The Roping Pen - March 2016 by Ryan Davis

$4.00

March 2016

Vol. 25 No. 3

25 Check out these features... Ropers fill Jacksonville for the

NTRL FINALS Lots of fun & excitement at the BAMA CHALLENGE

2 • The Roping Pen • March 2016

The Magazine for America’s Roper • 3

The sun is out, the days are getting longer and, well... it’s time to get rolling on the 2016 rodeo and team roping season! I have to say there is so much going on in the sport, it is hard to pick one topic to discuss this month. The excitement surrounding events that have recently been hosted and those that are in the foreground, the dirt being thrown around is captivating. To begin, the NTRL Finals event this year was exceptional. I know you hear how great they are every year, but the effort and determination behind the event to make it one of the best team ropings in the country was truly visible this year. Not only did ropers get a chance to run at over a half a million dollars in cash and prizes, the event was first-class. The great cattle, great team roping action, professional staff, unbelievable hospitality; this all came together to make the event truly unique. It is hard for many to imagine just how distinctive this event is unless you attend others across the country. No other roping, from the US Finals, The World Series Finale, the Bob Feist, none of these events have the same atmosphere as the NTRL Finals. The feeling is different and ropers can enjoy the event as the sport of team roping was truly intended to be….. A fun, fair and professional competition from start to finish. My hat is off John Johnson and his staff for providing an event where ropers can enjoy themselves from beginning to end, all the while getting a chance to win big.

On the subject of team roping, the new rules implemented by the USTRC are looking good. Not only is the talk about the Scholarship Fund set up by the USTRC exciting for many of today’s team roping youth, but the new payout structure in the Gold Plus program and the slight format changes in the #8 roping are being welcomed. Several producers I have talked with have already seen these implementations stir the excitement in their team roping crowds. There are still the lingering discussions on the new age requirements, but as the season continues I am sure those affected will still have a chance to enjoy the sport just as much as they did before and the door will open for equality among the sport. Finally, the Rodeo season is well on its way for 2016. The SRA is by far going and blowing, full throttle ahead. Dennis Pruitt, President of the association has dedicated his time and effort into the association over the past several years and it is paying off. New members, bigger rodeos, larger payouts, all signs that the association is on the right track. Until Next Month, remember ...

Dirt: keep it under your feet...

~Ryan Davis

4 • The Roping Pen • March 2016

Celebrating 25 Years!

Table of Contents Articles & Features 4 Dirt: The sun is out... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ryan Davis 12 Ropers of the Round Table . . . . . . . . . . . . . Stuart Mitchell

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: Lunch at the Sixes. . . . . . . . . . Stran Smith

SRA

14 NTRL National Finals, Jacksonville. . . . . . . . . Event Recap

Southern Rodeo Association AHSRA

22 Pushing The Barrier: The American. . . . . . . Speed Williams

Alabama High School Rodeo Association

28 Photo of the Month. . . Cargle & Thomas from Bama Challenge

FYRA

36 Bayou Championships, Event Recap. . . . . . . . . Ben Clements

Foothills Youth Rodeo Association GHSRA & GJHRA

Georgia High School Rodeo Association & Georgia Junior High Division NTRL

38 In The Loop. . . . . . . . . . . . . Coleman Proctor, Lone Star Ropes 46 TOP TIPS!. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Advice from Bret Beach 48 Protecting Your Investment!. . . . . . . . . . . . Jason Strickland

National Team Roping League

49 Weightiness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Crystal Lyons

NEAFRA

49 Power Team Roping Q&A. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rickey Green

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 SWTRA - LA

Southwest Team Roping Association of Louisiana

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We will print your schedule, current standings, results, officer information, member of the month, and what everyone wants to see... PICTURES! Just ask any of our featured Associations and they will tell you their members love being in the Roping Pen. It’s easy - just call and find out all the details. You’ll see your Association take off with the best magazine in the NATION! ON THE COVER THIS MONTH: Winner’s Saddles from the NTRL Finals photo © C Bar C Photography Valerie Ford The Roping Pen is published monthly. Subscription rates are $20 per year for standard mail. First class and out of country subscriptions are $36 per year. New advertising should be received by the 10th of the preceding month to appear in next issue. Please call for advertising rates. Material may not be reproduced without permission from publisher. The opinions and views expressed in all editorial materials are those of the writer or person interviewed and are not necessarily those of The Roping Pen. Send all correspondence, change of address, etc. to: The Roping Pen • P O Box 328 • Tijeras, NM 87059

51 Sweat & Balin’ Twine: Goat Roping. . . . . . . . . . John Rhudy 52 The Other Half: Change of Plans & Something Different. . Gracie Mae 53 Events & Advertisers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Index 53 Classifieds. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . For Sale & Want Ads

Associations 6+ Southern Rodeo Association ~ SRA 23 Southwest Team Roping Assoc of Louisiana ~ SWTRA 24 Foothills Youth Rodeo Association ~ FYRA 26 Georgia HS & Jr Hs Rodeo Assoc ~ GHSRA & GJHSRA 20 Alabama High School Rodeo Assoc ~ AHSRA 34 South Carolina HS Rodeo Assoc ~ SCHSRA 40+ National Team Roping League ~ NTRL 50 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

DEDICATION

Spotlight on Bradley Bullard R

odeo is by far a sport that takes dedication to rise to the top. Years of honing skills, endless hours in the practice pen, training horses, plus all the time and money it takes to become a recognized competitor is somewhat overwhelming, when you look back. For many, the years of preparation begins as a youth. Many of today’s professionals were, at one time, youth rodeo contestants and champions. However, a few take up the sport later in life. Through hard work and determination, they become professionals whose names ring throughout rodeo arenas at some of today’s biggest events. Calf roper Bradley Bullard fits the mold of a cowboy who has more determination than many. Although he was raised on a farm where they had riding horses, he did not step into the rodeo arena until his early twenties. Only after many years of working, training and perfecting his skills, Bradley has become one to be reckoned with inside the SRA arena. Bradley grew up in a one caution-light small town of Autryville, North Carolina, where he still lives today. Growing up on a farm he was accustomed to hard work and the western lifestyle, but never had the chance to rodeo. “I always wanted to rope, but growing up, no one near me roped. So I had to wait until I was a little older and on my own,” said Bradley. Bradley roped his first calf in 2003 at the age of 21. Since then, he

6 • The Roping Pen • March 2016

has been a consistent contestant at rodeos throughout the Southeast for the past 12 years. “Jeff Jones helped me when I started roping,” added Bradley. “He lived about 15 minutes from me, took me to a couple ropings and it was underway. We traveled together for a couple years, and after he quit, I just kept going.” It took Bradley several years before he met one of his goals in the rodeo arena. “I struggled for the first seven years,” Bradley stated. “But I made the (SRA) Finals 3 years ago, and have been there every year since.” The SRA is known as the working man’s association, and no doubt, Bradley is a hard worker. His dedication to calf roping is a testament to that. As a lineman for the South River Electric Membership Co-Op, he is also committed to his career. It’s the only job he’s ever had, and h’s proud to help keep the power supplied near his hometown. In addition to his love of rodeo and dedication to his career, Bradley is a proud father of two. He and his wife, Heather, have 10-yearold Luke, who is following in his dad’s footsteps. Luke breakaway ropes and ties goats in the youth associations near his hometown. Six months ago, the Bullards added another little guy, Houston, to the family. Even with a new little one to bounce around, the family travels across the Southeast enjoying the rodeo life. Like many rodeo contestants, they take the sport farther than just a hobby. It is part of their life. Friendships are made, achievements are reached, and life is enjoyed with a carefree, wild-west spirit. “The past 13 years have been great,” added Bradley. “I have two great friends -- two of the best guys east of the Mississippi. Darryl Mathews lives about 8 hours from me, but I get to visit and rope with him about 2 weeks every year. Allen Livengood is another one of my friends. He lives only 3 hours from me, and we get together pretty often. Our boys rope together, and we visit each other often.” In addition to these two close friends that he talks to daily, Bradley credits much of his success inside the rodeo arena to his veterinarian, Dr. Matt Frazier. Matt not only keeps his horses sound and ready for competition, but he has become a family friend. Bradley appreciates everything that Matt has done to help him on his rodeo journey. Even as Bradley has proven his dedication to roping calves, he has taken this perseverance to the next level when it comes to his horses. Many find proven horses to take to the arena, but for Bradley, the enjoyment of competition does not stop after a quick run in the arena, or even after winning a championship buckle. He very much enjoys the fact that he has trained every horse he competes on. “I take a lot more pride in my accomplishments knowing I ride the horses I train,” said Bradley. He now has 4 horses in his arsenal. A grey mare, “Flow,” that he competes on regularly, as well as his son’s 18-year-old sorrel mare who also doubles as his backup and short score horse. He also has 2 colts he has started: one 3-year-old and one 4-year-old. “All four of my horses are from the same bloodlines,” added Bradley. “I enjoy training these horses for me and my family.” It has taken Bradley years to achieve the goals he’s reached, but there’s no doubt that he’s devoted to being the best at all he does. Whether it’s competing in the arena on a horse he personally trained, being a devoted father and husband, or working at his career, he’s a cowboy that lives by a code. Dedication is key, and hard work is not an obstruction, but a path to success.

The Magazine for America’s Roper • 7

Photos Courtesy of Emily Gethke Photography: 519-279-1110

SRA 2016 RODEO SCHEDULE • SRA 2016 VISIT US ONLINE AT WWW.SRARODEO.COM FOR COMPLETE LISTING OF POINT STANDINGS,

8 • The Roping Pen • March 2016

6 RODEO SCHEDULE

2016 POINT STANDINGS as of 2/10/16 • Visit www.srarodeo.com for complete listing of

INDIVIDUAL RODEO RESULTS & MORE NEWS.

Point Standings, Individual Rodeo Results and more news.

RANK & NAME................POINTS

ALL AROUND COWBOY............ 1 Daryl Matthews........... 2207.57 2 Chet Kidd.................... 1300.32 3 Josh Killian................... 609.96 BAREBACK RIDING 1 Harold Miller................... 542.3 2 Robert Messer................. 382.5

4 Eliott Hooper................. 815.67 5 Langdon Pleasant.......... 710.37 6 Emery Thibodeaux........ 601.02 7 Dillon Harrison.............. 596.25 8 Clint Moore................... 526.24 9 Jason Tisdale................. 296.24 10 Jason Tucker................. 258.75

SADDLE BRONC RIDING 1 Travis Deal.................... 209.76 2 Hayden Phipps.............. 139.84 BULL RIDING 1 Wesley Buckner............... 967.5 2 John Leinaweaver......... 460.35 3 Bradney Tart...................... 387 CALF ROPING 1 Cory Kirk.................... 1251.28 2 Daryl Matthews............. 699.48 3 Jacob Dagenhart........... 518.58 4 Josh Killian..................... 478.4 5 Ben Carroll.................... 439.12 6 Robbie Murdock................. 360 7 Dillon Wooten............... 337.68 8 Jared Garrett................ 237.36 9 Wayne Mizelle............... 168.84 10 Greg McCrary................ 158.24 11 Garrett Keeter.................... 144 STEER WRESTLING 1 Robbie Vanholten............... 405 2 Johnny Asher.................. 286.2 3 Chet Kidd.......................... 270 4 Hunter Styles.................. 256.5 5 Tyler Willis......................... 171 TEAM ROPING (HEADER) 1 Daryl Matthews........... 1508.09 2 JD Young......................... 1104 3 Chet Kidd.................... 1030.32

TEAM ROPING (HEELER) 1 Tyler Kile..................... 1508.09 2 Ty Lewis........................ 815.67 3 Deny Ashley.................. 796.72 4 Brett Sears.................... 710.37 5 Jordan Southern............ 526.24 6 Adam Toole................... 258.75 7 Josh Killian................... 131.56 8 Casey Hilley.................... 112.5 BARREL RACING 1 Rebecca Owens.............. 1406.7 2 Lauren Smith................. 1167.3 3 Hannah Warlick............... 1062 4 Vanessa Madison............. 902.7 5 Lacey Thompson............ 722.98 6 Bronwyn Ashley.............. 646.5 7 Megan Lyerly.................... 351 8 Susie Justus-Hill............... 340.2 9 Sommer Walker.............. 285.2 10 Brittany Perdue............... 265.5 BREAKAWAY ROPING 1 Hannah Kirk................... 898.2 2 Lucinda Fletcher.............. 830.8 3 Amanda Stewart................. 756 4 Callie Garrison................. 608.6 5 Jamie Ellsworth............... 409.5 6 Kyla Matthews.................... 378 7 Karla Dagenhart................. 351 8 Bailey Livengood................ 306 9 Kristin Mulkey................. 248.4 10 Kaycee MacGibbon............ 82.4

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 firstsanctioned rodeos. • JrSRA, NHSRA & NIRA cards are accepted for rodeo entry. Unless otherwise noted, Permits are accepted as needed at a cost of $10 per rodeo.

ADD’L RODEO FEES: (unless otherwise noted in listing) • SRA FIRST-SANCTIONED RODEOS: • Office Fee: $2 per contestant • Finals Fee: $5 per entry: • Stock Contractor Fee: Amount as listed on rodeo info is per entry (per team in team roping)

• IPRA/SRA RODEOS:

Finals Fee: $2 per contestant

CES: $8 per contestant

ABBREVIATIONS USED:

CST CENTRAL STD TIME

ADM ADDED MONEY

EF ENTRY FEE

BB BAREBACK RIDING

EST EASTERN STD TIME

BR BULL RIDING

SB SADDLE BRONC RIDING

CBA COWGIRLS BKWAY ROPING

SC STOCK CHARGE CBR COWGIRLS BARREL RACING SCF STOCK CONTRACTOR FEE CES CENTRAL ENTRY SYSTEM SW STEER WRESTLING

CR CALF ROPING

TR TEAM ROPING

The Magazine for America’s Roper • 9

The Magazine for America’s Roper • 11

BY STUART MITCHELL

How Smart Can We Really Be?

We spend most of our spare time and all our spare money, On a sport or hobby that sometimes isn’t even funny. We practice ‘til we think we have reached perfection, Then go plumb crazy in the wrong direction. We pay people to teach us what we’ve already been told, By people who are better but were not very old. We don’t usually waste money on things we don’t need, But $10,000 for a horse isn’t much if he’s got speed. We buy our ropes for $40 a pop, But $100 for groceries blows our top. Entry fees from $20 to $500 don’t bother us a bit, The wife lost $10 at bingo last night, she might as well quit. Our trucks are rolling palaces with fancy campers, Bought with money saved by buying cloth instead of Pampers. Some have more equipment than they’ll ever use, Some only have equipment that never was new. Some saddles were won, some were donated by me and you, Some horses are good, some are future glue. We travel the highways from east to west, At the next one thinking we’ll be the best. Not everyone understands the things we do, But then again, we don’t expect them to. Team ropers are a breed apart, some rope for fun, some for money, Some don’t know when to depart We come from all walks of life - doctors, lawyers, business owners, construction workers, teachers, working cowboys and even some in the ministry, With all our experience and education... how smart can we really be?

12 • The Roping Pen • March 2016

www.STSRanch.com

ecently I had to deliver some bulls that the 6666 Ranch had bought from me. I had the pleasure of taking my dad with me to have lunch at the ranch headquarters in Guthrie. When we got there they had a feast prepared, which from my understanding is the way they eat everyday. Im talking about real cowboy food. Fried round steaks, not that chicken fried steak you get at the restaurants,and all the good stuff that goes with it. Cream gravy, creamed potatoes, homemade pecan pie and homemade ice cream. For those who know me I don’t let my self indulge very often, and I indulged. Needless to say I broke a few of my dietary rules. After lunch we went out to the porch of the bunk house and sat down and visited for awhile before everybody had to go their separate ways. They had to get horseback to prowl because they are calving over 3000 heifers right now and I had to get back home and load all my stuff to go to Fort Worth for the American. On my way home I was thinking about some of my favorite times of my life and some of my favorite people that have probably influenced me more than anybody. It got me reminiscing about sitting down and eating and listening to stories my granddad, my dad, and other old timers would tell. That day at the sixes my dad and Boots

O’neil were sharing some of their memories of old times. With both of them being in their mid 80s I was amazed at how everyone just sat and listened. Nobody else was saying a word while the spoke which shows the level of respect that is shown in that atmosphere. My dad and Boots weren’t telling stories to entertain anyone but ironically it captivated everyone around.

When I’m home, dinner is my favorite time of day. It’s a time where I can sit and eat and listen to my little ones talk about their days. It shows me how important it is to take time to sit down and eat with your family and friends. My family and I try to get together and eat whenever we can. It’s something that has gotten away from our society. The way I see it the table should be a very intimate place in our life. It’s where we share life with one another. It’s where we invite people to be part of our life. As strange as it may sound the table is a place where we want to become food for one another. Every meal, whether it’s breakfast, lunch, or dinner, can become a time of growing closer to one another. When is the last time you have sat down with your friends and family and really took time?

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

The Magazine for America’s Roper • 13

ROPERS FILL J FOR THE NT

eam Ropers from all across the country converged on Jacksonville, Florida andt the 2016 NTRL National Finals and were rewarded with an event that stacks up against any other in the country. The NTRL National Finals is somewhat of a unique event, hidden away in the corner of the country, it incorporates all that the sport engrosses; maybe even more. Ropers who attend the event are given the opportunity to enjoy the event from start to finish, rope great cattle, run at big payouts, enjoy one of the most professional produced events and of course get involved in the great times only the NTRL National Finals can offer! This year’s event invited ropers from 27 states, from as far as New Mexico, New York and Michigan, as well as ropers who came south from Canada to enjoy the 4 days of roping. Throughout those four days,

#13 SO CHAMPS JW BAUCOM & CASEY HILLEY

Half a Million in cash and prizes was handed out including custom Cactus trophy saddles, trophy Maynard buckles, knives and jewelry, Carroll Original Wear attire and furniture, as well as Classic Equine Products. The event cultivates a slew of ropings, including the Shoot-Out events where ropers had a chance at great payouts. In addition, the week was full of Preliminary ropings in all divisions for ropers to take advantage of, win pocketfuls of cash

#8 SO CHAMPS STEVE MACINTYRE & STEVE LYMAN

Photos Courtesy of C Bar C Photos – © Valerie Ford

BRADY BAR

VIP CHAMPS BEVERLY ROBBINS & ADAM POSTELLE

PRO-AM CHAMPS DERRICK BELL & RYAN PRATT

JR. LOOPER WINNERS

14 • The Roping Pen • March 2016

CENTURY CHAMPS BUCKY NASTRI & GUY GRADEN

#8 PRELIM CHAMPS LUIS MEDINA & DYLAN RAY

#10 PRELIM BRADY BARR BRAXTON CU

WILLIAM MC

JACKSONVILLE TRL FINALS! and earn one last qualification into the Shoot-Out’s. It also opened the door for Jr. Loopers to rope and have a chance at winning a National NTRL title, as well as the Tracy Malone All-Girl roping, VIP Roping and many extra activities during each day. This year celebrated 11 years of the NTRL National Finals and throughout those years the event has seen a steady increase in participation. More and more ropers are adding NTRL events to their

schedules and getting the opportunity to head to the warm climates of the Southeast corner of the country in January to take full advantage of this event. With an ever increasing number of ropers, the NTRL Finals is growing each year. “Honestly, having 2,226 teams at and event east of the Mississippi River is amazing,” said producer John Johnson. “I never dreamed it would ever be this big when it began 11 years ago. Like I said it is amazing.” Johnson continues to promote team roping throughout the country. He hosts events all across the Southeast, as well as a sprinkle of events in other parts of the country as well each year. With his vast experience in team roping production, he is very humbled at the continued growth of the sport and the success of the recent event in Florida. No

#11 SHOOT-OUT CHAMPS CRAIG FLOWERS & RICHARD HALL

#12 SHOOT-OUT CHAMPS CODY MOUSSEAU & WILLIAM MCCRAW

#10 SHOOT-OUT CHAMPS RRENTINE & BRAXTON CULPEPPER

#9 SHOOT-OUT CHAMPS AMANDA COLEMAN & BRAXTON CULPEPPER

M CHAMPS RENTINE & ULPEPPER

ALL GIRL CHAMPS TISH LUKE & BECKY CANNIZARO

#13 PRELIM CHAMPS CCRAW & JAKE EDWARDS

#15 CHAMPS CLINT SUMMERS & BLAIN COURSON

#7 CHAMPS TREY MILLS & WILL SPRINGER

#11 PRELIM CHAMPS ELIOTT HOOPER & RYAN POPE

#9 PRELIM CHAMPS JESSICA GRAY & JIMMY PEELE

#12 PRELIM CHAMPS SCOTT BONE & ADAM POSTELLE

The Magazine for America’s Roper • 15

doubt that success comes from a great staff and good cattle. The cattle at the NTRL National Finals this year were great. Ropers throughout the weekend commented on the set of 400 head of cattle Johnson had brought in from Texas for the event. “Austin and Cooper Roberts of Robertson Ranch in Perin, Texas brought us some great cattle,” added Johnson. “Not only did they stay good the whole time, they did an outstanding job helping my staff and were more than helpful with the cattle throughout the weekend. My hat is off to these guys.” Of course the event comes down to the ropers and those who walked away with the NTRL National championships. It was the team of J. W. Baucom from Carthage, North Carolina and Casey Hilley from Winder, Georgia who took the first big win of the weekend. They stepped up to win the Average of the #13 Shoot-Out to collect their share of the prize line, as well as $7,800 in cash. Winning the #12 Shoot-Out at the NTRL National Finals was the team of Cody Mousseau who came down from Ontario and the young North Carolina cowboy, William McCraw. They earned $11,300 in cash and the championship prizes. When it came time for the #11 Shoot-Out, it was a team from Georgia and Tennessee who put the runs together to win the average and the payout of $10,390 in cash and championship Cactus trophy saddles. Craig Flowers from Mineral Bluff, Georgia and Richard Hall from Clarksville, Tennessee earned the #11 Shoot-Out championships in style. The Georgia team of Brady Barrentine and Braxton Culpepper joined the ranks of NTRL National Champions after sitting down 4 head in 32.64 seconds to win the #10 Shoot-Out. They earned $11,170 in cash and

Cactus trophy saddles. Two Shoot-Out ropings to go and it was Culpepper again called to the winners circle. This time the heeler took with him, Amanda Coleman from West Melbourne, Florida in the #9 Shoot-Out. They earned $11,330 in cash and part of the NTRL National Finals Prize line. Last but not least, the winners of the #8 ShootOut went home to Steve Macintyre and Steven Lyman. The North Carolina team shared the payout of $10,380 in cash and their share of the Prize Line. Outside of the Shoot-out events several other notable mentions came out of the 2016 NTRL National Finals. They included the winners of the #11 VIP

#13 SO, AVG: 1. J W Baucom (Carthage, NC) / Casey Hilley (Winder, GA), 34.31, $7,800; 2. Cody Mousseau (Aylmer, ON) / Jake Edwards (Fort Ann, NY), 34.31, $7,800; 3. Craig Flowers (Mineral Bluff, GA) / Adam Postelle (Rocky Face, GA), 34.37, $4,400; 4. Robert Toth (Ocala, FL) / Ty Chancey (Anthony, FL), 34.81, $3,000; 5. Dillon Bird (Williston, FL) / Ryan Pope (Bonifay, FL), 37.47, $2,200; 6. Jeffrey Hartfield (Charlestown, IN) / Ty Chancey (Anthony, FL), 37.76, $1,600 #12 SO, AVG: 1. Cody Mousseau (Aylmer, ON) / William McCraw (East Bend, NC), 35.32, $11,330; 2. Colt Papy (Ocala, FL) / Ryon Springer (Ocala, FL), 35.94, $7,170; 3. Keith Bentley (Rose Hill, MS) / Guy Graden (Jacksonville, FL), 36.41, $4,900; 4. Amanda Coleman (West Melbourne, FL) / Mark Strickland (Dunnellon, FL), 37.53, $4,150; 5. Carmine Nastri (Screven, GA) / Kenny Brown (Keedysville, MD), 37.74, $3,400; 6. Scott Bone (Calhoun, GA) / Billy Lam (Canton, GA), 37.82, $3,020; 7. Colt Tritt (Jasper, GA) / Billy Lam (Canton, GA), 37.98, $2,260; 8. Beverly Robbins (Muscle Shoals, AL) / Clint Humphries (Lincolnton, NC), 38.1, $1,510 #11 SO, AVG: 1. Craig Flowers (Mineral Bluff, GA) / Richard Hall (Clarksville, TN), 35.4, $10,390; 2. Brother Campbell (Franklin, TN) / Brock Middleton (Colquitt, GA), 35.72, $6,490; 3. Lance Thrift (Gaffney, SC) / Ryan Pratt (Nashville, TN), 36.86, $5,190; 4. Jessica Gray (Sparr, FL) / Jessy Remsburg (Leighton, AL), 37.03, $4,330; 5. Laci Rucker (Perry, GA) / Blake Walker (Forest City, NC), 37.04, $3,900; 6. Emily Arnold (Gansevoort, NY) / Eric Fabian (Schenectady, NY), 37.77, $3,460; 7. Curtis Crumbley (Watkinsville, GA) / Adam Postelle (Rocky Face, GA), 40.99, $3,030; 8. Bucky Nastri (Screven, GA) / Guy Graden (Jacksonville, FL), 41.59, $2,600; 9. Mary Ann Brown (Keedysville, MD) / Kenny Brown (Keedysville, MD), 42.06, $2,160; 10. Kathy McMillan (Enigma, GA) / Mark Strickland (Dunnellon, FL), 43.97, $1,730 #10 SO, AVG: 1. Brady Barrentine (Enigma, GA) / Braxton Culpepper (Poulan, GA), 32.64, $11,170; 2. Jimmy Wood (Rochelle, GA) / Willie Clement (Wray, GA), 37.14, $6,980; 3. Cole Futrell (Union Grove, NC) / Tanner Lloyd (Olin, NC), 37.44, $5,590; 4. Brady Barrentine (Enigma, GA) / Braxton Culpepper (Poulan, GA), 37.89, $4,660; 5. Logan Taylor (Taylorsville, NC) / Cody Taylor (Taylorsville, NC), 38.04, $4,190; 6. Jason Cord (Zolfo Springs, FL) / Pablo Delgado (West Palm Beach, FL), 38.22, $3,720; 7. Wes Tindell (Hartford, AL) / Ryan Pope (Bonifay, FL), 39.93, $3,260; 8. Dakota Sunday (Huntington, IN) / Robert Taylor (Marion, VA), 40.04, $2,790; 9. Cody L Johnson (Dublin, TX) / Billy Myers (Stephenville, TX), 40.51, $2,330; 10. Garrett Keeter (Blackspur, SC) / Glen Terrell (Notasulga, AL), 40.56, $1,860 #9 S0, AVG: 1. Amanda Coleman (West Melbourne, FL) / Braxton Culpepper (Poulan, GA), 36.85, $11,330; 2. Art Todd (Screven, GA) / John David Lee (Jesup, GA), 37.79, $7,170; 3. Brady Barrentine (Enigma, GA) / Jessica Gray (Sparr, FL), 37.81, $4,910; 4. Amanda Coleman (West Melbourne, FL) / Ryan Lee (Edgemoor, SC), 38.92, $4,150; 5. Kelsey Dyer (Melrose, NY) / Matt Dyer (Melrose, NY), 41.48, $3,400; 6. Cole Compton (Kernersville, NC) / Blake Walker (Forest City, NC), 43.51, $3,020; 7. Lance Thrift (Gaffney, SC) / Paul Gibson (Cowpens, SC), 46.08, $2,260; 8. Gary Patrick (Brooksville, FL) / William Evans (Union, KY), 46.56, $1,510 #8 SO, AVG: 1. Steve Macintyre (Pfafftown, NC) / Steven Lyman (Cherryville, NC), 33.8, $10,380; 2. Cole Compton (Kernersville, NC) / Steven Lyman (Cherryville, NC), 27.46, $6,920; 3. Blake Walker (Forest City, NC) / Jessica Gray (Sparr, FL), 31.16, $5,350; 4. Keny Porter (Sanderson, FL) / Keith Cooner (Jacksonville, FL), 33.78, $3,770; 5. Jesse Mayhew (Catawba, NC) / Cody Taylor (Taylorsville, NC), 37.09, $2,830; 6. Cole Futrell (Union Grove, NC) / Jessica Gray (Sparr, FL), 39.09, $2,200 #13 PRELIM, AVG: 1. William McCraw (East Bend, NC) / Jake Edwards (Fort Ann, NY), 36.92, $1,760; 2. Alex Brooks (Pageland, SC) / Jake Edwards (Fort Ann, NY), 37.08, $1,060; 3. Bradley Ammons (Fort Myers, FL) / Jason Hill (Ashburn, GA), 37.72, $700 #12 PRELIM, AVG: 1. Scott Bone (Calhoun, GA) / Adam Postelle (Rocky Face, GA), 39.47, $2,110; 2. Brady Barrentine (Enigma, GA) / Jake Edwards (Fort Ann, NY), 39.56, $1,580; 3. Derrick Bell (Harmony, NC) / Daniel Raynor (Four Oaks, NC), 41.76, $1,050; 4. Brett Taylor (Citra, FL) / Ryon Springer (Ocala, FL), 42.52, $520 #11 PRELIM, AVG: 1. Eliott Hooper (Whittier, NC) / Ryan Pope (Bonifay, FL), 25.05, $3,180; 2. Laci Rucker (Perry, GA) / Jason Stewart Garcia (Maplesville, AL), 26.77, $2,120; 3. Austin Boatright 16 • The Roping Pen • March 2016

roping, which included Alabama’s own Beverly Robbins who partnered with Adam Postelle of Georgia for the championship. In the Tracy Malone AllGirls roping, Florida’s finest, Trish Luke and Becky Cannizzaro from Louisiana who teamed up for the win. The team of Derrick Bell and Ryan Pratt won the Pro-AM and lastly, the Century roping concluded with the team of Bucky Nastri and Guy Graden to take the top honors this year. Winning the Preliminary ropings were William McCraw and Jake Edwards in the #13, Scott Bone and Adam Postelle in the #12, Eliott Hooper and Ryan Pope in the #11, Brady Barrentine and Braxton Cul-

pepper in the #10, Jessica Gray and Jimmy Peele in the #9 and Luis Medina and Dylan Ray in the #8. In addition, the NTRL National Finals hosted a #15 where the team of Clint Summers and Blaine Courson teamed up for the championship. The weekend’s event rounded out with a #7 roping where the team of Trey Mills and Will Springer got a taste of the NTRL Championship. There is little doubt the NTRL National Finals is one of the biggest ropings in the country and stands side by side with events from coast to coast. The NTRL welcome ropers to a unique experience throughout the year and especially at their Finals. Good times, excitement and loads of roping are always on the main course and one visit to the NTRL National Finals and you will want to come back for more! “This was a very good event,” Austin Roberts of the Robertson Ranch who supplied the cattle to the event. “It was our first time east of the Mississippi River with cattle and a NTRL event. I can say John did a great job, he has people who know what they are doing to make a good event. The ropers were very respectful and enjoyable to be around. My brother and I enjoyed the event and look forward to doing more of them in the future.” The 2016 NTRL National Finals, nestled in the Southeast corner of the country set another milestone in the sport of team roping. Ropers had a chance to enjoy a fabulous event, rope a great set of cattle and swing away in hopes of capturing a NTRL title and the cash and prizes that come along with it. With the Finals in the books, ropers can kick back out on the road again this year for a new chance to be among the many at next year’s event!

(Bristol, GA) / Brady Barrentine (Enigma, GA), 26.97, $1,640; 4. Cole Hartsell (Mt Ulla, NC) / William McCraw (East Bend, NC), 27.47, $1,150; 5. Jamie Felton (Galway, NY) / Jake Edwards (Fort Ann, NY), 29.96, $870; 6. Sheldon Walker (Forest City, NC) / Blake Walker (Forest City, NC), 30.54, $670 #10 PRELIM, AVG: 1. Brady Barrentine (Enigma, GA) / Braxton Culpepper (Poulan, GA), 24.06, $3,060; 2. Wes Tindell (Hartford, AL) / Ryan Pope (Bonifay, FL), 26.49, $1,910; 3. Daniel Orozco (Rebecca, GA) / Braxton Culpepper (Poulan, GA), 26.89, $1,530; 4. Josh Morrison (Taylorsville, NC) / William McCraw (East Bend, NC), 29.23, $1,270; 5. Bob Pledge (Charles Town, WV) / Tim Carnes (Hornell, NY), 30.05, $1,150; 6. Cole Futrell (Union Grove, NC) / Brady Barrentine (Enigma, GA), 30.8, $1,020; 7. Mike Simpson (Bee Branch, AR) / Scott Tant (Four Oaks, NC), 31.16, $890; 8. Cole Hartsell (Mt Ulla, NC) / Blake Walker (Forest City, NC), 34.29, $760; 9. Scott Stoker (Canton, GA) / Greg Mitchell (Adairsville, GA), 36.26, $640; 10. Josh Morrison (Taylorsville, NC) / Brett Sears (Fuquay Varina, NC), 18.61, $510 #9 PRELIM, AVG: 1. Jessica Gray (Sparr, FL) / Jimmy Peele (Macclenny, FL), 28.35, $3,680; 2. David Lewis (Mount Ulla, NC) / Cody Taylor (Taylorsville, NC), 32.56, $2,450; 3. David Lewis (Mount Ulla, NC) / Greg Mitchell (Adairsville, GA), 33.88, $1,940; 4. Cole Compton (Kernersville, NC) / Steven Lyman (Cherryville, NC), 35.38, $1,430; 5. Connor Johnson (Grove City, OH) / Justin McMillion (Covington, OH), 35.83, $720 #8 PRELIM, AVG: 1. Luis Medina (Naples, FL) / Dylan Ray (East Bend, NC), 27.73, $3,930; 2. Cole Compton (Kernersville, NC) / Steven Lyman (Cherryville, NC), 27.81, $2,620; 3. Kip Smith (Haddock, GA) / Todd Christian (Madison, GA), 33.76, $1,900; 4. Kip Smith (Haddock, GA) / Keith Cooner (Jacksonville, FL), 36.57, $1,310; 5. Jamie Felton (Galway, NY) / Kent Pitman (Amsterdam, NY), 37.26, $950; 6. Steve Macintyre (Pfafftown, NC) / Justin McMillion (Covington, OH), 37.97, $710; 7. Dylan Ray (East Bend, NC) / Ty Norris (Winston Salem, NC), 38.78, $480 #11 VIP, AVG: 1. Beverly Robbins (Muscle Shoals, AL) / Adam Postelle (Rocky Face, GA), 35.76, $5,000; 2. J W Baucom (Carthage, NC) / Casey Hilley (Winder, GA), 38.01, $3,000; 3. Justin Thigpen (Waycross, GA) / Adam Postelle (Rocky Face, GA), 39.12, $2,000; 4. Jeffrey Hartfield (Charlestown, IN) / Billy Lam (Canton, GA), 40.22, $1,000; 5. Brent Carlton (Mocksville, NC) / Alex Brooks (Pageland, SC), 41.8, $700; 6. J W Baucom (Carthage, NC) / Kimberly Breyo (Galway, NY), 45.36, $500; 7. David Lewis (Mount Ulla, NC) / Daniel Raynor (Four Oaks, NC), 46.95, $500; 8. David Gaddis (Canton, GA) / Matt Wilson (Madison, GA), 47.74, $500; 9. Steve AllDay (Shelbyville, KY) / Mike Robinson (Depauw, IN), 50.44, $500; 10. Jamie Felton (Galway, NY) / Scott Tant (Four Oaks, NC), 28.77, $500 ALL GIRL, AVG: 1. Tish Luke (Yeehaw Junction, FL) / Becky Cannizzaro (Folsom, LA), 29.82, $3,660; 2. Crystal Stoker (Canton, GA) / Shanan Campbell (Franklin, TN), 34.7, $2,740; 3. Deb Raulerson (San Mateo, FL) / Mattie Colvard (Crumpler, NC), 38.65, $1,830; 4. Stephanie Anderson ( ) / Olivia Townsend (Laurel Springs, CA), 40.37, $920 #15, AVG: 1. Clint Summers (Lake City, FL) / Blaine Courson (Lake City, FL), 40.78, $4,540; 2. John Alley (Adams, TN) / Dustin Egusquiza (Marianna, FL), 43.91, $2,730; 3. Nelson Linares (Plant City, FL) / Spunk Sasser (San Antonio, FL), 43.93, $1,820 PROAM, AVERAGE: 1. Derrick Bell (Harmony, NC) / Ryan Pratt (Nashville, TN), 33.88; 2. Buck Player (Palatka, FL) / Alex Brooks (Pageland, SC), 33.95; 3. Cody Mousseau (Aylmer, ON) / Jake Edwards (Fort Ann, NY), 35.45; 4. Brett Taylor (Citra, FL) / Jake Edwards (Fort Ann, NY), 18.38; 5. Mike Simpson (Bee Branch, AR) / Mark Strickland (Dunnellon, FL), 18.44; 6. Cody L Johnson (Dublin, TX) / Billy Myers (Stephenville, TX), 22.7; 7. Cody L Johnson (Dublin, TX) / Ryan Pratt (Nashville, TN), 25.29 CENTURY, AVG: 1. Bucky Nastri (Screven, GA) / Guy Graden (Jacksonville, FL), 37.13, $2,430; 2. David Gaddis (Canton, GA) / Mike Jones (Town Creek, AL), 37.89, $1,830; 3. J R Spencer (Leesburg, FL) / Mike Jones (Town Creek, AL), 44.73, $1,220; 4. Mike Bramlett (White, GA) / Bob Buffington (Dover, DE), 47.23, $610 #7, AVG: 1. Trey Mills (La Belle, FL) / Will Springer (Ocala, FL), 42.74, $4,020; 2. Joe Wilbert (Clyde, NY) / Mike Hall (Tifton, GA), 46.04, $3,010; 3. Brandi Hines (Folsom, LA) / Kellyn Tabor (Summer Shade, KY), 55.72, $2,010; 4. Ethan Cord (Zolfo Springs, FL) / Jimmy Peele (Macclenny, FL), 18.96, $1,000 The Magazine for America’s Roper • 17

18 • The Roping Pen • March 2016

The Magazine for America’s Roper • 19

BAMA CHALLE

FEBRUARY 6 & 7, 2

AHSRA & GHSRA • COVINGTON ARENA • ANDALUSIA, AL • PHOTOS The AHSRA started off their new year in a big way, by bringing home so many average titles at our Bama Challenge! I am so proud of how well everyone competed and the sportsmanship that is shown not only within each association but within the two states. You could always hear an Alabama contestant cheering on a Georgia contestant, and vice versa. We had a blast at our Pie in the Face Auction with our new twist of adding a wildcard, where spectators could choose someone from each state to throw in the auction. The money ALLI TATE BREAKAWAY AHSRA

HEATHER VARNER ALL AROUND AHSRA

TATE THOMAS, GHSRA ALL AROUND GHSRA

JUSTIN ETHRIDGE BULL RIDING GHSRA

20 • The Roping Pen • March 2016

received from the auction went to our association and St. Jude’s Hospital. We have a very busy March! March 4-5 is our first cutting of the year held in Geneva, Alabama and March 12-13 is in Montgomery, Alabama at the coliseum, which I’m so excited to compete in! Finally, we will end our month back in Geneva the 19th and 20th for our first Reined Cow Horse event. I am so excited to get back into rodeo season and see how the standings will change before our finals! Safe travels and good luck to all! ~ Love always, Miss Lizzy Sexton CLAIRE WALDROP POLE BENDING GHSRA

NATALIE WEAVER BARRELS AHSRA

ZACH CARGLE & TATE T TEAM ROPING GHSRA

SYDNEY MCQUEEN GOAT TYING AHSRA

ENGE

2016

BY JD PHOTOGRAPHY

Congratulations to all our winners!

THOMAS

TATE THOMAS STEER WRESTLING GHSRA

BLAKE LEAMON BAREBACK GHSRA

ZACH CARGLE CALF ROPING GHSRA

The Magazine for America’s Roper • 21

The American: The Richest One-Day Rodeo

ne of the questions I’m most often asked is my opinion of the American rodeo produced by RFD TV and Randy Bernard. At the time of this writing, the American has not yet happened (February 28th at the American Airline Center, Dallas, TX). As a competitor I have to say there is no other event like it in the history of our sport. There’s no event with that features a one-day payout of $100,000 and a chance to win $1 million. THE AMERICAN invites the top 10 athletes from the 2015 PRCA, WPRA and PBR world standings and pits them against underdogs who advance from THE AMERICAN Semi-Finals, held Feb. 17–21 in Fort Worth. If a nationally ranked athlete wins, the prize is $100,000, but if a qualifier from the Semifinals wins THE AMERICAN, that contestant shares in the $1 million bonus prize money. I was asked to participate in a Gold Buckle match for a chance at an exemption to the American. This match was held at the San Antonio Rose Palace and true to form, Randy came up with something new and different. He invited three headers, Jake Barnes, Tee Woolman and myself to rope in a round robin format with Walt Woodard, Allen Bach and Rich Skelton. Each header got to run two steers with each heeler. The longest time on six-head won nothing. Second place won a spot at the Semi-Finals with a chance to qualify for the American. The winner won an exemption to the American and a chance to rope for their share of $1 million. Other event match ups included Tie Down: Cody Ohl/Fred Whitfield, Steer Wrestling: Rope Myers/Lee Graves, Barrel Racing: Lindsay Sears/Kelly Kaminski. It was televised live on RFD TV. I’m excited Randy is bringing the match format back. It was a great experience. It was fun and exciting to rope with all world champions. I expect that next year we will see changes that will make it even more exciting. Check the RFD TV for listings for this and other events. Even though I teach for a living now rather than compete, having the opportunity to compete at this level in a few events each year brings back the fun of competitiveness. I understand that if I don’t prepare every day there’s no way I can compete at the level I was accustomed to. To all you competitors reading this article – when things don’t go well and while you’re driving home and reflecting… be honest with yourself. Have 22 • The Roping Pen • March 2016

you practiced and prepared to perform at a high level? Did you go through all the necessary steps? One thing I tell all my students is they need to decide if they are entering ropings to have fun, or are they going because they want to win. If they want to win, there’s a lot of work and preparation that needs to happen first. Probably one of the most embarrassing moments of my career was when my horse jumped the barrier rope at the American last year. He was not my original choice to ride there even though he had been through a barrier rope at the Wildfire arena, however, not one with a red flag. Many factors including weather, injuries and not being able to practice swayed that decision. I seriously doubt this will happen to me again.

What’s new with me: For all you dads with kids who have not shown any interest in roping there’s still hope. Previously my son would rope when I bribed him with something he wanted like movies, Xbox, etc. In January he went with Hali and I to a roping at the Rose Palace. On the way home he asked when he got to enter a roping. I told him, “Son, all you have to do is start practicing.” Well, the roping bug has bit my son. Since then he has roped all day, every day. We rope the Hot Heels, the Bones, the Fast Lane and anything else that moves. At my schools he does not let the machine make a trip down the arena without heeling it at least once. At the Wildfire roping last weekend Fast Back Ropes let him represent them in the Sponsor Roping. He got to run twice and for his first time entering he partnered up pretty well with Clay Tryan and myself heading for him. On the heeling side of the #5 and below ropers, only three heelers caught three steers. I told him if he caught all his steers we would win money. We ended up winning second. Our short round steer was pretty tough. I think we were 39-seconds on him before I got him slowed down where he could take a shot. But he got to get on stage; he won a buckle and have his picture taken. I have to admit it was a pretty exciting night for both of us. Gabe could not get to sleep he was so excited. I have loaded some videos in several parts that show his progress of learning to dally and some of the things we did to help him learn.

The Magazine for America’s Roper • 23

SAVANNAH CASTON FROM CHESTER, SC AGE 7 • PEE WEE DIVISION EVENTS: BARRELS & POLES HORSE’S NAME: TEDDY PARENTS: CHRIS & STEPHANIE CASTON

Special Accomplishments & Titles within FYRA: Reserve Champion Pole Bender, 5th in barrels for the year and 2nd overall in the average at finals in Barrels and Poles What is your favorite event & why? Pole Bending because Teddy loves it! He’s the perfect size! What is your most memorable moment in FYRA? Winning my first check! I also like going to rodeos with my cousins, Taylor and Madysen. What is your most successful moment in FYRA? Running my fastest times this year and placing in the top! What are your future plans? I will be moving up in the next age division next year and I can’t wait! 24 • The Roping Pen • March 2016

PHOTOS COURTESY OF FYRA & DONNA FARMER

The Magazine for America’s Roper • 25

GHSRA & GJHSRA F

ebruary started off as a super busy month for the Georgia officers as we traveled to Chattanooga, TN for the NHSRA Mid-Winter meeting. While we were there we visited the Chattanooga Aquarium, Coolidge Park, Walnut Street Bridge, and other various sites around Downtown Chattanooga. We also met some awesome people like Amy Wilson from RFD-TV, a local street musician, and everyone from the other states. The weekend following we traveled to Andalusia, AL for the Bama Challenge where our very own Tate Thomas took home the All-Around boys title, along with the Steer Wrestling, and the Team Roping average, with his header, Zach Cargle. Zach also won the Calf Roping average. Josh Ethridge won the Bull Riding average, Blake Leamon won the Bareback average, and GHSRA Secretary, Claire Waldrop took home the Pole Bending average buckle. All the student officers (from Georgia and Alabama) also were bid on to be pied to help raise money for St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Together, we were able to raise $1,000. (See the AHSRA’s “Bama Challenge” feature on pages 20 & 21 here in The Roping Pen for all the winner pics, action pics, & Pie Auction pics!) The second half of the season is off to a great start, can’t wait to see everyone at the next one. ~ Julia Johnson, Student VP

Tyler Boatwright, GHSRA Student Pres, Julia Johnson, Student VP, Trevor Boatwright, Jr. High Pres

Georgia & Tennessee Student Officers

The GHSRA Officers, Parents, Contestants, Student Officers & members enjoying the 2016 Mid-Winter Meeting!

26 • The Roping Pen • March 2016

Colby Daniel, Claire Waldrop, Julia Johnson, Morgan Larkin, Tyler Boatwright

Pie Auctionphotos courtesy of JD Photography

The Magazine for America’s Roper • 27

ZACH CARGLE & TATE THOMAS, GHSRA TEAM ROPING CHAMPIONS Bama Challenge • Andalusia, AL Feb 6 & 7, 2016 • Covington Arena Photo ©JD Photography 28

30 • The Roping Pen • March 2016

32 • The Roping Pen • March 2016

The Magazine for America’s Roper • 33

& Junior and Youth Divisions NEWS & INFORMATION: Report Cards will be checked at the Conway rodeo for Junior and High School. The youth will be checked at the Sandy Ridge rodeo in March. Please bring your most current report card. We are looking for semester grades from the first semester. If you are in a non-tradition-

• • • • High

School Rodeo Schedule • • • •

March 11 & 12 @ Conway, SC

*Report Cards Checked* ~ All Calendar Money Due

March 25 & 26 @ Saluda, SC $150 in Program Sponsorships Due

April 8 & 9 @ Lowrys, SC

Hosted by the Chester County Sheriff’s Foundation

April 16 @ Lumberton, NC RCH 2 rounds only

April 22 & 23 @ Aiken, SC All other Program Sponsorships Due

•

al school (ie. homeschool, online, adult ed) you will need to present your grades as well as a small portfolio of work. This portfolio should have work samples from each course that you took in the fall or are currently taking. The work should have dates on it and should show academic progress.

May 6 & 7 @ Iva, SC

May 13 & 14 @ Marietta, SC May 20 & 21 @ Lumberton, NC Cutting Finals Fri Night ~ RCH Finals on Sat Queen/Princess Contest on Saturday

May 26-28 @ Clemson, SC STATE FINALS

July 17 @ Gillette, Wyoming NATIONAL HS FINALS

Junior High School Rodeo Schedule • March 12 @ Conway, SC

11 am ~ *Report Cards Checked* ~ All Calendar $ Due

March 19 @Sandy Run Community *New Arena* Stabler Hill Road - Swansea, SC

March 26 @Saluda, SC

12 Noon ~ $150 in Program Sponsorships Due

April 23 @Aiken, SC

11:00 am ~ All Other Program Sponsorships Due

••••••

May 14 @ Marietta, SC 11:00 am

May 21 @ Lumberton, NC Princess contest only

May 27-28 @ Clemson, SC STATE FINALS

June 19-25 @ Lebannon, TN NATIONAL JR HS FINALS

Youth Rodeo Schedule • • • • • •

Rodeo Call-In Will be the Monday night before the

rodeo, 7 – 9 pm to Tara Howell Crisp 803-504-4106

April 9 @ Lowrys, SC

No late call-Ins accepted

Lowrys Park @ 12 Noon All Program Sponsorships Due

March 19 @Sandy Run Community

May 7 @ Iva, SC

*New Arena* Stabler Hill Roadwansea, SC 11:00 am ~ *Report Cards Checked*

34 • The Roping Pen • March 2016

Crescent High School FFA 12 Noon

• • • BAYOU • • •

CHAMPIONSHIPS JANUARY 22-24, 2016

COUSHATTA PAVILION • KINDER, LOUISIANA PRODUCED BY STEVE & SHERRY JUDD • STORY BY BEN CLEMENTS

he Bayou Championships in Kinder, Louisiana ads a little Cajun flair to the sport of team roping. The event takes place each year in January at the Coushatta Pavilion and is produced by Steve and Sherry Judd. Team ropers enjoy the atmosphere and the roping action. The event started with the Open Division. Ivan Holiday and Mike Collins teamed up to win the incentive average, while second went to Bo Litton and Mike Collins. In the main average the win went to the team of Jesy Austin from East Barnard, Texas and Ty Arnold from Midway, Texas. The pair was 44.95 seconds on five steers and took home $1696. Second place was Mason Boettcher from East Barnard, Texas and Arnold. Third went to Tom Ward from Kilgore, Texas and Clay Sieber from Arp, Texas. In the #15 Division Mason Boettcher qualified high team back with Clay Sieber. The team was 24.13 seconds on three steers. They were 7.46 seconds in the short round and finished the roping in first place with a time of 31.59 on four steers. That was good enough for first place. The win paid them trophy Gist knives, $4030, and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Second place was the team of Bo Litton from Pelican, Louisiana and Peyton Leflett from Benton, Louisiana with a time of 31.88 seconds on four steers. The third place team was Cody NesSmith and DWain Rollins. In the #13 Division, the team of Cyle Denison from Iowa, Louisiana and Clay Green from Pine Grove, Louisiana came from the third call back position to win first place in the average. The team caught four steers in 31.10 seconds and earned $5506, trophy Gist knives, and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Second place was Cody NeSmith and Mason Pitts, while third place wen to Jacob Patterson and Joel Galvan. The final roping of the day was the #12 Division. Nick Gonzales III and Trenton Brown were the third high team back. They were 8.29 seconds on their final steer and finished the roping in first place with a time of 33.00 on four steers. The win gave them $5680, trophy Cowboy Gold Saddles and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Second place was the team of Shawn Belknap and Kody Henricks. The third place team was Tyler Moon and DWain Rollins. The incentive champions of the roping were Jacob Patterson and Joel Galvan. The second day of team roping at the Bayou Championships began with the #12 Gold Plus. The team of Tommy Wisby from Pitkin, Louisiana and Jacup Dixon from Boyce, Louisiana were the high team back. They roped their final steer in 7.56 seconds and won the roping with a time of 30.29 seconds on four steers. The win paid them $6436 plus $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Second place in the average was the team of Chris Perry from Arcadia, Louisiana and Eric Watkins from Boyce, Louisiana with a four steer total of 32.09 seconds. Third place went to Nicholas Wolfe and T Boy Waite. They also won the incentive average and took home $6460 plus $12,000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. The winners of the #11 Division were from Texas. Tanner Tomlinson from Angleton and Bryce Belknap from Alvin were first 36 • The Roping Pen • March 2016

place with a time of 30.10 seconds on four steers. They earned $6510, trophy Cowboy Gold saddles and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Second place in the roping was Tray Lamarca from George West, Texas and Ricky Joe Lee from Pleasanton, Texas. Third place went to Billy Reagan and Cash Duty. The winners of the incentive average were Emilio Cantu from Rio Grande City, Texas and Nick Gonzales III from Carriere, Mississippi. The final roping of the second day of the Bayou Championships was the #10 Division. Bryce Belknap was back for more as the high team in the roping with header Tommy Anderson from Hockley, Texas. The team was 8.08 seconds on their final steer and won first place in the roping with a time of 30.09 seconds. The win paid them $7392, trophy Cowboy Gold Saddles and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Second place went to the team of Ike McBroom from Baskin, Louisiana and Clay McDaniel from Deville, Louisiana with a time of 35.65 seconds on four steers. They walked away with $4928 plus $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Third place in the roping was Cade Boettcher from East Bernard, Texas and Ronnie Lopez from San Antonio, Texas. They were 7.96 seconds on their final steer and finished the roping with a time of 35.69 seconds to earn $3808 along with $2000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Dawson Trest and Mike Judd won the incentive average and took home $1000, trophy Gist buckles and $2000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. The #10 Gold Plus began day three of the Bayou Championships. Dan Richardson and RW McDonald both from Converse, Louisiana were the winners of the roping with a time of 39.09 seconds on four steers. They took home $6978 plus $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Second place was Richard Ford from De Berry, Texas and Jarid Ladner from Pass Christian, Mississippi. The team also won the incentive average. All in all they won $8198 and $12,000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Third place in the average was Timmy Fryar and Bucky Havard. Trent Suydam from Pitkin, Louisiana and Zachary McAlister also from Pitkin were high team back in the #9 Division. A run of 8.85 seconds in the short round gave them first place in the average with a total time of four steers of 36.75 seconds. The pair won $7456, trophy Cowboy Gold saddles and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. They were also the incentive winners. Second in the average went to Jason Marze and Tramp Perry, while third place was the team of Joshua Comeaux and LB Bernard. The final roping of the Bayou Championships in Kinder, Louisiana was the #8 Pick/Draw. It was the perfect conclusion to a great weekend of team roping. The team of Grant Soileau from Bunkie, Louisiana and Hadley Dunnehoo from Reeves, Louisiana were the champions of the roping. They took home first place which was $4946, trophy Gist buckles and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Second place was the Independence, Louisiana team of Scarlet and Pete Starkey. They earned $3298, trophy Gist buckles and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. The third place finish went to Kevin Guidry and Avery Coleman.

The Magazine for America’s Roper • 37

COLEMAN PROCTOR

feel and weight to them. The heat did not seem to faze them at all and they felt great.” Throughout the fall leading up to the 2015 National Finals Rodeo Colman said he was using the Raptor. However when he went to practice for the event he realized he only had two Sharks in his bag. “I roped a 100 head at least and they were still good when I was done. I got really accustomed to the feel.” That time spent with the Shark in his hand lead Coleman to a great NFR where he placed in several rounds, including splitting the win in round #5. “I used the Raptor in the first 2 to 3 rounds of the NFR and then went to the Shark. I was accustomed to the feel and it worked out well.” As for heel ropes, Coleman said he also uses the Shark for that side also. “I don’t get to heel as much anymore and I stole a couple from Travis Graves a while back and have been using them ever since,” Coleman said with a laugh. “The Shark is very dependable and they last. They swing true, the eye stays straight, it grips the horn and I love the body. The heavier weight and larger diameter make it an excellent choice for heeling.” So with an arsenal of ropes in his bag, some borrowed from fellow ropers and others mixed in from Lone Star, Coleman is off to the next rodeo or roping ready to capture his next championship. Be sure to stay “In The Loop with Lone Star each month and if you have any questions for Coleman or any of the top professionals signed on here, be sure to email them to us at

ne of the country’s hottest team ropers, Coleman Proctor is making a lot of noise in the roping arena. From winning rounds at the 2015 NFR to setting a fast pace at many rodeos and team ropings throughout the country, the Oklahoma native has set himself among the top of the sport and is not looking back. He is roping with long time friend Buddy Hawkins this season and together they have earned their share of some of the biggest rodeos so far this year. Lone Star ropes has added Coleman to their list of professionals swinging their ropes and Coleman has taken to Lone Star Ropes like a kid to candy. In fact, he said, “Lone Star ropes are great. You can’t beat the durability of these ropes.” Before Coleman was a common name among the top in the sport, he was a roper to watch inside any roping pen. Although many think of Coleman as a header spinning championship steers at rodeos all across the country, he in fact started off heeling in his youth, and in the amateur and jackpot scene. Only after roping with past professional partner and long time friend, Jake Long did he begin heading. He can still be found swinging a heel loop when he can at jackpot events across the country. With Coleman’s ability to rope both sides, Lone Star Ropes sent Coleman ropes to try in order for him to pick the one that fits him as both a header and heeler. “Right now, I am bouncing between the Shark and Raptor,” Coleman said. “They seem to take the cooler weather better and they have more weight. Last summer though, I used the If you’ve got a question or comment for “In The Loop”, submit it to lonestarintheloop@gmail.com. Falcon. Even though it has a smaller diameter they have a great lonestarintheloop@gmail.com. 38 • The Roping Pen • March 2016

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BREAKAWAY BENEFITS... ADVICE FROM BRET BEACH

any may think of breakaway roping as an event for kids and ladies, but in reality breakaway roping can be a very good training tool for team ropers. There are many benefits to breakaway roping for both headers and heelers. According to Bret Beach at TotalTeamRoping.com breakaway roping is an essential part of training, can be used in many different ways, helps when practicing alone and is a great tool to help keep you roping cattle strong. “People don’t realize how much they can do for their horse and themselves using a breakaway,” said Bret. “Everything from helping you learn to dally, working your head horse, practicing heeling, not to mention the benefits they have on your cattle. With the cost of quality roping steers today, everything you can do to keep them running strong is good.” Bret added, “The problem is there never was a good breakaway to use until now.” Many may remember the many breakaway’s that have been on the market through the years. The early ones were made of metal then came different practice types. The problem with them all were they were heavy, they often snapped back at you and your horse after you roped, some were hard to put on your rope and none of had the same feel like a real hondo of a rope. “I used a new breakaway lately that I really like,” added Bret. “The Eight Away Breakaway is a great tool. It feels just like a rope when you attach it, it comes in three different strengths and is easy to put on your rope.” “You can use a breakaway for many different areas of practice,” said Bret. “Headers can use different strengths of the breakaway and do everything from stopping their horse, giving their horse just a little tug as you turn the steer or Eight Away They work great for heelers as well, but be careful that you don’t use a strong breakaway when heeling as you do not want it snapping back at your heel horse.” Bret elaborated on different uses of a breakaway. “I like using them when I rope alone, so I don’t have to worry about taking

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off my ropes, I also use them when roping a sled. I can dally and not have to remove it from the sled,” Bret said. He also said, “I often have ropers use them when I give lessons. It saves a lot of time.” Another aspect of using breakaway’s is the benefits they have on cattle. “When you are at a roping, you can notice the strong cattle stay strong because they get roped less. Same goes for practice cattle. If you rope a steer with a breakaway in practice and they get a slight pull and then are free again, they will get better and run harder.” The Eight Away Breakaway is a relatively new product that has been recently bought and is being marketed by Professional team roper, JoJo Lemond and Bret said that he really likes it. “I don’t endorse things unless they really help ropers and the Eight Away does just that.” “Like I said earlier, the benefits of breakaway roping for team ropers is huge,” Bret added. “and buying a good one is even better. You can literally do everything you need to do to practice with a breakaway hondo.” Catch Breat and the rest fo the TotalTeamRoping.com professionals at their website – TotalTeamRoping.com. Pick up some great tips to take to the roping pen and on into the roping arena. You can also catch Bret on TotalTeamRoping TV. He will have some great guest join him this year, including JoJo Lemond and many others.

Get a great deal on an introductory membership at

WWW.THEROPINGPEN.COM

S E A R C H U N D E R T O TA L T E A M R O P I N G P A G E !

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ebruary already! Which means I am writing for a March article in The Roping Pen magazine already! I wanted to run a couple of things by you guys this month about insuring your horses. These two things seemed to have kept coming up over the last few weeks so hear it goes. I heard a lot last month about can I insure grade horses and how do I value them? The short answer is Sure you can! And I can help with the justification of value. Grade horses can be insured just as any registered horse. However we do need some information and as accurately as we can get it do too little to no records on age, breeding, etc. Age is one of the biggest factors. I suggest getting it looked at by an experienced vet if you do not know (without a doubt) birth year. This gives us a basis to go on and also if something comes up both you and I can refer to the vet as the one who aged the horse. Age will determine some of the rate quoted for insurance. We ask that you send us a photo as well. This helps also during a theft or any discrepancies in descriptions from a vet not normally used. Sometimes we are traveling your normal vet just isn’t close in proximity! Basically it eliminates any red flags between all parties, i.e. owner, vet, adjuster, underwriter, and the agency! Less red flags the easier the claims are processed and it’s a win for everyone. As far as values go if it pertains to timed event horses I can

help get an established value on those insuring with us. Other disciplines I will ask within the office. This is one thing with our agency we are covered in experience for most all horse disciplines. Even the back yard ornaments because we all are owners and are currently competing or have done so extensively. Also from my experience having a good relationship from agent (me), agency owner, underwriter, and adjuster is a MUST so in this business. Really in that order. Everyone has to have confidence in what we are doing so that all the parties involved are comfortable protecting your investment for the amount it’s bound for. I for one know Albracht relies upon me for timed event values if they are not set by sale price, pedigree, etc. Grade horses for example are just that valued at market price since we don’t know pedigrees. I am at a lot of rodeos, barrel races, roping and many other events so I see what horses are selling for. This also helps me getting a value on your grade horse. The agency has to trust the agent to help establish values on the horses. Clear as mud right? I hope so!

The final thing I heard a lot over last several weeks was related to what makes your agency different from others or why should we use you instead of the next guy. Well honestly I usually tell folks it because of me. I care. The agency and agency owner cares. We care about providing a great service to our clients and we care about protecting your investment. The agency has more than 30yrs of experience itself in the equine industry. We try and work hard for our clients when claims come about. In the end you guys are the ones paying us to help keep you protected. I have lost business due to another agency beating us by $20 in price. However, first claim that went through for those folks they called me and asked what to do. I did what I could even though it was only answering a few questions about the process. Guess what? They are now clients and have been for some time because their cheaper agency wouldn’t help them with the little things when it was needed.

These are just a few things that came up while on the road last month. As always stop me and say hello! Call me, text me, or even message me on social media but ask away about protecting your investment! See you at the next roping, ~ Jason

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MIKE’S QUESTION: How can I rope a trotter? RICKEY’S TIP: The best two guys I’ve ever seen roping trotters are Walt Woodard and Dennis Motes. Both just put a big ol trap under the steer. Put your top strand up high in the flanks and plane the bottom strand out and then just wait on it.

Weightiness I

BY CRYSTAL LYONS

love dealing with my stallion when that kind eye of his is showing. When he’s in that mode, he’s like a huge puppy dog and it makes me wanna just wrap my arms around his neck and breathe him in. I also like it when he’s in his “Look at me! I’m the most awesome thing here!” mode. He’s a blast to ride then. All collected and arched and strutting. I feel like a princess astride a great war horse making an undeniably impressionable entrance. But, I do NOT like dealing with him when his other brain has completely taken hold of his senses. The other day I was getting him collected to ship semen again, and before I even recognized that he had reared, I was hit in the head by a hoof or a knee... I don’t know which. It happened so fast. He’s not mean at all -- I’m thankful for that -- but he can become oblivious to anyone and anything other than his own desires and agenda! I’ve owned several stallions, and I have easily been able to subdue each one (or they became geldings), but the very size and weight of this guy has made it harder for me to stay in charge. My challenge with Strider caused me to realize in greater clarity a principle that I already knew: to the degree someone carries a weight of authority in any realm, their actions have farther reaching and weightier consequences on others. As a minister, for example, grows in recognition and authority, he has a greater effect for good or bad by what he DOES. Like my stallion, it doesn’t matter if that person means no harm to anyone. The greater the weight of influence, the greater the harm will automatically happen if personal interests and selfish agenda take over. My stallion means no harm, but his size and weight alone make any undisciplined action a

danger! Just as the more weight of influence a person carries, the more harmful a singular act of undisciplined behavior will cause! It doesn’t necessarily mean a person is bad... just undisciplined in their character and selfish in their motives. So, let’s take this scenario out of the realm of all “those preachers” and “those politicians” and bring it closer to home. What about ME? My realm of influence may not have any further reaching effects other than my own immediate family, but the effects on my spouse and children can still be devastating! I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve heard about the statement coming from the one who committed adultery to the spouse... “I never meant to hurt you.” It doesn’t MATTER that we never meant harm. The moment something is done out of selfish desires, harm is the result! Children’s hearts get ripped out. A home that had trust and felt safe, suffers a deadly blow. All because someone who carried authority in that home forgot about everyone else as they zeroed in on their own selfish appetites . My stallion is KIND and he actually really, really LIKES me, but that has NO BEARING on my safety when his physical desires become the overruling power in his thinking! Why? Because he wishes me harm? Not at all. But the very fact of his size and strength can be a blessing to me or a danger... depending on how well disciplined or UNDISCIPLINED he is. The same is true for all of us. What we do. Choices we make. They MATTER! And whatever degree of influence we hold, our actions be a BLESSING or cause pain! Any time we allow selfish desires to gain a foothold in our thinking, the damage done to those within our circle of influence will inevitably follow. So... what do we do? Choose to be a BLESSING! Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and His love is made complete in us. ~ 1 John 4:11-12 NIV The Magazine for America’s Roper • 49

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EAGLES

iving in one of the most beautiful places on the east coast affords me with many reasons for which to be thankful. Having four seasons gives four times the splendor to the landscape. The elevation provides a unique environment for plants and animals not found anywhere else around. One of my favorites are the eagles. Growing up, the only eagles I had ever seen were on television or in magazines. The use of DDT as a pesticide in the 1960s had led to eagle eggs having brittle shells, which in turn caused high mortality. This was country wide, but mainly in the east. Over time, eagle populations started climbing back from the brink of extinction. Even so, I was well into adulthood before I saw my first eagle in Burke’s Garden. Since working on my present outfit, located on the high end of the valley at the base of Beartown, I have seen more than my share of eagles, as well as seeing them elsewhere. Watching a bald eagle fly by the tractor window never gets old. I’ve watched them fish on the mill pond, nest there, and in a tree bordering my family’s home place, and just sit in the branches of some big oaks along the main road through the Garden. I was once mowing in a field of hay as an eagle fed on a groundhog, flying up as I came around one end of the field, and coming back to feed as soon as I was farther away. One fall day, I rode my horse up on five eagles around a groundhog carcass, two mature balds with their white heads and tails, and three immature ones that hadn’t molted their juvenile brown feathers. For two years now, bald eagles have turned up at my calving grounds to scavenge after birth and watch for dead calves. While bald eagles are majestic, and well deserving of the title of national bird, the few golden eagles I have had the pleasure of viewing are my favorites. The first time you see a bald eagle, you’ll be impressed with its size, that is, until you see a golden eagle in the flesh. Goldens are to balds what ravens are to crows when it comes to the difference in size. While I don’t recall the first bald eagle I encountered, my first golden eagle sighting is very clear in my memory. I was bow hunting the brushy fields across the gap from Bald Knob. I had sat down at the base of a large oak at the woods’ edge, glassing the side of the knob. A slight sound caused me to glance up. Sitting in the top of the tree was a gigantic brown bird. I quickly realized it was not an immature bald, but was a golden eagle, a rarity in the east. I was able to sit there and watch this amazing sight for several minutes before its keen eyesight picked me up and it flew away. My next golden eagle sighting was in the same area another year. I was once again bow hunting, and was set up well before daylight to watch a cow path deer were using to get to the gap. As it started to get light, I noticed a doe and fawn bedded in the open gap about a hundred yards from me. I would glance their way, then continue scanning the area for deer on the move. While glassing down the hollow, I heard the whooshing of air over wings, like the sound made by diving ravens. As I looked in the direction of the deer and the sound, it saw the two deer standing about sixty yards from their beds and a golden eagle banking. I had assumed the eagle mistook

the deer in the high grass for a rabbit, or other small game, until, even after the deer were standing in the open, the eagle made another dive at the larger doe. This time, eagle and deer all decided to vacate the area. My most memorable experience with a golden once again involved deer. I was eating my lunch and watching for deer from atop Briary Knob. Movement about three hundred yards below me caught my attention. A six month old fawn was hightailing it to a patch of thorn bushes. Overhead and behind the deer, a golden eagle was soaring, circling to come upon the thorn patch from the side opposite the fawn. When it couldn’t force the fawn into the open from the air, the eagle would land and hop on the ground in an attempt to drive out the deer. If the fawn started to break out, the eagle would take wing to prepare for an attack. Seeing the eagle overhead, the fawn would hear back into the thicket. This went on for a good bit, until the fawn made a mad dash for the bigger timber in the next little hollow. The eagle was left soaring, searching for the fawn. I have watched lone golden eagles land in the pastures, be harassed by hawks, and perch in dead trees. I’m fortunate to live in such a unique and awe inspiring place. The presence of so many of these wonderful birds is just icing on the cake

DON’T WAIT!

The Magazine for America’s Roper • 51

THE

Other Half

Change of Plans and Something Different I

was feeling down for some reason. The weather was cold and unsettled, the kids were restless and they all wanted to rope but it was just too cold. I had cleaned the trailer, repacked and sorted out because there would be another roping someplace and I’m sure if it were at all possible we would go. Boss hit the back door shaking mud and snow from his boots and the kids were close behind. Spring was on the horizon but it seemed the cold just continued to hang on. I was ready for some warm days. “Let’s go to town and take in a movie,” Boss said. “We haven’t done anything different in awhile. How does that sound?” He was actually a bit enthusiastic and for once it didn’t involve roping. Maybe there was hope for us yet! We all proceeded to hit the showers and clean up and hopefully it would be a pleasant change. I think doing something different and getting out of the house would make us all feel better. We loaded in the truck and were just about to pull out of the driveway when Boss’s phone rang. I watched as he looked at the caller ID and said a secret prayer hoping he would NOT answer it. Sure enough, he did and I knew in a heartbeat our plans were about to change. From the conversation I knew it was one of Boss’s roping partners and when he said he’d call him back in a minute I knew the movie was a fading wish. “That was Donald,” Boss said. “They have opened up the county building and offered it to anyone who wants to ride their horses and rope this evening. Donald and a couple more guys are going over there to rope.” I rolled my eyes back and leaned my head against the headrest. Boss looked over and kind of shrugged. “What do you guys want to do? You want to go to town and take in a movie or you want to go rope? Your call?” Well duh, what did he think everyone but me would want to do? Did he even have to ask? Of course, it was unanimous. Why even ask? Boss pulled the truck down to the barn to hook up to the trailer. June Bug took off at a run. She had to go to the house to change into her boots and jeans and Buzzy headed for the trailer to get another coat and his special rope. Boss looked and me and muttered something about being sorry and we would go to the movie another time. I sighed with a deep, depressing sigh and didn’t even look at him. “Can you back the truck up so I can hook up the trailer?” Boss asked. I straddled the console and slid into the driver’s seat. “Don’t be sad and down,” he continued. “I know once we get over there you will feel better. You realize there is just something about roping that makes everyone feel better and in a good mood?” I could not even dignify that with an answer. He shut the truck door and proceeded to direct me to hook on the trailer.” I waited in the truck while they gathered horses, loaded gear and got everything loaded. When they were all back in the truck they were excited and anxious. It was obvious my whole crew needed a roping fix. Spring was still a few days off, the weather was wishy washy and unsettled. One thing for sure for all of them roping and riding was going to make them feel better. I needed their kind of fix. I obviously needed something. I didn’t

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

want to go rope. I didn’t want to sit and watch. I didn’t want to have to tape the runs and carry ropes and keep warm in a building with not enough heat. I didn’t want to go, period! “Pull over to the house,” I said. “I’m going to stay here. You all go rope and have a good time. I think I’ll just take a hot shower and crawl in bed with a book.” You could have heard a pin drop. All three of them just stared into my face as if I’d announced I was moving to Australia and taking a job as a crocodile hunter. “You are kidding, right?” Boss asked. “Mom, you aren’t going? Why?” June Bug questioned. “Why don’t you want to go?” Buzzy chimed in. “Why don’t you want to go?” Suddenly, I felt as if I was the bad guy. I shrugged my shoulders and just sort of muttered that I just didn’t feel like roping. “How could you NOT feel like going to watch us rope?” Buzzy asked with a serious look on his face. “You always go watch us rope. Why not now?” Boss stared at me intently as if to say why are you doing this? “It will be fun and a change of pace. You, yourself, said it would be good to get out of the house,” he voiced aloud. Boss pulled up to the driveway and stopped. His phone rang and your could hear Donald questioning, “Where were we? Were we on the way? Tell Gracie that Carla and some of the other girls are coming and they can visit while we rope. Blah, Blah, Blah…” and Boss hung up. “What happened to the movie idea?” I asked. “What happened to something different?” Boss and the kids looked at me intently. “We can go to a movie another day,” June Bug said. “It will be fun to rope in the county building. Besides I want to ride my horse and help run the steers up the return alley.” She could hardly contain her excitement and everyone just kept looking at me like I had lost my mind. Buzzy reached out and put his hand on my shoulder. “I know, Mom, you will feel better after you watch us rope. That is why you are so sad is because we haven’t roped in several days. Roping always makes us feel better!” Boss had trained them well. And the point was? We were going to get out of the house and go rope. Just for fun we were going to do something different. I never cease to be amazed. If there is a change of plans it has to do with roping. It we do something different is has to do with roping. If we go someplace new and exciting it has to do with roping. If we leave home for a short vacation or trip it has to do with roping. If we eat is has to do with roping. If we sleep it has to do with roping. If we dress up it has to do with roping. Is there a life out there that does not have to do with roping? If there is we don’t live it. I shrugged. I was outvoted. I nodded and in their eyes it meant I was good to go. Why I even thought it mattered is beyond me. Besides, I’m absolutely sure I’ll feel better after we rope. After all, it is something different. We changed our plans and got out of the house to do something different. How could I even doubt that it wouldn’t be fun and a change of pace? What could I possibly be thinking? We pulled on to the highway headed to the county arena. The weather might be a bit dreary and cold but spring will be coming soon and then we can really focus on doing something different. After all, roping in the warm weather is lots better than roping in the cold. Besides, it is something different! How could I or anyone for that matter not want to do something different? Ahhhhhhhhh!

Keep Ropin’ ... Love Gracie

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 7/15 - Used Hot Heels for sale or trade for newer version. For info, call 417-214-2063 and ask for Billy.

WANTED 12/15 Looking for used roping dummy - Hot-Heels or comparable. Call Frank at 719-661-3077

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Advertisers & Events Index EVENTS: Bluegrass Championships.................... 27 Crossfire Team Roping........................ 30 Mississippi Blackjack Classic................. 42 N Carolina Classic............................... 25 NRS Team Roping Classic..................... 35 NTRL News & Events...................... 40,44 S Alabama Championships.................. 18 Sarasota Pays for Days....................... 32 Tennessee Championships................... 47 ADVERTISERS: Adam Toole Horses............................. 49 AlabamaRoping.com........................... 21 Albracht Insurance.............................. 48 Allen’s Rodeo Photos............................. 4 Bar H Photography............................... 4 BTuff Jeans.......................................... 6 C Bar C Photography............................. 4 Classic Rope........................................ 31 Corriente Saddle Co............................ 23 Dare to be Cowboy............................. 53 FastBack.............................................. 3 Flatland Ropes.................................... 21 FSR Cattle Company............................ 11 Gist.................................................... 11

Haslerig Saddlery............................... 12 Heel-O-Matic...................................... 10 Hot Heels........................................... 19 JD Photography.................................... 4 Jim Davis Photo.................................... 4 Lone Star Ropes............................ 37, 38 Lubrisyn............................................. 56 Maynard Buckles................................ 12 Mortenson Saddle Buckle.................... 19 NRS................................................... 35 Power Team Roping............................ 49 Priefert.............................................. 54 Rope Smart.......................................... 2 SpeedRoping.com............................... 22 STS Ranchwear................................... 13 Team Equine Saddle Pad..................... 11 Tom Bourne........................................ 13 Total Equine Feed............................... 55 TotalTeamRoping.com......................... 46 Tres Rios Silver................................... 19 Twisted Spur....................................... 21 Usher Brand Silver & Saddlery............ 11 Willard Rope Co.................................... 7 Call us today to feature your event or product! • 505-407-2151 • • rdavis@theropingpen.com •

The Magazine for America’s Roper • 53