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When did you take a chance in life and it paid off? We have a theme for every issue and this issue’s theme is- Take a CHANCE, it just my pay off! It only made sense because our front cover athlete, Dusty Tuckness, knows ALL about taking chances. He is a bullfighter that puts his life on the line every time he steps in the arena. We asked our Rodeo Fame Team when they have ever took a chance, maybe not fighting a bull, but check out some of their chances!
Cheyanne Baker Spring/Summer Intern-Journalist
Tori Morris Journalist
“Although I have a fear of flying, I took a chance, believed in myself, and now have been able to visit some amazing places…such as: Hawaii, New York and Europe!”
“I’m in the middle of taking a HUGE chance, I will let you know how that works out! Every time I have been led by God to take a chance and had the courage to make the jump, it has paid off!”
Katie Bartlett Journalist
Katy Noll, Ed.D Copy Editor
“I moved from Australia to America in 2010, chasing my dreams of furthering my career as a rodeo journalist. Since then, I’ve won Australian Media Person of the Year, am the Australian NFR TV host, am the host for True Cowboy Radio with 5 Star Unplugged, and have hosted multiple TV shows. Dreams do come true!!!”
“When I asked my best friends for their 4-year old son’s help in selecting my international mission trip destination by randomly picking 1 of 5 folded pieces of paper from a cup. I got the good kind of goose bumps when I saw that, come November, I am headed to Thailand to assist organizations in sharing God’s Word and Love as we work to combat human trafficking and help restore the lives of boys and girls (ages 4-18) rescued from sex trafficking. Where there is life, there is hope… for all!”
Gretchen Kirchmann National Sales “At the IAFE (International Association of Fairs & Expos) National Convention in Las Vegas, 2009 - they were looking for speakers. My rookie year I submitted my name/topic to give a presentation at the Paris hotel in front of hundreds of fair managers, directors, international guests and entertainers. I was accepted, gave the speech, and was so pleased that my presentation was a highlight for many of the attendees.” Curtis Kupfersmith Sales “When I moved to Texas to live with Allen Bach and his family! It’s still paying off today!”
Lori O’Harver Writer and founder of Bronc Riding Nation “When my kids were in school, we moved in with my grandmother to care for her in the end stages of breast cancer. Love was long, but money and times were tight … barrel racing withdrawal was a harsh side effect that I cured one afternoon by hitting a close one. I used my kids’ lunch money to enter, then proceeded to ride like I’d done just that. Blackie and I won it and were back home with groceries and the lunch money in under 3 hours.” April Bach Patterson Editor-in-Chief
Anthony Lucia Columnist “When I started my talk show in Las Vegas.”
Brooke Luiz Spring/Summer Intern-Journalist “When I decided to go back to school and was able to complete my degree.”
Chantel Miller Graphic Design & Layout “Stepping out and moving across the country when it wasn’t easy, but God’s plan is always best!”
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“When I started this magazine…I will let you know how it goes.”
Emily Pfister Professional Make-up Artist & Columnist “When I took my very first contracted wedding… doing makeup and hair had always just been a personal passion. I never thought I would be where I am in my knowledge and owning my own styling business. There is no better feeling than having someone commend you on your work. It’s been truly amazing.”
Like what you see? Subsribe today at...
www.rodeofame.com
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6 Miles of Style Compiled By Emily Pfister
7 Rodeo Famous Announcers Cotton Yancy, Don Jesser, and Doug Mathis
9 Miss Rodeo America Eating frog legs for the first time!
10 Late Nights with Anthony Lucia Partner Break-Ups 14 Taking Life by the Horns Luke and Lindsay Branquinho
Take a CHANCE, 17 Nate Morrison it just my Living Life Today, Not Tomorrow. pay off! Sponsored By Bronc Riding 16 Take BOLD Fashion Risk Compiled By Kacee and Katie
Nation
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20 PRK Woolman & Tierney 21
Dusty Tuckness 3X PRCA Bullfighter of the Year talks about his fake arrest and future plans
25 Good Hearts Project Your Support is Needed 26 Sponsorship Agents in Professional Rodeo (Part 2) with Mike Donnell 28
Hometown Cowboy Winn Ratliff He’s got a heart of gold and not afraid to talk politics.
Kacee Willbanks, Mike Donnell, Anthony Lucia SUMMER 2013 INTERNS Cheyanne Baker, Brooke Luiz
30 Rodeo Famous Recipes with Shawnda Green & Kate Mote 30 Contest Winner! Beth Leabo wins Jeans! Get some Cowgirl Tuff Jeans TOO!
COVER PHOTO Megan Rieff
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Summer 2013 | rodeofame.com
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Meet Miles...
www.facebook.com/ pureheartstyling
Kids trends for summer are all about bold prints and color, fun shoes, and the all too cute distressed denim. Some of my favorite looks this Spring for Miles have been bright colored v-neck tees, and absolutely loving the distressed slim fit jeans; I love being able to dress him up in “mini me” adult trends, like his daddy. Kids trends have moved away from the horror of the 90’s with corduroy and jumpers into a time where our babies and toddlers can basically dress just like their mommy and daddy. My tips for busy parents shopping for their little ones are buy smart, if there is a simple top you love, buy several in different colors (I must have a closet full of just cute tees in every bright color), and go for quality some of your higher end children’s clothing brands usually have “end of the season” clearance and outlets where major discounts can be found. Better quality lasts longer and fits better. While I was on the subject of cute kid trends, I had to check in with two stylish rodeo moms who definitely know what’s cute and hip for the summer; super moms Kirby Harter and Christi Smith, and here’s what they had to say about their well dressed little ones...
I’ve had so much fun dressing my girls the last five years! I cant help but dress them alike most of the time, it’s just too fun. I usually stick to styles that would resemble my style. I love all the bright colors that are trending right now! And now that little man is here, I finally get to dress a boy! I like to dress him up like a ‘little man,’ we love babyGap! CHRISTI SMITH
Kirby Harter, wife to Bradley Harter.
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I love the bright colors for the summer! I love the bright colored polo shirts for Houston, and I think the bright colored tennis shoes are adorable. Houston is all boy - he is happy with his boots and cowboy hat, like his daddy, and could care less what he wearing! KIRBY HARTER
Christi Smith with husband, Patrick Smith, daughters, Kylee and Kenzie, and son, Eli.
Q&A |
RODEO ANNOUNCERS
Announcers Q&A with some of our industry’s greatest.. >Don Jesser Always exciting, informative, and truly a crowd favorite, Don understands rodeo. He draws upon his 20 plus years of experience not only as Rodeo Announcer, but upon his personal experience as a saddle bronc rider, bareback rider, and team roper. When Don makes his grand entrance into the arena atop his paint horse “Crusher”, the crowd goes wild. Check his non-profit organization out at www.dctcampforkids.org
That chance has now created a great life for my wife and I all because I stepped out there and decided, this is what I’m going to do. DON JESSER
Q: Can you tell me what your first announcing gig was like? Don: In 1985, I started to announce amateur rodeos. Once I began meeting all the great cowboys, they encouraged me to start announcing professional rodeos. My first big announcing job was in Vale, Oregon, on fourth of July. 11-time NFR qualifier Mickey Young, along with his wife and company, Silver Lining, also helped in getting my announcing career started, and that’s how it all became. Q: Personally, whom are you cheering on in rodeo right now? Don: I have so many favorites from Ethen Thouvenell in the steer wrestling, to the Cooper brothers in the calf roping. But I’m really anxious to see how the Wright boys do in the saddle bronc riding. I think this may be the year that we get all five brothers to the WNFR. Q: What is happening right now in your life? Can you tell me about any recent vacations or special events you have coming up? Don: I will be busy with rodeos all summer long. In June, I will be at Pine Mountain Ranch getting everything prepared for September’s hunt. As for rodeo, we’ve been having an awesome spring. We have seen some of the biggest crowds yet. It’s going to be a great year for the cowboys and rodeo fans alike. Q: Our summer issue theme is: Take a chance…it just might pay off. Can you tell me a time when you took a chance and it paid off? Don: I was working 7 days a week as a ranch manager when I took the chance and devoted every bit of energy, time and money into being able to travel and announce rodeos. It was the best chance I have ever taken in my life. That chance has now created a great life for my wife and I all because I stepped out there and decided, “You know what, this is what I’m going to do. If the good Lord gives me enough talent and enough patience to see it through and make it happen, it will happen.” It wasn’t easy, it took a lot of time, effort and friends along the way, but I wouldn’t change one minute of it for anything.
>Cotton Yancey Cotton Yancey, a announcer, producer, director, and that is only naming a few of his talents. Something about Yancey that you must discover yourself is his story telling ability. Purchase Cowboy Highway to hear some of his great stories. Cowboy Highway is a collection of 15 stories and poems written and performed by Cotton Yancey in tribute to the Great American Cowboy. Cotton is a rodeo horseback announcer and Gold Card member of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. You can purchase this CD at www.westernfolklife.org. Q: Can you tell me what your first announcing gig was like? Cotton: My dear friend, John Blough, who produced high school rodeos during the 70s and 80s, gave me my first announcing gig at a high school rodeo in Brandon, Mississippi, in 1982. I announced my first rodeo on horseback because I was so impressed with Bob Tallman riding through the center gate in dark house and spotlight at the Dixie National Rodeo in Jackson, Mississippi. The way he was able to entertain the crowd on the back of that horse inspired me to become a rodeo announcer. That was really good show business. He grabbed the attention of the audience, entertained them and kept them in the palm of his hand, directing their attention to wherever it needed to go. After all, that is the job and he did it very well. Q: Personally, whom are you cheering on in rodeo right now? Cotton: As much as I admire Summer 2013 | rodeofame.com
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Q&A |
RODEO ANNOUNCERS
most anyone in this profession, from the Rookie to the multi World Champion, it’s hard for me to point out any one cowboy. Billy Etbauer is everyone’s hero, along with the Cooper legacy, Trevor Brazile, the Wright Brothers, and the list goes on and on. I root for all of them because they earn it and deserve it. As far as who I’m rooting for now, I root for anyone who is tough enough and has a heart big enough to claim their place in history as a Pro-Rodeo cowboy. Q: What is happening right now in your life? Can you tell me about any recent vacations or special events you have coming up? Cotton: I’ve been working in the film business for the last three years. I was asked to direct a feature length documentary that came out in December of 2012 on Mississippi Junior College football titled “Mississippi Juco – The Toughest Football League in America.” Mississippi has produced more players to the NFL and D1 colleges than any other state in the union. It was an amazing process, and I am very proud to be a part of that. I am hoping and planning to do a comprehensive series of documentaries on Pro-Rodeo in
the near future. There are so many great stories to tell. Q: Our summer issue theme is: Take a chance…it just might pay off. Can you tell me a time when you took a chance and it paid off? Cotton: I believe the “take a chance” spirit is in every rodeo cowboy’s heart. That’s what rodeo is, it’s a chance. It’s a gamble from beginning to end. There are never any guarantees or handouts in professional rodeo. The bull isn’t going to give you a break, the horse isn’t going to give you a break, nothing is going to give you a break. You have to learn to cowboy up. You have to take a chance, believe in yourself, and go for it!
me out to that rodeo because th,at is what I told them I wanted to do. They said the only way to do it is to jump in with both hands and both feet. It was a great experience. Q: Personally, whom are you cheering on in rodeo right now? Doug: JW Harris, I just love him to death. I’ve known him ever since he was a little guy. His step mom was the secretary for the North Texas High School Rodeo Association when I started announcing high school rodeos, so I’ve known them for a long time. JW is a very talented bull rider. If there were anyone in the world right now who has the chance to win 8 world championships and tie or break Donny Gay’s record, it would be JW Harris. JW has no reverse gear in him. You throw him the rankest bull and he’ll tell you that’s what he wants. He’s a super guy - he wants to do the best he can every time.
>Doug Mathis Doug Mathis, a member of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, since 1995, is ranked as one of the top announcers in the country. In a career filled with highlights, announcing the 2005 Dodge National Circuit Finals in Pocatello Idaho and the 2009 National Finals Steer Roping put feathers in his cap, as well as placing seventh out of all PRCA announcers for “Announcer of the Year” voting in 2005,06,07,08,09,10. Also in 2005, 2006,2007 Doug was chosen for the T.V. Broadcasting job on The Altitude Channel for The Greeley Independence Day Stampede - Extreme Bull Riding. www.dougmathissite.com
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Q: Can you tell me what your first announcing gig was like? Doug: It was at the Charlie Thompson arena at the High Plains Junior Association Rodeo in Lubbock, Texas. I walked in the announcers stand at 8 p.m. and didn’t leave until about 4:30 a.m. the next morning. I was really wondering if this is what I wanted to do for a living, but it was the start of what I made a career out of, and it was worth it. I was scared to death; I had, literally, had never announced a rodeo before. Bob Sullivan and Phillip Hughes from Forth Worth, Texas, sent
Q: What is happening right now in your life? Can you tell me about any recent vacations or special events you have coming up? Doug: I just came back from Torrington, Wyoming, where I was selected to announce the National Circuit Finals Steer Roping. Other than that, it will be rodeos every week until about September. Since my wife is a school counselor, she is able to travel with me during the summer. Anytime we don’t have a rodeo, we will unhook our jeep that we pull behind our bus and take off. Plus, being with my wife is like being on a vacation everyday; it’s great. Q: Our summer issue theme is: Take a chance…it just might pay off. Can you tell me a time when you took a chance and it paid off? Doug: In 1999, I was working a regular job and announcing on the weekends; I was a ‘weekend warrior’ if you will. After I was laid off from my regular job, I was offered a position with a different company. I took a chance and I told myself, “No, I’m going to announce rodeos,” and I took off on the road. That was a time I took a chance and it paid off. That year, everything seemed to fall into place. I got my job with the PRCA working at the NFR, and I’ve been there every year since. It wasn’t long after that, that I started to work the Dodge National Circuit Finals. The chance I took allowed me to let myself be heard and seen with what I can do.
Q&A |
MISS RODEO AMERICA
By Brooke Luiz Spring, RFM Spring-Summer Intern
WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN DOING SINCE DECEMBER UNTIL NOW? I have been on the road constantly. I just recently got home for a few days in time for Mother’s Day. It has been almost six months since I won Miss Rodeo America. I have not been home much. I have been from Colorado to Florida, Oklahoma, Texas, Kentucky, Tennessee and North Carolina just to name a few places. During the month of April, I was in five different states and three different time zones. WHEN HAVE YOU TAKEN A CHANCE IN LIFE AND IT PAID OFF? When I tried out for Miss Rodeo America, it was a chance I was taking. Anytime it is a pageant, or something like that, you are constantly judged. I won the trial, so it paid off in the end. IS THERE A HIGHLIGHT OR SOMETHING THAT HAS SURPRISED YOU? I have gotten to see so many great places and meet some amazing people. The hospitality has been unbelievable. Everywhere I have been has been a learning experience. The people have all been so generous. One of the highlights for me was a trip to Florida. We went to the beach, swam in the ocean, went hog hunting and I ate frog legs for the first time. It was so great for me just because the entire trip was so different from what I was used to and I got to try several new things.
“I have gotten to see so many great places and meet some amazing people.” CHENAE SHINER
Summer 2013 | rodeofame.com
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Late Nights |
PARTNER BREAK-UPS
Partner Break-ups So there I was... sitting in the truck with Ryan Motes heading to grab some lunch, and he was on the phone with someone. They were talking about the new partnerships in pro team roping...yes, it was the first of spring, and oh, the smell of partner swapping was in the air. I’ve never quite understood the drama of team roping partners nor what goes into a partnership of an elite level; where you rely on the other person for your livelihood. I rope and circuit rodeo, and the partnerships I’ve had seem to stay pretty relaxed and easy. But on a NFR Level, it’s a whole different story it seems like. One thing I’ve always wondered was how the “break-up” goes, because these teams aren’t just weekend warriors, they live their lives together, beat the road up and deal with the highs and lows of the rodeo world. Do you scout another partner before you break the news, or is that considered cheating? What if you go and practice with a different partner? Is that like a full fledged affair? Is there any morality that goes into the thought
process of breaking a partnership? Or is it just a business decision? I’ve often wondered, in a partnership, is it the header or the heeler that chooses to make a change? And I wonder if you can find the heartbroken partner later that night watching old NFR videos, eating a bowl of ice cream, looking at I think this is far more simple and less old pictures, staring at phone, hoping it entertaining but here goes, what if it will ring, wondering what went wrong, happened like this... A guy has been and what he could have done different. seeing someone rope really good, rides Or is it a shake of the hand, I wish of a nice horse, walks to the fence every good luck and see ya down the road. time he rides in the box, watches in awe, I like to believe that it is the previous maybe even throws a compliment his scenario playing out. Do they speak way every once in a while, making sure to each other at the next rodeo, or is it his existing partner doesn’t hear him, of an awkward stare; maybe when riding course. So, now you and your existing by a quick glance or an attempt at partner aren’t having any luck, you argue conversation. “So, how have your ropes about your run, where to eat, or whose been feeling” or “did you ever go look at turn it is to put fuel in the rig, and this that new horse” or is it a, “ sure do miss whole time all you can think about is how heeling behind you.” I couldn’t imagine good the “other roper” has been roping and how nice and easy he is how funny that would be, two to get a long with. But you’re grown men, handling a “cut” Do you scout torn, do you stick it out or like this. jump ship? Do you follow the another path of a Clay Cooper or are And regardless if it’s true or not, this partner before you more of an Allen Bach, is my story and how you break the who wins four gold buckles four different guys. So, I’m imagining it. What news, or is that with you can’t sleep and with no about when Speed considered wins or very minimal wins at and Rich quit roping that, one morning decide to together? Speed hasn’t tell your existing partner that quit wearing sweat “it’s just not working out, it’s shirts and oversized sweat pants since, just saying. not you, it’s me, I just can’t catch behind And by the looks of it, he hasn’t you anymore, I’m going to do something shaved on a consistent bases different.” Wow, you have risked it all, since 2008. Then there’s Rich, you have no partner now. However, always clean cut, always freshly there is this one roper, yeah, the one you shaved, big smile, always roping have been watching. You heard a rumor with fresh young partners, etc. But that he and his partner weren’t getting it makes you wonder, is all that along that good. So, do you text him, do hiding a broken heart? Is Rich, you ask someone to mention your name really deep down inside so sad to him, do you Facebook message him, because he lost his fellow 8-time or do you just ride up to him and say world champ? Haha, I don’t really hey we should rope? Oh, the questions!! How does it work? I guess we will never know, but it makes you wonder. know for sure, but to be honest, I have Then on the flip side, if we are heard it go down each of the ways afore going to think about the “break mentioned...and well, that’s this episode ups,” we have to think about how of, “As the Steer Turns.” partnerships are actually created.
cheating?
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We know it’s hard to keep track of all of the rodeos going on during Summer, so we did the research and gathered these rodeo dates up for you! Research by Brooke Luiz, Spring-Summer Intern May 27-June 1 Fort Smith, AR Old Fort Days Rodeo
June 7-9 Sisters, OR Sisters Rodeo
May 29-June 2 Grande Prairie AB, CN Grande Prairie Stompede
June 7-9 Merrill, WI Wisconsin River Pro Rodeo
May 30-June 1 Moab, UT Canyonlands PRCA Rodeo
June 7-9 Clovis, NM Pioneer Days Rodeo
May 30-June 1 Licking, MO Licking PRCA Rodeo
June 7-8 Brooks AB, CN Kinsmen Pro Rodeo
May 30-June 2 Leduc AB, CN Leduc Black Gold Rodeo
Jun 7-8 Mesquite, TX Mesquite Pro Rode Series
May 30-June 1 Bennington, KS Bennington PRCA Rodeo
June 7-8 Herriman, UT Fort Herriman PRCA Rodeo
May 30-June1 Central Point, OR Central Point Wild Rogue Pro Rodeo
June 7-8 16th Annual Canton Stampede
May 30-June 1 Cherokee, IA Cherokee PRCA Rodeo
June 7-9 Rocky Mtn House AB, CN Rocky Pro Rodeo
May 31-June 2 Santa Maria, CA Santa Maria Elks Rodeo
June 7-9 Elizabeth, CO Elizabeth Stampede
May 31-June 1 Clarksville, TN Kiwanis Club of Clarksville Rodeo
June 7-9 Marwayne AB, CN Lea Park Rodeo
May 31-June 1 Kissimmee, FL 131st Silver Spurs Rodeo May 31-June 1 Mesquite, TX Mesquite Pro Rodeo Series May 31-June 1 Hugo, OK Hugo PRCA Rodeo June 1-2 Hand Hills AB, CN Hand Hills Lake Rodeo June 1-2 Navasota, TX Grimes County Fair-PRCA June 1 Wichita Falls, TX Wichita Falls PRCA Rodeo June 1 Woodstown Pilesgrove, NJ Cowtown Rodeo June 1 Phillipsburg, KS PBR Touring Pro DivisionPBR June 2 Fletcher, NC Asheville Pro Rodeo June 5 Sisters, OR Sisters Rodeo Xtreme Bulls June 5-8 Gladewater, TX Gladewater Round Up Rodeo June 6-8 Cortez, CO Ute Mountain Round Up June 6-8 Strong City, KS Flint Hills Rodeo June 6-8 Silver City, NM Wild Wild West Pro Rodeo June 6-9 Union, OR Eastern Oregon Livestock Show-PRCA June 6-8 Garden City, KS Beef Empire Days-PRCA June 7-8 Ada, OK Ken Lance Memorial-PRCA June 7-8 Medford, WI North Central Rodeo June 7-8 Price, UT Black Diamond LegendsPRCA
June 7-8 Hawley, MN American Heroes PRCA Rodeo June 7-8 Lima, OH Bud Light PBR Lima Invitational-PBR June 8-9 Livermore, CA Livermore Rodeo June 8 Woodstown Pilesgrove, NJ Cowtown Rodeo June 8 Decatur, TX JW Hart PBR ChallengePBR June 8 San Antonio, TX Brent Thurman MemorialPBR June 9 Glennville, CA Glennville Round Up June 12-15 Cleburne, TX Johnson Country Sheriff Sposse-PRCA June 12-15 North Platte, NE Buffalo Bill Rodeo June 12-15 Weatherford, TX Parker Country Frontier Days and PRCA Rodeo June 13-15 Coleman, TX Coleman PRCA Rodeo June 13-16 Innisfail AB, CN 53rd Annual Daines Ranch Rodeo June 13-15 Delta, UT Days of the Old West Rodeo June 14-15 Sturgis, SD Sturgis Wild West DaysPRCA June 14-15 Cedar City, UT Cedar City PRCA Championship Rodeo June 14-15 Glenwood City, WI St. Croix Valley PRCA Rodeo June 14-15 Mesquite, TX Mesquite Pro Rodeo Series
June 14-15 Steamboat Springs, CO Steamboat Springs Pro Rodeo Series June 14-15 Stanley, WI Stanley Rodeo June 14-15 Bismarck, ND Dakota Community Bank & Trust Touring Pro DivisionPBR June 15 Monroe, LA RMEF Big Bull Tour-PBR June 15 Midland, TX Cavendar’s PBR June 15 Woodstown Pilesgrove, NJ Cowtown Rodeo June 15-16 Grover, CO Earl Anderson Memorial Rodeo June 15-16 Belt, MT 53rd Belt PRCA Rodeo June 15-16 Evergreen, CO Evergreen Rodeo June 15-16 Cottage Grove, WI Firemen’s Festival Pro Rodeo June 15-16 Crazy Horse, SD Crazy Horse Stampede June 15-16 Goshen, CT Goshen Stampede June 20-21 Alamosa, CO Alamosa Round Up June 20-21 Mesquite, TX Mesquite Pro Rodeo Series June 20-22 Crosby, TX Crosby Fair and Rodeo June 20-22 Bellevue, IA Jackson County Pro Rodeo June 20-22 Granite Falls, MN Western Fest Stampede Rodeo June 20-22 Buffalo, MN Buffalo Championship PRCA Rodeo June 20-23 Wainwright AB, CN Wainwright Stampede June 20-23 Big Spring, TX Big Spring Cowboy Reunion & Rodeo June 20-29 Reno, NV Reno Rodeo June 21-22 Raton, NM Raton PRCA Rodeo June 21-22 Davie, FL Davie Pro Rodeo June 21-22 Steamboat Springs, CO Steamboat Springs Pro Rodeo Series June 21-22 Chinook, MT Bear Paw Round Up June 21-22 Thermopolis, WY Thermopolis Cowboy Rendezvous PRCA Rodeo June 21-22 Afton, WY Star Valley Ultimate Bull-PBR
Jun 21-23 Sundre AB, CN Sundre Pro Rodeo
July 2-4 Mobridge, SD Sitting Bull Stampede
June 22-23 Breckenridge, CO Breckenridge PRCA Pro Rodeo
July 2-4 Livingston, MT Livingston Round Up
June 22 Woodstown Pilesgrove, NJ Cowtown Rodeo
July 2-4 Mandan, ND Mandan Rodeo Days
June 22 Binford, ND Binford Bull Riding-PBR
July 2 St. Paul, OR Best of the West PBR Touring Pro Division-PBR
June 22 Alexandria, LA RMEF Big Bull Tour-PBR
July 3-4 Crawford, NE Old West Trail Rodeo
June 23 Cedar Park, TX Cedar Park PBR Challenge-PBR
July 3-6 St. Paul, OR St. Paul Rodeo Gold Tour
June 25-July 1 Ponoka AB, CN Ponoka Stampede June 27-29 Edgewood, IA Edgewood Days PRCA Rodeo June 27-29 Clear Lake, SD Crystal Springs Rodeo June 27-29 Lehi, UT Lehi Round Up June 27-July 1 Airdrie AB, CN Airdrie Pro Rodeo June 28-July 1 Williams Lake BC, CN Williams Lake Stampede June 28-29 Ponca, NE Days of 56 PRCA Rodeo June 28-30 Dickinson, ND Roughrider Days Rodeo June 28-30 Prineville, OR Crooked River Round Up June 28-29 Mountain Home, ID Daniel Dopps Memorial Ram PRCA Rodeo June 28-29 Mesquite, TX Mesquite Pro Rodeo Series June 28-29 Steamboat Springs, CO Steamboat Springs Pro Rodeo Series June 28-29 Sonora, TX Sonora Outlaw Pro Rodeo June 28-29 Lewiston, ID RMEF Big Bull Tour-PBR June 28-29 Sidney, MT Eastern Montana Bull Blowout-PBR June 28-29 Farmington, NM Four Corners Ryan McConnel Invitational-PBR June 29-30 Breckenridge, CO Breckenridge PRCA Pro Rodeo June 29 Woodstown Pilesgrove, NJ Cowtown Rodeo June 30 Augustusta, MT Augustusta American Legion Rodeo June 30-July 4 Cody, WY Cody Stampede Gold Tour July 1-7 Prescott, AZ Worlds Oldest Rodeo July 2-4 Red Lodge, MT Home of Champions Rodeo
July 3-6 Springdale, AR Rodeo of the Ozarks July 3-4 Killdeer, ND Killdeer Mountain Round Up Rodeo July 3-6 Oakley City, UT Oakley Independence Day Rodeo July 3-7 Window Rock, AZ Fourth of July Celebration & PRCA Rodeo July 3-4 Pendleton, OR PGG Independence Day PBR July 4 Lancaster, CA Lancaster PBR July 4-6 Steamboat Springs, CO Steamboat Springs Pro Rodeo Series July 4-6 Belton, TX Belton Area Coc 4th of July Celebration & PRCA Rodeo July 4-6 Belle Fourche, SD Black Hills Round Up July 5-6 Mesquite, TX Mesquite Pro Rodeo Series July 5-6 Rocksprings, TX Slick Rock Challenge-PBR July 5-6 Tidioute, PA Battle on Bull MountainPBR July 5-7 Taber AB, CN Taber Pro Rodeo July 6 Woodstown Pilesgrove, NJ Cowtown Rodeo July 6-7 Breckenridge, CO Breckenridge PRCA Pro Rodeo July 6 Giddings, TX PBR Touring Pro DivisionPBR July 9-13 Casper, WY Central Wyoming Fair & PRCA Rodeo July 9-14 Estes Park, CO Rooftop Rodeo July 10- 13 Sheridan, WY Sheridan Rodeo Silver Rodeo July 11-13 Spooner, WI Heart of the North Rodeo July 11-13 Gunnison, CO Cattlemen’s Days
Summer 2013 | rodeofame.com
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Inside Scoop |
SUMMER EVENT CALENDAR July 11-14 Hamel, MN Hamel Rodeo & Bull Ridin Bonanza
July 19-20 Mesquite, TX Mesquite Pro Rodeo Series
July 27-28 Breckenridge, CO Breckenridge PRCA Pro Rodeo
Rodeo Silver Rodeo August 7-10 Missoula, MT Missoula Stampede
July 12-13 Steamboat Springs, CO Steamboat Springs Pro Rodeo Series
July 19-20 Ringgold, GA Chas. B. Davis Memorial
July 27 Woodstown Pilesgrove, NJ Cowtown Rodeo
July 19-20 Waconia, MN Extreme Events MN Championship Rodeo July 19-20 Ft. Myers, FL RMEF Big Bull Tour-PBR
July 27 Tupelo, MS RMEF Big Bull Tour-PBR
August 7-10 Crossett, AR Crossett Riding Club 65th Annual PRCA Rodeo
July 12-13 Mesquite, TX Mesquite Pro Rodeo Series July 12-13 Isanti, MN Isanti Firefighters Rodeo July 12-13 Savannah, TN Buckin on the River July 12-14 Laramie, WY Laramie Jubilee Days July 12-14 Cheney, WA Cheney Rodeo July 13-14 Elgin, OR Elgin Stampede July 13 Woodstown Pilesgrove, NJ Cowtown Rodeo July 13-14 Peace River AB, CN Harmon Valley Pro Rodeo July 13-14 Breckenridge, CO Breckenridge PRCA Rodeo July 14-15 Teepee Creek AB, CN Teepee Creek Stampede July 14-17 Colorado Springs, CO 9th Annual Premier Rodeo Pageant Seminar July 17- 20 Pretty Prairie, KS Kansas Largest Night Rodeo July 17 Hampton, IA Franklin Country Fair PRCA Rodeo July 17-20 Woodward, OK Woodward Elks Rodeo
July 20-21 Kennedy SK, CN Moose Mountain Pro Rodeo July 20-21 Breckenridge, CO Breckenridge PRCA Pro Rodeo July 20 Woodstown Pilesgrove, NJ Cowtown Rodeo July 20-21 Iron River, MI Upper Peninsula Championship Rodeo July 21 Stanford, MT C.M. Russell Stampede Jul y 23-24 Fairhill, MD Cecil County Fair Pro Rodeo July 24-27 Joseph, OR Chief Joseph Days July 24-27 Deadwood, SD Deadwood Days of 76 Rodeo July 24-27 Burwell, NE Nebraska’s Big Rodeo July 24-25 Lewistown, MT Central Montana Pro Rodeo
July 30-August 3 Sidney, IA Iowa’s Championship Rodeo July 31-August 4 Dodge City, KS Dodge City Round Up Rodeo July 31-August 3 Gerry, NY Gerry Volunteer Firemen’s Rodeo July 31-August 1 Big Sky, MT Big Sky PBR August 1 Santa Barbara, CA Fiesta Stock Horse Show & Rodeo-PBR August 1-2 Sidney, MT Richland County FairPRCA August 1-3 Phillipsburg, KS Kansas Biggest Rodeo August 1-2 Marshall, MN Lyon County Fair PRCA Rodeo August 1-3 Winnsboro, LA Deep South PRCA Rodeo August 1-3 Idaho Falls, ID War Bonnet Round Up Rodeo August 1-3 Dalhart, TX Xit Rodeo & Reunion
August 7 Rifle, CO Rifle, CO PBR August 8-9 Sterling, CO Dick Stull Memorial Rodeo
August 8 Missoula, MT Bitterroot Motors PBR Bullorama
August 17 Prescott, AZ Cowboy Capital PBR
August 9-10 Lamar, CO Sand & Sage Round Up August 9-10 Steamboat Springs, CO Steamboat Springs Pro Rodeo Series August 9-10 Cascade, MT MT Pro Rodeo Fall Finale August 9-10 Mound City, KS Linn County Fair & Rodeo August 9-10 Afton, WY Lincoln County Fair Rodeo August 9-10 Fergus Falls, MN Red Horse Ranch PRCA Rodeo August 9- 10 Mesquite, TX Mesquite Pro Rodeo Series August 10-11 Kimball, NE Kimball County Fair & Rodeo
July 17-19 Maple Creek, CN Cowtown Pro Rodeo July 17 Hampton, IA Franklin County Fair PRCA Rodeo
July 25-27 Preston, ID That Famous Preston Night Rodeo
August 2-3 Heber City, UT Mountain Valley Stampede
August 10 Woodstown Pilesgrove, NJ Cowtown Rodeo
July 17-20 Pretty Prairie, KS Kansas Largest Night Rodeo
July 25-27 Manhattan, KS Kaw Valley Rodeo
August 3 Woodstown Pilesgrove, NJ Cowtown Rodeo
August 10 Glendive, MT Dawson County Fair & Rodeo
August 3 Cedar City, UT Cedar City PBR
August 10-11 Ventura, CA Ventura County Fair Rodeo
July 18 Benton, PA Benton Area Rodeo Association July 18-21 Morris, CN Manitoba Stampede July18 Grand Junction, CO RMEF Big Bull Tour-PBR July 19-24 Ogden, UT Ogden Pioneer Days July 19-24 Salt Lake City, UT The Days of 47 Rodeo July 19-20 Thief River Falls, MN Thunder on Hooves-PBR July 19-20 Wapello, IA Wapello PRCA Rodeo July 19-20 Steamboat Springs, CO Steamboat Springs Pro Rodeo Series
July 25-27 Kellettville, PA Allegheny Mt. Championship Rodeo July 26-27 Philadelphia, MS Neshoba County Fair & Rodeo July 26-27 Steamboat Springs, CO Steamboat Springs Pro Rodeo Series July 26-27 Mesquite, TX Mesquite Pro Rodeo Series July 26-27 Longview, WA Thunder Mountain Pro Rodeo
August 3-4 Ashley, ND Ashley Rodeo August 3-4 Breckenridge, CO Breckenridge PRCA Pro Rodeo
August 17 Fort Benton, MT Bustin at the Bluffs PRCA
August 17-18 Breckenridge, CO Breckenridge PRCA Rodeo
August 2-3 Mesquite, TX Mesquite Pro Rodeo Series
July 25-27 Castle Dale, UT Desertview Pro Rodeo
August 17 Woodstown Pilesgrove, NJ Cowtown Rodeo
August 8-10 Logan, UT Cache County Fair & Rodeo
July 25-27 Burlington, CO Kit Carson County Fair & Rodeo
July 25-26 Plentywood, MT Sheridan Saddle Club PRCA Rodeo
August 16-17 Tulsa, Okla. Tulsa Invitational-PBR
August 17-18 Baker, MT Fallon County Fair & Rodeo
August 2-3 Steamboat Springs, CO Steamboat Springs Pro Rodeo Series
July 17 Salinas, CA PBR Touring Pro DivisionPBR
August 16-17 Steamboat Springs, CO Steamboat Springs Pro Rodeo Series
August 8-10 Ponca City, OK 101 Wild West Rodeo
July 25-27 Wahoo, NE Wahoo Saddle Club PRCA Rodeo
July 17 Monroe, WI Green Co Fair Pro Rodeo
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July 20-21 Iron River, MI Upper Peninsula Championship Rodeo
July 29-31 Hill City, KS Jayhawker Round Up Rodeo
August 7 Goodland, KS Western Plains ChuteOut-PBR
August 16-17 Depere, WI Brown Co. Fair Pro Rodeo
August 10-11 Breckenridge, CO Breckenridge PRCA Pro Rodeo
August 12-13 Aberdeen, SD Dacotah Stampede Rodeo
August 20-24 Kennewick, WA Horse Heaven Round Up August 22-24 Tremonton, UT Golden Spike Rodeo August 23-25 Norco, CA Norco Mounted Posse Rodeo August 23-24 Lynden, WA Lynden PRCA Rodeo August 23-24 Topeka, KS The Topeka PRCA Rodeo August 24-25 Breckenridge, CO Breckenridge PRCA Pro Rodeo August 24 Woodstown Pilesgrove, NJ Cowtown Rodeo August 24-25 Nashville, Tenn. Jack Daniel’s InvitationalPBR August 30-Sept 2 Dayton, IA Dayton Championship Rodeo August 30-Sept 1 Palestine, IL Pioneer City Rodeo August 30-31 Plains, MT Sanders County Fair & PRCA Rodeo August 30-31 Ocala, FL Ocala Shrine Rodeo August 30-31 Thackerville, OK. WinStar World Casino Invitational-PBR
August 13-17 Caldwell, ID Caldwell Night Rodeo
August 31 Winnemucca, NV Winnemucca Labor Day PRCA Rodeo
August 4-6 Loveland, CO Larimer County Fair & Rodeo
August 15-16 Douglas, WY Wyoming State Fair & Rodeo
August 31 Woodstown Pilesgrove, NJ Cowtown Rodeo
August 4 Idaho Falls, ID War Bonnet Round Up PBR
August 15-17 Gooding, ID Gooding Pro Rodeo
August 31-Sept 1 Breckenridge, CO Breckenridge PRCA Pro Rodeo
August 6 Lovington, NM Lea County Fair & PRCA Rodeo Xtreme Bulls August 6-7 Yuma, CO Yuma County Fair & Rodeo
July 26 Hailey, ID Sun Valley PBR
August 7-9 Jerome, ID Jerome County Fair & Rodeo
July 27 Livingston, MT Livingston Classic PBR
August 7-10 Sikeston, MO Sikeston Jaycee Bootheel
August 15-17 Billings, MT ellowstone River Round Up August 16-18 Payson, AZ Annual World’s Oldest Continuous Rodeo August 16 -17 Mesquite, TX Mesquite Pro Rodeo Series August 16-1 Farmington, UT Davis County Fair PRCA
August 30-31 Archdale, NC 15th Annual Jerome Davis PBR Invitational-PBR August 31-Sep 1 Belton, TX Central Texas State Fair-PBR
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Inside Scoop |
BRANQUINHO
Taking
by the Horns L U K E A N D L I N D S AY B R A N Q U I N H O
We were able to catch up with the Branquinho’s this month, which can be quite a challenge considering how busy they keep themselves! Luke, a 4X-World Champion Steer Wrestler, is off to a great start this year already sitting second in the World Standings for the 2013 season. Lindsay recently bought a boutique and is busy running her home and a business (Check out Lindsay’s online boutique at ladybugboutique.com, or swing by her store in Santa Ynez, CA). The Branquinho’s are also raising two boys - Cade, who will turn five this summer, and Jameson, age 2. The couple graciously took some time out of their packed schedules to catch us up to speed on what’s going on with them outside of the arena.
> LIND S AY BRANQ UI N HO WHAT’S NEW WITH YOU? I just bought a women’s clothing boutique in Santa Ynez, California, which is by Los Alamos where we live. It’s a familyoriented community. I can take the boys into work with me. SO YOU ARE ALMOST A STAY AT HOME MOM! I’m a shop mom! HOW HAS YOUR LIFE CHANGED SINCE BUYING THE BOUTIQUE? I worked in the boutique for four years before buying it. I had been managing it for the previous owner for the past year. I did all the buying and ran the store, so being the owner isn’t that much different from what I was doing. My job hasn’t really changed, I just own it now! It was a pretty easy step. I’ve always wanted to own my own store. WHAT DO YOU CARRY IN YOUR STORE? We carry clothes, accessories, scarves, candles, perfumes, and a few gift items. I plan to expand into carrying more gift stuff. I’m always looking for something new.
The Branquinho family.
DO YOU STILL TRAVEL A LOT WITH LUKE? I don’t go as much as I used too. I was rodeoing when I met Luke, but when we had the boys, I stayed home more. I know what it’s like being on the road. Luke has steady guys to travel with, and the guys he travels with are great. He can fly home when he has 3-4 days off and know they will take care of stuff. This time of year is nice because the rodeos are close. Luke just took the boys with him to the Red Bluff (California) rodeo. It was a guy’s only trip. They called me, and they were so excited and having such a great time. They don’t even miss me, of course!
HOW DO YOU DEAL WITH LUKE BEING GONE FOR SO MUCH OF THE YEAR? Luke being gone 9-10 months out of the year can be overwhelming. If he needs something done at home, I’m here to do it. It gets harder and harder; especially with the boys getting older. He gets lonely on the road. I send lots of pictures and videos. We talk a lot. I try to be as encouraging and positive as I can be to him. I know what it’s like to have low points, and it can be discouraging. I always let him know that we love him and miss him, but we are behind him 100%. I try to do that whole-heartedly. It’s hard when what you love to do keeps you away from the ones you love.
HATS OFF TO LUKE FOR WRANGLING A 4-YEAR OLD AND A 2-YEAR OLD WHILE COMPETING! Luke is great with the boys. He’s such a great Dad. I feel blessed all the time to live the way we do.
ARE YOU GUYS BIG INTO PLANNING OUT YOUR LIFE, OR DO YOU TAKE IT AS IT COMES? We take it as it comes. I am supportive of Luke as long as he wants to do it (rodeo). It can be hard at the moment, but 2030 years down the road we will look back with fond memories. I try to live in the moment, remain grateful about where we are, appreciate where we are, and keep everything in perspective. I want to look back and have fond memories of this time. I don’t look in too broad of a scope because it can be overwhelming. He leaves in January and doesn’t come back until April. I just have to know I can make it through one weekend at a time. He’s supportive of me and what I want to do. Luke encourages me in what I want to do saying that, “If this is what you want, let’s make it happen for you too.”
WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT THE RODEO LIFESTYLE? I love everything about it. What stands out to me is it’s an amazing community of people that we are lucky enough to know. All the competitors are great at what they do, but they don’t hesitate to jump in and help the guy they are competing against. CAN YOU GIVE US AN EXAMPLE OF WHAT MAKES IT FEEL LIKE A COMMUNITY? This week is my first official week as the owner of the store, and so many people from the rodeo community have called or Facebooked me to encourage me or ask what they can do to help. Blaine Linaweaver’s wife called and wanted to order something. People have just been so encouraging.
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OUR THEME THIS ISSUE IS ABOUT TAKING CHANCES. WHAT’S THE BIGGEST CHANCE YOU’VE TAKEN, AND DID IT PAY OFF? Probably Luke! We didn’t date seriously for that long, and were engaged for an
Inside Scoop |
BRANQUINHO
Luke Branquinho with son.
even shorter amount of time than that, and we were SO young when we got married (21 & 24). I think we had a lot of people that were really skeptical and didn’t think we would make it. This year will be our 9th anniversary. Luke does everything with 100% of his heart and soul. Bulldogging, as a father and husband, everything. So when he told me he was going to marry me after only a few months because I was “the one,” it was easy to believe he was the person God had meant for me. His confidence is infectious, and he makes me believe I can do a lot of things I would otherwise second guess myself on. CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT LUKE’S LITTLE BOOTY WIGGLE, AND WHERE IT ORIGINATED? Oh Lord, what can I say? It started in 2004, in Omaha I think, when some people came to him before the rodeo and asked him to do “something” after a good run. Something like a trademark move, so as he tells it, after his run he got up and didn’t really know what to do. Thus, the booty shake was born. I think he literally thought he’d never have to do it again, but now it’s taken on a life all its own. I get such a giggle out of it because it’s probably the only thing in the world that embarrasses Luke! He will ONLY do it in the arena. Not even for me if I beg and bribe. He has people ask him to do it ALL the time; mostly old ladies and little girls.
> LU KE B RANQ UI NHO HOW DO YOU KEEP YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH YOU AND LINDSAY HEALTHY WHILE YOU ARE ON THE ROAD? Mainly, we try to communicate as much as we can. I Skype and use Facetime with her and the boys. It means more than anything to see them. HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN RODEOING PROFESSIONALLY, AND WHAT KEEPS YOU MOTIVATED? I have been rodeoing for 14 years. Love of the game is what keeps me going. The older I get, the more the traveling gets to me. WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU HAVE A LITTLE SPARE TIME ON THE ROAD? We try to find a spot to hang out and let the horses be in a pen and relax. Maybe run a few practice cattle. WHAT’S IT LIKE BEING A DAD? It’s one of those things I’d never imagined before, but now I can’t imagine not being one. They are so smart and learn fast. They grow up fast too.
“I feel blessed all the time to live the way we do.”
LINDSAY BRANQUINHO
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF WHERE THE RODEO INDUSTRY IS TODAY? The industry is kind of at a standstill. It’s going through the same old motions. Everything cost-related has increased except the prize money at the majority of rodeos. I just won Oakdale, California, two weeks ago, and it paid just under $4,000. Ten years ago, I could win the same amount and maybe more because there were more guys entering then. ANY SUGGESTIONS ABOUT HOW RODEO COULD BE IMPROVED? Set up a league of some sort. The top 30 rodeos take the top 20 contestants and let the revenue made off of those big events trickle down to the other rodeos. It would be easier to follow for the fans, and sponsors could be more involved. Sponsors can’t be as involved as they want to be now because it’s a hard sport to follow.
Photos by Meg Fish Photography
Summer 2013 | rodeofame.com
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Bronc Riding Nation |
NATE MORRISON
The Morrison Family - Spud Creek Rodeo Productions - at our Red Dirt & Roughstock event in Rapid City on March 15th, 2013 featuring Aaron Watson in concert. (L to R: Nick Morrison, Aaron Watson, Nate Morrison, Tammy Morrison-Abma, Dave Morrison)
Nate Morrison is a man, cowboy to the core, who has changed the business of rodeo in many positive ways at the somewhat tender age of 33. Headquartered in the heart of bronc riding country just south of the Badlands on the Morrison family ranch in Potato Creek, South Dakota, Nate’s portfolio of going concerns is deep. Nate is the man behind the following... The Breeder’s Connection, a website he developed to share information within the bucking stock community that expanded to include one of the most respected online bucking bull auctions. Nate’s dream of the ultimate roughstock rodeo became reality this spring with the launch of his Red Dirt & Roughstock Tour that showcases star bucking athletes and world class riders, along with Red Dirt music stars. The tour finale in Rapid City will feature Jason Boland & The Stragglers on September 27. Along with his father, former bronc rider Dave Morrison, Nate owns and operates Spud Creek Rodeo Company. They established their bucking horse breeding program in 1998 at the Second Annual Kling Bucking Stock Sale with the purchase a stallion from Jeremy
Lawrence. ‘Looney Tunes’ is a son of the Calgary Stampede horse, ‘Lunar Rocket,’ himself out of the blue hen Calgary mare, ‘Cindy Rocket’. Eight mares…some in foal, some open… all from established Canadian bucking horse bloodstock completed the lot of Spud Creek foundation stock. Outcrosses to Spud Creek’s ‘Bootlicker’ (from the same families that produced PRCA Horse of the Year, ‘Chuckulator’) and another homebred son out of one of the original Canadian mares, ‘Due South,’ and by ‘Lucky,’ named ‘Surfer Dude,’ are giving them the quality horses the Morrison’s ultimately envisioned. ‘Blueberry Buckle’ is one of those rising stars. This strong, juicy 5 year old, ‘Boot Licker’ daughter has won every bareback contest she’s bucked at for riders who’ve lasted the full 8, and never let them earn under 83 points. Nate’s looking forward to trying her in the bronc riding. Meanwhile, the eight mares they annually breed are consistently giving them the conformation, heart and athletic ability they’ve thoughtfully and carefully worked for. At age 13, Dave Morrison broke his first horse for a local rancher and was hired on to work the rough string. Before long, Dave was handily topping the tough ones and thought he ought to do it somewhere the girls were watching, so he hit
“We’re getting the kind of horses we’ve been looking for; the kind every cowboy dreams of getting on.” NATE MORRISON
Summer 2013 | rodeofame.com
17
Bronc Riding Nation |
NATE MORRISON
“My philosophy...don’t wait to see what tomorrow brings, make tomorrow happen today.” NATE MORRISON the rodeo trail. The girls saw him …. so did a talent scout from Panhandle State University in Goodwell, Oklahoma. Dave Morrison was the first of a steady stream of bronc riders from Wyoming, Montana and South Dakota who’d be recruited by southern schools to rodeo and win for them. Dave Morrison’s heart wasn’t just in cowboying … his strong faith led him to Rhema Bible College in Tulsa to become a minister. Years later, Nate would follow in his father’s footsteps. Dave Morrison is the circuit riding preacher in the cowboy country of South Dakota and Nebraska, spreading the message of faith and hope through ranch country. Bibles, Bulls & Broncs is an every summer Wednesday event in centrally located Wall, South Dakota. The Morrison’s bring their bucking stock to town, selecting animals to fit every level of rider who’s called to let them know they’re coming to practice and get help from top, talented hands who stop in regularly to help out or get on a few themselves. They don’t bring money….there’s no fee. What they bring is an open mind, heart and spirit. Dave and Nate don’t just take an interest in the young rider’s physical abilities…when they’re done in the arena for the night, the cowboy minister feeds their souls. Strong cowboys and men with solid moral compasses emerge from the Bibles, Bulls & Broncs program…men who go on to be leaders and backbones of their home and rodeo road communities. Some men can only see what’s before them. Nate Morrison has the gift of vision and action - not only seeing what exists but able to see what could be. Even rarer, Nate is a man who will act to make the potential he sees become reality. “There’s so much talent in South Dakota cowboys,” said Nate. “A lot of guys have what it takes, but have no idea how to develop and market themselves to sponsors.” On June 18, 19 and 20, Nate Morrison is hosting his first Rodeo Business Conference/Roughstock Clinic with proven athlete development agents Teresa Underdown and David Hilton. Three classroom sessions, daily in presentation, representation and sponsor development with professionally instructed bronc, bareback and bull riding sessions in between classes. WNFR finalists JJ and Cole Elshere will be helping the bronc riders.
Pastor Dave Morrison sharing the gospel at one of our Bibles, Bulls, and Broncs nights.
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Nate Morrison is the kind of man who is destined to make dreams come true. His strong faith, commitment and fierce work ethic are a winning combination. Only one big dream escaped him. At 14, Nate craved saddle broncs. “I got on about 100 head before I got my first one ridden for 8 seconds,” he recalls. “Three years later, at 17, everything just clicked for me. At 18, I was traveling with Jesse Bail and knew that my goal of making it to the NFR was in reach. I’d broken my leg and needed to get back on the road to chase that dream. The doctor let me out of the cast early so I could start rehabbing my leg for the Minnesota run we’d entered. He told me not to get on, but I did.” “I got out over the front end on a practice horse and didn’t want to land on and reinjure my leg, so I tucked up. I landed on my forehead, to be run over and folded backwards in two by the bucking horse when he ran over the top of me.” Nate has forged his businesses and bettered the world we love from the wheelchair he’s been confined to since he was 18 years old. “I know as surely as I’m here that I’ll walk again,” Nate said with a bright smile. “It’s a promise I have from God.” Nate’s the kind of man who looks after what he loves. God, his family and friends, his livestock and his business are what he loves, and our world is better for it. The thing about tomorrow is this…it never comes. Nate’s doing it today! For more information about Nate’s endeavors: http://www.reddirtroughstock.com/ www.facebook.com/RedDirtRoughstockTour The Breeders’s Connection: www.thebreedersconnection.com
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Q&A |
WOOLMAN & TIERNEY
Q& A with Woolman & Tierney ...who do you “Listen” to? 1. Who are a few people in you life who have influenced, motivated, and encouraged you to stay on the right path and how?
2. What would you like to share with the younger generation?
WALKER WOOLMAN
Age: 23 Parents: Tee and Jacque Woolman About Walker: Working towards a degree in athletic training and sports management. Walker’s Answer 1. Throughout my life I have had so many people that have influenced, encouraged, and motivated me to live my life to the fullest. The most important influence in my life has been Jesus Christ my savior. During my life he has encouraged and helped me through many different situations. My parents, Tee and Jacque Woolman have taught me countless life lessons. The best lesson that I have learned from my parents is that hard work is the key to success in anything you want to do in life. The last and final group that have helped me the most is all my outstanding coaches I had during my time at Llano Junior High and High School. They helped me learn teamwork and trusting others is a huge key in life because sometimes you will not have the answer to every problem you encounter. I just want to say thank you to all the people who have taught me so many great life lessons. 2. During my years of playing sports and coaching a few teams of my own I have learned that the main issue with the younger generation is this...they have huge egos, which allows them not to be coachable and to reach their fullest potential. To be able to be the best you have to be confident in your skills, but it is a fine line not to be arrogant. By being humble you will be able to take advice given by the people who have the skills to teach and help you succeed in whatever you choose to pursue. However, if you are arrogant and think you know everything then you are more likely to push away the people who are willing to help you. Whether you are rodeoing, playing sports or just starting a new job always listen to the someone who has been there because they may have some great ideas to help you become successful as well. Always remember be confident in yourself but do not boast about how good you are because there is always something to learn and become better at.
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PAUL DAVID TIERNEY
Age: 23 Parents: Paul and Robin Tierney About Paul: Paul is following in his father’s footsteps. He, also, is a Calf Roper and a Team Roper. In fact, he just won 2nd place in the prestigious All Around Timed Event Championship in Guthrie ,Ok. in March. Paul’s Answer: 1. The main people in my life that keep me going would be my mom and dad they are always there with good advice and encouragement on how to live my life when I get a little off track. They are always there to remind me of what is right. Then there are always the role models on the rodeo trail that you look up to and strive to be more like. 2. For the younger generations you always have to stay teachable and coachable once you think you don’t need to be u will realize u don’t know that much and will struggle for a while u open up to it. When it comes to choices in life your probably going to make e few bad ones that’s expected you just have to learn from them and don’t repeat them and remember the good advice u have been giving and apply that to your choice making.
Who and what we listen to have a lot to do with our attitudes and destiny in life! PEGGY R. BACH
Inside Scoop |
Need help with a 2000 pound raging bull? Dusty Tuckness is your man. Dusty grew up in Meeteetse, Wyoming, and at a young age he knew that bullfighting was something he wanted to do. His Dad was a bullfighter, so he was accustomed to the rodeo lifestyle. He has won multiple Professional Bullfighting (PBF) Titles, is a PBF Tour World Champion, and was also voted the 2010-12 PRCA Bullfighter of the Year. Dusty is a man of great faith and is one of the industries best bullfighters with a lot of career left in front him. All this combined makes him one eligible bachelor! Yes ladies, he’s single! In our interview, Dusty shares a little with us about what inspires him, and what it is like to face off against an animal more than 10x your size!
DUSTY TUCKNESS
Photos by Megan Rieff
Summer 2013 | rodeofame.com
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WHAT IS YOUR JOB DESCRIPTION? My main job as a bullfighter is cowboy protection. Keeping the bull rider safe when he comes off the bull and distracting the bull away from the bull rider. Sometimes that can lead to getting hooked, run over, etc. I try to do anything possible to keep the bull rider safe. TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT THE BULLFIGHTING COMPETITIONS AND HOW THEY WORK. In competition bullfighting, “free-style bullfighting” my main job is to outsmart the fighting bull by making rounds, throwing fakes, step throws, etc. You can also use the barrel man, if needed, like an island of safety. It is scored just like the other rough stock events. Two judges each will mark the bullfighter 1-25, as well as the bull 1-25, for a total of 50 points on each side, for a possible score of 100. WHO DID YOU LOOK UP TO WHEN YOU WERE YOUNG? A lot of people inspired me growing up. My Dad fought bulls, and he’s still a barrel man. I grew up around it (bullfighting/ rodeo). I looked up to guys like Rob Smets, Miles Hare, and Rex Dunn. Those guys were the foundation of what bullfighting is today. WHAT MADE YOU WANT TO SAVE LIVES FOR A LIVING? At a young age, I enjoyed watching bullfighting. It was something I knew I wanted to do, but I didn’t realize at the time it would turn into a career. God gave me a strong heart to not quit on anything, so I have stuck with it. He has put the right people in my life, and I am very thankful and blessed to be where I am today. WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT WHAT YOU DO? I’ve always been an athletic guy, but I guess the biggest draw was rodeo itself. I may or may not know the guy I’m fighting for, but laying down your own life for someone else is an unbeatable feeling. It’s an unbelievable feeling to control an animal like that. ARE YOU GOOD FRIENDS WITH ANY OF THE BULL RIDERS? My best friend, Kanin Asay, is a 2-time Reserve World Champion Bull Rider and a 2-time Extreme Bull Riding Champion. We grew up together and share the same faith. AS ONE OF YOUR CLOSET FRIENDS, WHAT INFLUENCE DOES KANIN HAVE ON YOU? His drive and dedication inspire me. He is calm and levelheaded. He is a Christian with strong faith. Things can be
Inside Scoop |
God gave me a strong heart to not quit on anything, so I have stuck with it. He has put the right people in my life, and I am very thankful and blessed to be where I am today.
DUSTY TUCKNESS
Photo by Lauren Anthony
DUSTY TUCKNESS
down, but Kanin always believes that God will provide for all of his needs. He stays strong through the highs and lows. YOU END YOUR POSTS WITH “BE A BLESSING.” WHAT DOES THAT MEAN TO YOU? Go about your day and inspire someone instead of being a downer. Be positive.
WHAT’S LIFE ON THE ROAD LIKE FOR YOU? It’s similar to the rest of the guys (bull riders). About 10-10 ½ months out of the year I’m on the road, but I don’t do as much traveling as some of the bull riders. I am usually at one rodeo for 3-4 days, or however long the rodeo is. I don’t have to go to several different rodeos every weekend. continued on page 24
Summer 2013 | rodeofame.com
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Inside Scoop |
DUSTY TUCKNESS
continued from page 23
ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO ANY RODEO IN PARTICULAR THIS SUMMER? Everywhere I get to go and fight bulls I enjoy. I get to go to Pendleton, Oregon, this year. Cody, Wyoming, is like my hometown rodeo. PLANS FOR YOUR CAREER? I’m a believer in goals. I just want to take it step by step, and keep my mind and body in shape. ANY PLANS FOR INCORPORATING A LADY INTO THOSE PLANS? Eventually, there may be a lady in my plans. I’ve got a big career ahead. I want to stay as busy as I can for as long as I feel like I can. I want to keep going at it like I have been. Go at it every day. HAVE YOU EVER DONE ANYTHING ROMANTIC FOR A GIRL? (laughs) I’m such a romantic guy; it’s hard to remember one. I’m a sweet man. ANY CAMARADERIE BETWEEN YOU AND YOUR FELLOW BULLFIGHTERS?
I want to stay as busy as I can for as long as I feel like I can. DUSTY TUCKNESS
Photos by Megan Rieff
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A group of us meet up at times throughout the year. We workout and watch a bunch of film. We all have the same mindset and motivation. ANY GOOD PRANKS OR STORIES YOU CARE TO SHARE? My first year in Houston, Leon, Clay, and Cory Wall got me fake arrested. The cops that did the prank did a great job. Yep, I thought I was going to jail. I’ve never been in handcuffs, and when they slapped them on me, they did not feel good. I may have been shaking over the whole deal, but it was all in fun and games. IN KEEPING WITH THIS ISSUES’ THEME, DO YOU TAKE CHANCES? Yeah, I’ve taken a chance…I fight bulls. (laughs) I’ve done a back flip in free-style bullfighting. It’s a risky move, but it’s an awesome feeling when you land it. At that point, you’re untouchable. That’s how I feel anyway.
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Summer 2013 | rodeofame.com
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Inside Scoop |
SPONSORSHIP AGENTS
PART 2 (Editor’s Note: Given the depth and importance of information related to the role of sponsorship agents in professional rodeo, this article has been separated into two parts. The first part of this article, “The Role of Sponsorship Agents in Professional Rodeo,” was featured in Rodeo Fame’s Spring 2013 issue and included a special sneak-peek of this article - the first Q and A below has been reprinted from the Spring 2013 Issue.) Q. What services can the agent provide to the contestant to attract sponsorship awareness and interest? A. It is the agent’s ongoing responsibility to search for companies that might benefit from sponsoring a rodeo contestant. This means that the agent makes a continuing effort to identify companies, both inside and outside the world of rodeo, that can not only leverage the overall popularity of rodeo cowboys and cowgirls as athletes, but also leverage each of the represented contestant’s specific personalities and achievements. The agent must understand the sport and be able to educate prospective sponsors on how the contestant can help with marketing products and services. If a prospective sponsor company has other sports marketing programs, it would be very useful for the agent to have a good understanding of how rodeo and contestant sponsorship might fit into the company’s other sports marketing programs. The agent’s responsibilities may also include helping create or update contestant’s own marketing tools (i.e.: contestant’s websites, Facebook pages and Twitter accounts) and creating a variety of sponsorship packages that can be tailored to meet each prospective sponsor’s specific needs and budgets. Last, but not least, it is the responsibility of the agent to work closely with the contestant while leading negotiations with sponsors to ensure that the proposed agreement will meet the needs of both the sponsor and the contestant. Q. How does an agent “market” a contestant’s availability and value as a
sponsored athlete? A. The competition for sponsorships that professional athletes face within their own sports, and among athletes in other sports, is intense. Rodeo athletes do not normally gain the same national attention and recognition as their peers in other sports, and they must take the initiative to raise their visibility levels and present their attributes to potential sponsors. Agents are in a position to assist in that process. They can conduct publicity programs to increase the amount of press coverage a contestant receives. This can include efforts directed at print, broadcast and online media in rodeo markets; as well as, more broadly distributed media. It should also incorporate contact with the wide variety of sports, marketing, news and general interest media that frequently cover professional athletes in all sports and are reviewed by people employed by a wide range of potential sponsors. Building a contestant’s recognition and reputation through social media is a critical element of sponsorship prospecting success. Opportunities to create online media coverage - such as producing a regular over-the-air or online radio show, webcast, or perhaps a blog - are other techniques agents can incorporate into a contestant’s marketing program. Such activities also document that a contestant is “media friendly,” which is a critical requirement for most sponsors. Establishing and maintaining an online and social media presence is absolutely essential today. The creation of websites that portray contestants in an informative and interesting manner is a must. Maintaining a constant
presence through social media, such as Facebook and Twitter, is essential. Agents can accept the responsibility to manage this presence and keep it current. Participation in high visibility promotional events or community service activities also boosts a contestant’s exposure to potential sponsors. Diligent agents are constantly on the lookout for such opportunities to present to the contestants they represent. Q. How should a representation agreement between an agent and a contestant be structured? A. Contestants have been known to say they would be willing to work with an agent, but would not be willing to sign a contract. That is to their detriment. Every representation agreement between an agent and a contestant should be clearly spelled out in a written document that is signed by both the agent and the contestant. It should stipulate the services the agent must provide and the participation in the process that is expected of the contestant. When a contestant and an agent first began discussions, the contestant might want to ask the agent for a sample agreement to review. Among the points that should be covered in the agreement are the length (time frame) of the agreement, who is responsible for any costs incurred to conduct the program, the compensation to be paid to the agent, the process through which any disagreements or misunderstandings are resolved, and the process through which the agreement can be terminated. The agent usually drafts these documents, and should
urge the contestant to have his/her own attorney review it for questions and comments before signing. Q. How do agents identify and establish relationships with potential sponsors? A. Securing sponsorships is extremely competitive and time consuming. Most leads do not work out for many reasons. Diligent agents try to improve their odds by devoting extensive time and effort to search for sponsorship prospects for their contestants. They also have numerous means at their disposal. The most basic way involves a consistent review of the magazines, websites, blogs, etc., serving the fields of rodeo, bull riding, roping, equestrian sports, western lifestyle, marketing, advertising, sports marketing and similar fields. The agent looks for articles about sports marketing and rodeo sponsorship programs launched by companies inside and outside the sport. Stories about companies introducing new products and services create a valid opportunity to contact them about utilizing a rodeo athlete sponsorship to help with the introduction. These publications, especially those serving the rodeo, equestrian and western lifestyle, are filled with advertisements of companies seeking to reach into these markets.
The ads may be indications that perhaps a sponsorship could be entertained. Many of these publications also have websites to be reviewed for the same information. In addition, there are many websites, blogs and online newsletters that should be reviewed regularly to spot sponsorship targets. Rodeo has numerous trade shows at which companies that are potential sponsors exhibit. There are now five such shows in Las Vegas each year in conjunction with the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (WNFR). Many large rodeos also have trade shows. Independent organizations such as the Western & English Sales Association (WESA) hold major shows each year. Attending these shows gives agents an opportunity to walk the aisles and introduce themselves to potential sponsors they may not find through any other means. Rarely will a sponsorship program be initiated during these events but, by securing an invitation to contact companies in the following weeks, the agent can come away with a solid list of prospects. Sometimes chatting with the same prospects year after year will suddenly lead to an opportunity. There are many companies that are in the business of investing their clients’ marketing budgets into sports. These sports marketing agencies often
represent major corporations but neither the companies, nor their agencies, have seriously considered rodeo. Most know little about the sport. This presents an opportunity for the agent that is willing to contact these agencies and educate them about the marketing advantages of participating in our sport and supporting our athletes. It is a long-term process; but, the more sports marketing agencies know about the rodeo sport, the better the chances that some day they will elect to recommend a rodeo sponsorship to their own clients. Identifying prospects is only one part of the agent’s job. The other part is initiating and maintaining contact with them. Much of an agent’s time is spent contacting new and past prospects by phone and e-mail, keeping them up to date on the contestant’s success in rodeo. Rejection is very common. It is the agent’s responsibility to know how to keep in front of a prospective sponsor without bothering them, and a diligent agent maintains ongoing contact with a wide range of sponsor prospects at all times. It is not uncommon to sign a sponsorship with a company only after several years of contact. To see this article in its entirety, email april@rodeofame.com or or call 817-613-7508.
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Hometown Cowboy |
WINN RATLIFF
Rodeo Fame’s definition of a “Hometown Cowboy”: Like the boy next store, so cool, down to earth, family person who kicks butt in the professional rodeo world!
CONTEST WINNER! Rodeo Fan Choice
>WINN RAT LI FF Hometown: Leesville, Louisiana Rodeo Event: Bareback We wanted to know who fans thought represented a good ole “Hometown” cowboy and we were amazed at how many times we seen Winn Ratliff’s name show up on the nomination list! Well, until we met him. He is every bit of our definition of a “Hometown” cowboy and more. A true heart of GOLD and will succeed at whatever he wants to do in life. WHAT’S IT LIKE TO BE VOTED HOMETOWN COWBOY? It is humbling and a great honor. I’m very thankful and grateful to have friends and family that think that about me. It means a lot to me because staying true to who I am regardless of my accomplishments in the arena has always been very important to me. I want to be the same guy regardless of where you see me, at the school, in church on Sunday, on a service call for work, on the ball field, mowing the yard, or in the arena. So to be voted #1 in the nation is a pretty cool accomplishment! I feel very blessed. WHEN DID YOU TAKE A CHANCE THAT PAID OFF? Well, honestly I am not a risk taker. I like to know what I am getting myself into and know the end result. So for me to decide to rodeo professionally was a gamble. I decided my senior year in college that I was going to give it a shot. I had been riding bareback horses for less than two years. But I jumped in head first and decided it was all or nothing for this guy. I had great traveling partners who taught me the ropes and showed me what it took to endure the ups and downs of rodeo life. Last year it all seemed to pay off when I made it to my first WNFR. A LOT OF PEOPLE IN YOUR HOMETOWN DIDN’T EVEN KNOW YOU WERE A COWBOY UNTIL YOU MADE IT TO THE WNFR? It wasn’t until after I got back from Las Vegas that people realized I even competed professionally. I don’t wear my cinch jeans, cowboy hat, and cowboy boots every day. I’m just a normal guy who loves the sport of rodeo and competing. I’m just like everyone else who has a normal life but I’m proud to say I rodeo professionally. When I’m home I like to put
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I’m just a normal guy who loves the sport of rodeo and just competing. WINN RATLIFF
on my coaching shoes and help my little brothers with their baseball and basketball. It’s fun to be on TV and get the 15 minutes of fame for a little bit. However, I’m thankful that I get to be Winn when I’m home and not be in the spotlight. HOW IMPORTANT IS A COLLEGE EDUCATION EVEN IF YOU ARE RODEOING?I think it is extremely important! My parents and I made a deal when I was a freshman in college. I would earn my degree before I hit the rodeo road. I am really glad that they pushed me to do that. I graduated in 2011 with a degree in Education. I love sports and really enjoy sharing that with others. My dad actually got me interested in the heat and air industry. He said it would be a great extra income to have during the summers and when I was not in the classroom or on the ball field. So I enrolled in school again and just received my degree this past May. I love rodeo and have lots of fun competing. Rodeo is not a guaranteed pay check and you never know when you could get hurt. Having both of these degrees, always gives me something to fall back on. I work now for a local company when
not on the rodeo trail and really like it. I also got my coaching fix by coaching my brother’s high school baseball team this past year. Rodeo is a fun sport to compete in but it’s not something I want to do for the rest of my life. I want a family and a stable job. When you get married it is not about you anymore. I want to be able to know I can provide.
Winn and his fiance, Brittany Ligon
Hometown Cowboy |
WINN RATLIFF
WHAT WAS IS LIKE TO QUALIFY FOR THE WNFR? After looking at the PSN the year before, I thought to myself I need to at least win $60,000 to make Vegas. So that was my goal. I don’t like to look at the standings. I just keep focusing on the goal and making the most of each horse. It really didn’t become real to me until I made the final four in Omaha. It was a very overwhelming and exciting feeling. I just tried to keep calm and focus on each horse and not look ahead. I came there to ride and not live the party scene. It was extra special to have my traveling buddies Heath Ford and Jared Keylon there with me. It was also a real treat to be able to have my family and friends there to share that special time with me. It takes lots of sacrifice during the year for our families so it is fun to be able to all be together at the big show! PRESIDENT FOR A DAY? I would go back to “One Nation Under God.” This is what our country was founded on but in every way they can they are taking God out of our government. I believe that is the root of so many of our problems in this country. I would allow prayer in schools for students and staff. I would also cut out Obama Care. I don’t think the working people need to be punished having that bill. I haven’t done a whole lot of research but it seems the honest working people are hurting and the people who don’t work get it all paid for. I understand if they are disabled and can’t work. We need to go back to a honest days work for a honest days pay! LIFE LESSONS LEARNED? I turned my life over to Christ and made the decision to follow Him. It was the best decision I have ever made! He really has the perfect plan for every
When you get married it’s not about you anymore, and I just don’t want to be gone from my family. WINN RATLIFF
person. For me, the most wonderful thing is having true peace. You don’t have to worry about life’s stresses. I’m not saying everything will be fine and dandy but I know when you decide to make him Lord in your life, you will have a lasting peace and not have to live life in fear or worry. You will never be alone. You’ll always have Him. Even during the lowest times in your life when you feel like nobody else is there, he is there. You might not understand why you’re going through bad times, but he knows. I think that’s better than winning a World Championship…we can’t take those buckles and things with us when we die. You’ve got to have more in life than worldly things.
Summer 2013 | rodeofame.com
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Recipes |
GREEN & MOTE
PEGGY R. BACH
From the Kitchen of Shawnda Green...
BOW TIE PASTA SALAD
Shawnda is married to Daniel Green, 3X-Timed Event Champion, Team Roper, Tie-Down Roper, and Steer Wrestler. They have three children, live in California and come from a HUGE rodeo family.
1 package bow tie pasta 2 cups marinated artichoke hearts (use ones that come in a jar) 1 package feta cheese 1-1/2 salami cut up (I use sliced salami) 1 cup pepper jack, cubed 1 cup marble colby jack, cubed Cook pasta, strain it, and add artichoke hearts with the marinade that comes in jar. Add in all other ingredients and mix. If there isn’t enough marinade from the artichokes, you can add olive oil and vinegar or some Italian dressing.
“We have used this recipe for everything from Easter, roping schools, to softball BBQ. A great salad for any occasion.” SHAWNDA GREEN
One of Kate Mote’s Favorite Dishes!
ALPASTOR (Mexican Spice Pork) 2-3 pound pork roast 1/2 pint strawberries, sliced 1/2 cup raspberry jam 1/3 cup cumin Mix last three ingredients and rub all over roast. Put in a deep dish or cast iron with lid and roast at 275 degrees all day. When you come in from roping, take a fork, pull meat apart and serve over tortillas.
“I like recipes I can be cooking while I am roping or gone at a barrel race. This one is a crowd pleaser and really easy to make!” KATE MOTE
Contest WINNER! This is Beth Leabo, winner of the Cowgirl Tuff Jeans. Thanks for participating Beth! 30
Kate is married to Bobby Mote, 4X-World Champion Bareback Rider and Team Roper. They have three kids and live in Oregon. Busy with their kids and company at the house most of the time, there is not a lot of time spent preparing a meal…like most families nowadays.
Summer 2013 | rodeofame.com
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01 COMPETITION JEAN PRO FOOTBALL CHAMPION
BEAR PASCOE Scan to watch a video of Bear’s story.