The roping pen april 2015

$4.00

April 2015

Vol. 24 No. 4

Page 10:

YOUNG GUNS #12 AT THE PATRIOT: TOWNSEND / PROFILI

Page 14:

DRIGGERS & GRAVES AT THE AMERIAN

Plus: George Strait • JX2 Events The Longest Ride & more!

2 • The Roping Pen • April 2015

The Magazine for America’s Roper • 3

Table of Contents Articles & Features April is here! Which means longer days, warmer weather, more sunshine and more time to spend outside are here! I am looking forward to this summer and time to spend with my boys and my beautiful wife. I don’t know what the difference is, I spend just as much time with them throughout the winter, but it just seems like summer gives us more opportunities to have more fun and enjoy each other more. Sunday afternoons at the pool, baseball many games to enjoy, fishing and camping trips, and nights spent in the backyard just goofing around are cherished moments.

The summer is also a time of big events in the sport of team roping and rodeo. However, it seems like we have already been inundated with some already this year. Since last month, two events have played out and the success of these events will no doubt progress the sport forward. RFDTV’s The American captivated the sport for a week. With the semi-finals, followed by the main event, The American proved once again that there are a lot of stories in the rodeo world that are amazing, and that there is talent beyond the top 20 – 30 professional cowboys and cowgirls at the top of the PRCA list of names. Two big winners, tie-down roper, Reese Riemer and bareback rider Taylor price emerged from the American, each taking home amazing amounts of cash.

The Patriot, which ran in conjunction with The American was also a great testament to the sport. As a first year event there were some skeptics out there that were not real sure if an event of this structure would, or could be successful. I guess hindsight is 20/20, because many today are saying it was the best event they have been to. The Patriot promised big money and great times and that was delivered. Great payouts in the team roping, lots of barrel racers burning up the clover leaf pattern and the mounted shooting event was a success in its own rights. Congratulations to Kevin Hall for the hard work and determination that lead to The Patriot’s success.

Now for a little dirt! What lies ahead for The Patriot? After talking to Kevin, I know he wants to continue to ride The Patriot’s success into the future. However, there are a lot of obstacles he needs to maneuver around to get there. Although he has proved that the sport will handle another big-money, big-payout event, there are many who do not want to see anything go past that. The way I see it is a lot like Coke and Pepsi. Some like one type, others like the other and some like them both, depending on the day. I believe there are more and more team ropers who enjoy all different kinds of event. They are true team ropers, the Elite Team Roper who does not get involved in the drama or propaganda of one over the other, but rope for the pure enjoyment of it.

In addition, I also believe the bigger the money that can be won at events, the more people who will become involved in the sport!

One final note, The Roping Pen is now the official magazine of the Louisiana Team Roping Association. This is a great association serving ropers in and around Louisiana and we are excited to continue to help them progress their roping into the future.

UNTIL NEXT MONTH...

Dirt: keep it under your feet

~Ryan Davis

4 • The Roping Pen • April 2015

4 Dirt. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ryan Davis 10 The Patriot. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Event Recap

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

14 The American. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Event Recap

SRA

18 Straight Time Stirrups. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Press Release

Southern Rodeo Association AHSRA

18 Fire It Up Event. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Event Recap 20 Smart Roping: Empower Your Partner . . . . . . . . Allen Bach 22 Sweat & Balin’ Twine: Everything for a Reason.John Rhudy

Alabama High School Rodeo Association

23 The Iron Cowboy/ PBR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Event Recap

FYRA

25 North Carolina Classic (USTRC). . . . . . . . . . . . Upcoming Event

Foothills Youth Rodeo Association GHSRA & GJHRA

Georgia High School Rodeo Association & Georgia Junior High Division LTRA

24 Florida Championships. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Event Recap 26 Top Tips: From the Beginning to the End! .Total Team Roping 34 PHOTO OF THE MONTH: The American . . . . . . . April Photo 40 Lubrisyn Big Ticket Event (JX2). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Event Recap 43 Throwing My Loop: Helpers in Our Path. Michael Johnson 44 Down the Line: Cheerleaders or Challengers?. Stran Smith

Louisiana Team Ropers’ Association

45 Campfire Cologne . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Crystal Lyons

NTRL

52 Muddy River / NTRL. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Event Recap

National Team Roping League NCHSRA • NCJHRA

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

50 The Other Half: The Life of a Rope. . . . . . . . . . . Gracie Mae 60 Protecting Your Investment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jason Strickland 61 George Strait Roping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Event Recap 62 The Longest Ride / Ariat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Press Releases 64 Cartoons. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bull Daddy 64 Event & Advertiser Index

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

65 Classifieds

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On the Cover This Month: The Patriot: Photo by 3 Lazy J Photos / Amy Gallagher The American: Photo by Andy Watson 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

Associations 28 Louisiana Team Ropers’ Associtation - LTRA 30 S Carolina HS, Jr Div, & Youth Rodeo Assoc ~ SCHSRA 32 Foothills Youth Rodeo Association ~ FYRA 38 Georgia High School & Jr Rodeo Assoc ~ GHSRA 46+ National Team Roping League ~ NTRL 56 Alabama High School Rodeo Assoc ~ AHSRA 58 N Carolina High School Rodeo Assoc ~ NCHSRA

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

Advertising Sales Manager Clay Mac 575-517-0076 claymac@theropingpen.com

The Roping Pen • Periodical Permit ISSN 1559-0224 USPS-023083 is published monthly. Published by Ryan Davis

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The Magazine for America’s Roper • 5

MATT McGEE: A VOICE TO REMEMBER! T

he SRA rodeo season is heating up along with the weather and that means rodeos galore. The schedule is loaded with rodeos all across the Southeast and contestants are gearing up to see who will be the best of the best this rodeo season. With the season well underway, the good times from old friends of the SRA are welcoming in familiar rodeo sights and sounds. Included in this is the voice of many of today’s largest rodeos across the country. That familiar voice and the richness of cowboy spirit comes from Matt McGee, professional rodeo announcer.

lot of time up north from Maryland to North Dakota, but enjoy heading to the Southeast. We do quite a few SRA rodeos, including the Benson, North Carolina ‘Mule Days’ and the Royson, Georgia Rodeo, helping out Mark Hart and his family.”

Matt included that he is always amazed at the influx of spectators at some of these events.

“It is great to see thousands of people in town at the ‘Mule Days’ rodeo in Benson,” Matt said. “And the talent pool runs deep in the East. There is always the who’s who of rodeo at the SRA Finals each year. Most of these guys seem to be content staying in the east but when one does want to compete at the PRCA level they always seem to do pretty well.”

Outside the arena Matt can be found promoting and enjoying the many friends he has met along his rodeo trail. You can often catch up with Matt talking to spectators at rodeos or visiting with the rodeo clowns, stock contractors and arena personnel. Matt knows he is one of the main features of a rodeo and works hard to make every event a great experience for everyone, spectators and contestants alike.

You won’t find any business cards with Matt’s name on them, nor will you see any kind of Matt’s advertising or marketing material floating around the rodeo circle. Why? Well he has never had to promote his job as announcer and with over 120 performances each year, Matt stays plenty busy entertaining and informing rodeo crowds.

Matt and Mary are enjoying their new found rodeo career and you can bet you can catch them at some of this year’s SRA rodeos.

Keeping the sport moving ahead, it is people like Matt and Mary who continue to support and find new ways to entertain the millions of people who visit rodeos each year. In Matt’s own words he wraps it up pretty well.

Matt had a humble entrance into the rodeo announcing business, or maybe we should say he more or less fell into it.

“When I was rodeoing I always acted like the announcer, goofing around with friends,” said Matt. “Then I got a call one day from the Big Hat Rodeo Company and they needed an announcer for a rodeo in Wisconsin. I went up there and filled in and have been doing it ever since.”

“It is two and a half hours of entertainment,” he said again. “It is show business with a western twist!”

Before his rodeo announcing career Matt was at home backing into the box and running at his paycheck in the Tie-Down Roping.

Throughout his professional rodeo career and a span of about 15 year’s rodeoing he earned multiple trips to many of today’s largest rodeos. He was a 5-time IFR Contestant, 2-Time Dodge National Circuit Final contestant and a 5-Time PRCA Circuit Final Qualifier. Matt made a living rodeoing for many years and said he feels blessed to continue to work in the rodeo arena.

Matt has been announcing rodeos over the past 5 years and has already been honored with several great awards. He is a 2-time SRA Announcer of the year and 2-Time IPRA Announcer of the year. Matt travels the country doing what he does best. Keeping the crowd entertained and helping sell the greatest show on dirt – Rodeo. Comfortable in the saddle, Matt does all of his announcing in the saddle and said it is his goal at every event is to make every spectator a rodeo fan before they leave if they aren’t already.

“It is two and a half hours of entertainment,” Matt added. “I like to be horseback so the crowd knows where the voice is coming from. It also allows me to be part of the crowd and I am able to interact more with them. I can relate to them better.”

Traveling with his wife Mary, she too is part of the action of the announcing business. Mary runs the music and does the behind the scene computer work. Although Matt gets the spotlight, Mary is the all important figure who helps keep the momentum of the event moving along at a steady pace.

We are blessed at this opportunity,” said Matt. “We spend a

6 • The Roping Pen • April 2015

Photos courtesy of SRA

The Magazine for America’s Roper • 7

AS OF 3.12.15

SRA UPCOMING RODEOS • SRA UPCOMING RODEOS • SRA UPCOMING RODEOS APRIL 9-10-11 • ATHENS, GA • IPRA/SRA

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

APRIL 10-11 • GREENWOOD, SC • SRA

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

APRIL 17-18 • CHATSWORTH, GA • SRA/NCA

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

Stock Contractor: Outlaw Rodeo Co

APRIL 17-18 • WARD, SC • SRA

(Specialty Event) • Friday 7:00pm, Saturday 7:00pm BR $1000 ADM, $80 EF, $10 SCF (each perf, you may enter both) CBR $500 ADM, $50 EF, $10 SCF (enter once) Call to enter: 800-639-9002 Mon, Apr 13, 8am-5pm CST Location: 209 Ward Ave • More Info: 864-377-1479 Stock Contractor: Double Creek Pro Rodeo Co

APRIL 24-25 • CALHOUN, GA • NCA/SRA

Friday 8:00pm, Saturday 8:00pm BB SB BR CR TR CBR CBA $200 ADM $50 EF $10 Stock Charge ($5 Timer Fee-CBR), $4 Finals Fee, $1 Judge Fee Call to enter: 865-300-4717 Mon, Apr 20, 6pm-9pm EST Payne Farms Rodeo • Stock Contractor: Outlaw Rodeo Co

MAY 1-2 • HINESVILLE, GA • IPRA/SRA

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

MAY 1-2 • WALTERBORO, SC • IPRA/SRA

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

MAY 8-9 • GATES, NC • SRA

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

MAY 8-9 • HOBOKEN, GA • IPRA/SRA

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

8 • The Roping Pen • April 2015

MAY 15-16 • WARE SHOALS, SC • IPRA/SRA

JULY 18 • NEWPORT, NC • SRA

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

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

MAY 15-16 • MARYVILLE, TN • NCA/SRA

JULY 24-25 • SWEETWATER, TN • SRA/NCA

Friday 8:00pm, Saturday 8:00pm BB SB BR CR TR CBR CBA $200 ADM $50 EF $10 Stock Charge ($5 Timer Fee-CBR), $4 Finals Fee, $1 Judge Fee Call to enter: 865-300-4717 Mon, May 11, 6pm-9pm EST Eagleton Middle School Benefit • Stock Contractor: Outlaw Rodeo Co

MAY 22-23 • CLEVELAND, TN • SRA/NCA

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

MAY 22-23 • CLAXTON, GA • IPRA/SRA

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

MAY 29-30 • WILSON, NC • SRA

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

JUNE 12-13 • CLEVELAND NC • SRA/IPRA Friday 8:00pm, Saturday 8:00pm BB SB BR CR SW TR CBR CBA $500 ADM, $50 EF, $10 SCF Call to enter: 800-639-9002 Mon, Jun 8, 8am-5pm CST Location: 875 Redmon Rd • More Info: 704-798-0432 Stock Contractor: 5L Rodeo Co

JUNE 19-20 • POLKVILLE, NC • IPRA/SRA

Friday 8:00pm, Saturday 8:00pm BB SB BR CR SW TR CBR $750 ADM, $50 EF, $5 SCF CBA $500 ADM, $50 EF, $5 SCF Call to enter: 800-639-9002 Mon, Jun 15, 8am-5pm CST Cowboy Church 6pm, free meal ticket to contestants Polkville Baptist Church Rodeo • Stock Contractor: Rafter 3 Rodeo Co

JUNE 26-27 • SPARTANBURG, SC • SRA

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

JULY 17 • NEWPORT, NC • SRA

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

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

AUGUST 14-15 • CLEVELAND, TN • SRA/NCA

Friday 8:00pm, Saturday 8:00pm BB SB BR CR SW TR CBR CBA $200 ADM, $40 EF, $5 SCF Call to enter: 800-639-9002 Mon, Aug 10, 8am-5pm CST Location: 221 Old Kinser Rd •Jerkdown rule applies Cotton Eyed Joe Buckle Series - Buckle given to SRA or NCA member w/ highest points in each event that competes in at least 4 rodeos in series.Taylors Ruritan Club Rodeo • Stock Contractor: Outlaw Rodeo Co

SEPTEMBER 11-12 • ROYSTON, GA • SRA

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

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

SEPTEMBER 25-26 • BENSON, NC • SRA

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

NOVEMBER 6-7-8 • ASHEVILLE, NC (FLETCHER) SOUTHERN FINALS RODEO NOTES TO KNOW…

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

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

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

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

• SRA FIRST-SANCTIONED RODEOS:

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

STD TIME ABBREVIATIONS USED: 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

2015 POINT STANDINGS RANK, NAME......POINTS All Around Cowboy 1 CODY MOUSSEAU....... 4585.75 2 JUSTIN THIGPEN......... 3929.04 3 JOHN LEINAWEAVER..... 1567.26 4 SHANE PROCTOR.........1385.46 5 AUSTIN STEWART.........1173.00 ALL AROUND COWGIRL 1 TAYLOR DIGH...............1630.74 2 HEATHER SHERRILL..... 1049.54 3 ADDIE FAIRCHILD.......... 994.95 4 TAYLOR EARNHARDT......931.50 5 KARLA DAGENHART...... 475.20 BAREBACK 1 JOSH CRAGAR..............1200.60 2 WADE DOTSON............. 252.00 3 BRANDON RIPPY............ 117.76 SADDLE BRONC 1 EDDIE PARLIER........... 1445.40 2 SHANE PROCTOR........ 1089.00 3 AUSTIN STEWART.......... 598.00 4 TRAVIS DEAL.................257.60 5 PRESTON FOWLKES III... 220.80 BULL RIDING 1 JEREMIAH KEY.............1663.20 2 CODY MARTIN..............1518.00 3 JOHN LEINAWEAVER...... 955.26 4 COLT DEBERRY............. 708.21 5 SHANE PROCTOR.......... 296.46 6 CHAD VANAMBURG....... 108.00 7 LUKE POWELL..................81.00 CALF ROPING 1 JUSTIN THIGPEN..........1848.06 2 CODY MOUSSEAU........1235.07 3 WILL CHARPING.......... 1065.06 4 BRANDON PUTNAM........746.80

5 THOMAS LINTON........... 644.67 6 BRADLEY BULLARD....... 630.00 7 MATT FUTRELL.............. 533.52 8 JACOB DAGENHART.......513.00 9 JACOB THOMASSON..... 509.40 10 EARL BRADLEY............ 499.86 11 AUSTIN STEWART........ 400.20 12 CLINT MADISON.......... 324.30 STEER WRESTLING 1 CODY MOUSSEAU........1751.58 2 BRIAN BAREFOOT......... 1317.60 3 JUSTIN THIGPEN.........1148.13 4 CHET KIDD................. 1049.00 5 JOHN LEINAWEAVER.......612.00 6 JASON BAGWELL........... 568.20 7 CORD SPRADLEY........... 450.00 8 JOE COOK..................... 346.00 9 JUSTIN HANKINS......... 283.50 10 TYE WALTERS............. 225.00 11 JACOB DAGENHART......189.00 12 BRAD STEWART............188.73 TEAM ROPING - HD 1 JASON TUCKER........... 3494.32 2 JD YOUNG...................1896.96 3 CODY MOUSSEAU........1599.10 4 LANGDON PLEASANT... 1098.77 5 ZAK HICKS.................... 969.84 6 JUSTIN THIGPEN.......... 932.85 7 JW BAUCOM.................. 911.49 8 ALEX BROOKS............... 559.36 9 GREG MCCRARY............ 486.00 10 BRAD STEWART........... 405.00 11 DANNY PYLES............. 283.50 12 BRENT CARLTON......... 258.06 TEAM ROPING - HL 1 CALEB ANDERSON........2133.75 2 CORY HONEYCUTT........1895.86

3 CLAY FUTRELL..............1863.53 4 TY LEWIS...................... 969.84 5 DANIEL MCLAMB............887.40 6 BRETT SEARS................ 666.77 7 ADAM PLYLER............... 559.36 8 ZACK WALTERS............. 486.00 9 WILLIAM HENKEL.......... 432.00 10 CORD SPRADLEY......... 384.75 11 CHRIS GRISMER.......... 384.30 12 WALTER GRAHAM.........367.54 BARREL RACING 1 REBECCA OWENS.........1930.02 2 CARRIE PUTNAM..........1552.86 3 NANCY GARRISON........1458.00 4 MEGAN LYERLY...........1358.08 5 TAYLOR DIGH...............1168.79 6 VANDY WALDEN...........1168.56 7 JILL RIEBE...................1057.05 8 HEATHER SHERRILL........687.54 9 WENDY REED................ 566.01 10 CHANDRA BRENOEL.....510.30 11 TAYLOR EARNHARDT.... 438.21 12 ADDIE FAIRCHILD........ 400.95 BREAKAWAY ROPING 1 BAILEY LIVENGOOD......1738.45 2 AMANDA STEWART.......1441.59 3 HEATHER SHERRILL.......814.64 4 LUCINDA FLETCHER....... 779.20 5 ROBIN PRUITT...............740.25 6 HANNAH KIRK.............. 608.17 7 KELSEY DAVIS............... 608.17 8 ADDIE FAIRCHILD.......... 594.00 9 TAYLOR EARNHARDT..... 493.29 10 LAUREN WILLCOX........ 483.84 11 TAYLOR DIGH...............461.95 12 JAMIE ELLSWORTH...... 436.05

CONGRATS, POINT LEADERS!

RODEO RESULTS: WILLIAMSTON, NC FEB 20-21, 2015 • SRA RAFTER 3 RODEO CO.

SDL BRONC........ SCORE & POINTS Austin Stewart.............78.................598.00 BULL RIDING..... SCORE & POINTS Cody Martin................82............... 1518.00 CALF ROPING..... TIME & POINTS Tyler Coats..................11.8...............533.60 Austin Stewart.............13.4..............400.20 Brandon Putnam.........13.9..............266.80 Hunt Garren................14.5..............133.40 STEER WR.......... TIME & POINTS Chet Kidd....................6.2................437.00 Jason Bagwell.............8.7................262.20 Austin Stewart.............14.8.............. 174.80 HEADER TR........ TIME & POINTS Alex Brooks.................4.8................559.36 JD Young....................5.6................ 419.52 JD Young....................5.8................314.64 Daniel McLamb...........6.1................209.76 JW Baucom.................6.3................122.36 JW Baucom.................6.3................122.36

HEELER TR......... TIME & POINTS Adam Plyler................4.8................559.36 Clay Futrell.................5.6................ 419.52 Cory Honeycutt............5.8................314.64 Heath Leroy................6.1................209.76 Clay Futrell.................6.3................122.36 Cory Honeycutt............6.3................122.36 BRL RACING...... TIME & POINTS Megan Lyerly..............15.155...........603.52 Heather Sherrill..........15.198...........452.64 Brittany Perdue...........15.410...........339.48 Rebecca Owens............15.546..........226.32 Brittany Bell................15.580..........169.74 Megan Bridgers...........15.614.............94.30 BREAKAWAY..... TIME & POINTS Bailey Livengood.........2.3................460.00 Amanda Stewart..........2.8................345.00 Heather Sherrill..........3.0................230.00 Taylor Digh.................3.1................ 115.00 (BAREBACK, CANCELLED)

RODEO RESULTS: PENDLETON, SC

MARCH 6-7, 2015 • IPRA/SRA KEN TREADWAY CO BAREBACK........ SCORE.& POINTS Tim Murphy................78.................378.00 Wade Dotson...............76.................252.00 SDL BRONC........ SCORE & POINTS AJ Blaze......................64.................585.00 BULL RIDING..... SCORE & POINTS Corey Atwell................85.................626.40 Justin Bates.................81.................464.40 Brandon Davis............81.................464.40 Ethan Ray...................80.................302.40 Jamie Wilcox...............77.................194.40 Chad Vanambugh........74.................108.00 CALF ROPING..... TIME.& POINTS Zack Kilgus.................9.4................684.00 Jacob Dagenhart.........9.6................513.00 Brandon Putnam.........10.2..............342.00 Bradley Bullard...........11.2............... 171.00 STEER WR.......... .TIME & POINTS Brian Barefoot............4.6................472.50 Justin Hankins............4.7................283.50 Jacob Dagenhart.........5.4................189.00 HEADER TR........ TIME.& POINTS Jason Tucker...............5.1................ 887.40 JD Young....................5.4................734.40

Jeb Brown...................5.8................581.40 JD Young....................6.0................428.40 Nathan.......................6.2................275.40 Jarred Linton..............6.7................153.00 HEELER TR......... TIME.& POINTS Daniel Mclamb............5.1................ 887.40 Clay Futrell.................5.4................734.40 Ross Blakeney.............5.8................581.40 Cory Honeycutt............6.0................428.40 Ross Blakeney.............6.2................275.40 Jared Blanton.............6.7................153.00 BRL RACING...... TIME & POINTS Jill Riebe.....................15.365........ 1057.05 Nancy Garrison...........15.437..........874.80 Ali Harrison.................15.454..........692.55 Chandra Brenoel.........15.555..........510.30 Carrie Putnam.............15.611...........328.05 Addie Fairchild............15.679...........182.25 BREAKAWAY..... TIME.& POINTS Hannah Kirk...............2.5................608.17 Kelsey Davis................2.5................608.17 Jamie Ellsworth...........2.6................436.05 Mikayla Almond..........2.8................321.30 Amanda Stewart..........3.0................206.55 Bailey Livengood.........3.1................ 114.75

The Magazine for America’s Roper • 9

The Patriot

by Ryan Davis

THE BEGINNING OF A LEGACY IN THE SPORT OF TEAM ROPING!

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eam Roping as an industry may not ever be the same again! The end of February turned the page in team roping history books in Fort Worth, Texas. The Patriot took the spotlight and throughout five days changed the course of what many thought the sport of team roping was all about. The Patriot met the challenge of hosting an event of grand stature and many who attended the event have stated that it was the best team roping event they have ever attended. Hosted alongside RFD-TV’s The American rodeo in the heart of Texas, The CELEBRITY Patriot emerged into existence and unlocked the MOUNTED SHOOTERS gate that held back tremendous potential for the INCLUDED: sport of team roping!

GR Carter As RFD TV’s The American began to unveil its second year success story, The Patriot was beginning its own journey and despite unusual storms that brought snow and ice in the Fort Worth, Dallas area, the event played out in grand style, surpassing its own expectations.

Producers, Kevin and Annie Hall’s hard work, passion for the sport, and the courage to host The Patriot was awarded with a story that they can continue to write long into their future!

“It was better than anything I have ever hosted,” said Hall who is not only a USTRC team roping producer, but is also involved in hosting and promoting Motocross races and Monster Truck rallies across the country. “It was the best event that I have ever been involved with….In my entire life!”

Fred Whitfield

Buddy Hawkins Phillip Murrah Mike White Troy Crumrine Ben Clements Benefitting The Wounded Warriors Project!

CONGRATULATIONS to Ben Clements for the Championship!

“Take up one idea. Make that one idea your life--think of it, dream of it, live on that idea. Let the brain, muscles, nerves, every part of your body, be full of that idea, and just leave every other idea

The team roping event was only part of the tremendous success of The Patriot. Alongside the team ropers who battled it out in the Will Rogers Memorial Center, the event also hosted a successful big money barrel race, and a mounted shooting competition. With the combination of events, 40 different states were represented throughout the course of The Patriot.

Additionally, the five days were filled with added attractions such as the Cowboy Auction, where the American Participants and the Celebrity Mounted Shooting contestants were auctioned off. The proceeds from the Calcutta, that reached a total purse of $52,000, was awarded to the Wounded Warrior Project.

The Patriot officials said that they will cut a check to the Wounded Warriors Project in the amount of over $6,000. Not to be overlooked, The Patriot also opened the door for the future of the sport to be recognized. Two different ropings were set up for those under 21 to compete. The Open and #12 Young Guns events were hosted to offer the next superstars in the sport to compete at The Patriot and they came out in full force. Both Young Gun events were exceptional ropings that The Patriot hopes to continue to build upon for years to come.

As mentioned, the event was a team roping and every team roping has its set of champions.

The Patriots inaugural winners included some of today’s top ropers who indulge in the sport and continue to support events all across the country.

Winning the Open roping that included a total payout of over $40,000 and witnessed some of The Patriot definitely caught the attention of the best in the business compete, was the team of the industry. The events unique formats, limited alone. This is the way to success.”

Shane Phillips and Tommy Zuniga. They earned entry divisions, along with larger fees that - Swami Vivekananda $14,500 in cash for their work inside the Will equal to huge payouts grasped the contestant’s Roger’s Memorial Center in Fort Worth. In the attention and many were eager to be a part of Open Young Guns division, the team of Clay Brownlee and Austin Carter the first event of this caliber. Along with these exclusive attractions that won the Average to earn a payout of $9,500. made The Patriot stand out, the event was still a team roping, built upon the hard work of an industry that allows every individual a chance to compete. The USTRC’s TRIAD classification system was well represented as ropers in every division throughout the event were competitive and allowed a fair chance to become a champion. Along with the ropers who filled the arena in hopes of reaching their dreams in becoming a champion, the event production staff was top notch. Everyone did a fantastic job to make The Patriot such a great success. From the fire and smoke at the beginning of each event to the presentation of awards, much credit goes to those behind the scenes as well as the sponsors of The Patriot. Many in the industry have recognized The Patriot as an event that changed the pace of team roping.

“We’ve sponsored everything from World Shows, to the Largest Team Ropings and Barrel Racings in the Country, and have never been represented in such a way, as The Patriot did for us. We are proud to be a long-term partner of The Patriot. It’s the best sponsor money we have ever spent” said Dixon Flowers Rope Horses.

10 • The Roping Pen • April 2015

Total cash payout for The Patriot was well over $884,000! Claiming the big money in the Patriot #12 roping was the team of Chris Perry and Corey Sparks. They earned $70,000 and a pair of custom, Gist Gold and Silver Patriot buckles. The #10 Average champions, Kevin Parker and Dustin Payton also took home $70,000 and the Gist Gold and Silver custom buckles. The #10 division was a bit lighter on teams, but in the end, the team of Clint Albers and Kelly Tuley claimed the Average championship and placed $61,000 in their pockets, as well as a pair of trophy Gist, Patriot buckles. The team that took the custom buckles and a pile of cash home with them from the #12 Young Guns were Slade Townsend and McCray Profili. They won the Average and collected $12,100 in cash!

Congratulations to all of The Patriot inaugural winners and to the fantastic job of the staff and everyone involved in this great event. No doubt the face of team roping has changed as those who tasted the unique flavor of The Patriot will be back again next year for another shot at winning big and enjoying the experience of Fort Worth in February!

11

PATRIOT #12: TOTAL PAYOUT $216,030 • AVERAGE: 1. Chris Perry / Corey Sparks, 31.93, $70,000; 2. Bruce Barnett / Jim Huff, 32.68, $38,800; 3. Wiley Dabbs / Cade Schneeman, 34.01, $30,400; 4.

Kinney Riley / Tommy Guy, 34.07, $22,000; 5. Buddy Reed / Slick Robinson, 34.1, $10,050; 6. Jayme Marcrum / Jason Hughes, 34.67, $3,400; 7. Jb Raymond / Joel Bach, 34.93, $2,800; 8. Shane Williams / Cooper Robertson, 35.73, $2,200; 9. Shawn Scott / Dale Martin, 35.82, $2,000; 10. Casey Cordell / Danny Zuniga, 35.85, $2,000 • FAST TIME, 1ST ROTATION: 1. JP Powell / Rowdy Rieken, 5.9, $2,000; 2. Scott Wilson / Annette Stahl, 5.99, $1,000; 3. Lori Thone / Tommy Guy, 6.11, $600; 2ND ROTATION: 1. Randy Littrell / Jessi Tate, 5.91, $2,000; 2. Aaron Harvey / Bubba Reynolds, 6.15, $1,000; 3. Rusty Stuart / Ben Hogan, 6.23, $600 • SHORT GO: 1. Shane Williams / Cooper Robertson, 6.56, $2,000; 2. Casey Cordell / Danny Zuniga, 7.49, $1,000; 3. Chris Perry / Corey Sparks, 7.73, $600 • 2 HEAD CONSOLATION: 1.

Jason Richey / Joel Galvin, 22.61, $7,780; 2. David Hull / Dave Daube, 23.26, $5,200; 3. Scott Wilson / Annette Stahl, 26.95, $4,100; 4. Jp Powell / Rowdy Rieken, 27.26, $3,000; 5. Andy Maxwell / Jerome Hutchison - $1,500 PATRIOT #11: TOTAL PAYOUT $219,200 • AVERAGE: 1. Kevin Parker / Dustin Payton, 33.1, $70,000; 2. Matt Church / Jody Stamper, 36.55, $39,800; 3. Coby Littlesoldier / Dick Churchill, 37.42, $31,000; 4. Fred Elms / Steve Beck, 37.45, $22,500; 5. Bubba Jackson / Jim Bynum, 37.85, $10,400; 6. Mary Ann Brown / Kenny Brown, 38.58, $3,600; 7. Cyle Sharp / John Etcheverry, 39.46, $2,700; 8. Taylor Hill / Kurt Hall, 40.39, $2,300; 9. Casey Sperry / Bubba Reynolds, 41.81, $2,000; 10. Joey Hermes / Dustin Gonzales, 42.23, $2,000 • FAST TIME, 1ST ROTATION: 1.

Michael Nash / Daniel Barton, 6.62, $2,000; 2. Aaron Harvey / Lucas Allen, 6.65, $1,000; 3.

Steve Henson / Codee Reynolds, 6.91, $600; 2ND ROTATION: 1. Ryan Gronlie / Cody Hilzendeger, 5.75, $2,000; 2. Jason Richey / Dee Holderman, 6.47, $1,000; 3. David Hull / Dave Daube, 6.52, $600 • SHORT GO: 1. Coby Littlesoldier / Dick Churchill, 6.71, $2,000; 2. Steve Blain / Mike Row, 7.09, $1,000; 3. Jack Foster / John Gardner, 7.15, $600 • 2 HEAD CONSOLATION: 1. Jeff Hartfield / John Alley, 22.49, $8,000; 2. Shawn Felton / Aaron Chamley, 26.32, $5,300; 3. Bret Olson / Coledon Harmon, 27.83, $4,200; 4. Aaron Harvey / Lucas Allen, 28.94, $3,100; 5. Robert Ward / Tracy Estep, 33.14, $1,500

OPEN: SHANE PHILLIP / TOMMY ZUNIGA - $14,500

#12: CHRIS PERRY / COREY SPARKS - $70,000

#11: KEVIN PARKER / DUSTIN PAYTON - $70,000

PATRIOT #10: TOTAL PAYOUT $187,200 • Average: 1. Clint Albers / Kelly Tuley, 32.63, $61,000; 2. Sam Scott / Rick George, 37.71, $35,000; 3. Jacob Carr / Josh Hudspeth, 38.84, $27,400; 4. Barry #10: CLINT ALBERS / KELLY Fagg / Jeff Schieber, 41.85, $19,900; 5. Chad Havens / Kenny Kyle, 41.91, $9,120; 6. Mike TULEY - $61,000 Simpson / Jackie Crawford, 42.11, $3,000; 7. Jarret Baker / Chase Peterson, 43.32, $2,000; 8. Bubba Jackson / Coledon Harmon, 46.4, $2,000 • Fast Time, 1St Rotation: 1. Spencer Powell / Cass Ringelstein, 6.73, $2,000; 2. Clint Albers / Kelly Tuley, 6.9, $1,020; 2ND ROTATION: 1.

Michael Nash / Dusty Lout, 6.61, $2,000; 2. Mike Cullum / Kevin Hall, 6.63, $1,020 • SHORT GO: 1. Sam Scott / Rick George, 6.88, $2,000; 2. Jacob Carr / Brent Mays, 6.97, $1,020 • 2 HEAD CONSOLATION: 1. Winn Cox / Cass Ringelstein, 26.35, $7,500; 2. John Thompson / Jace Thompson, 28.63, $5,600; 3. Winn Cox / David Bloemer, 28.93, $3,740; 4. James Boyer / Rick Niavez, 33.94, $1,880 PATRIOT #9: TOTAL PAYOUT #9: STEVI ROUBION / KELLY TULEY - $54,860 $169,600 • AVERAGE: 1. Stevi Roubion / Kelly Tuley, 36.2 / 4, $54,860; 2.

Curtis Buckler / Aaron Brisbane, 43.5 / 4, $31,600; 3. Michael Bailey / Billy Blue, 51.51 / 4, $24,700; 4. Richard Sharock / Joe Webb, 51.8 / 4, $17,800; 5. Chris Perry / Er Scogin, 26.06 / 3, $8,220; 6. John Defazio / Zac Crawford, 30.35 / 3, $3,000; 7. Stevi Roubion / Max Vincent, 30.6 / 3, $2,000; 8. Mike Simpson / Kathy Simpson, 33.64 / 3, $2,000 • FAST TIME: 1ST ROTATION, 1. Seth Tolleson / Gregg Harvey, 7.5, $1,700; 2. Gary Loveletty / Clayton Wooldridge, 7.56, $1,120; 2ND ROTATION: 1. Matt Barker / Duke Barket, 5.68, $1,700; 2. Jason Spillers / Chris Mccarthy, 6.2, $1,120 • SHORT GO: 1. Stevi Roubion / Kelly Tuley, 8.69, $1,700; 2.

Curtis Buckler / Aaron Brisbane, 10.24, $1,120, 2 HEAD CONSOLATION: 1. Nathan Golay / Jeff Schieber, 25.01, $6,780; 2. Craig Calkins / Dave Robertson, 25.45, $5,080; 3. Stephen Thames YG OPEN: CLAY BROWNLEE / AUSTIN CARTER - $9,500 / Jamie Spillers, 26.76, $3,400; 4. Jason Farmer / Paul Lovejoy, $1,700 YOUNG GUN OPEN: TOTAL PAYOUT $20,000 • AVERAGE: 1. Clay Brownlee / Austin Carter, 33.88, $9,500; 2. Garett Chick / Coleby Payne, 34.83, $5,700; 3. Stratton Lopez / Colton Brittain, 35.35, $3,800 • SHORT GO: 1. Zachary Small / Jake Cooper Clay, 5.86, $1,000 YOUNG GUN #12: TOTAL PAYOUT $32,400 • AVERAGE: 1. Slade Townsend / Mccray Profili, 32.22, $12,100; 2.

Matt Friedel / Kaine Warnken, 32.64, $9,100; 3. Britt Smith / Jase Holder, 34.06, $6,050; 4.

Peyton Walters / Colton Brittain, 35.8, $3,030; 5. Wyatt Bray / Paden Bray, 36.02, $500 • YG #12: SLADE TOWNSEND / SHORT GO: 1. Britt Smith / Dylan Payne, 6.19, $1,000; 2. Britt Smith / Jase Holder, 6.25, $620 MCCRAY PROFILI - $12,100

12 • The Roping Pen • April 2015

Photos by 3 Lazy J Photos / Amy Gallagher

TOTAL CASH PAYOUT: 884,820.00

THE PATRIOT: RESULTS

OPEN: TOTAL PAYOUT $40,390 • AVERAGE: 1. Shane Phillip / Tommy Zuniga, $14,500; 2. Caleb Smidt / Mickey Gomez, $11,000; 3. Rowdy Rieken / T.luttrell, $7,250; 4. Joel Bach / Tommy Zuniga, $3,640 • FAST TIME 1.

Manny Cunde / Jonathon Torres, $2,000; 2. Dustin Davis / Will Woodfin, $2,000

The Magazine for America’s Roper • 13

Photos this page by Andy Watson, courtesy of RFD TV

The American

A

young relatively unknown pair of cowboys – a bareback bronc rider and tie-down roper – bested the world’s top-ranked athletes on March 1 to split more than $1 million at RFD-TV’s The American, presented by Polaris Ranger.

“Words can’t express what this can do for my life,” said 24-year-old Reese Riemer of Stinnett, Texas, who tied his calf in 7.25 seconds to edge three-time world champion Tuf Cooper. “When I threw my hands up and looked at the clock – I’ll remember that moment the rest of my life.”

In just its sophomore year, RFD-TV’s The American attracted a crowd of 42,563 into AT&T Stadium despite a winter snowstorm, and again offered the most money the sport has ever paid out in one day. In addition to $125,000 cash up in each event, the payoff included a $1 million bonus pool awarded to any “underdog” who could out-ride or rope the top 10 rodeo athletes in the world, or awarded equally to all event champions if unclaimed.

Earlier in the evening, Taylor Price of Huntsville, Texas, had scored 89 points on Frontier Rodeo’s bronc Show Stomper to defeat a bareback riding field that included defending world champion Austin Foss.

“I’m still just blown away,” Price said. “This is the coolest rodeo I’ve ever been to! I was too broke so my parents had to pay my entry fees to the Semi-Finals. This takes away a lot of the financial troubles I’ve had.”

Price and Riemer had each paid a $500 entry fee to qualify via the American Semi-Finals. Veteran steer wrestler KC Jones, 44, of Decatur, Texas, also qualified through the SemiFinals, where he told reporters he would “bulldog a grizzly in a parking lot” for the chance to earn a million dollars.

A week later, Jones recorded a time of 4.19 seconds in the finals of RFD-TV’s The American, which tied with Nick Guy of Wisconsin for first place. Ground rules dictate that no ties are eligible for the bonus pool. Still, Jones’ paycheck of $100,000 in one day nearly equaled his total earnings through all of last year – $101,058.

“I would be excited about this even if all I got was this

14 • The Roping Pen • April 2015

buckle,” Jones said during a postevent press conference, holding up the custom diamondencrusted platinum-embellished Bohlin trophy buckle. “Plus, I earned more than $8,000 at the two qualifiers I went to and another $5,000 at the Semi-Finals. That Semi-Finals is a great rodeo – it pays $25,000 to win. And then you get to come here and hang out with all the big rodeo stars!”

Kaleb Driggers of Albany, Ga., was one of four champions who became repeat winners from 2014, including all-around champion Trevor Brazile, saddle bronc rider Wade Sundell and barrel racer Lisa Lockhart. Driggers, who also this week pocketed $42,500 as the high seller at an innovative new sponsor patch auction, won the rodeo last year with Patrick Smith and did it again this time with Travis Graves.

Price and Riemer each earned $600,000 while every event champion also took home nearly $50,000 in prizes that included new Polaris Rangers. The rodeo also paid out $500,000 through its semi-finals and a week earlier and raised nearly another half-million dollars via RFD-TV’s The American Sponsor Patch Auction.

“This event speaks for itself,” said Brazile. “Every year they add something better and I can’t wait to see what’s around the corner next. For Reese to have won $600,000 in one day, that just provides endless opportunities.”

The Magazine for America’s Roper • 15

RESULTS: BAREBACK RIDING: Prelim Round: 1.

Taylor Price, Huntsville, Texas, 89 points; 2. Jake Vold, Ponoka, Alberta, 87.5; 3. Brian Bain, Powell Butte, Ore., 86.25; 4. Austin Foss, Terrebonne, Ore., 87.75 • Final Round: 1. Taylor Price, Huntsville, Texas, 89 points on Frontier’s Show Stomper, $100,000 plus $500,000 bonus; 2. Jake Vold, Ponoka, Alberta, 87.5, $25,000.

TEAM ROPING: Prelim Round: 1. Coleman Proctor, Pryor, Okla., and Jake Long, Coffeyville, Kan., 4.06 seconds.

2. Jake Barnes, Scottsdale, Ariz., and Junior Nogueira, Scottsdale, Ariz., 4.19. 3. Kaleb Driggers, Albany, Ga., and Travis Graves, Jay, Okla., 4.36. 4. Trevor Brazile, Decatur, Texas and Patrick Smith, Lipan, Tex., 4.38 • Final Round: 1. Kaleb Driggers, Albany, Ga., and Travis Graves, Jay, Okla., 4.52 seconds, $100,000; 2. Jake Barnes, Scottsdale, Ariz., and Junior Nogueira, Scottsdale, Ariz., 5.11, $25,000.

STEER WRESTLING: Prelim Round: 1.

Ty Erickson, Helena, Mont., 4.08 seconds; 2. K.C. Jones, Decatur, Texas, 4.1; 3. Nick Guy, Sparta, Wis., 4.24. 4. Kyle Irwin, Robertsdale, Ala., 4.47 • Final Round: 1. K.C. Jones, Decatur, Texas, 4.19 seconds, $100,000; 2. Nick Guy, Sparta, Wis., 4.19, $25,000 (tie-breaker determined by aggregate on 2).

SADDLE BRONC: Prelim Round: 1. Wade Sundell, Coleman, Ok., 87.8 points; 2. Cody DeMoss, Heflin, La., 87.8; 3. Spencer Wright, Milford, Ut, 87.3; 4. Tyler Corrington, Hastings, Mn., 86.3 • Final Round: 1. Wade Sundell, Coleman, Ok., 90.75 points on Frontier’s Medicine Woman, $100,000; 2. Cody DeMoss, Heflin, La., 87.25, $25,000.

Photos this page by Angie Maddox • The Roping Pen Staff Photographer

TIE DOWN ROPING: Prelim Round:1. Tuf Cooper, Decatur, Texas, 6.98 seconds; 2. Timber Moore, Aubrey, Texas, 7.12; 3. Reese Riemer, Stinnett, Texas, 7.25; 4. Cole Bailey, Okmulgee, Okla., 7.3 • Final Round: 1. Reese Riemer, Stinnett, Texas, 7.59 seconds, $100,000 plus $500,000 bonus; 2. Tuf Cooper, Decatur, Texas, 8.38, $25,000.

BARREL RACING: Prelim Round: 1. Michele McLeod, Whitesboro, Texas, 14.632 seconds; 2. Sharin Hall, Kingston, Okla., 14.644; 3. Kassidy Dennison, Tohatchi, N.M., 14.695; 4. Lisa Lockhart, Oelrichs, S.D., 14.819 • Final Round: 1. Lisa Lockhart, Oelrichs, S.D., 14.726, $100,000; 2.

Kassidy Dennison, Tohatchi, N.M., 14.979, $25,000.

16 • The Roping Pen • April 2015

BULL RIDING: Prelim Round: 1. J.W. Harris, Mullin, Texas, 90.5 points; 2. Jason Malone, Pleasonton, Texas, 85; 3. Cody Nance, Paris, Tenn., 83.75; 4.

Silvano Alves, Pilar Do Sul, Brazil, 0 • Final Round: 1. Silvano Alves, Pilar Do Sul, Brazil, 88.25 points on Gene Owen’s Raven Flyer, $100,000.

The Magazine for America’s Roper • 17

T

and prizes. Then we moved right into our #9 truck roping he weather was cool, but the ropers were on fire! It was in which we had about 1,100 teams another successful roping in Hatcompeting for the money, prizes, and of tiesburg, Mississippi for Fire it Up Team course a new 1-Ton Dodge! The ropers Roping Productions. Just as expected, came to rope, and put on a great show. the ropers showed up and showed us Kenya Franklin and DD Hunt won first what they had. This was our second in the average; taking home saddles trip to Hattiesburg and both have been a pleasure and such a success. We are a and $7,500.00. Dillon Mizelle didn’t ...coming out on top for the team roping family. We love roping and have a bad weekend either, leaving Hatmeeting new ropers from all over the tiesburg with a new trailer! But coming truck was 16-year-old country. Our desire is to put on ropings out on top for the truck was 16 year old that everyone can enjoy. A verse that Mark Freeman. Congratulations, Mark! comes to mind is, “Delight yourself in the Way to rope, and “Drive it like you won it!”

LORD and he will give you the desires Congratulations, Mark! of your heart” (Psalm 37:4.) If we strive We will return to Hattiesburg, Missisto always try to put God first (yes, even Way to rope, and sippi in May (Mother’s Day weekend). before roping), everything else will fall Check out the Fire It Up webpage or into place.

“Drive it like you won it!” find an ad in this issue of The Roping Pen for details on this upcoming event.

The weekend started with a #8 warmPhoto Courtesy of Burnin’ Sky Photography. up roping with a little over 400 teams competing for the money

Mark Freeman.

A

ny roper, rodeo cowboy or cowgirl is always looking for a way to improve, increase their skill and amplify their horsemanship. There may be many ways to do this and improve for each individual sport, but one thing in common with every equine sport is stability in the saddle. Team ropers, barrel racers, calf ropers steer wrestlers…… everyone who rides a horse depends on their stirrups. Balance, stability and support, the stirrups are the only part of your saddle that give you the opportunity to compete at your fullest potential.

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

The key to Straight Time Stirrups is their Tapered Hanger Rod and Offset Shape of the stirrup.

These two effects put together offer riders an advantage that regular or other new designs do not! The hanger rod allows the stirrup tread to be in the perfect placement for comfort and stability. This allows the riders hips, knees, ankles and feet to hang with their natural alignment. Offsetting the stirStraight Time Stirrups underrups centerline outward allows stands the significance of your the rider to regain the proper support and comfort while riding center of gravity that the stirrups

18 • The Roping Pen • April 2015

require and kept the edge of the stirrups away from the riders shin. By doing this, Straight Time Stirrups offers the best of both worlds! Added comfort and stability!

From professionals to amateurs, many have already found the benefits of Straight Time Stirrups and how they benefit from sions and weights and there are the design of these products. many styles available. These include Burnished, Custom Hand “I really enjoy my Straight Engraved, Satin Copper/Nickel Time Stirrups,” said team roper, Tee Woolman. “I can rope and my Finish, Powder Coating, Leather covered, hand tooled leather hips, knees and legs don’t hurt.” and Leather Laced. You can also All of Straight Time Stirrups customize your stirrups. are made in the USA, using Straight Time Stirrups continAircraft-Grade aluminum and manufactured in aerospace certi- ue to increase styles and different models. They offer quality fied facilities. All of the stirrups products that riders can trust are heat-treated before being sanded and burnished to ensure and help them succeed, no matter the sport. All of their stirrups maximum strength. are manufactured with the endYou can find 9 different sizes user in mind and can be found at of Straight Time Stirrups to fit a fair price. Ffind out more at... just about everyone in the family.

They come in a variety of dimen- StraightTimeStirrups.com The Magazine for America’s Roper • 19

Empower Your Partner W

hen you start roping pretty good, if you’re not careful, confidence can turn into a combination of ego and pride that can intimidate the people around you – even your own partner.

I’ve seen it a lot. Somebody is finally roping sharp and on top of their game and everyone is patting him on the back. Then that guy starts subconsciously intimidating his partner. The minute the partner messes up, the guy might sigh or throw his head a little. Or maybe he won’t say anything to the person for about the first 100 miles.

It’s one thing when you need to give somebody their space for a few minutes. But when you do talk about it, try to encourage or be light-hearted about it. Tell the guy, “Don’t worry about it. I know a good restaurant here in town and win, lose or draw, we’re eating well. You’re not going to get out clean every time.”

To encourage is to empower. It works on your horse, too. You can overlook it if your horse has one bad day. Nobody needs reprimanded every time they don’t perform perfectly. Kids especially don’t. When certain kids are reprimanded, I see them retreat into a shell. That treatment just isn’t going to make that kid play harder for that coach. I’ll be watching and just shaking my head, thinking, “that little boy needed a hug right there.”

Headers and heelers are the same way. In my career, there have been certain guys I would try my tail off for, and Jimmie Cooper was one of them. That guy would constantly come and tell me what I could have done better. I would say, “Jimmie, I just roped a leg.” And he would say, “No, you never just rope a leg.” And I would think he was patronizing me. I would say, “No, seriously, I just roped a leg. Don’t worry about it.”

It was irritating enough to rope a leg without him pushing the issue. But he kept at it. “Tell me what I can do to make it better,” he would say. “If I handle them halfway decent, you catch two every time. I know how good you are. Help me be the guy to get it out of you.”

So I would. He had so much confidence in me and affirmation for how good I was that it made me feel like Superman heeling for him. He believed in me. You can do that for your own horse or partner, too. You are constantly either affirming that you believe in them or basically letting them know, “I don’t have faith in you; I don’t think you’re good enough.” It’s the same thing that can happen in a marriage – tearing your partner down without even realizing it.

Instead, be mindful. If your partner screws up, suck it up and don’t be a jerk. Remind him or her that you’ll get ’em next time.

Visit BachRoping.com for more…

20 • The Roping Pen • April 2015

The Magazine for America’s Roper • 21

EVERYTHING FOR A REASON W

e have all heard it. Most of us have used it ourselves. It is the one phrase that supposedly sums up all aspects of life. It’s meant to comfort when something unforeseen or unwanted befalls us. Everything happens for a reason. I read a different take on this recently, one that is often better suited to a lot of folks, my self included on occasion. Everything happens for a reason; sometimes the reason is you’re stupid and make poor decisions.

I have had this shoe fit more times than I like to admit. My ex’s are a testimony to this. As a young man, I would fuss, cuss, and bemoan my misfortunes. I try to have better self-control these days, even if I still have lapses in judgment. I prefer to say wisdom comes with age, and overall I believe it, but I continually do things that contradict this.

A particular weekend is a great example. Subfreezing temperatures coupled with snow, sleet, and high winds made for a rough time calving. I feed the cows in the evenings to increase the number of day time births (it really works). The downside to this is, with day job responsibilities, it often ends up being night when I actually get started. After an eye appointment, I was rushing to feed and check before full dark. My tractor was in the shop and I had borrowed a neighbor’s. I knew I needed to get fuel soon, but the gauge read half full, so away I went to the other farm. Poor decision #1. I found a newborn calf chilled and needed to get it home. The tractor ran out of diesel at the furthermost point from the road. I called Wifey and started the walk out, stopping to get an empty oil bucket at the old shop for a fuel can. Poor decision #2.

Wifey picked me up and took me home where poor decision #3 was brought to light. I had one hundred fifty gallons of fuel in a transfer tank and a new twelve volt pump…that I hadn’t installed yet due to constantly being in a rush. I hastily assembled said pump as it grew darker. It ran but would not prime, resulting in more lost time and a trip to borrow fuel. We were then able to return for the tractor and calf, and got back to the house.

With temperatures in the low teens the next morning, I started the tractor to warm up. About ten minutes later I noticed things were quiet outside. The engine had died. Since I had parked the tractor behind the house on a slope when I got home, I assumed it wasn’t picking up fuel and got the can again. As I picked it up, poor decision #2 became obvious to me. There was a ball if ice banging around in it. The tractor had gotten water in the lines that had frozen.

I went in to work and got one of the guys to load a couple of rolls of my hay that was there onto the truck bed. I didn’t need to strap them on; I was going straight to my place to feed. You guessed it, poor decision #4. Within fifty yards of the pasture gate, the bale leaning between the cake feeder and the back bale slowly tilted and rolled off, and rolled and rolled. Down the hill it went, unrolling as it gathered speed.

Saturday brought more pleasant temperatures and a bit better “luck” it seemed, on Sunday morning, however, we had no water.

The house and farm is on a reservoir and timer system and if there is a trough running over, eventually the reservoir will run dry. I checked all of the troughs, but found no issue. When I went to auger feed from the bin into the cake feeder, poor decision #5 and #6 were added to the growing list. The water in the former dairy’s milk room, now a kitchen at the barn, was turned off at the floor on the inside. This was fine as long as I had kept the gas heat on in there. I had let the tank run empty and didn’t refill because, “it hasn’t frozen in there all winter!” As I approached the feed bin I could hear what sounded like a hundred hissing, angry snakes. Yep, the water line had busted, after the worst of the cold. I spent the rest of Sunday’s light trying to find the slipping in my feed auger, the same slipping that had been occurring most of the winter. Wifey, the good sport she is, was turning the pulley, when I yelled, with one hand, while holding Bird on her hip with the other. The auger was left in multiple pieces at dark so we could go feed and check the cows.

Twenty years ago I would have wondered why all of that bad luck hit me at once, and whined about it being unfair. I still fussed and cussed, but now, because of what a damned fool I was to bring this all on myself. Sure enough, everything happened for a reason, multiple reasons from bad decision making. Any bets on if this will be the last time?

22 • The Roping Pen • April 2015

D

espite the ice storm that brought Dallas to a halt Saturday, nearly 30,000 fans at AT&T Stadium watched Joao Ricardo Vieira earn his second consecutive Iron Cowboy title during the Professional Bull Riders (PBR) Choctaw Casino Resort Iron Cowboy, powered by Kawasaki Strong, part of the elite Built Ford Tough Series (BFTS).

$250,000 inside AT&T Stadium.

North Dakota native Stetson Lawrence earned a second-place finish with a total of 168.75 points. He first earned 93.75 event points with a tie for first place in Round Hayes in 4.21 seconds.

Vieira went 3-for-3 on the night, being the only rider to cover his bull in the third round. His 88.5-point ride on Crack The Whip (J.A.R.S. Bucking Bulls/Gene Owen) sealed his victory and won him more than $194,000.

Although Air Time surpassed him, Asteroid (Circle T Ranch & Rodeo) posted the second-highest bull score of the event with 46 points in his last out on the BFTS. The 2012 World Champion Bull, who unseeded the three-time PBR World Champion Bull Bushwacker to earn his title, totaled 49 buckoffs in 53 outs he made during his BFTS career.

As the first of four PBR Majors, Iron Cowboy offered increased prize money with a total purse of $250,000 and increased PBR world points at 1 ½ times.

CBS Television Network will broadcast the final two rounds of competition on Sunday, March 1, at 1 p.m. ET.

The 2013 PBR Rookie of the Year earned 900 event points with the win, launching him into the Top 10 of the PBR world standings where he sits at No. 5. With his second Iron Cowboy title, Vieira has earned almost 1 and later earned an additional 75 event points for placing third in Round 2. Lawrence lasted just 2.57 seconds atop Lane’s Magic Train (Jared Allen’s Pro Bull Team) during his final out of the night in Round 3.

Jared Allen’s Pro Bull Team rider Tanner Byrne was the only additional rider to make it to the final round of competition, placing sixth overall in the event with 90 event points from his second-place finish in Round 2. Byrne was bucked off of Boot Jack (Dakota Rodeo/Chad Berger/Jerry Brown) in 1.82 seconds in the final round to end his night.

Event Leaders (Rd 1-Rd 2-Rd 3-Event Aggregate-Event Points)

1. Joao Ricardo Vieira, 85.5-90.5-88.5-264.50900 Pts. 2. Stetson Lawrence, 87.585-0-172.50-168.75 Pts. 3. L.J. Jenkins, 87.5-87.50-

93.75 Points. (tie ). Douglas Duncan, 87.587.50-93.75 Points. (tie ). Rubens Barbosa, 87.587.50-93.75 Points.

6. Tanner Byrne, 84.2586.75-0-171-90 Points.

7. J.W. Harris, 86.75-86.7522.5 Points. (tie ). Nathan Schaper,

Jared Allen’s Air Time earned the Salem Nationalease High-marked Bull award in Arlington with a bull score of 46.75 points out of 50 by tossing veteran bull rider Kasey 86.75-86.75-22.5 Points.

9. Eduardo Aparecido, 86.586.50 (tie ). Bryan Titman, 86.586.50 11. Lachlan Richardson, 86-86 12. Mike Lee, 85.75-85.75 13. Kasey Hayes, 84.7584.75

14. Silvano Alves, 83.7583.75 15. Guilherme Marchi, 83-83 16. J.B. Mauney, 81.7581.75 Matt Triplett, 0-0 Reese Cates, 0-0 Kaique Pacheco, 0-0 Valdiron de Oliveira, 0-0 Shane Proctor, 0-0

The Choctaw Casino Resort Iron Cowboy powered by Kawasaki Strong was the ninth of 27 stops on the 2015 PBR Built Ford Tough Series schedule. The 19-state tour will culminate with the PBR Built Ford Tough World Finals in Las Vegas on Oct. 21-25 when the 2015 PBR World Champion, the bull rider who earns the most PBR world points during the 2015 season, will be crowned and receive the coveted $10,000 World Championship belt buckle and $1 million bonus.

Ben Jones, 0-0 Cody Nance, 0-0 Ryan Dirteater, 0-0 Fabiano Vieira, 0-0 Dave Mason, 0-0 Renato Nunes, 0-0 Stormy Wing, 0-0 Bonner Bolton, 0-0 Sean Willingham, 0-0 Brady Sims, 0-0

Cooper Davis, 0-0 Alexandre Cardozo, 0-0 Austin Meier, 0-0 Robson Aragao, 0-0 Tyler Harr, 0-0 Skeeter Kingsolver, 0-0 Jay Miller, 0-0 Neil Holmes, 0-0 Dakota Louis, 0-0 Scores Courtesy of PBR

The Magazine for America’s Roper • 23

T

he Florida Championships is a great event and took place again this year at the J3 Ranch and Arena in beautiful Sarasota, Florida. The team roping action began on February 28th and concluded on March 1st. Jx2 Productions along with the Holmes family hosted the event.

The team roping action began with #15 Division. The team of Zack Cowart from Millen, Georgia and Mark Strickland from Dunnellon, Florida finished first place in the average. The pairing was 27.04 seconds on four steers and won $990, trophy Gist knives and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Second place was Brent Aldoff and Dustin Egusquiza. Third place went to Damian Valdera and Calvin Moody.

The winners of the #13 Division were Derrick Davis from Baldwin, Florida and Kenny Brown from Keedysville, Maryland. The pairing finished the roping by catching four steers in 31.92 seconds.

They took home $2630, trophy Gist knives and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Second place was the team of Hayden Grant and Casey Cox. Grant also teamed up with Derrick Davis to finish in third place.

Dustin Egusquiza from Marianna, Florida switched to the head side in the #12 Division. He partnered with Colton Matthews from Lakeland, Florida to finish in first place. The team was 38.23 seconds on four steers and won $2910, trophy Gist knives and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Second place was Brother Campbell from Tennessee and Casey Cox from Georgia. Third place was Beck Hyslop and Derrick Davis. Chris Galbreath and Drew Boies won the incentive.

Kenny Brown again drew blood in the #12 Gold Plus. This time he was heeling for Bob Herrington of San Mateo, Florida. The pair was 38.51 seconds on four steers and won $1750, trophy Gist buckles and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Second place was Michael Crawley and Craig Stevens. Herrington and Andrew Williams finished third place in the main average and first place in the incentive average.

The final roping of the first day of the Florida Championships was the #11 Division. Sam Morgan from Southwest Ranches, Florida and Dustin Egusquiza from Marianna, Florida were the champions. They were 40.59 seconds on four steers and pocketed $3890, trophy Gist buckles and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Second place was Machette Gonzalez and Calvin Moody and third went to Gonzalez and Wil Whiddon. Willy Abreu and Karter Kagel were the incentive winners.

The second day of the Florida Championships greeted USTRC team ropers with another great day of team roping. The first event of the day was the #10 Division. Beck Hyslop and Ryon Springer were the winners of the roping with a time of 34.52 seconds on four steers. They won $3990, trophy Gist buckles and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Second place went to Bob Herrington and Springer and third was the team of Juan Hernandez and Noel Vigil.

24 • The Roping Pen • April 2015

Hernandez and Vigil also won the incentive average.

Paul Albert from Alva, Florida and Ty Springer from Ocala, Florida were the average winners of the #10 Gold Plus. The team was 65.49 seconds on four steers. They won $2330, trophy Gist buckles and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Second place went to Butch Morgan and Mike Sanders. The third place team also won the incentive average. Brett Taylor and John Schnebly accomplished the task and took home $1930, trophy Gist buckles and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings.

The winners of the #9 Division were Juan Hernandez and Mike Harper. They were 44.89 seconds on four and thus won $3990, trophy Gist buckles and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Second place was Sam Morgan and Colton Matthews and third went to Mike Harper and John Schnebly. Leonel Acosta and Ty Springer were the winners of the incentive.

The final roping of the weekend was the #8 Pick/Draw. Frank Lorenzo from Miami, Florida and Gene Fulford from Moore Haven, Florida. The team was 35.12 and earned $2790, trophy Gist buckles and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Second place was Ethan Cord and Scott Weaver. Justin Hankins and Dave Murosky finished in third place.

N

estled in the foothills of the Brushy Mountain Range lies the small but elite community of Taylorsville, North Carolina. A little over one thousand residents live within its corporate limits.

Within this cooperate limit lies a quaint little treasure that makes the area special and important.

First of all, Taylorsville, North Carolina will roll out their red carpet and welcome the team ropers of the USTRC to the North Carolina Classic to be held the weekend of April 18th and 19th.

The little community will almost double in size once the ropers move in for the JX2 Production. One of things ropers will notice is the friendliness and congeniality of the community. Taylorsville will embrace ropers and their families. The quiet little community with so much to offer will surprise many ropers.

If you want to rope and still get away from the grind and noise of the big city Taylorville needs to be your community of choice when the North Carolina Classic gets underway. Taylorsville enjoys several distinctions for which it has become famous across the south. Located in the heart of apple country Taylorsville boasts producing some of the most delicious tasting fruit to be found and the pure clean water is some of the best tasting you will find anywhere coming straight out of the tap.

Taylorsville has the highest elevation of any town east of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the clear crisp surroundings just tend to nurture your soul. It is a small town with little things that matter. For example, it actually has more paved streets than any other town of its size or population in the world.

As ropers, we all know it is the little things that matter like good food, good roping, fellowship and family. Taylorville is a close-knit small community that is friendly, open and honest and that in and all of itself makes it an appealing place to rope. It is like going to your neighbor’s house to run a few steers.

From the Mountains to the Lake, the geographic variety in the county offers residents and visitors a wealth of recreational opportunities. Ropers can enjoy an afternoon drive across the Brushy Mountains or a day of fishing, sailing and motor boating on the Catawba River or Lake Hickory.

Rocky Face Mountain Recreational Area has a rich history dating back to the early 1900’s. The site was a former quarry operation, which began in 1922 and operations ceased in the early 1940’s.

On May 25, 2012 Rocky Face Mountain Recreational Area opened to the public. Today, the former rock quarry area includes a paved ADA walking track as well as picnic shelter, restrooms, and park office. The quarry area features a sheer cliff face, which is attractive for qualified rock climbers.

Outside the quarry area, the park includes hiking trails of approximately five miles, which will take hikers along the top of the quarry cliffs and to the mountain peak. The trail will also include various markers depicting some of the rare plants that are located at the park.

Our YMCA offers a wide range of activities for town residents including a health/wellness area with Nautilus and Cybex equip-

ment. There is also an aerobic studio, child watch area and multipurpose room. Our YMCA helps individuals and families develop values and behaviors that are consistent with Christian principles and offers programs and services that provide the tools for building the values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility. The Alexander County YMCA is a charitable organization and exists solely to benefit the residents of Alexander County. The YMCA provides programs and services for men, women and children regardless of age, race, economic status or religious belief. The YMCA is open Monday-Saturday.

The Hiddenite Center’s educational facility hosts a variety of concerts and cultural performances and offers a continuing series of learning opportunities for youth and adults. September of each year brings a flurry of excitement to the streets of Hiddenite for the Hiddenite Celebration, which is sponsored by the Hiddenite Center. Crowds come from near and far to enjoy music, food, festivities and shopping. Local and area craftsmen enjoy demonstrating and selling their wares.

In addition, the public can also enjoy golf with two public golf courses inside the county. The Brushy Mountain Golf Club is an 18-hole championship course with year-round golfing, special tournaments, and exciting golfing events. The Links at Oliver’s Landing is an 18-hole championship course that features rolling fairways, unique design characteristics, and undulating greens.

Both Courses have a practice putting green, driving range, fullservice pro shop, and PGA professionals on site to help with your golf game.

The community offers several campgrounds: Hidden Valley Campground, Hiddenite Family Campground, Linney’s Mill & Campground, Suncrest Water Park & Campground and Hickory Cove Bible Camp, a beautiful facility surrounded by Lake Hickory offering Christian camping retreats for all ages and providing programs for spiritual and physical growth. There will plenty of room to part trailers for a weekend of team roping.

The Emerald Hollow Gem Mine in Hiddenite is a favorite for rock hounds from throughout the nation. Precious stones and gems such as emeralds, sapphires, garnets, smoky quartz, tourmaline, clear quartz, aquamarine, sillimanite, monazite and rutile may be found at the mine.

The North Carolina Cross-Country Hang Gliding Championship is a national competition held each year the first of May on Moore’s Mountain in Alexander County. Racing enthusiasts can enjoy racetrack excitement at Taylorsville Speedway and Pine Valley Speedway.

Taylorsville is a close-knit family-oriented community that offers something for everyone. If you are looking for a quiet weekend away from the hustle and bustle the North Carolina Classic should be on your list of places to visit and rope. The roping will be a good one and letting go of your stress with a fun weekend tucked away in the mountains just may be what you need to rekindle your inner soul. Mark the calendar and plan to be there.

Taylorsville will be good for you and the roping will be fun.

The Magazine for America’s Roper • 25

From the Beginning to the End!

T

eam Roping is a timed event and the sport has become ever increasingly fast. The collection of roping four head for an average payout is hard to do consistently fast. However, more and more ropers are doing just that and the competition level is tighter than ever before. Hundredths of a second now often separate winning from losing. Ropers have become consistent and many are always looking for that extra little technique they can do in a run to make them just a bit faster.

With that question in mind, The Roping Pen headed to our friends at TotalTeamRoping.com this month. We cornered Brett Beach and asked him the simple question every roper wants to know. “How can I take time off my run?” Brett was thrilled to hear that question and jumped at the opportunity to answer.

“It is the little things that a roper can do to edge time off his run,” Brett started with. “It kind of depends on what level roper we are talking about, but for the majority of ropers out there it is their start that they can begin to focus on.”

Ropers seem to practice the actual run but working on a solid start and referencing their own skill and knowledge to have their horse leave the box correctly is an absolute must for a fast run.

“Ropers need to have a good start,” added Brett. “Their horse needs to leave flat and be balanced when they leave the box. So many times I see ropers horses set back ain the back of the box before they leave. This gets the roper out of balance and it usually takes 2 to 3 strides before they get back to the front of their horse and ready to rope. There is a huge difference in ropers who’s horses leave flat and they are balanced throughout those first couple strides. These guys are ready to rope when they get to the steer.”

When asked about heeling, Brett had a mouthful to say there as well.

“I don’t blame stock contractors for heeler barriers, they are a must, but I don’t like them. I have to argue that as a heeler, I want to see the start just as much as the header, but there are usually 2, sometimes 3 guys standing in the way, on the right side of the chute blocking my view. Many heelers leave with their headers, probably because they always have and really can’t see the steer move anyway, but if a heeler wants to get out well, he should try to read the steer leaving the chute just like a header does.

Another part of the run Brett says to work on is the end. A roper who works on finishing a run and doing it correctly can take time off the clock as well.

“Finish the run,” said Brett. “So many ropers in the #13 down don’t understand the importance of finishing the run entirely and facing correctly. They need to work on it at home in the practice pen. Many ropers don’t stay dallied as they begin to face when practicing. These ropers should really work on that end of it. Stay dallied and really push your horse’s hind end around to face and then back up. Do not let the heeler spin your horse around though. Begin 26 • The Roping Pen • April 2015

to face prior to that and have your horse move its butt around and begin backing up. By doing this your horse will begin to face faster and that alone will take time off your run at the team roping.

So if you want to get in front of the line at the next pay window, think about the beginning and end of your runs. Your start is probably the most important aspect you can work on in the practice pen. Work with your horse to leave flat and balanced off your hand, not at the crack of the gate. Heelers too can work on leaving off the steer instead of the header to get a clean start and finish your run.

Headers should practice facing correctly every time in the practice pen in order to train their horse to face correctly.

Brett Beach is excited to see more and more ropers head to TotalTeamRoping.com and tune into their TV program. He has enjoyed sharing the instructions on the website and the television shows with featured guests over the past couple months and is looking forward to many more visits from some of the hottest team ropers going down the road today inthe coming months. If you are one of the few who has not yet signed up and logged in for your own personal experience at TotalTeamRoping.com, get behind your desk right now and check it out. There is something for everyone there who wants to improve their team roping.

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505.407.2151 The The Magazine Magazine for for America’s America’s Roper Roper • • 27 27

Louisiana Team Roping ssociation • • • • • • • • A

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

How the LTRA Works LTRA will pay out 60% of entry fees to winners.

The number of places paid will be determined by number of teams. LTRA will contract out the cattle, flagger, time keepers and help. The remaining money will be saved and paid out at the finals!

LTRA members do not have to have a current USTRC card to compete. LTRA board members will classify ropers that are not classified already. LTRA has the right to reclassify any roper.

• • • • • •

Youth Roping

Books open @ 8 Close @ 9 3 head for $20-Rope with anyone Youth must 13 on Jan 1, 2015 to be able to enter

LTRA Ropings Pick 1 draw 2 or draw all 3 for $80/man All ropings will be 3 head progressive after 1 #4 and 5 Cap • Books for the #4 cap will open @ 8:30 am & close @ 9:30, Rope at 10:00.

Books for #5 Close 30 minutes after the #4 is over

• • • • • •

LTRA Membership LTRA 2015 Membership fees will be $40 Per Family Money collected from membership fees will be used to cover the insurance and administrative cost.

At the end of the year only enough money will be carried over to start up the following year.

All left over money will be added to the finals.

• • • • • •

2015 Schedule April 18th • West Cal Arena May 30th • West Cal Arena

The Roping Pen Welcomes the Louisiana Team Roping Association!

T

he sport of team roping consists of a large group of men, women and youth who are all excited to fall into their cowboy roots and enjoy a sport filled with competition.

From coast to coast, ropers fill backyard pens, outdoor arenas and coliseums each and every weekend to fulfill that need that only the sport of team roping offers. Competition, adrenaline, tradition, speed – horses, cattle and ropes – team roping is unique and exciting. For a group of ropers in and around Louisiana team roping is a passion and they have taken that passion to the next level and created a fun and exciting organization that they can enjoy throughout the year. The Louisiana Team Roping Association was founded in 2011 by a small group of ropers who wanted a quality place to rope at an affordable price. With only a few years under their belts, that small group has grown and the non-profit association has gained respect and drawn more and more ropers from all across the Southeast.

The LTRA is dedicated to continuing to offer great ropings at great prices for the whole family to enjoy. They have continued to mature and find ways to include more ropers at each event. In addition to their monthly events, the LTRA wraps up the hard work and dedication of their members with a year-end final event where big money and great prizes are awarded.

Th LTRA produces events at great facilities throughout the year. They hold low overhead and offer fantastic payouts at their events and always have quality cattle for their members to rope. The membership fee is extremely low compared to other associations and the LTRA will continue to keep fees low.

Outside of the regular team roping events, the LTRA has opened the door for the future of the sport. The beginning of each day’s events starts off with a youth roping. The LTRA offers ropers 13 and younger a chance to rope in an event formatted just for them.

They have the option to choose their partner, who can be older than 13 to rope in the event. Fees consist of 3 runs for $20 and ropers can only rope once as either a header or heeler. The payout is awarded on 1 head and only paid to the youth roper and not the team. The LTRA has seen incredible ????? from the youth ropings and enjoy helping their younger ropers enjoy the sport to the fullest.

The LTRA has worked hard to continue to grow the association. Their dedication to their members and the growth of the sport of team is the reason for the association and the growing support from ropers is an encouraging aspect that they are doing it right.

The Roping Pen Magazine is excited to be a part of this great organization and look forward to working with the association and its members in their quest to continue to build and promote the sport for years to come. Look at future issues of the magazine for more details, upcoming events and special stories about the Louisiana Team Ropers Association!

June 27th • West Cal Arena July 25th • West Cal Arena August 22nd • West Cal Arena FINALS: October 3-4, 2015 West Cal Arena • Suphur, La NOTES ON FINALS: You must be a current LTRA member and Competed in at least 2 regular season roping to qualify for the finals.Finals follow same format as regular ropings.

28 • The Roping Pen • April 2015

The Magazine for America’s Roper • 29

Spring High School Schedule:

May 8 & 9- Marietta, SC

April 10 & 11- Lowrys, SC

May 16th- Queen’s Contest & Cutting Finals Lancaster, SC

April 17 & 18- Westminster, SC April 24 & 25- Aiken, SC

May 21-23, State Finals Clemson, SC

May 1 & 2- Iva, SC

July 12-18, National Finals, Rock Springs, Wy

Meet our SCHSRA Cowboy!

Kenneth Glick Anderson, South Carolina

• Sophomore at Wren High School • Parents: Reece Glick & Susan Finley • Favorite Event: Saddle Bronc!

• Years in SCHSRA: 2 • Hobbies: I am a varsity wrestler and love to hunt and fish How did you get into rodeoing? “I’ve always wanted to be like Lane Frost but my momma wouldn’t let me ride bulls. My dad and I traded horses all my life, so I figured bronc riding was the next best thing.”

What is the most challenging part of riding broncs for you? “Having to always be rushed from rodeo to rodeo and riding against guys that are better than me. I just hope that God gives me the strength to get lucky sometimes!”

What advice would you give guys that want to start riding broncs? “STICK WITH IT. No matter how discouraged you get, always keep pushing because this sport takes a special kind of talent and that talent may not show right away. It may take 10 horses or 100 horses before you find out if you are good enough. I still don’t know if I have that kind of material, but I sure as heck ain’t gonna let anything stop me from finding out myself.”

Winter of Cuttings and Cowhorse events in South Carolina We have now held all of qualifying cuttings and cowhorse events in South Carolina. Our competitors have done a great job and it will come down to our finals to see who our champions.

SCHSRA would like to thank the Southern Stockhorse Association for partnering with our association to help produce these great events.

Check them out on their Facebook page and website at www. southernstockhorse.com

We also had another great cutting at Mrs. Adele Truesdale’s farm in Cassatt, South Carolina. The day was a little chilly but the cutting and food were great! Mr. Jim Smith cooked a big grill full of pork loins. Thank you to all that were involved in making this round a success.

Don’t blink because our finals are right around the corner for both of these events!

If you had a chance to ride with ether John Wayne or Matt Dillon, which one would it be and why? “I would ride with John Wayne because he’s always been that man who everyone looks up to and respects. One of the greatest cowboys of all time!”

What are some of your greatest accomplishment in rodeo? “My greatest accomplishment in my rodeo career was probably when I won Perry in the fall. Everyone I’ve talked to said those horses were rand and hardly anyone even gets a ride down. I was thankful that God gave me the luck and the power to ride both of them.”

30 • The Roping Pen • April 2015

The Magazine for America’s Roper • 31

Year-End Awards Banquet • rodeofyra.com 2014 OUTSTANDING SUPPORTERS

2014 SPONSORS

ALL AROUND

STOCK BUSTERS

HIGH MONEY WINNER

SUPPORTER OF THE YEAR MR. PARCELL

SR POLES

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OUTSTANDING STUDENT VOLUNTEER SPENCER TUCKER

RODEO ROYALTY

2014 STUDENT OFFICERS

WR POLES

PW GOAT TYING

JR GOAT TYING

GOAT DOGGERS

WR GOAT TYING

WR BREAKAWAY ROPING

BOYS GOAT TYING

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SR BARRELS

WR BARRELS

JR BREAKAWAY ROPING

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PW BARRELS

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TIE DOWN CALF ROPING

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MOST IMPROVED

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NEW 2015 STUDENT OFFICERS

TEAM ROPING HEELERS

OUTSTANDING COWPERSON IN MEMORY OF CHILO LANDIN

32 • The Roping Pen • April 2015

The Magazine for America’s Roper • 33

APRIL 2015 PHOTO OF THE MONTH

Aaron Tsinigine Cory Petska at RFD TV’s The American

by Angie Maddox, TRP Staff Photographer

34

35

36 • The Roping Pen • April 2015

The Magazine for America’s Roper • 37

GHSRA & GJHRA High school rodeos are by far my favorite rodeos to go to throughout the year. I love the atmosphere and love being around my rodeo family. One rodeo a month is just not enough! It has been truly a blessing and an amazing experience to serve as the student secretary this year.

Denver was absolutely awesome and getting pied in the face in Andalusia was one of the negative benefits but it was totally worth it! I can’t believe I am over half way through my sophomore year. Man how the time flies! To all of the seniors may your last few high school rodeos be the best and ones to remember forever. To all of the freshman may all four years in high school rodeo be filled with laughter and success. To every sophomore and junior enjoy it while it lasts because we only have one or two more years! To all the contestants from 6th to 12th grades, may God bless you inside and outside the arena!

~ Caleebell Duncan

GHSRA Student Secretary 2014-2015

38 • The Roping Pen • April 2015

Photos courtesy of ©JD Photography

The Magazine for America’s Roper • 39

R

opers from all across the southeast, as well s those across the big muddy river were anxiously waiting for the March event in Tunica Mississippi. The Lubrisyn – Big Ticket is one of those events that ropers look forward to and wait to come around all year long. Formatted to fit every roper as a USTRC Affiliate, as well as a WSTR qualifier, one of the few in the east, The Big Ticket roping had everything a roper dreams of. However, Mother Nature had her plans for the weekend of March 6-8, or at least the days preceding it.

#13 BIG TICKET Ty Hickerson (Trenton, TN) / Adam Postelle (Rocky Face, GA)

#8 PRIZE Stacy Atkinson (Faridealing, Mo) / Tyler Holder (Strawberry, Ar)

#12 BIG TICKET Michaela Williamson (Magee, MS) / Wesley Barlow (Valley Park, MS)

#12 WS Kayelen Helton (Stephenville, Tx) / Dusty Carr (Imboden, Ar)

#11 BIG TICKET Jeffrey Hartfield (Charlestown, In) / Heath Sanders (Leachville, Ar

#15 HANDICAP Greg Williams (Morrilton, Ar) / Shawn Vargas (Hico, Tx)

The Southeast usually gets its share of one or two storms per year, but the one that rolled through the days prior to the Big Ticket left ice all across the Southeast. This put a damper on travel plans for many ropers. In fact, on Friday, the first day of the event, producer John Johnson

had to revamp the entire production in order to accommodate ropers who were still traveling to enjoy the event. With a quick decision to keep rolling along and re-format part of the event, JX2 productions set up shop and opened the door for ropers to have fun and get a chance to win big. Friday was the worse of the weather delays.

Saturday warmed up a bit and more ropers took to the arena floor and Sunday was wide open.

Over 900 teams competed on Sunday as ropers streamed into Tunica for a chance to win part of the Big Ticket Payouts!

The Weekend started out with the outlook of disaster, but the weather did not hold back the slew of ropers who have been eagerly awaiting the chance to rope at the annual event and wrapped up in great fashion. JX2 was happy to finish strong and are ready to begin making plans for next year’s event and may be already doing some sort of good weather prayers for it as well.

Congratulations to the big Winners of the Lubrisyn – Big Ticket!

40 • The Roping Pen • April 2015

)

#10 BIG TICKET Justin Mcmillion (Covington, Oh) / Robert Taylor (Marion, Va)

#13 SLIDE Chase Bierma (Rose Bud, Ar) / Cole Stewart (West Point, Ms)

#9 BIG TICKET Lizzie Iwersen (Nashville, Tn) / Clay Tilley (Tuscumbia, Al

#11 CENTURY Randy Chandler (Mount Juliet, Tn) / Tony Schindler (Frankford, Mo)

The Magazine for America’s Roper • 41

Helpers in Our Path

INSPIRING

LEGENDS

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

by Dr.Michael Johnson

W

hen I was young, I thought when we grew up and reached age 21 or so your personality “locked in” and you were who you were for the rest of your life. Man, was that wrong. This is obvious to people my age, but we are so different at 40 than we were at 21, and even more different at 50 than we were at 40. One example being – as we say so often the more we age – “If I had only known then what I know now.” Had I known what I know now, how different my career choices might have been, and how different my dealings with other people would have been. There are so many things we aren’t taught, or failed to listen even if we were taught.

Some studies suggest that our mid-forties are a time when our lives are filled with change. I’m one of those. Mine spilled over and went everywhere…

I never cared for salesmen in my early adult years. They were just people who were trying to get your money, and usually very annoying. Imagine my surprise when I woke up one morning and found that I was one.

I left my job and career when I was 45. A strange time. I decided to do what I loved with the rest of my days. I began to write about the people and horses who helped me in life. In a short time, I had stacks of books everywhere. It dawned on me one day that I needed to sell some of them, ‘cause pretty soon I wouldn’t be able to walk around in my house. How hard could that be? I had a terminal degree in human relations. No problem, right? I knew all about people, right? I remember so clearly how shocked I was when the “sales business” taught me I didn’t know anything about people at all. Nothing at all. Then, I got lucky. I started meeting people…and they weren’t like anyone I had met before.

He ran on to a study that was conducted in Starbucks. A man sat at a table with a sign that read, “Free coffee if you will listen to my story.” He sat there for several hours. Not one person accepted his offer for free coffee in exchange for listening to his story.

The next day, he sat at the same table with a slight adjustment to his sign. This time, the sign read, “Free coffee if you will tell me your story.” A line formed almost immediately and grew so long, the experiment had to be cancelled because of the number of people waiting to tell their story.

How I wish I knew then what I know now. How I wish I knew then what all those special people I met told me about sales, about horses, and about life over the last twenty years. Helpers are placed in our path on our journey. Jim is one of many. That column he wrote was just one instance of the countless times his wisdom has helped me – and that story did as well. I hope it helped you, because nothing helps us more or gains us more friends than listening with all the muscles in our ears. Some people should leave those muscles in their ears to science. They would be in perfect condition… because they have never been used to hear humans or horses.

Anything you want to tell me? I’ll listen.

Ever notice how when you talk to some people, they talk about themselves, and continue to do so? Once they get the conversational ball, they never bat it back. They keep it. I began to notice some people didn’t do that. You could ask them something and they would certainly give you an appropriate response, but in no time they would bat the ball back to you, and they continued to talk to you about you! My sales skills improved overnight. One of many was Jim Stovall.

Patrick Smith

WORLD CHAMPION | FATHER | LEGEND

Jim has done well in life. He’s won an Emmy, written over a dozen books that sell all over the world, and made a number of movies. (One of my favorites is The Ultimate Gift.)

All that is remarkable, and you learn how much so when you discover Jim did all this after losing his sight. I send him my column and he sends me his. Here’s a story he shared this week…

Enjoy Michael’s Column?

Visit his bookstore at

michaeljohnsonbooks.com

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

LONESTARROPES.COM

for the best selection of his award-winning books!

The Magazine for America’s Roper • 43

www.STSRanch.com

D

o you surround yourself with cheerleaders or challengers? Its good to have both, but you have to be careful if you have too many of one type and not enough of the other. It’s important to have somebody around that can trump you. You gotta be careful if you’re the smartest one in the room. Let me put it this way, you may not be the smartest or know best, but if you’re surrounded by people who are scared to talk then you will think it. You need people around who will call you out when you need it. It doesn’t matter if it’s professional, spiritual, or mental, you need people in your life who will challenge your thinking. If Im always the smartest then I am always as good as I am.

When I’m talking with my dad he most always takes the opposite stance or other side on my ideas. The thinking behind this is to look at it from a different perspective. I don’t need help seeing the good in my ideas. I’m an optimistic type person and can always see the good.

Here’s my advice. Don’t be afraid to bring people into your life that have more experience and knowledge in an area than you do.

Some people don’t excel because they are at the top of the totem pole in their group or area of expertise. They don’t have any chal-

lengers to push them to go even further. People can either be both cheerleaders or challengers. For me I look at my weak areas and see where I need someone who isn’t a cheerleader, but a challenger.

People who hold me accountable. I want to make sure I surround myself with people who have the authority to speak into my life. I nearly always learn more when I get a critique rather than a praise.

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

• • • • • • •• • • •

Jennifer & Stran Smith are best known for their long standing careers in professional rodeo. Stran has 11 Wrangler National Finals Qualifications and was the 2008 World Champion Tie-Down Roper. He is best known for overcoming hardships in and out of the arena. Jennifer was Miss Rodeo America and worked as a television correspondent in the western & equine industry for 15 years for networks such as ESPN, CBS Sports, and Outdoor Channel.

Jennifer also spends time as a designer and consultant in the Western fashion industry. What is not highly publicized is their background in ranching. Stran and Jennifer strive to carry on Stran’s 4th generation ranch in Tell, Texas.

When not on the road, Stran, Jennifer, and 3 children, Stone, Scout, and Selah raise Black Angus cattle on the family ranch.

Campfire Cologne

by Crystal Lyons

S

itting in a booth at a café with 3 other people, and the waitress asks which of us is it that smells like a wood fire. I’m thinking to myself , “REALLY??” (It was m… obviously.) Heating my house predominately with a fireplace that sometimes lets smoke trickle out and invade the entirety of the house, which includes the clothes in my closet. GREAT! She went on to assure me that it smelled good to her, but somehow that was not a comfort. What’s the use of wearing cologne if you smell like a campfire?

I had NO CLUE I smelled like a fireplace! That’s the trouble with smells… you can’t smell what you’re carrying. We smell like where we’ve been. I was once told by a computer geek that they knew which laptop was mine simply because it smelled like horses. (For real?) Smells. They expose us. Try frying bacon without leaving the house smelling like breakfast!! Or what about getting some serious hunter to take you to the deer woods when you smell like the perfume counter at Macy’s? Not gonna happen.

44 • The Roping Pen • April 2015

Smells give us away. They expose where we live. This isn’t only true in the natural, but also in the spirit. Where we “live” (i.e., how we think, what we feed on, and who we really are) has an essence to it. Ladies, ever walk past the guy that just has that

“creepy” feel? Yep, trust that!! He’s carrying the “scent” of what his thoughts and actions are consumed with. We also put out a “scent” that attracts the positive or the negative. What fills our minds creates an attitude that we exude without even realizing it. Just like the way I smelled like a wood fire. If our thoughts and words are negative, negative people, negative events, etc. are drawn to us like a magnet. People who feed on drama attract drama! I am amazed by people who claim to hate drama, while they are constantly wallowing in it!

What if I told you we can carry a “scent” that attracts God to us? Would you be interested? It’s totally true… we can! It’s called thankfulness. Being thankful attracts God! (It also attracts people.) A thankful person has God wanting to hang out with them. A good example of this happened to me recently. I was totally clueless about God’s will for me in a certain area, so I opened my Bible and a verse popped out, “In all things give thanks, for this is the will of God.” (I Thess. 5:18) Notice the verse there doesn’t say FOR all things, but IN all things!! I may not have a clue as to what’s going on around me, but God is SO COOL to simplify things! What’s His will? For me to be THANKFUL! I can DO that. It puts out a “scent” that draws God and His resources to me! I become “irresistible” to God when I’m thankful.

Smells. We carry them. And when others walk into our presence they smell “where we live.” Sooo, I have a possible solution to how I smell like a wood fire. I think I will just tell people it’s my newest concoction... Campfire Cologne: The essence of camping, hunting, guns, and adventure! Being a single woman, shouldn’t this attract rugged men and repel all others? I may have just stumbled onto something!

The Magazine for America’s Roper • 45

46 • The Roping Pen • March 2015

The Magazine for America’s Roper • 47

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The Magazine for America’s Roper • 49

THE

Other Half

The Life of a Rope I

t seems like we have thousands of them. They occupy space in every single realm of our living. They are in the trailer, in the barn, in the house and in the truck. They also have names. Some of them are brand names and others of them have names given to them based totally on how they perform.

They almost seem to take on a life all their own. They have been praised, promoted, cussed and tossed so high in the air they may never come back to the ground. What they do and how they perform bears a lot of weight on just how team ropers perform, how they think and tends to add to any superstitions or quirks ropers may have.

They are called ropes. They are an absolute essential tool for what we do every single day. There would no “team ropers” without “ROPES!” It always baffles me how ropers can be so obsessed and manipulated by a piece of nylon twine.

They come colored, have names and seem to have absurd personalities. One good rope worth its salt can have a tremendous impact.

Place at a team roping with the rope of choice and a team roper will rope with it until it falls apart in his hands. Fail to place or catch with the rope of choice and a brand new rope will be tossed to the way side, discarded at the roping never to be seen again.

I wonder if golfers feel the same way about the clubs? Do they have favorites and do they hit better with some clubs than others?

Is it the player or the tool? Is it in the mind or in the performance?

Boss tells me all the time he likes the feel and the handle of such and such rope. He tends to buy one brand over another and yet I’ve seen him pick up a discarded rope at the roping and use it forever.

What gives there?

I’ve seen my guys panic and go into hysteria because a certain rope was missing even if the trailer and truck is overflowing with all sorts of ropes. Ropers will carry his favorites or his best ones in a rope bag protected from all the elements and yet let it get lost, twisted, distorted or invariably miss the object of intent and it is a “cooked goose” so to speak. Nothing will ever be thrown away and discarded faster than a rope that can’t catch horns or nail two feet.

I’ve even been to some tack shops and western wear stores where they sell “used” ropes for $5 or $10. Good grief, new ones go for $30 to $50 depending on the brand, color, and popularity and of course none of them guarantees a catch. Is that not crazy?

So let’s walk through this. Boss buys a good rope at the tack shop and pays about $45 for it. He brings it home because he likes the way it feels, how it handles and fits and hopes it will make a difference in his roping.

The first thing Boss will do is stretch the rope to remove the wax.

He’ll try it out on the roping dummy first. It should be pliable and easy to use. If it is a head rope it will be softer and a heel rope will be a little harder and stiffer. Most ropes are nylon and poly blend and should feel good when you swing it. I think there is nothing my ropers like better than caressing a new rope. Women should be so lucky!

Because the rope is the most important tool a roper has he is going to be sure the fit is perfect. Old practice ropes are around a long time but they rarely make the trip to the roping. The rope should be the right weight, have some body and if it is a good one it will catch every single time.

Whoa! This is where truth and fiction raise their heads and take a stand. Truth will make it presence known. How do you know your

Thoughts of a Team Roping Spouse...

by Gracie Mae

rope is a winner? You won’t until you get to the roping. Hopefully, ropers have done all the legwork with their ropes in the practice pen.

More importantly, every roper has a preference. I like a certain kind of makeup or hair spray and Boss likes a certain kind of rope.

Sounds complicated doesn’t it? So how does the rope cross that fine line of being discarded and tossed aside or making it to the next roping? It all has to do with attitude, ability, practice, discipline, commitment, and desire and on and on goes the list of attributes ropers need to be successful.

I can see a blue discarded rope lying in a stall somewhere wondering, “What did I do wrong? I thought I did my best. I raced after that steer the minute that roper aimed and let go. How could I have done anything differently?”

Honestly, I think I would rather just be an old twisted practice rope. At least, I don’t have to leave home and am not tossed aside because my team roper didn’t win the roping. At least if he throws me down in the practice pen I have the remote option that he just might, maybe, hopefully pick me up again tomorrow. Whoa! I think being a rope must be the hardest job of all. Sure it’s a tool of the trade but it is a sure bet it isn’t going to be forever. Somewhere that rope is going to slip up and miss and then its glory days are over. It will go into the stack of “used” ropes or totally abandoned, never to be seen again.

Unless of course, it is picked up by some little Junior Looper guy who needs a new, bright and shiny rope to play with. Now, that doesn’t sound like a bad idea!

Keep Ropin’... Love, Gracie

© The Other Half / © Melinda Clements 2015

50 • The Roping Pen • April 2015

51

Friday Saddle Winner

Saturday Saddle Winner

Sunday Saddle Winner

M

emphis, Tennessee is a favorite destination for many team ropers. The Muddy River Classic took place at the Agricenter Show Place Arena in Memphis, Tennessee on February 13-15, 2015.

John Johnson and the JX2 staff welcomed a collage of team ropers to enjoy some great hospitality and some outstanding team roping competition.

won the incentive average.

Seth Driggers and Jimmy Driggers teamed up to win first place in the #15 Division. They were 28.05 seconds on four steers and earned $2620, trophy Gist knives and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Second place in the roping was Seth Driggers and Travis Holland. Third place in the average was Clay Mitchell and Zach Mabry.

Morris of Clinton, Louisiana emerged as the winners. They finished the roping with a time of 36.60 seconds on four steers and won $7540, trophy Gist buckles and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Second place was Ty Totten and Jerry Bliss with a time of 38.59 seconds on four steers. They took home $5030 and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Third place in the roping was Shanon Travis and Jake Pollard. Noah Abadie and Morris won the incentive average.

The winners of the #11 Division were Nathan Smith and Colby Winborn with a time of 31.19 seconds on four steers. They earned $7600, trophy Gist buckles and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings.

Second place in the roping went to Coy Rahlmann and Chris Rahlmann with a time of 34.15 seconds The Open Division kicked off the weekend and on four steers. They received $5060 and $6000 in Dusty Swanson and Derrick Crawford finished first USTRC Flex Earnings for their efforts. Third place place in the average with a time of 48.19 seconds was the Jonesboro, Arkansas team of Steve Hinson on five steers. They won $1200 and ten points for and Tye Bradley. Joe Hall and Winborn won the the US Open Tour. Second went to Jacob Dagenhart incentive average. and Lane Mitchell. Dagenhart and Mabry won the After the dust settled on the #10 Division, Naincentive average. than Smith from Poplarville, Mississippi and Todd

The winners of the #13 Division was the team of Heath Wrye of Murray, Kentucky and Travis Holland from Bee Branch, Arkansas. They were 33.32 seconds on four steers and won $4680, trophy Gist knives and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Second place was Ty Hickerson from Trenton, Tennessee and Pineapple Figgeroa from Martin, Tennessee.

They received $3510 and $2000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Third place was the team of Tom Bowling from Hamilton, Ohio and Clay Futrell from Union Grove, North Carolina.

The final roping of the day was the #12 Division.

Michael McNabb and Travis Holland partnered up together to win first place in the average. They were 30.19 seconds on four steers to win $5260, trophy Gist knives and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Second place was the Mississippi team of Nathan Smith and Cole Curry with a time of 30.61 seconds on four steers earning them $3500 and $2000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Third place in the average was Trey Lloyd and Pineapple Figgeroa.

Colby Gilchrist of Florence, Alabama and Chris Rahlmann from Ellsinore, Missouri won the incentive average.

The second day of the Muddy River Classic began with the #12 Gold Plus Division. The Alabama team of Jeremy Smith and Dustin Griffith were the champions of the roping. They were 32.68 seconds on four steers and took home $3950, trophy Gist buckles and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings.

Second place in the main average was Clint Bain and Randall Gillespie. Third place went to Lori Thone of Damascus, Arkansas and Dusty Carr from Imboden, Arkansas. Keith Bentley and ER Scogin

52 • The Roping Pen • April 2015

The final day of the Muddy River Classic began with the #10 Gold Plus Division. Randy Chandler of Mount Juliet, Tennessee and Jerry Bliss from Ellisville, Missouri won the average by roping four steers in 37.33 seconds. They earned $3190, trophy Gist buckles and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Second place was Keith Crowder from Pocahontas, Arkansas and Steve Reed from Jonesboro, Arkansas. Third place went to Carmen Patterson and Mike Woolven. Chandler and Bliss also took home the incentive average win.

Danny Davis and Lance Little teamed up to win first place in the #9 Division with a time of 32.45 seconds on four steers. They took home $7980, trophy Gist buckles and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Second place went to Blane Maxwell and Jim Burke with a time of 37.33 on four steers. They received $5320 and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings for their efforts. Third place was the team of Wade Henson and Lance Little. The incentive average was won by Maxwell and Burke.

The last roping of the weekend was the #8 Pick/ Draw and the winners were Emmett Burke and Charles Langley. They were 32.53 on three steers and won $3470, trophy Gist buckles and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Second place was Cooper Cowan of Lamar, Mississippi and Gary Nichols from Wynne, Arkansas. Third place went to Craig Smith and Scott Williams. (Photos courtesy of Valerie Ford/ C Bar C Photography. See page 54 for more event amd winner photos!...)

53

#10

#10 GP

#12 GP

#9

#11

#12

#13

#15

OPEN

#11

#12

#13

#15

OPEN 54 • The Roping Pen • April 2015

The Magazine for America’s Roper • 55

A

pril is a busy month for the Alabama High School Rodeo Association. We will be traveling to one of our furthest south rodeos along with our furthest north, so where ever you live, be sure to stop by and see us! Our first rodeo in April will be in Priceville, Alabama with the Professional Cowboy Association (PCA), on April 11-12. I can’t wait to get to watch all of the competition as finals get closer and closer. Our next and final rodeo in April will be in Bay Minette, Alabama, April 25th and 26th and it is the last rodeo until the state finals in June. This season has been a blast so far and I’m so sad that it’s almost over! I feel so blessed to be able to represent our rodeo association. Good luck to everyone as you compete this month and safe travels! Love always, Lizzy

AHSRA’s TOP 10 AS OF 3.13.15

GIRLS’ ALL AROUND 1 Bailey O’Ferrell..........246.0 2 Lauryn Hoagland.......211.0 3 Alli Tate.....................159.5 4 Sara Hubbard............150.5 5 Mikayla Stacey..........129.0 6 Kaitlyn Pugh..............117.5 7 Heather Varner..........106.0 8 Briar Smith..................92.0 9 Lizzy Sexton................90.5 10 Carli Hodges................86.0 BOYS’ ALL AROUND 1 Garrett McDonald.......178 2 Cole Harmon..............147 3 Zach Varner...............117 4 Lukas Taylor..............116 5 Logan McNeil.............112 6 Gus Maraman............110 7 Jason Garcia................84 8 Grant Hodges...............64 9 James Farren...............48.5 10 Charlie Langley............42 STEER WRESTLING 1 Gus Maraman..............61 2 Charlie Langley............42 3 Zach Varner.................39 4/5 Garrett McDonald.........37 4/5 Cole Harmon................37 6 Forrest Gibbs................19 BREAKAWAY ROPING 1 Lauryn Hoagland.........68.0 2 Alli Tate.......................50.5

56 • The Roping Pen • April 2015

3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Carmen Maness............42.0 Haley Polk...................38.0 Bailey O’Ferrell............38.0 Kaitlyn Pugh................35.5 Riley Bryant.................27.0 Briar Smith..................25.0 Sara Hubbard..............24.0 Jaycelyn Merchant.......21.0

TIE DOWN ROPING 1 Garrett McDonald.........73 2 Zach Varner.................61 3 Logan McNeil...............54 4 Cole Harmon................52 5 Gus Maraman..............49 6 Lukas Taylor................48 7 Jason Garcia................45 8 River Houck.................21 9 Ryan Bibb....................19 10 Dustin Hyson...............12 POLE BENDING 1 Mikayla Stacey............69 2 Sara Hubbard..............58 3 Lauryn Hoagland.........55 4 Kaitlyn Pugh................54 5 Bailey O’Ferrell............43 6 Skylar Stokes...............41 7 Madison Campbell........38 8 Alli Tate.......................28 9 Jessica Mullins.............18 10 Hannah Rogers............17 GOAT TYING 1 Bailey O’Ferrell............73.5 2 Lauryn Hoagland.........58.0 3 Briar Smith..................53.0 4 Lizzy Sexton................47.5 5 Heather Varner............47.0 6 Marah Smith................44.0 7 Belle Carpenter............36.0 8 Carmen Maness............34.0

9 Sydney McQueen.........31.5 10 Sara Hubbard..............21.5

TEAM ROPING 1 Lukas Taylor..............136 Garrett McDonald 2/3 Cole Harmon..............116 Logan McNeil 2/3 Grant Hodges.............116 Alli Tate 4 Wyatt Hubbard............78 Jason Garcia 5 Hunter Van Scyoc.........70 Will Kirkland 6/7 Hunter Moates.............52 Lizzy Sexton 6/7 Lauryn Hoagland.........52 Dustin Hyson 8 Bailey O’Ferrell............34 Zach Varner 9/10 Jordan Whitman..........32 Ryan Bibb 9/10 Casey Cox....................32 Kaitlyn Chestnut

BARRELS 1 Bailey O’Ferrell............74.5 2 Taylor Oglesby.............73.0 3 Mikayla Stacey............60.0 4 Carli Hodges................58.0 5 Sara Hubbard..............47.0 6 Chloe Patterson............27.0 7 Riley Bryant.................26.0 8 Skylar Stokes...............23.5 9 Sydney McQeen...........21.0 10 Heather Varner............19.0

BULL RIDING 1/2 Josh Jeter....................20 1/2 Kade Murphy...............20 3 Cross Dunn..................19 4 Justin Kent...................17

5 Trevor Eiland................10 6 Brian Ferguson..............8

GIRLS CUTTING 1 Bailey O’Ferrell............40 2 Lizzy Sexton................26 3 Lauryn Hoagland.........18 4 Sara Hubbard..............15

BOYS CUTTING 1 Cole Harmon................30 2 Logan McNeill..............18

BAREBACK RIDING 1/2 Kutter Barnett..............20 1/2 Joshua David Green.....20

SADDLE BRONC RIDING 1 James Farren...............48.5 2 Robert Haley................29.5

TRAP SHOOTING 1 Jared Rollins................37.5 2 Owen Carter.................35.0 3 Hunter Van Scyoc.........32.0 4 Jacob Jeter..................24.0 5 Casey Cox....................23.5 6 Prairie Smith................23.0 7 Drake Rollins.................9.0

SMALL BORE SHOOTING 1 Jacob Jeter..................36 2 Owen Carter.................33 3 Prairie Smith................30 4/5 Shelby Wicker..............21.5 4/5 Erica Johnson...............21.5 6 Jared Rollins................18 7 Casey Cox....................17 8 Hannah Reed...............14 9 Hannah Rogers............11 10 Drake Rollins.................8

Photos courtesy of © JD Photography

The Magazine for America’s Roper • 57

North Carolina

Junior High & High School Rodeo Association T

he NCHSRA has some up and coming events, including the April 17 and 18 at the Mountain Mule Packer Ranch. Check out the information below and check for more details on our web-site. Board member Eddie Dunning has donated a beautiful cedar bench which is up for raffle from now until the Sunday performance of our state finals. (See below.) The NCHSRA would like to congratulate some of our contestants for their performance in other local associations... GREAT JOB on your achievements! We have had a great year so far... let’s keep it going. Don’t forget your ad money is due to Amy Colvard by April 10th, & her contact info is on the website. Due to the weather, the team roping fundraiser produced by Derrick Bass will be rescheduled for a later date. So keep your eyes and ears open for the new date and time. As always, if anybody needs me, just call.

Thanks for you support, participation, and dedication to the NCHSRA!

~ Adam Bolatto

58 • The Roping Pen • April 2015

The Magazine for America’s Roper • 59

33rd Annual T

his month’s article is a little different, which by the way I’m still waiting on you all to aks me some questions so start calling, texting, or emailing me! This week I am going to show you why we insure our horses. Brief, but I felt obligated to share.

I have been from one end of this country to the next or pretty much at least, and have run into some wonderful people. The insurance industry has allowed me to meet some folks I would have never been able to meet otherwise. For instance the governor of New Mexico, owners of the 6666’s ranch, some musicians (which

own horses as well and I will not name), and numerous other dignitaries that have or at some point been a topic at everyone’s dinner conversations. These folks have horses and some also insure them just the same as you and I. Yes both of us! However there are some people that stand out above the dignitaries I have met that I want to focus on.

Meeting people is the one thing that I love about this business.

I honestly crave it at times. I love the stories about old “salty” and “poncho”. I too can relate to those type horses and can see exactly what you describe in my mind while you’re telling me about them.

Its fascinating to see how many people are really interested in the horse industry. I get into conversations at airports and it seems where ever I go the conversation is about horses, rodeo’s, barrel racing, horse racing, and all other disciplines. People in general are truly fascinated to watch them and honestly I am truly blessed to have been able to see a lot of great horses (and horsemen).

Each event I attend I am honestly drawn to kids. I have a weakness. I love to watch them with horses; they talk about them as if they too are just as old as you and I. I have had some wonderful conversations with kids about their horses and what they mean to them. The friends they have made and yes some they have lost,

which is why I am writing this. You see as an insurance agent I can’t undo the past and replace the ones that were lost. I can however make it easier for you, mom, dad, or whomever to replace old “salty”, “poncho”, or in my case “Pepsi.” This is the one thing I can do as an insurance agent and like I said in my case as a dad/parent, we do all of this for ourselves, grandkids, our kids, and honestly protecting our animal friends is just as important.

So when you think of your kids, or grandkids, or just your animal friend in general consider covering them for a basic policy. It may help with some vet calls. No, it will not bring them back, but it may allow you to help replace them for that special person that “owns” them, or at least claims to!

I have included a photo to show you just how much kids mean to me. I have been involved with helping the dummy roping and sometimes sponsoring it when we can at the NTRL finals in Jacksonville, Florida. This roping and these guys are a lot of fun. I truly do enjoy them. Each time they always thank me. To the parents, THANK YOU for having some very, very good kids each year. They are very respectful and appreciative!

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

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

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

T

he George Strait Team Roping Classic (GSTRC) is the largest open Team Roping event in America and, now in its 33rd year, the two-day event has awarded over $4 million in prize money to date. This year’s event was no exception drawing 685 teams of the greatest Team Ropers alive with over $740,000 awarded in cash prizes. After over 18 hours of competition, Clay Tryan of Lipan, Texas and Travis Graves of Morgan Mill, Texas roped 3-head in 13.95 seconds and were crowded winners and split $272,640 in prize money (full breakdown of rankings below). In addition, the pair also won 2015 Chevrolet Silverado Dually pickups from Cavender Chevrolet in Boerne, Texas and Bruton Strait Xtreme Trailers.

Friday’s festivities drew 1,370 ropers from all over the country, but eventually dwindled competitors down to the Top 50 teams leading into Saturday’s competition.

Saturday began with the Top 50 team finalists on horseback inside the arena alongside their host, George Strait who addressed the arena attendees and participants and welcomed them back to the San Antonio Rose Palace. Before exiting and the festivities beginning, roper JD Yates rode in on a 4 year old American Quarter Horse, from owner Dean Tuffin, named DT Elenor Shine Whiz and, much to Strait’s surprise, was presented to Strait himself in recognition of his passion for the event over the years.

“It’s been 33 years of fun, and I had no idea we’d given away so much,” an always reverent Strait responded upon hearing the tally of the prizes bestowed to teams over the years. “Time flies when you’re having fun. This means so much to me, thank you!”

Over $740,000 In Prizes •••••••••• Over $4 Million To Date •••••••••• Clay Tryan & Travis Graves Winners Out Of 685 Teams •••••••••• Military Warrior Support Foundation joins Strait to Present 52nd Mortgagefree Home to Wounded Warrior and Family •••••••••• Strait Receives SURPRISE!

In between the 1st and 2nd Go, Lieutenant General Leroy Sisco, U.S. Army (Retired), joined Strait in the Arena for a very special moment and the two continued their tradition of presenting a home as part of the Military Warriors Support Foundation (MWSF) “Homes 4 Wounded Heroes” (H4WH). Corporal Leland Arledge, a purple heart recipient, and his wife Jennifer were recognized as 52nd recipients from Strait, receiving a mortgage free home in Hot Springs, Arkansas. The presentation marked the MWSF’s

640th home with over $150 million in homes to date through the non-profit.

Following the 3rd Go, the scores were tallied and Tryan and Graves were determined champions. Strait was on hand for the event, and congratulated the winners and presented their awards.

The event was originally conceived as a small family roping gathering by George Strait and his brother Buddy in 1982, is now one of the most prestigious open team roping competitions in the country and consistently attracts the biggest names in the sport.

About George Strait: George Strait is the undeniable “King of Country Music.” His music career spans more than 30 years; includes 60 No. 1 singles, more than any other artist in any genre; and boasts 33 platinum or multi-platinum-selling albums, more than any country artist and third across all genres behind only The Beatles and Elvis Presley. Strait is the only act in history to have a Top 10 hit every single year for over three decades.

Strait has sold more than 68.5 million albums and has earned more than 60 major entertainment industry awards including his most recent Entertainer of the Year sweep at both the Country Music Association Awards (Nov. 2013) and the Academy of Country Music Awards (April 2014).

Strait, whose name has become synonymous with “real country” since his 1981 debut, was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2006. He has since released four more albums, including the GRAMMY Award-winning Troubadour. In 2013, Strait set out on The Cowboy Rides Away Tour, selling over 1,000,000 tickets to the recordbreaking, two-year, cross-country final concert tour. Strait shattered the North American indoor concert attendance record by drawing 104,793 concert-goers to his June 7, 2014 tour finale at AT&T Stadium in Dallas, Texas. Strait continues to record new music for longtime label home, MCA Records Nashville. For more information, please visit www.georgestrait.com.

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

George Strait Team Roping Final Results 1st 13.95 Clay Tryan and Travis Graves 2nd 14.38 Cord Crowell and Camish Jennings 3rd 15.16 Dustin Bird and Paul Eaves 4th 15.35 Chad Masters and Travis Graves 5th 15.52 Arky Rogers and Kyle Lawrence 6th 16.12 Clayton Hass and Jory Levy 7th 16.25 Adam Rose and Byron Wilkerson 8th 16.33 Levi Simpson and Jeremy Buhler

60 • The Roping Pen • April 2015

Go Rounds 1st Go 4.42 Dustin Bird and Kollin VonAhn 2nd Go 4.68 Cale Markham and Buddy Hawkins 3rd Go 3.89 Kaleb Drigger and Junior Nogueira

Friday Fast Time Overall (Buckle recipients) 4.26 Clay Smith and Paul Eaves Friday Fast Time on 2 (Buckle recipients) 9.78 Levi Simpson and Jeremy Buhler The Magazine for America’s Roper • 61

Ariat Sponsors PBR Bull Rider, “Luke Collins” N O R T H C A R O L I N A R A N C H E R J O I N S T H E A R I AT AT H L E T E R O S T E R

A

riat International, the leader in innovative Western and English footwear, apparel and accessories, has announced the sponsorship of Professional Bull Rider (PBR) athlete, Luke Collins. Collins represents Ariat’s western footwear and apparel lines.

Luke Collins is a North Carolina native where he has worked on his family-owned ranch for the majority of his life. Collins’ true passion lies in the sport of bull riding where he has made a career weekend after weekend across the country competing in the PBR’s Built Ford Tough Series. Collins has trained from a young age with his late father on their mechanical bull and travels miles to each competition. In a historic and career-defining move, Collins attempted to ride PBR World Champion bull contender, Rango, nearly costing him everything.

Although Collins has had some setbacks, injuries and delays, he continued to return to the sport and perform well.

“Luke Collins is the definition of a true PBR champion and we can only imagine where his talent will take him,” said PBR Chief Operating Officer Sean Gleason. “Fellow North Carolina native and PBR supporter Nicholas Sparks was the first to discover and hone the raw talent into a champion for the ages. We are forever grateful he is a part of our sport.”

“Ariat is proud of how far Luke has come in his PBR career. He is now a champion PBR bull rider, a status that is not easy to obtain,” says Susan Alcala, vice president of partnership marketing. “Ariat helps athletes perform at their best, Luke has been able to reach his goals without ever worrying about his clothes and boots. Luke is one of a kind, his work ethic, never-give-up attitude and honest personality has helped him reach the top.”

Collins can be seen in the Twentieth Century Fox Movie The Longest Ride portrayed by actor Scott Eastwood.

For more information about Ariat products or for the Ariat retailer nearest you, contact Ariat at 800.899.8141 or visit www.ariat.com, https://www.facebook.com/AriatInternational and https://twitter.com/Ariat

*Luke Collins is a fictional character in The Longest Ride, a novel by Nicholas Sparks and a movie produced by Twentieth Century Fox. This is not a true endorsement nor does Luke ride for the PBR.

Ariat Launches Sweepstakes for The Longest Ride Premiere ENTER FOR A CHANCE TO WIN TICKETS TO THIS MAJOR HOLLYWOOD EVENT & AN ARIAT MAKEOVER!

A

riat International, the leader in innovative Western & English footwear, apparel and accessories, has launched an exciting sweepstakes in partnership with Twentieth Century Fox’s upcoming movie, The Longest Ride, based upon the bestselling novel by Nicholas Sparks, whose other works include The Notebook and Dear John.

The film opens in theaters everywhere April 10, 2015. The details about the sweepstakes include: WHO: Ariat, partnered with Twentieth Century Fox for the premiere of The Longest Ride WHAT: Enter for a chance to win a trip for two to Hollywood with two tickets to attend the premiere of The Longest Ride. Winner will receive a head-to-toe outfit from Ariat and see some of the cast members from the movie.

WHEN: The sweepstakes runs from March 4-March 18, 2015 WHERE: Enter the sweepstakes on www.ariat.com/LongestRide.

62 • The Roping Pen • April 2015

See Ariat footwear and apparel featured in The Longest Ride, out in theaters April 10. One of the film’s lead characters, bull rider Luke Collins, portrayed by Scott Eastwood, appears in the film wearing Ariat products throughout, to get Luke’s look and find out more about the sweepstakes and to enter, visit: www.ariat.com/ LongestRide. For more information about the movie visit the movie’s website at foxmovies.com/movies/the-longest-ride.

The Magazine for America’s Roper • 63

Classifieds are FREE for Subscribers!

Email ads to: theropingpen@charter.net Deadline: the 10th of each month

I don’t think that counts...

HORSES 12/14 14 year old, roan, gelding head horse. Good beginner horse. Good in the box. Has been hauled to KRA roping’s. Asking $3000. Call Tom @ 270-402-7191

©2015 Bull Daddy Cartoons

There’s no “I” in TEAM?!

You’re a lot of help...

5/14 - BARREL HORSE 17 YRS OLD, Cash not Credit runs 1D/2D times all business, no Bad habits, sound. Pics/video $1000 /head, calves go w/cows. 501-581-7772 call/text. available $3,500.00 704-842-4991 or 980-522-1865 MISCELLANEOUS 3/14 - STEER WRESTLING HORSE , GELDING ,Came from 12/14 For Sale – Alabama Premier Horse Property – 78 Bo Campbell Rodeo Productions, 15 hands. Great starter Acres, fenced & cross fenced with 2 ac pond, creeks & horse 5000.00 850.758.7255 magnificent 4,200 Sq. Ft Home. 3 Barns, RV hookups and lots more. It is a must see! – Asking $1,100,000. Call The 4/13 - HIGH SCHOOL RODEO HORSE, Poles 20 sec & barrels, APHA Mare 13yrs old (Two Eyed Jack/Zippo Pine Joel Gill Team, Joel or Susan Gill – 334-277-8204!

Bar) NBHA World Qualifier and Finalist numerous times, No Bad Habits, Guaranteed to be sound. Pics/Videos available. $12,000. Call Joseph at 251-895-0081.

TRUCKS/TRAILERS 5/14 - 2006 4 HORSE SUNDOWNER 8012 TRAILER, one owner 12’ LQ, like new AC/Heat Pullout sofa, queen bed, micro, cooktop, frig w/Freezer, TV, radio/cd, speakers in and out, big shower with glass door. Built in Generator, (push button) Side storage mangers in stalls, drop down windows, rear tack and electric jack. Hate to sell but too big for college student. Would trade for smaller LQ trailer. $42K, 980-522-1949 or 980-522-1865

©2015 Bull Daddy Cartoons

CATTLE 10/14 Robo Steer for Sale. Very well maintained and 3/14 - 4 LONGHORN STEERS, 1 LONGHORN BULL. Used for kept under cover. Collapsable horns and articulating and steer wrestling practice. 2 yrs old. $750 ea. 850.758.7255 collapsable heels. Delivery available. $4500 Call or email 4/14 - FOR SALE: 40 HD LONGHORN CATTLE, calving now. for pics and more information. irishjump@gmail.com or 6 had calves taken off & bred back to Angus or Charlois. 404-433-7444.

5/14 - SALES REPS WANTED: Apparel company based in Texas is now hiring qualified Sales Reps for USs, Canada and Brazil. Must be motivated self-starter, great with people and like to travel. Interested parties contact Luann at apparelbytwistedj@gmail.com. STEPHENVILLE, TX. 3/14 - SADDLE BRONC SADDLE 17.5,rein, halter, GBARG, Came from Sankey Rodeo Schl, $1500. Call Chase 850.758.9907 8/14 - TIME MACHINE OR HEEL-O-MATIC FOR SALE, I have both, don’t need but one, time machine still crated, heel a matic has battery operated legs, in great shape. Make me an offer! 334 341 1127

WANTED 12/14 Looking for a used roping chute. I can pick up in Texas. Please text me a picture and information. 361-2272914 – Armando 3/14 - LOOKING FOR A USED HOT HEELS! If anybody knows of one or is selling one please let me know via text or call. 817-965-4527 The Roping Pen’s Classifieds REALLY WORK and are FREE for Subscribers!

Submit ad requests by the 10th of the month to rdavis@theropingpen.com.

©2015 Bull Daddy Cartoons

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

EVENTS: Best of the Best . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Bigby Roping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Fire It Up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Florida Panhandle/USTRC . .

Mississippi BlackJack . . . . . . .

North Carolina Classic . . . . . .

WSTR (NJ Productions) . . . . .

39 41 59 21 36 19 55

ADVERTISERS: Adam Toole Horses . . . . . . . . . 43 Alabama Roping . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Albracht Insurance . . . . . . . . . 60 Allen’s Rodeo Photos . . . . . . . . 4 American Hat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Bar H Photography . . . . . . . . . . 4 BTuff Jeans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Bull Daddy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 C Bar C Photography . . . . . . . . . 4 Cactus Ropes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Classic Rope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67 Dare to be a Cowboy . . . . . . . . 65 Elite Trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 Equine Performax . . . . . . . . . . 53 FastBack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Haslerig Saddlery . . . . . . . . . . 24 Heel-O-Matic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Hot Heels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 JD Photography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Jim Davis Photo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Lazy J Rodeo Saftey . . . . . . . . . 17 Lone Star Ropes . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Lubrisyn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68 Maynard Buckles . . . . . . . . . . . 45

64 • The Roping Pen • April 2015

NRS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Outlaw Saddles . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Power Team Roping . . . . . . . . 65 Red Bluff Buckles . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Shorty by Smarty . . . . . . . . . . . 63 Silver Lining Herbs . . . . . . . . . 57 Sparky Calf Roper . . . . . . . . . . 15 STS Ranchwear . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Team Equine Saddle Pad . . . . 31 Tom Bourne . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Total Equine Feed . . . . . . . . . . 66 TotalTeamRoping.com . . . . . . 27 Tres Rios Silver . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Twisted J . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Twisted Spur . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Willard Rope Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Call for great advertising rates!

Duane Asks:

How do you prepare for a big roping like the George Strait or BFI?

Rickey’s Answer:

Those are very different ropings. One is a short score and the other a long score, so you must make your practice match the circumstances. Then visualize what you want your runs to be like.

The Magazine for America’s Roper • 65

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The Magazine for America’s Roper • 67

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