Rodeo athletes february mag

February 2015

A Portfolio of Toda y a n d To m o r r o w ’s B r i g h t e s t Ro d e o Sta rs

Sarah Rose McDonald & Bling Digging for Black Gold, Running for the 2015 World Title

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

Matt Tripplett | Shelby Herrmann | Stetson Vest | Dale Brisby San Antonio Edition

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Letter From

Colby Siddoway

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have always thought rodeo should rise to the next level and be entertainment for the public.

For the last several years, I have been competing as a professional rodeo athlete and I know how hard it is to find good sponsors to team up with me. I don’t know if a lot of people understand the expenses and efforts it takes to make it financially hauling down the road. If you don’t win a lot, you go home with very little; while sometimes, even extremely talented athletes end up in debt. I have seen many who have been successful rodeoing full-time and have been very prosperous at the top level, but have very little to show for it when their career ends.

Since I have been working with Garrett Baxter and Rodeo Athletes, I believe his drive and goals will bring the world of rodeo and its athletes what they deserve for their hard work, sacrifice and talent.

For the past year we have been working on several projects that bring our complete vision to the public, having a fullypublished monthly magazine, Rodeo Athletes, which features stories about top athletes, businesses; as well as, high school and college rodeo programs. We are getting ready to launch our new online show, Strappin-In, and also working on the Ultimate Rodeo Athlete reality TV show, featuring top athletes who will compete at major events. It’s time to bring this great sport to the next level and I believe Rodeo Athletes can get us there.

Colby Siddoway Vice President of Male Athletes Rodeo Athletes Magazine / February 2015

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Table of

Contents 6

Stetson Vest

17

Sarah Rose McDonald

28

Orin Larsen

40

Isaac Diaz

10

Rickie Engesser

21

Dale Brisby

32

Shelby Herrmann

44

Garrett Smith

13

Tom Lewis

25

Lazy J Rodeo Safety Equipment

36

Matt Triplett

Matt Triplett ‘As well as my Dad I always looked up to Tom Brady,’ says Matt, thinking back to his time before turning pro. ‘Tom has the kind of attitude I really admire. He loves to win, but he really hates to lose, which is exactly the same as I feel. I can associate with that. When I’m winning, it’s great, but when I’m losing…’

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Shay Carroll

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Stan Branco

Photos provided by the athletes’ family members.

For information on advertising or other inquiries, visit our website at www.rodeoathletes.com, email info@rodeoathletes.com or call us at (623) 777-9451.

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The publisher is not responsible for the accuracy of the articles in RodeoAthletes.com Magazine. The information contained within has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable. Neither the publisher nor any other party assumes liability for loss or damage as a result of reliance on this material. Appropriate professional advice should be sought before making decisions. ©Copyright 2015.

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Meet the Meet the Meet theTeam Team

Team

Colby Siddoway Colby Siddoway

JustinJustin Rickelman Rickelman

Vice President of Vice President of male athletes.

Managing Director of Managing Director of Film productions.

male athletes.

Justin Rickelman

Sherwood Meet theMatt Team Managing Director of President Film productions.

Film productions.

Justin Rickelman

Managing Director of Film Productions

Colby Siddoway

Justin Rickelman

Vice President of male athletes.

Braun Black

Managing Director of Film productions.

Valorie Smith

Braun Black Colby Siddoway Vice President of President Publications Vice of Male&Athletes Vice President Magazine Editor.

of Publications &

Valorie SmithEditor.

Magazine Advertising Sales Director.

Braun Black Valorie Smith Advertising Sales Director Vice President of Publications & Jonny Baebler Magazine Editor.

Lead Artist & Jonny Baebler Designer.

Lead Artist & Shelbi Davis Jonny Baebler Designer.

Lead Artist & Designer Clothing and Apparel Director/ Lead Designer.

Interviews and stories told by athletes and Jonny Baebler family members and copy written by:

Valorie Smith Holly Bond

Advertising Sales Director.

Magazine Editor/Writer

Advertising Sales Director.

WT Bruce

Valorie Smith

Official Photographer Advertising Sales Director.

Shelbi Davis

Clothing and Apparel Shelbi Davis Director/ Lead Designer.

and Apparel DanClothing Hubble Director/ Lead OfficialDesigner.

Photographer

Mindy Hoggan | Mike Jeavons |Shelbi Greg Davis Cook | Holly Bond

Lead Artist & Designer.

Clothing and Apparel Rodeo Athletes Magazine / February 2015 Director/ Lead

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CHENAE’ SHINER

Stetson Vest

A Real American Cowboy “If I can take a few moments out of my day to help someone and make them smile, it’s worth it. You never know how much those moments mean to them.

I’ve been blessed to be put in a position where I can help make a difference.”

Photo by: WT Bruce

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Without them, I wouldn’t be where I am today, I owe my family everything

G

rowing up, Stetson Vest always knew he was going to be a cowboy. His family dinners included his grandfather Clifton Smith (2x NFR tie-down roping qualifier), Uncle Stran Smith (world champion tie-down roper), and Roy Cooper (8x world champion tie-down roper).

In addition, his childhood playmates were cousins, Clif Cooper (4x NFR tie-down roping qualifier), Tuf Cooper (2x world champion tie-down roper), and Shada Brazile (NFR barrel racer and married to 11x all-around cowboy Trevor Brazile). Being immersed in this rodeo family, Stetson grew up with a rope in his hands, and this energizing mix always meant life as a professional cowboy was Stetson’s most natural career path.

Although Stetson took easily to roping, he had to overcome challenges elsewhere in his life. Growing up he had a speech impairment which made it hard for him to say more than a few

words. Stetson was already a shy kid by nature and he had to work hard for two years with a speech therapist to overcome the issue. By the age of seven, Stetson had conquered his disability and was excelling in schoolwork – no doubt aided by the fact that, growing up on the Vest family ranch in Monahans, Texas, Stetson and his two brothers were homeschooled until Stetson was twelve years old, and so his particular needs were well catered for. At that point, the family moved to Childress, Texas where Stetson began to attend public school.

It was at school that Stetson began to excel in his studies and in sports.

He participated in high school rodeo, competing in the tie-down roping, steer wrestling, and team roping.

He also played cornerback and wide receiver for the high school football team, was an all-district point guard in basketball, ran hurdles and the 800-meters in track, and was on the school’s tennis team. Stetson managed

to do all of this while staying in the top 5 percentile academically in his class.

After high school, Stetson decided to put off joining the professional ranks of rodeo, and instead, he focused his energy on his education. He attended Texas Tech University where he worked towards his Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science. As a member of the college rodeo team, he qualified for the National College Finals Rodeo in the tie-down roping his freshman year and was also a member of the social fraternity, Phi Delta Theata.

After graduating college, Stetson decided to try his hand at Pro Rodeo. Until that point, rodeo had never been his priority as he had been focusing on his academic studies. However in 2009 he began to rodeo full time, and despite the fact that his time in the practice pen had been limited, he still managed to win the 2009 Texas Rookie of the Year.

Since then Stetson has won numerRodeo Athletes Magazine / February 2015

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ous rodeo titles and qualified for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, otherwise known as the super bowl of rodeo. Through all of this success, key aspects of his life have not changed for Stetson. His bedrock remains his family, and he credits all of his success to his Vest family and Smith family, “Without them, I wouldn’t be where I am today, I owe my family everything,” says Stetson. “My mom, Sealy Vest, and dad, Vance Vest, spent countless hours with me in the practice pen, driving me to rodeos, and cheering me on even when I couldn’t cheer myself on.”

Stetson’s role models are, and have always been, his grandfather, Grandale, and Uncle Stran Smith. “Grandale has always motivated me, both inside and outside the arena,” Stetson says. “He helps me stay focused on what’s really important in life. He reminds me to look for the good in my runs, but never gives me any slack in the practice pen.” Stetson traveled on the rodeo road with his uncle, Stran Smith.

He credits traveling with Stran in helping him learn how to win in the competitive sport and how to keep your priorities in line while doing it.

Stetson is also a man of God, and this is incredibly important to him. You won’t see Stetson Vest enter an arena without his favorite scripture, Proverbs 3:5-6, embroidered on his shirt, and it is perhaps this faith which gives Stetson the energy to carry out good work outside the arena where he gives just as

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much of himself. Stetson donates his time to charities such as Chicks and Chaps (a breast cancer awareness foundation) and numerous special needs kid’s rodeos (where for a day, kids with disabilities or illnesses can have the cowboy experience of roping and riding). Stetson says he really enjoys any time he can give back to the community, and he

says, “If I can take a few moments out of my day to help someone and make them smile, it’s worth it. You never know how much those moments mean to them.

I’ve been blessed to be put in a position where I can help make a difference.”

In 2012 at a rodeo, Stetson met his now fiancé, Chenae’ Shiner, Miss Rodeo Utah at the time. They started dating soon after that and Chenae’ went on later that year to win the title of Miss Rodeo America 2013. Although they knew building a relationship would be hard due to the amount of work and traveling they each had to do, they chose to make the effort. It turned out that 2013 and 2014 were great years for them both, Chenae’ as Miss Rodeo America, and Stetson qualifying for his first National Finals Rodeo. A few months after Chenae’ finished her reign, Stetson proposed.

As for Stetson’s future, he plans on continuing his rodeo career for the time being before returning to his other love of ranching. He is keen to start and raise a family in the same western lifestyle he was raised in. Stetson has always dreamed of returning to ranching, and now he hopes to combine this with being the best husband and father he can be, all while continuing to dedicate his life to his Lord and Savior.

Rodeo Athletes Magazine | Fall 2014 9

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Rickie Engesser Photos by: Je

nnings Photog

raphy

Rising Star 10 |

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pon first glance, Rickie Engesser, appears to be a regular high school rodeo athlete, but is that all she is? As a junior, her favorite class is Intro to Technology and upon hearing her speak, you will be blown away by the heart of this athlete. As a South Dakota rodeo family, Rickie has an older sister named, Taylor, and a younger brother named, Jace; who rodeo as well.

Rickie started riding at age two and entering rodeos at age five. She currently competes in barrel racing, poles bending, goat tying, breakaway roping and team roping. When asked about her event choices, she replied, “Dad always said, ‘If you’re going to do one event, you might as well do them all.’”

Rickie’s voice truly comes to life when she speaks about the influential horses in her life. You can hear her smile as she shares about a little piece of her heart, Hero; one of her favorites growing up.

“Hero played an incredible role in my youth! He was a really big horse, and one of my favorites. He was the horse that pushed me to the next level! My dad and I still argue about who trained Hero. I claim he started him, but I finished him.

He was a big boy, but had a huge heart.

He always gave you 110-percent, no matter what.” Rickie started riding Hero to step up her competition level. Rickie states as she remembers, “It took us a while to get things clicking, but when we did, we had a bond like no other! I am fortunate to have him as my own.”

“Hero was a solid all-around horse, competing in barrels, poles, goats, breakaway and team roping. When I was younger, we would go to the Elk’s Youth Rodeo. I did all five of my events on him! Three years we came up short for the title of “Little Wrangler.” The first year we were two points away. The second year we were three points away.

And the third year we were one point away! It was so devastating, but great to be that close! Hero taught me how to be a better rider. He gave me hope in rodeo and pushed me each time to be a better competitor! That horse is one I will never be able to forget. Hero has a huge part in my heart; since the first run, I knew we were meant to be partners!”

Hero’s death would be a heart-break for the entire family. It would also be the catalyst that will lead to riding Rowdy.

Rowdy is the horse that you may have heard about before. Rickie’s sister, Taylor, competed on him for a college championship. Rickie rode him to a High School National Finals win. Rowdy is no spring chicken either! He is pushing twenty-years-old.

Rickie shared a little bit about Rowdy.

“Originally, Rowdy had been a horse that I tried to avoid riding because he was so rough! The more I rode him I got use to this roughness. One of my favorite stories about Rowdy was at the Junior Rodeo High Finals, my eighthgrade year. We were going into the short go setting fifth! I knew we had to have a smokin’ run to come out on top! I had faith that we could do it! I rode him harder than ever. Rowdy knew it as we were heading down the alley with cheering fans, the bright lights and me filled with anxiety! He made a great run! I gave all the props to him! As we crossed the eye at the finish line, it was the fastest run of the week so far! I was almost in tears filled with so much excitement!

I jumped off right away and gave him all the glory! As runners continued and it got closer and closer to the end, my run held up! I couldn’t believe it was true. They told me we had done it, we had won! It was one of the most exciting days of my life! He was a true contender, and still to this day, he gives 110-percent.”

want! It can be a frustrating road, but there is always another rodeo. Rowdy is the perfect example of that! Rowdy wasn’t at the level we needed, so we worked together and pushed to be what we needed. Everyone in rodeo knows you and supports you through the good and the bad. I am thankful for everyone who pushed us to be better.”

When I started writing this article, I was immediately interested in the horses, Hero and Rowdy. How could you not be? After visiting with Rickie, it was the love in her voice for these great horses that I was drawn to. The life lessons learned on the rodeo trail and the trials that they worked through together to be the competitors they are today.

What makes Rickie different? Her perseverance to do whatever it takes to get where she wants to be.

I love the humility of this athlete who gives all the glory back to her horses.

Whether she needs to get stronger to keep up with her horse, or the horse needs pushed to the level she wants to reach, Rickie makes it happen! It is her determination and heart that make Rickie Engesser a champion!

You’ll notice a reoccurring theme of Rickie’s horses giving 110-percent. I think they just match the heart of their rider.

Giving 110-percent in everything she does.

Rickie started out in youth associations; such as, Little Britches Rodeo and Junior High Rodeo. These were a great way to prepare for the competition down the road. Rickie’s advice to young athletes: “Work for what you Rodeo Athletes Magazine / February 2015

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MIKE JEAVONS

Tom Lewis “I didn’t want to make millions, I just wanted to achieve my dream, which was to be the best that I could be,” says Tom. “Championships aren’t won at the rodeo, they’re won in the practice pen, in the gym and in your own mind.”

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om Lewis may be considered one of the best rodeo cowboys in the world, but he hasn’t had what you might call a traditional cowboy upbringing. He wasn’t surrounded by family members who lived, breathed and ate rodeo like many pro athletes were.

He doesn’t have an uncle who competed in the NFR. Even as a youngster, none his friends were interested in rodeo.

Growing up in Lehi, Utah, the sport of choice for Tom and his friends was football. Tom played regularly, always giving it everything, but something never quite felt right about it. Football is a team game, which means that you have to rely on others in order to succeed, and Tom always disliked the thought that somebody else could potentially prevent him from progressing.

For Tom, being a strong, well-built guy meant that he was the ideal fit for wrestling, and thanks to his desire to control his own outcome, it meant that wres-

tling was also an ideal fit for him. During his junior year in high school, Tom moved away from football and spent some time wrestling for the school, and while it was something he enjoyed, it never quite felt like something he wanted to pursue long-term.

There was always something else bubbling away in the back of Tom’s mind which he had never had the opportunity to explore until he gave himself the opportunity.

As kids, Tom and his younger brother, John, would saddle their families ponies and ride them to the neighbor’s house, trying their hardest to pretend they were cowboys. If they hadn’t fitted the reins just right, the ponies would run home, leaving them to walk back and do it all over again.

It was the fun that Tom had with his brother which started a life-long love of the cowboy lifestyle.

When Tom was thirteen, his dad brought Rodeo Athletes Magazine / February 2015

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home a particularly wild colt, and Tom was given the unenviable task of breaking him in. This started a long, tiring few months of flying lessons, bruises and one very panicked mother who was convinced that Tom’s father was trying to kill him.

“I’m just trying to toughen him up,” his father would say. Each and every time Tom was thrown from that horse, he would dust himself off and climb right back on.

Tom eventually managed to tame that colt, but the last time it bucked was the toughest ever and Tom was saved from being thrown from the animals back by his dad who just happened to be passing in his truck. Tom stayed on that horse while it kicked and bucked for what felt like hours, but it was that moment the colt decided that having Tom on his back wasn’t such a bad thing after all – or maybe it was because Tom was starting to find his feet as a cowboy.

Becoming a pro athlete had never been something Tom thought would be possible, but it was always the dream. Tom

It’s not about how hard you can hit, it’s about how hard you can get hit and keep getting back up. always remembered his dad’s advice when breaking in that stubborn colt, and every time he fell down, he was sure to pick himself right back up.

He has used those memories throughout his entire career as an athlete, right from the moment he began serious rodeo training in junior high school, up until the key moment in 2012 when his family and friends gave him the push he needed to give up the day job and turn pro.

It was a daunting prospect for Tom, his wife, Wendy, and their beautiful children to consider, but he also had their blessing and their belief, and overnight, Tom went from businessman to cowboy, competing in the NFR with the world’s top 15 athletes.

Not long after Tom and Wendy mar-

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ried in 2009, they were visiting Nevada and came across a yard sale. There, Wendy found a pair of Dolce Gabbana boots which would usually retail at around $700, but she fell in love with them, despite them being a little too tight around the toes, and promised Tom that she would wear them when he made it to the NFR. Three years later, Wendy’s toes felt that crushing feeling which she promised she would endure while watching her husband compete in the 2012 NFR. Tom went on to become ranked 14th best cowboy in the world, and he chalks it down to one of his favorite quotes from John, his brother: “With the right mindset and goals you can be unstoppable.”

Tom wanted to prove John right, and created a goal for himself that was ambitious, but attainable.

“I didn’t want to make millions, I just wanted to achieve my dream, which was to be the best that I could be,” says Tom. “Championships aren’t won at the rodeo, they’re won in the practice pen, in the gym and in your own mind.”

Tom learned this the hard way after becoming complacent, meaning he missed out on the 2014 NFR by just $64. He openly admits that he approached the finals with the wrong mindset, and as a result, he spent the entire month at home while his piers competed for glory in Las Vegas.

“I had time to think things over.

I was down and I was broke, but I knew I had to take care of it myself.”

It was this new determination that drove Tom to better himself as a professional athlete with an entirely new outlook.

“You’re not a failure if you work hard and don’t win, but you are a failure if you don’t try. You can’t be afraid to put yourself out there if you want to win.”

Tom would urge up-and-coming cowboys to not become complacent themselves and make the same mistakes that he did in 2013. In 2014 he ran free classes for young cowboys with a passion for rodeo in a bid to bring fresh new talent into the industry who might not have usually been given the chance.

“I wasn’t gifted any opportunities, I had

Photo by: Roughstock Photography

to make them for myself,” Tom says.

“Sometimes when I’m in the arena, I will look into the grand stands and see all the people who wished they were standing in my shoes. I’m there because I took a chance, so it’s important to take those chances when they come up.”

With the support of his wife, Tom is looking forward to the future of ro-

deo and is positive about achieving his dream.

“It’s not about how hard you can hit, it’s about how hard you can get hit and keep getting back up,” says Tom. It is obvious that he is not afraid of getting knocked down and that he values the importance of jumping right back up when you do.

It is an admirable quality when an ath-

lete can openly confess that they have made mistakes in the past, and Tom is certainly living by his own morals.

This year is set to be even better for Tom Lewis, so we should all be keeping a close eye on him every time he takes a fall, because when he gets up, it will undoubtedly be special.

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by: Mike Jeavons

Stories by Carol McDonald, Mother

“She rode her first horse at just four-years-old,” remembers her mom, Carol. “She loved spending time with her horses; they were her best friends. Whenever she was at home, you could guarantee that she would be out in the barn. If she wasn’t in there barn, then she would be out on the family farm riding.”

Sarah Rose McDonald

Photo by: Hubbell Rodeo Photos

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I

n February 2014, Sarah McDonald decided to pursue her dream and give it a shot at establishing a career as a professional cowgirl. That very same month she purchased her WPRA permit and the following weekend she took part in her very first professional barrel race. She may have started her professional career a little later in the life, at the not-so-grand age of 22, but she had the skill and passion needed to become a success.

What nobody could have predicted was that later that year, Sarah would go on to win the prestigious Rookie of the Year award, establishing herself as one of the rodeos frighteningly good new talents.

“She rode her first horse at just four-years-old,” remembers her mom, Carol. “She loved spending time with her horses; they were her best friends. Whenever she was at home, you could guarantee that she would be out in the barn. If she wasn’t in there barn, then she would be out on the family farm riding.”

Sarah was introduced to the rodeo lifestyle the moment she was born, with her Uncle Steve training many of the horses which Sarah would go on to ride. She learned fast, and was moving to bigger and stronger horses, faster than her uncle could train them.

“We were lucky in that a lot of people were keen to help Sarah improve,” says Carol. “There were so many friends and family members who would let Sarah ride their horses. They knew that she had this huge passion for riding and they wanted to see her succeed just as much as she wanted to.”

There was never any doubt in her parent’s mind that Sarah would want to do anything with her life

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Photo by: Hubbell Rodeo Photos

All she wanted to do was ride,” says Carol, a little choked up.

“Whether she was winning or not, it didn’t matterso long as she was taking part, because she was happy and she was doing what she loved.

that involved horses, because from such a young age, it had been her unwavering passion. Her dad would take her to events and horse shows on weekends, but he was adamant that her love of horses couldn’t affect her school work.

“He would always take her to shows, but he told her that he would only do that if she kept her grades up,” says Carol. “She was great at balancing it.

When she came home from school, the first thing she would do was run right out to the barn to practice riding, but she knew when it was time to come inside so she could do her homework.”

Sarah played a variety of sports in school, but she always put riding her horses above everything else. As a child, she was always a huge bundle of energy, so to find an activity which she really loved meant she always had the drive to do it.

Carol’s proudest moment as a rodeo mom came when Sarah was just 13, and she became the NBHA World Champion for the first time. It was Sarah’s first big accomplishment and it was the moment Carol

realized that not only did her daughter have the talent needed to make it as a professional athlete, but the commitment and the discipline needed to make it big.

What made Carol most proud was that while winning the title of NBHA World Champion was a fantastic achievement, it wasn’t the winning which was most important.

“All she wanted to do was ride,” says Carol, a little choked up. “Whether she was winning or not, it didn’t matterso long as she was taking part, because she was happy and she was doing what she loved.”

Family has always come first for Sarah, and she has her family to thank for how far she has come and what she has achieved in her short career as a professional barrel racer.

She even has fond memories of her sister allowing her to ride her horse when she had outgrown her own, and her uncle being just a phone call away whenever she needed a helping hand.

“If it hadn’t been for the people around me, I wouldn’t have been able to do what I’m doing now,” says Sarah. “I had friends letting me stay with them, people let me borrow equipment and trailers… it was a lot of hard work.”

The professional circuit certainly was a whole new world for Sarah, but she embraced it and worked through the difficulties she had as a late starter and jumped right in to 19th

place in the world rankings.

“The hardest part is being away from home,” says Sarah. “I’ve not really been away from my family before, so it’s been difficult to adjust to long periods on the road.

The training and the events help, but sometimes you just have to pick up the phone and see how everybody is doing at home.”

Sarah is also lucky to have a boyfriend who supports her career and the sometimes frustratingly long gaps between times the couple can see each.

The good times far outweigh the bad as Sarah reminds herself that she is living her dream.

“I love being able to spend so much time with my horses,” she says. “Fame Fling N Bling is my number one mare and she is awesome. When we first hit the road, she was a little stressed, but she soon got used to the life and now we’re the perfect team. I had never really travelled before I turned pro, but now I get to visit so many cool places, it’s great.”

She may have had more successes in 2014 than she could have ever hoped for, but Sarah

likes to think that her positive response to a bad run is one of the factors that have helped her.

“I try not to get down after a bad run,” she says. “Other people are there to feel sad, which means I don’t have to. I like to keep strong for everyone and think about where I’m going next.”

Sarah knows that it’s only possible to be a successful professional cowgirl if you have the right support to guide you, and she would advise any up-and-coming talents to make sure that they surround themselves with passionate people who believe in you just as much as you do.

“If it wasn’t for my Mom, my Dad or my Uncle, I wouldn’t be where I am today,” says Sarah. “But if I hadn’t been lucky enough to find Bling, I also don’t know if I would be ranked where I am. It’s so important to take your time when looking for the horse which is right for you. You can’t go in blind, you need to plan every move you make and try not to act irrationally. If I could go back and do 2014 again, I would definitely make sure I planned it out better.”

In February 2014, Sarah made the brave decision to pursue her dream; and now, just 12 months later, she has already achieved so much. With such devotion to following her goals, we can certainly expect to see a lot more of Sarah throughout 2015, and her name will undoubtedly shoot up through the rankings faster than she and Bling can run a barrel pattern.

Photo by: Hubbell Rodeo Photos Rodeo Athletes Magazine / February 2015

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MIKE JEAVONS

Dale Brisby Bull Rider “I’ve always been an entertainer,” says Dale, who views his work performing in the arena is the same as the other work he does either on stage or online. “People think I’m like a ship without a rudder, but I do have direction.”

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If you say you’re not a salesman then you’re lying. We all sell ourselves, whether it’s in relationships, getting a job or simply representing yourself.

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f you’ve ever been to a rodeo, then chances are high that you’ve encountered Dale Brisby. If you don’t know him for his assortment of trophies and awards, you will definitely know him for his comedy and entertainment.

Believe it or not, comedy wasn’t Dale’s first choice in becoming famous. It almost happened by accident, due to a video which was uploaded to YouTube in July of 2013. ‘Dale Brisby, Bull Rider’ is a simple, short interview which was originally shot to entertain the crowd at a local rodeo, but after the event, it was uploaded to the internet so that those who couldn’t attend could enjoy it.

“Now, 30,000

views later, here we are,” says Dale. The video, which had no real planning, has been viewed by audiences all around the world and has helped staple Dale as a heavy-hitter in rodeo entertainment.

It has since been followed by a series of short videos which show Dale doing what he does best: talking, riding bulls and driving trucks; all filled with his signature-style of comedy.

Dale doesn’t view what he does in his videos as being any different to when he performs on the back of a bull, so his shift into comedy has not felt like much of a transition.

“I’ve always been an entertainer,” says Dale, who views his work performing in the arena is the same as the other work he does either on stage or online.

“People think I’m like a ship without a rudder, but I do have direction.”

It all started when Dale was seven years old, attending as many rodeos as he could get away with alongside his dad. He started riding at a young age, but always being the joker of the pack, nobody quite knew whether he could handle life in the arena.

It’s not often you could pinpoint the exact moment you’re told that you are cut out to be a bull rider, but Dale remembers, with a certain air of discomfort, the moment his Dad told him.

“I was using the bathroom, stood up on my toes, happy I was finally tall enough to use the bowl like a man, but as I was doing my business, the toilet seat began to fall, and because I was mid you-know-what, I couldn’t do anything about it.”

It’s at this stage of the interview with Dale that the entire male staff at Rodeo Athletes winced and crossed their legs.

“I screamed a little bit, and I heard my daddy ask what was wrong from the next stall over. I kept my composure, stayed quiet and just went with it, but he barged in there and yanked me free of the very small space between the bowl and the seat. He asked me why I wasn’t crying, and I told him that I didn’t want to seem weak.”

It was that exact toe-curling toilet encounter that made Dale Brisby’s Father sure that his son would succeed in the arena, and a lifetime of support and en-

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couragement followed as Dale trained and developed a true bull riding talent.

Dale was never truly into sports at school, but then again, he never really saw himself as much of a “team player.” He played a little football in fourth grade, but by the time he started tackling members of his own team, the school thought that it was better for him to focus his athletic abilities on solo sports.

Having achieved a huge number of trophies throughout his career, people have asked what comes next for Dale Brisby?

“I just tell them that I need to be the best again,” says Dale, and following his success online and entertaining crowds at events such as the NFR, he is certainly on his way to becoming the best in a slightly different field.

“I always stand up for what I believe in,” says Dale. “I’ve lived the life that I’ve wanted to live since day one and I feel that I do what I can to best represent myself.”

So just because he’s hitting the big time with comedy and entertainment, don’t expect Dale Brisby to leave the rodeo arena anytime soon.

“We are the future of rodeo – everyone,” says Dale. It is undeniable that Dale has a relentless passion for bull riding and the arena, and his future certainly remains cemented in the industry.

In fact, Dale’s famous motto is “On to the next one,” which applies itself, both, to rodeo and to the way he lives his life.

“What happens when you leave a rodeo? You simply move on to the next one. You need to spend most of your time looking forward and not dwelling on the past.”

This is certainly a positive outlook to live by, and as somebody who has spent his life behind the windshield, Dale has a very appropriate analogy: “If you look out of your windshield, what you will see is about 80% forwards with the rear view mirrors taking up about 20%. Focus on the 80%, because you’re always moving forward on to the next one.”

Dale has even claimed the social media hashtag, #OnToTheNextOne, as his own, with his 10,000+ online likes and followers using it to show their support for the entertainer.

It is clear that Dale is a man who lives by the morals and principals he has set.

He has clear goals, but he doesn’t seem to mind how he goes about achieving them.

“If you say you’re not a salesman then you’re lying. We all sell ourselves, whether it’s in relationships, getting a job or simply representing yourself.”

“For me, Chris LeDoux got it right when he said, ‘A cowboy is a man who’s yes means yes and his no means no,’ meaning, the only kind of drama Dale is interested in is that when he is performing. There are still plenty of cowboys like that left in rodeo.”

These principals, along with his faith in Jesus and God, are what make Dale such an admirable role model for not only young, up-and-coming cowboys, but already established athletes and personalities in the industry, and he lives his life exactly like he conducts himself in his YouTube videos.

“We just turn the camera on and roll with it.” It’s all just about a day in the life of Dale Brisby, and you can’t plan how that goes,’ says Dale.

So what does the future hold for Dale Brisby?

“I just want to continue entertaining people. I want to make an impact on rodeo and make people laugh along the way, and if I can do that, then when my time comes, I can feel like I’ve accomplished my goal.”

It’s safe to say that Dale Brisby, while a confident performer, who has developed a character loved by many people throughout rodeo, is very humble when it comes to what he’s done and where he’s going. He has achieved a lot so far with his life on the road, but the only goal he has in mind is to keep people entertained and make sure rodeo moves on with a strong future.

“If you look at the wrong thing for long enough, then you’ll start to believe it, so it’s important to look positively into the future.”

We couldn’t agree more, Dale.

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Lazy J

Rodeo Safety Equipment

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n rodeo, the stars come in many shapes and sizes, from the cowboys and entertainers we watch in the arena, right down to the caretakers who clean up after you leave, and of course, the animals themselves.

One specific kind of rodeo star which we perhaps overlook are those who look after the safety of every person and animal involved in the industry. Their devotion to bettering the wellbeing of everybody and everything has undoubtedly prevented many serious injuries, saved careers and even saved lives.

Jim Liles, along with his business partner and devoted wife, Janie, are two figures who kick-started rodeo’s modern safety movement with the creation of Lazy J Rodeo Safety Equipment in 2007. Since then, the company has been moving up, helping to make professional, amateur and high school rodeo arenas safer.

It all started while Jim and Janie were watching television at home and witnessed Ross Coleman hit his head on a metal bar on the gate of the bucking chute while on the back of Cadillac Man in New Orleans. Ross was knocked unconscious and was out of action for a number of weeks, but due to the incident, unfortunate memories flooded back to Jim. In 1976 Jim lost his travelling partner when a steer bucked and landed on his chest, and ever since he has had a nagging feeling that there wasn’t enough being done to protect the safety of the cowboys who are in the arena, as well as the animals themselves.

Jim decided to hang up his boots, and instead, he founded the Guild Rodeo in Arizona, which he and his wife ran for 10 years until the two of them retired in 1987. They both left rodeo behind as they travelled the country, but as everybody knows, you can’t truly leave rodeo, and on top of that, the pair missed the cowboy lifestyle.

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“We got withdrawal,” laughed Jim, and to quench their thirst, the Liles often watched rodeo events at home whenever they could. In 2007 the pair watched the painful incident as Ross Coleman knocking himself unconscious on the bucking chute.

It had been 30 years since the accident with his travelling partner, and Jim could see that very little had changed in that time to improve safety in the arena.

“The next morning I went into my workshop and started working on an idea which would protect a cowboy when he fell,” says Jim. Shortly after, the Crash Pad was born; a soft, cushioned pad which could wrap around the bars of a bucking chute, meaning incidents such as, Ross Coleman’s, could be prevented.

Jim and Janie knew that they were on to something big, so they started an intense marketing strategy totally unlike anything done elsewhere.

They didn’t print flyers, run radio commercials or put up posters; instead, they took the Crash Pad with them to rodeos around the country and allowed organizers to use the product free of charge during the event.

It may not be conventional, but the tactic worked and rodeo organizers began to place orders for their own Crash Pads.

The pair kept up this strategy for years; so much so, that it was just as if Jim was back on the road moving from rodeo to rodeo with his old travelling partner. It took perseverance, but eventually, by word of mouth, Crash Pads became known and organizers were starting to come directly to them.

Now, after eight years of hard work, every PRCA and PBR event features a safety product, specifically the Crash Pad, from Lazy J Rodeo Safety Equipment.

Jim will openly admit that he didn’t expect to get back into fulltime work after retiring from rodeo to enjoy a life of leisure, but he had been pulled right back in. The never ending days and constant travelling were once again taking their toll, so Jim made it known that he was intending on selling the business to somebody who wanted to continue its successes.

Enter Merrill Jolley, who had reacquainted with Jim on Facebook after they had known one another during their cowboy days in the 70’s and 80’s. They shared a passion for rodeo, and even before Jim announced his intentions to sell, Merrill

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had championed Lazy J for what they were doing within the industry.

The two men got together and agreed on a sale, allowing Jim to pass the torch onto a worthy successor in the form of Merrill, who himself had been a top 15 bull rider before being forced to retire due to a back injury sustained in the arena.

Merrill certainly understands the importance of improving safety for cowboys, and he often wonders whether his career could have continued had somebody with Jim’s foresight been working during that time.

“I was at the NFR with the Crash Pad in December last year and somebody approached me and asked me if I thought the Crash Pad was overkill? I told them that the caliber of animals has improved over the past 30 years, so of course, the safety of the cowboys has to be improved as well,” said Jim. It is no secret that organizations such as, PETA, oppose rodeo, so Lazy J are doing what they can to reduce the opposition’s ammunition and ensure that both, cowboys and animals are kept safe, while not impacting the sport itself.

The long-term goal for Merrill is to work with industry organizations to make certain safety standards essential, and he predicts that within the next five years, every pro rodeo in the United States will use Crash Pads along with more than 50% of all high school rodeo events.

“We’ve sold Crash Pads to Australia, Italy and recently we’ve expanded into China,” says Merrill; reinforcing the point that the world is embracing rodeo safety and understanding that the well-being of the cowboys and animals is just as important as the fast times and trophies.

“We’re currently developing a new piece of technology which can measure the force of an impact that a Crash Pad takes,” explains Merrill; happy with how Lazy J is expanding. He is also working on vests, shin guards and even spurs, all of which are designed to improve safety while not affecting the performance in any way.

It is undeniable that safety has to be the number one priority in rodeo, and it is positive to see the work that Lazy J has done and continues to do, is being embraced by the industry. Merrill is certainly carrying the torch high and proud following Jim’s second retirement, but only time will tell as to whether Jim decides to stay retired this time.

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Orin Larsen “Rodeo doesn’t come easy,” says Orin. “It is literally blood, sweat, and tears and it doesn’t come overnight. You have to work at it. No matter how good you get, you’re still going to have to work at it.”

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en year old, Orin Larsen, came in the house one day all buggered up telling his Mom that he had wrecked on his bike, but couldn’t really remember what happened. “The memory loss really worried me.” I took him to the hospital and he had a mild concussion. I eventually found out that he and his brothers were actually out riding calves. They didn’t want to get it trouble, so they said it was a bike wreck. Orin has always been tougher than the rest. He is athletic and has always been super focused! He is strong-willed and doesn’t change his mind easily; qualities that are good for an adult, but hard if you’re a little boy - harder on the parents anyway. Orin puts a lot of effort into everything that he does,” said Wanda Larsen, Orin’s mother.

Orin laughed about him and his brother’s adventures. “When Dad wasn’t looking, we’d run some calves into the corral and jump on them. We had an interest in the sport of rodeo before we even knew we did. We were doing it be-

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cause it was fun. My dad asked my oldest brother, Tyrell, if he wanted to ride steers. He ended up riding them for a few years. When it was my turn, Dad asked me if I wanted to ride them and, of course, I said, yes. I wanted a chance to try to do better than Tyrell.” The Larsen Brothers fed off of each other.

When one would do well, the others would want to do better, but they always supported each other no matter what. “It was a snowball effect where we all wanted to keep getting better and better and better. “ Orin said Orin progressed from riding calves to yearlings to steers and then to bulls.

Orin states as he remembers, “Dad asked if I wanted to try bareback riding. I was the only one in my family who had any interest in it. I was skeptical at first, but wanted to try it. That year I got a riggin’ for Christmas. It was from the 1960’s. It was old and wore out, but I loved it for all it was worth.

I got a glove and an old neck rope too.

That was the best Christmas present I’ve ever received. I took it to Kelly Wardell’s school and I guess I was just dumb enough to keep getting on.”

Orin speaks with the greatest admiration for PRCA bareback rider, Kelly Wardell. “The first time I got on a bareback horse, I was about fifteen-yearsold. It was a rodeo school in a little town called, Manitoba, Canada. Kelly Wardell showed me the ropes. As of today, he is my greatest mentor. He has taught me everything I know about bareback riding.”

well. His first horse he rode well and got off on the pickup man. It was like it was just something he was going to do. He has a strong personality to where if he sets his mind to it, he’ll do it! It was a lot of fun to watch him progress. He attended all of the schools and you could see him get better every year. It is rare to find a kid like that.”

Kelly shared his memories of Orin. “The PRCA had hired me to come do some rodeo schools. Orin was at the first school I did. He was a bull rider, only fifteen or so. I’d hauled my bucking machine up there. It bucks like a horse and is a real handful. Orin rode the bucking machine

WHY RODEO? Orin competed in other sports growing up like baseball, martial arts, and even tried his hand at hockey. He spent a lot of time on the ski hill skiing, snowboarding, and even teaching lessons

for a year. “Orin has always been athletic and focused.” his Mom said.

The Larsen’s moved to Manitoba when Orin was in grade school. It is not a strong rodeo orientated area, but the brothers stuck together. They rode on the ranch and spent tons and tons of time together in the saddle. Growing up in a ranching family, Orin has been around horses and riding his whole life.

Even when in diapers, they were still out helping their dad move and sort cattle. “As far as the ranch-life goes, it has always been in my blood and I’ve always been able to do it. Even now, when I’m home visiting, I like to get on horseback. When you are younger, you

Photo Provided

by Athlete.

Orin is a champion in every sense of the word.

He is humble and talented – Kelly Wardell

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probably take it for granted, always being around it. You appreciate it more now when you come back home” Orin said.

Rodeo runs in the family. Orin’s Dad, Kevin, rode bulls in the 70’s. Older brother, Tyrell is a saddle bronc rider and younger brother, Kane, rides bulls.

When asked why he rodeos, Orin said, “I fell in love with it when I was really young. I watched the NFR when I was little and knew that I wanted to be there one day. I get to have fun and get paid for it.”

horses as Orin does. It is awesome!

Orin is a positive person. The only thing he thinks about is riding bareback horses. He is quiet and shy, but when he opens up, he is a funny little bugger. When Orin puts his mind to it, he is going to put everything into it to get where he wants to be. If it is worth his time, it is worth being good at.”

That is exactly where Orin will be according to Kelly Wardell. “Orin is a champion in every sense of the word. He is humble and talented” – Kelly Wardell As mentioned above, Orin started out riding bulls. Throughout his high school and inter-collegiate career, Orin competed in bull riding, saddle bronc riding and bareback riding. Not just competing, but excelling, taking home All-Around titles on numerous occasions.

I couldn’t help but ask, out of all the events, why bareback riding? Orin, replied with a grin, “Bareback riding is the most physically demanding event for me and I really like that challenge. The horses are so different and fun compared to everything else.

PRCA bareback rider and College of Southern Idaho (CSI) Rodeo Coach, Cody DeMers was Orin’s first PRCA traveling partner. Cody shared a little about traveling with Orin: “Orin is really dedicated to being a bareback rider. I got to know him prior to being the CSI rodeo coach. We were traveling partners in 2011. Orin and I were actually traveling together when I got the call that I had received the job to be the coach. Orin rode broncs too, but bareback riding is where his concentration is; concentrating to be as good as he possibly can be.

“Rodeoing with Orin put the drive back in me to want to rodeo.” Cody said. “He is so excited to get on the next bucking horse, whether it is a little rodeo or a big rodeo. I’ve never met anyone who has as much passion for riding bucking

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GRATITUDE & THANKSGVING Orin is a remarkable young man. He is so gracious and appreciative of those who have helped him north and south of the border.

“Mom owns and operates a barber shop and Dad is a cattle rancher. Mom helps on the ranch when she’s not working in town. If it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t be where I’m at today. They have always supported me. Win, lose, or draw they are always there to help me get through what I’m doing.”

Dad always told me, “I don’t care if you win or lose, as long as you gave it 120-percent, there is nothing to be upset about. I’ve carried that with me through my whole career.” Orin remembers.

He also complimented Kelly Warell and Cody DeMers for their influence in his career.

“Cody was my first solid traveling partner and rodeo coach. He taught me so much about the ins and outs of rodeo and traveling that I will take on with me forever. Kelly is an amazing example. He has beaten all the odds of saying that bareback riding is a young man’s sport. Kelly knew that I was really interested in riding bareback horses from an early age. He let me get on his bucking machine countless times.

Orin’s favorite inspirational quote was from Kelly about three years ago. Kelly told me “There is no reason for you not to be at the finals this year”, Orin Remembered. “To have someone who isn’t family believe in you like that, it really lights a fire and keeps you going.”

Orin’s advice to up-and-coming youth: “Brace yourself. It’s going to be really fun! You’re going to have a blast with it and expect great things!” Orin’s advice to younger kids coming up in high school is advice he got from his mom. “Go to college and get a degree! Going to college, getting a scholarship and receiving a degree has been a huge asset to my career. My mom was the first person to tell me that at a very good age where is sunk in and stuck.

If you get good at what you are doing, you can get a scholarship to go to college and rodeo. It has been a massive asset to my career!”

“Rodeo doesn’t come easy. It is literally blood, sweat, and tears and it doesn’t come overnight. You have to work at it. No matter how good you get, you’re still going to have to work at it.”

Orin’s mom, Wanda, shared a story that I think sums it up best.

“I went to Oklahoma to visit all my boys at a rodeo. The music is going and they are all pumped up getting ready to ride.

Orin says to me, Mom, you know what I like about rodeo? Everything!”

I have to agree with Kelly Wardell. Orin Larsen is a champion in every sense of the word! Such heart, drive, determination, and most importantly, a can-do attitude!

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MIKE JEAVONS The 19-year-old cowgirl already has an impressive collection of awards and titles gained in a career which began when she was just 7 years old Stories from Lori Herrmann, Mother

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helby Herrmann may have only graduated from Orange Grove High School, Texas in 2014, but the 18-year-old cowgirl already has an impressive collection of awards and titles gained in a career which began when she was just 7 years old.

Shelby grew up surrounded by rodeo, attending shows and taking part in junior rodeos since the moment she could ride a horse. Shelby’s Dad, Lee ‘Booger’ Herrmann, joked that he hoped to make her bored of rodeo at an early age so she would decide to quit and take up something safer, such as becoming a ballerina.

But the dancing was never going to be, and after joining the Texas Youth Rodeo Association in 2003 the family knew that they had another cowgirl in the Herrmann household.

‘I was never really a cowgirl myself, so Shelby’s Gran and Pop were happy to have another cowgirl in the family to cheer on,’ laughs Lori, Shelby’s ever supportive Mom. In fact Shelby sees her parents and grandparents as two of her greatest

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mentors as well as being her biggest fans, and throughout her career they have always been first into the grandstands to grab the best seats.

In recent years Shelby’s “Pop” has been unable to attend events following his diagnosis with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), but the family make sure that Pop always knows what’s going on thanks to constant phone calls, video cameras and even online web­ casts. Pop’s has always been proud of his granddaughter and he is determined not to let his support waiver despite his condition.

The Herrmann family stays strong and close, using each other to get through difficult times. To Shelby, her family and friends are vital to keeping her mental attitude strong and her focus on succeeding in her career. She relies on their constant support which has helped her to push on and achieve her dreams.

Lee Herrmann always has a pep-talk for Shelby before she goes into the arena, and it is always the same piece of advice, which has kind of become the Herrmann family motto.

‘Don’t break the pattern and don’t fall off.’

They’re simple words, but they work as a good luck charm for Shelby and they’re the words that she has to hear before any event.

‘It’s not about winning,’ insists Lee. ‘I never made her feel like she had to win, I just wanted her to enjoy herself and for her to do her best.’

As well as maintaining a strong bond with her family, Shelby also has close friends who she can fall back on to help her get on through the long and difficult rodeo season. One of her mentors and best friends is six time WNFR qualifier Tammy Fischer, who Shelby can call on whenever she needs to, with Tammy always coming up with the right answers.

Shelby will sometimes call Tammy before a rodeo, and Tammy would always ask how she felt about the event.

‘I’ll try my best,’ is what Shelby usually answered with, to which Tammy would respond with ‘Just go win the rodeo, I know you will.’

It was this encouragement from some-

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body who meant so much to Shelby that would spur her on to perform better than ever. It is the support from everybody close to her that drives Shelby, giving her the courage to use her extraordinary talents and reach her goals.

It wasn’t until the family were sat eating lunch late on a Sunday afternoon, whilst Selby browsed some listings online, that she had that ‘Eureka!’ moment. She had spotted a stunning horse and she begged her Dad to drive to see him. Just one last one.

The time Shelby spent at the Texas Junior High and High School rodeo association holds a special place in Shelby’s heart. The leadership skills that she gained while serving as State Officer have helped her grow not only in her career, but it has helped to develop her into the confident, ambitious woman that she is today.

Shelby neglected to mention that it was another four hours out of their way, but she was so excited that her Dad couldn’t say no, so at 9pm on a Sunday evening the family were admiring Doc, the horse who would go on to become Shelby’s new best friend.

Shelby may have a never ending drive and determination, but the road to where she is now, performing on the pro rodeo circuit and for the Tarleton State University team, has not been an easy one.

It wasn’t until Shelby found her current horse, TS Doc San Lena, that she really hit the ground running and cemented herself as a top five world ranked athlete.

Lori, Shelby’s Mom, looks back with a fond frustration at the arduous time the Herrmann family had in the search for Shelby’s perfect horse.

‘I was close to tears,’ remembers Lori.

‘We had been travelling non-stop for days while Shelby rode some amazing horses, but turned every single one of them down.’

In what felt like the longest five days of the Herrmann family’s life, they drove day and night through the states of Arkansas and Oklahoma, looking at a total of 24 horses in the hope of bringing one home with them. Lori had reached a breaking point, thinking that the entire trip had been a waste and that they were going to return home empty handed.

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‘Shelby had ridden all these amazing horses and said no to them all, and now, without even riding Doc, she was getting out her check book,’ laughs Lori.

Shelby felt an instant bond with Doc, and after a few knocked over barrels and poles the two didn’t take long to establish a fantastic connection and have since become the best of friends.

‘He is an awesome horse,’ says Lori, an opinion which is obviously shared

by many others as Doc later went on to win AQHA Horse of the Year at the Texas High School State Finals and placed third at the National High School Finals.

Shelby feels blessed to have found a horse that she has such a strong bond with, and Doc’s original owner, Sadie Sacra, still rides him at certain events throughout the year. Shelby believes if it hadn’t been for Sadie’s training, Doc wouldn’t be the stunning animal that he is today.

It hasn’t been a long ride so far for Shelby but it has been tough, and Shelby has used her own initiative and the support of those around her to get her where she is today. In June 2014 Shelby and her Mom travelled to Las Vegas, and after a broken generator, a blocked toilet, puppy surgery, minor truck and trailer collisions and a wrong turn down the VIP entrance of Caesars, the relationship between the two was only strengthened, just showing the resilience that comes with the Herrmann name.

2015 is set to be Shelby’s biggest year yet, having qualified for the American Semis, and she’s looking forward to the spring college rodeo circuit, which of course leads into the spring and summer pro rodeos. We’re sure that Shelby will be cheered on by many, with the Herrmann family sitting right there in the front row.

Photo by: Hubbell Rodeo Photos

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ns by: Mike Jeavo

Photos Supplied by: PBR

Matt Triplett ‘As well as my Dad I always looked up to Tom Brady,’ says Matt, thinking back to his time before turning pro. ‘Tom has the kind of attitude I really admire. He loves to win, but he really hates to lose, which is exactly the same as I feel. I can associate with that. When I’m winning, it’s great, but when I’m losing…’

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t the time of this issue of Rodeo Athletes going to print, Matt Triplett is currently ranked as the number one bull rider in the PBR. If he continues to perform as well as he has been he is set to have his most successful year ever as he further asserts himself as a true force to be reckoned with.

cowboys and rodeo didn’t completely surround them 24/7, but Matt and his Dad did whatever they could to ensure they were attending rodeos whenever time would allow.

Matt didn’t learn to control this bothersome mindset until he met 2008 PRCA Rookie of the Year Douglas Duncan, who gave Matt a piece of advice which has stuck with him ever since.

Matt loved to watch his Dad riding bulls, and he and his Mom would stick together cheering from the stands. It was the thrill of seeing his Dad win which spurred him on to chase the dream himself.

Despite his current status as world number one, Matt has a grounded, humble attitude and doesn’t allow the pressures of being a renowned professional athlete get the better of him and affect his performance.

‘As well as my Dad I always looked up to Tom Brady,’ says Matt, thinking back to his time before turning pro. ‘Tom has the kind of attitude I really admire. He loves to win, but he really hates to lose, which is exactly the same as I feel. I can associate with that. When I’m winning, it’s great, but when I’m losing…’

‘As soon as you’re done, whether it’s good or bad, you have to forget about it,’ says Matt fondly. ‘You have to move on; it doesn’t matter whether you did good or bad. It’s time to concentrate on the next one.’

Deciding to live a life dedicated to rodeo kind of came easy to Matt, who followed in his Dad’s footsteps as a bull rider.

Matt has always looked up to his Dad. His dad is his hero, and he wanted to do nothing other than go where his dad went and do what his dad did, so there was never any doubt that becoming a bull rider was what Matt was destined to do.

Growing up on their small family farm, Matt was introduced to the western lifestyle slowly but surely. When at home

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Even the idea of losing frustrates Matt.

It is the thought of coming anywhere but first place that drives the 2014 Monster Energy Bulls on the Beach champion, and in the past he was known to punish himself when he felt like he had under performed.

‘I used to get really upset whenever I was bucked off,’ remembers Matt. ‘It used to sit in the back of my mind and bother me.’

Matt has stuck to Doug’s words ever since, which has been the best way for him to not dwell on performances he hasn’t been happy with so he can put it behind him and get his mind focused on what’s to come.

It was this mindset which helped Matt overcome missing out on the State High School Rodeo Finals during his senior year in high school after winning the title during the two previous years.

‘I was knocked out in the short round,’ says Matt with a little reluctance. It is easy to tell that Matt even doesn’t like to think about his unsuccessful performances before he turned pro, backing up his point about not being a happy loser.

Despite the setback, he took Douglas

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Duncan’s words on board and he didn’t let the disappointment affect the way he treated the next event.

Following high school Matt attending several open bull ridings which shortly paved the way to joining the PBR, having decided to bypass college in his goal of becoming a professional athlete.

Joining the PBR had been Matt’s goal ever since watching his Dad back when he was kid, but now he was living his dream and loving it.

He had played baseball, basketball and football during his time at high school, but they were simply seen as ways to keep his fitness levels high during breaks between bull riding.

Matt’s love had always been in, and always would be in, bull riding.

It wasn’t just the bull riding which drove Matt to the PBR, it was the entire lifestyle that came with it.‘I enjoy the competitiveness in the PBR,’ says Matt. ‘It also has some of the best titles and prize money in the business.’

There is a close bond between the athletes on the circuit, who know that despite their rivalries, they are what make the industry what it is and it is them who have to keep it alive.

‘It’s a brotherhood,’ says Matt. ‘It’s a competitive, professional sport, so naturally there are rivalries, but all of us are

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also friends. We know that we have to take care of the business, the animals and each other, so we’re always doing what we can to ensure that.’

Matt has made many close friends within the industry, many of whom are fellow athletes, and considering they are all competing against each other for titles and winnings they would rather help each other out than take home a trophy.

‘Gage Gay is possibly my best buddy in the industry,’ says Matt. ‘The rivalry between the two of us helps to drive me on. It’s all in great spirits, so we will always give each other advice while hoping to outperform each other. If you hang around with winners then it can rub off on you, it’s a great atmosphere to be around.’

It is his love of outperforming his athletes and the intense

fellow thrill

of winning which has driven Matt to perform at rodeos all over the USA as well as Canada and Australia. He thrives off visiting arenas around the world, with one of his favorites being California so he and his peers can hang out and unwind at Disneyland.

It is easy to see that Matt has a passion for rodeo that cannot be relinquished. When asked what the worst part of the constant travel involved with being a pro athlete, Matt had very little to complain about.

‘Living out of a suitcase isn’t easy,’ says Matt, laughing. ‘Sometimes I do miss my own bed.’

To be ranked as the best professional bull rider in the world, it would be easy for success to go straight to Matt’s head, but at just 23 years old he is wise beyond his years with a maturity to match. He credits his successes down to the support of his devoted parents, and there has clearly been more effort and enthusiasm poured into the practice pen than Matt cares to admit.

So long as Matt he remembers the advice of Douglas Duncan then the athlete who hates to lose is set to have a very happy and successful 2015.

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MINDY HOGGAN

Isaac Diaz Driven to be the best, he knew that the only way to become the best was by beating the best.

Stories from: Isaac Diaz Mike Fletcher, Cousin

Photo by: Hubbell Rodeo Photos

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hen your goal is to make it as a professional rodeo athlete, it is vital to get in as much practice as possible, and for Isaac Diaz, being homeschooled was just the opportunity he needed to allow for maximum time in the practice pen.

Isaac Diaz was born in California in 1986, but his parents decided to move to Florida in 1993, so that they could be closer to family on the east coast. The Diaz family is close, and each of them is in love with the rodeo lifestyle, so Isaac didn’t need to be encouraged by anybody to get involved.

Being homeschooled meant that Isaac could spend the daylight hours working outside, while at night he would study with the help of his mom and dad. It was a routine that worked for Isaac and enabled him to get an early start on developing his skills in the arena.

As a youngster, even before Isaac learned to ride himself, he would watch his cousins roping. He grew up around colts and wanted nothing more than to climb on and ride them around his family’s ranch.

When Isaac finally started to ride, it was as if he had been doing it for years.

It was a talent that came naturally to him, and he was bitten by the riding bug from that moment on.

It wasn’t until Isaac turned 12 that he

started roping himself. Now that he was old enough, he would spend all day in the practice pen roping calves with his cousins, and he very quickly outperformed them, despite being several years younger.

At the age of 15, Isaac took part in his first high school rodeo, and his distant cousin, Mike Fletcher, who Isaac always called, Uncle Fletcher, was there to give him some pointers. Uncle Fletcher was a seven-time Circuit Champion, so having him there for guidance was a huge help in kick starting Isaac’s career.

Uncle Fletcher admired Isaac’s work ethic and could tell that his passion and determination would help him go a long way. He even gifted Isaac and his brother each a horse, which was actually a sly way of testing how Isaac coped with difficult horses.

“It was a tough horse,” says Mike. “It was bucking Isaac off all the time.”

But there was a method behind Mike’s madness, as he wanted to see whether Isaac really was serious about becoming a professional rodeo athlete.

Mike was obviously impressed with what he saw. He brought in some cattle to practice riding with Isaac, and it was during this time, when Isaac simply did not give up, that Mike saw just how much he wanted to succeed.

“I have never seen anyone who wants it as bad as him,” said Mike. “Once I saw just how much he wanted it, I knew

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that I would do anything to help him get there.”

Sure enough, with the help of Uncle Fletcher, Isaac continued to train all day while making sure that he got his nose into his books at night and earned a solid education.

Isaac then went on to become the Florida High School Rodeo Saddle Bronc State Champion three years running; an ironic achievement for a competitor who not once stepped into a high school to learn. But the homeschooling had paid off, and Isaac was a champion.

Isaac did so well in all areas that he received a whole pile of college acceptance letters. There were so many schools which he would have loved to attend, and while he was desperate to stick close to his family in Florida, he knew that he couldn’t base his decision on this. He had to make the decision for himself and not let the strong bond with his family influence him.

It took a lot of research, but finally, Isaac decided that he would attend college in Vernon, Texas. At the time, it was the toughest rodeo region, and he wanted to be based right in the heart of the best action.

“You are only as good as your competition,” says Isaac. He was driven to be the best, and he knew that the only way to become the best was by beating the best.

College was an adventure for Isaac, but although he progressed through his studies as well as his appearances in the arena, he realized that he was beginning to get distracted. The social side of college had lured him away from his passion and he could suddenly see his goals begin to get a little further away.

“If I could go back and speak to my 15-year-old self now, I would tell him that he has to stay focused,” laughed Isaac. “I would tell him that he needs to set himself some long-term goals, but also focus on short-term goals. He needs to keep his mind on his goals 24/7, because it’s easy to slip up.”

Isaac didn’t allow this minor hiccup to disrupt his career, and he soon found

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his footing again, going on to qualify for the NFR four times, finishing 8th during his last trip there in 2013.

In 2010, while taking part in the Canadian Finals, Isaac met Britany Fleck, who was competing in the barrel racing. Isaac and Britany instantly hit it off, and in November of 2013, the pair were married.

It isn’t easy trying to balance a marriage when both partners are competitive athletes, and the travelling can sometimes be a burden, but the Diaz’s make it work, and will rodeo together during the winter and spring months.

Isaac eats, sleeps and breathes Bronc Riding. Uncle Fletcher could see that he was born to do it. It’s undeniable that Isaac Diaz has the drive needed to make it in the rodeo world. Like Uncle Fletcher said all those years ago, watching him hold on to the back of that bucking horse was a real gift.

Together with his wife, Isaac is set to continue displaying his talent and showing the world his desire to be the best as he listens to his own advice and remains focused on his goals.

Photo by: Hubbell Rodeo Photos

If I could go back and speak to my 15-yearold self now, I would tell him that he has to stay focused,” laughed Isaac. “I would tell him that he needs to set himself some longterm goals, but also focus on short-term goals. He needs to keep his mind on his goals 24/7, because it’s easy to slip up.

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by: Holly Bond

Garrett Smith 3X National High School Rodeo All Around Champion isn't afraid to back in the box with the big boys.

Stories by: Wyatt Smith, Brother

"It was actually easy for me, because I didn't have time to over think on one event. I tried to go golfing everyday and didn't go around the arena much. I feel I have more success when I just let myself react to the situation."

Photo by: WT Bruce Photos

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arrett Smith was born on January 20, 1995 making him 20-years-old this year. Still considered a "youngster" in the world of rodeo, he isn't afraid to back in the box against any veteran of the sport.

Competing on both ends of the arena, Garrett has excelled as an all-around athlete. Among his many awards, his proudest accomplishment is setting the record as a three-time National High School Rodeo All-Around Champion. When asked how he handled the pressure of competing in six events at the NHSRA Finals, he replied, "It was actually easy for me, because I didn't have time to over think on one event.

I tried to go golfing everyday and didn't go around the arena much. I feel I have more success when I just let myself react to the situation."

As a member of the well-known Smith family, Father, Lynn, and Mother, Valorie, (both instilled with the rodeo gene) have always encouraged their three sons, Wyatt (26), Garrett, and Payson (16), to pursue their rodeo dreams. Little did they know that they had raised such rodeo athletes. Garrett's older brother, Wyatt, qualified for his first NFR this past year and younger brother, Payson, is taking the Idaho High School Rodeo Association by storm as a timed event hand. Garrett will be one to watch this year as he competes as a bull rider and bulldogger. Yes, I said, bulldogger.

Though he may be small, he is fierce!

As mentioned previously, Wyatt Smith made his first appearance at the 2014 NFR and Garrett had the opportunity to haze for him for the sixth through the tenth rounds nothing like taking on a whole new level of pressure. When asked how it felt to be able to back in the box and look over at his older brother in the 6th round, he replied, "I didn't eat

that day, I was on my fourth piece of bubble gum, and I think my heart stopped twice."

Garrett is the type of person who doesn't back down from anything. By family members and friends, he is considered as the guy with no fear.

No matter what obstacle is thrown his way, he will face it head on without ever flinching.

At the age of six, Lynn and Valorie realized just how relentless their son was. At a wrestling tournament, Garrett found himself in a three-way tie for first. By breaking that tie, he was matched up against a wrestler who had just claimed a huge victory in Reno, Nevada. Valorie states as she remembers telling Garrett, "Good luck, buddy" while stepping him onto the mat. "What else could I say to my little boy who was going up against the toughest wrestler there?"

The reputation of the opponent meant nothing to Garrett and fazed he was not. He pinned the boy and from that point, he made it clear to his parents and himself that no matter who he competed against or how good they were, he would be better. He went on to win a Junior World's Championship and was a three-time Idaho State Wrestling Champion.

I didn't eat that day, I was on my fourth piece of bubble gum, and I think my heart stopped twice.

In junior h i g h , Garrett joined the school's wrestling team. His

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coach, Eric Lords, taught him not only how to become a successful wrestler, but how to be successful throughout his life. The simple, yet powerful words, "Go big, or go home" is a motto Garrett lives by in and out of the arena.

Garrett has always scared his mom by living on the edge, but raising three boys, she has learned to just shake her head and be thankful that they are still alive.

When Garrett was 15-years-old, he and his brother, Wyatt, were out in the pasture checking fence and livestock on their four-wheeler.

When they came across a bull called, Norman, that they had raised from a calf, the wheels of two Smith boys started to turn. Norman was their practice bull for chute dogging when he was little, and as he got older and bigger, Garrett practiced bull riding on him. Now retired and turned out on green pastures, he didn't think much of the boys, until they lined him out on a fence. Wyatt and Garrett thought it would be fun to emphasize the bull in bulldogging. As they had him between the four-wheeler and fence, Garrett climbed up on the back as Wyatt got him closer. When Wyatt realized that they were picking up speed, he yelled back to Garrett, "Don't do it, we are going too fast," at the exact same time Garrett decided to bail. He caught his head and tried hard to slow him up, but Norman didn't think it was very amusing. He drug Garrett way down the pasture and then shook him off as if he were a pest, turned, and jogged back into the trees.

Garrett decided his 8th grade year that rodeo was his path of choice.

When Wyatt needed help with the horses at college, Garrett would willingly volunteer. As he practiced and hung around college level rodeo athletes, Garrett wasn't cut any slack. If he was going to practice with the big boys, he was going to be treated like one. Wyatt pushed him to be the contender he is today and still pushes him, as any big brother would do. Now that they are both on the road together, trying to make the 2015 NFR, Garrett has success at his fingertips. His confidence and support system are stronger than ever, and he won't be one to back down from a challenge.

Although the two boys are traveling partners, the rivalry between them is ongoing. As Wyatt set goals throughout h i g h school and accomplished them, little brother, Garrett, wasn't going to let him have t h e spotlight for long.

Garrett's goal is not only to win and be the best he can be, it is to beat his big brother. When Wyatt won the NHSRA Steer Wrestling and All-Around in 2006, Garrett was bound and determined to one up him - or as the all-around records show, two up him. To this day, they argue about the scoreboard, because Garrett never won an event and Wyatt did. When Garrett was asked what he thinks about the situation, he replied, "I won more saddles than him."

They encourage each other to win and compete to the best of their ability, but because they admire one another so much, they feel that by beating one or the other is an accomplishment in itself.

John Wayne once described courage as being scared to death, but saddling up anyways. If the first part of that quote is true, then Garrett Smith deserves an Oscar Award for never letting it show.

Garrett is someone who is good at everything. He learns quickly and is persistent enough to do it right every time.

To have the ability to become whatever he wanted to in life, he stuck to rodeo.

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Photo by: Chyanne Flinders www.rodeoathletes.com

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MIKE JEAVONS

Shay Carroll

Photo by: Hubbell Rodeo Photos

“Roping steers wasn’t my thing, but after all that practice with Dad and Grandpa, I saw that I made a really great heeler,” says Shay. “I wanted to follow in my Grandpa’s footsteps and lead a life doing what I loved, so I had to go with my gut and make that move.”

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hile Shay Carroll was growing up, there had been a long running joke in the Carroll household that Shay only has love for three things: school, basketball and team roping. His days would follow a similar routine, which would each revolve around a combination of those three things. He would go to school early just so he could play basketball with his friends, and then in between studying, they would play some more. The evenings and weekends were dedicated to the practice pen at the Carroll’s small family farm, where Shay would spend time getting to know the rodeo lifestyle with his dad and grandpa.

Looking back, Shay saw his time playing basketball as a way for him to keep active during school hours; where as in reality, he would have given it all up to spend more time practicing team roping with his family.

Both his mom and his dad grew up in rodeo, so it was inevitable that Shay would as well. It was never forced on him, but his parents knew that working with animals and learning the lifestyle would help to teach him responsibility and discipline, as well as keep him busy and out of trouble.

In truth, Shay fell in love with the western way of living early, after growing up with a close relationship with his grandpa. Shay was always mesmerized with his stories and wanted to live the exact same kind of life he had.

“He was always an old school cowboy,” says Shay with fondness. “I wanted to be exactly like that. He had a routine which he stuck to every day and he never got tired. He had three horses and he would be up at 7am to catch his colt, so he could brush it and feed it. He’d be done with his chores by 9am and he’d ride his favorite horse until lunchtime, and after that he’d just keep on riding right until I came home from school.”

“My Dad was out of work at the time, so the three of us would spend the rest of the day practicing team roping. My Grandpa did this every day and he loved it. You could set your watch by him.”

When the men of the Carroll family weren’t team roping, Shay made an effort to get to learn other rodeo events such as goat tying and calf roping; other events his grandpa used to excel in during his younger years. Calf roping didn’t quite come naturally for Shay, and he thinks back to his time when he hadn’t yet decided on which path to take.

“I practiced steer roping a lot, but I was always behind. It didn’t matter how much time I spent in the practice pen, I was always behind my peers.”

Despite recognizing that steer roping wasn’t his forte, Shay still managed to compete in the high school finals and college finals, but he just didn’t love the event in the same way as he loved team roping. It wasn’t until Shay was in his junior year at college that he realized he had the potential and the skill to make it at being a heeler professionally.

“Roping steers wasn’t my thing, but after all that practice with Dad and Grandpa, I saw that I made a really great heeler,” says Shay. “I wanted to follow in my Grandpa’s footsteps and lead a life doing what I loved, so I had to go with my gut and make that move.”

It is this mindset which allows Shay to identify strengths and weaknesses and use them to his advantage, and this makes him the perfect fit for an event such as team roping.

Shay will also be the first to admit that he has perhaps taken the sport too seriously in the past and has occasionally forgotten to enjoy the events he is taking part in.

“In the past, I have engrossed myself into my work to the point that it stops being a passion and becomes an obsession. I was paranoid that I would look back and Rodeo Athletes Magazine / February 2015

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I don’t even count it as work.

It can’t be work if I love it this much.

think to myself that I could have done things better, or different, and I didn’t want to run the risk of doing that, so I would get worked up to the point that I wasn’t enjoying it as much as I should.

I knew that I had a talent and I was scared that I was going to waste it.”

“If you have a supportive circle around you, then anything is possible. I spend my time with the best people in the world and it rubs off. My family, my friends and my sponsors give me all the support I could ask for and it gives me a huge lift whenever I need it.”

Shay quickly realized that he was putting himself under unnecessary pressure and forced himself to get away from that awkward way of thinking. He knew that one of the biggest thrills in rodeo was competing in the arena, and he wanted to make sure that he could look back on taking part at events with good memories not overshadowed by the pressure he put himself under.

Shay also believes that there are two important ingredients that must be carefully balanced in order to make it as a professional rodeo athlete.

“I decided that from June to the NFR would be my serious time,” he laughs.

“That was when there was no time for messing around, so I could practice and get myself ready for the season ahead. I wanted to get myself ready in plenty of time.

That way I could loosen up a little and actually enjoy the events I was taking part in, and it didn’t matter so much whether I succeeded or not.”

“First of all, you have to believe in yourself and your abilities, because if you don’t picture yourself as a champion, your body and your mind won’t ever allow it to happen. Second of all, you need give yourself the tools to achieve, so you need to put a lot of work into reaching your goals. You have to find a balance.”

But there is also a third ingredient which is equally important, which Shay only has to include when things aren’t quite going to plan.

“It’s important to not dwell on your mistakes. If you have a bad run, then there is only one way to ensure that it doesn’t eat away at you, and that is to tackle it head on. Watch it back, study it and identify what happened. If you know what went wrong, then it won’t play on your mind and you can make sure that it doesn’t happen again. You have to own up to your mistakes.”

Even before his decision to move into team roping, it is obvious that Shay has always valued being open and honest with yourself. He understands the importance of playing to your strengths, but knows that balancing your love of the industry with old fashioned work is the key to winning.

Shay is currently making sure he is enjoying his rodeo ahead of the summer ‘on’ season, when he will be sure to get his head down ready to tackle the NFR and achieve his goal of working as a full-time heeler.

“I don’t even count it as work,” says Shay. “It can’t be work if I love it this much.”

This outlook is borrowed from his dad and grandpa, who Shay sees as being his two greatest mentors.

“They will both admit that they’re not the greatest athletes in the world, but what they are the best at is succeeding in life, and that’s exactly what I want to do as well.

If I become even half the men they are, then I will be a pretty great person.”

Shay is keen to let young cowboys know that in order to succeed it is important to surround yourself with great people.

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Photo by: Hubbell Rodeo Photos

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Stan Branco All Around Rodeo Cowboy

Photo by: WT Bruce Photos

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“When he was 12, I started paying him $10 to shoe a horse,” remembers Larry. “As he got older it became $20 per horse, and he started to get pretty good at it.”

W

hen the chute opens and Stan Branco wrestles a steer to the ground within the blink of an eye, you might not expect that the California native was actually the skinny kid in class during his early teenage years.

Yet here he is, taking on the biggest names in rodeo and following in the footsteps of five previous generations, including his uncle and namesake Stan Branco, himself an NFR All Around Rodeo Cowboy.

For his Dad, Larry Branco, there was never any doubt that Stan wouldn’t grow up to achieve his dreams.

‘We’ve always been a rodeo family,’ says Larry, who introduced Stan to the rodeo lifestyle from an early age.

From the moment he was physically able to Stan was desperate to be a part of everything, from helping out at his Aunt and Uncle’s ranch to shoeing horses with his old man.

‘When he was 12, I started paying him $10 to shoe a horse,’ remembers Larry. ‘As he got older it became $20 per horse, and he started to get pretty good at it.’

Stan got so good at shoeing horses that the moment he learned to drive he started working for Mike Collins, who Larry described at the best in the business. Stan learnt a lot while working for Mike, and Larry believes it was the skills and principles learnt during this time that helped Stan to develop such an unrivalled determination in the practice pen.

Stan’s Aunt Patti remembers the summers her nephew spent with her, and how she watched this short, skinny kid develop into a cowboy right in front of her eyes. Both Pat and her husband Don team roped, and they allowed the everpassionate Stan to help them out with the aid of Blue, the horse he adopted as his own for the summer. It was clear even then that Stan had a huge amount

of enthusiasm and talent for rodeo, but when Stan asked Pat if he could rope a steer while riding a big Sorrel Gelding she was understandably concerned.

Stan was able to quash Pat’s worries by making an excellent run on the back of Rusty, and for the rest of the summer Stan could now even give Blue the occasional break as well.

Being surrounded by so many talented and influential people, it could have been easy for Stan to grow up with a feeling of entitlement or complacency, but not once did he break his stride and he made his own luck both inside and outside of the arena.

During the Californian rodeo season the Branco household would usually host athletes travelling into the area to compete, and in 2003 Larry welcomed his friend Mike Arnold into his home, who at the time was assisting 20 time world champion and 12 time PRCA All Around Cowboy world champion Trevor Brazile.

Trevor spent a lot of time in the Branco’s practice pen, all whilst being accompanied by the elated, never-faltering Stan.

They roped, flanked and tied calves all day long, and Stan was never the first to quit. He had an unrivalled work ethic, always being the first into the pen and always the last to leave.

Larry bursts with pride as he fondly remembers the time the Branco’s spent hosting Trever, and Larry will never forget what Trevor said to him when the time came for him and Mike to leave California.

‘He told me that the biggest motivation he can find from practicing was practicing with people such as Stan - those who wanted it as bad or more than he did.

Trevor enjoyed working with individuals that shared the same dedication as he did towards rodeo and practicing.’

‘He went on to say that Stan was more than welcome to come stay any time he wanted to and practice with him.

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tigious athlete in the rodeo industry brought tears to my eye and it still does even to this day.’

Stan may have only been 15 during the time of Trevor’s stay, but it gave him the final push he needed to pursue a career as a professional athlete. During his high school years Stan became an all-around contender, demonstrating that he was not afraid to put himself forward. He even went on to jump his first steer during his senior year in high school.

‘I couldn’t watch,’ says Stan’s Mom Jodi thinking back to her 17 year old son in the arena. She was used to the stories surrounding rodeo injuries and she had already tended to Stan’s fair share of scrapes, cuts, bumps and bruises.

The more events Jodi attended the more she saw her son’s passion, and equally she also recognized that Stan had a real talent in the arena which had come on so much since those summers he spent with his Aunt Pat and Uncle Don. But once Stan went on to win the title of San Diego Iron Horse All Around Cowboy, of which the prize for winning was a huge Iron Horse Chopper motorcycle, Jodi felt that familiar churning inside her stomach return.

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‘I couldn’t watch,’ says Stan’s Mom Jodi thinking back to her 17 year old son in the arena. She was used to the stories surrounding rodeo injuries and she had already tended to Stan’s fair share of scrapes, cuts, bumps and bruises.

‘He’d never even ridden a bicycle,’ says Kathy, Stan’s Aunt. ‘He spent all of his time riding ponies and horses, so until he got rid of that bike the whole family was having nightmares.’

Sure enough Chopper’s weren’t Stan’s style, after all his Uncle Steve always did describe Stan as a bull in a china shop.

Stan was driven by the thrill of winning, being focused and practicing until he had mastered a skill and then practicing some more until he was the best.

Stan’s parents, his Aunt’s and Uncle’s, even world renown rodeo champion Trevor Brazile recognize that Stan has a unique talent. He has an unquenchable thirst to win and will not stop until he is.

One summer, while staying with Aunt Pat and Uncle Don, Stan took part in a local rodeo after borrowing some money from his Uncle.

‘I told him he had to pay me back if he won,’ says Don. ‘He ended up winning back the entry fee and then some, and he treated us all to dinner that night at his favorite restaurant.’

With such heavy rodeo influences surrounding him from the start, there is no surprise that Stan Branco has lead a life centered around rodeo. The only surprise is that he has stuck to it with an enviable passion and commitment, attracting the attention of celebrity athletes, and not stopping until he has the trophy firmly grasped in his hands.

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