The Roping Pen - November 2015 by Ryan Davis

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Nov 2015

Vol. 24 No. 11

Be sure to check out... The Christmas Shopping Guide SE Regional Finals Hillbilly Redneck Truck & Trailer Explosion

2 • The Roping Pen • November 2015

The Magazine for America’s Roper • 3

November is here, the trees have turned color, and we are staring winter in the face. This is also the time of year for all of the Final events across the country. The USTRC Finals just wrapped up and the SRA Finals are happening as this issue hits doorsteps. The NFR and the WSTR Finale is about a month away. What a time of year! In addition, the Holiday Season is right around the corner and it is a great time. Watching my kids’ eyes sparkle when we have Thanksgiving dinner with family, my wife humming along to the Christmas music that will soon flood our house, and the thrill of the Holiday spirit from everyone around melts into your soul. Like I said – what a time of year!

Thanksgiving is the first to pass into history this year, and for so many it is a time of year to look back on all that we are thankful for. I have so much I have been blessed with – it is hard to count. A wonderful family, great friends, a career that I enjoy... the list can go on and on. With Thanksgiving in the air, many are thankful for the chance to participate in the sports they enjoy. Team Roping, rodeo events, barrel racing... those who are engaged in these sports always have dreams and aspirations. Whether it is making the High School Finals, doing well at the SRA Finals, winning big at the USTRC, WSTR or NTRL Finals in the next few months, or one day swinging your rope, riding your horse or climbing over the bucking chutes at the NFR, it is these dreams that continue to push the sport forward. There has been a lot of debate over the last month or so concerning the sport of rodeo at the top of the ranks. The introduction and movement of the ERA (Elite Rodeo Association) has been heavily prominent on the rodeo headlines. The PRCA recently fired back with amendments to their rules that seem to target those behind the ERA. The debates I have read seem to go both ways, and to tell you the truth, I am on the fence. The PRCA has always done a good job with the sport... maybe not exactly what many think is always right... but a good job. On the other hand, the ERA’s main objective, other than allowing the top contestants a chance at winning even more money, is to promote the sport on a wider spectrum. That is a definite area the PRCA could do better in, but in reality, will it work? Will the ERA actually be able to meet the criteria of what major TV broadcasters require in return from airing rodeo events? Even if they showcase the best of the best? The PBR has done a pretty good job at making bull riders famous, maybe a little better in the beginning than they do now, but the question is there. Does the ERA have enough money to market to the vast audiences and the tools to make their events attractive enough to get the television viewers needed? This is only the tip of the iceberg on this subject, and there will be many more discussions down the road such as whether the ERA and PRCA can work together, if rodeo can sustain both organizations, and what contestants will choose. In the end, I believe any kind of change and shake-up in the sport will be positive as it will encourage the sport to move forward. Until next time, I wish you all the happiest Thanksgiving and remember...

Dirt: keep it under your feet

~Ryan Davis

4 • The Roping Pen • November 2015

Table of Contents Articles & Features 4 Dirt: November is here... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ryan Davis 10 SE Regional Finals, Event Recap. . . . . . . . . . . . Ben Clements

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

13 Down The Line: How to Practice. . . . . . . . . . . . Stran Smith

SRA

15 TOP TIPS!. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Featuring Dr. Barry Anderson

Southern Rodeo Association AHSRA

16 Redneck Truck & Trailer Explosion. . . . . . . . . Event Recap

Alabama High School Rodeo Association

17 Ropers of the Round Table: Billy the Kid. . Stuart Mitchell

FYRA

24 Christmas Shopping Guide. . . . . . . . . . . . Featured Products

Foothills Youth Rodeo Association

28 Photo of the Month. . . . . Capps & McElyea, SE Reg Finals

GHSRA & GJHRA

32 In The Loop. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kaleb Driggers, Lone Star Ropes

Georgia High School Rodeo Association & Georgia Junior High Division LTRA

40 Power Team Roping Q&A. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rickey Green 40 Protecting Your Investment!. . . . . . . . . . . . Jason Strickland

Louisiana Team Ropers’ Association

41 Sweat & Balin’ Twine: Crossroads . . . . . . . . . . . John Rhudy

NTRL

43 Pushing The Barrier: Heel Horses . . . . . . . . Speed Williams

National Team Roping League

52 The Other Half: Just Choke It. . . . . . . . . . . . . Gracie Mae

NEAFRA

52 Events & Advertisers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Index

Northeast Arkansas Family Rodeo Association NCHSRA • NCJHRA

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

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

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Associations 6+ Southern Rodeo Association ~ SRA 31 Northeast Arkansas Family Rodeo Assoc ~ NEAFRA 34 S Carolina HS, Jr Div, & Youth Rodeo Assoc ~ SCHSRA 38 Foothills Youth Rodeo Association ~ FYRA 42 Georgia Jr High Rodeo Assoc ~ GJHRA 50 Alabama High School Rodeo Assoc ~ AHSRA 44 National Team Roping League ~ NTRL 30 N Carolina High School Rodeo Assoc ~ NCHSRA

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

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The Magazine for America’s Roper • 5

New BRADNEY to the Field: TART T

he 2015 SRA (Southern Rodeo Association) season was a success. Not only were the rodeos throughout the season some of the best on record, the Finals event was bigger and better than ever. From the facility in Ashville, South Carolina, the stock that performed at the event, the professional production of the SRA and the top competitors that made up the field of contestants this year, the event showcased a fantastic end to a great season! With the 2015 season is in the history books, many are already gunning for the 2016 season points and a chance to be among the top contestants at next year’s Finals. Joining the ranks of professional cowboys and cowgirls and helping continue the tradition of rodeo in the South were several who made their first appearance at the SRA Finals. These contestants are the ones that will continue to fuel the fire of the sport and will be the next generation of contestants to push the SRA into the future. The sport is in good hands as the SRA continues to see new contestants who either emerge from the Jr. SRA events or from other areas of the sport. In either case these young professional cowboys and cowgirls offer more excitement to the associations events and continue the rich tradition of the SRA and rodeo in the South.

have a common thread. That desire to compete, to win and to do it in the arena of one of the truest, American sports in the country – Rodeo!

Bradney Tart, one of the SRA new

and aspiring bull riders is no rookie to the sport. Bradney has been a fa-

vorite rider at many events through-

out his young career all across the

country including the International

Finals Youth Rodeo in Shawnee,

Oklahoma and many other features

bull riding events. His young enthusiasm, talent and skills is an added

benefit to the SRA.

CALLIE GARRISON

Another new contestants showing her talents at the SRA Finals this

year is Callie Garrison. Callie is a Junior at East Henderson High School

and has been breakaway roping for the past 5-6 years. She is one of the many who excelled through the Jr. SRA events and been an open SRA

contestant since last year. Making her first SRA Finals is a goal she has been working on for some time. “I am very excited to be a part of the SRA Finals,” Callie said. “It is something I have been working on for a long time and it feels good to be a part of the event this year.”

TYLER KILE

The sport of rodeo would not be where it is today without new contestants. The sport continues to evolve and push into the future thanks to the many cowboys and cowgirls who take the reins, practice, compete and win. Many are second, third and even fourth generation rodeo hands, while others may be the first of their family to enter the sport, but they all

6 • The Roping Pen • November 2015

Tyler Kile has been added to the mix of talented cowboys

making their first appearance at the Finals. Tyler, a talented tie-down and team roper,

has been a striking competitor across the southeast for many years. He has repre-

sented himself at the National High School Finals, won

USTRC events, and has been

a competitor at many rodeos

throughout the Southeast. Tyler will be an asset to the SRA Finals this year as he brings his talent to the arena floor.

The SRA Finals that played out in early November and witnessed several new faces that made their stand and took the opportunity to compete at the season-ending event. Bull rider Bradney Tart, breakaway roper, Callie Garrison and Tyler Kile were a few of those who were rookies to the field of contestants at this year’s SRA Finals. These young and enthusiastic individuals brought with them great success from events throughout the season and will be contestants to watch as the future unfolds.

Although these three were only a few of the tough competitors at this year’s SRA Finals and even though they are rookies to the event they blended in with the many veterans in search of championship status. Young and old, the SRA opens the door for cowboys and cowgirls to reach their potential and enjoy the sport of rodeo. The mix of fresh talent that flooded the arena floor and the seasoned veterans that continued to post fast times and high marks, the events of the SRA is a concoction of talent at every level. The 2015 SRA season is added to the history of the association and the 2016 is already underway. Cowboys and cowgirls will continue to chase their dreams in SRA arenas all across the country this next year with the aspirations of being one of the top contestants at the seasonending finals in 2016. The SRA and The Roping pen wishes everyone the best of luck this year!

The Magazine for America’s Roper • 7

2015 STANDINGS RANK

NAME

POINTS

ALL AROUND COWBOY 1 DARYL MATTHEWS....10717.40 2 JUSTIN THIGPEN.......10188.85 3 JOSH AUSTIN............ 8193.44 4 CODY MOUSSEAU...... 7462.87 5 JACOB DAGENHART...6980.26 ALL AROUND COWGIRL 1 TAYLOR EARNHARDT.. 8339.19 2 KRISTIN MULKEY.......4079.35 4 KARLA DAGENHART... 4041.44 3 MIKAYLA ALMOND.....2858.90 5 TAYLOR DIGH............2298.44 BAREBACK RIDING 1 MATT SMITH.............. 8309.14 2 HAROLD MILLER........ 6867.88 3 JOSH CRAGAR........... 2357.80 4 WADE DOTSON..........2034.96 5 CASEY CASON........... 1345.96 6 SHAWN MINOR............708.40 7 SHELTON MURPHY.......299.00 8 CHRIS SMITH...............299.00 9 BRANDON RIPPY.........283.36 SADDLE BRONC RIDING 1 EDDIE PARLIER..........2972.70 2 AUSTIN STEWART.......2873.50 3 SHANE PROCTOR........2537.10 4 BUD HUMPHRIES.......2340.20 5 TRAVIS DEAL.............2065.04 6 ANDREW TURNER...... 1499.60 7 BEN MAYTOM............1399.14 8 LUKE MORGAN...........1015.86 9 BRANDON RIPPY.........805.00 10 SHAWN MINOR............800.40 11 PRESTON FOWLKES III.607.20 12 JOSH MOATES............598.00

NOTES TO KNOW… • ALL FINES AND TURN-OUT FEES MUST BE PAID BEFORE ENTERING A RODEO. • SRA memberships must be purchased prior to rodeo in order for points to count. Membership applications can be printed from the SRA website and are available for purchase through the SRA office and at SRA first-sanctioned rodeos. You may not be able to purchase a membership at rodeos that are not SRA first-sanctioned rodeos. • JrSRA, NHSRA & NIRA cards are accepted for rodeo entry. Unless otherwise noted, Permits are accepted as needed at a cost of $10 per rodeo.

ADD’L RODEO FEES: (unless otherwise noted in listing) • SRA FIRST-SANCTIONED RODEOS: • Office Fee: $2 per contestant • Finals Fee: $5 per entry: • 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:

CST CENTRAL STD TIME

ADM ADDED MONEY

EF E NTRY FEE

BB BAREBACK RIDING

EST EASTERN STD TIME

BR BULL RIDING

SB SADDLE BRONC RIDING

CBA COWGIRLS BKWAY ROPING

SC S TOCK CHARGE

CBR COWGIRLS BARREL RACING SCF STOCK CONTRACTOR FEE CES CENTRAL ENTRY SYSTEM

SW STEER WRESTLING

TR TEAM ROPING

CR CALF ROPING

8 • The Roping Pen • November 2015

BULL RIDING 1 COLT GALVAN...........7258.26 2 BRADNEY TART..........7239.89 3 JP COOK...................5611.08 4 RICK BYNUM.............4379.23 5 WESLEY JOHNSON..... 4091.90 6 WESLEY BUCKNER..... 3876.52 7 CHAD VANAMBURG....3802.07 8 LUKE POWELL........... 3132.00 9 SHANE PROCTOR....... 3007.53 10 JEREMIAH KEY...........2332.50 11 JOHN LEINAWEAVER...2210.14 12 CODY MARTIN........... 2125.20 CALF ROPING 1 DARYL MATTHEWS.....5995.78 2 THOMAS LINTON....... 5377.29 3 CORY KIRK................4494.82 4 WILL CHARPING....... 4413.54 5 BRADLEY BULLARD.....4214.74 6 JUSTIN THIGPEN........4040.04 7 ALLEN LIVENGOOD....2256.22 8 GLEN FREELS.............2200.42 9 ROBBIE MURDOCK..... 2138.65 10 EARL BRADLEY...........1904.14 11 COLE WATKINS..........1757.54 12 JACOB DAGENHART....1716.06 STEER WRESTLING 1 JOSH AUSTIN.............4701.10 2 BRIAN BAREFOOT...... 4472.51

RANK

NAME

POINTS

3 CHET KIDD................ 3551.54 4 JUSTIN THIGPEN........ 2813.95 5 CODY MOUSSEAU...... 2798.01 6 TROY ORR................. 2706.10 7 BRAD STEWART......... 2179.66 8 JOE COOK................2048.90 9 JOSHUA HEFNER....... 1929.50 10 JAKE THOMASSON..... 1794.58 11 JASON BAGWELL....... 1534.20 12 CORD SPRADLEY........ 1235.25 TEAM ROPING (HDR) 1 JASON TUCKER..........6538.22 2 DARYL MATTHEWS.....5844.02 3 JD YOUNG..................5681.76 4 JACOB DAGENHART... 4661.20 5 JW BAUCOM..............4485.31 6 DANIEL MCLAMB....... 4091.53 7 JOSH AUSTIN............3773.86 8 JUSTIN THIGPEN.......3334.86 9 LANGDON PLEASANT..3241.01 10 CASEY HILLEY........... 3218.86 11 CODY MOUSSEAU.......3171.85 12 CORY KIDD................ 3103.02 TEAM ROPING (HLR) 1 CLAY FUTRELL........... 6641.26 2 ADAM PLYLER.............6150.81 3 CALEB ANDERSON.....5366.09 4 TYLER KILE................4584.68 5 CORY HONEYCUTT......3950.56 6 CODY ARMSTRONG.... 3918.85 7 HEATH LEROY............3895.65 8 RICK SCRUGGS..........3225.72 9 ROSS BLAKENEY........3069.40 10 ADAM TOOLE.............2995.53 11 ALEX BROOKS............2969.50 12 STEPHEN BRITNELL....2336.94 BARREL RACING 1 CARRIE PUTNAM...... 12802.26 2 MEGAN LYERLY.........9989.50 3 REBECCA OWENS....... 8090.41 4 TAYLOR EARNHARDT.. 5959.24 5 DANIELLE MCCRAW....4639.32 6 BRITTANY BELL.......... 3577.42 7 MICHELLE LUMMUS....3511.44 8 PEYTON MORROW.....3463.52 9 KARLA DAGENHART... 3106.92 10 HANNAH WARLICK..... 2891.56 11 NANCY GARRISON.....2832.94 12 TIFFANY DEAL............ 2581.95 BREAKAWAY ROPING 1 LUCINDA FLETCHER...4990.85 2 JAMIE ELLSWORTH....4826.91 3 BAILEY LIVENGOOD... 4781.84 4 HANNAH KIRK...........3863.87 5 KRISTIN MULKEY.......3830.95 6 CALLIE GARRISON..... 2794.76 7 AMANDA STEWART.... 2631.70 8 CARSON DENNING.....2500.82 9 MARLEE MALCOM......2430.04 10 TAYLOR EARNHARDT.. 2379.95 11 ROBIN PRUITT.......... 2363.76 12 NATALIE FLETCHER.....2345.54

AS OF 09/30/15 COMPLETE EXCLUDING SFR

The Magazine for America’s Roper • 9

SE REGIONAL

FINALS September 5-7, 2015 •Produced by USTRC Tunica Arena & Expo Center • Tunica, MS • Story by Ben Clements

Open PL: Clay Mitchell/Lane Mitchell

#15 SO: Marcus Theriot/Chase Graves

#13 SO: Dusty Swanson/Billy Lam Jr.

#12 GP: Dustin K. Payne/Cody Warner

he Southeast Regional Finals in Tunica, Mississippi was held September 5-7, 2015. The team roping action took place at the Tunica Expo Center and welcomed ropers from all over the Southeast and surrounding area.

#12 SO: Jr Macoubrie / Tyler Macoubrie

#11 PL: Joe Paul Freeland/Dusty Sherwood

The first roping of the weekend was the Open Division. This was a qualifier for The American and the event welcomed a slew of Open teams to try their hands at qualifying. Will Clark and Ty Ethridge teamed up to win the qualifier with a four head average time of 31.09 seconds. They won $3750, along with a qualification to The American Semi Finals. Second place was Frank Graves and Chase Graves who pocketed $2250. Clark and Cole Bigbee earned $1500 for their third place finish. These teams along with those placing fourth through seventh in the average earned a place in The American Semi Finals. Clay Mitchell and Lane Mitchell from Bolivar, Tennessee were the Open champions. Their five steer total was 43.95 seconds. The duo won the average and took home $4214, twenty points for the Pro View US Open Tour and trophy Gist knives. Second place went to Will Clark and Cole Bigbee and third place was T. Luttrell and Wesley Johnson. Frank and Chase Graves

#12 GP Inc: Scott Reid/Tyler Macoubrie

#11 SO: Michael Stout/Ethan Wheeler

#10 PL: Steve Trim/Donnie Ward

#10 SO: Joe Capps/Marty McElyea

#10 GP: Brother Campbell / Becky Cannizzaro

#10 GP Inc: Scott Reid/Harvey McDaniel

#9 PL: Jody Mitcham / Clay McDaniel

#9 SO: Justin Gillespie/Blane Williams

• • • • • • Jr Loopers • • • • • •

Cruel Girl Champ: Michaela Williamson

10 • The Roping Pen • November 2015

PHOTOS ©ALLEN’S RODEO PHOTOS

The Magazine for America’s Roper • 11

won the incentive average.

In the #15 Quailifier the team of Marcus Theriot and Chase Graves from Poplarville, Mississippi won first place in the average. They were 15.13 seconds on two steers and won $990. Second place in the Qualifier was Joel Colegrove and Dale Martin and third place was Colby Winborn and Dustin Purvis.

In the #15 Shoot Out Marcus Theriot and Chase Graves continued their winning ways to win first place in the average. The team won $7482, Trophy Martin saddles and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Second place was Cody Hogan and Marcus Theriot and third place in the average was Beverly Robbins and Pineapple Figgeroa. John Spotts from Vilonia, Arkansas and Trent Vaught from Mena, Arkansas teamed up to win first place in the #13 Qualifier. They were 13.83 seconds on two steers and won $1312. Second place in the roping was Kash Miller from Mize, Mississippi and Chase Graves. Third place went to David Betts and Ty Ferrell.

Dusty Swanson of Senatobia, Mississippi and Billy Lam from Canton, Georgia teamed up to win first place in the #13 Shoot Out. They were 31.43 seconds on four steers and won $8692, trophy Martin saddles and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Second place was Dwayne Clay and Jake Cooper Clay, receiving $6520 and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Third place went to Natie Johnson and Stephen Kinchen.

In the #12 Qualifier, Ronnie Hyde from Bloomington, Indiana and Kevin Roden from Kingfisher, Oklahoma finished in the number one position with a time of 14.00 seconds on two steers. They won $1920. Second place in the roping was Austin Wake and Trent Vaught and third went to Ike McBroom and Thomas Savage.

In the #12 Shoot Out the Kansas team of JR Macoubrie and Tyler Macoubrie won first place in the average. They were 30.44 seconds on four steers and won $13,236, trophy Martin saddles and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Second place was Sonny Mooney and Dustin Egusquiza. They took home $8,824 and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Third place went to Mark Curry and Eric Williams. They received $6,986 and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings for their efforts.

The win of the #12 Gold Plus Division went to the team of Dustin Payne from Kentwood, Louisiana and Cody Warner from Louisville, Mississippi. They finished the roping with a time of 33.44 seconds on four steers. The win gave them $10,296, trophy Gist buckles, Resistol Hats, Tony Lama boots, Cinch jeans and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Second place in the average was the team of Ronnie Hyde and Kevin Roden with a time of 34.33 seconds on four steers. They took home $6,864 and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Third place in the average was Ronnie Colclasure and James Miller. Scott Reid and Tyler Macoubrie won the incentive average with a time of 30.14 seconds on three steers and banked $6,092, trophy Gist buckles, Classic Equine horse sheets, Classic rope bags, Classic Equine hay bags and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. John Paul Freeland from Greers Ferry, Arkansas and Dusty Sherwood from Quitman, Arkansas teamed up to win first place in the #11 Preliminary. They roped four steers in 32.78 seconds and earned $5,286, trophy Gist spurs and $8000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Second place went to Tyler McDonald from Tuscumbia, 12 â&#x20AC;˘ The Roping Pen â&#x20AC;˘ November 2015

Alabama and Jake Pollard from West Point, Mississippi Third place was Garrett Jackson and Cole Curry. Freeland and Sherwood also won the incentive average.

Michael Stout from Lebanon, Tennessee and Ethan Wheeler of Pisgah, Alabama were the winners of the #11 Shoot Out. They teamed up to rope four steers in 34.16 seconds and won $9,412, trophy Martin saddles and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Second place in the average was Chasyn Wagnon and Blayne Horne with a time of 35.02 seconds on four steers. They won $7,060 and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Third place in the average was Blair Kelley and Stuart Bigbee. The team of Steve Trim and Donnie Ward were the winners of the #10 Preliminary. They finished the roping with a time of 36.99 seconds on four steers. The team won $6,020, trophy Gist spurs and $8000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Second place in the roping was Carol Knight and Jake Pollard. Shannon Travis and Jed Sibley won third place in the average and took home the incentive average win as well.

The #10 Shoot Out was won by Joe Capps and partner Marty McElyea. They finished the roping with a time of 33.09 seconds on four steers. They won $10,214, trophy Martin saddles, and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Second place was Reese Buster and heeler Cole Curry. They received $6,810 and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnnings. Third place in the average was Quick Brigance and Blair Kelley.

The #10 Gold Plus Division winners were the team of Brother Campbell from Franklin, Tennessee and Becky Cannizzaro from Folsum, Louisiana. They finished the roping with a time of 39.69 seconds on four steers. The win gave them $8,668, trophy Gist buckles, Resistol Hats, Tony Lama boots, Cinch jeans and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Second place in the average was the team of Sammy Smithson and Blair Kelley with a time of 40.39 seconds on four steers. They took home $5,778 and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Third place in the average was Matt Moore and Chad Roseberry. Scott Reid and Harvey McDaniel won the incentive average with a time of 28.46 seconds on three steers and banked $4,270, trophy Gist buckles, Classic Equine horse sheets, Classic rope bags, Classic Equine hay bags and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Jody Mitcham from Pineville, Louisiana and Clay McDaniel from Deville, Louisiana were the winners of the #9 Preliminary. They won the roping with a time of 32.74 seconds on four steers. They won $5,526, trophy Gist spurs and $8000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Second place in the average was Michael McNabb and Cole Roberson and third place in the roping went to Regan Dalton and David Hamilton. Lucas Koehn and Ryan Tittle won the incentive average.

In the #9 Shoot Out Justin Gillespie of Moulton, Alabama and Blane Willingham from Vinemont, Alabama finished the roping in first place in the average with a time of 36.94 seconds on four steers. They won $9,092, trophy Martin saddles and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Second place in the roping was Steve Massey and Bruce Barnett with a time of 37.33 seconds on four steers. The team won $6,820 and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. The third place team was Bill Jones and Harold McCain. As the curtain fell on the Southeast Regional Finals, Michaela Williamson was crowned the Cruel Girl Champion of the event and Dale Martin was the high point Gold Plus roper of the weekend.

www.STSRanch.com

verybody that wants to be an elite roper has a goal to qualify for the National Finals Rodeo. That goal is hard to attain for any young rodeo athlete, much less a young man that wasn’t born and raised in North America. I couldn’t be more proud of my “adopted son” Marcos Costa. Marcos came to the United States from Brazil, didn’t know our culture, didn’t know our language, and didn’t know anything about Pro Rodeo other than what he had seen on TV. Imagine having to get a driver’s license in a country when you can’t even read the test. Marcos left his family, his friends, and everything he knew to come to a foreign country and chase his dream. All Marcos knew was that he had a dream of making the National Finals. To see the journey from start to finish has been amazing. If you know me at all, you know that I truly LOVE to rope. I love the sport of calf roping. It has been my lifetime passion. I have a true appreciation and connection with people that have that same passion and drive. People have patted me on the back for giving Marcos a home and helping him rodeo, but Marcos has brought so much joy to my life. He inspires me daily. Not only is he a great person, a great roper, but he is also a great horseman. Marcos took a six year old green mare and not only made the National Finals on her, but won 2015 AQHA

Horse of the Year. For me, it’s inspired me to be more for others when called upon. Everybody is on his or her own journey and everybody has a dream. How many people do we come in contact with that we could probably help, even if it is only in a small way, move forward in achieving their goals or reaching their destiny? I’ve seen a lot of great things through the course of my career by watching other pro athletes’ careers. I’ve tried to help where I could, even if it is in a small way. It always amazes me how much you get back when you give. The floodgates open and bring so much joy and satisfaction. Congratulations to all of the 2015 WNFR qualifiers, I am excited to watch this year’s NFR. Jen and I will be hosting the Wrangler NFR Countdown show again this year at the MGM Grand. You can catch the telecasts on the Wrangler Network. I am excited to announce my friend, Aaron Watson will be singing and speaking at Elevation Sunday on December 6th at the MGM Grand. He latest album has blown up the charts and I am amazed how every song speaks life to people. Keep up with our social media for latest NFR updates. God Bless... and I’ll see ya down the line. The Magazine for America’s Roper • 13

14 • The Roping Pen • November 2015

INSIGHTS FROM DR. ANDERSON...

his month we thought we would jump to a different section for this article and head down the path of feeding your equine partner. With Total Equine as a proud sponsor of Total Team Roping, we headed towards the source and the man behind the feed that so many of today’s top rodeo athletes are feeding their horses. Dr. Barry Anderson developed Total Equine Feed after 20 years of studying and feeding horses a properly nutrient diet. Total Equine feed ensures that the horse receives specific ingredients that they need to maximize health, attitude and performance. We caught up to Dr. Anderson with a question that horse owners should be asking themselves around this time of year. He was happy to answer the question to: “As winter approaches, what, if anything should horse owners do to their feeding program?” “There are several things horse owners should consider and prepare for throughout the winter months,” said Anderson. “To begin have your hay tested before winter. Knowing the nutrients in your forage will help you set up a feeding program. You may need to alter your feeding and knowing this can also save you money.” Anderson went on to talk about another very important factor when it comes to feeding horses throughout the winter. “You want to make sure to winterize your water supply and avoid any interruptions. If your horse has a restricted water intake they will not consume their feed properly and this may cut back on the energy they need throughout the winter months. If horses have access to clean, fresh water they will eat and forage better, providing them the energy they need.” Reaching into a more in depth approach to feeding horses in the

winter, Anderson continued. “You need to limit the amount of starchy feed to your horses throughout the winter. Create a feeding program that helps the horse digest hay. You want to receive the maximum amount of fermentation in order for the horse to provide body heat. Fiber from hay will fermentation much better than starchy feeds.” Anderson also included that horse owners should begin a proper feeding program prior to the winter months in order to prepare the horse for the colder weather. “Provide quality feed that will help your horse grow a good winter coat. Long shaggy hair is not ideal and a horse should have a good, condense, thick coat of hair for the winter.” Anderson also added, “While on the subject, I also want to talk about something that is somewhat controversial. That is the use of blankets on horses in the winter. It is important that you only blanket a horse during the most extreme winter conditions or when hauling them in the winter. Always remove the blankets in the day. Leaving a horse blanketed for long periods of time will discourage hair growth and the quality of hair the horse will grow.” We want to thank Dr. Harry Anderson for his insight on preparing horses for the winter months and feeding tips when the weather turns cold. Be sure to check out TotalTeamRoping.com throughout the winter. It is a great time to pick up a lot of tips and tricks you can take to the practice pen and use at the next event. Be sure to also check out The Roping Pen’s Website and get a great deal on a Totalteamroping.com membership. For only $19.95 you can receive a limited TTR membership and check out what many other ropers are watching.

The Magazine for America’s Roper • 15

PRODUCED BY JX2 • MORRISTOWN, TN • SEPT 11-13, 2015

WALTER STATE GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS EXPO CENTER

he 15th Annual Hillbilly Redneck Truck and Trailer Explosion, presented by Twisted J Apparel topped the charts this year. With a total cash and prize payout of over one-quarter of a million dollars, just under 2,300 teams and a whole lot of team roping action and fun, the event showcased all that the sport of team roping has to offer! JX2 Productions has been hosting this event since its creation and continue to see more and more ropers head to the Walter State Great Smoky Mountains Expo Center in Morristown, Tennessee each year to be part of the event and have a chance at the tremendous cash and prize payout.

The event showcased 3 trucks, 4 trailers, 12 trophy saddles, 32 custom buckles and a load of other prizes handed out throughout the weekend! There was a Super Goat Roping each day and nightly entertainment for those who stayed around after the ropings ended each day! “This was the third largest roping I have ever produced in 18 years,” said Johnny Johnson of JX2 Productions. “The weather was great, cattle were great and the prizes were phenomenal.”

The 3-day event that began on Friday, September 11, 2015 hosted a Big Tex Trailers, Round Robin. With 72 teams the roping kicked the event off great! In the end it was header, Will McCraw and heeler John DeFazio who won the event. The Carroll Original Wear, 5-head Poison Roping followed. Like any poison roping in the country it is anyone’s game and those who rope tough stay in the game and have a shot at the money. Ropers, Jeffrey Hartfield and Jay Shaffer finished the roping on top to collect the money. Day one ended with the Trailers of the East Coast AM/Novice Roping. A Cimmarron 2-horse Alluminum trailer, two trophy saddles, buckles and other prizes was up for grabs and 413 teams entered up for their chance at the cash and prize payout. Ogden Potter and Dusty Sherwood snagged the Average for a handsome payout and the Average Buckles. The high point trailer went home with Jamie Felton. Saturday jump-started the big winners of the weekend. The day hosted the Classic Ropes #8 Rope for the Trucks. A total of 883

#13 Poison Roping, Avg: 1. Jeffrey Hartfield / Jay Shaffer, 49.69, $1,500; 2. Coleman Simmons E5 G+ / Travis Brown E5 G+, 73.24, $1,000 Incentive: #12 - 1. Jeffrey Hartfield 5 G+ / Jay Shaffer E7 G+, 36.06, $240; #11 - 2. Coleman Simmons E5 G+ / Travis Brown E5 G+, 43.24, $360; #10 - 3. Blane Willingham 4 GS / Pablo Delgado 5 G+, 65.56, $550

teams laid their money on the line in hopes they would be #4 or #3 or below High Point Roper of the day! In addition to the two 1/2 ton trucks, the days event would also give away 6 Cactus trophy saddles, a bucketful of Maynard buckles, tons of JX2 tack vouchers, Classic Equine Products, Bailer Hat Certificates, Carroll Original Wear shirts and hats, breast collars and lots and lots of cash. Dakota Hartfield and Buddy Holland claimed the Average of the roping. The Average helped Dakota earn the #4 High Point and he was handed the keys to one of the new trucks. Twisting off the #3 and below High Point Championship was Ty Norris. Sunday closed out the day with the final event of the weekend – The Priefert #10 Rope for the Truck. The High Point roper of the day would drive away in the 2015 4-door, Dually, Diesel! In addition though there was also three, two horse, Adams Aluminum trailers to head out of Morristown with new owners. The event also showcased lots of other prizes from Cactus Saddles, Maynard buckles, Classic Equine, Bailey Hats, Carroll Original Wear, JX2 Tack Shop and more. Over 900 teams were entered for the days event and everyone backed into the box and gave it their best for a chance to be among the winners at the end of the day. Winning the Average of the #10 roping was Kason Wolfe and Blane Willingham. As they claimed the big money payout, Kason was the one to celebrate the most as he took second in the Average as well with heeler, Jordan Southern earning him the High Point award and the keys to the new truck. The young Kason was extremely excited about the win and will be showing off the new truck throughout the country he continues to rope and chase his dreams of roping and being a cowboy! The JX2 Hillbilly Redneck Truck and Trailer Explosion presented by Twisted J Apparel won one of those events that continues to grow and grow each year. The event offers everyone a chance to enjoy the best aspects of the sport – Huge prizes, fantastic cash payouts and lots and lots of team roping action. It will be a year before the Truck Explosion happens again and you can bet JX2 will be back with an even bigger event. Until then, you can catch them at many other events across the country and continuing to give ropers events they can enjoy! (See photos on page 18...)

/ Jordan Southern 6 G+, 22.8, $2,500; 3. Jim Bob Frazier E5 G+ / Lee Espey 5 GS, 23.01, $1,800; 4. Chase Halliburton E4 GS / Dylan Ray 4 GS, 23.7, $1,400; 5. Heath King E5 GS / Tate Thomas 5 GS, 24.76, $1,000; 6. Adam Cole 5 GS / Ty Lewis 4 GS, 25.21, $900; 7. Logan Wolfe E4 / William McCraw #8 Truck, Avg: 1. Dakota Hartfield 4 GS / Buddy 6 GS, 25.77, $700; 8. John DeFazio 4 G+ / Tanner Holland 4 GS, 28.64, $3,000; 2. Dale Simmons 4 G+ Lloyd 6 GS, 26.23, $700; 9. William McCraw E5 GS / / Mike Clark 4 G+, 29.67, $2,000; 3. Cole LeMaster Ethan Tays 5 GS, 26.27, $500; 10. David Lewis 5 G+ Trailers East Am / Novice, Avg: 1. Ogden / Lee Espey 5 GS, 26.4, $500 Potter 3 GS / Dusty Sherwood 7 G+, 24.92, $2,500; 3 GS / Ty Norris 3, 29.7, $1,500; 4. Justin Sailors 2. Jamie Felton E4 GS / Lyndon Green 3 GS, 25.74, 4 GS / Marc Koehn E4 G+, 30.06, $1,000; 5. Bob Round Robin, Headers: 1. Will McCraw, 147.46, Pledge 4 GS / Cody Taylor 3 GS, 30.58, $750; 6. $1,500; 3. Dakota Hartfield 4 GS / Aaron Wheeler $600; 2. John DeFazio, 160.31, $400 2 GS, 25.99, $1,000; 4. Jason West 3 GS / Garrett Kasey Chism E4 GS / Nathan Fernandez 2, 30.71, Smith E7 GS, 27.45, $800; 5. Blane Willingham 4 GS $750; 7. Travis Norris 3 / Kasey Chism E4 GS, 30.91, Heelers: 1. Bobby Taylor, 195.90, $500; 2. Ryan Shaw, 195.95, $400 $600; 8. Cole Compton 4 GS / Joe Tolbert 4 G+, / Kimberly Breyo 3 GS, 28, $600; 6. Cole Futrell 3 GS / Dusty Sherwood 7 G+, 28.01, $500; 7. Jamie 31.65, $600; 9. Stephen Stiteler 4 G+ / Laura Leigh Lewis 3 G+, 32.21, $400; 10. Dakota Hartfield 4 GS Prize Winners: AM/NOVICE Felton E4 GS / Ellis Parker 3 GS, 29.38, $400; 8. Hi Pt #4 - Cimarron Trailer - 225 - Jamie Felton Alberto Fernandez E4 GS / Cody Taylor 3 GS, 30.55, / Rorey Halliburton E4 GS, 32.57, $400 $400; 9. Blane Willingham 4 GS / Cody Taylor 3 GS, Hi Pt #3 & Blw Hdr - Cactus Saddle - 150 - Ogden Potter 30.78, $300; 10. Jamie Felton E4 GS / Brandi Heath #10 Truck, Avg: 1. Kason Wolfe 4 / Blane Hi Pt #3 & Blw Hlr - Cactus Saddle - 145 - Cody Taylor 3 GS, 31.19, $300; 11. Ogden Potter 3 GS / Kenny Willingham E4 GS, 20.3, $4,000; 2. Kason Wolfe 4 Res. Hi Pt #3 & Blw Hder - Maynard Buckle - 95 - Jason West Brown E6 G+, 31.47, $200; 12. Bryson Tays 3 GS / Dylan Ray 4 GS, 31.92, $200; 13. Bryson Tays 3 GS / Ryan Shaw E4 G+, 32.35, $200; 14. Patty Chestnut 2 GS / Dusty Sherwood 7 G+, 32.51, $200; 15. Ron Shafer 3 / Garrett Smith E7 GS, 32.9, $200

16 • The Roping Pen • November 2015

Res. Hi Pt #3 & Blw Hlr - Maynard Buckle - 115 - Lyndon Green Hi Pt Female - Maynard Buckle - 80 - Kim Breyo Hi Pt Youth Female - Maynard Buckle - 0 - 0 Hi Pt Youth Male - Maynard Buckle - 90 - Dakota Hartfield Hi Pt 50 & Over - Maynard Buckle - 70 - Ellis Parker #8 Hi Pt #4 - 1/2 Ton Truck - 170 - Dakota Hartfield Hi Pt #3 & Below - 1/2 Ton Truck - 90 - Ty Norris Hi Pt #4 Hdr - Cactus Saddle - 95 - Justin Sailors/Dale Simmons Hi Pt #4 Heeler - Cactus Saddle - 150 - Mark Koehn Hi Pt #3 & Below Header - Cactus Saddle - 90 - Cole Lemaster Hi Point #3 & Below Heeler - Cactus Saddle - 80 - Cody Taylor Female - Cactus Saddle - 60 - Laura Leigh Lewis 50 & Over - Cactus Saddle - 100 - Buddy Holland #10 Hi Pt Roper - 1 Ton Diesel Truck - 200 - Kason Wolfe Hi Pt #4 - Adam’s Trailer - 135 - Chase Halliburton Hi Pt #5 - Adam’s Trailer - 155 - Lee Espey Hi Pt #6 - Adam’s Trailer - 145 - Jordan Southern Female - Cactus Saddle - 45 - Teresa Herman 50 & Over - Cactus Saddle - 65 - John Defazio/David Lewis

BY STUART MITCHELL

Billy the Kid When he was 12, I was 23. Not much difference to him or me.

He came to the house to learn to rope. My wife’s first thought, “Is this a joke?”

This kid can’t walk and talk without getting hurt. He can’t learn to rope, always falling in the dirt. But to run him off there was no hope. His only goal was to learn how to rope.

He stuck with the plan of practice til dark, and then up with the sun he would start.

As the months passed by and his skills got more fine, his goals got higher and his roping took up more time. His age increased and so did his fame. His roping and riding had made him a name. Any fear of broncs was hard to see. He rode the ones that scare you and me.

He learned from cowboys young and old. He listened to all that he was told. He sorted through the bull and wind and kept what he needed to learn to win.

By eighteen he’d achieved what he wanted to do. He was a cowboy and a high school rodeo champion too. His skill with a rope kept improving with age. Like a book, each day a new page. His high school days came and went, and his youth was starting to be spent.

He learned to catch wild cows with grown men, to herd vast numbers and not crowd them in the pen. To mend fence, break colts, and tend the herd, he learned from the old cowboys’ every word.

His vision changed when he realized his talent could profit him. If only his skills could be perfected then he could win. The basics he had mastered at an early age; of busting brush, catching cows and parting sage. The only thing in question is a fault we all share. Do you have enough self-discipline to spare?

Practice won’t make perfect unless you practice perfect. Concentration, attitude and desire can fix any defect. Billy’s still roping trying to win the money and fame, to broaden his world and to spread his name.

Lessons in life can be hard and expensive. Better learn them when young and bold, not old and apprehensive. I hope his youth won’t cause him to stumble and stray. Like Billy the Kid did and found Pat Garrett in his way. A champion he’ll be, when he can see that he has all the tools that have eluded me.

The Magazine for America’s Roper • 17

Rednecks Loop in the Trucks!

15TH ANNNUAL HILLBILLY REDNECK

TRUCK & TRAILER EXPLOSION

#10 Truck

#4 Trailer

#13 Poison

#8 Truck 2

#5 Trailer

#10 Female

#8 Truck

#6 Trailer

Round Robin

#10 50 Over

#10 TP

AM Novice

Jr Loopers

HP Trailer

#10

18 • The Roping Pen • November 2015

Saddle Winners Photos courtesy of JX2

The Magazine for America’s Roper • 19

20 • The Roping Pen • November 2015

The Magazine for America’s Roper • 21

22 • The Roping Pen • November 2015

The Magazine for America’s Roper • 23

PREIFERT’S CATTLE CAGE

The first anatomically correct, durable Calf roping dummy that feels and ropes like the real thing! It has the exclusive “original Tuf Kaf flexi-foam rubber feel. It feels like a live calf hide. It gives you that live action realistic rope action we all love. It is anatomically correct, so the look is real. The more you rope what you see and feel, the more realistic your practice will be. The New SSS GTS Dummy will be available to try at the booth at the Stetson Country Christmas-SANDS during this year’s NFR!

priefert.com • 800-527-8616

tufkaf.com • 307-217-0392

FASTBACK SPORT AND BELL BOOTS

RUNNING P SADDLERY CUSTOM ROPING SADDLE

Designed with both horse & human in mind, this sleek new boot combines protection & support. Sport boots provide high performance support for tendons and ligaments. High-tech materials used in bell boots provide the ultimate protection against heel bulb & coronary band injuries. Used & endorsed by Clay Tryan.

www.fastbackropes.com LUBRISYN: TOTAL HEALTH

The LubriSynHA Family of Products and Re-Borne are the only products you need for total horse health. LubriSynHA’s allnatural hyaluronic acid joint supplement in conjunction with Re-Borne Whole Bovine Colostrum provide customers with a total health solution.

NEW! SSS ROPING: GTS

Roping chutes were designed for roping, not working steers. Priefert’s Cattle Cage provides an affordable option for working horned cattle that’s “Easy on the Cow, Easy on the Cowboy.” It features a Priefert headgate, a side sliding tailgate, & removable sides to provide maximum access to the animal – for a fraction of the price of a standard squeeze chute.

www.lubrisyn.com

¾ Small flower tooling style with background dye, silver/copper dot trim, alligator seat, and custom hardware.

QUICKSILVER ARENAS: QUICKCHANGE CALF INSERT

The all new Quicksilver QUICKCHANGE calf insert. Its simple and easy to use great for calf roping and break away. Will fit most roping chutes. Come See us at the NFR – Sands Booth!

www.quicksilverarenas.com 1-800-657-1906

RUNNING P SADDLERY CUSTOM POCKET KNIFE

LIL BLUE HEELER

“The perfect, Quality Practice For Everyone!” Head & heel, spins 360 & portable. Use it inside and out with a rechargeable battery or with the electrical power cord! Fully guaranteed for 1 yr, parts & labor. Find out more & see the video at grizzlysaddlery.com and order yours today!

406-761-5948

www.grizzlysaddlery.com HEEL-O-MATIC: BONES 2.0

With an unrivaled realistic look and feel, the new Bones 2.0 is the most advanced heading dummy available. Check it out at heelomatic.com or your local Heel-O-Matic dealer.

This year, give a Running P Saddlery custom Byrd knife with your choice of lettering and finish. Makes a great, memoral gift for someone special!

www.runningpsaddles.com FULLY AUTOMATIC ROPING CHUTE by CHUTE HELP

750 lbs • Powder Coated 90” L x 33” W x 74” H 14 Gauge Steel • 28” Chute Opening

An innovative way to make roping simple! Features a mechanism which requires no electricity or compressed air, has a self-loading ability, & is operated by a simple one-button remote or by hand. The Chute Help is low maintenance, with easy cleanout & saves time and installation costs... set it down & rope! The solar panel helps extend the life of the 12v battery

www.chutehelp.com

www.runningpsaddles.com EASY NOW SHOCK ABSORBER The Easy Now Shock Absorber is perfect for all tie-on heelers. It is pull tested to 1,500 pounds and has the durability to last over 100 runs. It fits most quick releases on the market, but goes best with the Easy Now QR-1.

www.chutehelp.com

www.heelomatic.com COWGIRL TUFF TRIPLE LLL

The Signature Jean of Lisa Lockhart! Medium wash jean with antique copper and silver studs and zig zag stitching. For every jean purchased, $3 is donated to Dreaming of Three, Ranch Hand Rescue, and Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch.

www.cowgirltuffco.com

NEW HOOEY FROM TWISTED X BOOTS

SILVER LINING HERBS #17 KOLIK EAZ

Natural ingredients & herbs support the natural peristalsis & lubrication of the GI tract, along with dissipating gas. This supports the horse to get back to a normal relaxed digestive system. At earliest signs of colic, paste entire syringe on back of horse’s tongue. Walk the horse until the discomfort subsides.

BEST EVER PADS: THE KUSH

The 32x32 1” Kush is the pad choice of Best Ever team rider & World Champion, Jade Corkill. It is flexible yet durable & resistant to compression. Special wool allows it to absorb moisture, aiding in heat removal from the horse’s back. Kush Wool comes in light gray or black, & ¾”, 1”, or 1.25” thicknesses. Several leathers & custom designs are available to choose from to make your pad unique to you!

silverliningherbs.com

www.BestEverPads.com

1-866-543-6956

1-805-528-8009

LONE STAR ROPES DRIFTER ROPE BAG

MEN’S RETRO HOODIE FROM LONE STAR ROPES

SPARKY

A 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. See all of the details of Sparky roping steer and all of the great Sparky Superior Roping Products on our website and order yours today!

www.smartsteer.com 1-877-877-4240

RED RIVER ARENAS’ NEW GOAT ROPING CHUTE

A new addition to our Men’s Hooey line is the MHY0015. Brown Tipped Bull Hide vamp with 12” black pinstripe shaft. Available in D & EE 7-12,13,14. In fine western retailers.

www.twistedxboots.com RUNNING P ROPES: THE MAVERICK

Carry everything you need for your next jackpot, or stretch on the road, with the Drifter Rope Bag. Made from durable ballistic nylon, it features double-padded carry straps, multiple pockets for storage, & a 6 rope capacity. The Drifter Rope Bag is the perfect way to carry your gear!

The Retro Hoodie is the perfect cold weather layer to wear at your next roping or while working horses. Featuring the retro Lone Star Ropes logo, this hoodie has a classic fit, soft front pocket and drawstring hood to keep you warm and comfortable. Comes in our classic black, navy, brown & green (shown here), or in NEW whiskey, heather, & cardinal. A great gift for both men & women... sure to be an instant favorite!

The newest trend in roping is here & Red River Arenas is proud to introduce our new Goat Roping Equipment! Red River and Mad Goat Productions have teamed up together to bring a high quality, simple goat roping chute! It features a simple kick release so you can focus on your run without needing someone to open the chute for you. In addition to the goat roping chute,we also offer lead-ups & score lanes to match the chute. Order one today!

This nylon/poly-blended rope has a small diameter packed full of body. The dependable “feel,” along with the durability of this rope, makes it the number one seller at Running ‘P’ Ropes.

www.lonestarropes.com

800.343.1026 • RedRiverArenas.com

www.runningpropes.com

ROPE SMART: THE SWITCH

Top Pick for complete training systems. RopeSmart brings the SWITCH out for ordering, just in time for Christmas. The SWITCH will be on show at the NFR and is now available for Pre Order. When ordering the SWITCH for Christmas you will get a custom gift PACK along with a FREE RopeSmart Steer Roping Dummy for under the TREE! The SWITCH is the ATV machine with true boundaries to build good roping skills and is the only system to offer a real corner shot, or roping one in the SWITCH. Why buy any other dummy when you can get a second one for FREE! See our website for Christmas special details. LIMITED TIME AND LIMITED QUANTITY OFFER! ORDER YOURS NOW!

www.RopeSmart.com

B TUFF JEANS: HOOAH

Medium wash jean with minimal distressing and barbed wire detail on pockets. For every pair purchased, $5 will be donated to the HOOAH Organization. HOOAH lends support to deployed special operations servicemen and women, their stateside families and returning veterans. MSRP $89.99

www.btuffjeans.com

PUNNING P ROPES: RP4 WHITE

The traditional RP4 white is made out of 100% nylon. This rope, like our other ropes, maintains that consistent “feel” that ropers need when the money is on the line.

www.runningpropes.com

CLASSIC ROPE’S SYNTHETIC ROPING GLOVE

FLATLAND ROPES

These aren’t your typical cotton gloves. Spandex body provides an ergonomic fit and lasts longer than traditional gloves. $23.99 at equibrand.com There is nothing you can rope with a $45 four-strand that you can’t rope with our $25 three-strand. Our ropes last longer because of a patent (no gimmicks) giving you more value for your money. 100% GUARANTEED • No Questions Asked Only Rope Company to offer a GUARANTEE!

www.equibrand.com

619-871-6618

www.flatlandropes.com

REVOLUTION ROPES: NOTHING SLED for Something Steer

The all new Nothing Sled for Something Steer is the ultimate training tool for you, your horse and your partner, with more training features and more affordable shipping than any other sled. Check it out on our website and order yours today!

866.427.3876

www.somethingdummy.com

Trinity Ropes, formerly Bach Ropes/Smart Ropes, is a vision from the Lord for the Rhodes family. A family owned company since 2008, our products are all made in America. We feel that through the 7 years that we have been in business, we have not built it, but GOD has and we want HIM to get the GLORY for it.

The Alpha

www.trinityropes.com 1-800-559-6959

GIST SILVERSMITHS: TIMELESS ACCESSORIES

Cut away with ease with custom knives from Gist Silversmiths. Spyderco’s Delica 4 stainless steel knives are embellished with optional handle designs in your choice of materials and optional custom personalization. Clipit feature for secure pocket attachment and easy access. Made in America! PN: KRFO, KRF-M

www.gistsilversmiths.com 1-800-456-4478

PAUL AMMERMAN AND WILLARD ROPE COMPANY

SADDLERY & WESTERN WEAR MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA

Whether you’re working cows, barrel racing, or trail riding, let us outfit you & your horse with the right gear! We have brands like Wrangler, Cinch, Cruel Girl, Tin Haul, & Stetson to help you look your best. Take care of your horse, too, with DAC supplements, wormer, & grooming products, as well as saddles from Martin, Billy Cook, & Tucker. In addition, we carry Classic Equine & Cactus protective horse leg boots.

Give that special someone a gift they will love! The Tres Rios Silver Bracelet is a great fashion statement. All Tres Rios Buckles and Jewelry pieces are custom designed and hand-made.

www.twistedspursaddlery.com

www.tresriossilverbuckles.com

(334) 396-7787

TRES RIOS CUSTOM BRACELETS & JEWELRY

1-800-550-7535

The Original One Wrap Horn Wrap continues to offer you the best protection for your roping steers. These wraps offer an excellent fit, longest durability and you can get them at the best price around! The Royal Horn Wrap is the #1 horn wrap, used by major roping contractors all across the country. Made In The USA. Call today to order - buy direct & save!

800-522-8225 or 801-985-9213

www.royalhornwrap.com

NRS: BACK ON TRACK® THERAPEUTIC QUICK WRAPS

TRINITY ROPES: THE ALPHA - THE ONE ROPE

One of our most popular ropes is The Alpha- (The One). The Alpha is a poly blend rope that comes in 31’ or 35’. This poly-blend will have you reaching for high gear! We made the Alpha for those who could never seem to find the ONE ROPE they could use anywhere and everywhere. This 3/8” four-strand, baby-blue weapon stays open when you reach and lasts for more runs than any other rope on the market. We are extremely blessed to be a part of your life and roping, whether it be a hobby or career. Our family takes great pride in our products and customer service is very important to us.

SINCE 1990: ROYAL HORN WRAP

have teamed up to bring you one of the finest, most affordable custom saddles on the market! Each is a testimony of time and workmanship, built on our exclusive Balance Bar tree and features Pressure Relief Bar Tips and pressure resistance full length of the bars that slowly contour and flatten in perfect balance. Proudly made in the USA!

www.willardropes.com

A great leg wrap for every horse. Quick, easy, and safe. Features a neoprene shell with an inside pillow wrap & 4 Velcro closures. Designed to reflect the horse’s own bodywarmth to help alleviate pain. Used for both injury prevention & recovery. No liniment needed & can replace poultice. Takes down leg swelling in just a few days and also can get wind puffs to be softer or reduced completely. The Quick Wrap is designed so no additional bandage is needed. #BOT03 - $93.99

www.nrsworld.com FAST BACK ROPES: THE VORTEX

A small, light, nylon rope that is natural in color. With great body and feel, this rope is forgiving and consistent. This three-strand rope provides exceptional feel and control through your swing and delivery. The higher crowns stop the rope fully when dallying, shaving seconds off the run.

www.fastbackropes.com

EQUIBRAND JUNIOR ROPE BAG

The perfect size for young competitors, but large enough for adult head ropes. Keeps up to four ropes with outside pockets and water bottle holder. $49.99 at www.equibrand.com

RATTLER PROFESSIONAL ROPE BAG

RATTLER ROPE: CALF STRING TUBE

Solves the problem of storing and transporting your calf strings neatly. Large diameter tube keeps strings straight, dry, and protected improving consistency and increasing the lifespan of your strings. $49.99 at equibrand.com

For the serious roper, the ultimate rope storage solution. Roomy enough to hold up to 10 ropes in larger coils with heavy duty zippers, several storage compartments and padded, adjustable shoulder straps. $109.99 at equibrand.com

www.equibrand.com

BASS BOOTS by NRS

MEN’S ARIAT GREY SOFTSHELL VEST

This winter, Bass is in when it comes to boot styles. Pirarucu is actually the name of the popular South American fish that has taken the core western market by storm. The Bass boots are some of our favorite boots that we have designed at NRS with Anderson Bean. Available only at NRSworld.com. #0084A $699.99 • #0086A $659.99

This softshell vest features welded chest pockets, constrat trim and logo design, mock collar and zippered pockets. Available at NRSworld.com for $79.95

www.nrsworld.com

AVAILABLE AT NRS #10016025

“THE ORIGINAL” SIERRA ROPE CANS BY WILLARD ROPE CO.

MAYNARD BUCKLES: CUSTOMIZED SPYDERCO KNIFE

This Stainless Steel-handled Spyderco knife is perfect for any custom Christmas gift. It measures 4 1/4” & the blade is 3.” The Spyderco knife is ideal for users who prefer heftier, hollowground blades. Call for pricing or visit our website!

(505) 862-7253

www.maynardbuckles.com

www.equibrand.com

www.willardropes.com

Do you want to surprise the special someone with a true original? Then head to Red Bluff Buckles and Accessories for that perfect, one-of-a-kind gift this year! Custom buckles, jewelry, knives – Red Bluff offers unique works of art, handmade by some of the top Native American Silversmiths and artisans in the West! Contact us today and make this Christmas one to remember!

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# 10 Shoot Out Winners SE Regional Finals

30 • The Roping Pen • November 2015

Be sure to check out next month’s issue of The Roping Pen to see who won the 2015 NEAFRA Finals! Find out more and keep up with NEAFRA on Facebook!

The Magazine for America’s Roper • 31

his month we caught up with Kaleb Driggers who like many of us at one time or another was having one of those days! Heading back home with a trailer-load of cattle he had a blowout on the trailer. With a little luck and some work he was soon back on the road with the worse of the day hopefully behind him. Heading back to his Stephenville home to rope his day was no doubt getting better. We took this opportunity to ask him about a problem many ropers have, especially those who are just beginning to head. The question actually came to us from an older gentleman from Florida who has started to rope at the age of 65. Many, at all ages are taking their first swings in the sport and we invite them all a chance to use these tips to progress and enjoy the sport of team roping. THE QUESTION: “I often feel like I am behind when I leave the box and I have a hard time getting the tip of my rope down for the first several swings. What can I do to help this?”

KALEB: It sounds like this guy ‘s biggest issue is not being in position and level across the line. He probably needs to work on his body position and get square in the saddle when he asks his horse to leave. It might also be that his horse is leaving too early and not flat across the line. First off, headers need to have their horse leave when they ask them. A horse that tries to leave early will result in you pulling up trying to hold your horse in and then when you release the pressure the horse’s movement sends the header back to their haunches in the seat of the saddle. You need to be just a bit ahead of the horse when you ask him to leave the box in order

32 • The Roping Pen • November 2015

to be in the best position. Work on scoring and having the horse leave flat out of the box when you ask him to. When a header gets behind the tip of their rope will be too high and it will take several strides for the header to get back to the front with their tip down. I like to be square in my saddle and just a little ahead of my horse when I ask him to leave. This allows me to use the horse’s momentum to get my rope in front of me and my tip down. Don’t let the horse take the power away from you by staying on your haunches in the seat of the saddle. As I said, I like to be square as well. Being square with my horse as he takes his first couple strides out of the box allow you to get in position quicker. If you are not square in the saddle with your horse’s first movement then you will not be able to use the horse’s power to get into position and the tip of your rope down. Finally, you can’t be too far ahead of your horse as he leaves either. If a header gets too far out in front he or she will have to sit up and get square before they rope. This can cause them to get rocked back behind as the horse builds into the run. Stay in the middle of the horse, keep square and ride the horse every stride. This will give you the best point in which to rope and to get the tip of the rope down early in the run. We want to thank Kaleb for the insight once again here at In The Loop and hope these tips from him and the others here at Lone Star Ropes help you all in your quest to win! Be sure to stay in the Loop with Lone Star Ropes! If you’ve got a question or comment for “In The Loop”, submit it to lonestarintheloop@gmail.com.

The Magazine for America’s Roper • 33

SCHSRA Rodeo Schedule

November 13 & 14 - Marshville February 5 & 6 - Yadkinville, NC February 28 - Cassatt, SC March 11 & 12 - Conway, SC March 25 & 26 - Saluda, SC April 8 & 9 - Lowrys, SC Aprill 22 & 23 - Aiken, SC May 5 & 6 - Iva, SC May 13 & 14 - Marietta, SC May 26-28 - Finals, Clemson, SC

SCJHSRA Rodeo Schedule Febuary 5 - Yadkinville, NC March 12 - Conway, SC March 19 - Midway, SC March 26 - Saluda, SC April 23 - Aiken, SC May 14 - Marietta, SC

The fall season has been a very exciting and fun time for all the contestants in the SCHSRA! The sun

shone on the Newberry Rodeo in September and what fun everyone had. The past two years the rain has posed a challenge for contestants and spectators but not this year. Thanks to the Newberry FFA and Alan and Lisa Sligh it was a outstanding weekend. The first weekend in October, the SCHSRA board had to postpone the Marshville, NC rodeo due to the deluge of rain and the threat of a possible hurricane. This was the first time in the 38 years of the association that a rodeo weekend had to be postponed due to weather. But in the aftermath of the flooding that rocked South Carolina, it was a wise decision. This rodeo has been rescheduled for November 13-14, and will be the last rodeo for the fall season.

LW BARRELS JOLEIGH GALLOWAY...........10 AIDEN TACKETT....................9 LW POLE BENDING CADEN LAWSON..................8 AIDEN TACKETT..................10 TRINITY COOK.....................7 TRINITY COOK.....................9 GABBIE METTA.....................6 GABBIE METTA.....................8 COLT SMITH.........................5

LW GOAT TYING JOLEIGH GALLOWAY...........10 CADEN LAWSON..................9 TRINITY COOK.....................8 AIDEN TACKETT....................7 GABBIE METTA.....................6 TRENT DYAL.........................5

W POLE BENDING KEELY ORR........................10 KRISTEN LEE........................9 COLBY YARBOROUGH...........8 ROSS PRICE.........................7 AYDEN ROUNDS...................6 ADDISON CAMPBELL............5 MEREDITH THOMPSON.........4 KODY BROWN......................3 NATALIE MONTGOMERY........2

W BARRELS KEELY ORR........................10 GABE TACKETT.....................9 COLBY YARBOROUGH...........8 AYDEN ROUNDS...................7 WESS HAWKINS...................6 NATALIE MONTGOMERY........5 JESSE POSTON.....................4 ADDISON CAMPBELL............3 MEREDITH THOMPSON.........2 KRISTEN LEE........................1

W GOAT TYING COLBY YARBOROUGH.........10 KRISTEN LEE........................9 GABE TACKETT.....................8 ROSS PRICE.........................7 NATALIE MONTGOMERY........6 LUKE FUNDERBURK.............5 SKYLER ELLISON..................4 JESSE POSTON.....................3 AYDEN ROUNDS...................2 HARLEY MCIVER...................1

JUNIOR CUMULATIVE POLE BENDING PTS AS OF 10.14.15 MACEY COOK.....................27 AMBER MASSEY.................20 B.BREAKAWAY RENNIE CHAVIS..................19 COLTON SCHLOCK..............28 MADISON PER...................18 ETHAN LOMBARDO............20 ISABELLA HOLT..................17 TAYLOR KUNTZ....................9 ELIZABETH JOLLEY.............14 DAVIS SEWELL.....................8 CARISSA BRANYON............13 SALLY POTEAT......................8 G.BREAKAWAY ELLA KATE PHILLIPS.............7 ALLY CHARPING.................19 ABBY FORCE........................5 RENNIE CHAVIS..................10 KARLEY WILLIAMS................4 JESSIE MCGAHA...................9 JESSIE MCGAHA...................3 PAYDEN BURTON.................3 BARREL RACING KAYLEE LEE..........................2 RENNIE CHAVIS..................21 TAYLOR PIERCE....................2 TAYLOR PIERCE..................18 DALLAS COOK......................1 GRACIE GRIFFIN.................17 COURTNEY EUBANKS............1 JOSIE SARIBOK..................16 GRACE BRYANT....................1 ELLA KATE PHILIPS.............15 SALLY POTEAT....................15 TEAM ROPING ISABELLA HOLT..................12 COLTON SCHLOCK..............10 GRACE BRYANT..................11 ETHAN LOMBARDO............10 AMBER MASSEY.................10 ELIZABETH JOLLEY...............9 RIBBON ROPING EMMA HUNTER....................6 ETHAN LOMBARDO............19 ABBY FORCE........................3 GRACIE GRIFFIN.................19 JESSIE MCGAHA...................3 DAVIS SEWELL...................10 KAYLEE LEE..........................2 ELIZABETH JOLLEY.............10 MADISON PER.....................2 DYLAN COOK.....................10 MACEY COOK.......................2 ALLY CHARPING.................10 KARLEY WILLIAMS................1 CARISSA BRANYON..............1 CHUTE DOGGING DALLAS COOK......................1 DYLAN COOK.....................10 JD CARTER..........................9

G.GOAT TYING GRACE BRYANT..................30 MACEY COOK.....................25 GRACIE GRIFFIN.................23 EMMA HUNTER..................17 MADISON PER...................12 RENNIE CHAVIS..................10 ELIZABETH JOLLEY.............10 ALLY CHARPING...................8 ABBY FORCE........................7 KAYLEE LEE..........................7 JESSIE MCGAHA...................6 MACAYLA CARR...................5 SALLY POTEAT......................4 ELLA KATE PHILLIPS.............1

Cumulative PointsStandings

YOUTH CUMULATIVE PTS AS OF 9.19.15

& Junior and Youth Divisions

B.GOAT TYING ETHAN LOMBARDO............30 TAYLOR KUNTZ..................23 COLTON SCHLOCK..............18 DAVIS SEWELL...................15 DYLAN COOK.....................13 BBSR ETHAN LOMBARDO............30 SBSR ETHAN LOMBARDO............20 BULL RIDING WALKER VAUGHAN.............10 ETHAN LOMBARDO............10

34 • The Roping Pen • November 2015

The 2015-16 season opener for the SCHSRA Boys and Girls Cutting & Reined Cow Horse events, held September 25-26, went very well.

Two rounds of each event were held at the North Carolina Ag Center in Lumberton, NC, along with the Southern Stock Horse Association’s cutting and versatility stock horse show. Thanks to SSHA for allowing our contestants this opportunity. NCHSRA also joined bringing competitors in the Reined Cow Horse event. Mackenzie Johnson took first place in the Girls Cutting and Tyler Willis took first place in Boys Cutting in both rounds. Round one of Reined Cow Horse winner was Maggie Nobles and Kelsey Martin was the winner in round two. By the time this edition of the magazine his your doorstep, our competitions in Lumberton on October 23-24 will be done - hope they went well for everyone! .

HS CUMULATIVE PTS EDDIE ROUNDS..................16 DILLON HARRISON.............30 AFTER CASSATT 2015 DILLON HARRISON...............6 TYLER WILLIS....................25 EDDIE ROUNDS..................25 BAREBACK BAILEY KUNTZ...................23 BARREL RACING ANDREW KAPALA...............50 AMANDA STEPHENSON.......47 WILL RECTOR.....................17 KENNETH GLICK.................18 CAROLINE BURGEN............40 JOBY GARRISON................17 MIKAYLA JOH ALMOND......38 TYLER ADAMS....................16 SADDLE BRONC MONICA HARMON..............35 NOAH BERRY.....................16 COLBY WINSTEAD..............36 MARYBETH ROLLINGS........28 COREY WADDELL................16 HUNTER STYLES.................33 KATY SHERRILL..................27 CHASE DYAL......................15 ANDREW KAPALA............25.5 AUBREY DELK....................19 COLBY WINSTEAD..............15 KENNETH GLICK..............24.5 KENZIE COOK....................19 RYAN RODGERS.................13 CHASE DYAL......................10 KELSEY MARTIN.................16 LANE BRADLEY..................13 EMERY THOMAS.................11 COLE WILLIAMS...................9 TIE DOWN ROPING BAILEY KUNTZ...................10 MARK PRICE........................9 HUNTER STYLES.................47 CASEY STEPHENS...............10 CODY BISHOP......................8 ADAM GRIFFIN...................38 OLIVIA DOVE........................8 ADAM GRIFFIN.....................5 DILLON HARRISON.............31 RILEY SUTHERLAND.............5 KELSEY MARTIN...................5 COREY WADDELL................30 GEORGIA CAROLINE KAY......4 CAYDEN MCCRAW................4 TYLER WILLIS....................24 ASHTON WILLIS...................4 OWEN GULLEDGE.................4 BENNETT DOVE..................20 JORDAN MULLINAX..............4 BLAKE WATT........................4 JOBY GARRISON................20 CHLOE COX..........................3 CAROLINE BURGEN..............4 CHASE DYAL......................12 GRACIE ADAMS....................1 LANE BRADLEY..................10 JOSIE SANDERS...................1 GOAT TYING MARK PRICE......................10 MIKAYLA JOH ALMOND......55 OWEN GULLEDGE.................7 POLE BENDING KELSEY MARTIN.................44 CAYDEN MCCRAW................7 KELSEY MARTIN.................40 CAROLINE BURGEN............31 EDDIE ROUNDS....................5 AMANDA STEPHENSON.......39 OLIVIA DOVE......................25 MIKAYLA JOH ALMOND......38 AMANDA STEPHENSON.......24 GIRLS BREAKAWAY MONICA HARMON..............35 KYRA LOMBARDO..............24 MIKAYLA JOH ALMOND......44 JINI JUSTICE......................24 MAKAYLAH MCCURRY........20 CHLOE COX........................32 BAILEY KUNTZ...................20 BAILEY KUNTZ...................19 HANNAH GRACE HARMON..25 MARYBETH ROLLINGS........19 ASHTON WILLIS.................16 KYRA LOMBARDO..............24 ABI CLINKSCALES...............18 HANNAH GRACE HARMON..15 CAROLINE BURGEN............24 HANNAH GRACE HARMON..18 MONICA HARMON..............11 RILEY SUTHERLAND...........22 ASHTON WILLIS.................16 CHLOE COX........................10 BAILEY KUNTZ...................22 RILEY SUTHERLAND...........16 JOSIE SANDERS...................9 AMANDA STEPHENSON.......13 AUBREY DELK....................14 LAURIN ABLES.....................9 JINI JUSTICE......................12 CHLOE COX........................11 CASEY STEPHENS.................7 ABI CLINKSCALES...............11 OLIVIA DOVE........................7 MOLLY MCCONNELL.............5 MONICA HARMON................9 GEORGIA CAROLINE KAY......6 KELLY RAE ALEXANDER.........3 OLIVIA DOVE........................8 EMILY AUSTIN......................4 JINI JUSTICE........................2 KATY SHERRILL....................7 JILLIAN MITCHELL................3 SYDNEY WILBANKS..............1 SYDNEY WILBANKS..............2 STEER WRESTLING BULL RIDING TYLER WILLIS....................37 TEAM ROPING KYLE CURRIE.....................19 HUNTER STYLES.................36 MIKAYLA JOH ALMOND......42 TRISTEN MCCLAIN..............10 ADAM GRIFFIN...................32 MAKAYLAH MCCURRY........42 COLBY WINSTEAD..............10 BENNETT DOVE..................25 JUSTIN SHOFFNER.............31 JUSTIN WILLIAMS................9 COLBY WINSTEAD..............18 HUNTER STYLES.................30 GARRETT MCCLAIN...............8

The Magazine for America’s Roper • 35

The Magazine for America’s Roper • 37

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

38 • The Roping Pen • November 2015

Photos courtesy of FYRA

The Magazine for America’s Roper • 39

his year is definitely flying by. I cannot believe I am now writing for November already, Wow! With the end of the year coming up we are starting to see broodmare contracts come up, questions about foals, and questions about buying prospects from horse sales. This month I wanted to touch on that subject just a little. I was in Oklahoma City a few weeks ago at the Heritage Place yearling sale. You guessed it, to insure some new prospects for the upcoming Quarter Horse races in 2016. I know what you’re thinking…this is a roping magazine! Well, you are correct, but at times we have roping horse sales as well and protecting your new investment works just the same. So let’s go over the process.

After looking over the sale catalogs you decide to purchase a horse. The sale goes through and now you need insurance. Hopefully you’re agency has a booth on site! If so the paperwork is very minimal at a listed sale. Normally at listed horse sales for organizations or ranches the horses have gone through veterinary inspections. So the need for the questions about the health of the horse are not needed. For one, you most likely do not know the owner(s). Most insurance agencies can give you “fall of the hammer” insurance at a sale immediately. You would need to provide the hip number, your account information or contact information, purchase price, and in some cases payment. That’s it! Yes it’s that simple. It should only take about 2 minutes to do! Believe me most leave without ANY coverage! Now if you’re on the road and a current client you can normally provide the same information via fax, email,

or snail mail and you’re agency will bill you. Now days you may also be able to take a clear photo of each document and send a text as well. Be sure and ask your agent!

I had to leave the Heritage Place (OKC) sale before it ended on the last day. I insured a horse while boarding a plane in Dallas that is how easy coverage can be provided.

Some sales we see each year provide 24hr mortality coverage provided after the “fall of the hammer”. It’s a good thing but do not rely on it 100%. It’s really more of something to help the sale, promote business, etc. Some of these provided coverages are vague in what is covered and not covered so it’s best to contact your agent as soon as possible to get your new prospect insured. We have provided them as well at sales but we also encourage our clients or potential clients to come by for immediate coverage. If you do not contact your agent most likely there isn’t anything they can do to help you if something goes wrong. Most of the 24hr coverage policies offered at sale barns will terminate once your horse is loaded onto your trailer as well. So if you’re down the road an hour and find your horse is colicing you’re probably not going to covered unless you called your agent to provide the new horse information. So if you guys are thinking of, planning too, or already are purchasing a new prospect be sure and check about having your investment protected before you load your trailer! Thanks again, and as always... see you at the next roping!

b/w open

JEROLD ASKS:

how can I stop my heel loop from sliding all the way through, I miss the right leg. RICKEY’S ANSWER: Try to put a little more

spoke in your loop and make sure you pointing your finger down by the right leg.

40 • The Roping Pen • November 2015

CROSSROADS

walked away from the job that was all I had ever wanted. Even then ne may be a banker, a lawyer, an accountant, a custodian, a teachmy body was telling me I should consider an easier career path, but er, or, heaven forbid, a cowboy. All of these walks of life have difmy heart was seeing the cattle coming off the mountain in the fall. My ferences, in salary, job description, qualifications, and demands on heart won and I’ve never regretted it. one’s time. I would be willing to bet, however, Although I say there’s no regrets, I would there’s one big factor they all have in common. be lying if I said I haven’t had doubts and had No matter what lifestyle one leads or career to tweak things a bit. A couple of years ago, my one chooses, every one of us comes to a place, Thirteen years I’ve ridden the same horse body finally told me I couldn’t keep on at the or places, in our lives requiring significant conpace I had set when this job was new. My chiltemplation and soul searching in regard to maIt’s brought me to a crossroads it seems dren growing up without me, my father passing jor decisions. When we reach these crossroads, For too long I’ve been on the same course away, and that feeling of time leaving me behind, we may have to make a choice to follow the Do I keep on or go chase some dreams? put me at another fork in the road. I had always path less travelled, or maintain the status quo. hoped to have my own outfit, yet, between takThe choices we make shape who we become The cowboy life was all I’ve wanted ing care of my day job and fear of taking that and the future for ourselves and our families. A cowboy is what I came to be step, I felt frozen in place. I couldn’t figure out Looking back, I recall a decision that may Done a good job, all along undaunted how to do what needed to be done to grow my have had the largest impact on my life. I had But time is finally catching up to me own operation and become more independent. milked cows on the family dairy for five years A place Wifey and I had been renting to run a few after graduating high school. I had married young, too young for me, because I was late maHorse wrecks and bad cows wear my body down steers on had been on the market, but was delisted. A friend in the real estate business advised turing emotionally (yes, I can see that clearly Uncle Arthur has a hold on my knees me what I should offer and said to sit back and after all these years). The marriage unraveled, Not sure I’m cut out for a job in town wait. I did. Two days after making said offer, my and simultaneously, I realized milking cows ‘Bout time to try to do what I please phone rang saying the folks would take it. Talk was not my life’s ambition. Even though I was about a feller trying to find some air and figure fairly intelligent (a straight A student all the Maybe run some cows and day work around out just how in the hell this could happen. It took way to eighth grade), I barely graduated high a bit of doing, but it did. This gave me the push school. Because of this, I lacked the confidence Start some rope horses in my own pen to finally approach my boss and say; “Either we and self-esteem to go on to college. Somewhere Always wanted to write some stuff down work together and find a way for me to stay here along the way to my first divorce, I realized I ‘Course I might go try teaching again AND run my own outfit, or we find someone to was missing something. It was then I had to replace me.” Looking down both forks in that make a tough decision. Did I want to stay on No matter which fork in the stream I paddle trail, I saw me either staying as a regular hired the dairy, working for less than what our hired I’m gonna keep true to my cowboy roots hand, or placing a higher value on my skills and hand made, or did I want to go to college? I had You’ll never catch me selling my saddle making my dream more of a reality. The decision always wanted to farm, but, not the way I was And I plan to die with spurs on my boots to risk unemployment led to a better working doing it then. I thought back to the words of relationship with my employer, resulting in his encouragement I had received from my high assistance in getting established, and getting the freedom to do more school English teacher and I realized, I could do this. This choice to of my own thing. go back to school was perhaps the point in my life where I went from Yes, we all come to crossroads. We can stand there kicking dust being this kid who lacked any self-confidence to becoming the selfup with our boot toes, or we can choose a path and never look back. aware individual secure in his own skin. Sometimes, that path is just a loop that comes right back to the fork, Another fork in the road came when I tired of the sales position I but other times, it’s a trail that will lead us to our future. I wore this had taken, and had to eat a little crow to get my present job back. I poem when I came to the point in my life when I wondered if I had it had worked on this outfit for a year when I let a pretty face and the in me to keep on doing what I’m doing. I hope the path you choose is desire for a bigger pay check convince me to give up cowboying to the one that leads you to true joy. sell seed. After the smiles faded and the road got old, I knew I had

Crossroads

The Magazine for America’s Roper • 41

GHSRA

is full of awesome experiences outside of just rodeo. At the last rodeo, in Cartersville, we dressed up as superheros to support the Scottish Rites Children Hospital and their cape day celebration. On Saturday night a young girl with cancer was led around the arena before the grand entry to honor her and her fight with this horrible disease. This hit all of the contestants pretty hard. Everyone realized that we take our ability to do our sport for granted. Every weekend God allows us to follow our dreams. No matter how well we perform, we need to thank Him for getting us down the road from point A to point B and for keeping us and our equine athletes safe. Also, always remember to thank your parents for supporting you in every way they can and to thank your horse for giving you their all every time you’re in the arena.

I’m very thankful for the friendships made through this rodeo association. I love every single member of GHSRA and their family. I feel like we’ve all became one big family because everyone makes you feel like GHSRA is exactly where you belong. I love y’all to the moon and back. I can’t wait to see what the rest of this season has in store for everyone! I am super excited to see you all at the next rodeo in Madison, followed by the Southeastern Showdown where we get to see members from other states. Julia Johnson

GHSRA Vice President

42 • The Roping Pen • November 2015

Heel Horses

f you’ve ever had to replace a heel horse, you know how difficult it can be to find a horse you can get along with; especially if you’ve been riding the same horse for quite a while. I’m always amazed, when watching my clients, at how intelligent horses really are. I see so many heelers that never engage their reins, yet the horse figures out the cue of when he needs to stop. This is an unspoken, and often unintentional, cue and what makes the horse so hard to replace.

Heeling can be very frustrating because there are so many variables out of your control. I often show people video where the heeler does everything correctly and yet misses because the header did not do their job correctly. It can cause a heeler to lose a lot of sleep and without watching it on video, it’s difficult to detect. When watching heelers who come for lessons, it doesn’t take long to figure out which speed they rope the dummy. If you rope the dummy going slow all the time, you tend to stop early and then throw. Then when you get on fast steers, you struggle to keep the legs in your loop and get a dally. All because you stop your horse early and he’s standing still when your rope goes on the legs and your rope is speeding up as it’s leaving your left hand.

It’s very important to learn to engage your bridle reins, especially when riding a young or green horse. Currently I’m working on a young heel horse, Ricky, an ex-Reiner who is scared to death of cows. Recently I’ve finished a six-part video series with Ricky about heeling on a horse that stops with his head down and the effects of that habit.

A heel run is an equation where the speed of your swing, how fast your horse is moving, and how fast the steer is moving are all related. The answer to that equation determines when to engage your reins. If a horse is stopping correctly, it’s easy to put your rope on the ground. If he is not stopping correctly, it’s very difficult. What’s new with me: We are getting ready for the USTRC Finals. I’m trying to take some time to practice for myself and get my horses ready. This week Jake Long, Wesley Thorp, Steve Northcott, and Shay Carroll practiced at the house. I’ve loaded all those sessions on speedroping.com for viewing.

Jennifer and Hali both roped well at the World Series in Stephenville this weekend. Jennifer won the #12 and Hali placed twice in the #10 Pick/Draw. Hali and Gabe are both playing select ball and we have tournaments every weekend. Be sure and check out my sixpart series showing Ricky that includes stopping during the heel run and why it’s so hard to replace a heel horse. The Magazine for America’s Roper • 43

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50 • The Roping Pen • November 2015

THE

Other Half Just Choke It I

’m not mechanically inclined. To be honest the mechanics of the roping chute is about as good as it gets and that is only because I’ve done it so much it has become second nature. Therefore, when Boss sent me to get the four-wheeler to pull the roping dummy I was at a loss when it wouldn’t start. He had gone to saddle horses and we were going to do a quick practice before it got to dark to rope. I sent him a text and told him it wouldn’t start. He wrote back, “Just choke it and it should fire right up.” I stared in dismay at his response. The idiot in me thought, “How the heck do you choke a four wheeler?” The woman in me said, “Why are we rushing to rope before dark?” And that just made me mad. I had other things I needed to do like get supper out of the way before midnight. I stared at the machine and wondered where the choke might be. In reality, I really did want to choke it. I wanted to grab it around the neck and destroy it so we couldn’t rope. I had to ask myself, “Do these things really have a knob that says choke?” I straddled the machine and closed my eyes. Suddenly my imagination kicked into gear. I pretended it was a Harley and there were no ropers, steers, arenas, kids, ropes, horses or trailers and pickup trucks. There were only wide spaces and an open highway. There was wind in my hair and no smell of steers or horses. When my phone rang I was suddenly thrust back into reality. It was Boss and he was wondering what was taking so long. “Did you choke it to get it started?” he asked. “You need to come on or we won’t have time to make many runs.” I listened to him ramble on and on then told him I still couldn’t get it to crank over. “Don’t run the battery down,” he ordered. “I’ll be there shortly.” When Boss came around the corner of the garage he appeared as the ultimate epitome of a team roper. He had rope in hand, spurs, hat, glove, jeans and boots. It certainly ruined my daydream of a Harley on the open road. I must say ropers do look the part and some of them do it quiet handily. “Here, let me start it,” Boss said. “Hold my rope and glove.” He straddled the machine and turned the key over. The motor gave a good grind but didn’t kick on. “Did you choke it?” he asked. I grinned but didn’t tell him I literally wanted to grab it around the handlebars and give it a good twist. I’m sure he would have failed to see the humor of the picture in my imagination. I must have had a dumb look on my face or was daydreaming because I forgot to answer. “ What is wrong with you?” he asked. “You okay?” I snickered under my breath and he looked at me again with questions on his face. “Gracie,” he said seriously, “We have to go because it is going to get dark and I want to work this colt. You have to pull the dummy for me. Did you choke it?” I nodded yes and he asked me which lever I used. I told him I didn’t use a lever. I just could not resist so I went into this long rhetoric about how I walked around to the front of it, grabbed the handlebars and squeezed the life out of it. You should have seen the look on his face. Boss wasn’t sure if he had heard me correctly. In fact, he was pretty sure I had lost mind. I couldn’t help but laugh out loud. I didn’t want to pull the roping dummy and I was stalling. Boss failed to see my humor. He cranked the four-wheeler again and it

52 • The Roping Pen • November 2015

Thoughts of a Team Roping Spouse... by Gracie Mae

made an attempt, sputtered and kicked into a melodious hum. “Hop on,” he said ignoring my insanity. “I’ll meet you in the arena.” And away he went. I straddled the machine. I couldn’t help but mutter, “Dang you, four-wheeler! When you have been choked you are supposed to die and never come back to life.” I sat there and listened to the motor idle. Visions of Harley’s and open roads crossed my mind. There were no ropers or steers. My cell jingled and it was a text message from Boss. “You coming? Everything ok?” I sent a text back. “I’m coming. Just choking it one more time to be safe.” Boss would never figure that one out. He would never understand. As I pulled into the arena and stopped in front of the roping dummy Boss stared down at me. “You sure you okay?” he asked. I grinned a stupid grin and said, “Choking this thing wears me out.” When the dummy was attached I kicked the four-wheeler into gear and took off around the arena. I could feel the wind in my hair and pretended it was open road. “Hey,” Boss hollered. “I wasn’t ready!” Mmmm, ya think! Sometimes the best fairy tales are the ones no one knows about and sometimes the best jokes are those you tell yourself and no one else even has to know. That way it makes no difference if no one laughs but you. Sometimes the smirk on our faces is our own little private joke because most of the time we have to laugh to keep from crying. I circled the arena and this time Boss was ready. We took off in a whirlwind of dust. For me it was only “open road!”

Keep Ropin’ ... Love Gracie

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Jim Davis Photo.................................... 4 Lil Blue Heeler.................................... 17 Lone Star Ropes.................................. 32 Lubrisyn............................................. 56 Maynard Buckles.................................. 9 NRS................................................... 36 Power Team Roping............................ 40 Priefert.............................................. 51 Red River Arenas.................................. 9 Rope Smart.......................................... 2 Running P Saddles.............................. 39 Silver Lining Herbs.............................. 35 Sparky Calf Roper.............................. 39 SpeedRoping.com............................... 43 Str8 Tied Ropes................................... 21 STS Ranchwear................................... 13 Team Equine Saddle Pad..................... 39 Tom Bourne.......................................... 9 Total Equine Feed............................... 54 TotalTeamRoping.com......................... 15 Tres Rios Silver................................... 37 Twisted Spur....................................... 43 Twisted X Boots................................... 11 Willard Rope Co.................................... 7 Call us today to reserve a spot for your event or advertisement! 505-407-2151

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HORSES/STALLS/TRAINING 12/14 14 year old, roan, gelding head horse. Good beginner horse. Good in the box. Has been hauled to KRA roping’s. Asking $3000. Call Tom @ 270-402-7191 10/15 Specialize in starting young horses & finishing rope horses. Contact facility owner, Dr. Taylor 336-918-1083 or Trainer, Dustin Sheppard 336-202-5873 for more information. 10/15 For Sale - Priefert stalls expo, hunter green powder coated, we have a huge covered stall barn and want to sell all stalls. Circle M Ranch - Pelzer, South Carolina – Selling stall panels and stall fronts, glad to send pics. Great deal on these. For more info, call Frankie McCleer 864-630-9340 or email kellimccleer@aol.com

PROPERTY 12/14 For Sale – Alabama Premier Horse Property – 78 Ac, fenced & cross fenced w 2 ac pond, creeks & magnificent 4,200 Ft2 Home. 3 Barns, RV hookups & more. It is a must see! – Asking $1,100,000. Call The Joel Gill Team, Joel or Susan Gill – 334-277-8204!

CATTLE 8/15 Breeding Roping or Bucking Cattle? Our lab offers pregnancy testing, BVD, and Johne’s testing. Call 307-742-9072 or visit our website to find out more at www.eagletalonent.com 6/15 - 20 FRESH LONGHORN/CORRIENTE steers & heifers, weaned, bunkbroke, vaccinated, dewormed, 325-425 lbs. $875 & up. Contact Kelly Cattle Company: 706-319-5930 7/15 - 14 fresh corriente/longhorn steers and heifers. Ready to rope. Vaccinated, dewormed, bunk broke - 400 lb. avg - $900 each if all taken. Call Colt Kelly at 706-319-5930

ROPING DUMMIES 6/15 Used Hot Heels roping dummy w/ Springer Sled. Please email for additional info: kbrown@tsys.com 2/15 Heel-O-Matic For Sale! Brand New - Straight from the factory. Heel-O-Matic with all the upgrades. The Ultimate Ground-Driven Trainer includes the Spring-Loaded Tongue and Deluxe Leg Package. Top of the line roping practice machine. See one at heelomtic.com. Selling for $3100 ($500 off retail). Call 505-259-7975 10/14 Robo Steer for Sale. Very well maintained and kept under cover. Collapsable horns and articulating and collapsable heels. Delivery available. $4500 Call or email for pics and more information. irishjump@gmail.com or 404-433-7444. 7/15 - Used Hot Heels for sale or trade for newer version. For info, call 417-214-2063 and ask for Billy.

WANTED 12/14 Looking for a used roping chute. I can pick up in Texas. Please text me a picture and info. 361-227-2914 – Armando

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by Crystal Lyons

hate to admit it but the truth is, I am in the habit of allowing the horse to make choices for me.

It’s a habit I’ve developed over time. It comes from more casual riding, like covering ground checking cattle or simply trail riding, where it’s just often best to allow the horse to pick his way, but when it comes to a specific discipline, that mindset is disastrous!

It’s weird how you can know how to ride....and yet, NOT know! Take going from the above mentioned mindset, to something like barrel racing....EVERYTHING changes! I find myself wanting to ride with a loose rein and therefore not have the horse shaped right approaching the barrel. When I get to the barrel, what I WANT to do is look at where I AM instead of where I’m going so consequently I’m not RIDING my horse and therefore, I’m behind. That “easy going” attitude of not staying on top of and controlling every move my horse makes is now causing failure and stress to the situation.

The problem is, to correct this, I must take control of MYSELF before I can take control of my horse. Kinda like being a good parent....you can have NO CONTROL over your kids until you control and discipline yourself! THEN controlling your children becomes easy. I have to start riding with PURPOSE instead of a que sira sira attitude, taking responsibility for every second of the ride and therefore ownership for the outcome! This is exactly what I’m also realizing about my thoughts. I’ve been “riding with a loose rein” as it were, where my thoughts are concerned. I allow my mind to choose it’s path like my horse over an open range. But then when I want to go to a higher level of living and operating, I suddenly realize that I can’t go there without an upgrade in my thinking! My thoughts have to be reined in and controlled like my horse. I WANT something but I’m “out of position” in my thinking processes and therefore it is unattainable until I do the necessary things to get correctly positioned for the upgrade! Just as there are different levels of horsemanship...there are also different levels of operating in life. To get an upgrade in horsemanship skills we have to take more control of ourselves. Why would we think we can continue to live and think sloppily and still get an upgrade in life? Allowing my mind to have free rein feels great until I NEED it to stay focused and find I’m spending more time hunting down my thoughts and reining them back in than simply staying on track with what’s before me.

Just like riding in a competition, my mind must be disciplined to stay focused on where I’m headed....instead of being overcome by where I’m at. If my mind is occupied with my circumstances to the point of losing focus on where I’m going....I will stay behind and will be out of position to change my future. One reason will be because what my mind is focused on is what comes out my mouth and my words are either creating a good future, or killing it! The Bible says that death and life are in the power of the tongue. What I think on is how I talk. What I speak is where I’m headed. So just like my horse, I must tighten up on the reins of my life, controlling my thoughts and words because my destiny is determined by them!

The Magazine for America’s Roper • 53