The Roping Pen - September 2016

$4.00

Sept 2016

Vol. 25 No. 9

25

2 • THE ROPING PEN • SEPTEMBER 2016

THE MAGAZINE FOR AMERICA’S ROPER • 3

I

T IS THAT TIME OF YEAR! Ropings, ropings, ropings and even more ropings! It seems everywhere you look there is a roping and some organization or another is promoting a new roping or a new flare to the game. Over the next several months there are many areas where you can go to a roping every weekend within a couple hundred mile radius. This sounds great, that means the sport is growing, but in reality, is it? With so many ropings saturating the marketplace the roping dollar has to be stretching thin.

For many years the USTRC seemed to have their hooks in the market allowing what they thought was the right number of ropings to balance the market. The World Series played a huge role in the growth of the team roping market as well and together it has stayed balanced over the last few years. Ropers have plenty of options when it comes time to compete. However, over the past couple years more and more producers are breaking away from the mold and breaking off with their own structured events.

This does seem great for ropers, but there must be a balance. If the bubble gets too big, it will pop. I personally already see a strain as ropings are dwindling in size. I believe it is because ropers are being pulled to different events. When there were less ropings, more people attended those events or traveled just a bit further to attend an event. Today with more ropings on the calendar ropers can pick those that are closer and skip the ones they may have went to in the past.

Not only is this hard on producers who have already seen an impact on their events over the past several years due to the cattle market, but really ropers suffer as well. Ropers want to win, and get paid for their talent, but with the down size of ropings there is less in the purse, I don’t care how much, or less the producer holds out. The more ropings, the more the pool of ropers will be split, thus causing a dwindling purse for ropers and perhaps a loss for the producer.

There are a few areas of the country that are still stable due to the hard work and dedication to the sport by producers. They have a solid grip on the market in their area and produce ropings that keep their market strong. The key is the number of ropers and like any market when the consumer number increases, so does the market.

Go too fast and you have a market meltdown.

Well that was my soapbox for this month. Just something I have watched and witnessed over the past several months. I know there are some great events and fantastic formats out there for ropers today and I hope I am wrong in saying there are too many ropings for ropers. I hope they all succeed and ropers have a chance to pick the events they want to attend.

Until next month... Dirt.

Keep it under your feet!.

~Ryan Davis

4 • THE ROPING PEN • SEPTEMBER 2016

Celebrating 25 Years!

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

Dirt, Ryan Davis. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Patriot Elite, Doyle & McDaniel...34 • Patriot Report, News.....................35 • Patriot Event Calendar.............36 • • PATRIOT QUALIFIER EVENTS COMING UP...

• Four States Championships, Carthage, Mo...................37 • Patriot Qualifier, Hamilton, Tx........................................38 • Patriot Qualifier, Grand Island, Ne.................................39 • Patriot Qualifier, Fort Smith, Ark....................................40 • Show-Me Patriot Qualifier, Mt Vernon, Mo.....................41 • • • EVENT RECAP ARTICLES...

• Mid Atlantic Classic............................30 • The Daddy.............................................14 • • EVENTS COMING UP...

• Hillbilly Redneck Truck/Trailer....48 • Beast of the East..................................50 PGS 56 & 57 • NEWS + EVENTS News & More Events...........................56 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

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

Lonestar Regional Finals, Event Recap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Ropers of the Round Table, Stuart Mitchell. . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 The Daddy, Event Recap. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 New Movie: "Unbridled," Press Release . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Protecting Your Investment, Jason Strickland. . . . . . . . . . . 17 NHSFR, Event Recap, Press Release . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Alabama Championships, Ben Clements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Pushing the Barrier, by Speed Williams. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Mid Atlantic Classic, Event Recap. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 The Patriot, Articles, Features, & Calendar. . . . . . . . . . . . 34-41 Spicer Gripp Mem Roping: Stephenie Wolf. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Fun Fest, Event Recap. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Nebraska Championships by Ben Clements. . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 A Rude Awakening, by Crystal Lyons. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 In The Loop, with Dustin Egusquiza. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 NTRL, News & Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 Top Tips, with Charles Pogue. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 Sweat & Balin’ Twine, by John Rhudy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 Oklahoma Championships, by Ben Clements. . . . . . . . . . . . 61

Let us help your Association GROW!

The Other Half, by Gracie Mae. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

Want to have your association in The Roping Pen?

Index, Advertisers & Events. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65

We will print your schedule, current standings, results, officer information, member of the month, and what everyone wants to see... PICTURES! Just ask any of our featured Associations and they will tell you their members love being in The Roping Pen. It’s easy - just call and find out all the details. You’ll see your Association take off with the best magazine in the NATION!

Classifieds, Buy/Sell. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 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

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ASSOCIATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PAGE PROUD TO BE THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THESE ASSOCIATIONS!

SRA, Southern Rodeo Assocation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-9 NCHSRA/NCJHRA, N Carolina HS & JH Rodeo Assoc's. . . . . . 24 AHSRA, Alabama HS Rodeo Association . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 FYRA, Foothills Youth Rodeo Association. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 GHSRA/GJHRA, Georgia HS & JrH Rodeo Associations. . . . . 58 SCHSRA/SCJHD/SCYRA, S Carolina Rodeo Associations. . . 62 ON THE COVER: 2016 The Daddy – JX2 in Cheyenne, Wyoming Courtesy of Olie Moss - Olie’s Images www.oliesimages.com Editor: Ryan Davis

505-407-2151 • rdavis@theropingpen.com

THE MAGAZINE FOR AMERICA’S ROPER • 5

REPEAT DEFENDER: HEATHER SHERRILL

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he SRA (Southern Rodeo Association), like all rodeo associations ultimate goal for each athlete is the All-Around title. Wearing a buckle that says All-Around Champion is worth its weight in gold. The sacrifice, the hard work, dedication, athleticism and the natural ability to win is often attached to those who have earned that title. All-Around in rodeo is equivalent to MVP in other sports, it separates you from the rest of the field.

Wearing the All-Around brand is an ultimate goal that many chase and only a few achieve.

The SRA has a history of many All-Around Champions. Each year they crown a man and woman who top multiple events to earn the title. Over the past few years, one name has been a constant threat to the title and has resounded over the SRA arena in the AllAround divisions. Heather Sherrill has earned multiple All-Around championships and is well on her way to adding to her collection of a title this year. Heather won the All-Around in 2010, 2011 and again in 2013 and today you can catch Sherrill turning the clover leaf

6 • THE ROPING PEN • SEPTEMBER 2016

pattern in the barrel racing events and jerking the slack on her calves in the breakaway roping throughout the southeast. She is a dominate force at every rodeo she attends.

Heather is a 22-year-old who has a love for the sport.

She was born and raised in Cleveland, North Carolina and is currently attending Wingate University School of Pharmacy. When talking to Heather she shared why she enjoys competing in the SRA rodeos. When asked what she likes about the SRA, she said “I love the close knit family, everyone is great and it is great to have the rodeos close to home.”

Heather’s secret to winning is hard work and dedication. Heather stated it is about “putting the time in to practice, accepting help and criticism that helps you grow in this sport.”

The rodeo road has been a long one for Heather. She began rodeoing at the age of 7 or 8. She started attending local rodeos, then moved to junior rodeos, to high school competition and then onto the IRA and SRA.

SRA'S ALL-AROUND IN 2010 • 2011 • 2013 FROM CLEVELAND, NC WORKS AT STATESVILLE EQUINE CLINIC & A STUDENT AT WINGATE UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF PHARMACY

Throughout her years of winning, Heather has had several partners who have helped her achieve the titles she has earned. Heather currently rides a 15 year old paint horse named Paint in the breakaway roping. To compete in the clover pattern she rides Gee, a 14 year old gray, who two years ago was injured. She laid off for a year and this year Heather is running her again and she is working great.

Although she has claimed the All-Around title three times and is the favorite going into this year’s final showdown as the SRA wraps up their season. Heather’s skills in the barrel racing and breakaway roping are second to none, but each year she has ended up just a few steps behind the event champion.

One thing Heather has claimed is the Cathy Cudd Memorial, which she was awarded in 2010. This is a special award the SRA gives out each year to one of their outstanding lady athletes. I would have to agree it was a pleasure talking to Heather and we at The Roping Pen wish her all the luck chasing the All Around title.

OSCAR ASKS: My horse is ducking so bad as soon as I swing he goes left, what do I do?

RICKEY'S TIP: I would put my rope on in the box and dally right outside the box and then dally and undally all the way to the catch pen for a while. And then rope some and dally and follow out.

THE MAGAZINE FOR AMERICA’S ROPER • 7

VISIT US ONLINE AT WWW.SRARODEO.COM FOR COMPLETE LISTING OF POINT STANDINGS, IN *Cotton Eyed Joe Buckle **see www.srarodeo.com/m

SRA 2016 RODEO SCHEDULE

8 • THE ROPING PEN • SEPTEMBER 2016

2016 POINT STANDINGS

S R A P O I N T S TA N D I N G S A S O F A U G U S T 1 0 T H RANK & NAME ............................... POINTS RANK & NAME ...............................POINTS

NDIVIDUAL RODEO RESULTS & MORE NEWS. Series = must compete in 5 rodeos in series to be eligible. membership for details on rodeos not selling SRA MEMBERSHIPS.

THE MAGAZINE FOR AMERICA’S ROPER • 9

Lonestar AUGUST 4-7, 2016

WACO, TX

REGIONAL FINALS

EXTRACO EVENT CENTER • PRODUCED BY USTRC PHOTOS BY BRENDA ALLEN, ALLEN'S RODEO PHOTOS • STORY BY BEN CLEMENTS

$5600 plus $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Third place went to Jorge Jauregui Marrufo and Ezzio Jaquez.

KASEN MCCALL Duncan Nash teamed up with Tanner Tomlinson LUFKIN, TX to win the #13 Qualifying Round. Second was Whit TANNER TOMLINSON Kitchens and Reid Halbert. In the #13 Shoot Out, the ANGLETON, TX win went to the team of Kasen McCall from Lufkin, Tx 26.36 • $8,264 and Tanner Tomlinson from Angleton, Tx. The pair#12 SHOOT OUT ing roped 4 steers in 26.36 sec to win 1st place. They CHAMPIONS earned $8264, trophy Martin saddles and $6000 in MATT ATKINSON USTRC Flex Earnings. 2nd place was the team of Cesar CANTON, TX Ornelas and Orlando Jauregui Enriquez as they walked ANDY ANAYA CANTON, TX away with $6198 plus $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings.

Third place went to McCall and heeler Clayton Lowry.

33.84 • $7,838 The win of the #12 #11 SHOOT OUT he Lonestar Regional Qualifying Round went to CHAMPIONS Finals is a favorite of Jesus Raul Raulito Islava SPENCER SMALLWOOD many ropers. The event VENUS, TX and Willie Guerra, while 2nd took place August 4-7, 2016 was Tyler Magnus and Chet KELLY TULEY at the Extraco Event Center RED OAK, TX Weitz. In the #12 Shoot Out in Waco, Tx. Team ropers 33.74 • $6,852 the top team was Matt Atenjoyed the coolness of the kinson from Canton, Tx and #10 SHOOT OUT facility as it provided a break CHAMPIONS Andy Anaya also from Canfrom the Texas heat. ton. The pairing won their VANCE WALTERS The first roping of the CAYUGA, TX 1st ever USTRC saddles toweekend was the Open DiviPEYTON WALTERS gether. They were 33.84 sec CAYUGA, TX sion. The team of Cory Kidd on 4 steers and won $7838, 34.21 • $9,164 from Statesville, NC and trophy Martin saddles and Ryan Motes from Weather#9 SHOOT OUT $6000 in USTRC Flex EarnCHAMPIONS ford, Tx partnered up to win ings. 2nd place was the team the avg. They were 35.16 SPENCER SMALLWOOD of Jeff Sanders from Blum, VENUS, TX sec on 5 steers and earned Tx and Josh McPherson from AUSTIN TULEY $4214 plus trophy Ritchie Grandview, Tx. They won RED OAK, TX ColdSaver Coolers. Second $5878 plus $6000 in USTRC 37.44 • $10,870 place in the roping was Kelly ...CONTINUED ON PAGE 12 Barker from King City, Cali#12 GOLD PLUS CHAMPIONS fornia and Ezzio Jaquez from Weatherford, Tx. Third MITCH COPPS was Cody Cater from Dublin, Tx and Truman Magnus BOERNE, TX from Mason, Tx. The pairing also won the incentive avg.

BILLY HALEY In the #15 Qualifying Round the win went to Willie DENTON, TX Guerra and Romeo Moreno. Second was Micky Ray Cruz 29.94 • $9,400 and Tres Arredondo. Cody Russell from Eros, La was #10 GOLD PLUS the star of the #15 Shoot Out. He teamed up with heelCHAMPIONS ers Seth Jones from Decatur, Tx and Coy Brittain from EDDIE VALENZUELA Rockwall, Tx for a 1st and 2nd place finish. Russell and DEVINE, TX Jones were 26.77 sec on 4 steers and earned $7468, troROGER MUSE LYTLE, TX phy Martin saddles and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings.

32.88 • $11,458 Russell and Brittain were 28.40 on 4 steers. They won #13 SHOOT OUT CHAMPIONS

T

10 • THE ROPING PEN • SEPTEMBER 2016

THE MAGAZINE FOR AMERICA’S ROPER • 11

Flex Earnings for roping 4 steers in 35.74 sec. Third place was Brady Melton from Wills Point, Tx and Dale Martin from Alba, Tx. The final roping of day two of the Lone Star Regional Finals was the #12 Gold Plus. With the additional added money from the USTRC team ropers roped for more than 100% of their money. The champions were Mitch Copps from Boerne, Tx and Billy Dale Haley from Denton, Tx. The duo was 2nd high team back and after a run of 7.55 sec in the short round they won 1st in the avg with a time of 29.94 sec on 4 steers. They won $9400, Resistol straw hats, Tony Lama boots, Cinch jeans and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. 2nd place was Robbie Schroeder from Overbrook, Oklahoma and Jessie Tate from Cameron, Tx. Third place was Alex Gilder from Dallas, Tx and Joel Lovell from Crockett, Tx. Steve Tomlinson from Angelton, Tx and Reggie Jammer Sr. won the incentive avg with a time of 21.81 sec on three steers. The win earned them $5094, Classic Equine horse sheets, Classic ropes, Classic Equine hay bags, and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. 2nd in the incentive was Ed Caygle and David Fletcher.

The win of the #11 Prelim went to the team of Clay Weeks from Premont, Tx and Darren Stoner from Palestine, Tx. They were 31.28 sec on 4 and won $4998, trophy Martin saddles and $8000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. 2nd was Daniel Salinas from Rio Grande City, Tx and Romeo Moreno from Alton, Tx. Third place went to Joe Serrata and Lyn Lamon.

Incentive winners were Phillip Dale Zamzow and Romeo Moreno.

Spencer Smallwood from Venus, Tx and Kelly Tuley from Red Oak, Tx were the winners of the #11 Shoot Out with a time of 33.74 sec on 4 steers. The win gave them $6852, trophy Martin saddles and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. 2nd place in the avg went to Colby and Derek Jenkins both from Lott, Tx. 3rd place was Dakota Embry from Azle, Tx and Cesar Ornelas from Poolville, Tx. The 3rd day started with the #10 Preliminary. Clay Weeks from Premont, Tx and Darren Stoner from Palestine, Tx won the avg of the #11 Preliminary with a time of 31.28 sec on 4 steers. They earned $4998, trophy Martin saddles, and $8000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. 2nd place was Daniel Salinas and Romeo Moreno with a time of 31.76 sec on 4 steers. 3rd place was Joe Serrata and Lyn Lamon. Phillip Dale Zamzow and Romeo Moreno won the incentive avg.

It was a family affair in the #10 Shoot Out. Vance and Peyton Walters were 4th call back to the short round. They were 6.78 sec on their final steer and went to the lead of the roping with a time of 34.21 sec on 4 steers. The time would hold up, and the father/son team won 1st place in the avg. They won $9164, trophy Martin saddles and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. 2nd place was Cole Lamb from Pleasanton, Tx and Logan Moore also from Pleasanton. They were 34.59 sec on 4 steers and won $6872 plus $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. 3rd place in the roping was Russell Henderson and Isai Serna.

The $10,000 added #10 Gold Plus Division was a great roping all the way around. Eddie Valenzuela from Devine, Tx and partner Roger Muse from Lytle, Tx partnered up to win 1st place in the avg. The pair was 32.88 sec on 4 steers to earn $11,458, Resistol Hats, Tony Lama Boots, Cinch Jeans and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. 2nd place was Jack Hodges from Stephenville, Tx and Blaine Matthews from Bryan, Tx as they won $7256 plus $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. The team also won 1st in the incentive avg and claimed an additional $6912, Classic Rope bags, Classic Equine Horse sheets, Classic Equine Hay bags and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. 3rd place in the main avg went to

12 • THE ROPING PEN • SEPTEMBER 2016

Charles Hale and Samson Jackson.

The win of the #9 Preliminary went to the team of Stephen Trichel and Will Farris both from Madisonville, Tx. They won $5828, trophy Martin saddles and $8000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. 2nd place was Charles Raley from Crawford, Tx and Goose Cummings from Grandview, Tx. They were 36.30 sec on 4 steers and took home $3692 plus $8000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. 3rd went to the team of Jose Luis Ramirez and Joe Ramirez. 4th place was Cody Wideman and JD Johnson. The also won the incentive avg. They pocketed $6154, trophy Gist buckles and $12,000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. 2nd place in the incentive avg and fifth in the main avg was Daniel Olson and Blu Bryant. They received $4426, trophy Gist buckles and $12,000 in USTRC Flex Earnings.

Spencer Smallwood struck again in the #9 Shoot Out. He and partner Austin Tuley were 2nd call to the short round. A run of 8.88 sec on their last steer gave them the win with a 4 steer time of 37.44 sec.

They won $10,870, trophy Martin saddles and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. 2nd place was Cliff Weems from Mount Enterprise, Tx and Rex Dorman from Henderson, Tx. 3rd was the team of Jack Hodges and Ricky Oliver.

When everything was tabulated and paid out, Kelly Tuley was the high point Gold Plus roper of the weekend. He received a special NFTR package, which includes two paid Shoot-Out positions, two complimentary NFTR stalls, a complimentary VIP RV spot and a 2016 NFTR jacket. Kaelee Lewis from Garrison, Tx was the high money Cruel Girl team roper of the weekend. She received a custom trophy Gist buckle, $750 cash bonus and two pair of Cruel Girl jeans. Congratulations to all the winners!

"

You're On Smith Time" M

ost folks operate on standard meridian time, but in a little place in southeastern Oklahoma time is relevant to bed time and rodeo start time. Sometimes you get 7 hours sleep, sometimes 5, sometimes none at all. Morning is noon, noon is evening, evening is nighttime.

Nighttime is midnight or later. Three meals a day are far and few between. Breakfast at 10am, lunch at 3pm, dinner at…. On a good day you’ll eat around at 8 am, saddle at 10 am, gather steers at 11am, wrap and ride colts till lunch then rope 'til dinner, rope some more, ride a few colts, feed around again, rope the dummy some, maybe have a long reach contest or a fast time contest on the Quickfire. And, you might show off your trick roping skills if you have any. A typical day (and then there is no typical day) someone brings a horse to sell or someone brings one to be ridden. Someone comes for lessons, some come over just to hang out. There’s no telling what might happen on any given day. For sure there will be roping, riding and the unexpected will be included. Maybe a hay truck tears down the front gate, a horse bucks someone off or cows get out on the lease place. Horses are bought, sold traded and rode. This is what they do. Lots of people say they rope and ride all day but in this little corner of the world it truly is all that they do. It has been this way since the dad was young and only one kid was around. As more kids came, the roping and riding increased. It happens

BY STUART MITCHELL

to be the home of 4 USTRC Finals champions, a couple of wildfire winners, one NFR qualifier and others that will be there someday. Dad was first, two older brothers next, and baby brother just last year. They were raised to be winners. “Stop the clock and don’t miss.” The older boys are rodeoing at the top level. Little brother is waiting his turn. The boys are growing up. Mom and dad are adjusting to new family members; daughters-in-law, and “adopted” boys. If you need a horse, a place to stay overnight, or just like to watch team roping, this is the place. Roping start time depends on the weather, number of people at the arena, projects going on, and the ring master’s thoughts for the day.

Monday -Friday is irrelevant. Rodeo is every day of the week. A typical road trip: slack, show, one head, two head with a short. Rodeo starts at 7pm, team roping at 7:40pm. The clown has to tell an extra joke, throw out two buckets of nickels, and a bulldogger proposes to his girlfriend before the steer wrestling to stall for time cause they’re running late. It’s 9 hours to the rodeo so you can’t drive like Old Lady Webb.

From the rodeo they head to a jack pot then to another rodeo. After that they might drive all night to Harvey’s to get a new horse checked out, then finally home. If you want to rodeo, you need a support group to make it happen; Mom, Dad, Grandma, Grandpa and lots of friends.

You also need a CDL license, truck driving school not required. Time is relevant to rodeo start time and how long it takes to get to next one.

If you think you have time then stop by and see them, but leave your watch in the truck cause when you’re there... you’re on Smith time.

THE MAGAZINE FOR AMERICA’S ROPER • 13

JULY 21-24, 2016 • CH

HIGH MONEY SADDLE WINNER KASON WOLFE

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PRODUCED BY JX2 • PHOTOS BY OLIE’

ach year there are a number of WSTR qualifiers that get on a short list of “DON’T MISS” or vacation destination type events. Certainly the Cheyenne qualifier that goes on during Frontier Days falls into this group. JX2 has produced this event under the name The Daddy, and this year it definitely started living up to its name. This is a special fees qualifier $250 instead of the $150 and the event has been consistently growing . This was the 10th Anniversary of The Daddy and this year the total payout hit $518,500. Five of the divisions paid a minimum of $18,000 for first in the aggregate. If you consistently watch the total payouts on WSTR qualifiers, it’s easy to see that this one ranks up there in the top 5 among the 144 sanctioned events.

#10 WSTR CHAMPIONS TYLER THORTON JD WENDT

#15 WSTR WINNERS WITT CROWSER TREY YATES

#11 WSTR CHAMPIONS JOE DILKS CHRIS COVER

#13 SLIDE WINNERS WITT CROWSER TJ RULAND

#12 MULEY WINNERS TERRY DOKA TY LEWIS

#13 WSTR CHAMPIONS JOHN JENSEN LOGAN SCHLIINZ

#12 WTR CHAMPIONS ERIN SIMON JEFF HARRIS

#13 MULEY WINNERS, SHAWN DARNALL RORY BROWN

14 • THE ROPING PEN • SEPTEMBER 2016

HEYENNE, WYOMING

’S IMAGES • WWW.OLIESIMAGES.COM The demographics were clear indicators that this is becoming a vacation destination roping with 637 ropers from 25 different states attending. The outstanding JX2 staff ran a lot of teams and yet each day wrapped up no later than 6:30 pm. Kudo’s were flying on the outstanding set of cattle provided by Gary Rodemill and Bo Rappel. The feel of this event is definitely upbeat as the staff from Laramie County Community College, and The Daddy staff were smiling and accommodating throughout.

John Johnson has inserted a few additional ropings to the mix the last few years that have added just a little different flavor than a normal qualifier and opened the door for ropers from all age groups. The Daddy offers a 7-header, muley ropings, and a #8 prize roping.

JR LOOPER WINNERS 10-12: 1ST ROWDY WEIL • 2ND ROAN WEIL 7-9: 1ST CODYN YSTAAS • 2ND QUINCEY EACRET 6 & UNDER: 1ST DALTON DUGAN 2ND RILEY JAMESMAN

#8 WSTR CHAMPIONS JUSTIN CUNNINGHAM SHAWN VINEYARD

#9 WSTR CHAMPIONS JAIME TARVER COURTNEY HIGGINS

#10 SLIDE MULEY WINNERS ORRY FRUIT KELLY FLORIAN

#8 WINNER, 1ST TRAVIS JOHNSON COLBY LANE RUNNER

#8 WINNER, 5TH KASON WOLFE JOSH BONNER

#8 WINNER, 2ND 2. KASON WOLFE REGAN WHEATLEY

#8 WINNER, 4TH CHRIS DUNLAVVY JED CHRISTIAN

#8 WINNER, 3RD MALIK HEGGE KASON WOLFE THE MAGAZINE FOR AMERICA’S ROPER • 15

NewMovie“Unbridled "

BRINGS OMEGA ALPHA TO THE BIG SCREEN

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star of the film, Dreamer, uses Respi-Free daily and we have noticed hen Omega Alpha Ambassador Lindsey Partridge was offered that it really has helped his breathing,” said Partridge. “Dreamer a role in the upcoming movie Unbridled, inspired by real-life seemed to have trouble opening his airways and would breath really events at a healing ranch for challenged teenage girls in North Caroheavily during light canter work. Now he is competing at full strength, lina, Omega Alpha Pharmaceuticals was eager to show its support. The and if he starts to breathe heavy we use Omega Alpha Lung Flush and Canadian-based producer of equine health products and supplements Airwaves too.” regularly assists the Partridge feeds equestrian comher horses a natural munity through its diet with high-quality sponsorship of elite nutrients, and Omega horse shows and top Alpha’s scientifically equestrian profesformulated supplesionals like Partridge, ments play a crucial and was excited for role in helping to this unique oppormaintain the horses’ tunity to appear in readiness for coma movie while also petition. “I want to raising awareness for make sure my horses a deserving cause. are comfortable, and Omega Alpha doI don’t want to cause nated $2,500 to the any negative side effunding of the film, fects,” said Partridge. which is centered on “If I have a horse that the miraculous healOmega Alpha Ambassador Lindsey Partridge & her horse Soar is sore, I love using ing power of equinewill be in the movie "Unbridled," set to be released early in 2017 Omega Alpha Antiflam assisted therapy.

P H OTO CO U RT E S Y O F W E N DY W E B B P H OTO G R A P H Y & L I N D S EY PA RT R I D G E because it doesn’t hurt The movie is eagerly the horse’s gut like other painkillers or anti-inflammatories can when anticipated among a variety of audiences in the faith, equine, and antigiven long-term.” human trafficking communities as it approaches its release this fall.

Because Partridge uses so many Omega Alpha products with her Unbridled, which is expected to release early in 2017, is a true-tohorses, it seemed natural for some of the products to appear in Unlife story that exposes the atrocities of abuse, neglect, and trauma and bridled. “I did a scene that involved Omega Alpha,” said Partridge. “It is the healing and redemption experienced by girls and horses who have the first scene where the audience meets me. I arrive and greet Cassie suffered the same types of abuse. The story centers around the life of (Rachel Hendrix), and during our dialogue I request an Omega Alpha 17-year-old Sarah Miller (Tea McKay), a fictional character based on product from Cassie. Cassie shows me that they have Omega Alpha the more than 100 young women who have experienced the Corral products to share, and we go on to meet the girls.”

Riding Academy, an equine therapy program in Cary, North Carolina Gerald McGlothlin, the executive producer of the film, was excited where the lives of both rescued horses and teenage girls are transabout the scene. “I just personally watched the ‘rough cut’ of the Unformed through trauma-focused equine assisted psychotherapy.

Partridge, who specializes in retraining off-the-track Thoroughbreds bridled movie, and the Omega Alpha segment was excellent,” he said.

Partridge hopes that audiences of the film will be inspired to learn and won the America’s Most Wanted Thoroughbred competition in more about harmony horsemanship as well as the use of equine Lexington, Kentucky in October 2015, was cast as herself in Unbridled. therapy for healing and emotional growth. “The movie is an incredible Two of her horses, Dreamer and Soar, also appear in the film, with story, and I am very grateful to Omega Alpha for supporting this film,” Dreamer in the starring role. “My role in the film is to work with the she said. girls as well as show the girls my international champion, Soar, who is Omega Alpha is proud to have played a role in the funding of Unbri2015’s America’s Most Wanted Thoroughbred,” Partridge explained. dled and looks forward to being a part of Partridge’s continued success.

“We do a display for the girls of some liberty and bridleless riding, and With more than 20 years of experience in developing natural equine in other scenes I help with coaching the girls.” supplements through research-based science, the company offers a With the help of Omega Alpha’s wide range of award-winning prodwide range of award-winning products including formulas to support ucts, both equine stars maintained their excellent health and picturerespiration, digestion, joint health, hormonal balance, immune health, perfect appearance throughout the making of the film. Their daily use detoxification, muscle rehabilitation, endurance, and performance. To of Omega Alpha supplements continues to keep Dreamer and Soar at learn more, visit www.OmegaAlpha.ca, or call 1-800-651-3172. the highest possible standard in equine health and performance. “The

16 • THE ROPING PEN • SEPTEMBER 2016

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his month I want to talk about something I have mentioned several times in past articles. I am writing this because it’s a SERIOUS issue that is often over looked with any insurance you may purchase.

In past articles I spoke about what to ask about, how to insure, etc. Each time also stating READ YOUR POLICY. The policy is a binding agreement for both parties to abide by. This is why it is so important to read it. Is it good reading? For the most part no. No catchy phrases, no action photos, and no great ads for entertainment.

However, it is going to tell you what you are covered for and who is covered. I cannot tell you how many times agents all over are blamed in denied claims due to this error on the insured’s part. It happens a lot. It comes with the territory and I always tell my clients look over your policy. Make sure it states your correct name and address, horse’s names, ages, disciplines, any exclusions, and certainly any extended coverages. This is where most people do not even look.

They normally are concerned with the bill. The pay it and never pick it up again. All insureds (you) assume you’re covered when in fact you may not be at all.

Check the declarations page for your address and limits of liability.

Check the schedule page for who or what is insured and each will be listed for what limits are to be provided, cost per horse or coverage offered. Very important section. Be sure it’s correct.

Go through the terms and conditions, definitions, and the insuring agreement. Also you normally have a paragraph stating your responsibilities.

Normally the Exclusions are listed last. For any exclusions on horses, property, etc. that will not be covered under the policy. Very important section. Be sure it’s correct.

Read your policy goes for any insurance you have. I recommend that to anyone. Trust me I too have over looked it many times myself.

In the end it’s your responsibility not the agents to make sure it’s correct.

THE MAGAZINE FOR AMERICA’S ROPER • 17

Awarded Buckles and a Relinquish

NHSFR • Nat'l High Sch

V

PRESS RELEASE, COURTESY OF THE NHSRA • PHOTO

ictories and defeat; tears of joy and tears of frustration; moments of relief and moments of anxiety. This is the Short Go of the NHSFR. The Finals took place July 17th – 23rd in Gillette, Wyoming at the CAM-PLEX Event Facility.

Alex Odle, Barrel Racing World Champion, says that her win doesn’t feel real yet, but “at least my stomach doesn’t hurt me anymore.” Odle, Colorado native, won the average with 51.681 seconds.

While Odle’s nerves were calming down, Wyatt Williams hadn’t even begun to think about the solidity of the situation.

Williams, who won the Tie­Down aggregate with 29.79 sec., said that it was all “so surreal.” Other than those few words, Williams was speechless. Maybe the reality of being the Tie­Down World Champion will set in as he is wearing a gold buckle.

The 2016 NHSRA Queen, Chloe’ Costello, ended her reign during the Queen Crowning Ceremony. The crown was passed on to Montana’s Opal Harkins, our 2017 NHSRA Queen.

Alex Odle

Jayde Atkins

Brooklyn Gunter

Buster Mendenhall

Kadee Hall

Jess Pope

Judd Hebert

RESULTS FROM SHORT GO OF THE 2016 NHSFR...

GOAT TYING FINAL: 1. Kaytlyn Miller, Dammeron Valley, Utah, 6.82 seconds; 2. Rickie Engesser, Spearfish, S.D., 7.35; 3. Julianne Montero, Winnemucca, Nev., 7.47; 4. Maddee Mae Doerr, Creighton, Neb., 7.54. • GOAT TYING AVERAGE: 1. Kaytlyn Miller, Dammeron Valley, Utah, 22.74 seconds; 2. Libby Winchell, Scottsbluff, Neb., 22.79; 3. Tommi Sue Swannack, Sprague, Wash., 22.98; 4. Maddee Mae Doerr, Creighton, Neb., 23.

STEER WRESTLING FINAL: 1. Bridger Anderson, Carrington, N.D., 3.56 seconds; 2. Ryan Gotreaux, Lacassine, La., 4.03; 3. Luke Yargo, New Waverly, Texas, 4.41; 4. JD Draper, Oakley, Kan., 4.42. • STEER WRESTLING AVERAGE: 1. Ryan Gotreaux, Lacassine, La., 11.95 seconds; 2. Luke Yargo, New Waverly, Texas, 12.81; 3. Bridger Anderson, Carrington, N.D., 14.06; 4. JD Draper, Oakley, Kan., 15.93.

BREAKAWAY ROPING FINAL: 1. Skylar Southerland, Poolville, Texas, 1.86 seconds; 2. Sarah Angelone, Cross Junction, Va., 2.18; 3. Maddy Deerman, Hope, N.M., 2.2; 4. Alli Masters, Leon, Iowa, 2.25. • BREAKAWAY AVERAGE: 1. Sarah Angelone, Cross Junction, Va., 7.16 seconds; 2. Alli Masters, Leon, Iowa, 7.49; 3. McKenzie Wansing, Garden City, Mo., 7.63; 4. Skylar Southerland, Poolville, Texas, 7.9.

POLE BENDING FINAL: 1. Brooklyn Gunter, Sulpur, La., 19.821 seconds; 2. Rylee White, Neola, Utah, 19.824; 3. Payton Feyder, Lamoille, Nev., 19.834; 4. Kathryn Todd, Tuttle, Okla., 20.023. • POLE BENDING AVERAGE: 1. Brooklyn Gunter, Sulpur, La., 59.544 seconds; 2.

Rylee White, Neola, Utah, 60.115; 3. Payton Feyder, Lamoille, Nev., 60.125; 4. Mikayla Almond, Olin, N.C., 60.381.

BAREBACK RIDING FINAL: 1. Jess Pope, Garnett, Kan., 80 points; 2. Shawn Perkins, Roberts, Mt., 75; 3. Daylon Swearingen, Piffard, N.Y., 73; 4. Troy Kirkpatrick, Wise River, Mt., 72. • BAREBACK AVERAGE: 1. Jess Pope, Garnett, Kan., 222 points; 2. Daylon Swearingen, Piffard, N.Y., 216; 2. Hunter Carlson, Douglas, Wyo., 216; 4. Lane McGehee, Victoria, Texas, 213.

TEAM ROPING FINAL: 1. Marcos Martinez, Tucson, Arizona, John Gaona, Jr., Winkelman, Arizona,5.16 seconds; 2. Kellan Johnson, Casper, Wyoming, Carson Johnson, Casper, Wyoming, 5.35; 3. Chazlin LeSueur, San Acacia, N.M., Jake South, Datil, N.M., 9.15; 4. Caleb Butler, Decatur, Texas, Weston Podzemny, Bridgeport, Texas, 10.99. • TEAM ROPING AVERAGE: 1. Marcos Martinez, Tucson, Ariz., John Gaona, Jr., Winkelman, Ariz.,17.08 seconds; 2. Kellan Johnson, Casper, Wyo., Carson Johnson, Casper, Wyo., 18.13; 3. Caleb Butler, Decatur, Texas, Weston Podzemny, Bridgeport, Texas, 24.13; 4. Stran Morris, Woodward, Oklahoma, Jessen James, Moyers, Oklahoma, 32.84.

TIE­DOWN ROPING FINAL: 1. Jobe Johns, Lake Placid, Fla., 8.92 seconds; 2. Kal Fuller, Bozeman, Mt., 9.22; 3. Wyatt Williams, Glenns Ferry, Idaho, 9.63; 4. Luke Potter, Maple City, Kan., 10.1. • TIE­DOWN AVERAGE: 1. Wyatt Williams, Glenns Ferry, Idaho, 29.79 seconds; 2.

Jobe Johns, Lake Placid, Fla., 30.84; 3. David Holt, Byhalia, Miss., 30.92; 4. Luke Potter, Maple City, Kan., 32.18.

SADDLE BRONC FINAL: 1. Sage Newman, Melstone, Mt., 83 points; 2. Ryder Wright, Milford, Utah, 82; 3. Colt Gordon, Comanche, Okla., 78; 4. Chance Barrass, Yellowhead County, Alberta, Can., 70. • SADDLE BRONC AVERAGE: 1. Sage Newman, Melstone, Mt., 239 points; 2.

Ryder Wright, Milford, Utah, 236; 3. Colt Gordon, Comanche, Okla., 228; 4. Calvin Shaffer, Elgin, Ore., 186.

18 • THE ROPING PEN • SEPTEMBER 2016

BOYS’ AQHA HORSE OF THE YEAR: 1. COMMAND A FAST “BUZZ”, Wyatt Williams, Idaho, 570 points; 2. REY LITTLE, Zack Jongbloed, La., 410; 3. SPOON LADUAL, Judd Grover, Iowa, 400; NT PEPP TRI X, Cody Stubbs, Ala.,70.

GIRLS’ AQHA HORSE OF THE YEAR: 1. SENORITA SPOON, Kadee Hall, Okla., 755 points; 2. VF STONED EYES, Karson Bradley, Wyo., 545; 3. HAIDAS STREAKIN, Jayde Atkins, Neb., 460; 4. TS FOXY LADY DASH, Emilee Pauley, S.D., 295.

hed CrownMarks the End of the

hool Finals Rodeo • 2016

OS COURTESY OF ACENTRIC PHOTO/VIDEO & NHSRA

Harkins placed first in the queen contest with 200 points between the Horsemanship, Modeling and Speeches, Impromptu Questions and Private Interview contests. Washington’s Molly Gray came in second with 190 points.

Contestants had given us their all that week, and the last night, they gave even more. Some went home with buckles and trophy saddles, some went home empty handed. However, empty handed or not, every single one went home with long­lasting memories and strengthened passions for the western way of life.

The National High School Rodeo Association facilitates the first and second largest rodeos in the world: National High School Finals Rodeo and National Junior High Finals Rodeo, respectively. This organization allows Canadian, Australian and American youth to participate in the great sport of rodeo throughout the year. The organization was founded in 1949, in response to a dream of Founder Claude Mullins to keep western heritage alive through roping, riding and mentorship.

Martinez & Goana

Kaytlyn Miller

Sage Newman

Ryan Gotreaux

Sarah Angelone

BULL RIDING FINAL: 1. Judd Hebert, Egan, La., 84 points; 2. Keyshawn Whitehorse, The Woodlands, Texas, 79; 3. Parker McCown, Montgomery, Texas, 74; 4. Levi Gray, Dairy, Oregon., 60. • BULL RIDING AVERAGE: 1. Judd Hebert, Egan, La., 243 points; 2. Levi Gray, Dairy, Ore., 207; JessLockwood,Volborg,Mt.,167; 4.GavinMichel,Nixa,Mo.,157.

BARREL RACING FINAL: 1. Sadie Leyba, Ely, Nev., 17.054 seconds; 2. Karson Bradley, Big Piney, Wyo., 17.06; 3. Alex Odle, Brush, Colo., 17.216; 4. Makaela Memmott, Central Point, Ore., 17.25. • BARREL RACING AVERAGE: 1. Alex Odle, Brush, Colo., 51.681 seconds; 2. Sadie Leyba, Ely, Nev., 51.829; 2. Karson Bradley, Big Piney, Wyo., 51.829; 4. Makaela Memmott, Central Point, Ore., 52.195.

Wyatt Williams

ALL AROUND ROOKIE COWBOY: 1. JC Mortensen, Paulden, Arizona., 135 points; 2. Jade Taton, Kersey, Coloradi., 90 points; 3. Cody Stubbs, Odenville, Alabama, 70 points; 4. Ross Barnett, Poplarville, Mississippi, 50 points.

ALL AROUND ROOKIE COWGIRL: 1­2. Julianne Montero, Winnemucca, Nevada, 750 points; 1­2. Rylee White, Neola, Utah, 750 points; 3. Bailey Rose Fullmer, Las Vegas, Nevada., 340 points; 4. Alli Masters, Leon, Iowa, 560 points.

ALL AROUND COWBOY: 1. Colt Papy, Ocala, Fla., 590 points; 2. Garrett Jacobs, Lemitar, N.M., 580; 3. Zack Jongbloed, Iowa, La., 560; 4. Braydon Wellby, Townsville, AU, 470.

GIRLS’ CUTTING FINAL: 1. Taylor Strohl, Clovis, California, 149 points; 2. Kelby Moore, Edmond, Oklahoma, 147 points; 3. Kadee Hall, Comanche, Oklahoma, 145.5 points; 4.

Kaitlyn Andersen, Salinas, California, 144 points; 4. Tristan Bowen, Brenham, Texas, 144 points. • GIRLS’ CUTTING AVERAGE: 1. Kadee Hall, Comanche, Oklahoma, 441.5 points; 2. Kaitlyn Andersen, Salinas, California, 438 points; 3. Taylor Strohl, Clovis, California, 437 points; 4. Tristan Bowen, Brenham, Texas, 434 points.

ALL AROUND COWGIRL: 1. Jayde Atkins, Broken Bow, Neb., 1250 points; 2. Kaytlyn Miller, Dammeron Valley, Utah, 950; 3. Alex Odle, Brush, Colo., 840; 4­5. Julianne Montero, Winnemucca, Nev., 750; 4­5. Rylee White, Neola, Utah, 750.

BOYS’ CUTTING FINAL: 1. Tyler Nicholson, Melba, Idaho, 148 points; 2. Buster Mendenhall, Jr., Edmond, Okla., 145; 2. Lochlan Christianson, Nanton, Alberta, Can., 145; 2.

Dawson Zaharias, Bluffdale, Utah, 145. • BOYS’ CUTTING AVERAGE: 1. Buster Mendenhall, Jr., Edmond, Okla., 437 points; 2. Samray Hooper, Andrews, Texas, 435; 2. West Henderson, Orange Grove, Texas, 435; 4. Brody Woods, Vernal, Utah, 434; 4. Lochlan Christianson, Nanton, Alberta, Can., 434.

BOYS’ TEAM STANDINGS: 1. TEXAS, 6,161.66 points; 2. OKLAHOMA, 4,630.00; 3. UTAH, 4,565.00; 4. IDAHO, 4,058.33.

QUEEN CONTEST: 1. Opal Harkins, Billings, Mt., 200 points; 2. Mollee Gray, Liberty Lake, Wash., 190 points; 3. Emma Cameron, Santa Fe, N.M., 180 points; 4. McKinley Drake, St. George, Utah, 170 points.

GIRLS’ TEAM STANDINGS: 1. UTAH, 3,420.00 points; 2. NEBRASKA, 3,130.00; 3. CALIFORNIA, 3,015.00; 4. OKLAHOMA, 2,945.00.

AVERAGE TEAM STANDINGS: 1. TEXAS, 8,641.66 points; 2. UTAH, 7,985.00; 3. OKLAHOMA, 7,575.00; 4. WYOMING, 5,535.00.

A COMPLETE LIST OF RESULTS CAN BE FOUND AT

www.nhsra.com/2016­nhsfr­performance­results THE MAGAZINE FOR AMERICA’S ROPER • 19

Championships ALABAMA

MONTGOMERY, AL • JULY 22-24, 2016 WO CRAWFORD/GARRET COLISEUM • PRODUCED BY ED ALLEN • STORY BY BEN CLEMENTS • PHOTOS BY C BAR C PHOTOGRAPHY

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labama is a great place to get in a little team roping action. Ed Allen & his crew produce the Alabama Championships at the WO Crawford/ Garret Coliseum Arena in Montgomery.. The event was held July 22-24, 2016 & welcomed team ropers from across the southeast. ​Ross Lowry from Summerville, Ga & Zack Mabry from Piedmont, Al teamed up to win the avg of the Open Div with a time of 42.79 sec on 5 steers. They won $1200 for their #10 GOLD PLUS CHAMPS • 45.94 • $5,280 BROTHER CAMPBELL (FRANKLIN, TN) efforts. Second place went to Jerritt SCOTT SEILER (OCALA, FL) Varner from Lucedale, Ms & Cody Murphy from Greenville, Al. They also won the incentive average. ​In the #15 Div Jerritt Varner & Michael Bratton partnered up to win the avg. They were 27.04 sec on 4 steers & earned $2510, trophy Gist knives, & $6000 in USTRC Flex #11 CHAMPS • 34.95, $4,540 Earnings. Second place was Kaston TIM PHARR (RESACA, GA) Peavy & Jason Stewart Garcia & RILEY KITTLE (WOODLAND, AL) 3rd place was Garrett McDonald & Michael Bratton. ​Joel Colgrove from Boligee, Al & Dusty Warner from Louisville, Ms were the winners of the #13 Div. They finished the roping with a time of 28.54 sec on 4 steers. Colgrove & Warner won $4100, trophy #12 CHAMPS • 29.06, $3,110 Gist knives, & $6000 in USTRC Flex T J ALLEN (DADEVILLE, AL) Earnings. Second place went to BRADLEY MASSEY (PERRY, FL) Chad Applegate from Baldwyn, Ms & Michael Bratton from Phenix City, Al. Third place was Riley Kittle & Zack Mabry. ​In the #12 Div, the winners of the avg were TJ Allen from Dadeville, Al & Bradley Massey from Perry, Fl. The dynamic duo roped 4 steers in 29.06 sec & won $3110, trophy Gist knives, #15 CHAMPS • 27.04, $2,510 JERRITT VARNER (LUCEDALE, MS) & $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings.

MICHAEL BRATTON (PHENIX CITY, AL) Levi Ladner from Kiln, Ms teamed up with Desmond Ladner from Perkinston, Ms to win 2nd in the avg. Third place was Riley Kittle & Cody Warner. The incentive winners were Vic Shaw & Logan McNeill. ​The team roping action really heated up in the #12 Gold Plus #9 CHAMPS • 30.96, $7,000 Div. Chad Applegate & Jason Myrick RILEY KITTLE (WOODLAND, AL) were the avg champions with a time KYLE WARE (HENAGAR, AL) of 33.45 sec on 4 steers. The win paid them $3960 & $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Second place in the roping was Bob Herrington & Ed Allen & 3rd was Zak Dobbins & Dennis Moore.

Dustin Reid & Marty McElyea won the incentive average.

20 • THE ROPING PEN • SEPTEMBER 2016

​Tim Pharr from Resaca, Ga & Riley Kittle from Woodland, Al teamed up to win the avg of the #11 Div. They were 34.95 sec on 4 & took home $4540, trophy Martin saddles & $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Second place went to Colton Allen from Dadeville, Al & Bradley Massey from Perry, Fl. Third place was Mike Sibley & Jeff Peterman. Kenon Smith from Boaz, Al & Jason Smith Horton, Al finished 1st place in the incentive average. #10 CHAMPS • 33.33, $5,880 JACKSON GREEN (ROANOKE, AL) ​The team of Jackson Green from ED ALLEN (DADEVILLE, AL) Roanoke, Al & Ed Allen were the winners of the #10 Div. They were 33.33 sec on 4 steers & they won $5880, trophy Martin saddles & $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Second place went to Keith Bentley from Rose Hill, Ms & Colton Allen.

Third place in the roping was TJ #12 GOLD PLUS CHAMPS • 33.45, $3,960 Allen & Paul Phillips. Marc Koehn CHAD APPLEGATE (BALDWYN, MS) from Macon, Ms & Jacob Brewer JASON MYRICK (FLORENCE, AL) from Olive Branch, Ms teamed up to win 1st place in the incentive avg.

Brother Campbell from Franklin, Tn & Scott Seiler from Ocala, Fl teamed up to win 1st place in the avg of the #10 Gold Plus Div. They were 45.94 sec on 4 steers to win $5280 & $6000 in USTRC Flex Earn#13 CHAMPS • 28.54, $4,100 ings. Second place in the main avg JOEL COLGROVE (BOLIGEE, AL) was Justin Martin from Pelzer, SC & DUSTY WARNER (LOUISVILLE, MS) Dillon Lawless from Fountain Inn, SC. Jim Yance from Loxley, Al & Scott Seiler finished in 3rd place. Mike Bratton & Kyle Ware won the incentive average. ​The winners of the #9 Div were Riley Kittle & Kyle Ware. They were 30.96 sec on 4 steers & took home $7000, trophy Martin saddles & #8 CHAMPS • 27.00, $5,460 CLAY CHAPMAN (COVINGTON, GA) $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. SecED HOFFMAN (HARTFORD, AL) ond place in the roping went to Rodney Nelson & Cole Harmon, while 3rd place went to Chad Childers & Trey Miller. Shanon Travis & Jimmy LaDale White were the incentive champions. ​The final roping of the Al Championships was the #8 Pick/Draw. Clay OPEN CHAMPS • 42.79 • $1,200 Chapman from Covington, Ga & Ed ROSS LOWRY (SUMMERVILLE, GA) Hoffman from Hartford, Al teamed ZACK MABRY (PIEDMONT, AL) up to win 1st place with a time of 27.00 sec on three steers. They won $5460, trophy Gist buckles & $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Second place was William Reynolds & Kaden Miller. The 3rd place team was Cody Graham & Ed Hoffman.

THE MAGAZINE FOR AMERICA’S ROPER • 21

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THE MAGAZINE FOR AMERICA’S ROPER • 25

JR RODEO, HERE WE COME...

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e are preparing to start Hali’s junior rodeo career with the first meet and greet rodeo at the Tin Top Arena in Orange, TX. This is a whole new world for us and we’ll have to see how it all works. She will be competing in team roping, barrels, poles, breakaway and goat tying. Since we rope all the time, we will work at the other events and try and get it figured out.

Having my kids rope as much as they do, especially while I’m teaching private lessons, is incredibly handy. They are able to do drills and demonstrate how to break it down. The other day I had two young boys from Priefert come down for a couple of days. I had the kids compete against each other and it’s just amazing how quickly kids adapt.

They were able to get faster and faster. The boys would beat Hali and then she would beat them. I was very impressed with how gritty they were when faced with the challenge of winning.

I am a huge fan of putting students in pressure situations. I want to create the nervousness, the pressure, and get their adrenalin pumping in the practice pen.

26 • THE ROPING PEN • SEPTEMBER 2016

I’ve done this all my life in order to prepare for competition.

Creating ways to get nervous and put pressure on yourself at home can save you driving three or four hours just to have your heart race causing you to lose focus.

You have to be able to simulate nerves and your heart racing.

You have to prepare yourself before you compete so you’re able to breath and concentrate. When you hold your breath and quit breathing, your muscles don’t function correctly.

Create a scenario in the practice pen where you get more out of practicing than just roping steers. Create an atmosphere where your children are being challenged. Maybe they need to be 11 to “win the roping.” I’m a big fan of heckling in the practice pen. If they win, maybe they get to pick where we eat dinner. If they don’t win, maybe they have an extra chore. Create scenarios where your child gains or loses something as a result of their performance. Sometimes the parents will have to give up something.

WHAT’S NEW WITH ME: At the last two ERA rodeos, Rich and I made four 4-second runs. I’m feeling much better about my roping and having a seasoned horse. I’m looking forward to getting to Dallas and trying to make consistent runs in the low 3-second range.

If you have kids that rope, be sure and visit speedroping.com to check out the learning curves we will experience at the junior rodeos. I’m sure there will be some good and not so good things discussed. We now have over 3,000 videos online and available for viewing.

THE MAGAZINE FOR AMERICA’S ROPER • 27

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All photos provided by AHSRA ~ Team photo by Acentric Photo/Video

THE MAGAZINE FOR AMERICA’S ROPER • 29

Mid Atlantic Classic AUG 5 – 7, 2016 • CASH PAYOUT - $75,716

H&H INDOOR ARENA • TAYLORSVILLE, NC • PHOTOS BY C BAR C PHOTOGRAPHY #13 SLIDE AVERAGE: 1. Coleman Simmons (Wirtz, VA) / Daniel Raynor (Four Oaks, NC), 34.15, $1,460; 2. Brian Barefoot (Dunn, NC) / William McCraw (East Bend, NC), 38.3, $970 #12 AVERAGE: 1. Zack Toberer (Mount Ulla, NC) / Walter Graham (Cleveland, NC), 34.44, $2,270; 2. Brian Barefoot (Dunn, NC) / Daniel Raynor (Four Oaks, NC), 35.38, $1,360; 3.

Josh LeMaster (Gaffney, SC) / Clint Humphries (Lincolnton, NC), 35.58, $910 #10 GOLD PLUS CHAMPIONS DALE SIMMONS (WIRTZ, VA) TRAVIS BROWN (WIRTZ, VA)

#12 GOLD PLUS CHAMPIONS BRIAN BAREFOOT (DUNN, NC) WALTER GRAHAM (CLEVELAND, NC)

#12 GOLD PLUS AVERAGE: 1. Brian Barefoot (Dunn, NC) / Walter Graham (Cleveland, NC), 36.62, $2,110; 2. Derrick Bass (Statesville, NC) / Guy Graden (Jacksonville, FL), 41.49, $1,400 #11 AVERAGE: 1. Zack Toberer (Mount Ulla, NC) / Cory Honeycutt (Clemmons, NC), 35.99, $3,060; 2. Brent Carlton (Mocksville, NC) / Colby Herman (Taylorsville, NC), 40.1, $2,300; 3. Derrick Bass (Statesville, NC) / Guy Graden (Jacksonville, FL), 40.4, $1,530; 4. Derrick Bell (Harmony, NC) / Guy Graden (Jacksonville, FL), 41.36, $760

#12 CHAMPIONS ZACK TOBERER (MOUNT ULLA, NC) WALTER GRAHAM (CLEVELAND, NC)

#13 SLIDE CHAMPIONS COLEMAN SIMMONS (WIRTZ, VA) DANIEL RAYNOR (FOUR OAKS, NC)

#10 AVERAGE: 1. David Lewis (Mount Ulla, NC) / Charles Shook (Leicester, NC), 40.97, $4,070; 2. David Lewis (Mount Ulla, NC) / Ryan Lee (Edgemoor, SC), 42.75, $3,060; 3. Kevin Colvard (Crumpler, NC) / Tommy Allison (Mooresboro, NC), 44.05, $2,040; 4. Derrick Bell (Harmony, NC) / Anthony Armstrong (Salisbury, NC), 44.77, $1,020 #10 GOLD PLUS AVERAGE: 1. Dale Simmons (Wirtz, VA) / Travis Brown (Wirtz, VA), 36.13, $3,320; 2. David Lewis (Mount Ulla, NC) / Charles Shook (Leicester, NC), 42.79, $2,490; 3.

Derrick Bass (Statesville, NC) / Rick Rogers (Newton, NC), 45.36, $1,660; 4. Jeremy Rector (Pelzer, SC) / Jamie Rector (Pelzer, SC), 55.65, $830

#10 CHAMPIONS DAVID LEWIS (MOUNT ULLA, NC) CHARLES SHOOK (LEICESTER, NC)

#8 PICKDRAW CHAMPIONS JIM YANCE (LOXLEY, AL) JACOB JOHNSON (ROCKY MOUNT, VA)

#11 CHAMPIONS ZACK TOBERER (MOUNT ULLA, NC) CORY HONEYCUTT (CLEMMONS, NC)

#9 CHAMPIONS SHELDON WALKER (FOREST CITY, NC) JOBY COLE GARRISON (FOUNTAIN INN, SC)

30 • THE ROPING PEN • SEPTEMBER 2016

#9 AVERAGE: 1. Sheldon Walker (Forest City, NC) / Joby Cole Garrison (Fountain Inn, SC), 40.19, $5,330; 2. Trey Herman (Taylorsville, NC) / Clayton Wright (Taylorsville, NC), 46.74, $3,560; 3. Michael Clemmer (Lincolnton, NC) / Rex Parker (Lincolnton, NC), 50.24, $2,810; 4. John Johnson (Piney Flats, TN) / Zack Toberer (Mount Ulla, NC), 51.09, $2,080; 5.

Sebrina Lyman (Cherryville, NC) / Jason Reed (Morganton, NC), 52.83, $1,040; 6. Brent Carlton (Mocksville, NC) / Rhys Parker (Lowgap, NC), 54.28, $480; 7. Cole Futrell (Union Grove, NC) / Bo Stikeleather (Cleveland, NC), 54.77, $480 #8 PICKDRAW AVERAGE: 1. Jim Yance (Loxley, AL) / Jacob Johnson (Rocky Mount, VA), 39.07, $3,820; 2. Trey Herman (Taylorsville, NC) / Janna D Carlton (Mocksville, NC), 43.13, $2,540; 3. Paul Plume (Big Pool, MD) / Joe Lietuvnikas (Clearspring, MD), 46.08, $2,020; 4. Chad Maynor (Hickory, NC) / Luke LeMaster (Gaffney, SC), 46.76, $1,480; 5. Eli Colvard (Crumpler, NC) / Mattie Colvard (Crumpler, NC), 15.48, $740

31

BRONCS JR BK AWAY WR BK AWAY ROPING 1 KENNETH GLICK 350.20 1 MCKENZIE BROWN 426.70 1 COLBY YARBOROUGH 346.80 2 DAKOTA COLLYER 176.80 2 OLIVIA DOVE 255.00 2 WESS HAWKINS 95.20 3 COLE WILLIAMS 71.40 3 ETHAN LOMBARDO 219.30 3 BRYCE STOCKMAN 85.00 4=5 JESSE BERNHARDT 40.80 4 GEORGIA CAROLINE KAY 176.80 4=5 CHASE DYAL 40.80 5 MACAYLA CARR 161.50 WR GOAT TYING 6 SPENCER TIMMS 103.70 1 WESS HAWKINS 572.90 CALF ROPING 7 ABBI CLINCSCALES 79.90 2 COLBY YARBOROUGH 368.90 1 JACOB MCGINN 268.60 8 DAVIS SEWELL 74.80 3 DALTON BOYTER 290.70 2 TYLER WILLIS 224.40 9 COURTNEY EUBANKS 66.30 4 MAYLEIGH CHAPMAN 163.20 3 EDDIE ROUNDS 180.20 5 BRYCE STOCKMAN 144.50 4 KENNETH GLICK 173.40 JR GOAT TYING 6 RILEY OWENS 81.60 5 CHASE DYAL 153.00 1 OLIVIA DOVE 595.00 7 MADYSEN BAKER 78.20 6 CALEB TREANKNER 85.00 2 JOSIE TROTTER 527.85 8 LEXI CLARK 45.90 7 BENNETT DOVE 81.60 3 MCKENZIE BROWN 319.77 9 CRAYTON BAGWELL 20.40 ALL Questions about 8 JACKSON RHYMER 23.80 4 ABBY FORCE 241.40 10 JOSIE HILL 17.00 5 SALLY Points POTEAT should be164.90 Addressed to 136.00 WR BARREL RACING 6 MADDIE PER TEAM ROPING-HEAD 7 GRACE BRYANT 91.80 1 COLBY YARBOROUGH 591.60 Rodeofyra@att.net 1 DAVIS SEWELL 282.20 8 GEORGIA CAROLINE KAY 70.72 2 WESS HAWKINS 569.50 2 CHASE DYAL 227.80 9 MACAYLA CARR 59.16 3 BRYCE STOCKMAN 311.10 3 BLAKE WATT 219.30 10 ALEIAH BREWER 40.80 4 AYDEN ROUNDS 239.70 4 JACOB MCGINN 137.70 11 MADISON KNIGHT 30.60 5 LEXI CLARK 108.80 5 EDDIE ROUNDS 108.80 6 MADYSEN BAKER 88.40 6 JULIANNE SLOAN 74.80 JR BARREL RACING 7 SYDNIE DEASON 62.90 7 TYLER WILLIS 61.20 1 SPENCER TIMMS 910.69 8 SAVANNAH CASTON 51.00 8 BENNETT DOVE 40.80 2 GEORGIA CAROLINE KAY 420.75 9 MCKENZIE BROWN 30.60 3 SALLY POTEAT 413.10 WR POLE BENDING 10 PT STYLES 23.80 4 ETHAN LOMBARDO 301.41 1 WESS HAWKINS 440.30 5 MCKENZIE BROWN 266.73 2 MADYSEN BAKER 409.70 TEAM ROPING-HEEL 6 COURTNEY EUBANKS 239.53 3 COLBY YARBOROUGH 357.00 1 BLAKE WATT 295.80 7 AMBER MASSEY 204.85 4 SAVANNAH CASTON 153.00 2 JACOB MCGINN 239.70 8 OLIVIA DOVE 203.15 5 SYDNIE DEASON 147.90 3 KENNETH GLICK 161.50 9 ALEIAH BREWER 163.88 6 AYDEN ROUNDS 64.60 4 CHASE DYAL 154.70 10 REBECCA MCCLINTON 136.17 7 BRYCE STOCKMAN 56.10 5 DAVIS SEWELL 127.50 11 MADISON PER 128.69 8 TAYLOR CULTON 34.00 6 SPENCER TUCKER 119.00 12 MACAYLA CARR 49.96 9 DANNI SPIRES 20.40 7 JULIANNE SLOAN 68.00 13 RILEY SUTHERLAND 47.60 8 SPENCER TIMMS 51.00 14 ABBY FORCE 32.13 WR BULL RIDING 9 EDDIE ROUNDS 40.80 1 AUSTIN ASHLEY 193.80 10 BENNETT DOVE 34.00 JR POLE BENDING 2 WALKER CROWE 182.20 1 ETHAN LOMBARDO 648.38 3 TYLER TROTTER 51.00 STEER WRESTLING 2 RILEY SUTHERLAND 518.50 4 ZACH MCCUEN 34.00 1 EDDIE ROUNDS 238.00 3 MADISON PER 252.79 2 TYLER WILLIS 51.00 4 REBECCA MCCLINTON 241.74 PW GOAT DOGGIN’ 5 OLIVIA DOVE 207.06 1 TRINITY COOKE 408.00 6=7MCKENZIE BROWN 165.58 2 BRISTOL NORRIS 260.10 BOYS GOAT TYING 6=7COURTNEY EUBANKS 165.58 3 LUKE GUY 125.80 1 ETHAN LOMBARDO 204.00 8 GEORGIA CAROLINE KAY 144.50 4 ETHAN HUMPHRIES 105.40 2 EDDIE ROUNDS 85.00 9 ABI CLINCSCALES 114.58 5 BROCK BURTON 102.00 10 AMBER MASSEY 84.15 6 BRYCE COBB 85.00 SR BREAKAWAY 11 ALEIAH BREWER 61.20 7 JACOB FIX 35.70 1 LEAH BLANTON 328.10 12 JAYSMINE ASHLEY 48.62 8 ELI O’SHIELDS 27.20 2 MONICA HARMON 173.40 13 GRACE BRYANT 36.72 9 BRENNAN LOUK 23.80 3 KYRA LOMBARDO 127.50 14 SPENCER TIMMS 30.60 4 GRACE MOORE 122.40 PW GOAT TYING 5 KYLIE CLARK 91.80 JR CHUTE DOGGIN’ 1 TRINITY COOKE 596.70 6 DARBY MCJUNKIN 76.50 1 PT STYLES 414.80 2 BRISTOL NORRIS 324.70 7 CHEYENNE DOUGLAS 66.30 2 CHRIS CARTWRIGHT 95.20 3 ETHAN HUMPHRIES 159.80 8 HANNAH GRACE HARMON 61.20 4 ANNA TAYLOR 122.40 9=10 ISABELLA HART 23.80 JR BULL RIDING 5 GABBIE METTA 47.60 9=10 EMERY THOMAS 23.80 1 ETHAN LOMBARDO 227.80 6 EVA PEELER 40.80 2 JAMES COLE 146.20 7 BROCK BURTON 27.20 SR GOAT TYING 3 CLARY SPIRES 34.00 8 COLTON HILL 23.80 1 GRACE MOORE 287.30 2 AMBER TATHAM 239.70 PW BARREL RACING 3 KYRA LOMBARDO 219.30 PW GIRLS ALL AROUND 1 BRISTOL NORRIS 605.20 4 MONICA HARMON 195.50 1 TRINITY COOKE 1689.80 2 TRINITY COOKE 297.50 5 CHANLER BURGESS 112.20 2 BRISTOL NORRIS 1480.00 3 ALLY FARR 147.90 6 MAGGIE WIRCHBALL 105.40 3 GABBIE METTA 533.80 4 GABBIE METTA 129.20 7 LEAH BLANTON 95.20 4 ALLY FARR 234.60 5 BROCK BURTON 61.20 8 CHEYENNE DOUGLAS 78.20 5 EVA PEELER 64.60 6 ABBY RAE STOCKMAN 27.20 9 NIKKI PRICE 54.40 7 COLTON HILL 23.80 10 EMERY THOMAS 40.80 PW BOYS ALL AROUND 8 ETHAN HUMPHRIES 17.00 11 ISABELLA HART 34.00 1 ETHAN HUMPHRIES 306.00 2 BROCK BURTON 190.40 PW POLE BENDING SR BARREL RACING 3 COLTON HILL 68.00 1 TRINITY COOKE 387.60 1 MAGGIE WIRCHBALL 396.10 2 GABBIE METTA 357.00 2 MONICA HARMON 391.85 WR GIRLS ALL AROUND 3 BRISTOL NORRIS 290.00 3 HANNAH GRACE HARMON 346.46 1 MADYSEN BAKER 576.30 4 ALLY FARR 86.70 4 LEAH BLANTON 328.61 2 SYDNIE DEASON 210.80 5=6 ETHAN HUMPHRIES 23.80 5 JESSICA BURGESS 312.63 3 SAVANNAH CASTON 204.00 5=6 EVA PEELER 23.80 6 CHANLER BURGESS 306.85 4 LEXI CLARK 154.70 7 COLTON HILL 20.40 7 DARBY MCJUNKIN 210.46 8 EMERY THOMAS 141.10 WR BOYS ALL AROUND STOCK BUSTIN’ 9 AMBER TATHAM 66.30 1 WESS HAWKINS 1677.90 ABBY RAE STOCKMAN 8 10 BAILEY CURTICE 51.00 2 COLBY YARBOROUGH 1664.30 ABEL EPLEY 4 11 ABBY MCCRAW 32.64 3 BRYCE STOCKMAN 596.70 ALEXANDRIA BURTON 1 12 AMANDA STEPHENSON 23.80 4 AYDEN ROUNDS 304.30 ALLY FARR 7 13 CHEYENNE DOUGLAS 20.40 ALYSSA HOPPER 10 ANNA TAYLOR 8 SR POLES JR GIRLS ALL AROUND BRAYDEN MOSIER 10 1 MAGGIE WIRCHBALL 445.40 1 OLIVIA DOVE 1260.21 BRENNAN LOUK 4 2 MONICA HARMON 261.80 2 MCKENZIE BROWN 1209.38 BRISTOL NORRIS 10 3 CHANLER BURGESS 215.90 3 GEORGIA CAROLINE KAY 812.77 BROCK BURTON 7 4 HANNAH GRACE HARMON 156.40 4 SALLY POTEAT 578.00 BROOKLYN NORRIS 8 5 EMERY THOMAS 130.90 5 RILEY SUTHERLAND 566.10 BRYCE COBB 6 6 LEAH BLANTON 127.50 6 MADDIE PER 517.48 COLTON HILL 8 7 CHEYENNE DOUGLAS 122.40 7 COURTNEY EUBANKS 471.41 ELI O’SHIELDS 1 8 AMBER TATHAM 102.00 8 REBECCA MCCLINTON 377.91 ETHEN MCGAHEE 5 9 JESSICA BURGESS 68.00 9 AMBER MASSEY 289.00 JACOB FIX 7 10 CEARAH JONES 51.00 10 ABBY FORCE 273.53 JASPER PEELE 6 11 ASHTON WILLIS 44.20 11 MCCAYLA CARR 270.62 KIMBER VICKERS 6 12 GRACE MOORE 22.10 12 ALEIAH BREWER 265.88 RAYNA TAYLOR 10 13 MCKENZIE TURNER 17.00 13 ABBI CLINCSCALES 194.48 SARAH MIRANDA 8 14 GRACE BRYANT 128.52 SETH MCCUEN 8 TEALLY REIN GRAY 2 SR CHUTE DOGGIN' JR BOYS ALL AROUND WILDER BROWN 2 1 CHASE DYAL 396.10 1 ETHAN LOMBARDO 1600.89 WYATT PARKER 2 2 DAKOTA COLLYER 205.70 2 SPENCER TIMMS 1095.99 STEVEN PARKER 2 3 EDDIE ROUNDS 202.30 3 DAVIS SEWELL 484.50 EVA PEELER 2 4 KENNETH GLICK 163.20 4 PT STYLES 438.60 MILES JONES 2 5 BENNETT DOVE 91.80 6 TYLER ADAMS 81.60 SR GIRLS ALL AROUND 7 JACOB MCGINN 54.40 1 MONICA HARMON 1022.55 ALL Questions about 8 CALEB TRAENKNER 45.90 2 MAGGIE WIRCHBALL 946.90 Points should be 3 LEAH BLANTON 879.41 Addressed to SR BULL RIDING 4 CHANLER BURGESS 634.95 rodeofyra@att.net 1 BLAKE FARLEY 493.00 5 HANNAH GRACE HARMON 564.06 2 DAKOTA COLLYER 221.00 6 GRACE MOORE 431.80 3 JACOB ASHLEY 153.00 7 AMBER TATHAM 408.00 4 DUSTIN BLACKWELL 68.00 8 JESSICA BURGESS 380.63 9 KYRA LOMBARDO 346.80 SR BOYS ALL AROUND 10 EMERY THOMAS 336.60 1 CHASE DYAL 972.40 11 CHEYENNE DOUGLAS 287.30 2 EDDIE ROUNDS 855.10 12 DARBY MCJUNKIN 286.96 3 KENNETH GLICK 848.30 13 JULIANNE SLOAN 142.80 4 JACOB MCGINN 700.40 5 DAKOTA COLLYER 603.50 6 BLAKE WATT 515.10 POINT STANDINGS 7 TYLER WILLIS 336.60 AS OF 8 BENNETT DOVE 248.20 7/31/16 9 CALEB TRAENKNER 130.90

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••• UPCOMING RODEOS ••• All Entries must be call-Ins on the Mon prior to the rodeo 7-10, pm • Jr/Sr @ 864-906-0698 • PeeWee/Wrangler @ 864-680-8170 • Late Call-ins – See RULEBOOK!

Sept 3: J/S 10am & P/W 7pm • Sept 4: P/W 10am & J/S 3pm • Sugar Ridge Arena • 481 Sugar Ridge Rd. • Inman, SC FINALS: OCT 28-30 • doublejbarrelhorses.com • Double J Arena • 501 Lockaby Rd • Pendleton, SC

32 • THE ROPING PEN • SEPTEMBER 2016

PHOTOS COURTESY OF FYRA & DONNA FARMER

THE MAGAZINE FOR AMERICA’S ROPER • 33

The Patriot Elite honors

2016 PATRIOT #11 CHAMPIONS

BOBBY DOYLE & HARVEY MCDANIEL CASH PAYOUT $76,000 #11 TOTAL PAYOUT - $241,600

T

he 2016 #11 Patriot Finale paid out a total of $241,600 in cash. Eleven teams cashed in on the big money in the Average as well as six more in the consolation rounds and six in the rounds, but only one team surfaced to the top to collect the big check of the day. Header, Bobby Doyle from Leesville, Louisiana and heeler, Harvey McDaniel from Deville, Louisiana roped like they have for years together and it finally paid off with the championship. The duo won $76,000 after roping four head in a smooth 31.67 seconds.

“We are cousins and have been roping together since we were 16 years old,” said McDaniel. “I’ll turn 50 next year so it has been a long time and this is the most money we have ever won.”

McDaniel said that Doyle is currently in Afghanistan, but is looking forward to roping with him when he returns.

“In November when he (Doyle) gets back we will be roping a lot,” added McDaniel. “We will for sure be going back to The Patriot.”

Even half a year later McDaniel was still excited about his win at the Patriot and the event itself.

“It was a real good roping,” he said. “Phillip (Murrah) did a great job flagging the event, the staff was good, the money was

great….. it was a top shelf event.”

The action of the event itself moves the Patriot ahead of many others. The display of taking the top contestants back to the short round filled with the fire and smoke sets the mood for excitement. For McDanile and Doyle that excitement flowed well after they clinched the championship.

“Doyle threw his hat and the heel horse I was riding was a little buggery. If that hat would have landed any closer he would have probably thrown me,” McDaniel said with a laugh.

“I told him what do you think you are a bull rider? He was excited and we had a great time.”

As the year winds down, there is less time for ropers to gather up the reins and set the dates for the 2017 Patriot event. The event next February will be in its third year and will continue to grow. Producer, Kevin Hall is energized by the number of teams already entered and looking forward to filling more of the divisions. Each class is capped at 75 teams allowing ropers better odds at winning big. Like Doyle and McDaniel, persistence paid off at last year’s event, winning the huge Patriot paycheck to start the year off. You can be sure they will be back to challenge the rest of the contestants again in 2017, all of whom will be chasing the dream of winning big!

BOBBY DOYLE LEESVILLE, LA

Photos courtesy of The Patriot

HARVEY McDANIEL DEVILLE, LA

34 • THE ROPING PEN • SEPTEMBER 2016

THE PATRIOT REPORT:

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • NEWS & UPDATES • • • • • • • • • • • • • • T he news is out, the Patriot, along with RFD TV’s The American, as well as the PBR have put together a package for 2017 that is going to rock the western sports world. The news throughout the industry is abuzz with the future of the event and the tremendous growth potential of this truly one-of-a-kind event! From the professionals and amateur rodeo contestants, fans of the sport and all those involved in the industry, The American will be a destination event no-one will want to miss!

Recent news has been announced about a 3-year contract between RFD TV’s The American and the PBR. Changes have been made to the largest one-day rodeo to make it a more attractive event and the PBR will continue to add to the appeal of the event with one of its largest events! The Patriot falls right in the middle of these, continuing to offer a variety of amateur events allowing everyone a chan ce to become involved in throughout the biggest rodeo week in Texas!

RFD TV’s The American has reformatted their event for next year. Instead of hosting the semi-finals the weekend before the featured event they will be hosted throughout the week starting on Wednesday leading up to the The American. As for the PBR, they will host their Iron Man competition in conjunction with the event in February. This has become one of the PBR’s featured events of the season and riding alongside the American allows both events to continue to progress.

Many in the industry have been holding their breath throughout the year as the rodeo has witnessed some changes in leadership and has not been in the for front of the news this year. This recent announcement can give a cause of relief for the many who tune in and watch or head to Dallas / Fort Worth to attend the event. With three years under its belt, the rodeo has a solid seat and the reformat is in many opinions a great move to securing that hold. This is really uncharted territory for any event as it combines the best in the world not only in the rodeo arena, but the bull

riding arena as well. Its unique format allows it to be the biggest cowboy destination where all of the big names of the sport mix it up in a great event that pays out like a slot machine. Over 2-million in cash and another 500,000 in prizes have been the benchmark of the event making it one of the biggest of the year. That is only the numbers of the rodeo. Kick in the PBR’s Iron Man competition and The Patriot and the week in Texas surpasses many others.

Although the rodeo and PBR partnership is headline news, The Patriot is not far behind. The new format and continued partnership has taken precedence for the 2017 event, but both The American and the PBR are looking forward to working with and including The Patriot in their future plans starting in 2018. What does that mean for the event this coming spring? Well to begin, the team roping, barrel racing, mounted shooting and Jr. roping events hosted under its umbrella will play out as they have the last two years, continuing to add to the numbers of contestants and payouts. The new format of the rodeo, moving the semifinals into the week will allow Patriot contestants more to do after each day’s event and the growth of the event will continue to include The Patriot and its own appeal of its followers.

“We are really looking forward to the event this year,” said Kevin Hall of the Patriot. “We, along with The American and the PBR are in uncharted waters bringing together everything from the amateurs to the professionals throughout the week. It will be a one-of-a-kind, prime-time event and we are excited to be a part of it.”

With a year of many unknowns in the rodeo industry that included the introduction of the ERA (Elite Rodeo Association) and its clash with the PRCA, RFD TV’s The American is making huge strides in making the rodeo a stand-out event.

It is sure to roll out the red carpet to the best contestants in the industry, but open the door for the thousands of rodeo spectators to head to Fort Worth and then on into Dallas for one of the biggest rodeo events of the year!

THE MAGAZINE FOR AMERICA’S ROPER • 35

UPCOMING PATRIOT QUALIFYING EVENTS DATES............... */**..CITY, STATE.............. PRODUCER..............................................................................EVENT SEP 3-5, 2016...............*.....TUNICA, MS........................USTRC................................................. SOUTHEAST REGIONAL FINALS/PATRIOT QUALIFIER TOUR SEP 3-5, 2016...............*.....LOVELAND, CO...................USTRC............................................. HIGH PLAINS REGIONAL FINALS /PATRIOT QUALIFIER TOUR SEPT 3-4, 2016............**....SAN ANTONIO, TX..............TULEY PRODUCTIONS...........................................................................PATRIOT QUALIFIER TOUR SEP 9-11, 2016.............*.....MULVANE, KS......................JEFF SMITH PRODUCTIONS................ KANSAS FALL CHAMPIONSHIPS /PATRIOT QUALIFIER TOUR SEP 16-18, 2016...........*.....PUEBLO, CO........................JEFF SMITH PRODUCTIONS.............. SOUTHERN COLORADO CLASSIC /PATRIOT QUALIFIER TOUR SEP 16-18, 2016...........*.....CARTHAGE, MO..................RTO PRODUCTIONS.................................... 4-STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS/PATRIOT QUALIFIER TOUR SEPT. 17-18, 2016........**....HAMILTON, TX....................TULEY PRODUCTIONS...........................................................................PATRIOT QUALIFIER TOUR SEPT 30-OCT 2, 2016....*.....KINDER, LA.........................STEVE JUDD......................................... COUSHATTA CHAMPIONSHIPS/PATRIOT QUALIFIER TOUR OCT 8-9, 2016..............*.....CANAL WINCHESTER, OH....STEVE RICKLY...............................................BUCKEYE FALL ROUNDUP/PATRIOT QUALIFIER TOUR OCT 8-9, 2016.............**....FORT SMITH, AR..................RTO PRODUCTIONS.............................................................................PATRIOT QUALIFIER TOUR OCT 8-9, 2016.............**....GRANDE ISLAND, NB..........Y HANGING J PRODUCTIONS..............................................................PATRIOT QUALIFIER TOUR OCT 21-29, 2016..........*.....GUTHRIE, OK......................JEFF SMITH PRODUCTIONS....GUTHRIE SHOOT OUT CHAMPIONSHIPS /PATRIOT QUALIFIER TOUR 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

+ 36 • THE ROPING PEN • SEPTEMBER 2016

** = PATRIOT QUALIFYING EVENT

=

THE MAGAZINE FOR AMERICA’S ROPER • 37

38 • THE ROPING PEN • SEPTEMBER 2016

THE MAGAZINE FOR AMERICA’S ROPER • 39

40 • THE ROPING PEN • SEPTEMBER 2016

THE MAGAZINE FOR AMERICA’S ROPER • 41

Spicer GrippM

HEREFORD, TX • AUGUST 4-7, 2016 • STORY BY STEPH

O

n Tuesday, August 2, 2016 a couple dozen members of the Herenough to earn one of the round checks, but her total time on three eford, Texas community gathered to hang banners at the Spicer calves was 12.91 seconds. Hope was in the lead with two ladies left Gripp Arena. All of them were volunteers, investing their time in their to rope. Hope then watched her friend, Lari Dee Guy, make a great home town. It was small town America at its finest. That sense of run. It was announced that Lari Dee broke the barrier, and Hope community which so many people want was the theme for the whole maintained the lead. Another incredible lady and champion, Jackie weekend.

Crawford, was high back. Unfortunately Jackie did not rope her final Over the next week every detail would be addressed. The effort calf and Hope Thompson was named the winner of the 2016 Lone involved in the production of the Spicer Gripp Memorial each year is Star Ropes Ladies Breakaway event at the Spicer Gripp Memorial. tremendous. Countless individuals work numerous hours to make Hope took home a check for $3,590 and a buckle made by Montana the atmosphere in all of Hereford welcoming and accommodating to all of the contestants and spectators at the event each year. The community does all of it in honor of their friend, Spicer Gripp; and with warm and friendly smiles they welcome everyone to celebrate with them.

The first event in the arena was the Panhandle Express Senior Steer Roping. Panhandle Express, a Hereford based company specializing in the transportation of bulk liquid and dry materials, sponsored this year’s Senior Steer Roping adding $2,500 making the total payout $12,400. After three full rounds, $3,031 of total payout went to the average winner, Marty Jones. Marty placed 2016 SPICER GRIPP BREAKAWAY 2016 SPICER GRIPP STEER R CHAMPION, HOPE THOMPSON fourth in the first round with a time of 14.11 seconds. He did not place in the second round, but his time on his third steer was 11.70 seconds which gave Marty the fastest time in round three and on three steers, 41.25 seconds.

Early Friday morning the open steer ropers moved into place. Each contestant had three opportunities to rope for both round money and average money. $15,000 was added to the total payout by BJM Sales & Service. BJM Sales & Service has been providing cattle feeding equipment sales, maintenance, and repair service to customers across the panhandle for over thirty years. The company takes pride in their investment back into 2016 SPICER GRIPP CALF ROPING 2016 SPICER GRIPP OPEN CHAMPON, CHASE WILLIAMS TEAM ROPING CHAMPS the community. $75,000 was the total payout for this one event. The race for the average money stayed tight throughout the day and only the top twelve were invited Silversmiths. back to the short go on Sunday. One of the twelve was Guy Allen. Guy A fog engulfed the arena early on Saturday morning, but burned off had competed without much luck in the Panhandle Express Senior in time for the MVP & ADP Calf Roping. MVP (Cont'd on next page...)

Steer Roping, but Guy’s luck changed on Sunday. After tying his short is short for Mobile Veterinary Practice, an equine exclusive pracgo steer in 10.73 seconds, Guy’s total time was 50.49 seconds. He tice located in Amarillo, Texas, and ADP stands for ArthroDynamic placed third in the short go and first in the average earning him a Technology’s Polyglycan, a product that helps maintain the joints in check for $1,364, another, bigger check for $10,910, and a beautiful performance horses. Together the two companies contribute $15,000 buckle made by Montana Silversmiths. to the total payout of the calf roping event. Chase Williams was The Lone Star Ropes Ladies Breakaway Roping was added to the high back in the short go on Sunday. His final time of 10.85 seconds weekend line up for the first time last year. Lone Star Ropes sponearned him not only the $530 check for fourth in the short round, but sored the event for the second year adding $2,500 to the payout. also $8,445 and a Montana Silversmith Buckle for first in the average.

Fifty ladies competed for a total of $22,500. Hope Thompson was Chase’s total time on four calves was 39.43 seconds and his total take third high call back on Sunday. She stopped the clock and was not fast home was over $12,000. If that was not enough, Chase’s horse was

42 • THE ROPING PEN • SEPTEMBER 2016

Memorial Roping

HENIE WOLF • PHOTOS BY LONE WOLF PHOTOGRAPHY selected by representatives from the American Quarter Horse Association as the Top Horse in the calf roping competition.

While the big guys had been roping live calves in the arena, the younger cowboys were competing in the banquet area. There were three age groups in the Diggin’ the Kids Dummy Roping. Competing in the youngest age group was last year’s grand champion, Gunnar Lemond. He made it past the preliminary rounds and once again joined the older finalists in the arena. Slaton Harkins and Ketch Kelton represented the older two age groups. After several rounds

Hand crafted Coats Saddles awaited the amateur average winners.

While the professional ropers earn a check for placing, the amateurs donate their entry fees to the Spicer Gripp Memorial Youth Foundation and all the good work it does. The rest of the prize line items by Montana Silversmith were equally great. Buckles, spurs, bits, breast collars, and money clips were presented to the amateurs placing second through sixth in the average. The 2016 Texas Feed Fat Pro Am Header Champion team was Tyler Moore & Ryan Motes. Tyler and Ryan’s total time on three steers was 19.62 seconds. Trevor Brazile and Tryston Miller were named the 2016 Texas Feed Fat Pro Am Heeler Champion team. They had a total time on three steers of 23.89 seconds.

There were lots of other winners, but most importantly, everyone had a fantastic time.

After church on Sunday morning, the open team ropers started warming up. Local dealership Whiteface Ford donated $30,000 of the $124,000 total payout. After four rounds Kaleb Driggers and Junior Nogueira were high team back in the short round. When the second high team back, Blake Hughes and Brady Norman, caught their final steer they put the pressure on Kaleb and last year’s Spicer Gripp champion, Ju2016 SPICER GRIPP ROPING CHAMP, GUY ALLEN DUMMY ROPING CHAMPIONS nior. Not only did Kaleb and Junior win the round with a short go time of 6.43 seconds, but they also won the average with a total time of 46.17 seconds on six steers. The team split $2,000 for fast time in the short go and $40,000 for the average. They each received a Montana Silversmith buckle also.

The final event of the weekend was the Spicer Gripp Knot Tying. This event was the predecessor to modern day team roping. Instead of stopping the clock when the two horses are faced, the clock in knot tying stops after the header jumps off his horse and ties a string around the heels of the steer. This adds a significant level of western KALEB DRIGGERS & 2016 SPICER GRIPP KNOT TYING JUNIOR NOGUEIRA CHAMPION, DAN FISHER flair to the run. There were two rounds. Dan Fisher and J. Tom Fisher made a nice pair of runs of tough competition, Ketch Kelton regained his Spicer Gripp Diggin’ to win the average with a total time of 33.36 seconds. Dan and J. Tom the Kids Dummy Roping Champion title. He was awarded a beautireceived $500 for second in the first round, $2,700 for first in the ful Cactus saddle and scholarship for his education later in life. The average, Montana Silversmith buckles, and the title of 2016 Spicer Diggin’ the Kids Dummy Roping was named for a spectacular man Gripp Knot Tying Champions. in the roping industry, Digger Howard. The Spicer Gripp Memorial As rain clouds approached at the end of the day, the community Youth Foundation dedicated the empty saddle tribute on Sunday and of Hereford, Texas gathered one more time to help roll banners presented a plack in honor of their friend, Digger, to his family. Digger and clean up the facility. With everyone pitching in, the process of always said, “It’s fer the kids ya’ll.” Like Spicer Gripp, Digger Howard pulling down the banners was just as fun as it had been when they lived his life giving back to his community and his legacy will live on. were hung. Kids were dirty and faces held a glow from the sun, but The Texas Feed Fat Pro Am Team Roping followed the crowning of the smiles were still in place. If you missed them this year, then the Spicer Gripp Dummy Roping Champion. Texas Feed Fat is a local don’t worry. They will be there again next year, the first weekend feed and grain seller and their assistance along with the 74 amateur in August, welcoming you to Hereford, Texas and the Spicer Gripp contestants from the community provided the support for this event.

Memorial.

THE MAGAZINE FOR AMERICA’S ROPER • 43

FunFest:The Name Says it All! JOHNSON CITY, TN • PRODUCED BY MASON JOHNSON

F

un Fest! With a name like that, you know it’s going to be a great event. The recent Fun Fest team roping event in Johnson City, Tennessee was a hit among ropers. What makes this event different from the get-go was that it was produced by a young man where the apple did not fall too far from the tree. Mason Johnson, the son of John Johnson of the NTRL / JX2 events took the reins on this event from start to finish. What began and just an idea of Mason’s to host an event and invite just a few turned out to be a much bigger event that is no doubt etched into the team roping schedule.

The Fun Fest event was a hit, opening the door for Mason to enjoy his first production.

Ropers had a blast roping live cattle in several

Photos © C Bar C Photography

#12 SLIDE CHAMPIONS

different classes, as well as the Heel-O-Matic roping. Winners walked away with cash in hand, ready to come back again next year for another rendition of the good times.

“It is definitely an annual deal that we plan to make bigger and better in the future,” said Mason. “We had a great turnout with an outstanding event. My brother Eli and I would like to thank everyone who came and the staff who helped make it a first class event.”

Fun Fest lived up to its name. Ropers enjoyed the event, Mason Johnson was pleased with its outcome and you can bet his dad was proud of his son’s achievements. Ropers can be sure to watch for this event to come around again next year and for years to follow!

#10 SLIDE CHAMPIONS

#8 CHAMPIONS

HEEL-O-MATIC ROPING

44 • THE ROPING PEN • SEPTEMBER 2016

DALLY UP

FOR THESE

SPECIAL SUMMER PRICES!

Lil' Kathy Kit $1,295 • Special $1,165 •

Sparky Jr. $3,695 • Special $3,325 •

Sparky III $8,395 • Special $7,555 •

Sparky's Spin to Win $1,095 • Special $995 •

Calf Tie Down w/Sled $1,275 • Special $1,147 • Breakaway w/Sled $995 • Special $895 • Plus S&H Calf Body $550

Lil' Marv Basic $199 • Special $179 • Lil' Marv Deluxe $349 • Special $314 •

Sparky Lead Steer $3,495 • Special $3,145 •

• 1.800.211.8575 • www.smartsteer.com • THE MAGAZINE FOR AMERICA’S ROPER • 45

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Championships NEBRASKA

JULY 8-10, 2016 • BROKEN BOW, NEBRASKA CUSTER COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS • PRODUCED BY JEFF SMITH • STORY BY BEN CLEMENTS

T

he Nebraska Championships is one of the original sanctioned events first place with a time of 34.39 seconds on four steers. The win paid them on the USTRC calendar. The historical event is annually held at the $5350, trophy Gist knives and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Second Custer County Fairgrounds in Broken Bow, Nebraska and is produced by place in the average was Gary Collins and Kyle Elwood with a time of 41.01 seconds on four steers. The third place finishers were Jud Hill and Jeff Smith and crew. This year the event took place July 8-10,2016.

Brad Whited. The Nebraska team of Zach Fecht The first roping of the weekend was the #15 CONGRATULATIONS and Justin Patch won the incentive average.

Division. The team of Jon Pudwill of Scotia, TO THE NEBRASKA ​The final roping of the day at the Nebraska Nebraska and Joe Day of Zumbrota, Minnesota CHAMPIONS! Championships was the #10 Division. Darrell were the average champions. They earned Hackel and Russ Kucera completed the roping $1900, trophy Gist knives and $6000 in USTRC #15 DIVISION: with a time of 36.24 seconds on four steers.

Flex Earnings. Second place went to Clint JON PUDWILL They won the average and took home $6260, Whipple from Saint Francis, South Dakota and JOE DAY trophy USTRC saddles and $6000 in USTRC Eddie Minor from Gordon, Nebraska, as they Flex Earnings. Second place in the average won $1270 plus $2000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. #13 SLIDE: was John Opela and Todd Pinneo with a time Third was the team of Mark Wray and Joh ORRIN PETSKA of 42.66 seconds on four steers. They received Hackel.

TODD HOLLENBECK $4170 and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings for ​The #13 Slide Division was next. Orrin Petska their efforts. Third place went to Willy Hicks from Ord, Nebraska and Todd Hollenbeck from #12 DIVISION: from Mullen, Nebraska and Justin Patch from Long Pine, Nebraska were the champions. They GENE HOLM Fullerton, Nebraska. Hackel and Kucera also finished the roping with a time of 26.65 BRADY ALLISON won the incentive average of the roping. seconds on four steers. The duo won $3400, The final day of the Nebraska Championships trophy Gist knives and $6000 in USTRC Flex #12 GOLD PLUS: kicked off with the #10 Gold Plus Division. Tim Earnings. Second place in the average was BRIAN TIDYMAN Tyan from Wallace, Nebraska and Jim Lymber the team of Lane Goeble from Cottonwood, DELBERT SMITH from Broken Bow, Nebraska teamed up to win Minnesota and Butchie Levell from Omaha, first place in the average. They were 35.66 Nebraska. The third place team was Cooper #11 DIVISION: seconds on four steers and won $5800 and White and Riley Wakefield.

JOSH WHIPPLE $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Second was Gene Holm from Wallace, Nebraska and ​ TYLER THORTON Willy Hicks and Jeff Blass. Third place went Brady Allison from Gordon, Nebraska were to Grant Davidson and Chuck Gieck. Tyan the stars of the #12 Division. They finished #10 DIVISION: and Lymber were also the incentive average first place in the average with a time of 33.19 DARRELL HACKEL winners. seconds on four steers. They took home $3930, RUSS KUCERA ​Kurt Freudenburg, from Madison, Nebraska trophy Gist knives and $6000 in USTRC Flex and Mitchell Hoback from Columbus, Earnings. Second place in the average was #10 GOLD PLUS: Nebraska partnered up in the #9 Division William Packer from Harvard, Nebraska and TIM TYAN and finished with a time of 37.03 seconds on Cody Merritt from Wellfleet, Nebraska. Third JIM LYMBER four steers. That time landed them in first place went to Derik Underwood and Delbert place of the average. They won $7390, trophy Smith. The incentive champions were Holm and #9 DIVISION: USTRC saddles and $6000 in USTRC Flex Allison. ​The next roping on the schedule was the #12 KURT FREUDENBURG Earnings. Second place in the roping was Mary MITCHELL HOBACK Myers and Terrel Vineyard. The third place Gold Plus Division. The team of Brian Tidyman team was Bret Daly and Duell Arensdorf. Ryan from Maywood, Nebraska and Delbert Smith #8 PICK/DRAW: Dugdale and Tanner Olson won the incentive from Ainsworth, Nebraska turned in a time DANIEL REFIOR average. of 31.35 seconds on four steers and won first KELTON ADAIR The last roping of the Nebraska place in the average. They took home $4150 and Championships was the #8 Pick/Draw. Daniel $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Second place was Tidyman and Dan Nelson. The third place team was Tidyman and Refior and Kelton Adair won the average with a time of 24.62 seconds on Jeff Aylward. David Lien from Valentine, Nebraska and Russ Kucera from three steers. They took home $5830, trophy USTRC saddles and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Second place was Rod Week from Kearney, Central City, Nebraska won the incentive average. ​The South Dakota team of Josh Whipple from Saint Francis and Tyler Nebraska and Tee Whited from Lincoln, Nebraska. The third place Thorton from Box Elder won the #11 Division. They finished the roping in finishers were Daniel Refior and Gus Franzen.

52 • THE ROPING PEN • SEPTEMBER 2016

A

A Rude Awakening

horse fight in the middle of the night will definitely shake a person into “instant awake-ness!" I know from personal experience. It was just after midnight and the sound of a horse fight made me suddenly jump out of bed! I was putting on boots and grabbed a flashlight and was out the door. The gelding that always has to rub it in around the stallion, that HE is with the mare, and she is HIS and NOT the stud’s, was obviously doing it again. But this time the gate came open. Why is it that some geldings just HAVE to tantalize the stallion?

(Kinda like how the blue heeler just HAS to harass the pit bull! Dumb.

Dumb. Dumb!)

What do you do when 2 horses are fighting? Its pitch black and I can’t see a thing, but I can certainly hear them. As I’m running out the door, I was thinking, “What in the world am I going to do? Throw my flashlight at them?” So I just aimed that question to the Lord and asked Him what I should do. I “heard” down inside, "GO TO THE BARN." That is NOT what I would’ve done, but I obeyed that inner information and ran to the barn… the OPPOSITE direction from all the commotion. Sure enough, not long after I got there, the noise out in the blackness stopped and the gelding came trotting up to the barn all alone! At the very LEAST, I figured that if the gelding headed for the barn, the stallion would be right on his butt and I was ready to try and swing a gate in between them or something, but that wasn’t the case at all! It was amazingly peaceful! The gelding came huffing and puffing up to the barn, shaken and sporting some teeth marks, but simply

BY CRYSTAL LYONS

turned back to face the horses and STOPPED! It was as if he had been led up to the barn by an invisible being and just handed over to me.

This whole incident was over in a matter of minutes. But what amazed me was KNOWING that God had taken care of the whole situation and everything in it — me, the horses….everything! I’ve seen these things before and they don’t play out like this. It was GOD who told me to go the OPPOSITE direction from the fight, and be ready. It was GOD who separated the two and sent the gelding to the barn while he was STILL looking and WANTING to go back to the mare. I felt such an incredible peace and such an awareness that Father was taking care of me and my horses. I’m alone out here and there’s no one else to lean on when something like this happens, so what a warmth it is to experience God’s intervention on my behalf!

I’m learning to LIVE in the awareness of His presence with confidence in the fact that “God’s got this,” whatever it may be that I’m facing at the moment. He WANTS to be whatever we LACK in life! Don’t know what to do? He’s your WISDOM. Don’t know how you’re going to handle something? He’s your STRENGTH. Don’t know how you’re going to make ends meet? He’s your PROVISION. WHATEVER you need, He IS IT! The only reason why God isn’t actively working WITH us in life is because we’ve not allowed Him the freedom to do so! It’s a process where we learn how to work WITH God. Just START. Because there’s not one single event in your life that He is not interested in and desires to BE and DO what YOU CAN’T BE or DO without Him!

THE MAGAZINE FOR AMERICA’S ROPER • 53

IN THE LOOP WITH DUSTIN EGUSQUIZA

W

hen we last spoke to Dustin Egusquiza, he was fresh off a championship at the George Strait Team Roping Classic and embarking on his rookie year in the PRCA. After winning the first rodeo he entered on his newly purchased PRCA card, the Walker County Fair & Rodeo in Huntsville, Texas, Dustin headed west in late May with partner Clint Summers.

Since that time, he has logged over 29,000 miles and amassed over $42,000 in winnings in his quest to qualify for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. He also hasn’t seen his home state of Florida since May. “I love it out here,” said Dustin. “I like being home about two months out of the year and rodeoing the rest of the time. Hopefully I’ll be doing this a long time.”

Consistency has been the key for the pair of Egusquiza and Summers, placing at a majority of the rodeos entered.

“We’ve done really well,” he said. “We’ve just been placing along the way, but a big lick would sure help.” The team’s biggest win came in Greeley, Colorado with a $6,500 payday.

Dustin’s ideal year would be to win the PRCA Rookie of the Year title, as well as qualify for his first Wrangler NFR, and he’s on track to do both. At this writing, he leads the Rookie Header standings by over $12,000 and sits in 19th place in the world standings. “It’s crunch time now,” said Dustin, who had just finished roping in the mud in Billings, Montana. “We’ve got 20 rodeos left after this one, and there are about five or six big ones coming up, including Lewiston, Puyallup and Pendleton, so we’ve got a good chance.”

54 • THE ROPING PEN • SEPTEMBER 2016

Dustin still has his wicked fast 14 year old bay horse, as well as the 14 year old stud he purchased following the GSTRC. He told us in May that the gray horse can really run and is good on longer scores, but it’s hard to beat the bay, which was raised and trained by Dustin’s father. “I rode the gray in the mud this morning, but I mainly ride the bay.” he said.

Dustin’s rope preference before this summer was The Storm from Lone Star in a soft lay. Now he has added another weapon to his roping arsenal. When Lone Star released The Bomb in July, Dustin got his hands on it and added it to his rope bag. “It’s not that I prefer one over the other,” he said. “The Storm has a little more weight, but sometimes I just reach in there, pull out The Bomb, and it’s the feel I’m looking for that day.” Dustin prefers The Bomb in an extra soft.

He reiterated his appreciation for the GSTRC championship and how that win allowed him to chase his dream on the road. “Without that, I’d be home...it’s that simple. Financially, that win gave me the chance to come out here and rodeo. I also want to thank Bob Travis and everyone at Lone Star Ropes for everything they do, helping me get down the road.”

This future heading superstar is going places. His focus on roping is unmatched. Most competitors have some other pastime that they love, but for Dustin, it’s roping...all the time. He is driven to win. His preference is winning first, but he is already seasoned enough to know the importance of placing to reach your ultimate goal. Dustin Egusquiza is a name you’ll be hearing a lot in the future.

THE MAGAZINE FOR AMERICA’S ROPER • 55

56 • THE ROPING PEN • SEPTEMBER 2016

THE MAGAZINE FOR AMERICA’S ROPER • 57

• BLUE = JH & HS • BLACK = HS ONLY • Find out details, updates & more at www.ghsra.com

• Ringgold • September 3-4 • • Chatsworth • September 16-17 • • The Rock • October 8-9 • • Madison • October 21-22 • • Perry • November 4-6 • • Cleveland, TN • November 19-20• • Andalusia, AL • February 3-5 • • February 24-26 • TBD • • Franklin • March 11-12 • • March 25-26 • TBD • • Blairsville • April 7-8 • • Gay • April 21-22 • • Ringgold • May 5-6 • • Perry • June 1-2 JH, 2-4 HS • High School call-ins are the Monday night before the rodeo ~ Girls @ 6pm-7:30 pm Boys @ 7:30pm-9pm to Leisa Haslerig @ 706-764-2205 unless otherwise noted.

Jr High call-ins are the Monday night before the rodeo from 7-9pm to 770-328-7550. Or you may email the Monday before the rodeo until 7pm to gjhsracallin@gmail.com. Emails must have contestant's name, each event entered, team roping/ribbon roping partner, one or both rodeos, & a call back number. You'll receive an email back to confirm receipt. NOTE: If you do not receive a confirmation email, you are NOT entered.

President, Todd Watkins - trwatkins@comcast.net Vice Presidents, Keith Boatwright - (828) 837-0900 & Hal Roberts - (770) 328-4715 Rodeo Secretary , Leisa Haslerig​- (423) 305-3692 Points Secretary, Jeanette McElhannon - (770) 601-7413 State Sec, Tracey Boatwright​- (828) 361-9336 or (828) 837-0900 National Director ~~ Ronnie Haslerig - (423) 596-0963 58 • THE ROPING PEN • SEPTEMBER 2016

Wow!! It's time for the new Rodeo year! I'm so excited about this year, meeting new people and interacting with familiar faces.

Our kickoff Rodeo is happening right at the start of this month: September 3&4 in Ringgold at the Davis Cattle Company. This year is going to be amazing, and we are going to have so much fun doing what we love.

Over summer break, the Georgia Nationals Team competed in Gillette, Wyoming against many states, plus Canada, and Australia. Congratulations to the ones that made it to the short go: Tate Thomas in calf roping & Jake Wells and Alec Edmondson in team roping.

Good luck to each and everyone of you this year. Let's all try to reach out to someone new to the association and make them feel welcome! ~ Ashley Hawkins

IDENTIFYING BAD HABITS

R

opers all across the country are looking forward to the fall months. There are many ropings still on the schedule and some of the biggest events of the year just around the corner. For many, it is another season of team roping, but for a slew of ropers this may be their rookie season in the sport or they may only have a few under their belt. The later ropers are the majority of ropers who seem to gain the most ground in the sport and often move up the ranks. There are many ways for new ropers to improve and progress fast.

With that in mind, we headed to our friend Charles Pogue this month with a simple question. It did not take Charles long to answer, “What are the most prevalent bad habits

you see in both headers and heelers?”

“Probably one of the biggest things I see ropers do, especially new ropers, is they get too straight behind the steer,” Charles said.

“You have to stay in the left lane. I know it is hard because they are looking at the horns and ride to the spot they are looking, but it is very important to keep to the left side in order to make a good catch.”

Charles also said, “Headers always need to work on handling steers. Many don’t get a hold of the head of the steer allowing them to go down the arena. This makes it very hard for the heeler to rope two feet clean and it doesn’t take much. Even if your horse just leaks a little allowing the steer to just move a little down the

TIPS FROM CHARLES POGUE arena makes it hard for the heeler to heel and even harder to keep both feet if they do.”

As far a heeler goes, Charles included a couple of the biggest problems he sees them do.

“Probably the hardest thing for heelers to learn is the right swing angle,” said Charles. “Finding the right swing from the start of the run and through the corner will help set up a successful run, and it just takes time and often time help from others to get there.”

“The other thing I see a lot of heelers do, actually I see a lot of headers do this too, but it’s not getting off their pockets when they rope,” added Charles. “You have to push to the front of your saddle and stay off your back pockets. I see headers do this a lot on slower steers, and heelers who when they get to the steer a little early they want to sit down a bit. Both headers and heelers need to stay forward in the saddle in every circumstance.”

We want to thank Charles for his time and for his continued support of team ropers everywhere through his contributions to TotalTeamRoping.com. Along with Bret Beach and Clay O’Brien Cooper, Charles is greatly enjoying the many new ropers who are signing up and taking advantage of the innovative, hands on website. These ropers have found a truly unique website that allows them continuous training from the best in the business.

Many of these ropers are progressing faster and winning more with the help of TotalTeamRoping.com.

THE MAGAZINE FOR AMERICA’S ROPER • 59

Fixin g America A

lot is happening in our country. We’ve got a so-called "war on cops." Democrats and Republicans are at opposite ends of the political spectrum. Race, ethnicity, and religious beliefs are under attack.

Seems like everywhere we look we can see hate, distrust, and fear.

It has become increasingly obvious, to me at least, the media in our country seems to no longer care about reporting news in a truthful manner. Sensational stories, fear, and bias, one way or another, dominate our television and computer screens, posing as news. At no time since the race riots of the ‘60s has our country been so divided by skin color, it seems.

We are no longer able to turn to our political leaders to guide our country out of the mess. Party loyalties and agendas trump doing what’s best for the populace who put the dopes in office in the first place. Senators and Representatives have went from serving their constituents and then returning to the public sector, to having a lifetime position, stifling new ideas and change.

Recently, three people spent a few hours together. While all were American citizens, they were of three different races, cultures, and backgrounds. In the span of those few hours, these three discussed a wide range of topics, including politics, equality, race, and religion.

Before this meeting, the folks were only familiar with one another through a mutual acquaintance. After, they called each other friend.

This was not a college study group nor an outreach program. No, this meeting of the minds took place on a boat, in the middle of a lake in East Tennessee. Discussions of how the average person in America is being left out, how sexual preference didn’t change the fact that people are still human beings, and how Jesus would probably be appalled by the things being done in His name, all took place under the sunny sky, over beer and sunscreen. One main point upon which all agreed was if three people of Hispanic, African American, and Caucasian descent could have a calm discussion of the major issues the media uses to divide us into factions, learning we have more in common than not, and realize we should all live and let live, there is no reason all Americans can’t find ways to accept one another and get along.

There were no feelings of superiority, victimization, or self/cultural righteousness. Each understood people are people, we have differences, but no one group should have a sense of entitlement. Each was aware racism, while a sign of ignorance, did exist, but shouldn’t be dwelt upon, and certainly should not be the major divider our political leaders and media make it out to be. It was accepted ignorance should be educated when possible, and overlooked and ignored when not.

Each was able to ask questions of the others, the types of questions now taboo because of political correctness. Discussion of cultural and racial differences showed just how much all humans have in common.

An additional question arose from this reservoir roundtable: Why must there be hate? It is so much more pleasant to live life and not be constantly offended and argumentative because another’s beliefs are different. Try to keep the mind open and the tone respectful, and attempt to understand our fellow humans.

Yes, the problems of the world were solved... thanks to a boat.

60 • THE ROPING PEN • SEPTEMBER 2016

Championships OKLAHOMA

JULY 1-3, 2016 • GUTHRIE, OKLAHOMA LAZY E ARENA • PRODUCED BY JEFF SMITH • STORY BY BEN CLEMENTS

​T

he Oklahoma Championships, produced by Jeff Smith, was held the plus $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings and trophy Gist knives. Second weekend of July 1-3, 2016 in Guthrie, Oklahoma. The weather was place was Travis Smalts and Clay Mackey and third place went to Jay hot outside, but the confines of the Lazy E Arena provided the perfect Osborne and Jim Hudgins. Jenna Paris from Pierceville, Kansas and Ryan Youngblood from Shawnee, Ok won the escape from the summer heat and humidity. incentive average.

The team of Cyle Denison from Iowa, ​ CONGRATULATIONS TO THE OKLAHOMA The #10 Division champions were Robert Louisiana and Jace Harris of Vilonia, Arkansas CHAMPIONS! Kirchner and Chance Merrill as they finished won the average of the Open Division with a time the roping with a time of 35.37 seconds on four of 38.62 seconds on 5 steers. Second place went OPEN DIVISION: CYLE DENISON steers. They won $7080, trophy USTRC saddles to Curry Kirchner from Ames, Oklahoma and JACE HARRIS and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Second Casey Stipes from Salina, Oklahoma. Kitchener place was Justin Smith and Randy Harmon both and Derrick Jantzen won 3rd place. The team of #15 DIVISION CASEY HICKS from Oklahoma with a time of 36.18 seconds on Denison and Harris won the incentive average TANNER BRADEN four and third place went to Dustin Raupe and ​The #15 Division was next on the agenda and Gene Dickey. The incentive winners of the #10 #13 DIVISION: the winning team was Casey Hicks from Sperry, DEVON R ALLEN Division were Kirchner and Merill.

Ok and Tanner Braden from Dewey, Ok. They WILL ALLEN The final day of the Oklahoma Championships were 31.67 seconds on four steers and earned #12 DIVISION: began with the #10 Gold Plus Division. Dave $2590, plus $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings and CHRIS NANCE Wingo from Holdenville, Oklahoma and Lorie trophy Gist knives. Second place was Stran DAVE DAUBE Patterson from Konawa, Oklahoma bested the Morris from Woodward, Oklahoma and Derrick #12 GOLD PLUS: field of ropers by catching four steers in 39.88 Jantzen from Ames, Oklahoma and third place LANCE POWERS seconds. They won the average and earned went to Cyle Denison and Jace Harris.

ANDREW OGUINN $7010 and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings.

The #13 Division winners were Devon R ​ #11 DIVISION: Second place in the roping was Joe Matile from Allen and Will Allen both from Purcell, Ok. They GARY CRIPPS Satanta, Kansas and Bob Brattin from Pineville, caught four steers in 31.30 seconds. The feat BROCK JONES Missouri with a time of 41.45 seconds on four gave them $4590, trophy Gist knives and $6000 #10 DIVISION: steers. The team of Sonny Mahurin from Thayer, in USTRC Flex Earnings. Second place was the ROBERT KIRCHNER Kansas and Rick McKinzie from Oswego, Kansas Oklahoma and Mississippi team of Kyle Medcalf CHANCE MERRILL placed third in the average. The winners of the and Kevin Bentley. The third place finishers #10 GOLD PLUS: incentive average were Matile and Brattin. They were Joel Colgrove and Ryan Domer.

DAVE WINGO added an additional $3340 to their winnings.

Chris Nance and Dave Daube both from LORIE PATTERSON ​The Oklahoma team of Dean David and Joe Ardmore, Oklahoma took home the win of the #9 DIVISION: Witt won the average in the #9 Division. They #12 Division. They roped four steers in 33.32 DEAN DAVID completed the roping with a time of 44.44 seconds to earn them $3530, trophy Gist knives JOE WITT seconds on four steers and earned $9400, plus and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Second place #8 PICK/DRAW: trophy USTRC saddles, and $6000 in USTRC went to Kevin Roden from Kingfisher, Oklahoma MARC KOEHN JACOB BREWER Flex Earnings. Second place was Travis Gibson and Robert Kitchener from Ames, Oklahoma from Dover, Oklahoma and Antwaun Fulton while third place was won by Garrison Duke and Will Allen. The incentive average winners were David Markley from also from Dover. The third place finish went to Huk Blackbird and Max Vincent. The team of David and Witt also won the incentive average with Alma, Kansas and Seth Jordan from Whitesboro, Texas. ​The #12 Gold Plus Division was the first roping of the second day and a time of 35.10 seconds on three steers. ​The final roping of the weekend was the #8 Pick/Draw. Marc Koehn came down to the very last steer. When it was all said and done, the team of Lance Powers from Pauls Valley, Oklahoma and Andrew OGuinn from from Macon, Mississippi and Jacob Brewer from Olive Branch, Mississippi Roff, Oklahoma won the average with a time of 32.77 seconds on four were 24.34 seconds on three steers and won the average. The win steers. They took home $5080 and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Torri gave the team $7000, trophy USTRC saddles and $6000 in USTRC Flex Dew and Kevin Bentley were second place and the third place team was Earnings. Second place went to Brander Maverick Smith from Rose Brian Gregg and Leon Stipes. The team of Dew and Bentley won the Bud, Arkansas and Luke Atchison from Russellville, Arkansas and they received $4370, plus $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings and trophy Gist incentive average. ​The #11 Division was next on the agenda and the winning team buckles. Third place was Jose Porras and Carlos Estrada with a time was Gary Cripps from Gentry, Arkansas and Brock Jones from Tupelo, of 33.86 seconds on three steers. The pair earned $3500, trophy Gist Oklahoma. They were 34.65 seconds on four steers and earned $6380, buckles and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings.

THE MAGAZINE FOR AMERICA’S ROPER • 61

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!

SEPTEMBER 9 & 10, 2016 • NEWBERRY, SC • HS, JR, & YOUTH 7556 SC Hwy 219, Newberry, SC 29108 SEPTEMBER 17, 2016 • H. COOPER BLACK • YOUTH SEPTEMBER 23 & 24, 2016 • LUMBERTON, NC RCH and Cutting (2 rounds) OCTOBER 7 & 8, 2016 • MARSHVILLE, NC • HS, JR, & YOUTH 2119 High Ridge Church Rd. Marshville, NC 28103 OCTOBER 14-15, 2016 • CASSATT, SC • HS & JR OCTOBER 21-22, 2016 • LUMBERTON, NC RCH and Cutting (2 rounds) 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

xxx

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.

62 • THE ROPING PEN • SEPTEMBER 2016

Photos from the SCHSRA Facebook page, posted by Beth Rhode

THE MAGAZINE FOR AMERICA’S ROPER • 63

The Other Half

Thoughts of a Team Roping Spouse • by Gracie Mae

I

’ve decided to evaluate my credentials and apply for a raise. I don’t get paid a lot but there are some benefits to my job. Sometimes, I have to think long and hard about those benefits and there are times I have to ask myself if this job is really worth it. With that being said, I decided I would take a long hard look at the things I do and see if they do, indeed, warrant an increase in salary. I know money isn’t everything but honestly a little compensation might be nice.

Now, it is a given I’m a wife and mother. I love doing both of those things and there is actually no pay involved but the benefits are rewarding. That particular part I really wouldn’t change at all. Besides, anyone in their right mind knows there is not enough money in the world to pay for the benefits and rewards of having kids and a good husband. So, I’ll just set that aside and say that no amount of money could pay for or embellish it any more than how I already treasure it. Besides, if we honestly got paid for that we would long ago have been millionaires and moved off to an island resort somewhere never to have been seen or heard from again. In reality, there isn’t enough money in the world to cover that base. You know that story: cooking, cleaning and chauffeuring. Mmmm, no amount of money! Ahhhhh!

Maybe we should, indeed, start charging.

Now, let’s move on to the relevant stuff. I’m known as the chief bottle washer and cook. You might say that comes with the roll of housewife and mom. And while that, in part is true, there also comes with it those many occasions when food is involved when we decide to take off on a week of roping and rodeo. It takes planning. A food connoisseur of this sort has to keep in mind and plan on staples that will stand hauling and being stored in a small refrigerator, otherwise, known as a “live in” trailer. There is not a lot of room. It involves, snacks, drinks, and other staples that will withstand the journey. Chef Wolfgang Puck would have no clue. It isn’t about pretty but about staying power and making the long haul. You have to plan and include those items that will last, provide wholesome, healthy nourishment and you have to have enough to share with all the buddies. That is a chore in and of itself.

Next comes the cleaning and packing part. Not many people can clean and pack a horse trailer. Further more, have you ever tried to make up the bed in the nose of a horse trailer? It takes a contortionist to say the least. Gymnastic training is a helpful factor. You have to bend and kneel and reach and curve to get it done. It also involves putting things in places that it was NOT designed to hold. Couple that with combining tack and staples such as clothes, toiletries, video games, roping videos and whatever else might be needed takes a special knack. I could write a book on how to get the most “stuff” in the least amount of space.

Add to the list the fact I’m the ultimate groom, not the wedding type mind you. I’m talking horseman “groom.” I can walk them, ride them, feed them, nurse them, saddle and unsaddle them, lead them, load them, exercise them, bathe them, cool them out, warm them up, hold them, tie and untie them, bridle and halter them and if need be brush them and put them to bed. That alone is worth a million bucks, if you ask me.

64 • THE ROPING PEN • SEPTEMBER 2016

My Resume

Next on the list of my résumé comes the part about the hired hand.

I can drive a four-wheeler, a jeep, a one ton dually truck and a tractor if need be. I can pull a hay trailer or a forty-foot goose neck rodeo rig! I can load hay, unload hay, fix floats on water tanks, mend a fence and put horn wraps on steers. I can vaccinate cattle, horses, goats and other small creatures such as dogs and cats. I can clean out barns and stalls and rid them of livestock waste, rats and mice and even fire ants if the need arises. I can adjust volumes on speakers; simulate ropings and videotape without missing a lick. I can teach kids their lessons as we drive down the road to a roping or rodeo and I also teach manners, respect and correct English, Spelling and World History. All that, mind you, while pulling a forty foot trailer loaded with feed, hay, and many household necessities through traffic with four dogs, two kids, one sleeping husband and four head of horses.

I wash clothes, horse blankets, dog beds and nasty jeans and shirts.

I also clean and polish boots, resize roping gloves, put torn Velcro back on overreach boots and pick up items from the feed store and vet clinic. I guess you could define me as a “gofer.” Sometimes I have a better name for it but I won’t go into that right now.

I can “pull” late nights or early mornings and I can drive till the early morning light as long as I have an audio book or Strait on the radio.

A little Willie and Wayland isn’t too bad either. I’m into real country not all this new fangled “wanna be” stuff. I was country when country wasn’t cool!

I can bandage skinned knees rope burned hands and have even iced a thumb or two that got the worse end of a running rope. I’ve held ice on smashed hands, foreheads and sprained wrists and skinless fingers.

I’ve iced horse ankles in buckets and reeked of Absorbin Liniment and other types of horse concoctions to eliminate pain and aggravation.

I’ve branded roping steers, sprayed for flies and doctored for ticks and fleas. I’m a vet in the truest sense of the word as I’ve sewed and patched kids, husband, horses, roping calves and steers in addition to dogs, cats and a goat or two.

I can load chutes, trailers, turn out steers and calves and re-pen them as needed. I can sort cattle and load whichever steer one might prefer or put them in any running order you choose.

I can almost read a headers mind as he backs into the box and I’ve can hedge a little to make sure he gets a good start. I can use a hot shot, a branding iron (hot or cold), vaccination gun and a grease gun. I can change a tire on the truck or trailer and I can rewire brake wires, check electrical outlets and empty feed sacks. I can hook up jumper cables and check the oil if I have to. I can put on fly mask, dispense cattle spray and castrate bulls if it is absolutely necessary. It isn’t something I like to do but in a worse case scenario…

I’m good on the phone and can explain in great detail anything you might need to know from symptoms to a vet to entering a roping or rodeo and explaining with finesse and kindness why we need to enter the way we enter. I’m the ultimate PR person and can hide my frustration and anger when I’m tired and at ropes end.

I can dry tears, listen to vented frustration, offer an observation or two and I meet the public like you cannot believe. I clean up nice and

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

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will make you proud with good manners and a little class. I am good with money and can enter six teams at a time and sort out the finances and give everyone their correct change and tell them exactly what rotation they are in and point out when they rope within a time frame of thirty minutes or less.

I can hit concessions stands, find a bargain and carry ten to twelve drinks at one time and still get back to the stands to video or watch the kids. I can pass out burritos, nachos and chips while keeping track of who the next team is and handing out a different glove or rope. I’m a cheerleader, motivational speaker and my shoulders hold lots of tears and frustration. I can explain everything while understanding nothing about what my ropers are going through and could write a history on “Raising Your Family To Rope: The What For’s and Why Not’s!”

Now the question finally comes up to my purpose in pointing all this out. It is all on my résumé. There are probably endless things I have failed to mention. However, with all that said I think you may be getting my point.

I don’t get paid monetarily. I don’t get a lot of spending money.

Don’t misunderstand I have all I need and I’m blessed. I guess I just wonder if an economic value could be placed on the things I do how much would it be?

Some people might ask, “Why do you do all that? Tell them to do it themselves?” Good point.

It is obvious to me after going over my new and redefined job descriptions that neither we nor anyone else has enough money to hire all this done. There are not enough people in the world to cover all

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these bases and the finances to reimburse them would break the bank.

Why do I do without pay or compensation? First of all there is pay, it is just not in dollar bills. I do it because my crew is the best even if they do like to ride and rope. I love them and want them to be the best they can be. I listen to the ranting and raving and the frustration and then watch them go rope and they are awesome (win or lose) and I know we are all better people because we ride and rope and live a cowboy and rodeo life style.

Yes, I would like to be paid for all the things I do. However, rewards come in disguises. It is the little things that matter. It is the kids crawling up in your lap and saying, “Thanks, Mom!” or “I wish I had done better” or “Will you help us rope again tomorrow?”

It is Boss saying, “Let’s not rope today but go take in a movie” or “How about lunch in town?” Perhaps it is about us crawling in bed at night and falling asleep as Boss recalls and replays the roping. The good part is he is with me and his struggle is my struggle and his joy is my joy and we are in it together for whatever rewards we reap or don’t. We are family and in this for the long haul. No one ever said it would be easy but we will look back someday knowing we had a really good time.

I tossed the résumé in the trash. I don’t need to be paid for something I love so much. Shhh! Don’t tell anyone I said that. It will ruin my reputation. Remember, I hate this darn team roping stuff. Who in their right mind would do it anyway? This is our secret so don’t let on. If you tell I’ll have to send out an invoice and they can’t afford me!

Keep Ropin'... Love, Gracie

THE MAGAZINE FOR AMERICA’S ROPER • 65

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