The Official Publication of the
May 2011 • Vol. 14 #5 • $3.00
ALSO INSIDE
KING ROPES Poly-Grass Ropes are Back
No No No No
Doctoring. . . Gathering. . . Mortality Loss. . . Feeding!!!
VSA
IN HOUSE PROOF
CRX’D
www.smartsteer.com 866.767.3294
“When you're buying calves that weigh under 200 pounds, you better have a feed that they want to eat and goes to work quickly. Precision Calf Feeds is the answer for me.” Lanham Mangold Owner/operator of USCRA and L&M Cattle Co.
Mannsville Mannsville Ag Ag Center Center 580.371.9588 580.371.9588 mannsvilleagcenter.com mannsvilleagcenter.com
Racer™ piggin strings are more than just a good feeling body. The eye of ever y string is constructed using a special process that results in an eye that will not turn. Racer eyes are the right size, and hand sewn with rawhide burners for speed and smoothness.
UNITED STATES CALF ROPERS ASSOCIATION P.O. Box 690, Giddings, Texas 78942 979.542.1239 fax 979.542.0170 www.USCRA.com
6 USCRA Six Head at Salado 9 24
Roping Fans Team with Sponsors to Raise Money for Multiple Sclerosis King Ropes - Poly-Grass are Back!
DEPARTMENTS 5 In the Books 12 USCRA Insider
22 Down the Line with Stran Smith 23 Lonestar Cowboy Church 25 Out My Window
14 2011 USCRA Schedule COVER PHOTO: Six Head at Salado Breakaway Champion, Lauren Bane PHOTO COURTESY OF PHOTOS BY RUSTY
Sales Manager & Event Advertising: John English Advertising Representative: Elizabeth Dominick Customer Service Representative: Jules Price
Loops is the only magazine dedicated to calf roping.
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Advertising or Editorial: 505/899-1870 fax: 505/792-5678 Produced and published by USCRA EDITORIAL & ADVERTISING Editor: Ryan Davis Assistant Editor: Tracy Mangold tracy@loopsmagazine.com
Calf Roping News Across the Nation
Each month, it features stories on current and past champion calf ropers, tips to help you with your roping, entertaining articles on the sport and news on calf roping events across the United States. Call to subscribe or advertise
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CIRCULATION & PRODUCTION Art Director: Marcia Rackstraw Production Coordinator: Doug Purdy Advertising Graphics: Violet Sue Anderson Administrative Assistant: Kathy Williams May 2011 / Vol.14, No.5 LOOPS Magazine (USPS No. 019674) is published monthly by Western Sports Publishing, Inc., 10601 Lomas Blvd. NE, Suite 106 Albuquerque, NM 87112 Subscription price: 1 yr. - $24. PERIODICALS Postage Paid at Giddings, Texas and additional entries. Material may not be used without permission from the publisher. Deadline for editorial and advertising is the 10th of the month, one month preceding issue date. Advertising rates on request. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: USCRA, P.O. Box 690, Giddings, Texas 78942 www.loopsmagazine.com Advertising claims are the sole responsibility of the advertiser, not Loops Magazine.
Each month, Loops will print a list of ropers who have won Showdown positions in the past month. This report reflects the ropers who have won a Showdown position from March 20, 2011 through April 20, 2011. For a complete listing of all Showdown positions, please go to www.uscra.com.
Hawley, TX Henderson, TX
#1 Neil Dove Dave Laster
00 Ronnie Williams Doug Hough
Huntsville, TX Giddings, TX
#2 Reno Gonzales Travis Hill
2011 PRCA Tie-Down World Standings
EE Calvin Steen Eddie Armstrong
0.27 334*5 8+ 334*5 827*5 *55.2 3); -0 &77 -.3<&:& 35; 303132 3'*576 327; *:.6 5*935 5&<.0* )&1 5&; 867.2 &(-& ;&2 &55*77 .1&5532 3&5)1&2 .1'*5 335* 8) 3:372; (377 35136 .(-&*0 7*53 ;&2 #&7/.26 &2)32 ( 0&8,-*57; 386732 8773 %*' -&41&2 -&2/ ):&5)6 *531* (-2**'*5,*5 3,*5 32*00& 3); :*26 ;632 85+*; 855&; 30* .1 -&55 7*50.2, 1.7&80 &9.) .*52*; *7- -.0)*56 366 *&60*; #*6 3(/&5) 3* 53:2 *7- 344*5 3); &1*6 *++ -&41&2 &/* &2281 *35,* 3:0&2) 36- **/ 0&; *52; *5*1.&- **/ -5.6 *1&6*6 .''* 867.2 -.,4*2 5*27 5*&,*5 &:5*2(* ( 80038,30* &.0*; 0.27 3'.2632 0.27 .2,0*732
*(&785 $ *(&785 $ 4&(-* .(3 $ -8''8(/ 5&.5.* ".*: 7*4-*29.00* *5*+35) $ *(&785 $ *;1385 $ **)9.00* $ 811*59.00* 7*4-*29.00* 8'5*; $ &"*52.& $ *&,8* $ 3:2)*6'353 8'0.2 $ .0)*2 $ 31'&00 $ &+&;*77* &781 32(& .7; 0&1&7- &006 &2/.2 $ 30'*57 # 56/.2* *6&(& 7*4-*29.00* 5&0 &1*532 $ 804-85 86&29.00* &5530) 7&2+.*0) 327.(*003 7-*26 $ 0&.2 .7; ! 30&5 $ 8*'03 5&<35.& $ 8*'03 3;) $ 357&0*6 #&;(5366 7.00:&7*5 5&.5.* ".*: /180,** 4&2.6- 35/ *).2& $
Stephenville, TX Alvarado, TX
Magnolia, TX Rosanky, TX
Breakaway Lauren Bane Caldwell, TX Wyn D’ Lee Roberts Hawly, TX Open Cody Quaney Clay Long
Weatherford, OK Midlothian, TX
800.827.7613 www.willardropes.com $ $
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LOOPS MAGAZINE • 5
PHOTOS BY RUSTY
EE Champion, Calvin Steen
F
or the first time since the USCRA started in 1996, Salado, Texas was the host for a USCRA calf roping. If you have never been to the Wildfire arena in Salado, then you have missed out because it is an outstanding facility. It has it all, parking, stalls, hook-ups, clean facilities, and location. The #1 roping was the roping of the weekend. There were 39 ropers competing for the added money and the Wild West buckle. Neil Dove stopped the clock on 6
6 â&#x20AC;˘ MAY 2011
head of stock in 72.49 seconds and was the high money winner of the weekend, with $2,970. The three short-round format kept the roping exciting for ropers and spectators. Neil won or placed in three out of the six rounds. The 00 roping was also a six head roping and before it was all over the lead in the average changed hands several times. When it came down to the finish line there were only four veterans that could say they had tied down
six head of calves. With an 86.03 on six head, Ronnie Williams was the winner of the Six Head at Salado 00 roping. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not the first time he has roped six in a row and even though he never placed in a round Ronnie won $975 for his efforts. In the EE roping, witnesses watched a roper win his first buckle and the most money he had ever won at one roping. Calvin Steen won $1,140 by tying 4 Calves in 60.59 seconds. The excitement that Calvin expressed after the roping was priceless. This was a big win for Calvin and we are all glad that the USCRA was a part of it. Arguably the most competitive roping of the weekend was the #2 roping. There were 5 ropers within 3 seconds of each other going into their 4th calf. Ryan
Brockenbush came up with the run he needed in the final round to take the win. His time of 44.37 on four head was good enough to win one round as well as the average and take home $1,005. Honorable mention goes out to Lauren Bane and Cody Quaney for winning the breakaway and the Open roping showdown positions at the event in Salado.
00 Champion, Ronnie Williams
#1 Champion, Neil Dove
LOOPS MAGAZINE â&#x20AC;˘ 7
#2 Champion, Ryan Brockenbush
EE Roping First Go 1. Jerome Klawinsky (EE), Richards, TX, 12.54, $410; 2. Troy Carr (EE), Houston, TX, 14.98, $275 Second Go 1. Calvin Steen (EE), Hawley, TX, 12.04, $410; 2. Cloys Warren (EE), Sante Fe, TX, 13.12, $275 Third Go 1. Dakota Felton (EE), Mt Home, TX, 10.13, $410; 2. Bob Haygood (EE), Hockley, TX, 11.71, $275 Fourth Go 1. Rex Sandifer (EE), Elgin, TX, 11.65, $410; 2. Jack Crow (EE), Runge, TX, 12.33, $275 Average 1. Calvin Steen (EE), Hawley, TX, 60.59/4hd., $730; 2. Eddie Armstrong (EE), Henderson, TX, 74.21/4hd., $640; 3. Colton Williams (EE), Waco, TX, 44.66/3hd., $460 00 Roping First Go 1. Danny Stephens (00), Bay City, TX, 10.7, $365; 2. Andy Davis (00), Mountain View, OK, 11.64, $320; 3. Russell Moore (00), New Braunsfels, TX, 12.03, $230 Second Go 1. Ruben Wood (00), Cameron, TX, 10.12, $365; 2. Frank Meehan (00), Beaumont, TX, 10.43, $320; 3. Freddy Vest (00), Pilot Point, TX, 11.37, $230 Third Go 1. Don Sims (00), Dublin, TX, 11.25, $365; 2. Randy Stone (00), Stephenville, TX, 11.27, $320; 3. Steve Kolle (EE), Iwez,, 11.65, $230 Fourth Go 1. Ben Dale (00), Weatherford, TX, 9.71, $305 Fifth Go 1. Andy Davis (00), Mountain View, OK, 9.84, $305 8 • MAY 2011
Short Go 1. Randy Stone (00), Stephenville, TX, 9.72, $305 Average 1. Ronnie Williams (00), Huntsville, TX, 86.03/6hd., $975; 2. Doug Hough (00), Giddings, TX, 89.20/6hd., $730; 3. Steve Kolle (EE), Iwez,, 90.77/6hd., $490; 4. Larry Menley, Llano, TX, 00.09/6hd., $245 1 Roping First Go 1. Kyle Rothlisberger, Bandera, TX, 12.1, $570; 2. John Tibbets, Rising Star, TX, 12.19, $500; 3. Dave Laster, Alvarado, TX, 12.23, $355 Second Go 1. Westyn Hughes, Caldwell, TX, 9.85, $570; 2. David Porter, Leesville, LA, 11.76, $500; 3. Mark Langevin, Weatherford, TX, 11.78, $355 Third Go 1. Coley Salge, Lockhart, TX, 8.38, $570; 2. Neil Dove, Stephenville, TX, 9.41, $500; 3. Justin Locock, Hico, TX, 10.4, $175; 4. Chance Tuggle, Wylie, TX, 10.4, $175 Fourth Go 1. Neil Dove, Stephenville, TX, 9.87, $475 Fifth Go 1. Mark Langevin, Weatherford, TX, 9.39, $475 Short Go 1. Neil Dove, Stephenville, TX, 11.31, $475 Average 1. Neil Dove, Stephenville, TX, 72.49/6hd., $1,520; 2. Dave Laster, Alvarado, TX, 81.72/6hd., $1,140; 3. Mark Langevin, Weatherford, TX, 83.67/6hd., $760; 4. Westyn Hughes, Caldwell, TX, 86.81/6hd., $380
Breakaway Champion, Lauren Bane
2 Roping First Go 1. Ryan Brockenbush, Lexington, TX, 10.07, 275; 2. Shawn Felton, Dublin, TX, 10.44, 180 Second Go 1. Travis Hill, Rosanky, TX, 10.24, 275; 2. Mike Arnold, Huntsville, TX, 10.28, 180 Third Go 1. Ethan Hill, So. Coffeyville, OK, 9.28, 275; 2. Travis Hill, Rosanky, TX, 10.18, 180 Fourth Go 1. Neal Felton, Mt Home, TX, 9.04, 275; 2. Jacob Smith, Abilene, TX, 9.61, 180 Average 1. Ryan Brockenbush, Lexington, TX, 44.37/4hd., 730; 2. Shawn Felton, Dublin, TX, 45.41/4hd., 490 BA Roping First Go 1. Wyn D’ Lee Roberts, Hawly, TX, 3.28, $100; Second Go 1. Lauren Bane, Caldwell, TX, 2.4, $100 Third Go 1. Lauren Bane, Caldwell, TX, 3.5, $100 Average 1. Lauren Bane, Caldwell, TX, 05.90/2hd., $275 Open First Go 1. Clay Long. Midlothian, TX ,10.54 Second Go 1. George Rowland. Paradise, TX, 8.45 Average 1. Cody Quaney, Weatherford, OK, 19.70/2
Roping Fans Team with Sponsors to Raise Money for Multiple Sclerosis (MS) San Antonio, TX, April 11, 2011
N
amgis Quarter Horses and RanchForeman, Ltd. have joined forces once again with the South Texans Against Multiple Sclerosis, Inc. (STAMSI) to raise funds for multiple sclerosis (MS) research through an invitational fundraiser tiedown roping. The 1 p.m. event will host 40 - 50 calf ropers on May 15, 2011. The Namgis facility is located on 5101 FM 462 South in Hondo, Texas. This marks the second year for the fundraiser. Last year’s event raised over $28,000 for MS research and patient services while paying out over $31,000 to the competing cowboys. Seventy-five National Finals Rodeo (NFR) qualifications were represented by the entered ropers. The cowboys will again compete for over $30,000 in cash and prizes that include $12,000 added money, a custom tooled trophy saddle by Cactus Saddlery, and troply buckle by Montana Silversmiths. This year’s entries include professional cowboys such as Fred Whitfield, Monty Lewis, and Justin Maass. “Being involved with a first-year event that enjoys that kind of success is such a blessing,” said James O’Brien, founder of RanchForeman, Ltd. “It requires a supportive community, engaged sponsors and high quality ropers. We were fortunate enough to have all three. It’s great to support a cause every now and then, but it’s better to do it while you’re watching a great roping, ” O’Brien said with a smile. Stan Sigman, founder of Namgis Quarter Horses and former CEO of AT&T Mobility, has a passion for horses, roping and good causes. After the success of last year’s event, he wanted to again team up with the owners of RanchForeman, Ltd., a horse business innovation company, to produce an event even greater than the last. “Last year’s event met and exceeded our expectations,” Sigman said. “We want to improve each year for the contestants, the fans and the cause.” Sigman talked about the great ropings around Texas and hopes to make this event into a destination caliber event.
“South Texas needs a good tiedown roping,” Sigman said. “You hear about the Spicer Grip Memorial, the Windy Ryon Memorial and San Angelo Roping Fiesta. We are establishing that level of success with the Namgis Invitational in an effort to provide a premium offering for roping fans down here in God’s Country.” The cowboys will compete in two rounds with the top ten fastest average times advancing to a final round. While the cowboys will compete for prizes & money, Cowboy Sponsors of the event will be competing too. Each Cowboy Sponsor will be paired with a cowboy who made it to the final round. That roper will represent the sponsor as they rope their final calf. The sponsors also have a shot at taking home prizes if their roper wins. Sponsor prizes include a Montana Silversmiths trophy buckle that matches the finals champion buckle and a fully tooled Cactus Saddlery briefcase that matches the average winner’s trophy saddle. “Great sponsors are key to the success of an event,” O’Brien said. “Frankly, the Cowboy Sponsorship was a difficult sell last year because it was such a new concept. No event offered that level of participation for a sponsor. However, we received fantastic feedback. It provides so much exposure and is just great fun competing through their cowboy. I heard them say that it’s the next best thing to actually being in the arena roping.” We want to thank those great sponsors that include Namgis Quarter Horses, RanchForeman, McCoys, Ranch at the Rim, Bisset Ranch Partnership, The Koehler Company, Morgan O’Brien Ranch, Rangel Foundations, Alamo Area Veterinary Clinic, Hondo National Bank, Texas Ag Finance, D&D Services, Lyssy & Eckel Feeds, Mumme’s Inc, Hermann Sons, Blue Sky, and Agri-Insurance. Additional funds will be raised from the Saturday night Charity Calcutta which begins at 6:00 p.m., where each cowboy will be sold in auction-style, allowing the winning bidder to win money if their
purchased cowboy wins money in the Sunday roping. Monies usually designated for the ‘house’ go instead to the charity. The Sunday event begins with Cowboy Church at 9:00, which will be open to the public and all are invited to attend. Gates will remain open until 10:00 Sunday morning. Tickets will be sold at $50 per person in advance and at the gate (after 10:00 a.m.). Ticket purchases are tax deductible and contribute to the money raised. STAMSI is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to improving the lives of people affected by MS. The Namgis Premier is its largest fundraiser, and funds raised are distributed to the Multiple Sclerosis Center of South Texas and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. “MS research and patient services in South Texas are very important to its residents,” said Tonni O’Brien, president of STAMSI and a MS patient herself. “It has been humbling to see the amount of support that we get from the city of Hondo and the surrounding San Antonio area. A big thank you to those involved! We couldn’t do it without you.” MS is a chronic, often disabling disease that attacks the central nervous system (CNS), which is made up of the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. In the United States today, there are approximately 400,000 people with multiple sclerosis (MS)— with 200 more people diagnosed every week. Worldwide, MS is thought to affect more than 2.5 million people. While the disease is not contagious or directly inherited, epidemiologists—the scientists who study patterns of disease—have identified factors in the distribution of MS around the world that may eventually help determine what causes the disease. K To make a donation to the event, contact STAMSI at (210) 286-6281. To purchase tickets to the event, contact the Hondo Chamber of Commerce at (830) 426-3037. For more information, visit www.NamgisQuarterHorses.com/premier. LOOPS MAGAZINE • 9
How To Improve Your Fuel Economy T
here is little doubt those who rope or rodeo are becoming discouraged as they roll up to the fuel pump. $4 plus fuel prices put a damper on events as ropers dig deep into their pockets just to attend events, and in many ways may take entries away from those who just can’t afford to go. As fuel prices begin to reach yet again record highs, many are looking for ways to make changes to produce big improvements in their MPG! There are two variables that make a difference to your vehicles fuel economy, driving habits, and vehicle maintenance/repair/upgrades. Look ahead at the following recommendations that can help you save a dollar or two at the pump this summer!
Driving Habits 1. Anticipate, coast, and use your brakes less. Anticipate stops or slow-downs ahead and take your foot off the gas: try to coast much more than you brake. Any additional distance you coast will save fuel and extend your brakepad life. 2. Don’t accelerate quickly. Accelerating at about 1/4 throttle will be slower than you’re used to, but it saves a lot of fuel. Whether you’re driving an automatic or manual, this will tend to shift up to higher gears at slower speeds, turning fewer engine revolutions. 3. Minimize idling, and idle smart: Engines only need 10 to 30 seconds for warm-up, and idling your engine for more than a minute typically costs more fuel than restarting it. So avoid the drive-thru lines at the bank and the fast-food 10 • MAY 2011
4. 5.
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shop: instead of sitting in line, park and go inside. However, when you must idle with an automatic transmission, put the transmission in Neutral or Park while you’re waiting: this will cut your fuel usage at idle by 1535% depending on the vehicle. Use Cruise Control. It’s proven to save fuel. Overdrive and gear selection. If you have an automatic with Overdrive, use the Overdrive. If you have a manual transmission, shift early to keep engine rpm’s lower and be sure to use the highest gear for highway cruising. Slow down. As you increase speed above 60 mph, wind resistance starts increasing dramatically as a percentage of total fuel consumption. Estimates are that every mile over 60 mph costs you 1% in fuel economy. Watch your tire choice. Replacing your tires/wheels with wider and/or taller ones may look awesome, but keep in mind that your choice could have a 1 to 3% penalty in fuel economy. Carefully consider your route and the time of day. Stop-and-go traffic can be a nightmare for better fuel economy. On the other extreme, if the traffic is moving smoothly and fast (at 60 - 80 mph), your fuel economy is going to be much better. For maximum fuel economy, follow a larger vehicle and use your cruise control. Plan and Combine errands to make fewer trips. Think like your great-
grandparents did. Plan meals and grocery shop once a week or twice a month; just make a list of other errands during the week, plan your route, and do it all on the same day. 10. Drive first to your furthest destination of the day. When running errands, driving to your farthest point first will warm up your vehicle’s engine and transmission most quickly, which allows it to operate with more efficiency during the rest of your stops. 11. Clear off the snow and ice. Snow and ice buildup costs you fuel in two important ways: it increases your vehicle’s wind resistance, and it adds a lot of weight. 12. Use an engine block heater. When your engine warms up more quickly, it gets efficient more quickly. But “idling” your engine is an expensive way to warm it up in the winter. Instead, have an engine block heater installed and plug it into a hardware-store timer. Depending on the engine temperature, 1 to 3 hours on the timer will give you an optimal boost for your fuel economy. 13. Use air conditioning wisely. In city driving, it’s cheaper to use the vents and/or roll the windows down. But at highway speeds, it’s a
different story: rolling the windows down will cost you more fuel than using the air conditioner. In addition, try to remember to shut off the A/C before you get to your destination. These factors can affect fuel economy by 1-5%. 14. Drive in style - tint your windows. Window tinting offers both privacy and “coolness”, by reducing the load on your Air Conditioner. 15. Close passenger air vents. If your vehicle is a commuter rather than a family car, you don’t need to be cooling your entire car interior. 16. Buy fuel wisely. Ok, this isn’t actually improving your fuel economy, but there are several things to save money on: Filling up on Tuesday afternoon or Wednesday morning will normally save you money. Those are typically the lowest prices of the week. Also, filling up in the morning when the fuel pump is cooler will get you a few extra cents of fuel. So your best time to fill up is - on average Wednesday morning. Don’t “top off” your tank: you risk losing fuel to the station’s vapor-recovery system, giving them back some of what you’re paying for. 17. Use a good fuel additive. Injectors with excessive deposits have poor spray patterns that can cost you 2 to 15% in fuel economy. Those deposits are caused by poor quality fuel. Find a good fuel additive that will clean your injectors, keep them clean, and (for diesels) lubricate your fuel pump. 18. Lose some weight! Reduce your vehicle’s weight: clean out bed of your truck. For every 200 pounds of extra wheight, it costs you roughly 1 mpg. 19. Park in the Shade: The hotter the fuel tank gets, the more gas you lose to evaporation. Additionally, most of your savings from shade parking will come from the air conditioner not having to work as long to cool off your car’s interior. Also, If you crack your windows a bit and use a sunshade in the front windshield, you’ll not only sweat less, but you’ll save money from your A/C not having to work as hard.
20. Keep a log of your mileage and fuel. This helps you monitor your fuel economy and driving habits. Not only can you learn the cost benefits of changing your driving style, but you can spot the poor fuel economy that is often a firstalert to maintenance issues. 21. Use your Fuel Economy display. These prominently display the instantaneous fuel economy. Many drivers have noted that this results in developing more frugal and sedate driving habits.
Vehicle Maintenance/ Repair/Upgrades These all fall into two general ways to improve fuel economy—decrease friction in the vehicle’s drivetrain and make it easier for air to flow through the engine, anywhere between the air intake and the exhaust tailpipe. 1. Keep your engine tuned up. If you have a dashboard service-engine light on, you’re typically wasting fuel. Overall, poor engine tuning and lack of maintenance will often decrease fuel economy by 10-20%, and it can be even worse in some cases. 2. Inflate your tires to their optimum, “higher” pressures than “normal”. Besides improving fuel economy, this will improve handling, increase safety, and increase tire life. Underinflated tires can lower gas mileage by 0.4 percent for every 1 psi drop in pressure of all four tires. 3. Switch to best-quality synthetic oils and filters throughout your drivetrain: engine oil, transmission fluid, differential gear oil and wheel bearing grease. 4. Improve airflow around your vehicle: • Consider adding a truck bed cover: they can give you a 1 to 2 mpg boost. • Reduce air turbulence under your vehicle: “Off-road” packages which include protective underbody “skid plate” features, or “ground effects” styling packages can help enough to add 1-5% in fuel economy. • Adding an air deflector to the roof of your vehicle when towing
will also add 1 to 3 mpg, but keep in mind that it will also reduce your non-towing fuel economy by about the same amount if it’s still on the vehicle when you’re not towing. • Loaded roof racks or cargo pods can cut 5% or more off your fuel economy. Fill the trunk first. A cargo rack that slides into a trailer hitch allows you to carry extra stuff, still get into your trunk, and use less fuel. • Sunroof air-deflectors can be handy, but they do cost you a bit of money. Removing the air deflector might save 1/4 to 3/4% in fuel economy. 5. Improve airflow into the engine. This can happen in several stages of increasing complexity, but the first place is the air filter. If your filter is dirty, that reduces fuel economy up to 10%. However, there’s a conflicting problem. Conventional filters should NOT be replaced before the OEM’s recommended interval or they will increase your engine wear rate: they rely on the “dust cake” buildup to achieve effective filtration, which can reduce fuel economy. 6. Improve airflow out of the engine: Install an aftermarket exhaust system. These have larger diameter pipes and larger, less restrictive mufflers. This helps to reduce “backpressure” losses which cut down on horsepower, torque and fuel-economy. Keep in mind that on turbo-charged engines, anything you do to improve flow (reduce backpressure) through the exhaust system will pay rewards in increased turbo pressure, faster spool-up, and of course, better fuel economy. 7. Watch your transmission modes. Use overdrive when possible. Don’t use 4-wheel drive when you don’t need it. And when buying a new vehicle, consider your driving conditions and habits: if 4WD is important to you, you might want to consider AWD (All Wheel Drive) options for improved safety and automatic fuel-economy management of the drive system. K LOOPS MAGAZINE • 11
K Great News! Ropers Forum is back up!
Did You Know? K EE and OO Penalty In the EE and 00 roping it is only a one-second penalty for not getting your calf up. K Just Catchem 4 out of the 6 EE ropings this year, if you caught all of your calves, you automatically placed in the average. K Mo Betta Cancelled The Mo Betta roping in Oklahoma May 13-15 has been cancelled.
K W.E.B. Memorial W.E.B. Memorial Calf Roping in Denton, TX July 16 & 17th 2011. Trophy Saddle to the high money winner of any 1 roping. $1000 Added to the EE, 00, and #1. Buckle to the average winner of each roping. K Payment System There will no longer be a payment system for the USCRA membership cards, starting with the 2011 season.
K Firecracker 5-Header The Firecracker 5-Header is coming up in Stephenville, TX, July 2, 3, & 4, 2011. Tod Slone Saddles to the Average winners of the EE, 00, #1, and #2 ropings. $500 added to the Open tiedown and the Women’s Breakaway. K GA Bits and Spurs GA bits and spurs (Gordy Alderson) is donating a pair of bits to each roping at the 2011 finals. K USCRA Finals USCRA Finals in Stephenville, TX will be September 15-18, 2011.
2011 Membership Types Tiedown and Women’s Open Breakaway Membership $100 (Members from states other than Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and New Mexico are $75) A USCRA membership allows ropers to compete at all regular USCRA ropings and gives ropers the opportunity to compete at the year end Semi-Finals and Showdown Finals. A roper that wins first or second in the Average at a USCRA roping earns a showdown position to rope at the 2011 Showdown Finals. The Showdown Finals will host ropings in the EE, 00 #1, #2, Open, and Women’s Open Breakaway divisions. Added money will be collected from entry fees at all USCRA produced ropings for the Showdown Finals.
12 • MAY 2011
Attention Open Ropers and Open Breakaway Ropers Open Tiedown - One dollar per roper from the stock contractor and one dollar per roper from the USCRA producer will be collected for every roper in the EE, 00, #1 and #2 throughout the season This money will be added to the Open Showdown Finals. The added money collected does not come from the EE, 00, #1, and #2 pot. This money is coming out of he stock contractor and producer’s pocket. Women’s Open Breakaway - One dollar per roper from the stock contractor and one dollar per roper from the USCRA producer will be collected for every roper in the breakaway roping throughout the season. This money will be added to the Women’s Open Breakaway Showdown Finals.
Attention #2 Ropers Changes for the 2011 Season Ropers 40 years of age and older that have not been in the top 50 final standings of the PRCA for the last 4 years, are eligible to rope in the #2 roping. Age is as of December 31, 2011.
2011 Membership Application
Membership Dues: $100
Members from states other than Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and New Mexico are $75 Tiedown (Classes EE, 00, #1, #2, Open) and Women's Open Breakaway 2011 Memberships are good from August 1, 2010 – September 19, 2011 USCRA Membership includes a one-year subscription to Loops Magazine. United States Calf Ropers Assn PO Box 690, Giddings, Texas 78942 979-542-1239
To join, fill out the application & mail to the USCRA office or you can join on-line at our website at www.uscra.com. Please print all information completely and legibly; please fill out a separate form for additional members.
FIRST NAME
Male
LAST NAME
Tiedown
Female
Breakaway
MAILING ADDRESS
PAYMENT OPTIONS: The USCRA accepts checks, money orders, or VISA or Mastercard for membership dues. Please make checks or money orders payable to USCRA and mail to: PO Box 690, Giddings, TX 78942. Please fill out the information below for credit card payments:
CITY, STATE, ZIP EMAIL ADDRESS SOCIAL SECURITY # BIRTHDATE WORK #
Visa-M/C Account Number
_ _ _ _-_ _ _ _-
HOME #
_ _ _ _-_ _ _ _ Exp. Date _______________
CELL #
Cardholder Signature
Have you been a member of the USCRA? ______Yes ______No
X__________________________
DISCOUNT FAMILY MEMBERSHIP: $50 Tiedown and Breakaway You must fill out a separate membership application for each Family Membership. First family membership is full price; all additional family memberships are half price. Family memberships are defined as spouse and/or child 19 years & under or siblings that are both 19 years of age & under living at home. Family memberships receive one copy of Loops magazine per household. Additional subscriptions to Loops can be purchased for $24.00. To receive discount all blanks below must be filled out: Current 2010 USCRA Member’s name_________________________ ID #________ Relation to you_________________
DISCLAIMER: The USCRA reserves the right to re-classify or change classification numbers at any given time. I will not hold USCRA and all those associated with the arena performed in liable for injuries. I understand I am roping at my own risk. Photographs taken at USCRA events may be used for advertising and promotional purposes. All entry fees are to be paid in cash. Pay-outs will be in cash. Please Sign Here: X_________________________________________________
Signature of member or guardian if member is a minor
ROPING SECRETARY USE ONLY Record class. #, date, dues paid, and paid by when application is turned in by roper. CLASSIFICATION #_______
DATE JOINED__________
DUES PAID $________
PAID BY:
Cash
Check #______ Credit Card
MAILED_________ NEW CLASS #______ DATE CHANGED _________ NEW CARD MAILED__________ LOCATION JOINED_________
LOOPS MAGAZINE • 13
2011 USCRA Events Schedule and Fees Saturday, June 11 9:00 a.m. #2 - 4 Head for $250 11:00 a.m. 00 - 4 Head for $250 3:00 p.m. #1 - 4 Head for $250 Sunday, June 12 9:00 a.m. EE - 4 Head for $250 12:00 p.m. Ladies Breakaway 4 Head for $250 12:00 p.m. Open 4 Head for $250
north Texas championships June 11 & 12, 2011 Denton, TX • Diamond T Arena
General Information Prizes
WILD WEST BUCKLES to the Average Winners
GPS Directions: 6900 E. Sherman Dr. Denton, TX Arena # 940.484.6101 Stalls and hookups available.
Run 1st round of Breakaway, then 1st round of Open and alternate back and forth. New Members call 979-540-7755 before you haul for classification. For more info: USCRA - Lanham Mangold 979/540-7755
2011 USCRA
Schedule mAy 13-15 **CANCeLLeD** mo betta Apache, OK JuNe 11-12 Denton, TX
National Sponsors August 6-7 Hamilton, TX August 26-28 Calf Ropers Reunion Bryan, TX
septembeR 15-18 JuLy 1-3 Firecracker 5 Header USCRA Finals Stephenville, TX Stephenville, TX JuLy 16-17 W.e.b memorial Denton, TX 14 • MAY 2011
USCRA
Classic Equine The Official Tack of the USCRA 1301 Weatherford Hwy. Granbury, TX 76048 800.654.7864; www.classicequine.com
Stephenville, Texas Chamber of Commerce The Home of the USCRA Finals P.O. Box 306, Stephenville, TX 76401 800.658.6490 www.stephenvilletexas.org
M.A.C. Precision Calf Feeds The Official Feed of the USCRA “For Maximum Performance” Made by: Mannsville Ag Center 580-371-9588 www.mannsvilleagcenter@cableone.net
Martin Saddlery The Official Saddle of the USCRA 1301 Weatherford Hwy. Granbury, TX 76048 800.654.7864; www.martinsaddlery.com
Rattler Ropes The Official Rope of the USCRA 1301 Weatherford Hwy., Granbury, TX 76048 800.654.7864; www.rattlerrope.com
Schedule Saturday, July 2 9:00 a.m. 1st, 2nd, and 3rd rounds of EE 1:00. p.m. 1st, 2nd, and 3rd rounds of #1 Sunday, July 3 8:00 a.m. 4th & 5th rounds of the EE 10:00 a.m. 4th & 5th rounds of the #1 12:00 p.m. 1st, 2nd, and 3rd rounds of #2 2:00 p.m. 1st, 2nd, and 3rd rounds of 00 Monday, July 4 8:00 a.m. 4th & 5th rounds of the #2 9:00 a.m. 4th & 5th rounds of the 00 1:00 p.m. Open 4 head Breakaway 3 head Start with round of the open then round of Breakaway and alternate back and forth.
Fees EE, 00, #1, and #2 are 5 head for $300 Open is 4 head for $300 Breakaway is 3 head for $200
Firecracker 5 Header July 2, 3, & 4, 2011 Stephenville, TX at Lonestar Arena
Prizes
General Information
TOD SLONE SADDLES to the Average winners of EE, 00, #1, and #2 ropings
GPS Directions: 4696 N US Hwy 377 Stephenville, TX 76401 Stalls and hookups available. 254/965-7981
$500 Added to the Open $500 Added to the Women’s Breakaway Must have 20 ropers entered to add money
For more info: USCRA - Lanham Mangold 979/540-7755
W.E.B. Memorial Calf Roping July 16 & 17, 2011 Denton, TX • Diamond T Arena Schedule and Fees Saturday, July 16 9:00 a.m. Breakaway 10:00 a.m. EE 2:00 p.m. #1 1:00p.m. #1 Sunday, July 17 9:00 a.m. #2 11:00 a.m. 00 2:00 p.m. Open
MATCH ROPING Trophy Saddle to High Money winner of any 1 roping. Can only count 1 roping. $1,000 Added to the EE, 00, and #1. Total of $3,000 Added Money. Buckle to average winners of each roping.
General Information Stalls and Hookups available 940/484-6101 Call 979/540-7755 for Classification and Info GPS directions: 6900 E. Sherman Dr
Fees are 4 Head for $250 LOOPS MAGAZINE • 15
CARTER ROBERTSON MEMORIAL JR. TIMED EVENT CHAMPIONSHIPS Saturday & Sunday Two t u o y a P Day 0 0 May 21 & 22 at 10:00 a.m. $30,1 TEED E v N NRS Training Facility • Decatur, Texas ent GUARA Check-In Saturday 8:00 to 9:30 a.m. • Calcutta & Dinner at 6:00 p.m.
TIE DOWN CALF ROPING
2 Runs Per Contestant
PRCA Rules. 2 loops. Must carry 2 ropes.
TEAM ROPING-HEADING
2 Runs Per Contestant
PRCA Rules. 3 loops. Will head two steer runs with any heeler as long as heeler is in age bracket of contestant, does not have to be a contestant and can heel for maximum of 3 contestants (2 runs each). Contestant must list helper at check in.
TEAM ROPING-HEELING
2 Runs Per Contestant
PRCA Rules. 3 loops. Will heel two steer runs with any header as long as header is in age bracket of contestant, does not have to be a contestant and can head for maximum of 3 contestants (2 runs each). Contestant must list helper at check in.
CHUTE DOGGING
2 Runs Per Contestant
NHSRA Rules. Average based on total combined times. 60 second maximum time limit on each run.
GIRLS BREAKAWAY
2 Runs Per Contestant
NHSRA Rules. Top 10 short go.
THREE AGE GROUPS JUNIORS 16 & UNDER Mail Entry to: CARTER ROBERTSON MJTEC 30 max Jr. Division Attn: DeLynn Crick SENIORS 17 TO 21 11625 Bowden Road 40 max Sr. Division Lipan, TX 76462 GIRLS BREAKAWAY 254/646-6918 - cricks4@earthlink.net 21 & Under - 30 max contestants FEES $350 BOYS For More Information Contact: FEES $250 GIRLS David Robertson 817/598-6923 SPECIAL T/R HELPER JACKPOT Dewey Brashear 817/692-3858 $100 Entry – Enter 3x max. Austin Robertson 817/598-6924 Heading & Heeling (80% Payback) Randall Robertson 817/694-2279 Must be entered by 9:00 a.m. on Saturday Church Service 8:30 a.m. on Sunday
ENTRY
FORM
Name ____________________________________________________________________________________________ Address __________________________________________________________________________________________ City/State/Zip _____________________________________________________________________________________ Phone: ____________________E-Mail: __________________________ JR BOY _____ SR BOY _____ FEES $350 Can Enter J/P T/R at Check-In on Saturday - FEES $100 GIRLS________FEES $250 TOTAL FEES ___________ AGE ON MAY 21, 2011 _____
SENIOR T/E PAY OUT: AVERAGE: 1st $4,000 + Saddle 2nd $2,500 + Buckle 3rd $1,400 + Breast Collar 4th $1,000 + Rope Bag 5th $500 + Horse Pad 6th $350 + NRS Gift Certificate GO-ROUNDS: 1st $350 2nd $150 Go rounds will be paid for fast times for both rounds in each event JUNIOR T/E PAY OUT: AVERAGE: 1st $3,000 + Saddle 2nd $1,900 + Buckle 3rd $1,000 + Breast Collar 4th $750 + Rope Bag 5th $350 + Horse Pad GO-ROUNDS: 1st $250 2nd $125 Go rounds will be paid for fast times for both rounds in each event B/A PAY OUT: AVERAGE: 1st $2,350 + Buckle 2nd $1,600 + Rope Can 3rd $1,000 + Breast Collar 4th $550 + Horse Pad GO-ROUNDS: 1st $200 2nd $100 Go rounds pay 1st and 2nd for each round and 1st for the short-go.
Pre Entries ONLY! Due May 14 May 21-1st RD. T/R –HD, T/R –HL, Both RD C/D, 1st RD -C/R • May 22-2nd RD. T/R –HD, T/R –HL, Both RD BAW, 2nd RD -C/R 16 • MAY2011
CALF ROPINGS & ROPING SCHOOLS
ROYCE KITCHENS MEMORIAL CALF ROPING & TEAM ROPING Diamond S arena • Comanche, TX MAY 21 - 22, 2011 SATURDAY
INDOOR ARENA
9 AM START
SUNDAY
“EE” TIEDOWN, 2 AND SHORT FOR $175 “B” BREAKAWAY 3 AND SHORT FOR $150 “0” TIEDOWN 2 AND SHORT FOR $175 “00” TIEDOWN 2 AND SHORT FOR $175
10 AM START
#1 TIEDOWN, 2 AND SHORT FOR $175 AMATEUR TIEDOWN 2 AND SHORT FOR $175 OPEN TIEDOWN 2 AND SHORT FOR $175 OUTDOOR ARENA
K PRIZES K
Buckles To Average Winner Of Each Division Callaway Donating Rope To Second Place In The Average Saddle To High Money Winner Of The Weekend Boots To 2nd High Money Of The Weekend Donated By Scott’s Westernwear Buckles & Saddle Sponsors Charlie Seider Family
JR. CALF ROPING AND BREAKAWAY
SUNDAY 10 AM START
BREAKAWAY 3 FOR $100 TIEDOWN - 3 FOR $115 15 & UNDER 12 & UNDER 10 & UNDER age as of January 1, 2011
Buckles To Average Winners
K CALF ROPERS K MUST BE A DIAMOND S CALF ROPING ASSOCIATION MEMBER OR PAY $35 FOR A DAY MEMBERSHIP
TEAM ROPING SATURDAY, MAY 21, 2011 • START 9:00 AM USTRA #9 • #11 • #15 2 AND SHORT FOR $20 PER MAN - PROGRESSIVE AFTER ONE Ropings run together - Separate short go’s
K PRIZES K Sponsored By Terry & Tommy Kitchens Saddle To High Money Winner Of The Day Buckles To Average Winner Of Each Roping For more information contact Charlie Seider 325.330.0360 or Terry Kitchens 325.647.8085 www.diamondscalfroping.com 18 • MAY 2011
CALF ROPINGS & ROPING SCHOOLS
WRANGLER Presents 26th Annual
Six Champi onship Trophy Saddles
yoff a P 0 201 62,000 r$ Ove
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Friday, Saturday, Sunday & Monday May 27-30, 2011 Memorial Day Weekend Hardy Murphy Coliseum Ardmore, Oklahoma
Two Arena System will be used Friday 12:00 noon 13-15 Tiedown Saturday 9:00 a.m. 12 & Under Tiedown Saturday 11:00 a.m. 13-15 Breakaway Sunday 9:00 a.m. Cowboy Church Sunday 10:00 a.m. 19 & Under Girls Breakaway Sunday 12:00 noon 12 & Under Breakaway Monday 9:00 a.m. 16-19 Boys Tiedown
12 & Under Breakaway & Tiedown Fees - $90 for each + $15 office
13 - 15 Breakaway & Tiedown Fees - $120 for each + $15 office
19 & Under Girls Breakaway Fees - $140 + $15 office
16 - 19 Boys Tiedown Fees - $180 + $15 office
# (
ENTRIES CLOSE Postmarked by May 10. Fees must accompany entry form. Age is as of day of roping. ROPING FORMAT: 3 head with top 15 back to a Short-go
For Entry Blanks # " % ' # "
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Old Shadows Calf Roping 1/2 horizontal
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Memorial Calf Roping Sunday, May 29, 2011
Monday, May 30, 2011
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CALF ROPINGS & ROPING SCHOOLS
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High Money winner over the 2-day roping wins 2-Horse CM Trailer with front dressing room $5,000 value. 2nd place High Money winner custom saddle $2000 value. 3rd place - Nice Cactus breast collar - $150.
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LOOPS MAGAZINE â&#x20AC;˘ 19
1/2 horizontal
TM
Lone Star Cowboy Church Presents
TM
Early Bird
$175
By 6/13/11
Regular Rate $225
Bull Riding - Barrel Racing - Beginner and Advanced Horsemanship Team Roping Heading and Heeling - Calf Roping - Breakaway Roping (936) 597-5742 | facebook.com/RodeoBibleCamp
John Wallace Memorial Calf Roping Haskell County Arena Haskell, Texas Sunday • May 29, 2011
JUNE 4 - 5, 2011 • HAPPY, TEXAS
$2,500 Saturday, June 4 9:00 a.m. 19 & Under (day of roping) 3-head for $200 $1,000 Added ~ Limited to 30
3-Head & Short-Go for $300
Trophy Saddle to Average Winner Calf Roping starts at 3:00 p.m.
1:00 p.m. Open Calf Roping 3 and a Short for $400 Limited to 40 ~ Rope one set of fresh calves in three rounds Buckles to Average Winner 7:00 p.m. Happy Community Center Introduction of Steer Ropers
To enter call by 9:00 p.m. on May 24 Carl Hopkins 940/864-5299 J.W. Wallace 940/864-3509 Limited to 40 ropers 20 • MAY 2011
Sunday, June 5 10:00 a.m. Senior Steer Roping 1:00 p.m. Open Steer Roping 3 and a short for $500 Limited to 40 Buckles to Average Winner
Calf Roping & Steer Roping $100 Deposit Deposit due May 15, 2010. No entries will be accepted without deposit. Send deposit to: Happy Rodeo Association P.O. Box 121 Happy, Texas 79042
Sponsors West Texas Western Store Happy State Bank Tulia Livestock Auction BJM Sales Service Walco Wells Fargo, Canyon Lextron
Information Bill Pearson 806.764.3522 Trey Johnson 806.433.7382
CALF ROPINGS & ROPING SCHOOLS
Battle in the Saddle is back in 2011 with more than $145,000 in added money! July 5-9, 2011
State Fair Park, Oklahoma City, USA
COWBOY MOUNTED SHOOTING $10,000
WORKING COW HORSE
BARREL RACING
RANCH REMUDA
$7,500
ROPING
$40,000
$10,650
VERSATILITY RANCH HORSE & RHAA $3,000
$10,000
CUTTING
$65,000
Enter now at battleinthesaddle.com or call Valerie Smith at (806) 378-4341 for more information!
T
his is the sixth year I’ve been writing this Down the Line article. Each month this job rolls around faster than you can imagine and I sometimes scramble for something to write about. So when faced with this task, I remind myself that people actually want to hear what I have to say. Enough so, that they read my article. That’s very humbling to me – to think that people are actually interested in what I have to say. I believe, as it says in the Bible, when much is given, much is required. And though I’ve been blessed and
given so much, I’m still honored and take this very seriously. At the same time, I ask myself, “Who am I to give advice on life?” Usually when I’m writing about life or my philosophy on how to live, I’m speaking as much to myself as anyone. I do try very hard to give good and honest advice or thoughts straight from my heart. Ultimately what I want for everyone who reads this article is to live life to the fullest. Expect a lot of yourself and revel in your triumphs and embrace life’s challenges. Because on the other side of the hard times are the good
times. The best times of your life cannot be fully appreciated without knowing the joy of surviving and triumphing challenges. Leading up to my recent shoulder surgery I was in constant pain. I had decided that if the surgery did not remedy this, I would seriously look at winding down my calf roping career. During the recuperation I still had some pain here and there and was hesitant to call the surgery a success. Today I roped twenty-five calves and my shoulder hasn’t felt this good in years. I had forgotten what it was like to rope without
A special thanks to my sponsors for supporting not only me, but also the sport that lets me do what I love. TM
D[[^ X^Va :fj^cZ Hedgih EgdYjXi d[ i]Z
22 • MAY 2011
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pain in my shoulder. I could tell by the smile on my dad’s face what a difference it made in my roping. Though I had dreaded the surgery and what it might mean, I can now celebrate the outcome. Life is a journey that is sometimes rocky and out of our control, but I plan to soak up each moment and
experience and thank God for it. An experience that has been profound for me recently is having a little girl. I love all my children exactly the same amount, but there’s something a little different, more protective, about having a girl. My daughter is two months old now and it still blows me
Circumcision
N
ow that I have your attention with my title for this article, I’d like to tell you a story about how God uses the things of the flesh to teach us lessons for the heart. The Old Testament talks about how the children of Israel wandered in the desert for 40 years after God had redeemed them from slavery to the Egyptians. What should have been less than a month’s journey to God’s Promised Land for them wound up taking 40 years. The reason for the long detour was because when God would test them, they would always flunk the test. They failed the test by murmuring, complaining, rebelling, and building idols. Therefore, what happened after God had given them his ten commandments was that they treated his commandments like the ten suggestions. After the first generation died in the desert the second generation had been born and was at the Jordan River ready to cross over into what God had prepared for them, which was their Promised Land. Jericho was across the river; it was a fortified city with walls 20 feet thick and 25 feet tall. God parted the waters of the Jordan so his people could walk across on dry ground. Remember there were over 2 million people on this journey. I can imagine the elation of the people to reach a fertile land full of fruit, a huge variety of food that was waiting on their arrival. The confidence that I’m sure had risen up in them about conquering Jericho was huge. And I’m sure that they were chewing at the bit to get it done. When all of the sudden, God said to Joshua, their leader, to circumcise all of the men before they
away. She is so dependent, innocent and pure. It’s given me a new perspective. If you have any questions or anything you would like me to write about, please email me at strant@aol.com. Till next, God Bless, and I’ll see you down the line. K
attacked Jericho. Why in the world would God say to do something like that at that point in time? I believe the reason was that they had to submit their flesh and their will to God before they could ever have victory in their Promised Land. The scripture also talks about circumcision of the heart. And what that means is the cutting away of the excess that keeps us from God’s will for our lives. They had to place their faith, their fate as well and their future in God’s hands completely. Many people in our culture today believe that faith is getting what we want. I would submit to you that true faith is being a vessel for God so HE can get what HE wants. As long as you are making decisions according to the flesh that you live in, you will repeat the same problems decade in and decade out and never change. If the day ever comes when you are willing to allow God’s word to rule your life that’s the day you will find peace. You will leave your desert and you will cross over into your Promised Land. When you understand God’s will and conquer the issues of your life then you will find peace for you, your spouse and your family. Too many times, we want God to get in on what we are doing, when what we should do is get in on what God is doing. When was the last time you cut off the excess in your life that kept you from your destiny? “A person is not a Jew who is one only outwardly, nor is circumcision merely outward and physical. No, a person is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a person’s praise is not from other people, but from God.” Romans 2:28-29 (NIV) God Bless! Randy Weaver, Pastor Lone Star Cowboy Church 936-449-5719 Montgomery, TX 1 mi. W of FM 149 on Hwy 105 W Service Times: Sundays 8:30, 10:00 and 11:30 a.m. Mondays 7:00 p.m.
LOOPS MAGAZINE • 23
Poly-Grass Are Back! K
ing Ropes is spreading the news, their long-overdue shipment of Poly-Grass rope has arrived and they are cutting, tying and sending out orders! Although there are a 4-6 week wait on the ordered ropes, it is much better than the 1 to 2 years they have been wainting trying to get the order of bulk rope inported. Tie-down ropers have been using Poly-Grass mix ropes for the last fifteen plus years. The reason they are so popular among ropers is the natural feel of the grass and the strength of the poly. However, the long overdue wait for the bulk shipment have had ropers using other ropes in the meantime. According to King Ropes though, the news has spread rather quickly and the calls are coming in from all across the country, from pros to amateurs who want to get their hand on a few ropes for the
remainder of the season. King Ropes said in a recent interview that they have secured a contract with a manufacturing plant so they can continue to send them the bulk material for ropes. Since there is not a manufacturer of the Poly-Grass mix rope in the United States, the shipments have to be imported. This is where the hard part comes in. For the past couple of years, the company that was making the mix ropes went out of business. King Ropes searched and found a new company which they had originally bought rope from some 15 years ago still making the Poly-Grass, bulk rope. However, getting it imported was a long process and they are very happy to see that their goal to get the rope to their facilty has finally happened. The rope finally landed on US soil and King Ropes got their hands
Sid Miller Calf Roping Horses
Stephenville, Texas 254/977-9133 repmiller@hotmail.com 24 â&#x20AC;˘ MAY 2011
on the majority of the imported rope and was soon doing their final preparations to the ropes and sending out the many orders to calf ropers. Although only the 57Thread rope arrived, they expect the 60-Thread bulk supply to be in by mid-June so they can start supplying the orders for that size tie-down rope as well. King Ropes was excited about the import and said the rope looked and felt better than any rope they have received in recent years. They also said the rope was twisted tight and that the calf ropes made from the bulk material were standing up and surpassing the test they were putting them through. They expect to see many of these ropes in the hands of their biggest customers at all of the PRCA events, USCRA events and of course at this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas, Nevada. K
For all of your equine insurance needs . . .
Sweetwater, Texas 1-800-351-1444 Arthur Maberry 325/338-7007 mobile email: art@brooksmaberry.com Kirk Maberry 432/202-1537 kirk@brooksmaberry.com
by Ryan Davis
Spring Branding: How Long Will It Last?
T
he old tradition of branding cattle could be on the line if a new proposal by the USDA goes through. Although it wouldn’t go away entirely, branding could take a back-seat to the practice of eartagging cattle, which has been proposed by the USDA. The proposal says ear tags should be the federal standard for identifying livestock. In addition, it would not mean that branding would be outlawed for now, but instead, states would make their own decision on what would be the method of tracking the animals. The proposal is still in the early stages, and still has only been brought up in some USDA meetings. It seemed in early February of 2010, the USDA used considerable resources to proudly announce that it would listen to cattlemen and back away from the National Animal ID system that it had proposed. For the remainder of 2010 USDA worked with cattlemen to try and, to develop a bottom-up system that would be run by the states and federally supported but not federally led. That ended at the beginning of this year as the USDA did an about-face and is now proposing to delist the hot-iron brand. This is a plan to delist the brand as an official animal identification device and include feeder cattle in the ADTF (Animal Disease Traceability Framework). This would discredit the brand as a means of identifying cattle in interstate transportation. From many ranchers point of view, this is a result of anger from the PETA
forces within the Obama administration. Here is what the delisting would mean in a nutshell: 1) The brand and accompanying certificates would forever be delisted as an official animal identification device. 2) USDA will be excluded from requiring permanent brands on imported cattle after brands are delisted. 3) States will have to set up their own laws for the use of brands to identify cattle, causing the brand to be demoted to a secondary position in relation to USDA’s ear tag. 4) The ear tag will be a substitute for brands, providing justification for brand opponents such as packers that believe hide values would increase, and tag companies that believe sales would increase, without brands. 5) USDA’s delisting of the brand will send a signal to the industry that brands are of limited use for disease traceback. 6) USDA’s delisting of the brand would be the first step toward the eventual elimination of hotiron branding in the United States. 7) With dozens or hundreds of animals with similar-looking ear-tags grouped together it could become more complicated when trying to identify an animal that wanders onto other nearby properties. The proposal is still in the early stages, and still has only been brought up in some USDA
meetings. Action is being encouraged by the cattleman groups. Please begin by contacting your congressional delegations and USDA to tell them the new animal identification proposal is absolutely unacceptable and must be stopped. You can reach your congressional members by calling the capitol switchboard at 202224-3121 and asking for your Senator and Representative by name. You can contact USDA by calling 202-720-3631.
TEXAS HORSESHOEING SCHOOL 2 weeks - $1,200 4 weeks - $2,000 6 weeks - $2,700
New classes start every Monday P.O. Box 188 Scurry, TX 75158
1-800-734-3440 Mobile: 972.345.5700
www.texashorseshoeingschool.com jburgin@texashorseshoeingschool.com LOOPS MAGAZINE • 25
ADVERTISERS’ INDEX A AQHA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
L Lone Star Cowboy Church Rodeo Bible Camp . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
B B.L. Quarter Horses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26 Barry Burk Jr. Calf Roping . . . . . . . . . .19 Brooks Maberry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
M Mannsville Ag Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Sid Miller Calf Horses . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
C Classic Equine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
N Namgis Quarter Horses . . . . . . . . . . . .17
D Diamond S Calf Roping . . . . . . . . . . . .18
O Old Shadows Calf Roping . . . . . . . . . . .19
H Happy Rodeo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
R Rattler Ropes, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 Carter Robertson . . . . . . .16 IN HOUSE PROOF. . . . . . . . . .CRX’D
VSA
K King’s Saddlery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
S Sparky Superior Roping Machines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Stran Smith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 T Texas Horseshoeing School . . . . . . . . . .25 U USCRA Firecracker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 USCRA North Texas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 USCRA Sponsors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 USCRA Membership Application . . . . . .13 USCRA W.E.B. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 W John Wallace . .VSA . . . . . . .IN. .HOUSE . . . . .PROOF . . .20 P/U W .CH Willard Ropes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Wrangler . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
B.L.
QUARTER HORSES LOCATED IN ELOY, ARIZONA
Brent and Cami Lewis Owners & Trainers
Call
602.524.4150 or
Camibrent@aol.com Brent Lewis - PRCA Tie Down Roping Contestant 12 WNFR Qualifications 1991 PRCA Resistol Rookie of The Year Multiple DNCF Qualifications Won or Placed at All of PRCA Top 50 Rodeos Career Earnings In Excess of $1,400,000 Trained & Owned 2 PRCA Tie Down Roping Horses of The Year! W W W. B L Q U A R T E R H O R S E S . C O M
Supplier of all sizes of syn grass. All sizes of poly ropes (3 & 4 strand), strings and skid boots. A complete tack store for all phases of the sport.
184 North Main Sheridan, Wyoming 1.800.443.8919 307.672.2702 or 672.2755
26 • MAY 2011
Fax: 307.672.5235
CRX’D
Kory Koontz Champion Team Roper
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