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32 - CODY WEBSTER
10 - WHITNEY KNOWLES
50 - COLE SWINDELL
20 - TYSON & SHEA DURFEY
36 - MONTANA THURTELL
Photos by Shelby McCamey
S T N E CONT
Editor's letter Triathlon here I come!
let us take care of all your printing needs MAGAZINES CATALOGS POSTCARDS CALENDARS
It just so happens that I am in the process of a life change with my fitness and health - not a sex change - a life change. I know some people are into that so just making it REAL clear that I plan on remaining a woman. So, this fitness issue came in perfect timing for my life change! It’s been very motivating for me to keep eating clean and going to the gym 5 times per week and training for a triathlon (after hearing the Durfey’s story and Whitney Knowles). No, I am not super rad at triathlons I just enjoy the pain and after having my second baby 4 months ago it gives me something to look forward to and whip my butt into shape. I trained for one after my first child and it worked pretty well. My parents have always been a great inspiration to me when it comes to being active because they have always been super active. Not gym rats of course, but my dad would always play pickup basketball games at random gyms where he was competing at a rodeo and he and mom would go ski at the lake together on the way to another rodeo. My dad is super athletic. If he reads this, it’s probably going to bother him when I say that my mom is a little better skier than him. They both are great, don’t get me wrong, but my mom can really lay it over nice. I hope everyone enjoys this issue! And take care of your body, mind and soul wherever you go in this great big world - our life on earth does not go on forever but while it’s still in process, make it count. Inspiration and attitude are key, so if you are lacking, surround yourself with people who are inspired and who possess good attitudes because they will rub off on you. Has anyone told you they love you today? I do!
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF April Bach Patterson COPY EDITOR Alyssa Barnes WRITERS/ REPORTERS Lori O'Harver, Shelby McCamey, Kim Zierlein, Shannon Geddes Brenda MatamorosBeveridge, Erin Jusseaume CONTRIBUTOR Cara Miller: Fashion Blogger LAYOUT & DESIGN Chantel Miller BOARD OF ADVISORS Peter and DeeDee Tank, Judy Nelson ADVERTISING joey@rodeofame.com SUBSCRIPTIONS joey@rodeofame.com COVER PHOTO Shelby McCamey
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ABOUT RODEO FAME MAGAZINE Rodeo Fame Magazine highlights the most talented and talked about Rodeo Stars and Athletes in the world. Known as the People Magazine of the professional rodeo industry, RFM gives an insider’s look at the REAL LIFE of a Rodeo Star – their Fashion, Home Life, Fitness, Rodeo Rigs, Animals, Travel Experiences and more. Rodeo Fame is a must-read for anyone captivated by the icon of the modern day Cowboy and Cowgirl. A QUARTERLY PUBLICATION PRINTED 4 TIMES PER YEAR
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ATHLETES & STARS
Photo by David Sinclair Liz Sinclair www.shootshorses.com
J.B. MAUNEY JB M AUNY RUBS SOME DIRT ON IT By Brenda Beveridge
By Brenda Matamoros-Beveridge
Two-time world champion J.B. Mauney, Statesville, North Carolina, has made multiple sports history moments over his career and made multiple millions doing it, too. In January at the 25th Unleash The Beast Monster Energy Buck Off at the Garden in New York City, he became the third rider in PBR history to record 500 qualified rides on the PBR tour. Mauney joins 2008 World Champion Guilherme Marchi, Três Lagoas, Brazil, 613 qualified rides, and 2004 World Champion Mike Lee, Decatur, Texas, 525 qualified rides, as the only riders to record more than 500 rides on the premier series. His career has taken him to the extreme, especially riding the unridable, including legendary rank bulls Bushwacker and Asteroid. He was the first Cowboy to make it past the $7 million mark in career earnings. His victories do come with some mayhem, though. This April, Mauney broke his T1 and T2 vertebrae in Sioux Falls and will be out six weeks. “I will decide when I am done. I still feel like in my head I can ride them. As long as I think that, I will still show up.”
Not sure I’ve ever set foot in a gym. I work my ranch. That’s my workout. But I don’t call it that. It’s just living. That about sums it up.
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Photo by Frontier Fortitude Photography
RODEO WIVES
R EAL LIVES OF ROD EO W I VES
s e l w o n K y e n t i Wh How important is working out and health to you?
Having a healthy, balanced lifestyle is an extremely important part of my life. It’s not about being addicted to exercise or obsessing over what you’re eating. It’s all about balance in order to have lasting, maintainable results. My family owns a gym and my parents were professional body builders so I pretty much grew up in a gym. I was taught that having a well balanced, healthy lifestyle is the key to success. I don’t believe in fad diets or crazy products. I believe in balance, nutrition, and treating food like its medicine for your body. I enjoy sweets and a good margarita but I am able to maintain and stay focused because I’ve created a lifestyle of health.
Favorite activities or routines?
I love Hot Power Yoga. I know my favorite studios based off of the rodeo trail. It’s such a treat to go while we are on the road. My all time favorite is Koru Power Yoga in Oakdale, California. I make sure I go to as many classes as I can when I am at the California Rodeos. Yoga has been life changing for me for overall health physically and mentally.
Eating habits?
I try to have a well balanced diet that has lots of protein, fruits, nuts, and vegetables. My general rule of thumb is avoiding potatoes, rice, and pasta most days. I love bread so it’s just unrealistic to not have that apart of my daily diet but I choose to eat a more wholesome bread like Dave’s Killer Bread. It’s harder to eat healthy on the road so I don’t beat myself up about it if I have to have fast food. I just try portion control and to make the best choices I can. I also love protein shakes and mix greens into my protein shakes when I have a sweet tooth.
What’s it like being married to Blake? 10
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Does he workout with you?
Blake will work out with me occasionally but he usually trains at the gym in town. I put him on a workout plan this winter and he goes to the gym usually 4 days a week. The routine I built for him is tailored for an agility athlete so it’s quite a bit different than what I do at home. We will go on a run together or do cardio every once in a while but for the most part whoever isn’t exercising is hanging out with Lydia while the other person is exercising.
What tip do you have for moms wanting to get fit but having no energy?
I know how hard it is! I didn’t exercise much at all the first year Lydia was born but I was able to maintain and stay fit because of the healthy lifestyle I’ve lived over the years. My word of encouragement is to find something realistic for your day-to-day routine and start small. The biggest mistake I see mom’s making is trying to start a crazy diet and routine all at once and then giving up because it’s overwhelming. You have to remember that exercise gives you energy but when you’re with a newborn and aren’t getting any sleep, give yourself a little grace and know that it’s okay to go easy on yourself. Start with 10 min a day. Anything is better than nothing at all, whether it’s front packing the new babe and going on a walk or getting in some squats while you are doing tummy time with your little one. Reach out to me if you want some help or guidance on what worked best for me!
How do you make time when traveling?
While traveling I pack something easy like a resistance band or kettle bell and do quick HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) workouts.
Torture! Just kidding. I adore Blake. He's an amazing dad and it pretty much melts my heart to see him with our daughter.
RODEO WIVES
Do you have any rules when it comes to your health and fitness? Like no eating past 9pm?
What do you do to stay fit?
My biggest rule is drinking water! I drink 20 oz before each meal and consume 100 oz a day. Lemon water is my favorite. I cannot live without it!! It makes it a lot easier to consume that much water when it has lemon in it and it’s also great for your kidneys.
Before having Lydia, I exercised every single day and weight trained at the gym. I used to split up my days by body part and had a pretty dedicated routine. That is just not readily available or realistic to me anymore because our local gym is 30 miles away and it doesn’t have a daycare. Now, my routine consists of 3 days a week and doing quick 30 min workouts that I can do from the house or in the trailer while on the road. I love the results I get from jumping rope. I also love the ease of resistance bands. It literally is the easiest piece of exercise equipment you can take anywhere and get an effective, full body workout. I also practice yoga daily even if only for 10 minutes.
What are your favorite health foods or snacks?
I am literally obsessed with cashews & beef jerky. I even eat beef jerky for breakfast sometimes. I’m not into making myself eat food that doesn’t taste good. I have found so many great, whole foods that taste delicious. I’m kind of a hippie and I like to eat with the seasons. Produce always tastes best when it’s in season and then I don’t get tired of eating the same things.
Share with us any fitness people that inspire you on instagram/social media or not on social media.
Jocelyn McClellan @fitmissioncomplete is so sweet and motivating. She’s a realistic mom and posts great exercises! She’s so sweet and encouraging.
What makes you laugh?
Lydia. My kid is seriously hilarious. She’s is the most outgoing & fearless little tiny human. She is a crack up and makes everyone laugh most days. We’re pretty dang blessed! I also die laughing from text messages gone wrong. Autocorrect has given me more than a handful of ab workouts!
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GOD BLOG
LIFE IS...
10% CIRCUMSTANCE & 90% ATTITUDE Not many people begin a Professional Bareback career at age 22, but that is just what Braxton Neilsen did. Braxton has always been an athlete. In high school he was a football, basketball, and baseball star and even considered playing those sports in college. Braxton grew up riding horses on the ranch, but never competed in rodeo. Being best friends with Joe Frost, he had to attempt bull riding, but quickly realized that it wasn’t for him. After graduating high school, Braxton went on a two year LDS Mission. While he was on his mission, Kacey Feild sent him a letter suggesting that he give rodeo a try when he got home. Braxton said that Kacey mentored him and educated him in the mental aspect of rodeo as well as the physical side. Braxton’s ability to ride bucking horses came naturally and in 2016 after riding for less than a year, he competed in the CNFR in Casper, Wyoming. In 2017 he was sitting 6th in the Wilderness Circuit; on September 6, 2017 he broke his back when a horse reared up and smashed him against the chute. Braxton was given less than a 5% chance that he would ever walk again, let alone ride. After only 8 weeks, Braxton took his
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By Shannon Geddess
first step and three months after the accident he ditched the wheelchair, getting around on his own free will. When asked how he was able to accomplish such huge steps he said, “The Lord gives us faith and opportunity. If we have faith in him and work hard, amazing things can happen. We are born to succeed.” Braxton has returned to CSI and is training for his comeback. The words he lives by, “we can’t control our circumstances, but we can control our attitude.”
ATHLETES & STARS
Hot Yoga with Stevi Hillman In Stevi Hillman’s world, her horses are not the only ones in the trailer who run. Hillman and her husband, Ty Hillman, both love jogging as a form of exercise. But Hillman has found a new fitness love: hot yoga. “Hot yoga really changes my mental game,” says Hillman, “the main reason I love it is because you sweat, you burn, and you have to really focus solely on the pose. You cannot allow your mind to wander or you could get hurt.” You may be sitting there thinking this is only for the women, the barrel racers. Hot yoga is not for the faint of heart. During a hot yoga session, you’re in a room with temperature set at least at 90 degrees, so before you
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By Shelby McCamey
even start working you’re already sweating. In yoga there is no giving up, it really pushes you mentally. It teaches you to push through the pain. Hillman also informed me many of the calf ropers and steer wrestlers are starting to try hot yoga because of the benefits. However Hillman is not the only one in her trailer who does yoga. Hillman incorporates different stretches into her horse’s fitness program to help Cuatro Fame, also known as Truck, stay loose during the long hours spent hauling in the trailer.
TRAVEL
OAKLEY, UTAH If you have never been to Oakley, Utah for the annual 4th of July PRCA Rodeo and celebration, now is the time to make plans to do so. A legacy of four nights of top cowboy action, parades, fireworks and a traditional patriotic program that features all local talent are just a few of the activities that will welcome you to this small community located just 16 miles from Park City, Utah. The Annual Oakley 4th of July Rodeo has been the spotlight event for Oakley for the past 83 years. This rodeo heritage began with three little chutes, snow fences around the arena and cars parked all around the fence. Today you will find one of the best outdoor facilities around, seating for 6500 and prize money of $62,000 for the participating cowboys. Two of the rodeo committee members have been on the board for 64 years. Ken Woolstenhulme and Gerald Young became members of the board in 1954, along with
By Shannon Geddess
Ken’s brother, Dutch, who has since passed away. Gerald is still the active president of the board today. Ken and Gerald may be 86 years old, but you won’t find them slowing down anytime soon. From actively working on their farms to running a rodeo, these two men are doing what they love. The Oakley Rodeo has drawn people from all over the world, many seeing a rodeo for the first time. In Oakley you will experience old fashioned hospitality, good clean family fun and a rodeo ranked in the top 5 in America for outdoor rodeos.
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Morgan Buckingham has ridden bucking ponies for three years, including at the Jr. NFR in Las Vegas. This summer’s ride at Cheyenne Frontier Days will be the most memorable yet thanks to the Junior Roughstock Association and CFD Committee.
IN THIS ISSUE
Photo by Mary Peters
CHEYENNE FRONTIER DAYS
LEGENDS & LEGACIES The Junior Roughstock Association Debuts at The Daddy CHEYENNE, Wyoming - They trailed big herds of cattle to the railhead at Cheyenne one bone-jarring, sun-beaten, rain-hammered, wind-burned step at a time where they held them a while on grass and good water before shipping them back East where no one really considered at what cost to man or beast their meals from the butcher shop came. They called themselves cowboys, these tough, talented, committed men who fed our growing nation. In 1897, a couple outfits got together before starting the long ride home and did what cowboys do. It started with a one-day ‘hold my whiskey and watch this’ contest out on the plains. That was the beginning of the Daddy of ‘Em All and today, everything and not much has changed. This summer, under the dome of rarified air that covers Cheyenne during the third week in July, for the first time, the youngest of the cowboys who feel the call of horses born to buck will taste the hallowed grounds of Cheyenne Frontier Days. Ages 14 and under, these kids’ fathers before them worked their hands into bareback riggings and nodded for the best the West had to offer in the roar of 19,000 tourists and fans making the pilgrimage and now, they’ll stand over their sons and relive it in a whole new way. It’s called Legends & Legacies and was organized by the Junior Roughstock Association (JRA) and the award-winning Cheyenne Committee. The JRA is bringing opportunity to young bareback and saddle bronc riders all over the United States and Canada.
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The organization is the sanctioning body and producer of the bareback and bronc riding part of the Jr. National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas. Providing mentorship and contests is the heart of what they do, but strong forwardthinking leadership understands that it’s not just reaching the choir of ranch kids who are scrambling to get involved that’s important; they know their role as ambassadors and in creating ambassadors for the sport is vital to not just growing but sustaining the bucking horse community. Marty Buckingham entered Cheyenne for the first time when he was 23 years old. It was 1996 and he was on the trail in a bid to qualify for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. It was a focused mission that meant being all business and not letting anything interfere with his clear vision of the goal. He called his entry into PROCOM at PRCA and got back to the serious business of staying fit, healthy and getting the most out of every ride wherever he traveled. Cheyenne was ‘just another stop’ until he jumped out of the van, grabbed his riggin’ bag and headed for the chutes. “It was huge. So huge I got lost on the way to the platform,” Buckingham remembered. But that wasn’t the impression that would last through the three more times he’d pay fees at The Daddy and be fresh in his mind today. “At the time, Darrell Barron was the chute boss and Harry Vold provided the bucking stock. There were Quarter Horse races blasting down the track while several bucking horses flew around the big arena with teams of pickup men and handy queens in hot pursuit. Barron was calling
By Lori O’Harver
IN THIS ISSUE
Marty Buckingham and Morgan share the moment of truth in the bucking chutes. Photo by Mary Peters
for us to get set down and ready when there were still two guys ahead of you to go. It was how fast that rodeo was run that left a lasting impression on me the first time. That and knowing Harry Vold was out there in the arena on his big, black horse. That was cool.” “You had to draw a good one. That was your hope everywhere, but when it came to Cheyenne you hoped a little harder. Not every horse will stick to the business plan when tempted with that much real estate. One year, I was double-grabbed waiting for the pick up man while my horse was heading straight across the arena toward the photographer’s pit. Apparently, something in there was appealing to him. I saw photographer Dan Hubbell’s eyes with that deer in the headlights look and prayed my horse would turn left – right, anywhere but into the pit. He did, but it was a close call.” Buckingham’s last nod at Cheyenne came in 1999. It’s been nearly 20 years since he had a stake in anything going on there, but this year will change all of that. At 44 years old, he’ll be helping his son, Morgan get ready to make his best attempt at an 8 second bareback ride at The Daddy. “He’s been down the road for three years and nodded among the best in his class at the Jr. NFR. Even that experience won’t prepare him for this. He doesn’t know what’s coming at him and I’m thrilled to be able to be there to help him with that.” There’s a bond between father and son from the moment of birth and a sacred vow to help that boy grow and support him while he chases his own dreams. When the young man chooses the path his father walked, drove and rode on the back of a bucking horse, there’s a pride that nothing in the universe can dim. This year, The Daddy hosts the daddies that are living that blessing while their sons get a taste of legend and legacy in a way not often experienced.
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“Legends & Legacies is an amazing, first-time opportunity for the Jr. Roughstock Association members to showcase so much that’s right about our community,” said JRA President Lacie DeMers. “Last year, we watched them grow as competitors and ambassadors for the sport in Las Vegas, which is a thrill in itself. This year, thanks to the Cheyenne Frontier Days Committee’s vision for not just the history of this one-of-a-kind event, but for the future, a whole new dimension is added with this contest.” Morgan is known affectionately as ‘Mo’ by his family and friends. He’s 13 years old and has been riding for three years. His riggin’ bag is heavy because he’s a three event roughstock man, showing talent and desire in bull riding, saddle bronc and bareback riding. For the moment, it’s the bareback riding that has his heart. “I like it best for a couple of reasons. My dad did it and it’s the event where you can hang on the tightest,” Mo said. “The first time I tried it, I full fell in love.” “The hardest thing for me to learn is turning your toes out,” the young Miles City, Montana twister said. “I do a lot of practicing away from the arena to perfect that. Things like catching a pillow with my heels and squeezing a ball with my feet in the right position.” “I’ve seen the horses I get on progress from pretty easy to tougher,” said Mo. “I don’t have any favorite horses or like one’s style any better than the next. What I draw and get on is what I get on.” “I’m excited about getting to ride at Cheyenne Frontier Days,” he said. “It’s pretty cool to get to go. I’m already working on my mind and confidence and can’t wait to see how that pays off.” For more information about the Junior Roughstock Association, please visit their website at www. juniorroughstock.com
COVER STORY Photos by Shelby McCamey
FIT
SHEA AND TYSON...
THE PERFECT 20
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By Brenda Matamoros-Beveridge
T
COVER STORY
In the old days, most rodeo stars kept a steady diet of meat and potatoes and fried Twinkies from concession stands to sustain them on their horses, keep them on a bull, or rope and wrestle bovines. In today’s world, rodeo athletes are looking for a healthy standard of nutrition and fitness to keep them agile and give them longevity in the arena. One of the fittest couples in the business is barrel racer/ singer Shea Fisher-Durfey and 2016 World Champion tiedown roper Tyson Durfey. “When I first started rodeoing in 2003– my rookie year –I wasn't involved in trying to eat healthier, or doing anything, or any kind of exercise. Now, there's a lot more guys that definitely watch what they eat. There's a lot more guys that work out and exercise on a regular basis. And not just here or there, I would say probably 30% would work out on a regular basis,” Durfey said. “Whereas in the old school, you'd see almost none. I think in the future, moving on the next 15, 20 years, for the timed event guys, I think in the future, you're going to see a lot more of it just because times are getting so fast. You’ll see more guys that rope calves trying to be more fit than ever because cattle are smaller and softer than they used to be. It's requiring less horse and more cowboy.” Shea, on the other hand, has always been fit. Growing up in a rodeo family (her dad was Australian Bull Rider and Bareback Rider, Eddie Fisher and her mom was Australian Champion Barrel Racer, Jo Fisher) Shea was active in cross-country and track. At 15, with encouragement from Olympic Coach, Doug Carlos, Shea considered training towards the Olympics. At the time, Shea was rodeoing and had just entered the performing world as a singer and she knew she couldn’t dedicate herself to four years of pure Olympic training, so she declined. “When I graduated, my dad sat me down and said, Shea when you leave school you need to join a gym and you need to stay fit because you're active now but if you stop
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COVER STORY when you get older it's hard to get back into it,” Shea said. “So, I went ahead and maintained fitness out of school, which I'm so grateful that my dad told me that because I do keep that in mind and it helps me be creative on the road with fitness workouts.” Shea kept up with trainers in the United States and learned the right exercises for her. She even began training clients in Nashville. “What they taught me are the exercises I do now. I've done P90X, I've done T25, things to keep you motivated, but my mindset on fitness is even 20 minutes is going make a difference,” she said. “Even if I was able to find time to go for a quick run and then do some squats and pushups and situps, just trying to hit my whole body, to me that was a significant workout because it was better than doing nothing.” When she became pregnant with her daughter, Praise, she continued her workouts, even posting them on Facebook and Instagram for her followers.
y Photos by Shelby McCame
“I like to post things that you can do without having to have a gym. I do post things with the gym, but a lot of people A - don't have time to go to a gym, or B - can't afford to have a gym at their house, so they're having to just try and workout using their body. And a lot of the time that gets a little intimidating and they're like, well I don't know what to do, this isn't going to work,” Shea said. “That's why I like to show these women that yeah, it's going to work, even without weights. It's repetition. It can still work and you can still get into shape.” Tyson is a fan of yoga and started training with three-time Superbowl champ of the Dallas Cowboys, tight end, Jay Novacek. “He was kind enough to train me for two years, and really kind of brought out the flexibility,” Tyson said. “We'd stretch, and I'd be in so much pain, and he would push me into positions, essentially, that my body couldn't go into. But he'd tell me just to breathe, and relax the muscle, and accept the pain. That's exactly what he would tell me, and I'm about to break in two. But he taught me a lot about flexibility, and how to manage my body in a way will hopefully be in shape for a long time.” Whether stopping for gas while on the road or a sandy Bahamian beach, Shea can be seen doing lunges and squats. And the couple travel with weights for strength training.
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COVER STORY
I wear pink to support the people who are fighting battles. It has become part of my life and I believe we should always support those people in need.
#breastcancerawareness 24
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Photos by Shelby McCamey
My advice is everything in moderation.
COVER STORY
SHEA DURFEY
Praise is a big reason they live a healthy lifestyle as well. “I try not to give her sugar although she has had sugar before but we try and limit it. We try and allow her to eat healthy as well, set up good nutrition at a young age,” Shea said. “But like I said, she's a child, they're going to have little things here and there, I just think even for kids it's everything in moderation.” Although, Shea has a long history of being healthy, she’s only human and cheat days happen. “I've always been one of those people, if I ever try to diet or limit myself mentally like, okay I can't eat any carbs, I have to solely eat a high protein diet. I struggled and I would want to cheat,” Shea said. “So, my advice to women is, everything in moderation. I try to eat nothing that's out of the can, if possible. I try and just eat natural foods. However, if you want to go and have a chip or a small piece of chocolate here and there, you're only human and it's not going to make you gain ten pounds. I think if you limit yourself to never being allowed anything like that, and not enjoying a meal, I think then you will fail at the diet. I think it's better to just try and eat naturally.” Tyson has taken to the new meal plans quite well, and while he still indulges in a big steak occasionally, now it usually comes with a side of steamed broccoli and sweet potato mash. “My wife usually cooks me chicken and fish, things that I would never eat if I weren’t married,” he said. “Essentially most of the rodeo season, I'm pretty much on track. Usually in the spring, I’m way better. About July, it gets tough because you're traveling. Literally, in July, you'll go to 22 rodeos in just one month. But if I'm home, I'm usually eating clean. Not a lot of deep-fried food but I will do bread. I eat very little sugar and have one soda once a week. I eat lots of greens.” Tyson and Shea also have to keep up with their businesses. They own a successful belt buckle company called Shea Michelle Buckles and recently ventured into
the baby boot business with Shea Baby Boots. “I actually had the idea before we even had Praise. I had gone and tried to buy a friend a pair of baby boots for the little one and I just couldn't find anything, I mean there's baby boots on the market but I couldn't find anything that was real leather and looked like it was going to hold up. So I decided to start just drawing up some designs.” The boots use real U.S. leather that has been tested for lead and iron. “For me it was important to have a zip on the side for that, 'because I know some kids have really chunky legs and parents can't find any boots for their kids, so I was like we need to make something that all parents can squeeze their kid into,” she said. “When I released the boots, they're like "Oh my goodness, we've been waiting for these.” The boots come in three different sizes but she has designed them so they fit babies a lot longer. A new line of boots come out this summer for older kids, two to five, which incorporate the same designs with hard soles. If the duo wasn’t busy enough, they incorporate motivational speaking into their time as well as Shea’s singing career. She has a new record coming out this fall. “My husband and I have started motivational speaking as well and Tyson and I just got back from Nashville. We did a big conference there and we spoke to about fifteen hundred people from the National Conservation District of America and told our story, and I performed as well,” she said. “That's one thing that we've really started to get involved in and we love doing it, because it kind of goes hand in hand with rodeo and music.” They’ve recently moved to a 50-acre ranch with an arena for Tyson to practice roping off Nikko and for Shea to run barrels on Betty. Their place has river access as well. “We were crazy and we moved the week before Christmas and the week after the NFR, so that was a little hectic. But we managed to get it done,” she said.
Keep up with Shea and Tyson’s fitness, on the road, music, rodeo, fashion and their motivational speaking on Facebook at @ sheafisher and @tysondurfey and on Instagram /sheafishermusic and /tysondurfey. www.rodeofame.com
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NEWS
R PBR FO ES CH UN LA AM R OG PR S ES LN EL NEW W HLETES AT EO OD R L AL TO ON SO G IN M CO S, ATHLETE
Photo by Sean Gleason, CEO, PBR
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There’s a new nonprofit in town structured to provide comprehensive wellness support and expanded benefits to all western sports athletes. Formerly the Rider Relief Fund that provided financial support to injured bull riders and bull fighters, the Western Sports Foundation (WSF) is the first program to provide a full range of resources and services for life beyond a career in western sports. It is based on five areas of Wellness: Mental, Physical, Life Skills, Financial, and Education & Career Planning. Athletes will have access to a host of new resources in these areas, including neurological services, brain trauma education, access to counseling and special programs and assistance in preparing for their future beyond the sport.
In addition to PBR’s multi-million dollar contribution over the next five years, which will ensure service coverage for its members, WSF will solicit other sports organizations and engage in additional fund-raising activities to ensure full services covering participants in rodeo and other western sports.
“As western sports have grown, we need to offer more services for the athletes. Western Sports Foundation will continue to provide financial assistance to injured athletes while significantly expanding to total wellness,” said Jake West, executive director of WSF.
The WSF will continue to offer the Rider Relief Fund’s traditional financial support to all injured western sports athletes. The new services will be initially offered to PBR athletes. There is no premium or deductible for the programs provided. With additional support and funding, these services will soon be available to all western sports athletes.
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“Rider health and safety have been, are, and will always be paramount to PBR,” said Sean Gleason, CEO, Professional Bull Riders (PBR), which is the driving force and a significant financial contributor to the WSF. “Using our network of experts and partners, we are proud to help launch this pioneering program in western sports. At no cost to them, our athletes will have access to experts and resources to help with healthcare, life skills and preparing for the future.”
Courtesy of PBR
HALL OF FAME
SERVICES OFFERED BY WSF
FROM STALL BOY TO ALLAROUND RODEO HAND
Neurological Services, Brain Injuries and Concussions • Consulting neurologist to advance the discussion regarding concussions, prevention, treatment, counseling and education as it relates to bull riding and western sports. • Network of consultative neurological professionals available to athletes. • Education and collateral materials to inform athletes of the symptoms, effects, treatment and other information with respect to concussions and brain injuries.
Mental Health and Wellness Services • Individual counseling services for both post-concussive and life challenges • Suicide awareness, crisis counseling and hotline services • Relationship counseling for bull riders and other western sports athletes and spouses • Drug and alcohol dependency support
Financial, Life Skills, and Career and Education Services • Network of financial professionals to help with money management, insurance, real estate, long-range planning, and post retirement (post professional athletic career) planning • Education assistance programs including scholarships • Career guidance and planning services (post professional athletic career)
By Shannon Geddess From a poor farm boy to a successful college and pro-rodeo athlete and businessman, Bob Schild has demonstrated time and again that in this life anything is possible. Bob was making .65 cents an hour cleaning box stalls while attending the University of Idaho. He understood and had farmed with horses, but had never been involved in rodeo. Bob had a buddy that took him to observe the rodeo team practice. During this practice, there was an assortment of “chute rattlers” that no one would get on. Bob offered to ride if someone would loan him a rigging. Bob rather enjoyed his first ride and unknown to him, he was what they called, “quite a talented rider.” This same friend offered to pay Bob’s way to start rodeoing. Bob decided to take him up on his offer and in the first rodeo he participated in he placed first in the saddle bronc, fifth in bareback and runner up in the allaround. He won $50 and knew without hesitation that this lifestyle was for him. After this first rodeo he transferred to Colorado A&M and really began his college rodeo career. Bob won many rodeos in the bareback, saddle bronc and bull riding. After college he went on to Pro-Rodeo and began his own business making rodeo chaps now known as B-B Leather. This year Bob is being recognized by CSU as one of their rodeo alumni outstanding athletes.
Gym Membership • WSF offers athletes free gym membership to over 400 24 Hour Fitness locations across the U.S., paramount in their dayto-day exercise regimen and maintaining rehabilitation following injury.
Traditional Rider Relief Fund Services • Financial assistance post injury or in time of need • Onsite event representatives to assist post injury and in other crisis situations (at premier tour and ultimately extending to developmental league tours)
www.rodeofame.com
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BRONC RIDING NATION
Photo by Jackie Jensen
Montana bronc rider Jake Costello winning Miles City Bucking Horse Sale Match 2017 aboard Burch Rodeo’s young superstar, Maria Bartiromo.
MILES CITY BUCKING HORSE SALE IS COWBOY AUTHENTIC THE HISTORY
The stories surrounding the origins of the world-famous Miles City Bucking Horse sale don’t all quite agree, but isn’t that the way with the best of cowboy tales? Visionary Feek Tooke, the father of the born to buck program and first to intentionally breed horses with the ability and predisposition to buck, is said to have started the campaign for an auction that featured buckers. Other
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accounts say sale barn owner, Les Beaux, made a cattle deal that included several bucking horses and had no clue how to sell them. However it started back in 1950, it’s still going strong and one of the best bronc match destinations and parties in Bronc Riding Nation. At the confluence of the Tongue and Yellowstone River, fur trappers and traders camped and swapped. In 1876, in the wake of Custer’s defeat at the Little Big Horn, the
By Lori O’Harver
FRONTIER
FORTITUDE >> BY KIM ZIERLEIN
frontierfortitude.com • frontierfortitude@gmail.com
SWEET SUMMER TIME
BRONC RIDING NATION U.S. Army built an infantry fort and posted General Nelson Miles. The railway soon followed and the western boom town that grew around it was officially named Miles City.
THE PARTY
Today, Miles City’s population is just over 8,000 and doubles with incoming cowboys and cowgirls on the third weekend in May. Miles City Bucking Horse Sale has grown organically over the years and evolved from strictly an auction to a four-day event with concerts, street dances, parades, cowboy bag pipers that stroll through the old, beautiful neon-drenched bars that line Main Street and all night parties. It’s become known as Cowboy Mardi Gras and is a destination high on the list of every pure and fabulously impure fan of bucking horses on the North American continent. The thing gets rolling on Thursday night with music straight from cowboy heaven when Corb Lund and the Hurtin Albertans and Ned LeDoux play under the stars on the blocked off streets of Miles City. Lund has spent the spring in Nashville working on his newest collection of serious Western music that will follow his 2016 release of ‘Things That Can’t Be Undone’. “I’m super excited to play Miles City! We had a blast the last time we did it. My uncle has been telling me about that sale since I was a teenager,” Corb Lund said. “It’s really important to me to play events like that in the American and Canadian West. I feel very connected to that part of the world. Both sides of my family have lived in the west since the mid 1800’s and it’s the place I feel most at home. Plus, I outright love Montana. It’s my favourite state.” Chancey Williams and The Younger Brother Band takes the outdoor stage on Saturday night at the Bucking Horse Saloon and Casino. His new album Rodeo Cold Beer debuted at #7 on the iTunes Country Chart and his live show isn’t to be missed. He’s a bronc hand himself. What else needs to be said?
THE CONTESTS
Reigning PBR World Champion Jess Lockwood’s hometown is Miles City. Wrangler National Finals Rodeo 2015 bronc rider, Josh Reynolds, is just down the long gravel road in Ekalaka. Reynolds won Miles City Bucking Horse Sale twice when it was a two day sale and once since the format has changed to the matched bronc ride on Sunday. The match is produced by Burch Rodeo with the help of a few other select contractors. “The horses are always outstanding, the crowd is standing room only and it’s about as pure Western as a contest comes,” said Reynolds. “The last time I won Miles City was on the rough side. I picked up my check and prize rifle while I was still bleeding from getting slammed down on my face at 8 seconds.” It wasn’t the last time he entered. Miles City Bucking Horse Sale’s arena is built into their 5/8 mile racetrack where Quarter Horse and Thoroughbred racing is featured throughout the event. The pari-mutuel windows are open during the match with wagering on the long and short go match-ups. Last year, Chuck Smith paid $42.10 on a $2.00 pari-mutuel ticket. There’s a high stakes calcutta for the short go championship round as well as savvy fans with fistfuls of dollars who line the fence and wager ride to ride with their neighbors and brand new friends. Old friends gather, reunions are random and sweet. There’s no place quite like Miles City Bucking Horse Sale. “We’ve never intended Bucking Horse Sale to be in a class with Cheyenne Frontier Days or Calgary Stampede. We’ve never tried to be fancy, we’re just authentically Old West.” – Miles City Montana Chamber of Commerce. Futurity, bull riding, horse and bull auction, matched bronc ride, party, concerts, shows, shopping and parades; whatever your interest in Western entertainment is, there’s something for you at Miles City Bucking Horse Sale.
Miles City Bucking Horse Sale’s feature event is Sunday’s Bronc Riding Match and only the best make it to the final round, that includes the horses selected. From Burch Rodeo Company (Left to Right) Testify, Maria Bartiromo, Strawberry Rocket and Lunatic From Hell. (Maria Bartiromo won in 2017 for Jake Costello)
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Photo by Mary Peters
Couples hit the dance floor at Corb Lund and the Hurtin’ Albertans’s first song and don’t stop unless they’re singing his lyrics back to him. It’s cowboy music authenticity at it’s finest, complete with nice leather work on his guitar.
Photo by Mary Peters
PRCA RAM PRESTON RODEO Since 1934
FIRST NIGHT RODEO IN THE USA THAT FAMOUS PRESTON NIGHT RODEO
Preston, Idaho July 26 - 28, 2018
Come on Home! 2
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Parade every night at 6:30 | Rodeo performance every night at 8:30 Tickets online at prestonrodeo.com
ATHELTES & STARS
Cody Webster is...
FIGHTING BULLS WITH FITNESS For Professional Bullfighter, Cody Webster, the game has changed and he is moving with the times. In fact, at the request of his lovely wife, Ashley, Cody just tried Hot Yoga for the very first time. “She finally got me convinced to go. I’ve never sweated so much in my life.” Cody’s workout schedule depends on the time of the year.
“The whole entire sport has evolved, it doesn't matter if you're runnin' barrels or ridin' bulls or even fightin' bulls, everything has evolved into such an athlete-type mentality. So these guys are doin' what they have to do bein' fit and bein' on top of their game.” CODY WEBSTER
“So, for me it just changes all the time because when I'm home and just on the weekends it's more strength and weight training, but then I'm going hardcore in the winter or all summer, it's a lot more just core cardio and balance type stuff,” Cody said. “I don't really like to stay in the heat of the summer whenever we're working every day so I really like to do the T25. It's just a quick 25-minute workout but it gets a really good sweat going, gets the muscles warmed up and firin', and it's really good for my bullfighting work when you take shots the day before or something, it kind of helps you recover quicker.” Ashley, 28, is a former college athlete focusing on basketball and cross-country so she’s used to a good workout. “I kind of change my routines up a lot. I do four or five days a week, and then I also do strength training, and then if we're on the road I like to do PiYo,” Ashley said. “We mountain bike a lot in the summertime, and run bleachers at various rodeos. When I'm at home I like to go to the gym and get on a good schedule, but if we're on the road I just try to make it work with whatever we have.” As for nutrition, because they are on the road so much, Ashley and Cody hit the grocery store and stock up on healthy food to keep in their trailer. Cody is a protein guy with a bit of carbs thrown in. “My favorite thing in the trailer really is I eat a lot of chicken and eggs and I throw in some quick easy steamed rice
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in there. That's kinda my go-to as far as out on the road, being able to meal prep and eat healthier,” Cody said. “But really overall, the older I get, the more I really pay attention and try to stay away from the breads and the sugars. I hardly ever eat sweets or junk food and I do not drink Coke or any kind of pop. That's an absolute no.” Ashley focuses on eating healthy as well but she does have a sweet tooth for homemade baked goods so she stays as far away from them as she can! “I'm a junk food junkie when it comes to baked goods and homemade anything, so I don't keep it in the house,” Ashley said. “I make it when the boys are around. [Cody’s bull fighting buddies.] But for the most part I try to stick to chicken. We raise beef and have fresh beef so we eat a lot of that, and just always veggies. I'm a big fan of everything that is good for you.” The older Cody gets, the more he pays attention to healthier, better quality food and focuses on fitness. Being extra fit and healthy is critical for reducing injuries and downtime in his dangerous sport. “Even some of the best guys who're in the best shape, they'll have a real tough go. It's the same for us, fightin' bulls, the game is that much quicker, that much faster,” Cody said. “When you do that stuff in there and take a shot for the guy, it really ... leaves a mark. But you gotta take care of business!” As far as spiritual health, the couple who were friends since high school, are Christian and rely on God to keep them safe in and out of the arena. “You know, everything that we get to do is definitely a God thing. And getting to travel the country and live a dream and build to make a living at it … essentially get to do exactly what we love, it's a dream come true.”
By Brenda Matamoros-Beveridge
ANIMAL ATHLETE Two Cookies is just 8 years old this year and has already made two trips to the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo for owners Cervi Championship Rodeo Company. His 2017 WNFR win was under Ryder Wright, helping the young superstar clinch his first world championship.
Photo by Mallory Beinborn
It’s true! The more you know about bucking horses the more there is to love.
“We’re always open to people naming our horses,” said Binion Cervi. “Announcer Andy Seiler named a set for us. He called this fancy bay colt Two Cookies because his baby son, when asked if he wanted a cookie would always reply ‘two cookies’.” His ancestry is a perfect blend of top stock from several stellar breeding programs from all over bronc riding nation. His dam is by the fearsome eliminator, Bar Fly of Brookman Rodeo Company. She didn’t much care to buck but out produced herself every time she foaled. Two Cookies’ sire is Fireworks, out of the great Canadian bred mare Fire N Lace and sired by Pet Me, the son of blue hen mare Connie’s Pet who was sired by Bar T Rodeo’s great Roany.
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By Lori O’Harver
ROOKIE STEER WRESTLER MAKING BIG WAVES IN ARENA By Erin Jusseaume Australian Steer Wrestler Kodie Jang made big waves at this years RFD-TV The American.
New home of Jim Alvarado & Jennifer Allen
Not only did the Aussie become the first Australian to qualify for the semi-finals, he also did it with that true blue Australian style. Jang who originally hails from Townsville, entered a qualifier in Stigler, Oklahoma at the start of the year.
FREE download on either
“I had a mate who asked if I could travel with him to the jackpot. I had no idea it was a qualifier for the American and I honestly entered in the event at the last minute,” said Jang with a laugh. Being able to stay up with the big guns of the sport, Jang says that he doesn’t have time to hit the gym so he stays fit the old fashioned way. “When I’m not working horses, I am working as a farrier,” said Jang. “Shoeing horses keeps me pretty fit,” he added. Now as he looks to have the possibility of entering the biggest rodeo in the world, to compete along side living legends of the sport in all events, Jang still steps onto his horse with that unique North Queensland style of rodeoing. “Rodeo is a business here in the states, and I am learning how to make a living from being a rodeo athlete. It’s very different from back home,” said Jang. Currently the Aussie steer wrestler is based in Texas, and ready to hit the road this season hoping to hit a number of big name rodeos. Jang finished 21 in the 2017 PRCA Rookie Standings, and hopes to climb the ladder as he hits the 2018 season. www.rodeofame.com
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FASHION WAGON
Describe your style I don’t really have my own set style. I dress for what I feel comfortable wearing. I can go from PBR World Finals glam outfits in Vegas, to jeans and boots covered in mud. I like to do my hair and makeup but only once or twice a week at most and that is only for a for PBR event. But I don’t do it because I feel ugly, I do it because I like to put the effort in.
Montana Thurtell is the
Future Mrs. Troy Wilkinsin PBR ATHLETE
MUST HAVES IN YOUR PURSE:
Dry shampoo but that stays at the hotel. Lipstick. Lipgloss. PBR pass. Hair tie. Wallet. Phone.
WHAT DO YOU DO FOR FITNESS?
WHAT DO YOU DO FOR FUN?
I still love to go horse riding and would do it everyday if we could. I also love going to the beach and going out for breakfast!
When I was working horses I never used to go to the gym, I hated the gym I would much rather be outside or go for an outdoor hike up a trail. But now because we are constantly traveling and it’s hard to eat right on the road. I try to work out about 3 times a week either at the gym or at home and love going to Pilates classes when we get the chance.
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Photos by David Sinclair Liz Sinclair shootshorses.com
FASHION WAGON WHAT’S YOUR BACKGROUND IN RODEO?
I never did rodeo, I rode and competed with cutting horses. I tried barrel racing once and it wasn’t my thing. I used to work full time at cutting horse ranches and we would work about 30 horses a day at some places. Plus look after the brood mares, foals and also cattle. I want to get into roping. I tried it once and absolutely love it! But you can’t have horses when you’re never home! Haha
WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT THE COUNTRY LIFE?
Being outdoors. I love getting the bulls in with the horses and dogs on the weekends to buck them back home. Going swimming in the creeks and getting a tan on those hot summer days.
DO YOU WORK?
Before we left Australia Troy and I were both in the construction business in Sydney. Building tunnels and freeways underneath the city itself. Troy is a qualified diesel technician and I was an administration officer, handling accounts and payroll on sites.
HOW DID TROY PROPOSE?
I came home from work one day and found a note on our front door saying ‘knock before you enter’. So I did. Troy greeted me at the front door in a full black tie suit and the house was full of rose petals. He had made a butter chicken curry from scratch and it looked like he had been slaving at it all day in the kitchen. We sat down with candlelight, had dinner and wine. I asked what was for dessert and he came back with 2 kinder surprise chocolates. The ones with the toy inside. He had his chocolate and opened his toy and asked me what was in mine. When I opened it, the ring fell out onto the dining room table with a little note saying “love you forever” and he was already down on one knee next me. I’ve never seen him so nervous in my life. He rides the rankest bulls in the world and this is the only time I’ve ever seen him nervous. He was shaking and started to cry. It made me cry and he asked me ‘will you marry me?’ Of course I said yes and our wedding is this October in the Australian Spring time. #teamwilko
WHAT IS HE LIKE TO HANG WITH?
He is a go getter, sporty, likes to be outdoors and always likes to do competitive things. A simple game of mini golf can turn into the world championships. He is so funny and witty to be around and he always makes me smile.
YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT HIM?
His determination, his grit and he always gives 110% and the fact that he will brush the knots out of my hair when I can’t be bothered.
WHAT DOES YOUR DIET CONSIST OF?
During the week I try to eat pretty healthy. I eat low carbs and low sugar because I don’t love working out as much as I love eating. I don’t have much dairy and drink almond milk instead and I absolutely can not live without my coffee! I will try to prep healthy meals before a weekend road trip but Troy and I have a deliciously bad dessert at least once on the weekend.
Describe your lifestyle :
Busy, always bu sy but also fun and ex citing . We are foreve r booking flights, car rentals and hote ls. We are in a diffe rent state every wee kend and sometimes 3 states in one w eek to make all the ev ents. Sometimes we drive over 30 hours in one weekend and it’s no big deal anymor e to us.. it’s just anot her weekend!
HOW DO YOU LIKE LIVING THIS LIFESTYLE?
I love it! It’s sometimes hard travelling nearly every single weekend and being in a different country for months at time. But we have so much fun doing it! We have been to so many places traveling to PBR’s and rodeos and have also met some life long friends along the way. www.rodeofame.com
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BUSINESS PROFILE
B-B LEATHER
GLOVES THAT GET THE JOB DONE
From a tiny one room shop to a well known leather business, B-B Leather in Blackfoot, Idaho has been in business over 50 years. What initially was a one man business making chaps and horse equipment has now become the name in the rodeo industry for their custom built bareback and bull riding gloves.
accessories stop by B-B Leather or visit the website at www.bbarbwholesale.com. For information and ordering of the new Bear Knuckles work glove go to www.buybearknuckles.com.
A former bareback rider himself, Shawn Schild is passionate about the business of making gloves. He comprehends what it takes to have the best grip and feel in a glove without making the hand fatigued. By the design and fit of all of Shawn’s gloves you can see that he is particular in what he makes. His latest glove, Bear Knuckles, are the epitome of the work glove that every hard working rancher or cowboy needs. These gloves fit like a second skin and are built for the natural curve of your fingers. They don’t have to be taken off to accomplish tasks and will hold up while fencing or doing many other things. Bear Knuckles gloves have been tested by the likes of farmers, linemen, and welders. When you are looking for the finest chaps, bareback gloves, bull riding gloves and many other leather
For more information: 719 W Pacific Street • Blackfoot, ID 83221 • 208-785-1731
www.buybearknuckles.com 38
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By Shannon Geddes
BUSINESS PROFILE
BOBBY KERR MUSTANG ACT
IT ALL STARTED WITH A MUSTANG
2017 PRCA Dress Act of the Year, Bobby Kerr Mustang Act, is one of the most favored PRCA specialty acts in the United States. Bobby has over 40 years experience in training and showing reining, roping, cutting and working cow horses. In 2011 he got involved with the Mustang Heritage Foundation and competed in the Extreme Mustang Makeover competition.
your own. They will change your life as they come around and learn to trust you.
Bobby became interested in the Extreme Mustang Makeover competition after a friend took him to watch it in 2010. He was captivated by the idea of having to only pay a small fee for the wild mustang and be part of a level playing field. All trainers were given the same number of days to train and then showcase their professional skills during the competition. Bobby clearly had a talent with the mustangs as he was voted fan favorite at the 2012 Extreme Mustang Makeover Competition. A benefit that has come with competing in the Extreme Mustang Makeover is that he is now one of the top speciality rodeo acts in the PRCA. He had no idea that what his future would hold when first participating in the competition. He loves what he does and feels blessed to tell the story of this American piece of history. Bobby encourages everyone to take a look at wild mustang adoptions. $125 will buy a horse to make
By Shannon Geddes
For more information: 8039 State Highway 220 • Hico, TX 76457 • 524-413-6754
bobby@bobbykerrmustang.com www.rodeofame.com
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BUSINESS PROFILE
ROGER KELSEY
NOT YOUR ORDINARY DENTIST
When it comes to staying fit, oral hygiene in horses is especially important. Roger Kelsey teaches the importance of taking proper care of a horse’s teeth. Roger has been practicing equine dentistry since 2005 after certifying at the Academy of Equine Dentistry in Glenns Ferry, Idaho. He now helps instruct incoming equine practitioners pursuing certification. Roger has practiced dentistry in 23 states as well as Spain and many European countries. He also serves on the International Association of Equine Dentistry Board and has published several articles on Gnathology. ‘
clients were having no luck getting their horse to gain weight, he opened the mouth and simply lifted two of the horses teeth out with only his fingers. He balanced what was left of the molar table and the horse began to put on weight, as he expected. This, along with the many adventures his career has allowed for, is why Roger loves his job.
A few pieces of advice Roger gives to horse owners are to find a qualified equine practitioner or vet that focuses on equine dentistry and is familiar with proper gnathology (science of chewing) and schedule to have your horses done annually. Horses teeth never stop erupting, so continual care is needed. It is easier to form a good mouth in a young horse than try to fix problems in older horses that could have been prevented. Not much surprises Roger when it comes to the equine mouth. During one visit with a veterinarian whose
For more information, contact Roger Kelsey at
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By Shannon Geddes
BUSINESS PROFILE
FRONTIER RIDER PRODUCTIONS
WHAT IS A COWBOY?
The western lifestyle and cowboy way of life is a fascination that may not be accurately known or understood. The world is crowded with countless representations of this lifestyle from the movies. Frontier Rider Productions and Renegade Ranch Promotions is on a mission to bring the authentic western lifestyle and cowboy life to the public and widen the circle of rodeo life. Frontier Rider Productions produces and distributes product to support the western lifestyle and educate the public on actual ranch life and cowboy lifestyle. They produce docu-style reality television in order to present the real lives of people in the rodeo, livestock and agricultural world and what they do. All members of the production company come from a western upbringing or way of life. This is not the Hollywood mainstream clique, the participants have lived the way of life they are creating for the world to see. The crew all have the same common goal, to show the accurate picture of the western world, dispel myths and misconceptions and create a new love and following for the ranching, rodeo and western lifestyle. The current project involves host Marshall Teague, traveling around the country meeting with various cowboys whose way of life is rodeo. It is an up close personal documentary of rodeo athletes and what it takes to live the rodeo circuit life.
By Shannon Geddes
For more information: Frontier Rider Productions • PO BOX 60022 • Boulder City, NV 89006
682-224-9102 www.rodeofame.com
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NON-PROFIT PROFILE
THE MUSTANG HERITAGE FOUNDATION
MEET THE AMERICAN MUSTANG
The Mustang Heritage Foundation has many programs to educate the public about wild mustangs. Their mission is to show that not only are mustangs an important part of our American heritage, they are rugged, adaptable, and intelligent horses.
halter, lead, load and unload from a trailer and pick up all four feet. The trainers then find an adopter for this gentled horse. Through TIP, since established in 2007, over 5,500 wild horses have been adopted, with over 1,500 of those being adopted out last year alone.
The Extreme Mustang Makeover is one of the most recognized equine competitions in America. In this event the trainer picks out a mustang and then gets 100 days to form a bond with and train this mustang. They then compete in a horse show composed of handling and conditioning, mustang maneuvers, and trail and freestyle classes. The event culminates with the mustang being placed up for adoption by the public. The Extreme Mustang Makeover has taken place in over 23 cities in the United States and showcases the adaptability and trainability of the wild mustang horses. The 2018 event cities are Lexington, KY on June 21 – 23 and Ft. Worth, TX on September 6 – 8.
There are a number of ways to get involved with the Mustang Heritage Foundation. Go to the website at mustangheritagefoundation.org to discover more about the aforementioned programs as well as many others. Learn the value of the American Mustang and ways to incorporate one into your family.
Besides the Extreme Mustang Makeover, there is another program within the Mustang Heritage Foundation that is responsible for adopting the most wild horses out to the public. The Trainer Incentive Program (TIP) allows trainers to gentle wild horses to For more information: Mustang Heritage Foundation • 512-869-3225
www.MustangHeritageFoundation.org 42
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By Shannon Geddes
NON-PROFIT PROFILE
VALOR FOR VETERANS
SERVING OUR NATION’S HEROES Imagine losing your child to PTSD. Tracey Nazarenus found herself in this precise situation, with her own son after he came home from a tour in Afghanistan. As a mom, Tracey missed the signs of the struggle that her son was having and almost lost him. Tracey took this experience to heart and founded Valor for Veterans. Valor for Veterans not only rescues horses for veterans to enjoy, they offer therapeutic riding and services to help our nation’s vets get back on their feet. Tracey’s goal is for everybody to unite and observe those around them. Take notice when the veterans in your community are in distress. Veterans often struggle to reacclimate to civilian life and Valor for Vets is a triage for them to get help when they need it. Valor for Vets discovers how the veteran got into their current situation. They make advocate calls and find out the current emergency need. If a power bill or water bill needs to be paid or if groceries are needed, Valor for Vets will step in and pay those bills directly. They set veterans up with
financial planners and direct them toward jobs.
The Veterans get the fresh start they need and in turn pay it forward to other Veterans in need. Valor for Vets is a volunteer service and needs volunteers throughout the nation. Be a part of an amazing group, go to www. valorforveterans.us and volunteer to help those that have sacrificed for our freedom.
For more information: 1280 Hayesmount Rd. • Commerce City, CO 80022 • 303-324-7096
www.valorforveterans.us
By Shannon Geddes
www.rodeofame.com
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NON-PROFIT PROFILE
BACK IN THE SADDLE
HORSES CHANGING LIVES Winston Churchill said, “There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man.” Jessica Streamo abides by this motto and has made it possible for others to appreciate the freedom that comes with being on a horse. Jessica is a trained instructor with Path International and is the founder of Back in the Saddle, located in Smithfield, North Carolina. Jessica utilizes curriculum from Dr. Beth Lanning, who has published articles on the effectiveness of equine activities for individuals with PTSD diagnosis. By adhering to this teaching method she is guaranteed a pretty high success rate of helping those that need it. Her system is to keep things down to earth and give the participants that boost of adrenaline that they crave.
Members of the military, first responders and their families can utilize the services of Back in the Saddle for no charge. Jessica has a goal to help adults that are struggling with trauma in any shape or form. She believes that providing the various activities for them to do, whether it be trail riding, arena riding, walking along the trails or fishing in the ponds, they are more encouraged to get out of bed in the morning. This is the first step to initiating change in their lives. By encouraging participants to do something they thought they couldn’t do or have never done, they are more likely to keep moving forward.
For more information: 9604 White Carriage Dr • Wake Forest, NC 27587 • 919-522-3081
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By Shannon Geddes
BUSINESS PROFILE
NASHVILLE’S LONE STAR PR
ONE DYNAMIC WESTERN PUBLIC RELATIONS FIRM Lone Star PR is the only proven public relations firm that provides publicity and garners national exposure for the Western entertainment world including country music, Western sports and apparel.
Founder and president of Lone Star PR, Heather Blankenship, has a gift for the gifted that she’s always understood. A native Texan, Blankenship grew up in a family that was involved in rodeo and Western music. She graduated from Texas A & M with a degree in Agricultural Communication and Journalism and has gone on to represent entertainment industry icons PBR and RodeoHouston.
Mandrell and Hank Williams Jr., actor Christian Kane and festivals such as Bonnaroo and the Country Throwdown Tour.
“What my firm brings to our clients is a deep resource of strong media contacts, business connections and relentless cross promotion that has a proven track record of success,” said Blankenship. “I focus on getting our clients the national attention they deserve.” Lone Star PR is connected and effective in marketing, publicity, event planning, sales, artist booking and multi-media promotions. Blankenship lives her dream by helping others achieve theirs.
She founded Nashville’s hottest, boutique public relations firm to service the unique needs of Western entertainment talent and production entities with specific attention to detail and press placement. Lone Star PR’s clientele are routinely covered by high profile media outlets like Sports Illustrated, Rolling Stone Magazine and USA Today. Blankenship currently spearheads publicity for iconic events like Cheyenne Frontier Days, RFD TV’s The American, along with bronc riding star Brody Cress, Bronc Riding Nation and country music sensations Randall King and Chancey Williams and The Younger Brothers Band. Prior to founding Lone Star PR, Blankenship cut her teeth at several record labels and PR firms where she worked with legends Barbara
By Lori O'Harver
For more information: 2 Music Cir S, Ste 105 • Nashville, TN 37203 • 615-727-5770
www.LoneStarPR.com www.rodeofame.com
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BUSINESS PROFILE
“What my firm brings to our clients is a deep resource of strong media contacts, business connections and relentless cross promotion that has a proven track record of success.” HEATHER BLANKENSHIP Founder and president of Lone Star PR
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Photo by David Sinclair Liz Sinclair shootshorses.com
TAILGATING
Fitness Q&A tailgating
Tailgating parties are the best! Good friends, good food and good conversations. Rodeo Fame would like you to pretend you are hanging out with the gang as we give you the up-close and personal scoop on the latest Q&As with our rodeo famous athletes and stars
1. What do you do on the road to stay fit? 2. What is your go to exercise or piece of equipment? "My go to exercise when I can’t get to the gym to workout with a trainer is doing a lot of core stuff and stretching. Having a strong core has helped me so much barrel racing." TACI BETTIS, BARREL RACING
2017 WPRA Rookie of the Year and 2018 RFDTV The American Barrel Racing Champion
"I usually just do push-ups, sit-ups, and I use the exercise bands to help work my arms and shoulders out. I use to run a lot, but now that I’ve gotten older I’ve tried to find other cardio to do since it’s getting harder on me." "I don’t really use any equipment besides a mat, exercise bands, and Perfect push-up handles." CODY WRIGHT, SADDLE BRONC
2X PRCA World Champion, 13X WNFR Qualifier
Photo by David Sinclair Liz Sinclair shootshorses.com
When I am on the road I try and get to the gym at least 3 times a week and eat as healthy as possible. DAKOTA ELDRIDGE
I like to go on runs, do some bleachers and ride my bike for miles.
"My go to piece of equipment would be a bosu ball. You can do a ton of balance and core workouts with them." DAKOTA ELDRIDGE, STEER WRESTLING 5X WNFR Qualifier, 2012 PRCA Resistol AllAround and Steer Wrestling Rookie of the Yea r
"I feel eating healthy helps me more than anything. I’m a pretty active person anyways so as long as I eat right it keeps me feeling good." "I don’t really have a go to piece of equipment. As long as I’m hustling through whatever I’m doing throughout the day I feel good. Whether it’s running while I’m golfing or throwing pipe around I usually sleep good at night haha." CORT SCHEER, SADDLE BRONC 5X WNFR Qualifier and 2018 RFDTV The American Saddle Bronc Champion www.rodeofame.com
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By Shannon Geddes
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TRAVEL
By Shannon Geddes
When you hear the words Cheyenne, Wyoming, where does your mind take you? Cowboys, Wild West, Lane Frost, or Cheyenne Frontier Days are some of the most popular responses. Not only can you take in the world’s largest outdoor rodeo, you can treat yourself to some world class hiking, mountain climbing and camping. Cheyenne is famous for Cheyenne Frontier Days, the world’s largest outdoor rodeo. During Frontier Days, there are a myriad of activities that coincide, many of which are free. Along with the rodeo, visit the gunfight reenactments, Frontier Town, the Old Fashioned Melodrama or the Indian Village. In conjunction with the action packed 10 days, the USAF Thunderbirds air-show is definitely a sight to behold. And don’t forget, the nights are filled with concerts featuring some of the best entertainers in country music, like Florida Georgia Line and Cole Swindell. Cheyenne is also rich in railroad history. Cheyenne Depot is recognized as being one of the most beautiful railroad stations in North America and is now home to the Cheyenne Visitor Center, a restaurant and Cheyenne Depot Museum. After a trip to the museum, visit Curt Gowdy State Park and take in the granite towers or catch rainbow trout in the reservoirs. While staying in Cheyenne, choose from historical hotels to dude ranches, bed and breakfasts to camping. Whatever your stay entails, you can’t go wrong in a place as beautiful as Cheyenne, Wyoming. Photo by Bree Burtis
Cheyenne Frontier Days
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MUSIC
DON’T FORGET TO FOLLOW: Cheyenne Frontier Days on Twitter and Instagram @CheFrontierDays and Cole Swindell @ColeSwindell to keep up with all the action!
at Frontier Days with Cole Swindell Country Music Superstar to Headline at World’s Largest Outdoor Rodeo Cheyenne Frontier Days will welcome country music star Cole Swindell as he headlines the World’s Largest Outdoor Rodeo on Saturday, July 21, 2018. With his current single “Break Up In The End,” and a new album releasing in 2018, Swindell is sure to bring the heat this summer in Wyoming. Swindell’s rise through country music has been meteoric. Right out of the gate, his debut single, “Chillin’ It,” hit number one on Billboard’s Hot country chart in 2014. In 2015, he won the ACM Award for New Artist of the Year and followed that with another number one hit, “You Should Be Here,” in 2016. He also performed with Florida Georgia Line at Frontier Days in 2016, selling over 25,000 tickets for a stadium with a listed capacity of 15,000. This year, Swindell is ready to headline his own night at the World’s Largest Outdoor Rodeo. The platinum-selling artist specifically recalls the energy and excitement from fans his last time in Cheyenne and is ready to put on another stellar performance for this year’s crowd.
Tickets will be available for purchase on Friday, February, 2 at 9 a.m. MT on www.cfdrodeo.com, the Cheyenne Frontier Days ticket office or by phone at 307-778-7222.
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Custom apparel that keeps the legacy of rodeo and ranching alive
Order online at roamfashion.net
Photo by David Sinclair Liz Sinclair shootshorses.com
ANIMAL ATHLETE
“He adores London and runs his heart out for her every time, but like most of the horses who haven’t competed on the national level, he lost his focus during the long go in the big stadium,” said Amanda Gorham, London’s mom. “We’re incredibly proud of them both.”
During RFDTV’s The American, the eyes of the barrel racing world were focused on the 7-year-old sorrel gelding who set the arena on fire in the semi’s and set everybody’s heart dreaming about a 10 year old million dollar winner.
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London Gorham is a special 10-year-old and rides with an uncanny presence for one so young, but we wouldn’t know anything about her without the help of her partner, Frenchman’s Assassin.
He’s by the iconic South Dakota stallion, Frenchman’s Guy and out of the royally bred Huggy’s Spitfire, from the families of Easy Jet, Rillito Deck, Sir Winsalot and My Texas Dandy. Assassin was purchased by the Gorham’s as a 3-year-old and sent for training and a little seasoning at smaller barrel races for a few years. After a 6-month layoff for a suspensory tendon injury, the pair picked up where they left off setting arenas ablaze. The crowds and energy at Cowtown Coliseum in Fort Worth suited Assassin, who really hadn’t been to any big rodeos prior to the semifinals. AT&T was a different story.
By Lori O’Harver
IN THIS ISSUE
FIT FOR
THE SHOW RING By Shannon Geddes Ali Eidson has been riding competitively for 15 years. She specializes in Western Horsemanship for the APHA and AQHA. Being a competitive showman requires that she and her horse stay fit in order to perform to the best of their abilities. Ali’s fitness routine consists of running and core work. Core work is essential for horsemanship, it controls the rider’s seat and posture. In horsemanship, the goal is to draw a straight line from head to hips to heels. Ali does her legwork on horseback. She rides without the irons in the English Saddle. By doing this, riders learn to keep their knees tight. Posting in the saddle is almost like a squat, but on horseback. Ali keeps her horse fit by riding and lunging every day. She puts her horse on the walker for 30 minutes at a trot and then rides for another hour. During performance time, she will ride for 4 hours straight. Keeping fit is a lot of work, but something that Ali truly enjoys and she reaps the benefits in the show arena.
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PRESTON
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N, IDAHO AHO
TRAVEL
By Shannon Geddes
Why This Small Town Celebration is Famous
Chances are, you have probably heard of the Famous Preston Night Rodeo, but have you experienced it? Families flock to Preston, Idaho during the end of July or first part of August every year as a stopping point in their summer vacation or for a trip back home. Family reunions, class reunions, and numerous get togethers take place during three action packed days. The Famous Preston Night Rodeo is more than just the oldest outdoor night rodeo. It is three days of parades, carnival rides, sidewalk sales and local talents being showcased. The three nights of the Famous Preston Night PRCA Rodeo is the culmination of the festivities. Over 83 years strong, the Famous Preston Night Rodeo is run by a committee of volunteers. Some of those volunteers have served for over 30 years. They pride themselves in a rodeo that keeps improving, from more money in the purse to upgrading the facilities each year. In 2013 they were awarded Best Small Rodeo in Idaho. Following this honor, they increased their purse moving them into big rodeo status, and won Best Large Rodeo in Idaho in 2014 and 2015. They have also received awards for arena dirt at the NFR for the past six years. As it can be seen with the purse size and devotion that the committee has for the cowboys and improving the facilities, the top cowboys recognize Preston as a definite stop on their rodeo schedule. That Famous Preston Night Rodeo is a tradition, legacy and family heritage that will continue to be around for years to come
Preston Night Rodeo www.rodeofame.com
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