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1 · Ute Mountain Roundup Rodeo · June 2016
2016
UTE MOUNTAIN
Roundup SINCE 1930
RODEO
CORTEZ
COLORADO
Chief Executive Officer: Douglas Bennett
Editorial Editor: Rachel Segura Designer: Todd Bartz
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Production Production Manager: Suzanne Duke Advertising Design Jim Dodson, Olivia Dombach, Justin Meek, Christian Ridings Publication date: June 3, 2016 © 2016. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. Published in the United States by Ballantine Communications, Inc. 1275 Main Ave., Durango, CO 81301. Ballantine Communications uses reasonable effort to include accurate and up-to-date information for its special publications. Details are subject to change, so please check ahead. The publisher accepts no responsibility for any consequences arising from the use of this guide. We welcome suggestions from readers. Please write to the editor at the address above.
2 · Ute Mountain Roundup Rodeo · June 2016
ROUNDUP RODEO history The Ute Mountain Roundup’s heritage traces back to a rodeo that was started around the end of World War I. That rodeo was part of the county fair, held in September each year on what is now the football field at the Cortez Middle School, at the junction of highways 491 and 160. The rodeo was held there every year until about 1930. In 1930, the fair and the rodeo were moved to land on North Garfield Street that had been donated for that purpose to the American Legion. Shortly after that move, the rodeo was separated from the county fair and began to be held in June of each year. The rodeo became the Ute Mountain Roundup and was operated by the Cortez American Legion. The rodeo was elevated to a higher level in 1960 when the Rodeo Cowboys Association, now known as the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA), first sanctioned it. In December of 2005, the ground on which the Ute Mountain Roundup had been held for 75 years was sold and so the Ute Mountain Roundup moved again. This time the rodeo came under a new non-profit corporation, the Ute Mountain Roundup, Inc. This newly formed entity, with a board of local businesspersons and a committee of local rodeo fans, competitors, supporters and volunteers, moved the rodeo to the Montezuma County Fairgrounds. Since its move, the fairgrounds has seen an immense facelift including a new grandstands, concession stand, an updated announcer booth and more. Each year the purse for the rodeo contestants gets greater and greater, bringing better cowboys and more spectators.
SAM GREEN/THE JOURNAL
PRCA HISTORY Until the turn of the century, early rodeos were informal events – exhibition matches of skill, with nothing but pride and perhaps a few wagers at stake. But as audiences grew, promoters began to organize annual contests in specific locations as well as traveling Western shows. Rodeo organizations remained fragmented until the late 1920s when the Rodeo Association of America, comprised of rodeo committees and promoters from across the U.S., named its first champions. The first true national cowboys’ organization emerged in 1936, when a group of cowboys and cowgirls left a performance at Madison Square Garden and boycotted the promoter’s next rodeo, in BostonGarden. They forced one of the biggest rodeo producers of the times, Col. W.T. Johnson, to listen to their demands for better prize money and judges who understood rodeo. Johnson gave in, under duress, and the Cowboys’ Turtle Association was born – a name they picked because they had been slow to act, but had finally stuck their necks out for their cause. In 1945, the Turtles became the Rodeo Cowboys Association (RCA), which in 1975 evolved into the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. The PRCA has experienced tremendous growth in terms of membership, national exposure, media coverage and sanctioned rodeos. Today, the PRCA boasts about 7,000 members (4,898 of whom are currently contestants) and sanctions approximately 600 rodeos a year. The PRCA headquarters in Colorado Springs, Colo., which includes the ProRodeo Hall of Fame and Museum of the American Cowboy, opened in 1979. In 2014, more than $41 million was paid out in prize money at PRCA rodeos, a figure the Turtles might never have dreamed possible. In addition, ProRodeo is telecast to more than 56 million households. ProRodeo continues to bridge the traditions of the old West with the tools of the 21st century. Rodeo fans keep up to date with their favorite human and animal athletes by subscribing to the PRCA’s ProRodeo Sports News magazine and logging on to www.ProRodeo.com, and both the PSN and ProRodeo.com use the social networking site Facebook. Ute Mountain Roundup Rodeo · June 2016 · 3
Bigger, Better, Best 4 · Ute Mountain Roundup Rodeo · June 2016
Ute Mountain Roundup Rodeo combines passion and determination to create one of the best rodeos in Southwest Colorado
Each year, the Ute Mountain Roundup Rodeo has surpassed the goals of all the rodeo committee members. One of the longestrunning events in Cortez will once again take center stage at the Bob Banks Memorial Arena at the Montezuma County Fairgrounds on June 9-11. Chances are, if you attended a rodeo within the last five years you’ve definitely noticed some major changes. The non-profit, volunteer committee who are behind the inner workings of the rodeo production have given their time and effort to continuously up the ante of the UMRR. Kelly Charles is this year’s Ute Mountain Roundup Rodeo Queen. She has been in awe of the rodeo since she was a young girl. “It’s so exciting to see the growth of the rodeo from year to year,” Charles said. “This year we are hoping to sell out again. It’s not just locals that come watch; hundreds of tourists who are visiting and people from out of town come out as well. It also brings bigger rodeo professionals who bring their families, and that in turn gives the town more business.” There have been many changes to the fairgrounds in the last few years. The grandstands were upgraded to accommodate more spectators, a concession stand was added, the announcer booth was updated, and not to mention the many changes to the indoor arena and smaller buildings for stock. The biggest, greatest change occurred in 2014, when a roof was placed over the grandstands with funds from a $75,000 state lottery grant and the Ute Mountain Roundup Rodeo committee putting forth $35,000. The organization has been an advocate for not only the look and feel of the fairgrounds, but also the rodeo production itself.
COURTESY UTE MOUNTAIN ROUNDUP RODEO
Slim McWilliams, with microphone, speaks to the crowd at the 2010 Ute Mountain Roundup Rodeo. McWilliams was the former chairman of the board and is still an active member.
Jody Carper has been the rodeo announcer at the UMRR for over five years. He said the amount of talent the committee brings in is impressive and helps set it apart from other small town rodeos. “They have had some of the best barrel men in the country perform at this rodeo,” Carper said. “John Harrison is spectacular. Keith Isley and Troy Lerwill are awardwinning, world-class barrel men. This committee puts on one of the best rodeos in the country, and they are all great people to work with.” The cowboys are getting better every year as well, since money raised from the Rob Yates Memorial Golf Tournament is being added to the purse. This year an extra $3,500 was added – always a nice incentive to bring in the best competitors. The 86th Annual Ute Mountain Roundup Rodeo kicks off every year with a Chuckwagon BBQ in the indoor arena of the fairgrounds. There are three nights of incredible rodeo performances, followed by Western music and dancing at the American Legion. The rodeo is also partnered with the Frazier Shows Carnival, which will be set up from Wednesday, June 8 to Sunday, June 12. Saturday will be the annual rodeo parade through downtown Cortez at 1 p.m. Many of the rodeo organizers, entertainers, participants and production people will trot down Main Street in preparation for the rodeo’s last night. Saturday is also the Tough Enough to Wear Pink night so don’t forget to purchase some pink gear to show support. All the proceeds from the merchandise go to a local cause. Board members, sponsors, organizers, and community members work year round to bring a fun-filled, family-focused rodeo to the Four Corners region. Working to improve the fairgrounds and building a reputation for being passionate rodeo enthusiasts makes the Ute Mountain Roundup Rodeo Committee one of the best in the region. Ute Mountain Roundup Rodeo · June 2016 · 5
COURTESY HONEYCUTT RODEO
HONEYCUTT RODEO 6 · Ute Mountain Roundup Rodeo · June 2016
BY RACHEL SEGURA
COURTESY HONEYCUTT RODEO
When it comes to rodeo, spectators don’t just come out to see the cowboys. The stock they ride are sometimes as famous as their counterparts – if not more. Jerry Honeycutt, owner and operator of Honeycutt Rodeo in Alamosa, has grown up around the horses, steers and bulls that make a rodeo one exciting spectacle of sportsmanship. For over 60 years Honeycutt Rodeo, formerly Walt Alsbaugh Rodeo, have made it their top priority to produce some of the best stock for the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. “As hard as it is to put on rodeos, the satisfaction that comes from seeing the audience enjoy the show makes it worth all the work,” said Honeycutt. Honeycutt and his wife Dawn took over the business from his parents, Roy and Virginia. He has been helping to produce rodeos and raise stock all his life. His grandfather, Walt Alsbaugh, started the family business in 1953 when he bought three stock contracting companies and merged them. Honeycutt watched both his grandfather and his parents run rodeos and developed his business from both sides. “My grandfather had good livestock but he was much more old-fashioned,” Honeycutt said. “He would travel into a town, buck his stock and head to the next town. Now, there’s a little more production to it and I learned that from my dad.” Honeycutt and his crew will be providing stock to the 86th Annual Ute Mountain Roundup Rodeo, June 9-11. He and his family have been bringing steers, calves, bulls and bucking horses to the Ute Mountain Rodeo for as long as he can remember. “Too long to count,” he said. Each year he heads to Cortez with at least 100 head of stock in two to three semi loads. In tow will be 2015 NFR (National Finals Rodeo) bull 2030 Red Sky, who rode in the third round by Caleb Sanderson for four seconds; and in the tenth round by Joe Frost for eight seconds. This bull had a 77.78 percent buckoff rate last year. They will be bringing another NFR bull, 819 Paradise, as well as 34-year old bucking bronc Ragged Edge. There will also be a few colts, whose bloodline can be traced back to Grated Coconut, a former World Champion bucking horse from Calgary. “I try to bring the best I can,” Honeycutt said. “Cortez is a good rodeo, so I want to have my best stock rested before we head that way. It’s my job to give the cowboys a chance at a check. I can’t predict what the animal will do and I don’t know how the guys will ride, but I want everybody to have a chance to earn some money.”
COURTESY HONEYCUTT RODEO
As a stock contractor, the most exciting part is watching his animals perform. When the hard work truly comes to fruition Honeycutt said, is “when you see them buck in the arena.” On his 3,000-plus acre ranch in Alamosa, they have about 130 bucking horses, brood mares and colts, about 40 bulls and around 15 cows. Carrying on the tradition of qualitybred livestock is not an easy feat. In fact, Honeycutt is quite intimidated by the name he carries around. He watched the effort put in by his father and grandfather, and they lasted a long time as stock contractors. “This isn’t an inheritance,” he said. “The business of rodeo is different. The name doesn’t mean you get automatic respect. You have to earn it. It makes me nervous knowing the reputation I have to live up to. I only hope and pray that I can continue for as long as they did, because it takes a lifetime to earn respect in this business.” For Honeycutt, that’s okay. He will take that lifetime earning his keep because he knows to be successful it takes surrounding yourself with the right kind of people. It takes time to gain the knowledge and understanding to run a stock contracting business – and lots of passion. “That old adage, ‘if you do something you love, you never work a day in your life,’ is definitely true for me.” Ute Mountain Roundup Rodeo · June 2016 · 7
COURTESY TONYA YATES
3 Annual Rob Yates Memorial Golf Tournament rd
BY RACHEL SEGURA
8 · Ute Mountain Roundup Rodeo · June 2016
In March 2014, Rob Yates, 47, was lost in an avalanche on Sharkstooth Peak above Mancos. As a passionate rodeo man, Yates’ involvement with the Ute Mountain Roundup Rodeo Committee left many friends with a heavy heart. However, his memory is not lost, as for the third year the Rob Yates Memorial Golf Tournament will bring all those who knew him well together. In honor of their dear friend and rodeo advocate, the tournament was started to help continue the growth of an event he cared for deeply. Held at Conquistador Golf Course, last year’s tournament raised a total of $3,500 that was put into the purse to help draw more contestants. Previously, they used the funds raised to purchase a new rodeo banner for display in downtown Cortez. The second annual event had golfers in teams of four playing a blind draw tournament. Many of the people involved in the production of the UMRR sign-up and consider it one of the highlights of the rodeo. Jerry Honeycutt, stock contractor for the rodeo and good friend to Yates, has played in the tournament for the last two years. “It’s such a great event and we all have a good time,” Honeycutt said. “I get to play with a lot of old friends and they tell their old-timey stories – it’s really amusing. It’s a great way to remember Rob.” Marti Spitzer was instrumental in organizing the event. She said it keeps growing each year with more people playing and better prizes.
Tournament Registration Anyone can participate in the 3rd Annual Rob Yates Memorial Golf Tournament on Friday, June 10 at 8 a.m. The sign-up fee is $35 and does not include cart and green fees. Sign-up is at 7 a.m. and the tournament will follow with a shotgun start at 8. There will be prizes given at various holes and an awards luncheon at the Elks Lodge. This is a blind draw format, so come with an open mind to have fun, meet rodeo participants, and support the Ute Mountain Roundup Rodeo. Call Marti Spitzer at (970) 739-0447 or Micah Rudowsky at (970) 565-9208 for more information.
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IFA is Your Headquarters for Bulk Fertilizer We have all of your bulk fertilizer needs: WE DO CUSTOM BLENDS! An awards ceremony and luncheon follows at the Elks Lodge where the winners are announced. There is no age limit for contestants and no skill qualifications. Jody Carper, Ute Mountain Roundup Rodeo announcer, became close friend with Yates in the years he’s been coming to the rodeo. “This event is something that will continue to grow,” Carper said. “We won’t slack off. It’s unbelievable to see how it’s been received so far. It’s a testament to the man Rob (Yates) was.” Carper said Yates was a ball of laughs but the one thing he was serious about, was the rodeo. Yates had a desire to build the UMRR into one of the best in the country. “We talked about what the rodeo could be and what he wanted to see happen. I think the rodeo committee in Cortez is a group of great people and they have the drive to put that forth.” The tournament will begin at 8 a.m. Friday, June 10. Interested parties can sign-up at Conquistador Golf Course at 7 a.m. The sign-up fee is $35, but does not include cart or green fees. All the proceeds from the tournament go back into improving the Ute Mountain Roundup Rodeo.
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Helping to grow the things you love. Ute Mountain Roundup Rodeo · June 2016 · 9
JOHN HARRISON:
Clowning About
COURTESY JOHN HARRISON 10 · Ute Mountain Roundup Rodeo · June 2016
John Harrison has been hanging around clowns since he was a boy. His grandfather, “Freckles” Brown, was a world-champion bull rider and rodeo legend, so he knew a lot of people. As the rodeos came into his Oklahoma town, they would travel to his granddad’s house and Harrison would spend time with all the professionals.
BY RACHEL SEGURA
“Rodeo clowns used to stay at my grandparents’ house,” Harrison said. “I was hanging out with clowns behind the scenes and watching trick riders up close. It was awesome.” Harrison will be providing entertainment to the crowds at the 86th Annual Ute Mountain Roundup Rodeo. He was named Comedy Act of the Year in 2012, 2014 and 2015. In 2014, he also took home the gold buckle for his achievements as the Coors Man in the Can. When it came to his own rodeo career, he attempted bull riding as a teenager. The moment he decided it wasn’t for him was the moment the breath was knocked out of him. “I learned pretty quick I didn’t want to be a bull rider.” Remembering his childhood days, Harrison tried his hand at trick riding. He realized he had too much energy for a normal 9 to 5 job. He became a member of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association in 1999 as a trick and roman rider, and trick roper. He went on to clowning soon after and has been putting on the paint for 14 years. This will be his first time in Cortez and he has a lot to look forward to. His clown routine isn’t rehearsed. He will ad lib to keep each performance fresh. People can expect some playful banter with announcer Jody Carper, multiple comedy acts, trick riding, a rodeo queen and a magic show. “The best thing about clowning is traveling around,” Harrison said. “I get to meet a lot of people and go somewhere new every weekend. It’s also great because, depending on the time of year, I can bring my family with me.” Harrison is grateful to have a career that allows his family to be close while he works, and still find ways to sightsee.
COURTESY JOHN HARRISON Ute Mountain Roundup Rodeo · June 2016 · 11
“Your family is the first people you see after a performance and they are the first to tell you what you did right or wrong.” He recalls his performance last year at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas, Nevada as the biggest moment of his career so far, because his six-year-old boy performed by his side. “He dressed like me in a yellow shirt with fringe and he loved it. We will all wear shirts like that, and everyone calls us the clown family. It’s great to have them around. Every town has something to offer so it’s great family time for us.” His son may one day keep the tradition going by becoming a third generation rodeo man as his father and grandfather before him. As for Harrison, it was an indirect relationship with his grandfather that encouraged his career. As tales and stories of Freckles Brown trickled down to Harrison, he discovered rodeo folk knew him as a good, fair man who was well respected and adored. “I didn’t know my grandpa as a rodeo person. I knew him as grandpa. Once I got into the rodeo circuit and I heard about the kind of person he was, it definitely made me want to follow in his footsteps.” For more information on Harrison, visit www.harrisonentertainment.com.
COURTESY JOHN HARRISON
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Jody Carper: Talkin’ the talk By Rachel Segura
COURTESY JODY CARPER
Jody Carper started his rodeo career as a contestant tie-down roper. “I really miss hearing the roar of the crowd,” Carper said. “When you threw up your hands and the crowd went crazy, you knew you did something right.” Carper still hears the roar of the crowd, but now it’s from the announcer stand – and it’s just as satisfying. Carper has been announcing at the Ute Mountain Roundup Rodeo for over six years. “I started announcing at the Ute Mountain rodeo two years after they moved outside of town,” he said. He was roping at the rodeo when it was held near the American Legion. Needless to say, Carper has been involved with the UMRR for quite some time. “That is one of the best committees anyone could work with,” Carper said of the Ute Mountain Roundup Rodeo Committee. “They are a fun group of people who really want this rodeo to be successful. Cortez does a great
job of bringing in top entertainers with an amazing crew behind the scenes.” Carper attends 30 to 35 rodeos a year all over the country and Canada. After Cortez, he will head to New Jersey. The travel is wonderful for Carper who said being in the rodeo, as a contestant, isn’t always a moneymaking venture. “You definitely have to have talent and a little bit of luck, but I really love the sport. I’m glad I can continue this career in another way – by talking about my friends every week.” As an announcer, Carper provides commentary about the riders during their performance, calls out names, scores, times, and any interesting information about the contestants, as well as offers entertainment to the crowd by providing ad lib comedy with the barrel man. “John Harrison (this year’s rodeo clown) is going to be in Cortez for the first time,” Carper said. “He is one of the best barrel men out there right now. When I can be a part of
rodeo that offers great entertainment to the crowds, it’s a good day’s work.” Carper doesn’t do any tie-down competitions anymore, but he will help out a friend in need of a team roper as long as his schedule allows. “I don’t have time to compete anymore,” he said. “I’ve taken up golfing instead. Carper is looking forward to coming back to Cortez for the 86th Annual Ute Mountain Roundup Rodeo. He is continuously impressed by the crowd size and their constant enthusiasm. “It gets bigger and better every year. It makes my job worth it.” For more information on Jody Carper, visit his website at www.jodycarper.com. Come hear Carper calling out the rounds at the rodeo every night, June 9-11.
Ute Mountain Roundup Rodeo · June 2016 · 13
RODEO ROYALTY Being a rodeo queen isn’t all buckles and bling. The five young ladies that make up the Ute Mountain Roundup Rodeo royalty have quite a bit of responsibility. The style, the look and the radiant smiles are what spectators see, but what’s within these girls are community leaders in the making. For the past three years, Paulette Porter has been in charge of the organization and facilitation of the rodeo court. Each August a new election begins, and a new group of girls are chosen to be the faces of the UMRR. “I love working with the girls each year,” Porter said. “They are all so full of life and have so much passion for rodeo.” This year’s royalty court is coming to the end of their term. In 2015, Kelly Charles - Queen, Breanna Maxwell - Queen Attendant, Brianna McGill - Junior Queen, Caitlin Smith - Junior Queen Attendant, and Reaner Bauer - Princess were elected to serve as the ambassadors of the rodeo. “(Being an ambassador) means we need to be able to exhibit good riding skills to the public,” said Kelly Charles, 19, UMRR Queen. “We need to be able to talk to all different types of people in the community, and also step into a mentor role. Lots of young kids look up to us.” This is Charles’ last year as royalty. She was a Junior Queen in 2013 but decided to run one last time. She has discovered that being involved with the rodeo royalty has helped develop a lot of great skills she can utilize over time. “It definitely taught me time management because we are super busy,” she said. “It’s also helped me with public speaking and discovering that there are lots of different people in Cortez. It’s opened me up to the community more.”
RACHEL SEGURA/DURANGO HERALD
Want to be a royal? Princess – ages 6-11 can apply Junior Queen- ages 12-15 can apply Queen – ages 16-24 can apply
14 · Ute Mountain Roundup Rodeo · June 2016
Public speaking gigs are one way the girls advocate for the rodeo. In the year leading up to the rodeo, all five girls attend various community events to both serve the public and promote the rodeo. The girls ride their horses in every parade and attend public events like the Four Corners Ag Expo or the Memorial Day Pancake Breakfast where they serve pancakes to local veterans. They also participate in rodeo events such as Library Days where they read to young children. “I love seeing the younger kids look up to me,” Charles said. “A lot of young girls say they want to be just like me. It makes you feel good and make you think that you must be doing a good job.”
Girls who are interested in running for the Rodeo Royalty can pick up applications from IFA Country Store. Girls who are applying can expect to perform various acts that coincide with rodeo representation such as public speaking, modeling, horse riding, interviewing etc. The full details are on the application and are different depending on age of contestant. The Rodeo Royalty contest will be held this August. Call Paulette Porter for application deadline at (970) 570-9720.
Requirements of the rodeo royalty are horsemanship, being a positive role model, good sportsmanship, high moral and ethical character, and acting as a representative to the rodeo and the Western way of life. Porter said horsemanship is definitely one of the most important skills the girls could have. In fact, many of the girls on court will compete in high school rodeos in barrel racing or pole bending. Both Charles and Queen Attendant Breanna Maxwell compete. “Breanna (Maxwell) is probably my biggest rodeo competitor in the sport of rodeo right now,” Porter said. “They are all very passionate about the sport.” Charles grew up around rodeo. Her father was a team roper and would bring his family to weekend rodeos while he competed. Charles said the experience was a good one as a young girl. “Watching my dad practice for hours and hours, helped me to realize that to be successful you have to put in the time and effort.” Although Charles will not run next year, she will continue to stay on the UMRR Committee. She thinks the board is a great place to continue working with the community and gaining more knowledge. She said she might one day consider prepping future rodeo queens the way Porter has done. Porter was a past Miss High School Rodeo Queen for Colorado who saw the opportunity to pay it forward. “There were a lot people who invested time in me and I want to do the same for these girls.”
Rodeo FOR THE KIDS Mutton Bustin’ and Stick Horse Races will be held every night during the rodeo performance. Mutton busters will receive a buckle and bandana when they ride. Winners each night will receive a gift certificate for a pair of Justin boots. Kids participating in events must be between the ages of 3 and 10, and under 55 pounds. Stickhorse races are first come, first served each night. There are about 25 stick horses to ride. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. and the performances begin at 7 p.m. Please have Mutton Busters at the check-in table by the south stands no later than 6:30 p.m.
ESTABLISHED 1961
NOTAH DINEH
TRADING COMPANY & MUSEUM Experience our trading post and museum in Cortez. Open 6 days a week, Mon - Sat 9am - 5:30pm. Featuring the finest in Native American arts and crafts.
345 W. Main Cortez. CO 81321 1.800.444.2024 1.970.565.9607 Ute Mountain Roundup Rodeo · June 2016 · 15
SAM GREEN/THE JOURNAL
TOUGH ENOUGH TO WEAR PINK BY RACHEL SEGURA
16 · Ute Mountain Roundup Rodeo · June 2016
When it comes to color, a cowboy knows a great shade of pink will complement his ride – especially when it’s for a good cause. The Wrangler Tough Enough to Wear Pink non-profit organization is celebrating its 12th year in cancer fundraising. The Ute Mountain Roundup Rodeo Committee has designated its Saturday night to TETWP for the last nine years. This year will be the first time the committee is taking charge of TETWP. The fundraiser is headed by Sammi Fish, 19, former junior rodeo queen. “This is my first year on the committee, but I’ve been involved with the rodeo since 2010,” Fish said. “I’m passionate about this rodeo, but I decided I wanted to step away from the rodeo royalty. I like to be behind the scenes.” Fish said she is excited to be a part of the committee. She is stepping into the role after the 4H Club disbanded two years ago. The 4H Club, who initiated the pink night in 2007, was the previous fundraising committee. In order to host a Tough Enough to Wear Pink event, organizers must purchase merchandise from the Wrangler TETWP campaign. They then sell the merchandise at their event, putting the profits back into their community. In Cortez, Fish said the money from the sales of the pink merchandise go to providing mammograms for local women. Between 2007 and 2014, 80 women in Cortez received mammograms through the TETWP fundraising led by the 4H Club. A total of $9,100 was paid out as a greater community service project through the organization. This year, the funds from the pink sales will go directly to Southwest Health System so women in need can have access to mammogram services. Fish is happy to take on this project. She sees it as a great opportunity to start expanding her marketing skills as well as her networking skills. “I’m able to work with all the people who have spent their time improving the rodeo over the years,” she said. “They are all great people doing good things for the community. It’s
an opportunity for me to become more knowledgeable about the rodeo production.” In conjunction with the TETWP night, the PRCA will be partnering with Dodge Ram for Relay for Life. They will be hosting Frisbee tosses, prize drawings and more. People who purchase Relay for Life tickets could have a chance at an NFR rodeo package. This will be the first year for the Relay for Life fundraising. Fish is already considering ideas for improving the TETWP night for next year. “Whether through family or friends, I think everyone has been affected by cancer in some way. By doing the TETWP event, it helps bring more awareness into the community. It’s awesome to be able to help locally.” The 86th Annual Ute Mountain Roundup Rodeo will host their Tough Enough to Wear Pink night on Saturday, June 11, at 7 p.m. Support a great local cause by purchasing some Wrangler pink goods at the rodeo fairgrounds. Visit www. toughenoughtowearpink.com for more information on the organization.
SAM GREEN/THE JOURNAL
Ute Mountain Roundup Rodeo · June 2016 · 17
PRCA YOUTH OUTREACH The PRCA continues to support and reach out to young people who are interested in participating in professional rodeo, whether as contestants, bullfighters or contract acts. Those outreach efforts take several forms:
RODEO CAMPS For roughstock contestants, one of the best decisions they may make during their years on junior high, high school and/or college rodeo teams – or even if they’ve only seen rodeo on TV but always wanted to try it – is to attend at least one free PRCA Championship Rodeo Camp. Camp curriculum includes an introduction to roughstock events with an emphasis on safety, fundamentals, chute procedures, livestock safety, overview of riding equipment, injury prevention and management, fitness and nutrition, introduction to PRCA business and goal setting – all in a fun, positive atmosphere. Instructors deliver encouragement to participants as they pursue both their rodeo careers and scholastic endeavors. In 2014, camps and miniclinics were held in more than 20 towns; nearly 1,000 youth participated, along with a number of ProRodeo champions who provided instruction and mentoring. The camps are free, thanks to sponsorships, 18 · Ute Mountain Roundup Rodeo · June 2016
contributions from PRCA members and the hard work of rodeo committee volunteers.
PERMIT PROGRAM The PRCA annually subsidizes the entire dues portion of PRCA permit certificates for College National Finals Rodeo champions, High School National Finals Rodeo champions, National High School Rodeo Association state champions, and Little Britches National Finals Rodeo champions/ senior boys division (permit holders must still pay for insurance and the event rep fee). In 2014, members who competed on free permits earned $539,409 – many of them while continuing to compete on their school teams.
SPONSORSHIP The PRCA is a sponsor of the National Collegiate, National High School and National Little Britches rodeo associations and, through those organizations, has offered educational sessions to their members aimed at smoothing the transition to ProRodeo and developing successful PRCA competitors. Sponsors of the PRCA’s youth outreach endeavors include the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo, the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo and the annual Benny Binion Bucking
Horse and Bull Sale in Las Vegas. The PRCA continues to support and reach out to young people who are interested in participating in professional rodeo, whether as contestants, bullfighters or contract acts.
PERMIT CHALLENGE In 2014, the Permit Holder of the Year Challenge expanded to a standalone rodeo; the top five permit holders at the end of the 2014 regular season in the six standard PRCA events were invited to compete on Dec. 4, 2014, at the South Point Equestrian Center in Las Vegas. The Challenge was sponsored by: RAM Rodeo, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, Davie Pro Rodeo, Tucson Rodeo, Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo, Association of Rodeo Committees (ARC), Brighton Field Day Festival and Rodeo, National Western Stock Show, Cactus Ropes, Wrangler, Barstow Rodeo and South Point. Permit standings are printed in the ProRodeo Sports News and available on ProRodeo.com and the PRCA app.
EVENTS SATURDAY, JUNE 4
Mutton Bustin’ Sign Up
IFA Country Store in Cortez, 9 a.m. First come, first serve. $10 fee per child. 10 spots available each night. Children must be between the ages of 3 and 10, and under 55 pounds.
TUESDAY, JUNE 7
Library Days
Cortez Public Library, 10 a.m. Join us for some western stories and fun.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8
Chuckwagon BBQ
Indoor arena at the Montezuma County Fairgrounds at 6 p.m. Join us for some good music and great food to kick off the rodeo weekend. Tickets are limited.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8 - SUNDAY, JUNE 12
Carnival
Provided by Frazier Shows. Rides, games, and concession.
THURSDAY, JUNE 9
Ute Mountain Roundup Rodeo
Family Night at the Montezuma County Fairgrounds starting at 7 p.m.
FRIDAY, JUNE 10
3rd Annual Rob Yates Golf Tournament
8 a.m. at the Conquistador Golf Course in Cortez. Sign up at 7 a.m.
Ute Mountain Roundup Rodeo
Military Appreciation Night Starting at 7 p.m.
SATURDAY, JUNE 11
Ute Mountain Roundup Rodeo Parade Downtown Cortez, Main Street starting at 1 p.m.
Ute Mountain Roundup Rodeo
Tough Enough to Wear Pink Night Starting at 7 p.m.
Choice Building Supply is the place for all your Painting & Remodeling needs Open 7 days
COURTESY UTE MOUNTAIN ROUNDUP RODEO
www.choicebuildingsupply.com Ute Mountain Roundup Rodeo · June 2016 · 19
BAREBACK RIDING Bareback riding is one of the most physically-demanding events in rodeo. A bareback rider sits directly on a bucking horse, with only his own “riggin’” to hang onto. As the horse comes out of the chute, the cowboy’s feet must be above the break of the horse’s shoulders. He holds his feet up at least through the horse’s first move then spurs the horse on each jump, matching the horse’s rhythm and showing body control. He may not touch the horse, his equipment or himself with his free hand. If the ride lasts eight seconds, two judges award up to 25 points each for the cowboy’s “exposure” to the strength of the horse and his spurring technique and up to 25 points each for the horse’s bucking strength and moves.
STEER WRESTLING Steer wrestling demands coordination between two mounted cowboys – the contestant and a hazer who controls the steer’s direction – and their horses. The cowboys back their horses into the box on each side of the steer. When the contestant nods, the chute gate opens and the steer gets a head start before the cowboys start to chase him. As the steer wrestler draws even, he dismounts from his horse, which is moving at perhaps 30 miles an hour. He grasps the steer’s horns and digs his boot heels into the dirt to slow down the 500- to 600-pound steer. Then he wrestles the steer onto its side; when all four legs point in the same direction, the clock stops. Times vary widely depending on the size of the arena.
TEAM ROPING Team ropers work as partners: one header and one heeler who move in precise coordination. They and their horses start in the “box.” When the header nods, the chute gate opens and the steer gets a head start. The header throws the first loop, which must catch the steer’s head or horns, protected by a horn wrap. Then the header dallies – wraps his rope around his saddle horn – and moves his horse to pull the rope taut, changing the direction of the steer. That gives the heeler the opportunity to catch both of the steer’s hind legs with his own rope; most heelers try to time their throws to catch the legs when they are in the air. After the catch, the heeler also dallies, to stop the steer. When the ropes are taut and both horses face the steer, the time is recorded. Times vary widely depending on the size of the arena.
SADDLE BRONC RIDING The saddle bronc rider sits on a specialized saddle – it has no horn, and the stirrups are set forward. In the chute, the cowboy 20 · Ute Mountain Roundup Rodeo · June 2016
adjusts his grip on the rein and perhaps the horse’s position. When the gate opens, his boots must be above the breaks of the horse’s shoulders. After the horse’s first move, the cowboy begins spurring in sync with the horse’s jumps – legs straight when the bronc comes down, toward the back of the saddle at the top of the jump. His only handhold is a six-foot braided rope; his free hand may not touch his equipment, his body or the horse. If the ride lasts the required eight seconds each judge awards up to 25 points for the cowboy’s performance and up to 25 points for the animal’s performance, for a potential of 100 points.
TIE-DOWN ROPING To start this sprinting event, the tiedown roper and his horse back into the box; the cowboy carries a rope in one hand and a “piggin’ string” in his mouth. When the cowboy nods, the chute opens and the calf gets a head start. The cowboy throws a loop over its head; his horse stops and pulls the rope taut while the cowboy jumps off, dashes down the rope, lays the calf on the ground and uses the piggin’ string to tie any three of its legs together. Then he lifts his hands to show he is finished, and the field flag judge drops a flag to stop the clock. The horse is trained to keep the rope taut until the cowboy remounts and moves the horse toward the calf, giving the rope slack. If the calf’s legs stay tied correctly for six seconds, it’s a qualified run and the time stands.
BARREL RACING Barrel racing is a race against time in a cloverleaf pattern around three barrels set up in the arena. A rider can choose to begin the cloverleaf pattern to the right or left. The time begins when the horse and rider cross the predetermined start line and stops when they come back across the same line. Each run is timed to the hundredths of a second. (Starting in 2012, Canadian rodeos now time to the thousandth of a second.) Each tippedover barrel adds a five-second penalty to the time. Although barrel racing is one of seven events common to many PRCA-sanctioned rodeos, it is administered by a separate organization, the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association.
BULL RIDING Bull riding is rodeo’s most dangerous event. In the chute, the bull rider settles on the bull’s back, wraps his braided rope around the bull’s girth, then loops the rope around his hand and back into his palm so he can grip it tightly. When he nods, the gate is opened and the bull lunges out of the chute. Spurring is optional – the primary goal for the cowboy is to stay on for eight seconds
without touching himself, his equipment or the bull with his free hand. The cowboy will be scored highly for staying in the middle of the bull, in full control of the ride. If the ride lasts the required eight seconds, it is scored by two judges who assess difficulty as well as the cowboy’s degree of control. Each judge awards up to 25 points for the cowboy’s performance and up to 25 points for the animal’s performance, for a potential of 100 points.
ALL-AROUND Many cowboys compete in more than one event. Some rodeo committees award a special prize to the top money-earner among all the cowboys who entered more than one event at their rodeos, starting with the cowboy who won the most money in two or more events.
TICKET INFO CHUCKWAGON BBQ Wednesday, June 8 at 6 p.m. Montezuma County Fairgrounds Indoor Arena $15 in advance $17 at the gate * *Tickets for the Chuckwagon dinner usually sellout, as there are only 200. This is the price should there be any left at the time of the event
UTE MOUNTAIN ROUNDUP RODEO Montezuma County Fairgrounds
Thursday, June 9 at 7 p.m.
General Admission Adult (12 & older): $8 General Admission Child (2-11): $6
Friday, June 10 at 7 p.m.
Reserved Seating Adult: $13 Reserved Seating Child (under 12): $8
Saturday, June 11 at 7 p.m.
Reserved Seating Adult - $13 Reserved Seating Child (under 12) - $8
PARKING PASSES Only 50 sold per day Reserved Parking - $5 (close to arena, only 50 spaces) Children under 2 are free but they must sit on a lap. Parking passes are only available for purchase online. Buy your tickets online at www.utemountainroundup.org and save money on day of event prices.
SEASONAL HOURS MAY VARY
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UTE MOUNTAIN ROUNDUP RODEO FOR 15 YEARS
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