R O U N D
A
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efi n e B r mbe
Me e e r F w e N l l A ship o t u A ram g 1. o r P ds r a w y e a w a 2. R e Giv e l d d 3. Sa on pages 2-4
Details
l e t s r o p e . c o m
T H R E E . 2 0 1 8
Company
AVAILABLE 10.15.2018
presents
The Rope Deal of the Century!
Cory Solomon Ranked #5 in the World as of August 2018
BUY
Get a Gift Card Per Transaction!
GROUND SHIPPING
1-2 Ropes
$5 Gift Card
3-5 Ropes
$10 Gift Card
FREE!
6-11 Ropes
$15 Gift Card
FREE!
12+ Ropes
$20 Gift Card
FREE!
*Rope prices subject to change.
Gift Cards redeemable store-wide at LetsRope.com and SouthTexasTack.com LetsRope.com
ONE
Ordering ropes just got easier... is now offering...
How it works... First
Place the order you want to receive on a regular basis.
Second
Check the Auto-Ship box in the checkout screen.
Then...
Receive your order every month like clockwork.
and...
Confirmation emails will be sent to you each month. From these emails you have the option to edit, approve, and cancel each order up to 48 hours before it is shipped.
TWO
S o u t h Te x a s Ta c k . c o m
Saddle Giveaway 1 Rope Purchased = 1 Entry in the Drawing
!
EE R F r
fo e l dd
e
iv e c e nd r
a n i W
sa s i th
The more ropes you buy, the greater your chances of winning. Must be a Let’s Rope Member to enter!
Exclusive Let’s Rope Members Only Giveaway All Let’s Rope members are automatically entered into the giveaway with their first purchase of a rope. For every rope you buy, you earn another ticket to be entered in a drawing to win a saddle. Keep up with the latest standings on LetsRope.com The winner of the contest will receive a free Full Roughout Team Roping Saddle! A value of $1,995.00! Purchases from September 1st through the final day of the NFR (December 15th) will be counted towards the contest. Seat sizes available in 14-17.
Winner will be announced December 17, 2018. LetsRope.com
THREE
EARN South Texas Tack is excited to bring you . Join the community – it’s free! – and receive member discounts and special offers. All Let’s Rope rewards and gift cards may be redeemed storewide at LetsRope.com and SouthTexasTack. com. With ties to over a century of ranching, working cattle, showing horses, and farming, South Texas Tack is the brand for the highest level of service, selection, and value for the western lifestyle. We invite you to enjoy our unique style and culture. Shop online and in our store in Brenham, Texas.
on every BACK purchase Exclusive
Members Only Rewards Program
$10 OFF your purchase of
Sign up as a FREE Let’s Rope member and you are automatically enrolled in our Rewards Program.
$ 1 point earned for every dollar spent. ($1.00 = 1pt) and $5 back for every 250 points earned!
$50 or more
Excludes ropes. Other exclusions may apply. See discount code on back cover. Coupon valid through September 30, 2018 in store and online at and .
FOUR
To become a FREE member, visit and sign up with just an email address and password to start accumulating points.
You can track your earnings and redeem your rewards at from your linked customer account.
S o u t h Te x a s Ta c k . c o m
LetsRope.com is the roper’s best FREE online resource whether you’re looking for events, gear, or tips to make your roping experience the best it can be. If you’re looking for a website for ropers, by ropers, you’ve found it. An extensive list of the most prestigious roping events around. Add your own events to bring publicity to a local jackpot or rodeo.
We have a growing library of helpful videos from some of the best pro ropers out there. Learn about technique, form, and equipment from the men and women who really know their stuff. LetsRope.com
Buy and sell used equipment, horses, trailers, etc. Connect with a network from across the US to increase your chances of finding the right item for you, or successfully selling your used gear to someone who needs it.
Browse our online store, and find the perfect rope to suit your needs. We also have dummies, gloves, piggin strings, and many more roping accessories to ensure you have everything you need in the arena. FIVE
History of Luis Ortega opens Ortega Rawhide Shop, becoming the leading rope maker in the US.
Callaway Ropes was founded. Willard Ropes was founded.
Rodeos begin to gain popularity, bringing with them new requirements for the ropes and the cowboys that use them.
First ropes emerged in the Americas with the arrival of the Spaniards and the first horses in the Western Hemisphere. “La Reata” made with plaited rawhide.
Manila fibers became widely used in place of the original plaited rawhide or horsehair ropes.
First recorded use of a rope to capture animal. Shown here is a carving in the tomb of Pharaoh Seti the 1st of him roping the sacred bull for a ritual.
Dub Grant Rope Co. was founded. Photography Credit: Mr. & Mrs. Crumley Stephenville, TX Photography Credit: Les Photos De Robert.
1280 BC
1519 AD
SIX
Ropes begin to look like modern ropes. Different colors and more inventive marketing strategies are implemented.
Classic Ropes was founded. First poly-nylon blend rope, the “Money Maker” is created by Classic as their first major innovation.
Modern Hondas come into the picture, replacing splits or metal rings.
1932
1960
1972
1986
S o u t h Te x a s Ta c k . c o m
f the Rope Cactus Ropes grows quickly to become a main competitor in the industry.
April 1st, 2018 South Texas Tack starts sister company Let’s Rope, a magazine and online community made by ropers for ropers.
Classic invented and patented the use and making of a “Core” within a rope. The XR4 was the first model to be sold with CoreTech™ and the first rope with 4 strands.
Manufacturing of ropes becomes increasingly industrial, giving rope makers options and creative abilities that were impossible before.
The first 5 strand rope, the Spydr5 was created.
Photography Credit: Classic Rope String Manufacturing
June 13th, 2018 Classic’s patent on cored ropes expires, opening the market to all companies.
Lone Star is founded.
Cactus Ropes was founded.
Top Hand is founded. Fast Back was founded in Granbury, Texas.
1991 1992
1994
LetsRope.com
1997 1998
2004
2007
2016
2018
2025
SEVEN
TEAM ROPES
WHISTLERCTXHD $42 and up to $20 WHISTLERCTXHL $43 and up to $20
Head
in gift cards
XPLOSIONCTXHD Head $42 and up to $20 in gift cards
in gift cards
XPLOSIONCTXHL Heel $43 and up to $20 in gift cards
Heel
4-Strand
Available 10.15.2018
Thrilled with the :
Cactus Earns Right to By Barry Berg with Doreen Shumpert
In a previous issue of Let’s Rope, we were introduced to two new core technology (CoreTx) from Cactus, and their new Swagger and Thrilla CoreTx ropes. And according to Barry Berg, General Manager of Cactus Ropes, these newbies have been wildly popular, and quite the learning curve. Consequently, the company is already taking a swing at some new variations and improvements. “It would be an understatement to say that we have learned a ton in these first three months since we released these ropes,” Berg explained, adding that they are already in high demand. “The Thrilla and Swagger lead in our rope shipment first and second on head ropes, and first and fourth in heel ropes. What we have learned in these few months will benefit us for years to come. For instance, we are looking forward to the fall atmosphere where we know our rope is hard to beat,” he continued. “We will be so much more prepared next summer when production and temperature rise. Another thing we have learned is that the Thrilla isn’t quite small enough for ropers who prefer a smaller rope. So, we developed the Mini Thrill with those people in mind,” Berg added. But there’s even more on the way this fall, he added. “For the first time, we are also going to add a Triple SSS head rope to the line. It has been received very favorably with our test ropers. We will also add one heel rope that will be a 36-foot soft lay. Later in the fall, we will introduce two of our old favorites again, this time with a core—the XPlosion CoreTX and the Whistler CoreTX,” he said. “With that, we will have a diameter and weight for all levels of ropers. So far, 2018 has been an eventful and productive year. Just wait and see what 2019 has in store!” he concluded. EIGHT
S o u t h Te x a s Ta c k . c o m
TEAM ROPES
SWAGGERHD Head $42 and up to $20 in gift cards SWAGGERHL Heel $43 and up to $20 in gift cards
THRILLAHD $42 and up to THRILLAHL $43 and up to
Head
$20 in gift cards Heel
$20 in gift cards
M-THRILLHD32 $42 and up to $20 M-THRILLHD36 $43 and up to $20
Head
in gift cards Head
in gift cards
4-Strand
HYPHD Head $40 and up to $20 in gift cards HYPHL Heel $42 and up to $20 in gift cards
WHHD $40 and WHHL $42 and
Head
up to $20 in gift cards Heel
up to $20 in gift cards
XPLOSIONHD Head $40 and up to $20 in gift cards XPLOSIONHL Heel $42 and up to $20 in gift cards
Learn more on page 1!
4-Strand
GAMEHD Head $40 and up to $20 in gift cards GAMEHL Heel $42 and up to $20 in gift cards
LetsRope.com
C4HD Head $40 and up to $20 in gift cards C4HL Heel $42 and up to $20 in gift cards
*Rope prices subject to change.
Gift Cards redeemable store-wide at LetsRope.com and SouthTexasTack.com NINE
TEAM ROPES
ND ROUG G E FREHIPPIN 9! S ders over $99.9 Apply or ions on all Exclus
TEAM ROPES
Check southtexastack.com for availability...
LS-F431 Head $37 and up to $20 in gift cards LS-F435 Heel $40 and up to $20 in gift cards
LS-B431 Head $37 and up to $20 in gift cards LS-B435 Heel $40 and up to $20 in gift cards
LS-SHARK31 Head $37 and up to $20 in gift cards
LS-R431 Head $37 and up to $20 gift cards
LSSHARKXT435 Heel $40 and up to $20 gift cards
LS-SHARK35 Heel $40 and up to $20 in gift cards
LS-R435 Heel $40 and up to $20 gift cards
FB-COBRA-HD Head $38 and up to $20 in gift cards FB-COBRA-HL Heel $40 and up to $20 in gift cards
TEN
FB-VENOM-HD Head $38 and up to $20 in gift cards
FB-CF2-HD Head $38 and up to $20 in gift cards
FB-VENOM-HL Heel $40 and up to $20 in gift cards
FB-CF2-HL Heel $40 and up to $20 in gift cards
FB-U4-HD Head $38 and up to $20 in gift cards FB-U4-HL Heel $40 and up to $20 in gift cards
S o u t h Te x a s Ta c k . c o m
Getting to the
C re :
By Doreen Shumpert STT visited with legendary ropers Tyler Magnus (noted horse trainer, PRCA champion and Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame member) and Speed Williams (eight-time PRCA world champion header) about Top Hand Ropes—including the models designed specifically for them— and core rope technology overall. Here’s what they shared.
Tyler Magnus For me, going with Top Hand Ropes was a no-brainer for quality of product. Curt Matthews [founder of Top Hand Ropes along with Randy and Joe Betsill and Steve Mitcham, also long known as a master rope maker] can build anything and build it the best. That was first and foremost for me. Then, as far as the rope line, everybody has a rope they like best. The biggest thing about Curt’s ropes is longevity. The waxing process he uses makes them last longer and they feel snappier in my opinion than any other rope I have used in the industry. The core then gives it a more forgiving feel. Most ropers in the industry are fours and fives; they don’t get to rope all day every day like some of us. Then cattle run harder with the World Series barrier, they are younger, have shorter horns, so the rope needs to be more forgiving—something that stays on when it hits the horns. It needs to be one that doesn’t have a lot of bounce, is pliable in the hand, and easy to use with good feel. That lets a larger majority of ropers use it. Like I mentioned, the core is pliable and forgiving, but only with the yarn, fibers and waxing process that Curt uses, in my opinion. His ropes stay on better when they reach the target and aren’t bouncy. Add
that with the longevity, those major things set Top Hand ropes apart in my opinion. We use and endorse The Hand and The Reach. The weather doesn’t affect them, and they stay consistent. We started a year ago testing ropes; we wouldn’t use anything we hadn’t tested. We rope all day long at the house with schools, students, different conditions, and rated them. The longevity and feel really sets these apart.
Speed Williams It is kind of ironic. I have always been a three-strand rope man, and I told Curt that I wanted something that was fast, and a little more durable than my three strand ropes because the weather affects them so much. He sent me probably 30 different ropes and the 8X is the one that I really felt comfortable with and got along with the best. It is durable, has a lot of action, you can swing it fast, and both my kids really like it. They put a core in it that my kids have started using a lot. My son and my daughter really like the core ropes and prefer the consistency that the core gives. My son just won a roping last week with his. They tend to last a little longer than other ropes for sure. We use them all the time practicing at home. When Top Hand shipped them, the first three batches of ropes all felt good and lasted well. I also told Curt how I noticed that the core ropes tend to take a jerk and not change, which is really important. It is neat to see all the changes in the roping industry, and to wonder what we will come up with in the next few years.
TEAM ROPES
TH-SCORE4HD
Head
TH-HONCHO4HD
Head
TH-8XC4HD
Head
TH-REACH4HD
Head
TH-SCORE4HL
Heel
TH-HONCHO4HL
Heel
TH-8XC4HL
Heel
TH-REACH4HL
Heel
$40 and up to $20 in gift cards $42 and up to $20 in gift cards LetsRope.com
$40 and up to $20 in gift cards $42 and up to $20 in gift cards
$40 and up to $20 in gift cards $42 and up to $20 in gift cards
$40 and up to $20 in gift cards $42 and up to $20 in gift cards ELEVEN
TEAM ROPES &
NXT5HD Head $42 and up to $20 in gift cards NXT4HL Heel $43 and up to $20 in gift cards
HEATHD Head $40 and up to $20 in gift cards HEATHL Heel $43 and up to $20 in gift cards
GT4HL-L Heel $43 and up to $20 in gift cards GT4HD Head $40 and up to $20 in gift cards GT4HL Heel $43 and up to $20 in gift cards
SPYDRHD Head $42 and up to $20 in gift cards SPYDRHL Heel $44 and up to $20 in gift cards
POWERLINEHD Head $40 and up to $20 in gift cards POWERLINEHL Heel $43 and up to $20 in gift cards
RADARHD Head $40 and up to $20 in gift cards RADARHL Heel $43 and up to $20 in gift cards
XR4HD-L Head Lite $40 and up to $20 in gift cards XR4HL-L Heel Lite $43 and up to $20 in gift cards XR4HL-T Heel $43 and up to $20 in gift cards
NV4HD Head $40 and up to $20 in gift cards NV4HL Heel $43 and up to $20 in gift cards
Learn more on page 1! *Rope prices subject to change.
Gift Cards redeemable store-wide at LetsRope.com and SouthTexasTack.com T W E LV E
S o u t h Te x a s Ta c k . c o m
- Bret Beach 3X NFR Qualifier Founder, TotalTeamRoping.com
STT ROUGHOUT TEAM ROPER Tree: Team Roping Gullet: 6 3/4” Bar Spread: 13 1/2” Swell Height: 7 1/2” Cantle: 3 1/2” Texas Dally Horn Rockin’ Out STT Conchos Seat size: 14-17 Tree Warranty 10 years STTTM1001 $1,995
STT CHOCOLATE ROUGHOUT TEAM ROPER Tree: Team Roping Gullet: 6 3/4” Bar Spread: 13 1/2” Swell Height: 7 1/2” Cantle: 3 1/2” Texas Dally Horn Rockin’ Out STT Conchos Chocolate Heavy Oil Seat size: 14-17 Tree Warranty 10 years STTTM1002 $1,995
UND FREE GRON SHIPPI $9G 9.99! overply rdersions on all oEx Ap clus
LetsRope.com
THIRTEEN
STT TEAM ROPING SADDLES
“I have owned and ridden practically every saddle out there. My South Texas Tack saddle is the first saddle I have ever ridden that fits all seven horses and myself.”
Rope Bag Features
Choosing the Perfect
R PE BAG By Matt Smith with Doreen Shumpert
It’s hard to choose the exact rope bag for your needs. We talked to Equibrand’s National Sales Manager Matt Smith, and this is what he had to say.
Rope Bag Selection
Rope Compartments
Classic and Rattler offer five styles of rope bags, with 14 different colors and designs available. Professional Rope Bag
Deluxe Rope Bag
The ultimate portable rope storage system, holding up to 10 ropes. Large, full length dividers keep ropes separated in larger coils. Heavy duty zipper closure, several storage compartments, and padded, adjustable shoulder straps for security and convenience.
Unlimited storage. Two main padded compartments keep ropes tidy, one with a mesh bottom to allow dirt to escape. A mesh pocket on the back holds dirty ropes, boots, etc. More pockets for ample storage, and straps that buckle for easy attachment to the fence. Holds up to nine ropes.
Super Deluxe Rope Bag For those who need it all. Enclosed padded rope compartment has dividers to keep ropes separated and neat. Front pocket holds accessories and cell phone. Carry as a backpack, sling over your shoulder, or buckle to the fence. Holds up to nine ropes.
Basic Rope Bag Nylon material with padded rope compartments and an outside pocket with a divider make the Basic Rope Bag a roper’s favorite. Also features a mesh pocket with an elastic top on each side to hold gloves, powder, and other necessities. Holds up to four ropes.
Pockets
Classic Professional Rope Bag
CCPRO14BKC
$107.99
Super Deluxe Rope Bag
CC200417
$104.99
Classic Deluxe Rope Bag CC2002
$79.99
Classic Basic Rope Bag
CC10217
$59.99
Insights On Proper Rope Storage It is important to store your ropes in a rope bag to protect them from varying temperatures. Always try to store your ropes at room temperature. Rope fibers can be sensitive to the weather, so your ropes will feel better if kept out of the heat and cold. Heat causes ropes to become stiffer, while cold makes them feel softer because it relaxes the nylon fiber. In the bag, it is important to store your rope in large, even coils with the eye of the rope towards the top. Never pack your ropes too tight. Doing so can put unnecessary pressure on the eye, causing it to turn. It can also cause the coils to become bent or kinked. Also, apply rope powder to your ropes in the bag to absorb moisture and keep them feeling fast and smooth. FOURTEEN
Straps S o u t h Te x a s Ta c k . c o m
TEAM ROPING SUPPLIES
More roping accessories available online at LetsRope.com!
E. B.
A.
D.
C.
ROPING GLOVES
D. Cactus Ultra Glove 12 Pack Sizes XS,S,M,L
A. Rapid Rope Glove by Noble Sizes S,M,L,XL 50004 $19.95 B. Blue Streak Roping Glove 24 Pack Sizes XS,S,M,L,XL BSRGLOVE $28.95 C. Heritage Pro Grip Glove 12 Pack Sizes Youth, 8, 9, 10, 11 HG328R $14.95
BUNDGULTRA $16.95 E. True Flex Roping Glove by Noble 12 Pack Sizes XS,S,M,L,XL,XXL 50005 Orange, Pink, Stars & Stripes $18.95
I.
H.
G.
DALLY WRAPS
H. Classic Roper Wrap 12 Pack DALLYWRAP12 $12.95 I. Horse Craft Red Dally Wrap 12 Pack HC-132 $12.95
F.
ROPE BAGS
F. Cactus Choice Plus Rope Bag BAFCHPL $63.95 G. Relentless Arsenal Rope Bag BAGTARSENAL $104.95
L.
K. J.
HORN WRAPS
J. STT Horn Wrap STTHORNWRAP $16.99 K. Stinger Horn Wrap M9012 $19.95
L. Cactus Rope Strap ROPESTRAP $3.50
STT Box Pads 4’ x 8’ STTBOXPAD $314.99
M.
M. Classic Rope Strap RSEC12P $3.99
LetsRope.com
FIFTEEN
The Perfect Run: Rich Skelton A look back at Prorodeo Hall of Famer Rich Skelton’s most memorable ride. By Abigail Boatwright Rich Skelton has qualified for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo 22 times. In his decades-long career, he’s won 35 NFR rounds, eight world titles and over $2.9 million in Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association competition. But the Llano, Texas, resident’s “perfect run” was one of his many NFR rides—and it wasn’t even the final ride of the Finals. But this one was meaningful because of what it earned for him: his very first world championship. In 1997, Skelton had qualified for the NFR several times, starting in 1990, and while he’d come close to winning the Finals, he’d never won it. That year he was heeling with partner Speed Williams and riding his good horse Roany. The gelding has been named the PRCA/AQHA Team Roping Heeling Horse of the Year four times, starting in 1997. By the eighth round, they were sitting pretty. After a smoking run, the pair won the round. And Williams, being a numbers guy, calculated their earnings. “We had won that round that night and that made us enough money far enough ahead of everybody else that we couldn’t be beaten,” Skelton said. “Even if we didn't get any more times or won anything else, we couldn’t get beat.” So sitting in the stands with his wife Rhonda, realizing he’d won his first world championship after chasing it for years, Skelton watched history happen—more than once. “Two guys broke the calf roping record that night, one right after the other,” Skelton said. “I was so relieved because we’d worked so hard to get to that point, and at the same time, it was such an exciting night watching all those records get broken. I’ll never forget it.” According to nfrexperience.com, in 1997, Blair Burk broke the tie-down roping record with a 7.0-second time, then two rounds later, Fred Whitfield broke the record again after turning in a 6.9-second time. Soon after, Jeff Chapman clocked a 6.8-second time. Overall that Finals, Whitfield roped and tied 10 head in 84.0 seconds to capture the aggregate title, a feat the site calls “the greatest tie-down roping performance in NFR history.”
SIXTEEN
S o u t h Te x a s Ta c k . c o m
Since then, Skelton went on to win a record eight straight world team roping titles with Williams. He won the NFR team roping average in 2001. And he’s continued to compete and win all over the country— this year, he’s been competing together with his daughter, Lainey and he’s in the national standings. And recently, he was inducted into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame. But he’ll always remember that ride in ’97. “To me what made it memorable was that I had worked so hard and came close to winning the championship and never had accomplished it,” Skelton said. “Then we got down to that night winning it, and knowing that I had it won before the NFR was over. I think that's what made it stand out, knowing that I had it won. It didn't matter what happened after that, the next two nights, we had won.”
LetsRope.com
SEVENTEEN
STT CALF ROPING SADDLES
STT Standard Saddle Features: • Exclusive STT Tree • Stainless steel hardware • Real wool linings • Hermann Oak leather STT PREMIER CALF ROPER Gullet: 6 3/4” Bar Spread: 13 1/2” Swell Height: 7 1/4” Cantle: 3 1/2” Calf Roper Horn STT Conchos Seat size: 14-15 Tree Warranty 10 years STT02CR1002 $3,495
STT ROUGHOUT CALF ROPER Gullet: 6 3/4” Bar Spread: 13 1/2” Swell Height: 7 1/4” Cantle: 3 1/2” Calf Roper Horn Rockin Out STT Conchos Seat size: 14-15 Tree Warranty 10 years STT02CR790 $2,895
Saddles backed by STT’s 14 Day Saddle Guarantee
If you are not satisfied with your saddle purchase, exhange it for a full refund within 14 days of purchase date. Details at SouthTexasTack.com
EIGHTEEN
S o u t h Te x a s Ta c k . c o m
CALF ROPES
A. Dub Grant Syn Grass Poly Calf Rope DG-SYN $43 and up to $20 in gift cards B.
Dub Grant 4 Strand Poly Calf Rope DG-4GP $47 and up to $20 in gift cards
A.
C.
Dub Grant 3 Strand Poly Calf Rope DG-NTP $50 and up to $20 in gift cards
D. Willard 4 Strand Poly Calf Rope WR-4POLY $43.00 and up to $20 in gift cards E. Willard 3 Strand Poly Calf Rope WR-3POLY $39.00 and up to $20 in gift cards F. Willard Syn Grass Calf Rope WR-SYN $42.00 and up to $20 in gift cards
B.
C.
E.
F.
Shane Hanchey’s Top Pick D.
G. Striker 4 Strand Poly Calf Rope STRIKERCR $40 and up to $20 in gift cards H. VIPER 5 Strand Poly Calf Rope VIPER $40 and up to $20 in gift cards
I. Fast Back Edge 4-Strand Poly Calf Rope FBEDGE $38 and up to $20 in gift cards
H.
G.
I.
J. Cactus Double S 3 Strand Poly Calf Rope DOUBLES $35.00 and up to $20 in gift cards
K. Callaway 3 Strand Treated Poly Calf Rope CA-T-28-GOLD $42.00 and up to $20 in gift cards
K.
J.
L.
L. King Ropes 3 Strand Poly Grass Calf Rope KR-POLY $65.00 and up to $20 in gift cards
ROUND G E E R F NG SHIPPovIer $99.99! ers s Apply on all oErd xclusion
*Rope prices subject to change.
LetsRope.com
Learn more on page 1!
Gift Cards redeemable store-wide at LetsRope.com and SouthTexasTack.com NINETEEN
PIGGIN STRINGS
A.
C.
B.
RATTLER STRINGS
3/16” - 5/16” X 6.5’ S. SM. M. MH A. WHITERACER PIGGIN STRING WHITERACER $16.99 B. BLUERACER PIGGIN STRING BLUERACER $16.99 C. REDRACER PIGGIN STRING REDRACER $16.99
LYLES STRINGS F.
D.
G.
FREE GROUND SHIPPING
H. E.
on all orders over $99.99! Exclusions Apply
WILLARD STRINGS GOAT STRINGS
I.
RATTLER STRINGS 52” - 60” S, MS, M, H D. BOY’S GOAT STRING RBGS3 $14.99 E. GOAT STRING RGS3 $11.99
More ro
J.
ping ac online a cessories ava ila t LetsRo pe.com ble !
K.
PIGGIN & STEER STRINGS L.
F. WICKED WHITE PIGGIN STRING LR-WW $15.99 G. PINK POISON PIGGIN STRING LR-PP $15.99 H. BLUE GUNSLINGER PIGGIN STRING LR-BG $15.99
M.
I. WHITE BLACK TAIL PIGGIN STRING WRBTWHITE $14.00 J. NEON GREEN BLACK TAIL SCANT PIGGIN STRING WRBTNG $14.00 K. VIOLET BLACK TAIL PIGGIN STRING WRBTPURP $14.00 L. NEON ORANGE BLACK TAIL SCANT PIGGIN STRING WRBTNO $14.00 M. NEON PINK BLACK TAIL SCANT PIGGIN STRING WRBTHP $14.00
N.
N. BLACK TAIL STEER STRING WR-STEER $19.00
STEER STRINGS
TWENTY
S o u t h Te x a s Ta c k . c o m
rs ov ply on all orExde clusions Ap
BURNERS & BREAKAWAYS
HORN KNOTS
Black Poly Horn Knot 244422 $3.50
Aluminum Horn Knot
Speed Burner Assorted Colors
244421 $2.95
SPEEDBURNER $3.50
Plastic Horn Knots Assorted Colors 244420 $2.50
Detachable Breakaway Honda HERO1 $24.99
Rattler Premium Jerkline 19.5’ X 7/17” CRPJL $41.99
Magic Loop Breakaway MAGICLOOP $11.95
Nothin’ But Neck Breakaway NBN $24.95
Rattler Premium Jerkline 17’ X 1/2” CRJL $19.99
Eight Away Breakaway 4 Pack EIGHTAWAY $29.99
Rattler Jerkline Pulley CRJLPCT $19.99
Jerry Beagley Jerkline BB-JL $39.95
Rattler Square Neck Rope CRNRSQ $33.99 LetsRope.com
TWENTY ONE
CALF ROPING SUPPLIES
ROUND FREE GP SHIP IerN$9G 9.99!
Breakaway Goes Pro: Joe Beaver Discusses New Event at The American By Doreen Shumpert New and exciting changes are coming in 2019 to RFD-TV’s The American—already the world’s richest one day (now two-day) rodeo, where contestants battle it out for historic prize money. Now, the event is adding breakaway roping, a #9 team roping, and a second day of competition. Consequently, a lot more loot will be up for grabs. According to RFD-TV, “The richest one-day rodeo now becomes a two-day event, spanning the weekend of March 2 and 3, 2019. And with an additional $355,000 in prize money, the pot grows to more than $2.3 million.” Held each year in Dallas, Texas, the event has also secured a new five-year deal with AT&T Stadium and is now a PRCA-sanctioned event as well, “with a new, richer, deeper prize money package that pays the top four contestants in each category. This change in particular will affect rodeo athletes in a big way, in that money earned at the American will impact contestants aiming to qualify for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo.” Just how that will look, and ultimately contribute, isn’t quite clear yet according to PRCA CEO George Taylor. “The dollars are going to count something toward the NFR,” he explained. “We are going to include The American as part of the NFR system. What we must figure out is how to translate that exactly. We are looking at points, we may have a division factor or something along those lines, but we are definitely going to include the money won (at The American) as a factor into the NFR standings.” Seventeen-time world champion breakaway roper Jackie Crawford is one of many pros who are ultra-excited about the debut of breakaway into an already stellar lineup, and with good reason. According to RFD-TV, “The addition of breakaway is expected to bring in another 1,000 qualifiers for The American and give athletes the chance to compete for a payout they can't get anywhere else.” Legendary roper Joe Beaver, who will be hosting some breakaway qualifiers for The American at his events, said the addition of breakaway will be phenomenal for the industry as a whole.
Joe Beaver Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame Induction 2002 TWENTY TWO
“Adding the ladies’ open breakaway will bring the female factor back into the event,” he explained. “It gives us something else to sell to the public and opens up a whole other avenue of people who are eligible to compete for the big money in their individual event. You have to go to the American qualifiers, which will be all over, and if they get the numbers they are expecting at the qualifiers the breakaway will pay around $150,000! Who wouldn’t want to breakaway for that!” he said. “It brings back the ladies who maybe had breakaway as their main gig in college, but then wondered what they would do next. Well guess what, now they can go to The American, rope in the semi-finals for $30,000 or $40,000 and maybe win $150,000. That’s even competitive money for the guys who make a living rodeoing!” S o u t h Te x a s Ta c k . c o m
But how do you qualify to run at that kind of cash? Beaver shared an example. “My Labor Day roping has an open ladies’ breakaway, and the side pot is an American qualifier. You have to enter the original jackpot first, then if you want to get in the side pot you pay the additional entry fee. Part of that goes to The American, part goes to the pot at the event, and part goes to the semi-finals. So, it all goes back to the ropers. Then from Joe Beaver helps breakaway student with ground work. whatever average it is—two head, three head, whatever the individual event is—the top 10 will go to the semi-finals,” he explained. “The American is a big event, a great event, and we are just getting more and more to offer. I know girls that win $30,000 or $40,000 a year breakaway roping so why not let them showcase their talents with the best of the business at The American? And overall, this just opens up more business for the industry from ropes, saddles, gear and horses. This gives the ladies that rope great a chance to rope for real money,” he continued. “You can be a school teacher and rope. I know ladies who teach, and coach, and rope, and now they have the chance to do all of that in one week and earn major money. That kind of puts it in perspective for me. It is time for breakaway to bust open and I’m proud to be a part of it!” he concluded.
Breakaway run coming together at Joe Beaver clinic.
#9 Team Roping The other major addition will be the #9 team roping, which will also encourage more local ropers to take a swing at some big money. According to the PRCA, “The World Series of Team Roping will bring a #9 handicapped Championship Team Roping event to The American with a minimum guaranteed $100,000 in prize money. The #9 team roping will be the culmination of several qualifier events with the finals being held at AT&T Stadium on March 2.” As usual, the event will boast impressive payouts. The top four places will receive prize money, and the long round conducted on March 2 will pay $50,000. Listed below are the new total payouts for each event in The American finals. • First Place
$100,000
• Second Place
$25,000
• Third Place
$10,000
• Fourth Place LetsRope.com
$5,000
TWENTY THREE
At Let’s Rope, our commitment to the community and readership has inspired us to provide practical, comprehensive information. We hope this study inspires you to look into your own pads and how they help or hinder your horse’s performance. In this study, we strived to show how pads of different types and shapes fit your horse. These are simply our observations for you to draw your own conclusions. However, it is quite difficult to see how the pad conforms to your horse’s back without X-ray vision. Saddle Pad fit is extremely important. Even a custom fit saddle can be ruined if used with a pad that doesn’t fit correctly. This study is to help visualize how different types of pads fit and conform to the horse’s body.
Barium paste being loaded into tubing.
Barium tubing applied to topline of horse and bottom of pad.
How We Did It In order to take a look at different saddle pad fits, we visited our friends at the Brazos Valley Equine Hospital and used their state-of-the-art X-Ray facility. In order for the topline of the horse and the bottom of the saddle pad to show up on X-Rays, we attached a tube filled with Barium paste to both surfaces. This caused a very visible line to be seen on every scan, and the results are what you see here. Unfortunately, X-Rays cannot pass through a material as dense as a saddle, so instead, we weighed each pad down with a 50-pound sack of feed. Because of this, the weighted images have the pellets in the frame, seen as the out of focus granules, but we also got a view of each pad as it fits under weight. TWENTY FOUR
S o u t h Te x a s Ta c k . c o m
Case Study 1: Non-Contoured Pad
Feed Pad Bottomline Horse Topline
Horse
The first pad that we used in the study was a generic non-contoured pad. The X-Ray shows two clear white lines representing the barium filled tubes. Without the weight on the pad there is bridging in-between the horse and the pad.
Horse Pad Bottomline Horse Topline However, after applying a 50lb weight the pad conformed to the shape of the horses topline with minimal space in-between.
A Side Note on Saddle Pad Selection Before selecting a pad, it is good to observe the shape of your horse’s back. Although this non-contoured pad takes shape under weight, without the weight it is not a true match to the shape of the horse’s back. LetsRope.com
TWENTY FIVE
Case Study 2: Stacked Felt Pad and Woven Blanket
e ttomlin Pad Bo lanket Bottomline B Horse Topline
Feed
Horse
Horse Two barium tubes, one on pad and one on horse
In this study we evaluated the somewhat popular combination of a felt contoured pad stacked on top of a woven blanket and used in conjunction. As there is an extra pad, an extra barium tube can be seen on the X-Ray.
In the X-Ray showing the pad weighted down, you can see that the pad is held further away from the horse’s topline. This strategy gives the horse more cushion, but deleverages the horse. We feel the assumption is more pad more comfort, but in reality, the more pad causes a wider setup. This is contrary to our close contact approach. This is a good thing to keep in mind when choosing how to saddle your horse for a particular task.
A Side Note on Saddle Pad Stacking Saddle pad stacking also causes the saddle pad to flare up at the ends, as seen in this last image. This is especially true for horses with more pronounced withers, which is why we are showing the set up on this particular gelding.
TWENTY SIX
S o u t h Te x a s Ta c k . c o m
Case Study 3: Contoured One Piece Pad
Feed
Pad Bottomline Horse Topline
Horse
Horse Topline of horse and bottomline of pad
The final pad we tested was not only contoured, but was also different because it was built completely spineless. The pad still had some bridging, but was not as rigid along the top due to this spineless construction.
Once the weight was applied, simulating a saddle, the barium tubes lined up almost perfectly, which is why you see one singular white line on the X-Ray. Also, unlike some of the other setups, once the weight was applied, the pad still laid against the sides of the horse.
Conclusion Our goal with this article is to create awareness about what you can and can not see in your saddle pad setup. With the concept of close-contact trees and saddles, we feel it is imperative every pad setup should be close-contact as well. Feel free to draw your own conclusions from our visual clinical study. Let’sRope.com is committed to continuously creating awareness on important topics relating to equine sports. We would like to thank the staff at Brazos Valley Equine Hospital for allowing us to use their facility and Dr. Kurt Heite for helping to guide the study and perform the X-Rays.
LetsRope.com
TWENTY SEVEN
SADDLE PADS & BLANKETS
FRE E GR S OUN H I on a D ll ord PPIN ers o G ver Exclu
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ICONOCLAST Felt Pad ICON5100 $150.95
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COWBOY Felt Air Ride Pad CFRAR $181.99
Casa Zia Saddle Blanket CASAZIA2 $119.95
Contoured Tough Felt Pad CR21 $89.99
Contoured Tough Felt Pad with Fleece CM21 $124.99
TWENTY EIGHT
Casa Zia Saddle Blanket CASAZIA $119.95
Ramrod Double Weave MAY1340 $17.50
More saddle pads and blankets available online at LetsRope.com! S o u t h Te x a s Ta c k . c o m
ESP Contoured Wool Top Pad CESPCW3418 $224.99
BIOFIT Correction Pad WFP130 $189.99
ZONE Felt on Felt Pad ZFT31 $239.99
SENSORFLEX Contoured Pad SCWFP3418 $199.99
SENSORFLEX Pad CSWFP3418 $99.99
ZONE Wool Top Pad ZBT3418 $269.99
More saddle pads available online at LetsRope.com!
ORTHOPEDIC Gel Pad TB90504A $239.99
EXTREME Gel Pad LetsRope.com
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TWENTY NINE
What are common cinch fit mistakes people make? What problems do they cause? One of the biggest mistakes I see on a regular basis is a rider with a cinch that is too long. This creates By CJ Murphy with Doreen Shumpert many issues. It causes the dee of the saddle and the dee of the cinch to be too close together, which forces extra wraps with the latigo. This can pinch the horse and creates a bulge that puts pressure on There is probably no piece of equipment more essential to a the horse’s side and prevents the saddle fender from moving safe ride than a good, solid, proper fitting cinch. If anything freely. It also creates uneven pull and can make the saddle goes wrong with that piece of equipment, disaster can follow. roll. Another big mistake is using a worn-out cinch and/or not But with so many options in materials, styles and lengths it can replacing it often enough. It is good practice to inspect your be hard to decide what’s best for the job. cinch frequently and get a new one before it shows signs of STT spoke with CJ Murphy, Regional Sales Manager at extreme wear or hardening. Equibrand, and asked for some insight on choosing the best What about Neoprene, or other materials. Advantages or option. disadvantages? How do riders choose the proper cinch size? Is there a good The great thing about horse people is if you ask 10 horse way to measure? owners a question, you usually get 12 different answers back. The cinch should fit flat against the horse’s heart girth. It should be anywhere from three to four inches above and The different types of cinches have their places within different behind the elbow, in the ‘sweet spot’. You can take a applications and events. One thing to consider with different measuring tape from the center of the underside of their materials is how much stretch they do or don’t have. Natural chest and measure up to that point. Multiply that times two fiber cinches usually have some flexibility for the expansion of and you have an idea of proper length. the chest cavity as your horse breathes or rounds his back. How do they decide on proper style...such as width or Synthetic cinches, for the most part, have very little to no stretch. When using that type of cinch, I recommend pairing construction? it with a leather latigo and off billet to allow for some give. Cinch selection is determined by many factors. Competitors in some events, like cutting, traditionally use fleece cinches. Neoprene is great for antifungal and antibacterial properties, Function can determine a lot. For example, horse trainers but some folks prefer natural fibers only. However, in areas who ride 8 to 10 horses a day with the same saddle may prefer where it’s humid and cinches and pads take longer to dry, a a Featherflex cinch made from high-quality virgin Neoprene Neoprene cinch is effective. because it is so easy to clean and dries within minutes. It is also antifungal and antibacterial, so issues don’t pass from World champions, world renowned clinicians and horse to horse. But many people prefer natural fibers such professionals of all disciplines will choose different cinches, all as a mohair/alpaca blend cinch because it is so much like for very good reasons. The moral of the story is that you must the horse’s own hair. Mohair and alpaca cinches also ‘give’ choose what makes the most sense for you and your horse. which is really comfortable for the horse.
Mohair/Alpaca Mix Cinch CRCMA $79.99
SensorFlex Roper Cinch FCINCH18R $79.99 THIRTY
Alpaca Cinch CRCA $79.99
FeatherFlex Roper Cinch FFRC $69.99
S o u t h Te x a s Ta c k . c o m
LEG CARE
CLASSIC EQUINE NO-TURN DL Bell Boots Sizes S, M, L CDN100 $27.99
CLASSIC EQUINE LEGACY 2.0 Sport Medicine Boots Size S, M, L Front CLS102 $79.99 Hind CLS202
Choose from: Black (Shown on horse), Teal, Blue, Corral, Fuschia, Mint, Purple, Red, Steel, Turquoise, White, Cheetah, and Caribou
Relentless Splint Boot
Front Sizes S, M, L SP250 $75.50 Blue, Turquoise, Red, White, Black Hind Sizes M, L SP250H $75.50 (Black and White available only)
Relentless Bell Boot
Sizes: M, L SP575 $34.95 Blue, Turquoise, Red, White, Black
ORTHOPEDIC Sports Boot Sizes S, M, L Black or White Front ICONFR $75.95 Hind ICONHD $80.95
ICONOCLAST Bell Boots Sizes S, M, L Black or White ICONBELL $21.95
LetsRope.com
More styles and colors available online at LetsRope.com! THIRTY ONE
The Evolution of Sports Medicine Boots By Doreen Shumpert with Jake Gibbs
As the adage goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure and that definitely holds true when it comes to vet bills—especially when simple precautions like using adequate protective boots on your horse is a rather inexpensive way to help prevent injury. Professional’s Choice has been in the business of producing top notch leg gear since 1976, the year the company was founded by Dal Scott. Since then, they have conducted multiple studies and made continual advancements in their products (see sidebar).
Brief History
“Dal Scott, who invented Professional’s Choice and basically invented the Sports Medicine Boot, got hurt in 1976 and started off making human orthopedics for himself, actually, to rehabilitate so he could swim and things like that. Two years later he had a horse that blew a suspensory, and he wondered if he could make something for his horse,” Jake Gibbs, Brand Manager, explained. “So that is how the first Sports Medicine Boot was actually invented. Of course, he sent it to vets, tested it, and that’s how it started. The evolution comes when you start to tune things up,” he continued. “You find other raw materials, improved cuts to fit better, make sure the bell boot fits with the Sports Medicine Boot—those kinds of things. The way I describe it is that you have an ’85, ’95 and ’05 truck. Your ’85 truck is a lot of metal, crank down windows, never breaks down and you’re safe. That is like our SMB I or ll boots. They are bigger, bulkier, and you still have people who love them. Then your ’95 truck has a couple THIRTY TWO
of power windows, a better stereo…that’s like our SMB III boots, a couple of extra bells and whistles,” he continued. “Our Elite boots would be like the newest truck. Leather, air conditioning, and all that stuff. That is the best way I can think to describe it.”
Advancements
But, how can the consumer know that each boot is better than the last? “That comes from comfort. For instance, when you add a bell boot, the SMB Elite boot was cut quite a bit higher in the front, so you have more range of motion for the horse’s ankle because then you do not have the two parts interfering with each other,” Gibbs explained. “Also, the SMB Elite has VenTech which means it breathes more, is more comfortable, and doesn’t get a horse’s leg quite as hot. It functions like the other boots in absorbing up to 26% of negative energy, but it is just a more comfortable boot.” Overall, Professional’s Choice sets itself apart through “straight up quality” and uses the best materials possible from the Neoprene to the Velcro. “We are the Nike of the industry,” Gibbs concluded.
Cleaning tip to make your boots last longer: Hand wash your boots, don’t put them in the washer and dryer. If you use soap, make sure it is gentle and antifungal. Get a bucket of water, get your hands in there and get dirty with it!
S o u t h Te x a s Ta c k . c o m
40 years: The evolution of Sports Medicine Boots 1976: Professional’s Choice founded by Dal Scott 1987: The original Sports Medicine Boot was the first supportive equine boot, revolutionizing the leg care industry 1992: After vigorous testing, the second version of the SMB showed impressive results in its ability to support the horse’s leg and
diffuse shock, absorbing up to 26% of negative energy
1996: Professional’s Choice and AQHA partnership begins 2005: The SMB Elite featured the most contoured design of the Sports Medicine Boot, with added darts and a more strategic cut
the SMB Elite kept dirt and debris out and fit horses better than ever before
2008: The SMB-3 was introduced with a more contoured fit, updated lycra binding and a slight cut out at the bottom front of the
boot to allow for full range of movement
2010: The latest VenTech SMB Elite conforms to the horse allowing heat and moisture to escape, keeping them cool, comfortable
and performing at their best
2016: Celebrating 40 years and five generations of Sports Medicine Boots
$20 OFF Every 4-pack of Leg Care Boots Offer Good September through December
VenTECH Sports Medicine Boot
Front Sizes: M, L VEF $86.99 Value Packs Sizes: M VE4 $153.99 Black, Chocolate, Turquoise, Royal Blue, Purple, White, Crimson, Olive, Wine, and Charcoal
Spartan Bell Boot
Sizes M, L BB55 $35.99 Black, Charcoal, Red, Blue, White, Wine
LetsRope.com
THIRTY THREE
BRIDLE SETS
Ready to R ide
STTBR236200-RR THIRTY FOUR
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STTBR255834-RR
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STTBR230200-RR
$94.99
S o u t h Te x a s Ta c k . c o m
BRIDLE SETS
BRIDLE SETS
Bridle sets are one of the core components of the horseman’s tack room. Here at Let’s Rope we believe that having the correct tools are a big part of accomplishing your horsemanship goals. The STT bridle set program includes a bit of your choosing along with a handrubbed harness leather headstall and reins that are soaked in a mixture of oils to ensure years of use. The sets are pre-assembled making them ready to go to work right off the rack.
STTBRPCB120-RR $119.99 Chain mouthpiece with copper shank
More Bridle Sets can be found at
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STTBRPCB125-RR $119.99 Ported chain mouthpiece with copper shank
STTBRPCB132-RR $119.99 Chain mouthpiece with feather shank
LetsRope.com
THIRTY FIVE
STTBRPCB902-RR $109.99 Ported chain mouthpiece with long stainless-steel shank
STTBRPCB900-RR $109.99 Correction mouthpiece with long stainless-steel shank
STTBRPCB903-RR $109.99 Straight chain mouthpiece with long stainless-steel shank THIRTY SIX
S o u t h Te x a s Ta c k . c o m
STTBRPCB911-RR $109.99 Ported chain mouthpiece with short stainless-steel shank
STTBRPCB910-RR $109.99 Correction mouthpiece with short stainless-steel shank
STTBRPCB913-RR $109.99 Straight chain mouthpiece with short stainless-steel shank
LetsRope.com
THIRTY SEVEN
The New Trainer By: Kelli Buckley, Marketing & Endorsee Coordinator
The TRAINER will change the way people rope. Necessity has always been the mother of invention, and that is how the TRAINER was born. “I wanted a machine that wasn’t going to waste my time to get what I wanted out of my practice” states Josh Love, Heel-O-Matic’s General Manager, “Heel-O-Matic has always been a staple in the industry. Everybody knows that Heel-O-Matic means quality. We have been working on the TRAINER for over 2 1/2 years. Ultimately, this new TRAINER matches exactly what you are going to see in a steer.” The new TRAINER has more movement in the hips and the tail head. That movement matches to what the legs are doing. This machine has a new hop, with a brand-new patent. The patent showcases the hips matching the legs, meaning when the legs are all the way back, the machine is at the top of a hop, and as the legs start forward, the hips come down – just like a real steer. Another advantage of the TRAINER is it has collapsible legs made out of reinforced foam for a lifelike feel. The legs come together when you dally and with the help of the Spring-Loaded Tongue that comes standard on the TRAINER, you can stretch this machine like you can a real steer. This machine is designed to feel like a live run, it is not something that you can necessarily see until you’ve roped it, then you will be able to feel the actual difference. The transition from the TRAINER to live cattle is 100% consistent. You want the most out of your practice in the smallest amount of time, and this new TRAINER is going to give you that exact outcome and produce the best results. With the new TRAINER, the way it moves helps you to work on your hand-eye coordination, and the movement and the noise help you to work on your horse at the same time. The new TRAINER is going to give you better results, quicker. THIRTY EIGHT
S o u t h Te x a s Ta c k . c o m
DRIFTER
BONES
TRAINER
$2,999.99
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BONES2.0
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NEX
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$419.99 THIRTY NINE
Team
Old School vs. New School By Doreen Shumpert
Team
vs.
Joe Beaver
Shane Hanchey Photo Courtesy of PRCA
Anyone who follows the sport of rodeo or calf roping has heard the names Joe Beaver and Shane Hanchey. Joe Beaver is one of rodeo’s legends. After joining the PRCA in 1985, he has pocketed over $3 million dollars in earnings, and has roped his way to 8 world titles (All Around and Tie-Down Roping) and 22 WNFR appearances. Shane Hanchey joined the PRCA in 2009, and already has over $1 million in earnings to his credit, along with a Tie-Down world title in 2013 and 8 WNFR qualifications. STT recently visited with both about their roads to success, and also asked a few fun questions for comparison.
When did you start roping, and tell us about your path to the pros?
Joe: I’ve got a picture where I’ve got diapers on sittin’ on a big horse swingin’ a rope. I started roping off of
a Shetland pony when I was three or four years old. I was nine or 10 when I won my first breakaway roping championship in the Texas Youth Rodeo Association. From that I went to a year of high school rodeos, then I cut loose and started going to amateur rodeos my sophomore year of high school. When I was a junior and senior, I went to over 250 rodeos a year. When I got my card, 100 rodeos a year was nothin’!
Shane: I was four or five years old when I started ropin’, and I was probably five at my first rodeo. I did Little Britches when I was about 10 to 14 years old. Then I did four years of high school rodeo and two years of college rodeo. I won state finals twice, placed at nationals two years, then went on to the college finals my freshman year in 2009. I learned a lot in those years, and I knew I wanted to do this for a living so I think I payed attention to everybody. After I qualified for the college national finals in 2009, I went right into the pros and qualified for the NFR in 2010. FORTY
S o u t h Te x a s Ta c k . c o m
What changes have you seen in pro rodeo over the years?
Joe: More money—the Finals is paying close to what it should—still not what it should, but getting bigger
and better. Second, it is a whole lot easier to get to more rodeos with so many of the big two-headers being back to back that you can do in the same day. Back when I was workin’ them, and Ty Murray was workin’ two or three events, it was hard to get there. They may think it is hard now, but today is much easier than what we did on planes, trains and automobiles. We would have different rigs on the road, we flew back and forth and chartered. Now it is so much easier to work the good rodeos, there’s so much more money, and there’s so much more sponsorship and endorsement opportunity.
Shane: Rodeo has changed for better and worse—a little bit of both. There’s a lot more money to run at now versus 2010. Then you had Calgary and Houston for example as your big paying ones, now you have The American and Salt Lake City and it is growing for sure. I’m not sure it is a made for TV sport, but it has a lot of fans and following so that’s cool.
Who was your roping mentor or role model?
Joe:
I just picked guys who were successful. I picked some because they had a blast, they stayed out all night partying but could still beat your butt the next day. Then there were guys who were just so mentally tough and focused that I copied them, then there were some guys who had awesome talent, and some guys whose flanking and tying I copied. I didn’t have any role models, I just had a dream!
Shane: My brother, Jason. All little brothers want to do what their big brothers do and he was a roper
so I started roping as soon as I understood what he was doing, so that was pretty cool. And of course, I watched Trevor Brazile and Joe Beaver but one guy that I really patterned myself after was Shawn McMullan. The rodeo world lost him in 1996. I really like watching his tapes and I like a lot of things about his game that I try to instill in mine.
What did you eat for your last meal?
Joe: Broccoli and chicken alfredo Shane: Salad and lobster
What was the last TV show or movie you watched?
Joe:
Man, I don’t know what it was called but we watched something really weird at bedtime last night! But I also watched “Yellowstone”. “American Made” was the last movie.
Shane: “Fresh Prince of Bel Air” was the last TV show, and “Braveheart” with Mel Gibson was the last
movie.
How did you spend your last day off?
Joe: I don’t ever have a day off. I have to make money every day. I’m either doing clinics, I’m buying
and selling horses, I’m buying or selling places, or I’m entered somewhere with my boy. If you are going to be successful, it better be the only thing you care about. It’s like quarterback Tom Brady, he may play golf now and then, but that man studies football about 24-7.
Shane: Play golf. I just played in Spanish Fork, Utah. LetsRope.com
FORTY ONE
#1
h c a e B How To withBret Photo #1 - Roping is all about angles. Level swing and level delivery makes the catch simple and accurate.
#2
Photo #2 - The delivery is a reflection of your swing. The loop stays level as it approaches the horns and the hand has not started rotating over to grab my slack until the loop has left my hand.
#3
Photo #3 - Once we have created the proper angle with your rope and your tip is aimed in the right direction the next step in your swing is for your hand to travel far enough right behind your ear or level with your ear and this will allow your elbow correctly to lead the throw. The elbow is what creates effortless power.
FORTY TWO
S o u t h Te x a s Ta c k . c o m
#4
Photo #4 - The side view shows the aiming point which is wherever my tip is aimed at as it breaks at the target. There is a small window where the tip should be aimed between the top of the horns to 6 inches above the horns. My rope of choice is any Classic rope in an extra soft.
LetsRope.com
FORTY THREE
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A. Short Shank Ported Chain Bit PCB-911 $64.99 B. Long Shank Ported Chain Bit PCB-902 $64.99 C. Roping Rein with Snap STTRR1 $19.95 D. STT Roping Rein with Poly Knot STTRR8 $24.95 E. STT Slide Ear Headstall Heavy Oiled STTSE5 $18.95
FORTY FOUR
F. STT Browband Headstall Oiled Leather STTBB3 $24.95 G. Mountain Rope Halter M8104-SOLIDS $8.95 H. Flat Nose Braided Halter M8005 $28.50 I. Airflex Roper Cinch 35-2471 $59.95 J. Classic Equine SensorFlex Fleece Lined Roper Cinch FCINCH18R $79.99
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K. M.
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K. Gen Pro Medium Felt Roper Pad GP118-1 $274.95 L. Rattler Pro Competition Roping Glove 6pk RPCGLOVE $17.99 M. Classic Pro Competition Roping Glove 6pk CPCGLOVE $17.99 N. Cactus Ropes Choice Plus Bag BAFCHPL $63.95 O. Double Rope Noseband with Laced Leather STTNB314 $39.99 P. Martin Saddlery 1” Biothane Tiedown Strap TDBIO $21.99
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Q. Cowboy Spur PCSP-100 $47.95 R. Double Stitched Latigo Straight Spur Strap STT05DSSS $14.95 S. Shaped Latigo Spur Strap STT05SLSS $19.95 T. STT Brand Horn Wraps STTHORNWRAP $16.99 U. “Charlie” Calf Roping Dummy CHARLIE $109.00 V. The Original Cowboy Toy COWBOYTOY $32.95 FORTY FIVE
TOP PICKS
American Hat Company 10X Black Cowboy Hat 10X-BLK-6-0 $319.99
Cinch Men’s Black & White Stripe MTW1104602 $54.99
STS Foreman Hanging Dopp Kit STS34567 $69.99
Cinch Men’s Black Label 2.0 MB90633006 $59.99
Best Dang Boots Socks Black or White 61001 $9.95 FORTY SIX
Ariat Men’s Tombstone 10005873 $209.99
S o u t h Te x a s Ta c k . c o m
TOP PICKS
King’s Saddlery Cap KS110054 $23.99
Ariat Men’s Solid Black 10000502 $49.99 Ariat Relentless Swift Red 10022757 $59.99
Jaxyn III Black/Grey B3JX3 $120.00
Cinch Women’s Ada MJ80252071 $65.99
Justin Women’s Bent Rail BRL313 $194.99
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Ariat ATS Insoles (Wide Square) A10008009 $18.99
FORTY SEVEN
Get to Know:
r o i n Ju
a r i e u g o N
By Doreen Shumpert
We all have professional ropers that we watch, learn from and even emulate in the roping arena. But, outside of the pen, have you ever wondered what other stuff they like and enjoy? Well, just for fun, STT decided to ask superstar heeler Junior Nogueira, who joined the PRCA just four short years ago and has already pocketed over $800,000, some fun questions about life outside the arena. Note: We left some of the lingo intact, too! We hope you enjoy this as much as we did, and here is what he shared!
1.
What is your nickname in the industry, and why?
They call me Junior, I have one in Brazil too but here in America it is Junior.
2. What is your favorite activity outside of roping?
Actually, I don’t do anything else fun. Once in a while I liked to play soccer but I haven’t in a long time. We have just been 100% roping and not doing anything else fun!
3. What is your favorite rodeo, and why? I like a lot of the rodeos but the one I really like is Reno. We have the BFI going on, we all stay together up there, everybody is around, and that is exciting and fun to get to see everybody and everybody else is so excited and everything! 4.
What is your favorite restaurant? We don’t go very often, but I like the Texas Roadhouse. I like the bread rolls and eat like five of them! Kaleb [Driggers, his partner] might say I like McDonalds!
5. What is your favorite music or artist? Golly…I am different I guess?? I don’t really listen to a lot of music or have a favorite singer. I do listen to a little bit but I won’t say the one I am thinking because it won’t sound right! You know the song I like a little bit is “Lash Out”, they played it at Finals last two years and that was cool.
FORTY EIGHT
S o u t h Te x a s Ta c k . c o m
6.
What is your favorite movie or TV show? Oh, dang it, I have to think about it. We watched a good movie the other day…” I Can Only Imagine”, that was a beautiful movie. I like “The Gladiator”, I can watch it over and over. I used to watch TV back home [Brazil] but I usually don’t watch it here so I don’t know!
7. Who is your mentor? Mine is Jake Barnes. I have learned everything from him, including how to work so hard and believe and how everything can happen through God, but with hard work too. Jake is unbelievable. It is unreal how he works and makes stuff happen and is so serious about it. His discipline is unbelievable and no matter what he never loses focus. 8.
What is your pet peeve? I don’t like loud music, it bothers me bad. That’s the only thing that kind of bothers me bad!
9. Can you name something you are afraid of? I am afraid of snakes, very scared! Oh Lord, I can’t even kill one I would have to shoot it! 10. What is your favorite roping memory? Mine is the first steer we [Kaleb Driggers and Junior] roped together in an NFR setup. It was our first run as rodeo partners, we were 3.3. It wasn’t a rodeo, it was a jackpot called The Gambler. 11.
What is the worst trouble you have ever gotten into? I have never gotten in very bad trouble, thanks to God. One time, let me tell this. Wait I’m not going to tell that. Let me tell this one instead. One time at home when I was a kid, I was not doing my stuff right, and not doing my homework, so my mom would not let me go rope! So, I used to talk to my grandpa, he used to hide me from my mom and he would tell her that I needed to learn how to work and that he would take me home and teach me to work hard and to work cows. But then he would tell me to meet him down the street with my ropes and he would go around the block and pick me up and take me to the jackpot! Well then once I won the roping and people started calling my house to congratulate me and my mom was SO SO mad at grandpa and me!!!!!
12. What is your favorite gas station snack? I like to get Coke and Snickers sometimes. 13.
What is your most embarrassing moment? Mine is when I tied the arena record and was celebrating and my horse spun around and I fell off or stepped off [laughing] but I didn’t care I was happy anyway. Actually, I was very scared to hit down hard, but I was embarrassed for about five seconds then was over it and laughing!
14. Can you name something on your bucket list? Golly, I have been pretty blessed. My honest opinion is that everything I have dreamed has already happened. I just have to be very, very thankful because God has been amazing to me in all aspects of family and friends. I would like to be world champion heeler one day if He thinks I deserve it but I don’t need anything else. 15.
Are you generally early, or generally late? I am late and slow sometimes. I’m from Brazil, we don’t care about time very much. If I have time, I will take my time, but I will be ready and be there!
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FORTY NINE
APPAREL
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STT Navy Cap STT-NVY-PATCH $19.99
STT Grey-Aqua Cap STT-HCTL-CAP $19.99
Let’s Rope Navy Cap LR-NVY-PAT $24.99
Let’s Rope Cap LR-MNORLP $19.99
Let’s Rope Aztec Cap LR-AZTEC-LP $19.99
Let’s Rope Stripe Cap LR-STRIPE-CAP $29.99
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Let’s Rope Grey T-Shirt LR-GRY-ATC-T $29.99 FIFTY
Back
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APPAREL
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FIFTY ONE
CAPS
CR027 $28.99
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CAP11S11 $25.99
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FIFTY TWO
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Brackley Black/Grey BBC63 $140.00
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Steel Gray Cap H0075GY $25.00
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BEX Sunglasses stand apart in design, performance, and innovation. Every pair is lightweight, polarized, and features BEX NYPO Lens Technology for premium durability and optical clarity.
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BEX
Fynnland Gold/Blue FG2 $145.00
Brackley Brown/Brown BBGX3 $140.00
In Another Life… By Doreen Shumpert
Have you ever wondered what your favorite rodeo cowboys and roping heroes would be doing if they did NOT rodeo and rope? So did we, here at STT! We asked…and left most of them stumped. But after some deep thinking and the occasional sound of crickets…here’s what they shared.
Question: If you did not rope for a living, what occupation would you choose for a day job? Joe Beaver
A criminal defense lawyer. I told my mom when I started to rodeo if it didn’t work out I would go to college and that is what I would do. But rodeo worked out, and I never looked back!
Trevor Brazile
Oh my gosh. I’m going to say the only other thing that interests me is real estate, and stuff like that. Patrick Smith and I have an oil field service company (Photo Courtsey of J. Beaver) too that we started about six years ago, and it is really busy right now. We do all kinds of services from hydrovac trucks to Porta Potties to trash trailers, well testing, everything. Relentless is a licensing company that we started about nine years ago too, and it has been a lot of fun. FIFTY FOUR
(Photo Courtsey of PRCA)
S o u t h Te x a s Ta c k . c o m
Shane Hanchey
Can it be a sports athlete? I miss the chance to be a pro golfer. I follow professional golf pretty heavily, and I think it would be awesome to be a pro golfer.
Tyler Magnus
(Photo Courtsey of PRCA)
Not involving a horse or cow? Oh my gosh. That is a tough one. I (Photo Courtsey of PRCA) can’t imagine doing anything that doesn’t involve a horse! I guess I would be a hunting guide. I don’t take the time to hunt anymore, I enjoy it, used to do it as a kid, but usually I get on a horse and take a rifle! We hunted, fished and trapped on the ranch back then. The way I was brought up, that’s what you did. But if I could spend any time on anything else and take my family, it would be that.
Junior Nogueira
What I have really liked since I was little-it’s weird-is those people who aren’t really cops but try to find out all the crimes. A detective I guess. Since I was little I watched those movies, and tried to find out who did it, and guess it…I love that kind of stuff! So, I would probably be some kind of detective!
Speed Williams
(Photo Courtsey of PRCA)
I teach roping. I can answer that question very well! Ever since the disk issue in my neck three years ago, it has really affected my ability to compete, so I can answer this honestly. But if I could not be around the industry at all, I would gamble. Play poker. World series of poker. You try to gather all the information before you make a decision, like you do before you compete, and that part of the game I really enjoy. (Photo Courtsey of PRCA)
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FIFTY FIVE
RESISTOL FELT COWBOY HATS
Trevor Brazile Top Picks
Resistol Arena Black, 40X 4 1/4” Brim, Precreased Leather Sweat Band Sizes: 6 7/8-7 1/2 RFARNA-724207 $519.99
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Resistol Black Gold Black, 20X 4 1/4” Brim, Precreased Leather Sweat Band Sizes: 6 7/8-7 1/2 RFBKGD-724277 $439.99
Resistol Brown Gold Brown, 20X 4 1/4” Brim, Open Crown Leather Sweat Band Sizes: 6 7/8-7 1/2 RFBNGD-164252 $459.99
Made in the USA
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FIFTY SIX
Resistol USTRC Black Brown, 20X 4 1/4” Brim, Precreased Drilex Sweat Band Sizes: 7-7 3/8 RFUSTR-724207 $229.99 S o u t h Te x a s Ta c k . c o m
FELT COWBOY HATS
American 10X Steel Steel, 10X 4 1/4” Brim, Open Crown Leather Sweat Band Sizes: 6 7/8-7 5/8 10X-STL-6-0 $329.99
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Charlie 1 Horse Gold Digger Marigold, 5X 3 1/2” Brim, Precreased Leather Sweat Band Sizes: S-XL CFGDGR-2134 $149.99 LetsRope.com
American 40X Black Black, 40X 4 1/4” Brim, Open Crown Leather Sweat Band Sizes: 6 7/8-7 5/8 40X-BLK-6-0 $499.99
Rodeo King Low Rodeo Chocolate, 5X 4 1/4” Brim, Precreased Leather Sweat Band Sizes: 6 3/4-7 5/8 RKLR-5X $159.99
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FIFTY SEVEN
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Belts N24121-08
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FIFTY EIGHT
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8534
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TWISTED X CASUALS
Men’s ECO Twist Grey Slip On MDMS012 $77.95
Men’s ECO Twist Loafers MCL0005 $62.99
Men’s Driving Mocs MDM0003 $106.95
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S o u t h T e x a s T a c kF I .F Tc Yo NmI N E
A. Professional’s Choice Saddle Pad CXHDHG-1/2 $179.99
E. Professionals Choice Sports Medicine Boots VEF $86.99
B. Roughout Saddle STTTM1001 $1,995.00
F. Spartan Ballistic Boots BB55 $35.99
C. Swagger Team Rope SWAGGERHD $40 / SWAGGERHL $42
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G. B.
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J. Yeti Colster YRAMCOLC $24.99
N. Red with Grey Logo Tee LR-REDT $29.99
K. Heel-O-Matic Roping Dummy BONES $419.99 SIXTY
S o u t h Te x a s Ta c k . c o m
O. Double Rope Noseband STTNB314 $39.99
R. Chocolate Roughout Saddle STTTM1002 $1,995.00
P. STT Logo Breast Collar STTBC11 $144.99
S. Camper Grey Cap LR-168-GRY $19.99
Q. NXT Team Rope NXT5HD
T. Red Let’s Rope Tee LR-CHILI-T $29.99
$42 / NXT4HL $43
M.
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U. Roping Glove - 24 Pack BSRGLOVE $28.95
X. Yeti Backflip YBF24 $299.99
V. Cobra Team Rope FB-COBRA-HD $38 / FB-COBRA-HL $40
Y. Yeti Loadout Bucket LOADOUT $39.99
W. Yeti Rambler 30 oz YRAM30MS $34.99
Z. Yeti Loadout Caddy LD-CAD $19.99
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SIXTY ONE
COMPETITION APPAREL
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Panhandle Slim Mens Navy Turquoise Diamond Print Long Sleeve Shirt
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Rock & Roll Cowboy Competition Fit Medium Vintage Wash Jeans
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SIXTY TWO
Tuf Cooper Red White & Blue Plaid Shirt
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S o u t h Te x a s Ta c k . c o m
Men’s Flat Black Cow
TL3000 $209.95
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BR313 $199.95
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Men’s Chocolate Brown Vaca
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S o u t h T e x a s T a c SkI X. TcY oT m HREE
Lady L per
The
By Abigail Boatwright
Lari Dee Guy has been roping all her life, earning 11 American Junior Rodeo Association world championships beginning at age 9. After years of honing her craft, she’s amassed numerous Women’s Professional Rodeo Association World Championships and scores of other awards. Today, she’s still competitive, but she’s also committed to mentoring and guiding young women in the roping arena.
Born-and-raised on her family’s ranch in Abilene, Texas, Guy and her brother grew up with her grandpa, T.C. Guy, and her dad, Larry Guy, mentoring her. The left-handed kid had to learn to rope right-handed. “We learned to rope as soon as we could walk, and when I was able to ride, I started trying to swing a rope,” Guy said. “When I would come home from school, my grandpa would have our horses saddled and ready to go to the arena, and he would turn out the calves. He supported us that way. My dad did the teaching.” Lari Dee Guy is a pioneer in the roping world— and she’s not one to rest on her laurels.
After she attended Texas Tech University, she decided to come back to the ranch to help her family and rope. That led to her eventually going pro in roping.
“I was a pretty successful roper, so I felt I had the opportunities to go achieve something so I should go ahead and try,” Guy said. “I never would have gone that route if I hadn’t had the supportive family on the ranch that I have, it gave me that opportunity to do it.” She was revolutionary that way. “When I started professionally [in the early 2000s] there were very few women that had ever tried to make a living training roping horses and roping—it was like I was a woman in a man’s world,” Guy said. “But now, women roping has gotten more and more common— there are a lot more out there now and a lot more opportunities. Maybe it’s because of the few of us that started out early on, that it has become like that.” Guy’s road to success has been marked with various obstacles—her body, for one. “I had a bad back all my life and I’ve had a couple back surgeries,” Guy said. “Anytime you have a bad back and you ride horses, it can be a difficult thing. I had a horse buck me off about 15 years ago and broke my leg really badly. I’ve had an elbow surgery on my right arm. But other than that, I’ve been fairly healthy.” As a veteran roper, Guy is asked by young women for advice, and she’s happy to give back to her sport by sharing her experience. SIXTY FOUR
“Don’t ever let anything hold you back,” Guy said. “I am grateful for the support of my family giving me the opportunity to follow my dreams. I would never let anything hold me back—I just did whatever it took to get it done. You need to be driven, and you need to have a great work ethic.” S o u t h Te x a s Ta c k . c o m
A
Company
