The Roping Pen - January 2016

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Jan 2016

Vol. 25 No. 1

25

Check out these features...

National Finals Rodeo World Series of Team Roping Finals X

2 • The Roping Pen • January 2016

The Magazine for America’s Roper • 3

January is here, & that means we all get somewhat of a new start.

Turning the calendar always sets the tone for a lot of us to consciously or unconsciously do something different in our lives, set goals or just make a mental note to make each day a better place for all. I am no different and I am looking forward to 2016 and ready to continue to work hard to be a good guy, a great husband and the best father I can. I have learned a lot this past year; things about myself, about those who are close to me and about the world we live in.

With that in mind, I am anxious to get the New Year started and work on the many aspects inside my slice of this big ol’ world!

I hope you all are like me and ready to get started on the New Year. Each of us has something we can work towards.

Whether it is in our relationships, the arena, at work – each of us know what we can do to help ourselves and others.

The first thing we all must do, and what I have done is look at myself to see what I can do to make life better. I got a head start and began working on what I need to do a couple months ago and I must say it has been a blessing, not only for me, but for my family. I encourage you to do the same. Resolutions are one thing, but to truly look at what you can do to make yourself and those around you happy should be everyone’s goal from there it will flourish and become contagious.

I know how hard it is to change or try something new, but I push you to try. Over the holidays, while out and about I noticed a lot. One is that so many seem unhappy.

In the mall, at restaurants, everywhere I went many people just seemed saddened. I took it upon myself to smile and “be merry.” I noticed even the lightest smile towards someone could make a difference…. most of the time. Most smiled back, some took a double take as if to say what the heck is that guy smiling for ,while it seemed to upset a few; however, maybe that smile made a difference.

We really do not know what is going on in anyone’s life.

Even those closest to you could be having a bad day, have something troubling them or are irritated about something you actually did unconsciously. I get that one a few times a week from my wife. On the other hand, you have no idea about those at work or anywhere outside your home.

Sickness, relationship trouble, family matters; everyone has had a low point in their life. I have to say, or hope, my smile maybe brightened their day just a bit.

With that said, I have to sign off for the month, the first month of 2016. By the way, this begins the 25th year for The Roping Pen and I am excited to make this year great for the magazine and for all of our faithful readers. The year looks exciting. Bigger and better events, more who are enjoying the sports of rodeo and team roping and changes in the air that are sure to make each issue something to remember.

I wish all of you a Happy New Year and remember ...

Dirt: keep it under your feet...

~Ryan Davis

4 • The Roping Pen • January 2016

Celebrating 25 Years!

Table of Contents Articles & Features 4 Dirt: January is here... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ryan Davis 12 Pushing The Barrier. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Speed Williams

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

14 WSTR, Event Recap. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kari DeCastro

SRA

18 WNFR, Event Recap. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Press Release

Southern Rodeo Association AHSRA

28 Photo of the Month. . . . . . . . . . Michael Hurley, Bullfighter

Alabama High School Rodeo Association

34 In The Loop. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . JoJo Lemond, Lone Star Ropes

FYRA

39 Sweat & Balin’ Twine: Cow Knowledge . . . . . . . John Rhudy

Foothills Youth Rodeo Association GHSRA & GJHRA

46 TOP TIPS!. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . advice from Bret Beach 48 Protecting Your Investment!. . . . . . . . . . . . Jason Strickland

Georgia High School Rodeo Association & Georgia Junior High Division

49 Availability... Priceless!. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Crystal Lyons

NTRL

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

National Team Roping League

49 Ropers of the Round Table . . . . . . . . . . . . . Stuart Mitchell

NEAFRA

52 The Other Half: “Humbo Hats” . . . . . . . . . . . Gracie Mae

Northeast Arkansas Family Rodeo Association NCHSRA • NCJHRA

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

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

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On the Cover This Month: Large Photo: All Around Champion at the WNFR, Trevor Brazile ~ photo courtesy of PRCA & taken by Larry Smith Inset Photo: #15 Brook Ledge WSTR Finale X Champions: Jacob Dagenhart, Statesville, NC & Zack Mabry, Piedmont, Al photo courtesy of WSTR & taken by Jennings Photography

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

53 Events & Advertisers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Index 53 Classifieds. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . For Sale & Want Ads

Associations 6+ Southern Rodeo Association ~ SRA 23 Northeast Arkansas Family Rodeo Assoc ~ NEAFRA 24 Georgia High School Rodeo Assoc ~ GJHRA 26 Alabama High School Rodeo Assoc ~ AHSRA 30 N Carolina High School Rodeo Assoc ~ NCHSRA 36 South Carolina HS Rodeo Assoc ~ SCHSRA 40 National Team Roping League ~ NTRL 50 Foothills Youth Rodeo Association ~ FYRA

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

The Roping Pen • Periodical Permit ISSN 1559-0224 USPS-023083 is published monthly. Published by RJ Five LLC

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

SRA 2016 with G Friends of the S T

a twinkling eye to match his personality, just a glance his way he SRA is moving into 2016 with a whole lineup of great will capture your imagination and you will have a desire to get events. The 2016 rodeo season has already started and to know him. Once you meet Alan, he is all that you imagined. contestants from all across the Southeast will be gunning for He has a lifetime of stories, shares his knowledge and has a championships throughout the year ahead. Rodeo committees, way to leave you feeling good about contestants, stock contractors; everyyourself. Alan Sheppard is no doubt one will be at it again this year and the a cowboy and does all he can to carry SRA will once again be providing the on that tradition. hand that mixes these together to deBefore his 27 years in the pawn liver a great rodeo season. business, Alan dabbled in the conOne element of the sport of rodeo struction industry, used cars and that is always prominent, but many the livestock market. Alan grew up times overlooked when reflecting on around the Ashville area and unthe aspect of growth and the excitelike the many who have found this ment of the events are the sponsors little paradise in recent years, he is who stand behind the associations proud to be a native to the area and and rodeo events. The SRA is an amazhas seen many changes, some that ing association and they continue to he likes and others that he is not too be a leading rodeo organization based fond of in recent years. The city has grown around Alan and he on providing quality rodeos all across the Southeast. The comdoes what he can to grow with it. panies and people who sponsor the SRA are not just along for As Alan and Tania work side by side continuing to build their the ride and hoping for their marketing to work, but become Pawn business, they are also involved in the community, givinvolved and truly help push the association ahead. ing back to many in the North East The SRA Finals this past fall was a area of North Carolina. They are testament to one of the SRA’s sponprominent at charity events, offer sors who takes their sponsorship to Alan Sheppard was presented with two, SRA memdonations, and provide a variety of a whole new level inside the world bership selected, awards in 2015. Best New and of rodeo. Alan Sheppard, along with jobs, the duo works hard each day to Largest rodeo of the year! make their stores a place that anyone his wife Tania are well known in and can enjoy. When the rodeo comes to around the North Carolina area. They The rodeo business is nothing new to Alan. He was town, they are very welcoming to the own Alan’s Jewelry and Pawn and instrumental in the beginning of the NABA, North contestants and help provide an avehave several locations in Ashville, American Bull Riding Association. In fact, he served nue for the SRA to promote the event.

North Carolina. They are successful, over 16 years throughout the beginning of the The door is always open to cowboys but it has not always been that way. association and helped it grow into a nationally and cowgirls to visit. They can ganAlan and Tania keep in mind the many recognized association that many of today’s best der at the great jewelry section in the years they struggled to make endsbull riders go to compete. Alan’s involvement in the store, crave a chance to take home meet and now they are at a point in sport comes from his desire to see the sport evolve some top quality merchandise or pull their lives to be able to give back to and grow. He is active in the SRA, not just for a down a guitar and play some great the city and culture they enjoy. With marketing tool, but for a chance to help it grow. The country music. Alan’s Jewelry and 27 years in the pawn business, Alan Pawn is a great place to visit. has learned a thing or two and uses SRA, the contestants and the fans of rodeo are priviWhen the rodeo starts though, those endless miles of knowledge to leged to have such a strong supporter of the sport.

Alan pulls on his working boots and help the SRA. In addition, there is a His knowledge, character and positive business is part of the action. Pushing stock, bond that Alan has with the sport of attributes offer a lot to the rodeo community. These helping with production, Alan takes rodeo that is unique and allows him help add to the mixture that allows for the buckles, to the arena and lends a hand wherto join the ranks of the association the rodeo presentations and the many other aspects ever needed. In addition to the SRA above just his sponsorship. that makes rodeo what it is today – A sport unlike Finals, where Alan is a prominent Alan is an unmistakable character any other that millions enjoy each and every year! figure among the event, he also proand one you will not soon forget. He motes the sport and the association bears a rather thick mustache that is throughout the year. He hosts his right out of the past century and carown events, something he knows a thing or two about. ries with it the same attitude of any Wild West cowboy! With 6 • The Roping Pen • January 2016

Great Sport

Alan & Tania Sheppard

Best New Rodeo and Large Rodeo of the Year!

2015 Medium Rodeo of the Year!

2015 Small Rodeo of the Year!

The Magazine for America’s Roper • 7

2016 POINT STANDINGS AS OF 12/15/15

ALL AROUND COWBOY RANK • NAME • POINTS 1 Josh Killian...........................609.96 BAREBACK RIDING 1 Harold Miller.........................542.30 2 Robert Messer.......................382.50 SADDLE BRONC RIDING 1 Travis Deal...........................209.76 2 Hayden Phipps......................139.84 BULL RIDING 1 Wesley Buckner.....................967.50 2 Bradney Tart.........................387.00 CALF ROPING 1 Cory Kirk............................1251.28 2 Josh Killian...........................478.40 3 Ben Carroll............................439.12 4 Robbie Murdock....................360.00 5 Jared Garrett........................237.36 6 Greg McCrary........................158.24 7 Garrett Keeter.......................144.00 STEER WRESTLING 1 Robbie Vanholten..................405.00 2 Chet Kidd..............................270.00 3 Hunter Styles........................256.50 4 Tyler Willis............................171.00 TEAM ROPING (HEADER) 1 JD Young...........................1104.00 2 Dillon Harrison......................596.25

3 Clint Moore...........................526.24 4 Langdon Pleasant..................324.00 5 Jason Tisdale........................296.24 6 Daryl Matthews.....................263.12 7 Jason Tucker.........................258.75 TEAM ROPING (HEELER) 1 Deny Ashley.........................796.72 2 Jordan Southern..................526.24 3 Brett Sears............................324.00 4 Tyler Kile..............................263.12 5 Adam Toole...........................258.75 6 Josh Killian...........................131.56 7 Casey Hilley..........................112.50 BARREL RACING 1 Rebecca Owens...................1406.70 2 Lacey Thompson....................722.98 3 Bronwyn Ashley....................646.50 4 Lauren Smith........................583.20 5 Megan Lyerly........................351.00 6 Susie Justus-Hill....................340.20 7 Sommer Walker....................285.20 BREAKAWAY ROPING 1 Lucinda Fletcher...................830.80 2 Callie Garrison......................608.60 3 Jamie Ellsworth.....................409.50 4 Karla Dagenhart...................351.00 5 Hannah Kirk........................331.20 6 Kristin Mulkey......................248.40 7 Bailey Livengood...................117.00 8 Kaycee MacGibbon..................82.40

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

ABBREVIATIONS USED:

CST CENTRAL

STD TIME

ADM ADDED MONEY

EF ENTRY FEE

BB BAREBACK RIDING

EST EASTERN

STD TIME

BR BULL RIDING

SB SADDLE BRONC RIDING

CBA COWGIRLS BKWAY ROPING

SC STOCK CHARGE

CBR COWGIRLS BARREL RACING SCF STOCK CONTRACTOR FEE

8 • The Roping Pen • January 2016

CES CENTRAL ENTRY SYSTEM

SW STEER WRESTLING

TR TEAM ROPING

CR CALF ROPING

The Magazine for America’s Roper • 9

10

The Magazine for America’s Roper • 11

Being Injured and Watching The Action...

T

hrough the years I’ve had a few wrecks in the arena. One year when Rich and I were practicing for the NFR one of my head horses fell and it really hurt me. Now I have a couple of ribs that pop out from time to time. The longer they’re out, the more my muscles hurt and ultimately my shoulder becomes sore. As soon as the ribs are back in, the pain stops.

At the USTRC Finals in October I started hurting and assumed I had been practicing too much. By the time the finals were over and I was driving home, I hurt so bad I was almost sick. As soon as we got home I made a beeline for the chiropractor and felt better. But the next day I would start hurting again, and I’d head back to the chiropractor. This went on for five days.

I took the weekend off and started back Monday. We were sorting steers on foot. I took off running and immediately went down on one knee. While still in that position, I pulled my phone from my pocket and called the man who’s worked on me for eighteen years, Shawn Scott. Shawn is part of Justin Sport Medicine and his office is in Kingsland, Texas.

Once I described my condition, and the pain, he told me to get an MRI and bring it to his office. The MRI showed the C7 disc in my neck bulging into my spine. I’ve roped with a lot of pain through the years, but seeing this in black and white really got my attention.

Shawn gave me the option of injecting it with steroids enabling

12 • The Roping Pen • January 2016

me to rope at the World Series Finals in Las Vegas; or he said we could take oral steroids and “rehab” it. The problem with the injection was that if it moved while swollen, it could result in a surgery and long recovery time. If we take our time and go the rehab route, it might not bother me for five or ten years. So I chose to rehab it.

I haven’t roped for four weeks and won’t get back on a horse until after the first of the year.

It’s pretty tough to watch the huge payouts at the World Series Finals and not be able to participate. I know several guys who paid their partner’s fees to assure a good run. If you can afford to do that, it’s actually a good investment. If you pay the expenses and possibly even mount them, it increases your winnings by quite a lot. At the World Series Finals the box is longer and the score is shorter, but if you can catch cows and make clean runs, you can win a lot of money. This year, the #12 paid $320,000 to split. Nowhere else can you win that kind of money in one day roping.

The NFR has been very, very good watching this year. There have been some outstanding runs made. I can’t recall many, if any, rounds where there wasn’t a 3-second run. With the increased money, there are multiple teams with a chance to win the world title. With over $100,000 to be won in the next two rounds and the average, it’s going to be outstanding to watch with lots of drama.

It is exciting to watch a performance where 3.8-seconds wins the round and 4.3 or 4.4 wins last place. So little mistakes can cost over $20,000 in one run. I’m really happy to see quite a few teams walk away with over $100,000 won. When Rich and I started roping at the NFR in 1997, the rounds paid $6,000. Now they pay $26,000.

What’s new with me: I knew I needed to get in shape, but Shawn has put me on a workout program to build up my neck and shoulder. I had no idea you could get so exhausted in just 15 minutes.

Since I’ve been hurt, my kids have really stepped up and helped me at my schools. They ride, rope, and turn steers, whatever I need. It’s been fun having them help me. I’m very proud of my kids.

13

Story by Kari DeCastro

Photography by Jennings

A DECADE IN THE MAKING! T

he Priefert World Series of Team Roping concluded their 10th annual record-breaking event on December 13. The World Series Grand Finale X, at the South Point Hotel and Casino Equestrian & Events Center in Las Vegas, Nev., paid out a whopping $10,535,000 in cash and another $250,000 in prizes. For the second consecutive year the Finale has surpassed the $10 million purse mark and preliminarily it appears that the event has become the second richest horse event in the world. In that last ten years WSTR has awarded over $54 million to Finale contestants and during the 2015 season awarded $34 million in purses to contestants vying to attend the Vegas Finales. The #10 Ariat Finale once again broke the single division record paying $2,040,000.

Each season welcomes several firsts and this year introduced the first back-to-back champion in the same division, Eric Randle, Moody, Texas, won the #10 division last year heeling, after receiving a handicap change, returned to win the same division this year as a header. Ralph Carter, Calera, OK split $259,000 in the AIPC #9 Finale, to became the oldest WSTR Champion at eighty years young.

The Finale brings thousands of contestants, family members and spectators to the Las Vegas strip each December. RIDE-TV produced five, one-hour telecasts to and will telecast the short rounds during the coming year on DISH TV. Team roping boasts the largest economical component of the recreational horse world, producing over $65,000,000 in purses each year. Excluding horse racing, the combined purses of the various team roping associations surpass all other horse events combined. The World Series of Team Roping Finale is the richest, and most prestigious, showcase for the sport. The event will return to the South Point Hotel & Casino, December 5, 2016.

#15 Brook Ledge WSTR Finale X •Total Purse: $920,000 Jacob Dagenhart, Statesville, NC & Zack Mabry, Piedmont, Al First place earnings: $132,000; Winning time: 29.67 on 4 steers

14 • The Roping Pen • January 2016

Jacob Dagenhart celebrated his 23rd birthday on December 7, the same day he won $132,000 with his college buddy and roping partner Zach Mabry. The duo recently graduated from the University of Tennessee at Martin where they competed on the college rodeo team and qualified for the 2015 College National Finals Rodeo. This summer they roped together at PRCA and IPRA rodeos, most notably winning the Jackson, Miss., PRCA rodeo and rounded out the season winning the third round and finishing fourth in the average at the Southeastern Circuit Finals in Davie, Fla. Zach Mabry was singing the praises of his 12 year old gelding “LC”, “Ever since I bought this horse it’s made a huge difference in my roping. He’s paid for himself time and time again.”

15

#8 WSTR Finale X • Total Purse: $395,000 Michael Nash, Marshall, Tx & Bobby Leflett, Bossier City, La First place earnings: $70,600; Winning time: 39.3 seconds on 4 steers

#11 Bloomer Trailers • Total Purse: $1,886,000 Wallace Greer, Pollock, La & Rance Gantt, Athens, La First place earnings: $325,000; Winning time: 32.78 on 4 steers The STR encouraged its competitors to, “Dream Big, Win Big,” at Finale X. Wallace Greer & heeler Rance Gantt took top honors and $325,000 in the #11 Finale of the World Series of Team Roping.

Unlike teams in nearly every other division, the Louisiana team did not need lady luck in order to move up into the winning position. This team led from the start and came into the final round as the clear leaders and held on to the win with a smooth practice pen run of 8.25.

This year marked the introduction of the inaugural #8 WSTR Finale with a pick/draw format. In just two months the inaugural division had more than 300 entries and would pay $395,000.

The high team back in the #8 was the draw team of Morey Macklenburg & Ernie Willis. While they were smooth in the short round with a 10.7, their 39.3 sec. on 4 wasn’t fast enough to move the 4th high call team of Nash & Leflett. Their combined 38.5 sec. held to earn them $70,600. In the 2016 season, WSTR producers will have the option of hosting #8 ropings with the same pick/draw format.

#10 Ariat • Total Purse: $2,040,000 Eric Randle, Moody, Texas and Zane Edmondson, Cimarron, Kansas First place earnings: $350,000; Winning time: 36.35 on 4 steers

#13 WSTR Finale X •Total Purse: $1,560,000 Michael Goodman, Canton, Tx & Scott Adrian, Kaufman, Tx First place earnings: $248,000; Winning time: 29.98 on 4 steers Michael Goodman and Scott Adrian roped four steers in 29.98 seconds to earn $248,000 in the #13 WSTR Finale X. The top 10 in the short round of the #13 were separated by less than one second.

The 12-high team back of Jason Foegelle , Belton, Texas, and Josh Debord, Yoakum, Texas, turned in the fast time of the short go with a 6.33 to put the heat on the remaining 11 teams. Third-high team back, Goodman and Adrian’s short round time of 7 seconds flat held when the top two teams couldn’t make a clean run.

16 • The Roping Pen • January 2016

For the second consecutive year the #10 Finale broke the single division record paying $2,040,000 and sequentially introduced the WSTR’s second back-to-back champion, Eric Randle of Moody, Texas. (The only prior back-to back winner was Jared Udy, Newton, Utah, who topped the Priefert #11 Finale in 2007 and the Cactus Ropes #13 Pro-Am Finale in 2008.)

In 2014, Randle won the Bloomer Trailers #10 heeling for Wesley Mucha. This year, he switched ends and headed for Zane Edmondson & together they won $350,000 in the #10 Ariat WSTR Finale X. Normally, Randle heels for Edmondson, but this was the only way the numbers would work out. After three solid steers in the rotation, they came to the short go as the third high team back. Among the top 25 teams, only 11 had clean runs—and with dally bobbles from both ropers Randle and Edmonson’s almost wasn’t. Still, they managed to stop the clock in 10.46 seconds, bringing their total on four to 36.35.

#15 Brook Ledge (TOP 10) • Total Payout: $920,000 • 1. Jacob Dagenhart, Statesville, NC / Zack Mabry, Piedmont, AL, 29.67, $132,000; 2. Jack Fischer, Ellensburg, WA / Colby Siddoway, Hooper, UT, 30.05, $100,000; 3. Kelly Barker, King City, CA / Tanner Luttrell, Hermiston, OR, 30.14, $72,000; 4. Jake Brown, Floresville, TX / Monty Wood, Quanah, TX, 30.27, $60,000; 5. Casey Tew, Lipan, TX / Justin Viles, Cody, WY, 30.99, $50,000; 6.

Chad A Havens, Orange, TX / Tyler McKnight, Wells, TX, 31.19, $36,000; 7. Chance Kiehne, Stephenville, TX / Ethan Cory, Hico, TX, 31.27, $32,000; 8. Delon L. Parker, Worden, MT / Josh Hodge, Volborg, MT, 31.31, $26,000; 9. Kyle Honeyfield, Los Lunas, NM / Brian Sullivan, Peralta, NM, 31.41, $24,000; 10. Jackie Crawford, Stephenville, TX / Joseph Harrison, Overbrook, OK, 31.52, $22,000 #13 WSTR Finale X (TOP 10) • Total Payout: $1,560,000 • 1. Michael Goodman, Canton, TX / Scott Adrian, Kaufman, TX, 29.98, $248,000; 2. Jason Foegelle, Belton, TX / Josh Debord, Bryan, TX, 30.11, $186,000; 3. Markie Battaglia, San Diego, CA / Bronc Boehnlein, Norco, CA, 30.4, $134,000; 4. Tom Epperson, Cherokee, TX / Taylor Ray Puckett, Artesia, NM, 30.42, $114,000; 5. Terry Gibbs, Ruidoso, NM / Jake Cripps, Portales, NM, 30.46, $93,000; 6. Clark Holder, Soper, OK / Hunter Titsworth, Telephone, TX , 30.47, $72,000; 7. JoDan Mirabal, Grants, NM / Sid L Cervantes, Jal, NM, 30.79, $62,000; 8. Matt Bell, Dodson, TX / Aaron Navarrete, Carlsbad, NM, 31.21, $52,000; 9. Philip Schuman, Fort Collins, CO / Garrett Busby, Millsap, TX, 31.24, $42,000; 10. Jim Larson, Hysham, MT / James Tarver, Gillette, WY, 31.66, $31,000

#9 AIPC Energy • Total Purse: $1,604,000 Ralph Carter, Calera, Ok & Shawn Lyday, Calera, Ok First place earnings: $259,000; Winning time: 35.85 on 4 steers After ten years of Finales and more than $54 million in payouts, Ralph Carter, 80, is the oldest WSTR Finale champion, and he couldn’t be more proud.

The Oklahoma cowboys came back high call and needed to be an 11.59 to secure the win. Even with the big money on the line they were able to fall back on what they had practiced. Their 8.69-second run in the short round gave them a combined 35.85 on four and was enough to keep them in the lead.

#12 WSTR Finale X (TOP 10) • Total Payout: $1,864,000 • 1. Will OQuinn, Fort Worth, TX / Latigo Petersen, Lipan, TX, 31.24, $320,000; 2. Joe Bassett, Dewey, AZ / Rube Woolsey, Casa Grande, AZ, 32.38, $240,000; 3. Greg Roshay, San Tan Valley, AZ / Tanner Luttrell, Hermiston, OR, 32.61, $174,000; 4. Rusty Stuart, Wright City, OK / Roger Lowrie, Smithville, OR, 32.66, $148,000; 5. Steve Edwards, Smithfield, UT / Colby Siddoway, Hooper, UT, 32.97, $120,000; 6. Willie Reid, Payson, UT / Ky OBerg, Ephraim, UT, 33.07, $94,000; 7. Keith Hudson, Sonora, TX / Danny Zuniga, Jourdanton, TX, 33.22, $80,000; 8. Tyler Kunz, Montpelier, ID / Brady Pitchford, Montpelier, ID, 33.24, $67,000; 9. Jake Grubbs, Caldwell, ID / Richard Albisu, Caldwell, ID, 33.67, $54,000; 10. Kyle Lincoln, Willcox, AZ / Shawn Hastings, Gilbert, AZ, 33.83, $41,000 #11 Bloomer Average (TOP 10) • Total Payout: $1,886,000 • 1. Wallace Greer, Pollock, LA / Rance Gantt, Athens, LA, 32.78, $325,000; 2. Kent Latta, Gage, OK / Chad Cherry, Guthrie, OK, 33.46, $244,000; 3. Markie Battaglia, San Diego, CA / Bob Mackie, Riverside, CA, 33.77, $176,000; 4. Tony Holden, Gillette, WY / Clem Mcnaney , Windsor, CO, 33.99, $149,000; 5. Ben Bahti, Tucson, AZ / Lee Knox, Arroyo Hondo, NM, 35.14, $122,000; 6. Luis Lahoz, Decatur, TX / Jose Briseno Zermeno, Stephenville, TX , 35.41, $95,000; 7. Dominic Casados, Tierra Amarilla, NM / Miguel Ochoa, Santa Fe, NM, 35.44, $81,000; 8. Justin Dean Smith, Nunn, CO / Chris Hogan, Brighton, CO, 35.94, $68,000; 9.

Brooke Trammell, Amarillo, TX / Howard Conner, Decatur, TX, 36.16, $54,000; 10. Jim Bob Weil, Kersey, CO / Tim Brunelle, Briggsdale, CO, 36.19, $40,000 #10 Ariat (TOP 10) • Total Payout: $2,040,000 • 1. Eric Randle, Moody, TX / Zane Edmondson, Cimarron, KS, 36.35, $350,000; 2. Megan White, Abilene, TX / Randy Lewis, Abilene, TX, 36.77, $263,000; 3. Marty Okamura , Middleton, UD / Jerry Cobb, Weiser, ID, 37.11, $190,000; 4. Brian Friar, Somerton, AZ / Ever Castro, Yuma, AZ, 38.11, $160,000; 5.

Travis Fisher, Beggs, OK / Tyson Campidilli, Bluejacket, OK , 38.27, $132,000; 6. Danny Goddard, Redding, CA / Ron Hognestad, Hopland, CA, 38.28, $102,000; 7. Jett Sharp, Estancia, NM / Steve Shurbet, Coolidge, AZ, 38.34, $88,000; 8. Lucas Hogue, Montry, FRA / Clarence Platero, Canoncito, NM , 38.39, $73,000; 9. John McCollum, Montrose, CO / Tyler Smith, Fruita, CO, 38.62, $58,000; 10. Steve (Stephen) Smith, Washoe Valley, NV / Les Vogt, Arroyo Grande, CA, 38.69, $44,000

#12 WSTR Finale X • Total Purse: $1,864,000 Will O’Quinn, San Antonio, Texas and Latigo Petersen, Lipan, Texas First place earnings: $320,000; Winning time: 31.24 sec. on 4 steers Will O’Quinn had entered his partner, Latigo Petersen, in the #12 WSTR Finale X for halves. So rather than taking his split of their $320,000, O’Quinn headed home from Las Vegas with three-quarters of the payout, minus what he paid in mount money for the borrowed horse he was riding. Petersen plans to take his share of the proceeds and buy a horse or two. O’Quinn plans to buy some cows to fill up a feedyard he just purchased in South Texas. Congratulations, gentlemen!

#9 AIPC Energy (TOP 10) • Total Payout : $1,604,000 • 1. Ralph Carter, Calera, OK / Shawn Lyday, Calera, OK, 35.85, $259,000; 2. Clayton Graham, Lincoln, CA / Ronnie Seever, Castro Valley, CA, 38.76, $194,000; 3. Del Mann, Bakersfield, CA / Doug Parker, Williams, CA, 39.92, $140,000; 4. Kyle Klingler, Rexburg, ID / Dave Sanderson, Rexburg, ID, 42.39, $119,000; 5. Karen Little, San Saba, TX / Cody Little, San Saba, TX, 42.43, $97,000; 6. Walter Scott, Canyon Country, CA / Mark Warrack, Agua Dulce, CA, 42.74, $75,000; 7.

Cliff Stephens, Glenwood, IA / Logan Allen, Pacific Jct, IA, 43.24, $64,000; 8. Bobby Jean Colyer, Bruneau, ID / Jeff M. Palmer, Mtn Home, ID, 43.65, $54,000; 9. Steve Hanson, Elsie, NE / Kurt Richardson, Phoenix, AZ, 44.47, $43,000; 10. Steve Greenberg, Scottsdale, AZ / Brad Barkemeyer, Scottsdale, AZ, 44.6, $33,000 #8 WSTR (TOP 10) • Total Payout: $395,500 • 1. Michael Nash, Marshall, TX / Bobby Leflett, Bossier City, LA, 38.5, $70,600; 2. Morey Mecklenburg, Hugoton, KS / Ernie Willis, Princeton, BC, 39.3, $54,600; 3. Dale Simmons, Wirtz, VA / Chad Simmons, Wirtz, VA, 42.08, $38,500; 4. Cindy Waters, Grapevine, TX / Jackie Davis, Decatur, TX, 43.31, $28,900; 5. Laine Marcotte, Woodlake, CA / J D Talbott , Redmond, OR, 47.18, $25,700; 6.

Ricky Woolever, Paradise, TX / Tim Baxley, Bakersfield, CA, 48.03, $22,500; 7. Jake Bahem, Parma, ID / Marco Rodriguez, Nyssa, OR, 48.99, $19,300; 8. Joe Morrow, Hatch, NM / Jackie Davis , Decatur, TX, 49.15, $16,000; 9. Christie McClary, Valley View, TX / ShaDee Langston , Alvarado, TX, 49.28, $12,800; 10. Stoni Brooke Riggan, Snyder, TX / Benton Cain, Logan, NM, 51.61, $12,000 The Magazine for America’s Roper • 17

Rodeo’s Elite Crowned in Vegas

T

he PRCA Wrangler National Finals Rodeo made a statement this year! The agreement between the PRCA made and the City of Las Vegas two years finally materialized and the money added to this year’s event was undeniable amazing. Cowboys and cowgirls roped, raced and rode their way to huge payouts throughout all ten rounds, many of them doubling their season earnings at the event. The payout was just the tip of the iceberg. The televised version of the rodeo was top notch on the CBS Sports Network, allowing spectators all across the country a chance to tune in and watch the action each night. Additionally, the contestants at this year’s event were amazing, and the talents of those in the professional ranks of rodeo have turned into superstars.

With so much adrenaline surrounding the event, the PRCA should be holding their heads high as they continue the 2016 season and prepare for next year’s season-ending event. With a long season ahead, there will be plenty of rodeo action throughout the year and you can bet with the tremendous payouts this year, many more will be gunning for their chance to compete next year. It will be an exciting year to see the veterans of the sport mix it up with the many rookies and jump out on the road in an effort to qualify for the 2016 event!

With ten rounds of the 2015 WNFR in the books, so comes this year’s World Champions. Only the All-Around and Bull Riding event was secured prior to the tenth round and what a tenth round it was. The thrill of victory was addictive and many went for broke in the final round to claim their championship.

Congratulations to all of the newly crowned 2015 PRCA World Champions, Average Champions and to all of the contestants who helped make the 2015 event such a thrilling event!

18 • The Roping Pen • January 2016

ALL-AROUND WORLD CHAMPION TREVOR BRAZILE

WORLD CHAMPION BAREBACK RIDER STEVEN PEEBLES

WORLD CHAMPION BULL RIDIER SAGE KIMZEY

WORLD CHAMPION TIE DOWN ROPER CALEB SMIDT

WORLD CHAMP SADDLE BRONC RIDER JACOBS CRAWLEY

WORLD CHAMPION STEER WRESTLING HUNTER CURE

WORLD CHAMP TEAM ROPING HEADER AARON TSINIGINE

WORLD CHAMP TEAM ROPING HEELER KOLLIN VONAHN

PHOTOS COURTESY OF PRCA PHOTO BY LARRY SMITH

WORLD CHAMPION BARREL RACER CALLIE DUPERIER

The Magazine for America’s Roper • 19

BAREBACK RIDING

BULL RIDING

World standings: 1. Steven Peebles, $314,140; 2. Kaycee Feild, $303,617; 3. Seth Hardwick, $226,870; 4. Tim O’Connell, $217,917; 5. Austin Foss, $171,568; 6. Tanner Aus, $169,417; 7. Will Lowe, $153,799; 8. Jake Brown, $147,551; 9. Evan Jayne, $146,808; 10. Clint Laye, $142,346; 11. Bobby Mote, $139,947; 12. Orin Larsen, $114,156; 13. Winn Ratliff, $112,408; 14. Clint Cannon, $107,686; 15. Caleb Bennett, $99,764.

World standings: 1. Sage Kimzey, $327,178; 2. Cody Teel, $278,749; 3. Shane Proctor, $202,398; 4. Wesley Silcox, $190,240; 5. Clayton Foltyn, $183,957; 6. Joe Frost, $177,793; 7. Parker Breding, $176,247; 8. Ty Wallace, $155,135; 9. Brett Stall, $151,243; 10. Brennon Eldred, $126,810; 11. Caleb Sanderson, $113,614; 12. Chandler Bownds, $100,557; 13.

Reid Barker, $89,501; 14. Kody DeShon, $85,960; 15. Dustin Bowen, $75,250.

Average standings: 1. Steven Peebles, 832.5 points on 10 head, $67,269; 2. Seth Hardwick, 802.5, $54,577; 3. Kaycee Feild, 792.5, $43,154; 4. Tim O’Connell, 785.5, $31,731; 5. Will Lowe, 778.0, $22,846; 6. Tanner Aus, 767.0, $16,500.

Average standings: 1. Cody Teel, 656.5 points on eight head, $67,269; 2. Sage Kimzey, 578.5 on seven, $54,577; 3. Shane Proctor, 413.5 on five, $43,154; 4. (tie) Joe Frost and Clayton Foltyn, 404.5, $27,288 each; 6. Ty Wallace, 328.0 on four, $16,500.

WNFR earnings: 1. Steven Peebles, $224,054; 2. Kaycee Feild, $175,471; 3. Seth Hardwick, $136,231; 4. Tim O’Connell, $121,353; 5. Tanner Aus, $73,756; 6. Austin Foss, $62,827; 7. Will Lowe, $60,817; 8. Clint Laye, $52,038; 9. Evan Jayne, $43,788; 10. Bobby Mote, $41,462; 11. Jake Brown, $39,558; 12. Winn Ratliff, $26,654; 13. Orin Larsen, $22,529; 14. Clint Cannon, $11,000; 15. Caleb Bennett, $8,462.

WNFR earnings: 1. Cody Teel, $185,731; 2. Sage Kimzey, $142,577; 3. Shane Proctor, $113,385; 4. Clayton Foltyn, $108,731; 5. Joe Frost, $83,981; 6. Ty Wallace, $81,231; 7. Wesley Silcox, $74,462; 8. Brett Stall, $65,154; 9. Parker Breding, $44,000; 10. Caleb Sanderson, $38,500; 11. Reid Barker, $15,654; 12. Kody DeShon, $13,327; 13. Brennon Eldred, $6,769; 14. Chandler Bownds, $2,115; 15. Dustin Bowen, $0.

WORLD CHAMPION BAREBACK RIDER STEVEN PEEBLES, $314,140

WORLD CHAMPION STEER WRESTLER HUNTER CURE, $241,515

WORLD CHAMPION BULL RIDIER SAGE KIMZEY, $327,178

WORLD CHAMPION SADDLE BRONC RIDER JACOBS CRAWLEY, $276,247

STEER WRESTLING

SADDLE BRONC RIDING

World standings: 1. Hunter Cure, $241,515; 2. Dakota Eldridge, $211,669; 3. K.C. Jones, $198,601; 4. Ty Erickson, $197,933; 5. Clayton Hass, $184,296; 6. Tanner Milan, $159,461; 7. Luke Branquinho, $151,557; 8. Seth Brockman, $149,674; 9. Baylor Roche, $147,979; 10. Casey Martin, $138,759; 11. Tyler Waguespack, $135,591; 12. Trevor Knowles, $133,166; 13. Kyle Irwin, $120,574; 14. Nick Guy, $117,262; 15. Blake Knowles, $99,638.

World standings: 1. Jacobs Crawley, $276,247; 2. Wade Sundell, $273,065; 3. Rusty Wright, $244,448; 4. CoBurn Bradshaw, $229,723; 5. Cody DeMoss, $228,820; 6. Isaac Diaz, $226,528; 7. Taos Muncy, $157,307; 8. Cort Scheer, $153,314; 9. Jake Wright, $136,462; 10. Heith DeMoss, $132,085; 11. Zeke Thurston, $127,970; 12. Chuck Schmidt, $112,256; 13. Tyrel Larsen, $97,826; 14. Spencer Wright, $86,454; 15. Bradley Harter, $81,310.

Average standings: 1. Dakota Eldridge, 45.6 seconds on 10 head, $67,269; 2. Hunter Cure, 52.1, $54,577; 3. Tanner Milan, 52.6, $43,154; 4. Ty Erickson, 55.1, $31,731; 5. Seth Brockman, $22,846; 6. Tyler Waguespack, 63.6, $16,500.

Average standings: 1. Jacobs Crawley, 810.5 points on 10 head, $67,269; 2. CoBurn Bradshaw, 803.5, $54,577; 3. Wade Sundell, 737.5 on nine, $43,154; 4. Isaac Diaz, 730.5, $31,731; 5. Zeke Thurston, 671.0, $22,846; 6. Rusty Wright, 653.0 on eight, $16,500.

WNFR earnings: 1. Hunter Cure, $139,122; 2. Dakota Eldridge, $134,115; 3. K.C. Jones, $117,615; 4. Ty Erickson, $98,154; 5. Tanner Milan, $83,135; 6. Clayton Hass, $79,115; 7. Seth Brockman, $68,115; 8. Baylor Roche, $66,423; 9. Luke Branquinho, $65,365; 10.

Casey Martin, $63,603; 11. Trevor Knowles, $52,038; 12. Tyler Waguespack, $50,346; 13.

Kyle Irwin, $33,987; 14. Blake Knowles, $24,891; 15. Nick Guy, $23,974.

WNFR earnings: 1. Jacobs Crawley, $157,385; 2. Wade Sundell, $168,385; 3. CoBurn Bradshaw, $153,577; 4. Rusty Wright, $118,462; 5. Isaac Diaz, $112,962; 6. Cody DeMoss, $99,423; 7. Cort Scheer, $54,577; 8. Heith DeMoss, $53,731; 9. Taos Muncy, $48,654; 10.

Zeke Thurston, $45,692; 11. Jake Wright, $41,038; 12. Tyrel Larsen, $26,654; 13. Chuck Schmidt, $17,346; 14. Spencer Wright, $2,115; 15. Bradley Harter, $0.

20 • The Roping Pen • January 2016

PHOTOS COURTESY OF PRCA PHOTO BY LARRY SMITH

TEAM ROPING World standings (headers): 1. Aaron Tsinigine, $227,672; 2. Luke Brown, $224,987; 3.

Derrick Begay, $218,464; 4. Trevor Brazile, $191,960; 5. Coleman Proctor, $190,341; 6.

Colby Lovell, $188,253; 7. JoJo LeMond, $188,207; 8. Clay Tryan, $169,266; 9. Erich Rogers, $163,554; 10. Chad Masters, $150,889; 11. Nick Sartain, $137,386; 12. Jake Cooper, $122,664; 13. Clay Smith, $115,498; 14. Riley Minor, $88,592; 15. Matt Sherwood, $88,436.

World standings (heelers): 1. Kollin VonAhn, $231,601; 2. Ryan Motes, $226,541; 3. Clay O’Brien Cooper, $219,584; 4. Junior Nogueira, $198,737; 5. Patrick Smith, $191,960; 6.

Jake Long, $188,555; 7. Kory Koontz, $187,891; 8. Jade Corkill, $169,266; 9. Cory Petska, $159,712; 10. Travis Graves, $143,496; 11. Rich Skelton, $137,386; 12. Paul Eaves, $121,699; 13. Russell Cardoza, $107,811; 14. Travis Woodard, $99,519; 15. Brady Minor, $87,263.

Average standings: 1. Luke Brown/Kollin VonAhn, 65.3 seconds on 10 head, $67,269; 2. Coleman Proctor/Jake Long, 98.1, $54,577; 3. JoJo LeMond/Junior Nogueira, 50.2 on nine, $43,154; 4. Aaron Tsinigine/Ryan Motes, 65.3, $31,731; 5. Erich Rogers/Cory Petska, 67.8, $22,846; 6. Trevor Brazile/Patrick Smith, 102.4, $16,500.

WNFR earnings (headers): 1. Luke Brown, $142,577; 2. Aaron Tsinigine, $133,904; 3. JoJo LeMond, $117,404; 4. Derrick Begay, $113,596; 5. Coleman Proctor, $110,212; 6. Colby Lovell, $99,423; 7. Trevor Brazile, $89,692; 8. Erich Rogers, $74,885; 9. Nick Sartain, $53,308; 10. Chad Masters, $48,231; 11. Clay Smith, $34,269; 12. Jake Cooper, $31,731; 13. Clay Tryan, $28,769; 14. Riley Minor, $11,000; 15. Matt Sherwood, $11,000.

WORLD CHAMP TEAM ROPING HEADER AARON TSINIGINE, $227,672

WORLD CHAMPION TIE DOWN ROPER CALEB SMIDT, $242,354

WNFR earnings (heelers): 1. Kollin VonAhn, $142,577; 2. Ryan Motes, $133,904; 3. Junior Nogueira, $117,404; 4. Clay O’Brien Cooper, $113,596; 5. Jake Long, $110,212; 6. Kory Koontz, $99,423; 7. Patrick Smith, $89,692; 8. Cory Petska, $74,885; 9. Rich Skelton, $53,308; 10. Travis Graves, $48,231; 11. Paul Eaves, $34,269; 12. Russell Cardoza, $31,731; 13. Jade Corkill, $28,769; 14. Travis Woodard, $11,000; 15. Brady Minor, $11,000.

WORLD CHAMPION TEAM ROPING HEELER KOLLIN VONAHN, $231,601

ALL-AROUND WORLD CHAMPION TREVOR BRAZILE

TIE-DOWN ROPING

BARREL RACING

World standings: 1. Caleb Smidt, $242,354; 2. Trevor Brazile, $228,055; 3. Matt Shiozawa, $216,835; 4. Tuf Cooper, $211,457; 5. Monty Lewis, $189,788; 6. Marty Yates, $186,281; 7. Hunter Herrin, $181,024; 8. Tyson Durfey, $153,983; 9. Sterling Smith, $152,739; 10.

Timber Moore, $149,452; 11. Marcos Costa, $148,073; 12. Cory Solomon, $143,252; 13.

Cade Swor, $126,796; 14. Ryan Jarrett, $124,736; 15. Shane Hanchey, $124,668.

World standings: 1. Callie duPerier, $303,846; 2. Lisa Lockhart, $285,059; 3. Sarah Rose McDonald, $284,426; 4. Michele McLeod, $218,744; 5. Cassidy Kruse, $217,423; 6. Fallon Taylor, $187,578; 7. Taylor Jacob, $177,874; 8. Jackie Ganter, $164,780; 9. Sherry Cervi, $163,821; 10. Nancy Hunter, $147,301; 11. Mary Walker, $135,759; 12. Jana Bean, $111,624; 13.

Carley Richardson, $107,493; 14. Vickie Carter, $83,768; 15. Deb Guelly, $74,000.

Average standings: 1. Caleb Smidt, 80.7 seconds on 10 head, $67,269; 2. Monty Lewis, 83.5, $54,577; 3. Matt Shiozawa, 84.2, $43,154; 4. Trevor Brazile, 87.4, $31,731; 5.

Marcos Costa, 92.3, $22,846; 6. Marty Yates, 92.7, $16,500.

Average standings: 1. Callie duPerier, 140.41 seconds on 10 runs, $67,269; 2. Jackie Ganter, 141.07, $54,577; 3. Cassidy Kruse, 144.68, $43,154; 4. Michele McLeod, 145.19, $31,731; 5. Sherry Cervi, 146.04, $22,846; 6. Sarah Rose McDonald, 148.50, $16,500.

WNFR earnings: 1. Caleb Smidt, $144,904; 2. Trevor Brazile, $126,077; 3. Matt Shiozawa, $121,846; 4. Monty Lewis, $96,885; 5. Hunter Herrin, $77,212; 6. Marty Yates, $77,000; 7. Tyson Durfey, $71,923; 8. Tuf Cooper, $70,654; 9. Sterling Smith, $70,442; 10. Marcos Costa, $53,731; 11. Cory Solomon, $50,769; 12. Shane Hanchey, $44,212; 13. Cade Swor, $38,923; 14. Ryan Jarrett, $28,769; 15. Timber Moore, $26,654.

WNFR earnings: 1. Sarah Rose McDonald, $139,827; 2. Michele McLeod, $138,346; 3. Callie duPerier, $126,923; 4. Cassidy Kruse, $126,077; 5. Lisa Lockhart, $123,538; 6. Fallon Taylor, $90,750; 7. Taylor Jacob, $87,365; 8. Jackie Ganter, $85,462; 9. Sherry Cervi, $49,077; 10. Jana Bean, $41,462; 11. Nancy Hunter, $40,615; 12. Carley Richardson, $19,673; 13.

Mary Walker, $15,654; 14. Vickie Carter, $11,000; 15. Deb Guelly, $4,231 The Magazine for America’s Roper • 21

22 • The Roping Pen • January 2016

The NEAFRA is hosting their

2015 SEASON BANQUET FEBRUARY 20, 2016 All friends and family members are invited!

Photos from the 2015 Finals...

And make plans now for the first NEAFRA rodeo of 2016...

APRIL 8 & 9, 2016 FORREST CITY, AR

...giving everyone plenty of time to prepare for another fun and exciting rodeo season!

We hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and wish all of you the greatest of New Year blessings!

The Magazine for America’s Roper • 23

GHSRA Blake Leamon

Annie Grace McElhannon

N

ovember was a great month for the GHSRA , we had a great Rodeo with the THSRA hosting, we had great runs and rides.

I am so thankful for our Rodeo family and how close we all are, we will step up and do whatever it takes to help another in time of need or anytime with a open heart.

We would like to invite anyone in High School to try our Association or any of the states associations, to see why we love it so much. We welcome all with open arms.

December was also a joyful month. The GHSRA hopes everyone had a a very blessed and Merry Christmas and the New Year is starting off great for everyone.

I look forward to our next rodeo, “The Bama Challenge,” in February!

In God we Trust!

~ Ashley Hawkins

Colby Daniell

Rodeo & Action photos courtesy of © JD Photography • Queen photo courtesy of GHSRA

Riley Sims Bailey Tarvin

Holli Covey

Jesse Denney

Cody Hulings

Morgan Pike and Caleebell Duncan

24 • The Roping Pen • January 2016

The Magazine for America’s Roper • 25

Zach Varner

Will Kirkland and Kaitlyn Chestnut

Ashley Clukey

Kathryne Shoop

Allison Tannehill

Jarad Rollins 26 • The Roping Pen • January 2016

JW Farren

Haley Polk

Wesley Smith Photos © JD Photography

The Magazine for America’s Roper • 27

FYRA Bullfighter

Michael Hurley from Laurens, SC Photo by Donna Farmer 28

29

30 • The Roping Pen • January 2016

The Magazine for America’s Roper • 31

32 • The Roping Pen • January 2016

33

King of Reach: Jojo Lemond A fter a freakish accident of Jake Barnes prior to this year’s Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, Jo Jo Lemond got his chance to rope at the biggest rodeo of the year. His qualification into the event paired him up with Jake’s partner and one of the sports newest heeling sensations, Junior Nogueira. Talk was big concerning the matchup of these two at the event and that talk turned true when the duo were racking up some of this year’s big money at WNFR. Jojo is a dynamic roper and one that has pushed ahead of obstacles throughout his career. He overcame a mild stroke and a rattlesnake bite in 2009, plus a devastating fire at his ranch in West Texas a couple of years later. These hardships have not slowed Jojo down and his recent accomplishments at the PRCA finals event proved he is one of the best in the business. In the end, Jojo finished third in the Average, earned $117, 404 at the WNFR and totaled his season earnings at $188,207. This recent achievement adds to his career where he has proved he is more than just a roper, but a cowboy.

Thirty-three year old Jojo is a proud member of the Lone Star rope group and is one of today’s top ropers who uses his reach as a deadly weapon in the arena. Not many can use the long loop as well as Jojo and after catching up with him before he left Vegas we had a chance to ask him a few questions about his technique and how he has made it work so well.

“It took a lot of time roping a dummy,” said Jojo. I heeled for a

long time and when I began heading it was a goal my dad and I worked on from the beginning. I watched guys like Jake and Tee Woolman dominate the sport, because they could reach, then came a guy in purple pants that changed the sport. Speed took it to another level and was a head above everyone else in the sport at the time. I wanted to be like that so I spent a lot of time roping a dummy from a long distance. I would also have about 10 horses I could burn up in the practice pen reaching and going as fast as I could.”

Although Jojo gained a lot of attention at this year’s WNFR with his consistent reach and overall performance, he admitted he is working on changing his style a bit and adapting his heading style to help himself become even more consistent.

“There is so much money make at jackpots where the average is so much more important that I am working on getting closer and taking more consistent shots,” Jojo added.

As a member of the Lone Star rope group, Jojo likes the Raptor from Lone Star but also let the cat out of the bag about a new rope they came out with that he has been using. “”I don’t think they have a name for this rope yet, but it feels great and I really like it,” said Jojo.

We will keep an eye on Jojo and the rest of the Lone Star crew throughout the New Year and continue to bring you their inside tips and tricks that they use and you can too. Stay tuned in to each month and be sure to send in the questions you want asked.

If you’ve got a question or comment for “In The Loop”, submit it to lonestarintheloop@gmail.com.

34 • The Roping Pen • January 2016

The Magazine for America’s Roper • 35

& Junior and Youth Divisions

Happy New Year from our Family to Yours!

W

ell, the Fall rodeo season is over and now we just have to wait ‘til the Spring season starts up. So what to do??? Hmmmm. Well, let’s do PARADES!!! Everyone loves a parade. Well, that is exactly what we did. Makaylah McCurry, our SCHSRA Queen, Kelly Rae Alexander, and MANY other have been strutting all around the state doing parades. There was the Westminster Christmas Parade & the Salem Christmas Parade (which, by the way, we won the SPIRIT Award for... Go SCHSRA!!!!) The Lowrys Parade was quick to follow, and several towns in between. Nothing like the cheering crowd and excited kids to get you all in the Holiday Spirit. So on that note, I’ll just say... Hope it was a “Merry Christmas to all, and to all a GOOD Year… (you thought I was going to say GOOD NIGHT, didn’t ya?)

Under These Southern Skies

E

ight O’clock and it is rodeo time for South Carolina High School Rodeo Association (SCHSRA). Some of the toughest cowboys and cowgirls prepare as the crowd starts filling the stands. We have a full season of twenty four qualifying rodeos. Every cowboy and cowgirl hoping to travel to Clemson in May to compete in state finals. There is some stiff competition around our state and bringing your A game is a must!

Competing in South Carolina High School and Jr. High rodeo I have been able to be a part of watching our association grow and become what it is today. As a little girl I would look up to the high school contestants knowing I wanted to be like them one day. Most high school kids are excited to go to football games and pep rallies, but I am one who can’t wait to spend my weekends at rodeos.

Those are my friday night lights. Rodeos and this association are a huge part of my life, so I decided to run for student officer positions the past three years. As a sophomore I was voted vice-president and then president for my junior and senior year. Being able to be a part of the decisions and helping our association grow and shape into what it is becoming is a great feeling. While I have been on the board we have arranged several service activities where many members have participated. Last year we visited a nursing home and recently collected items for the local flood victims, as well as many more community activities. We also have several fundraisers, such as calendar and ad sales. With these fundraisers we are able to supply a saddle certificate to each event champion, first through fourth place buckles, and various awards for fifth through eighth

36 • The Roping Pen • January 2016

place. Not only do we give many awards in the high school division, but for the jr. and youth association too. As president I am working hard to improve our membership and help get our association better known.

The south is known for southern hospitality and we definitely have it within SCHSRA. Whether someone needs to borrow a horse, can’t get to the rodeo, or needs some tack, everyone is willing to help however they can! Many of our high school members will help out around the arena during our jr. and youth rodeos. Helping in the roping box or down in the bucking chutes there is always a great turnout with high school help. After rodeos everyone may sit around and talk for hours or go to waffle house for a late dinner. From swimming in the creek at Marietta, to the pool party at Hartsville, or late night trail riding at the annual meeting there is a lot of fun to be had. With friends that live four to five hours on the other side of the state. Not only do we have a strong rodeo-family around South Carolina, but in our arena we put God first. Flying the Christian flag high and proud followed by a prayer and the National Anthem with heads bent and hats over hearts. “Don’t be afraid, just believe (Mark 5:36).”

Y’all know South Carolina is where the tea is sweet, accents are sweeter, front porches are wider, and acoustic music is louder.

There’s no better way to live than like a South Carolinian. “It’s guts and love and glory, one mortals chance at fame, his legacy is rodeo, and cowboy is his name (Baxter Black).” I am proud to say I am student president of a great association like SCHSRA.

~ Kelsey Martin

The Magazine for America’s Roper • 37

38 • The Roping Pen • January 2016

COW KNOWLEDGE

M

y exact words were; “She’s crazy. Best to let me work her down the good fence along the woods and take her out into the road. I can leg her and take her down to my new pens.” That was in reference to a cow the two kids sent to haul off the culls had let get out and go through two fences, ending up on the neighbor’s property. The place belonged to an absentee owner from over in the coal fields. He had a guy hired who would drive up here every few days to check stock and care take. Now, I’m not saying there isn’t any livestock over in coal country, but the total head count wouldn’t stock a very big outfit in our county.

I had stopped to talk to the fellow, let’s call him Gopher, and let him know she had gotten in with their cows. Ol’ Gopher had seen her and was planning on moving the cows to a more advantageous pasture for rogue cow extraction that day. I got my horse and dog and met him in the pasture after he towed his cows over. Needing a key to the road gate, he told me he would drive around on the tractor, come back with the key, and did I want him to bring the ATV. That’s when I said she was crazy. I inferred I would rather work her out myself. “Don’t like four wheelers?” he asked, a little abrasively.

“I didn’t say that; it’s just that I know that cow, and she’s a lot of trouble. I’d rather work her easy myself. As he went for the key, I rode the quarter mile down the road and opened my working pens in preparation for getting her caught. Riding back, I decided I might have seemed unneighborly, so I stopped as he got to the barn, and told him if he wanted to bring his ATV and help me with gates and such, to go ahead. We met at the road gate, where I told him I would circle to the right, along a wooded slope, and push her toward our adjoining fence, that way, if she jumped, she would be back on me.

If not, she would be along a decent fence to haze her to the gate.

As soon as I started my circle, Gopher darted by me on the ATV, went up the hill wide open, and ran my cow out of his charges, in the opposite direction I wanted, right into the woods. I sent my border collie, Ned, around and he brought her out. Ol’ boy turned her again. I asked him if he would go open the gate. Before he could turn his machine, she jumped the fence into the previous pasture. I found the gate, went through, and tried to turn her. She went on the fight. I wanted to push her back through the gate, but she decided to bulldoze the fence, breaking four steel posts, and head back to the other cows. I rode back to the gate and went after her, taking down my rope. She joined a cow/calf pair and ran into a fence corner, backing under a tree limb. I couldn’t pitch a loop on her, so I sent Ned in on her. She came out wide open, with the pair on her heels, and jumped a downed tree. I had to ride around it. Gopher cut me off and went after them, hell for leather. They ran to another overgrown fence corner, where I yelled for him to back off, to no avail. She didn’t slow for that fence, either.

Needless to say, my patience was wearing thin. I went through the gate, this time determined to rope her, tie her down, and go for the trailer, or a tractor if needed, and end this. She led the pair through another gate into a harvested cornfield. My plan then, was

to bring her out of there and catch her on good ground. Gopher caught up, and shut the gate going back out. I got the cow to the gate and into a corner with a hay lot made of gates. I decided this was as good a place as any to put the twine on her. I had my loop built and was readying for a throw, when Gopher shot between the cow and me, jumped off his bike, and started flailing her with a cow stick. She ran up a hill, claimed the high ground, and took a stand. She kept charging Ned and my horse, on terrain too steep to attempt to handle her. I would send Ned, then ride close, trying to coax her to better ground. I got too close and she charged, trying to upend old Joe. As I looked for a place to land, I see Gopher only a few feet below me, perfectly placed to have the horse and me flipped over his ATV. My language took a bit of a severe turn as I told him to move, far away. Fortunately, old girl broke away, ran up the hill, and plowed through my line fence, wheeled around, and stood at the fence, daring us to follow.

Since she was back on me, and in a field with my weaned calves, I was content to leave her be. But no, Gopher rammed between Joe and the fence, jumped off, and went to beating on her head over the fence. This time, I cussed a blue streak, telling him to leave My cow alone. He stops, looks at me, and calmly says; “She’s crazy.”

“Yes, sir. I’ll get up with you about your fence damage later; I have a cow to tend to right now.” With that, I rode off. I put Joe on the trailer and drove down the road to turn. I pulled over and called Wifey. I told her I needed to cool off a bit, for if Gopher stopped me on my way home, I figured we wouldn’t be getting any Christmas cards from the landowner.

While this is a rather extreme example, I deal with similar situations regularly. It seems that any yayhoo whose grandfather, neighbor, or a coworker’s cousin had a few cows in a 5 acre lot, is automatically qualified as a bovine handling expert. As I put it to Wifey, everybody knows more about cattle than the *$#!@ cowboy!

The Magazine for America’s Roper • 39

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The Magazine for America’s Roper • 45

BRET BEACH: ADVICE FOR HEADERS

A

fter visiting the World Series of Team Roping Finale in Las Vegas, we witnessed a lot of different aspects that ropers can address in order to progress and hopefully be one of the teams that walk away with some of the big money at next year’s events. With that in mind, we headed to Bret Beach at TotalTeamRoping.com with a handful of questions.

Although there were several areas that ropers could improve, one of the problems we noticed the most were headers who did not offer their heeling partners the best chance at success. Although the old saying “They were loose before I caught them” is true, there is a whole lot more to making a successful run after the head rope goes on. Although there can be a book written on handling cattle on the end of your head rope, we asked Bret this question: HOW SHOULD A HEADER TAKE A STEER ACROSS THE ARENA ONCE THEY ROPE?

“I see a lot of headers do two things that does not offer a heeler a good shot,” said Bret. “To begin, probably one of the biggest misconceptions is that a header needs to get out in front of the steer. They do eventually, but not right away. After they make a head catch, they need to bring their horse back up the arena a little bit in order to control the steer. Think about it like this. If you are going down the arena, you want the steer to turn 90 degrees. A lot of headers turn their horse at 90 degrees instead. This allows the steer to drift down the arena, makes their hop really short and really fast for the heeler to try to catch. If a header picks the steer up a little, brings his/her horse back up the arena, stay inside that 90 degree corner, keep that steer tight on the saddle horn and make the steer turn at 90 degrees the steer will

46 • The Roping Pen • January 2016

be in better shape for the heeler to catch. The steers hop will open up, be longer and more controlled. A header should never allow any slack in their rope allowing the steer to move down the arena at all.”

Although that is one of the biggest problems he sees, Bret added, “The second problem I see a lot of is a header who takes a steer across the arena too slow. They make the right pattern, get the steer moving 90 degrees across the arena but then never release their horse to go any faster. What happens is the steer dies out, the heeler comes in for his or her shot and gets too close to the steer. They then begin to pull up to get separation and most often at that time the header speeds up and causes too big of a separation leaving the heeler behind.”

“If a header becomes aware of taking the steer 90 degrees across the arena, never allowing slack in their rope from the time they rope the steer throughout the corner and at this point it becomes very critical to recognize and feel if you need to release your head horse to keep the steer coming with you across the arena. This will create a good pattern, with big consistent hops for their heeler.”

Bret and the gang at Total Team Roping hope everyone had a Merry Christmas & want to wish all the happiest New Year. They encourage you to come check them out at Totalteamroping.com for a chance to improve your roping throughout 2016 and be one of the big winners at next year’s event!

Get a great deal on an introductory membership at

WWW.THEROPINGPEN.COM Search under Total Team Roping page!

The Magazine for America’s Roper • 47

H

ello, everyone! First of all thanks for the calls, text, and social media messages about equine insurance. It’s been really fun this year taking questions and then writing an article based on thoughts or questions from the past months conversations.

This month I want to re-elaborate on a topic that seem to have kept coming around from several folks. We are going to revisit the major medical topic. Major Medical is just what it sounds like, i.e. major issues that come up regarding your horse. I get a lot of calls asking what it does cover so this month I went through a few things to just give examples of what it would pay for. Hopefully this will answer some questions about it!

Major Medical insurance covers veterinary treatment, medication, and surgery due to accident, injury, or illness. It does not cover routine maintenance, worming’s, vaccinations, etc. Chiropractic, acupuncture, and hock injections are considered routine maintenance for performance horses. Some common maladies for which claims are filed include lacerations, strains, founder, laminitis, respiratory infections, eye injuries, and EPM (equine protozoal myeloencephalitis). Major Medical doesn’t have always have to be a surgical or life threatening issue for it to be of use.

A few examples of what we have seen within our office for claims against Major Medical Insurance are...

48 • The Roping Pen • January 2016

• Extended vet stays due to illness • Respiratory Illness. Bleeding due to lung infections • Bone chips/other surgical procedures • Eye problems/Eye removal • IRap Joint Therapy • General Lameness Issues with diagnosis & treatment plans • Neurological issues/EPM • Ulcers/Gastric issues caused by Ulcers The biggest issue we see or that we end up having to help clients with is what is considered later reporting. Late reporting is anytime your horse is sick, lame etc. and you do not report it to the insurance agency until after a claim is filed. I also cannot stress enough how often this occurs. Honestly they want to know whenever the horse feeling colicky, abscessed, cut, is lame in general.

The smallest thing can lead into a big problem is why they ask us to report (which is you reporting it to us) any issues. It’s almost better safe than sorry type of mentality.

I also tell my clients it’s better to ask before it happens or ask before you do the procedure to make sure it’s covered by your major medical insurance. It only takes one phone call to find out.

Even in at a time when things need to be answered quickly take a few minutes and ask. The adjusters are on call 24hrs a day 7 days a week just for those type questions. So my goal for this article was to show some examples and to also let you guys know whenever in doubt ask.

Give me a shout anytime for Equine Insurance questions. As always see you guys at the next roping!

BY STUART MITCHELL

Different Blessings...

Did you catch your steers and win today and did you help one of your buddies in a thoughtful way?

Did you arrive safe at your journey’s end, and a prayer to heaven think to send?

Your horse worked well except for one. Was it his fault or something you might have done?

Did you thank your partners for their help or gripe and complain when a leg slipped?

Did you mention the Savior in a positive way or did you take his name in vain?

Did your thoughts come from the heart or did the devil play a part?

You have fun in a sport not offered to everyone, did you pause and reflect on being a “lucky one”?

Blessings in this world come in all shapes and sizes, in different areas of life with different prizes.

As we travel to rope on the weekends, we should stop and reflect on our greatest blessings.

We have freedom to participate and enjoy life’s blessings and win or lose, gain valuable lessons.

So stop & remember when you’re at the pay window or suffer a loss, that Christ gave us the greatest blessing when He died on Calvary’s cross.

CHANCE ASKS: I’ve never been to a

roping but have been roping two years. How do I get a partner?

RICKEY’S TIP:

I suggest going to a draw pot first if you can find one and don’t be afraid to ask people to rope. They need partners too.

Availability… Priceless!

by Crystal Lyons e were moving mares out of a field and they were supposed to turn right and head for the barn, but noooo…..as females sometimes do…..they did the opposite of what was expected and headed for the main house. No big deal…. there’s a pen on the other side of the house that will work. About that time, this big, nice mare decides to get curious as to the tarp over the swimming pool. I’m thinking, “I KNOW she won’t try stepping out there”. Just shows you what I know…….

I stare in disbelief as the mare WALKS OUT on the tarp over the swimming pool! And of course….her feet break through and she falls in.

And of course….it’s the DEEP end of the pool. I jumped off my horse, shewing him away and jerked my jacket off. Why….I don’t really know.

Like I was gonna jump in the pool and save her?? She’s thrashing in the water trying to hold her head up while her butt was held up by a seam in the pool cover that was anchored at her flank. She keeps swimming/thrashing, but not going anywhere. I hadn’t a CLUE what to do! About that time one of my partners in crime yelled out, “somebody get a knife”! I thought….”Oh yeah….I got a knife”!! So….I pull out my very tiny, very dull knife and run for the shallow end of the pool and start slicing through the tarp like Christmas wrapping paper towards the mare.

By the time I get to her, I’m in water over my head and with boots and spurs on, I’m not exactly dressed for treading water. One of the other guys got a knife and was cutting the last bit to the mare from a seated position on top of the tarp and between the two of us, we got that last seam cut. By this time the mare was pretty well tuckered out but she swam down the channel I’d cut for her and wadded out of the pool on the shallow end. SAVED by a $5 knife!!

My adrenaline was pumping so, that it took a little bit for the wind and the 50 degree weather to make me realize I was cold! I’d been asking the Lord for an adventure….but I sure never saw this one coming! Sometimes the simplest things can turn into an event that escalates beyond your control. And sometimes when you see NO POSSIBLE SOLUTION to the scenario, something as simple as a $5 knife can literally save the day!

God uses simple things to do mighty things! In the whole scheme of things, I may be nothing more than a $5 knife…..but if I’m willing to meet the challenge, God can do exceptional things with me! I like thinking about my value in life as sorta like a water hose. They aren’t very valuable in themselves. Their value is their ability to channel the water. A water hose is worthless if it stays disconnected. My job in life is to simply stay connected to the SOURCE. If I’ll do that…..God will pour through me everywhere I go! Just like my little “pretend knife”. If I’m in God’s “pocket”, He can pull me out and open me up to turn the tide of events! It wasn’t the value of the knife that mattered that day….what mattered was that it was available!

Oh…and things were happening fast and furious, but I’m pretty sure I peed while I was in the pool…..just saying.

W

The Magazine for America’s Roper • 49

www.rodeofyra.com • 2016 Membership Discount if you join on or before March 1!

50 • The Roping Pen • January 2016

PHOTOS COURTESY OF FYRA & DONNA FARMER

The Magazine for America’s Roper • 51

THE

Other Half

“Humbo Hats” I

© 2016 The Other Half , Melinda Clements melinda@clements.net

think they are actually called toboggans, beanie hats, ski hats, or stocking caps. However, in the craziness of our family, my kids called them “humbo hats.” Regardless, they are little hats, sometimes wool, that you pull down over your ears to keep them warm in the winter.

Today, I needed three toboggans. It was cold, real cold. My hands were cold, my nose was cold, and my toes were cold. Every part of my being was cold. Only a desperate team roper would be out on a day like this.

Each breath the horses took exhaled a plume of vapor. They all looked like puffing, breathing steam engines. Who in their right mind would be in an arena on a day this cold? Thankfully, the kids were at school.

“Just two or three runs,” Boss explained. “I’m hauling this colt to the practice tonight at Frank’s indoor pen but I thought I’d run a couple on him before tonight.”

Whatever!

I’ve decided team ropers are one brick short of a load or maybe a lot of bricks short. Ok, the practice tonight was in a building. Well, that is a good thing, warm and out of the elements. Besides it is a “practice.” So why did we need to practice for a practice? Makes absolutely no sense.

Boss was cold even if he didn’t admit it. He had not resorted to a humbo hat yet and still had his hat on. He doesn’t like change.

He had exchanged a straw hat for a felt hat as fall rolled in or on occasion his feed store cap was his attire but a humbo hat was not his style even if he was cold and his ears had frost bite. I had on a humbo hat and I was freezing.

Boss warmed the colt up while I loaded five steers. Hopefully, he would only run three as he’d indicated.

“Dang, it’s cold!” Boss muttered when he rode into the box. “That wind just bites.”

“Ya think!” I mumbled to myself. “I have an extra humbo hat if you want it. It will help to cover your ears.” He shrugged it off. “I’m just going to track a couple of steers,” he explained. Ok! That suited me just fine. Heaven forbid if I should offer him a bit of protection from the cold. It was his ears that were cold, not mine.

When Boss nodded for the first steer the colt balked and didn’t come out of the box despite Boss urging him forward. He was way late. Boss pulled up. “Let’s run another one.”

The second time the colt broke from the box but had no urge to run so the steer outran him to the catch pen. By the fifth and last steer Boss was frustrated and colder than he wanted to admit.

“Here,” I said. “Put this on!” I tossed him my extra humbo hat. I loaded two more steers. Surely, two would be enough.

Boss took his hat off and pulled the humbo hat down over his ears and rode into the box. I hoped it would be the last time. This colt was smart and it shouldn’t take long for him to figure it all out.

He was probably as cold and frustrated as Boss and hopefully it would all come together in his mind. I was still unsure why we had to practice for the practice but considering how things were going I guess it was a good thing we did.

When Boss nodded this time the colt blew out of the box focused

52 • The Roping Pen • January 2016

Thoughts of a Team Roping Spouse...

by Gracie Mae

on the steer. He was on a mission. I bet you could not have measured the “G’s!” I smiled knowing that, hopefully, this was the last steer because it was coming together for the young horse.

However, the only problem was as the colt reared from the box the wind caught the cuff of the humbo hat and it fell over Boss’s eyes. Reins in one hand, rope in the other hand the humbo blocked all vision and Boss was suddenly a blind man on a runaway horse.

Oh my goodness! I watched to see how this was going to go down.

By golly, the colt had it figured out and bounded after the escaping steer. Boss, blind as a bat, tried pulling the colt up. However, he had nothing to judge by. His greatest mission seemed to be just to hang on. I just stood and watched. It was, without a doubt, a wreck hunting a happening.

When the steer went through the gate of the catch pen the colt slid to a stop. I smiled. Boss managed to stay mounted but he had missed it all because his eyes had been totally covered by his humbo hat. He threw his rope on the ground, ripped the humbo hat from his face and threw it on the ground as well. He stepped off the colt and I couldn’t help but grin as he bent down and almost hugged the ground. I can’t say as I blamed him all that much. He gathered everything up in his arms. Boss was grumbling as he led the colt back up the arena to the roping box.

“Those dang humbo hats will get you killed,” Boss ranted as he got to where I was standing. “Take the dern thing and use it yourself. I’d rather have cold ears and come out in one piece. I’m done.

I’ll just practice at the practice.” He tossed the humbo hat to me.

“I’ve ridden and been in lots of wrecks but that was by far the scariest. Couldn’t see a dad-gum thing! Stupid dang hat. I’m telling you I’ll just be happy to be cold.” He turned and headed to the barn.

I stood there in a daze. Suddenly, I couldn’t help it. I just burst out laughing. I was thankful he was okay. I was glad it wasn’t worse.

I just wished I had a video to watch. Boss going down the arena at a high rate of speed, his eyes covered, his horse on a mission; well, it was rather amusing. He looked like batman only there were no eye holes.

I turned out the other steers and followed them on foot to the catch pen. They were all huddled and waiting for me to turn them back under the shed so they could continue grazing on their hay bales.

“Those dang humbo hats will kill you,” I voiced out loud. It just made me laugh. Seems to me if you are worried about humbo hats you should be more worried about roping when it is toooo cold to rope, like frost bite or maybe pneumonia.

Oh well, the good thing was Boss could practice at the practice.

That was even more humorous. Did I tell you I think team ropers are a few bricks short of a load?

“Those humbo hats will kill you!” I hope Boss doesn’t tell the kids that or they will never wear one again. Personally, I like my ears warm. Even better than that I’m a fair weather roper person/supporter. Hope winter doesn’t last a long time. I really doubt Boss will ever wear a humbo hat again. By the way, the colt worked great at the “PRACTICE!” I’m thinking maybe humbo hats should be required attire for ropers during cold weather. However, they might need to have some openings for your eyes. Otherwise, humbo hats might need a label that says, “Wear at your own risk!”

Keep Ropin’ ... Love Gracie

HORSES/STALLS/TRAINING 12/14 14 year old, roan, gelding head horse. Good beginner horse.

Good in the box. Has been hauled to KRA roping’s. Asking $3000.

Call Tom @ 270-402-7191 10/15 Specialize in starting young horses & finishing rope horses.

Contact facility owner, Dr. Taylor 336-918-1083 or Trainer, Dustin Sheppard 336-202-5873 for more information.

10/15 For Sale - Priefert stalls expo, hunter green powder coated, we have a huge covered stall barn and want to sell all stalls. Circle M Ranch - Pelzer, South Carolina – Selling stall panels and stall fronts, glad to send pics. Great deal on these. For more info, call Frankie McCleer 864-630-9340 or email kellimccleer@aol.com

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

Call The Joel Gill Team, Joel or Susan Gill – 334-277-8204!

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

ROPING DUMMIES 6/15 Used Hot Heels roping dummy w/ Springer Sled. Please email for additional info: kbrown@tsys.com 2/15 Heel-O-Matic For Sale! Brand New - Straight from the factory.

Heel-O-Matic with all the upgrades. The Ultimate Ground-Driven Trainer includes the Spring-Loaded Tongue and Deluxe Leg Package.

Top of the line roping practice machine. See one at heelomtic.com.

Selling for $3100 ($500 off retail). Call 505-259-7975 7/15 - Used Hot Heels for sale or trade for newer version. For info, call 417-214-2063 and ask for Billy.

WANTED 12/15 Looking for used roping dummy - Hot-Heels or comparable.

Call Frank at 719-661-3077

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

Advertisers & Events Index EVENTS: Big Ticket........................................... 44 Florida Championships........................ 31 Muddy River Classic............................ 25 NTRL Events....................................... 40 NTRL National Finals........................... 42 NTRL Trailer Roping............................ 45 The Patriot......................................... 32 ADVERTISERS: Adam Toole Horses............................. 39 AlabamaRoping.com........................... 27 Albracht Insurance.............................. 48 Allen’s Rodeo Photos............................. 4 American Hat Company, Inc................ 22 Bar H Photography............................... 4 BTuff Jeans.......................................... 7 C Bar C Photography............................. 4 Corriente Saddle Co............................ 23 Dare to be Cowboy............................. 38 FastBack.............................................. 3 Flatland Ropes.................................... 27 FRM Feeds.......................................... 13 FSR Cattle Company............................ 47 Haslerig Saddlery................................. 9 Heel-O-Matic...................................... 10 Hot Heels........................................... 11

JD Photography.................................... 4 Jim Davis Photo.................................... 4 Lil Blue Heeler.................................... 38 Lone Star Ropes.................................. 35 Lubrisyn............................................. 56 Maynard Buckles.................................. 9 NRS................................................... 37 Perfect Bit.......................................... 18 Power Team Roping............................ 49 Priefert.............................................. 54 Quicksilver......................................... 51 Red River Arenas................................ 38 Rope Rite........................................... 51 Rope Smart.......................................... 2 Something Steer................................. 47 Sparky Calf Roper.............................. 51 SpeedRoping.com............................... 12 STS Ranchwear................................... 38 Team Equine Saddle Pad..................... 47 Tom Bourne.......................................... 9 Total Equine Feed............................... 55 TotalTeamRoping.com......................... 46 Tres Rios Silver................................... 47 Twisted Spur....................................... 27 Usher Brand Silver & Saddlery............ 11 Voila! Auto Group............................... 15 Willard Rope Co.................................. 27

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