SEASON, AND WHAT HAS IT BEEN LIKE TO RODEO AT THIS LEVEL? “My goal for last year was to make the top 30 and get into the winter rodeos. Well this year, I got into the winter rodeos; so I wanted to make the finals this year, and I’ve had an outstanding year. I would not have thought I would be sitting where I am today, but I am very lucky. None of it would have been possible without God. He’s taken care of me all year.”

MOST 20-YEAR-OLD GIRLS OUTSIDE OF THIS WESTERN WORLD DON’T GET TO TRAVEL THE COUNTRY, LET ALONE WITH HORSES AND AN ENTIRE RIG. WHAT IS THAT EXPERIENCE LIKE? “It’s kind of hard traveling, just going all summer. I was gone for three and a half months this year; and last year, I was gone for about four months. So it is hard, especially when you’re not with your family; but the two ladies that were with me this year were Robbin Ragan and Lauren Moody. They were there with me all summer. Having good friends and people that are on your side and want you to do good, just as bad as if they were in your shoes, is really nice to have.”

WHAT HAVE BEEN YOUR BIGGEST WINS THIS SEASON, AND WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE RODEOS REGARDLESS OF WHETHER YOU WON OR NOT? “My biggest wins this year were probably the college finals and Salinas; and then, my favorite rodeos would probably have to be Houston and Fort Worth because of their hospitality. They have ice cream machines, and that’s pretty awesome; but I also really liked Calgary as well.”

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YOU HAVE TO REALLY BE PASSIONATE ABOUT THIS WAY OF LIFE, BECAUSE RODEO ON THIS LEVEL IS A CONSTANT ROLLERCOASTER. HOW DO YOU STAY MOTIVATED WHEN IT’S NOT ALWAYS EASY AND FUN? “For a barrel racer, it can really be hard; because if you can’t keep your horses 100%, you’re not going to win. The outcome if everything goes good is great, but it is stressful; and there is a lot behind the scenes that a lot of people don’t realize. It can be hard to keep going when you’re down; but if you have a goal, then you just have to keep pushing towards the goal, even when things don’t go right. What I do is continue to pray and give it to God to let Him handle it. I have to trust that He has a plan, and I feel like as long as I keep doing what is right and trying my hardest, it will all work out eventually. It might not be in the same year, but it’s on God’s timing, and you just have to trust in the process.”

WHAT DOES IT FEEL LIKE TO BE GOING TO YOUR FIRST NFR? “I’m a little nervous, but my goal is to just try to do the best I can and not take anything for granted. I am so appreciative of the fact that I get to run there. It is a dream come true. I will have Bud out there with me, but unfortunately, Pop Rocks is out due to an injury.”

AT SUCH A YOUNG AGE AND ALREADY HAVING ACCOMPLISHED THIS GOAL, WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS OR HOPES FOR THE REST OF YOUR CAREER? “Well, everybody wants to have a successful life, but I’m probably going to rodeo this winter and kind of see how it goes. If it goes well, I will try to make the finals again; and if not, I’m probably going to start farming and helping in our family business. Of course, I will continue to ride, but it won’t be my main priority or my main job if I’m not 100% in that year.

You could make a living rodeoing; but it’s hard, and this sport is expensive. Eventually, I’ll have to work a real job.

But on the flip side, Bud is a stud, so we will continue to breed him, and I’m sure we’ll always have a few colts coming every year. So if they’re good, we’ll keep a few of them and sell a few, and I should always have something in the making.”

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“The Painter”, a song about Johnson’s wife Brandi, is the lead single on Johnson’s upcoming album “Leather”.

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NFR ENTERTAINMENT

Cody Johnson No one has quite stolen country fans’ hearts like Cody Johnson.

Catch this highlight on him as an artist and where he’s playing in Las Vegas during the NFR. BY ROBERT LANG

I

f there is one thing you could say to sum up Cody Johnson it’s, he never quits!

Cody, lovingly referred to by his fans as CoJo, is a native Texan and started playing music at just twelve years old.

At fifteen he began riding bulls with the goal of becoming a professional bull rider. Bull riders can take a beating and Cody was no exception. He has sustained many injuries including a broken ankle, clavicle, multiple ribs, and injuries that caused him to have sinus surgeries. Reluctantly retiring from bull riding, he worked with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice as a prison supervisor where his father worked for 32 years.

In 2006, Cody’s wife Brandi encouraged Cody to play music on the road full time and leave his job at the prison. He formed The Cody Johnson Band, which included his dad. Since he was just starting out in country music, and not making much money, Brandi was convinced he would make it big so she worked and supported them.

The band released two albums, “Black and White Label” and “Live and Rocking”. The third album, “Six Strings One Dream”, released in 2009, had three singles landing within the Top 10 on the Texas Music Chart. Cody won the Texas Regional Music Award for New Male Vocalist of the Year in 2011.

“Cowboy Like Me” in 2014 debuted at 25 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart and “Gotta Be Me” made it to #11 on the Billboard 200 and #2 on the Top Country Albums chart.

Throughout his career, Cody continues to wear his signature cowboy hat and remains very true to himself, his music and his fans. Cody was the first independent artist in history to sell out Houston’s NRG Stadium for the Houston Livestock Show and rodeo in 2019. Which was quite an accomplishment for the former bull rider turned country music icon.

“Dear Rodeo: The Cody Johnson Story” was released in August of 2021 which was a documentary style film that features Cody detailing his career, his struggles, his accomplishments and his victories. Right on the heels of the release of his film, he released his eighth album, his second major-label album, “Human: The Double Album”, in October 2021.

Aside from everything he accomplished to date, this album would be the catalyst to propel him into the stratosphere of country music. “’Til You Can’t” became his double platinumselling, Grammy winning (“Country Song of The Year”) twoweek #1 single ”. He has 17 career RIAA certifications, a Pandora Billionaire Award, and more. In both 2021 and 2022 Cody increased his global career streams by one billion, with a current career tally over 5 billion global streams. His numerous industry honors include recognition as a CMT Artist of The Year, three CMT Music Awards wins, two CMA Awards and being named “Best New Country Artist” at the iHeart Music Awards.

In June of 2022 while recording his live album “Cody Johnson & The Rockin’ CJB Live”, he explained that he had suffered horrific neck pain for nearly five years which made it difficult, if not impossible, to keep playing music and living life due to the pain. Cody underwent surgery and a period of recovery and jumped right back into live shows and recording. If you have ever seen any of Cody’s shows, (I have been to two now), and a word you would not use to describe him is sedate or calm. He brings so much energy to his shows, and never stops moving, which is something I really admire about him as an artist.

His ninth album, “Leather” was released on November 3, 2023 and the first single from the album “The Painter” was released on August 11 which is a unique love song directed toward his wife Brandi and she is featured on the artwork for the song.

Johnson continues to compete in team roping in rodeos around the country. This, coupled with raising two children with his amazing wife Brandi, producing award winning songs and albums, and touring across the world certainly causes him to have a full plate. I think we are all grateful that Cody & Brandi don’t know how to quit.

To learn more about Cody, hear all his music and find out when he will be near you go to codyjohnsonmusic.com. During the NFRs Cody will be performing December 8 at MGM Grand Garden Arena with Chris Janson & Drew Parker. cowboylifestylenetwork.com

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A TRUE AMERICAN CLASSIC:

The Patty Melt WITH KRYSTA PAFFRATH

(Cowboy Edition)

What makes a classic Patty Melt even better? Adding green chiles and a homemade cowboy sauce. Get ready to dig into this take on a traditional favorite!

Ingredients • ½ lb. Ground Beef • 4 slices Texas Toast • 1 cup grated Gruyere Cheese • 1 cup grated Smoked Cheddar Cheese

• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce divided

• 2 tbsp Butter • Pinch Salt and Pepper each CA R A M E LI Z E D ON ION S & GR E E N CH I LE S

• 1 small onion sliced thin • Half of a 4 oz. can of green

chile (or add to preference) • 1 tsp worcestershire Sauce • 2 tbsp butter • A splash of red wine vinegar COW BOY S AUCE

• 2 tbsp mayonnaise • 2 tsp finely diced pickled

jalapeño • 2 tbsp favorite BBQ sauce • 1 tspn worcestershire • A couple shakes of your favorite hot sauce • ½ tsp of paprika • Pinch Salt and Pepper

INstructions 1.) First, make the cowboy sauce. In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, BBQ sauce, pickled jalapeno and worcestershire. Season to taste with hot sauce, paprika, salt and pepper. Then cover and place in the fridge for later.

2.) Add sliced onion, 2 tablespoons butter, red wine vinegar and worcestershire sauce to a skillet over medium-low heat. Let cook for about 15 minutes with the lid on stirring occasionally. Take the lid off and check to make your onions translucent with some nice color to them. Now add your green chiles and cook together for another 5 minutes. When done, transfer onions to a plate.

3.) In the meantime, form two, thin hamburger patties and season them with salt and pepper on both sides. Drizzle a little worcestershire sauce on both sides of the patties as well for flavor.

4.) Heat your cast iron skillet or skillet to mediumhigh heat. Place burger patties on the skillet and cook for about 4 minutes. Flip burgers over and cook for another 3-4 minutes for a medium-well done burger.

5.) Butter four pieces of Texas Toast and place two of the slices butter side down in the same skillet you cooked the onions. Spread cowboy sauce on the top

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NO T E S FR OM T H E K I T CH E N

Feel free to switch up the cheese you want to use. You can use Swiss, cheddar, American, muenster, provolone, etc.

You can also substitute Sourdough or traditional Rye bread for the Texas Toast. Feel free to get creative and make this sandwich your own! of all four slices of bread(opposite side of the butter).

Then, add a mix of your two grated cheeses to the two slices in the skillet. Then top it with your grilled onions and chile mixture then top onions with a burger patty. Place more cheese on top of the burger patty and then top with the slice of Texas Toast burger sauce down.

6.) Turn the skillet up to medium-high heat and cook until the bottom of your toast is nice and golden. Then, carefully flip the sandwich over and grill the other side until golden and cheeses are nice and melted.

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Photography by Anna Christian, @call.it.christian

NFR TOP 15 ATHLETE

RILEY

TIE DOWN ROPING

WEBB

Q&A With #1 in The World Tie-Down Roper, Riley Webb

BY HANNAH CRANDALL

A

t 20 years old in his second season in the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA), Riley Webb, from Denton, Texas, is going into the 2023 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (NFR) the number one tie-down roper in the world standings. In the middle of August, still two and a half months from the end of the season, Webb broke the regular season tie-down roping earnings record, previously set by young world champion Shad Mayfield in 2022.

Setting big goals at a young age, Webb roped his first calf at six years old and had a rope in his hands nearly every day. With such a passion for roping and rodeo, Webb showed off his skills with a rope in the Thomas & Mack long before his first trip in 2022 as a contestant when he performed as a trick roper at ages 9, 10 and 11. In 2022, he finished the year 10th in the world standings and won the tie-down and all-around Resistol Rookie of the Year titles.

AT WHAT POINT DID YOU REALIZE THAT THIS WAS SOMETHING YOU COULD FIND SUCCESS IN ON A PROFESSIONAL LEVEL, AND THAT YOU HAD WHAT IT TOOK TO CHASE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS? “I think at about 16 years old. I was the youngest roper to ever get to the San Angelo Roping Fiesta; and the year before that, I won the National High School Finals. I made The American at 16 years old that year; so you know, that’s kind of when I realized I had what it took to make it to the next level.”

HOW IMPORTANT IS IT TO HAVE A SUPPORT SYSTEM LIKE YOU HAVE WHEN YOU’RE RODEOING THIS HARD? “My mom still secretaries and helps with the Junior World Finals, and my dad managed The American rodeo for seven or eight years and ran

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a big arena in Texas for probably five years; so I’ve always been around rodeo and involved my whole life. And my girlfriend, Josie (Connor), she made the NFR last year and was Rookie of the Year. Everybody has a background in the rodeo world, and that’s such a blessing for me. They support me 100%, so that’s huge.”

AFTER YOUR FIRST SEASON AND BEING ROOKIE OF THE YEAR, WHAT HAS THE TRANSITION BEEN LIKE INTO THIS SEASON THAT YOU’VE DOMINATED IN? “I bought a horse right after the NFR that changed my career, and I just bought another one right here in August. That’s another game changer that I’ve won everything on in the past month and a half. I think as far as myself, I started focusing more on just doing my job for a living instead of worrying about the standings. I’ve

been just showing up each day doing what I love and trusting that the rest will take care of itself.”

WHAT HAS IT BEEN LIKE TO HAVE HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO BREAK THE TIE-DOWN REGULAR SEASON EARNINGS RECORD AND TO BE PUT ON SUCH A BIG STAGE? “I think in every event and every aspect of the sport, rodeo is growing so much: with TV, the Cowboy Channel, the money and bigger payout rodeos. I think now, they have tried to create more high-pressure situations where it’s not just, ‘Here’s a couple rounds, and the winner out of three will be your champion.’ I think they’re doing a great job of hyping up the last round and giving big payouts for that. I am 20 years old, and since I started competing at 12 years old, it’s grown so much. When I was 12, there wasn’t anything that paid $20,000 to win; and now, kids

at the Junior NFR and big youth rodeos can win $10,00015,000. And our money is even better on the pro level. You can actually rope for a living and not just rope to be roping.”

WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER YOUR BIGGEST WINS SO FAR, AND WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE RODEOS? “Puyallup, Washington was really big. I was 8.1 twice and 7.6 on my last run there, and that was a huge win. Molalla, Oregon was also really cool to win. I set the arena record twice at one rodeo in the same year there with a 7.2 in both rounds. I think my favorites have to be Salinas, California or Calgary. Those are totally different setups - one barrier long and one where you have to go really fast - but they were both really cool big outdoor rodeos.”

WHO HAVE YOU TRAVELED WITH THIS YEAR, AND WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT THE SEASON? “I’ve traveled with Dylan Hancock. He’s a rookie this year, and he’s one of the Rookie of the Year contenders in the calf roping and the all-around. He’s been great to go with this year, and he’s going to be an NFR qualifier many times. He’s a great kid and works at his craft really hard, so I’m excited for his future and what we’ve got going the rest of the year.

Just waking up every day and getting to do what I love for my job is the dream. I get to rodeo with people I like and have such a great support system, so there’s nothing better.”

YOU’VE BEEN TO THE THOMAS & MACK, AND YOU KNOW WHAT TO EXPECT. WHAT IS YOUR GAME PLAN, WHERE’S YOUR HEAD AT AND HOW ARE YOU PREPARING? “I feel like my horses are great, and I’m just going to go into the NFR like any rodeo. I’m going to try to do my job every time, run one calf at a time and play it as I go. Running one calf at a time is all you can do. You can’t think about the future.”

AS A CALF ROPER, YOUR HORSES ARE SO IMPORTANT TO YOUR SUCCESS. TELL ME ABOUT YOUR TEAM. “The one I made the NFR on last year, I bought in 2020.

That’s the horse I made the National High School Finals on, and The American a couple of times on. He’s 16 years old, and I still have him and ride him a lot. A couple of my

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buddies have mounted out on him this year: Dylan Hancock, Jake Pratt, Lane Livingston.

Then, Boots, I bought him right after the NFR last year. I won Houston on him, won Denver on him, won second at Reno. Everything from the new year up until August 1 was on Boots, and he’s 14 years old. And then Lane Livingston owned this horse, Rudy, that I just bought in August of this year. He’s 10 years old, and I rode him all in the Northwest. I want to work on him this year, and I’m looking forward to the rest of the year on him. Boots is at home resting, probably getting ready for the NFR.” WHO ARE YOUR BIGGEST HEROES IN THIS SPORT, AND WHY? “Trevor Brazile. He’s a great athlete and a great role model to everybody really, not even just the younger generation. He’s great inside and outside the arena. He’s obviously the greatest of all time with a rope, but I think he’s the greatest of all time outside the arena, too.”

TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN THIS SPORT, YOU HAVE TO REALLY LOVE WHAT YOU DO. TELL ME ABOUT WORKING YOUR WAY THROUGH THE VALLEYS TO BE ON TOP OF THE MOUNTAIN LIKE YOU ARE RIGHT NOW. “Everybody thinks when they see you on TV for eight seconds that that’s all that goes into it. There’s so much preparation that goes into it, things I’ve been doing since I was a little kid: roping the dummy, tying and roping calves, staying in shape. This year, I have a chance at a gold buckle, but it’s taken a lot to get here. We travel the world, and we basically travel the country twice before the season is over; so there’s a lot of driving and a lot of planning that goes into one run, much less an entire season.”

WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED ABOUT THE PLANNING SIDE OF THIS SPORT IN YOUR TWO YEARS COMPETING PROFESSIONALLY? YOU HAVE TO BE FAST, ATHLETIC AND HAVE GOOD HORSES, BUT YOU ALSO HAVE TO KNOW HOW AND WHERE TO ENTER AND GET WHERE YOU NEED TO BE. “I think going into it, I just paid attention the first year and got a feel for where I want to go, where my horse fits better and what areas I might like more. I think everyone gets hung up on, ‘We have to go here and there and everywhere,’ but I think if you prioritize the ones you want to go to and show up rested and at the top of your game, you don’t necessarily have to out rodeo everybody. You’re going to have to go to a lot of rodeos; but instead of trying to kill yourself with seven a week, you’re better off getting to three or four good ones and trying to be your best.”

LOOKING AHEAD TO NEXT YEAR AND THE REST OF YOUR RODEO CAREER, WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS AND GOALS FOR WHAT YOU WANT TO DO AS AN ATHLETE? “I want to make a living roping calves and be a role model for younger generations coming up behind me. Hopefully, gold buckles and all the rest will come if I take care of my business and do my part. I know I just need to focus on putting in hard work, make sure I have good horses and be a good person that helps others.”

ONE OF A KIND WESTERN ART WITH

WANDERLUST SKULLS Skull art might not be the first thing you think of when it comes to Western Art, but Cassie, owner of Wanderlust Skulls, is making waves in the Western Art industry with her one-of-a-kind skull art.

BY KRYSTA PAFFRATH

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C

assie is the owner and artist of Wanderlust Skulls, she has been creating skull art for over six years. She is a wife to a Wisconsin cowboy, mother to two wild kids, dreamer, creative, music junkie, and self proclaimed badass (as far as a motherly badass can go).

Travel calls to her, and she loves a grand adventure as often as possible. She was raised in rural Western Wisconsin, and her childhood was an assortment of wild barefoot adventures.

She and her family still call Wisconsin home. She grew up on her parents dairy farm, then her grandfathers, and spent more years with dairy cattle than she can remember. That led her to a choice in college education in Agricultural Business and a degree in Marketing.

WHEN I ASKED HER ABOUT HER BACKGROUND, THIS IS HOW SHE KICKED OFF OUR CONVERSATION, “Turns out, I’ve always adored cattle. I just didn’t know someday I’d be working with them postmortem. Funny how life works out, isn’t it?”

HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN CREATING CATTLE SKULL ART? I wasn’t always ready to own my creativity and design skills.

Something inside me always said “you’re supposed to be an artist”, but I just kept ignoring it. Turns out, I just hadn’t found the right canvas yet.

Funnily enough, I found a steer skull in a new and used shop in my little town. I thought to myself, don’t all cowboys need a skull in their home? I purchased it, brought it home and decided to do something with it. A lifelong fascination with western and cowboy lifestyle due to my grandfather and the insane amount of John Wayne movies I watched as a child made me very excited to begin.

I took to Pinterest + Google and found nothing I liked. So I decided to just go with it and begin creating. So many people LOVED it. And I thought for 2 long years, that maybe, just maybe I should pursue skull art. Eventually I found 3 skulls to create with, I spent a few days working on them. I posted them to Facebook and had them all sold in 2 days. After that I decided to just keep going, finding more, creating more... The rest as they say is history.

DO YOU REMEMBER THE FIRST PIECE THAT YOU SOLD? WHAT WAS THE FEELING LIKE REALIZING THAT YOU COULD MAKE MONEY DOING THIS? What was really instrumental was the first piece I sold to someone in another country! She found me through Instagram and asked for a custom commission. This was within the first year of me creating skull art. I found a longhorn skull for her, created a piece for her and didn’t know how I was going to ship it. This one was cleaned and the horns glued on.

It would have needed to be an out of country freight item. At the time I didn’t have the resources or knowledge to figure that out.

This lovely lady was from Ontario, CA, and she ended up driving 11 hours one way to pick up her skull. When that

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happened, I really realized that I could create a business and life around what I was finding passion in... Skull art.

WHAT DOES YOUR CREATIVE PROCESS LOOK LIKE FROM START TO FINISH? The creative process for what I do is very long. I currently have to clean all of my skulls (heads) when I purchase them. So that truly sets me up to be with them from start to finish. Of course the fun part is when I can finally create ART with them.

For Longhorns, the horns need to be finished. I sand and finish all the horns to bring out the color and patterns within them.

When I know what colors are there, that’s when I decide where to go design wise with the skulls. Some colors just work better with certain horns colors. There are colors that work with all horn colors, regardless I like to make sure it will all flow well.

From there, artistically I just DO. That may sound strange to some, but I just let er’ buck and finish them out. The best part of the whole process is hanging them on the wall when I’m done, backing up, and truly seeing what I just finished creating.

HOW LONG DOES EACH SKULL TYPICALLY TAKE FROM START TO FINISH? Each skull you can count on it having 200-300 hours in each one. That is taking cleaning into consideration. Painting and creation can take anywhere between 12-36 hours depending on finish or technique. Skull art is definitely a craft that requires great patience.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR MOST INTRICATE DESIGN SO FAR? Oh man, my design style is definitely a modern-western abstract style. For me, that’s hard to choose. The layered pieces I’ve been creating in the last year are definitely more “intricate” than those of the past.

SKULL ART MIGHT NOT BE FOR EVERYONE BUT WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO SOMEONE WHO IS CONSIDERING ADDING SKULL ART TO THEIR COLLECTION? That skull art is the type of art that gets people talking. It’s 3D, it was once alive, and lived its own story. Skull art is something that can elevate your space, home, or business with a grand presence. It fills up space that may have seemed barren before it. It just may be what’s missing from your collection if you already have paintings or sculptures in your space.

If that is something that’s right for you, it’ll be the perfect addition to your life.

Closing Thoughts From Cassie, Owner and Artist of Wanderlust Skulls That I am truly passionate about creating the absolute best skull art I can offer that will elevate your home and life. I promise to bring you the best I can offer within the modern-western abstract space. When you get a piece from me, it’s one of a kind every single time.

I’m truly thankful to get to do what I want every single day, and serve those who are looking for that special art piece to fill their space.

Learn more about Cassie and her magnificent art at Wanderlustskulls.com or find her on Instagram and Facebook.

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ovement

Youth 42

When it comes to supporting the next generation of rodeo, no one is doing it quite like the Cowboy Roundup.

n terms of youth in rodeo and what the future holds, there is one organization that keeps their finger on the pulse of all of it. The Cowboy Roundup, a 501(c)(3) non profit awards rodeo clinic scholarships to athletes 7-24 years old. This scholarship has a maximum monetary value of $1,500.00 which is awarded to the scholarship recipient for the attendance of a rodeo clinic.

All funds remaining after the attendance of the clinic are written directly out to the recipient to use towards, safety gear, tack, entry fees, as well as food and lodging for attendance of the clinic.

The application process includes a 500 word essay and a 3 minute long video where each applicant gets the opportunity to introduce themselves to the board. The Cowboy Roundup has put together a board with over 100 years of experience within the professional rodeo industry and truly wishes to root on the future of rodeo! The board comes together and chooses the applicants they feel would benefit the most from the scholarship and announce the winners during the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. In 2022 The Cowboy Roundup awarded 9 scholarships and hopes to award twice that in 2023!

All of the youth that have applied to The Cowboy Roundup to receive the scholarship have proven to be absolutely exceptional young athletes. One of those athletes being Dean Holtkamp. Inheriting his great-grandfather’s passion for the rodeo, this young man from Lake Creek High School is poised to continue a legacy that began in the 1940s. His great-grandfather wasn’t just a rodeo enthusiast but a notable rodeo producer and a founding stock contractor for the Rodeo Cowboy Association (RCA). With a deep love for the sport, the elder pioneered the concept of portable rodeos, bringing the thrill of the West to places that had no arenas. He created a

BY ELLEE HAGEMAN

vivid spectacle, driving buffalo across the arenas, while his wife rode sidesaddle and his son drove them on horseback. Performances often featured talents like Tex Ridder, and the rodeos presented challengingly athletic rough stock, drawing cowboys eager to test their skills.

Dean, bearing a strong resemblance to his great-grandfather, both in looks and spirit, is a cowboy at heart. As a senior in high school, he has applied to Texas A&M, aiming for a degree in Architectural Design while aspiring to rodeo for the university. His love for the sport isn’t recent; he’s been riding horses and working cattle since childhood. His rodeo journey began in junior

high, and his skill and dedication quickly became evident when he won the 2020 All-Around Rookie of the Year in Region 9.

Currently, as a high school rodeo competitor, he’s focused on honing his skills, particularly in calf roping, a family tradition. He’s met significant milestones, like finishing third in Region 5 and qualifying for the Texas High School Rodeo state finals in his junior year. However, he’s not resting on his laurels; he’s set his sights on qualifying for the state again next year and aims to be among the top 15 at the finals.

To achieve these ambitious goals, he’s considering attending highly decorated rodeo clinics.

One clinic is the Elite Rodeo Christian Camp at Sky Ranch in Van, Texas, known for its highquality training but also its hefty fees. The camp, scheduled for December, boasts renowned roping instructors like Blaire Burke and Lari Dee Guy. He’s also interested in a two-day calf roping clinic hosted by Scott Kormos in Buffalo, Texas, in November. Additionally, he receives weekly mentorship from Mike Arnold in Huntsville, TX. This young cowboy’s journey reflects not just his personal ambition but also a deep familial legacy. His great-grandfather’s pioneering spirit lives on in him, driving him to keep the family tradition alive, honoring the past while forging

his path in the world of rodeo.

The Cowboy Roundup was formed for youth in rodeo just like Dean, young cowboys and cowgirls aspiring to accomplish something beyond ordinary! The Cowboy Roundup works with all of its applicants to understand specific pillars that get them down the road, the most important being their faith in God, their mental game in and out of the arena, marketing themselves to brands for sponsorship, and budgeting to ensure their safe arrival to the next rodeo. If you are interested in applying for the scholarship or donating to the cause you can find more details at www. thecowboyroundup.com. cowboylifestylenetwork.com

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Bucks for the Brave Recognizing heroes and their service n honor of veterans everywhere, Cowboy Lifestyle Magazine has been partnering with Record Rack Feed (a brand of Cargill) for the last couple of years to promote their annual Bucks for the Brave Hunt in Batesville, Texas. Today, we want to take some time to recognize the winners of the 2023 Bucks for the Brave Heroes Hunt.

For those of you who are just hearing about the Bucks for the Brave program, here’s a little backstory. Eight years ago, Record Rack learned what the importance and impact of being outdoors had on those who have put their lives on the line for their community and their country. They wanted to be able to provide these heroes with a once-in-alifetime opportunity that they may not have received otherwise. So, the Bucks for the Brave Program was born.

Over the last few months, families and friends had the chance to nominate their heroes to win this all-inclusive, weekend hunting trip at the Thumbtack Ranch in Batesville, Texas. Each year, five veterans (one in each branch of the military) as well as one retired law enforcement, one retired firefighter, and one retired EMT have the chance to win. This year, Record Rack was thrilled to include a women’s hunt as well where three women were selected to attend a hunt of their own the weekend before Veteran’s Day weekend. We are excited to introduce to you the winners of this year’s Bucks for the Brave Heroes Hunt.

What an amazing group of heroes. I speak for the whole team when I say that we are truly honored to be in the presence of this many American heroes in one place. It’s always a pleasure to join these men and women on a trip of a lifetime, hear their personal stories, and watch this amazing group of people come together to celebrate them. A special thanks to Record Rack and their dedication to honoring America’s heroes and to the partners below that make the Bucks for the Brave Heroes Hunt possible each year.

YOU CAN LEARN MORE AND READ ALL OF THE SUBMISSIONS FOR THIS YEAR’S HUNT AT

SPORTMANSCHOICEFEEDS.COM

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Heroes Hunt

to our great nation

cowboylifestylenetwork.com

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FORNEY GIFT GIVING GUIDE

BY LUCY CLAYTON

Forney Flex 30™ Plasma ST I T E M# 3 20

The Forney Flex 30 Plasma ST is the perfect all-inone machine, from cutting to welding! This machine is dual-voltage (120V/240V) and can cleanly cut and weld thin sheet metal to 3/8” plate (sever cut up to 5/8”). Perfect for DIY, farm & ranch, maintenance, repair, and light industrial work.

Forney 180 ST + Welder I T E M# 3 2 1

Forney 190 MP Welder I T E M# 3 2 3

The Forney 190 MP is a powerful 4-in-1 multi-process welder capable of MIG, FluxCore, Stick and DC TIG welding. This single-phase inverter machine is easy to use and features a metal drive system to consistently feed a multitude of wires. Great for DIY, maintenance, metal fabrication, and metal artist applications.

The Forney 180 ST + is a lightweight Stick and DC TIG welder that features pulse welding to weld on thin materials and out of position. This powerful 180A machine welds up to 3/8” and features a built-in hot start for effortless strikes.

Forney Spool PRO™ Hornet SG 250™

Forney 45 P PRO Plasma Cutter

Forney Series AutoDarkening Welding Helmet

I T E M# 8 56 20

I T E M# 4 4 5

I T E M# 55864 , 5586 5, 55860

The Forney Spool PRO hornet is a one-of-akind spool gun that incorporates a 360-degree gooseneck allowing users to adjust the angle of the torch neck for out-of-position welding. This device also features a spool life indicator (arrow on the spool gun) to prevent wire depletion interruptions.

Experience enhanced cutting efficiency with the Forney 45 P PRO. Clean cut 7/8” and sever cut 1-1/8”. The Forney® Ignite™ hand torch offers extended consumable life, minimizing downtime. This plasma cutter is dual-voltage (120V/240V) and features a 40’ operating envelope to maximize cutting productivity.

Forney auto-darkening welding helmets feature HD optical clarity with true color technology that allows you to clearly see what you’re doing, resulting in clear and precise welds. These helmets are easy to use and come in a variety of styles such as the limited-edition Forney 90th anniversary helmet (ITEM 55865).

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PHOTOGRAPHY: FORNEY

The Forney Easy Weld Dynamic Duo. Your Welding and Cutting Solution.

Set a new standard for ease with the Forney Easy Weld dynamic duo. The Forney Easy Weld 140 MP and 20 P Plasma Cutter run on a standard 120-volt power source, allowing you to effortlessly weld and cut materials up to ¼” thickness. Elevate your setup with this dynamic duo.

Find your Forney dynamic duo at a dealer near you, or forneyind.com.

FROM THE

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Christopher

“Click”

Thompson With another year of National Finals Rodeo upon us, I sat down with Click Thompson to see what it’s like to be part of the next generation of rodeo photographers.

Click Thompson is a widely respected rodeo photographer in the industry. He’s known for his artistic spin on classic rodeo shots by using a plethora of gear to help him bring those shots to life. Click won PRCA Photographer of the Year last year for the NFR and was chosen yet again to shoot the Superbowl of rodeo this year. I was thrilled for a few minutes of his time as we chatted about all things rodeo photography.

Let’s dive in!

KRYSTA: CAN YOU GIVE OUR AUDIENCE A LITTLE BACKGROUND ON YOURSELF AND HOW YOU GOT INTO PHOTOGRAPHY? Click: I’ve kind of got a unique background. I’ve always been an art student; I drew a lot growing up and shot film in high school. My mom, being smarter than I, said that I was going into graphic design for my undergrad and that’s exactly what I studied. One of the courses that I took was photography, so I ended up re-earthing my interest in college. At the time, I thought it would be cool if I could be a good photographer and a good designer, so I would always look for opportunities to do both. Then towards my senior year, I figured out that photography is what I liked more. Then that became the push for me when I left undergrad, I didn’t care where I worked as long as I had a camera in my hand.

I ended up working at Busch Gardens doing the classic family portrait stuff and then found rodeo through one of my co-workers. He used to ride bulls for about eight years and told me about some local events on the East Coast I could start looking into. I started building from there and then around that same time, I started working on getting my Masters online.

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KRYSTA: HAS YOUR STYLE OF PHOTOGRAPHY CHANGED AT ALL SINCE YOU STARTED YOUR BUSINESS? IF SO, HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE THEN COMPARED TO NOW? Click: It’s been a constant evolution. I’ve had this conversation with a lot of students of mine who are like “I want to shoot like you!” and the challenge is that I’ve been constructively and creatively looking at images for over 20 years so there’s a lot of things that I pull from subconsciously that I’m not even aware of in the moment.

There’s definitely a lot of source material

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in my head that is just there that I use from my education and experience. I think as an artist, I’ve always looked at my work like artwork. If you study artists and art history, they go through these periods, where they shot or created art in a certain way in that period. And as artists, we’re always striving to find our style, you know, our signature so to speak. For a long time, it was just kind of really figuring out what I was looking at. Considering I didn’t have a background in livestock or ranching, it was unique because everything was new and fresh to me. In the last couple of years, it’s definitely been about capturing images

and how they feel not solely on how they look. You know, Cheyenne doesn’t look like Pendleton. Pendleton doesn’t look like Red Bluff or Waxahachie, Texas so each rodeo and each event is unique. Each person is a little bit different too and they go through ebbs and flows throughout the year. So you may see them one week and then a couple of months later they might look a little different So I always try to be visually available to those changes to showcase that and tell those stories. I would say now, it’s definitely more about how it feels and trying to create images that look timeless as well.

KRYSTA: WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON HOW RODEO STYLE, AND RODEO PHOTOGRAPHY HAVE CHANGED OVER THE YEARS? Click: I think it’s starting to catch up with other genres of photography, particularly sports photography. If you ask ten people what their favorite picture of Michael Jordan is they’re all going to be different images and I think that’s what we owe the rodeo industry also as it continues to evolve and change.

For me, one of the things that I noticed early on was that when you look at an old rodeo picture, you just have this swelling sense of nostalgia but then, whether it’s technology

or the person who created the image, the image isn’t as good as it could be quality wise. My argument has always been, why can’t we have both? Why can’t it be a really strong image photographically but also just a great moment that’s captured in time? That’s always been my passion, to create both a phenomenal image but also a great moment as well.

Another thing too is that there’s a whole new breed of rodeo photographers and overall, the demographic has changed.

There are different people with different experiences in life and they look at stuff differently. Not to mention, these days, it’s

easier for people to create images and capture their voices visually.

KRYSTA: DO YOU HAVE A CREATIVE PROCESS WHEN IT COMES TO CHOOSING YOUR SHOTS OR THE SETUP THAT GOES INTO GETTING THE PERFECT SHOT? Click: I’m always looking for different vantage points. I like to see where I can be safe, but also push it a little. Sometimes there are spots in the arena that I’m like “Oh, that’s not a good spot to be during the bareback riding but it’s a really good spot during team roping.” Then I make a little mental note in my head and I may get to that cowboylifestylenetwork.com

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spot and maybe it’s not what I thought it was. So then I may try that same spot with a different lens and that might make the spot really cool. I’ve got a pretty large tool case with a lot of different gear and lenses that help if I can’t physically get close to something then usually I have a bigger lens to get me there. For me, I really want to fill the frame so a lot of times I’m looking for spots that allow me to be in the action from a safe distance but still allow me to really bring you closer than ever before.

KRYSTA: WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE RODEO EVENT TO SHOOT AND WHY? Click: Honestly, it changes from location to location. Because I grew up doing bull rides and barrel races, those are the two that sometimes I take images during a rodeo and I feel like I’m the best in the world. At the NFR last year, Kassie Mowry was running a big, pretty grey horse. That horse is huge and when it stretched out, it was the coolest horse for shooting barrels. Once I figured out that horse, every single one of those pictures looked awesome. Then coming from the PBR side, I photographed so many bulls, and having been around bull riding so much I have found a way to get a little bit closer than everybody else. I love shooting bulls too. Those two probably are my favorites just because they’re the ones that feel like home.

KRYSTA: WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO ASPIRING RODEO PHOTOGRAPHERS? Click: Be patient. I think we’re in a time where everyone wants everything right now and getting in the industry is difficult. I want people who come into it to be able to do it for a long time. I want them to be able to have that option and make sure they take the time to learn how to be profitable, how to do a good job, have fun, and enjoy the process. Never stop falling in love with that little piece of improvement and progression. I think it’s awesome to shoot the NFR and to shoot those big rodeos but it’s the little things for me. For example, a picture of Jordon Briggs was posted on the Internet maybe a month after the NFR last year and I was giddy about how the light looked in that picture because I knew that that light existed because I put it there. And that experience of cowboylifestylenetwork.com

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knowing like, “Man, look how that light falls right on the back of that horse’s hip.”

It wasn’t too obtrusive, there was no flare in my lens and all these details were the best part for me.

KRYSTA: WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS? YOU’VE BEEN NAMED PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR ALREADY, WHAT ELSE IS ON YOUR LIST? Click: For me, it’s all about consistency. I had just got back from Vegas last year and I was reflecting on conversations I had with world champions and people who had accomplished the thing that they had been working for the entire time, like trying to be a world champion. But I think the experience is always the same with everybody, we wake up the next day and realize we’re the same person and life continues.

My goal is to definitely be consistent and always try to operate at that level. Because I’m not always going to be selected to shoot the NFR and I’m not not always going to be Photographer of the Year. But if I operate and function at that level then I can be proud about that and continue to push the barriers.

I want to be great, but the word ‘great’ is all in lowercase because I think that’s a big word, but I think it maintains some humility by being all in lowercase. If I push towards that every day, everything else will fall into place.

KRYSTA: WHAT IS SOMETHING YOU WISH PEOPLE KNEW ABOUT BEING A PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER? Click: I wish people really knew how much work it actually is. I’ll use the NFR as an example, but people think I’m photographing the NFR and it’s 10 days, but what they don’t realize is when someone says “Hey, do you want to shoot the NFR?” and you say yes, that’s when the NFR starts. So last year, the NFR was December 1-10, but for me, it was October 3 until December 20 because there’s so much planning. That’s why I always tell people that if you can get through the first performance and all your lights work, you can breathe a little easier knowing everything came together. I think if people understood and saw everything that happened before and after for them to see that one picture, they would have a different perspective on it.

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Click’s Closing Thoughts It’s 2023, you can do whatever you want. If you’re not happy doing what you’re doing then change it because you can literally make your own job at this point. Don’t fear struggle, struggle is the antithesis of everything, it either busts pipes or makes diamonds.

If you’re not already following Click online, you can find him on Facebook and Instagram @ClickThompson and you can learn more about his photography at ClickThompson.com. cowboylifestylenetwork.com

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Desert Farm Life

From Arizona to Namibia

BY TIFFANY SELCHOW

From the deserts of Arizona to the ones in Namibia, Africa, Addison Izko shares how she went from growing up in central Phoenix to the wilder west, where she now farms with her husband, Tommy.

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amibia, located in southern Africa with a border along the Atlantic Ocean, isn’t the first place you think of if someone brings up cattle farming. To those of us in the western part of the United States of America, the term cattle farming might be enough to turn you off the subject altogether. But take a deep breath and give this topic a chance because the idea of raising cattle in the deserts of Africa is rooted in deep tradition, much like our own history, and while many of the challenges are the same, there are many unique opportunities.

Addison Izko was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona. The majority of her childhood was spent close to her home off Central Street and Northern Road in the heart of what is now the fifth largest city in the United States. She is a quiet person with deep introspection who always had a special place in her heart for the Western way of life. She is a self-proclaimed horse girl who always found ways to get to friend’s cattle ranches to help with gathering and brandings, but it was not a life she was entrenched in. Little did she know, these experiences would help lead her to a totally different life from central Phoenix a few years later.

The power of social media is what really changes the trajectory of Addison’s life. Scrolling through Instagram, she happened upon a novice photographer’s profile and was impressed with the quality and content.

“When I found the photos, I thought they were from Arizona. But I could tell there was something a little different,” Addison shared. These photos did share similarities to the Arizona landscape Addison loved, but there were a few striking differences. The most important of all was the fact that these photos were taken approximately 9,200 miles away from her home state.

And behind this account, on the other side of the world, was Tommy Izko, a young man who lived and worked on his family’s farm in southwest Namibia.

Their mutual love for their cattle dogs sparked Tommy and Addison’s online friendship, which quickly morphed into a budding romantic relationship. They spent a year talking online, and then Addison made the jump and came across the world for a visit. From there, it was fate. They are now married and have a young son, and all live on a farm where they raise beef cattle. But this is certainly not where the story ends. Transitioning from city life to the middle of nowhere was challenging for Addison. Her quiet personality and enjoyment of alone time certainly helped the transition, but it was still severe.

The closest city with any actual shopping opportunities is Windhoek, the capital of Namibia, which is an 8-hour drive away. Typically Tommy and Addison are only making trips there every three months and might not step foot off the farm in that time. Shopping runs are a 4-5 day adventure and take a week to plan. One of Addison’s biggest challenges when moving across the world was the planning coming from a major city with a Starbucks on every corner. “Planning is everything.

You have to really keep track of what you have, what’s going out, what’s coming in. It’s everything.”

Lucky for her, Tommy and his family have generations of knowledge to draw from regarding farming in Namibia. Tommy and his family are full-blooded Germans and made their way to this part of the world in the early 1800s. His great-great-grandfather came to Namibia initially as a missionary to join the other German settlers and soldiers who were already in the area. His family fell in love with the country and made a final trip to stay for good. From there, the Izko family has worked hard to build up their farming land, and now Addison and Tommy’s son can proudly say he is the sixth generation of his family to farm in Namibia.

That is over 100 years of history in one place where the average person wouldn’t think farming was a thing. cowboylifestylenetwork.com

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Ranching Doesn’t Exist in Namibia An almost mind-blowing thought to an American’s brain: ranching doesn’t exist in Namibia.

Well, technically, it’s just the term that doesn’t exist.

The word ranch comes from the Spanish word “rancho,” which is loosely translated to a “group of people who eat together,” and then later on, as the expression and culture evolved, its meaning changed to a “group of farm huts.”

So, while ranching in the term doesn’t exist in Namibia, farming certainly does, and while it’s thousands of miles away from our ranches, it is done in a similar fashion.

The Izko family maintains a herd of cows, female bovines who produce a calf each year, with genetics that trace back to when his great-grandfather picked out cattle. Their deep connection to their cattle and the land means they know each cow and who her mother is. These genetic lines are essential to survive in a harsh climate like this. For literal generations, selection of which cattle they breed has been for resiliency and hardiness.

Part of the answer to this complex question is a hybrid combination of cattle breeds called Simbras. This mix of Bahamas and Simmental cattle results in an animal with outstanding maternal characteristics to keep a calf alive in the wilder west but also to have the ability to survive and thrive. These cattle have horns for obvious reasons.

With many natural predators, including leopards and spotted hyenas, the mother cows must possess an inherent protective instinct to ensure the longevity of the basic functions of this farm.

The cattle are gathered a few times a year, as needed, where the calves that are large enough are weaned and

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trucked to the nearest cattle auction. The auction they choose is no further than a fourhour drive to reduce the stress on their animals. From there, calves are often shipped to be fed at feed yards in South Africa. Once the animals reach harvesting weight, their beef is sent worldwide. Fun fact: Namibia produces some of the best quality beef in Africa, and that is noticed around the continent and worldwide.

Cowboy culture is a relatively new concept to this portion of the world. It could be credited to Martin Black and two of his students, Mark and Miranda Lyon, who visited the Izko family and shared their knowledge of training horses. Tommy learned and did well with these mentors, who taught him about working ranch horses, cattle work, roping, and more. While Tommy would rope in the western way all the time if possible, often it’s just him and Addison doing much of the work, so they use a cattle chute system, similar to what we see in the States when work is done.

Addison has nicknamed this unique culture and location the Wilder West. The countryside the farmers raise cattle in is scattered with cheetahs and jackals, who don’t hunt cattle, and leopards, who do, like something out of a mythical storybook for a rancher in the States. With much government oversight in the US, Namibia is relatively hands-off outside conservation efforts for wildlife. Landowners are free to do what and how they see fit. But much like ranchers here, the farmers of Namibia share similar values in efforts to leave the land better for future generations and work to protect and understand the wildlife they share the land alongside.

What looks so unique on the surface comes back to a similar mindset amongst farmers and ranchers from around the world about raising the animals they do in their chosen location. Beef cattle provide us with a nutrient-dense, healthy protein to nourish our bodies. Raising these animals for the growing human population is a way to contribute to society while also maintaining and caring for the land and wildlife that populate it. As Addison pointed out during our interview, farming (and ranching) isn’t all that different from country to country. It’s a way of life and one that all take seriously.

THE NEW PODCAST FOR WOMEN IN AGRICULTURE:

AgTalk

Your Story Matters

Through their podcast, Ag Women Connect is on a mission to share stories of women in agriculture from across the country.

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“What does being a woman in agriculture mean to me?”

This is a question that Founder, Venessa Wood, answered when she found her purpose in creating Ag Women Connect, a networking organization for women in agriculture.

Ag Women Connect was established in 2021 with the goal to unite women in the agricultural community, foster connections, and be a platform for women to share their stories.

Today, Ag Women Connect has chapters in several states including Texas, Arizona, New Mexico, Florida, Kansas, Indiana, and many more!

In each state, there are either one or several chapters of women who come together to support the agriculture community in their area. They do so by hosting local networking events, touring local farms and ranches, and ultimately, shedding light on agriculture issues in their own state. In addition to these chapters, Ag Women Connect launched their podcast and radio show, AgTalk Your Story Matters to take their mission nationwide.

On the show, host Venessa Wood brings on guests from all walks of agriculture to share their stories. These episodes include topics like agriculture policy, rural mental health, agriculture advocacy, businesses and so much more. New episodes go live every Tuesday morning but you can also catch episodes every Saturday at 10 a.m. EST on Rural Radio Sirius XM 147.

Most recently, Venessa and her team executed their first gala to raise money for the Ag Women Connect Foundation, which raises money for Ag families in need, whether due to unforeseen tragedies from violent weather, drought, or fire. In addition to families in need, they also will be giving scholarships to children or women who may have not received an agriculture scholarship from other entities, but still show talent, work ethic, and passion for this industry. The gala was a huge success with notable guests like Charity Event Auctioneer, Joni Nash, Ag-Vocate and Country Music Artist, Stephanie Nash, and entertainment provided by Olivia Harms, it was a night to remember! The biggest takeaway from this event was that when you get a bunch of women in the room with the same purpose and passion,

anything is possible and Venessa is excited for the growth of the organization to continue this mission in every state.

Get Involved With Ag Women Connect With three different levels of membership, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved with Ag Women Connect.

They are also actively seeking chapter leaders in new states, so you can contact the team through the website to get more information on how to do that. When you become a member, there is a monthly national meeting where members hop on a virtual call to learn, generate new ideas, and exchange valuable information that will enhance both your personal and professional life. Local events range from informative luncheons that address topics like business management and tax preparation, to celebrations that showcase the achievements of women in various fields, including entrepreneurship and lifestyles. If you’re interested in being a part of a secure and forward-thinking organization that can propel you and your business toward more tremendous success, make sure to check out AgWomenConnect.com.

About CEO & Founder, Venessa Wood Venessa grew up in the panhandle of Texas and now resides near Lubbock with her wonderful husband and two beautiful children. The farming and entrepreneurial background she was raised in equipped her to graduate from Texas Tech in 2010 with a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Leadership. In the last 30 years, she has served in leadership roles that cover different aspects of the agricultural arena including equine, ranching, farming, and operating a business. It is her passion to bring the community of women in the agriculture field together. Her goal is to make Ag Women Connect the largest company in the U.S.A. that serves women in agriculture on all levels. She not only has an endless passion for advocating for women but to preserving and protecting the agricultural industry throughout America. cowboylifestylenetwork.com

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WITH COUNTRY LEGEND

CLAY

WALKER Sitting down with Country Artist, Clay Walker to chat about faith, music and reflecting on a 30 year career.

BY ROBERT LANG

T

he 1990s can seem like a long time ago, but it was the heyday for Country Music. It was a time when we saw emerging Country Artists become legends and the beginning of the sound and feel of country music which continues to resonate to this day. Many of the legends in the country music world were thriving and celebrating great success with hit after hit. Emerging onto this field was the winner of the Radio & Records Best New Male Artist, Clay Walker. We first heard this Texas cowboy on the radio in 1993 with the single “What’s It to You”, which achieved Number One on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart, followed by “Live Until I Die” in 1994. “’Fore She Was Mama,” is a fun song to sing along with, and only adds to his catalog of great songs.

Clay’s eleventh studio album, “Texas to Tennessee’’ was released in July of 2021. Singles released from the album include “Need a Bar Sometimes’ ‘ and “Catching Up with an Ol’ Memory”. “Need a Bar Sometimes” reached almost 20 million in on-demand and video albums while also helping Walker reach 750,000 TikTok followers.

Clay Walker has released a total of eleven studio albums. His first four studio albums all achieved platinum certification in the United States and his greatest hits collection and fifth studio album were each certified gold. He has charted more than thirty singles on Hot Country Songs, of which six have reached number one. Clay has been a staple in country music scene for the last 30 years.

In 1996, Clay was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS). Due to diet and medications, he has been able to manage the disease. Clay has worked with charities to raise money and awareness for MS, including his own non-profit charity, Band Against MS.

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In 2013 Clay published a book about his life and Journey titled “Jesus Was A Country Boy”. In 2015 he was inducted into the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame and to add to his credits, he was the judge on Cutthroat Kitchen: The Good, The Hash and the Ugly in 2017. I was thrilled to have down this Q & A with him about his career and accomplishments.

IN YOUR 30 YEAR CAREER, WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER YOUR GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT? A: Being able to go out on stage and always deliver a great live show.

WHAT ARE THE GOALS THAT YOU ARE STILL WORKING ON? A: I’m still excited about songwriting and searching for that career record! Country music is still the greatest format because it is for every man and woman and what they are living day to day!

WHY DO YOU THINK COUNTRY MUSIC AND COWBOYS ARE STILL RELEVANT? A: Fads come and go but cowboys are synonymous with American history. I grew up that way and continue that lifestyle with my own family.

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THE CURRENT STATE OF COUNTRY MUSIC? A: Country music has been through growth spurts since its inception, and it has always withstood that growth because the fans ultimately decide what they will listen to.

TELL US ABOUT THE THE CLAY WALKER FOUNDATION AND THE ANNUAL CLAY WALKER CHARITY CLASSIC AT PEBBLE BEACH A: The CWF is about helping people with MS on a daily basis. We are committed to building community and work everyday to find a cure. Pebble Beach Company has been a wonderful partner and advocate for the same cause.

HOW HAS YOUR FAITH PLAYED A PART IN YOUR MUSIC AND MS? A: Faith is the only reason I am still on this earth. It is the foundation that I base my decisions and path ARE YOU WORKING ON NEW MUSIC AND ANY OTHER PROJECTS? A: I’ve recently started working with the great producer Tony Brown. We believe we can make some music together that will be remembered for a long time to come.

IF THERE IS ANY MESSAGE YOU WOULD LIKE TO GIVE TO YOUR FANS, WHAT WOULD IT BE? A: I would love to thank the fans that have supported me through good times and bad. Your prayers have sustained me and encouraged me to fight the good fight. If it’s worth having it’s worth fighting for.

You know who you are.

To hear more of Clay’s music and to find out when he will be near you, stop by claywalker. com. If you will be attending the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas, make plans to see him in concert on December 9 at the Pearl Concert Theater at Palms Casino Resort.

• Photography by Walker Lippert

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5

Crazy Facts About Mini Cows

Mini cows are all the rage these days, but did you know these five crazy facts about them? BY HANNAH CRANDALL Whether you’re running a few cattle on limited land or want a unique pet or two, mini cows have become the rave for being cute, efficient, and easygoing! Here are a few things to know about mini cattle and why they’ve become such a popular idea.

Size of a Mini Cow Miniature cattle have been selectively bred to be one-third to one-half the size of standard cattle. At three years of age, a micro mini cow is considered 36 inches and under at the hip.

Standard mini cows are between 37 and 42 inches tall at the hip, and midsize mini cows are between 43 and 48 inches at the hip. So while these cattle are significantly smaller than normal, they aren’t necessarily calf-size forever either.

Gentleness Mini cattle are known to make great pets and are considered much easier to handle! Their gentle dispositions make them easy to care for and train, as well as easier on the land.

They naturally have a sweet temperament and make a great option for people just getting started with cattle or families with children.

MINI COWS ARE

Efficiency Compared to 1,200-1,500 pound standard cattle, a 500-800 pound mini cow can thrive on about one to two acres per animal, and they consume about a third of the grain that a standard cow requires. This makes them much more efficient and superior when it comes to feed conversion.

More Than 25 Recognized Breeds Miniature cattle are either select reproductions of the older animals or a result of several crossbreed programs. The International Miniature Cattle Breeder’s Registry serves to add value to the quality breeding of mini cattle, and this organization recognizes more than 26 unique breeds worldwide. These breeds include mini Belted Galloways, Dexters, Zebus, Jerseys, Pandas, Herefords, Angus, Longhorns, Highlands, Holsteins and many more!

Cost The initial price of mini cattle will vary depending on the breed, age, size, sex, markings and color; but that number can range from $1,500 to $8,000. While a mini hereford may run between $1,750 and $3,500, a mini highland could cost up to $8,000. However, the initial cost may be worth it because they have so many advantages!

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not only adorable, but they also offer numerous benefits as an addition to your farm or ranch. From their smaller size and lower maintenance requirements to their gentle temperament and efficient use of space, mini cows provide unique advantages for farmers and ranchers alike. Whether you’re looking to diversify your livestock, utilize limited land resources, or simply enjoy the companionship of these charming animals, mini cows are an excellent choice. So, consider bringing these pint-sized wonders into your farm or ranch and discover how they can enhance both your productivity and your overall farming experience.

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