The roping pen feb 2015

Feb 2015

Vol. 24 No. 2

$3.00

2 • The Roping Pen • February 2015

The Magazine for America’s Roper • 3

February is here, and just a reminder... this month holds that one day where you get to tell that someone special in your life how much you love and care for them. As for the me personally, I will be glad I won’t have to type the word Fberaury Febaury February near as much! I am also happy to see the month come because that means warmer weather is on its way.

I am tired of the cold, mud, rain and snow and can’t wait to see March roll around.

The month does, however, bring an event that I am excited about. The Patriot will be hosted at the end of February, alongside RFD-TV’s The American. Last year, The American stepped up and hit an out-of-the-park home run. The Patriot will add to the event this year, and it already looks to be a great success.

The end of the month looks to be exciting for the sport of rodeo and team roping.

The past month held an incredible change of events that is exciting for the future of team roping east of the Mississippi River. The New Year hosted several big team roping events across the country. However, one outshined them all this year.

The USTRC South Georgia Classic, held in Perry, showcased the largest growth of any event at the turn of the New Year! Up several hundred teams, the South Georgia Classic was witness that the sport of team roping is continuing to grow east of the Mississippi River.

I wanted to point this out because it is no mistake that the South Georgia Classic was a huge success. It has taken a lot of work from a lot of people to continue to grow the sport of team roping in the Southeast. Looking at the month ahead, there is

another event I am sure many of you all are gearing up for (or should be!) The Lubrisyn - Big Ticket in Tunica, Mississippi has become a staple event for team ropers. What was once a USTRC event, it has stood on its own feet over the past 4 years, and each year has seen a steady growth. Last year’s event paid out just under $200,000. With a $40,000 guaranteed prizeline this year, you can bet it will once again be a great team roping.

The success of this event is due to the hard work of the production company, JX2, as well as its partnership with Lubrisyn, who has stepped in to promote the event and the sport overall.

All sponsors who stand behind events should be applauded.

However, when a partnership is made and the title sponsor truly believes in the involvement, success is almost always guaranteed. Steve Allday and the Lubrisyn team stepped up to help make The Big Ticket a success and help drive the sport forward, and from the looks of it, they have done just that.

LubriSyn’s Kelly Allday recently commented, “The LubriSyn HA family of products is very proud to be the title sponsor of the Big Ticket event held by JX2 and the NTRL. We believe that as a partner, we have been able to expose our audience to the growing sport of team roping on the east coast. We truly look forward to the continued success of this roping.”

The year ahead should be exciting. There are a slew of events on tap, including truck ropings, USTRC events, large payout ropings, World Series events, and everything in between. The future of the sport looks bright in the East, from my point of view, and I’m ready to watch them all grow and be successful!

UNTIL NEXT MONTH...

Dirt: keep it under your feet

~Ryan Davis

Table of Contents Articles & Features 4 Dirt. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ryan Davis

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

SRA

12 Protecting Your Investment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jason Strickland

Southern Rodeo Association

13 Facing Intimidation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Crystal Lyons

AHSRA

19 The Other Half: Pink Buckets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gracie Mae

Alabama High School Rodeo Association FYRA

Foothills Youth Rodeo Association GHSRA & GJHRA

Georgia High School Rodeo Association & Georgia Junior High Division NTRL

22 Down the Line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Stran Smith 23 South Georgia Classic, Recap & Photos. . . . . . . . Ben Clements

34 Pushing the Barrier: Improving or Practicing?. . Speed Williams 38 Top Tips: Winter Break. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Total Team Roping 47 Smart Roping: Reading the Corner. . . . . . . . . . . . Allen Bach

National Team Roping League

49 Throwing My Loop: A Positive Life . . . . . . Michael Johnson

NCHSRA • NCJHRA

52 Sweat & Balin’ Twine: The Adventure Begins. . . John Rhudy

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

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

Christian Bulls & Barrels Association

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On the Cover This Month:

Photo courtesy of Valerie Ford C Bar C Photography

4 • The Roping Pen • February 2015

9 Ft. Worth in February: The Patriot. . . . . . . . . . . Event Preview

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

52 Event & Advertiser Index 53 Classifieds

Associations 6-8 Southern Rodeo Association ~ SRA 14 Georgia High School & Jr Rodeo Assoc ~ GHSRA 18 Foothills Youth Rodeo Association ~ FYRA 20 Alabama High School Rodeo Association ~ AHSRA 30 N Carolina High School Rodeo Assoc ~ NCHSRA 32 S Carolina HS, Jr Div, & Youth Rodeo Assoc ~ SCHSRA 40-41, 44-45 National Team Roping League ~ NTRL

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

For Advertising Subscription and other Information: 505-407-2151

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

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

The Magazine for America’s Roper • 5

JAKE & LAUREN WILLCOX: A RODEO DYNAMIC DUO! T

Photos courtesy of SRA

he SRA has wrapped up their 2014 season and are well on their way towards a new one, one that is sure to push the limits of great rodeo entertainment and excitement all across the Southeast. As the weather warms up so will the rodeo action. You can bet there will be a young couple who have over the years become a mainstay in the SRA arena. They are right in the middle of the mix each and every chance they get.

The Willcox dynamic duo of Jake and Lauren are not strangers to the world of rodeo and will continue to add and be part of the tremendous success of rodeo for many years to come.

Jake and Lauren both take their time in the spotlight at rodeos all across the Southeast area of the country. Over the past several years thousands of rodeo fans have clapped and laughed at Jake who can be found inside the arena as a rodeo entertainer. Yep, Jake is the funny man, the face-painted cowboy in the barrel who keeps the crowd amused throughout the event. Lauren, his bride of just over three years is also part of lots of action in the arena as she streaks across the arena floor in the barrel racing event and blasts into the arena in the fast and furious breakaway roping event. In fact Lauren was spotlighted at the 2014 SRA Finals after winning the Average of the breakaway roping.

“It was great (Winning the Average at the SRA Finals),” said Lauren. “I won the first round, was third in the second and just made sure I roped my last one. There were some great ropers there and I was blessed to get the win.”

Jake was at the SRA Finals as well, not only supporting his wife, but doing what he does best. Chosen as the rodeo

6 • The Roping Pen • February 2015

clown of the year, Jake was honored to be a part of the 2014 Finals action and kept the crowds entertained throughout the weekend.

“Jake did all three, the SRA, SPRA and the PCA Finals this year,” added Lauren who shows pride for her husband. “I am not sure, but that might be the first for anyone doing all three in the same year.”

Jake and Lauren are an amazing couple who share their success in the arena. College sweethearts, they met at the University of Georgia while helping host the UGA Block and Bridle Rodeo which is now the Great Southeast Championship Rodeo. They now live in Athens, Georgia where Lauren teaches 5th grade Science and Social Studies and Jake works alongside his father with a fence company. The day jobs are just that and the Willcox couple live for the weekends where they can head to a rodeo, barrel race or team roping to fulfill their desires inside the rodeo arena.

Jake works about 35 to 40 rodeos a year, so he stays plenty busy entertaining and working on his acts in the arena. It is not a career he sought after, in fact Jake sort of fell into the role as a rodeo funny man.

“I was too goofy to have a serious job,” admitted Jake. “I have always been around rodeo as a kid. My dad was a team roper and won the SRA in the 80’s. Rodeo folks are my kind of people. I was competing in college and on the Block and Bridle Club when a bull fighter friend of mine, Bill Dover said they needed a clown at a local event. I asked what it paid and

he said nothing…. so I was in. Really it was his fault.”

From that humble beginning and after graduating college in the middle of the recession, he found that making money and enjoying the sport of rodeo went hand and hand. The first guy that really gave him a chance was Jason Roberts in North Carolina. “I did all of his events for a while and it sort of slowly snowballed into what it is today,” Jake said.

Jake spends much of his spare time perfecting his acts for the rodeo arena. He can often be found performing his very first act, the ‘water trough car.’ “It is still a great act and the crowd loves it,” said Jake. He also has several other acts and like many of the great rodeo clowns he has included animals into his activities. Jake uses his mini horse at events, as well as his dog which he uses in his ‘Chicken Cannon act.’ The trained dog steals the show every chance he gets.

“I have a new act that I am excited about this year,” added Jake. “I have worked with a friend of mine on this horse act and I think it will set me up for success.”

When he gets a chance, Jake likes to team rope. He usually hits a few jackpots here and there, but that is becoming harder and harder to do. More rodeos throughout the Southeast want him to entertain their crowds at rodeos and he keeps losing good team roping horses to his bride. Lauren who began barrel racing in high school and picked up breakaway roping not too long after that had to retire her breakaway horse. The need for a new one to fill the spot in her string did not last very long. Instead of reaching out and buying a new

breakaway horse, she turned to the pasture last year and started working with Jake’s heel horse. “Skeeter” turned out to be a great breakaway horse for Lauren. It was the horse that carried her to victory at the 2014 SRA Finals this past December. “Skeeter does not have to rope steers anymore. He is strictly a calf horse,” said Lauren.

As for the barrel racing, Lauren will be gunning for bigger paydays in the day’s and months to come. She also needed a good barrel horse to be competitive and spent most of last year preparing a young horse named, “Beemer.” ”He was not quite ready to go last year,” admitted Lauren.

“So I took him to some smaller races and got him seasoned.

He has come a long way and this year he is ready to go!”

What makes the pair so enjoyable are their true words of support for each other. Lauren no doubt supports Jake. She easily demonstrates her pride of Jake and his continued success in the arena as a featured entertainer. As for Jake, well he said it best with the words, “Rodeo has been great to us.

We have been blessed with the opportunities we have had. I really enjoy making people laugh and even though I don’t get to rope much anymore, I am Lauren’s biggest fan.”

The rodeo community in the Southeast is lucky to have Jake and Lauren Willcox. They are great assets to the rodeo world and from the looks of things will be for many years to come.

Congratulations to this young couple for the success they have found in the rodeo arena and the best of luck to them for many years to come!

The Magazine for America’s Roper • 7

SRA UPCOMING RODEOS: FEBRUARY 20-21 • WILLIAMSTON, NC Friday, 8 pm • Saturday, 1 pm & 8 pm BB SB BR CR SW TR CBR CBA $500 ADM $50 EF $5 SCF Call to enter: 800-639-9002 Mon, Feb16, 8 am - 5 pm CST Location: Sen. Bob Martin Ag Center (Indoor Arena) More Info: 252-946-9780 • SRA Rafter 3 Rodeo Co

MARCH 6-7 • PENDLETON, SC Friday & Saturday, 8 pm • Call to enter: 800-639-9002 Mon, Mar 2, 8 am - 5 pm CST BB SB BR CR SW TR CBR CBA $500 ADM $50 EF $10 SCF Coggins required for all horses, out of state horses must have current health certificate Location: T Ed Garrison Arena, 1101 W Queen St • Participant Insurance Required More Info: 864-918-7633 • IPRA/SRA Ken Treadway Rodeo Co

MARCH 20-21 • ASHEVILLE, NC Friday & Saturday, 8 pm • Call to enter: 800-639-9002 Mon, Mar 16, 8am-5pm CST BB SB BR - you may enter both perfs • BB SB $500 ADM $50 EF $10 SCF (each perf) BR $750 ADM $60 EF $10 SCF (each perf) • CBR $500 ADM $50 EF $10 SCF (enter once) Location: WNC Ag Center-Fletcher NC (Indoor Arena)

2015 POINT STANDINGS Rank, Name........Points 7 CLINT MADISON.............. 324.30 8 COLE WATKINS...............234.00 ALL AROUND COWBOY 9 DARYL MATTHEWS..........220.80 1 CODY MOUSSEAU......... 4163.38 10 BRANDON PUTNAM....... 138.00 2 JUSTIN THIGPEN...........3929.04 11 ROBBIE MURDOCK.........101.70 3 CORD SPRADLEY.............834.75 4 BRAD STEWART...............593.73 STEER WRESTLING 5 CLINT MADISON..............480.70 1 CODY MOUSSEAU...........1751.58 2 JUSTIN THIGPEN........... 1148.13 ALL AROUND COWGIRL 3 BRIAN BAREFOOT............ 845.10 1 HEATHER SHERRILL......... 819.54 4 CORD SPRADLEY. ..............450.00 SPRADLEY 2 TAYLOR DIGH..................563.85 5 JOE COOK......................346.00 3 KARLA DAGENHART........475.20 6 TYE WALTERS..................225.00 7 BRAD STEWART.............. 188.73 BAREBACK

1 JOSH CRAGAR............... 1200.60 2 BRANDON RIPPY.............. 117.76 TEAM ROPING - HEADING 1 CODY MOUSSEAU...........1599.10 2 JASON TUCKER..............1071.34 SADDLE BRONC 1 EDDIE PARLIER............. 1445.40 3 JUSTIN THIGPEN............932.85 2 TRAVIS DEAL.................. 257.60 4 GREG MCCRARY..............486.00 3 PRESTON FOWLKES III.....220.80 5 LANGDON PLEASANT.......432.00 6 BRAD STEWART...............405.00 7 DANNY PYLES.................283.50 BULL RIDING 1 JEREMIAH KEY.............. 1663.20 8 BRENT CARLTON.............258.06 2 LUKE POWELL................... 81.00 9 DARYL MATTHEWS.......... 228.16 10 BRANDON LINKER......... 144.00 CALF ROPING 1 JUSTIN THIGPEN........... 1848.06 TEAM ROPING - HEELING 2 WILL CHARPING........... 1065.06 1 CALEB ANDERSON........... 961.86 3 CODY MOUSSEAU.......... 812.70 2 CLAY FUTRELL................. 587.25 4 JACOB THOMASSON.......509.40 3 ZACK WALTERS...............486.00 5 EARL BRADLEY................499.86 4 WILLIAM HENKEL............432.00 ..............384.75 SPRADLEY 6 BRADLEY BULLARD.........459.00 5 CORD SPRADLEY.

6 WALTER GRAHAM............ 367.54 7 SCOTT TANT....................288.00 8 SHERWOOD MULLIS........ 245.25 9 CHRIS GRISMER.............. 182.25 10 CLINT MADISON............ 156.40 BARREL RACING 1 REBECCA OWENS.......... 1703.70 2 CARRIE PUTNAM............1224.81 3 MEGAN LYERLY..............754.56 4 NANCY GARRISON...........583.20 5 WENDY REED.................. 566.01 6 VANESSA MADISON.........372.60 7 TAYLOR DIGH..................365.40 8 KARLA DAGENHART........340.20 9 HEATHER SHERRILL.........234.90 10 MIKAYLA ALMOND........225.00 11 ADDIE FAIRCHILD.......... 218.70 12 KRISTI GILMORE........... 154.56 BREAKAWAY ROPING 1 AMANDA STEWART..........890.04 2 BAILEY LIVENGOOD.........866.70 3 LUCINDA FLETCHER.........779.20 4 ROBIN PRUITT................ 740.25 5 HEATHER SHERRILL........584.64 6 TAYLOR EARNHARDT.......493.29 7 LAUREN WILLCOX...........483.84 8 SARAH ANGELONE..........432.40 9 MARLEE MALCOM........... 418.95 10 SAVANNAH PRATER.......308.70 11 CRYSTAL MCDOWELL..... 282.24 12 MARYALICE TUTTLE........270.00

More Info: 828-712-4259 • www.redneckrodeo.com • SRA Double Creek Pro Rodeo

APRIL 10-11 • GREENWOOD, SC Bulls & Barrels • SRA Double Creek Pro Rodeo

MAY 8-9 • GATES, NC SRA/IPRA Double Creek Pro Rodeo

MAY 29-30 • WILSON, NC SRA/IPRA Double Creek Pro Rodeo

JUNE 26-27 • SPARTANBURG, SC SRA Double Creek Pro Rodeo

JULY 17 • NEWPORT, NC SRA Double Creek Pro Rodeo

JULY 18 • NEWPORT, NC SRA Double Creek Pro Rodeo

SEPTEMBER 11-12 • ROYSTON, GA SRA Double Creek Pro Rodeo

SEPTEMBER 18-19 • GREENWOOD, SC SRA Double Creek Pro Rodeo

SEPTEMBER 25-26 • BENSON, NC SRA Double Creek Pro Rodeo

8 • The Roping Pen • February 2015

NOTES TO KNOW… • ALL FINES AND TURN-OUT FEES MUST BE PAID BEFORE ENTERING A RODEO. • SRA memberships must be purchased prior to rodeo in order for points to count.

Membership applications can be printed from the SRA website and are available for purchase through the SRA office and at SRA first-sanctioned rodeos. You may not be able to purchase a membership at rodeos that are not SRA first-sanctioned rodeos.

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

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

ADD’L RODEO FEES: (unless otherwise noted in listing) • SRA FIRST-SANCTIONED RODEOS: • Office Fee: $2 per contestant • Finals Fee: $5 per entry: • S tock Contractor Fee: Amount as listed on rodeo info is per entry (per team in team roping) • IPRA/SRA RODEOS: Finals Fee: $2 per contestant CES: $8 per contestant

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

CST CENTRAL STD TIME

EF ENTRY FEE

EST EASTERN STD TIME

SB SADDLE BRONC RIDING

SC STOCK CHARGE

SCF STOCK CONTRACTOR FEE

SW STEER WRESTLING

TR TEAM ROPING

T

here is the NFR, the World Series of Team Roping Finale, The USTRC Finals and the NTRL Finals, all of which are huge events that have gained a lot of attention over the past couple months in the rodeo world. These events help shape the rodeo community and continue to push the limit, promoting the sport with bigger and bigger payouts each and every year. Take a look at the scenario though, The NFR is in Las Vegas, as is the WSTR Finale, the USTRC Finals are in Oklahoma City and the NTRL Finals in Jacksonville, Florida serve team ropers east of the Mississippi River. Now think about the largest accumulation of rodeo cowboys and cowgirls, as well as team ropers. They are in Texas, the Lone Star State.

Heck, even the Cowboy Capital of the World boast itself in Texas. So, why then are all of these large events outside the boarder of this great cowboy state?

payout of over $2-million dollars by itself, The Patriot has gained a lot of attention in the rodeo world over the last several months. The event will feature a team roping, barrel race, mounted shooting, cowboy auction and trade show – All in its first year. The event will play out at the famed Will Rogers Stadium in Fort Worth.

RFD-TV’s The American Rodeo brought the state of Texas a huge event last year, one that sent a tidal wave across the sport, an event Texan’s have endorsed and can hang their hat on. ‘The American’ clearly set itself apart last year with its “Worlds Richest One-Day Rodeo.” The format of the event and the showcase of talent opened up a door inside the sport of rodeo and it was well accepted. Contestants from all across the country were welcomed to take part and have a chance to be crowned champion

The event itself had its own hill to climb and many were skeptical of its success. However, the format of big money has been proven over and over again and ropers know that if you want to win big, you have to play big. There seems to be no shortage of ropers who are willing to pay larger entry fees for a chance at bigger payouts. In addition, there is no better place than in the heart of Texas and the swarm of rodeo talent and team ropers to host this kind of event.

Not anymore!

That single event did more for the sport of rodeo than any other last year. And guess what? It is back bigger and better again this year. With a year worth of qualifiers and RFD-TV’s The American Rodeo is ready to take center stage again at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, home of the Dallas Cowboys. Some of today’s most talented rodeo cowboys and cowgirls from all across the country will be converging on the state of the art facility in Texas to have their chance at this year’s big money. Additionally you can bet there will not be an empty seat in the house as fans will fill them up to get a glimpse at today’s greatest rodeo superstars.

‘The American’ is not the only thing capturing the attention of the rodeo world this year and helping boast the tagline – “Fort Worth in February.” The success of ‘The American’ sparked the attention of Kevin Hall who immediately saw the impact of the event and looked into the future. His thoughts, ambitions and knowledge of team roping production allowed Hall to come up with an event to add to the flare of The American. This event, The Patriot will no doubt be a welcoming addition to RFD-TV’s The American Rodeo and the state of Texas.

The Patriot will ride shotgun with RFD-TV’s The American Rodeo throughout the last week of February. With an estimated combined

With the New Year and entries already being taken, the event is filling fast and shaping up to be a perfect fit for The American!

“I had my expectations of what the first couple of weeks of entries would be like,” said Hall, who will handle the production reins of the team roping. “But it has been better than expected and the entries are coming in fast. We are well ahead of what we had expected and it has only been a week.

The barrel racers are entering up as well and I’m sure they will max out on the entries. The mounted shooting is doing well also. All in all, it will be a great event!”

There is one thing though that does make The Patriot stand out as a unique event. That is the limited entries being taken. The limited entries allow ropers to have a better chance at winning. This has no doubt drawn the attention of ropers and is one of the unique formats that Hall has said from day one that will help make The Patriot a success.

As the Patriot and ‘The American’ approach at the end of February, all eyes will be cast towards Texas. RFD-TV’s The American Rodeo proved it could be done last year and with a repeat performance just around the corner you can bet it will continue to mark a change in rodeo history books. RFD-TV’s The American Rodeo is well on its way to becoming a staple rodeo that will gather more and more attention for many years to come. The Patriot added to the weeks action in February, although it has not played out in its entirety it is also well on its way to becoming an event that cowboys and cowgirls can count on attending each and every year. There is little doubt now that entries are being gathered that the event will be a success. With winners just awaiting their turn to back into the box, blast into the arena or turn their final barrel heading for home, The Patriot along with ‘The American’ has already set the stage for an event like no other! (See page 28 for event info & more details...)

The Magazine for America’s Roper • 9

10 • The Roping Pen • February 2015

The Magazine for America’s Roper • 11

I

had been asked to write an article explaining more about horse insurance for The Roping Pen Magazine. It seems I get more and more questions about “what is horse insurance?” everywhere I go, and especially after an accident or sickness in a horse. I will explain in some simple terms what is horse insurance, basic cost, basic coverages, and some examples. (Feel free to call, text, or email me more questions and maybe we can include those in the next article for The Roping Pen!)

training bills, documented money or points, breeding contracts, etc. Documentation of these items will be asked for after a claim is filed, so be sure and keep up with these type records on your horse.

Rates for mortality normally run from 3% to 12%, depending on the factors mentioned above.

For instance (example only), a 9-year-old roping horse purchased for $10,000 in need of a mortality policy would cost the owner $340 per year. This is based upon a rate of 3.4%. If this horse dies or has to be humanely destroyed, you would be reimbursed for $10,000 according to the value of the policy. (Check with an agent for your individual needs.)

There are other options that can be added to a basic mortality policy. Options such as Major Medical, Surgical, Liability, etc. All have specified coverages for your needs. Be sure and check with your agent to find what best fits your situation and needs.

Horse insurance, in a nutshell, is the protection of your investment in purchasing or owning a horse. It works very much like life insurance on yourself. This type of coverage is called a “Mortality” policy and it should be purchased by anyone with performance horses, in my opinion. These types of coverages normally cover the death of a horse due to illness, disease, humane destruction, or transportation. Most also cover the animal for theft, meaning that if the horse is stolen, it is covered for the amount of insurance on the horse. Most also come with an emergency colic surgery endorsement, as well, which means if the horse colics and needs emergency colic surgery, it is covered up the amount specified in your policy.

This is really just the basic insurance needed to cover your investment in buying or owning a horse. These types of coverages are not as expensive as one might think!

The cost of mortality policies are based upon rates provided by your agency and are specified by the underwriter of the insurance.

The rates will normally vary in cost due to age of the horse, discipline of the horse, and (of course) the value placed on the horse.

The monetary value of the horse is based upon purchase price,

Email or text me some questions about horse insurance (my contact information is listed below) and we will try and get those answered in an upcoming article! Also, feel free to call me for any questions, or to get a quote for your horses.

See you at the next roping!

For qestios or inquiries about Insuracne for your horse or for this article please email or call Jason Strickland at jasonvstrickland@gmail.com / (912)269-1505.

Crystal Lyons:

Facing Intimidation I

ntimidation: Give it an inch and it’ll take over!! My stallion is a professional intimidator! When I bought him he was 4 years old….big…16 hands big and very acclimated to being obnoxiously undisciplined on the ground. He’s not mean; he just likes his ideas BETTER. And he can come up with some ideas let me tell ya! When I first saw a video advertising him for sale, I remember thinking, “What a FART! He’s just what I want!” He has personality that is literally ROARING to get out! Exuberant personality harnessed and he’s a showboating machine!! Unharnessed, he can quickly become a monster!

That kind of extraverted type A personality is great for what I want him for….basically showing out in front of an audience…but buddy…if he’s not kept under control, he’ll take over in a heartbeat!! From the first day I got Strider home, we kinda came to terms. From the video I suspected what he’d pull and I was ready.

I stepped into the large lot where he was and sure enough, here he came thundering up to me to “play” and if he happened to knock me down….oh well! I caught him across the nose with the popper of a whip. It sounded like a 22 shot. Perfect hit! He stopped in his tracks, shook his head, wallowing his lips around and decided that must not be the acceptable way to approach humans. WIN!! Every

12 • The Roping Pen • February 2015

now and then I have to give him a “tune up” to keep him mannerly because old habits do tend to creep back in. But the point is…if I allowed him to intimidate me, he would take over!

Intimidation can never be yielded to without losing a place of authority that belongs to you. We give up victories unnecessarily when we allow intimidation to master us. Fear is always in the mix when intimidation is in play. Even when it’s from someone who is our superior, say bosses at work, you must show respect and fulfill your job but never bow on the inside to intimidation. You don’t need to be loud or brass or disrespectful, intimidation is defeated by simply keeping your inward courage and outward poise intact.

You know where I have the hardest time overcoming intimidation? In my own mind! I leave an event thinking…”I could have done LOTS better”…..”I’m such a backwoods goober head, I probably won’t get the opportunity to come back”….etc., etc. If I start listening to the thoughts inside my head about myself, I quickly want to just crawl in a hole and disappear from public view! When my head is screaming what a loser I am is when I have to gather up the most courage to overcome self-inflicted intimidation! Heck….facing off my stallion is MUCH EASIER then defeating my own discouraging thoughts! But intimidation is intimidation, no matter where it originates! Defeat it or it will defeat you! Face it with courage and don’t yield to it for one second because if you do, you will find yourself on a downhill slide. God NEVER uses intimidation…..NEVER! God is waiting to see if you will oppose intimidation so that He can empower you to defeat it! God LOVES helping us move in victory and defeat the enemy! Even when that enemy is within my own head!

The Magazine for America’s Roper • 13

GHSRA & GJHRA 2014-2015 GHSRA Officers

2015 High School Rodeo Schedule

President: Todd Watkins trwatkins@comcast.net

February 27-28* Quitman, GA March 14-15* Franklin, GA

Vice President: LaVon Richards​ (478) 308-1226

March 27-28 TBD April 17-18 Jakin, GA

Rodeo Secretary: Leisa Haslerig​ (706) 764-2205 Points Secretary: Angie Sims (678) 777-9540 State Secretary: Tracey Boatwright​ k3tboatwright@yahoo.com (828) 837-0900 National Director: Ronnie Haslerig (706) 764-2205 ••••••

2014 -2015 Student Officers President: Marlee Malcom Vice-President: Collett Halik Secretary: Caleebell Duncan Queen: Olivia Tacy

Hey, y’all!! I had so

much fun with ya’ll in Cleveland

(as always) and I just can’t wait to see everyone again! The Andalu-

sia rodeo, aka BAMA Challenge, is

always a blast. The Alabama Queen,

May 1-2* Ringold, GA

July 12-18 National Finals Rock Springs, Wyoming ••••••

Animal Print/Camo, and Sunday is

2015 Junior High Rodeo Schedule

there’ll be a BOYS barrel race! The

February 27-28 * Quitman, GA

afternoon is BLUE, Saturday night is Cowboys & Indians.

Also, Friday after the performance

entry is $3 so grab your girlfriend’s barrel horse and fastest time wins the prize! Saturday, come to the

arena after the perf and see myself,

the AL queen and all our officers get pied in the face. But you gotta bid

on it! So come help raise money and throw whipped cream at us! Then

there’ll be a bonfire that same night!

I cannot wait for another epic weekend with ya’ll! See ya in February!

~ Olivia

Rickey’s Answer: First thing I would do is to have a qualified dentist check his teeth. The teeth can mechanically make it impossible to flex at the poll and then see the chiropractor.

May 29-31 Perry, GA State Finals

Lizzy Sexton, and I have some really fun themes: Friday is RED, Saturday

Josey’s Question: My horse refuses to break at the poll, no matter what I put on him.

March 14-15* Franklin, GA May 1-2* Ringold, GA May 28-29 Perry, GA State Finals •••••• *HS & JH Combined Rodeos

2014/15 Sponsors: The GHSRA extends most sincere thanks to these sponsors for helping make our association a success!

14 • The Roping Pen • February 2015

The Magazine for America’s Roper • 15

16 • The Roping Pen • February 2015

The Magazine for America’s Roper • 17

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

Join the FYRA for our 2015 Season...

Download, Fill out, and turn in your NOATARIZED 2015 Membership Application with payment by March 1, 2015 to receive the discount on membership fees! ($50 IF YOU JOIN ON/BEFORE MARCH 1 - $60 AFTER MARCH 1)

A P P L I C A T I O N S A R E AV A I L A B L E N O W O N L I N E A T . . .

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

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

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

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

2015 RODEO SCHEDULE SATURDAY, MARCH 7 J/S 10 am & P/W 7 pm SUNDAY, MARCH 8 P/W 10 am & J/S 4 pm Cross Creek Ranch 1916 McIntyre Rd. • Wingate, NC www.crosscreekarena.com SATURDAY, APRIL 18 J/S 10 am & P/W 7 pm SUNDAY, APRIL 19 P/W 10 am & J/S 4 pm Location TBA SATURDAY, MAY 16 J/S 10 am & P/W 7 pm SUNDAY, MAY 17 P/W 10 am & J/S 4 PM Cole Creek Arena 461 Camp Knob Rd • Casar, NC SATURDAY, JUNE 6 J/S 10 am & P/W 7 pm SUNDAY, JUNE 7 P/W 10 am & J/S 4 pm Location TBA SATURDAY, JULY 11 J/S 10 am & P/W 7 pm SUNDAY, JULY 12 P/W 10 am & J/S 4 pm Cole Creek Arena 461 Camp Knob Rd • Casar, NC SATURDAY, AUGUST 15 J/S 10 am & P/W 7 pm SUNDAY, AUGUST 16TH P/W 9 am & J/S 2 pm Location TBA

Kevin Gowan • 2014-16 • kgowan@aol.com

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 5 J/S 9 am & P/W 7 PM SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6 P/W 10 am & J/S 4 pm Sugar Ridge Arena 481 Sugar Ridge Rd. • Inman, SC

Maddie Styles • 2014-16 • maddiestyles10@yahoo.com

FINALS- OCT 23-25

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

Board of Directors:

FYRA Officers: FYRA’S 2015 SEASON IS HERE!!

rodeofyra.com • Follow us on Facebook!

Lorrie Harmon • 2013-16 • harmonlr@hotmail.com

Times TBA • Double J Arena 501 Lockaby Rd, Pendleton, SC www.doublejbarrelhorses.com

Joni Gray • 2012-15 • Cwgrlup116@aol.com

• • • • • • • • •

Scott Cochran • 2013-15 • scottcochran.09@gmail.com

J/S= Junior & Senior Performance

Steve Cook • 2013-15 SCook@midrex.com Jason Timms • 2012-15 • jaytimms@att.net Maggie Styles • 2014-16 • maggiestyles000@yahoo.com

18 • The Roping Pen • February 2015

Pam Foster • 2014-17 • pgarrett@srhs.com Kevin Dyal • 2014-16 • Kdyal78@yahoo.com

P/W= Pee Wee & Wrangler Performance All Entries must be Called in for.

Call-Ins held on the Monday prior to the rodeo 7-10 pm (864) 906-0698 or (864) 724-4675 Late Call-Ins... see RULEBOOK.

Other Half

THE

Foothills Youth Rodeo Association

Pink Buckets I t happens around our house twice a day. It is a major production and takes all of us to get it done in a reasonable amount of time.

It is the process of getting all our animals and livestock fed and tended too.

We feed in the morning and we feed at night. However, there is a little more to the ritual than meets the eye for the average person.

You see, with kids well, they have certain ideologies that must be adhered to.

June Bug, for example, likes the color pink. Therefore, all her buckets, saddle blankets, boots, ropes, clothes etc. are pink. What that means during feeding time is that her favorite horse has to be fed out of her pink bucket. Otherwise, her horse won’t eat or so she says.

Now, Boss and Buzzy could care less and most of the time they humor her and pour feed into her pink feed bucket so she can grain her own horse. If you have kids you soon come to understand you just pick your battles and some things, in the big picture of things, are not worth making issues over.

One particular evening we had finished up roping and were hurriedly trying to get all the chores done. We were supposed to meet some friends for a dinner out and so we were rushing through the ritual.

Boss, not really thinking about buckets, poured feed for all the horses and proceeded to make the rounds to give each of them their supper. Thinking the kids were preoccupied with other things he failed to notice little eyes watching his every move. Boss fed the horses and moved to put out hay for the steers. He hollered at Buzzy to bring the wheelbarrow and suddenly June Bug let out a blood-curdling scream that would curl your hair.

“Nooooooo,” she screamed sending chills in every direction.

Then she burst into tears and you would have thought the world had ended. Both Boss and I came running and Buzzy, well, he knew already what was happening so he propped himself up on the wheelbarrow and patiently waited out the drama.

Boss got to June Bug first and she fell into his arms with tears flooding all over.

“Dish, can’t eat now,” she sobbed. “He is going to starve and then he will die and it is all your fault.” I knelt down trying to understand all she was saying amidst tears, snubs and sobs. Boss was speechless and shrugged his shoulders at me wondering what the heck?

In the midst of the bawling and crying we were able to get out of her that Boss had messed up and fed Dish out of a black bucket instead of her pink one. I shook my head, shrugged my shoulders and stood up. We didn’t really have time for all this. Not that I wasn’t sympathetic but, good grief, we were in a hurry. We were going to be late for our dinner engagement anyway and now Dish couldn’t’ eat because his food was poured out of a black bucket. Ahhhhh, this was nuts! Buzzy just sat on the wheelbarrow smugly nodding his © The Other Half / © Melinda Clements 2015

Thoughts of a Team Roping Spouse...

by Gracie Mae

head. He had seen this one coming.

Boss looked at me for help and I just shrugged and walked off to finish filling up the water tanks.

June Bug continued to sob while complaining that Dish would not eat and trying to convince her daddy that a pink bucket was much better than a black one.

From my experience, team ropers are pretty good daddy’s. Boss scooped her up in his arms and carried her over to where Dish stood at his trough munching his evening meal. He didn’t seem much worse for wear. Boss patiently and kindly explained to her that Dish was eating and he didn’t seem to mind just one day of trying his supper out of a black bucket instead of a pick one. Yea, right? He wasn’t convincing anyone, least of all June Bug.

I was to the point this drama had to end and it was ridiculous but Boss motioned me away. He slowly and patiently carried June Bug to the barn, scooped up feed and put it in the pink bucket. He also gathered up an empty black bucket and with his arms full with two buckets and his little daughter he made his way back to the run where Dish was happily consuming his evening meal.

Sitting her down on the ground he gave June Bug the pink bucket to hold and he took his hands and scooped up all the remaining feed in Dish’s trough. The horse, tossed his head and pushed has hands away, but Boss kept scooping up feed until the trough was clean.

Boss picked up June Bug and asked, “Does that look cleaned out enough?” Dish kept nudging his arm and trying to understand why he didn’t get any more supper.

Through tears, snotty nose and hair in her face June Bug nodded.

Boss set her on the ground and told her to pick up the pink bucket.

Of course, it was a load but she managed to get it under control.

With Dad’s help she poured new feed in Dish’s trough and the horse happily continued his supper. With a smile as big as the horse, June Bug gathered her pink bucket and headed back to the feed barn. All was well and good because Dish got his supper out of a pink bucket.

I shrugged and rolled my eyes. Buzzy hollered, “That is just dumb,” and Boss glared at him. The last thing Boss wanted was more tears and a fight among siblings.

We hurriedly finished our chores, washed up and headed to town for dinner with friends. We were not late after all and Dish got his evening meal from a PINK bucket.

I guess that is one thing we need to remember. It is the little things that matter. It took a minute to humor a little girl with her horse and a pink bucket. I have to give credit where credit is due.

Boss took the time to show his little girl that pink buckets make a difference. He took the time to show her that, despite roping and schedules and practice and appointments with friends for dinner, his little girl mattered.

This month is Valentines. Take a minute and show someone you love them. It may be nothing more than a pick bucket but sometimes pink buckets matter.

Keep Ropin’... Love, Gracie

The Magazine for America’s Roper • 19

F

ebruary is definitely a busy month for the

Alabama High School Rodeo Association! We kicked off this month at the Bama Challenge in Andalusia, Alabama where we competed with the Georgia High School Rodeo Association, and we will end it in Pensacola, Florida the 21st and 22nd along with a shooting.

Some of you may know, but the rodeo world has taken a great loss with the passing of Pam Missildine. She never failed to help anyone who needed it and she was the ultimate Rodeo Mom and Queen Mom. I am so grateful for the time I got to spend with her. I can only aspire to lead a life even similar to hers, and to touch as many people’s hearts as she did. Please send your prayers of peace and comfort to her mother and three children, Dakota, Dallas, and Austin. She will be forever missed.

~ Lizzy

UPCOMING EVENTS: FEBRUARY 21-22

Pensacola, FL 2 day - 2 Go • w/Shooting event

MARCH 21-22

Montgomery, AL • w/SLE 2 day - 2 Go • w/Jr. High

APRIL 11-12

Priceville, AL 2 day - 2 Go • w/ PCA

APRIL 25-26

Bay Minette, AL 2 day - 2 Go • w/ Shooting

CUTTING FINALS May Date Pending

STATE FINALS • JUNE 10-13 Location Pending

NATIONAL FINALS • JULY 12-18 Rock Springs, Wyoming

AHSRA thanks our sponsors for their commitment to helping our Association be a success!

20 • The Roping Pen • February 2015

The Magazine for America’s Roper • 21

T

I

never claim to be the greatest cowboy that ever lived, but I dang sure have been in the same pasture as a few of ‘em. My granddad, my dad, and my brother are three of the greatest cowboys I know. When I was a little boy my most favorite thing to do was sit and listen to my granddad tell stories about doctoring screw worms, or catching maverick bulls, or hunting coyotes with a pack of greyhounds horseback. The best thing about those stories is my granddad did not exaggerate. He told it like it was and how it happened. Needless to say my dad and granddad’s guardian angles were constantly working overtime. It seems like nearly everyday they were in some kind of crazy scenario or wild wreck. My dad and my granddad were side by side everyday from the day my dad could walk until the day my granddad passed. And even on the day my granddad passed I had never heard an ill word between the two of them.

My dad’s definition of a cowboy is knowing what a cow thinks before she thinks it. Now to the common person that probably doesn’t mean a whole lot. But after you’ve set your butt in a saddle for nine to ten hours in 110 degree heat, or broke a 40 mph wind with a 5 degree windchill, this takes on a whole new meaning when you got a silly cow thats got her head up wanting to come back over the top of you when you’re 200 yards from the gate and you’re trying to stick her in a pen. I feel an obligation as a fourth generation cowboy to be able to pass on this heritage, this legacy of what

22 • The Roping Pen • February 2015

www.STSRanch.com

is somewhat of a dying breed to my kids. More importantly the characteristics of what I feel a true cowboy stands for; Honor and integrity while being true to your faith, your family, and yourself.

I have really enjoyed my new venture with stsranch.com. I hope through this column I will be able to help carry on this way of life so it won’t be gone forever. If you want to read more from this article you can go to stsranch.com.

Until next time, God Bless, and I’ll 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.

he South Georgia Classic in Perry, Georgia is always one of the first events of the new USTRC season. The event produced by John Johnson and Jx2 Productions is held at the Georgia National Fairgrounds and this year took place January 2-4, 2015.

The event began with the Open Division. The winners of the roping were Manny Cunde from Madison, GA and Zak Richardson from Westville, FL. They were 39.99 seconds on five steers and took home $1710, and ten points for the US Open Tour. Second place was Casey Hilley from Winder, GA and Adam Toole from Rydal, GA. Third place in the main average was Manny Cunde and Tom Bourne. Jacob Dagenhart, Statesville, NC and Zack Mabry, Piedmont, AL won the incentive average.

Ryan Wright from Hartsville, SC and Caleb Anderson from Mockville, NC were the champions of the #15 Division. They were 27.73 seconds on four steers and won $2410, trophy Gist knives and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Second place in the average was Clint Summers and Blaine Courson, while third place went to Manny Cunde and Dustin Cunde.

In the #13 Division the win of the average went to the team of David Gaddis from Gaddis, GA and Mark Strickland from Dunnelton, FL. The duo roped four steers in a total time of 31.69 seconds. They won $4430, trophy Gist knives, and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Second place in the average was the team of John Perrett from Rutledge, AL and Glenn Davis from Salem, AL. The third place finishers were Colt Tritt and Ran West.

Ryan Wright from Hartsville, SC and Daniel Raynor from Four Oaks, NC teamed up to win first place in the #12 Division.

team, trophy Gist buckles and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings.

Third place was Keith Bentley and Scott Seiler. The win of the

South Georgia Saddle Winners...

Friday: Ryan Wright Saturday: Ethan Wheeler Sunday: Eliott Hooper Congratulations to each of these High Money Trophy Cowboy Gold Saddle Champions!

They were 26.70 seconds on four steers and thus took home $4610, trophy Gist knives and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings.

Second place in the average went to the team of Colt Tritt and Jed Weeks. Third place in the average was Zack Cowart and Billy Lamb. Colt Tritt from Lipan, TX and Jed Weeks from Wauchula, FL won the incentive average. They took home $800 and Trophy Gist Buckles. High Money winner for the day, Ryan Wright took home a beautiful Trophy Cowboy Gold Saddle.

The first roping of the second day of team roping was the #12 Gold Plus. Beck Hyslop from Loxahatchee, FL and Derrick Davis from Baldwin, FL split first and second with David Gaddis from Canton, GA and and Clint Humphries of the roping.

They finished the roping with a time of 34.36 second on four steers and took home $5750 per

incentive average went to David Aldridge and Justin Ethridge.

Tyler Boatwright from Marble, NC and Ethan Wheeler from Pisgah, AL took first place in the average of the #11 Division.

They were 32.04 seconds on four steers and won $6300, trophy Gist buckles and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Second place was Deb Raulerson and Cory Clark while third place in the average went to Randall Pringle and Jesse Cook. Tyler Boatwright and Ethan Wheeler won the incentive average.

The next roping was the #10 Division. Zack Cagle from Armuchee, GA and Ethan Wheeler from Pisgah, AL teamed up to win first place in the average.

They were 26.07 seconds on four steers and took home $7740, trophy Gist buckles and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Second place was Dustin Reid from Piedmont, AL and Scott Heath from

Bowdon, GA. The third place team was Bucky Nastri and Scott Elliott. Zackery Parramore and Lance Meodows won the incentive average. Ethan Wheeler was the high money winner of the day winning a Trophy Cowboy Gold Saddle.

Kenneth Allen from Alma, GA and Jimmy Peele from Macclenny, FL won the #10 Gold Plus with a time of 46.27 seconds on four steers. They earned $4630, trophy Gist buckles and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Second place went to Scott Stoker and Zane Ham Third place was Lance Hancock and Justin Hancock.

The incentive win went to Scott Stoker and Ed Miller The team of Carol Knight and Dan Purdy won the Century Bonus.

In the #9 the win of the average went to Eliott Hooper from Whittier, NC and Blake Walker from Forest City, NC They were 36.26 seconds on four steers and took home $6770, trophy Gist buckles and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Second place in the average went to Beck Hyslop and Ryon Springer and third place was Shannon Welter and Homer Coleman. Eliott Hooper and Blake Walker won the incentive average.

The final roping of the weekend was the #8 Pick/Draw. Taber Ellis from Hope Hull, AL and Josh Owens from Jesup, GA teamed up to win the average. They were 28.55 seconds on three steers and won $5100, trophy Gist buckles and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Second place went to Wyatt Allen and Taylor Crook, while third place was Taber Ellis and Brandon Roark. The high money winner for the day was Eliott Hooper and he took home a trophy Cowboy Gold saddle.

(See all winners on the next 2 pgs...)

The Magazine for America’s Roper • 23

•• #12 Gold Plus, 1st & 2nd Split •• 34.36 sec on 4 steers •• Beck Hyslop • Loxahatchee, FL •• Derrick Davis • Baldwin, FL •• David Gaddis • Canton, GA •• Clint Humphries •• $5750/team, trophy Gist buckles, & $6000 USTRC Flex Earnings

•• FRIDAY: RYAN WRIGHT •• High Money Trophy Cowboy Gold Saddle Champion!

•• SATURDAY: ETHAN WHEELER •• High Money Trophy Cowboy Gold Saddle Champion!

•• SUNDAY: ELIOTT HOOPER •• High Money Trophy Cowboy Gold Saddle Champion!

•• #8 Pick/Draw •• Taber Ellis • Hope Hull, AL •• Josh Owens • Jesup, GA •• •• 28.55 sec on 3 steers •• $5100, trophy Gist buckles, & $6000 USTRC Flex Earnings ••

•• #10 Gold Plus •• Kenneth Allen • Alma, GA •• Jimmy Peele • Macclenny, FL •• •• 46.27 sec on 4 steers •• $4630, trophy Gist buckles, & $6000 USTRC Flex Earnings ••

•• #13 Division •• David Gaddis • Gaddis, GA •• Mark Strickland • Dunnelton, FL •• •• 31.69 sec. on 4 steers •• $4430, trophy Gist knives, & $6000 USTRC Flex Earnings ••

•• #9 Division •• Eliott Hooper • Whittier, NC •• Blake Walker • Forest City, NC •• •• 36.26 sec on 4 steers •• $6770, trophy Gist buckles, & $6000 USTRC Flex Earnings ••

•• #11 Division •• Tyler Boatwright • Marble, NC •• Ethan Wheeler • Pisgah, AL •• •• 32.04 sec on 4 steers •• $6300, trophy Gist buckles, & $6000 USTRC Flex Earnings ••

•• #15 Division •• Ryan Wright • Hartsville, SC •• Caleb Anderson • Mockville, NC •• •• 27.73 sec. on 4 steers •• $2410, trophy Gist knives, & $6000 USTRC Flex Earnings ••

•• #10 Division •• Zack Cagle • Armuchee, GA •• Ethan Wheeler • Pisgah, AL •• •• 26.07 sec on 4 steers •• $7740, trophy Gist buckles, & $6000 USTRC Flex Earnings ••

•• #12 Division •• Ryan Wright • Hartsville, SC •• Daniel Raynor • Four Oaks, NC •• •• 26.7 sec on 4 steers •• $4610, trophy Gist knives, & $6000 USTRC Flex Earnings ••

•• Open Division •• Manny Cunde • Madison, GA •• Zak Richardson • Westville, FL •• •• 39.99 sec. on 5 steers •• $1710 & 10 Points for the US Open Tour ••

24 • The Roping Pen • February 2015

photos © C Bar C Photography • Valerie Ford

The duo roped four steers in a total time of 31.69 seconds.

They won

The Magazine for America’s Roper • 25

26 • The Roping Pen • February 2015

The Magazine for America’s Roper • 27

28 • The Roping Pen • February 2015

The Magazine for America’s Roper • 29

North Carolina

Junior High & High School Rodeo Association

••Upcoming Events•• For updated information on all rodeos, nchsrodeo.com/schedule.html

Rodeo 6 • Saturday, February 7

Rodeo 12 • Friday, May 1

Rodeo 7 • Sunday, February 8

Rodeo 13 • Saturday, May 2

Lone Hickory Arena, Yadkinville, NC

Lone Hickory Arena, Yadkinville, NC

Rodeos 8 & 9 • Fri-Sun, Mar 27-29

Hinson Arena, Staley, NC Hinson Arena, Staley, NC

STATE FINALS • MAY 22- 24

Multi-State Rodeo, West Virginia

Lone Hickory Arena, Yadkinville, NC

Rodeo 10 • Fri, April 17 (see ad)

NAT’L JH FINALS • JUNE 21-27

Rodeo 11 • Sat, April 18 (see ad)

NAT’L HS FINALS • JULY 12-18

Mtn Mule Packer Ranch, Raeford, NC Mtn Mule Packer Ranch, Raeford, NC

Des Moines, Iowa

Rock Springs, Wyoming

NCHSRA is in full swing

to start the New Year! I would like to offer a special “Thank You” to the folks who participated in the Team Roping fundraiser after the rodeo on December 27th. We as an association are very thankful for all you support. Also, I’d like to give a special mention to Beth Kidd and the can chasers for the barrel racing fundraiser on December 28th. Between these two events over $4,000 was put in the bank to support the NCHSRA. Words cannot express how awesome this is! Please keep up the good work. Also be on the look out for other Team Roping fundraisers in March, please contact Derek Bass for time and date. You can find Derek’s contact information and much more on the NCHSRA web site. www.nchsrodeo.com.

As always I wish everyone safe travels up and down the rodeo trail, I hope to see all of ~ Adam Bolatto you at the next rodeo.

••••••••••

All Around Points Totals Jr Girls

James Cole 0 Jayden Tate 0 Laney Robinson 111 Cheyenne Garmon 64 Gracie Fairchild 53 Sr Girls Mattie Colvard 54 Christina Eagle 56 Sage Dunlap 48 Callie Garrison 14 Jolie Brown 33 Ginny Alexander 1 Emily Prince 32 Megan Carriker 32 Gracie Apple 41 Brittany Alexander 4 4 Regan Humphries 54 Julie Layell Kayla Earnhardt 32 Abby Martin 25 18 Molly Pruitt 26 Chloe Cox Ashlan Campbell 6 Macie Hutchens 40 Addie Fairchild 38 Madison Weiss 24 42 Amber Jones 18 Sarah Scott 31 Megan Yankee 15 Kaci Isley Bronwyn Apple 12 Erin Stevens 1 Katy Sherrill 15

Jr Boys Casey Lemons 13 Cole Futrell 82 Hannah Mumford 0 Mason Johnson 71 Candice Rdreed 0 Jet Toberer 61.5 Rhiannon Snow 30 Luke Lemaster 65 Courtney Harris 0 Eli Prince 34 Hannah Warlick 31 Clay Livengood 50 Lauren Lawson 8 Frog Bass 35 Jade Carpenter 7.5 Levi Johnson 37 Bailey Tate 35.5 Blake Walker 35 Olivia Townsend 28 Ryan Rought 24.5 Sheridan Gowan 23 Eli Colvard 21 Katlyn Hodge 0 0 Billy Warlick 24 Karlie Thighe 20 Jake Williams 10 Anna Scott Tyler Weiss 9 Savannah Cobb 2

30 • The Roping Pen • February 2015

Caitlyn Poole 8 Piper Baker 4 Alexander Thomas 13 Sarah Hubbard 6 Katlyn Mahon 0 Bailey Livengood 88 Annon Blue 5 Morgan Branch 0 Payton Bush 1

Sr Boys

Will McCraw 28 Tanner Lloyd 56 Clay Futrell 47 Zack Toberer 23 Ty Worley 33 Landon Slack 9 Dylan Ray 9 Tyler Norris 7 Cole Compton 8 Noah Teeter 0 Rhys Parker 0 Trace Brown 0 Joshua Parker 0 Eli Miller 19.5 Wyatt Martin 0 Lane Bolatto 0 Michael Verdream 0 Seth Ring 18.5 Zeke Benge 0 Ian Flemming Kendall Chappell 10

The Magazine for America’s Roper • 31

INSPIRING

& Junior and Youth Divisions

Bounding Will To Win, aka…

LEGENDS

•WILLIE• I

’m going to show my age in this article. I grew up listening to what I like to call “real” songs haha. There is one song that comes to mind when I think of this Rodeo Horse named Willie.

Peter, Paul and Mary sang a song about a racehorse called Stewball. The lyrics go something like “Ole Stewball was a racehorse; and I wish he were mine. He never drank water, he always drank wine.” I’m going to take a little liberty and change the words to “Ole Willie was a Rodeo horse; and I wish he were mine. His runs were always clean and He had the fastest time.”

This horse is truly special. Just a little history on him. In 1996 Valen Caldwell (Cook) went to try him out. This was her 1st REAL barrel horse. Thank goodness her daddy, Leonard Caldwell, talked her into getting him. In 1997, Valen start SCHSRA as a freshman. In just a few short rodeos had already qualified for Nationals in Pueblo, Colorado. They went on to win the Barrel Racing and Pole Bending Championships in 1998,1999 and 2000. He also help to contribute to her All Around Cowgirl win in 1999 and 2000. I 1998 they won the SC NBHA Youth 1D Championship and in 1999 The Quarter Horse Congress Youth Championship. In 2001, after graduating High School, they won the SRA Rookie of the Year and All Around Rookie of the Year.

Willie’s rodeo career didn’t end there. Sara Moon rode him for the SCHSRA and in 2002 won the Barrel Racing Championship and Reserve Championship in Pole Bending. Ashley Panarello rode him and in 2004 and in 2006 won the Pole Bending Championship. In 2005 and 2006 she won the Barrel Racing Championship and in 2006 Willie was AQHA Horse of the Year. Not finished yet, in 2007 a young boy named Chance Broadaway got his first taste of speed riding Willie for the Jr SRA. Once again Willie brought home the saddles and buckles for Barrel Racing Championship and All Around Cowboy. In 2008 Callie Martin won the first SCJHD Barrel Racing Championship on good ole Willie.

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

Patrick Smith

WORLD CHAMPION | FATHER | LEGEND

Now one would think that with all those saddles, buckles, awards and money that Willie would be ready to retire; BUT NOOOO. Once again Willie is going to be competing for South Carolina. Valen’s daughter Dallas got the surprise of her life when Willie came back to where he started. There is just no end to this horse’s love of kids and rodeo.

As I said in the beginning of this article… Ole Willie is a rodeo horse; and I wish he were mine. He brought JOY to many and now it’s Dallas’ time. (ok I admit.. I can’t carry a tune but I try).

Photos, top to bottom; Chance - Poles @ JR SRA Finals Chance - Barrels @ Jr SRA Finals • Valen and Willie • Dallas and Willie Pictures of Valen and Willie and Dallas and Willie are compliments of Shannon W Wooten Photography.

32 • The Roping Pen • February 2015

855-54-ROPES

LONESTARROPES.COM The Magazine for America’s Roper • 33

Are You Improving or Just Practicing?

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ow numbered ropers often ask me whether someone can actually improve their roping using a mechanical dummy. The answer is absolutely – if you’re willing to work at it. What prohibits most people from reaching their potential is they want to have fun in the practice pen roping live steers and expect to improve while doing so.

I know more than a few guys who fit this profile. They’ve roped more than ten years, they practice twice a week, enter jackpots several times a month and have never improved. You will not improve if you’re unwilling to break it down and understand your weaknesses. You should work on your weakest link, whether it’s not being able to catch close, problems scoring, your horse won’t pull, etc.

It’s amusing when I see people who have ten perfect practice steers and will immediately trade off any steer that develops a bad habit. Making it easy to catch in the practice pen is just crazy to me.

If any of us could go to a roping and draw four perfect steers that run straight down the pen that would be great. But I have never seen that at any level. You will always draw steers that run right, left, slow down, etc. To be truly competitive, you need to practice catching those steers – so why would maintain a “perfect” practice herd?

More importantly, you should have a mechanical dummy in your practice pen. I prefer the Hot Heels and have been using one for over ten years. The folks at Hot Heels continually make modifications to help people learn to catch better. The object of the practice pen is to challenge and prepare you to compete at a high level. So if you practice on a mechanical dummy that is easy to catch, it’s the same philosophy as having ten perfect practice steers.

I asked Hot Heels to put a stick in front of the legs that they now call the “Jenn Stick.” When we were teaching my wife to heel, she would throw an outstanding loop on the machine while the back legs were forward and still catch. Basically she was “out of time” and still able to catch the machine. In my opinion, she was missing out on one of the most important things you learn in the practice pen – when to throw. The Jenn Stick will not let you catch when the legs are in the wrong position.

I’ve been teaching a long time and one thing I cannot teach is when to throw your heel loop. It’s an equation that involves the speed of the steer, the speed of your swing, and how fast your horse is moving. There are three variables to be considered when you start your delivery. You have to work on when to throw, every time you rope.

You cannot heel the steer when the front legs are back and the back legs are forward. You would be amazed at the number of #7 and #8 heelers who have been at my house and cannot catch the Hot Heels at a walk. I’ve never seen a #10 have a problem catching it. They can place their rope at a walk, trot, lope or going fast at the right time.

The moral is if you’re struggling with your roping, do what athletes in other professional sports do. Break it down. Walk through the steps to get the fundamental correct. It is very different to throw your rope heeling at a walk versus a dead run. Even at the

34 • The Roping Pen • February 2015

top level, sometimes it’s necessary to rope a steer walking during competition.

It all comes back to fundamentals. If you have good fundamentals with your swing and horsemanship, it’s much easier to work on the problems you’re having. The difference with #10 heelers or #9 headers is once they recognize the issue causing problems, they are able to isolate the problem and fix it very quickly. This is because they have mastered the fundamentals.

During schools at my house we start out roping steers and film those runs. We then play the video back in slow motion, frame by frame, to see where the problems are in the fundamentals. Once we see the issues we need to work on, headers either rope the dummy on the ground or rope the Hot Heels standing still. Heelers will start at a walk. If you have issues with horsemanship, I want to address these at a walk. Once you’re successfully using your legs to control your horse at a walk and trot, you will have more success while loping and running. It’s very difficult to change basic fundamentals while loping and running.

The next time you’re driving home from a roping unhappy with your performance, think about taking my challenge of roping the dummy at a walk and doing everything correctly. Have someone film you, then watch it until you recognize what’s causing you the biggest problem. Take the time to do the homework and make your practice matter. Yes, it’s fun to rope, but it’s more fun to win.

WHAT’S NEW WITH ME: I am going to the winter rodeos and am committed until the George Strait, then I plan to focus on my schools. If you are interested in attending one of my schools, at your house or mine, visit speedroping.com and click on “Where’s Speed” to see available dates.

We just got back from Odessa rodeo and roping, Andrews Open roping, Waco USTRC and American Qualifier. I’ve loaded the short rounds and all my runs on speedroping.com and they are free to watch.

I’m happy to say I now have two horses that are working well and make me confident to compete. If you’ve never been to speedroping.com, there are plenty of free videos of competition and behind the scenes footage.

I’m pretty excited that I will get to throw my rope again this year for the possibility of $1 million at The American in March. This was an awesome event last year and one I recommend watching.

•••••••••••••••

Speed Williams is an 8-Time World Chamption Team Roper. He and his wife, Jennifer, live in De Leon, Texas. For more information on Speed and see him in action with his latest tips, visit speedroping.com.

There, you will find a growing library of videos (over 2,600 videos to date!) to help you with your roping. Become a member and access hundreds of FREE videos, short gos, and more, or grab a subscription to access even more of his instructional videos with breakdowns of his practice, rodeo runs, jackpots and more. Speed’s videos are up close and personal, with insights on how he works with his horses and himself so you, too, can improve your skills and become a Champion!

The Magazine for America’s Roper • 35

• Saddles • Jackets • Buckles • • Cash • Prizes • color • BOTH DAYS • • Books open at 8:00 am • • Roping begins at 9:00 am •

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Contacts: Stinson Ellis 334.657.3315 • Michael Dansby 334.558.3389 • William Martin 334.437.1088 36 • The Roping Pen • February 2015

The Magazine for America’s Roper • 37

Winter Break

F

or many across the country team roping takes a back seat once snow flies. Pretty much every corner of the country at one time of another goes through those days, weeks or months when it is too cold or wet to get out and practice roping. These breaks away from the practice pen are hard to keep a roper at the top of his game. In addition, what about the horse, they too lose the conditioning and the repetition of roping. The indoor arena has become a great asset for many ropers to stay tuned up, but what about those who don’t have access to an indoor arena. What can they do when weather conditions turn ugly and keep them from working toward their ultimate team roping goals?

This month we went to Charles Pogue for the answers to these questions. Charles lives in Southern Oklahoma and he also goes through cold snaps and wet conditions that can hinder his daily roping practice, so he knows what it is like to miss a day or two. He also had good advice for ropers who face bad weather conditions.

“Where I live, most often it just gets too wet to rope. We can always beat a few days of cold weather but wet arena conditions make it hard to practice,” Charles said.” On those days I suggest ropers just do some conditioning excercises for their horse. Go for a ride, log them or lope them around. Anything to keep them legged up.”

Those who live in the northern states, too wet might be welcoming. It is often the snow, ice and frigid temperatures that keep them from any type of quality practice.

“I really don’t know how guys up there make it,” Charles added.

“I’m not sure if I could do it. You can always tough out a short cold spell, but day after day is tough. If you are stuck inside for more than a few days I suggest roping the dummy inside if you can. You can also work on conditioning yourself and keeping your core muscle strength. That is one area I believe every roper could work on.

Your core is very important in team roping. You need to have good core strength in order to get up and over your horse when roping.”

Bad weather can also be hard on performance horses. Not only do horse owners need to watch for their horse’s health during cold conditions, especially when the weather turns cold fast, but they should also adjust feeding schedules to accommodate the lack of daily conditioning.

“I often suggest that ropers cut back a little on feed when the weather forces them to take a break from their daily exercising,” added Charles. “If you continue to feed a high level of feed that the horse is use to when doing daily exercising and they don’t back off when they are stalled up due to weather conditions, they can easily get overweight. That means it will take longer to get the horse legged up again. I don’t mean they should starve them, but cut back a little. Maybe feed grass hay instead of alfalfa, or a mix, or even cut back on their grain. I don’t worry too much about this because I am feeding Total Equine feed, but I see a lot of people who do not take 38 • The Roping Pen • February 2015

this into consideration when they are not working their horse as often as they do during warmer weather.”

Charles added that there are many things a roper can do to keep their team roping practice going when the weather hinders their daily practice routine.

“There is always something new to learn.” he said. “Roping a dummy is always good. Some people get bored with it, but it helps and ropers should do it often when the weather is good. Ropers can also watch instructional videos or videos of guys who are winning.

There is always something new to learn, even for me. I never quit learning new things I can use in the arena.”

Hopefully the bad weather breaks open and the sun begins to shine again. But until then we hope you can take these tips from Charles Pogue and keep your team roping at the top of your game.

And remember, the next time the cold weather keeps you inside, grab your rope and head to your garage or barn for a little ground practice, watch your horse and adjust their feed, head to the gym or log onto the best team roping instructional video online – TotalTeamRoping.com!

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The Magazine for America’s Roper • 39

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The Magazine for America’s Roper • 45

O

Reading THE Corner

bviously, the keys to heeling are position, swing, timing and delivery. But if you ask great heelers, ‘What’s truly the meatand-potatoes of heeling?’ I think they would say, ‘being at the right place at the right time.’

What makes people ‘ooh and aahh’ when they watch Jade Corkill?

It’s not necessarily his swing or his timing. You may not realize it, but he has an amazing talent for positioning. Reading the corner is huge, whether you’re a #4 heeler coming around there at a truck roping or a #8 coming in during a big-money #13 roping. Even guys at the NFR make mistakes reading the corner.

The reason it’s so hard to do it perfectly every time is because conditions always vary between fresh cattle and slow cattle; between running down the arena full blast at the BFI or throwing as fast as possible at the Thomas and Mack Center. The guy who is the best heeler is the guy who can ride good position in all variable conditions.

And that does not include making the excuse that you got a bad handle. I’ve roped with every Tom, Dick and Harry behind every handle in the book. I learned to be able to clean that mess up. I remember pulling off some amazing shots on the first jump behind some amazingly horrible handles.

It’s about catching two feet even if it takes you more swings or riding your horse better to do it. At the NFR, Jade [Corkill] drew some steers that weren’t very good to heel, but he waited it out and persevered. I like to think that’s what I would have done, because I always strived to be that guy who doesn’t just catch the good ones.

To be that guy requires that you be mentally tough in every situation. You have to persevere through crap handles, too. I’m just going to come out and say it – a lot of guys are sissy heelers. Clay Cooper is the opposite of that, and I’ve been told I am, too.

Bobby Hurley once told his students at a school, “You know why I love Al Bach? It’s not because he can catch the easy ones. He catches the hard ones. I try to handle them, but I’m a realist. Thirty percent of my stuff is bad handles and he cleans them up and gets two feet.”

I want you to be that guy (or girl). Don’t just be able to catch the easy ones. Your goal is to be in the right place at the right time, even if your header misses a dally. Even if your header ducks or floats down the arena. Even if the steer’s dragging. Even if the steer’s about to wipe out the left fence.

Work on your horse control and motor skills to read that corner and react accordingly. Because you might have just one shot to heel that sucker, and you better get him.

Visit BachRoping.com for more.

46 • The Roping Pen • February 2015

The Magazine for America’s Roper • 47

A Positive Life

by Dr.Michael Johnson

N

48 • The Roping Pen • February 2015

ow there is something worth living, and worth fighting for - a positive life. We are often not aware of the value we receive if we work toward that noble thing. As a young person, I was lost.

Had no idea where I was and didn’t question any statement about my lack of ability made by others.

But what else could they think about me? When they looked at me, all they saw was someone who failed. And why did I fail? Who knows – maybe because I lacked intelligence or maybe because I was lazy. What did it matter to those in the world around me? All they saw – all they had to judge my worth by - was what I showed them. And I showed them nothing. Then something happened...

A young bull rider who traveled with us on occasion, suddenly began to do better. Much better.

We asked him why. His answer surprised us all. He said he read a book.

“A book about bull riding?” we asked. We knew of no such thing.

“No,” he said. “I read a book about not defeating myself.” And that chance remark by future world champion, Gary Laffew, changed my life. I read the book, too. The book was called “PsychoCybernetics.”

The author, Maxwell Maltz, an American cosmetic surgeon, had a wealth of experiences with patients and their reconstructive surgeries. He came to believe while looking our best on the outside is important, our internal view of our self – or “self-image” – may be more so, and a fertile key to higher life satisfaction. The book is full of studies that cause the reader to question opinions they may have of themselves, and suggestions to strengthen the self-image. The book is not magical...it’s practical.

The value of the book for me came through clear and simple insights. In my words...

“It’s important to be realistic, but you have no idea what is “realistic” for you. You are more than you think. More than you know.

Avoid people who want to tell you about your limitations.”

“You have to try. How on earth can you do anything if you don’t show up?”

“You have not been short-changed. The Spirit is too kind to do that.”

“You say you failed at everything before. Welcome to the world.

Everyone does at first.”

“The difference between success and failure is that successful people can endure embarrassment, humiliation, and failure better.

They fail and they fall, too...then they pop right back up and try again.”

“Don’t make negative statements about the outcome of some event. No one can predict ten seconds into the future. If you can’t say something positive, don’t say anything. Don’t make negative statements about your self. Just do your best and wait and see what happens.”

“Work and effort are required. More than you think.”

“Find joy in what you are doing rather than dread.”

And the words went on and on, and they went deep in me. I wasn’t giving myself a chance.

In my early days, just as Gary Laffew had said, I was defeating myself. I stopped doing that and the world changed. Here’s what I didn’t know...all that never stops!

Even if you have success, you can’t sit on the mountain top. Remember what Will Rogers said...

“Even if you are on the right track, if you just sit there... the train will run over you.”

For five years, I’ve put off writing the sequel to Healing Shine.

Why? Because I focused on the hard work, the mistakes that will happen, the computer foul-ups that will occur, and some people I will want to kill with an ice pick. The task filled me with dread so I didn’t do it. And nothing was accomplished... because I was defeating myself.

But what if I made a different set of choices? What if I gave myself a chance? I could focus on the joy of writing. (After all it’s not like hauling alfalfa; I’m in an air-conditioned room.) I could be grateful for the humans and horses in my life, and thankful they are all here, and that I have a mind and body that still work well enough to complete the task. I could find joy in my heart. Couldn’t we all do that?

So now I’m making lists – the primary key to getting things done.

Make a list. Make a plan and work your plan. Works whether you are saving money, hitting a golf ball, playing a fiddle, building fence, or writing a book. Yellow sticky notes on the mirror. Re-charge, refresh. Up early. Keep trying. Three weeks of bad days – work hard one more week, and you’ll find you had a pretty good month. Joy in your heart whatever the task. A spirit of gratitude. Remember, the only time we really have a problem is when we can no longer climb the mountain.

Those are my New Year’s resolutions. Want to join me?

The Magazine for America’s Roper • 49

50 • The Roping Pen • February 2015

51

THE ADVENTURE BEGINS B

en and Droopy are southwestern Virginia/ east Tennessee hands. That is to say they had never ridden big circles in south Texas or the Great Basin, nor had they gathered the high plains. But they sure can cowboy with the best of them. Both have experience on outfits of a few thousand acres, with a lot of rough mountain boundaries and some rank cattle. Both had day worked here and there, and as typical of East Coast cowboys, they had also had “real” day jobs outside of the livestock world.

From there, the similarities end. Ben was a family man, three children and a loving wife. He had a college education and a good day job. He had worked hard, made connections, and had his own cattle, free and clear. And, he was a header.

Droopy, well, he had a few credits at the community college, mostly in electives. He had a trail of bad relationships and failed marriages. Droop had owned a few cows from time to time, but the banks and ex-wives usually ended up with them. Droopy had connections, too, the local bartenders, the buckle bunnies, most of the deputies in two counties, and the animal control officer. But, he was handy. He could shoe a horse good enough, braid baler twine into functional tack, halfway train a cow dog, haul a neighbors stock to market, and catch two heels more times than not, usually on a halftrained, for sale horse.

Ben would show up to help gather or ship someone’s cattle well groomed, with his good horse and, more often than not, a welltrained spare. Droopy arrived blurry eyed, sometimes in yesterday’s clothes smelling of perfume and branding smoke. His horses were either green broke colts he was riding for someone, or a spoiled back yard ornament he had traded for that was being rehabilitated, on someone else’s time. With that being said, ol’ Droopy was hand enough to get the job done.

In between Ben’s day job and Droopy’s part time ones at the stock yard and a couple small cow outfits, the two would day work together, catch wild cattle, and rope. Of course they always trailered to ropings in Ben’s custom dually and matching four-horse slant with living quarters. Droop’s rig was a stock trailer, pulled by a ’94 straight wheel diesel with a cake feeder and bale bed; rust being the primary color of both.

On one job, the guys met up with a couple other fellows at a local restaurant well before daylight, got breakfast to go, and pulled out in three rigs headed to gather a bunch of rank cows a couple counties over. Ben ate his biscuit, keeping the wrapper around it to keep crumbs off his clothes and truck seat. Droopy had had a long night chasing a few strays of his own, the two-legged kind. Tired, blurryeyed, and hungry, he tore into his biscuits and gravy with gusto.

About two miles down the road Ben wheeled to the shoulder of the road and jumped out of the truck. The other guys, thinking a break down, pulled in behind them.

“What’s wrong, Ben?”

“Somebody get him out of my truck and get those dogs up here to lick him off. He’s got gravy all over the danged place!”

Droopy just looked up with a mustache full of gravy, wiped a sleeve across his face, and continued shoveling, never batting an eye at Ben’s disgust.

52 • The Roping Pen • February 2015

On another trip spent vaccinating and branding stockers for a week, the guys spent about forty minutes driving each way between the two farms. Droopy would feed the horses, clean stalls, and tend to the dogs, while Ben checked in with the cattlemen on the day’s works and tended to breakfast and personal hygiene. By the time the horses were saddled and loaded, along with the dogs, it was time to roll out. Both big coffee drinkers, Ben drove while Droopy poured. Over the years, Ben had noticed that Droop always poured the exact same amount in the cup each time, never spilling a drop when he handed the cup over. After the second cup that morning, Ben said, “Droopy, old buddy, I’ve always been impressed how you always fill my cup to the same level, never too full, all these years.

How do you do it?”

“Oh, I just stick my index finger of the hand I’m holding it with inside, and when the coffee reaches it, I know to quit pouring.

Ben spat coffee all over the dash and windshield. “Droopy! In all the years we’ve day worked together, I’ve never seen you wash your hands of the morning after loading those danged dogs! You mean I’ve been drinking your dirty finger all this time?”

“Adds flavor, my friend,” was the only reply.

While Ben and Droopy are fictitious characters, they are composites of friends and guys I’ve worked with over the years. Their tales and experiences are all actual, or primarily based on real events. I created Ben and Droopy to protect the innocent, as well as myself.

I plan to tell more of their exploits in future columns. Some of you may know a few Bens and Droopys; some may figure out a few of the characters that led to their creation. I hope you all find their tales entertaining.

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MISCELLANEOUS 2/15 Heel-O-Matic For Sale! Brand New - Straight from the factory. Heel-O-Matic with all of the upgrades. The Ultimate Ground-Driven Trainer includes the Spring-Loaded Tongue and Deluxe Leg Package. It is the top of the line roping practice machine. See one at heelomtic.com. Selling for $3100 ($500 off full retail). Call 505-259-7975

3/14 - SADDLE BRONC SADDLE 17.5,rein, halter, GBARG, Came from Sankey Rodeo Schl, $1500. Call Chase 850.758.9907 8/14 - TIME MACHINE OR HEEL-O-MATIC FOR SALE, I have both, don’t need but one, time machine still crated, heel a matic has battery operated legs, in great shape. Make me an offer! 334 341 1127 10/14 Robo Steer for Sale. Very well maintained and kept under cover. Collapsable horns and articulating and collapsable heels. Delivery available. $4500 Call or email for pics and more information. irishjump@gmail.com or 404-433-7444.

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

Advertiser & Event Index

EVENT ADS:

Bluegrass Championships .

Fire It Up Truck/Trailer . . .

Muddy River Classic . . . . . . .

Raeford Rodeo (NCHSRA) . .

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

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

Team Roping (Troy, AL) . . . .

Tenn. Championships . . . . . .

The Lubrisyn Big Ticket . . .

The Patriot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

48 10 35 30 16 36 31 26 42 28

ADVERTISERS:

Adam Toole Horses . . . . . . . . 49 Alabama Roping . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Albracht Insurance . . . . . . . . 12 Allen’s Rodeo Photos . . . . . . . 4 American Hat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Bar H Photography . . . . . . . . . 4 Best Ever Custom Pads . . . . . 47 BTuff Jeans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 C Bar C Photography . . . . . . . . 4 Classic Rope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Coats Saddles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Dare to be a Cowboy . . . . . . . 31 Equine US . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 FastBack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Haslerig Saddlery . . . . . . . . . 53 Heel-O-Matic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Hot Heels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 JD Photography . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Lazy J Rodeo Saftey . . . . . . . . 11 Lone Star Ropes . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Lubrisyn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 Maynard Buckles . . . . . . . . . . 13 NRS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 NTRL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40+ Outlaw Saddles . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Power Team Roping . . . . . . . 15 Shorty by Smarty . . . . . . . . . . 46 Sparky Team Roper . . . . . . . . 27 STS Ranchwear . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Team Equine Sport Boots . . 21 Tom Bourne . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Total Equine Feed . . . . . . . . . 54 TotalTeamRoping.com . . . . . 39 Tres Rios Silver . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Twisted J . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Twisted Spur . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Willard Rope Co. . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Call us today to reserve a spot for your event or product ads!

505.259.7975

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The Magazine for America’s Roper • 55

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