July2015 final

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July 2015

Vol. 24 No. 7

Check out these

FEATURES… SRA: Great

Fit All the Way Around

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OUR JR HIGH & HIGH SCHOOL TEAMS COMPETING AT NATIONALS!

2 • The Roping Pen • July 2015

The Magazine for America’s Roper • 3

Table of Contents Articles & Features July is here... and that means the heat is on! Not only are the temperatures soaring over much of the country, but the rodeo and roping arenas all across the country are active with events. The warm temperatures and long summer days also invites the time to visit with family and friends. Summer to me is by far the best time of the year and I hope everyone’s summer is going as well as mine.

Last month I left off with somewhat of a rant about the overall condition of the country and since then things have not gotten any better, but I did something that lightened my load on the bad news pouring out of my TV each day.

I searched for positive news and to tell you what, I found plenty of it and not too far away from home. For starters, do a quick Google search for yourself on “Forever Cowboys”.

What a great group of people mentoring, ministering and from the word of founder Allen Bach, “Maximizing the cowboy’s influence to impact the world.”

Next I looked at “Dare to be a cowboy.” I met the founder of this organization. Hannah Beth Tems last year in Las Vegas during the NFR and I have to say this young lady had a goal in mind and she is well on her way to capturing it. Her website boast – “it is time to make a difference and leave a legacy in the world of rodeo! - Hannah-Beth Tems - founder of Dare To Be a Cowboy. Check out their website to see all of the work they are doing in the rodeo community.

Now to get even closer to home, there are a couple of events advertised this month that continue to work their magic in the rodeo circle. The first is the Kelly Reese Memorial team roping. Not only is this Rainsville, Alabama team roping going to be a great event that has a great format for all kinds of ropers to enjoy, but the goal of the roping is to continue to build a cowboy crises fund for those who may need a hand during a tough situation in the rodeo world.

Great friend, JD Malone, and his and everyone’s buddy, Tom Bourne host this annual event and once again look to be setting up a great team roping that could benefit either you or I down the road at some point.

The next event you can find in the pages ahead is the 6th annual Kim Jones Memorial Roping – “Pink Hat Classic.”

Like the “Kelly Reese,” this event is in Dublin, Virginia and is produced to generate money to help those in need during a time of crises. It too has a great format for ropers to take advantage of, as well as a great prize line that will no doubt make it a great event. The proceeds from this event go to the Kim Jones Foundation and utilized in a memorial scholarship and to benefit families with medical needs.

These are only a few of the many memorial or benefit ropings, and organizations that I found which sparks that feeling of goodness among a world that seems at times to be missing the point. Thanks to all of these groups and the hundreds of others across the country that work hard to make this world a better place.

UNTIL NEXT MONTH...

Dirt: keep it under your feet

~Ryan Davis

4 • The Roping Pen • July 2015

4 Dirt: July is here. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ryan Davis 10 Perry Bigbee Memorial Roping . . . . . . . . . . . . Event Recap T H E O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F. . .

11 Top Tips! Live or Mechanical? . . . . . . . . Featuring Bret Beach

SRA

12 Indiana Classic, May 30-31. . . . . . Event Recap, Ben Clements

Southern Rodeo Association AHSRA

Alabama High School Rodeo Association FYRA

Foothills Youth Rodeo Association GHSRA & GJHRA

Georgia High School Rodeo Association & Georgia Junior High Division LTRA

LA Team Ropers’ Association NTRL

National Team Roping League NAFRA

Northeast Arkansas Family Rodeo Association NCHSRA • NCJHRA

North Carolina High School Rodeo Association North Carolina Junior High Rodeo Association SCHSRA • SCJHD • SCYRA

South Carolina High School Rodeo Association S. Carolina Jr High Div & Youth Rodeo Assoc

Let us help your Association GROW! Want to have your association in The Roping Pen?

We will print your schedule, current standings, results, officer information, member of the month, and what everyone wants to see... PICTURES! Just ask any of our featured Associations and they will tell you their members love being in the Roping Pen. It’s easy - just call and find out all the details. You’ll see your Association take off with the best magazine in the NATION!

12 Ohio Classic, May 8-9 . . . . . . . . . . Event Recap, Ben Clements 14 MS Championships, May 2-3 . . . . Event Recap, Ben Clements 16 Owed to the Future!. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ryan Davis 26 FL Championships, May 30-31 . . . . Event Recap, Ben Clements 28 Sweat & Balin’ Twine: Community. . . . . . . . . . . John Rhudy 29 Down the Line: Don’t Give Yourself an Out. . . Stran Smith 30 God Bless the USA! . . . . . . . . . . . . . July Photo of the Month 32 Ropers of the Round Table: Vandalero. . . . Stuart Mitchell 34 In The Loop. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lone Star Ropes 36 Protecting Your Investment. . . . . . . . . . . . . Jason Strickland 44 Power Team Roping Q&A. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rickey Green 52 Keeping It Fresh. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Crystal Lyons 56 The Other Half: The Rains Came Down. . . . . Gracie Mae 57 Event & Advertiser Index 57 Classifieds

Associations 6+ Southern Rodeo Association ~ SRA 20 Georgia High School & Jr Rodeo Assoc ~ GHSRA 22 Alabama High School Rodeo Assoc ~ AHSRA 38 N Carolina High School Rodeo Assoc ~ NCHSRA 40 LA Team Ropers’ Associtation - LTRA 42 S Carolina HS, Jr Div, & Youth Rodeo Assoc ~ SCHSRA 44 Northeast Arkansas Family Rodeo Assoc ~ NEAFRA 47+ National Team Roping League ~ NTRL 54 Foothills Youth Rodeo Association ~ FYRA

On the Cover This Month:

photo by C BAR C Photography

Special note: The photographer for the center photo in the June 2015 issue was incorrectly labeled. It should have been credited to John Dyar at JD Photography. We apologize for the error!

The Roping Pen is published monthly. Subscription rates are $20 per year for standard mail. First class and out of country subscriptions are $36 per year. New advertising should be received by the 10th of the preceding month to appear in next issue. Please call for advertising rates. Material may not be reproduced without permission from publisher. The opinions and views expressed in all editorial materials are those of the writer or person interviewed and are not necessarily those of The Roping Pen. Send all correspondence, change of address, etc. to: The Roping Pen • P O Box 328 • Tijeras, NM 87059

Editor: Ryan Davis 505-407-2151 rdavis@theropingpen.com

The Roping Pen • Periodical Permit ISSN 1559-0224 USPS-023083 is published monthly. Published by RJ Five LLC

The Publication office is located at 28 Rincon Loop in Tijeras, NM. Periodical Postage Paid at Tijeras, NM and additional Mailing offices.

The Magazine for America’s Roper • 5

SRA + B.TUFF JEANS:

Great Fit All the Way Around T

he SRA is the oldest rodeo association east of the Mississippi River, one that has a history that runs deep. Rodeo Athletes from all across the Southeast enjoy the professionally organized events and the chance to mark their name in the history books of the association.

The SRA continues to push into the future and evolve to keep the entertainment of the sport electrifying, while preserving the truly raw power and tradition of the sport. Along the way, the association continues to add to their base of sponsorship partners allowing the association and its members to carry on that tradition and history.

For the past year the SRA and B.Tuff Jeans have partnered up and the joint venture has been a great ride. Not only does this partnership work well with the SRA who can utilize the partnership to give its members more at their events, including their season-ending finals, but B.Tuff Jeans continues to build their line of clothing around the sport of rodeo through the SRA. It is really a win – win for both sides.

“Our sponsorship with SRA started in 2014,” said Sherry Wyffels, Grass Roots Events Manager for B-Tuff Jeans. “We were looking to expand the B. Tuff brand in different disciplines and also wanted to move towards the eastern side of the country.”

The SRA offered B. Tuff exactly what they were looking for a well established association with a large membership that helped them directly market towards the rodeo athletes.

The B. Tuff line of apparel is a relatively new line of clothing that was established in 2011. Spawned off of the Cowgirl Tuff women’s fashion jeans and apparel, B. Tuff has grown and now offers jeans, shirts, kids clothing, outerwear and more. The company leans on the fact that they offer a line of clothing made for outdoorsmen that not only wear great, but look great as well. As owner and designer Lisa Bollin would say, “These are jeans for the guys who don’t mind looking good and the women who want the men in their lives to look good.”

The story behind Cowgirl Tuff and B. Tuff is one of hard work and determination. In 1999 Lisa Bollin, CEO 6 • The Roping Pen • July 2015

and Director of Design, had a dream to own her own clothing company. With the support of her husband and partner, Kirk, and their daughter Lexie, they started on a journey. What started out of a field and the back of a trailer in Litchfield, MN has exploded into one of the leading brands in the Western Industry. Lisa started screen printing tops and retailing them at many major barrel racing events throughout the USA. When she realized she couldn’t keep up with the demand, she looked into wholesale and landed her first 18 stores in 2004.

The journey has brought the company so far, inspired many and has become a dream come true! Over the last 11 years, 18 stores have turned into 1,500 plus stores nationwide.

In 2008, Lisa wanted to try her luck in designing a fashionable western jean, with an emphasis on comfort.

That she did! Cowgirl Tuff’s jeans are known for their Unbelievable Fit. After seeing the struggle in the dressing room, Lisa learned how to make the wrong fit into the right fit for the real womanB. Tuff Jeans were developed by paying attention to detail and using high quality denim for comfort. They’re built to stand up to the real life work of the outdoorsman, extreme sportsman, cowboy and everyday man.

Most wouldn’t know Cowgirl Tuff Company and B. Tuff Jeans is a Minnesota based company run by a woman.

Lisa’s journey has been a dream come true. She has hit bumps along the way, but it has only helped build this company to what it is today. She truly lives by her motto: “Even though you’ve been bucked, kicked, bit & stomped... NEVER GIVE UP!” The B. Tuff line of clothing no doubt continues the tradition of a great company and one that the SRA and its members continue to support. Vice-versa the clothing company can continue to see their way into the homes of some of the greatest rodeo cowboys and cowgirls who support the SRA and like their slogan says, “B. Real, B. Strong, B. Tuff,” the rodeo cowboy is just that!

B. Tuff Competitors: Mike Schultz ”Monster” – Motocross/Snocross, St. Cloud, MN Casey Colletti – Professional Bareback Rider – Pueblo, CO Ty Breuer – Professional Bareback Rider, Mandan, ND Casey Breuer – Professional Bareback Rider, Mandan, ND Brandon Brant – NRHA Champion, Belle Center, Ohio Jarrod Branch – Professional Tie-Down Roper, Perkins, OK Kollin VonAhn – Professional Team Roping (Heeler) PRCA World Champion, Durant, OK Brian Bell – Professional Reining Horse Trainer, Aubrey, TX Colton Melby – Rodeo (Team and Tie-Down Roping) and Ranching, Burneyville, OK Matt Palmer – Rodeo Announcer , Koshkonong, MO Ryan Melby – Professional Rodeo, Burneyville, OK Kaleb Driggers – Professional Team Roper (Header), Stephenville, TX John Mincey – Professional Bull Rider, West Plains MO Chance Oftedahl – Professional Tie-Down Roper, Pemberton, MN Jason Dudek – Professional Fisherman, Tonka Bay, MN Dane Kissack – Professional Tie-Down Roper, Spearfish, SD Dustin Deckard – Professional Working Cowhorse, Gallipolis, OH

The Magazine for America’s Roper • 7

UPCOMING RODEOS • SRARODEO.COM FOR MORE INFO!

2015 POINT STANDINGS RANK

NAME

POINTS

ALL AROUND COWBOY 1 CODY MOUSSEAU......7029.43 2 JUSTIN THIGPEN.........6321.15 3 SHANE PROCTOR.......3798.63 4 AUSTIN STEWART.......3564.82 5 CHET KIDD................ 3497.84 ALL AROUND COWGIRL 1 TAYLOR EARNHARDT.. 3408.89 2 MIKAYLA ALMOND.....2450.42 3 TAYLOR DIGH............2298.44 4 ADDIE FAIRCHILD.......1926.14 5 HEATHER SHERRILL....1736.18 BAREBACK 1 JOSH CRAGAR........... 2357.80 2 MATT SMITH.............. 2192.40 3 HAROLD MILLER........ 1540.92 4 WADE DOTSON...........1047.80 5 CASEY CASON............. 391.00 6 BRANDON RIPPY.........283.36 SADDLE BRONC 1 AUSTIN STEWART.......2599.00 2 EDDIE PARLIER.......... 2061.90 3 SHANE PROCTOR........ 1637.10 4 TRAVIS DEAL............ 1264.08 5 BEN MAYTON............. 618.30 6 JOSH MOATES............598.00 7 LUKE MORGAN............586.80 8 PETER HALLMAN..........586.80 9 HARRY KING...............229.50 10 PRESTON FOWLKES III...220.80 11 BRANDON RIPPY......... 207.00

NOTES TO KNOW… • ALL FINES AND TURN-OUT FEES MUST BE PAID BEFORE ENTERING A RODEO. • SRA memberships must be purchased prior to rodeo in order for points to count. Membership applications can be printed from the SRA website and are available for purchase through the SRA office and at SRA first-sanctioned rodeos. You may not be able to purchase a membership at rodeos that are not SRA first-sanctioned rodeos.

• JrSRA, NHSRA & NIRA cards are accepted for rodeo entry.

Unless otherwise noted, Permits are accepted as needed at a cost of $10 per rodeo.

ADD’L RODEO FEES: (unless otherwise noted in listing)

• SRA FIRST-SANCTIONED RODEOS:

• Office Fee: $2 per contestant • Finals Fee: $5 per entry: • Stock Contractor Fee: Amount as listed on rodeo info is per entry (per team in team roping) • IPRA/SRA RODEOS: Finals Fee: $2 per contestant CES: $8 per contestant

ABBREVIATIONS USED: ADM ADDED MONEY BB BAREBACK RIDING BR BULL RIDING CBA COWGIRLS BKWAY ROPING CBR COWGIRLS BARREL RACING CES CENTRAL ENTRY SYSTEM CR CALF ROPING

8 • The Roping Pen • July 2015

CST CENTRAL

STD TIME EF ENTRY FEE EST EASTERN STD TIME SB SADDLE BRONC RIDING SC STOCK CHARGE SCF STOCK CONTRACTOR FEE SW STEER WRESTLING TR TEAM ROPING

BULL RIDING 1 COLT GALVAN...........3346.96 2 JEREMIAH KEY...........2332.50 3 WESLEY JOHNSON.....2260.90 4 SHANE PROCTOR........2161.53 5 CODY MARTIN.......... 2125.20 6 LUKE POWELL............1991.20 7 CHAD VANAMBURG.... 1839.35 8 WESLEY BUCKNER..... 1743.04 9 RICK BYNUM............. 1654.35 10 JP COOK................... 1644.04 11 DREW FLYNN............. 1624.90 12 BRADNEY TART...........1018.63 CALF ROPING 1 JUSTIN THIGPEN........2635.56 2 THOMAS LINTON.......2532.85 3 WILL CHARPING........1977.90 4 BRADLEY BULLARD.... 1764.04 5 JACOB DAGENHART.. 1509.06 6 EARL BRADLEY...........1416.66 7 JAKE THOMASSON..... 1269.69 8 CODY MOUSSEAU..... 1235.07 9 CORY KIRK..................979.08 10 ROBBIE MURDOCK....... 947.34 11 COLE WATKINS...........895.88 12 BRANDON PUTNAM.....892.60 STEER WRESTLING 1 CHET KIDD.................2807.74 2 CODY MOUSSEAU...... 2798.01

RANK

NAME

POINTS

3 BRIAN BAREFOOT...... 2237.60 4 JUSTIN THIGPEN....... 1893.24 5 BRAD STEWART..........1619.86 6 JAKE THOMASSON..... 1421.98 7 JASON BAGWELL...... 1396.20 8 CORD SPRADLEY........ 1235.25 9 JOSH AUSTIN..............796.50 10 JOHN LEINAWEAVER.... 612.00 11 JOE COOK..................555.70 12 JUSTIN HANKINS........283.50 TEAM ROPING - HEADING 1 JASON TUCKER..........4269.42 2 CODY MOUSSEAU.......3171.85 3 JD YOUNG................. 3152.58 4 DANIEL MCLAMB....... 2661.37 5 LANGDON PLEASANT.1855.21 6 JUSTIN THIGPEN....... 1792.35 7 CASEY HILLEY........... 1570.44 8 JW BAUCOM............... 1411.97 9 JACOB DAGENHART....1314.76 10 JOSH AUSTIN............ 1145.25 11 ZAK HICKS..................969.84 12 JEB BROWN................. 967.80 TEAM ROPING - HEELING 1 CLAY FUTRELL...........3970.63 2 CALEB ANDERSON.....2908.85 3 CORY HONEYCUTT.....2590.46 4 ADAM TOOLE.............2246.64 5 HEATH LEROY............ 1988.21 6 STEPHEN BRITNELL.....1608.16 7 ROSS BLAKENEY........ 1408.80 8 ALEX BROOKS.............1314.76 9 TYLER KIDD............... 1264.30 10 RICK SCRUGGS.......... 1222.48 11 CORD SPRADLEY........ 1188.00 12 BRETT SEARS..............1121.27 BARREL RACING 1 CARRIE PUTNAM........ 7774.56 2 MEGAN LYERLY.........4759.40 3 REBECCA OWENS....... 3323.16 4 TIFFANY DEAL............ 2581.95 5 MICHELLE LUMMUS....2324.18 6 TAYLOR EARNHARDT...2127.80 7 NANCY GARRISON..... 1458.00 8 JESSICA GILBERT....... 1454.52 9 JILL RIEBE................ 1408.95 10 VANDY WALDEN......... 1350.72 11 BRITTANY BELL.......... 1288.46 12 HANNAH WARLICK..... 1262.90 BREAKAWAY ROPING 1 JAMIE ELLSWORTH....2750.34 2 ROBIN PRUITT.......... 1988.40 3 BAILEY LIVENGOOD... 1935.79 4 MIKAYLA ALMOND..... 1684.46 5 HANNAH KIRK........... 1624.51 6 AMANDA STEWART.....1441.59 7 KYLA MATTHEWS........1437.96 8 LUCINDA FLETCHER... 1360.64 9 ADDIE FAIRCHILD...... 1340.69 10 SAVANNAH PRATER.....1337.04 11 TAYLOR EARNHARDT...1281.09 12 TAYLOR DIGH.............1129.65

The Magazine for America’s Roper • 9

May 22-24, 2015 R Tuscumbia, Alabama

opers from all across the south gathered in Tuscumbia, Alabama on May 22-24 for an annual event that has become a staple team roping in the Southeast. The Perry Bigbee Memorial, in its fifth year set the stage for a great roping filled with lots of divisions, great prizes and fantastic payouts for all ropers. Winners throughout the three

photos courtesy of C Bar C Photography - Harley Stafford

RESULTS:

OPEN • 61 Teams • 1. Casey Hilley / Mark Gentry, $3,248; 2. Will Clark / Ty Ethridge, $2,436; 3. John Alley / Lane Mitchell, $1,624; 4. Cory Kidd / Lane Mitchell$812

OPEN 1 HEADER W/ 15 INC • 54 Teams 1. Cory Kidd / Morgan Jones 4.88 -, $1,350; 2ndDaniel Robertson / Derrick Crawford5.04 -$1,012; 3. Clark Adcock / Lane Mitchell 5.14-, $676; 4. Jason Tucker / Morgan Jones -5.21, $338 15 INC 1 HEADER • 1. Daniel Robertson / Derrick Crawford, $518; 2. Clark Adcock / Lane Mitchell$346

#15 HANDICAP • 276 Teams • 1. Cody Warner / Zack Mabry, $3,024; 2ndClark Adcock / Tom Bourne, $2,142; 3. Clark Adcock / Lane Mitchell, $1,638; 4. Jason Jenkins / Jason Myrick, $1,386; 5. Cory Kidd / Dustin Brown, $1,134; 6. Mike Woolven / Nick Griffith, $1,008; 7. Cory Kidd / Garrett Smith,

day event were greeted with handsome payouts from the Open through the #8 Incentive. In addition, there were lots of great prizes awarded.

The weekend of roping was as usual fun and exciting and you can bet everyone is already looking forward to next year’s event. Don’t miss it! You’ll be glad you came.

$756; 8. Brian Wood / Tom Bourne, $630; 9. Joel Colgrove / Morgan Jones, $504; 10.

Brandon Lauber / Ty Ethridge, $378

#12 HANDICAP • 10 Teams • . Chad Applegate / Clay Green, $4428; 2. Jaxson Tucker / Cody Warner, $3,496; 3. Zac Paris / John Alley, $2,564; 4. Martin Walker / Wesley Barlow$2,098; 5. Tyler McDonald / Zach Mabry, $1,748; 6. Chance Collier / Clark Adcock, $1748; 7. Austin McDougald / Dennis Moore, $1,398; 8. Scott Stoker / Matt Wilson, $1,168; 9. Hunter Moody / Dustin Brown, $932; 10. Tyler McDonald / Dustin Cunde, $932; 11. Eric Law / John Alley, $700; 12. Joe Capps / Billy Lam, $700; 13. Daniel Sullivan / Nick Griffith, $466; 14. Craig Smi. / Clark Adcock, $466; 15. Thomas Smi. / Jessy Remsburg, $466

#12 CENTURY • 102 TEAMS • 1. Bubba Barlow / Tommy Buter, $1,900; 2. Randy Black / George Aros, $1,426; 3. Dennis Moore / Homer Coleman, $950; 4. Sonny Gould /

George Aros, $476

#10 w/ 8 INC • 588 Teams • 1. Chad Childers / Chuck Jenkins, $4076; 2. Jaxson Tucker / Branch Pitts, $3,218; 3. Dilon Rucker / Tyler Watt, $2,360; 4. Joe Capps / Marty McElyea, $192; 5. Earl Davis / Nick Anthony Gonzales, $1,716; 6. Joe Capps / Cody slaton, $1,502; 7. Jaxson Tucker / Ethan Wheeler, $1,286; 8. Scott Bone / Casey Robbins, $1,072; 9.

Ashley Bentley / Ethan Wheeler, $858; 10.

Wyatt Allen / Jonathan Varner, $858; 11. Lacie Davis / Ethan Wheeler, $644; 12. Lain Butler / Jacob Watt, $428; 13. Brandon Kennedy / Cody Patterson, $428; 14. Savannah Warner / Ben Tucker, $428; 15. Chad Childers / Tate Thomas, $428 #8 INC • 1. Jaxson Tucker / Branch Pitts, $1876; 2. Savannah Warner / Greg Mitchell, $1,340; 3. Dilon Rucker / Tyler Watt, $1,018; 4. Lain Butler / Jacob Watt, $750; 5. Savannah Warner / Ben Tucker, $376

LIVE OR MECHANICAL? TO THE PRACTICE PEN WE GO! very day ropers across the country saddle up to practice their cannot consistently work on with live cattle. skills to hone their abilities to rope faster and more consistent.

“I rope the sled a lot, especially when I need to work on certain asThey load up their steer, break out their roping machines, or just ride pects of my roping,” Bret admitted. “Everything becomes very simplitheir horses. There are hundreds of practice options.. From pros to be- fied when you can control everything throughout the run.” ginners, the only way to the pay window is through the practice pen.

Bret added that there is a time when you need to practice on live That brings us to the question for this month. With the price of cattle, but gives some good advice on how to do this as well. roping cattle soaring, more ropers are turning to machines. But, can “Ropers do need to rope live cattle in order to prepare for the these machines really help you get better? Doesn’t roping live cattle obstacles that can come up throughout a run, Bret said. “However, give you the most realistic practice? Bret Beach at TotalTeamRoping. ropers need to rope a variety of cattle. If a guy has 10 steers, he or she com answers: WHAT IS BETTER TO PRACTICE ON – LIVE CATTLE OR needs to have three fast steers, three or four solid medium steers and A ROPING MACHINE? And we were surprised at his insights... a couple slow ones. A good variety of cattle to rope allows you to work “It depends on what you want to do that day,” Bret answered. “There on different aspects that may come up at a roping.” are times you need to rope live cattle, but really I get more out of roping Bret stated, “There is nothing worse than practicing on hard running a sled when I really want to work on different aspect of my roping.” cattle all the time and asking for your horse for his life every time.”

“A roping machine allows you to control the situation so much better With the high price of roping cattle, many ropers are turning to letting you really practice on certain things,” he added. “If you want to roping machines for their practice sessions. According to Bret, this is work on your horse, your loop, delivery, whether you’re a header or a a great option and allows ropers to really focus on certain aspects in a heeler, a roping sled allows you to do that much more efficiently.” much more controlled environment. The need to rope live cattle is still Today’s roping machines are designed to give you realistic roping a viable aspect of practice, but the option of a roping machine offers options, but the great thing about the machines is you have total conropers quality practices that allows a roper to really focus. trol over your practice. There is no guesswork about what the steer or “If ropers really focus and practice right on a roping machine they your partner might do. cannot only rope better, but really get their horse working better as “Roping a machine really allows you to focus on what you want to well,” concluded Bret. “The difficulty goes way down allowing you to practice,” said Bret. “You can control the speed, focus on your horse, and focus much more easily.” get everything right. You do not need to react to a live steer and what he Hi-ho, Hi-ho, to the practice pen we go! But don’t forget to bring might do throughout a run allowing you to totally focus. And, if it is not along TotalTeamRoping.com for much more insight into the thousands right you can stop and start again.” of tips and the hundreds of instructional videos that they offer from Taking the steer equation out of the picture makes the difficulty of some of the best in the business. Be sure to practice to get better with team roping go down. This is great for beginners and pros alike. There TotalTeamRopign.com and also catch them TotalTeamRoping on RFD– are hundreds of things you can do with a roping machine that you just TV for even more great ways to improve your roping!

E

10 • The Roping Pen • July 2015

The Magazine for America’s Roper • 11

T

eam ropers from all over the region came to enjoy the action at the Indiana Classic at the end of May. The #13 Slide Division kicked off the weekend of roping. The winners were the Kentucky team of Austin & Clayton Nettleship. They caught 4 steers in 34.13 seconds. The feat gave them $1964, trophy Gist knives & $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Second place was the team of Austin Nettleship & Lane McPheeters. The third place finishers were David Winings & Cody Gatlin.

The next roping of the day was the #12 Division. Ronnie Hyde & Corey Barnett teamed up to win first place in the roping for the second year in a row. The pair caught 4 steers in a time of 34.04 seconds for the win of the average. The win was worth $2302, trophy Gist knives & $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Second place went to Thomas Smith from Lebanon, Tennessee & Garrett Smith also of Lebanon. The incentive champions were Jim Bowie Adcock & Williams Evans.

The #12 Gold Plus Division was exciting all the way down to the very last steer. When it was all said & done, the team of Shane Rickly from Sloutsville, Ohio & David Mitchell from Guilford, Indiana won the average with a time of 40.54 seconds on 4 steers. They took home $1198, trophy Gist buckles & $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings.

Steve & Shane Rickly were second place & the third place team was Rob McPahil & Stoffer Cowles. The team of Ronnie Hyde & Larry Habrun won the incentive average.

The #11 Division was next on the agenda & the winning team was Holly Stewart from New Albaney, Indiana & Garret Smith. They were 34.33 seconds on 4 steers & earned $2582, plus $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings & trophy Gist buckles. Second place was Ronnie Hyde

T

he Ohio Classic has become a popular event for many ropers in the Buckeye State. This year the roping was held at the Allen County Fairgrounds in Lima, Ohio and was produced by Steve and Shane Rickly. The roping action took place May 8-9, 2015.

The first roping of the weekend was the #15. The team of Keith Hanna from Henryville, Indiana and Nat Stewart from New Albaney, Indiana won first place in the average. They won trophy Gist Knives and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Second place went to Tom Bowlind and Cody Gatlin.

In the #13 the win went to David Winings and Cody Gatlin. They were 41.66 seconds on 4 and won $1140, trophy Gist knives and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Second place was Strand Barricklow and Nat Stewart, while 3rd went to Tom Bowling and Nick Deleon.

David Wining teamed up with Lane McPheeters to win first place in the #12 Division. The pairing caught 4 steers in 33.71 seconds and earned $1400, trophy Gist Knives and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Second place in the average was Keith Hanna and Lane McPheeters. Third place went to Jason OHeran and Garrett Madry.

Ivan Wilson and Shane Rickly won the incentive average..

Shane Rickly and David Mitchell teamed up in the #12 Gold Plus as they won first place in the average. Steve and Shane Rickly finished in second place. Third place was David Winings and Kenny VanPelt. They also won the incentive average.

In the #11 Division the winners of the average were Steve and Shane Rickly. The team was 40.13 seconds on 4 steers and they won $1922, trophy Gist buckles and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings.

Second place went to Ronnie Hyde and Kenny VanPelt. Third place

12 • The Roping Pen • July 2015

& Shawn Loehr & third place went to Grant Sippel & Corey Barnett.

Ty Totten & William Evans won the incentive average.

The #10 Division was the final roping of the day & the champions were David Winings & Matt Beachy as they finished the roping with a time of 34.63 seconds on 4 steers. They won $3716 trophy Gist buckles & $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Second place was Thomas Smith & Coty Coles with a time of 36.78 seconds on 4 & third place went to David Winings & Tucker Alberts. The incentive winners of the #10 Division were Thomas Smith & Coty Coles.

The final day of the Indiana Classic began with the #10 Gold Plus Division. The team of Jeffrey Hartfield & William Evans won the average with a time of 43.37 seconds on 4 steers. They took home $2062, trophy Gist buckles & $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. The Indiana team of David Winings & Brad killinger were second place & the third place team was Jeff Hartfield & Jason LaRue. Eddy Jo Hrovatin & Shawn Loehr won the incentive average.

Zach Wills from Winchester, Kentucky & Ethan Taulbee also from Winchester won the average in the #9 Division. They completed the roping with a time of 44.18 on 4 steers & earned $4900, plus trophy Gist buckles, & $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Second was Joe Buchanan & Matt Beachy & third went to Joyce Pasley & Tyler Balser.

Wills & Taulbee claimed the win of the incentive average.

The final roping of the weekend was the #8 Pick/Draw. Dion Wade & Eli Tippman were 30.32 seconds on 3 steers & won the average. The win gave the team $3010, trophy Gist buckles & $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Second place went to Nathan Lile & Cody Young & they received $2006, plus $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings & trophy Gist buckles. Third place was Gary Hook and Ron Barrett.

in the average was Shane Rickly and David Wright. David Mitchell and Shane Rickly won the incentive average.

The first roping of the second day of the Ohio Classic was the #10 Division. Dakota Sunday and Zach Waggoner were the champions.

They posted a time of 43.60 seconds on 4 steers and earned $3410, trophy Gist buckles, and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Keith Malencia and matt Beachy were victorious in the incentive average. Second place in the main average was Trent Gilliam and David Wright with a time of 48.58 seconds on 4 steers. Rick Hunnicutt and Josh Miller won third place in the average.

Next on the agenda was the #10 Gold Plus. The team of Doug Ross and David Mitchell finished first place in the average. They won $1176, trophy Gist buckles and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings.

Second place was Joyce Pasley and Stoffer Cowles. Third place went to the team of Justin McMillion and Jason Crist. The pairing also won the incentive average.

The winners of the #9 were Doug Corey and Michael Soule. The team finished 45.29 seconds on 4 to win $4400, trophy Gist Buckles and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Second place was Dakota Sunday and Jason Crist. Third place was the team of Tucker Alberts and David Winings. Corey and Soule also won the incentive average.

The final roping of the weekend was the #8 Pick/Draw. Jonathan Mehaffery from Etna, OH & Wes Kincaid from Lexington, KY were the winners of the average. They were 36.26 seconds on 3 steers and earned $2996, trophy Gist buckles and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Second place in the average was Roland Osborne & Chris Miller and third in the average went to Brian Lady & Cindy Gatlin.

The Magazine for America’s Roper • 13

PRODUCED BY STEVE AND SHERRY JUDD STORY BY BEN CLEMENTS

T

he Mississippi Championships took place at the Harrison County Fairgrounds in Gulfport, Mississippi. The weather was perfect and the team roping action was hot. The event is produced

by Steve and Sherry Judd and team ropers enjoyed the event.

The first roping of the day was the #13 Slide. Frank Graves and Chase Graves from Poplarville, Mississippi were the high team back. They caught their final steer in 7.86 seconds and finished the roping with a time of 30.42 seconds on four steers. The duo won $1952, trophy Gist knives and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings.

Second place was Michael Williamson and Randy Adcox with a time of 33.22 seconds on four steers. Third place was Michaela Williamson and Modesto Gonzales.

In the #12 Division the team of Ric LeBlanc from Walker, Louisiana and Wesley Barlow from Valley Park, Mississippi came from the high call back position to win first place in the average.

They were 28.26 seconds on four steers and won $3302, trophy Gist knives and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Second place was Noah Briley from Washington, Louisiana and Desmond Ladner from Perkinston, Mississippi. Third place was the team of Noah Abadie and Cody Warner with a time of 31.52 seconds on four steers.

Briley and Ladner were the winners of the incentive.

Michael Hurst from Roseland, Louisiana and Colby Winborn from Denham Springs, Louisiana were the champions of the #12 Gold Plus. They were second high team back and caught their final

steer in 7.55 seconds and finished the roping with a time of 31.20 seconds on four steers. The team won $2378, trophy Gist buckles and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Second place in the average was Bubba Barlow and Cody Warner. Third place in the average was Colby Winborn and Rickie Leblanc. Greg Williams and JD Judd were the incentive champions.

The #11 Champions were Mark Curry and Wesley Barlow. They were 31.51 seconds on four steers and took home $4082, trophy Gist buckles, and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Second place went to Chad Cliburn and Tyler Thornton with a time of 35.64 seconds on four steers. Third place was Kenny Malone and Jeff Peterman.

The team of Jared Gipson and Scott Seiler won the incentive average.

In the #10 Division the team of Ronnie Simmons and Jerritt Varner came from the third callback position to win first place in the average. They were 8.35 seconds on their final steer and finished the roping with a time of 32.89 seconds on four steers.

They won $4692, trophy Gist buckles and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Second place in the average was the team of Van Inkenbrandt and Frank Graves with a time of 35.12 seconds on four steers. Third place was Jake Darden and Michael Williamson.

Wesley Barlow and Roger Hunt finished in fourth place. Gunnar Walling and Colby Winborn won the incentive average.

The second place finish for Barlow earned him the high money saddle of they day. The Valley Park, Mississippi team roper earned a trophy Cowboy Gold saddle for winning the most money of the day.

The second day of the Mississippi Championships began with the #10 Gold Plus. The team of Mike Judd from Lumberton, Mississippi and Shane Dossett from Poplarville, Mississippi won the average with a time of 33.65 seconds on four steers. They won $2750, trophy Gist buckles and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Second place was David Earl Johnson and Dan Dalton. Third place was Scott Guillory and Harvey McDaniel. Van Inkenbrandt and David Earl Johnson won the incentive average.

Tyler and Jacob Watt from Geiger, Alabama were the winners of the #9 Division. They were the third high team back and finished the roping with a time of 32.17 seconds on four steers. The team earned $5380, trophy Gist buckles and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Second place was Garrett Jackson and Clay McDaniel with a time of 32.86 seconds on four steers. The pairing won $3586 plus $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Third place was Jacob Watt and Ryder Ladner. Candy Parkinson and Becky Cannizzaro won the incentive average.

The final roping of the weekend was the #8 Pick/Draw. Lance and Grant Foster from Ethel, Louisiana won the average with a time of 26.31 seconds on three steers. They won $2914, trophy Gist buckles and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Second place went to Ronnie Simmonds and Matthew Mizelle with a time of 26.78 seconds on three steers. Third place was the team of Kirk Williams and Danny Robert.

14 • The Roping Pen • July 2015

The high money saddle of the second day of the roping went to Jacob Watt. He earned a trophy Cowboy Gold saddle for his efforts.

The Magazine for America’s Roper • 15

Owed to the Future!

H

igh School rodeo contestants all across the country are gearing up for the final push towards who will be named National Champions!

This is often the staging area for a long career in the rodeo world and in order to qualify for National High School Finals Rodeo, young cowboys and cowgirls have given a lot of time honing their skills and competing against others throughout a long season of rodeos in their home state or region. Each of these states wrapped up their season with a Finals event where the top contestants are given the opportunity to represent their state at the National event. This is where all the hard work and determination from years of learning and practicing come to a point as they match these skills in the arena against the best from every other state across the country.

Being a National contestant is an honor and getting to this point is a huge accomplishment. Each state has tough competition and becoming a state champion is a feat that many work hard to accomplish.

From the rough stock riders who grit their teeth and nod their heads in an effort to stick, rattle and roll to championship every time the gate cracks, the timed event cowboys and cowgirls who along with their trusted equine companions have roped, raced and chased their championship dreams of winning the national competitions. Friendships are made along the way and great fun is stowed away in the memories of thousands of young rodeo stars.

The High School and Jr. High School State Finals events are memories and for some it is an end to several years of com-

petition and a look ahead at a wide variety of options. College, careers, larger rodeo association options as the future is bright and the roads that lead the contestants away from the high school arenas are filled with twists and turns. There will be great times, low moments and decisions that will be hard to make in the future, but one thing these young men and women have on their side is often the knowledge of being a competitor and knowing how to move forward. This is often due to the sport of rodeo and its unique style of competition.

These young men and women have had to make decisions in the arena and no matter the outcome push through with determination. Competition leads to bright futures and rodeo offers more than just competition in the usual sense.

The camaraderie of rodeo is unique and serves as a staple in life that only those who have competed in the rodeo arena can understand.

For others, the closing of the State Finals is a new beginning and a chance to progress and meet the challenge and excitement that lies ahead in the High School rodeo arena. For those who are already looking forward to next year’s competition they know what it will take to earn the championship status. The level of competition is tough, but the excitement of racing, roping, riding and doggin their way to victory like the thousands who have done it before them is exhilarating.

In addition, the rodeo arena opens up a new world for these young competitors, one that is filled with friendships that will last lifetimes, challenges that will give them the opportunity to succeed and the feeling of greatness as they win.

16 • The Roping Pen • July 2015

Like the sport itself, the High School rodeo program is like no

other sport played at this level.

The challenge is on the shoulders of the contestants, not a team, practice is often done on spare time and contestants are pushed by their own desire to win. The competition, although individual is encouraged by fellow contestants, friends and family who too have held the reins, nodded their heads and raced into the arena in their own time. The future is bright for all High School rodeo contestants as they continue to make their mark in the history books of cowboys and cowgirls before them and will help carry the tradition of the sport of rodeo into the future!

Congratulations to all of this year’s High School Rodeo contestants and to the ones that will carry their state flags at this year’s National High School Rodeo Finals!

GEORGIA HIGH SCHOOL NAT’L TEAM: Tyler Mobbs •Ashley Hawkins Justin Ethridge • Justin Haslerig Marlee Malcom • Zach Cargle Ryanne Heath •Cheyenne Richards Taylor Harmon • Riley Sims Colby Daniel • Colby Daniel Tyler Boatwright •Tate Thomas

ALABAMA HIGH SCHOOL NAT’L TEAM: Bailey O’Ferrell •Belle Carpenter Carli Hodges • Carmen Maness Casey Cox • Charlie Langley Cole Harmon • Cross Dunn • Ryan Bibb Erica Johnson • Garrett Hartzog Gus Maraman•Hannah Rogers Jared Rollins •Jordan Whitman Dustin Hyson • Josh Jeter Jacob Jeter • J W Farren Kade Murphy •Garrett McDonald Lauryn Hoagland •Lizzy Sexton Logan McNeill • Lukas Taylor Robert Haley • Sara Hubbard Shelby Wicker • Sydney McQueen N CAROLINA HIGH SCHOOL NAT’L TEAM: Zack Toberer • Eli Miller Tanner Lloyd • Clay Futrell Will McCraw • Joshua Parker Sarah Scott •Rhianna Snow Bailey Livengood • Christina Eagle S CAROLINA HIGH SCHOOL NAT’L TEAM: Andrew Kapala •Kenneth Glick Adam Griffin •Grace Moore Will Griffin •Ali Harrison Maggie Wirchball Rick Garrett • Hunter Styles Kelsey Martin • Trust in McClain Tyler Willis •Erin Smith The Magazine for America’s Roper • 17

color

18 • The Roping Pen • July 2015

The Magazine for America’s Roper • 19

GJHRA STATE CHAMPIONS!

GHSRA STATE CHAMPIONS!

20 • The Roping Pen • July 2015

Photos courtesy of ©JD Photography

The Magazine for America’s Roper • 21

W

ell here we go again! The top four contestants from each event are in Rock Springs, Wyoming to represent Team Alabama for the NHSFR. Nationals kicks off the 12th of July and runs everyday through the 18th. Be sure to watch us live on nhsra.tv! Nationals is always a blast.

Safe travels to everyone coming to compete or to watch! I am so excited to get to represent Alabama as Queen again. ~ Sincerely, Lizzy Sexton

AHSRA TOP 10 GIRLS ALL AROUND 1 Bailey O’Ferrell......906.5 2 Lauryn Hoagland....858.5 3 Sara Hubbard.........612.5 4 Heather Varner.......532.0 5 Kaitlyn Pugh..........494.5 6 Alli Tate..................489.5 7 Mikayla Stacey.......398.0 8 Carmen Maness......320.0 9 Taylor Oglesby........275.0 10 Marah Smith........257.0 BOYS ALL AROUND 1 Garrett McDonald...641.0 2 Cole Harmon..........615.0 3 Zach Varner............514.0 4 Lukas Taylor...........505.5 5 Gus Maraman.........448.5 6 Jason Garcia...........413.0 7 Logan McNeill.........383.0 8 Grant Hodges.........233.0 9 Ryan Bibb..............169.5 10 Jared Rollins........160.0 STEER WRESTLING 1 Zach Varner............229.0 2 Gus Maraman.........211.0 3 Charlie Langley......193.0 4 Cole Harmon..........178.0 5 Garrett McDonald...152.0 6 Forrest Gibbs............64.0 BREAKAWAY ROPING 1 Lauryn Hoagland....261.0 2 Kaitlyn Pugh..........218.5 3 Alli Tate..................204.5 4 Bailey O’Ferrell......185.0 5 Carmen Maness......162.0 6 Riley Bryant...........133.0 7 Haley Polk.............106.0 8 Belle Carpenter.........95.0 9 Sara Hubbard...........71.0 10 Prairie Smith..........54.0 TIE DOWN ROPING 1/2 Gus Maraman.....237.5 1/2 Lukas Taylor.......237.5 3 Garrett McDonald...221.0 4 Jason Garcia...........203.0 5 Zach Varner............186.0 6 Logan McNeill.........141.0 7 River Houck...........126.0 8 Cole Harmon..........115.0 9 Grant Hodges...........72.0 10 Ryan Bibb..............46.0 POLE BENDING 1 Mikayla Stacey.......260.0 2/3 Heather Varner...203.0 2/3 Sara Hubbard.....203.0 4 Lauryn Hoagland....185.0 5 Bailey O’Ferrell......156.0 6 Kaitlyn Pugh..........146.0 7 Hannah Rogers.......128.0 8 Skylar Stokes.........109.0 9 Madison Campbell....92.0 10 Alli Tate..................77.0 GOAT TYING 1 Lauryn Hoagland....246.0 2 Marah Smith..........225.0 3 Sydney McQueen....200.5 4 Bailey O’Ferrell......181.5 5 Briar Smith.............165.0 6 Carmen Maness......151.0 7 Heather Varner.......139.0 8 Belle Carpenter.......128.0 9 Kaitlyn Pugh..........111.0 10 Lizzy Sexton...........72.5 TEAM ROPING 1 Lukas Taylor...........536.0 Garrett McDonald 2 Cole Harmon..........484.0 Logan McNeil

3 Wyatt Hubbard.......420.0 Jason Garcia 4 Grant Hodges.........322.0 Alli Tate......................

5/6 Jordan Whitman....247.0 Ryan Bibb..................

5/6 Lauryn Hoagland..247.0 Dustin Hyson..............

7 Bailey O’Ferrell......198.0 Zach Varner................

8 Hunter Van Scyoc....164.0 Will Kirkland 9 Eron Holloway........118.0 Owen Carter 10 Hunter Moates........78.0 Lizzy Sexton BARRELS 1 Taylor Oglesby........275.0 2 Sara Hubbard.........244.0 3 Carli Hodges...........224.0 4 Bailey O’Ferrell......202.5 5 Heather Varner.......153.0 6 Mikayla Stacey.......138.0 7/8 Riley Bryant.........93.5 7/8 Haley Polk...........93.5 9 Alicia Cruz................78.0 10 Taylor Dean............60.0 BULL RIDING 1 Josh Jeter...............170.0 2 Garrett Hartzogg....129.0 3 Kade Murphy...........92.0 4 Cross Dunn...............82.0 5 Justin Kent...............71.0 6 Trevor Eiland............55.0 7 Brian Ferguson.........44.0 GIRLS CUTTING 1 Bailey O’Ferrell........89.0 2 Lizzy Sexton.............66.0 3 Sara Hubbard...........52.0 4 Lauryn Hoagland......48.0 BOYS CUTTING 1 Cole Harmon............70.0 2 Logan McNeill...........18.0 BAREBACK RIDING 1 Jared Rollins...........160.0 2 Kutter Barnett........137.0 3 Joshua David Green.. 20.0 SADDLE BRONC RIDING 1 James Farren.........188.0 2 Robert Haley..........168.0 TRAP SHOOTING 1 Jared Rollins.............55.0 2 Owen Carter.............54.0 3 Prairie Smith............40.5 4 Jacob Jeter...............38.0 5 Casey Cox................35.5 6 Hunter Van Scyoc......32.0 7 Drake Rollins..............9.0 SMALL BORE SHOOTING 1 Owen Carter.............52.0 2 Jacob Jeter...............50.0 3 Erica Johnson...........40.5 4 Prairie Smith............40.0 5 Shelby Wicker..........33.0 6 Jared Rollins.............29.0 7 Casey Cox................27.5 8/9 Hannah Rogers.....20.0 8/9 Hannah Reed.......18.0 10 Drake Rollins............8.0 REINING COW HORSE 1 Bailey O’Ferrell........63.5 2 Cole Harmon............54.5 3 Lizzy Sexton.............53.5 4 Shelby Wicker..........50.0 5 Casey Cox................45.5 6 Erica Johnson...........43.0

22 • The Roping Pen • July 2015

Photos courtesy of ©JD Photography

The Magazine for America’s Roper • 23

24 • The Roping Pen • July 2015

The Magazine for America’s Roper • 25

T

he Fl Panhandle Championships kicked into gear on May 30th thru 31st, and went off without a hitch. Team ropers enjoyed the great weather and the wonderful team roping action.

The #13 Slide Division started off a great weekend of roping.

Noah Abadie from Gloster, Ms was the star of the roping. He won first and second place in the average. Abadie and Cody Warner from Louisville, Msce finished the roping with a 4 steer total of 32.72 seconds. That time earned them $2762, trophy Gist knives and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Second place went to Abadie and Wesley Barlow from Valley Park, Ms, and third place was Dustin Egusquiza and Mark Strickland.

Donald Rose from Ozark, Al and Ed Allen from Dadeville, Al teamed up to win first place in the average of the #12 Gold Plus Division. They finished the roping with a time of 35.55 seconds on 4 steers. That earned them $1520, trophy Gist buckles and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Second place was Mike Sibley and Cody Warner, while third place went to the team of Bob Herrington and Jay Holmes. Incentive winners were Shanon Travis from Kentwood, La and Jessy Remsburg from Bolgee, Al. David Gaddis from Canton, Ga finished first with Cody Warner in the #12 Division. They were 28.42 seconds on 4 steers and earned $4130, trophy Gist knives and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings.

Second place was Michaela Williamson and Wesley Barlow and third place went to Wesley Barlow and Cody Warner. The incentive champions of the roping was Beck Hyslop from Loxahatchee, Fl and Ryon Springer from Ocala, Fl. The #11 Division was won by Tal Priest from Centerville, Ms and Cody Warner. They were 30.83 seconds on 4 steers and earned $4700, trophy Gist buckles and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings.

Second place in the average went to Karter Kagel and Tom Clark

26 • The Roping Pen • July 2015

photos courtesy of ©C Bar C Photography

Florida Panhandle Championships

and third place was Jaxson Tucker and Cody Warner. Kenny Malone and Jarid Ladner won the incentive average.

Tal Priest teamed up with Cole Curry from Liberty, Ms to win first place in the average of the #10 Division. The pair took home $4840, trophy Gist buckles and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings.

Second place in the roping went to Jaxson Tucker from Mount Ulla, North Carolina and Kody Hendricks from Green Cove Springs, Fl. The third place team was Lewis Perry and Nick Hart. Jaxson Tucker and Braxton Culpepper won the incentive average.

Richard Fitzpatrick from Poplarville, Ms teamed up with David Pitts of Cantonment, Fl to win the average of the #10 Gold Plus Division. The pair roped 4 steers in 34.62 seconds and received $1930, trophy Gist buckles and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings.

Second place was the Ms team of Joey Pilgrim and Nathan Smith.

Third place was Bob Herrington and Nick Hart. The incentive winners of the roping were Fitzpatrick and Pitts.

Wyatt Allen from Dadeville, Al and Braxton Culpepper from Poulan, Ga won the average of the #9. They were 38.30 seconds on 4 and won $4880, trophy Gist buckles and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Second place in the average went to Craig Stevens and Joshua Clark. The third place finish went to Greg Mitchell and Chris Jones from Ga. The incentive average was also won by Mitchell and Jones.

The final roping of the weekend was the #8 Pick/Draw. The team of Richard Fitzpatrick and Bryce Hart from Keystone Heights, Fl won first in the roping and took $2540, trophy Gist buckles and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Second was Wayne Matherne and William McInvale and third went to Coleman McNaughton and Joshua Willeby. As the curtain dropped on the Championships, producer John Johnson was pleased with the event and the turnout.

The Magazine for America’s Roper • 27

COMMUNITY

“N

o, I cannot forget where it is I came from. I cannot forget the people who love me. Yeah, I can be myself here in this small town And people let me be what I want to be.”

The words of one of my favorite songwriters, John Mellancamp, have stuck in my heart from the first time I heard his song, “Small Town.” Although Burkes Garden is not ‘town’, it’s a twenty minute drive to the closest town, I take pride in both my community and in Tazewell. With the Independence Day celebrations approaching, I’m reminded of a special neighbor that personified pride in community and country.

Eleanor McCann moved to Burke’s Garden when I was a young boy. Her husband was from here, so they moved back with their sons, renovating an old, historic farm house.

Today the is house is one of the most beautiful homes in the valley due to hard work and dedication. Eleanor loved that house and even mowed the roadside and ditch on the state maintenance across the road.

She also was very active in our community association, which held meetings and maintained the old elementary school building. Eleanor was instrumental in getting a changeable sign installed so residents were aware of upcoming events. She changed the sign herself, announcing births, deaths, and birthdays, of older residents, potlucks, and community meetings. If someone needed use of the community center, Eleanor was the person in charge. There was a small agreement everyone filled out prior to using the facilities. I made a little game out of this.

When the Tazewell FFA held the annual benefit poker ride, I would get the community center for them. Eleanor was a stickler for details, me, not so much. I always procrastinated returning the forms just to tease her and have a little fun at her expense. She finally planned ahead and had them filled out and had them at the ride, so all I had to do was sign.

As a daughter of a veteran, Mrs. McCann was very patriotic and believed each citizen should respect past and present military personnel. An old classroom bulletin board in the community center now has photographs, submitted by residents and their families, of past and present members of the Armed Forces. In addition, Eleanor started the tradition of a Veteran’s Day community dinner to honor our veterans. This is one of the biggest turnouts out of all of the many community festivities.

Probably the greatest contribution Eleanor McCann made to our community is our Independence Day parade and celebration.

The population of Burke’s Garden is around 350 residents. The turnout for the parade is usually more than double that. Even though I often have hay to make, I show up and ride a horse, usually with Wifey or other friends and neighbors. There is a float for the oldest and youngest residents, the Tazewell VFW sends a flag corp, a veterans’ float, antique tractors, horseback riders, kids, and an occasional farm animal or two. Members of our volunteer fire department received training and put on a very nice fireworks display after dark. Last year, a bad storm cancelled the parade, but it was decided to have it later to continue the tradition.

Not only was Eleanor McCann a special resident, community leader, and mother, she was a fighter. Later in life, she was diagnosed with leukemia. She spent many months away from her beloved community and home, for treatment. Eleanor battled back and returned to normal life and service to Burke’s Garden through remission.

Unfortunately, she lost her battle and we, as a community, lost a wonderful resident, neighbor, and friend.

I am honored to have known this lady and call her friend. We had been friendly acquaintances and interacted through community activities and I grew up with her sons. I never felt close to her until a phone conversation one night. I was going through a breakup that resulted in my two oldest children, moving to Tazewell with their mother. This had been especially hard on me, since I felt I had sacrificed and made every effort to save the relationship. I don’t recall who called whom, but Eleanor and I were having an unrelated conversation, when the topic of my situation came up. I remember the advice and support she gave

28 • The Roping Pen • July 2015

me, the understanding of my love for this valley and community, the caring she had for me, all the while us not being what could be called good friends.

I got off the phone that night misty-eyed and in awe of this one lady whom I had been around my entire life, but not really known, until that night. I often felt shunned by the community for my nonconformity. In this one brief conversation, I learned there is often acceptance and understanding in unknown places.

There is a now a plaque hanging in our community center recognizing Eleanor McCann and her service to our community. The endearing joke around is, “What would Eleanor think?” or “What would Eleanor do?”, whenever there’s a new project or proposal.” She was truly a good human being and a patriotic citizen of this great country.

This year, God and girls’ softball willing, I’ll saddle up a freshly washed horse (the only time my horses are really clean), ride down the road waving at folks, get in line for a great potluck meal, listen to the music, then, at dark, listen to Charlotte Whitted sing the national anthem, and watch a great small community fireworks show. I will also remember the special lady that made it all possible and how great it is to live in the land of the free and the home of the brave.

Happy Independence Day, Eleanor!

Don’t Give Yourself an Out

I

remember when I was a little boy I had a friend that I always played with. When we would be playing something and he wasn’t winning he wanted to quit or change the rules or play a different game. As a society we are obsessed with winning. How often do we think about winning? Look at how fanatical people get with sports teams, or athletes, or game shows, you can go as far as different politicians. Sometimes success isn’t always about the win.

Sometimes the actual win is failure, because it will cause you to go back to the drawing board to figure out how to be better. For me, it is very important whenever I start something I do a lot of soul searching, a lot of talking with people in my family, and talk with my friends about whatever it is I’m planning on doing before I jump in. I don’t want to be someone who gets in the middle of something and at the first sign of adversity or tough times I quit or want to pull the plug.

Example. When you look at a golf ball you think for it to travel and go further it would have to be perfectly round. But when you look at a golf ball it has divots and imperfections which in turn

www.STSRanch.com makes it cut the wind better and go farther. Its the same with us. If you didn’t have the struggles and adversities then you would never reach your full potential. What happens all too often is this. We live in such an instant gratification world, whenever we run into these speeds bumps or hard times we want to change the game or jump ship. The more times you do this the easier it becomes. Don’t be so quick to give yourself an out. When you make a decision to do something be in it for the long haul. When you hit those struggles push through it and don’t allow yourself to take the out.

God Bless. Until next time, see you down the line....

• • • • • • • • • • •

Stran Smith, an 11x NFR Qualifier, was the 2008 World Champion Tie-Down Roper, and has overcome many hardships in and out of the arena. His wife, Jennifer, was Miss Rodeo America and worked as a TV correspondent for 15 years for networks such as ESPN, CBS Sports, and Outdoor Channel. Jennifer spends time as a designer and consultant in the Western fashion industry. With a long background in ranching, Stran and Jennifer live and work from Stran’s 4th generation ranch in Tell, Texas with their 3 children, Stone, Scout, and Selah, raising Black Angus cattle.

The Magazine for America’s Roper • 29

July 2015

God Bless the USA! PHOTO OF THE MONTH © C Bar C Photography 30

31

BY STUART MITCHELL

VANDALERO

“B.W.” was 10 when I picked him up in Dad’s old truck. A feller told me he was prone to buck.

I jumped the fence and raced to their side, and kicked old B.W.’s sorry hide.

This horse was something to behold, muscles bulging with strength untold.

I felt so sad and brokenhearted but not because B.W. had departed.

I was young and full of oats, beginning to paddle my own boat.

This horse could run to the fastest steer, of his own speed he knew no fear.

There was one slight problem to overcome. He had a cold back second to none.

The warm up for this horse had a beginning and end. This rule was not meant to be broken and never to bend.

A lunge line was standard gear, if you were to overcome your fear.

Thirty minutes might do the trick, if the weather was hot, muggy and thick.

An hour if it was cold and gray, if not, you would surely pay Saddles were no match for this brute, he would shuck ‘em off like worn out boots.

For the first time in his life he didn’t flinch, he didn’t even move an inch.

It was because I had put my faith in a horse that was kind of black-hearted, he might have taken me with him when he departed.

In every bad thing there is some good, though life doesn’t always go like we think it should.

I replaced him with a horse called Rock, who had no faults for me to knock.

I learned that when life has its ups and downs, there’s no need to worry and frown.

Just turn to the One who truly cares and is willing in your loss to share.

God’s love is always there for you, like no outlaw horse could ever do.

A new Simco came over his head, breast collar and cinch he did shed.

He was called an outlaw by a few, but he knew the rules and so did you.

Warm him up and rope a hundred, let him blow and start another.

He was sort of honest with a touch of mean, but when he worked he was like a machine.

I speak of him in past tense, because his life has since been spent.

My regular farrier quit after the Fall, the next had a broken foot by the wall

The third and last cross-tied him to show who was boss, but suffered a broken nose and a little blood loss.

In the summer of ’89 a storm arose one evening and there come over me a funny feeling.

Lightening was flashing as home from work I went, the sight I saw left me feeling spent.

My horses were lying in the pasture like some old hat that had been stomped flat.

32 • The Roping Pen • July 2015

The Magazine for America’s Roper • 33

L

ast month’s introductory inclusion of “In The Loop” by Lone Star Ropes was greatly received in the team roping industry.

We have had a great response to last month’s article with Patrick Smith. Many in the sport know that it is the little things they can add to their knowledge base that will help them succeed in the team roping arena. Tips from professionals that help tighten up their runs, make them a split second faster and more consistent in the roping pen are always well accepted. That is what Lone Star wants to offer ropers of every caliber in these monthly installments from some of the best in the business. This month we welcome Kaleb Driggers to the mix and ask him a question that only a roper with his qualifications can answer.

This question came from Aaron in Louisiana. He asked Kaleb: I am a heeler and I have a horse who is very cowey. I have to hold him out and he comes into the corner very fast when I ask him too. I have a hard time picking the point to let him come into the corner; sometimes I am early and get in a bad position and other times I am late and have to catch up. What do you watch for and how and when do you come into the corner when heeling?

KALEB’S RESPONSE: It sounds like Aaron needs to focus on what his header is doing in order to help him get into position. This can be hard for some heelers to do but if you watch how the headers rope goes on and how the he or she takes a hold of the steer it will make it easier for him to ride to the correct position. Often if the header snaps the steers head to the left you can bet the steer is going to go away from you pretty fast and if the header picks the steers head up they will go down the arena a bit more. From there, a heeler needs to focus on the feet of the steer to get into position and rope.

I see a lot of guys who watch the steers head but do not focus on the feet fast enough after that. If a heeler is still watching the steers head when they begin to move into the corner that is often where

34 • The Roping Pen • July 2015

they will ride their horse to and they will be out of position. So it is important to focus on the feet as soon as you can and before you break into the corner so you can ride your horse to the correct position and give yourself the quickest heel shot.

There is also a difference between a jackpot and rodeo run. At a jackpot I watch the head loop go on like I mentioned, but at a rodeo where it will more likely be faster, I watch the feet of the steer and ride to position as fast as I can.

Kaleb is on the road hard this year with a new partner and looking forward to the rest of the season ahead. He is also looking forward to be among the top ropers we will be asking questions her “In The Loop.” Looking ahead we are excited about the questions, stories and advice from not only Kaleb, but more from Patrick Smith and a few great articles form Bobby Harris, as well as the folks at Lone Star Ropes. We hope you continue to enjoy “In the Loop” in the coming months!

About Kaleb Driggers

Kaleb hails from Albany, Georgia. He joined the PRCA in 2009, and the talented 25-year-old has roped his way to an impressive $723,454 in PRCA career earnings. He has made the trip to the PRCA National Finals Rodeo 4 times (2011-2014) and has been the back to back RFD TV’s - The American team roping champion header. Roping with Brandon Webb for the 2015 season, they are on tap to be a top team at this year’s PRCA National Finals Rodeo. Kaleb has earned several titles and without a doubt will continue to add to these titles throughout his career. He was the Overall and Team Roping (Heading) PRCA Rookie of the Year in 2009, after earning the High School Finals Rodeo All-Around Rookie of the Year in 2005. His parents own Lazy D Performances Horses, and his father, Nick, has been training horses for more than a quarter of a century. Kaleb now lives in Stephenville, Texas.

He prefers to head with The Glacier in a medium-soft and heel with The Shark in a medium-hard, both from Lone Star Ropes.

If you’ve got a question or comment for “In The Loop”, submit it to lonestarintheloop@gmail.com.

The Magazine for America’s Roper • 35

S

eems I get a lot of text, emails, and especially calls with clients worried about what to do in the event of a claim. So this month we will use equine insurance as an example in the event you have a claim and need to know the Who, What, and When.

I get many calls it seems after hours and especially at night, the good Lord only knows why horses seem to colic in the middle on the night. Most clients seem to have a few common questions and concerns about their insurance. One doesn’t seem to think about it much until something happens. So this month we are going to give some ideas on having the best care and outcome for your equine friend(s).

First of all if your horse is having issues of any kind - CALL THE VET. That is the first call to make. Make sure your horse is getting treatment or has adequate treatment on the way before you call your insurance adjuster. Once you have the vet on the way then make a call to your insurance adjuster. Normally agencies use an independent adjuster (someone that is not part of the agency or underwriter). Your policy should have the contact information near the front cover. (We include a pink neon card with the contact information available 24-hrs a day on the front cover. However, I find 75% of my clients never have seen this information.)

When you get the adjusters number be sure have the policy holders name, horse’s name, agency name, policy number (if at all possible), vet’s name and phone number, and last but not least what is going on with your horse. I know this sounds like a lot of information but it takes all of this information to get quick responses to your claims.

little more in-depth than just vet records. Along with those you may be ask to send in proof of ownership (AQHA papers), bill of sale or canceled check from sell, photo of the horse, and sometimes justification of value. Justification of value is most definitely something very few seem to keep up with. In the event of mortality claim you can be ask to show performance records for example. Documented money won, points won, prizes won, breeding books, etc. Those types of things establish value to your horse. The faster you can present it the faster the paperwork is turned around the faster the claim is processed. It’s all a paperwork game. It has to be done. It works just like insurance on you.

This article is to help you guys have some things in order in the event you have a claim. So in closing here are a few things that you need to have with your horse papers so they are easy to find: 1. VET to CALL for Emergency

2. Insurance Adjusters 24hr contact information 3. Policy Information (Name and Number) 4. Contact your agent

Again, if I can answer any questions give me a shout and when it’s time to renew give me a call to quote your equine insurance!

Thanks and see you at the next roping! ~ Jason Strickland

W.O. CRAWFORD ARENA • 1555 FEDERAL DR • MONTGOMERY, AL • BOOKS OPEN AT 8AM ROPE AT 9AM

SAT, AUG 15 • 9AM #15 Pick 1/Draw 1 or Draw 2 • 4 Hd $100/roper Must be 5 or above header/6 or above heeler #13 Pick • 4 Hd $40 roper #11 Pick 1/Draw 1 or Draw 2 • 4 Hd $100/roper #10 slide Draw 5 • 4 Hd $150/roper #9 Pick • 3 Hd $40/roper

AWARDS

In 2014, approximately $9,500 was added money from Sponsor Packages HOT HEELS for High Point roper of the weekend 3 Leon Welden Saddles: #7 or above, #6 or #5, and #4 or below Jake Steer, jackets, ropers, buckles, and other prizes will be given away

SUN, AUG 16 • 9AM CHURCH SERVICE AT 8 AM

#12 Pick 1/Draw 1 or Draw 2 • 4 Hd $100/roper #9 (capped at 5E) Pick • 3 Hd $40/roper #10 slide Draw 5 • 4 Hd $150/roper #8 Pick • 3 Hd $30/roper #7 Pick • 2 Hd $25/roper

In order to rope in Finals, you must have attended any Allen Roping Productions roping (US roping and/or monthly roping held in 2015) and purchase a $100 Sponsor Package (value of $125). The monies from the Sponsor Packages go toward added money in each roping of the weekend.

SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS

I always tell my clients to call me as well. This is for two reasons: Underwriters do not like any late reporting for any issue. Calling your agent eliminates that because we note the account when you call. Secondly so I know what is going on so that I can keep track of things in the event someone is waiting on paperwork, etc. I have had clients call three weeks later wanting to know what the status of a claim is and I had no idea they even filed one!

Normally routine cases and claims can be paid in roughly 30 days or so. This is if all paperwork is transferred as asked to the adjuster. After you file a claim the adjuster tracks the case and consults with the vet as needed. Once the case is closed at the vet’s office you will need to pay the bill to the vet, send the paperwork to the adjuster’s office, and make the needed correspondence with them. They will instruct you on what to send and where. They don’t get paid until the claim is successfully completed so they are indeed wanting you to any correspondence as soon as possible.

Things usually asked for in the need of a mortality claim are a

36 • The Roping Pen • July 2015

The Magazine for America’s Roper • 37

North Carolina

Junior High & High School Rodeo Association

photos courtesy of ©C Bar C Photography 38 • The Roping Pen • June 2015

The Magazine for America’s Roper • 39

LouisianA Team Roping ssociation • • • • • • • • A

lateamropingassociation.com • (337)263•0036 • • • • Be sure to follow us on Facebook! • • • •

Meet. . . cory, age 13!

Cory Constance, an 8th grader, competes in Bareback Steer riding, Saddle Bronc Steer riding, Goat tying, Tie Down Roping, Team Roping (header) with partner Coy Baxter (heeler), Ribbon Roping (roper) with partner Brooklyn Gunner (runner) and Chute Dogging. While competing this year in the LJHRA, Cory won All Around Cowboy at the Northwest La Jr High, Vernon Parish Jr High, SugarFest Jr High & DeRidder Jr High. He also won a saddle, and took a champion buckle in each event he competed.

This year Cory qualified for LJHRA in all of his events and made it to the Short Go in all 7 events. He won 9 buckles at state finals.

Reserve Champion Tie down roping Round 1, Reserve Champion Steer Bareback Round 2, Won the Tie Down in Short Go, Won the Ribbon Roping w/ partner Brooklyn Gunter in Short Go. Ended the year as the Reserve All Around Champion. He will be heading to National Finals in Iowa in the Ribbon Roping with partner Brooklyn Gunter, Goat tying, Steer Saddle Bronc and Steer Bareback.

Cory’s favorite event is Team Roping. LTRA Co-founder, Ricky Jordan, is always willing to help Cory in the practice pen or gives tips and advice at a roping. He is also a member of Fire It Up Productions and Team Roping USA. This cowboy had an awesome weekend of roping at the recent Fire It Up Finals in Athens, Tx and won 3rd in the #9; took home cash and prizes from the #6, 7 and 9. He recently roped at the 12th Annual Kajun Klassic and won a buckle and money in the youth roping.

Cory has been privileged to have had many people share their knowledge of the greatest sport on dirt on earth with him since he was little. In his free time he likes to fish in the family pond, chase and rope his sister’s goats, and shoot hoops on his basketball goal. Cory is the son of Chad and Karyn Constance from Sulphur, La. He has 2 sisters, Amy Constance & Skylar Canik, and one brother, Jared Constance.

Meet. . . cutter, age 13!

Cutter is 13 years old and has had a rope in his hand since he could pick one up. He has been roping since he was 9 and competing for two years.

Cutter also runs cross country, plays basketball, and raises bucking bulls. He is a very busy young man! He puts 100% into absolutely everything he does rather it is the sports he plays, working with the bulls we raise, or roping and never 1% less. Cutter is never seen with out a rope in his hand he practices every day rather it is in the yard on the dummy, in the practice pen, or roping us or the dogs. His favorite ropers are Patrick Smith and Trevor Brazile. It’s not just a game or just for fun in his opinion, it’s something he plans on having a great future with.

40 • The Roping Pen • July 2015

photos courtesy of LTRA

The Magazine for America’s Roper • 41

& Junior and Youth Divisions

42 • The Roping Pen • July 2015

Photos courtesy of ©JD Photography 43

UPCOMING RODEOS: July: TBA August 28-29 7 pm 3 Trees Wynne, Arkansas Sept 18-19 7 pm Rector, Arkansas FINALS: October 30-31 For Schedule Dates & Details, Contact Valerie Carr: 870.243.3724

FIND US ON FACEBOOK! SEARCH: NORTH EAST FAMILY RODEO ASSOCIATION

A FAMILY RODEO TEACHING FAMILY VALUES AND GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP For More Information – Valerie Carr: 870-243-3724

D

espite bad weather at the beginning of

2015 OFFICIAL STANDINGS:

Jr. Barrels Chandler Henfling

Mutton Bustin Jack Robbins

Open Barrels Heather Hopkins

things up and looking forward to the remainder

Calf Riding Mason Stark

Young Gun Poles Abby Williams

Steer Riding Ty Andrerson

Jr. Poles Chandler Henfling

Goat Un-Decor.

Colter Hunt

Jr. Breakaway Emily Morris

Open Goats Amerra Pully

Amt TR Header Emily Morris

Lead Line Barrels Karliegh Dollar

Open TR Header Jeff Jones

Young Barrels Abby Williams

Open TR Heeler Jared Tubbs

the summer rodeo season, the North East

Arkansas Family Rodeo Association is heating

of the season ahead. Adding a few makeup dates throughout the coming months the association

invites cowboys and cowgirls of all ages to come

out and enjoy great events that are truly formatted for the entire family to enjoy. Be sure to stay tuned to their facebook page for current infor-

mation on upcoming rodeo dates, photos of past events and general information.

JILL ASKS: Hey Mr. Rickey, I’m having trouble getting my hondu up against the head like my dad wants it.

RICKEY’S ANSWER: It’s probably your left hand Jill. Make sure as you deliver you push your left hand to the base of the left horn.

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50 • The Roping Pen • July 2015

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Keeping it Fresh

by Crystal Lyons

T

here comes a time in everyone’s life when your future depends on whether or not you suck up the courage to try something new. I grew up in an area where thinking outside the “norm” of our cultural box was, at best, RARE. Some things had continued unchanged and unchallenged for 50 years! We love our comfort zones, don’t we? Twice, the Lord pulled me out of the Ozarks, both times with me fighting all the way! I wanted HIS will, but I wanted it MY WAY! Somehow it just doesn’t work that way.

I cried out to God for “something new” and then dug my feet in and with white knuckles, actually was drug, kicking and moaning the whole way into the “new” that I had been crying out for! Crazy, huh? But that’s how it seems to work; or at least with me it is… or was. We HATE unfamiliar ground, don’t we? But if we never step onto unfamiliar ground, we will expend our lives simply circling in the old and familiar and never experiencing the new and possibly... that which we were intended and created to experience!

The lady I bought my Gypsy Vanner from allowed me to buy him instead of someone else who wanted him for a life of competition in dressage, knowing his personality would HATE a life of no variety. We do everything... all over the place! I am having MORE FUN placing Strider in positions to experience those things that are TOTALLY out of the “norm” for his particular breed. And the cool thing is... he’s LOVING IT!! He is actually getting patterned up

52 • The Roping Pen • July 2015

on barrels and goes in hunting one, WANTING to turn it - all 1500 plus pounds of him! Of course he can’t compete with QH’s in this THEIR sport, but he doesn’t have to be the BEST to enjoy it! He also LOVES going after cattle and tracking steers. Do I think he’ll be the next PRCA heading horse of the year? Let me just say... I’m not holding my breath. But that isn’t the point anyway. What is the point? Just this: he and I ENJOYING doing these things together! No world title in view. Just us enjoying our partnership!

If I can take the fear of the unknown, and especially the fear of failure, out of the mix... I can ENJOY things so much more! And really, when it comes right down to the nitty-gritty, it’s all about discovering the heart of the Creator for us individually and getting in sync with Him. He created us for His pleasure and enjoyment!!

That means He takes GREAT DELIGHT in YOU!! Yeah... YOU. He simply desires YOUR COMPANY! He LONGS for your fellowship! And that doesn’t simply mean prayer, y’all. He wants to DO THINGS WITH YOU!! He created you for something in particular, and you won’t be able to do it fully without His involvement!

And concerning new territory and new experiences, have you ever considered the VAST DIVERSITY of this universe? Every flower is supremely unique in its design and the diversity of colors... oh my! Have you EVER considered that God gets BORED with “same ole, same ole”? The Bible even says… “sing a NEW song to the Lord”! He gets tired of the rehearsed and old. He wants a friendship with YOU. One that is willing to experience new things with Him. He will lead us into new territory, new friendships, new experiences with Him... if we will courageously trust Him and FOLLOW. Passion in itself must stay fresh! Lifeless religious services as well as a lifeless life is PROOF that God is not being allowed to LEAD! If He IS leading, I can promise you, He will keep it FRESH!!

The Magazine for America’s Roper • 53

Foothills Youth Rodeo Association rodeofyra.com • Follow us on Facebook!

FYRA POINTS

BAREBACK 1 Kendall Chappell....146.20 2 Jordan Hill..............40.80 SADDLEBRONC 1 Kenneth Glick........156.40 2 Spencer Tucker........68.00 3 Colby Winstead........47.60 CALF ROPING 1 Hunter Styles.........149.60 2 Caleb Traenkner....125.80 3 Chase Dyal..............90.10 4 Eddie Rounds...........86.70 5 Hunter Roof............40.80

3 Kyra Lombardo......178.67 4 Chanler Burgess.....122.40 5 Maggie Wirchball.....89.76 6 Jessica Burgess........86.02 7 Chloe Cox................74.80 8 Hannah Loudermilk...54.06 9/10 Kelsey Shillinglaw...44.20 9/10 Katie Queen........44.20 11 Brooks Eddins..........37.40 SR CHUTE DOGGIN’ 1 Eddie Rounds.........224.40 2 Bennett Dove.........180.20 3 Caleb Traenkner......83.30 4 Hunter Styles...........51.00 5 Chase Dyal..............45.90 6-7 Dylan Miller...........30.60 6-7 Spencer Tucker.......30.60

TEAM ROPING: HEAD 1 Chase Dyal............239.70 SR BULL RIDING 2 Hunter Styles.........158.10 1 Colby Winstead......102.00 3 Jacob McGinn........154.70 2 Jesse Barnhardt.......85.00 4 Eddie Rounds.........127.50 SR BOYS ALL AROUND TEAM ROPING: HEEL 1 Eddie Rounds.........746.30 1 Eddie Rounds.........217.60 2 Chase Dyal............593.30 2 Colby Winstead......187.00 3 Bennett Dove.........368.90 3 Chase Dyal............170.00 4 Hunter Styles.........358.70 4 Jacob McGinn........110.50 5 Colby Winstead......336.60 5 Bennett Dove...........45.90 6 Caleb Traenkner....326.40 6-7 Dylan Cook............34.00 7 Spencer Tucker........98.60 6-7 Hunter Roof...........34.00 8 Hunter Roof............74.80

STEER WRSTL: No Times SR GIRLS ALL AROUND 1 Monica Harmon.....845.58 BOYS GOAT TYING 2 Leah Hunter..........441.15 1 Bennett Dove.........142.80 3 Chanler Burgess.....397.80 2 Caleb Traenkner....117.30 4 Cheridan Gowan....364.99 3 Jacob McGinn........112.20 5 Jessica Burgess......319.77 4 Eddie Rounds...........90.10 6 Kyra Lombardo......289.17 5 Ethan Lombardo......51.00 7 Maggie Wirchball...273.36 6 Chase Dyal..............47.60 8 Kayla Lombardo....166.60 9 Chloe Cox..............154.70 SR BK AWAY 10 Kiowa Waters........115.60 1 Monica Harmon.....163.20 11 Jordan Mullinax....110.50 2 Leah Hunter..........102.00 12 Hannah Loudermilk.79.90 3 Kayla Lombardo......74.80 13 Brooks Eddins..........74.12 4-5-6 Kyra Lombardo...34.00 4-5-6 Chloe Cox...........34.00 JR BK AWAY 4-5-6 Kiowa Waters......34.00 1 Davis Sewell..........159.80 2 Ethan Lombardo....102.00 SR GOAT TYING 3 McKenzie Brown....100.30 1 Chanler Burgess.....178.50 4 Hannah Grace Harmon...61.20 2 Leah Hunter..........151.30 5 Olivia Dove.............35.70 3 Brittany Malone.....141.10 4 Kyra Lombardo........76.50 JR GOAT TYING 5/6 Chloe Cox..............45.90 1 Olivia Dove...........283.05 5/6 Jordan Mullinax....45.90 2 McKenzie Brown....204.85 7 Cheridan Gowan......30.60 3 Emma Hunter........110.50 8 Monica Harmon.......23.80 4 Hannah Grace Harmon...81.60 9 Maggie Wirchball.....20.40 5-6 Macy Cook.............68.00 5-6 Bailey Schmidt.......68.00 SR BARREL RACING 7-8-9 Georgia Kay Carolina...51.00 1 Monica Harmon.....361.25 7-8-9 Elly Whitesell......51.00 2 Jessica Burgess......233.75 7-8-9 Josie Trotter........51.00 3 Madison Bagwell....215.90 10 Cheyenne Douglas...37.40 4 Leah Hunter..........187.85 11-12 Emily Servies......34.00 5 Maggie Wirchball...163.20 11-12 Madison Per.......34.00 6 Cheridan Gowan....105.23 13 Amber Massey.........30.60 7 Chanler Burgess.......96.90 8 Kayla Lombardo......91.80 JR BARREL RACING 9 Kiowa Waters..........81.60 1 Cheyenne Douglas.344.25 10 Jordan Mullinax......64.60 2 Amber Massey.......206.04 11 Abbi McCraw............52.36 3 Rebecca McClinton.201.28 12 Skylar Langley........38.76 4 McKenzie Brown....163.20 13 Brooks Eddins..........36.72 5 Eryn Crider............152.83 14-15 Hannah Loudermilk.... 25.84 6 Elly Whitesell.........151.81 14-15 Thomas Hagood....25.84 7 Georgia Caroline Kay....106.08 8 Hannah Grace Harmon....98.77 SR POLES 9-10 Isabella Hart........76.50 1 Monica Harmon.....297.33 9-10 Josie Saribok........76.50 2 Cheridan Gowan....229.16 11 Olivia Dove.............57.80 54 • The Roping Pen • July 2015

12 Spencer Timms........57.80 13 Rachel Louks...........38.76 14 Madison Per............36.72 15 Emma Hunter..........17.00

2 Madysen Baker.....192.10 3 Addie Hunter.........181.90 4-5 Annie Grace Roach...129.20 4-5 Grace Servies.......129.20

JR POLE BENDING 1 Hannah Grace Harmon...265.20 2 Cheyenne Douglas.261.80 3 Amber Massey.......202.30 4 Olivia Dove...........121.04 5 Georgia Carolina Kay...96.90 6 Madison Per............91.12 7 Rebecca McClinton...66.30 8 Jacie Blackard.........37.40 9 Isabella Hart............24.48 10 Jordan Anderson.....21.76 11 McKenzie Brown......18.70 Jr Chute Doggin’...............

1 Jacob McGinn........244.80 2 PT Styles..................51.00 3 Chris Cartwright.......27.20

WR BOYS ALL AROUND 1 Cynch Whitesell.....650.25 2 Wess Hawkins........520.20 3 Colby Yarborough..460.70 4 Bryce Stockman.....261.95 5 Gabe Tackett............91.80

WR GIRLS ALL AROUND 1 Bailey Langley.......265.20

ALL POINTS ARE AS OF 5.17.2015

PW GOAT DOGGIN’ 1 Taylor Culton.........244.80 2 Lilly Per.................159.80 3 Aiden Tackett.........127.50 4 Quaid Busby............88.40 5 Bristol Norris...........59.50 6 Lexi Clark................51.00

PW GOAT TYING 1 Lexi Clark..............181.90 JR BULL RIDING: No Rides 2 Trinity Cooke.........136.00

3 Aiden Tackett...........76.50 JR GIRLS ALL AROUND 4 Bristol Norris...........27.20 1 Cheyenne Douglas.643.45 5 Taylor Culton...........20.40 2 Hannah Grace Harmon..506.77 3 Olivia Dove...........497.59 PW BARREL RACING 4 McKenzie Brown....487.05 1 Bristol Norris.........272.00 5 Amber Massey.......438.94 2 Lexi Clark..............102.00 6 Rebecca McClinton.267.58 3 Taylor Culton...........57.80 7 Georgia Carolina Kay...253.98 4 Aiden Tackett...........54.40 8 Ellie Whitesell........202.81 5-6 Trinity Cooke..........20.40 9 Maddison Per........161.84 5-6 Gabbie Metta.........20.40 10 Emma Hunter........127.50 11 Isabella Hart..........100.98 PW POLE BENDING 1 Bristol Norris.........161.50 JR BOYS ALL AROUND 2 Taylor Culton...........88.40 1 Jacob McGinn........622.20 3-4 Aiden Tackett..........51.00 2 Ethan Lombardo....153.00 3-4 Josie Hill................51.00 5 Lexi Clark................35.70 WR BK AWAY ROPING 6 Savannah Caston.....34.00 1 Cynch Whitesell.....163.20 7 Gabbie Metta...........20.40 2 Colby Yarborough..146.20 3 Wess Hawkins..........64.60 PW GIRLS ALL AROUND 4 Natalie Montgomery.51.00 1 Bristol Norris.........520.20 2 Taylor Culton.........411.40 WR GOAT TYING 3 Lexi Clark..............370.60 1 Cynch Whitesell.....231.20 4 Trinity Cooke.........156.40 2 Kierstyn Cochran....215.90 5 Gabbie Metta...........40.80 3 Colby Yarborough..185.30 4 Addi Grace Hunter...76.50 PW BOYS ALL AROUND 5 Wess Hawkins..........73.10 1 Aiden Tackett.........309.40 6 Annie Grace Roach...37.40 7 Madysen Baker.......30.60 STOCK BUSTIN’ Aiden Tackett.......................5 WR BARREL RACING Augustus Green...................5 1 Cynch Whitesell.....255.85 Brannon Louk......................5 2 Bryce Stockman.....213.35 Brayden Moiser...................5 3 Wess Hawkins........176.80 Bristol Norris.......................6 4 Addi Grace Hunter.105.40 Colton Hughes.....................4 5 Annie Grace Roach...71.40 Colton Hill...........................3 6 Bailey Langley.........69.70 Cooper Gowan.....................2 7 Colby Yarborough....68.00 Eli O Shields........................1 8 Gabe Tackett............56.10 Elijah Humphries.................1 9 Grace Servies..........40.80 Ethan Humphries.................1 10 Gracie Metta............30.60 Ethan McGahee...................6 Jackson Davis......................2 WR POLE BENDING Josie Hill.............................3 1 Wess Hawkins........205.70 Layne Farr..........................1 2 Bailey Langley.......195.50 Levi Pennington...................6 3 Madysen Baker.....161.50 Lilly Per..............................6 4 Grace Servies..........88.40 Luke Guy............................6 5 Colby Yarborough....61.20 Morgan Ward......................4 6 Gabe Tackett............35.70 Quaid Busby........................4 7 Bryce Stockman.......30.60 Ryder Thomas.....................1 8 Annie Grace Roach...20.40 Teally Rein Gray..................6 Trinity Cooke.......................2 WR BULL RDNG: No rides

Photos courtesy of FYRA

The Magazine for America’s Roper • 55

THE

Other Half

The Rains Came Down E

verything was wet and muddy and there was no place else for water to go. It had been raining for almost a week and my crew was having serious withdrawals from not being to saddle horses and rope. We couldn’t even get out to go to someone else’s covered arena. It was a major task just getting steers and horses fed and making sure they had enough to eat.

You have to be careful what you pray for. It had been dry for almost a year. Oh yea, we’d had some showers along but we needed rain and everyone was hoping it would be wet spring. Little did they realize just how wet it was going to be.

Team Ropers need to be doing something. They have a busy, need to be roping, working frame of mind. So it was a blessing in a way when we got the call that one of our team-roping neighbors was in a world of hurt. He lives close to a little river and it had over flowed the banks. He needed help and he needed it now.

When Boss got the call you would have thought he was the National Guard, the DPS and the Texas Rangers all rolled into one. One thing about team ropers is they rally to the cause, they unite and they deliver no matter what the issue or the reasons why.

We loaded two four wheelers on the flat bed trailer. Boss proceeded to get the tractor and we made our way down a road almost too wet to navigate. I lectured the kids on the way about staying close and how dangerous running water can be. We had already heard on the news during the previous days about houses and vehicles washing away. The last thing we needed was to add to the statistics.

© The Other Half , Melinda Clements melinda@clements.net

It was about a half mile down the road to turn into our neighbor’s front gate. Surprisingly, there were three other vehicles setting there and our neighbor, covered in mud and looking like a drowned rat, told us his concerns. His steers were belly deep in water and he just wanted to get them to the barn. He had all of his horses except two and they were on the other side of the running creek. Perhaps creek was the wrong term. It actually looked more like a lake as it covered almost eighty percent of his pasture. The blessing was the house and barn sat on a little knoll and the water was about one hundred or so yards from reaching the buildings. Our neighbor was worried his animals might be in a world of hurt. Everyone tended to agree with him.

One of the ropers who had come to help had an airboat on his trailer. His suggestion was if he could get around the steers and head them toward the barn the others, horseback, might steer them to the pens sitting on top of the little hill.

Team Ropers amaze me sometimes. Shhhhh! Don’t tell any of them I said that. Watching them all put their heads together to save the cattle and move the horse to safety just filled my heart. They had all congregated with a common goal in mind. They couldn’t rope but they could help and do for each other. Nothing was too big or too strong to defeat an army of ropers (aka cowboys). Our neighbor just kind of sighed with relief. At last, he had some help. He needed help and his roper friends and buddies had rallied to his call. What kind of camaraderie and fellowship is that? The best there is, I might add.

As the ropers gathered ropes, chains, equipment and established

56 • The Roping Pen • July 2015

Thoughts of a Team Roping Spouse...

by Gracie Mae

a game plan wives, girlfriends, sisters and mothers all stood by waiting to drive closer, back up, lend a hand or just follow up as needed.

The kids all had wide eyes and expressions of concern and bewilderment as they watched the rescue unfold. Everyone had a cell phone and communication was in place.

Suddenly, a flashing red and blue light appeared on the washed and wet road. It was a sheriff’s deputy. He wanted to know how we were and if we needed help. I explained what we were doing and he smiled and tears formed, no doubt unintentionally.

“You folks are the best,” he stammered. “Thanks for helping. I don’t have any more men to send your way right now. There are lots of folks stranded and hurting. It’s more water than we’ve seen in the history of living here,” he continued. “I’ll just tell you that you cannot beat cowboys, ropers, ranchers and farmers for chipping in and doing what needs to be done without someone leading them by hand.

If you folks have all this under control I’ll head on down the road and check out any others that might be in need.” He gave me his cell number and said to call if we needed anything. “DPS has a helicopter nearby if you need anything,” he finished.

I told him thanks and that so far all the people were okay and as far as I knew cattle couldn’t be rescued by helicopter. He nodded in agreement and headed out.

By this time three ropers in the airboat had made their way around the roping steers. The cattle were boogered but typical of roping cattle they tend to stick together and the airboat eased them off into the running creek. It was a good distance but in places they could actually touch bottom. When they got out of the creek other ropers on horseback and four wheelers eased them up the knoll and into the pens. The horses were all that remained.

As they headed back for the horses we realized the horses were more scared and boogered than the cattle even thought about being.

They were standing on a tiny little high spot near the fence and the water was edging closer. One of the ropers tossed a rope and caught the older horse. Fortunately, the horse understood they were there to help and he followed the airboat. The other horse wasn’t about to be left behind. In no time at all, the whole group was gathered at the barn and near the pens. Boss used the tractor to pull the gooseneck horse trailer up closer to the barn so if the raging water grew it wouldn’t wash away. The men gathered to put out round bales and make sure everything had feed.

Our neighbor was speechless and you couldn’t tell if the wet on his face was water or tears. The ropers were operating on adrenaline and could have rescued another one hundred steers or horses if the need had arisen.

I stood back and was so filled with pride and appreciation. Our ropers and cowboys had saved a friend’s livestock. They had put their own lives on the line to help someone in need. Any one of them would have stepped forward for the others in the same predicament.

It would be something we would all remember. We would all look back and remember when the rains came down the team ropers rose up and helped each other out. I sniffed and sucked up my tears.

Shhhh! Don’t tell anyone but ropers and cowboys are the best.

Keep Ropin’... Love, Gracie

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Email ads to: theropingpen@charter.net Deadline: the 10th of each month HORSES 12/14 14 year old, roan, gelding head horse. Good beginner horse. Good in the box. Has been hauled to KRA roping’s. Asking $3000. Call Tom @ 270402-7191 PROPERTY 12/14 For Sale – Alabama Premier Horse Property – 78 Acres, fenced & cross fenced with 2 ac pond, creeks & magnificent 4,200 Sq. Ft Home. 3 Barns, RV hookups and lots more. It is a must see! – Asking $1,100,000. Call The Joel Gill Team, Joel or Susan Gill – 334-277-8204!

CATTLE 6/15 - 20 FRESH LONGHORN/CORRIENTE steers & heifers, weaned, bunkbroke, vaccinated, dewormed, 325-425 lbs. $875 & up. Contact Kelly Cattle Company: 706-319-5930 7/15 - 14 fresh corriente/longhorn steers and heifers. Ready to rope.

Vaccinated, dewormed, bunk broke - 400 lb. avg - $900 each if all taken. Call Colt Kelly at 706-319-5930 WANTED 12/14 Looking for a used roping chute. I can pick up in Texas. Please text me a picture and information. 361-227-2914 – Armando

ROPING DUMMIES: 6/15 Used Hot Heels roping dummy w/ Springer Sled. Please email for additional info: kbrown@tsys.com 2/15 Heel-O-Matic For Sale! Brand New - Straight from the factory. Heel-OMatic with all of the upgrades. The Ultimate Ground-Driven Trainer includes the Spring-Loaded Tongue and Deluxe Leg Package. It is the top of the line roping practice machine. See one at heelomtic.com. Selling for $3100 ($500 off full retail). Call 505-259-7975 8/14 - TIME MACHINE OR HEEL-O-MATIC FOR SALE, I have both, don’t need but one, time machine still crated, heel a matic has battery operated legs, in great shape. Make me an offer! 334 341 1127 10/14 Robo Steer for Sale. Very well maintained and kept under cover.

Collapsable horns and articulating and collapsable heels. Delivery available. $4500 Call or email for pics and more information. irishjump@gmail.com or 404-433-7444.

7/15 - Used Hot Heels for sale or trade for newer version call – 417-2142063 and ask for Billy

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Advertisers & Events Index EVENTS: Cheyenne: The Daddy . . . . . . . . . 53 Ed Allen TR Finals . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Hillbilly Redneck Truck & Trailer . . 33 Kelley Reese Mem Roping . . . . . 23 Kim Jones Memorial Roping . . 13 Mid Atlantic Classic . . . . . . . . . . . 24 NJ Productions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 NTRL News & Events . . . . . . . 47-50 SE Showdown . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Tunica: The Heat is On . . . . . . . . 25 ADVERTISERS: Adam Toole Horses . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Alabama Roping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Albracht Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Allen’s Rodeo Photos . . . . . . . . . . 4 Bar H Photography . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 BTuff Jeans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 C Bar C Photography . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Cactus Ropes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Carroll Original Wear . . . . . . . . . 17 Champions Choice . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Classic Rope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 Corriente Saddle Co . . . . . . . . . . 55 Dare to be a Cowboy . . . . . . . . . . 28 Equine Performax . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 FastBack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Gist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Heel-O-Matic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Hot Heels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 JD Photography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Jim Davis Photo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Lazy J Rodeo Saftey . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Lil Blue Heeler . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Lone Star Ropes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Lubrisyn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 Maynard Buckles . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Mortenson Saddle Silver . . . . . . 45 NRS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Outlaw Saddles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Power Team Roping . . . . . . . . . . 44 Priefert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Quick Silver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Red Bluff Buckles . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Rope Smart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Running P Saddlery . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Silver Lining Herbs . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Sparky Lead Steer . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 STS Ranchwear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Team Equine Saddle Pad . . . . . . 26 Tom Bourne . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Total Equine Feed . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 TotalTeamRoping.com . . . . . . . . 10 Tres Rios Silver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Twisted Spur . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Twisted X Boots . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Willard Rope Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Call us today to reserve a spot for your event or advertisement! 505-407-2151

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