Cowboy Lifestyle Magazine | Autumn 2023

On May 31, 2000 televisions in the United States tuned to the first season of the reality competition show Survivor, which began America’s fascination with reality TV shows. Over the years, we could watch shows about baking, cars, traveling, and groups of people living together, interacting, and competing, yet there weren’t any shows highlighting the true American cowboy. We did see CMT release a reality TV show called “Cowboy U”, but that show was based on taking city dwellers and putting them up against cowboy tasks, not taking real cowboys and putting their skills to the ultimate test.

That is until, almost twenty years later, in the fall of 2019, INSP aired the only reality competition show that celebrated the life and work of the American Cowboy. “Ultimate Cowboy Showdown” aired on the INSP Network and became an instant hit with fans from around the country. In the first season, America met twelve hard-working cowboys as they gathered at a cattle ranch to compete for the title of the first Ultimate Cowboy.

In that first season, we saw men and women from around the United States compete as they bunked together, ate together, and worked together for the duration of the competition. Represented amongst the competitors were working cowboys, rodeo athletes, and business owners each adding their unique spin. From that very first season, the show still follows the familiar pattern of team competitions where there are eliminations at the end of each episode until one cowboy has been crowned the winner by the host, and country music legend, Trace Adkins.

In addition to the title of being named the first “Ultimate Cowboy”, the first season winner took home $50,000 worth of cattle and equipment to

begin or enhance their own herd. Each week the cowboys competed in challenges, designed by professional cowboys, using their skills including riding, roping, and racing, and many other skills integral to the cowboy way of life.

Unlike any other reality show, the Ultimate Cowboy Showdown celebrates the life of real working cowboys and highlights the tradition of the cowboy code. Speaking of cowboy code, it’s part of the show’s landscape that the cowboys and judges discuss taking responsibility for their actions, how they handled themselves, and how they need to improve. Values such as hard work, clear thinking, and good planning are rewarded, and those that fall short are sent packing. The show is a refreshing and much-needed look at the life and contribution of the American cowboy.

All of these elements have been masterfully combined for three seasons of incredibly enjoyable programming, and have introduced Americans to some memorable characters. Each season introduces a new crew of cowboys, competing at a new location. Season One was filmed in Alabama, Season Two in Texas in the summer, and Season Three was filmed in Wyoming in the winter and Trace Adkins is the perpetual host each and every season. I couldn’t think of a better host for a cowboy reality tv show, Trace is direct, clear, and doesn’t pull any punches, proving he is the perfect host for this competition. He handles the situations with humor, and it is clear that he desires each cowboy to work hard and succeed. He has been a great example of a Western icon since we first heard him on country radio in 1996. In addition, he has been on The Celebrity Apprentice twice (he won the second time) and stars in numerous movies.

This fall we will be treated to Season Four of the Ultimate Cowboy Showdown, but this season is for the All-Stars. We will see fourteen familiar faces from the first three seasons, each memorable in their own right, as they battle for their second chance to take home the title and the prizes. Old friendships and rivalries will combine with new relationships to provide what will be the most memorable season to date.

■ Contestants line up for their first day of competition of the Ultimate Cowboy Showdown.

■ Ultimate Cowboy Showndown Contestants gather around for a morning cup of coffee before the competition kicks off.

CATCHING UP WITH

TRACE ADKINS

4X HOST OF THE ULTIMATE COWBOY SHOWDOWN ON THE INSP NETWORK

In the world of entertainment, there are always new and exciting shows that capture our attention. From gripping dramas to heartwarming comedies, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. And now, getting ready to air its fourth season, the Ultimate Cowboy Showdown combines the thrill of competition with the rugged spirit of the Wild West. This exhilarating TV show, hosted by the legendary country music artist, Trace Adkins, takes viewers on a journey to discover who has what it takes to be the ultimate cowboy. With intense challenges, breathtaking landscapes, and a cast of talented contestants, this show is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat. So, saddle up and get ready for an adrenalinefueled adventure unlike any other. “Ultimate Cowboy Showdown” is a must-watch for fans of adrenaline-pumping competitions and those who appreciate the timeless allure of the cowboy way of life.

I had the pleasure of sitting down with Trace Adkins as the filming of Season 4 of Ultimate Cowboy Showdown was wrapping up. I was able to spend some time with him to talk to him about the show, his movies, music, and his legendary career.

ROB: WITH ALL THE REALITY SHOWS OUT THERE, WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO BE THE HOST OF THE ULTIMATE COWBOY SHOWDOWN?

Trace: Andrew Glassman came to me about eight years ago and said he had this idea for this kind of show. We shot a sizzle reel of what Andrew thought would be the idea for the show and went with it. After a while, I just forgot about it, then about four years later, he called me and said, “Hey, I found somebody to pick that show up.” So INSP came along and said that this is something they’d be interested in doing. We did that first season, not really knowing what we were getting into, but it worked out great and we had a great time doing it. People really seemed to enjoy it and so here we are in Season Four.

ROB: HOW DID YOU FEEL AFTER THAT FIRST SEASON?

Trace: The funny thing was I started having people come up to me, and most of the time, they would come up and go, “How do I get on that show?”, “Those aren’t real cowboys? I can do that!!”, and I was like, ”Okay, sign up, I dare you.” And so I knew immediately that this was something that people were going to be interested in and that people were going to talk about.

When it comes to being the real deal in the Western industry, it doesn’t get more real than Trace Adkins, check out his thoughts on the fourth season of the Ultimate Cowboy Showdown.

BY ROBERT LANG

ROB: WHY DO YOU THINK THE IDEA OF BEING A COWBOY IS SUCH AN APPEALING THING RIGHT NOW?

Trace: You know, I think there’s something in our DNA. I think that we want to harken back to a time when it was a little more romantic, perhaps, or at least we believe that it was. This is the closest thing that we have in this country to medieval times where you had knights jousting with one another on horseback.

These are hard-working people. These cowboys that we have on this show, this is what they do for a living. What I’ve been amazed by, is just the knowledge that these contestants have about the business, the industry, and even veterinary stuff. These aren’t just people that know how to throw a rope, or ride a bucking bronc or something. They are knowledgeable about every aspect of the business of cattle, horses, ranching, and more.

ROB: HOW DIFFICULT IS IT FOR YOU TO SEND PEOPLE HOME?

Trace: That’s the hardest thing about this, especially this season. I know every one of these people, I know their names, and some of them I know their backstories because I’ve become invested in these people. But you know, that has to happen, it’s part of the competition.

Yesterday, I was watching these guys, and there were six of them out there cutting some longhorns out of a herd of cows. I saw them as a unit making a mistake, and I turned to Cash Myers and said, “I feel right now, it’s almost impossible for me not to ride my horse out there and tell them you’re messing this up.” but I had to just stand back and watch the inevitable wreck happen.

ROB: WHAT DO YOU THINK THE LINE IS BETWEEN BEING A COWBOY AND PLAYING THE GAME?

Trace: On The Apprentice, I was playing the game too, but you didn’t see that. I just did it in a way that I thought was subtle. These guys have to come into this competition with the burden of the cowboy code, which sometimes prevents them from being able to play the game in a ruthless manner. It’s a very intricate dance that they’re trying to do; stick to the code, but still play the game. It’s interesting to watch.

ROB: WHAT WOULD YOU SAY IS A PART OF THAT COWBOY CODE?

Trace: The code is all-encompassing and it’s the way that these people try to live their lives. If I had to describe it in a nutshell, it would be to look at the situation that you’re faced with and just do the next right thing. You just have to think, “What’s the thing I should do right now, that is within my ethical boundaries and the right thing to do.” It’s just as simple as that. Sometimes it’s sacrificing your advancement to help somebody else, maybe that’s what you have to do at that moment.

ROB: WHAT ELSE DO YOU HAVE COMING FOR YOU IN THE FUTURE?

Trace: I just shot a movie and we’re going to tour again this year. Last year, I didn’t get to tour very much because I was doing Monarch on Fox.

ROB: YOU’VE CERTAINLY HAD YOUR FAIR SHARE OF HITS. YOU’VE BEEN A COUNTRY MUSIC ICON FOR MORE THAN A QUARTER OF A CENTURY, WHICH IS AMAZING. HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT STAYING SO BUSY?

Trace: I do keep busy and I’m not going to say that I like to keep busy. I stay busier than I want to be, I’ll say that. I’m kind of getting to that point where it’s like, “Hey, when do I get to slow down a little bit and enjoy some of the success that I’ve worked for.” I’m about to get to that point I think. It’s the travel that has really become intolerable. But I’m going to be on tour and we’re going to go at it again this year. And I still have other television and movie stuff on the itinerary. So, that slowing down thing, I don’t know when that’s going to happen.

ROB: YOUR ALBUMS ARE JUST FUN TO LISTEN TO, ESPECIALLY THE LAST ONE WITH ALL THE DIFFERENT DUETS. HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT THE PROCESS OF PRODUCING YOUR MUSIC?

Trace: I’m so proud of that last record. I want to let that one marinate a little bit because it’s good. If people want to hear my latest thing, I want that one to still be the latest thing that they hear because I don’t think it’s received its due. It’s a very wellput-together record, and very wellproduced. All the songs are great.

As far as producing, you know, these days, it’s just hard to get any attention if you’re not the flavor of the month. I just do what I want to do and don’t worry too much about what the trend may be or whatever. I was told by a guy when I first started out, he said, “Look, here’s the thing, it is probably going to hurt your feelings from time to time, but there’s nothing you can do about it. Music appreciation is an opinion and everybody’s is different.”

ROB: IF THERE IS SOMEONE THAT HASN’T HEARD OF TRACE ADKINS, WHAT WOULD YOU WANT THEM TO KNOW ABOUT YOU?

Trace: I’ve tried to always challenge myself by getting out of my comfort zone and doing things that challenge me. I’m not an actor, but I keep putting myself in those situations, and it forces me to grow. If you don’t get out of your comfort zone, you just don’t grow. I didn’t know how to host a show like this, but I kept challenging myself to try to learn how to get better at it. It’s a beautiful place to be when an opportunity comes along, and you get to make the decision whether or not you do it by asking yourself one simple question. “Would that be fun to do?” And if the answer to that question is, yes, go do it. Don’t worry about how much it pays or anything like that and that’s where I’m at. ROB: WHEN YOU EVENTUALLY GET A CHANCE TO TAKE THAT BREAK AND NOT DO SO MUCH, WHAT WOULD YOU DO WITH YOUR TIME?

Trace: I’ve got a lot of equipment that’s just being neglected. I come from a blue-collar background and I worked in the oil field for 10 years before I got a break doing this stuff. I have a lot of property and I like to work because I still need tangible results sometimes at the end of the day. In this business, music, television, and movies, you get to the end of the day, and there’s nothing to look back on and say, “I did a good job today.” and there’s the evidence right there. I need that immediate gratification and so when I’m working on the land, building something, or cleaning something up I need that when I get to the end of the day, I’m sweating and tired so I can see what I did.

ABOUT TRACE ADKINS

IN HIS STORIED CAREER IN COUNTRY MUSIC, TRACE ADKINS HAS SOLD OVER 11 MILLION ALBUMS, CHARTED 40 SINGLES ON Billboard’s Country Airplay Chart, earned numerous awards, multiple Grammy nominations, and garnered over two billion streams. He has been a Grand Ole Opry member for nearly two decades, the Louisiana native is known for his dynamic baritone, fiery live performance, and notable roles as an actor in film and TV. Since his 1996 breakout debut DREAMIN’ OUT LOUD delivered numbers like “Every Light In The House,” which hit the Top 5 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart, and #1 “This Ain’t (No Thinkin’ Thing),”. Adkins has pioneered a mix of classic Country minded traditionalism and adventurous, good-natured showmanship, breaking open new avenues in modern Country through fun-filled hits like “Honky Tonk Badonkadonk” and “Hillbilly Bone” with Blake Shelton. Celebrating the 25th anniversary of his debut with 2021’s release THE WAY I WANNA GO (Verge Records), the 25-song album has been applauded by Billboard as “a creative tour de force that serves up the lyrical and stylistic diversity that would make his hero [Ronnie] Milsap proud,” From profound traditional balladry to clever-Country party anthems, the Mickey Jack Cones and Derek George produced project features special guests Blake Shelton, Luke Bryan, Melissa Etheridge, Pitbull, Snoop Dogg, Stevie Wonder on harmonica, and more. Adkins’ headline SOMEWHERE IN AMERICA 2023 TOUR is underway and spans coast to coast throughout the year. To learn more about Trace Adkins, visit him at traceadkins.com.

■ Cowboy Lifestyle Magazine Author, Robert Land (left) and Trace Adkins (right).

MEET THE CONTESTANTS OF ULTIMATE COWBOY SHOWDOWN SEASON 4

SEASON THREE CONTESTANT Buck Faust

hometown: PRINEVILLE, OREGON Proffession: RANCHER & HORSE TRAINER

Now married for a year and a half, Buck and his wife have been working tirelessly to grow their horse training operation. In addition to their horse training business, Buck is working on expanding his ranch by starting to invest in beef cattle to start a cow-calf operation. With dreams of starting a family, Buck’s main focus is growing his ranch to create a legacy for future generations.

SEASON PREMIERE WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6 AT 8PM ET

SEASON THREE CONTESTANT

Brianna Markum-McClain

hometown: AQUILLA, TEXAS Proffession: RODEO PRODUCER, ROPER & COWBOY

Afourth-generation New Mexico cowboy, Brianna is a powerhouse boss like her late father. She has been known to make grown men cry. On top of her full-time job managing a major convention center, Brianna also operates her own rodeo company with her husband and still finds time to rope competitively. She qualified for the 2020 World Champion Rodeo Alliance and won the Original Team Roping Heading Finals. At this point in her career, Brianna has won so many buckles she has started giving them away.

SEASON THREE CONTESTANT Eddie Pena

hometown: LYTLE, TEXAS Proffession: CATTLEMAN & COALMINER

After being on the Ultimate Cowboy Showdown, Eddie decided to change his cattle operation. He sold all of his roping steers, bought his first pair of beef cows, and has been running beef cattle ever since. A few months after coming home, Eddie and his wife just had their third boy in March of 2023. With the new baby and the significant change in the cost to run beef cattle, Eddie says winning this prize is more important than ever before. A herd of cattle and the equipment that comes with it would give him the chance to jumpstart this new operation and quit the coal mine for good.

SEASON ONE CONTESTANT Jared Lee

hometown: PICAYUNE, MISSISSIPPI Proffession: RANCHER

Jared continues to be a family man. His priority is providing for his wife, 6 kids, and brother with cerebral palsy who he cares for full time. He continues to operate Lee HDC Ranching which focuses on training cattle dogs, ranch horses, and running cattle. After suffering a broken leg during the competition in Season 1, Jared says his cattle dog training business allowed him to continue to work and provide for his family. When he’s not operating his own business, Jared often helps neighbors catch cattle in the rugged country of Mississippi.

SEASON TWO CONTESTANT Tyler Kijac

hometown: JAY, OKLAHOMA

Proffession: RODEO PRODUCER & FORMER BULL RIDER

Upon returning home from the Ultimate Cowboy Showdown, Tyler devoted all his time to expanding his rodeo company TK Pro Rodeo. He has not only found success in the expansion of his rodeo production company but has also begun producing successful rough stock. In 2021, Tyler and his wife had their first child named Truce Kijac. After growing up in Michigan in a non-ranching family, Tyler’s biggest motivation in expanding his business is to give his son Truce the childhood he always wanted.

SEASON TWO CONTESTANT Jackson Taylor

hometown: LOCKNEY, TEXAS

Proffession: COWBOY

After losing his grandmother in April, Jackson moved back home to help out his family. Since moving back, Jackson has focused on training colts and riding horses for customers while also helping his uncle run 1,000 head in their hometown of Lockney and the surrounding Towns. Ever since his grandmother passed away, Jackson has shifted his priorities to focus more on the things that matter most to him – his family, his well-being, and his passion for horse training. Unfortunately, on July 22nd, 2023, Taylor passed away from a rodeo accident in Moriarty, New Mexico. INSP plans to release the season as planned but everyone is deeply saddened by the loss.

SEASON THREE CONTESTANT James “Diamond Jim” Smith

hometown: DALHART, TEXAS

Proffession: COWBOY

In the last year, Diamond has focused much of his time on family. When his wife was diagnosed with a life-threatening tumor, he took a step back from his job to help her with her condition. She has since recovered and is tumor free. Diamond has continued to manage cattle in the panhandle of Texas while also expanding his horse shoeing business. A 6th generation cowboy, Diamond has won numerous buckles and awards, but being a grandfather to his soon to be 5 grandchildren has always been his proudest accomplishment.

SEASON ONE CONTESTANT Cuatro Houston

hometown: DEVINE, TEXAS

Proffession: RANCH HAND

After finishing in second place, Cuatro went back to his hometown and continued to work on the feedlot to provide for his wife and daughter. Recently, the feedlot he worked at for most of his career sold, leaving him to focus on day-working and training horses. In the last year, Cuatro’s daughter has been through a few health scares leaving him with mounting medical debt. With the sudden closure of the feedlot and debt to pay off, Cuatro is more motivated than ever to come home with the $50k prize.

SEASON ONE CONTESTANT Ethan Treadwell

hometown: SNYDER, OKLAHOMA Proffession: RANCH OWNER

Married, Ethan met his wife by chance over 2 years ago. They got married 7 months ago, moved to a new town, and have been building a home of their own ever since. After competing in the Ultimate Cowboy Showdown, Ethan drastically changed his family operation. He has since sold their farming business and solely operates a cattle ranch the way his father always dreamt of. With a new family business and a new home to raise kids, Ethan and his wife are focusing on growing their family.

SEASON THREE CONTESTANT Sarah Foti

hometown: CRYSTAL RIVER, FLORIDA

Proffession: BEEKEEPER & COWBOY

Still focusing on her beekeeping business and working for ranches down the coast of Florida, Sarah continues to be the sharp-tongued Italian cowboy she was last year. Having been through it once before, Sarah is confident she can approach the competition in a more strategic manner, hoping her strong-willed personality doesn’t get in the way of her focus. With the prices of feed going up and resources being scarcely available after multiple devastating hurricanes hit the state, Sarah hopes winning this prize would be the change she needs to focus on her cattle operation full-time.

J Storme Birdwell

hometown:

HAMSHIRE, TEXAS

Proffession: RANCHER

After returning home from Alabama, J Storme reconnected with her now husband Jacob, and the two got married in 2021. In July of 2022, the couple had their first baby, a little girl they named Jennings. Even with an infant daughter, J Storme continues to compete in local ropings and works full time for the family ranch. In the last year, she has devoted much of her energy to trying to save the family operation after her great-uncle passed away. J Storme says being a new mother has changed her priorities. Her focus is on saving the family ranch to be able to raise her daughter with the same lifestyle she had.

ROB: ONE OF MY FAVORITE MOMENTS FROM SEASON ONE WAS WHEN TRACE ASKED YOU WHO YOU WOULD LET GO FROM THE COMPETITION AND THE LOOK ON YOUR FACE WAS PRICELESS. ARE YOU COMING IN WITH A NEW FIRE THIS TIME? DID YOU PREPARE DIFFERENTLY THIS TIME AROUND?

J Storme: I want to be more vocal, but I still want to be me. I’m not a mean or aggressive person or even a cocky person but there are just certain things that I am. I would love to win, but it’s more important for me to be me and that’s why people liked me so much in the first season. And that’s what I told them I was like, “I’m not going to fake it. I’ll try to be more vocal and I’ll try to tell you what I think about people, but I’m not going to do it in an ugly way.” That’s just not who I am.

ROB: WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO COME BACK FOR THIS SEASON?

J Storme: I like being a role model for girls. There are not a lot of women in our industry that girls can look up to and I want to help change that.

ROB: DO YOU HAVE PEOPLE COMING UP TO YOU THAT RECOGNIZE YOU FROM THE SHOW? WHAT IS THAT LIKE FOR YOU?

J Storme: It touches my heart, honestly. That’s probably the main thing that had me come back this time. You could ask my husband and my best friend. The weeks before I kept telling myself, “Why am I doing this?” I was

worried about taking my baby this far and just so many other things, I was thinking I should just call them and tell them I wasn’t doing it anymore. But both my husband and my best friend Kirby, told me they were so shocked when I did this the first time because I was so shy back then. I’m still shy, but I was really shy back then. Nobody could believe I did it.

I had to remember I did this to make a difference, and to inspire people. So if nothing else, when I go there this time and I have one person that reaches out to me, one little girl, and they talk about how much of an inspiration I was, then that would be worth it. This is why I had to come back. I’m putting myself back out there for that. That’s how much it means to me. I feel like God made me who I am and gave me the gifts he gave me for a reason and I should show that.

ROB: WHAT IS THE KEY TO BEING A COWBOY?

J Storme: Being a cowboy means you have to be true to yourself. You have to be honest, it’s about integrity. In my situation, it’s the legacy. My family has a legacy built up already and I need to keep that legacy going. There are so few people left in the USA running cattle operations. It’s like 2% of the US population that feeds the rest of the population. So my family and I are included in that 2% of people that are feeding everyone else and it’s just so important to me to relay a positive message about what we do because so many people see it differently. They don’t know the truth about everything and a lot of people don’t know where their food comes from anymore.

I like being a role model for girls. There are not a lot of women in our industry that girls can look up to and I want to help change that.

j storme birdwell

SEASON ONE CONTESTANT

Cody Brewer

hometown: RICKMAN, TENNESSEE

Proffession: COWBOY & FORMER BULL RIDER

Acouple of years after he competed on Ultimate Cowboy Showdown, Cody retired from bull riding professionally and now focuses on training horses, running cattle, and his new rodeo production company “Coastal Cowboy”. Having stepped away from rodeo and spent the last few years focusing more on cowboying, Cody is confident he is a much better hand than he was before. Single, Cody’s pride and joy are his young nephews. They are huge fans of the show and often rewatch episodes to see their favorite uncle. Knowing he’s an important role model in their lives, Cody wants nothing more than another chance to make his nephews proud.

ROB: WHAT BRINGS YOU BACK FOR YOUR SECOND TIME IN THE ULTIMATE COWBOY SHOWDOWN?

Cody: Unfinished business. I rode bulls for 15 years and part of competing at a high level is to be honest with yourself. You have to have the sense to realize your own flaws. If not, then how can you correct those to progress? I promise you nobody nitpicks themselves any harder than I do. I feel like there was a little bit of a gray area on the show between the cowboy code and competition.

ROB: SO WHAT HAS HAPPENED SINCE FANS SAW YOU IN SEASON ONE?

Cody: I rode bulls until Covid hit.

ROB: HOW DO YOU DEFINE THE COWBOY CODE?

Cody: The cowboy code to me is always first and foremost. It’s doing what’s best for your animals and really being there for them. Every animal is different and there are little things you can do to help each one. Your main animal is going to be your horse. You have to know how to help your horse. I honestly don’t know if I could just go jump on some random horse and ride it as well as someone that knows that animal because I don’t know how to help them. When it comes down to it, that animal is doing the brunt of the work and he’s not doing it for you, you’re helping him do it. Taking care of your animals is a big thing to me and understanding the

The cowboy code to me is always first and foremost. It’s doing

John Paul “JP” Gonzales

hometown: PEARSALL, TEXAS

Proffession: COWBOY

After coming in second place, JP’s community of Pearsall, Texas rallied behind him. They raised enough money to buy JP a few dozen beef cows, to help jump-start his operation. His main priority continues to be his family, while also growing his horse training business and cattle operation. This time JP is not only competing for himself and his family but also for his community which has continued to support him throughout the years.

ROB: DID YOU WATCH THE FIRST SEASON?

JP: Yes, sir. I watched the first season and I was actually friends with Cuatro. He was working for me at a feed yard at the time and he said “I got this opportunity to go on this show.” But before he signed up, he said “You should sign up for the show too, you’d be perfect!” I told him I wasn’t going to sign up and it was probably some kind of scam. Well sure enough he went and he enjoyed it and then after I watched it, I said, “Man, I’m going to go for it!” Then I applied for it and I guess they asked him about me, and he gave me a good word to get on the show.

We had great cowboys in our season. You look at guys like Katey Jo and Jen Hudgins, they were real hands, and then JC Montes, that guy was tough. He didn’t stay for as long as I thought. He should have made it a lot farther in my opinion. All those guys are tough. I held it very high that I got to be a part of that season because it was tough. I mean, we slept in tents for like two weeks and it was summer in Texas. It was hot, then we moved to East Texas where it’s humid and hot.

ROB: WHAT WAS PLAYING THE GAME LIKE?

JP: To me, this game is a mental one. They’re looking for the ultimate cowboy. It’s more about correctness and taking your time, but in reality, this is like a souped-up version of what we normally do. When I got home after the last show of my season aired, there were a lot of disappointed people from our town so they came together and they donated 50 head of cattle. It was pretty amazing to see!

What I’ve been telling people is that I owe a debt to my community and my family. Not debt as in money, but a responsibility. And I feel like I owe it to them to have a second chance to come back and win it. And that’s what I’m going to try to do, is win it for my family and community. When it comes down to the nitty-gritty, we’re out here competing for our families. And of course, we want to be clean-cut and a good example for any young man or woman out there, but I think it’s really important for people to

know that a true cowboy, is all about being humble, kind, and having love and respect but that’s not what we sometimes have to do in order to get through this competition.

ROB: WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO YOU TO BE A COWBOY?

JP: People need to really think about where all their food comes from. I honestly believe the ranch owners have it worse. They have to provide for their employees, themselves, and their families then on top of that, have to make sure that they succeed because all that can be taken away. I believe that cowboys are sometimes mistaken for what they’re not. You’ll see this guy that looks like a cowboy, but he’s not really a cowboy. He’s not a good example of what it really is.

ROB:

HOW DID YOU PREPARE DIFFERENTLY FOR THIS SEASON?

JP: This time, I think I’ve grown so much. It’s been two years and I’m the type of person that I usually look at myself and I say, “Where can I improve myself? What am I doing wrong?” I am always trying to make myself better. When I was on the show before I would get agitated real quick, but this time around I’m just trying to keep my cool and just laugh about stuff. My dad has always told me to just be quiet and listen more than talk because I can learn a whole lot more.

ROB: IS THERE A CODE YOU LIVE BY?

JP: The first one is being humble. To me, that will get you far in life. Sometimes you get the tendency where you can be proud of doing something but don’t take it so far as to carry it with you and belittle others. I don’t know how hard it is on the other contestants, but for me, it was so hard to talk badly about somebody, to cut somebody down, or say they did badly.

ROB: ARE YOU EXCITED ABOUT THE COMPETITION?

JP: I’m very honored and excited. One thing I will tell you though, and I’m not being cocky, but I’m getting into this mindset that I’m going to win this competition.

Roveskey “Fatty” Hickman

hometown: SHUQUALAK, MISSISSIPPI Proffession: PRO

ROPER & RANCH MANAGER

Shortly after he competed in season 2, Fatty and his wife had their second child. A short time after that Fatty’s wife lost her job and Fatty had to take a step back from competing in ropings to support his family. He currently still manages an 1100-acre cattle ranch full-time. Now that Fatty and his wife are both working again, Fatty hopes he can get back to his passion for roping in professional rodeos.

ROB: HOW DID YOU GET THE NICKNAME FATTY?

Fatty: Honestly, I was always a chubby, fat kid. When I was a kid we always had to shop in the husky section back in the day because none of the regular kids’ clothes would fit me.

ROB: HOW DID YOU GET ON THE SHOW THE FIRST TIME AROUND?

Fatty: During the first season, I filled out an application through one of my friends and it just took off from there. I went through some interviews. And then boom, here I am. Watching the first season is the reason I wanted to compete in the second season.

ROB: WHAT DO YOU THINK ARE THE ESSENTIAL PARTS OF BEING A COWBOY?

Fatty: Grit and determination. Regardless of what it is, everybody has to have some heart in the job for whatever they’re doing. Some jobs pay more than others, but in order to make the money you need, you need to sit down and do it. Cowboys raise the cows from the ground up whereas most people just go to the grocery store to buy a steak or ground beef. Cowboying is not something we do, it’s more of who we are. I’ve had jobs in plants, selling furniture and I’m a certified welder but I can’t stand welding. I am a cowboy through and through.

ROB: ARE YOU A FIRST-GENERATION COWBOY?

Fatty: I’m somewhat of a first-generation cowboy, but I guess I’m a thirdgeneration horseman. My dad’s a team roper and he rides and trains horses. His father had cattle and was more of a cattleman with no horses. So I guess I took both of them and put them together.

ROB: ARE YOU STILL RODEOING?

Fatty: I’m a team roper. I go to a few rodeos around home now but I used to travel around the southeast. For my day-to-day, I’m a ranch manager. The family that owns it is great. This is my sixth or seventh year with them and it feels like family. They call my kids their grandchildren. It’s a great feeling.

ROB: DO YOUR BOYS WANT TO BE LIKE YOU?

Fatty: I hope they do. And I hope they don’t. I have a passion for

cowboying. I love it and you have to love it to do it. I don’t just want my kids to do it because I’ve done it, I want them to do it because their hearts are in it. I would love for them to pick it up but at the same time, I’m there to support them in whatever they want. I’m one cowboy out of three children. I had scholarship offers out of high school but I decided I want to be a cowboy and I took a rodeo scholarship and ever since then I’ve been working.

ROB: WHAT MADE YOU COME BACK FOR THIS SEASON?

Fatty: When I played football in high school, and everybody played other sports, you leave it on the field and leave it on the court. Well, the reason why I went home on my season was because of my roping abilities. I didn’t catch the cow and that’s what I do, I team rope. I feel like I have a point to prove because I don’t feel like I gave them my all. I made a lot of friends and the camaraderie was great but as far as performance goes, I don’t feel like I performed my best. More than that though, I want to prove the point to myself that I can do it.

When I first got the call to come back, I was actually kind of skeptical about it. I told my wife that I didn’t know if I wanted to do it again. And she’s one of the main reasons why I’m here. She told me I had to do it again. She’s been the driving force behind it for me and it’s been great having her support. She just doesn’t know how much that means to me.

ROB: ARE YOU DOING ANYTHING DIFFERENT TO PREPARE FOR THE SHOW THIS TIME AROUND?

Fatty: I just bought a different horse. With cowboying, there’s no preparing for what we do in our everyday life. We catch cows and we sort cattle. I’ve been preparing for this for the last 20 years of my life.

ROB: WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS IN LIFE?

Fatty: I want to raise my family in the cowboy lifestyle. I’m a horse trainer and team roper but eventually, I want to have our own operation and I’m not looking for this big, big operation. I always tell people I never plan on retiring because I don’t work, I enjoy life. I’m a cowboy but I enjoy life. If I ever stop working for someone else, I’ll still want to push my own cattle around. God blessed me with this lifestyle and I’m going to use it as long as I can.

EXPERIENCE THE HISTORY THAT Shaped AmericantheWest

There are countless ways to experience the history that shaped the American West when you Visit Sheridan County. Less than an hour from downtown is the Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument. Other important Indian Wars battle sites, including Fort Phil Kearney, the Wagon Box Fight, and the Connor Battlefield, can be visited on a half-day tour.

The Brinton Museum, located on the 620-acre Quarter Circle A Ranch, offers a view into the life of Bradford Brinton, a Western art collector who was a patron of many of the most celebrated early Western artists. Also in Big Horn is the LeDoux Saloon, where Ernest Hemingway spent time during the 1920s (it was known as the Last Chance Saloon).

The Trail End State Historic Site is a Flemish-revival style mansion built by former Governor John B. Kendrick. The Sheridan Inn, constructed in 1892, was conceptualized and developed by Buffalo Bill Cody. Cody auditioned new members for his legendary “Wild West Show” from the front porch. In the Bighorn Mountains at over 10,000 feet is the Medicine Wheel, an ancient ceremonial Indian site is still used today for cultural and ritualistic events by the Crow and Northern Cheyenne.

They say timing is everything, and for the most authentic western experience in America, visit Sheridan during WYO Rodeo Week. If you can’t be here during the WYO, consider an immersive experience like the Cadillacs and Cowgirls Horse Sale, Don King Days, or the Sheridan WYO Winter Rodeo (for fans of skijoring, hot cider, and frosty mountain peaks).

If it’s late May, you’re in luck; the Eatons’ Horse Drive is an annual tradition where cowboys from Eaton’s Ranch drive their herd in from winter grazing areas straight through town – down 5th Street in front of the Sheridan Inn, across Main, and out toward the ranch – Eatons’ just so happens to be the

oldest dude ranch in the nation and will celebrate 145 years in 2024.

There are 101 ways to experience cowboy culture in Sheridan County. There are dude ranches and guest ranches like Canyon Ranch at the base of the Bighorns, and the mountain hideaway Spear-O-Wigwam, where Ernest Hemmingway finished writing A Farewell to Arms. If you’re hardy enough you can join a cattle drive with the folks at Double Rafter, or if you’d prefer to play cowboy for a day you can shop at our western boutiques and galleries. Some, like Tom Balding Bits and Spurs, Western Grace, and Jackalope Ranch are known for their spectacular custom jewelry, tailoring, and design sense, respectively.

Belly up to the bar at The Mint, the famed former speakeasy on Main Street. Tip one back and take the trophy tour, explore history through photographs, and check out the thousands of brands on the wall panels. Head to King’s Saddlery to witness the masters of rope making and leather crafting at work and try tossing a rope yourself in the Don King Museum. Spend an afternoon enjoying polo in Big Horn, or at a picnic at Kendrick Park; the horse shoe competitions at Kendrick can get fierce. Keep your eye on the community calendar for live country music performances at the WYO Theater, black Tooth Brewery, The Warehouse Gastropub, Luminous Brewhouse, and a host of other lively venues.

You could spend a month out here and experience only a fraction of all there is to do. You could take the scenic county roads through Ucross and Clearmont on your way to Devils Tower, or cruise the dirt tracks to Ranchester and Dayton while photographing wildlife before setting out on a hike in Tongue River Canyon. At the heart of every experience is Sheridan, Wyoming’s Emerald City, waiting to welcome you with good graces, smiling faces, and legendary western hospitality.

VISIT SHERIDAN. WYOMING

The nature of the west. FRONTIER History. COWBOY Heritage. Craft CULTURE. The Great Outdoors. 1.1

million acres of pristine wildland in the Bighorn National Forest, encompassing 1,200 miles of trails, 30 campgrounds, 10 picnic areas, 6 mountain lodges, legendary dude ranches, and hundreds of miles of waterways. The Bighorns offer limitless outdoor recreation opportunities.

restaurants, bars, food trucks, lounges, breweries, distilleries, tap rooms, saloons, and holes in the wall are spread across Sheridan County. That’s 101 different ways to apres adventure in the craft capital of Wyoming. We are also home to more than 40 hotels, motels, RV parks, and B&Bs.

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seasons in which to get WYO’d. If you’re a skijoring savant, you’ll want to check out the Winter Rodeo each February. July features the beloved WYO Rodeo. Spring and fall are the perfect time to chase cool mountain streams or epic backcountry lines.

Sheridan features a thriving, historic downtown district, with western allure, hospitality and good graces to spare; a vibrant arts scene; bombastic craft culture; a robust festival and events calendar; and living history from one corner of the county to the next.

WHAT IT TAKES TO BREED NFR BUCKING HORSES WITH POWDER

RIVER RODEO

Sitting down with Powder River Rodeo owners Hank and Lori to chat about their operation and all things bucking horses.

BY ELLEE HAGEMAN

Hank and Lori Franzen, the founders and owners of Powder River Rodeo, LLC. The couple met during their college rodeo years, competing in various events on the Casper College Rodeo team. Hank’s record-setting performance still stands today with 13 all-around titles and nine consecutive titles in a single season.

After college, they tied the knot in 1979 and launched Powder River Rodeo, LLC. By 1986, their dreams of starting a stock contracting firm became a reality, but not without a little elbow grease and some hiccups along the way. Lori jokingly remembers a six-month partnership with a gentleman from Buffalo in the early days, who ultimately decided the work was too much and decided to go a different direction. This is a great place to add that the life of stock contractor isn’t an easy one and it takes a special kind of person to step into this role.

The stock contracting business began modestly, providing livestock for a few amateur rodeos before acquiring their official PRCA stock contractor card in 1987. When I was sitting down with Lori, she remembers starting with just a few horses when they got their PRCA card and then realized they had to go out and get five new rodeos to meet their limit.

By 1988, Powder River had earned the ability to bring livestock to the National Finals Rodeo, which is a right of way all on its own. Since then, Powder River Rodeo has consistently brought stock to compete, garnering recognition and numerous awards, including the prestigious PRCA Remuda Award in 2019.

In addition to numerous stock contractor awards, three of their bucking horses have won world champion titles. Among those horses is Khadafy Skoal, who competed at the NFR 16 times and won PRCA Horse of the Year three times. Lori and Hank bought him in May of 1989, and that horse single handedly helped put Powder River Rodeo on the map.

Their company’s uniqueness stems from their tradition of raising their own bucking stock, breeding almost 60 broodmares annually. Over the past

20 years, they have purchased fewer than four horses. After thirty-seven years in the business and raising their own stock, they know a thing or two about what makes a good bronc.

When they first started the company, they bought a stud named “Cut the Cards” from Harry Vold’s Custer mare Crazy Blaze and Little Baldy. He is the grandson of Tooke’s Custer, and is the great grandson of Prince, who was the foundation of Feek Tooke’s bloodlines. He sired several NFR bucking horses including crowd favorite bucker, Miss Congeniality. To date, the Tooke bloodlines are in three quarters of the bloodlines of the bucking horse herds in America.

Powder River Rodeo is a powerhouse within the industry, running approximately 400 horses along with some bucking bulls, thanks to their partnership with D&H Cattle of Ardmore, Oklahoma. While they have their bucking horse program down to a science, the partnership with D&H has helped elevate their bull program to the next level.

Hank and Lori’s children, Jill and John, are also an integral part of the business. Both of them were very successful rodeo contestants, which contributes to their success in the rodeo production and stock contracting side of the business. While we were sitting down, Lori mentioned that their biggest accomplishment was their own children and being able to raise them in the world of rodeo.

Jill Franzen-Loden now runs her own music business and has been named 3x Music Director of the Year in the PRCA. John is the company’s foreman, overseeing livestock, rodeo lists, and feed programs.

Lori admits that the business isn’t easy but finds it rewarding, especially after being nominated eleven times for the PRCA Stock Contractor of the Year. She concluded our conversation by stating,

“We love the livestock; we love our horses and the people in rodeo. After 37 years in the business, we have rodeos we have done for 30-plus years. It’s what we love, what my kids love and I can’t see it being any other way.”

We love the livestock; we love our horses and the people in rodeo.

BUCKERS

“Craig At Midnight”

Craig at Midnight was 15 years old when he passed away peacefully in his pasture in 2021. Craig was a ranch raised colt by Cut The Cards, a World Champion Sire and out of mare, T33 KC Rocket (Tooke bloodline). He was an absolute fan favorite and a very special animal to everyone who had the pleasure of watching him, especially his Powder River family. He was buried next to World Champion Khadafy Skoal under a big cottonwood tree on the ranch.

At the age of 6 he won his first award and went to the NFR eight times consecutively from 2013 to 2020. He was known for his big presence and larger than life personality. He was so special in fact, that 15 NFR bareback cowboys showed up at the 2021 National Finals Rodeo Welcome Reception at South Point, wearing stylish leather ties hand-tooled by Ty Skiver of Skiver Bootmakers. The neckwear is a tribute to Powder River Rodeo’s Craig at Midnight.

“Khadafy Skoal”

Khadafy Skoal was the first Wyoming horse to be voted PRCA Bareback Horse of the Year in 1990 and went on to win the award twice more for Powder River Rodeo in 1995 and 1996. Starting in 1989, the blue roan gelding went to the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo 16 consecutive years and was voted Horse of the NFR in 1994, 1996 and 1999.

He also competed in 15 Dodge National Circuit Finals Rodeos (being named top bareback horse at the DNCFR a record five times) and 12 Mountain States Circuit Finals Rodeos before being retired with his lifelong friend Skoal’s Frontier at the 2004 Wrangler NFR to the grassy fields of Riverton, Wyoming. He was inducted into the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame in 2012 and passed away peacefully in November 2013 after being happily retired for several years.

RODEO ATHLETE Q&A Bareback Bronc Rider JAYCO ROPER

What it takes to be an up and coming professional bareback rider with Jayco Roper.

BY HANNAH CRANDALL

From Oktaha, Oklahoma, 21-year-old Jayco Roper was almost destined to be a professional rodeo cowboy with a family full of exceptional competitors in the sport. Since joining the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) in 2020, the young bareback rider has been traveling the country making a name for himself.

Roper not only shares his wins and successes with fans and the rest of the world on social media, but he’s begun sharing the ‘real lives’ of many of the young cowboys competing professionally, particularly on Tik Tok. From playing hacky sack to bathing in the river, these athletes are living their dream and making a living on the road going to the highest-paying rodeos across the nation: all in pursuit of qualifying for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo.

YOUR FAMILY IS FULL OF BIG NAMES IN RODEO. WAS THERE EVER A TIME THAT YOU WANTED TO DO ANYTHING ELSE, AND HOW HAS YOUR CAREER PROGRESSED TO WHERE YOU’RE AT NOW?

There was a point where I tried to ride bulls, but then I hit the ground pretty hard one time, and that’s when I decided I didn’t want to do that anymore. I went to junior rodeos growing up, and my dad took me everywhere. I started doing Indian rodeos when I was about 16 or 17. When I was 17, I won the Indian National Finals Rodeo, and that gave me a bunch of confidence going into Pro Rodeo. TELL ME ABOUT YOUR TRAVELING PARTNERS, EACH OF THEIR PERSONALITIES AND GETTING TO TRAVEL THE COUNTRY WITH THEM.

Are you sitting down? You’ll want to be for this one. But in all honesty, I couldn’t ask for better travel partners than Jake (Jacob Lees) and Dean (Thompson). Even though they might be the slowest human beings in the entire world, I love them to death. They keep me in line, always have to babysit me and keep me healthy. I’m very thankful for them.

WHAT HAS IT BEEN LIKE TO HAVE TRAVELED TO ALL THE PLACES YOU HAVE AND TO HAVE ACCOMPLISHED ALL YOU HAVE AT SUCH A YOUNG AGE?

I’m so lucky. I mean, it’s kind of a normal thing to me now just because I do it all the time, but I’ll always look back and remember how lucky I am to get to do all this stuff. Most kids my age are in college or going to school somewhere, and I’m very thankful to get to live the life I do.

QUALIFYING FOR THE NFR IS EVERYONE’S GOAL EACH YEAR, BUT WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE RODEOS OR OTHER THINGS YOU WANT TO DO IN YOUR CAREER?

Well, my brand new favorite rodeo is Reno but Houston is definitely in the top five. I haven’t been to Calgary yet, but I’m going to go out on a limb and say Calgary will also be a favorite. I would love to win Calgary, and I’d like to rodeo as long as Will Lowe has. Then, hopefully, I can retire and get a house on the hill with a couple of cows. I’d be a perfectly happy man, even if I’m lonely.

AT SOME POINT WHEN YOU STOP RODEOING, HOPEFULLY A LONG WAY DOWN THE LINE, WHAT DO YOU WANT TO DO?

I have my welding certificate and card, all that good stuff, so I’ll probably weld around. I might open a little welding shop or something like that. Hopefully, I don’t have to do that, but if all else fails, I will.

WHAT DO YOU AND THIS SUPER TIGHT-KNIT GROUP OF BAREBACK RIDERS DO WHEN YOU HAVE FREE TIME ON THE ROAD TOGETHER?

Well, not many other people do this, but it’s mine, Jake and Dean’s thing. We play hacky sack like no other people on the planet. We were going to show up to Greeley at 6:30 with the rodeo starting at 7:00, and this man pulled over on the side of the road so we could play hacky sack and get stretched out. That’s how dedicated we are to this game. Rodeo and hacky sack, that’s really all we live for.

WHAT IS ONE OF YOUR FAVORITE MEMORIES OF BEING ON THE ROAD SO FAR?

I don’t know if you’d call this a favorite memory, but it’s one we’ll remember forever. We blew a tire on the biggest highway in America in Los Angeles, and we broke

down right in the middle of the road. We had to shut all ten lanes down, and we were just playing hacky sack on the side of the road while somebody fixed our tire. Everyone was mad and honking at us, but it was one of those funny memories we won’t soon forget.

WHEN YOU’RE NOT ON THE ROAD AND YOU GO HOME FOR A WHILE, WHAT DO YOU DO?

Well, let’s see. My van is my home, so I’m kind of always at home, but when I go to my mom and dad’s house, I just visit with family, and they ask lots of questions about my time on the road. I like to go fishing and hang out with my grandpa. He’ll teach me how to do leather work and stuff like that.

My dad, is a team roper and rodeoed all his life. My grandma on my dad’s side was a barrel racer. She was the IPRA World Champion Barrel Racer and went to the NFR in the 80s. My grandpa was a bulldogger, a really good bulldogger and my little sister is a barrel racer. She rides every day, and she’s about as wild as I am, so

there’s no telling where she’ll go later on in life. WHO ARE SOME OF THE GUYS THAT YOU REALLY LOOK UP TO AND HAVE INSPIRED YOU TO DO WHAT YOU’RE DOING?

Hands down, Justin McDaniel. He won the world in bareback in 2008, and he’s been to the NFR a bunch. He’s helped me since I was 7 or 8 years old and taught me everything I know, so I have to give all the credit to that guy and my dad. My dad took me everywhere, and Justin taught me everything.

BEING A PROFESSIONAL RODEO ATHLETE IS A LOT OF FUN, BUT HOW DO YOU HANDLE THE NOT-SO-FUN ASPECTS LIKE NOT WINNING ALL THE TIME OR BEING HURT?

When you get jerked down on one, you can’t beat yourself up too bad because there’s probably a rodeo the next day you’re going to do good at, so you can’t hang your head too low. I try not to get too mad when I do terrible because there’s always another one.

I also really hate driving, so my traveling partners do most of the driving. I only drive when I absolutely have to. If they’re dead asleep or something, I’ll drive for a minute. IF YOU COULD GIVE SOMEONE WHO WANTS TO BE WHERE YOU ARE SOMEDAY ADVICE ABOUT WHAT IT’S LIKE TO LIVE THIS LIFESTYLE, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

First thing, you have to find someone that knows how to enter. I don’t know how to enter, but that’s why I have Dean who does all the entering for us.

And you better not have much to do outside of rodeo because when summer comes, you’re not going to be home for a couple of months. You have to be willing to put off what you have going on at home and concentrate on rodeo if you want to make it to the finals.

But, it is so much fun. Most of the time, we live a very rockstar lifestyle, I guess you could say. We go ride, go out at night, wake up, jump in a cold river and do it all over again.

Q&A with Brylee Johnson

On June 23, 2023, a new Miss Rodeo Texas was crowned in San Antonio. Brylee Johnson is a cowgirl through and through being raised in a rodeo family, on a ranch in Flatonia, Texas and with the values of ambition, authenticity, loyalty and passion. These are things that directly translate to her success in all aspects of life, particularly her devotion to the rodeo industry and the special needs community. She just recently began competing for rodeo queen titles, and she’ll compete for the biggest and most well known title of her career in December of 2023.

TELL ME ABOUT YOUR FAMILY AND YOUR CHILDHOOD, AND HOW THE WAY YOU WERE RAISED HAS AFFECTED THE TRAJECTORY OF YOUR LIFE.

My dad was a professional steer wrestler from the time he was in high school up until about nine years ago; but I’m the oldest of four, so with all of us getting into sports and everything, it just wasn’t feasible for us to be gone every weekend. Growing up on the rodeo circuit though, we were at two to three rodeos a week. We would leave for a Thursday night rodeo, come home on Sunday, work and then do it all again. I loved watching my dad, but it was lots of watching; and because there were four of us, it wasn’t financially feasible for all of us to be rodeoing. I did do a few playdays when I was younger, but I always remember wanting to be the person carrying the American flag or on the drill team. As we got older, sports kind of took over for a little while; but about two years ago, my dad and we picked up team roping. Now that my brothers are getting older (16 and 14), they’re wanting to compete in steer wrestling like my dad did in high school and beyond. It’s a really good bonding experience for us. Sometimes in families, it’ll just be one kid; so for us all to do it together and for our dad to teach us things he’s taught himself over the years is really special. Both of my parents’ work ethic and their drive has definitely shaped me into the person I am today; and because of them, I’m very driven and goal-oriented.

HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED IN COMPETING FOR RODEO ROYALTY TITLES? WHAT HAS THAT JOURNEY BEEN LIKE SO FAR?

I was at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo two years ago, and that’s where I met Bobbi Loran and learned about being a rodeo queen on the state level. I thought it was so cool and wanted to get involved right away. I’m very independent, and as we were driving home from Houston, I got on my phone, looked up the requirements and information on signing up and started reaching out to girls like Jordan Maldonado and Tianti Askey asking what I needed to do. They both said to get a coach, so I did that, went around and got sponsors to help pay for everything and then told my parents this is what I was planning on doing.

There is a rodeo the first or second week of May in

Jacksonville. I wasn’t sure if I was going to do that contest or not, because it was only about a week after I learned about it. But, I competed and actually ended up winning and getting to take that title to Texas. I was very grateful I didn’t win that year though, because I knew I wasn’t as prepared as I’d like to be; and I didn’t realize that would have been the end of the road for me as a rodeo queen.

From there though, I set my mind to it and worked hard for it. The next year, I won Sandhills, which was a really amazing opportunity, as they have a really big production and I got a lot of experience. When I came back to Texas this year, I ended up winning, and I credit my dedication to my parents instilling in me the character traits of being independent, hard-working and ambitious.

YOU’RE CURRENTLY A STUDENT, YOU WORK AND NOW YOU’RE MISS RODEO TEXAS. TELL ME ABOUT EVERYTHING YOU’RE DOING NOW AND WHAT YOU HOPE TO DO IN THE FUTURE.

I work for T&D Adventure Parks, which is in conjunction with the Hyatt out in Cedar Creek, Texas. We do trail rides, pony rides, shotgun shooting, archery, tomahawks, fishing and that kind of stuff. We also have miniature horses, miniature donkeys, goats, alpacas, pigs and longhorns. Last summer, my boss approached me with the project of saddlebreaking and training the longhorns; so the other part of my job is riding longhorns and doing wagon rides in the winter. They are super flexible with me; so now that I’m Miss Rodeo Texas, I’m able to just go back and help on super busy days.

It’s taken me a long time to narrow down what I want to do, but I pretty much combined the ambitions of both my parents. My mom has been a teacher for more than 20 years, and she was a special needs teacher for 18 years. I spent a lot of time in her classroom, so I just had this special place in my heart for spending time with individuals with special needs and disabilities. Then, I spent a lot of time around horses with my dad. So in most of my projects for my biomedical sciences degree, I’ve been devoted to learning more about the effects of equine therapy on children with special needs or just individuals in general with disabilities. That’s essentially what I want to do is be able to improve other people’s quality of life using something that I love so much and have a connection with.

BEING A RODEO QUEEN IS SO MUCH MORE THAN JUST LOOKING GOOD AND PRESENTING YOURSELF WELL. YOU’RE AN ADVOCATE FOR THE INDUSTRY AND GET TO SHARE THE WESTERN LIFESTYLE WITH OTHERS. WHAT DO YOU WANT OTHERS TO KNOW ABOUT WHAT YOU DO AS A RODEO QUEEN?

There is an aspect to it of being able to speak intelligently and being knowledgeable about what you’re promoting. It’s not just about the looks, or even the horsemanship. A lot of people just see us carry the flag or ride by and wave, but a lot of our job is to advocate and teach people about rodeo. Because we have such a big platform, we are able to speak up for the sport of rodeo and present facts about why rodeo is a good thing.

Now that I have the platform I have, I can reach more people and connect on a deeper level, especially with those individuals with special needs or disabilities. I really want to use my platform to continue my work with and support of those individuals. I hope to grow the rodeo community in that demographic.

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE MEMORIES AS A RODEO QUEEN OR JUST AS A COWGIRL IN GENERAL?

My family is blessed to have a nice piece of property with a pond on it, and one of my favorite things to do with my sister is take our horses down to the pond and go swim together. She even wanted me and her to swim our hoses in the pond for her graduation pictures, which was really sweet.

My favorite memories in the rodeo industry are just watching my dad and supporting him, and then also now seeing him support and teach my brothers. My brothers just recently jumped off horses for the first time, and seeing his reaction almost brought me to tears.

I remember the first time I walked out in my dress for the modeling portion at Jacksonville looking back at him, and he looked so proud of me. That really justified everything I was doing, because I made my parents proud doing what I love. For me, those things solidify that I’m in the right place at the right time and that this is what I’m supposed to be doing.

HOW DO YOU PLAN ON PREPARING FOR THE MISS RODEO AMERICA PAGEANT IN DECEMBER? WHAT ARE YOUR EXPECTATIONS FOR YOURSELF, AND WHAT ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT?

The way it’s set up, Miss Rodeo Texas comes in so late, so there’s a lot of catching up to do. It can be very overwhelming, but I’m spending a lot of time studying and preparing so whenever I leave for Vegas, I’m not worried about if I’ve done enough. I want to be over prepared.

I have an awesome team behind me who is willing to help with anything and everything I need. I’ve been so blessed to have that; because when I get there, I won’t have those super close ties with other queens like some girls do.

I am super excited to get to design my chaps. That’s probably one thing that really stands out to me as something that will be so memorable. I also enjoy horsemanship and having the opportunity to showcase my abilities on a horse. But overall, I’m really excited about the relationships I’ll get to form with the other girls. I’ve already had a few other state girls reach out to me, and it’s all making me really excited to experience this thing that very few girls get to experience.

Matt Castillo STAYING TRUE TO COUNTRY MUSIC

BY: MEGAN DEFABRY

Texas country singer and songwriter, Matt Castillo, is on the rise making his dreams a reality. His music denotes wholeheartedness and authenticity with a classic ‘90s country feel. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself listening to his songs on repeat. Through all of life’s grit and grace, he’s been creating music hits like, “Cause He’s a Cowboy” from his album, “How The River Flows”, and “Corazon” from his EP, “The River Continues”. He recently released his new single, “Go Get Her”, which is now available on all music streaming platforms.

Matt is originally from Austin, Texas but bounced between towns when he was growing up. His childhood was spent between Austin with his mom, Carol Castillo, and Edinburg, Texas in the Rio Grande Valley with his aunt and uncle, Slyvia and Alex Hernandez. His mom knew he’d receive a better education in South Texas so Matt went to school in Edinburg. He saw his mom every chance he got which was every holiday when he wasn’t in school. Matt appreciates her sacrifice and is thankful for his family. He loves both of his hometowns and what they had to offer him growing up with the best of both hometowns.

Even when he was young, Matt has always had an appreciation and love for country music. His mom loved country music and so he naturally gravitated towards it, especially ‘90s country. To this day it still runs deep as he’ll find himself listening to country music throughout his day.

“I have memories of having headphones on and turning them sideways and wanting to emulate Garth Brooks. I’d seen an NBC special one time and had fallen in love with the idea of playing country music and wanting to be a country star. That always stuck with me.”-Matt

Castillo

It wasn’t until Matt was older, in his sophomore year in high school, that he got his first guitar. He had taught himself how to read music and then eventually learned how to play. He started out by playing all of his mom’s favorite ‘90s country songs which eventually led to the inspiration of his own music later in life.

“The first song I ever learned on my guitar was, “Much Too Young (to Feel This Damn Old)” by Garth Brooks. Any chance I can play it I always dedicate it to my mom because it’s kind of like coming full circle. You know as a little kid, listening to him, then playing that song, and now actually chasing the dream and it becoming a reality. I knew that is what I always wanted to do.” –Matt Castillo

Matt had actually gone to college to become an athletic trainer. He majored in Kinesiology with a minor in Criminal Justice and graduated from The University Of Texas – Pan American thanks to the support from his family. Matt was the first person in his family to graduate from high school and college. After his degree, he decided he really wanted to pursue a career in music. He knew it was going to be a challenge but he was willing to endure it.

Looking back, Matt said his journey was driven with a good amount of faith and hope as he wanted to make his family proud.

It has been one heck of a journey for Matt as he has been pushing the pedal to the metal as he builds himself from the ground up as an independent artist, which isn’t an easy task in today’s world. He’s endured vocal lessons and learned how to train his voice. The more he performed, the more Matt really started figuring out his style and voice. Through networking, managing his own company and band, staying focused, never giving up, and most of all staying true to himself, Matt has come a long way in the independent music space and yet he still sets his sights higher.

Something that Matt loves most about the Western way of life is the values it brings. Even though he wasn’t raised in the cowboy way of life, he’s always admired the values they bring to the table. From being a good human, being respectful, keeping your head down, and working hard. A lot of those values that the cowboy way of life offers, Matt likes to instill in himself.

Recent Accolades: Through passion, drive, and a lot of hard work, Matt’s music has come to life and has been taking well-deserved recognition. He received his first #1 radio single, “Cause He’s A Cowboy” (July 2022) on the Texas Regional Radio Report. Not only that but he received his second #1 radio single, “Corazon” (May 2023) on the Texas Regional Radio Report. He was awarded “New Male Vocalist of the Year” (2023) at the Texas Regional Radio Music Awards.

Special Thanks From Matt: Matt gives a special thank you for the love and support of his family and friends, his producer, Roger Brown, and his amazing band who are just as passionate about his music and tear it up on stage bringing more light to Matt’s music.

Matt Castillo is someone you won’t forget, he’s a genuine, humble country artist that I had the pleasure of meeting and his music will surely leave an impression on you. Be sure to check out Matt Castillo and his tour dates at mattcastillomusic.com. Give him a follow on social media, Facebook: Matt Castillo Music, Instagram: @mattcastillomusic, and Twitter: @TheMattCastillo. Don’t forget to listen to his latest single, “Go Get Her”, available now on all streaming platforms.

“I love country music. I don’t want to do anything else. I want to write heartfelt songs that can really give you goosebumps, hit your heart, make you cry, make you smile, and make you dream.” -Matt

Castillo

Q&A

WITH ENTREPRENEUR TERESA JOHNSON

MODERN SUITCASES AND TRAVEL CASES MADE BY A COWGIRL, FOR COWGIRLS.

BY KRYSTA PAFFRATH

Iwas excited to sit down with Teresa Johnson, a small business owner and entrepreneur from Krum, Texas, where she lives on a small ranch with her husband and their chickens, horses, a few cows, and miniature Australian Shepherds. Together, they have five grown children and six grandchildren. Teresa has been a nurse for 33 years and most recently has been a travel nurse during Covid. She is of Native American descent and is proud of her Choctaw heritage.

HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN YOUR BUSINESS?

I’ve been a nurse for 33 years and never intended to start a business. I went on my first ever “girl’s trip” three years ago and did not have nice luggage or a safe way to carry and travel with my inherited turquoise jewelry. I found a vintage train case, added some Western flair with vintage Western belts, and turned it into a travel jewelry case. Several ladies on the trip asked me to revamp their grandmas‘ train case with my unique vintage Western style. Vintage Cowgirl Cases was born and I had a fun little side business. Soon thereafter the Covid pandemic began and I started travel nursing. I recognized a need for travel accessories, especially for my cherished squash blossom necklace. Sitting in an airport I designed a squash blossom case to secure and protect my necklace, eventually filing for a patent. I have

continued to design and develop western-style jewelry cases, travel accessories, and luggage and am so thrilled to now devote my full time to my business with hopes to get my cases into boutiques/stores nationwide.

WHAT MOTIVATES YOU IN YOUR BUSINESS?

A desire to design quality and functional travel accessories with a Western flair while incorporating my Native American heritage.

WHAT MAKES YOUR BUSINESS UNIQUE FROM OTHERS?

I pride myself in terrific customer service to both individual customers and retailers. I stand behind every case and ship the same day in most cases. I love that customers always speak to me personally. Many have followed my journey from the beginning and are as thrilled to see Vintage Cowgirl Cases grow and flourish as I am. Many customers have become friends and are my true cheerleaders.

WHAT DOES YOUR CREATIVE PROCESS LOOK LIKE?

Most cases I’ve designed after recognizing a particular need while traveling nursing. For instance, my first “design” came about after my cherished squash blossom necklace broke (I traveled with it in a bag). While sitting in an airport on my way to a nursing assignment, I drew an idea on a napkin for a “squash blossom case”. I later filed for a patent for that napkin artwork.

WHERE DO YOU WANT TO BE IN THE NEXT 3 YEARS?

Teresa: I hope to continue to grow and have my cases in more of the mainstream Western stores across the nation and have my VCC brand recognized internationally.

Teresa’s Closing Thoughts

I feel so blessed to get to live

my dream. While I am grateful for the rewarding years of being a nurse, my creative side never really got to flourish. I now pour my heart into designing and each of my cases has a unique “story” originating from a need or event. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for me and Vintage Cowgirl Cases.

You can learn more and see more of Teresa’s Vintage Cowgirl Cases at vintagecowgirlcases.com, and social media. Instagram: @ vintagecowgirlcases, FB: Vintage Cowgirl Cases, and TikTok @vintagecowgirlcases1

WITH KRYSTA PAFFRATH

Enjoy Pumpkin Three Ways This Fall

Fall is here and that means it’s time to bust out the pumpkins! While I’m not a huge fan of Pumpkin Spice Lattes, I am a fan of getting creative in the kitchen so buckle up because today I am helping you cook for a crowd and whipping three pumpkin recipes that are sure to be favorites even for the pumpkin haters in the family.

Caramel Pumpkin Espresso Martini

This espresso martini recipe makes one drink, but could easily be doubled to make double batches.

• 2 fl oz Instant Espresso

(or brewed if you’re fancy like that)

• 1 ½ fl oz Caramel Vodka

• 1 ½ fl oz Baileys

(Your flavor of choice, I went with espresso)

• 1 fl oz Heavy Cream

1.) Mix up your instant espresso making it as strong as you like, then add all of the ingredients to a mason jar half-filled with ice. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds.

2.) Strain the chilled mixture into a glass and finish it with a drizzle of caramel dust with a touch of pumpkin pie spice blend or cinnamon. Cheers!

OPTIONAL: Rimming your cocktail glass with caramel and cinnamon sugar.

1.) On a large plate, squeeze some caramel onto one side, then with your glass facedown, dip the rim straight into the caramel. Don’t try to tip the glass, just dip straight down. This prevents the caramel from running down the side of your glass.

2.) Once the rim is covered in caramel, pour some cinnamon sugar on the other side of the plate and dip your caramel-rimmed glass in the cinnamon sugar coating it all the way around.

Caramelized Onion & Pumpkin Tartlets

Ingredients directions

• 1 package of thawed puff pastry

• 1 cup bacon bits (freshly cooked)

• 1 tablespoon fresh sage, finely chopped

• 2 cups pumpkin puree (one regular can)

• 4 oz of cream cheese (half a package)

• 1 cup caramelized onions (from about 2 sliced onions)

• ¼ cup goat cheese

• A small muffin tin pan

1.) Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.

2.) Grab a large pan to cook your bacon. I used one full pack of bacon then used any remaining bacon bits for breakfast the next morning.

BACON HACK: If you’re making bacon bits (like for this recipe), use scissors to cut your bacon directly into your pan. No cutting and no mess!

3.) Cook your bacon until nice and crispy then remove from the pan. Keep some of the bacon grease to caramelize your onions.

4.) Add your sliced onions to the same pan you cooked your bacon in and let cook down until browned and tender. Once mostly cooked, add in your chopped sage. Set your onions off to the side.

5.) In a microwaveable bowl, add your cream cheese and soften in the microwave for 30 seconds or so. Once warmed through, pull out and mix in your pumpkin. You want a super smooth texture so if it isn’t super smooth warm it up in the microwave until the ideal texture is reached.

6.) Once your pumpkin filling is smooth, add your seasonings to taste. I added salt, pepper, powdered sage, garlic, and onion powder.

7.) Grab one sheet of your puff pastry and roll it out to thin it out a bit. Then cut your pastry into 2-inch squares and push them into your greased muffin tin pan.

8.) Now layer up your tartlets starting by spreading the pumpkin mixture in the bottom of your tarts. Distribute the caramelized onions evenly over the pumpkin, then add your bacon bits and top with crumbled goat cheese on top.

9.) Bake for about 20-30 minutes or until the crusts are golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for at least 20 minutes before serving.

Mini CheesecakesPumpkin

Ingredients

CRUST

• 3/4 cup graham cracker crumbs

• 1 tablespoon light brown sugar

• 1 1/2 tablespoons butter melted

• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

directions

FILLING

• 8 oz cream cheese (1 package)

• 2 cups of pumpkin (1 can)

• 2 eggs

• 1/2 cup sugar

• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

• 1/8 teaspoon fresh ground nutmeg

• Pinch of cloves

• 1 tablespoon flour

• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla

1.) Preheat oven to 350*F

2.) Prepare crust by combining crust ingredients in a small bowl. Mix to combine with a fork. Add one rounded tablespoon of moist crust crumbs into each mini cheesecake space. I did use cupcake liners to make it easier to get them out after. Use a small bottle (such as a spice bottle, or a shot glass) to press down the crumbs, to form a crust.

3.) Prepare the filling by mixing the cream cheese until smooth. Add pumpkin, eggs, sugar, and spices. Blend until combined. Add flour and vanilla, and mix until well combined.

4.) Pour filling into prepared crusts. Divide the batter among the 12 spaces.

5.) Bake mini cheesecakes in a preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove from the oven and cool for about 15 minutes. Cover lightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 hours minimum.

6.) Top with whipped cream and cinnamon and enjoy!

DIY Hat Rack

BY QUINN SWEETMAN

HOW TO CREATE A WESTERN HAT RACK

MATERIALS:

• 6 horseshoes

• 4’ of rebar

• 6 large magnets (Forney ITEM# 70715)

• Welding machine (Forney 190 MP)

• Personal protective equipment

• Angle grinder with flap discs and a cutoff wheel (Forney ITEM# 1905 & 71923)

• Wood or a board for the base

• Nails

• Propane or MAPP torch

• Wire brush (Forney ITEM# 70520)

Step 1: Prep the material. Clean up the horseshoes with an angle grinder and flap disc, especially at the toe which is where the welding will occur.

Step 2: Create the hooks. Cut the rebar into 10-12” sections, depending on the length of your cowboy hat brims.

Step 3: Align the horseshoe and rebar together with a magnet, then weld the rebar at an angle from the toe of the horseshoe. Repeat two more times for a total of 3 hooks.

Step 4: Align the horseshoes using all six magnets to create a level platform. Then, weld the other end of the rebar perpendicularly to the second horseshoe. Repeat this process two more times.

Step 5: Blacken wood for a rustic look if desired. Use a torch to completely blacken the piece of wood (ensure consistent application of heat for the best final effect).

Step 6: Use a wire brush on the burnt wood to reveal a distressed look. The more you stay in one spot the lighter the wood will get, allowing for the creation of different patterns.

Step 7: Nail your horseshoe hooks into the wood through the horseshoe nail holes. Angle the nails for a tighter hold.

Step 8: Hang your cowboy hat, baseball cap or welding helmet!

BY KRYSTA PAFFRATH

Best Places to Eat

Mary’s Mountain Cookies

Mary’s Mountain Cookies are a MUST stop in Downtown Cheyenne. They have been serving up freshly baked cookies nationwide and shipping them all around the world since 1986. Their flagship store is based in Fort Collins, Colorado but has since expanded to have locations all over the country. But don’t worry, it still feels like a small-town bakery once you step inside. With several different freshly baked cookies to choose from, you can also enjoy any of a variety of other tasty treats, including edible cookie dough and brownies, or even create your very own ice cream-filled cookie!

• My Recommendation: The Frosted Oreo Cookie

The Metropolitan

Lovingly referred to as “The Met” by locals, this restaurant sits on the corner of 17th and Carey Avenue which was included in the 1980 expansion of the Downtown Cheyenne Historic District. Inside the restaurant is decorated in modern, lounge-style furniture, but yet is still comfortable and non-pretentious. The group of us that had dinner here had a variety of food and drinks, everything from the salmon which was phenomenal to the steak, which was cooked to perfection.

• My Recommendation: A Dirty Shirley for a beverage, the Crispy Brussel Sprouts for an appetizer, and the Steak Frites for your main course.

Mort’s Bagels

Looking for a quick and easy breakfast before you start a busy day exploring Cheyenne? Go no further than Mort’s Bagels. Mort’s Bagel Shop has proudly served both locals and travelers Cheyenne, the freshest bagels since 1993.

• My Recommendation: The Wyoming Sunrise Breakfast Sandwich which is served on your choice of bagel with plain cream cheese, avocado, tomato & red onion. Pair that with a fresh cup of coffee and you’re ready to go!

La Paz Tacos

You’re going to have to trust me on this one because the best tacos in Cheyenne are hidden in plain sight. Inside of this unassuming Mexican corner store, is in fact, the best tacos and burritos and town. If you’re looking for directions to this little shop while you’re in town, make sure to type in “Best Tacos y Burritos la Paz”. Then if you’re in the mood for a brewski then you’ll want to head next door (with your tacos) and grab a beer at Blue Raven Brewery, but more on them below!

• My Recommendation: The Shredded Beef Tacos

Espi’s

Also on my list of best unassuming restaurants, is Espi’s, which is hidden inside the old “Burger Inn” just outside of downtown. With an unlimited amount of freshly brewed coffee, there isn’t anything on the menu that isn’t good, but their skillets, burritos and biscuits and gravy are to die for!

• My Recommendation: A hash skillet topped with their green chile gravy with piping hot black coffee.

There is no shortage of great foodie spots in Cheyenne, Wyoming but there are only so many meals in a day! Below I’ve highlighted some of my favorite spots along with my recommendation of what to try.

Things to Do While You’re Here

Make sure to sign up to receive a Free Dessert With a Meal, 20% Off Your Meal, and 15% Off Bison Train Tour! That’s a lot of savings!

Explore Downtown One of the things that makes

Cheyenne so charming is its historic downtown district. Here, you’ll find a collection of beautifully preserved buildings that date back to the late 1800s and early 1900s. The district is home to a variety of shops, museums, restaurants, and bars, making it the perfect place to grab a bite to eat, do some shopping, and learn more about Cheyenne’s history. Below is my hitlist of places you need to stop at. If you’re looking for the best way to see everything in the shortest amount of time? Try the Cheyenne Trolley Tour!

• State Capitol Building

• Wyoming State Museum

• Nelson’s Museum of the West

• Cowgirls of the West Museum

Emma’s Old-Time Photos

Who doesn’t love a bit of oldfashioned dress-up? Literally old-fashioned though! If you’re looking for a fun way to kick off your trip to Cheyenne, then make your first stop at Emma’s Old Time Photos. Val and her team will get you dressed in a character that fits your fancy and will pose you and your friends for the perfect old-time photo. Make sure to check out the Visit Cheyenne’s Buck Off Savings Pass to get your free 8x10 Photo with purchase!

Visit the Terry Bison Ranch

In addition to the rodeo, if the only other thing you have time to do is visit the

Terry Bison Ranch, then this has to be it. In addition to getting up close and personal with the Official State Mammal of Wyoming, that’s right, a bison! Terry Bison Ranch owns and operates its own train station that not only takes you around the ranch but also into another state! At roughly 27,500 acres, the ranch also stretches into Colorado, which is a fun thing to say you did on a one-hour excursion. In addition to the train ride to see and feed the bison, you can also take a horseback ride, and see all of the animals on the ranch including Henry the Ostrich, goats, horses, pigs, and more! On your way out, make sure to stop at the Gift Shop to snag a little reminder of your trip, although the memories are sure to last a lifetime! Remember that savings pass I mentioned earlier? That works here too!

Attend Hell on Wheels Rodeo

• The Wrangler (Boot Barn of Downtown Cheyenne)

• Desperado Depot (For shopping)

Organized by Visit Cheyenne, the Hell on Wheels Rodeo and Chuck Wagon Dinner Series is entering its fourth season serving up thrilling eight-second rides along with a delicious home-cooked, chuck wagon dinner featuring the award-winning 3 Lazy R Chuck Wagon. When I attended this event, there were people attending from all over the country, coming out to get a taste of the real west.

One thing I really admired about this event was that it wasn’t overly produced. Event-goers had an opportunity to learn about rodeo, and enjoy the show, but also converse and engage with locals who also came out to enjoy the show. As someone who has been to hundreds of rodeos, this one took the cake as far as providing a hometown atmosphere. Pair that with the delicious chuckwagon dinner and a true Western experience doesn’t get any more authentic than this! Make sure to check out the information for their final two events of the year to the right.

DATES

FINAL EVENT: SEPTEMBER 8

• Doors Open at 5:00 pm

• Dinner at 5:30 pm

• Rodeo at 7:00 pm

LOCATION

EVENT CENTER AT ARCHER

3801 Archer Pkwy, Cheyenne, WY 82009

Purchase your tickets at Cheyenne.org/hellonwheelsrodeo/

Best Watering Holes

What’s a trip out west without a stop for some great adult beverages? What’s great about Cheyenne is there is a watering hole for everyone, regardless of what you prefer. Check out my all-time favorite stops below!

Blue Raven Brewery

Located right across the street from La Paz Tacos, Blue Raven Brewery is a quaint little spot with a patio to die for! Bring the kids and enjoy some sunshine, or post up inside at one of their tables, the Blue Raven is open to anyone. Something important to note is that they don’t offer food, which is why I recommend you get your tacos first then head over here to get a brew. They are always serving 10 delicious beers at a time, with a variety of styles for everyone’s beer preferences. They have five beers that are always on tap, which are their flagship beers, and five rotating beers.

Chronicles Distilling

Looking to try a locally distilled whiskey or vodka? Then you need to head to Chronicles Distilling! Chronicles Distilling is a Veteran-owned and operated family distillery, that is run by two Marine Corps Infantry Veterans and brothers, Aaron and Chase Lesher. Together they produce corn-based spirits that are distilled and bottled in-house, then sold for sale to go, or used to make cocktails in their bar on the main level. Free tours are given to anyone who would like to learn about distilling and what Chronicles has to offer.

Pine Bluffs Distilling

With its motto being “From Farm to Flask”, Pine Bluffs Distilling doesn’t take any shortcuts when it comes to creating its spirits. In fact, some might argue that they take the long route, but in the end, you get a far superior product when you put the time and care into it as they do. At just a short mile or so away from the Nebraska State Line, they are creating homegrown vodka and whiskeys that are started from the ground up, using local ingredients grown right in the Wyoming soil. It doesn’t get much better than that!

DESPITE ITS

changes over the years, Cheyenne has remained true to its roots as a center for hard work, determination, and community spirit. Its rich history is a testament to the resilience and perseverance of the people who have called it home, and it continues to inspire and shape the city today. All in all, if you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind Western experience, then Cheyenne, Wyoming should be next on your vacation bucket list. Whether you’re interested in history, outdoor adventures, culture, or shopping and dining, you’ll find it all here. So why not add Cheyenne to your travel plans? I guarantee you won’t regret it! Discover all that Cheyenne has to offer at www.cheyenne.org.

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT Phil Epp

Phil Epp was born in York, Nebraska, in 1946 and raised in rural Nebraska on a crop and cattle farm. Phil says he is strongly imprinted into the open spaces of the Great Plains where he was born and has spent most of his life. His paintings reflect this celebration of open sky and landscape, with a hint of human occupation, and he strives to incorporate timeless universal icons into the landscape.

Phil was awarded the Kansas Governor’s Artist Award in 1985. His paintings have been shown at galleries in New Mexico, Chicago, Kansas City, and New York. Numerous monumental public works have been awarded honors, including 8 Wonders of Kansas Art in 2009 and Water Tower of the Year in 2010. In 2009, Phil was selected as a U.S. cultural ambassador to Kazakhstan with the U.S. Department of State’s Art in Embassies program. His work has been displayed in American Embassies in Latvia, Africa, and Fiji. In 2010 he received the Best of Show award at the Panhandle Plains Invitational in Canyon, Texas.

In 2013 he completed three large paintings for Arrowhead Stadium, home of the Kansas City Chiefs. Then in 2016, he was inducted into the Cowboy Artists of America, which marked a monumental moment in his career.

In recent years, Phil has been featured in the “Western Art Collector” magazine, “Cowboys and Indians” magazine, “The Cattleman” magazine, and the “Wild West Magazine”. He was also featured in the Great American West exhibit at Settlers West Gallery in Tucson, Arizona. In 2019, he was awarded the Gold Award for Water Media at the Cowboy Artists of America Exhibit in addition to the Architect and Designers Award at the Palm Springs Art Fair with Modern West and a Permanent collection at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum.

The wide-open spaces and the horses, cowboys, Native Americans, and prairie creatures that inhabit this empty landscape have been a lifelong passion. Epp’s studio is based in Kansas and he continues to travel, photograph and paint wide-open western vistas.

“BLACK SUNDAY” 40X40 acrylic on board

“THE LONG ROAD” 30X40 acrylic on board

• 2022CowboyArtistsof America,AnnMarionBest ofShowaward

“RYAN STOCKPENS” 30X40 acrylic on board

“DISTANT THUNDER” 30X40 acrylic on board

“FOLDING THEFLY” 30X40 acrylic on board

“RESTING HORSES AT THE BELL” 30x40 Acrylic on board

“OUT OF THE BLUE” 60X96 acrylic on board.

• CollectionoftheCowboy HallandWesternHeritage MuseuminOklahomaCity.

“MOONLIGHT AT THE STOCK PENS” 30X40 acrylic on board

“HORSES AT NIGHT” 30X40 acrylic on board

“NIGHT LIGHTS” 30X40 acrylic on board

Cowboy Tales

STAYING SAFE WHILE WORKING AND LIVING IN REMOTE AREAS

BY KRYSTA PAFFRATH

While my life looks a little different now, I have had the pleasure and excitement of living and working in some of the most remote parts of the West. Between ranching in the junipers of northern Arizona and training horses in the hills of central Wyoming, I know a thing or two about selfpreservation while being out on your own. Living and working on a remote ranch can be an incredibly rewarding experience. The wide-open spaces, the connection to nature, and the sense of independence are just a few of the perks of this lifestyle. However, like any other occupation, ranching has its own set of challenges and risks. Some of these risks include potential encounters with dangerous animals or intruders which is why it’s important to consider having a plan for self-defense depending on your area. For example, if you are in Southern Arizona or Southwest Texas, your chances of running into immigrants are more of a threat than the animals you might encounter there. Then if you’re ranching in the mountains of Colorado, Wyoming, or Montana then you’re much more likely to encounter wild animals that either want to harm you or your animals.

In a remote and isolated environment like a ranch, help may not always be readily available. It could take law enforcement or emergency services a significant amount of time to reach your location. In such situations, having the means to protect yourself becomes crucial. There are multiple ways that you can do that but the first thing in order to best equip yourself is to know your area and see what the folks you’re working with

are comfortable with you carrying. Chances are, in most remote places, you are able to carry a gun, whether it be a pistol or a rifle, but once again, it really does depend on what kind of operation you’re working on.

One of the primary reasons why having a gun is important on a ranch is the presence of wildlife. While most encounters with animals on a ranch are harmless, there is always a possibility of encountering a dangerous or aggressive animal. Predatory animals, such as cougars, bears, or even feral dogs, can significantly threaten your

livestock and your personal safety. A gun can act as a deterrent and, if necessary, provide you with the means to defend yourself and your animals against such threats.

In addition to wildlife encounters, ranches can also attract unwanted intruders. Whether it’s trespassers, thieves, or even individuals with ill intentions, the rural nature of ranches can make them vulnerable to criminal activity. Having a gun can help ensure that you are prepared to protect yourself, your family, and your property against potential threats. It serves as a last line of defense when all other

It should be no surprise that cowboys and ranchers alike are often working and living in remote areas of the country, so how do they protect themselves and their animals?

options have been exhausted.

However, it’s important to note that owning a gun comes with a great deal of responsibility. Familiarizing yourself with local laws and regulations regarding gun ownership, as well as obtaining proper training and education, is essential. Safety should always be a top priority, and responsible gun ownership includes securing firearms, practicing safe handling, and regularly maintaining them.

Additionally, it’s important to remember that any type of gun should be seen as a tool

of last resort. It should only be used when there is an immediate and credible threat to your life or the lives of others. Being able to assess a situation, de-escalate if possible, and use non-lethal means of self-defense when appropriate are skills that should be developed alongside gun ownership. In conclusion, self-defense while working on the ranch is a vital consideration for anyone in this line of work. The presence of wildlife and the potential for intruders make it essential to have a self-defense gun as part of your overall safety plan. However,

responsible ownership, proper training, and an understanding of firearms laws and regulations are equally important.

In my experience, it’s crucial to find something you are comfortable with using, so make sure you set aside time to find the right gun for you. Whether you keep it handy in your vehicle, off road vehicle, or horse, it needs to be lightweight and easily accessible. Thankfully in all of my years of travel, I’ve never had to use my firearm, but I have been in plenty of situations where I felt safer because I had one.

WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A RANCHING HERITAGE AQHA BREEDER WITH RANCHO LA CHIMENEA

There’s a lot that goes into breeding a great ranch horse and Rancho La Chimenea has years of experience figuring it out.

BY TIFFANY SELCHOW

Expect the unexpected, but in the best way possible, when you talk to Ricardo Platt of Rancho La Chimenea. To start, his name brings together two worlds, an insightful observation of his heritage and what he and his family continue to accomplish. Ricardo was born and raised in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico, but his greatgreat-grandfather Frederick Platt immigrated from New York to Sonora around 1860. There Frederick married a local girl from a small Mexican town. The family developed a long history of ranching in the state of Sonora, leading us to today. Social media was the impetus behind this story, and Ricardo’s dedication to his family’s ranch and horses led to the development of their social media marketing plan.

The social media accounts on Instagram and Facebook (@rancholachimenea) are focused primarily on the US market for horses, but the ranch’s primary focus is raising seed stock cattle for commercial ranchers in Sonora and a big game for hunters. Horses from Rancho La Chimenea come with a different pedigree than most would think in a horse from Sonora and much different than in many modern ranch horses in the US. These horses and their lineage are carefully considered for what the cattle ranch needs, which, as it turns out, is something a recreational equestrian in the United States might also require.

A horse with a job typically makes the best kind. Horses from La Chimenea’s breeding program start life in a pasture with their mothers and, after weaning, are turned out into pastures around the ranch headquarters, which is situated thirty minutes outside of Hermosillo. The herds graze and forage most of the day and typically come in once daily for water. This provides an excellent opportunity to interact with the animals, which leads to horses with friendly dispositions. That attitude also comes from careful genetic selection.

At three to four years of age, a much later start than the common practice on most ranches in the U.S., horses are taken to the colt starter, where they learn their job. And their job is to be a ranch horse who can walk at a steady clip, last all day, move cattle, check waters, and perform many other tasks, all with a personable and agreeable attitude. Oh, and this particular breeding program prefers if they look good while doing it. By design, horses are started later in life because their lineage lends them to slower maturing. Once they are done learning the ropes, it’s time to get to work. After their time with the colt starter, they are sent to one of the three other ranch locations where they are assigned to a cow camp man. Camp men are on horseback daily and generally make two big circles a day, meaning many miles are covered. The circles and the work involved could range from checking cattle to fence to water, depending on the time of year.

Some horses will stay as camp horses for the majority of their lives. Others will return to the La Chimenea breeding program, while some will be sold to the right home for the right reason. The primary reason for breeding their horses at La Chimenea is for the ranch and the work required there, but many aspects of their lineage and training also make for good recreational horses.

With the work ethic instilled in these horses from an early age, the ability to function as a horse in a herd setting from birth, and the long miles with quality wet saddle blankets, these horses are excellent for horse owners in the States. They are trustworthy on the trail and know what it means to work. The horses are given time off and brought back to work several times, so a week off here, and there won’t change their attitude.

A horse of this caliber doesn’t happen overnight, and it doesn’t happen without dedication and hard work. Ricardo has a long history with ranching and, through that, developed his passion for a good horse. The Sonora region of Mexico has a long-standing tradition of producing great horses, and Ricardo and his late father-in-law worked to add to the legacy. The 1950s through the 1990s saw an increased focus on racehorse breeding within the stock horse sector in Sonora, with little focus on what a ranch needs, so by the early 1990s, breeding their own stock became imperative. Through consistently revisiting priorities and goals and lots of work, La Chimenea’s breeding program – established in the mid-1990s – has managed to get the ranch what it needs in terms of a ranch horse, with the added benefit of producing something that works well for the average person.

The horses produced on Rancho La Chimenea go back to popular sires like Beduino, Jackie Bee, Impressive, and Skipper W, the latter two known for the success of their get in the halter pen. While you wouldn’t expect a halter horse to work a ranch, La Chimenea proves these progenies can do just that and do it well and with style and grace. The genetics of Real Gun, an AQHA World Show Super Horse and NRCHA World Champion sired by the famous sire Playgun have been recently added to the breeding program. The family’s personal touch on these horses allows for a deep connection running through generations of both the family and the horses. To ride a horse out of a mare, you rode and sired by a stallion you raised and rode is something extraordinary and gives a

unique insight into what decisions to make next in the breeding program.

While the program doesn’t have the capacity to always raise its own stallions, the ranch does work with industry leaders to pick out the best horse to suit their needs. A recent acquisition from the Stuart Ranch in Waurika, OK, is proving its worth deep in Mexico. Seven S Firewater is by Firewater Canyon, which was in turn sired by Fire Water Flit, one of the original great barrel horse sires. Firewater Canyon’s dam, Mulberry Canyon Moon, went to the NFR, where she won several rounds, winning several hundred thousand dollars, and has gone on to produce colts that have earned approximately a million dollars. Seven S Firewater’s genetic power doesn’t end there but also goes strong through his bottom line. Seven S Firewater’s dam, Seven S Docs Cowgirl, is a full sister to the winners of over 2,200 AQHA points, an AQHA World Show Super Horse title, 20+ AQHA High Point titles, and much more. One of the golden crosses in AQHA is Sugar Bars and Leo, and Seven S Firewater’s pedigree shows that cross up close, on both the top and bottom of his pedigree. The family is understandably excited to see how this well-bred stud crosses on the daughters and granddaughters of the ranch’s senior stallion, Sophisticated Duino, as well as the ranch’s running-bred and Real Gun-bred mares.

While the unexpected isn’t always where the average person chooses to go, it’s often where discovery and insight are found. In the case of Rancho La Chimenea, it’s the place where unexpected crosses of great AQHA lineage have produced an outstanding working ranch horse that can power across the landscape to get the job done, all while looking good doing it. It’s a place where family and friends can gather and enjoy the company of a horse who wants to be in the presence of a human because he’s learned there is comfort there. Ranch La Chimenea is a place where tradition is alive, and it’s brought along into the future by progressive ideas and the ability to see past the fear of the unexpected to find a unique solution.

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to raise your own backyard chickens, ducks, or turkeys? In a day and age where food security is an ongoing issue, many folks are deciding to take their food reliability into their own hands. There are many ways to do this including growing a garden and having farm animals, or it could be as simple as having a few chickens to help provide you with farm-fresh eggs.

What people don’t realize is that chickens aren’t the only kind of bird you can have in your backyard. There are several different types of backyard birds that you can consider raising depending on what your goals are. We are going to get into the benefits of owning backyard birds, but first, let’s consider what type of bird might be best for you.

Chickens

Chickens are probably the safest, easiest option for most people. Chickens are easy to come by, most of the time you can get them at your local feed store or even order them online through a trusted source. Chickens are also a great option for those that just want to supplement their monthly groceries while also cutting down on waste since chickens love scraps. They are also quieter than most other backyard birds.

Some downsides to chickens are that they aren’t super weather resistant both to extreme hot or cold weather so you have to be prepared if you live in either extreme climate. In addition, their laying life is much smaller compared to that of other backyard birds like ducks. Something else to consider when looking at getting chickens is that you will need approximately 4 square feet per chicken.

Turkeys

With the exception of the space that raising turkeys requires, in general, they are easier to keep than chickens. They are docile, regal birds that move across the yard with a certain air of sophistication. They create tight family bonds and are fairly intelligent. Turkeys also tend to be cleaner than either chickens or ducks and are great to raise for meat compared to their smaller counterparts. Some cons when it comes to raising turkeys is that they are harder to raise from babies (or poults). Poults tend to be more sensitive to their environment and are slower-moving than chicks and have less of an instinct to run/defend themselves from danger. Another potential con to raising turkeys is that they need a lot of space because they are naturally larger birds. The more space you can give them, the better they will do.

Ducks

Ducks, much like chickens, are great to raise to produce both eggs and meat. They are also highly intelligent and are generally easygoing. Unlike chickens, duck flocks are easy to maintain and expand. A couple of downsides to owning ducks are they do tend to be messier than chickens and other backyard birds, and are also louder so if you have neighbors close by, then they might not be the best option for you to start with. Most breeds of duck that are raised for laying eggs will average 200250 eggs per year. This is pretty similar to a laying chicken, but chickens will only lay at that rate for two, maybe three years before their productivity takes a sharp decline. Ducks will remain productive even into old age, 6, 7, even 8 or 9 years old. Ducks are also more productive layers during the short winter days, while many chickens take the winter off.

Gamebirds

While you might not think you are ready for Game Birds, you might actually find that Game Birds might be a great place to start. Gamebirds, especially quail, are great backyard birds for many reasons, one of which is that they are much smaller compared to other birds, meaning they require much less space. For example, most people recommend that you run one square foot of space per bird. Of course, you can always run with a bit more, but that is significantly less than even that of a chicken. Additionally, quail are much quicker to mature which means less time waiting for eggs or to harvest for meat. Quail are also really quiet, probably the quietest out of the three previously mentioned birds. So while it might be more intimidating, you might want to take a good look at starting with quail rather than another type of backyard bird.

Defining Quality for Generations

For over a century, Murray McMurray Hatchery has remained a trusted, family-owned business, working tirelessly to ensure our poultry meets the highest standards. Whether you are an experienced enthusiast, or just embarking on the journey, look to McMurray Hatchery for guaranteed quality rare and Heritage breeds, low minimums, and all the supplies you need to raise your flock. MCMURRAYHATCHERY.COM | 800.456.3280

Photography by Anna Christian, @call.it.christian

8 Benefits of Raising Backyard Birds

1 Sustainable Food Source: One of the biggest advantages of raising backyard birds is having a sustainable and reliable source of fresh food right at your fingertips. By producing your own eggs and meat, you reduce your dependence on store-bought products, ensuring that you have access to high-quality food even during uncertain times.

2 Healthier & More Nutritious:

The eggs and meat from backyard birds are often more nutritious than their store-bought counterparts. Backyard birds have access to a natural diet, which includes insects, grass, and other nutrient-rich foods. As a result, their eggs and meat are packed with vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids, providing you and your family with healthier options.

3 Cost Savings: Raising your own backyard birds can help you save money in the long run. While there is an initial investment in purchasing the birds and setting up their housing, the ongoing costs are minimal compared to continuously buying eggs and meat from the store. Over time, you’ll notice significant savings on your grocery bill.

4 Educational Opportunities:

Raising backyard birds provides an excellent learning experience, especially for children. Kids can gain practical knowledge about biology, responsibility, and self-sufficiency by participating in the care and maintenance of the birds. It’s a hands-on way to teach them about the circle of life, animal welfare, and the importance of sustainable food practices.

5 Pest Control: Backyard birds are natural pest controllers. They love to eat insects, snails, slugs, and even small rodents. By having them roam freely in your yard, you can reduce the population of pests and minimize the need for chemical pesticides. This natural pest control solution is not only effective but also environmentally friendly.

6 Fertilizer for Your Garden: Another benefit of raising backyard birds is the abundance of natural fertilizers they provide. Chicken manure is rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, making it an excellent organic fertilizer for your garden. By composting the manure, you can nourish your plants and promote healthy growth.

7 Environmental Benefits: Raising backyard birds contributes to a more sustainable and eco-friendly lifestyle. Unlike factory-farmed chickens, backyard birds have a smaller carbon footprint, as they require less transportation and produce minimal waste. By reducing your reliance on industrial farming, you are actively participating in the preservation of the environment.

8 Community Building: Raising backyard birds can also be a fantastic way to build connections within your community. Sharing your surplus eggs or meat with neighbors, friends, or local food banks fosters a sense of camaraderie and support. It’s an excellent opportunity to engage in conversations about sustainable living and inspire others to follow suit.

IN CONCLUSION, RAISING YOUR own backyard birds offers a multitude of benefits that extend far beyond the delicious eggs and meat they provide. From sustainable food practices to educational opportunities and stress relief, the advantages of having these feathered friends in your life are undeniable. So why not take the plunge and embark on this rewarding journey of raising your own backyard birds? You’ll not only enjoy the numerous benefits but also make a positive impact on your health, environment, and community.

HOW NECESSITY BECAME ART

BY MICHAEL J. NICOLA

As the population of North America began to grow, especially in the early 1800s, there became a bigger need to feed the people arriving in North America. Eventually the main food source was beef. The western part of the United States, Canada and parts of Mexico, because of their grasslands, became the breeding ground for the thousands and thousands of cattle needed to feed the ever-growing population.

How do you manage these vast herds of cattle? In 1519 Spanish explorer Cortez introduced working horses to North America, and even though horses were the primary source of transportation they soon became the primary tool in managing cattle. The next important tool to the men and women managing cattle, was the gear used to control the horse. After all, it would be tough to manage the horse, who is helping the cowboy manage the cattle, without a saddle, bridle, spurs, etc.

This gear wasn’t created for the cowboy in North America. There is evidence that rawhide braiding dates back to 6500 BC. However, Cortez had men who braided headstalls and ropes and they introduced rawhide braiding to the Americas. It wasn’t until the late 1800s and early 1900s that rawhide braiding became more popular with working cowboys in the west. Saddles have also been around for hundreds of years, before leather craftsmen started to redesign saddles to be more conducive to working cattle. Spurs did not originate in North America either but again they were brought here by explorers and later modified for the working cowboy. Bits have a similar history. The first metal bits were made in approximately 1400 BC. The Conquistadores brought silver from the old world and eventually Vaqueros adorned their pantalons with silver coins and decorated their saddles and bridles with silver. It wasn’t until cowboys started gathering to show off their skills at early versions of rodeo that silver appeared. Initially cowboys who competed wore a leather kidney belt as a trophy. When they won an event, a piece of carved metal was attached to the belt. Eventually the kidney belt was tossed aside and the metal plates became buckles made of silver. The point is that most cowboy gear has a very long history and over time it has been reworked to serve the cowboy and his horse.

After the Civil War, the cattle industry flourished and the demand for working cowboy gear increased. Dedicated craftsmen became more and more popular. Leather craftsmen building saddles and headstalls and

• ABOVE: Nevada Cheek Piece by Ernie Marsh, Bit & Spur Maker, Traditional Cowboy Arts Exhibition & Sale 2023

• LEFT: TCAA 2023 Futurity Bit by Wilson Capron, Bit & Spur Maker, Traditional Cowboy Arts Exhibition & Sale 2023

chaps. The blacksmith making bits and spurs, rawhide braiders making headstalls, reins, ropes and hobbles and silversmiths creating symbols of success for the cowboy. As the North American West grew, this gear became a vital necessity as early as 175 years ago and is still a necessity today. As a matter of fact, the state of Texas has a population of 26 million people and a population of approximately 10 million head of cattle.

Unfortunately, as we moved toward the end of the 20th century, the individual craftsmen in these trades started to fade away. It was no longer a generation-to-generation craft that was passed down. Bits, spurs and saddles were now being mass produced offshore. Needless to say, with mass production comes a lack of quality and imagination. The modern working cowboy had to settle for something less.

“Deep in the heart of almost everyone, is the desire to surround themselves with things that somehow feed our souls. The progression of making our tools also things of beauty, is a part of the human story from day one.” Cary

Schwarz - Saddle maker

In 1998 a group of master craftsmen; saddle makers, rawhide braiders, bit and spur makers and silversmiths, gathered together to try to figure out how to preserve these trades. Later that year, the Traditional Cowboy Arts Association was formed by that group of 14 craftsmen. Their mission statement was straightforward:

“The Traditional Cowboy Arts Association is dedicated to preserving and promoting the skills of saddle making, bit & spur making, silversmithing, rawhide braiding and the role of these tradition crafts in representing the Cowboy Culture of the North American West.”

OCTOBER

RESERVATIONS tcaa.nationalcowboymuseum.org

Santa Barbara Bit, Ernie Marsh, TCAA, 2023

Tooled Fender Stratocaster, Troy West, TCAA, 2023

educate not only working cowboys but the public on the quality of individual work versus mass produced products. They needed help.

“I could be the greatest bit and spur maker in the world, but if no one knew about me or my work, it would be hard to share the pieces and skills with those interested. Sharing my passion is hard to do without a stage to do so.”

Wilson Capron – Bit and Spur maker

“Each Traditional Cowboy Arts Association member is a master of their discipline. Not only understanding function but the beauty and benefit of design and ornamentation. How, when brought together they surpass function and in doing so they not only give the owner pleasure but also break the barrier between function and art.”

Scott Hardy - Silversmith

Don Reeves, then

Curator/McCasland

Chair of Cowboy Culture, at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City, knew a couple members of the newly formed TCAA and was invited to their first organized meeting in Elko, Nevada. Don in turn invited Ken Townsend who at the time was president of the Museum to join them. After two days in a back room of the Denny’s in Elko they came up with a solution. The Museum would host an annual exhibit and sale. However, there was one challenge that faced this group of craftsmen; could they produce “museum-worthy pieces” for the show? In other words, were they capable of taking their craft to art?

“The first day I started to engrave my dad said we better start talking about art and design. I said oh no Pop I don’t want to be an artist; I just like making bits and spurs and engraving. He said what do you think that is? It is art and you have to embrace it whether you want to or not.”

Wilson Capron

In the fall of 1999, the Traditional Cowboy Arts Association had its first sale and exhibition at the Museum. These cowboy/craftsmen succeeded in bringing art to the show. Yes, these craftsmen became artists! Even though their art is meant to be displayed in homes and offices, each and every piece that is created is still functional for the cowboy. In other words, a saddle made by Colorado saddle maker and TCAA member John Willemsma can be displayed in a boardroom at a major corporation one day and put on a back of a horse the next day. It all starts with an idea, a pencil and a piece of paper. They have taken the necessary tools of the North American cowboy to the level of art.

The 25-year partnership with the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum has grown strong each year because of the quality of the art. Here are a few results of the past 25 years:

• There have been 23 shows/sales (one was missed due to Covid)

• 900 one-of-a-kind pieces have been displayed

• The accumulated value of the shows was approximately $10 million

• Average sell through of 70% with two shows selling out

• 113 saddles have sold with an average value of $30,000

In addition to the annual sales and exhibits, the TCAA has conducted 40 workshops for craftsmen at the Museum.

The TCAA has also awarded over $300,000 in scholarships and fellowships. In 2018 a coffee table book authored by A. J. Mangum about the history and members of the TCAA was published called “Cowboy Renaissance”.

TCAA’s 24th sale will be October 6-7 this year at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. If you are a cowboy, show horses, ride for pleasure or simply love the West, its history and culture, I would encourage you to make a trip to Oklahoma City the first weekend of October, to see the show and meet with each of the artist.

HERE’S TO NECESSITY BECOMING ART!

IF YOU WOULD LIKE more information about the TCAA or the Museum you can go to their websites at: tcaa.nationalcowboymuseum.org & nationalcowboymuseum.org

• Double Heart Spurs by Ernie Marsh, Bit & Spur Maker, Traditional Cowboy Arts Exhibition & Sale 2023

FROM THE

MICHAEL PINTAR PHOTOGRAPHY

Q: CAN YOU GIVE OUR AUDIENCE A LITTLE BACKGROUND ON YOURSELF AND YOU GOT INTO PHOTOGRAPHY?

A: As a kid, I was into artistic things such as drawing and painting but playing in sports usually got in the way. Then about 10 years ago I was given my first DSLR camera and re-found an appreciation for art and expression from behind the lens.

Q: 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?

A: Prior to considering photography as a business, my style consisted of shooting anything and everything. From landscapes to portraits, I was all over the place. Primarily because I wanted to learn as much as I could about all aspects of photography.

When treating it (photography) as a business, I think it’s important to eventually settle into a specific segment. For me, my style has now gravitated to Western lifestyle and of course, rodeo.

Q: WHAT INSPIRES YOU AS A PHOTOGRAPHER?

A: I like to look back at previous photographic work and achievements in order to point the way to new and different ways of conveying my imagery. I’ll ask myself, ‘How do I take an otherwise regular rodeo capture and make it interesting?’ ‘How do I choose an image that tells a story?’

Q: WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE RODEO EVENT TO SHOOT AND WHY?

A: One look at my social media and one may discern that I gravitate toward rough stock imagery, in particular bareback or saddle bronc. At the same time, I have tons of timed event images after each rodeo. It just seems that my rough stock images create more attention.

When it comes to captivating rodeo photography, Michael Pintar takes the cake for capturing one-of-akind shots.

Q: DO YOU HAVE A CREATIVE PROCESS WHEN IT COMES TO CHOOSING YOUR SHOTS OR THE SETUP THAT GOES INTO GETTING THE PERFECT SHOT?

A: I do not have a specific creative process although I envy the creativity in several of my colleagues. Each event in rodeo has specific camera settings or a setup that is required to get the ideal shot. At the same time, I am always trying to look for new positions to shoot from and small adjustments that can add more creativity to the otherwise routine pattern of shooting rodeo.

Q: WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO ASPIRING RODEO PHOTOGRAPHERS?

A: Start by focusing on a single event or two while getting to know your closest rodeo committees. Even without being a PRCA most committees can still gain you access to shooting their rodeos. It might not hurt to attend a rodeo photography school as well.

Q: WHAT IS SOMETHING YOU WISH PEOPLE KNEW ABOUT BEING A PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER?

A: I think it’s important to know that being a professional will require an initial monetary investment into a decent camera body and at least one or two good lenses, especially if you intend to print your work. Being a professional rodeo photographer will require a lot of road time and hundreds of hours postprocessing images long after you’ve left the arena.

Q: DO YOU HAVE ANY CLOSING THOUGHTS ABOUT YOU OR YOUR BUSINESS THAT YOU’D LIKE OUR AUDIENCE TO KNOW?

A: If you think you like photography then it’s never too late to start. If you want to make photography your business then you must treat it like a business every day.

About Michael Pintar Photography

Michael is one of the most well-known Western lifestyle and rodeo photographers in the industry today. He is aptly known for capturing the true spirit of his subjects, whether it’s a cowboy, bronc, bull, or even landscape shots. You can learn more about Michael, shop his prints, or book him for a shoot at Pintargraphy.com or find him on Facebook and Instagram.

EHIND THE S CENES

This is How We Roll!

Rodeo isn’t the only thing the CLN team covers! This was a trip to Cheyenne, Wyoming that Editor in Chief Krysta Paffrath went on. Featured here is the Bison Excursion at the Terry

COO, Aaron Kuhl, with his family at the 2023 Scottsdale Rodeo in Scottsdale, Arizona.

CEO & Co-Founder, OD O’Donnell behind the chutes at the Fiesta Days Rodeo in Spanish Fork, Utah.

Bison Ranch.

Krysta Paffrath behind the chutes of Cheyenne Frontier Days Arena before the annual event that takes place every July.

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