The Roping Pen - November 2016

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Nov 2016

Vol. 25 No. 11

25 Check Out The Christmas Shopping Guide Beast of the East: Best Ever!

Patriot Adds to Event Biggest East of the Mississippi

2 • THE ROPING PEN • NOVEMBER 2016

THE MAGAZINE FOR AMERICA’S ROPER • 3

IS HERE, and that means it is time to examine NOVEMBER what we are thankful for. I have been thinking a lot about thank-

fulness and have many blessings to be grateful for. However, I want to be sure to thank all of you for reading the magazine each month and for all of the kind words and encouragement I have received over the years. It is also the beginning of the holiday season and soon we will be hustling about getting ready to enjoy family and friends. I look forward to spending the time with those close to me and hope all of you get a chance to do the same.

As I sit here thinking about what I should type this month’s column, I can’t help but think about the evolution of the sport of team roping. For those who have begun roping throughout the past 10 years, you really do not know how good you have it. The sport has seen its share of changes throughout the years. From the beginning where every roping was an open roping, through the beginning of the USTRC and the introduction of the classification system, the sport witnessed tremendous growth. At that time every guy, or gal with a hat and a pair of boots could find a horse, enter up and have a chance to win. It was a sport that allowed a lot of folks to enjoy a part of the rodeo action without having to be a professional. The classification system changed team roping. Today, even though many try to find flaws in the TRIAD system, it is the best ever system the sport has and continues to make the sport enjoyable for thousands of people.

The USTRC has maintained the classification system and the sport for many years. Then in more recent years came the high money ropings that we see today. I can remember when entry fees and payouts began to increase. At the time it was a strategic plan to help limit number of teams at events. Fees got higher and ropers entered less.

Of course the payout increased due to the higher fees. Lees trams dn bigger payouts, the scene was set.

One-third - That was the magic number producers made at events for many years. Then the 80% payout hit and the World Series of Team Roping was the rage of the sport. This is where those of you who have been roping for over the past 10-years came into play.

Higher fees, less money held out by producers and a Finale in Las Vegas during the biggest rodeo of the year seemed like the perfect combination. The World Series Finale is probably the fastest growing and largest team roping event.

I have to give credit to many of these attributes of the sport to Denny Gentry. He was the founding leader of the USTRC and paved the way for the sport to gain momentum. He also of course did it again while building the World Series. Although Gentry is given credit, there are a whole lot of others who made important leaps in the sport as well. Those who managed the USTRC throughout the years, producers who have continued to produce events through the thick and the thin, evolving their events to continue to attract ropers, to the secretaries, the arena staff, the marketing geniuses behind the scenes promoting events and the thousands of individuals who worked at events, hundreds, if not thousands of people are responsible for the growth of the sport throughout the year.

I am not sure why I wanted to spill what little history I know about the sport, a fact that many of you probably know just as well. Except that I know even as good as the sort is today there are going to be others to carry it on to the next step. I believe the next idea for team roping and its evolution of growth is just around the corner. It will be exciting to see who takes the torch and lights the future of team roping. All I know is that it will be great to watch and be a part of it in the years to come.

Until next month... Dirt.

Keep it under your feet!.

~Ryan Davis

4 • THE ROPING PEN • NOVEMBER 2016

Celebrating 25 Years!

TABLE OF CONTENTS ARTICLES & FEATURES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PAGE

Dirt, by Ryan Davis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Patriot Elite..................................30 • Patriot Report, News...................31 • Patriot Event Calendar...............32 • • PATRIOT EVENT ADS...

• Show-Me Patriot Qualifier, Mt Vernon, MO.....................33 • Oil Capital Stampede, Tulsa, OK...................................34 • Mississippi Classic, Tunica, MS......................................35 • The Patriot in February.................................................36 • • • EVENT RECAP...

• The Beast Returns!.............................18 • • • EVENTS COMING UP...

• S. Georgia Championships.................42 • Pgs 40-41, 44-45 NTRL Nat’l Finals..............................43 News & Calendar • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Let us help your Association GROW!

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ERA World Championships, Nov 11-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Protecting Your Investment, Jason Strickland. . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Biggest East of the Mississippi, Event Recap. . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Four States Championships, Event Recap by Ben Clements. . 16 Ropers of the Round Table, by Stuart Mtichell. . . . . . . . . . . 17 The Beast Returns!, NTRL Event Recap. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Coushatta Championships, Event Recap by Ben Clements. . 20 Kansas Fall Championships, Event Recap by Ben Clements. . 21 CHRISTMAS SHOPPING GUIDE!. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26-29 Patriot Elite, News, & Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30-32 Top Tips!, The Score, Advice from Bret Beach. . . . . . . . . . . . 47 In the Loop, Catching up with Kaleb Driggers.. . . . . . . . . . . 50 Sweat & Balin’ Twine, by John Rhudy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Believe It... Or Not, by Crystal Lyons. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 The Other Half, by Gracie Mae . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 Index, Advertisers & Events. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 Classifieds, Buy/Sell. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 ASSOCIATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PAGE PROUD TO BE THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THESE ASSOCIATIONS!

SRA, Southern Rodeo Assocation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 NCHSRA/NCJHRA, N Carolina HS & JH Rodeo Assoc’s . . 14 AHSRA, Alabama HS Rodeo Association. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 FYRA, Foothills Youth Rodeo Association . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 SCHSRA/SCJHD/SCYRA, S Carolina Rodeo Assoc’s . . . . . 48 ON THE COVER: Tom Bourne at the Beast of the East Invitational Photo Courtesy of Valerie Ford - © C Bar C Photos Editor: Ryan Davis

505-407-2151 • rdavis@theropingpen.com

THE MAGAZINE FOR AMERICA’S ROPER • 5

43rd SOUTHERN FINALS RODEO ••••••••SFR-43•••••••• November 4-6, 2016 Asheville, NC (Fletcher) • Western NC Ag Center

TOP 12 CONTESTANTS: BB SB BR CR SW TR CBR CBA www.srarodeo.com for details

SFR-43 CONTESTANT ROSTER:

HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS: COMPLIMENTARY SRA MEMBERSHIP FOR NHSRA MEMBERS! The SRA would like to offer any current High School Senior (12th grade student) that is also a current member of the National High School Rodeo Association (NHSRA) a complimentary SRA membership for the 2017 rodeo season which begins October 1, 2016 and ends September 30, 2017. In order to obtain membership, you must complete and submit the SRA membership application along with proof of being a current 12th grade student and NHSRA member.

BAREBACK RIDING 1 HAROLD MILLER.......................... 5055.12 2 CHRIS SMITH...............................4304.90 3 JOSH CRAGAR..............................1843.80 4 ROBERT MESSER..........................1806.75 5 WADE DOTSON............................ 1541.00 6 MATTHEW SMITH...........................1047.00 7 BLAKE LEAMON............................. 837.20 8 TIM MURPHY................................. 798.10 9 SHELTON MURPHY.........................754.65 10 NELSON MILLER..............................717.60 11 JESSE TROYER................................ 597.54 SADDLE BRONC RIDING 1 EDDIE PARLIER............................3366.90 2 AUSTIN STEWART......................... 3198.70 3 HAYDEN PHIPPS........................... 1978.92 4 BRANDON RIPPY..........................1396.56 5 COLE HARTSELL............................ 901.60 6 DENNIS ROSSIGNOL.......................836.28 7 TRAVIS DEAL.................................798.56 8 ANDREW TURNER........................... 651.60 9 CHASE DYAL................................... 616.40 10 ALLEN FOSTER................................147.20 BULL RIDING 1 ELI MILLER..................................7809.40 2 WESLEY BUCKNER........................7078.68 3 ROWDY RICE................................5438.07 4 BRANDON CHAMBERS..................3595.49 5 COLT GALVAN...............................3463.54 6 TRISTEN MARSHALL.....................2945.30 7 BRADNEY TART............................ 2664.14 8 RICK BYNUM................................2552.72 9 WES MOORE............................... 2310.30 10 JOSH ETHRIDGE...........................2250.04 11 ANDY BLANTON........................... 2234.13 12 LUKE POWELL..............................2032.28 CALF ROPING 1 CORY KIRK.................................. 9951.31 2 CLIFF HAMMOND......................... 8165.59 3 DARYL MATTHEWS.......................5680.90 4 JUSTIN THIGPEN..........................3728.75 5 THOMAS LINTON.......................... 3667.65 6 DILLON WOOTEN......................... 3651.68 7 BRADLEY BULLARD......................3563.43 8 ALLEN LIVENGOOD.......................3450.47 9 TIM PHARR.................................. 3144.58 10 GARRETT KEETER...........................2610.19 11 GLEN FREELS...............................2580.50 12 JACOB DAGENHART......................2465.36

STEER WRESTLING 1 JOSHUA HEFNER.......................... 6016.35 2 BRIAN BAREFOOT.........................5161.60 3 JASON BAGWELL.......................... 3763.24 4 BRAD STEWART............................2863.31 5 WILL GRIFFIN..............................2600.50 6 JOSH AUSTIN..............................1702.56 7 TREY LLOYD................................. 1675.00

6 • THE ROPING PEN • NOVEMBER 2016

8 JAKE THOMASSON........................1537.01 9 JUSTIN THIGPEN...........................1194.74 10 TROY ORR......................................734.70 11 JOHNNY ASHER.............................562.20 12 CODY MOUSSEAU...........................552.00

TEAM ROPING (HEADER) 1 CASEY HILLEY..............................9208.33 2 JACOB DAGENHART...................... 8742.33 3 DARYL MATTHEWS....................... 7927.86 4 JD YOUNG................................... 7483.07 5 JASON TUCKER............................ 4487.00 6 JUSTIN THIGPEN..........................3700.62 7 CORY KIDD..................................3270.78 8 LANCE THRIFT..............................3006.29 9 BRIAN BAREFOOT.........................2378.62 10 TYLER BOATWRIGHT..................... 2374.80 11 WILL BATCHELOR.........................2342.58 12 JASON TRISDALE..........................2295.58

TEAM ROPING (HEELER) 1 CLAY FUTRELL............................11190.56 2 ADAM PLYLER.............................. 9451.54 3 STEPHEN BRITNELL......................8559.42 4 CALEB ANDERSON.........................6177.34 5 RICK SCRUGGS.............................5372.79 6 ALEX BROOKS.............................. 5120.57 7 DENY ASHLEY.............................4005.91 8 ROSS BLAKENEY.......................... 3164.33 9 ROSS LOWRY............................... 3142.49 10 TY PARKINSON........................... 2813.53 11 DANIEL RAYNOR........................... 2688.16 12 TYLER KILE.................................. 2618.23

BARREL RACING 1 KRISTEN YDE.............................14300.86 2 LAUREN SMITH...........................11721.31 3 HEATHER SHERRILL...................... 8128.31 4 DANIELLE MCCRAW......................6403.61 5 CARRIE PUTNAM..........................6304.85 6 PEYTON MORROW....................... 5777.63 7 MARY MCGEE...............................4753.86 8 REBECCA OWENS......................... 4037.57 9 KARLA DAGENHART...................... 3716.59 10 BRONWYN ASHLEY....................... 3646.14 11 BRITTANY BELL............................3433.00 12 KENZIE COOK...............................2738.21

BREAKAWAY ROPING 1 HAYLEY KNOX...............................6151.84 2 KRISTIN MULKEY......................... 6139.38 3 KOLBY WHITESELL........................ 4738.10 4 JAMIE ELLSWORTH....................... 3827.33 5 LUCINDA FLETCHER.....................3820.96 6 CARSON DENNING.......................3632.01 7 KYLA MATTHEWS.........................3408.35 8 LEAH HUNTER..............................3206.06 9 KILEY ARRINGTON........................2898.95 10 NATALIE FLETCHER.......................2868.53 11 CHLOE COX.................................. 2851.42 12 AMANDA STEWART.......................2832.30

2016 FINALS... & 2017 BEGINS! T

he 2016 SRA (Southern Rodeo Association) season came to a close at the beginning of the month as the SRA Finals played out in Ashville, North Carolina. As the rodeo ended one season, the 2017 season was already heating up. The new season began with a few rodeos taking place in October and cowboys and cowgirls all across the Southeast a chance to get a jump on the new season standings and the hopes they could put a little cash in their pocket. Coming off a great season the SRA has continued to gain momentum as the best rodeo association in the Southeast and they hope to continue to move forward with bigger and better rodeos in the future.

The 2016 SRA Finals concluded a great season. Throughout 2016 the association picked up several new rodeos. In addition, more cowboys and cowgirls signed up with the rodeo association troughout the past year. The hard work and determination of many of the top contestants were rewarded at the 2016 Finals that were held the first weekend of November in Ashville, North Carolina. Great payouts, prizes and of course the titles of SRA champions were on the line. Complete results and highlights of the 2016 SRA finals will be posted in the next issue of The Roping Pen. Even though the Finals event is topping the rodeo headlines in the Southeast, the other story is which cowboys and cowgirls jumped out to take advantage of the couple events in October. The new season is underway and those who took advantage of the rodeos for this season are one jump ahead to be among those who are invited to the 2017 SRA Finals event. The SRA season will slow down throughout the winter months and the association is looking ahead

to February before they host any new events. Every dollar counts throughout the season and having the opportunity pick up a win before the winter break will have an impact on a solid start for the new season. The SRA is looking forward to hosting their first rodeo of the new year in Florence, North Carolina in February.

The 2016 SRA rodeo season was one of the best ever. The association had the opportunity to host larger events, new events and had more contestants than ever making it a great year. The SRA hopes to continue to grow the association throughout 2017 and are already working on adding even more this coming year. The SRA is opening the door for more contractors to hang their hat under the SRA brand and more contactors equals more rodeos for contestants to take advantage of during the season. With more contestants entering rodeos, the payouts are larger and the competition gets stronger. Although contestants are roping, racing and riding for the larger payouts, it’s the spectators who receive the largest benefits. Rodeo fans get their fill when the SRA comes to town and their contestants hang it all on the line for their chance to win.

The 2017 season is no doubt going to be phenomenal as the SRA continues to move ahead and work on building the association. More and more cowboys and cowgirls are making the association work for them as they head down the highways and byways of the Southeast fulfilling their adrenaline needs. It will be exciting to see the contestants of the SRA battle it out throughout 2017 and who will be in search of the titles as the SRA Finals plays out this time next year.

2017 SEASON SCHEDULE 2017 SEASON STANDINGS 2017 RODEO SEASON BEGAN OCT 1, 2016

In order for points to count for the following rodeos, you must purchase a 2017 SRA membership prior to competing. MEMBERSHIPS can be purchased through the SRA office or from the rodeo secretary at SRA first-sanctioned rodeos. Please be aware that SRA memberships are not always available at co-sanctioned rodeos, i.e. IPRA/SRA or NCA/SRA.

NOV 11-12 • WILLIAMSTON, NC • IPRA/SRA Friday 7:30pm, Saturday 7:30pm BB SB BR CR SW TR CBR $500 ADM, $50 EF, $10 SCF CBA $400 ADM, $50 EF, $10 SCF Call to enter: 800-639-9002 Mon, Nov 7, 8am-5pm CST Location: Sen Bob Martin Ag Center (Indoor Arena)

NOV 18-19 • PENDLETON, NC • IPRA/SRA

Friday 8:00pm, Saturday 8:00pm BB SB BR CR SW TR CBR CBA $500 ADM $50 EF, $10 SCF Call to enter: 800-639-9002 Mon, Nov 14, 8am-5pm CST Location: T Ed Garrison Livestock Arena, 1101 W Queen St Participant Insurance Required • Coggins req'd on all horses & out of state horse must have current health certificate Stock Contractor: Ken Treadway Rodeo Co. Visit www.srarodeo.com for complete listing of standings, results & more news.

AS OF 10/20/16 • VISIT WWW.SRARODEO.COM FOR COMPLETE LISTING OF POINT STANDINGS, INDIVIDUAL RODEO RESULTS, ADDITIONS/CHANGES TO RODEO SCHEDULE AND MORE NEWS.

CALF ROPING 1 CLIFF HAMMOND...........................239.20 2 BRANDON PUTNAM........................ 216.00 3 THOMAS LINTON...........................143.52 4 JAKE THOMASSON........................108.00 5 JACOB DAGENHART..........................95.68 TEAM ROPING (HEADER) 1 TYLER KIDD................................... 441.00 2 BRANTLEY SWOFFORD....................404.80 3 COLE HARTSELL............................303.60 4 TREY LLOYD................................... 101.20

TEAM ROPING (HEELER) 1 JOSH HUMPHRIES..........................404.80 2 HEATH LEROY...............................303.60 3 CALEB ANDERSON......................... 227.20 4 ALEX BROOKS................................202.40 5 TY PARKINSON..............................189.00 BAREBACK RIDING 1 HAROLD MILLER............................184.00

SADDLE BRONC RIDING 1 COLE HARTSELL.............................220.80

BULL RIDING 1 BRADNEY TART..............................478.40

BARREL RACING 1 KARLA DAGENHART........................493.74 2 TAYLOR EARNHARDT..................... 376.96 3 KRISTIN YDE.................................. 315.00 4 HOLLY SCRUGGS...........................202.50 5 CARRIE PUTNAM............................198.72 6 AMBER JONES...............................132.48 ................................................................

BREAKAWAY ROPING 1 CARSON DENNING.........................478.92 2 LINDSEY WENTWORTH...................450.00 3 YVETTE WHITESELL.........................338.56 4 HEATHER SHERRILL........................169.28 5 LEAH HUNTER................................ 112.50 6 KOLBY WHITESELL............................84.64

THE MAGAZINE FOR AMERICA’S ROPER • 7

Championships NOV 11-13: ERA WORLD

RODEO STARS COMING TO DALLAS FOR $1 MILLION!

Don't miss

and more fan favorites will only compete for world championship titles at the ERA World Championship this season. The leaders in TREVOR BRAZILE each event going into Dallas are: Bareback Riding: Steven Dent (Mullen, Neb) BOBBY MOTE • TUF COOPER Saddle Bronc Riding: Isaac Diaz (Desdemona, Tx) LUKE BRANQUINHO Bull Riding: Neil Holmes (Houston, Tx) KAYCEE FEILD Steer Wrestling: Tyler Pearson (Louisville, Miss) FRED WHITFIELD Tie-Down Roping: Shane Hanchey (Sulphur, La) Team Roping: Derek Begay (Seba Dalkai, Az) DEREK BEGAY and Clay O’Brien Cooper (Gardnerville, Nevada) CHAYNI CHAMBERLAIN Barrel Racing: Lisa Lockhart (Oelrichs, South Dakota) FALLON TAYLOR & MORE The contestant roster for the ERA World Championship represents 130 world titles and will make the November competition the must-see event of the season.

Tickets for the three-day competition start at $31 and can be purchased online at www.Tickemaster.com, by phone at (800) 745he best rodeo athletes in the world are headed to Dallas for 3000, at the American Airlines Center Box Office or Ticketmaster the 2016 Elite Rodeo Athletes (ERA) World Championship, a three-day event taking place on Nov. 11-13 at the American Airlines kiosks located inside Fiesta Foods, Macy’s, Walmart, and the Shops at Willow Bend Mall. Tickets subject to additional fees. The compeCenter. The Dallas Sports Commission, the City of Dallas and the tition begins at 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 11-12 and at 2 ERA have worked together to bring 120 of the sport’s top athletes, world champions and emerging stars together in the heart of Texas p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 13.

“The American Airlines Center is honored to be hosting the 2016 to compete for the distinction of becoming the first ERA World ERA World Championship,” said Dave Brown, Executive Vice PresiChampions. dent and General Manager of the Center. “We believe the Center will “We are excited to host the inaugural ERA World Championship provide a great atmosphere for rodeo fans as the top rodeo athletes with the best athletes in rodeo,” said Monica Paul, Executive Director for the Dallas Sports Commission. “We look forward to welcom- in the world compete in Dallas.”

The ERA World Championship week will kick off on Nov. 9-10, ing fans to our great city as World Championship rodeo returns to with “The Last Chance Qualifier,” a double-qualifying event taking Dallas.”

The $1 million 2016 ERA World Championship is the season-end- place at Fair Park in Dallas. A partnership between the ERA World ing event of the 2016 ERA Premier Tour where only the world’s best Championship and RFD-TV’s THE AMERICAN is offering aspiring rorodeo athletes and livestock compete. After 11 tour stops awarding deo athletes a fast track opportunity into the ERA World Championship and THE AMERICAN’s semi-finals, which will be held Feb. 15more than $1.4 million in prize money in its inaugural season, the 17 in Fort Worth, Texas, at Cowtown Coliseum. The Top 2 finishers 2016 ERA Premier Tour culminates with the ERA World Champiin each discipline at the Last Chance Qualifier will advance. The Last onship which will determine the season’s best in bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, bull riding, tie-down roping, team roping, steer Chance Qualifier begins at 12 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 9 with barrel racing and steer wrestling. The action begins at 10 a.m. Thursday, wrestling and barrel racing.

“The ERA is delighted that the City of Dallas and the Dallas Sports Nov. 10, featuring tie down roping, bareback riding, saddle bronc riding and bull riding. Each session is free to the general public.

Commission believe in the vision of the ERA, creating a meaningful On Thursday, Nov. 10, Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center regular-season tour spotlighting the stars of professional rodeo,” will open its doors for the ERA Expo, the ultimate fan experience said Bobby Mote, four-time World Champion Bareback Rider and offering a western shopping mall with 100 vendors, live country ERA President. “We’re looking forward to celebrating the inaugural music and rodeo action every day. It will be free to the general season with a great championship event in this wonderful city.”

Only at the ERA World Championship in Dallas will fans be able to public and provide plenty of opportunities for fans to meet their favorite cowboys, get autographs and take pictures. Anthony Lucia, see the world’s biggest rodeo stars... the voice of the ERA Premier Tour, will also be on site with his show Trevor Brazile, the 23X World Champion Live with Lucia for a little “real talk with real cowboys” for fans to Luke Branquinho, the 5X World Champion Steer Wrestler enjoy.

Tuf Cooper, 3X World Champion Tie-Down Roper For more information about the 2016 ERA World ChampionFallon Taylor, the 2014 World Champion Barrel Racer ship and the ERA Premier Tour, visit www.erarodeo.com.

Derek Begay & Clay O’Brien Cooper, World Champ Team Ropers

November 11-13 in Dallas, Texas at the American Airlines Center

T

8 • THE ROPING PEN • NOVEMBER 2016

H

ello everyone! It has been a crazy month of traveling around and a crazy month, it seems, for weather all over this great nation. With that in mind, I received a number of calls wanting to get horses insured or asking what is needed to do so.

First of all, it’s very easy to get insurance on a horse. We can do it with a little information and a few minutes of your time. Crazy as it seems, most procrastinate waiting until a major event is occurring, such as the recent hurricane. Most want it, but do not understand what it is or what it’s about.

Equine insurance is basically to cover your initial investment.

This investment could be the original amount you purchased the horse for. This is not to say you can only insure one for the purchase amount. A basic policy, or Mortality policy, is a policy needed to cover your investment. When you insure your equine friend it could also be for what the animal is worth at that time. Purchase price, earnings (points, awards, money, etc.), and maybe even the breeding or lineage is more valuable since the purchase date. All of these things help determine value on a horse. So when you call and start the form process be sure and give a brief explanation on the form if you’re insuring for more than the purchase amount. Any documentation is a benefit to justifying the animal’s value.

Mortality policies normally come with theft coverage as well.

The above documentation again is a benefit during any claims on a mortality policy. During the form process the registered name of the horse, registration number, and lineage is asked on the form.

Some ask, "What if it’s a Grade horse?" Well, we can insure it just the same, but for theft purposes, a photo is highly recommended for the file application.

Mortality policies normally also come with an emergency colic surgery coverage. These normally have a maximum amount coverage with regards to the animal’s value. Most will be from $3,000 to $5,000 on mortality policies. However, if for instance you have a $5,000 horse insured, the values will not be that high, normally! So READ YOUR POLICY. Now we have a basic understanding of what equine insurance is, and it is for, we can have our equine friend insured before an event occurs. I encourage anyone with performance horses to at least carry a mortality policy to cover their investment. After the basic coverage we can also add major medical, surgical, and other specific coverages. I don’t want to cover that in this article due to the calls I received the past couple of weeks have all been “I want to insure my horse but I never have. I also do not know what horse insurance is” There are NO dumb questions during this process so always ask, and always READ YOUR POLICY after getting it to make sure the coverages you discussed are in the insurance agreement.

Hope you all came through the weather events unscathed. Wish you guys the best - thanks again. ~ Jason

THE MAGAZINE FOR AMERICA’S ROPER • 9

BIGGEST

East of theMississippi SEPT 29 - OCT 2, 2016 • TEAM ROPING

O

LONGHORN R ARENA • TUSCUMBIA, ALABAMA

nce a year, ropers have a chance to come together to enjoy a great event. The Biggest East of the Mississippi team roping in Tuscumbia, Alabama has become one of those events ropers don’t miss. Then event opens the door for ropers of every caliber to compete for great payouts and good times. Beginning

with an Open and running through a #9 roping over 4-days, the event is compete with a ladies' only, Rope Like a Girl, roping.

Guaranteed payouts, handicap ropings and a great production has once again made this event one-of-a-kind and ropers had a great time roping at one of the country's classic events!

CONGRATS TO ALL OF THIS YEAR’S CHAMPIONS!

#11 HIGH POINT CHAMP HUNTER MOODY

#15 HIGH POINT CHAMP CODY WARNER

#12 HIGH POINT CHAMP BLAIR KELLY

#13 CHAMPS: CODY WARNER, JASON MYRICK, ALLEN SWEDENBURG & NAT STEWART

#9 HIGH POINT CHAMP BRENT REED

OPEN CHAMPIONS CORY KIDD CLARK ADCOCK

ROPE LIKE A GIRL CHAMPIONS 10 • THE ROPING PEN • NOVEMBER 2016

Photos Courtesy of Biggest East of the Mississippi

THE MAGAZINE FOR AMERICA’S ROPER • 11

12 • THE ROPING PEN • NOVEMBER 2016

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14 • THE ROPING PEN • NOVEMBER 2016

THE MAGAZINE FOR AMERICA’S ROPER • 15

Championships

FOUR STATES

LUCKY J ARENA • CARTHAGE, MO • SEPT 16-18, 2016 PRODUCED BY ROPE THE OZARKS • STORY BY BEN CLEMENTS

T

he Four States Championships held at the Lucky J Arena in Carthage, Missouri took place on September 16-18, 2016. It welcomed team ropers from all over to compete for some great prizes and a wonderful payout.

The event began with the Open Division. Cale Markham from Vinita, Oklahoma teamed up with Nick Simmons of Colcord, Oklahoma to win first place in the average. The duo turned in a time of 34.13 seconds on five steers. Second place in the average went to Markham and Austin Rogers. The third place finishers were Jake Pianalto and Simmons.

Austin Rogers from Crescent, Oklahoma teamed up Nick Simmons to win first place in the average of the #15 Division. They were 30.09 seconds on four steers. Second place went to Payden Emmett and Cale Markham. The third place finishers were Jake Pianalto and Jimmie Allen.

The #13 Division was exciting right down to the last team.

David Rowley from Dewey, Oklahoma teamed up with Blake Larmon from Jay, Oklahoma. They finished with a time of 34.88 seconds on four steers and earned the first place prizes and awards. Rowley and Larmon received $1260, trophy Ritchie ColdSaver coolers and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Second place was Logan Allen and Justin Strong and third place was Coy Freeman and Larmon.

The final roping of the first day of competition at the Four States Championships was the #12 Division. The team of Britt Robinson from Dewey, Oklahoma and Justin Strong of Steelville, Missouri partnered up to win first place in the average. They were 35.06 seconds on four steers and won $1330, trophy Ritchie ColdSaver coolers and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings.

Second place went to Kelly Smallwood and Scott Manier. Third place was Jim Phillips and Tyler Sowie. The incentive winners were Matthew Freeman and Cooper Freeman.

Saturday kicked off with the #12 Gold Plus Division. Jay Crain of Morrisville, Missouri teamed up with Jonathan Irby from Oldfield, Missouri to win first place in the average. The pair roped four steers in 35.16 seconds to win $3200 and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Second place in the average was Nathan Sorrell from Crane, Missouri and Tyler Macoubrie from Louisburg, Kansas. The third place team was Jackie Hewitt and Macoubrie.

Scott Clark of Gravette, Arkansas and Jason Obrien from Pineville, Missouri won the incentive average.

Next on the agenda was the #11 Division. The win went to the team of Russell Eaves from Lonedell, Missouri and Jonathan Irby from Oldfield, Missouri with a time of 36.30 seconds on four steers. They won $2760, trophy Ritchie ColdSaver coolers and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Second place went to the team of Jackie Hewitt and Irby and third place went to the team of Brent Duvall and William Evans. The incentive champions were Duvall and Evans.

16 • THE ROPING PEN • NOVEMBER 2016

Coy Freeman and Arthur Morgan ended up on top in the #10 Division. They were 34.48 seconds on four steers and earned $4200, trophy Ritchie ColdSaver coolers and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Second place went to Brandon Tichenor from Fairview, Missouri and Cooper Freeman of Carthage, Missouri.

The third place team was Ben Scott and Leon Hull. Todd Martin and Caleb Martin won the incentive average.

The final day of competition at the Four States Championships began with the #10 Gold Plus Division. The team of Delayne Castor and Glenn Girard took first place in the average. They took home $3660, trophy Ritchie ColdSaver coolers and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Second place was Jack Foster and Leon Hull and third place went to Cody Stutenkemper of Bolivar, Missouri and William Evans from Union, Kentucky. The incentive average went to Chris Shore and Girard.

The Arkansas team of Xavier Ivory and Tom Bridges finished first place in the average of the #9 Division. They were 35.14 seconds on four steers and won $6300, trophy Ritchie ColdSaver coolers and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Second place went to Tyler Lance and Jacob Boring while Matthew Boyers and Dick Bushman took home third. The winners of the incentive average were the team of Lance and Boring.

The final roping of the weekend was the #8 Pick/Draw and it provided the perfect conclusion to a great weekend of USTRC team roping. JB Canion and Adam Canion finished first place in the average with a time of 29.26 on three steers. They won $4520, trophy Gist buckles and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings.

Second place was James McDonald from California, Missouri and Brock Scott of Seymour, Missouri and third place was Levi Kopp and Colten Davis.

SUBSCRIBE TODAY TO THE ROPING PEN!

BY STUART MITCHELL

Ol' Tom Tucker “B

ordinary farm or ranch related items, he’s got it. There’s tack for horses and more saddles than one can ride. He has horses for sale, goats, guineas, chickens, cow dogs, cows, and bulls. There are hardware items and kitchen items. You name it... he has it. Even if you think

doesn't rush you. He’s pretty slick. He gets you thinking and shopping and trading. Everything is for sale.... well, ack in the day”. You might have almost. The stuffed Watusi head in the listened to your parents or glass case is only for display. I mean, it's grandparents talk about the good old a BIG a big glass case. days. How simple things used to be, This place is a throwback in time, but how the pace of life was slow and easy. dwelling in a modern world.

You have heard it before Tom also has time to ...we stopped to look at a horse and many times, but few get listen. He wants to know to experience it in today’s found a place of yesterday. A place where you are from, what fast-paced world. Out on the road today returning from off highway 259 in Omaha, Texas you do for a living. Tell him about your family. He wants a roping we stopped to look where Tom Tucker and Frankie, his to know. at a horse and found that Spent about two hours place of yesterday. A place wife, run Tucker feed store... with them looking at horses off highway 259 where you have lost your marbles, he has and cows while touring the place and Tom Tucker and Frankie his wife run them on a shelf by the door. enjoyed every minute. Wonderful peojust that kind of place. Tucker feed The other thing he has is time and ple. If ever in Omaha, Texas, be sure to store in Omaha, Texas is filled with patience.

Time to tell you about the stop and shop. Take time to listen and items you need today. Some things for past. Time to look into the future. Time share your story. He would love to hear today’s modern world and some from to talk about his horses and his busiit. Before you leave the store, make sure the distant past. If you need feed, post, ness. Mainly he has time for you. He to pick up your jar of marbles. wire, panels, gates, feeders, or any

THE MAGAZINE FOR AMERICA’S ROPER • 17

NTRL BEAST OF THE EAST

The Beast Returns!

OCTOBER 14-16, 2016

AG EXPO PARK • FRANKLIN, TN • PRODUCED BY JX2

T

he Beast of the East Invitational returned this year with a vengeance. JX2’s roping hosted at the Ag Expo Park in Franklin, Tennessee hosted everything a team roper would want in and event and no doubt has become one of the featured events in the eastern area of the country. With two, 4-door, dually, diesel trucks, two, aluminum, bumper pull, two-horse trailers with dressing rooms, two, fully tooled Cactus saddles with Exotic seats and 12- custom Maynard buckles, as well as 85% payouts and NTRL Shootouts awarded, the Beast of the East is really second to none.

The roping paid out over $150,000 in prizes alone and topped the charts on the cash payout. Ropers had a chance to win big throughout the three days event. The matching truck and trailers were awarded in the #12 where the team of J .W Baucom from Carthage, North Carolina and Blake Walker from Forest City, North Carolina won the average and the top prizes. Winning second in the truck roping was Chad Fairchild and Will McGraw. McGraw was also the champion of the #15 roping with Tom Bourne. The great weekend for the young man earned him a pile of cash. Mason Johnson was another big winner of the weekend earning the Average championship of the #12 and #11 ropings. He won the #12 with partner Jay Shaffer and the #11 with Travis Brown.

Other winners included Coleman Simmons and Daniel Raynor in the #13 roping, Spencer Wilcox and Cody Slaton in the #10 roping, Wyatt Allen and Riley Kittle in the #9 roping and Wyatt Winstead and Greg Sullivan in the #8 Prize Roping.

The roping was no doubt one of the biggest of the year. It has a unique format that many ropers take advantage of and enjoy. Big money, huge prizes and always a great time, the Beast of the East has grown into an event that producer John Johnson always looks forward to and has plans to make it even bigger next year. Over decades of producing ropings, this event is special to John as it allows him to continue to give ropers an event they truly enjoy. This is a fact as ropers from all across the country made the trek to Tennessee this year to attend the event. You can bet they will be back in just under 12 months as this event plays out again. #15 AVERAGE: 1. Will McCraw (East Bend, NC) / Tom Bourne (Culleoka, TN), 32.05, $2,900; 2. Blair Kelley (Iron City, TN) / Cole Bigbee (Tuscumbia, AL), 32.29, $1,740; 3.

Matt Scogin (Frierson, LA) / Clark Adcock (Smithville, TN), 33.55, $1,150 #13 AVERAGE: 1. Coleman Simmons (Wirtz, VA) / Daniel Raynor (Four Oaks, NC), 33.12, $6,420; 2. Chad Fairchild (Deep Gap, NC) / Alex Brooks (Pageland, SC), 33.75, $4,270; 3. Blane Willingham (Vinemont, AL) / Adam Postelle (Rocky Face, GA), 34.17, $3,390; 4. Tanner M Saunders (Hudson, NC) / Mike Jones (Town Creek, AL), 34.46, $2,490; 5. David Gaddis (Canton, GA) / Cody Warner (Louisville, MS), 34.54, $1,250 #12 AVERAGE: 1. Mason Johnson (Piney Flats, TN) / Jay Shaffer (Stephenville, TX), 28.83, $7,480; 2. Garrett Keeter (Blackspur, SC) / Alex Brooks (Pageland, SC), 29.13, $4,990; 3. Blair Kelley (Iron City, TN) / Jeff Gargis (Leighton, AL), 29.23, $3,950; 4. J W Baucom (Carthage, NC) / Travis Brown (Wirtz, VA), 29.63, $2,910; 5. Kenny Craig (Athens, AL) / Dustin Griffith (Danville, AL), 29.66, $1,450; 6. Michaela Williamson (Magee, MS) / Shawn Vargas (Hico, TX), 30.29, $700; 7. Derrick Bell (Harmony, NC) / Spencer Wilcox (Greenbrier, AR), 31.73, $700; 8. Brother Campbell (Franklin, TN) / Ross Turner (Idabel, OK), 32.45, $500; 9. Kirby Hill (Paris, TX) / Mike White (De Kalb, TX), 32.56, $500; 10. Brian Barefoot (Dunn, NC) / Daniel Raynor (Four Oaks, NC), 33.63, $500 #11 AVERAGE: 1. Mason Johnson (Piney Flats, TN) / Travis Brown (Wirtz, VA), 28.47, $7,790; 2. Justin McMillion (Covington, OH) / Whitney Desalvo (Springfield, AR), 31.45, $5,190; 3. Cole Scheffel (Georgetown, KY) / Jay Shaffer (Stephenville, TX), 32.42, $4,110; 4. Eric Law (Primm Springs, TN) / Adam Postelle (Rocky Face, GA), 34.69, $3,030; 5. Cody L Johnson (Dublin, TX) / Will McCraw (East Bend, NC), 35.04, $1,510; 6. Blane Willingham (Vinemont, AL) / Tom Bowling (Hamilton, OH), 35.12, $500; 7.

Rodney Nelson (Milton, FL) / Glen Terrell (Notasulga, AL), 38.22, $500 #10 AVERAGE: 1. Spencer Wilcox (Greenbrier, AR) / Cody Slaton (Rogersville, AL), 39.09, $7,030; 2. Coleman Simmons (Wirtz, VA) / Ryan Shaw (Pekin, IN), 40.33, $4,690; 3. Brian Barefoot (Dunn, NC) / Kyle Ware (Henagar, AL), 41.37, $3,710; 4.

18 • THE ROPING PEN • NOVEMBER 2016

Greg Sullivan (Primm Springs, TN) / Shawn Vargas (Hico, TX), 44.8, $2,730; 5. Tish Luke (Yeehaw Junction, FL) / Glenn Davis (Salem, AL), 46.91, $1,370; 6. Sheldon Walker (Forest City, NC) / Blake Walker (Forest City, NC), 50.07, $500; 7. Kenny Craig (Athens, AL) / Charles Kuhn (Santa Fe, TN), 50.57, $500 #9 AVERAGE: 1. Wyatt Allen (Dadeville, AL) / Riley Kittle (Woodland, AL), 34.05, $5,370; 2. T J Allen (Dadeville, AL) / Colton Allen (Dadeville, AL), 35.59, $4,020; 3.

Morgan Holmes (Sarasota, FL) / Riley Kittle (Woodland, AL), 42.48, $2,680; 4. Wyatt B Winstead (Tamassee, SC) / Red Burney (Emelle, AL), 42.63, $1,340 #8 PRIZE ROPING AVERAGE: 1. Wyatt B Winstead (Tamassee, SC) / Greg Sullivan (Primm Springs, TN), 28.06, $1,500; 2. Taylor Edwards (College Frove, TN) / Ryan Shaw (Pekin, IN), 29.99, $1,000; 3. Wyatt B Winstead (Tamassee, SC) / Beau Tabor (Summer Shade, KY), 30.09, $750; 4. Danny Scales (Lyles, TN) / Jimmy Peele (Macclenny, FL), 32.7, $600; 5. Tommy Thompson (Middleton, TN) / Dustin Stephens (Adairsville, GA), 33.62, $400; 6. Josh Potts (Williamsport, TN) / Rodney Worrell (Evergreen, AL), 35.73, $300; 7. Craig Smith (Gallatin, TN) / Zane Ham (Menlo, GA), 36.01, $300; 8. Nathan Holliday (Nashville, TN) / Dwight Lynch (College Grove, TN), 36.4, $250; 9. Nathan Holliday (Nashville, TN) / Eric Law (Primm Springs, TN), 36.59, $250; 10. Allen Morse (Dawson Springs, KY) / Ryan Shaw (Pekin, IN), 37.01, $250 BEAST - FINAL AVERAGE: 1. J W Baucom (Carthage, NC) / Blake Walker (Forest City, NC), 22.92, $8,000; 2. Chad Fairchild (Deep Gap, NC) / Will McCraw (East Bend, NC), 24.05, $10,000; 3. Matt Scogin (Frierson, LA) / Jessy Remsburg (Leighton, AL), 26.29, $7,000; 4. Morgan Holmes (Sarasota, FL) / Derrick Davis (Baldwin, FL), 27.77, $5,000; 5. Kirby Hill (Paris, TX) / Mike White (De Kalb, TX), 27.87, $3,000; 6. Kirby Hill (Paris, TX) / Shawn Vargas (Hico, TX), 29.43, $2,000; 7. Danny Miller (Lawson, MO) / Dale Martin (Alba, TX), 29.44, $2,000; 8. John E. DeFazio (Stephenville, TX) / Andrew Hill (Corsicana, TX), 30.21, $1,000; 9. Hunter Moody (Killen, AL) / Adam Postelle (Rocky Face, GA), 30.38, $1,000; 10. Kelly Beahm (Draper, VA) / Whitney Desalvo (Springfield, AR), 31.42, $1,000

photos courtesy of © C Bar C Photography

THE MAGAZINE FOR AMERICA’S ROPER • 19

Championships COUSHATTA

IKE HAMILTON EXPO CTR • WEST MONROE, LA • SEPT 30-OCT 2, 2016 PRODUCED BY STEVE & SHERRY JUDD • STORY BY BEN CLEMENTS

T

he Coushatta Championships made the move to West Monroe, Louisiana and the Ike Hamilton Expo Center. The event originally scheduled for July transitioned to the end of September. The USTRC team roping was produced by Steve and Sherry Judd.

The first roping of the weekend was the Open Division. Wyatt Muggli from Lane, Oklahoma and Cody Hogan from Benton, Louisiana were the high team back. They caught their final steer in 7.98 seconds to secure first place in the average with a time of 35.81 seconds on five steers. Second place was Jesse Harville from Jefferson, Texas and Clay Sieber from Arp, Texas. Third went to Rance Gantt and Cody Hogan. The fast time of the roping came in the short round as Gantt and Hogan were 4.75 seconds to secure first place in the fast time.

Next on the agenda was the #15 Division. Cyle Denison from Iowa, Louisiana and Kolby Kennedy from Jonesville, Louisiana were the fifth call back in the short round. They were 5.20 seconds in the short round and finished the roping in first place with a time of 31.08 seconds on four steers. They earned $1254, trophy Gist knives, and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Second place was Tyler McGuffee from Bossier City, Louisiana and Clay Sieber with a time of 33.01 seconds on four steers. Third was McGuffee and Kolby Kennedy.

Cyle Denison continued his winning streak in the #13 Division.

He and heeler Britt Buller were fourth high team back. They were 9.50 seconds on their final steer and finished in first place with a time of 37.89 seconds on four steers. They won $1408, trophy Gist knives, and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earning. Second place was Brian and Kolby Kennedy with a time of 42.47 on four steers. Third place was Will Fussell and Josh Hudspeth.

The final roping of the day was the #12 Division. The father/ son team of Chip and Colton Johnson from Shreveport, Louisiana were the winners of the roping. They caught four steers in 34.84 seconds and took home $1552, trophy USTRC saddles and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Second place was Cody Hogan and Donnie Leflett both from Benton, Louisiana. Third place went to Brian Kennedy and Peyton Leflett. Hogan and Leflett also won the incentive average.

The second day of team roping action began with the #12 Gold Plus Division. Sammy Sorsby from Tomball, Texas and Ryan O’Hearn from Magnolia, Texas were the incentive champions. J Mark Coats from Soso, Mississippi and O’Hearn were the average champions with a time of 41.46 seconds on four head. They earned $1580 plus $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Second went to Mike Culbertson from Quitman, Mississippi and Eddie Dunn from Grayson, Louisiana. Third place was Coats and Jody Higgins.

Jason Mouton from Scott, Louisiana and Mike Judd from Lum-

20 • THE ROPING PEN • NOVEMBER 2016

berton, Mississippi won the incentive average and qualified to the short round in the high team back position. They caught their final steer in 8.35 seconds and won the main average as well with a time of 34.33 seconds on four steers. The win gave them $2862, trophy Gist buckles, trophy USTRC saddles and $8000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Second place went to Sammy Sorsby and Ryan O’Hearn.

Third was the team of Hank Saxon and Gaylon Riddles with a time of 37.93 seconds on four steers.

The second day of the Coushatta Championships at West Monroe concluded with the #10 Division. Marc Smith from Ball, Louisiana and Hank Saxon from West Monroe, Louisiana were the high team back. They won the roping and earned $2126, trophy USTRC Saddles and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Second place went to Jimmy Dale White from Hazlehurst, Mississippi and Keith Elkins from Clinton, Louisiana with a time of 48.81 seconds on four steers. Third was Dan Richardson and RW McDonald. Keith Elkins and Pete Starkey won the incentive average.

The #10 Gold Plus was all about the team of Charles and Bobby Leflett from Joaquin, Texas and Bossier City, Louisiana respectively.

The team won the average, the incentive average, the century bonus and the fast time overall. They earned $6280 plus $12,000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Second place in the main average was Paul Davis and Steve Pinckley with a time of 40.35 seconds on four steers. They won $2682 plus $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Third place went to Morgan Vine and Jimmy Dale White, while fourth place went to Ashley Bentley and Steve Pinckley.

The winners of the #9 Division were Jason Mouton and Chris McCarthy. The pairing was fourth call back and finished the roping in first place with a time of 36.26 seconds on four steers. The win gave them $4598, trophy USTRC Saddles and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Second place was Charles Leflett and Bobby Leflett. The Leflett team also won the incentive average. They won $3866, trophy Gist buckles and $4000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Third went to Charles Leflett and RW McDonald.

The Coushatta Championships at West Monroe came to a close with the #8 Pick/Draw. Jimmy Blake from Monroe, Louisiana and 75 year old heeler Lyndon Green from Benton, Arkansas took first place in the average with a time of 33.95 seconds on three steers.

The pairing won $2358, trophy Gist buckles and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Second place went to Scarlet Starkey from Independence, Louisiana and Mary Brighton Morris from Clinton, Louisiana with a time of 34.92 seconds on three steers. They earned $1768, trophy Gist buckles and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings.

Third was the team of Starkey and Green with a time of 35.97 seconds on three steers. They received $1178, trophy Gist buckles and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings.

Championships KANSAS FALL

KANSAS STAR CASINO • MULVANE, KS • SEPT 16-18, 2016 PRODUCED BY JEFF SMITH • STORY BY BEN CLEMENTS

T

he Kansas Fall Championships held at the Kansas Star Casino in Mulvane, Kansas is a great event to attend. The roping took place on September 16-18, 2016 and welcomed team ropers from all over to compete for some great prizes and a wonderful payout.

The event began with the Open Division. Cody Joe Heflin from Pryor, Oklahoma teamed up with Garrison Nippert from Copan, Oklahoma to win first place in the average. The duo turned in a time of 46.65 seconds on five steers. Second place in the average went to Colt Braden and Nippert. They also won the incentive average. The third place finishers were Blake Adams and Dax Stuart.

Cole Remington of Hiawatha, Kansas teamed up with Mitch Murray from Alma, Kansas to win first place in the average of the #15 Division. They were 30.85 seconds on four steers and earned $1600, trophy Gist knives and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings.

Second place was Kirk Kooiker and Cody Joe Heflin with a time of 31.44 seconds on four steers. The third place finishers were Joe Macoubrie and Murray.

The #13 Division was a great roping. Robert Olson from Coldwater, Kansas and Mike Weir of Dodge City, Kansas finished with a time of 31.70 seconds on four steers and earned the first place prizes and awards. They received $3010, trophy Gist knives and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Second place was Cole Remington and Taylor Schotte and third place was Kyler Kreder and Blayne Horne.

The final roping of the first day of competition at the Kansas Fall Championships was the #12 Division. The team of Curtis Buckler from Leavenworth, Kansas and Mitch Barney of Blair, Nebraska partnered up to win first place in the average. They were 35.98 seconds on four steers and won $2480, trophy Gist knives and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Second place went to Gage Blair and Ryan Binford. Third place was Randy Binford and Ryan Binford while fourth place was Jarek VanPetten and Duane Carson. The incentive winners were Steve Rogers and Bubba Reynolds.

The second day of the Kansas Fall Championships kicked off with the #12 Gold Plus. Gaylon Robinson of Cimarron, Kansas teamed up with Doug Schmidt of Guymon, Oklahoma to win first place in the average. The pair roped four steers in 39.90 seconds to win $3990 and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Second place in the average was Jay Domer and Scott VanderHamm. The third place team was Jeff Lecuyer and Mike Weir. Robinson and Schmidt won the incentive average.

The win of the #11 Division went to the team of Adam Wilson of Reading, Kansas and Lance Lagasse from Concordia, Kansas with a time of 32.08 seconds on four steers. They won $4540, trophy Gist knives and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Second place went to the team of Ben Mackey and Clay Mackey and third place went

to the team of Brent Jones and Aaron Paul. The incentive champions were Caleb Nelson of Buffalo, Oklahoma and Dusty Kelso from Woodward, Oklahoma.

Kay Stevens and David Cannon roped their way into the win of the #10 Division. They were 38.07 seconds on four steers and earned $5850, trophy USTRC saddles and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Second place was Lisa Cannon and David Cannon. The third place team was Mike Cullen and Tim Mecklenburg. They also won the incentive average.

The final day of competition at the Kansas Fall Championships began with the #10 Gold Plus Division. The team of Heath Harding and Brad Harris took first place in the average. They were a total time of 35.55 on four steers and took home $6840 and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Second place was Hardin and Aaron Mattox.

Third place and the incentive average win went to Cody Darling and Paul Mays.

Patrick Chester and Carlos Estrada finished first place in the average of the #9 Division. They were 37.94 seconds on four steers and won $8840, trophy USTRC saddles and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. David Markley from Alma, Kansas and Stacy Mitchell of Carbondale, Kansas took second and TL Heina and Steve Zumbrunn finished third in the average. Fourth place went to Mike Cullen and Tim Mecklenburg. The winners of the incentive average were Greg Mahaney and Herb Snow.

The final roping of the Kansas Fall Championships was the #8 Pick/Draw and it provided the perfect conclusion to a great weekend of USTRC team roping. The Oklahoma team of Marlon Gabriel and Britton Monday finished first place in the average. They won $6540, trophy USTRC saddles and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings.

Second place was Randy Dehne and Stacy Dehne and third place went to Alvaro Pina and Max Louderback.

SUBSCRIBE TODAY TO THE ROPING PEN!

THE MAGAZINE FOR AMERICA’S ROPER • 21

F

all is in the air! Sweet home Alabama is looking beautiful with her red, orange, and yellow colors painting a picture. Also, we must not forget the snow covering the fields! No, I am not talking about actual snow. Let’s be

honest; it snows in Alabama once in a blue moon. But I am talking about cotton, the snow of the South! Oh, how I love this weather! It’s perfect for long walks, good pictures, and most importantly RODEO! At our second rodeo, held in Troy, Alabama, we proved we weren’t just tough enough to ride bulls, wrestle a steer, or tie three legs up faster than you can say yeehaw. We are tough enough to wear pink for the warriors out there fighting and defeat-

ing breast cancer! Then, on Sunday following Cowboy Church, our cowboys and cowgirls wore blue in honor of the policemen who work daily to keep us safe! I would like to invite you to come visit our rodeo family sometime throughout the year. We would love to have you! To check out our schedule, learn more about our association, and much more, please visit our website ahsra.org. Thank you so much for reading.

God bless, Miss Hannah Rogers

AHSRA 2016 / 2017 SCHEDULE NOVEMBER 4-6, 2016 • PERRY, GA • 3 DAY, 2 GO Multi State sponsored by GHSRA

DECEMBER 3-4, 2016 • ROBERTSDALE, AL • 2 DAY, 2 GO FEBRUARY 3-5, 2017 • ANDALUSIA, AL • 3 DAY, 2 GO Bama Challenge – Multi State w/ GHSRA

FEBRUARY 25-26, 2017 • PENSACOLA, FL • 2 DAY, 2 GO W/ SHOOTING MARCH 11-12, 2017 • MONTGOMERY, AL (TENTATIVE) • 2 DAY, 2 GO APRIL 8-9, 2017 • PRICEVILLE, AL • 2 DAY, 2 GO APRIL 29-30, 2017 • BAY MINETTE, AL • 2 DAY, 2 GO W/SHOOTING ••• STATE FINALS • JUNE 7-10, 2017 • ANDALUSIA, AL ••• to include Cutting, RCH, and Shooting

BOARD MEMBERS:

PRESIDENT: Johnnie Varner • 1ST VICE PRESIDENT: Ron Johnson 2ND VICE PRES: Jamie Tate • STATE SECRETARY Angela Rogers • STATE TREAS: Karen Carter

2016-17 STUDENT OFFICERS:

QUEEN: Hannah Rogers • STUDENT PRESIDENT: Kaitlyn Chestnut STUDENT VICE-PRESIDENT: Cody Stubbs • STUDENT SECRETARY: Erica Johnson 22 • THE ROPING PEN • NOVEMBER 2016

THE MAGAZINE FOR AMERICA’S ROPER • 23

FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK! • CHECK US OUT AT RODEOFYRA.COM

LAYNE FARR

PAULINE, SC • AGE 7 • WRANGLER DIVISION HORSE’S NAME: GRAY • PARENTS: TJ & CARIE FARR EVENTS: BREAKAWAY ROPING, BARRELS, POLES & GOAT TYING Special Accomplishments in FYRA: I won a belt buckle last year Stock Bustin'.

Favorite event: Roping - I feel like a real old time cowboy!

Most embarassing moment in FYRA: At Wingate this year, I ran to tie my goat and didn’t even have my string!

Successful moment in FYRA: I ran a 18 sec.c barrel pattern!

Future plans after FYRA: I would like to go to Texas and compete in rodeo and be a lawyer !

24 • THE ROPING PEN • NOVEMBER 2016

PHOTOS COURTESY OF FYRA & DONNA FARMER

STANLEY ASKS: I know this sounds stupid, but if I wear a cowboy hat I always hit it and can’t swing correctly.

RICKEY'S TIP: You need to wear a cowboy hat when you rope the dummy and every practice session until it doesn’t bother you. It will probably help your swing.

THE MAGAZINE FOR AMERICA’S ROPER • 25

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6 1/2" H x 9 3/4" L x 3 3/4" D THE MAGAZINE FOR AMERICA’S ROPER • 27

Christmas Sh TWISTED X BOOTS www.twistedx.com (888) 894-2668

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25

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28 • THE ROPING PEN • NOVEMBER 2016

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THE MAGAZINE FOR AMERICA’S ROPER • 29

The Patriot Elite honors

2016 PATRIOT YOUNG GUNS CHAMPIONS

WYATT MUGGLI & TYSON THOMPSON CASH PAYOUT $25,000 YOUNG GUNS TOTAL PAYOUT - $49,700

T

he 2016 Patriot opened the door for the future of the sport to win... and win big. The Open Young Guns Championship was a well attended event where the team of Wyatt Muggli from Lane, Oklahoma and Tyson Thompson from Munday, Texas teamed up to earn the championship! In fact, they shared an Average payout of $25,000, the richest youth payout in the country. The duo roped their way to the victory with a four-head total of 27.05 seconds.

Wyatt and Tyson are good friends who have enjoyed roping together at many ropings and have become present at the pay window more than a few times. However, none have ever paid them like the Patriot Open Young Guns.

"I’ve been roping my whole life,” said Wyatt. “I rope with Tyson every chance I get at rodeos and jackpots, but this was the most money we've ever won together.”

Wyatt and Tyson are surely a team to watch in the future as they continue their quest to continue their winning ways into the professional realm of the sport. You can bet they will be back at this year’s Patriot event. Although they will not be able to rope in the Young Guns event in February, they will be ready to back up their winning ways in other divisions.

The Patriot is an event that continues to give individuals a chance to compete for large payouts, and unlike other events it unlocks the potential for youth to rope for large payouts in both the Open and #12 Young Gun events. These are dedicated ropings for the youth of team roping. With a huge guaranteed payout, the Open Young Guns sets the bar for what youth can achieve through hard work and dedication. This year’s events are expected to be the world’s largest all-girl events in addition to the return of the Young Guns events.

WYATT MUGGLI LANE, OKLAHOMA

Photos courtesy of The Patriot

TYSON THOMPSON MUNDAY, TEXAS

30 • THE ROPING PEN • NOVEMBER 2016

THE PATRIOT REPORT:

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • MORE THAN EVER BEFORE! • • • • • • • • • • • • • • T opping today’s rode headlines and team roping community is the bigger money and the guarantee to make the events in Fort Worth this next February bigger and better than ever.

RFD-TV’s The American recently announced big news concerning more money available for those who qualify for the already richest one-day rodeo. The rodeo’s history has already made headlines as contestants have walked away from the event with truly life changing amounts of cash. In addition, the Patriot event is also stirring the news with it's own announcement that will make it even more of a one of a kind event.

RFD-TV is adding to their guarantee to make The American Rodeo truly a unique event that will have the opportunity to make history. They are adding an additional $500,000 to those who qualify and win their event.

This is added to the already $1-million dollars they have added in the past three years. Several have stepped in to take the money home in the past and with an additional $500,000 it is guaranteed to make the event even more exciting for spectators and contestants alike!

Not only does the added money at the event open the door for more excitement at the event itself, but will also make qualifying for the event more challenging. There are only a handful of events available for cowboys and cowgirls to qualify in before February. Contestants can visit RFD-TV’s American rodeo online for a list of qualifying events.

The added money of the American Rodeo is just one of the highlights of Fort Worth in February. The Patriot is

also adding to its events throughout the week. Not only has the event added more ropings, including both a #15 and #8, as well as two muley ropings, they are also hosting what is sure to be the World’s richest All-Girl roping.

They hosted an All-Girl roping last year but this year they are guaranteeing a $25,000 payout to its champions. This will be an Open with an Incentive allwomen’s roping and will take place on Thursday, splitting the #11 and #12 Young Guns ropings. Nowhere else are the women of team roping offered a chance to win this kind of money making The Patriot the place to be for the women of team roping.

The combination of The American and The Patriot continues to make the week in February truly great.

The rodeo is truly unique, allowing those who qualify a chance to go head-to-head with professionals and a chance to win unbelievable payouts. Combined with The Patriot, it is an event that offers the opportunity for contestants to win big with formats and events that are unlike any other. Not only are the team roping payouts some of the biggest in the world, but the event opens the door for barrel racers, mounted shooters and Jr. ropers to compete, win big, and be a part of the action of the week.

There are over three months before the rodeo world turns its head towards Fort Worth and The American and The Patriot events. You can be sure the week will be full of action and excitement and don’t be surprised to see even more news and new events added to the schedule.

Watch next month’s Patriot Report to see what else they have up their sleeve to make the event bigger and better than ever before!

THE MAGAZINE FOR AMERICA’S ROPER • 31

UPCOMING PATRIOT QUALIFYING EVENTS DATES............... */**..CITY, STATE.............. PRODUCER..............................................................................EVENT

NOV 5-6, 2016...........**....ADA, OK.............................TULEY PRODUCTIONS...........................................................................PATRIOT QUALIFIER TOUR

NOV 11-13, 2016.........*.....FT WORTH, TX.....................USTRC.........................................................COWTOWN SHOOT OUT/PATRIOT QUALIFIER TOUR

NOV 19-20, 2016........**....MT. VERNON, MO...............RTO PRODUCTIONS..................................................................... SHOW ME PATRIOT QUALIFIER

DEC 2-4, 2016..............*.....TULSA, OK..........................RTO PRODUCTIONS....................................... OIL CAPITAL STAMPEDE /PATRIOT QUALIFIER TOUR

DEC 9-11, 2016............*.....TUNICA, MS........................RTO PRODUCTIONS........................................... MISSISSIPPI CLASSIC /PATRIOT QUALIFIER TOUR

DEC 16-18, 2016........ **....WEST MONROE, LA.............TULEY PRODUCTIONS...........................................................................PATRIOT QUALIFIER TOUR

DEC 30 - JAN 1, 2017...*.....PERRY, GA...........................JX2 PRODUCTIONS................................... SOUTH GEORGIA CLASSIC /PATRIOT QUALIFIER TOUR

JAN 6-8, 2017..............*.....WACO, TX...........................USTRC................................................HEART OF TX CHAMPIONSHIPS/PATRIOT QUALIFIER TOUR

JAN 13-15, 2017.........**....OK CITY, OK........................RTO PRODUCTIONS.......................................................................IFR/PATRIOT QUALIFIER TOUR

JAN 20-22, 2017..........*.....KINDER, LA.........................STEVE JUDD.................................................BAYOU CHAMPIONSHIPS/PATRIOT QUALIFIER TOUR

JAN 27-29, 2017..........*.....TULSA, OK..........................RTO PRODUCTIONS........................... WILL ROGERS CHAMPIONSHIPS/PATRIOT QUALIFIER TOUR

FEB 3-5, 2017...............*.....DENVER, CO.......................JEFF SMITH PROD.................... COLORADO WINTER CHAMPIONSHIPS/PATRIOT QUALIFIER TOUR

FEB 21-26, 2017.....FORT WORTH, TX...... THE PATRIOT.........................................................THE PATRIOT FINALE

* = USTRC GOLD PLUS / PATRIOT QUALIFIER

+ 32 • THE ROPING PEN • NOVEMBER 2016

** = PATRIOT QUALIFYING EVENT

=

THE MAGAZINE FOR AMERICA’S ROPER • 33

34 • THE ROPING PEN • NOVEMBER 2016

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36 • THE ROPING PEN • NOVEMBER 2016

THE MAGAZINE FOR AMERICA’S ROPER • 37

38 • THE ROPING PEN • NOVEMBER 2016

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THE MAGAZINE FOR AMERICA’S ROPER • 39

40 • THE ROPING PEN • NOVEMBER 2016

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42 • THE ROPING PEN • NOVEMBER 2016

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46 • THE ROPING PEN • NOVEMBER 2016

THE SCORE is here and that means many team ropers have wrapped up the first leg Nwill ovember of this year’s largest team roping events, the USTRC Finals. In December ropers be heading to the World Series of Team Roping and turn their attention to the big

...ADVICE FROM BRET BEACH

forward, or he keeps turning his head. Steers like that seem like they really want to run hard, and they probably will, but they usually don’t break well. This is the one steer that will put you out of the roping and why a horse that scores well can help you money up for grabs there. Bret Beach at TotalTeamRoping.com, as well as Charles make a solid run. If your horse leaves when you drop your hand, you can hold up on Pogue and Clay O’brien Cooper, have been busy helping team ropers prepare for this type of steer until you see him move. It is important to pay attention to the steer these events. Ropers from all across the country have tuned in to gain advice and as they load him. You should know your horse and understand how long he can sit in knowledge from these seasoned pros to apply inside the arena. the corner relaxed. You may need to reset your horse if the steer doesn't stand well.”

One thing Bret talked about is something we've touched on once before, but conAlthough the World Series barrier seems to be easier to read, the importance of tinues to be one of the most important aspects of team roping on any scale: the score. knowing how to score your horse when practicing may be the difference between “There seems to be a growing perception among ropers as they prepare for the receiving some of the big money or going home with empty pockets.

World Series Finale that they don’t need their horse to score,” said Bret. “That is not “A lot has to do with training your eye for the start,” Bret continued. “Every steer the case, and even though the barrier is set up differently at the Finale, you still need I rope and every steer I score, I work on when I want my horse to go. If it’s at his first your horse to score in order for him to be right when you call for the steer.” Bret also movement, I mentally say now when I am scoring. If its shoulder around the end of mentioned that you need your horse to leave balanced and flat when your left hand the gate I would do the same mentally when I would release my horse. Training my drops and you call for your steer. eye to tell me when to release my horse is a huge part of scoring. Then if my horse “You want your horse to leave when you tell him to," Bret added. “Many ropers at is scoring well and listening to me, and I have a good eye on when I want to release events that use the World Series barrier nod and then leave. Even though that works, him, the score at the roping is easy.” you can break the barrier. Trust me, I’ve done it. I see a lot of ropers who let their The World Series is just around the corner, then the NTRL Finals and The Patriot. horse sort of roll out of the box. I want my horse to stand quite in the box and go These are all great events with huge payouts and different chute and scoring set ups. wide open on their first stride when I drop my hand. That is what makes the score so Having a horse that will release off your hand, reading cattle, and knowing what the important.” start is at these events can greatly improve your chances of taking money home.

In addition to having a horse that scores well, the importance of reading a steer Bret concluded with, “If a roper gets a good start, good things will happen. Get a with the World Series barrier is still a big part of the equation. “You have to know bad start and the degree of difficulty goes way up.” what the start is,” Bret said. “The World Series barrier makes that easy, but reading For more tips like these from Bret, Charles and Clay, be sure to head on over to the steer is the one important thing every roper should do. Know if the steers are www.TotalTeamRoping.com. While you're there, check out the online instructional fresh or not. If they are really fresh they probably won’t leave the chute very clean video feedback, their newest teaching aid. Using this feature, ropers can get support and fast. More veteran steers will break better as they know the routine. Also, there and instruction they can take to the practice pen and put in place as they prepare for are steers that fights the chute and the chute crew continue to need to push him the next event.

THE MAGAZINE FOR AMERICA’S ROPER • 47

SOUTH CAROLINA RODEO ASSOCIATIONS HIGH SCHOOL • JUNIOR HIGH • YOUTH • WWW.SCHSRODEO.COM 2016-2017 SCHEDULE

Updates & more info @ www.schsrodeo.org • Be sure to follow us on Facebook!

NOVEMBER 4-6, 2016 • PERRY, GA • HS & JR Note: Optional Rodeo- No Points NOVEMBER 19, 2016 • INMAN, SC • JR & YOUTH FEB 25, 2017 • ADELE'S HOUSE • HS CUTTING ONLY (2 ROUNDS) Rainout Date: March 4 MARCH 10 & 11, 2017 • CONWAY, SC • HS & JR Note: High School must have all calendar money and a report card to turn in!

MARCH 18, 2017 • SANDY RUN, SC • JR & YOUTH Junior sale money due APRIL 7 & 8, 2017 • LOWRYS, SC • HS & YOUTH Last $100 & any additional ad sale money due! • All youth $ due APRIL 14 & 15, 2017 • FOUNTAIN INN, SC • HS APRIL 21 & 22, 2017 • MINT HILL, NC • HS & JR APRIL 28 & 29, 2017 • OCONEE COUNTY • HS MAY 5 & 6, 2017 • IVA, SC • HS & JR MAY 12 & 13, 2017 • MARIETTA, SC • HS & YOUTH MAY 19 & 20, 2017 • LUMBERTON, NC Cutting finals & RCH finals • Queen/Princess Contest, Back Number Gala MAY 25-27, 2017 • FINALS Remember! All call-ins are the Monday before the rodeo from 7-9 PM. If you miss the call-in, you cannot rodeo. No late call-ins accepted.

pictures from the Cassat Rodeo, provided by SCHSRA 48 • THE ROPING PEN • NOVEMBER 2016

THE MAGAZINE FOR AMERICA’S ROPER • 49

K

aleb Driggers is having one of the best, if not the best, years of his roping career. The 26-year-old Georgia native teamed up with Brazilian Junior Nogueira this season and the pair is headed to Las Vegas with a commanding lead for the world titles. “Honestly, I’ve never gone in at number one,” said Driggers. “There is no comfortable place to be in when you’re headed to Vegas. It can change quickly out there.”

Driggers and Nogueira spent the first quarter of 2016 competing in the Elite Rodeo Athletes Tour. In May, the pair began their PRCA season well behind the rest of the field. By the end of July, they had made a drastic move into the top 20 and solidified their rank this fall with a win at the Justin Boots Playoffs in Puyallup, Washington.

“We’ve had a great year and things have really come together for us,” Driggers stated. “I really enjoy roping with Junior. He’s a great guy and one of the best heelers out there.” The duo is planning to continue the partnership into 2017.

When we caught up with Kaleb, he was finishing up his roping at the USTRC National Finals of Team Roping.

After a no-time on their first steer in the US Open, the duo came alive with speed. “I missed our first steer, but then we placed in the next three rounds.”

With the Elite Rodeo Athletes Tour Finale this month in Dallas, Driggers and Nogueira will be trying to add to their pockets there too. “We didn’t have the greatest

50 • THE ROPING PEN • NOVEMBER 2016

year in the ERA,” he said. “It seems like when we caught, we did well, but we didn’t always catch.”

This will be the fifth Wrangler NFR for Driggers and he’ll be looking to add to the more than 3/4 million dollars he’s already amassed in his PRCA career. Part of his success this year came in the form of a new horse, eleven year old Doc, that Driggers purchased in April. Doc will be making the trip to Vegas in addition to possibly two other horses. “I’ve been back and forth on what I want to ride out there,” he explained. “I’ll have at least two, possibly three horses at the NFR.”

As he stated earlier, there is no comfortable spot to be in when you’re headed to Las Vegas. Being first by $15,000 sounds like a lot until you think about what each round pays at the NFR. But, Driggers has a plan, “I plan to just take one steer at a time and have fun. I know if I can do my job, my partner is going to do his.”

With so many ropes on the market today, Driggers is still a purist, preferring a three-strand to anything else.

His rope of choice is still the Glacier three-strand from Lone Star Ropes in a medium soft. “I’ve never liked a four-strand rope,” he said. “I have a powerful swing and hard delivery. The Glacier stays open for me and gets a good curl.” Obviously that rope is working. It’s already responsible for over $122,000 in PRCA earnings this year alone and hopefully will be instrumental in Driggers’ first World Championship.

THE MAGAZINE FOR AMERICA’S ROPER • 51

A

s I have often said, friendship is one of the most valuable things in this world.

Although my circle is small, I cherish each and every one of my friends. I realize as I get older, time is limited and should not be squandered on bickering or disagreement.

Some friends I've had since elementary school. Others I’ve not known all that long, but there is a bond with each one that is unique and special, no matter the length of the relationship. With some people, you just have a connection; they know it, you know it. You're instant friends, and that’s that. Others develop over time, but are no less valuable.

As a younger man, I placed more value on being right than I did on keeping friends. My own insecurities made me fight to win in any disagreement. I look back and see so many times when, with a bit of discretion, I could have saved friendships. Although I still have a tendency to try to win any debate, I’m learning that being right is not always more important than doing what’s right.

In one social circle, there’s a few too many alphas. I’m known to be outspoken and, well, blunt, at times. When in certain company, I’ve learned which discussions I need to opt out and keep my opinions to myself in order to reduce the chance of causing hard feelings. While I believe in sticking to ones beliefs and standards, there’s times when throwing such in the face of others just isn’t the best way to interact. The one thing about being an adult that we often ignore, is learning when to agree to disagree and not be so self righteous.

The hardest thing for me, personally, with which to deal, is having a friend distance when there’s so many reasons why the friendship needs to survive. I lost a good friend, the possible reasons are numerous, but none can be singled out as deal breakers. It took me a long time to come to grips with the way things have to be, but that does not mean I no longer care for the person’s well being. Hearing this person is going through hardships and has isolated his/her self saddens me. Knowing at one time I was a go to person for him/her and often redirected this one from negativity to the positive, and now having to watch from the sidelines because I was cast away makes my heart hurt. Wanting to help, yet being hamstrung by reasons I can’t comprehend is torture. Being a friend means being there, even when the other person is not. It’s so easy to dwell on the hurt and return an unkindness with like behavior, but that is not true friendship. Backing off, respecting the distance, and being willing to step up if/when you are needed again is the true definition of a friend.

With that being said, continually putting oneself out to be hurt is not healthy. Being a friend also means telling someone things they need to hear, not just what they want to hear. This includes pointing out when they are being hurtful to those who care the most. It also means distancing if the friendship has becoming a point of stress to you. All of this does not mean shutting doors permanently, although I do realize at times that’s the only option.

The point I’m trying to make, is friendships worth having are worth saving. Do all within your power to keep those around you who bring out the best and exert a positive influence. Sacrifice, fight with and for them, never give up if you believe in them.

In this season of giving thanks, I thank God for the friends I have, and pray I’m able to keep them. I also hope I am the type of friend to them that is worth their efforts. Thank you, friends, thank you.

52 • THE ROPING PEN • NOVEMBER 2016

Y

Believe It... Or Not

ou may or may not believe the story I'm about to tell you, but I can promise you... it’s true. I needed to sell my horse trailer so I listed it on major web sites and waited expectantly for interested parties to call. Nothing. Weeks went by, but NOTHING! My trailer was priced right and it was beautiful. I simply didn’t understand the lack of interest. But God was up to something, and as usual, He was interested in using the situation to teach me something very valuable.

One night I had a dream (or maybe you could call it a vision — I’m really not sure). Jesus appeared at my house, simply standing inside the door wearing a pair of jeans with a casual, buttoned-down shirt that wasn’t tucked in. He began talking to me about my trailer situation.

The funny thing was, His words didn't come from his mouth, nor did mine. We communicated without speaking - just through our minds.

He told me that I had done many things right concerning my trailer, but had left out one very important aspect. Yes, I had prayed over it, sown a financial seed for it to sell, spoke the Word over it, but I hadn’t used my imagination. What? I was actually shocked by that statement. The Lord graciously explained that mankind is created in His image and likeness and He is a CREATOR. Thus, we’ve also been given the ability to create. He said NO ONE creates anything without first imagining it.

True! Heck, I don’t even re-arrange a room without first imagining in my mind what I want it to look like. He said to me, "whenever you think about your trailer, you think of it sitting there NOT SELLING. Start imagining it getting sold.” With that, He was gone.

Well, needless to say, the next morning I began to create the imagi-

nary scencario of my trailer being sold, and played it over in my mind.

I imagined going to the bank with a check that paid it off. I never “saw” the buyers, but I somehow sensed it was a young couple. Then I thought, "I’m gonna imagine lowering it onto a truck." As soon as I thought that I saw in my mind’s eye, a silver Dodge dually backing up under the gooseneck. I didn’t choose that truck for any particular reason, it was simply the one that happened to show up in my scenario.

Calls started coming in about the trailer, and a guy from Oklahoma was interested enough to bring a cashier’s check and drive down with his wife to see it. They drove up in a white Dodge and were older than my imagined story. Sure enough, his wife didn’t like the trailer and back to Oklahoma they went. (I totally failed to understand her lack of good taste. Lol.) Next, I got a call from a man who was looking for a trailer with bunk beds built in the mid-tack area. My trailer didn’t have that, so I discouraged him from coming to see it. A few days later, he calls and asks if they can come see it anyway. So, they came, and they drove up in a (you guessed it) silver Dodge dually and out steps (yep, again, you guessed it) a young couple. They fell in love with it instantly and bought it!

You could say that was “just my imagination,” and I might agree with you if it weren't for the end of that story. I am now using my imagination to engage with God on an almost daily basis and the results are simply WONDERFUL... not to mention my prayer life greatly is greatly improving! Our imagination was given to us by God. Why not use it for higher purposes?

www.STSRanch.com I

was out doing some work on the ranch the other day. I had a guy helping me. He comes out from time to time when we really need him. I couldn’t help but notice what a joyful attitude he had. We were 30 miles from nowhere, in the middle of a hot and dusty cattle pen, and this one person’s attitude changed the entire atmosphere.

A high pressure, stressful job was transformed into a pleasant day just because of this one man’s attitude.

More times than not, I’m ashamed to say, my attitude is not always as positive as I would like it be. I feel like my profession has always made me more of an “instant results” driven person. As I am learning, some of my techniques don’t always work as well with others as they do with myself. I am reminded that attitude is a reflection of leadership. I feel like the right attitude is a POSITIVE attitude and for myself personally, that means my words, my actions, and even my thoughts. I have heard from people very close to me that my thoughts have a way of coming out in my expressions, tone of voice, and actions. And it happens that way for all of us, good or bad. In fact the Webster dictionary definition of attitude is, "A settled way of thinking or feeling about someone or something

BY CRYSTAL LYONS

typically is reflected in a person’s behavior."

I think whenever you start anything in life you should start with a good attitude, but it’s more important to learn to maintain a good attitude. It was always easy for me to start practice with a good attitude. I got so excited to rope. But it never failed, this was going to be challenged somewhere along the session. A horse wouldn’t work or calf didn’t cooperate and my attitude changed.

I always thought the older and more mature and experienced I became, this would get easier. Little did I know, that is not the case at all. I have been blessed beyond measure with a wife and children and with them we acquired a few ponies, dogs, cats, etc, etc. Although these people and things are a HUGE blessing in my life, nothing in life is perfect. Challenges arise, relationships take work, and children need guidance. The bottom line is, STUFF HAPPENS. A good friend once told me that it’s not if things happen, but WHEN things happen and how we deal with it. Attitude is about 10 percent what happens and 90 percent how we handle it.

~ God Bless & See You Down the Line… Stran T

THE MAGAZINE FOR AMERICA’S ROPER • 53

54 • THE ROPING PEN • NOVEMBER 2016

THE MAGAZINE FOR AMERICA’S ROPER • 55

The Other Half

Thoughts of a Team Roping Spouse • by Gracie Mae

I

can honestly say that team roping is sometimes a comedy of errors. I try not to laugh and I know from experience, roping is a very serious thing but there are just times when it comes down to ridiculous. A comedy of errors is any situation made amusing or funny by bungling or incompetence.

I’m not saying ropers are incompetent for they are, indeed, a very serious lot. They are very dramatic and that in and of itself is funny. As I reflect on team roping in general I can’t help but look back and see how funny and crazy this lifestyle is. You can make a list that will, no doubt, top mine but these are a few bloopers that come immediately to mind from experiences with my crew. Feel free to elaborate as you reflect and have for yourself a good laugh.

Remember the time in the short round at whatever roping things were heating up and very serious. It was down to the wire to win the average. As the header looks over at his heeler, they nod to each other and then nod for the steer. The header bursts out of the heading box, focused and on track only to realize that at that very instant his heeler’s horse has turned around and is facing backwards in the heeling box. That is a little unnerving and you can toss out the average just because the heeling horse had a moment.

Ahhhhh!

There was the time we were running late and hurriedly get the horses loaded. Everyone hops in the truck and we head out for the roping only to realize when we get to the front gate we (yes, I have a mouse in my pocket) someone forgot to hook up the trailer. Imagine the look on our faces when we realize it is still sitting at the barn, horses intact. Thank goodness, Boss looked in the rearview mirror. I don’t think we even noticed the truck was driving different than it does with a trailer. I just look back and wonder who forgot to hook it up. I’m absolutely sure it was Boss.

What about the time they are calling your name to rope and you run fast, get on your horse and ride into the roping box. A quick nod for the steer and for once you have perfect head catch and as you are turning off so your heeler can rope and you realize you forgot to cinch up your horse. Ahhhhhhh, saddle slipping and well, you can imagine the rest.

There was the time I was pulling the roping dummy and forgot Boss was heeling. Honestly, I try to pay attention but sometimes, I just keep going as he makes his dally. It’s true I get a little preoccupied. Rope burn from roping the dummy? Mmm, sorry I really was NOT paying attention.

Remember, the one that brings you wide awake in the middle of the night, “You turned off the water running into the tank in the steer pen, right?”

There was the time as you are riding into the box to rope and suddenly realize you have your daughter’s head rope versus your own. Or maybe opening the door to the trailer and realizing, “Mmmm, this doesn’t look like the inside of my trailer! Oh excuse me, ma’am!”

56 • THE ROPING PEN • NOVEMBER 2016

Bloopers

Roping is always a challenge and the old adage “Stuff happens” is so true. Horses are not warmed up, relevant items are lost or misplaced and then under the best of circumstances, sometimes, roping runs just fall apart.

All of us tape runs on Ipads and phones so there is always a record of our worse mistakes and biggest bloopers. I remember one roping where the ropers rushed from the box and as the header hurled his rope he caught his hat in the loop and as the rope came around the hat was catapulted across and hit the heel horse in the face. The horse never knew what was coming and he reacted like a horse will react. He jumped, boogered and unseated the heeler. It was a wreck and both ropers now look back at the video and laugh at how it all came down. It is hard to believe a hat thrown through the air could create such havoc.

There was the time when the ropers nodded for the steer and just as the gate came open the steer decided he was shy and laid down. Both ropers shot out of the box in a near collision only to be rewarded with a rerun. Regardless, it is enough to rattle your brain and interrupt your thought process especially if you had winning on your mind.

Ropers contend with broken bridles, loose saddles and human error almost every day. We replay it and replay it over and over.

Sometimes, you just have to laugh to keep from crying.

Anytime you add one steer, two horses and two ropers it is going to be interesting. It is hard to get two people on the same page much less all those other added factors. Animals are always unpredictable and who know what goes on in their minds.

Sometimes, we even go so far as to rope with the wrong partner.

It isn’t that we don’t know with whom we are roping, but sometimes, we are entered with more than one partner and we forget what team number we are. I recalled one roper actually saying, “I placed at the roping and didn’t even remember I was roping with that guy.”

There is the frustration of just trying too hard. That tends to happen when you are roping with family members such as dads and daughters or dads and sons. Kids usually have it together when adults are frazzled bundles of nerves. We make mistakes roping with our kids that we would never encounter were it anyone else.

There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that all of you have encountered your own set of bloopers and blunders. I have not one doubt, that considering your roping history that you have done something ridiculous and out of the ordinary and wondered how it even came about. We all deal with a bit of incompetence even if it is something we have been doing a long time. Sometimes, it is just brain fog or frustration. We don’t mean to bungle or fall apart in a situation but it just happens.

The good thing is we are all human. I look back at videos I have taken, either in the practice pen or at the roping, and wonder how

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

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we even made it through that one. One roper told me, “I was so intent on getting it right that it was just one mistake after another.

You would think I had never roped a day in my life. I don’t how things get so topsy-turvy in such a quick amount of time.”

I recently watched the bloopers from a movie called “Liar / Liar” and it was hilarious. They had to redo several scenes over and over. The bad thing about roping is you can’t replay or redo the scene. What happens is what happens and you have to take that to the bank, or not!

It is said, “practice makes perfect.” We spend a lot of time in the practice pen but there is absolutely no way one can anticipate and or recreate what might actually happen at the roping. Be it on purpose or accidentally there is just going to be some strange and unusual things that happen. Perhaps, that is what makes team roping so much fun. It is fast pace, challenging and who knows what will happen. One thing for sure we will always remember those times we won, we will always remember those times we lost and we will, without a doubt, remember those times when it was a once in a lifetime situation that human error stepped in and made it the most memorable run of all. You have to laugh at yourself. You have to give yourself a break. We all do the best we can, but blunders will occur.

I don’t know about you but team roping may be fun, and it may be entertaining, but it is never for the faint of heart.

Keep Ropin'... Love, Gracie

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