The Roping Pen - March 2015

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March 2015

Vol. 24 No. 3

Check out these

FEATURES‌ SRA: Carson

Denning

NTRL FINALS:

Stepping Up & Stepping Out!

2 • The Roping Pen • March 2015

The Magazine for America’s Roper • 3

Table of Contents Articles & Features March is here, and I’m sure we have all had our fill of snow and ice. As the weather warms up, so does the season and I am sure you all are like me and looking forward to the longer days ahead.

I am going to keep this article pretty short this month and get right to it. I had the privilege to visit with many of you at the NTRL Finals last month and I must say I truly enjoyed the event. I can say it was like no other event I have been to in the past. The best quote I got out of the event was from the crowd that came up from the south Florida area and I believe it fit the event pretty well. He said that for him and his friends, the NTRL Finals is like their “Chuck E Cheese’s.”

Big prizes, payouts and lots of fun, it was indeed a great event and I applaud John Johnson and the NTRL staff for ten years of making this event happen ans I am looking forward to being a part of it over the next 10 years.

As I write this it is only a few days away from RFD-TV’s The American and The Patriot. Once again the ‘American’ is taking the world of rodeo by storm and all eyes will be cast on Texas to see who in fact will be this year’s big winners.

The Patriot, well as a first year event they too are making a big impression on the sport and you can bet the event is here to stay. Be sure to tune in next month to see who claimed some of the big money at the ‘American” and The Patriots inaugural events.

Stealing away some of the spotlight in the rodeo world and a great time to introduce somehting new to the sport as everyone is excited about the ‘American’ and its relatively new and unique formats of the sport, the ERA (Elite Rodeo Association) seems to be everywhere I turn. Their information is online, blogged about, posted on Facebook, and tweeted on Twitter – everyone is talking about this new rodeo association that is set to begin in 2016.

I for one am very excited to see where this goes. I believe events such as The American has set a new precedence in the sport of rodeo and if the ERA takes a hold of what I think can be done and move the sport into a large market, alongside other major sports, it will be a tremendous shift in the industry. The PRCA has done a great job, but like many associations, I feel they have fallen into the trap of maintenance instead of focusing on moving into the future.

There is nothing wrong with maintaining an organization, but in time there is only so much to sustain and there needs to be a push forward. Now, don’t forget that this year will be the first year contestants who qualify for the NFR will be running at larger payouts and that in itself will shock the system giving the PRCA a pat on the back. However, I believe although it will help somewhat down the road, the cash at this year’s NFR will benefit only a handful of people in the sport. Moving into a larger market, one that I can see the ERA accomplishing will help the industry more as a whole.

It is still too soon to see the full scope of the ERA, only with more information in the coming months will we learn about this new concept and have a better idea on how it will move the sport of rodeo into the future.

UNTIL NEXT MONTH...

Dirt: keep it under your feet

~Ryan Davis

4 • The Roping Pen • March 2015

4 Dirt: March is here... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ryan Davis

T H E O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F. . .

SRA

Southern Rodeo Association AHSRA

12 Smart Roping: Getting The Best out of Your Partner. . . . Allen Bach 14 Cartoon. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bull Daddy 14 Top Tips: Steers… Steers… Steers… . . . . . . Total Team Roping 18 What’s New For 2015? (Part 1/2). . . . . New Product Feature

Alabama High School Rodeo Association

24 Down the Line: Knowing When to Quit. . . . . . . . Stran Smith

FYRA

25 NTRL Finals: Stepping Up & Stepping Out!. . . . . Event Recap

Foothills Youth Rodeo Association GHSRA & GJHRA

Georgia High School Rodeo Association & Georgia Junior High Division NTRL

National Team Roping League 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 IXLCBBA

Christian Bulls & Barrels Association

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On the Cover This Month:

Photo © Jim Davis Photography JimDavisPhoto.com – NTRL Finals

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

30 PHOTO OF THE MONTH: Chad Devitt. . . . . . . . NEW Feature 32 Protecting Your Investment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jason Strickland 33 Stumbling Forward. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Crystal Lyons 36 The Other Half: Feel The Pressure. . . . . . . . . . . Gracie Mae 40 What’s New For 2015? (Part 2/2). . . . . New Product Feature 52 Sweat & Balin’ Twine: Micotil & Roses. . . . . . . . . . John Rhudy 53 Throwing My Loop: Where Do You Live?. Michael Johnson 56 Pushing the Barrier: Dummy Vs. Donkey . . . Speed Williams 56 Event & Advertiser Index 57 Classifieds

Associations 6+ Southern Rodeo Association ~ SRA 16 S Carolina HS, Jr Div, & Youth Rodeo Assoc ~ SCHSRA 22 Foothills Youth Rodeo Association ~ FYRA 34 Georgia High School & Jr Rodeo Assoc ~ GHSRA 35 Alabama High School Rodeo Association ~ AHSRA 46 N Carolina High School Rodeo Assoc ~ NCHSRA 47+ National Team Roping League ~ NTRL

Editor / Publisher Ryan Davis 505-407-2151 rdavis1005@comcast.net

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The Magazine for America’s Roper • 5

FAMILY MATTERS:

Carson Denning

T

he SRA is filled with family competitors. Each has their own special story in one form or another. Husbands and wives competing together, son’s following fathers footsteps into the championship realms of the associations, kids growing up as almost adopted children of the association and many, many others. The intertwined social aspect of rodeo is comparable to that of a giant family - A family that continues to support each other all in the confinement of competition. This month we are going to feature a champion, one that has deep roots in the sport and the SRA. This particular young lady, even at her young age has placed her name among the best already and it is almost certain she will continue to be a fierce competitor and a strong supporter of the SRA for many years to come.

Carson Denning, is a young lady, who while still in high school is one of the SRA’s toughest breakaway ropers. She has side-stepped the High School rodeo arena to make her stand among the best in the Southeast and the SRA. There are deep roots buried under Carson’s boots in the sport. She began riding and roping at a very young age and grew up watching her parents, Randy and Kim rope at some of the same rodeos she competes at today. Carson has many memories of her childhood inside the rodeo arena that she will always cherish.

Photos courtesy of SRA

“One of my best memories was when I was really small, probably about 5 or 6 years old, my dad would take me and my horse to some of the pro rodeos and they would let me exhibition in the barrel race,” Carson said. “It was the best thing ever!”

A junior in high school, Carson attends South Johnston High School in Benson, North Carolina. That is the town where she has grown up and seems a little hesitant about leaving when the time comes. Carson has not yet decided on what to do after graduation, but she has narrowed it down to two choices. She either wants to attend a college and compete on a rodeo team or go to college near home and continue to compete at SRA events. Either way, you can bet Carson who also barrel races and team ropes occasionally at rodeo events will be a fierce competitor inside the arena.

“I really enjoy the SRA rodeos,” Carson added.

“They have rodeos at the beach and some up in the mountains. They are all great.”

Although Carson enjoys many of the SRA events, once a year she has the opportunity to enjoy her favorite.

“There is one rodeo a year in my hometown of Benson. It is during ‘The Mule Days.’ It is a holiday for our town and we get out of school.” Carson added. “The SRA rodeo is about 5-minutes from my house. It is my favorite rodeo of the year.”

6 • The Roping Pen • March 2015

Carson has already earned many titles in her young career. She has been named the Jr. SRA AllAround champion for all three years she competed in the Jr. Association. She was the rookie of the year her first year in the SRA and has continued to knock at the door each year as one of the top contenders for the year-end championship.

As a young, tough competitor, Carson has had quite a few great horses throughout her career, including the horse she competes on today. A few years ago, Carson and her father found a trail horse advertised in a local feed store and investigated it.

They ended up buying the horse and training it.

Today, that same horse, “Digger” carries Carson to victories in the breakaway, barrel racing and team roping events. Before “Digger” though, Carson had a horse named “Roany.” This bald face roan horse was what helped transfer Carson from the Jr. events to the SRA level of competition. Although he became blind in the right eye during her first year competing in the SRA, she continued to compete and win on him throughout that season. Looking back a few years before, Carson cherished a big chestnut horse named “Spud” who she rode in her youth and was the kind of horse that helped her learn the in’s and out’s of rodeo.

Although the horses are what carry Carson to victories, it is the family and close friends that Carson competes alongside that she truly enjoys. Her mom and dad are her biggest fans at every event, but she also has quite a few other family members who cheer her along as well.

“A valuable part of my life on the road is my family,” said Carson. “My aunt, uncle and cousins are my biggest supporters in and out of the arena. The Roping Pen did a article on them before, the Livengoods, Allen, Sharon, Bailey, Clay and Rena Kate. Mainly though, Bailey is who I am closest to. We are 27 days apart and we are best friends. We compete against each other inside the arena, but no matter the outcome we always end up hanging out and shopping together after we rope. She is my best friend and having her to rope against just makes me a better competitor. My family is a VERY IMPORTANT part of my rodeo career.”

Carson is a bright star in the SRA arena. Although she also plays basketball, and at 5 ft, 10 in. tall she is a great asset to her team, and she also finds time to watch her little brother Austin play baseball or basketball, but her passion to rope and compete is her focus. With talents that she has honed in on since her youth and the comfort of her family at events all across the Southeast, Carson Denning is an asset to the SRA and a young woman who is well on her way to keeping the Denning name alive and well in history of rodeo!

The Magazine for America’s Roper • 7

SRA UPCOMING RODEOS • SRA UPCOMING RODEOS • SRA UPCOMING RODEOS MARCH 6-7 • PENDLETON, SC • IPRA/SRA

MAY 1-2 • WALTERBORO, SC • IPRA/SRA

Friday 8:00 pm, Saturday 8:00pm BB SB BR CR SW TR CBR CBA $500 ADM, $50 EF, $10 SCF Call to enter: 800-639-9002 Mon, Mar 2, 8am-5pm CST • Participant Insurance Required Coggins required for all horses, out of state horses must have current health certificate Location: T Ed Garrison Arena, 1101 W Queen St • More Info: 864-918-7633 Stock Contractor: Ken Treadway Rodeo Co

Friday 8:00pm, Saturday 8:00pm • DD Arena Rodeo BB SB BR CR SW TR CBR $800 ADM, $50 EF, $10 SCF Call to enter: 800-639-9002 Mon, Apr 27, 8am-5pm CST Stock Contractor: Ken Treadway Rodeo Co

MARCH 20-21 • ASHEVILLE NC • SRA Specialty Event • Friday 8:00pm, Saturday 8:00pm BB SB $500 ADM, $50 EF, $10 SCF (each perf, you may enter both) BR $750 ADM, $60 EF, $10 SCF (each perf, you may enter both) CBR $500 ADM, $50 EF, $10 SCF (enter once) Call to enter: 800-639-9002 Mon, Mar 16, 8am-5pm CST Location: WNC Ag Center-Fletcher NC (Indoor Arena) More Info: 828-281-4042; www.redneckrodeo.com Stock Contractor: Double Creek Pro Rodeo Co

APRIL 9-10-11 • ATHENS, GA • IPRA/SRA Thursday 8:00pm, Friday 8:00pm , Saturday 8:00pm BB SB BR CR SW TR CBR CBA $1000 ADM, $70 EF, $10 SCF Call to enter: 800-639-9002 Wed, Apr 1, 8am-5pm CST Call Backs: Thur, Apr 2 & Fri, Apr 3, 9am-4pm CST All events draw for perf. - Tradeouts • No slack after the Sat, Apr 11 perf Must ride in Grand Entry, must be in dress code Must have current Coggins • Hospitality room for contestants Location: Indoor Arena, UGA Livestock Inspection Facility, South Milledge Rd More Info: gss@uga.com • Great Southland Stampede Rodeo Stock Contractor: Southern Rodeo Co

APRIL 10-11 • GREENWOOD, SC • SRA (Specialty Event) • Friday 8:00pm, Saturday 8:00pm Bull Riding $1000 ADM, $80 EF, $10 SCF (each perf, you may enter both) Cowgirls Barrel Racing $500 ADM, $50 EF, $10 SCF (enter once) Call to enter: 800-639-9002 Mon, Apr 6, 8am-5pm CST Location: Lander University Equestrian Center, 2611 Hwy 72E More Info: 864-377-1479 Stock Contractor: Double Creek Pro Rodeo Co

APRIL 17-18 • CHATSWORTH, GA • SRA/NCA Incentive Rodeo (double points) • Location: 560 Hwy 52 East Friday 8:00pm, Saturday 8:00pm • Jerkdown rule applies BB SB BR CR SW TR CBR CBA $300 ADM, $40 EF, $5 SCF Call to enter: 800-639-9002 Mon, Apr 13, 8am-5pm CST Cotton Eyed Joe Buckle Series - Buckle given to SRA or NCA member with highest points in each event that competes in at least 4 rodeos in series.

Stock Contractor: Outlaw Rodeo Co

APRIL 24-25 • CALHOUN GA • NCA/SRA Payne Farms Rodeo • Friday, Saturday BB SB BR CR TR CBR CBA $200 ADM Call to enter: 865-300-4717 Mon, Apr 20, 6pm-9pm Stock Contractor: Outlaw Rodeo Co

MAY 1-2 • HINESVILLE, GA • IPRA/SRA Friday 7:30pm, Saturday 7:30pm • Location: Hwy 84 E, Midway GA BB SB BR CR SW TR CBA $500 ADM, $50 EF, $10 SCF Call to enter: 800-639-9002 Mon, Apr 27, 8am-5pm CST 1st Annual Cowboys & Soldiers Stock Contractor: T-T Rodeo Co

8 • The Roping Pen • March 2015

MAY 8-9 • GATES, NC • SRA Friday 7:30pm, Saturday 7:30pm Location: 158 Paige Riddick Rd BB SB BR $600 ADM, $50 EF, $5 SCF (each perf, you may enter both) CR SW TR CBR CBA $1000 ADM, $80 EF, $5 SCF Call to enter: 800-639-9002 Mon, May 4, 8am-5pm CST More Info: 252-209-1473 • Stock Contractor: Double Creek Pro Rodeo Co

MAY 8-9 • HOBOKEN, GA • IPRA/SRA Friday 7:30pm, Saturday 7:30pm BB SB BR CR SW TR CBR CBA $500 ADM, $50 EF, $10 SCF Call to enter: 800-639-9002 Mon, May 4, 8am-5pm CST Location: Brantley Co Saddle Club, 3726 Evergreen Way 1st Annual John Wayne Rodeo Stock Contractor: T-T Rodeo Co

MAY 15-16 • WARE SHOALS, SC • IPRA/SRA Friday 8:00pm, Saturday 8:00pm BB SB BR CR SW TR CBR $400 ADM, $50 EF, $10 SCF Call to enter: 800-639-9002 Mon, May 11, 8am-5pm CST Location: River Oaks Arena, Nation Rd off Hwy 25 Stock Contractor: Ken Treadway Rodeo Co

MAY 22-23 • CLEVELAND, TN • SRA/NCA Friday 8:00pm, Saturday 8:00pm • Jerkdown rule applies BB SB BR CR SW TR CBR CBA $300 ADM, $40 EF, $5 SCF Call to enter: 800-639-9002 Mon, May 18, 8am-5pm CST Location: Tri-State Exibition Center (covered arena), I-75 Exit 20, go west 1/4 mile Cotton Eyed Joe Buckle Series - Buckle given to SRA or NCA member with highest points in each event that competes in at least 4 rodeos in series.

Stock Contractor: Outlaw Rodeo Co

MAY 22-23 • CLAXTON, GA • IPRA/SRA Friday 7:30pm, Saturday 7:30pm BB SB BR CR SW TR CBR CBA $500 ADM, $50 EF, $10 SCF Call to enter: 800-639-9002 Mon, May 18, 8am-5pm CST Location: Claxton Regional Youth Detention Center, 3609 Bill Hodges Rd Evans County Cares Rodeo • Stock Contractor: T-T Rodeo Co

MAY 29-30 • WILSON, NC • SRA Friday 8:00pm, Saturday 8:00pm BB SB BR CR SW TR CBR CBA $500 ADM, $50 EF, $10 SCF Call to enter: 800-639-9002 Mon, May 25, 8am-5pm CST Location: 2331 Hwy 301 South • More Info: 252-209-1473 Stock Contractor: Double Creek Pro Rodeo Co

JUNE 19-20 • POLKVILLE, NC • IPRA/SRA Friday 8:00pm, Saturday 8:00pm BB SB BR CR SW TR CBR $750 ADM, $50 EF, $5 SCF CBA $500 ADM, $50 EF, $5 SCF Call to enter: 800-639-9002 TBA Cowboy Church 6pm, free meal ticket to contestants Polkville Baptist Church Rodeo Stock Contractor: Rafter 3 Rodeo Co

JUNE 26-27 • SPARTANBURG, SC • SRA Fri 8:00pm, Sat 8:00pm • Call to enter: 800-639-9002 Mon, Jun 22, 8am-5pm CST BB SB BR CR SW TR CBR CBA $500 ADM, $50 EF, $10 SCF Location: 575 Fairgrounds Rd • More Info: 864-809-2630 or 864-377-1479 Stock Contractor: Double Creek Pro Rodeo Co

JULY 17 • NEWPORT, NC • SRA Incentive Rodeo (double points) • Friday 8:00pm • Location: 196 Carl Garner Rd BB SB BR CR SW TR CBR CBA $500 ADM, $50 EF, $10 SCF Call to enter: 800-639-9002 Mon, Jul 13, 8am-5pm CST More Info: 252-223-4019 • Stock Contractor: Double Creek Pro Rodeo Co

JULY 18 • NEWPORT, NC • SRA Incentive Rodeo (double points) • Saturday 8:00pm BB SB BR CR SW TR CBR CBA $500 ADM, $50 EF, $10 SCF Call to enter: 800-639-9002 Mon, Jul 13, 8am-5pm CST Location: 196 Carl Garner Rd • More Info: 252-223-4019 Stock Contractor: Double Creek Pro Rodeo Co

JULY 24-25 • SWEETWATER, TN • SRA/NCA Friday 8:00pm, Saturday 8:00pm • Location: I-75 Exit 60, go east 7 miles BB SB BR CR SW TR CBR CBA $300 ADM, $40 EF, $5 SCF Call to enter: 800-639-9002 Mon, Jul 20, 8am-5pm CST No slack after the Sat, Jul 25 perf • Jerkdown rule applies Luke Kaufman concert on Saturday • Stock Contractor: Rafter S Bucking Bulls Cotton Eyed Joe Buckle Series - Buckle given to SRA or NCA member with highest points in each event that competes in at least 4 rodeos in series.

AUGUST 14-15 • CLEVELAND, TN • SRA/NCA Fri 8:00pm, Sat 8:00pm • 221 Old Kinser Rd • Jerkdown rule applies BB SB BR CR SW TR CBR CBA $200 ADM, $40 EF, $5 SCF Call to enter: 800-639-9002 Mon, Aug 10, 8am-5pm CST Cotton Eyed Joe Buckle Series - Buckle given to SRA or NCA member with highest points in each event that competes in at least 4 rodeos in series.

Taylors Ruritan Club Rodeo • Stock Contractor: Outlaw Rodeo Co

SEPTEMBER 11-12 • ROYSTON, GA • SRA Incentive Rodeo (double points) • Fri 8:00pm, Sat 8:00pm BB SB BR CR SW TR CBR CBA $500 ADM, $50 EF, $10 SCF Call to enter: 800-639-9002 Tue, Sept 8, 8am-5pm CST Location: 1516 Diamond Lane • More Info: 706-498-2769 Franklin County Rodeo • Stock Contractor: Double Creek Pro Rodeo Co

SEPTEMBER 18-19 • GREENWOOD, SC • SRA Friday 8:00pm, Saturday 8:00pm • More Info: 864-377-1479 BB SB BR CR SW TR CBR CBA $500 ADM, $50 EF, $10 SCF Call to enter: 800-639-9002 Mon, Sept 14, 8am-5pm CST Location: Lander University Equestrian Center, 2611 Hwy 72E Stock Contractor: Double Creek Pro Rodeo Co

SEPTEMBER 25-26 • BENSON, NC • SRA Fri 7:30pm, Sat 7:30pm • Chamber Park/Nowell Smith Arena, 355 J Lee Rd BB SB $500 ADM, $50 EF, $10 SCF (each perf, you may enter both) BR $1000, ADM $80 EF, $10 SCF • CR SW TR CBR CBA $800 ADM, $70 EF, $10 SCF Call to enter: 800-639-9002 Mon, Sept 21, 8am-5pm CST More Info: 919-894-3825 or 864-809-2630 Stock Contractor: Double Creek Pro Rodeo Co

NOVEMBER 6-7-8 • ASHEVILLE, NC (FLETCHER) SOUTHERN FINALS RODEO

2015 POINT STANDINGS AS OF 2.10.15 RANK, NAME.......POINTS All Around Cowboy 1 Cody Mousseau............4585.75 2 Justin Thigpen..............3929.04 3 John Leinaweaver.........1567.26 4 Shane Proctor.............. 1385.46 5 Cord Spradley................834.75 All Around Cowgirl 1 Taylor Digh...................1515.74 2 Taylor Earnhardt............ 931.50 3 Heather Sherrill............. 819.54 4 Addie Fairchild............... 812.70 5 Karla Dagenhart............475.20 Bareback 1 Josh Cragar................. 1200.60 2 Brandon Rippy................ 117.76

Saddle Bronc 1 Eddie Parlier................ 1445.40 2 Shane Proctor.............. 1089.00 3 Travis Deal.................... 257.60 4 Preston Fowlkes Iii.........220.80

Bull Riding 1 Jeremiah Key............... 1663.20 2 John Leinaweaver.........955.26 3 Colt Deberry.................708.21 4 Shane Proctor................296.46 5 Luke Powell..................... 81.00

Calf Roping 1 Justin Thigpen.............. 1848.06 2 Cody Mousseau............ 1235.07 3 Will Charping............. 1065.06 4 Thomas Linton...............644.67

5 Matt Futrell...................533.52 6 Jacob Thomasson...........509.40 7 Earl Bradley.................499.86 8 Bradley Bullard..............459.00 9 Clint Madison............... 324.30 10 Allen Livengood.............311.22 11 Cole Watkins................234.00 12 Daryl Matthews............220.80

Steer Wrestling 1 Cody Mousseau............1751.58 2 Justin Thigpen.............. 1148.13 3 Brian Barefoot............... 845.10 4 John Leinaweaver......... 612.00 5 Chet Kidd....................... 612.00 6 Cord Spradley...............450.00 7 Joe Cook........................346.00 8 Jason Bagwell................306.00 9 Tye Walters....................225.00 10 Brad Stewart................ 188.73

Team Roping - Heading 1 Jason Tucker................2606.92 2 Cody Mousseau............1599.10 3 Langdon Pleasant........ 1098.77 4 Zak Hicks.......................969.84 5 Justin Thigpen...............932.85 6 Jw Baucom.....................666.77 7 Greg Mccrary.................486.00 8 Brad Stewart.................405.00 9 Danny Pyles...................283.50 10 Brent Carlton................258.06 11 Daryl Matthews............ 228.16 12 Chance Broadway.........202.05

Team Roping - Heeling 1 Caleb Anderson............ 2133.75 2 Cory Honeycutt............ 1030.46

3 Ty Lewis.........................969.84 4 Brett Sears.....................666.77 5 Clay Futrell................... 587.25 6 Zack Walters..................486.00 7 William Henkel..............432.00 8 Cord Spradley................384.75 9 Chris Grismer.................384.30 10 Walter Graham............. 367.54 11 Scott Tant.....................288.00 12 Sherwood Mullis........... 245.25

Barrel Racing 1 Rebecca Owens............. 1703.70 2 Carrie Putnam...............1224.81 3 Taylor Digh...................1168.79 4 Vandy Walden...............1168.56 5 Megan Lyerly.................754.56 6 Nancy Garrison..............583.20 7 Wendy Reed................... 566.01 8 Taylor Earnhardt............438.21 9 Vanessa Madison............372.60 10 Karla Dagenhart...........340.20 11 Heather Sherrill............234.90 12 Mikayla Almond...........225.00 Breakaway Roping 1 Bailey Livengood...........1163.70 2 Amanda Stewart.............890.04 3 Lucinda Fletcher.............779.20 4 Robin Pruitt.................... 740.25 5 Addie Fairchild...............594.00 6 Heather Sherrill.............584.64 7 Taylor Earnhardt............493.29 8 Lauren Willcox...............483.84 9 Sarah Angelone.............432.40 10 Marlee Malcom............ 418.95 11 Taylor Digh...................346.95 12 Savannah Prater..........308.70

NOTES TO KNOW… • ALL FINES AND TURN-OUT FEES MUST BE PAID BEFORE ENTERING A RODEO. • S RA 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.

• J rSRA, 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: • S tock 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

PRESIDENT Dennis Pruitt 864-809-2630

VICE PRES Brad Stewart 704-361-1436

SECRETARY Connie Lassiter 919-963-2599

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

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Brian Barefoot 919-291-1625

Thomas Linton 843-680-0637

Chris Carpenter 678-733-7002

Traci Morris 704-491-8484

Chet Kidd 704-840-7515

Amanda Stewart 704-400-0035

Jake Leonard 276-233-5499

Jason Tucker 704-634-9622

EVENT DIRECTORS • EVENT DIRECTORS BAREBACK Nelson Miller 580-656-5557

CALF ROPING Thomas Linton 843-680-0637

BARREL RACING Karla Dagenhart 704-633-3456

SADDLE BRONC Austin Stewart 704-773-6783

STEER WRESTLING Brad Stewart 704-361-1436

BREAKAWAY Jamie Ellsworth 704-798-7265

BULL RIDING Rick Bynum 980-406-0560

TEAM ROPING Jason Tucker 704-634-9622

CONTRACT PERSONNEL Matt McGee 573-579-5666

The Magazine for America’s Roper • 9

• Saddles • Jackets • Buckles • • Cash • Prizes • color Special Thanks to our Sponsors:

Special Thanks to our Sponsors:

Information Transport Solutions

Stone Martin Builders

Alabama AG Credit

Martin Farms Circle C Construction

Business Services of Alabama

• BOTH DAYS • • Books open at 8:00 am • • Roping begins at 9:00 am •

WO Crawford Arena 1555 FEDERAL DRIVE • MONTGOMERY, AL 36109

March 14 & 15, 2015 USTRC CLASSIFICATIONS • CASH ONLY ENTRY • DUMMY ROPINGS BOTH DAYS! Trailer Hookups: $35/night • Stalls: $25/night, includes 1 bag of shavings • Extra Shavings are $7 a bag.

Buybacks are available in each roping, first round only, for the original cost of the team.

EXTRA RUNS IN ANY OF THE DRAW ROPINGS WILL BE ½ THE COST OF THE ORIGINAL ENTRY.

Total of 4 Saddles, 16 Jackets, 7 Buckles, plus Cash and other Prizes!

FIRST 3 SADDLE WINNERS: High point 5 & 5E, 4 & 4E, and 3 & below. THE 4TH SADDLE will be awarded to the High Point Roper who is a current member of the Alabama Cattleman’s Association. (ACA Memberships will be available for purchase at the Roping.) CASH WINNERS: High Point # 6 & above. • PRIZE WINNERS: Fast Times in the 1st round of each roping.

SATURDAY SCHEDULE:

SUNDAY SCHEDULE:

#15 with #13 incentive, $40/man, 4 Head Progressive on 1. No Cap. Jackets to Average Winners!

#10 with #8 incentive, $40/man, 4 Head Progressive on 1. Capped at a 6E. Jackets to Avg Winners, Buckle to High Point of the Roping!

#10 Slide. Draw 5, $150/man, 4 Head, Progressive on 1. No Cap. Jackets to Average Winners, Buckle to High Point of the Roping!

#12 Slide. Draw 5, $150/man, 4 Head, Progressive on 1. No Cap. Jackets to Avg Winners, Buckle to High Point of the Roping!

#11 Pick 1 Draw 1 or Draw 2, Handicapped, $80/man, 4 Head, Progressive on 1. No Cap. Jackets to Average Winners, Buckle to High Point of the Roping!

#9 Pick 1 or Draw 1, Handicapped, $40/man, 3 Head, Progressive on 1. Capped at a 5E. Jackets to Avg Winners, Buckle to High Point of the Roping!

#8 Pick 1 or Draw 1, Handicapped, $40/man, 3 Head, Progressive on 1. Capped at a 4E. Jackets to Average Winners, Buckle to High Point of the Roping!

#7 Pick 1 or Draw 1, Handicapped, $30/man, 2 Head, Progressive on 1. Capped at a 4E. Jackets to Avg Winners, Buckle to High Point of the Roping!

Contacts: Stinson Ellis 334.657.3315 • Michael Dansby 334.558.3389 • William Martin 334.437.1088 10 • The Roping Pen • March 2015

The Magazine for America’s Roper • 11

Getting the Best out of Your Partner I

love when headers say they’d win more if they had a better heeler behind them. Like when Clay Tryan won first, second and third at the Windy Ryon last year and people said, “Well sure, he had the three best heelers in the world.”

And he did have Jade, Patrick and Travis. But then he went to the WTRC Finals in Billings. He could have said to himself, “Man, if I just had my three main guys up here at my dad’s finals, I could win $10,000.”

Instead, he went up there and caught every steer aggressive and handled them so clean around the corner that he still won first, second and third – with a guy who headed all year and borrowed a heel horse (Joel Bach), a retired guy (Jhett Johnson) and his cousin (Chase Tryan). He won more than $16,000.

That’s the mindset you need as a low-numbered header, too. Are you able to set the steer up to where it’s easy for your partner to read the corner? Can you make that heeler rope better than he or she has ever roped for anybody else?

Because of pride, a lot of times it doesn’t happen. Headers make excuses and you hear them say all the time, “I turned every steer and these heelers keep legging and missing for me.” Well, are they listening to themselves? There’s a common denominator! Somebody is handling steers well enough that guys are catching.

Consider two headers at the NFR, both of whom are catching every steer. But one guy’s heeler is missing every night and the other guy’s is catching. It might not be that the one heeler ropes so much better than the other.

There’s a bigger difference than you think between a head horse that leaves out of there at 9 o’clock and one that takes the steer left more at 10:30 and slows down just a tick across the arena. The first corner is sharp and hard to read as it happens.

Some young headers, when they know a high-numbered heeler is behind them, will think it works to just stick it on and get out of there.

But with maturity, they start realizing the difference they can make.

I used to ask Chad Masters to get our steers’ heads turned quick, but then to just slow down and lope to the corner. When I say “lope to the corner,” I mean not speed the run up. It might sound funny, but why not have your header try it?

The year we started doing that is the year we won the NFR average, set a new earnings record, and I won the world. The next year, we won second in the average and he won the world. Chad only missed one steer, and I was 50 years old and roped 19 out of 19 by two feet.

Riding out of there at the correct speed lets your heeler be the best he can be. ... VISIT SMARTROPING.COM FOR MORE.

12 • The Roping Pen • March 2015

The Magazine for America’s Roper • 13

Steers... Steers... Steers T

hink about the big picture of team roping for a minute. The main ingredients of the sport are horses, ropes and cattle.

People spend a lot of money on horses and a lot of time on their roping mechanics, but for a lot of ropers a steer is a steer. Ropers only thought concerning roping cattle are that they are the producer’s problem.

For the most part, most producers do a fantastic job at sorting cattle, especially at larger events such as USTRC, WSTR, NTRL and many other events of all sizes. However, knowing how to read a steer when you back in the box and trusting your partner does as well, can be a huge advantage. Also knowing that different types of events will have different types of roping cattle and which rope to grab out of your bag at these events can increase your odds at winning.

Talking with Total Team Roping’s, Cesar de a Cruz, he offered several tips for ropers to take to the next event concerning reading cattle and what to do in different circumstances.

“I like to practice on all types of cattle,” Cesar said. “Slow, fast, big horns, little horns and even Mulley’s. That way when you get to an event you can have an idea on what you need to do to accommodate the different kinds of cattle.”

Cesar added that ropers should choose different types of ropes

for different sets of cattle as well.

“I always go and watch the steers before an event if I can,” Cesar added. “If they are bigger, heavier cattle I can almost bet they have been roped quite a bit and will be a little slower. For these types of steers I will use a stiffer heavier rope. For smaller steer that you can tell are fresh, I will use a little bit lighter, softer rope.”

Cesar also had input for headers to take notice of when looking over steers at an event.

“It’s really all about horn size for headers,” he said. “For cattle with smaller horns, a header needs to use a lighter, faster rope and for steers with big antlers, use a siffer rope.”

A team should also trust each other and practicing together will help ropers learn how they will react to different kinds of cattle.

“It a header sees a small horned steer with the horns barely sticking past the end of the wrap, he might want to neck rope the steer to ensure a catch,” Cesar said. “As a heeler, you should also look at the horns size of your steer to see if your header will more than likely neck the short-horned steer and know he needs to ride position for it.”

“Ropers should also note that bigger cattle are going to handle slower than a fresh steer and know how to react and ride the correct position for the different types, added Cesar.”

Steers…. Steers…. Steers – They are a major factor in team roping and knowing the difference in how they will react in a run will increase a roper’s advantage at an event. Cesar is one of the several top professionals you can learn from at TotalTeamRoping.com.

The online instructional team roping site has hours and hours of instructional videos. Additionally, they have recently continued to add to their collection of online information with tips and instructions from many more of today’s top ropers. So be sure to tune in and give yourself the advantage of learning and knowing more than your fellow competitors at the next event!

©2015 Bull Daddy Cartoons

14 • The Roping Pen • March 2015

The Magazine for America’s Roper • 15

& Junior and Youth Divisions

W

ell I guess even though we never had a “true “ winter I guess it is over.

We are back to practicing and RODEOING!!! SCJHD started our Spring Season in Clemson. For several years we have started our season on the Friday night before the annual Michael Hare Memorial Scholarship Roping. This year was no exception.

I think it was an understatement to say these kids were ready!! Everyone had their game faces on and were ready to go!!!! We also had some that realized they took a little too long of a break. Ha ha. You can bet since that January rodeo many a rope has been thrown and many a barrel run.

I have no doubt that this season will prove to be the best one yet. Hang on Des Moines… We are headed your way!

SOUTH CAROLINA HIGH SCHOOL SPRING SCHEDULE March 13 & 14 - Conway, SC * Must have all calendar money turned in and a report card to turn in.

March 20 - Lumberton, NC - Stockhorse Show - Reined Cowhorse March 27 & 28 - Saluda, SC (First $150 in Ad sales are due!)

April 10 & 11- Lowry’s, SC April 17 & 18 - Westminster, SC (Last $100 & any additional ad sale $ due!)

April 24 & 25 - Aiken, SC May 1 & 2 - Iva, SC May 8 & 9 - Marietta, SC May 16 - Queen’s Contest & Cutting Finals May 21-23, STATE FINALS, Clemson, SC July 12-18, National Finals, Rock Springs, WY

HIGH SCHOOL SHOOTING SCHEDULE: March 14 • 10 am • Rifle & Trap matches

Wildlife Action Shooting Range, Aynor, SC (near Conway rodeo) Call-in on March 9 from 7-9 PM to 864-710-6616. No late call-in accepted.

April 18 • 10 am • Rifle and Trap matches

Clemson University Shooting Range Call-in on Monday, April 13 from 7-9 PM to 864-710-6616. No late call-in accepted.

May 16 • Time TBA • Rifle and Trap matches

Clemson University Shooting Range Call-in on Monday, May 11 from 7-9 PM to 864-710-6616. No late call-in accepted.

Be sure to check the SCHSRA website to verify all dates!

Top 4 Leaders in Points For Each Event...

BARRELS: Ali Harrison, Monica Harmon, Amanda Stephenson, Kelsey Martin POLE BENDING: Magie Wirchball, Kelsey Martin, Jini Justice, Amanda Stephenson GOAT TYING: Kelsey Martin, Amanda Stephenson, Kyra Lombardo, Megan Stephens BREAKAWAY: Monica Harmon, Grace Moore, Taylor Digh, Carolina Burgen TIE DOWN ROPING: Adam Griffin, Will Griffin, Hunter Styles, Tyler Willis TEAM ROPING: Chris Phillips/Will Rector, Hunter Styles/Rick Garrett, Dillon Harrison, Jesse Sellers BULL RIDING: Colby Winstead, Logan Gaskins, Dustin Campbell, Kayle Currie BAREBACK RIDING: Andrew Kapala, Tim Murphy, , SADDLE BRONC: Kenneth Glick, Hunter Styles, Ethan Bedford, Grant Jackson STEER WRESTLING: Bennett Dove, Randy Caudle, Will Griffin, Adam Griffin GIRLS, ALL AROUND: Kelsey Martin, Monica Harmon, Amanda Stephenson, Ali Harrison BOYS, ALL AROUND: Hunter Styles, Adam Griffin, Tyler Willis, Will Griffin LIGHT RIFLE: Caroline Burgen, Michael Whittaker, Will Jennings, Callie Pate TRAP: Caroline Burgen, Lucas Mast, Will Jennings, Michael Whittaker CUTTING, BOYS: Christopher Phillips, Nicholas Phiilips/McKay Alexander, , CUTTING, GIRLS: Erin Smith, Madison Jackson, Kelsey Martin, REINING COW HORSE: Erin Smith, Creighton Ellison 16 • The Roping Pen • March 2015

The Magazine for America’s Roper • 17

What’s New For 2015?

As the New Year rolled around the largest western industry market played out in Denver, Colorado. The WESA (Western English Sales Association) opened their doors for everyone in the western industry to see what new products are hitting store shelves, plastering the pages of magazines and filling up catalogs this year. It seems there has not been much excitement in new products over the past couple years for the team HEEL-O-MATIC: The LeapSteer will make sure your kids have fun and get started right. Being 2/3 the size of a BONES and made of a hide-like feeling material, the LeapSteer helps younger ropers swing at a correct angle, deliver snappier head loops, develop correct muscle memory, and build roping confidence. Find yours at a Heel-O-Matic Outlet or

www.heelomatic.com.

SPARKY is the roping steer you can head, heel and turn off, just like a live steer.

Ask the Pros, you can do it all in one without the high cost. Call us at 877-877-4240 today for ordering information! See all of the details of Sparky roping steer and all of the great Sparky Superior Roping Products at www.smartsteer.com.

NOBLE OUTFITTERS™ NEW ALL-PURPOSE STALL WASH will change the way you think about cleaning your livestock and their surroundings! The deep-penetrating formula safely cleans areas prone to pathogens, viruses, bacteria and fungus. It works to neutralize odor, reduce fly exposure, and is lab tested and Veterinarian, FEI, & USEF approved. Unlike bleach or chlorine, ours is made from non-toxic, food-grade safe ingredients. Find out more at

www.nobleoutfitters.com

NOBLE OUTFITTERS™ NEW WOUND CARE will assist in the recovery process of your injured animal. This Veterinarianrecommended, proprietary formulation improves wound cleanliness and enhances recovery time on all animals. Noble Outfitters™ Wound Care is made from non-toxic, food-grade safe ingredients. It is safe to use in animal’s eyes, ears, nose and mouth... even on the most sensitive animals! Find out more about this and our other great products online at

www.nobleoutfitters.com

See more on pages 40-41!

roping / rodeo market, but then came 2015! The Market was alive with new products every horseman and women out there will want. From new twists on old products, new pricing on some of your favorites and totally new products that will aid in your quest to be competitive, the 2015 New Equipment Guide has it all for you. Check out the following pages of new products we found for today’s team ropers and rodeo athlete!

QUICKSILVER ARENAS Quicksilver Arenas now offers Custom Stall fronts!

Class up your barns with these outstanding stall fronts. Available in color of your choice. Call today: (903) 785-8911 for more information or visit Quicksilver online at

WILLARD ROPES and Paul Ammerman have teamed up to bring you one of the finest and most affordable custom saddles.

Built on our exclusive Balance Bar tree, each feature Pressure Relief Bar Tips and pressure-resistant full length bars that slowly contour and flatten in perfect balance. Each proudly made in the USA! Find out more at

LONE STAR ROPES introduces The Shark 4-Strand, developed in close collaboration with LSR Pro-Team member, Patrick Smith. “My favorite thing about the Shark is that it doesn’t have any bounce or spring to it. It stays open, but when you set it down, it stays where you put it. The rope has a fantastic open feel, but still has great balance with the tip.

The Shark is, by far, my favorite rope.” ~ Patrick Smith

NRS FEATURE PRODUCT: NOBLE OUTFITTERS NRSworld.com WAVE FORK: Copolymer #41106 $49.99 plastic resin tines provide maximum durability.

Lightweight aircraft grade aluminum handle. Heavyduty I-beam rail and tine construction. Outer tines form a basket for maximum use. 5 year warranty.

HOT HEELS’ ROPE-O-MATIC JakeSteers are NOW available and come in 3 different colors with all the accessories for a great low price! Classic Buford parts are still available, and a NEW, redesigned Buford is coming soon! JakeSteers can be ordered online any time, or give us a call at 712-947-4198

QUICKSILVER GOAT CHUTE Get your own Goat Roping Chute at Quicksilver Arenas! These are oneof-a-kind, made with quality steel.

Our Goat Roping Chutes offer lots of fun and practice for everyone!

We also offer goat roping arenas.

For more information, call us at (903) 785-8911 or visit us at:

www.quicksilverarenas.com

www.willardropes.com

www.ropehotheels.com

ROPE SMART Roping Dummy is designed off the science behind great loops. It not only helps beginners learn correctly, it helps reshape a longtime roper’s loop. Easy to hual, head, heel and has an optional Calf Head. You don’t rope alone, so why own a dummy only 1 can rope? For more info, visit us online today at www.ropesmart.com

TRES RIOS SILVER brings their new Harness leather headstall with a custom Buckle to the front of line for 2015. They have many great products from buckles to briefcases and more. The New Harness leather headstall sells for $95. Order yours today at 1.800.550.7535 or go online:

SHORTY is the all new dummy by the makers of Smarty. Just like Smarty, it is fun and realistic.

Because if it’s fun, you will rope it!

And if it’s realistic, you will rope it right.

Find out more online: www.bachroping.com

BEST EVER PADS: KUSH is the pad choice of 2014 World Champion, Jade Corkill. This durable, compression-resistant, flexible pad features wool that absorbs moisture and cools the horse’s back. The Kush Wool comes in light gray and black, .75”, 1”, or 1.25” thickness, several leathers, and offers custom options. The Kush... a top quality pad that’s sharp looking & sits great. Call us at 805-528-8009 or visit us online: www.BestEverPads.com

ARIAT: Ariat welcomes the new year with a great lineup of clothing and boots. Check out these great styes in store for you! See them all at www.ariat.com.

NRS FEATURE PRODUCT: THE ROPE RITE CRISS CROSS SLED features all-new, redesigned legs for the most realistic roping practice available.

Legs cross and stretch back when a heeler has a dally, similar to a live roping steer.

Sled is coated with a rubberlike protector for added durability. The RR-5 includes a breakaway hitch and wheels.

The breakaway hitch comes unfastened from the tow vehicle when the sled is roped and turned left by the header allowing for a complete team roping run. Bones roping dummy not included. Available at NRSworld.com. #RR-4 $699.99 Black Without Front Wheels. #RR-5 $899.99 Black With Front Wheels. Order yours today at 1-800-467-6746 or visit our website online any time at

NRS FEATURE PRODUCTS: RANCH HAND SERIES Crafted from the finest Herman Oak leather and finished with long lasting stainless steel hardware.

Built to handle abuse inside the roping pen and on the ranch. Featuring four different styles of headstalls, latigo leather, and harness leather roping reins. Options for breast collars include an All-around Tapered Collar, a double-stitched Steer Tripper Breast Collar, and a traditional cut Pulling Collar. Designed for horse owners that rely on their tack as more than just a piece of leather. Order yours today at 1-800-467-6746 or go online to check out even more NRS exclusive tack...

CHUTE HELP has released new accessories to compliment the ground-breaking Fully Automatic Roping Chute.

Straight Lead Ups are offered in 8’, 10’, and 12’ lengths and feature adjustable, dual ally stops.

The Easy Exit Stripping Chute is a must-have for all roping arenas, featuring dual-ally stops, sliding side exit gate, and raised platform for easy steer access. For more information, call 855-248-8343 or visit us online at

Lake Snap Shirt 10014480 Big Loop Performance Footwear 10015264

Lewis Shirt 10014473 Catalyst VX Breakthrough features!

10015279

M2 Quattro 10015070

M4 Low Rise Boot Cut Khaki 10015078

Ranchero Performance Footwear 10015281

www.tresriossilverbuckles.com

www.NRSworld.com

18 • The Roping Pen • March 2015

www.NRSworld.com

www.chutehelp.com

www.lonestarropes.com

www.quicksilverarenas.com QUICKSILVER SCORING LANE Check out the NEW, original Scoring Lane from Quicksilver Arenas. This is a great training tool for young horses and also helps train your roping steers. For more information on the new Scoring Lane, or any of our other great products, call us at (903) 785-8911 or visit us online:

www.quicksilverarenas.com

STRAIGHT TIME STIRRUPS understands the significance of your support and comfort while riding and competing.

Their patent pending design bridges the gap between comfort and the needed support to compete at your best.

The key to Straight Time Stirrups is their Tapered Hanger Rod and Offset Shape of the stirrup. These two effects put together offer riders an advantage that regular or other new design stirrups do not! The hanger rod allows the stirrup tread to be in the perfect placement for comfort and stability. Offsetting the stirrups centerline outward allows the rider to regain the proper center of gravity that the stirrups require and kept the edge of the stirrups away from the riders shin.

Straight Time Stirrups offers quality products that riders can trust and help them succeed, no matter the sport. All of their stirrups are made with the end-user in mind and can be found at a fair price. Find out more at

www.StraightTimeStirrups.com

The Magazine for America’s Roper • 19

20 • The Roping Pen • March 2015

The Magazine for America’s Roper • 21

Foothills Youth Rodeo Association FYRA’S 2015 SEASON IS HERE!!

rodeofyra.com • Follow us on Facebook!

FYRA proudly gives away over $45,000 in Trophy Awards annually & over $65,000 in Prizes!

Join the FYRA for our 2015 Season...

Download, Fill out, and turn in your NOATARIZED 2015 Membership Application TODAY! AV A I L A B L E N O W O N L I N E A T . . .

www.rodeofyra.com/rodeo-with-us.html AGE DIVISIONS & MEMBERSHIP FEES: PEE WEE • 6 & under as of Nov.1,2014 Pee Wee Events: Stock Busting, Goat Doggin’, Goat Tying, Barrel Racing, Pole Bending

WRANGLER • Ages 7-10 as of Nov. 1, 2014 Wrangler Events: Goat Tying, Barrel Racing, Pole Bending, Calf Riding, Breakaway Roping

JUNIOR • Ages 11-14 as of Nov. 1, 2014 SENIOR • Ages 5-18 as of Nov.1, 2014 Junior & Senior Events: Bronc Riding, Bull Riding, Steer Riding, Goat Tying, Barrel Racing, Pole Bending, Breakaway Roping, Calf Roping, Team Roping, Chute Dogging, Steer Wrestling

Questions? Contact us! rodeofyra@att.net or psty300@bel lsouth.net

2015 RODEO SCHEDULE SATURDAY, MARCH 7 J/S 10 am & P/W 7 pm SUNDAY, MARCH 8 P/W 10 am & J/S 3 pm Cross Creek Ranch 1916 McIntyre Rd. • Wingate, NC www.crosscreekarena.com SATURDAY, APRIL 18 J/S 10 am & P/W 7 pm SUNDAY, APRIL 19 P/W 10 am & J/S 3 pm River Oaks Arena 2610 Nation Rd. • Hodges, SC SATURDAY, MAY 16 J/S 10 am & P/W 7 pm SUNDAY, MAY 17 P/W 10 am & J/S 3 PM Sugar Ridge Arena 481 Sugar Ridge Rd. • Inman, SC SATURDAY, JUNE 6 J/S 10 am & P/W 7 pm SUNDAY, JUNE 7 P/W 10 am & J/S 3 pm Cross Creek Ranch 1916 McIntyre Rd. • Wingate, NC www.crosscreekarena.com SATURDAY, JULY 25 J/S 10 am & P/W 7 pm SUNDAY, JULY 26 P/W 10 am & J/S 3 pm Cole Creek Arena 461 Camp Knob Rd • Casar, NC

President: Crystal McDowell • 2014-2016 481 Sugar Ridge Rd. • Inman, SC 29349 (864) 809-8968 • Roperchick55@yahoo.com Vice-President: Allan Harmon • 2013-2016 119 Harmon Rd. • Moore, SC 29369 (864) 415-4467 • harmonlr@hotmail.com Secretary: Peden Styles • 2014-2017 509 Garrett-Patton Rd. • Fountain Inn, SC 29644 Personal: Psty300@bellsouth.net • (864) 616-4449 FYRA: rodeofyra@att.net • (864) 906-0698 Treasurer: Ruth Doyle • 2012-2015 2231 Cheyenne Rd. • Smyrna, SC 29743 (803) 628-8886 • ruthdoylecpa@aol.com Co- Treasurer: Josh Per • 2013-2015 726 East Long Bay Dr. • Inman, SC 29349 (856) 816-7445 • v10kingsnake@gmail.com

Board of Directors:

FYRA Officers:

SATURDAY, AUGUST 15 J/S 10 am & P/W 7 pm SUNDAY, AUGUST 16TH P/W 9 am & J/S 3 pm Stockman Farms Greenwood, SC

22 • The Roping Pen • March 2015

Kevin Gowan • 2014-16 • kgowan@aol.com Maddie Styles • 2014-16 • maddiestyles10@yahoo.com Lorrie Harmon • 2013-16 • harmonlr@hotmail.com Joni Gray • 2012-15 • Cwgrlup116@aol.com Scott Cochran • 2013-15 • scottcochran.09@gmail.com Steve Cook • 2013-15 SCook@midrex.com Jason Timms • 2012-15 • jaytimms@att.net Maggie Styles • 2014-16 • maggiestyles000@yahoo.com Pam Foster • 2014-17 • pgarrett@srhs.com Kevin Dyal • 2014-16 • Kdyal78@yahoo.com

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 5 J/S 9 am & P/W 7 PM SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6 P/W 10 am & J/S 3 pm Sugar Ridge Arena 481 Sugar Ridge Rd. • Inman, SC

FINALS- OCT 23-25 Times TBA • Double J Arena 501 Lockaby Rd • Pendleton, SC www.doublejbarrelhorses.com

• • • • • • • • • J/S= Junior & Senior P/W= Pee Wee & Wrangler All Entries must be Called in for.

Call-Ins held on the Monday prior to the rodeo 7-10 pm (864) 906-0698 or (864) 724-4675 Late Call-Ins... see RULEBOOK. The Magazine for America’s Roper • 23

W

ith an increase in ropers, an increase in teams and more than $500,000 in cash and prizes handed out, the NTRL Finals held the last weekend of January was, well… it was nothing short of what everyone expected it to be – fun, exciting and filled with winners. With great weather, cattle that made the event enjoyable and camaraderie of ropers that seem to act more like family than competitors, the event set precedence that the sport of team roping is growing and those that want to rope at quality events east of the Mississippi river know where to go.

Knowing When to Quit

I

’ve always believed its not how you start, but how you finish.

This is true in everything in my life, and it isn’t any different with my horses. I watch people send so many mixed signals to their horses they don’t know whether to jump or lay down. Mostly because the rider really doesn’t know what he wants them to do.

My granddad used to have a saying “job him and jerk him.” I didn’t really understand the depth of this statement until I was older. So for those of you who don’t get it, I will take the liberty to try and explain what I think my granddad was trying to say. “Hey fruit loop, you’re sending mixed signals to your horse!”

Some of you may or may not know but there is a young man from Brazil who has been living with me for about a year. His name is Marcos Costa. If you are a fan of rodeo and you don’t know about him, you will very soon! He will definitely be making a name for himself in calf roping this season. What sets him apart from other ropers out there is he is one of the best horseman I have ever been around. He has the ability to do things with horses that I have never seen before. What impresses me most about his horsemanship is his ability to know when to quit. Here is a quick story to show you what I’m talking about. Marcos was riding a young horse warming him up getting ready to rope. He asked the horse to stop about half speed and the horse stopped half heartedly on his front

24 • The Roping Pen • March 2015

www.STSRanch.com end and popped up. Marcos brought him around and asked him to stop again, this time with a little more seriousness. The horse dropped in it like a reiner. At this point Marcos got off, loosened the cinch, and took the skid boots off. He looked at me and said “Thats good for today.” Now there were about 12 people at the house that day wanting to see him rope on this horse. He didn’t run one calf.

I’ve watched so many people not only not know when to stop, but they don’t know when they need to keep on practicing. I believe this is an art in itself. When I am ON that day, that is when I keep going. When I am hitting on all cylinders and I’m in the groove, this is when I do the majority of my practicing. Most people think when they are having a bad day in the arena they need to keep on until they get it right. I call those days Monday’s. You need to be smart enough to realize that this may be the day that you are not really in the zone. This is when you need to find a way to quit on a good note. The very last thing i want to have happen is for me to start questioning my ability because of a bad practice day.Thats the whole deal. KNOW WHEN TO QUIT! Like I mentioned before, I truly believe the knowing when to quit is an art. Whether it be for you, or your horse, or both.

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

Ropers from more than 24 states came together to enjoy the NTRL Finals and a shot at winning big. Along with the incredible cash paid out to ropers, many walked away with some of the best looking Cactus Trophy Saddles ever awarded at the NTRL seasonending event. Shoot-Out winners who claimed these great saddles included #13 Shoot-Out winners, Zack Cowart and Adam Postelle. They also earned $10,000 in cash for their work inside the Jacksonville Equestrian Center. Trey Lloyd and Clay Futrell were awarded saddles as well as $10,880 in cash after winning the #12 Shoot-Out. In the #11 Shoot-Out, it was the team of Matt Frazier and Tanner Lloyd who collected the win and earned the Cactus saddles and $12,100 in cash. Not wanting to be left out, the team of Bo Carpenter and Taylor Crook earned the championship of the #10 Shoot-Out and walked away wit $11,380 in cash and a pair of matching Cactus Trophy saddles. As the event neared the end of its long weekend of winning, the team of Mitch Rogers and Matt Jarriel edged out the rest of the field in the #9 Shoot-Out to win the matching Cactus trophy saddles split $11,140 in cash and last but not least, the #8 Shoot-Out winner, Kevin Colvard and Gina Compton took home the final pair of saddles and $10,000 in cash.

The Shoot-Out ropings were not the only affair of the weekend and many others claimed their share of awards and prize money. There were plenty of winners in the Preliminary ropings throughout the weekend who took home a collection of prizes including, more Cactus Trophy saddles, custom Maynard Trophy Buckles, Carrol Original Wear furniture that is always a hit among ropers, as well as Classic Equine Products.

There were also big winners in the specialty ropings. These included the Open roping, the #15 Handicap, the VIP roping, The Tracy

#13 SHOOT-OUT, AVG: 1. Zack Cowart / Adam Postelle, 31.62, $10,000; 2. Hayden Grant / Ty Chancey, 32.73, $5,000; 3. Tanner Saunders / Garrett Smith, 33.87, $3,500; 4. Brent Carlton / Mark Strickland, 34.38, $2,900; 5. Craig Flowers / Billy Lam, 35.19, $1,400 #12 SHOOT-OUT, AVG: 1. Trey Lloyd / Clay Futrell, 32.19, $10,880; 2. William McCraw / Colby Herman, 32.79, $6,890; 3. J W Baucom / Tanner Lloyd, 32.98, $4,720; 4. Joel Colgrove / Brett Taylor, 34.54, $3,990; 5. Scott Bone / Adam Postelle, 34.56, $3,260; 6. Beck Hyslop / Ryon Springer, 34.97, $2,900; 7. J W Baucom / Clint Humphries, 34.99, $2,180; 8. Buck Player / Zak Richardson, 35.63, $1,450 • #11 SHOOT-OUT, AVG: 1. Matt Frazier / Tanner Lloyd, 32.48, $12,100; 2. Karter Kagel / Dustin Egusquiza, 33.18, $7,660; 3. Shannon Welter / J D Domenigo, 35.51, $5,240; 4. Lee Bleakley / Pablo Delgado, 35.89, $4,440; 5. Derrick Bell / Billy Lam, 37.35, $3,630; 6. J W Baucom / Doyle Nobles, 39.18, $3,230; 7. Wes Tindell / Zak Richardson, 40.33, $2,420; 8. Scott Elliott / Ryon Springer, 41.45, $1,600; 9. Ryan Stone / Ran West, 42.4, $720; 10. Cody Jackson / Derrick Davis, 42.58, $720 • #10 SHOOT-OUT, AVG: 1. Bo Carpenter / Taylor Crook, 32.76, $11,380; 2. Beck Hyslop / Ryon Springer, 35.28, $7,120; 3. Dillon Hardwick / Coltin Nobles, 35.87, $5,700; 4. Wes Tindell / Calvin Moody, 36.59, $4,740; 5.

William Henkel / Doyle Nobles, 36.87, $4,260; 6. Jade Nobles / Coltin Nobles, 38.35, $3,790; 7. Jaret Nobles / Coltin Nobles, 38.63, $3,320; 8. Michael Gardisser / Tyler Tatum, 38.65, $2,840; 9. Clint Gruber / Clint Humphries, 39.36, $2,370; 10. Brittany Whiddon / Wil Whiddon, 40.62, $1,900 • #9 SHOOT-OUT, AVG: 1. Mitch Rogers / Matt Jarriel, 36.21, $11,140; 2. Jade Nobles / Doyle Nobles, 40.02, $6,960; 3. E R Scogin / Jeff Tilley, 41.35, $5,570; 4. Victor Palacios / Steve AllDay, 41.78, $4,640; 5. Brandi Hines / Becky Cannizzaro, 43.05, $4,170; 6. Jacob Spears / Coltin Nobles, 48.64, $3,720; 7. Joyce Pasley / Ethan Taulbee, 48.67, $3,250; 8. Craig Stevens / Shanna Kaye Crawley, 49.97, $2,780; 9. Dillon Hardwick / Buddy Holland, 50.57, $2,320; 10. Tim Gray / Nick Hart, 56.21, $1,860 • #8 SHOOT-OUT, AVG: 1. Kevin Colvard / Gina Compton, 41.52, $10,000; 2. Dawson Cantu / Faith John, 47.44, $6,160; 3. Amy Benedict / Wayne Benedict, 49.15, $4,800; 4. Curtis Crumbley / Todd Christian, 49.38, $3,300; 5. Jamie Felton / Kimberly Breyo, 50.18, $1,800 • #13 PRELIM, AVG: 1. Matt Scogin / Jay Holmes, 38.57, $1,480; 2. Beverly Robbins / Ty Chancey, 39.14, $980 • #12 PRELIM, AVG: 1. Dusty Ratcliff / Billy Myers, 37.89, $2,520; 2. Karter Kagel / Dustin Egusquiza, 40.69, $1,890; 3. Jaxson Tucker / Mark Strickland, 42.14, $1,260; 4. Damian Valdera / Brock Middleton, 43.7, $630 • #11 PRELIM, AVG: 1. Karter Kagel / Tom Clark, 34.09, $2,820; 2. Jaxson Tucker / Dustin Egusquiza, 38.62, $2,120; 3. David Anderson / Dustin Egusquiza, 39.89, $1,420; 4. Alberto Fernandez / Daniel Minick, 44.47, $700 #10 Prelim, Avg: 1. Craig Stevens / Brady Barrentine, 25.1, $3,500; 2. Dawson Cantu / Calvin Moody, 25.3, $2,220; 3. Jessica Gray / Brady Barrentine, 26.14, $1,520; 4. Clay Tilley / Jeff Tilley, 27.4, $1,280; 5. Rayna Gay / Brady Barrentine, 27.77, $1,050; 6. Austin Allen / Gene McCarn, 28.82, $940; 7. Lewis Perry / Ronnie Marx, 29.03, $700; 8. Chad Armstrong / Ethan Taulbee, 31.19, $460 • #9 PRELIM, AVG: 1. Dusty Ratcliff / Pablo Delgado, 28.62, $3,320; 2. Trace Price / Brady Barrentine, 31.63, $2,220; 3. Jaxson Tucker / Brady Barrentine, 32.15, $1,750; 4. Victor Palacios / Pablo Delgado, 34.21, $1,300; 5. Jaxson Tucker / Tanner Lloyd, 34.92, $640 • #8 PRELIM, AVG: 1. Logan Taylor / Blake Walker, 28.65, $3,330; 2. Jodi Gray / Barry Ussery, 33.11, $2,500; 3. Jamie Felton / Jonathan Pinnell, 35.11, $1,660; 4. Bronc Vogele / Robbie Bell, 37.35, $840 • OPEN, AVG: 1. Dustin Egusquiza / Trace Porter, 47.22, $2,000; 2. Manny Cunde Egusquiza / Trace Porter, 52.11, $1,330 • #15 HANDICAP, AVG: 1. Beverly Robbins / Zak Richardson, 44.11, $3,450; 2. Manny Cunde Egusquiza / Dustin Egusquiza, 54.05, $2,300 • #7 AVG: 1. Chris Green / Rocky Gaudious, 35.84, $3,250; 2. Trace Price / Beau West, 36.81, $2,440; 3. Michelle Palermo / Faith John, 41.11, $1,640; 4. Gary Patrick / Ty Lewis, 47.83, $800 • CENTURY, AVG: 1. Greg Graden / Guy Graden, 40.51, $2,620; 2. Brother Campbell / Glen Terrell, 44, $1,960; 3. Butch Morgan / Kenny Brown, 44.29, $1,300; 4.

Butch Morgan / Guy Graden, 45.5, $660 • ALL GIRL, AVG: 1. Brittany Whiddon / Jessy Remsburg, 34.24, $3,160; 2. Savannah Holt / Megan Cameron, 35.05, $2,370; 3. Kim Spencer / Deborah Owens, 37.2, $1,580; 4. Sheri Nastri / Kimberly Breyo, 41.42, $790 #11 VIP, AVG: 1. Jamie Ballard / Heath Sanders, 33.56, $6,000; 2. Derrick Bell / Casey Cox, 34.54, $4,000; 3. Mary Ann Brown / Daniel Raynor, 35.63, $2,500; 4. Keny Porter / Zak Richardson, 36.64, $1,800; 5. Bucky Nastri / Guy Graden, 36.86, $1,000; 6. Cody L Johnson / George Mcquain, 36.89, $500; 7. David Gaddis / Scott Tant, 37.24, $500; 8. E R Scogin / Matt Scogin, 37.99, $500; 9. Brent Carlton / Billy Lam, 38.2, $500; 10. Beverly Robbins / Adam Postelle, 38.36, $500; 11. Brent Carlton / David Mitchell, 39.7, $500; 12. Mary Ann Brown / Brock Middleton, 39.92, $500

Malone All-Girls roping, the Century roping and #7 roping. Winning the Open division was the team of Dustin Egusquiza and Trace Porter. One of the stars of the east, Beverly Robbins teamed up with Zak Richardson to win the #15 Handicap. Leaving their legacy inside the arena, the team of Greg and Guy Graden earned the 2015 NTRL Century championship. Starting their legacy and hopping on the winning train were the ladies of the East, Brittany Whiddon and Jessy Remsburg who claimed the Tracy Malone All-Girl event. Leaving room for all to be winners at the NTRL finals the #7 roping was filled with eager ropers, but in the end it was the team of Chris Green and Rocky Gaudious who topped the field of ropers in the #7 and earned the championship title. Perhaps one of the most prestigious ropings to enter for the weekend was the VIP roping. The NTRL opened the doors for ropers to rope among their peers in a fun and enjoyable event with large rewards. Winning the VIP event was the team of Jamie Ballard and Heath Sanders.

They finished the roping with a solid four head total and earned $6,000 in cash, trophy Cactus saddle and Maynard buckles!

The event in Jacksonville closed out a long season of team roping events that cover the Southeast area of the country. The NTRL offers ropers exceptional events throughout the year and conclude each season with their Finals that is in fact “one of the best.” Team roping east of the Mississippi River is vital to the sport and the NTRL has and always will be the best place to rope and enjoy the sport.

“It was a great Finals,” said Producer John Johnson. “It was our tenth and that made it special. It was a better roping than others in the past, we had a great turnout and we are looking toward bigger & better in the future.”

That in itself pretty much sums up the 2015 NTRL Finals. If you missed the event, you missed a great one and a chance to fill your pocket with lots of cash and a chance to take home some great prizes. The NTRL is already off and running this year and looking forward to a great year of events stacked up throughout the Southeast. The NTRL welcomes all ropers to their events and will continue to format their events for the roper.

Looking forward to the 2016 NTRL Finals, you better start preparing today. Practice starts tomorrow for your chance to win big at next years event in Jacksonville!

Be sure to check out photos on next page...

The Magazine for America’s Roper • 25

NTRL Winners • ShootOut • Preliminaries • Specialty Events

#8 Shoot-Out Kevin Colvard / Gina Compton #8 Shootout

#9 Shoot-Out Mitch Rogers / Matt Jarriel

#8 Preliminary Logan Taylor Blake Walker

#10 Preliminary

#12 Preliminary Dusty Ratcliff Billy Myers

#11 Preliminary

#12 Prelims

#13 Preliminary Matt Scogin Jay Holmes

#9 Preliminary

#8 Prelims

#9 Shootout

#10 Shoot-Out Bo Carpenter / Taylor Crook

#10 Shootout

#12 Shoot-Out Trey Lloyd / Clay Futrell

#13 Shoot-Out Zack Cowart / Adam Postelle 26 • The Roping Pen • March 2015

#11 Shootout

#13 Shootout

Open Dustin Egusquiza Trace Porter

All Girl Brittany Whiddon Jessy Remsburg

2015 NTRL All Girl Champions

#11 VIP ~ Saddle Winners of the NTRL VIP Roping

#7 Chris Green Rocky Gaudious

Century Greg Graden Guy Graden

#11 VIP Jamie Ballard Heath Sanders

photos © Jim Davis Photography

#15 Handicap Beverly Robbins Zak Richardson

#11 Shoot-Out Matt Frazier / Tanner Lloyd

The Magazine for America’s Roper • 27

The Magazine for America’s Roper • 29

28 • The Roping Pen • March 2015

The Magazine for America’s Roper • 29

MARCH 2015 PHOTO OF THE MONTH

Chad Devitt Š Valerie Ford C Bar C Photography

I

t’s been a busy month here in the southeast with ropings around every corner, it seems. I have spoken to lots of folks in the last month at some of these events, and I have found two common questions that keep coming up. I will try and cover both of these here for you, as well...

1

The first question that I seem to hear nearly everywhere I go is about “Loss of Use” insurance, or the coverage on my horse if it happens to become lame and cannot perform. This is a type of coverage that covers the horse for just such issues. The problem with it is that, as an agent, I can’t write it on a performance horse.

I know, crazy as it seems, we cannot cover loss of use on performance horses. Some agencies can, but most of them will require full x-rays, blood tests, and drug screens twice a year. All of which the owner is responsible for providing. Most policies will only pay up to 60% maximum of the insured amount. So you will not collect the full amount should your horse be covered. In my opinion, this insurance is a rip-off if you can qualify to get it. It should be called “Loss of Your Money” insurance, because you have to provide so much to collect very little. We feel it is not good coverage, which is why we choose not to write it. Personally, my main reason being the first person you will be mad at is ME!

2

The second question is somewhat related to the first. Most want coverage for a horse coming up lame, or getting injured, but not to the point of having to be humanely put down. This type of coverage would be considered major medical insurance. It works very similar to medical insurance on yourself. Major medical policies normally have a coverage cap (the most it will pay) as well as a deductible (amount paid out-of-pocket by the policy owner). These coverages often include extended vet stays, soft tissue injuries, surgical procedures, IRAP therapy, etc. Items NOT included in major medical coverages are routine wormings, chiropractic care, acupuncture, maintenance injections, and other basic maintenance care and treatments. Pre-existing injuries usually are not covered, so be sure to check with your agent and disclose all your information about your horse when you apply for coverage. Here are a couple of major medical coverage examples and how they work with a horse covered under a major medical policy…

32 • The Roping Pen • March 2015

Example 1: You have mortality insurance on your $10,000 horse, it has $5,000 emergency colic surgery endorsement, and you purchased a $7,500 major medical policy. Your horse colics. You take your horse to the Vet, surgery is recommended, and the total bill after care is provided is $7,500. Your mortality policy will pay the first $5,000 of that vet bill. Your major medical coverage would pay the remaining balance, less your deductible. So it would pay $2,200 the remaining $300 would be paid by you, the policy owner.

Example 2: Your horse gets sick. It has a respiratory sickness and has to be treated at the Vet’s office three times a day for a week.

The Vet recommends it to stay at the clinic during that time period.

The final bill is $2,800 after all care is provided. The policy would pay $2,500 of the bill, and you would be responsible for the remaining $300.

Keep in mind, you should always ask your agent about the coverage you want. Always READ YOUR POLICY after receiving it. I know it’s not a desirable read, but it’s what will be covered and will not be covered. And, most importantly, if you don’t understand something… ASK! That’s what agents are here for. We’re here to help!

Have any questions of your own that you’d like to see answered?

Email or text me and I’ll answer them in an upcoming article!

Also, be sure to call me any time if I can provide a quote for you and your horses. Thanks again... see you at the next roping!

Stumbling

by Crystal Lyons Forward R

aising kids is such a blast! Oh it definitely has its times when you feel so stretched and stressed that you can barely remember what it was like to have a quiet, peaceful moment without a kid pulling on you for something. I once heard that being a mom was like being pecked to death by chickens! While that humorous analogy has some truth to it, all in all…raising kids is an awesome experience and an honor. What’s awesome is recognizing the signs of what they’re interested in and possibly the direction that interest will take them in life. When my youngest son, Colt Wrangler was about 3, I came into the house and found him sitting on the kitchen floor with every pot and pan I owned arranged in a semi-circle around him. He had wooden spoons in hand and with bright eyes and total joy, he said “look mom….different sounds”! I thought….”drummer”! Sure enough, among other things, he is an excellent drummer!!

My oldest, Tyger Tuff, spent his days dressed in army gear; and one day I caught him jumping off the peak of the roof onto the trampoline with full army dress and helmet. One basic mistake he made that day on his first jump was he forgot to strap his helmet on before jumping. He descended faster than the metal helmet and met it on his way up. For a few hours the pounding of his head deterred another jump. Where is Tyger now? Well…..not

surprising, he’s a paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne.

God made us where we naturally gravitate to what’s inside us, if we will simply follow the interests that get stirred up within.

Sometimes it takes a few years and a tedious journey through life to stumble on to the right path that was paved in the mind of God for us before we were ever born….but if we keep stumbling forward….we will find it. But it’s those times of stumbling that it takes courage to keep reaching. That’s another reason to recognize what’s within our kids and be an encourager to their giftings, letting them become who God made them to be and not try to stuff them into the image WE want.

Because my own interests were not within the normal boundaries of what society at the time accepted for girls….I always seemed to be faced with “bucking the system”. But following my heart has led me on an adventure with my Creator through life, and I’m addicted to that lifestyle. We were never created to simply exist!

Though society or peers or family members may not see what’s on the inside of you crying out to “become”…..God sees! He’s the ultimate “Cheerleader” of our uniqueness! I’ve turned a few pages in life and honestly at this moment, I’m kinda at a loss as to what I’m to do or be….but I can certainly rely on one thing…if I simply keep stumbling forward, I KNOW that the One Who made me and breathed Himself into my DNA will by His grace allow me to fall into the next perfect slot that He has awaiting my arrival. We NEVER need worry that following God will force us into a mold that we don’t fit! So, keep “stumbling forward” and trust that where you land will not be an accident. God is GREATER than our stumblings! But we’ve got to keep forward motion…a parked car can’t be steered.

The Magazine for America’s Roper • 33

GHSRA & GJHRA Bama Challenge just might have been my favorite rodeo ever! You could tell that team Alabama had put their off season to good use, bringing home all but two of the average buckles!!! I could not have been more proud of my home state! Along with the rodeo, all of the contestants had a blast in the ribbon roping jackpot and the pie in the face auction where we raised over $700 for St. Jude Hospital. I am so grateful for the opportunity to compete with other states during our rodeo season, and it only gets me more excited for nationals! Our next rodeo is March 21-22 at the Crawford Arena in Montgomery, Alabama held in association with the Southern Livestock Exposition and an Alabama Junior High School rodeo! It will be a weekend packed slam full of rodeo action and I think it will be our best turn out yet. I can’t wait to see everyone again!

BAMA CHALLENGE AVERAGE WINNERS • Boys All Around - Garrett McDonald • Girls All Around - Sara Hubbard • Bareback - Blake Leamon Saddle Bronc - J W Farren • Breakaway - Sara Hubbard • Tie Down - Garrett McDonald • Pole Bending - Mikayla Stacey • Bulls - Josh Jeter Steer Wrestling - Zack Varner • Goat Tying - Lizzy Sexton • Team Roping - Alec Edmonson/Jake Wells • Barrels - Chloe Pattersons

ah

Georgia High School Rodeo started off the year of 2015 right! Our student officers along with our National Director Mr. Ronnie traveled to Denver, Colorado for the Mid-Winter Meeting. We enjoyed our time by meeting officers from other states and provinces, meeting our amazing sponsors, helping with designs for year end awards with them, and planning more events for the rodeos to come. We just had our first rodeo of the New Year in Andalusia, Alabama. I love how even though we compete against each other in the arena we can come together and have fun with our competitors at the activities after the performances. Georgia High School Rodeo is one big family but even at a combined rodeo like the Alabama one both GHSRA and AHSRA join up and become one big family cheering everyone on that enters the arena. We are looking forward to the next few rodeos coming up. We head to South Georgia for a rodeo in Quitman February 27-28, the town will be there to enjoy the fun with us. I think I can speak for all of us and say that we are super excited for the upcoming rodeos. There are four, possibly five rodeos left before we head to Perry for the State Finals!

AHSRA & GHSRA • TOGETHER AT THE BAMA CHALLENGE • EVENT WINNERS • FUN AT THE PIE AUCTION!

photos ©JD Photography 34 • The Roping Pen • March 2015

The Magazine for America’s Roper • 35

THE

Other Half

Feel the Pressure T

eam roping practice makes me laugh. Have you ever been to the arena and watched the guys play act as they practice?

You’ve heard it before. The conversation goes something like this:

“Okay guys, it is the short go round at the National Finals. It is our last steer. Let’s make this our last run for the million dollars and the new truck!”

Team Ropers want to feel the pressure. They want the adrenalin.

They want the nerves. You see, it makes them rope better.

So what they do is create scenarios and fabricate situations to put themselves in mock circumstances to help them rope better. It is like a reenactment of sorts.

Kids do it all the time. It reminds me of the song recorded by Kenny Rogers called The Greatest. Pretending to be the best translates to being the best and team ropers are no different.

We do play acting all the time in team roping. It’s the sport we love and the sport we love to hate. It is about practice, training, discipline, focus, try, commitment, integrity, promise, joy, hate, exhilaration, and the desire it takes to win and the promise that quitting is never an option.

There is no other sport that teaches those kinds of disciplines about life. Oh it’s true, I moan and complain about the time spent, the work involved and the obsession all team ropers have, but what a better way to instill the necessary ingredients we all need to make it through one day at a time.

One afternoon, Buzzy came to the house all down and out of sorts. Seems it was one of those days when he couldn’t catch anything and he was frustrated and bent out of shape. He stated, point blank, he wasn’t roping anymore. He threw his rope down and looked as if he might cry.

I asked, “So what are you going to do?” We sat down on the back porch step and he pondered the issue.

“I don’t know,” he said matter of factly. “It’s just hard. I ride and rope all the time. I like to rope but I don’t understand why I miss so much. I want to do well but sometimes it just never works. How much work does it take? Why do I have to do it?”

“Do you HAVE to do it?” I asked him. “Nobody ever pushed you into roping. All you have to do is go tell Dad you don’t want to rope anymore. It is that simple. It is okay with Dad if you don’t rope anymore. He just wants you doing something that you like, that makes you happy, that you want to do. Does Dad pressure you?” I asked.

He looked up and smiled. He said “no” and that most of the time he had fun roping. He guessed he just pressured himself and that was the hard part.

How could I explain to him that we all put pressure on ourselves?

We all have certain goals and expectations. That goes with life not 36 • The Roping Pen • March 2015

Thoughts of a Team Roping Spouse...

by Gracie Mae

just team roping.

I asked him, “Are you a better person because you rope?” He thought for a minute and smiled.

“Yea, I guess,” he said. “I know what it is to work at it. I work at it even when it doesn’t’ work. I get to go places my friends at school don’t get to go. I get to rope because it is fun and I get money when I do well. I have my own horse and most of my friends have never even ridden a horse. My friends are always surprised when I tell them I won money or got a buckle or went to a new town and saw new things. I guess I’m lucky where they aren’t!”

“Buzzy,” I said. “There are lots of things you could do besides rope. No matter what you choose there will be pressure involved.

We put the most pressure on ourselves for whatever the reason.

Football is pressure, basketball is pressure, track is pressure, playing a musical instrument is pressure, a job and school is pressure.

Pressure is the burden of physically and mentally wanting to do your best no matter what you choose.”

Wow! Was I blessed or what? God was certainly putting words in MY mouth!

Buzzy took a deep breath. Suddenly, he stood up and hugged me.

Tears formed on my lashes as I embraced him.

“You know, mom, I guess it would be hard no matter what I did,” he muttered with insight. “But I don’t want to quit. I like roping.

I like trying to get better. I just wish sometimes it was easier. Is anything easier?”

He now stood at arm’s length looking deep into my eyes. No room for error here.

“Sometimes things are just hard, Buzzy!” I said honestly. It doesn’t matter if it is roping, your job, school…it’s all hard sometimes. And there will always be pressure, lots of pressure to do more, to get better, to keep trying, to find a better way. I won’t say it will be easy but the good thing here is that roping is helping you to learn all that. Team roping can help you handle pressure in almost everything you try to do.”

He smiled, picked up his discarded rope and headed for the yard gate.

“I’m okay, mom!” he said. “I just needed a break,” and out the gate he went headed for the arena.

Honestly, I let the tears fall. What was wrong with me? Had I just convinced my son to keep roping?

No, he had convinced himself and that was okay. Where else is he going to learn all about the pressure life brings and the struggle it takes to keep trying and be successful?

Shhhhh! There are some great advantages to team roping and I’m glad I’m raising my kids under the umbrellas of its influence. There are just a few things worth doing and team roping is one of them.

Keep Ropin’... Love, Gracie © The Other Half / © Melinda Clements 2015 The Magazine for America’s Roper • 37

38 • The Roping Pen • March 2015

The Magazine for America’s Roper • 39

What’s New For 2015?

As the New Year rolled around the largest western industry market played out in Denver, Colorado. The WESA (Western English Sales Association) opened their doors for everyone in the western industry to see what new products are hitting store shelves, plastering the pages of magazines and filling up catalogs this year. It seems there has not been much excitement in new products over the past couple years for the team CLASSIC EQUINE by Ritchie: SINGLE DRINK AUTOFOUNT Insulated, automatic watering system with all the benefits of the larger AutoFount, provides fresh, clean water for up to 20 head of livestock. Optional heat, water meter, and other accessories help provide access to worry free water regardless of climate. Find out more online on our website at...

www.classicequine.com

TEAM EQUINE SADDLE PADS The “Impact Shield” saddle pad is our traditional wool felt pad that features an advanced level of protection with “Impact CCF Technology” placed on top of our wool felt. Our Shield deflects shock & impact for ultimate performance and comfort. Great for everyday use as well as competition.

Available in both stock & custom sizes, handcrafted in the USA, & is available nationwide. Find out more at...

www.teamequineusa.com

AMERICAN HAT COMPANY Since 1915, American Hat has been offering the best made cowboy hats in the business. Great rodeo legends such as Freckles Brown, Larry Mahan, Jim Shoulders, Lane Frost, as well as many of today’s rodeo professionals wear and trust American Hat Co hats. Innovative and professional, AHC helped shape the industry in both straw and felt hats. Find an American Hat at your local dealer and have it shaped and creased to your perfection!

www.americanhat.net

JACO BRANDS “Ralph Lauren meets the American Cowboy.” Salinas Collection is a premium collection, made from American Buffalo Leather, backed with 10 oz harness. It is 100% American Made, and will be available April 15th in stores or online. This collection features Tripping Collars, BreastCollars, Headstalls, Nosebands, Belts, and more.

www.jacobrands.com

FAST BACK BELL BOOTS The high-tech materials used in these new boots provide ultimate protection against heel bulb & coronary band injuries. The highly durable impact patch on the back makes them super tough & tear resistant against strikes & impact.

Features a Kevlar® band around the bottom to reduce tearing, & a body made of ballistic nylon for durability.

Double locking, hook-&-loop closure holds the boot in place. White, Black, Red, or Royal Blue • Medium or Large

www.fastbackropes.com

40 • The Roping Pen • March 2015

AXIOM BOOTS: NEW FROM CACTUS GEAR The Axiom Boots by Cactus Gear offer full crossover and concussion protection, plus some of the best tendon and ligament support on the market, all at affordable prices. For more information and to see our full line of gear and products, please visit us online at

www.cactusgear.com

RELENTLESS SADDLE: NEW FROM CACTUS From Cactus Saddles, this newest saddle is built on the best tree money can buy, and handcrafted out of the finest leather. Trevor’s Relentless saddles are the Choice of Champions! Visit us online for more information:

www.cactussaddlery.com ROPERS EDGE Increase the longevity of your rope, maintain and protect your investment, and at the same time enhance your performance. Our new, cutting edge product incorprates the use of anti-friction components, since FRICTION is the worst enemy of your rope in the war on wear and tear.

Ropers Edge will not affect the lay or body of your rope, but instead will add an extremely thin, 5-micronthick coating, where applied. It will take the brunt of the punishment.

Call us TODAY at 877-707-8468 to order! For more information and details on how it works, go online to

roping / rodeo market, but then came 2015! The Market was alive with new products every horseman and women out there will want. From new twists on old products, new pricing on some of your favorites and totally new products that will aid in your quest to be competitive, the 2015 New Equipment Guide has it all for you. Check out the following pages of new products we found for today’s team ropers and rodeo athlete!

DO YOU KNOW OF A NEW PRODUCT YOU’D LIKE TO SEE FEATURED IN OUR NEXT NEW PRODUCT FEATURE? LET US KNOW BY CONTACTING US TODAY...

www.fastbackropes.com

EQUINE TOTAL GOLD is the only patentened, total-supplement formula on the market today. Ingredients are all-natural and human-grade. Advantages include joints, hooves, inflammation (arthritis), increase in oxygen level, allergies, musclebuilding, ulcers, increased focus, and more.

One gallon lasts 1 month for an average horse. Cost is only $59.95/gallon, & discounts on larger orders! Order at 1-800-413-5091 or

THE CLASSIC EQUINE MEDS BAG is a rigid, fully insulated bag that unfolds to hang on the fence. Elastic loops hold medicine bottles, with separate zipper storage for needles and syringes. A space in the middle is sized perfectly for an ice pack. This handy bag makes a great emergency first aid kit or transport case for medications when processing cattle or vaccinating horses.

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CATCH ROPE, by Classic Ropes Typical to Classic Rope’s 4-strand lineup, the Catch Rope is smooth , fast, and feels good in your hands. Patented Coretech™ body offers a balanced loop with a weighted tip for consistency and high percentage catches. The Catch Rope’s nylon was specifically selected for longevity, giving you a rope durable enough for branding or long practice days. Bundles of 12 • 3/8 true, 35 ft. XS

CASHEL PERFORMANCE FELT PAD 3/4” natural felt provides excellent protection against saddle pressure and shock.

Thick, natural fleece is comfortable while wicking away moisture and heat from the horse’s back. The split design moves with the horse, reducing friction with a cutout over the withers. Find out more online at

TRINITY ROPES, formerly Bach Ropes, are manufactured in our factory in Arkansas. Spinning our own ropes enables us to eliminate the bounce, yet incorporate the tight twist & weight needed for the ultimate rope. Trinity Ropes come in the standard 31’ for Heading and 35’ for Heeling. They are also available in a number different lays, thicknesses, and in 100% Nylon or Nylon & Poly Blend. Find Trinity ropes at more locations each month!

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OXBOW TACK: EXTREME Pairing the shock absorbing, time tested quality of a traditional wool pad with an ultra soft, moisture wicking fleece bottom, the Oxbow Tack Extreme pad is the perfect combination of performance and comfort.Order yours today and check out the many other great products at

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These boots form to each horse’s leg with use, so be sure to have one pair per horse for ultimate benefit in fit and protection. White, Black, Red, or Royal Blue • Medium or Large

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The Magazine for America’s Roper • 41

INSPIRING

LEGENDS

PROUDLY PROVIDING OUR BEST TO TODAY’S CHAMPIONS, WHILE THEY INSPIRE TOMORROW’S.

Patrick Smith

WORLD CHAMPION | FATHER | LEGEND

855-54-ROPES 42 • The Roping Pen • March 2015

LONESTARROPES.COM The Magazine for America’s Roper • 43

44 • The Roping Pen • February 2015

The Magazine for America’s Roper • 45

North Carolina

Junior High & High School Rodeo Association

NCHSRA has had a great year!

As we move closer to our state finals in May, we have had a peak in the bareback, saddle bronc, steer wrestling, along with the new build a cowboy events. Our contestants are starting to take some new intrest in the other events and get outside there comfort zone, you know “doin that cowboy stuff.” It is so exciting to see the these events pick back up in North Carolina High School Rodeo. We have so much talent that it is hard to describe in words (so I guess folks are going to have to see for themselves)! I am so proud to be apart of the NCHSRA. The future of rodeo and rodeo families is very much alive hear in North Carolina. To the students: keep up the hard work, “try hard and stay humble!” Keep your eye on the website and facebook for call-in dates and any new information. A very special thank you to the BOD and parents for stepping up to the plate to make our association successful by voluteering their time and effort to make sure our rodeo runs smooth. Without your dedication to the NCHSRA family, none of it would be possible. Thanks a bunch... ~ Adam Bolatto

Jr High Points as of 2.18.15

TIE DOWN Blake Walker. . . . . 30 BB STEERS Levi Johnson. . . . . 10 James Cole. . . . . . 10 Billy Warlick . . . . . . 9 CHUTE DOG Blake Walker. . . . . 20 Mason Johnson. . . 10 Eli Prince. . . . . . . . 10 TM ROPING, HD Mason Johnson. . . 39 Cole Futrell. . . . . . 19 Jake Williams . . . . 10 Clay Livengood. . . . 9

TM ROPING, HL Blake Walker. . . . . 39 Luke Lemaster. . . . 19 Frog Bass . . . . . . . 10 Jet Toberer . . . . . . . 9 BREAKAWAY Laney Robinson. . . 30 Mattie Colvard. . . . 29 Reagan Humphries.18 Gracie Apple. . . . . . 9 BOYS BREAKAWAY Luke Lemaster. . . . 36 Jet Toberer . . . . . . 27 Mason Johnson. . . 15 Clay Livengood. . . 10 Frog Bass . . . . . . . . 9

Points are YEAR TO DATE Points from Perry NOT included Billy Warlick . . . . . . 9 Gracie Apple. . . . . 18 Emily Prince . . . . . . 5 Eli Prince. . . . . . . . . 9 Kayla Earnhardt . . 15 Jolie Brown. . . . . . . 4 Cole Futrell. . . . . . . 8 Amber Jones. . . . . 13 Sarah Sholar. . . . . . 4 Eli Colvard. . . . . . . . 7 Sage Dunlap. . . . . 11 Erin Stevens . . . . . . 2 Mattie Colvard. . . . . 8 Amber Jones. . . . . . 0 RB ROPING, Ropers Reagan Humphries . 6 Cole Futrell. . . . . . 35 GOATS Clay Livengood. . . 30 BARRELS Laney Robinson. . . 46 Blake Walker. . . . . 24 Cheyenne Garmon. 42 Jolie Brown. . . . . . 42 Frog Bass . . . . . . . 22 Laney Robinson. . . 35 Mattie Colvard. . . . 29 Jet Toberer . . . . . . 16 Gracie Fairchild. . . 30 Reagan Humphries.26 Eli Colvard. . . . . . . . 9 Macie Hutchens. . . 30 Emily Prince . . . . . 20 Luke Lemaster. . . . . 7 Kayla Earnhardt . . 25 Macie Hutchens. . . 20 Reagan Humphries.23 Kayla Earnhardt . . 19 RB ROPING, Runners Molly Pruitt. . . . . . 23 Madison Weiss. . . . 17 Gracie Fairchild. . . 31 Mattie Colvard. . . . 17 Cheyenne Garmon. 16 Laney Robinson. . . 30 Megan Yankee. . . . 13 Sage Dunlap. . . . . . 6 Cheyenne Garmon. 22 Sage Dunlap. . . . . 11 Jolie Brown. . . . . . 21 Madison Weiss. . . . . 7

JR POLES Cheyenne Garmon. 39 Reagan Humphries.31 Mattie Colvard. . . . 29 Molly Pruitt. . . . . . 28 Megan Yankee. . . . 25 Macie Hutchens. . . 23 Gracie Fairchild. . . 22 Sage Dunlap. . . . . 20 Laney Robinson. . . 19 Kayla Earnhardt . . 17

Emily Prince . . . . . . 7 Amber Jones. . . . . . 5 BULLS Levi Johnson. . . . 42.5 Ryan Rought. . . . 34.5 Jet Toberer . . . . . 32.5 Tyler Weiss . . . . . 24.5 Billy Warlick . . . . 22.5 Cole Futrell. . . . . . 17 James Cole. . . . . . 7.5

Sage Dunlap. . . . . 48 Gracie Apple. . . . . 41 Megan Yankee. . . . 38 Emily Prince . . . . . 32 Madison Weiss. . . . 24 Amber Jones. . . . . 18

BOYS ALL AROUND Jet Toberer . . . . 129.5 Cole Futrell. . . . . 109 Mason Johnson. . 107 GIRLS ALL AROUND Blake Walker. . . . 103 Laney Robinson. . 159 Clay Livengood. . . 87 Cheyenne Garmon.119 Luke Lemaster. . . . 81 Mattie Colvard. . . 112 Frog Bass . . . . . . . 71 Reagan Humphries.109 Levi Johnson. . . . . 53 Gracie Fairchild. . . 83 Billy Warlick . . . . . 41 Macie Hutchens. . . 73 Eli Prince. . . . . . . . 34 Kayla Earnhardt . . 76 Eli Colvard. . . . . . . 32 Jolie Brown. . . . . . 67 James Cole. . . . . 17.5 Molly Pruitt. . . . . . 51

HS Points as of 2.18.15

Points are YEAR TO DATE Points from Perry NOT included Seth Ring . . . . . . 19.5

BARRELS Rhiannon Snow. . 33.5 Bailey Livengood. . 33 Addie Fairchild. . . . 29 Kaci Isley. . . . . . . .28 Bailey Tate . . . . . 22.5 Katy Sherrill . . . . . 18 Hannah Warlick. . 14.5 Lauren Lawson . . . 12 Piper Baker. . . . . . 11 Sarah Scott. . . . . . 10 Casey Lemons. . . . . 9 Bronwyn Apple. . . . 8 Jade Carpenter. . . 7.5 Callie Garrison. . . . . 7 Brittany Alexander . 7 Julie Layell. . . . . . . 6 Christina Eagle. . . . . 6 Megan Carriker. . . . 6 Alexandra Thomas. . 4 Ashlan Campbell. . . 3 Cheridan Gowan . . . 1 Ginny Alexander. . . 0 Caitlyn Poole. . . . . . 0 Savannah Cobb. . . . 0 Annon Blue. . . . . . . 0

GIRLS ALL ARND. Bailey Livengood. 161 Sarah Scott. . . . . 106 Olivia Townsend. . . 62 Christina Eagle. . . . 61 Rhiannon Snow. . 60.5 Addie Fairchild. . . . 60 Hannah Warlick. . 56.5 Chloe Cox. . . . . . . 51 Kaci Isley. . . . . . . .50 Bailey Tate . . . . . 48.5 Megan Carriker. . . 47 Abby Martin . . . . . 36 Anna Scott. . . . . . . 28 Katy Sherrill . . . . . 27 Casey Lemons. . . . 24 Cheridan Gowan . . 23 Ashlan Campbell. . 18 Piper Baker. . . . . . 17 Alexandra Thomas. 15 Callie Garrison. . . . 14 Julie Layell. . . . . . 13 Bronwyn Apple. . . 12 Jade Carpenter. . 11.5 Courtney Harris. . . . 8 Annon Blue. . . . . . . 5 Savannah Cobb. . . . 4 Ginny Alexander. . . 4

TIE DOWN Tanner Lloyd. . . . . 45 Will McCraw. . . . . . 38 Ty Worley. . . . . . . 24 Zack Toberer. . . . . 23 Clay Futrell. . . . . . 17 Cole Compton . . . . . 8

STEER WRESTLING. Zack Toberer. . . . . 10 SADDLE BRONC. .

Will McCraw. . . . . . 10 TM ROPING, HD. .

Tanner Lloyd. . . . . 50 Ty Worley. . . . . . . 18 Landon Slack. . . . . 17 Sarah Scott. . . . . . . 9 Cole Compton . . . . . 8 TM ROPING, HL . .

Clay Futrell. . . . . . 50 Will McCraw. . . . . . 18 Dylan Ray. . . . . . . 17 Olivia Townsend. . . . 9 Zack Toberer. . . . . . 8 BREAKAWAY Bailey Livengood. . 48 Addie Fairchild. . . . 31 Sarah Scott. . . . . . 23 Christina Eagle. . . . 19 Olivia Townsend. . . 18 Hannah Warlick. . . 15 Abby Martin . . . . . 13 Kaci Isley. . . . . . . . .9 Chloe Cox. . . . . . . . 9 Callie Garrison. . . . . 6 Piper Baker. . . . . . . 6 46 • The Roping Pen • March 2015

BOYS GOATS Jet Toberer . . . . . . 45 Mason Johnson. . . 43 Clay Livengood. . . 38 Cole Futrell. . . . . . 30 Frog Bass . . . . . . . 30 Eli Colvard. . . . . . . 23 Luke Lemaster. . . . 19 Eli Prince. . . . . . . . 15

Bronwyn Apple. . . . 4 Rhiannon Snow. . . . 4

GOATS Bailey Livengood. . 45 Sarah Scott. . . . . . 36 Anna Scott. . . . . . . 28 Christina Eagle. . . . 25 Abby Martin . . . . . 23 Chloe Cox. . . . . . . 21 Olivia Townsend. . . 17 Megan Carriker. . . 16

Cheridan Gowan . . 13 Casey Lemons. . . . 10 Bailey Tate . . . . . . . 7 Julie Layell. . . . . . . 7 Alexandra Thomas. . 6 Sarah Hubbard. . . . 6 Courtney Harris. . . . 5 Ginny Alexander. . . 4 Ashlan Campbell. . . 4 Savannah Cobb. . . . 2 Annon Blue. . . . . . . 0 POLES Bailey Livengood. . 35 Sarah Scott. . . . . . 28 Hannah Warlick. . . 27 Megan Carriker. . . 25 Rhiannon Snow. . . 23 Bailey Tate . . . . . . 21 Olivia Townsend. . . 18 Chloe Cox. . . . . . . 13 Ashlan Campbell. . 11 Christina Eagle. . . . 11 Katy Sherrill . . . . . . 9 Cheridan Gowan . . . 9 Caitlyn Poole. . . . . . 8 Payton Bush. . . . . . 6 Kaci Isley. . . . . . . . .6 Annon blue. . . . . . . 5 Casey Lemons. . . . . 5 Alexandra Thomas. . 5 Jade Carpenter. . . . 4 Courtney Harris. . . . 3 Savannah Cobb. . . . 2 Callie Garrison. . . . . 1 Ginny Alexander. . . 0 BULLS Eli Miller. . . . . . . 19.5

BOYS ALL ARND Tanner Lloyd. . . . . 95 Clay Futrell. . . . . . 67 Will McCraw. . . . . . 66 Ty Worley. . . . . . . 42 Zack Toberer. . . . . 41 Cole Compton . . . . 16

The Magazine for America’s Roper • 47

48 • The Roping Pen • March 2015

The Magazine for America’s Roper • 49

50 • The Roping Pen • February 2015

The Magazine for America’s Roper • 51

MICOTIL AND ROSES You want to talk about scars, boys

Now late winter was rainy, cold and mud

They wanted her in Lexington

I’ve got some you might not first notice

All the new stockers had runny noses

Atlanta and Tampa Bay

But sit right down and listen

I probably would’ve had one helluva wreck

Though I was happy for her

To a tale of Micotil and roses.

Without Micotil and roses

Man I dreaded that day

I was teachin’ part time at the college

Well then the partners got more money

She told she was offered her dream job

And cowboyin’ for the SC

The calves were coming in so fast it was a blur

And my heart she never wanted to break

She had moved back to town from Florida

Heck I even went to teach sometimes

But the distance thing never works out she said

Where she had been gettin’ a PhD

In my muddy boots and spurs

All I said was “I’ll wait.”

A chance meeting at the local Bar

I’d get up to check stock at the crack of dawn

Doc felt like she didn’t have roots

Neither knowing at the time

Go teach then check ‘em again

Maybe she was destined to roam

How in the months ahead

I rode poor ol’ Dumptruck

Me, I believe that wherever the heart is

Our lives would intertwine

‘Til me and that horse were both done in

That’s where you call home

Now she was a looker

Doc, as I called her, was helpin’

Now my heart is split in half

Man, the prettiest I’d ever seen

With doctorin’ and vaccinatin’

What’s a man to do

Eyes like a newborn fawn’s

She would even tail the bulls

Part of it’s attached to the land

Hair black as a raven’s wing

So I could castrate ‘em

The other with the love I knew

She asked me all about cow work

Our romance started bloomin

Like most cowboys I finally starved out

And what made me do it

She filled me up with pride

And took a day job selling seed

I said it’s hard to comprehend

Doc was even there to hold me

As I drive the country-side

Unless you put yourself in to it

The day my old dog died

I wonder if she thinks of me

She said “Is that an invitation?”

See Zeke and I were best buddies

I’m still waiting for our chance

“Sure come on out to the place.”

Like most cowboys and their dogs are

For the one thing I hope is

I left that night with a promise

To lay the old man down that final time

That sometimes she thinks back

That soon I’d again see that face.

Brought the tears and broke my heart

with a smile On Micotil and Roses

When she came over

But without put on of emotion

She thought cow work was grand

Nor hollow words to say

•••••••••

I had to tend to some chronics

That gal grieved along with me

And she gladly lent a hand

And helped place the rocks on his grave

Now don’t misunderstand me

She shared her thoughts with me

John Rhudy and his wife have 3 children and live on a ranch in Virginia. John manages a 2,000+ head stocker outfit, & enjoys team roping, hunting, and sports with his family.

This was no ranch girl born and raised

We knew each other well

But she caught on quick, liked to learn

She had lived so much here and there

And worked with such style and grace

Man the stories she could tell

I could tell right away

That wondering spirit might be the one thing

She fit in either in the country or the town

That would eventually take her away

She was as comfortable in dirty jeans

And though I could tell she loved me

As she was in a dinner gown

It might not be enough to make her stay

I always brought her flowers

As springtime turned into summer

She saw the soft side of this man

Her job offers came rollin’ in

I was fallin head over heels

I started getting antsy

And she was makin one heck of a cowhand

Fearing it was the end

52 • The Roping Pen • March 2015

Where Do You Live?

by Dr.Michael Johnson

L

ike most people in small towns do, I go to an early breakfast in the mornings. At the local coffee shop, you can learn all the news there is to know. You can ask the old cowboys anything about everything. The only thing you can’t do is tell them anything.

I’ve done that all my life. I went to breakfast with my daddy when I was a boy, and I enjoyed the times we had. As a small child, I sat by my father and listened as the men talked about horses, who roped well last weekend and why, and the price of cattle. I listened to them talk about the droughts in their lives and the hardships they lived through. I heard jokes I wasn’t supposed to hear and I heard stories about the depression, and on rare occasions, about the war - though they didn’t say much about the war. When I asked my daddy why they didn’t tell more war stories, he said, “Too many memories, I guess.” Even at that young age, I knew not to speak of that again. Most of the time though, there was laughter back then. My dad and I always seemed to be in a good mood when we left. Lately, when I go to breakfast, that feeling is slipping away. I’ve noticed the topics and conversation tend to drift in different directions these days. There’s less laughter now.

Recently, someone said, “Those kids up at that college aren’t like we were. Most of them are just no good.” I didn’t know that. I just heard the other day that our girl’s softball team had no player with less than a 3.8 GPA. I was completely unaware those young women were no good.

And he laughs and he tells every one of them not to give up hope.

I wonder if that old man in that coffee shop - that old man, who thinks America is ruined – the same old man who never had a job that required him to work outside, and never spent a day in the military, yet the same one who calls himself a “patriot,” I wonder if he thinks that boy – my nephew – is ruined?

I live in a town where the teachers care and the police risk their lives for us every day.

Where I live, the wood ducks swim in the lake, three roping horses try their hearts out for me, with my dog who would give his life for me, as my friends would, and I would give mine for them.

In my town, there are hummingbirds, deviled eggs, and barbeque sauce, and I get to witness the wonder of my granddaughter catching a bream, and to see a sparrow take a bath in the sand. All that and a good woman who loves me. So I suppose I shouldn’t be angry with those old men.

After all, we don’t live in the same town anymore.

“This is the day the Lord has made.

Let us rejoice and be glad in it.” ~ Psalm 118:24 ~

Another day, a fellow said we were wasting time having a rodeo team at the university. He said, “Those rodeo kids don’t care about graduating. They just care about fighting and raising cane.” You know, I didn’t know that either. I had just met the rodeo team here at this university recently, and was charmed off my feet by their manners and courtesy – both young men and young women, and by the rodeo coach who told me his number one priority was graduation rates. Most every rodeo coach I’ve ever met tells me the same thing.

And on and on the coffee shop crowd goes. It’s much the same at the doughnut shop and the other breakfast place in this small town.

The government is terrible, the president is stupid, and the military is ruined. I heard all those comments in one week. Hmmmm…and I thought about my nephew.

He was valedictorian of his graduating class at Baylor University. Now he’s an oral surgeon. He could have a private practice in a high-rise in Dallas and make tons of money, or he could teach at Baylor Medical and live the life of a college professor, but that boy doesn’t do that. Instead, he puts himself in harm’s way every day of his life. He goes where the bad things are. You will find him in Iraq where our soldiers give their lives, in Tahiti where people are shattered after the earthquake, and in Norman, Oklahoma, where lives were destroyed, and in Joplin, Missouri, where the wind blew away all the textbooks and destroyed the school. He’s just a kid. He’s in the Navy. The Navy sends him to all those places where he spends 18 hour days sewing up children, indigent natives, and our warriors, in a little trailer called a “MASH Unit.” He says they call it that because when people come to him, they are usually quite “mashed.”

The Magazine for America’s Roper • 53

54 • The Roping Pen • March 2015

55

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Roping a Mechanical Dummy Versus a Donkey L

house, I didn’t have a mechanical dummy. I would go to the arena and ride my horse with no steer and no tie down. I would simulate a full contact run at a walk, trot, and lope. I would go through all the steps to assure I had control of my horse. Tee Woolman used to tease me about doing this without a cow. But, my theory is I want to control my horse’s feet with my bridle reins and my feet.

ast month I talked about improving your roping and the benefits of using a mechanical dummy. In this article I will elaborate on the difference in using a mechanical dummy and other methods commonly used.

When I was growing up the only mechanical dummy available was a steer on an arm, that went round and round in a circle. My dad trained and sold rope horses and I grew up riding a lot of colts.

Back then I roped a lot of donkeys and lead steers. My dad would buy up to 20 donkeys at a time for us to train and sell as practice donkeys.

If you have a good donkey, they can be pretty handy. However, finding a good one can be a real challenge. There are some downfalls, even with a good donkey.

After a donkey has been roped a while, he will learn to stop to keep from getting pulled on when you pull your slack. Consequently, instead of placing a trap and roping him while he’s moving forward, you end up roping him while his feet are in the air, causing you to snap your rope rather than place it. This snap causes your horse to stop hard on either his front end or on all fours. When you “place” your rope smoothly, your horse has time to use his butt for an easy stop.

Also, if your horse steps on a donkey, the donkey will kick. While it may teach your horse to pay attention, one hard kick to the knee can cripple your horse and be very costly.

I’ve ridden many colts while roping donkeys and there are some benefits. Ultimately the question is can you accomplish everything you need to? Your time and effort need to be well spent.

When I first moved to Texas and stayed with Popeye Boulting-

In teaching so many private schools, one of the first and biggest improvements we make is by teaching people to ride and control their horse better. Using a mechanical dummy here is crucial to our progress. By using the Hot Heels standing still, then at a walk and trot, I am able to isolate mistakes much faster. It’s easier to fix fundamentals while you’re going slowly and enables us to get to the root of the problem.

What’s new with me: Usually, each year I try not to heel any

until after the George Strait roping. Fast Back called and asked my daughter, Hali, to rope and represent them in the Sponsor roping at Wildfire Arena. It probably would have been okay had I stayed on the heel horses. But, I got on a young ex-reiner that’s very catty and scared of cows. I think he will make a neat heel horse eventually, but for a while it looked like the monkey riding the Border Collie and my back locked up. So I roped at Ft. Worth and Wildfire while being extremely crippled. Finally, I had to take five days off, cancel a school and miss a rodeo, but I can now put my own socks on again.

I was extremely excited to win my first check with Hali during the Sponsor roping. We won the fast time with a 6.4. Jennifer roped well in the Business Man roping and had a chance to win a lot. Hali and Coleman came back high team in the sponsor roping. You can check these runs out and more at speedroping.com.

Advertisers & Events Index Call us today to reserve a spot for your event or advertisement! 505-407-2151

EVENTS:

Bluegrass Championships .

Mississippi BlackJack . . . . . .

North Carolina Classic . . . . .

Raeford Rodeo (NCHSRA) . .

Sarasota, Florida . . . . . . . . . .

SLE Roping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

South Alabama Champ . . . . .

Tenn. Championships . . . . . .

37 28 11 46 44 10 29 13

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56 • The Roping Pen • March 2015

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HORSES CATTLE 12/14 14 year old, roan, gelding head horse. Good 3/14 - 4 LONGHORN STEERS, 1 LONGHORN BULL. Used for beginner horse. Good in the box. Has been hauled to KRA steer wrestling practice. 2 yrs old. $750 ea. 850.758.7255 roping’s. Asking $3000. Call Tom @ 270-402-7191 4/14 - FOR SALE: 40 HD LONGHORN CATTLE, calving now.

5/14 - BARREL HORSE 17 YRS OLD, Cash not Credit runs 6 had calves taken off & bred back to Angus or Charlois.

1D/2D times all business, no Bad habits, sound. Pics/video $1000 /head, calves go w/cows. 501-581-7772 call/text. available $3,500.00 704-842-4991 or 980-522-1865 3/14 - STEER WRESTLING HORSE , GELDING ,Came from Bo Campbell Rodeo Productions, 15 hands. Great starter horse 5000.00 850.758.7255 4/13 - HIGH SCHOOL RODEO HORSE, Poles 20 sec & barrels, APHA Mare 13yrs old (Two Eyed Jack/Zippo Pine Bar) NBHA World Qualifier and Finalist numerous times, No Bad Habits, Guaranteed to be sound. Pics/Videos available. $12,000. Call Joseph at 251-895-0081.

MISCELLANEOUS 2/15 Heel-O-Matic For Sale! Brand New - Straight from the factory. Heel-O-Matic 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

3/14 - SADDLE BRONC SADDLE 17.5,rein, halter, GBARG, Came from Sankey Rodeo Schl, $1500. Call Chase 850.758.9907 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.

WANTED 12/14 Looking for a used roping chute. I can pick up in 12/14 For Sale – Alabama Premier Horse Property – 78 Texas. Please text me a picture and information. 361-227Acres, fenced & cross fenced with 2 ac pond, creeks & 2914 – Armando TRUCKS/TRAILERS magnificent 4,200 Sq. Ft Home. 3 Barns, RV hookups and 5/14 - 2006 4 HORSE SUNDOWNER 8012 TRAILER, one lots more. It is a must see! – Asking $1,100,000. Call The 3/14 - LOOKING FOR A USED HOT HEELS! If anybody owner 12’ LQ, like new AC/Heat Pullout sofa, queen bed, Joel Gill Team, Joel or Susan Gill – 334-277-8204! knows of one or is selling one please let me know via text micro, cooktop, frig w/Freezer, TV, radio/cd, speakers in or call. 817-965-4527 and out, big shower with glass door. Built in Generator, 5/14 - SALES REPS WANTED: Apparel company based in The Roping Pen’s Classifieds REALLY (push button) Side storage mangers in stalls, drop down Texas is now hiring qualified Sales Reps for USs, Canada WORK and are FREE for Subscribers! windows, rear tack and electric jack. Hate to sell but too and Brazil. Must be motivated self-starter, great with big for college student. Would trade for smaller LQ trailer. people and like to travel. Interested parties contact Luann Submit ad requests by the 10th of the $42K, 980-522-1949 or 980-522-1865 at apparelbytwistedj@gmail.com. STEPHENVILLE, TX. month to rdavis1005@comcast.net.

Arnold Asks: What’s your secret way to stop yourself from pressuring up?

Rickey’s Answer: Turn out the thinking light, flip the switch in your mind, and just look at the steer and react.

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