SuperLooper-Jan 2010 by Western Sports Publishing

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2010 USTRC RULE BOOK USTRC INSIDER: ARKIE KIEHNE LAUGHLIN TEAM ROPING FINALS

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Kory Koontz Champion Team Roper

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FEATURES 8

Just the Way It Is

by Ben Clements

USTRC Announcements

By the Numbers

Gold Plus Report

USTRC Insider —

USTRC Championship Results 56

by John Findlay

66 72

by Shawn Vargas

Laughlin Team Roping Finals Colorado Fall Classic Maui Championships Mississippi Championships

A Personal Look at USTRC Announcer — Arkie Kiehne

Top Tips with Rickey Green

Horse Health — MRI—Aid to Diagnosis in Foot Problems By Heather Smith Thomas

Upcoming Event— Colorado Winter Championships

USTRC On Tap

Roper US Open Standings

On the Cover: Photo by Brenda Wood of Tonopah, AZ.

USTRC 2010 Rule Book

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JUS T the Wa y IT IS

cannot believe it is actually 2010. It only seems like a few days ago that everyone was worried about Y2K, and now there are people who will read this article that do not even know what Y2K was. We have progressed in the last ten years. We have advanced through technology, through discoveries, and basically just in our daily walk through life. Each one of us is special in our own way and each one of us is important to our families, our friends, our country and the world. As we embark on this New Year I want you to realize that we have a lot going for us and we have a responsibility to carry forward what those before us have built. As you read this magazine you will realize that a very dear friend of mine, Arkie Kiehne, has decided to retire (whoops, sorry, he hates that word). Actually he has decided that he is going to take on new tasks and not announce for the USTRC as much. I owe a lot to Arkie. He has been a very positive influence in my life and certainly on my career as an announcer. Arkie is certainly the king of USTRC announcers and has helped to build not only the USTRC, but also the sport of team roping into what it is today. He has announced all over the country and has elevated the bar of team roping production with every event. Arkie took me under his wing and helped to mold me into the announcer that I am today. In May of 1997 I was at a USTRC team roping event in Odessa, Texas with my dad. I had announced some junior rodeos and various other events, but had never actually announced a team roping. Arkie called me over to the announcer’s stand and asked me to announce a rotation for him. I was skeptical at first but took to it and had a blast. The very next week, Arkie called me and asked if I wanted a job. I was a bit unsure but accepted the challenge and I announced my very first USTRC event alongside Arkie in Athens, Texas. Things just kind of snowballed from there and the rest is history, you might say. Arkie has taught me a lot and has shaped me into what I am today. In essence, he has set the stage for all of us to carry on the legacy he has built. He has been the glue that helped to bond the team roping industry together. It is 2010 and it is time to carry the tradition forward. As we embark on a new year, 2010, I’m a bit reflective on what new things unfold for us as we face this year. We are all united in some form or fashion. We cannot deny that we are God’s children but more than that we are united as family, as ropers, as a community, and as a nation. I have no idea what the future has in store for us and I’m not worrying about something over which I have no control. I do think, however, about how I can better myself and those around me with sharing, love, and commitment to a better neighborhood, better community, and better world. We are all a part of God’s bigger plan and in ways the glue

JANUARY 2010 that bonds us is stronger than we could ever imagine. Team roping is our profession and our love and we are bound by our sport, our family, and our commitment to who we are and who we want to be. The question arises, “Who are we and why do we do what we do?” The year 2010 is a New Year. With it comes the traditional new beginnings concept. However, I feel there is more at play here than meets the eye. We all want bigger and better things for ourselves, for our families, for our communities, and for our world. Can we, in all honesty, truly make a difference? I don’t think it is about moving mountains or draining oceans. It is all about the little, tiny things we do each day that makes us better and changes our little corner of reality. What do we want out of life? Bigger and better things but more than that a spot in our little corner of the universe that says, “I’m thankful, I’m blessed, and I’m okay!” The glue that bonds us is stronger than a million ships and greater than the winds that blow. The reason for that is because we are all focused on the things that help us grow and to become better people. As 2010 unfolds we have a hope and desire to see things level off. We know where our blessings come from and because of this we appreciate the little things. We appreciate our families, we appreciate our jobs (even if we do gripe on occasion), we appreciate a good horse and a good roping, and we appreciate the fellowship and love that makes us value each other. That is the glue that holds us together. It is powerful stuff. It all goes beyond the things that challenge us each day and boils down to the quiet moment when we lay our head down on the pillow and mutter that little prayer about, “Thank You, Lord, for the blessings of this day.” The blessings of the day, the New Year to come, and the camaraderie we have as ropers, families, communities, and friends is the glue that is inseparable. With the New Year comes a bond holding us that is beyond politics, illness, financial woes, and family trials. It is the notion that we are bound with a hope beyond explanation and blessing beyond description. That is our thread to hang on to. Greet this New Year, 2010, with love in your heart, excitement about making a difference, and the hope of better things to come. Again, as we go forward we have a responsibility to all those before us who have placed us where we are today. It is our duty to cherish what they have built and to do what is right. Don’t forget those who have helped you along the way. We all have an Arkie Kiehne in our lives and should be thankful that we do. Work for the good and work for what is right, and that is just the way it is….

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DEPARTMENTS 94 On the Edge of Common Sense by Baxter Black

96 Riding Herd

by Lee Pitts

98 The Other Half

by Gracie Mae

100 Sports Medicine Stable by Mark Duncan 102 Walt Woodard

“Gecko had hardly been eating at all, but...

now he’s eating like a vacuum cleaner!”

104 SuperLooper Events Calendar 106 MarketPlace 161 Advertiser’s Index

SUPERLOOPER MAGAZINE 2340 Menaul NE, Suite 400 Albuquerque, NM 87107 Advertising or Editorial: 505/899-1870 fax: 505/792-5678 Produced and published by USTRC EDITORIAL & ADVERTISING USTRC Editor: Ben Clements Associate Editor: Ryan Davis Sales Manager & Event Advertising: John English Advertising Representatives: Elizabeth Dominick Customer Service Representative: Jules Price CIRCULATION & PRODUCTION Art Director: Marcia Rackstraw Production Coordinator: Violet Sue Anderson Graphic Designer: Doug Purdy Administrative Assistant: Kathy Williams OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHY BY Allen’s Rodeo Photos P. O. Box 270428, Flower Mound, TX 75027 1-800-438-8659 • www.allensrodeophotos.com

January 2010 / Vol. 19, No. 1 SuperLooper Magazine (ISSN 1069-5508, USPS No. 009983)is published monthly by Western Sports Publishing, Inc., 2340 Menaul NE, Suite 400 Albuquerque, NM 87107 Subscription price: 1 yr. - $20. Periodicals Postage Paid at Albuquerque, New Mexico and additional mailing offices. © Copyright 2000 by SuperLooper Magazine. Material may not be used without permission from the publisher. Deadline for editorial and advertising is the 25th of the month, two months preceding issue date. Advertising rates on request. POSTMASTER: SEND ADDRESS CHANGE TO SuperLooper Magazine c/o Western Sports Publishing, Inc., 2340 Menaul NE, Suite 400 Albuquerque, NM 87107 Advertising claims are the sole responsibility of the advertiser, not SuperLooper Magazine.

How Gastro Essentials™ kept Kelly Maben in the running When champion barrel racer Kelly Maben’s legendary horse Bubba was sidelined, running the barrels fell to her #2, Gecko. But the extra stress of competition put Gecko off his feed – in a big way. A friend suggested she try Formula 707 Gastro Essentials™, a new formula offering powerful support for a horse’s delicate stomach lining. After four days, Kelly said, “I could totally see a change in his eating.” Horses that can’t graze at will – especially those in high-stress competition – can develop painful ulcerations of the stomach lining resulting in poor appetite, diminished performance and meager condition. Formula 707 Gastro Essentials can help restore the natural balance and get your horse back in the running. photo by Fred McClanahan, Jr.

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SUPERLOOPER MAGAZINE / 9

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USTRC

ANNOUNCEMENTS

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SHOOT-OUT FUND UPDATE Happy New Year and best wishes for all of your team roping endeavors from SuperLooper Magazine and the United States Team Roping Championships! The world of team roping is set on “Go” and the USTRC is ready for another exciting year of roping action. The 2009 Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team Roping has come and gone, but its aura still lingers as the 2010 season gets underway and the Elite TRIAD Classification System goes into effect. The USTRC National Finals Shoot-Out Fund is well on the way to keeping pace with last year’s new benchmark. Already the fund has climbed to $110,000. There are lots of great USTRC Sanctioned and Affiliated events planned for 2010, and with the new changes to the payout and the formats you will not want to miss the next sanctioned team roping event. So get ready for some great pay and exciting team roping. If you are wondering when the USTRC National Finals of Team Roping (NFTR) will be in 2010, you can mark it down as October 23-31, 2010. Gather up all of the Flex Earnings you can during the 2010 season because the countdown to the NFTR has begun!

10 / JANUARY 2010

Membership Renewal When renewing your USTRC membership, please fill out the USTRC membership form completely. This way we can insure that all of your contact information is correct. This also insures that you get your SuperLooper Magazine in a timely fashion.

Flex Earnings Team Ropers remember USTRC Shoot-Outs and Flex Earnings are one and the same. A USTRC National Shoot-Out is worth $6,000 in USTRC Flex Earnings ($3,000 for each partner) and a USTRC Regional Shoot-Out is worth $2,000 in USTRC Flex Earnings ($1,000 for each partner).

New for 2010 All USTRC Gold Spur members will receive $1,000 in USTRC Flex Earnings just for purchasing their membership.

Elite Excluding the Open Division ropers classified as “Elite” may not rope together unless they give up a division. For example an Elite #5 partnered with an Elite #6 may rope in the #12 Division, but not in the #11 Division. This is effective January 4, 2010.

Booger Barter Legendary Producer Passes Away

he rodeo world lost one of its greatest producers and friends with the passing of Bobby “Booger” Barter on December 8, 2009 at his home in Athens, Texas. One of the most innovative producers in the roping and barrel racing industries, Booger did everything on a grand scale. With his truck ropings and barrel racings, Booger put some of the most beautiful prizes and largest checks in the hands of the barrel racing and team roping populace. Sadly, some of the greatest barrel racing and team roping events will pass on into legend with this great man. A man of great stature in body and spirit, Booger Barter will be deeply missed by all who know him and had the privilege of entering one of his great events. All of his events have been cancelled, and World Barrel Racing and World Team Roping have ceased to exist as of December 8, 2009. Please give Booger’s family time to mourn their loss. All financial responsibilities for those events and WBR memberships will be taken care of in due course.

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12-14 By the Numbers_Layout 1 12/9/09 12:14 PM Page 12

USTRC

by the

BY JOHN FINDLAY

NUMBERS I

And It’s All About the Money One More Time

Plus Where Did They Come From?

12 / JANUARY 2010

And How About Those Flex Earnings!

from the USTRC Cinch National Finals

of Team Roping 2009 code from where at least one roper roped at the Finals. The US definitely had team roping measles as you can tell by the little tiny red dots all over its body. From upper New York state to lower Southern California, and from lower southern Florida to the Washington’s Puget Sound. And we can’t leave out our ever-present and well-liked Hawaiian contingent along with some affable Albertans, ebullient British Columbians, one awesome Aussie and six Italian cavallerizzo. For six guys a long way from home and with very limited English speaking skills, it looked like they were having a ball! Plus, Mario Guidetto won a fast time second-place check in the #9 Preliminary. Le congratulazioni a Mario e al USTRC apprezza che tutto siate venuto! (Please forgive my Italian.) If your eyes are getting a little dotty, you can always check out the accompanying table that counts the number of ropers from each state. Remember when you are looking at the map, if there are six ropers who came from the same zip code, there will still be only one dot. The Top Five states in attendance, in order, were Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, New Mexico and Colorado. The next five, in order, were Arkansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Arizona and Nebraska. For those of you that are geographically challenged, out of the Top Ten only three states do not actually have a common border with Oklahoma, those being Nebraska, Arizona and Louisiana but nonetheless, 41 states sent representatives to the Finals.

How About Those Flex Earnings! Now some of you may be curious about

the line in the title, “And How About Those Flex Earnings!”. Flex Earnings is the new program that’s a way for ropers to take control and utilize their USTRC National and Regional Shoot-Outs to the fullest. Well if Chart 1 USTRC ‘07-’09 National Finals Number of Teams by Division is any indication, Flex Earnings are a triumph. What makes me think so? Well, follow along closely on the Chart. It shows the number of teams entered in each division at the Finals for the years 2007 through 2009. I include 2007 for good reason. To date, it was the largest and richest Finals in USTRC history with 8,538 teams and a CASH purse of $4,933,250. So it will be the benchmark against which I measured the ‘08 and ‘09 Finals. In four out of the seven Shoot-Out ropings, there were more teams entered in 2009 than there were in 2007. And in every Shoot-Out except the #15, there more teams in 2009 than in 2008. What does that mean? Because of the flexibility of the Flex Program, many more ropers were able to utilize their earned Shoot-Outs. With the loosening of the rules making all Flex Earnings Shoot-Outs generic, ropers had a lot more latitude in picking who their partners would be and in what division they could rope. The proof is in this 2009 Cinch National Finals of Team Roping pudding. As you can also see, entries in the rest of the divisions for 2009, presumably because of the inadequate economy, were down. Now the number of contestants at this year’s Finals were also down but not by very much. Ropers competing at the 2007 Finals numbered 4,052. In 2008, 3,896. In 2009, we had 3,732 contestants. That’s only a drop-off of slightly over four percent.

▲ ▲

am a month behind in beginning to provide you with my annual National Finals statistical bonanza. Last month, in what would have normally been my first review of NFTR numbers, we were finishing up my scintillating trot down National Finals Memory Lane with the second installment of our 20th Anniversary National Finals of Team Roping chronological reminiscence. So in order to catch up, I’m going to cram a lot of info into this month’s “By the Numbers,” as evidenced by the lengthy title to this article. 2009 was, to say the least, an unconventional year. Between economic trauma, military entanglements, crazy weather, swine flu, Michael Jackson’s quirky death and Susan Boyle’s sudden fame, it’s a wonder any of us got through it without reflexive hurling. The only saving grace may be the fact that 2009 is the year that officially ends the first decade of the millennium. Can we move on, please? Needless to say, the USTRC was somewhat fretful about this year’s Cinch NFTR. There was some serious concern that ropers just would not have the resources to make the trip to this year’s year-end team roping finale. But a huge sigh of relief could be heard emanating out of Stephenville right around September 30 when entries for the world’s largest and richest team roping (nearly) in the world came due. While it was not going to be quite the largest or the richest roping in USTRC history, in the overall scheme of 2009 things, it came out pretty good! Once again the Finals surpassed $4,000,000 in its cash giveaway kitty. Once again it surpassed 7,500 in total team count, still incredible by any team roping standard. And once again, ropers came from all over the country, as well as two Canadian provinces and two foreign countries. Don’t take my word for it. Take a look at my first Finals visual aid, THE MAP! Each dot on the map indicates a zip

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National Finals Ropers 2010 by Home Zip Code

From Count AB AL AR AZ CA CO CT FL GA HI IA ID IL IN Italy KS KY LA MD MI MN MO MS MT NC ND NE NM NV NY OH OK OR PA SC SD TN TX UT VIC WA WI WV WY

Chart 1 USTRC ‘07-’09 National Finals Number of Teams by Division 900 800 700

500 400 300 200 100

t o tOu #1 1S t ho o t#1 Ou 2S t ho o t#1 Ou 3S t ho o tOu #1 5S t ho o tRo Ou pe t rU S Op #9 en Pr el i mi #1 0 P nary re lim i na #1 ry 1P re lim i na #1 2P ry re lim i na #1 3P ry re lim i na #1 5P ry re lim Op i na en ry Pr el i mi na #1 ry 0G ol d Pl #1 2 G us ol d Pl us Ce n tu ry Cr ue lG irl

0S ho

o tOu

Sh o #9

Sh o

otOu

Number of Teams

600

3 33 155 111 46 185 3 51 27 22 48 20 11 10 6 235 15 154 2 10 6 137 60 21 1 18 64 208 38 4 7 787 6 2 14 22 43 1066 25 1 2 10 2 43 3732

SUPERLOOPER MAGAZINE / 13

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by the

NUMBERS CONTINUED FROM PAGE13

But in total teams we went from 8,079 in ‘08 to 7,422 in ‘09, a loss of over eight percent. So the logic is, even though money was tight, ropers were lured to Oklahoma by SES, “Shoot-Out Enticement Syndrome”. Those ropers who, in the past, couldn’t come to the Finals because their Shoot-Out partners were unable to, WERE able to this year with the new Flex Program. The fact that the number of ropers was down only 4% while the team count was down 8% along with that significant gain in Shoot-Out teams indicates to me that ropers took advantage of the Flex Program but just couldn’t afford to spend more money trying for more Shoot-Outs in the Preliminaries. Finals observers also noticed a rapid roper turnover this year. That is, about every two days a new bunch was seen in the arenas while the old bunch was gone. In the past, ropers would typically come for at least three or four days and would bring family and friends with them. That appeared not to be the case this year. So how does this all bode for next year? With the economy finally showing some signs of life and a Flex Earnings Program that has obviously proven to be a smashing success, next year’s Finals could be a barn burner.

It’s All About the Money One More Time OK, now it’s time to see where the money went. Check out the Table 2008/2009 USTRC National Finals Number of Checks Received and Money Won by State Sorted By Money Won 09. Here is where I hand out state bragging rights. Not surprisingly, Texas and Oklahoma maintained their one-two standings in this year’s State Rankings. The Texans took home over one million dollars again this year at $1,271,361 with the only bright spot for non-Texans being it was less than the million and a half they left Oklahoma with last year. Oklahoma, on the other hoof, grew their booty from $786,582 in ‘08 to $868,742 in ‘09. There was a fair amount of movement in the rest of the Top Ten, with quite a few states changing places. Gainers 14 / JANUARY 2010

were Arizona, Louisiana, Kansas and Arkansas while losers were New Mexico, Nevada, Missouri and Wyoming. Kansas jumped the furthest in the rankings, going from 10th to 5th while Wyoming fell the furthest from grace, dropping from from 9th all the way to 26th. Other states that did well in improving their rankings were Utah (23rd to 11th), Tennessee (28th to 14th) Montana (26th to 17th), Iowa (29th to 16th), Wisconsin (32nd to 21st) and South Carolina (33rd to 20th). South Carolina and Wisconsin were also one-two in the “Percent Increase in Earnings from ‘08 to ‘09” category. South Carolina earned just $2,900 in 2008 but skyrocketed to $34,700 in 2009 a whopping 1096% increase. Wisconsin went from $5,600 in 2008 to $32,225 in 2009, a 475% increase. Arizona was the state showing the greatest dollar increase from 2008 to 2009, going from $191,050 to $280,275, a sizable $89,225 leap. Second was Oklahoma going from $786,582 to $868,742, an $82,160 gain.Kansas was third and Mississippi was fourth in this category with $66,892 and $63,075 gains, respectively. Now let’s look at the category I think is most representative of the the states that did the best at the Finals. It measures “per capita” income or how well each state did in proportion to the number of ropers they sent to the Finals. Because they send so many more ropers to the Finals than any other state, Texas will probably always be the state taking home the most amount of money. Let’s face it, South Carolina, Montana or Connecticut will never have a chance at unseating Texas in the most money won department. But the real measure of how well a state does is proportionally, that is, how does each state do in relation to the number of ropers that state sent to the Finals. To determine the “per capita” income of each state’s contestants, I simply divided the amount of money each state earned by the number of ropers that came from each state. That figure you will find in the column labeled Per Capita. So with that in mind, here is my Top Ten for the Finals determined by their “per capita” income. The three states that fared the best at this year’s Cinch NFTR were Utah, Wisconsin and Idaho, in that order. Utah sent 25 ropers to the Finals and they took $87,950 back to the Beehive State, assuming they didn’t spend any of it on the way back. So Utah didn’t take home the

Rank 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

State UT WI ID NV AZ SC MT MS LA TN

Per Capita $3,518 $3,223 $2,893 $2,563 $2,525 $2,479 $2,352 $2,255 $1,473 $1,456

most money, at $87,950 they were 11th on that list. They didn’t take home the greatest number of checks. With 10 they were tied for 20th on that list. But, boy, were their ropers efficient with a per capita figure of $3,518! Their biggest winner was Paxton Cooper (Panguitch UT) who took second in the Average of the #10 Shoot-Out for $30,750 and his partner wasn’t even from Utah (Austin Carter - Las Vegas NV)! Wisconsin also did quite well this year. They were 21st in money earned and 18th in number of checks but their 10 ropers managed to head north from Oklahoma with $32,225, per capita that’s $3,223.. Wisconsin’s big winner was Bobby Hull from Brodhead. His big win was finishing 6th in the #10 Gold Plus Shoot-Out for $8,750, again with a non-Wisconsin resident (Ryan Gieck - York NE) but he also placed 2nd in the Average of the #10 Preliminary, 19th in the #12 Gold Plus and also had the fast time in the #10 Gold Plus Short Go. The average “per capita” income overall was $1,110. That means that if we took all the money that was awarded and instead of letting ropers earn it, the USTRC just issued an equal check to each roper that entered the Finals, each roper would have gotten $1,110. So, if you roped at the Finals and earned more the $1,110, you did better than average and if you made less, you get the picture. Of course, that number does not take into account how much a roper may have paid in entry fees. That’s a totally separate calculation that takes into account the concept of profit. I may look into that in another issue. You’ll also notice I included a column called Avg Chk. That’s simply taking the amount of money each state won divided continued on page 94

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16-18 Gold Plus_Layout 1 12/9/09 3:48 PM Page 16

USTRC

GOLD PLUS Hello Team Ropers, by Shawn Vargas

now spread from coast to coast. There are people from all over the world who attend the NFTR and can compete at the highest level. When the Brazilians first started coming to Texas to rope, I was amazed at their ability and jackpot savvy. Through youtube.com, I discovered that organized team roping had already spread to Brazil. There are ropers down there who rope as good as anyone in the world and most of them will probably never set foot in the U.S. Just as I got accustomed to seeing the Brazilians around we got a wave of guys from south of the border and when they got here there was no doubt that team roping was alive and well in Mexico, as well. I guess my point is that team roping is not just something cowboys from out west do as a pasttime anymore. I have made friends from all over the United States during my tenure with the USTRC and I would have to guess that ninety percent of them have never worked a day on a ranch. They are optometrists, welders, nurses, Dan Coombs from Alexandria, LA and his partner, Cade Brister from Deville, LA collected $2,988 in cash, Trophy Gist buckles plumbers, and a Gold Plus National Shoot-Out worth $6,000 in USTRC Flex Earnings after they won the Gold Plus roping at the Mississippi Classic. They roped four head in 38.63 seconds to walk away 2010 season Gold Plus champions. teachers,

PHOTO BY LONE WOLF PHOTOGRAPHY

hope everyone had a great Holiday Season. The USTRC is geared up and ready to bring you the best the sport has to offer. With the Elite Triad system, the new formats, and new payoffs, the USTRC has more than ever to offer team ropers. There’s a lot of buzz around the local jackpots about all of the changes and for the most part the feedback has been really positive. I am excited to see the changes in action! Having been an employee of the USTRC for ten years I have had the chance to witness the evolution of team roping and the USTRC first hand. It’s truly amazing how the sport has changed and spread in such a short

16 / JANUARY 2010

period of time. While team roping is still a hobby sport, it has morphed into an industry of national and international acclaim. I remember when I first started traveling to ropings around New Mexico with my dad. There were a lot of guys who roped well but they all seem to be from the western part of the United States. If you look at the results of the Cinch National Finals of Team Roping (NFTR) in the December issue of the SuperLooper, you’ll see that is no longer the case. Look back at the National Finals Rodeo (NFR) qualifiers; five of them are from east of the Mississippi, which include the top three headers going into the Finals. The winners are

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surgeons...the list goes on and on. The sport of team roping is unique in that such a vast array of backgrounds can come together with a common interest in mind. We’re all just ropers once we get to the event and that’s what is so neat about our sport. I look forward to meeting all of you that are new to the Gold Plus program

in the months ahead. There are some great events with some amazing payouts coming your way in 2010. Best of luck to all in the New Year and remember, you must catch to win! Happy New Year! Adios,

Shawn Vargas

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The Maui Classic was a welcoming sight to the team of Alvin Kawamoto and Fern White who claimed the victory in the Gold Plus roping. They roped four head in 42.33 seconds to win $1,478 in cash, Trophy Gist buckles and a Gold Plus National Shoot-Out worth $6,000 in USTRC Flex Earnings.

s s

Oklahoma roper, Ryan Leatherwood teamed up with Kansas roper, Jeff Smith to win the Gold Plus roping at the Colorado Fall Championships. The duo roped four head in 36.73 seconds to win $3,086 in cash, Trophy Gist buckles and a Gold Plus National Shoot-Out worth $6,000 in USTRC Flex Earnings.

SUPERLOOPER MAGAZINE / 17

16-18 Gold Plus_Layout 1 12/9/09 3:50 PM Page 18

USTRC

GOLD PLUS continued

Las Vegas, Nevada ropers, Mark Fowler and Kal Jepson wrapped up the Gold Plus Championship at the Laughlin Team Roping Finals. They finished with a four-head average of 37.32 seconds to win $2,708 in cash, Trophy Gist spurs and a Gold Plus National Shoot-Out worth $6,000 in USTRC Flex Earnings.

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20-21 Insider_26 Insider 12/10/09 11:10 AM Page 20

USTRC

INSIDE R A Personal Look at USTRC Announcer Arkie Kiehne By Melinda Clements

20 / JANUARY 2010

PHOTO BY LONE WOLF PHOTOGRAPHY

e has been the voice behind the microphone for some twenty plus years and with an unmistakable flair for the sport Arkie Kiehne probably knows and understands the intricate workings of team roping better than anyone in the business. His history with the United States Team Roping Championships goes back to the days of ground breaking, foundation laying and standard setting of a sport that would change the way the world looks at roping and what it has come to represent. Kiehne, who makes his home just outside of Portales, New Mexico, has watched the industry grow with more participants than ever in all the history of team roping. There is a newfound excitement for ropers to compete for phenomenal prize lines and unbelievable amounts of money and it is almost contagious. “I’ve watched the industry move from being a hobby to a very elite and expensive sport,” Kiehne explained. “It is all about the dollar. No one compares to what the USTRC has done as far as the production itself is concerned.” There has been a big rumor floating around that Kiehne is retiring and laying down his microphone. However, Kiehne quickly explained he feels there is a big difference in resignation and retirement. “I don’t like the word retirement,” Kiehne said. “Technically, I’ve resigned to do other things. And I’m tired of the travel and just want to stay close to the house.” Rest assured, however, Kiehne will remain on the USTRC’s list as number one substitute should they need him to fill in somewhere down the line. “The key,” Kiehne said with a smile in his voice, “is to leave while they still want you to stay. That is when you know it is time to go.”

Arkie Kiehne announcing at the 2009 Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team Roping.

Besides veteran USTRC announcers Reed Flake and Kyle Elwood, Kiehne feels he is leaving his post and perhaps his legacy in very capable hands. Following close in Kiehne’s footsteps are young men such as the USTRC’s young guns like Ben Clements and Ferron Lucero. “You know it is all about these kids coming up,” Kiehne said. “It’s all about our kids. They have new ideas, new interventions, new involvement and a new appeal to the up and coming ropers. They are the production. I want them to steal things from me. I want to have left them something they can use. Couple what they have learned with their own creativity and ideas and you have a formula for continued success.” Kiehne feels his biggest success story and most treasured personal accomplishments are the development and growth of the “kids” who will take

his place and his personal push to help the sport grow. “I’ve promoted and voiced my opinion about this sport over the years,” Kiehne said. “Sometimes they probably didn’t want to hear it but sometimes things needed to be said.” There is no doubt Kiehne loves this sport and it has been his commitment and life for a lot of years. “It is all about the production,” he went on to say, “The USTRC is the measuring level of the sport as far as the kind of production it does and its goal for the ropers.” The legacy he wants to leave is the influence he has made in hopes that young men like Clements and Lucero will push themselves to grow and promote and leave their own legacy. “I know they will grow and they will have something of their own to leave behind as well,” Kiehne commented. “Ben and Ferron have their own talents

20-21 Insider_26 Insider 12/10/09 11:08 AM Page 21

and goals to contribute to this sport.” Clements feels Kiehne is and has always been a crucial part of the USTRC. “He is the face and voice of the organization,” Clements voiced. Kiehne has been a major influence on his fellow announcers and has groomed some of the best in the business. He started by bringing Reed Flake into the fold and then adding Kyle Elwood, Clements and Lucero. Flake remembers the first team roping he attended that Kiehne was announcing. Flake was there as a roper and Kiehne knew Flake had done some announcing. “It was in Mesquite, Nevada and Arkie was there announcing,” Flake reflected. “He invited me up to announce with him. He has never been afraid to share his notoriety with other guys. I was kind of in awe when it finally dawned on me that I was actually up there announcing with Arkie Kiehne. Even now, like at the Finals, he would tell me you do this one. You are younger, you have more to say, and you go shine. He has never been afraid to share his podium with others. That is why he is the voice of the USTRC. He is always prompt, on time and it seemed in the beginning ropings were always slow to start. Arkie changed that and with him at the helm the production started on time and moved quickly. There is definitely going to be a hole there when he takes leave.” Elwood and Kiehne have been close friends for about ten years. Perhaps the most important thing Elwood remembers and treasures is the fact they are more than just co-announcers; they have been very good friends outside and away from team roping. “Arkie’s mannerisms, his antics, and his technique are — just Arkie,” Elwood reflected. “He could always get away with things over the microphone that I would be afraid to say. But he did it because he liked you and if he liked you he sometimes gave you a hard time. Arkie is very professional, started on time, and is very entertaining. He is the voice behind the organization. There is definitely going to a void, a certain emptiness when he leaves.” Elwood pointed out the announcers reflect the organization. continued on page 32

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22-23 Champ Profile_ CHAMP PROFILE 12/4/09 2:16 PM Page 22

USTRC

champions

PROFILE

And Then There Was One by Melinda Clements

#8 SHOOT-OUT 2009 USTRC National Champions hey are an unlikely pair, Bill Hamilton and Gene Dickey. When you talk to them it just warms your heart. In some ways they are very different but they have all the characteristics good team ropers have so in other ways they are very much alike. They have this unique way of taking care of each other that is very indicative of what team roping families are truly about. Dickey, as the senior member of the group, was focused on his best partner, placing this year at the Finals. Hamilton, on the other hand, had all the confidence in his partner and knew if he did his job Dickey would catch every steer. Gene Dickey and Bill Hamilton did catch all their steers and they walked away from the USTRC National Finals of Team Roping in October the winners of the #8 Shoot-Out. The prize line was phenomenal. The pair shared $47,400, Beautiful Martin Championship Trophy saddles, Gorgeous Gist Championship buckles, Tony Lama Ostrich boots and Western Horseman Collectors Prints. The most exciting thing of all was the fact Hamilton had been a regular attendee to the USTRC National Finals for a long eight years and had never made it to the short go round; which brings in Dickey’s commitment and concern for his partner. “We definitely had a game plan,” Dickey said with a laugh. “Our game plan was to get to the short go round. Bill had been coming to the Finals for going on eight years and never ever made it to the short go round. Our goal was to get him there.” “We had to rope smart,” Hamilton concurred. “It isn’t necessarily about being fast. It is about roping smart. It is about roping one steer at a time. It is about roping with consistency and doing what you know how to do. I am so proud of my first USTRC National Finals saddle. That experience was a two day high I will never ever forget.” Hamilton and Dickey came into the short go round as the second high team back. They had roped well and focused on their game plan. They didn’t worry about being the fastest team and they didn’t worry about being the first team. They just worked to maintain an even flow and get every steer caught within an approachable time frame. 22 / JANUARY 2010

Bill Hamilton

Gene Dickey

“The cattle were good and it was a good production,” Hamilton said. “We wanted to rope smart. You cannot be seven on a nine second steer and we worked to keep that in our minds as well.” “No doubt the cattle were the best I have ever seen,” Dickey concurred. “Bill is such a support system for me and I can always count on him. We just worked to do it all right and that is what counted.” The pair watched the twenty first high call back team take the lead and hold on to it down to the last five teams. Hamilton and Dickey watched as several teams failed to make qualified runs. The closer it got to the last five teams the more it began to register they might actually have a chance to take the win. The top twenty teams in the average would get a paycheck so the pair knew they had some money in their pocket. With plenty of time to rope the pair roped their short round steer in 12.94 to move to the

22-23 Champ Profile_ CHAMP PROFILE 12/4/09 3:48 PM Page 23

CHAMPIONS 2 0 0 9

lead with one team remaining. “I don’t know that nerves ever really entered into it,” Hamilton said. “I thank God I didn’t blow it. I really wanted to rope that last steer. I wanted to take my shot and I know things fell together for a reason.” When the high call back team failed to make a qualified run Bill Hamilton and Gene Dickey breathed a sigh of relief. They had just nailed down the #8 Shoot-Out at the Cinch 2009 National Finals of Team Roping. What an accomplishment! Their consistency had paid off. They had roped with diligence and focused on one steer at a time. It had paid off and the pair had accomplished their goal; much more so than Hamilton would have every figured. He had just wanted to get in to the short go round. Both Dickey and Hamilton give credit to each other for how things come together. They love team roping and the support that comes from their families is something that humbles their heart. “My wife, Virginia, is an unbelievable support,” Dickey said. “She is the one that gave me the horse I’m riding. Of course,

Bill is a great support and he takes care of this old guy. My horseshoer, my brother, all my family stand behind me.” Hamilton just appreciates the family fellowship that team roping provides. “People in this sport are just phenomenal,” Hamilton elaborated emotionally. “You know in this sport ninety-eight percent of them are just good people. In that kind of support system over the years you meet a lot of people and they are generally the best people in the world. We beat ourselves most of the time but there is always someone there backing you up and cheering you on. That means so much. A win like this one certainly keeps you humble.” Bill Hamilton and Gene Dickey walk the walk and talk the talk of champions. Oh, they may not always be first but they will help and support each other. They will stick together and keep roping because they love it and they have a great time. They are good examples of what team roping is about. On a fall day in 2009 there was a team roping finals in Oklahoma City. And then there was one; the 2009 #8 Shoot-Out Champions—Gene Dickey and Bill Hamilton.

Bill Hamilton and Gene Dickey at the USTRC 2009 National Finals in Oklahoma City. SUPERLOOPER MAGAZINE / 23

24-25 Rickey Green_Project1 12/9/09 12:27 PM Page 24

with

Rickey Green To Throw An Open Loop t’s amazing to me how, as long as I’ve roped and all the students I’ve taught, (between 800 and 1,000 students a year for 20 years) that I am still learning things about roping. It’s still fun for me to teach and see people catch their first steer, or figure out that they do have a good horse if they only make a few changes. Team roping is an awesome sport. There’s no top on it, you never reach the top, and you’re always pushing to get better or you’re going backwards. To me, this is the most humbling and rewarding activity I’ve ever tried to master; knowing that I can never master it, but always thinking that with just one more throw I might. I figured something out the other night in a dream I had. I used to dream about roping all the time in my younger days, and a lot of the time my dreams would show me how to accomplish what I had been working on. Like one time I couldn’t see the legs, and my horse kept cutting the corner. So in my dream, I was trying to ride my horse through this narrow gate. I would lope up the fence and try to turn and go out this small gate, but I would hit the corner post every time. So I rode out into the center of the arena and I lined straight up with the gate and loped right through it. The next morning, I knew I had my corner figured out. I had been too tight, so I widened out going down the arena and then waited for my steer to start his turn, like a gate swinging open. I loped right through the open gate and roped my steer on the first hop. Well, the same thing happened the other night. I

24 / JANUARY 2010

had a dream about what makes a head loop fly open in the delivery. When you move your left hand forward, this makes the front of the loop outrun the back of the rope, and helps keep it open, allowing it to get to the target. This I already knew, but what I realized after my dream was that the loop will stay more open when the steer is out at the 2 o’clock position. Say for instance, if straight in front of your horse’s head is 12 o’clock, then straight off your right hip is 3 o’clock. Find 2 o’clock and position your steer at 2 o’clock. This is the prime area for your loop to fly open to its maximum, because it is at its widest position in the swing. If your steer is at 2 o’clock and you shove your left hand at the horns when you release your loop, it will fly like a big wide circle to the head. You have also put this steer in a perfect place to handle and watch him come around under control. The third thing that roping your steer at the 2 o’clock position does is take a half

24-25 Rickey Green_Project1 12/9/09 12:27 PM Page 25

second off your run and allows you to see your heeler as he sets up for the corner. I believe that most half head catches are roped because of one or all of these three things. One, too straight behind the steer, the head loop flies the narrow way when your steer is at 12 oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;clock. Two would be early release. And three is no doubt not pushing the left hand to the horns. Photo 1 shows the steer at the 2 oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;clock position and how open the loop flies towards the target. In Photo 2, the steer is more at the 12 oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;clock position, more in front of the horse. This causes the rider to have a tendency to pull back on the coils, trying to move the horse and narrowing the loop. In this particular loop, you can see the curl dying out and slapping the left front leg. Because the loop is in front of the coils at the 12 oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;clock position the front strand slows down and the back strand catches up, narrowing the loop width, and narrowing your window of opportunity to catch. Have fun throwing an open loop, God Bless and Happy New Year. Your Friend, Rickey Green Exodus 20:12

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24-26 Horse Health_Layout 1 12/4/09 3:46 PM Page 28

HORSE HEALTH agnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can produce images of the inner structures of the body, including a horse’s hoof. This has become a very effective way to view those structures and discover what is actually wrong when trying to diagnose a lameness condition. Sarah Sampson, DVM, has been doing research on foot problems at Washington State University for the last 7 years, using a high-field magnet. This MRI has been available for live horses since 1997. “Previous to having MRI available for horses, the only way we could look at

the living horse’s foot internally was with radiographs, ultrasound, or nuclear scintigraphy (bone scan). Of these three imaging modalities, radiography was by far the most useful, but we have now realized (with the advent of MRI) how many pathologic changes we were missing in the bone. Ultrasound has never been very useful, because the hoof capsule impedes the ultrasound waves. Even ultrasound through the frog is very difficult, and interpretation of findings can be misleading,” says Sampson. Veterinarians often suspect certain injuries to soft tissue structures, but previous to MRI could not definitively diagnose many lesions except postmortem. “When MRI became available, it was the first time we could see all the structures within the foot of a live horse—both bone and soft tissue structures. This enabled definitive diagnoses for many horses with foot lameness that was not possible before,” she says.

Diagnostic Advances “We’ve been able to divide horses with foot lameness into specific causes, including tendon injury (deep digital flexor tendon), ligament injury (collateral sesamoidean ligament, impar ligament, collateral ligaments), bone injury not visible on radiographs, cartilage and subchondral bone injury, inflammation of joints or tendon sheaths, and laminar issues that are not visible on radiographs. Horses may have laminitis, or a keratoma in the laminae that has not caused changes in the coffin bone on radiographs. Until a keratoma grows big enough to put pressure on

MRI—Aid to Diagnosis in Foot Problems By Heather Smith Thomas

24-26 Horse Health_Layout 1 12/4/09 11:42 AM Page 29

the bone, we can only diagnose them with MRI. We’ve also been able to find cartilage and subchondral bone injuries surrounding the joints that are not visible with radiographs. There are fractures that are not visible with radiographs, especially stress fractures or non-displaced incomplete fractures. The coffin bone can be a particularly hard bone to identify fractures, and MRI has been able to define fractures that are not visible on excellent quality digital radiographs. There are also small flexor cortex defects on the navicular bone that are not visible with radiographs, but are easily visualized with MRI. We didn’t know those existed until we started using MRI on horses,” she says. “We have found injuries to every structure in the foot, which were never visible on radiographs or ultrasound. A negative finding on radiographs does not mean the horse doesn’t have a problem; it just means we are not able to see it with radiographs. There are many lame horses that have normal radiographs, but have severe pathological changes within their feet. Many of these horses can be helped with specific trimming and shoeing. This is where MRI can be helpful because it provides a specific diagnosis, which then enables specific treatment,” explains Sampson. “An important point to understand is that even if a lesion is discovered on radiographs, such as changes in the navicular bone, this may not be the only problem or the worst problem within the foot. MRI can be important for horses that have some changes on radiographs but their lameness examination and clinical signs don’t fully agree with that as the primary cause of lameness,” she says. “Horses can have more than one problem in their feet. They may have had coffin joint arthritis for years and yet suddenly become more lame. Or it may be a horse that has been lame and a veterinarian has taken radiographs and finds coffin joint arthritis or navicular bone change, but decides to do an MRI anyway. A lot of times, we find other things as well, that are often more important in the clinical history of the horse. We may find cartilage damage that has become more severe, or a tendon injury that was not evident,” says Sampon. “Many horses that have a mild lameness issue then sustain an acute (and completely separate) injury to a tendon or ligament that causes a new and more severe lameness. MRI gives us the whole picture, and that’s not possible with other imaging modalities at this time,” she explains. The MRI has been the only thing we’ve ever had that tells us everything that’s wrong inside the foot. It’s beneficial for horses when owners/veterinarians want to make sure they have identified every problem, or the veterinarian is not satisfied that what they see is the actual cause of the current lameness problem,” says Sampson. There are a lot of

reasons to evaluate a horse with MRI, and we are still learning. She feels we are only at the beginning of understanding how helpful MRI can be in the diagnosis of pathologic changes in the horse. There are 2 categories of horses that go into the MRI for foot problems. “One group is horses with bilateral forelimb lameness, typically diagnosed with navicular syndrome and sent to us for MRI evaluation. The other group of horses have unilateral foot lameness that is suspected to be traumatic in nature and this can affect the front or hind foot,” says Sampson. The navicular syndrome horses block to the heel or sole region, whereas the horses with a front or a hind foot injured might block to the heel/sole region or sometimes the whole foot must be blocked. “Whether pain is coming specifically from the heel/sole region or from the entire foot, we always image the whole foot, up to mid-pastern. With nerve blocks, it is difficult to know exactly what structures are desensitized. MR images must be done of the entire area that could be desensitized,” says Sampson.

Diagnostic Surprises Obtaining a definitive diagnosis early in the course of a lameness will often save the horse owner a lot of money. Often by the time an MRI is done, the owner has already spent a lot of time and money on exams, nerve blocks, various treatments, etc. without a definitive diagnosis. “For instance, we’ve found horses with coffin bone fractures that were not visible on radiographs, but were treated like navicular syndrome because they blocked to the heel. But they don’t heal because they don’t get the rest they need, and are not put in the kind of shoe they need,” she says. “I had a horse come in last year that blocked to the heel. This was a moderately lame 8-year-old and the owners worried that it had the beginnings of navicular disease. The horse had been moderately lame for about 2 months and they turned it out to pasture. We took 6 projections of the front foot with digital radiographs and could not identify a cause of the lameness, so this horse underwent MRI of both front feet and it was clear there was a non-displaced fracture of the coffin bone that entered the back of the coffin joint. This horse had inflammatory changes within the medullary cavity of the bone surrounding the fracture line, as well as changes that indicated the horse had been trying SUPERLOOPER MAGAZINE / 29

24-26 Horse Health_Layout 1 12/7/09 12:50 PM Page 30

to heal the fracture for some time,” says Sampson. Following MRI, a definitive diagnosis was made and treatment was based on this. “The horse needed to undergo a prolonged rest period and be shod in a special shoe to eliminate excess movement of the coffin bone so it could heal. This horse was not as lame as we often think of horses with coffin bone fractures to be, and therefore a fracture was not suspected. With proper diagnosis via MRI, this went from a horse we thought might have navicular syndrome to a horse with a good chance for future soundness,” she explains. “Another case was a 5-year-old stallion that blocked to a palmar digital nerve block on a front foot. Multiple radiographs had been taken at different times and all were normal. He had been blocked multiple times to try to pinpoint the problem and it was always localized to his heel region. He remained lame for over a year and eventually came to WSU for MRI. We found he had an epidermoid cyst (an abnormal mass) in the lowest part of his digital flexor tendon sheath that was mpinging on his deep digital flexor tendon. Many people don’t realize the digital tendon sheath extends through the pastern and down into the heel bulbs,” says Sampson. “Once we saw the mass with MRI, we were able to go tenoscopically into the sheath, and remove it surgically. That horse has been in performance now for more than 3 years and is sound. We often encounter lesions like this. Something turns up that you would never suspect. It gives some of these horses a very good chance to have a normal life. If people are trying to decide whether an MRI will make a difference for their horse, we tell them that for over 90 percent of the horses we put in the MRI for foot issues, it changes how we treat them,” she explains. This can make all the difference in helping the horse recover. “If there is something odd going on in the foot, we can see it. We had a horse recently with a middle phalanx (short pastern bone) stress fracture that wasn’t visible on radiographs. We get a lot of cases that are not navicular horses, even though they block to the heel and are 30 / JANUARY 2010

MRI Provides More Information Than Necropsy Magnetic resonance imaging can show more about some body tissues than any other diagnostic modality, even better than necropsy in some ways. “We still compare everything to the ‘gold standard’ which is considered to be necropsy—looking at the limbs after a horse dies or is euthanized. But the MRI can actually reveal more than we can find on necropsy,” says Sampson. “We can get thinner slices (images) of everything, as opposed to just taking the foot apart, looking at the outside and making certain cuts through different areas. With the MRI we are able to look at ‘slices’ that are only 3 to 4 millimeters thick, throughout the whole foot. Also, since it’s still a living structure, we can see changes at a molecular level. So this can tell us more about every structure within the foot, and the entire extent of each structure is imaged. Often, even after a horse is humanely euthanized, we will go ahead and MRI the foot afterward because we know we can usually gain more information from that than from a necropsy.”

sensitive to hoof testers. They have something else going on that would remain unknown, without an MRI.”

Two Types Of Magnets The MRI machines utilize either low field or high field strength magnets. “Low field strength magnets are usually .5 Tesla or lower. High field strength magnets are 1 Tesla or bigger. The standing magnets are about .27 to .3 tesla so they are low field magnets. There are also some low field magnets that you have to anesthetize the horse to image them. They are typically under .5 tesla but because of the configuration of the magnet the horses have to be lying down and anesthetized,” explains Sampson. “People need to realize that the magnet strength affects the images you get. With all the high field strengths, the horse must be anesthetized. Magnet strength is directly correlated to the resolution of the image. The higher the strength, the better the resolution. It’s like a TV screen from 20 years ago, versus the high definition screens available today. The resolution can also vary a bit between magnets of the same field strength, depending on the magnet itself, the hardware and software being used, and the room housing the magnet,” she says. “This can affect the images. The smaller the anatomic structure, the less easily it will be seen with a low field magnet. The bigger the structure, the easier it will be to see, but you will also lose detail on some of the small structures like the impar ligament or cartilage. You may not see those at all (or they may not be very clear) with a low field magnet. So it is important that people understand what type of magnet their horse will be imaged with, and understand what may or may not be able to be seen,” she says. In future, there will be more machines around the country, and more opportunities for horse owners to utilize this service. “There are several universities with magnets now, and a growing number of private equine practices that have high or low field magnets. We were initially the only one in the U.S. able to MRI live horses, but as benefits of this diagnostic modality has become recognized, more veterinarians are realizing how important it is to be able to offer this diagnostic tool. It’s a matter of economics regarding whether practices or universities choose a low field or high field strength magnet; the high field magnets are much more expensive and have higher overhead costs, but the price has decreased over the past 10 years. Eventually more veterinarians will be able to afford them,” says Sampson. The cost to the horse owner for this diagnosis may drop later, as well, since this cost is based on the price of the magnet and the expense to run it.

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“When we are behind the microphone we represent the whole organization,” Elwood explained. “We are the voice and character of what is happening and taking place. We illustrate the professionalism of the sport. Arkie is very professional and he is the man who signifies what the USTRC is. He wants the production on track and running off smoothly. He starts on time, he runs it off smoothly and he is always proficient. He is all about making the production a success.” “Arkie gave me a great foundation to build on,” commented Ben Clements, one of Arkie’s “kids.” “He also gave me the confidence to grow and mature as an announcer while maintaining the self-assurance to build and develop my own style. Arkie has always made me better at what I do and he has certainly been an influence in my career choice and success.” Clements first met Kiehne in the early 90’s at a USTRC roping in San Antonio. “My dad has known Arkie for a long time and he introduced us,” Clements explained. “The thing I remember was he was an entertaining announcer who used his humor to keep the roping fast paced. His comments added to the excitement of the roping. He was as fun to listen to as the roping was to participate in.” Lucero, who has been announcing for about 7 years for USTRC will make his debut this year at the 2010 NFTR said, “Arkie Kiehne is all about helping kids. I first met Arkie when I went to college in Portales. He let me keep my horses at his place for free and if you needed a job or money he was always there to help and support you.” Lucero is another individual who is where he is today because of his contact with Kiehne. “I owe a lot to Arkie,” Lucero continued. “The USTRC needed help one year in San Angelo; I think in 2003 I helped him announce in San Angelo. He provided an open door. I had done some junior rodeos and announced 32 / JANUARY 2010

some college basketball games but Arkie opened the door for me to join the USTRC.” Lucero feels Kiehne sets the atmosphere and tone for the team roping event. Lucero pointed out that Kiehne’s production standards are very high and he brings a lot to the table of the sport. Lucero says Kiehne sees and understands things about the sport the average person may have missed. “I think the best advice Arkie ever gave me was to find out what works for me,” Lucero elaborated. “He told me to take from him what works and to listen to all the sports commentators and find out what makes me the best I can be. Arkie always said to stand up tall and be professional. His criticism is always heartfelt and he does it to make me better.” When asked about the best advice Kiehne ever gave him Clements recalled him saying, “You cannot please everyone all the time so you just do the best you can.” Clements concurs with Lucero in that his advice and criticism is meant to make you better. He also agrees that Kiehne’s production expectations are what sets the tone for the event. Kiehne believes when it comes to the production the USTRC is the measuring bar. “Arkie says what he thinks and if you will just listen to him you will learn something.” “The USTRC brings in the best personnel doing the best jobs they can do to make each USTRC roping a tremendous success,” Kiehne elaborated. “Sure classifications and other assorted things will always be issues but that just comes with the sport.” Perhaps that is why Kiehne’s advice to Clements about not pleasing everyone suddenly is so relevant. Perhaps one of the greatest things Kiehne treasures is the crew he has worked with over the years. Everyone is family in the USTRC; the girls in the office, the timers, the flaggers, the photographers, the technology crew, the music, the chute help; everyone is the very best at what they do. They are a very special group of people who make the USTRC work.” The other greatest gift Kiehne has received has been from the people over the years.

“I have met thousands of people,” Kiehne commented. “I mean thousands. They are from all walks of life and from every known profession and occupation. People make the assumption they are agriculture related or cowboys or something but in most cases they are not. They are professional people who put on the cowboy costume and embrace our lifestyle and culture when they go rope. These people appreciate the culture, the lifestyle, the production and the family that team roping has become.” Kiehne feels that team roping has a way of bringing out the best in every one. “Our sport is about people who love to do this and they love being a part of the cowboy lifestyle and they can do it through team roping,” Keihne continued. “I value the thousands of people I have met along the way and I value the crews and personnel that put these ropings on. They are very special to me and I hold that in my heart. The ‘kids’ that are taking the reins in this business will come to value those things as well.” Kiehne will not retire as he is going to be very busy. “You cannot retire if you have no money coming in,” Kiehne elaborated lightly. “Besides I hate that word.” Kiehne is merely changing occupations in a sort of new and exciting way. He will help with promotions and advertising at the new Curry County Events Center located in Clovis, New Mexico. The facility is a close replica of the event center located in Amarillo, Texas and Kiehne has high hopes of doing what he can to promote the facility. Regardless, of what Arkie Kiehne undertakes it will flourish and grow under his nurturing and cultivation. Perhaps as Arkie Kiehne continues his trek down the road of life there will be other young men and women who will fall under his wing of guidance, mentorship and tutelage. It is, after all, about building a legacy and giving others the courage and motivation to build their own legacy. Building legacy upon legacy leaves something special for all of us to grab on to and know we have been blessed with the best and the best in the business is USTRC Team Roping announcer, Arkie Kiehne. n

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THE UNITED STATES TEAM ROPING CHAMPIONSHIPS 2010 RULES Revised December 01, 2009 Copyright 2009 by the USTRC P.O. Box 1198 Stephenville, TX 76401 National Office (254) 968-0002 Website: www.ustrc.com All rules contained herein are subject to change or correction.

TABLE OF CONTENTS SECTION 1 - Introduction SECTION 2 - Classifications 2.1 TRIAD Classification Criteria 2.2 Elite TRIAD Classification System 2.2.1 Classification Caps and Floors 2.3 Balloting 2.4 Online Balloting Eligibility and Requirements 2.4.1 First Time Classification 2.4.2 Double Classification Number 2.4.3 Appeals 2.4.4 Interim Changes 2.5 Producers Use of TRIAD Classification System SECTION 3 - Memberships 3.1 USTRC Membership Cards 3.2 USTRC Memberships 3.2.1 First Time Membership 3.2.2 Gold Spur Membership 3.2.3 Gold Plus Membership 3.2.4 Lifetime Membership 3.2.5 Junior Looper Membership 3.3 Membership Requirement SECTION 4 - USTRC Sanctioned Ropings 4.1 Sanctioned Ropings 4.2 Entries - Central Entry 4.2.1 Payment of Fees 4.2.2 Late Entry 4.2.3 Late Fees 4.2.4 Incomplete Entries and Late Fees 4.2.5 Entering Incomplete or TBA 4.2.6 Re-Entry of Incomplete Teams

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4.2.7 Entry Closing Date 4.2.8 Up and Back Entry 4.2.9 Entering with Same Partner 4.3 Draw-Outs & Replacement 4.3.1 Draw-out-Overpayment -Refunds 4.3.2 Emergency Draw-out 4.4 Affiliate Ropings 4.4.1 Affiliate Disclaimer SECTION 5 - National & Regional Finals 5.1 National Finals of Team Roping (NFTR) 5.1.1 NFTR Roping Format 5.1.2 NFTR - U.S. Open of Team Roping Restrictions 5.1.3 Shoot-Out Positions/Flex Earnings Awarded At The NFTR 5.2 Regional Finals 5.3 National & Regional Shoot-Out/Flex Earnings Distribution 5.3.1 Shoot-Out/Flex Earnings Distribution Regional Finals 5.3.2 Applied Earnings 5.3.3 Flex Earnings 5.3.4 Shoot-Out Eligibility SECTION 6 - Divisions & Formats 6.1 Divisions 6.1.1 Open Division 6.1.2 #15 Handicap Division 6.1.3 Gold Plus #12 Division 6.1.4 #13, #12, #11, #10, #9 Handicap Divisions 6.1.5 #8 Pick/Draw Division 6.2 Formats 6.2.1 Format #1 6.2.2 Format #2 6.2.3 Format #3 6.2.4 Format #4 6.2.5 Format #5

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SECTION 7 - Payouts 7.1 Short Round Qualifications 7.2 Open Payout 7.2.1 Open Overall Fast Time 7.2.2 Open Average 7.2.3 Open Incentive Payout 7.3 General Payout all other formats 7.3.1 Overall Fast Time 7.3.2 Average Payout 7.4 Gold Plus Division Payout 7.4.1 Gold Plus Incentive Payout 7.5 Payout Percentages 7.6 Breaking of Ties 7.7 Rotational (Anti-Marathon) Draw 7.8 Estimated Rotation Times 7.9 Added Money 7.10 Commission and Prizes SECTION 8 - Roping Rules 8.1 Loops 8.2 Legal Catches 8.2.1 Questioned Catch 8.3 Time Taken 8.4 Tie On Rule 8.5 Crossfire 8.6 Heeler Ropes Front Foot 8.7 Header Ropes Any Leg 8.8 Dropped Rope 8.9 Arena Clear SECTION 9 - Offenses 9.1 Bad Debts 9.2 Dress Code SECTION 10 - Major Offenses 10.1 Major Offenses 10.1.1 Penalty for Major Offenses 10.2 Contestant Disqualifications 10.2.1 Failure to Compete in Short Round 10.2.2 Roping Out of Order in Short Round 10.2.3 Roper Touches the Ground SECTION 11 - Judging 11.1 Judges Participation 11.2 Judges Decision 11.2.1 Questioning a Call 11.2.2 Exceptions To Questioning a Call 11.3 Judge Parameter 11.3.1 Surrendering a Run 11.3.2 Problem Horses 11.3.3 Ground Conditions 11.4 Calling for a Steer 11.5 Declaring a Steer 11.6 Barrier 11.6.1 Barrier Fouls Roper 11.6.2 Barrier/Timer Malfunction 11.6.3 Height of Barrier 11.6.4 Length of Barrier 11.6.5 Broken Barrier 11.6.6 Barrier Pigtail 11.6.7 Qualifying a Steer 11.6.8 Line Judge 11.6.9 Heeling Barrier 11.7 Animal Escapes Arena 11.7.1 Animal Escapes Headgate 11.8 Visibly Injured Roping Stock 11.9 Broken Horn SECTION 12 - Livestock 12.1 Roping Stock 12.1.1 Number of Cattle 12.1.2 Removal from Draw 12.1.3 Inspection

12.2 Humane Treatment of Livestock 12.2.1 Horn wraps 12.2.2 Ropes - 3/8 scant 12.2.3 Prodding 12.2.4 Failure to Heed Warning 12.2.5 Run Stopped by Judge SECTION 13 - Miscellaneous Rules 13.1 Sportsmanship 13.2 Go-Round No Time 13.3 Home Videos 13.4 Calcuttas 13.5 Dogs 13.6 Peddlers 13.7 Back Up Clock GLOSSARY OF TERMS USTRC CONTACTS

SECTION INTRODUCTION

The United States Team Roping Championships (USTRC) is the official home of America’s Cowboy Sport. Team ropers from all walks of life can participate in quality events from coast to coast and border to border. It does not matter if you work construction, teach the Nation’s youth, or run a Fortune 500 company the USTRC has a place for you. Team Roping is growing everyday as more and more equine enthusiast realize the true Cowboy potential that lies within them. The USTRC allows each individual to experience the thrill of competition and the opportunity to win extreme amounts of cash and prizes. Ropers compete across the Nation for a chance to be a part of the world’s largest and richest team roping event... the USTRC National Finals of Team Roping (NFTR). The NFTR takes place each October and is truly the “Crown Jewel” of the sport. Ropers from all over the world converge on Oklahoma City, Oklahoma for an opportunity to win life-changing amounts of money along with the coveted and prestigious title of a United States Team Roping Champion. These ropers are folks just like you. They are ropers that rope for the enjoyment of the sport and the passion for competition. USTRC members are classified by the sports only performance based classification system. The TRIAD (Team Roping Information and Data) Classification system has leveled the playing field so that each and every roper regardless of age, race, gender or ability can experience fair competition. Climb aboard the USTRC platform and unleash your potential for greatness. The stage is set as America’s Cowboy Sport awaits you!

SECTION CLASSIFICATIONS 2.1 TRIAD CLASSIFICATION CRITERIA

USTRC ropers will be rated from a #1 to a #10 based on their ability level using the TRIAD classification system. The following are the general classification definitions for each team roper ability level.

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TRUE BEGINNER - This person is learning to ride and swing a rope. Learning is priority over competition.

BEGINNER NOVICE - Inexperienced riders with little roping experience. Uncomfortable roping from a horse, this roper has difficulty controlling their horse and rope at the same time. This roper is new to competition.

MID LEVEL NOVICE - This roper is competing more and catch percentages have increased. Comfortable roping from a horse, but limited horsemanship skills prevents control over any aspect of the run. This instability prevents making necessary adjustments during the course of a run, which leads to inconsistency from one run to the next. UPPER LEVEL NOVICE - Better rope handling mechanics allow for more catches. Better horsemanship skills afford control on slow moving steers but this roper still lacks the necessary rope skills and horsemanship to adjust to fast moving steers. Headers do not handle cattle very well and heelers lack ability to time feet. Both are inconsistent at putting runs together for the average. LOW LEVEL AMATEUR - (HEADER) Catches more than misses and handles cattle with more consistency. This roper rides a conservative barrier so most of his/her catches are well down the arena. This roper stands out in novice class roping. (HEELER) This roper can sense being in time with the steer, which allows for a better catch to miss ratio. Reaction time is slow making it difficult to adjust to speed in the run. He/She has developed a pattern from one run to the next but struggles to catch many steers in succession. This roper stands out in novice class roping.

MID LEVEL AMATEUR - (HEADER) Catches the majority of steers around the horns. Better at riding the barrier, this roper is turning steers where the heart of the roping is taking place. Skilled at handling steers through the corner, allows heelers to catch more easily and more frequently behind them. Typically rides to the hip of the steer before taking a throw and therefore does not take time out of the run. (HEELER) This roper knows when they are in time with the steer. Better horsemanship and better rope handling skills allow them to make adjustments during the course of the run in order to time up with the steer. This roper rides a conservative corner and usually tracks the steer several jumps to find a throw. Timing is more automatic, so this roper will seldom completely miss a steer, however, he/she will frequently rope one leg. Focused more on catching than dictating the speed of the run.

SEMI PRO - (HEADER) This roper can dictate the speed of the run. Skilled at riding the barrier, he/she will catch most steers in the upper 1/3 of the arena. This group consists mostly of the better headers in the amateur ranks of rodeo. HIGH LEVEL AMATEUR - (HEELER) Sound horsemanship and sound rope skills allow this roper to catch most of their cattle by two feet. This roper sets the run up using a wide angle relative to the steer and rides aggressively through the corner. A solid catcher with intermittent ability to speed up the run. Typically this roper will hold slack overhead, thus allowing more rope to extend between them and the steer. The inability to quickly shut the run down on a consistent basis prevents a higher classification. Competitive jackpot heeler.

PROFESSIONAL - (HEADER) This roper rides a barrier extremely well regardless of the length of score. They consistently rope their steers on the gain (a stride back of the steer) and with excellent horsemanship skills they control both the steer and the speed of the run. Rodeos both amateur and professional. SEMI PRO - (HEELER) This roper rides higher and tighter horse position relative to the steer and consistently catches their steers on the third or fourth jump. Quicker at handling their slack, this roper can take time out of the run by dallying on a shorter rope. Competitive jackpot heeler with skills suited for the amateur ranks of rodeo.

WORLD CLASS - (HEADER) Regardless of the roping conditions, this header has the unique calculated ability to control the run. They ride superior horses, which allow them to make the most of any steer they draw. This is a NFR quality header. This header generally ropes for a living and /or is among the best in the world. PROFESSIONAL - (HEELER) This roper rides the corner looking

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for position that enables him to rope as the steer leaves the corner. This aggressive position allows him to rope most of his steers by two feet on the second or third jump. The skill set of this group is well suited for the professional and amateur ranks of rodeo. #10 WORLD CLASS - (HEELER) This roper rides corner looking to rope the steer on the first legal jump and has the calculated ability to make up time on any given run. Superior horsemanship and rope handling skills allow him to rope most of his steers by two feet on the first or second jump. Ropes for a living and /or is among the best in the world. NFR quality heeler. The purpose of the classification system is to provide for ropers a handicap system, which will allow them the opportunity to compete throughout the country against those of similar skills. The USTRC acknowledges that there is no such thing as a perfect classification system. 2.2 “ELITE” TRIAD CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM - A classification system is used to limit the margin of error in setting roping divisions. Each roper is classified or rated with a number 1 through 10, according to his or her ability to rope. No roper will be numbered higher than 10. Your classification number is your ability rating as judged by your peers and/or performance based. In order to fine-tune the TRIAD Classification System, USTRC has implemented the “Elite” system. By definition an Elite roper is someone who has proven by performance to have a competitive advantage (or disadvantage) among his or her classification group but is not a full classification number off. Headers classified as a TRIAD #4 through TRIAD #6 will be eligible to receive an Elite classification. For example, a #5 header who has proven to have a competitive advantage will be reclassified as an Elite #5. Moreover, a #5 header who has proven to struggle, but would be too dominant as a #4, would be reclassified as an Elite #4. Therefore ropers can move up to an Elite status or down to an Elite status. The classification categories for Headers will be as follows: #1, #2, #3, #4, Elite #4, #5, Elite #5, #6, Elite #6, #7, #8, and #9. Heelers classified as a TRIAD #4 through TRIAD #9 will be eligible to receive an Elite classification. For example, a #6 heeler who has proven to have a competitive advantage will be reclassified as an Elite #6. Moreover a #6 heeler who has proven to struggle, but would be too dominant as a #5, would be reclassified as an Elite #5. Therefore ropers can move up to an Elite status or down to an Elite status. The classification categories for Heelers will be as follows: #1, #2, #3, #4, Elite #4, #5, Elite #5, #6, Elite #6, #7, Elite #7, #8, Elite #8, #9, Elite #9 and #10. The effect of the Elite system will further level the playing field by preventing two Elite ropers from partnering together unless they give up a division. For example, an Elite #5 header won’t be allowed to enter the #10 division with an Elite #5 heeler. Instead, they will have to enter the #11 division. However, an Elite #5 header will be allowed to enter the #10 division with a #5 heeler. In other words, the sum of your classification and your partner’s classification determines the division you are eligible to enter unless BOTH ropers are classified as “Elite”. This procedure will more closely define the caliber of each roping division. If you are a number 4, you can rope with number 5 or less in the number 9 roping. The sum of your classification number and your partners’ classification number, cannot exceed the number of the roping. This procedure closely defines the caliber of each roping division. 2.2.1 CLASSIFICATION CAPS AND FLOORS - The use of a “Cap”, i.e., capping a roping in an effort to eliminate participation of higher classified ropers, and a “Floor”, i.e., establishing a minimum handicap requirement for ropers entering any specific division will be in use as a means by which to further define the caliber of ropers that are eligible to compete in a given roping. National Finals - U.S. Open of Team Roping - At the USTRC National Finals, there will be a Floor instituted in the U.S. Open of Team Roping. No header with a classification number less than seven (7), or heeler with a classification number less than eight (8), will be eligible to enter the U.S. Open of Team Roping. The purpose of this is to insure the sanctity of the level of professionalism of the event. #10 Division – At all USTRC sanctioned events, the #10 division will always be “Capped” at an Elite #6. No roper with a TRIAD classification higher than an Elite #6 is eligible to compete in the #10 division. Those ropers who are classified higher than an Elite #6, which compete in this division, will be disqualified, and forfeit their entry fees.

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#9 Division - At all USTRC sanctioned events, the #9 division will always be “Capped” at an Elite #5. No roper with a TRIAD classification higher than an Elite #5 is eligible to compete in the #9 division. Those ropers who are classified higher than an #5 which compete in this division, will be disqualified, and forfeit their entry fees. #8 Pick/Draw Division - At all USTRC sanctioned events, the #8 Pick/Draw will be “Capped” at a #4. No roper with a TRIAD classification higher than a #4 is eligible to compete in the #8 Pick/Draw. Those ropers who are classified higher than an #4 which compete in this division, will be disqualified, and forfeit their entry fees. 2.3 BALLOTING - Online (ustrc.com) ballots will be submitted to USTRC members three times each year for voting purposes; November, March and June. The results of the ballot voting will be announced and put into effect following ballot submission, i.e. January, May and July, respectively. Ropers will only be placed on a ballot as a result of one or more of the following conditions. *(A) All ropers under the age of 25 will automatically be placed on a ballot twice each year. *(B) All ropers over the age of 50 will automatically be placed on a ballot once each year. (C) Ropers who have been the recipient of protests against their classification handicap will be placed on the ballot. In addition, between these ballot cycles smaller interim ballots may be submitted. 2.4 ONLINE BALLOTING ELIGIBILITY AND REQUIREMENTS - Only current members who are 18 years of age and older, classified as a #4 or higher and in good standing with the USTRC will be allowed access to online balloting. USTRC members shall vote on general ballots; appeals and double number ballots and first time classifications. Any member may be excluded from voting by the USTRC if it is determined the member has no concept of USTRC classification criteria, or if the member conspires to help or do harm to any particular group of ropers or individual roper. 2.4.1 FIRST TIME CLASSIFICATION - First time applicants are encouraged to seek first time classification recommendations from references such as producers, instructors or well-known ropers within their area when applying. Upon receipt of applications from first-time applicants, which are not accompanied with references, ropers will receive a temporary classification card, which will allow them to be classified based on input from his/her roping peers. Every effort will be made to prevent setting official handicaps by phone. First-time classifications are deemed to be temporary until the first full vote of the balloting process and/or until performance data is obtained. Any temporary classification number is subject to change or correction by the USTRC in the event of an inaccurate first time determination. 2.4.2 DOUBLE CLASSIFICATION NUMBER - Application for double number may be made in two different forms depending on the ropers’ level of membership. Gold Plus members may apply for double number by phone with no additional cost. Gold Spur members may request a double classification number application from the USTRC National Office and submit the application accompanied by a $40 Double Number fee. The application is then turned over to an administrator for further action through the balloting process and/or review of performance data. If the applicant had applied and received a double number in the previous year there is a $20 fee to renew a Double Number each year. 2.4.3 APPEALS - To be eligible for an appeal, roper’s must meet one of the following requirements: (a) Performance profile suggests the roper is struggling to compete. (b) No current performance data on file. (c) Ropers with medical conditions that affect their ability to compete (must provide medical records and a doctor’s release). If a roper meets the above requirements, he/she will be placed on an appeal ballot for peer review and performance information will be gathered by the Classification office to complete the process. If an appeal is granted to lower a roper’s classification and the result of doing so allows the roper to become dominant, the USTRC retains the right to immediately return the roper to the previous classification. The first appeal is free, however, a $20 appeal fee, must accompany each additional request for an appeal in a calendar year. 2.4.4 INTERIM CHANGES - Final judgment in all classification disputes shall rest with the USTRC. USTRC reserves the right to change the classifications of ropers anytime throughout the year, where by performance data suggests the roper is miss-classified, or where by the roper exhibits a dominance or clear advantage at the assigned classification or for punitive reasons outlined to in Sections 8 and 9 of the USTRC rules.

A USTRC representative will notify by phone, certified mail, regular mail service, or in person any roper who receives a classification change during the term of their membership. 2.5 PRODUCERS USE OF TRIAD CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM (NON-USTRC ROPING) - Any roping producers may use the TRIAD classification system by advertising that ropers must produce a current USTRC membership card to receive their winnings. If they do not have a card or the sum of the team’s classifications do not fit the division entered, the team forfeits winnings and entry fees. If an unclassified roper enters a roping advertising TRIAD numbers, then the producer has the prerogative to assign a temporary number, provided the producer forwards the personal data on ropers to the National office immediately following his roping. If for any reason a roper does not have a CURRENT USTRC card, including those requesting temporary numbers, the producer is requested to hold all winnings and verify classifications with the USTRC, then if verified, mail winnings to ropers. (USTRC will verify classification for non-members only once.) If the roping producer, who advertises TRIAD classifications, takes it upon himself to lower a classification number, USTRC will still hold the roper responsible for using the wrong classification. Use of the system obliges the producer to advise USTRC of any incorrectly classified ropers, high or low, that attend their roping. In the event that a producer abuses the use of the system by advertising its use then not using it correctly, or abusing it, they shall be notified to cease and desist.

SECTION MEMBERSHIPS

3.1 USTRC MEMBERSHIP CARDS - Membership cards will be issued for the calendar year and expire on December 31, of the year purchased with the exception of 15-month memberships. Issuance of the card does not guarantee that a classification number shall remain the same for the entire year. A USTRC representative will notify by phone, certified mail, regular mail service, or in person any roper who receives a classification change during the term of their membership. Membership cards are the exclusive property of USTRC. USTRC has the right to take possession of membership cards at any time. 3.2 USTRC MEMBERSHIPS 3.2.1 FIRST-TIME MEMBERSHIP - A first time membership fee is $100 and is valid from January 1, or from the time of purchase, to December 31, of the year purchased with the exception of 15-month memberships. All rights, privileges, conditions and terms are the same as the Gold Spur Membership (see below). 3.2.2 GOLD SPUR MEMBERSHIP - The annual membership fee is $100 and is valid from January 1, or from the time of purchase, to December 31, of the year purchased, with the exception of 15-month memberships. Memberships accepted after August 31, of each season shall be good for the remainder of the season and the next full season (15 months). Membership privileges include; a classification card; subscription to SuperLooper Magazine; NO office or grounds fees at USTRC ropings by contractors (does not apply to facility owners and managers); check acceptance for entry fees at Pre-Enter ropings; and many additional features. 3.2.3 GOLD PLUS MEMBERSHIP - The yearly Gold Plus membership fee is $300 and is valid from January 1, or the time of purchase, to December 31, of the year purchased. Memberships accepted after August 31, of each season shall be valid for the remainder of the season and the next full season (15 months). This is the USTRC premier value added membership level and the additional privileges will be outlined each year on the membership brochure. Gold Plus memberships are only available to adults 18 years or older; however you must be 21 years or older to compete in any Gold Plus roping. Any Gold Spur or first time member will be allowed to upgrade at any time to a Gold Plus membership.

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Gold Plus membership can be used as a family membership. Additional family members may include spouse and children. Eligible children must live at home and must be 20 years old or younger. Children are not eligible to compete in the Gold Plus ropings. Gold Plus Membership, all its privileges and renewal eligibility are forfeited by any Gold Plus member, which issues two “Insufficient Funds” checks within any oneyear period. 3.2.4 LIFETIME MEMBERSHIP - This one-time membership fee is $100 and is available to ropers 70 years of age and older. The nontransferable membership provides members with all the benefits of the standard Gold Spur membership, for a one-time only fee. 3.2.5 JUNIOR LOOPER MEMBERSHIP - This free-of-charge membership is available to ropers 12 years of age and younger and is automatically renewed until the child turns 13 years old. Junior Looper members who turn 13 years old within the calendar year will be eligible to compete at any event requiring USTRC memberships, under the Junior Looper card; however, upon turning 13 years of age they are ineligible to compete in Junior Looper ropings. This membership will entitle holders to all the benefits of the standard Gold Spur membership except for receipt of SuperLooper Magazine. Junior Looper Program- The Junior Looper Program is for any child 12 years or younger. Children will receive a free Junior Looper Membership with copy of their birth certificate confirming age. The Junior Roping is one of the benefits of the Junior Looper Membership. Junior Looper Rules: 1. Must bring Junior Looper Card or copy of birth certificate to receive prize. 2. Three Age Groups: 6 and under, 7- 9 and 10-12. 3. Junior Loopers may not enter below their age division. 4. No Junior Looper may win more than 1 buckle in a USTRC season at sanctioned events (National Finals excluded). Season is defined as those events between November 1 and October 1 of any year. 5. Any Junior Looper that has ever won a USTRC Trophy saddle or Junior Looper Trophy saddle will not be eligible to compete at the USTRC Finals in the Junior Looper ropings. Remember the Junior Looper Program is a free program put together for the youth of the sport of team roping. The USTRC staff appointed conductor of the roping will ensure to the best of their ability that the event is conducted fairly. Please comply with the requests and suggestions of the conductor(s) of the event. Junior Looper parents are advised to watch, but not participate. Thanks for being involved in the growth and future of the sport of Team Roping. 3.3 MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENT - Participation in a USTRC event requires being a member of the USTRC to collect winnings. A roper must have in their possession and be able to present a current USTRC membership card when asked, or shall have submitted a First Time Membership or Renewal Membership application, including appropriate fees, to the National Office or the roping producer, prior to the event or division he or she is entering. Ropers will be permitted to purchase their First-Time or Renewal Memberships anytime during the year. Memberships can be purchased at event offices. Participation in a USTRC event by a roper who does not have a current membership classification card or has not submitted a First Time Membership or Renewal Membership application as specified, will result in disqualification of the roper and ropers’ teammate. The member of a disqualified team, who has a current membership, shall be entitled to receive a refund of his or her entry fees. The disqualified roper that is not current shall not receive a refund of entry fees and neither member of a disqualified “Pick” team is eligible for any prize or prize money. However, should a current member by “computer draw” be teamed with a non current partner, the current member is entitled to receive his or her share of the prizes and prize money. The non current member is disqualified and therefore forfeits entry fees, prizes and prize money. By entering a USTRC event, the roper is representing that he or she is in compliance with the membership requirements. Acceptance of an entry at an event by USTRC or its producers shall not constitute a waiver of the requirement set forth in this rule. Membership fees will not be refunded as a result of classification or rule disagreements.

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SECTION USTRC SANCTIONED ROPINGS

4.1 SANCTIONED ROPINGS - USTRC sanctions two types of ropings nationwide with regards to entry procedures, On-Site entry and PreEntry. On-Site entry ropings are those ropings where ropers may enter at the event, prior to the start of the roping they wish to enter. Contractors may require “Cash Only” at On-Site entry ropings, however, checks will be accepted from Gold Plus members. All Pre-Entry ropings require entries be mailed directly to USTRC Central Entry prior to the event. All sanctioned ropings guarantee Regional and National Finals Shoot-Out Positions/Flex Earnings and minimum prize lines determined by the size of the previous year’s event. Sanctioned ropings will follow Format 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5, guidelines, and will reflect the USTRC philosophy of limited entry and leveraged payouts. 4.2 ENTRIES - Central Entry - All entries for Pre-Entry ropings will be taken through the USTRC Central Entry office. Entries with combined classification totals that exceed the maximum rating of the division entered will not be entered. Open, or to-be-announced “TBA” entries will not be accepted unless both sides are paid. To participate in a USTRC sanctioned event, each roper (1) must have, and be able to present, a current USTRC membership card, or (2) must have submitted prior to the event an application with membership fee or application with membership fee for renewal of a membership card that has expired. Ropers will be permitted to purchase their membership anytime prior to the start of the roping in which they are entered. Participation in the event by a roper who does not have a current USTRC membership card or has not submitted an application for a new card or for renewal of a card that has expired prior to an event, will result in disqualification of roper and the roper’s teammate. No member of a disqualified team shall be entitled to receive any prize or winnings, however, the member of the disqualified team that has a current membership shall be entitled to a refund of entry fee. The member of the disqualified team without a current membership shall not be entitled to receive a refund of his/her entry fee. By submitting an entry for an event, the roper is representing that he/she is in compliance with this rule. Acceptance of entry form for this event by USTRC shall not constitute a waiver of the requirement set forth in this rule. 4.2.1 PAYMENT OF FEES - Team Ropers may pay with a personal check for Pre-Entry ropings, however, with the exception of Gold Plus members, contractors may require “cash only” from ropers at On-Site entry events. Checks will not be accepted from ropers that have previously written bad checks. After the postmark deadline (late entry), payments must be made with cashiers check or money order. Absolutely no two party checks will be accepted. Entry fees should be payable to USTRC, and mailed to: USTRC Central Entry, PO Box 1198, Stephenville, TX 76401. Express deliveries: USTRC Central Entry, 148 County Rd. 437, Stephenville, TX 76401. USTRC reserves the right to obtain payment electronically for any check or other instrument that you send us by initiating an ACH (Electronic) debit in the amount of your check or instrument to your account. Your check or instrument will not be returned to you by us or your bank. Your bank account may be debited as early as the same day we receive your payment. 4.2.2 LATE ENTRY - A late entry is any entry postmarked for a pre-enter roping after the postmark deadline (Friday two weeks prior to the roping). Central Entry may, at its discretion, accept an entry within a few days following the postmark deadline, provided the entry is complete and accompanied by a $40 per team ($20/roper) late fee for each entry. A late fee is also due for the portion of any entry that is incomplete when the books are mailed from Central Entry to the respective producers. Postmark deadline is interpreted to mean as postmarked by the United States Postal Service and not as indicated by a private postal meter. Contractors will be allowed to take late entries at any qualification roping provided: 1) each team pays a $40 late fee, for each time a team enters late; 2) The producer has discretion in placing incomplete entries at the end to avoid creating a special rotation; 3) the entry information and associated late fees be must turned over to the

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USTRC representative or National Office within 7 days following the roping. 4.2.3 LATE FEES - Any team entering late will be required to pay a $40 late fee ($20/roper). Late fees are non-refundable, even in the event of a draw-out. 4.2.4 INCOMPLETE ENTRIES AND LATE FEES - Any team that is deemed to be incomplete at the date Central Entry sends the books to the respective qualification roping will be withdrawn from the roping roster. Their names will be placed on an incomplete list. In dealing with incomplete entries the producer may either: 1) allow the incomplete entry to become complete at the roping, which will require the team to pay the appropriate late fee due for the completed entry, or; 2) Refund the roper the incomplete entry fee. Ropers who have paid on time but have an incomplete entry as a result of an unpaid partner or a partner that drew out, will pay NO late fees for pairing with another partner that has the same situation. 4.2.5 ENTERING INCOMPLETE OR TBA - To-Be-Announced entries will not be accepted unless both sides are paid. Any entry activity at the roping that requires a money transaction and subsequent book keeping to take place, will be required to pay a late fee. Any roper filling an incomplete entry will be required to pay the $20.00 late fee if a money transaction takes place. 4.2.6 RE-ENTRY OF INCOMPLETE TEAMS - If the producer decides to let teams that were placed on the incomplete list re-enter at the roping, those teams must be re-entered no later than 1 hour before the roping in question begins. These teams will be placed in the roping at the producers discretion. 4.2.7 ENTRY CLOSING DATE - Entries must be postmarked no later than the Friday two weeks prior to the event. Entries from Gold Plus members must be received by phone or mail no later than 5:00 pm CST, the Friday before the start of the event. Entries for Regional and National Finals, may be required more than two weeks prior to the event. If this is to be the case, the entry deadline will be announced in the SuperLooper Magazine. 4.2.8 UP AND BACK - In ropings where ropers are allowed to enter more than once, ropers are NOT permitted to enter “Up and Back” - (switching ends with same partner). This applies to incentive teams as well. 4.2.9 ENTERING WITH SAME PARTNER - Ropers cannot enter the same division at an event with the same partner more than once. NO EXCEPTIONS . 4.3 DRAW-OUTS AND REPLACEMENT - Any team may draw-out of any event with notice prior to the start of that event with no draw out charge. A draw-out message may be left on the answering machine at the National Office (254) 968-0002. If no notice is provided then entry fees are forfeited to the roping pot. If an individual team roper draws out, the roper entered with him may draw out or replace the partner. If a team roper’s partner fails to notify USTRC or the roping producer of a draw-out, and does not appear prior to first go-round of a competition, the roper entered with him may get a substitute partner or draw out of the competition. In no instance may a roper use another ropers entry fee. If a substitute team roper is replacing a roper who has a doctor or vet’s release or has been officially drawn out, that replacement will be required to pay entry fees, but no late fees. 4.3.1 DRAW-OUT - Overpayment Refunds - Ropers must notify Central Entry of draw-out of an event or overpayment of an event, and request a refund of fees. All refund requests must be made within 10 days following an event or the fees become non-refundable. Refunds owed are the obligation of the Event producer, however, refunds will be issued from the USTRC office until the event producer has been issued all event monies. If roper does not request a refund from USTRC prior to final event money distribution, roper waives any and all claims against the USTRC. Claims and requests should then be addressed directly to the event contractor. 4.3.2 EMERGENCY DRAW-OUT - In the event of an emergency involving a competing roper, his family or his horse, the contractor may draw that team out and refund their money, even though they may have already competed and taken some of their runs. 4.4 AFFILIATE ROPINGS - These ropings are not the same as sanctioned USTRC events. Affiliate ropings are local ropings where contractors have made a commitment to members of the USTRC to use the TRIAD handicap system and make a contribution to the Shoot- Out Fund. The USTRC, for its part, is providing an avenue for ropers to participate in a Regional and National ShootOut program by way of the accumulation of applied earnings at these ropings, which can be used to acquire Shoot-Out positions.

4.4.1 AFFILIATE DISCLAIMER - These team roping events will be awarded to reputable and professional contractors on a case by case basis. Although Affiliate contractors are selected based on their reputations and schedule availability, Affiliates are not required to completely follow USTRC standards. USTRC will sign agreements with contractors that make an effort to run above average operations, but assumes NO responsibility for quality of affiliate operations. Affiliate status may be withdrawn if USTRC members point out specific ethical or other violations.

SECTION NATIONAL AND REGIONAL FINALS

5.1 NATIONAL FINALS OF TEAM ROPING (NFTR) - Shall be held the last week of October each year.

5.1.1 NFTR ROPING FORMAT - A Preliminary roping will be provided in each division for USTRC members, offering one final opportunity to earn National Finals Shoot-Out positions/Flex Earnings. Any USTRC member is eligible to compete in the National Finals Preliminary divisions. After completion of the Preliminary, all eligible teams qualified to the short round will advance to the Shoot-Out Finals to join the teams who have earned National Finals Shoot-Out positions from regular season sanctioned events, and through applied earnings. Winners of the Shoot-Out divisions at the NFTR will be crowned United States Champions. Complete description of the formats, payouts and distribution of added monies at the NFTR will be announced prior to the event in SuperLooper Magazine, or in publications prior to the occurrence of the NFTR. In no instance does the description of a Format #1 event apply to the NFTR format. 5.1.2 NFTR - U.S. OPEN OF TEAM ROPING RESTRICTIONS At the USTRC National Finals of Team Roping, there will be a Floor instituted in the U.S. Open of Team Roping. No header with a classification number less than seven (7), or heeler with a classification number less than eight (8), will be eligible to qualify for the U.S. Open of Team Roping. The purpose of this is to insure the sanctity of the level of professionalism of the event. 5.1.3 SHOOT-OUT POSITIONS/FLEX EARNINGS AWARDED AT THE NFTR - All teams that qualify to the short round of the Preliminary divisions (Open division excluded) will earn a paid National Shoot-Out position. Shoot-Out positions earned through the Preliminary divisions ARE considered “generic”. In other words, the paid Shoot-Out position/Flex Earnings can be used in any Shoot-Out division with any eligible partner of choice. To be eligible to participate in a Shoot-Out division ropers must have participated in a USTRC Sanctioned or Affiliate event during the current season. Pre-entered Shoot-Out positions at the NFTR may NOT be drawn out and replaced by a position earned through the Preliminary divisions. A preentered Shoot-Out position is considered secure, nontransferable and nonreplacable. Any unused Shoot-Out positions/Flex Earnings earned through the Preliminary divisions at the NFTR will be carried over to the following season; however, not as a paid entry 5.2 REGIONAL FINALS - Regional Finals shall consist of LoneStar Finals, Eastern Finals, Southwest Finals, Southeast Finals, West Coast Finals, High Plains Finals and Northwest Finals, with the potential for additional Regional Finals events Regional Finals formats will be nearly identical to NFTR formats with Preliminary divisions and Shoot-Out divisions. Any USTRC member is eligible to compete in the Regional Finals Preliminary divisions. Complete description of the formats will be announced in SuperLooper Magazine, or in publications prior to the occurrence of the Regional Finals events. In no instance does the description of a Format #1 event apply to the Regional Finals format. 5.3 NATIONAL & REGIONAL SHOOT-OUT DISTRIBUTION the following is a breakdown of how National and Regional Shoot-Out

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positions will be awarded at regular season sanctioned events. OPEN DIVISION - NO SHOOT-OUTS AWARDED OR FLEX EARNINGS AWARDED – POINT STANDINGS ONLY US Open Tour Points awarded 1st thru 10th place in the average, to ropers that qualified in the short round. FORMAT 1-5 #15, #13, #12, #11, #10 & #9 DIVISIONS NF Shoot-Outs RF Shoot-Outs $6000 Flex Earning $2000 Flex Earnings Guaranteed 1st Avg 2nd-5th Avg 151-250 tms 1st-2nd Avg 3rd-6th Avg 251-300 tms 1st-3rd Avg 4th-8th Avg 301-400 tms 1st-4th Avg 5th-10th Avg 401 + tms 1st- 5th Avg 6th-12th Avg #15, #13, #12, #11, #10 & #9 DIVISIONS Bonus Flex Earnings $250/Roper 151-250 tms 7th-10th Avg 251-300 tms 9th-12th Avg 301-400 tms 11th-15th Avg 401 + tms 13th-20th Avg INCENTIVE - OPEN NF Shoot-Outs RF Shoot-Outs $6000 Flex Earning $2000 Flex Earnings Guaranteed none 1st Avg Incentive #8 PICK/DRAW 1st- 5th Avg none #8 PICK/DRAW Bonus Flex Earnings $250/Roper 151-200 tms 6th-10th Avg 201-250 tms 7th-12th Avg 251-300 tms 9th-12th Avg 301-400 tms 11th-15th Avg 401 + tms 13th-20th Avg #12 GOLD PLUS 1st-3rd Avg - Gold Plus Shoot-Out/$6000 Flex Earnings #10 GP INCENTIVE 1st-3rd Avg - Gold Plus Shoot-Out/$6000 Flex Earnings GOLD PLUS-BONUS FLEX EARNINGS $250/ROPER 151-200 tms 6th-10th Avg 201-251 tms 7th-12th Avg 251-300 tms 9th-12th Avg 301-400 tms 11th-15th Avg 401 + tms 13th-20th Avg 5.3.1 REGIONAL FINALS SHOOT-OUT/FLEX EARNINGS DISTRIBUTION - All eligible teams placing in the top 5% of the overall Average of a Regional Preliminary roping, will automatically be awarded Regional Shoot-Outs/$2000 Flex Earnings. Entry fees of ropers advancing from the Regional Preliminaries to the Regional Finals Shoot-Out will have their entry paid as a part of their winnings in the Preliminaries. Under no circumstances shall the number of teams progressing to the Regional ShootOuts be less than the number of paid Average positions in a Regional Preliminary. Every Regional Finals Preliminary shall award five (5) National Finals Shoot-Out/$6000 Flex Earnings per division. In the Regional ShootOut division and Gold Plus Division all teams in the short round will receive National Finals Shoot-Outs/$6000 Flex Earnings. 5.3.2 APPLIED EARNINGS - Earnings a roper aquires as a result of placing at approved USTRC sanctioned and/or affiliate events. Every $2000 in applied earnings results in a Regional Finals Shoot-Out position and every $6000 in applied earnings results in a National Finals Shoot- Out position. When using applied earnings to enter a National Finals Shoot-Out division, you must be a current member and have competed at a USTRC Sanctioned or Affiliate event during the current season. Applied earnings may be used toward any Shoot-Out division including Gold Plus Shoot-Outs (membership rules apply) and may be taken with a partner of choice. The chosen partner does not need to have applied earnings to compete but must be a current USTRC member in good standing and have competed at a USTRC Sanctioned or Affiliate event during the current season. Excluding the National Finals of Team Roping, all earnings from USTRC sanctioned and affiliate ropings count toward applied earnings provided the earnings did not come as a result of the outright awarding of a Regional or National Finals Shoot-Out position/Flex Earnings. (Exception: All earnings from USTRC sanctioned Gold Plus ropings are eligible for applied earnings regardless of the awarding of a Gold Plus Shoot-Out position.) Earnings are tabulated by

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request only and ropers may be asked to provide proof of winnings in some instances. ROPERS MAY CARRY OVER UNUSED APPLIED EARNINGS FROM YEAR TO YEAR. 5.3.3 FLEX EARNINGS - Earnings that are allocated as a direct result of winning a Regional or National Shoot-Out position. Flex Earnings can be used at the roper’s discretion either at the Regional Finals or the National Finals and with a partner of choice. Flex Earnings do not carry over from season to season and therefore expire at the end of each season. • USTRC will allocate $6000 for a National Shoot-Out - $3000 per partner • USTRC will allocate $2000 for a Regional Shoot-Out - $1000 per partner 5.3.5 SHOOT-OUT ELIGIBILITY - Ropers must be a current member in good standing and have competed in a USTRC sanctioned or affiliate event during the season to be eligible to compete in a Regional or National Shoot-Out.

SECTION DIVISIONS AND FORMATS

6.1 DIVISIONS - Roping divisions for the 2010 season will be an Open, #15, #13, #12, #11, #10 & #9 Handicap and #8 Pick/Draw. USTRC reserves the right to sanction events with limited parts of these formats or make changes in these divisions during the course of the year. Any event held in conjunction with a USTRC sanctioned event must be approved by the USTRC. Approval or denial of such events will be determined on a case by case basis. Open ropings will be scheduled at the option of any roping contractor at all USTRC qualification events.

6.1.1 OPEN DIVISION - Option 1: The following are the parameters for all Open Ropings regardless of the specified format of the event. Four-steer Average (Incentive will be determined on Three-steer Average), progressive after one head. Entry fee: $150/roper. May enter 2 times any combination of Incentive and/or Non-Incentive. Option 2: Open Pick / Draw $200 per roper . Enter with one partner and one will be computer drawn. No Header with a classification number less than 6 or no heeler with a classification number less than 8 may enter. Depending on draw, ropers may have 2 open runs, 2 incentive runs or one each. Ropers may enter as open team or incentive team for a maximum of one entry. Four head average with the Incentive determined on Three-head. Always progressive after onehead. Open Tour points to Average winners in open ropings awarded for 1st thru 10th place in the Average. Must qualify to short round to be eligible for points. Points will be awarded to #7 headers and above and #8 heelers and above. PLACES

US NATIONAL REGIONAL SANCTION OPEN PRELIM POINTS ROPINGS 1st 30 20 20 10 2nd 27 18 18 9 3rd 24 16 16 8 4th 21 14 14 7 5th 18 12 12 6 6th 15 10 10 5 7th 12 8 8 4 8th 9 6 6 3 9th 6 4 4 2 10th 3 2 2 1 Must qualify to short round to be eligible for points. Regional Shoot-Out position awarded to 1st in the average of the #15 Incentive in the Open. 6.1.2 #15 HANDICAP - Fees and entry parameters will be determined by the selected format of the roping (see Formats). This division will be determined on a Four-head average. #14 team will receive a 1.5 second handicap; #13 and under team will receive a 3 second handicap. These “seconds off ” will be subtracted after the third round. 6.1.3 GOLD PLUS #12 DIVISION - Only Gold Plus members 21

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years of age and older are eligible to compete. At Format One and Regional Finals events, ropings will be a four steer average (Incentive will be determined on 3-steers) progressive after one steer. Entry fee will be $150/roper, enter two times any combination of Incentive and/or Non Incentive teams. Incentive will be a #10. At Format 2, 3, 4, and 5 events, ropers may enter three times any combination of Incentive and/or NonIncentive for $100/roper. Gold Plus Shoot-Outs will be awarded to teams placing 1st through 3rd in the average and 1st through 3rd of the Incentive average. All winnings in the Gold Plus Divisions count towards Applied Earnings for Shoot-outs. 6.1.4 #13, #12, #11, #10, #9 HANDICAP DIVISIONS - Fees and entry parameters will be determined by the selected format of the roping (see Formats). These divisions will be determined on a four-head Average, progressive after one steer. All divisions are handicapped and regardless of the specified Format of the event the following “seconds off ” will apply: #12 and under team in the #13 division will receive a 1.5 second handicap, an #11 and under team in the #12 division will receive a 1.5 second handicap, a #10 and under team in the #11 division will receive a 1.5 second handicap, a #9 and under team in the #10 division will receive a 1.5 second handicap and an #8 and under team in the #9 division will receive a 1.5 second handicap. These “seconds off will be deducted after the third round for all divisions. The #10 is always capped at an Elite #6, the #9 is always capped at an Elite #5 and the #8 is always capped at a #4. 6.1.5 #8 PICK/DRAW DIVISION - The following are the parameters for all #8 Pick/Draw ropings regardless of the specified format of the event: This roping will be a three-head Average, progressive after one steer. Entry fee for this roping will be the producers discretion. Option 1: $180 per roper. Ropers enter with one partner, and two more will be computer drawn or draw all three for a total of three runs in the roping. Option 2: $120 per roper. Ropers enter with one partner, and one more will be computer drawn or draw two for a total of two runs in the roping. This roping will be capped at a #4. No roper with a classification higher than a #4 is eligible to enter. The computer draw will insure that no team higher than an #8 will be drawn together. A #7 team will receive 2 seconds off and a #6 and under team will receive 3 seconds off. These “seconds off ” will be subtracted after the second round. There is no incentive in this division. 1st - 5th in the Average will receive National Shoot-Outs. 6.2 FORMATS - The following format types will be available during the 2010 season: Format 1, Format 2, Format 3, Format 4, Format 5. Format type is selected by the producer of the event. Ropers cannot enter the same division at an event with the same partner more than once (NO EXCEPTIONS). thirty #9, #8 teams 6.2.1 FORMAT 1 Open - See description outlined in “Divisions” section 6.1.1. All USTRC Open Ropings will follow the same parameters regardless of the USTRC format of the event. #15 Handicap - Entry fee $150 per roper - Enter 2 times - 4-head average Progressive after one. Guaranteed National Finals Shoot-Out positions/Flex Earnings will be awarded to 1st place Average winners. Regional Finals Shoot-Out positions/Flex Earnings will be awarded to teams placing 2nd through 5th in the Average. A #14 team will receive a 1.5-second handicap to be deducted after the 3rd run. A #13 and under team will receive a 3-second handicap to be deducted after the 3rd run. #13, #12, #11, #10 & #9 Handicap - Entry fee $150 per roper – Enter 2 times - Four-steer Average, progressive after one. All divisions are handicapped. The following “seconds off ” will apply: #12 and under team in the #13 division will receive a 1.5 second handicap, an #11 and under team in the #12 division will receive a 1.5 second handicap, a #10 and under team in the #11 division will receive a 1.5 second handicap, a #9 and under team in the #10 division will receive a 1.5 second handicap and an #8 and under team in the #9 division will receive a 1.5 second handicap. These “seconds off will be deducted after the third round for all divisions. The #10 is always capped at an Elite #6, the #9 is always capped at an Elite #5 and the #8 is always capped at a #4. Guaranteed National Finals Shoot-Out positions/Flex Earnings will be awarded to 1st place Average winners. Regional Finals Shoot-Out positions/Flex Earnings will be awarded to teams placing 2nd through 5th in the Average. Gold Plus #12 - See description outlined in “Divisions” section 6.1.3. #8 Pick/Draw - See description outlined in “Divisions” section 6.1.5.

6.2.2 FORMAT 2 Open - See description outlined in “Divisions” section 6.1.1. All USTRC Open Ropings will follow the same parameters regardless of the USTRC format of the event. #15 Handicap - Entry fee $100 per roper - Enter 3 times - 4-head average Progressive after one. Guaranteed National Finals Shoot-Out positions/Flex Earnings will be awarded to 1st place Average winners. Regional Finals Shoot-Out positions/Flex Earnings will be awarded to teams placing 2nd through 5th in the Average. A #14team will receive a 1.5-second handicap to be deducted after the 3rd run. A #13 and under team will receive a 3-second handicap to be deducted after the 3rd run. #13, #12, #11, #10 & #9 Handicap – Entry fee $100 per roper – Enter 3 times - Four-steer Average, progressive after one. All divisions are handicapped. The following “seconds off ” will apply: #12 and under team in the #13 division will receive a 1.5 second handicap, an #11 and under team in the #12 division will receive a 1.5 second handicap, a #10 and under team in the #11 division will receive a 1.5 second handicap, a #9 and under team in the #10 division will receive a 1.5 second handicap and an #8 and under team in the #9 division will receive a 1.5 second handicap. These “seconds off will be deducted after the third round for all divisions. The #10 is always capped at an Elite #6, the #9 is always capped at an Elite #5 and the #8 is always capped at a #4. Gold Plus #12 - See description outlined in “Divisions” section 6.1.3. #8 Pick/Draw - See description outlined in “Divisions” section 6.1.5. 6.2.3 FORMAT 3 Open - See description outlined in “Divisions” section 6.1.1. All USTRC Open Ropings will follow the same parameters regardless of the USTRC format of the event. #15 Handicap - Entry fee $80 per roper - Enter 3 times - 4-head average Progressive after one. Guaranteed National Finals Shoot-Out position/Flex Earnings will be awarded to 1st place Average winners. Regional Finals Shoot-Out positions/Flex Earningswill be awarded to teams placing 2nd through 5th in the Average. A #14team will receive a 1.5-second handicap to be deducted after the 3rd run. A #13 and under team will receive a 3-second handicap to be deducted after the 3rd run. #13, #12, #11, #10 & #9 Handicap – Entry fee $80 per roper – Enter 3 times Four-steer Average, progressive after one. All divisions are handicapped. The following “seconds off ” will apply: #12 and under team in the #13 division will receive a 1.5 second handicap, an #11 and under team in the #12 division will receive a 1.5 second handicap, a #10 and under team in the #11 division will receive a 1.5 second handicap, a #9 and under team in the #10 division will receive a 1.5 second handicap and an #8 and under team in the #9 division will receive a 1.5 second handicap. These “seconds off will be deducted after the third round for all divisions. The #10 is always capped at an Elite #6, the #9 is always capped at an Elite #5 and the #8 is always capped at a #4. Gold Plus #12 - See description outlined in “Divisions” section 6.1.3. #8 Pick/Draw- See description outlined in “Divisions” section 6.1.5. 6.2.4 FORMAT 4 Open - See description outlined in “Divisions” section 6.1.1. All USTRC Open Ropings will follow the same parameters regardless of the USTRC format of the event. #15 Handicap - Entry fee $80 per roper - Enter 4 times - 4-head average Progressive after one. Guaranteed National Finals Shoot-Out position/Flex Earnings will be awarded to 1st place Average winners. Regional Finals Shoot-Out positions/Flex Earnings will be awarded to teams placing 2nd through 5th in the Average. A #14 team will receive a 1.5-second handicap to be deducted after the 3rd run. A #13 and under team will receive a 3-second handicap to be deducted after the 3rd run. #13, #12, #11, #10 & #9 Handicap – Entry fee $80 per roper – Enter 4 times - Four-steer Average, progressive after one. All divisions are handicapped. The following “seconds off ” will apply: #12 and under team in the #13 division will receive a 1.5 second handicap, an #11 and under team in the #12 division will receive a 1.5 second handicap, a #10 and under team in the #11 division will receive a 1.5 second handicap, a #9 and under team in the #10 division will receive a 1.5 second handicap and an #8 and under team in the #9 division will receive a 1.5 second handicap. These “seconds off will be deducted after the third round for all divisions. The #10 is always capped at an Elite #6, the #9 is always capped at an Elite #5 and the #8 is always

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capped at a #4. Gold Plus #12 - See description outlined in “Divisions” section 6.1.3. #8 Pick/Draw - See description outlined in “Divisions” section 6.1.5. 6.2.5 FORMAT 5 Open - See description outlined in “Divisions” section 6.1.1. All USTRC Open Ropings will follow the same parameters regardless of the USTRC format of the event. #15 Handicap - Entry fee $60 per roper - Enter 4 times - 4-head average Progressive after one. Guaranteed National Finals Shoot-Out position/Flex Earnings will be awarded to 1st place Average winners. Regional Finals Shoot-Out positions/Flex Earnings will be awarded to teams placing 2nd through 5th in the Average. A #14 team will receive a 1.5-second handicap to be deducted after the 3rd run. A #13 and under team will receive a 3-second handicap to be deducted after the 3rd run. #13, #12, #11, #10 & #9 Handicap – Entry fee $60 per roper – Enter 4 times - Four-steer Average, progressive after one. All divisions are handicapped. The following “seconds off ” will apply: #12 and under team in the #13 division will receive a 1.5 second handicap, an #11 and under team in the #12 division will receive a 1.5 second handicap, a #10 and under team in the #11 division will receive a 1.5 second handicap, a #9 and under team in the #10 division will receive a 1.5 second handicap and an #8 and under team in the #9 division will receive a 1.5 second handicap. These “seconds off will be deducted after the third round for all divisions. The #10 is always capped at an Elite #6, the #9 is always capped at an Elite #5 and the #8 is always capped at a #4. Gold Plus #12 - See description outlined in “Divisions” section 6.1.3. #8 Pick/Draw - See description outlined in “Divisions” section 6.1.5.

SECTION PAYOUTS

All Average and Incentive payoffs will be paid in progression backward if necessary (best 4, best 3, best 2). If an Average is to be paid on one head, progression dictates that the one head will be paid in the first round.

7.1 SHORT ROUND QUALIFICATION- The number of teams that qualify to the short round shall be a minimum of twenty (thirty in the #9 and #8). However, if a roping has a 301-400 teams, 25 will advance and 401- plus teams, 30 will advance to the short round. No team shall compete in the short round based on two steers except in the #8 division. 7.2 OPEN PAYOUT 7.2.1 OVERALL FAST TIME -Based on a maximum 5% of the ropers pot. The number of overall fast time places paid, which includes through the short round, is based on the number of teams entered. 1-125 126-250 251+

1 Place 2 Places 3 Places

7.2.2 OPEN AVERAGE – 95% of the ropers pot will be paid in the Average and Incentive Average. A maximum of six places will be paid in the Average. The number of places paid in the Average will be based on the number of teams entered. 1-10 Teams 11-25 Teams 26-50 Teams 51-100 Teams 101-150 Teams 151+ Teams

1 Place 2 Places 3 Places 4 Places 5 Places 6 Places

Under no circumstances will the number of places paid in the Average of an Open roping, exceed six (6) places.

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7.2.3 OPEN INCENTIVE PAYOUT - The Incentive Average payout will be equal to the percentage of Incentive teams entered, not to exceed 30% of the total purse. This will be based on the total purse less go round money. The number of places paid in the Incentive Average is based on the number of Incentive teams entered. 1-10 11-25 26-50 51-100 101+

1 place 2 places 3 places 4 places 5 places

7.3 GENERAL PAYOUT - (All USTRC formats #15, #13, #12, #11, #10, #9, #8) 95% of the roper’s pot will be paid in the average and 5% of the ropers pot will be paid to the fast time overall, which includes through the short round. Payoffs for Regional and National Finals may vary from this payout structure. 7.3.1 OVERALL FAST TIME PAYOUT - The number of fast time places paid is based on the number of teams entered. 1-125 126-250 251-375 376-500 501-625 626+

1 Place 2 Places 3 Places 4 Places 5 Places 6 Places

7.3.2 AVERAGE PAYOUT - The number of places paid in the Average is based on the number of teams entered. 1-10 1 place 11-25 2 places 26-50 3 places 51-100 4 places 101-200 5 places 201-250 6 places 251-300 8 places 301-400 10 places 401+ 12 places 7.4 GOLD PLUS PAYOUT - 95% of the ropers pot will be paid in the Average and Incentive Average and 5% of the ropers pot will be paid to the fast time overall, which includes through the short round. The number of places paid in the Average will be based on the number of teams entered. Payoffs for Regional and National Finals may vary from this payout structure. Overall Fast Time Payout: The number of fast time places paid is based on the number of teams entered. 1-125 126-250 251-375 376-500 501-625 626+

1 Place 2 Places 3 Places 4 Places 5 Places 6 Places

Average Payout: The number of places paid in the Average is base on the number of teams entered. 1-10 11-25 26-50 51-100 101-200 201-250 251-300 301-400 401+

1 place 2 places 3 places 4 places 5 places 6 places 8 places 10 Places 12 Places

7.4.1 GOLD PLUS INCENTIVE PAYOUT The Incentive Average payout will be equal to the percentage of Incentive teams entered, not to exceed 30% of the total purse. This will be based on the total purse less go round money. The number of places paid in the Incentive Average is based on the number of Incentive teams entered. 1-10 11-25 26-50 51-100 101+

1 Place 2 Places 3 Places 4 Places 5 Places

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7.5 PAYOUT PERCENTAGES - The following percentages will be used for USTRC payouts in 2010:

behind both shoulders is legal if rope goes up heels. All bridle catches are considered illegal.

#Places 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th 8th 9th 10th 11th 12th

8.2.1 QUESTIONED CATCH - Any questioned catches will be decided by the judges. If a field judge tells the header to hold the steer so the flagger may inspect the head catch, and the header does not do so, the team may receive a no-time.

2 3 60% 50% 40% 30% 20%

4 40% 30% 20% 10%

5 36% 24% 19% 14% 7%

6 33% 22% 17% 12% 9% 7%

8 30% 19% 13% 11% 9% 8% 6% 4%

10 24% 15% 12% 10% 9% 8% 7% 6% 5% 4%

12 24% 15% 12% 9% 8% 7% 6% 5% 4% 4% 3% 3%

Note: Exception to these percentages will be the Shoot-Outs and the U.S. Open at the National Finals of Team Roping. 7.6 BREAKING OF TIES - All ties for money will result in an equal split. Ties that involve prizes and money will result in an equal split in money, and at the producers discretion a rope off for prizes. Any rope off will be a four-steer Average with four full rounds. Failure to bring any run to completion will result in a sixty second penalty on that run. The winner will be determined by the team, which has the lowest cumulative time on all four head. 7.7 ROTATIONAL (ANTI-MARATHON) DRAW - The rotational draw or anti-marathon draw will be implemented in any roping that exceeds 100 teams. Normally fifty teams equals one rotation, however, the size of rotations may vary based on the size of ropings and availability of multiple arenas. Ropers in one rotation shall rope all three, or both (depending on format), of their steers before the next rotation begins. Estimated times for each rotation will be posted at the event. 7.8 ESTIMATED ROTATION TIMES - The estimated rotation times are approximate and do not release the roper from the obligation of being at the event and prepared one hour before the scheduled rotation time. Any team making the short round will have to wait until the end of the roping for their fourth or short round steer. 7.9 ADDED MONEY - The USTRC National Finals Shoot-Out added money shall be made up of the 5% of the purses from all sanctioned events, plus 1.7% contributed from producers commission, in addition to Affiliate contributions and sponsorship monies where applicable. 7.10 COMMISSION AND PRIZES - Producers may charge a commission to ropers (to be withheld from entry fees), which shall not exceed 33.3% of the total entry fees. Prizes such as trailers, saddles, buckles, etc., shall be paid for by the producer. Ropers should understand that although initial commission is no more than 33.3%, actual net cash and prize pool to team ropers should be in the range of 75% to 85%, based on prizes added back into the roping.

SECTION ROPING RULES

8.1 LOOPS - Only two loops per team shall be allowed. Roping steers without turning loose the loop will be considered no catch. Roper must dally to stop steer. If steer is roped by one horn, roper is not allowed to ride up and remove loop or put loop over other horn or head with his hands. 8.2 LEGAL CATCHES - There are only three legal head catches: 1) Around both horns; 2) Half a head; 3) Around the neck. If hondo passes over one horn and the loop over the other, catch is illegal. If a loop crosses itself in a head catch, it is illegal. This does not include heel catches. Any heel catch

8.3 TIME TAKEN - Time will be taken when the steer is roped, secure between both partners, both horses are facing steer with ropes dallied and tight. Horses front feet must be on the ground and ropers must be mounted when time is taken. Steer must be standing up when roped by head or heels. Time is taken when flag is dropped, however, that time is not official until indication is given by flagger or field judge to the timer or secretary. Flagger may flag a team out after time is taken on a run, based on an illegal head catch or illegal heel catch, steer was not secure or any other factor that was not clear when time was taken. 8.4 TIE ON RULE - Any heeler 60 years or older may tie on regardless of classification number. Any heeler with a classification of Elite 6 or less will be permitted to tie on as of their 55th birthday. Ladies who heel may tie on. Under no circumstances will any header be permitted to tie on. Children 12 years or younger may NOT tie on. It is illegal to dally over the top of a tied on rope or tie on device, the result is an automatic disqualification. Furthermore, should a tied on rope inadvertently come loose from the saddle horn or otherwise become detached during the course of a run, the team will be disqualified. In other words, the roper may not reattach his/her rope or dally with a loose tied on rope. USTRC encourages tie on ropers to use a quick release for tied on ropes. USTRC reserves the right to grant special tie on permission. 8.5 CROSS FIRE - The header must have control of the steers head and the steers head must be bent before the heeler can legally deliver his or her rope. In other words, the heeler may rope the steer in the switch, but not before. Any heel loop delivered before the switch is considered a crossfire and illegal. In the instance where a steer sets up, at no fault of the roper, the heel loop can be thrown at any time once the header has control of the steer. 8.6 HEELER ROPES FRONT FOOT - If the heeler ropes a front foot or feet in the heel loop, this is a foul catch. Should the front foot or feet come out of the heel loop prior to the team calling for time, the time will be counted. Judge will not allow any extra time for a front leg to come free. 8.7 HEADER ROPES ANY LEG - Should a header rope any leg, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an automatic no time. Under no circumstance will the header be allowed to fishout the leg. 8.8 DROPPED ROPE - A dropped rope that must be recoiled is considered a thrown rope. 8.9 ARENA CLEAR - Should a team call for a steer before the arena is clear, and are subsequently interfered with by the steer or team still in the arena, this will not be recognized as interference and they shall NOT receive a rerun.

SECTION OFFENSES

9.1 BAD DEBTS - Bad checks made payable or declined credit card to the USTRC, USTRC vendors, SuperLooper Magazine or USTRC producer holding an official USTRC sanctioned or affiliate event will result in immediate ineligibility. A state allowed collection fee and state tax will be charged for each returned check. After all collection efforts are exhausted, the returned check(s) will be turned over to the county attorney for collection. Non-payment shall result in punitive action, which may include classification number increase, and/or legal action. Ropers that have competed on entry fees paid with a bad check or declined credit card are responsible for the debt, regardless of who made payment. 9.2 DRESS CODE - Ropers must wear a cowboy hat or no hat. Caps will

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not be permitted, nor are they permitted to be tied on, or attached in any way during the course of a run. Cowboy attire required, which includes shirts with a sewn on collar, full buttoned front styling, with short or long sleeves (sleeveless shirts not permitted) and cowboy boots, or approved laced cowboy shoe with a heel. Unless a medical exemption is made, heeled or any type tennis shoes will not be permitted. Failure to observe dress code will result in a no-time on any steer qualified.

SECTION MAJOR OFFENSES

10.1 MAJOR OFFENSES - Quarreling or fighting in the arena. Mistreatment of livestock. Misrepresenting or falsifying a classification number. Attempting to fix, threaten, bribe, influence or harass any USTRC official at any time, in or out of the arena, or talking with a judge at a time when an event is in progress. Engaging in, or attempting to engage in, any action threatening, berating, harassing, intimidating, assaulting or striking a roping official, a roping spectator, any official representative or employee of the USTRC or any USTRC Contestant.

10.1.1 PENALTY FOR MAJOR OFFENSES - Ropers attempting to fix, threaten, bribe, influence or harass any USTRC official at any time, in or out of the arena, or talking with a judge or timer while an event is in progress will automatically be disqualified, forfeit entry fees, and face potential disqualification from future events at the discretion of the USTRC internal board. If a roper uses any excuse to enter a roping advertising USTRC TRIAD numbers, at a number lower than his official USTRC TRIAD classification, and this dishonesty results in winning a check, upon verification, the USTRC will immediately add one number to that individual’s official classification for a period of not less than one year. This also applies to any roper falsifying information on another ropers behalf. 10.2 CONTESTANT DISQUALIFICATIONS - A. Being under the influence of liquor and/or illicit drugs in the arena; consuming alcoholic beverages and/or illicit drugs in the arena; B. Rowdyism or quarreling within the arena; C. Mistreatment of stock; D. Not being ready to compete when called upon; E. Horse becomes excessively uncontrollable in roping box. 10.2.1 FAILURE TO COMPETE IN SHORT ROUND - A team which fails to compete in any short round is automatically disqualified from the average and thereby forfeits all money, prizes, points and shoot-out positions related to the average. 10.2.2 ROPING OUT OF ORDER - A team that ropes out of order in a short round will automatically receive a no time. 10.2.3 ROPER TOUCHES THE GROUND - A team will be disqualified if at any time during the course of a run a roper touches the ground.

SECTION JUDGING

11.1 JUDGES PARTICIPATION - Flag passing is not permitted. Producer shall not permit flaggers to rope in a roping event he/she is flagging, unless the event is using rotations and more than one flagger is in use. The Producer shall provide each flagger with a USTRC rule book and shall require that each flagger conduct the event in accordance with USTRC rules.

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11.2 JUDGES DECISION - The decision of the judge will be final. However, USTRC officials or contractor may appeal to the judge on behalf of the team for review of the call in question. A judge has the authority to request that any person be excused from the arena if that person, in the judge’s opinion, is interfering with the contest event. 11.2.1 QUESTIONING A CALL - Questions may be addressed to the event producer immediately. No roper may question a judge while an event is going on. Questions may be addressed to a judge not sooner than at the end of the event. Contestant does have the right to explain his side of the story or to clarify a situation to the judge at the proper time and place. However, if the contestant is using abusive language or does not use good judgment in the time and place, the judge should, at that time, inform said contestant that any further action will lead to disqualification and forfeiture of fees. 11.2.2 EXCEPTIONS TO QUESTIONING A CALL - Should communications concerning the issuance of a penalty or lack of penalty between the judge and time keeper be incorrect, either team roper may immediately point out the mistake to the judge. In addition, if the ability of the team to compete was impaired by physical conditions in the arena or physical condition of the steer, they may appeal to the judge immediately. Upon making this appeal, the judges’ decision concerning the matter is final at that point. Should the appeal not be upheld, the team is required to leave the arena immediately following the decision, and may make an additional appeal to the sanctioned producer. If the sanctioned producer overrides the decision of the field judge, at any time for any reason, the producer is required to inform the USTRC National Office of that decision and the circumstances surrounding that decision. 11.3 JUDGES PARAMETER - The field flagger or judge has an obligation to control the domain within the boundaries of the arena. 11.3.1 SURRENDERING A RUN - If in the opinion of the field judge one or both members of a team stops competing during the course of a run, the judge has the right to stop the run and disqualify the team. 11.3.2 PROBLEM HORSES/3 STRIKE NOTICE - If a roper has had the opportunity to enter the box and can neither get his horse in the box, nor bring his horse under control while in the box, and in the opinion of the judge this situation has become excessive a 3 strike notice will be given and if the roper does not call for the steer on the 3rd attempt the judge has the option of calling for the steer and declaring a no time on the run. Should this occur on the first steer, the team will receive their entry fees back. If this occurs on the second or third steer (or on the fourth steer in a five-steer Average), the team may receive their fees back, only if they qualified the previous steer or steers. The refund rule is not valid for any short-round. 11.3.3 GROUND CONDITIONS - If the arena conditions are deemed by the field judge to be unsafe, competition can be stopped until the unsafe conditions are remedied. 11.4 CALLING FOR A STEER - Steer belongs to the ropers when called for by the header. Except for mechanical failure the team accepts the situation “as is” regardless of what happens. 11.5 DECLARING A STEER - If the contestant is visibly fouled or he can visibly see that he is, or will be fouled, he must declare by pulling up or attempting to pull up and not try to go on with the contest. If he does not declare, he accepts the situation the way it is. 11.6 BARRIER 11.6.1 BARRIER FOULS ROPER - Steer belongs to the ropers when they call for it regardless of what happens, except for mechanical failure and if, in the opinion of the judge, the roper is fouled by a rope barrier. If, 2009 rulebook inside_v2.indd 25 12/4/08 5:05:56 PM in the opinion of the judge, contestant is fouled by a rope barrier, ropers shall get the steer back providing contestant declares himself by pulling up immediately. 11.6.2 BARRIER/TIMER MALFUNCTION - Should a barrier/ timer malfunction during the natural course of a competition either for the roper or against the roper, the field judge may offer the option of awarding a rerun or removing the barrier penalty. (The steer need not be qualified on to receive a rerun.) However, there shall be no question or disagreement that this situation occurred. 11.6.3 HEIGHT OF BARRIER - Height of barrier shall be from 32 to 36 inches, measured at the center of the box. 11.6.4 LENGTH OF BARRIER - All scoreline lengths are to be set by the Producer in accordance with arena conditions. Every effort should be

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made to avoid 5 second runs, and at the same time every effort should be made to avoid allowing any team to be outrun. 11.6.5 BROKEN BARRIER - A 5-second penalty will be added for beating the barrier. However, when a rope barrier is used (US Open) a 10second penalty will be added for beating the barrier. In any case, the penalty for beating the heel barrier will always be the same as the penalty for beating the head barrier. 11.6.6 BARRIER PIGTAIL - If a pull barrier is in use and the pigtail is carried more than 10 feet from the pin, the barrier may be waived, providing the contestant did not obviously beat the barrier. However, if the contestant has obviously broken the barrier the judge may still impose the penalty. 11.6.7 QUALIFYING A STEER - When a pull barrier is used and a contestant is fouled and has no visible way of knowing if chutes or barriers functioned correctly, he must qualify in order to get a rerun.

question did not afford a team the opportunity to compete. 12.1.3 INSPECTION - Roping Stock will be inspected by the producer prior to the first event. No sore, lame, sick or injured animal, or animal with defective eye sight shall be permitted in the draw at any time. Should an animal become sick or crippled during the course of the roping, that animal shall be removed from the competition immediately. Animals removed from the arena pursuant to this section shall be placed in a situation as isolated and comfortable as possible to reduce stress. 12.2 HUMANE TREATMENT OF LIVESTOCK - If a USTRC roper excessively abuses an animal by any unnecessary non-competitive or competitive action, he shall be disqualified and forfeit all entry fees. The judge shall immediately inform the announcer that the contestant has been disqualified and announcer will immediately announce the disqualification due to unnecessary roughness of livestock. 12.2.1 HORNWRAPS - All Roping Stock will have horn wraps, which offer protection for both the ears, and the base of the horns.

11.6.8 LINE JUDGE - If a pull barrier is in use, there shall be a line Judge. The Line Judge shall have a USTRC rule book and understand the rules.

12.2.2 ROPES - USTRC strongly discourages the use of 3/8 scant ropes.

11.6.9 HEELER BARRIER - A heeler barrier shall be encouraged at all USTRC ropings. The heeling barrier shall not exceed the heading barrier by more than five feet.

12.2.3 PRODDING - No animal shall be treated inhumanely or prodded excessively. Standard electric prods shall be used as little as possible. Animal shall be touched only on the hip and shoulder area with prod.

11.7 ANIMAL ESCAPES ARENA - If any animal escapes from the arena, flag will be dropped and time stopped. Contestants will get animal back for a lap-and-tap start (no-barrier), and time already spent will be added to time used in qualifying. If time is not recorded, the decision of the flag judge shall be final.

12.2.4 FAILURE TO HEED WARNING - Any contestant who fails to heed an initial warning from a field flagger that he is mistreating an animal will forfeit his entry fees in all divisions for the remainder of that event.

11.7.1 ANIMAL ESCAPES HEADGATE - If the gate fails to open in the first attempt, gateman must stop and wait for another nod from the roper. Whatever happens prior to his nod is not to be considered, (horse cannot break a barrier before the roper calls for the animal). If a chute hand inadvertently spills a steer, the header has the option of taking the next steer into the chute, or burning that steer and taking the next.

12.2.5 RUN STOPPED BY THE JUDGE - Judge may stop a run at anytime he observes an injured animal, to remove that animal from competition. This action will result in a rerun for contestants.

SECTION

11.8 VISIBLY INJURED ROPING STOCK - If the roping stock is visibly injured as the run begins, including a broken horn, the team must declare themselves by pulling up immediately. 11.9 BROKEN HORN - If in the opinion of the judge a non-visible broken horn existed prior to the beginning of a run, he has the option to declare a rerun. However, no rerun shall be a awarded where clearly the broken horn was caused by the run itself, or if the judge suspects the broken horn occurred during the run. If run is completed and time taken, even though a broken horn is clearly visible, time shall stand and field judge will remove that animal from the draw.

SECTION LIVESTOCK

12.1 ROPING STOCK - All roping stock shall be either native, longhorn, or Mexican corriente. Weight for cattle shall be a minimum of 350 pounds, maximum of 500 pounds. Due to rising concerns of cattle availability heifers will be allowed to be used, so long as, they are held to the same quality standards. 12.1.1 NUMBER OF CATTLE - Stock contractors are required to have a minimum number of cattle equal to one-third the number of teams in the largest day of the competition.

MISCELLANEOUS RULES

13.1 SPORTSMANSHIP - USTRC reserves the right to disqualify any roper who does not act in a sportsmanlike, reasonable, or professional manner. Disqualified ropers forfeit all fees. 13.2 GO-ROUND NO TIME - As a result of the USTRC full round format, any team that is out of the Average will receive an automatic no-time as a result of a broken barrier. 13.3 HOME VIDEOS - Recording for personal use will be permitted, however, unauthorized reproductions, or commercial sales of home videos is strictly prohibited. 13.4 CALCUTTAS - The USTRC prohibits any Calcuttaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s or any other organized gambling with USTRC ropings without prior written consent. 13.5 DOGS - No dogs allowed in spectator area or arena. Dogs on premises must be leashed. 13.6 PEDDLERS - There will be no unauthorized sales conducted on the roping grounds. 13.7 BACK UP CLOCK - Any Roping using automatic electronic timers shall be required to use a minimum of one hand stopwatch as a backup. Back up clock is used to catch timing problems of automatic timing systems, failures to start correctly, and failures to stop correctly. Use of back up clock shall not override barrier malfunction rules.

12.1.2 REMOVAL FROM DRAW - USTRC, or USTRC official(s), reserve the right to withdraw any steer from the herd at any time. Head duckers, draggers, stoppers, eliminators, unusually slow cattle and cattle that turn back into the corners shall be pulled from the herd immediately as they surface during the USTRC qualification roping. Removal from draw does not result in a rerun for the team roping a steer removed from the herd. However, a rerun may be awarded if in the opinion of the producer, supported by the opinion of the field judge and/or officials working the roping, that a steer in

SUPERLOOPER MAGAZINE / 45

34-46 2010 Rule Book_Layout 1 12/9/09 4:26 PM Page 46

GLOSSARY OF TERMS ADDED MONEY - Money added to the purse that was not derived from entry fees. AFFILIATE - Refers to USTRC approved ropings around the country, where USTRC members can compete, and acquire applied earnings that can be used towards the acquisition of Regional and National Finals Shoot-Out positions. APPLIED EARNINGS (Personal Earnings) - Earnings acquired as a result of competing at approved USTRC sanctioned and/or affiliate events. BRIDLE CATCH - Is a catch where the rope hangs in the steers’ mouth. CAP - Refers to the maximum handicap classification number that a roper can have in a particular roping. Example: If a roping is capped at a #5, no roper with a handicap greater than #5 is eligible to compete in the roping. CORRIENTE - Breed of cattle originating in Mexico especially suited for team roping. DALLY - Rope crossed on saddle horn – 1 full turn. DOUBLE NUMBERS - A classification where a roper has a different classification for heading and heeling. DRAGGER - Steer that drag their hind legs and will not hop. ELIMINATOR - Steer that is nearly impossible to rope and eliminates a roper from the Average of a roping. FLEX EARNINGS - Earnings that are allocated as a direct result of winning a Regional or National Shoot-Out position. Flex Earnings can be used at the roper’s discretion either at the Regional Finals or the National Finals and with a partner of choice. Flex Earnings do not carry over from season to season and therefore expire at the end of each season. • USTRC will allocate $6,000 for a National Shoot-Out - $3,000 per partner • USTRC will allocate $2,000 for a Regional Shoot-Out -$1,000 per partner FLOOR - Refers to the minimum classification number a roper must have in order to participate in a specific roping. Example: If a roping has a #6 floor, no roper who has a classification less than a #6 is eligible to compete. FULL GO-ROUNDS - A full go-round is a round where every roper entered gets the opportunity to rope. GROUND MONEY - Is a term that originally meant competitors received their entry fees back as a prize consideration. Has in recent years been interpreted to mean multiples of the entry fee. INCENTIVE - As it relates to team roping, an Incentive is a roping within a roping. A separate pool of money is set aside from the regular payout pool of money in a roping. This money can only be won by those ropers, which meet the stated Incentive criteria of a roping. A typical “Incentive” would be a case where a #10 roping is stated to have a #9 Incentive. In this case, a portion of the fees from all the #9 teams entered is set aside, and can only be won by those teams which are classified as #9 or less. While these teams (#9) are the only ones eligible to win the Incentive pool of money, they are eligible to win money in the overall #10 payout as well. LAP-AND TAP START - The term means roping without a barrier. LIMITED ENTRY - Refers to enter one time and enter twice ropings as opposed too more traditional multiple entry ropings where ropers have numerous partners. PIGTAIL - Is the short part of a rope barrier that breaks away when the barrier is broken. PROGRESSIVE AFTER - Is another term for sudden death that means, when you miss you are eliminated. Progressive after one means that from the very beginning of the roping, when you miss you are eliminated. Another example would be progressive after two, which means that a roper is guaranteed to rope two steers, however, anything beyond two steers is sudden death. PULL BARRIER - Refers to a rope barrier that must be “pulled” or stretched across the opening of the box. ROTATION - Is another term for “heat”. This would be a set number of

46 / JANUARY 2010

ropers that rope all rounds prior to the short round, before the next “rotation/ heat” has the opportunity to compete. SCORELINE LENGTHS - This term refers to how much of head start the steer is given before the roper is allowed to the leave the box. TBA - Is an abbreviation for the term “To Be Announced”. Many ropers who do not have partners before the draw have the option to pay for both sides and put “TBA”, in the vacant position. TIE ON - Refers to practice of tying the heeling rope to the saddle horn, versus dallying. TURNOUT - Refers to a steer being released from the chute at the request of a judge when a team is not present to compete. UP AND BACK - This is the practice of two ropers entering with “A” heading and “B” heeling, then entering again in the same roping with “B” heading and “A” heeling.

USTRC CONTACTS USTRC Main Office: 148 County Road 437 Stephenville, Texas 76401 Telephone: (254) 968-0002 Fax: (254) 968-0003

USTRC Mailing Address: Post Office Box 1198 Stephenville, Texas 76401

General Inquiries: USTRC@ustrc.com Administration/ Rulebook: Kirk Bray, kirkbray@ustrc.com Kirk, USTRC CEO, appreciates your feedback on events or questions about USTRC's rules. Marketing/ Advertising/ Vendor Relations: John Findlay, jfindlay@ustrc.com Inquiries and services for national sponsorship and tradeshows. Roping Entry Department: central-entry@ustrc.com Inquiries and services for pre-entry event status and changes to existing entries. Classifications Department: Ferron Lucero, flucero@ustrc.com or classifications@ustrc.com Ferron will assist with inquiries and services for: Handicap number status, handicap number appeals, double number requests, USTRC card replacements, delivery status, and general questions. Gold-Plus Member Representative: Shawn Vargas, svargas@ustrc.com Inquiries and services for gold plus members only: Shawn will assist members with membership status, family member changes, stall reservations and general questions. Roping Stats/ Shoot-outs: Judy Dawes, jdawes@ustrc.com Judy can give you information on money won from USTRC events and shootout status or assist you with any shootout changes. Event Scheduling: Ben Clements, bclements@ustrc.com Ben assists contractors and producers with schedule additions, changes, becoming an affiliate or sanctioned event producer and general questions. Production/ Facility Assistance/ Cattle: Mike Qualls, mqualls@ustrc.com Mike assists contractors and producers with their on-site productions. These include USTRC Production-cattle contracts, arena layout, coordination of facility locations, and facility contracts. Information Technology: Bill Bellville, bbellville@ustrc.com Bill can assist with any of USTRC's automated systems, including USTRC Online and phone systems.

S01DF_RtlrRVpr_P_Layout 1 12/4/09 2:09 PM Page 1

THE FIRST 5 STRAND CALF ROPE WITH A CORE What happens when 5 strands of low stretch poly fibers are woven around a solid braided core? You get a rope with speed and snap as quick as a viperâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s strike, but with more consistency and less stretch than any calf rope on the market today. With the feel of your favorite poly-grass and the strength and stability that only core-tech can give it, you wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t break this rope. And like a viper, its the same every time....Deadly accurate.

4:36:44 PM

48-49 Upcoming_Layout 1 12/4/09 4:19 PM Page 48

COLORADO WINTER CHAMPIONSHIPS Denver, Colorado February 5 - 7, 2010

Bernard Huggins** stood on the back of the railroad car and twirled his top hat in his fingers. The crowd had gathered at the end of his rail car in hopes of hearing some good news about their jobs. Horses and buggies as well as flat bed wagons pulled in as close as the drivers dared to edge the rails. Men on horseback as well as afoot waited to hear what the railway tycoon had to say. Far up ahead the huge steam engine belched smoke and water and Huggins knew he had to speak quickly before the

train pulled out. Bernard took a cigar from his frock coat pocket a struck a match across the copper door handle of the caboose. He took a deep breath and shouted out so everyone could hear, “With our aggressive leadership Denver will continue to grow. Our railroad will continue to be your link to the rest of the world. With our network of railroads we will connect to nearby states and everyone can reap the rewards of this community growing by leaps and

bounds. Your jobs are safe, continue to build the rails and let’s settle this country together.” Suddenly, the car lurched forward and Bernard took hold of the copper door knob. He would talk to people all along the rail line and continue to solicit their support. Smugly, he went in the door of the caboose and left people wondering if what he said was true. Regardless, the history of Denver began to flourish and it began a growing cycle that would set the area on its ear. In a single generation, Denver

48-49 Upcoming_Layout 1 12/4/09 11:46 AM Page 49

would become the second most populous city in the West, second only to San Francisco. Although founded as the main supply town for Rocky Mountain mining camps, Denver also emerged as a hub for high plains agriculture. Denverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s breweries, bakeries, meat packing and other food-processing plants made it the regional agricultural center, as well as a manufacturing hub for farm and ranch equipment, barbed wire, windmills, seed, feed and harnesses. Denver will welcome USTRC Team Ropers to the Colorado Winter Championship scheduled for February 5th through the 7th and it will include another winter season of great USTRC team roping. The event, a Jeff Smith production, will be one all USTRC team ropers need to have on their calendar. Sited on high plains at the eastern base of the Rocky Mountains, Denver has a sunny, cool, dry climate, averaging 13 inches of precipitation a year. The sun shines 300 days a year and the usually benign climate and nearby Rocky Mountain playground have made tourism one of the Mile High Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s economic mainstays. Warm Chinook winds warm the winters between snowstorms. Ropers will find plenty of things to do and see as they finish up the roping each day. Notable institutions include the Denver Museum of Natural History, the Denver Public Library, the Colorado History Museum, the Denver Art Museum and the Denver Center for the Performing Arts, as well as the U. S. Mint. Naturally being the capitol of the state of Colorado the history and sightseeing avenues are ones every visitor should consider. Be sure and mark your calendars for the upcoming Colorado Winter Championships. Denver has a lot to offer and USTRC Team Roping is one of the best. **Bernard Huggins is a fictional name for story purposes only. Any resemblance to someone living or dead is purely coincidental.

SUPERLOOPER MAGAZINE / 49

50 On Tap_Layout 1 12/4/09 11:34 AM Page 50

USTRC

tap Choice Hotels

www.choicesportstravel.com Special rate ID #00214570

South Texas Championships February 11-14, 2010 Brazos County Expo Complex Bryan, Texas www.ci.bryan.tx.us USTRC – www.ustrc.com 254-968-0002 Great Eats, Entertainment and Visitor Info ✫ Longhorn Tavern Steak House ww.longhornsteakhouse.com Restaurant ✫ Tom’s Barbecue & Steak House 979-846-4275 Restaurant ✫ Feed Barn www.aggielandmenus.info Restaurant ✫ Los Nortenos Mexican Cafe 979-779-7337 Restaurant ✫ Papa Perez Mexican Cuisine 979-775-7272 Restaurant ✫ Miramont Country Club www.miramont.cc Golf ✫ Bryan Golf Range www.bryangolfrange.com Golf ✫ Traditions Club Golf Course www.traditionsclub.com Golf ✫ Halo Bar 979-823-6174 Entertainment ✫ Children’s Museum www.mymuseum.com Entertainment ✫ Stage Center Community Theatre www.stagecenter.net Entertainment ✫ Alfred T Hornback’s www.dixiechicken.com Entertainment

South Carolina Championships February 13-14, 2010 Circle M Ranch Arena Pelzer, South Carolina Steve and Connie Rickley 740-969-2376 USTRC – www.ustrc.com 254-968-0002 Great Eats, Entertainment and Visitor Info ✫ Callahan’s Grill 864-243-3333 Restaurant ✫ Outback Steakhouse www.outback.com Restaurant ✫ Larkin’s On the River www.larkinsontheriver.com Restaurant ✫ Lakeview Golf Club www.lakeviewgolfclub.net Golf ✫ Reedy River Falls Park www.fallspark.com601 Entertainment 50 / JANUARY 2010

✫ Greenville County Museum of Art www.greenvillemuseum.org Entertainment ✫ Children’s Museum www.tcmgreenvillesc.org Entertainment ✫ Whistle Stop Bar & Grill 864-855-9292 Entertainment

Muddy River Classic February 19-21, 2010 Agricenter Show Place Arena Memphis, Tennessee John Johnson / JX2 Productions 423-340-0640 USTRC – www.ustrc.com 254-968-0002 Great Eats, Entertainment and Visitor Info ✫ Comfort Inn 901-757-7800 Hotel ✫ Hampton Inn 901-747-3700 Hotel ✫ Logan’s Roadhouse www.logansroadhouse.com Restaurant ✫ Butcher Shop Steakhouse Restaurant ✫ Bonefish Grill – Memphis www.bonefishgrill.com Restaurant ✫ Outback Steakhouse www.outback.com Restaurant ✫ Folk’s Folly Prime Steak House www.folksfolly.com Restaurant ✫ TPC Golf Course www.tpcatsouthwind.com Golf ✫ Links At Galloway Golf Course www.thelinksatgalloway.com Golf ✫ Mud Island River Park www.mudisland.com Entertainment ✫ Memphis Rock N Soul Museum www.memphisrocknsoul.org Entertainment ✫ Memphis Zoo www.memphiszoo.org Entertainment ✫ Rum Boogie 901-528-0150 Entertainment

Canyonlands Championships February 26-28, 2010 Spanish Trails Arena Moab, Utah Chris Freed and Load ‘em in the Dark Cattle Company 208-251-3170 USTRC – www.ustrc.com254-968-0002 Great Eats, Entertainment and Visitor Info ✫ Red Stone Inn www.moabredstone.com Hotel ✫ River Canyon LodgeInn & Suites www.rivercanyonlodge.com Hotel ✫ Moab Valley Inn www.moabvalleyinn.com Hotel

✫ Big Horn Lodge www.moabbighorn.com Hotel ✫ La Quinta Inn Moab826.lq.com Hotel ✫ Eddie Mc Stiff’s Restaurant www.eddiemcstiffs.com Restaurant ✫ Zax Restaurant www.zaxmoab.com Restaurant ✫ Moab Diner moabdiner.com Restaurant ✫ Smitty’s Golden Steak Restaurant 435-259-4848 Restaurant ✫ The Hideout 801-850-9359 Golf ✫ National Park Services www.nps.gov Entertainment ✫ Sorrel River Ranch Lodge, Hotel & Spa Resort www.sorrelriver.com Entertainment ✫ Tag-A-Long Expeditions www.tagalong.com Entertainment ✫ Moab Adventure Center www.moabadventurecenter.com Entertainment ✫ Woody’s Tavern 435-259-9323 Entertainment

East Texas Championships February 26-28, 2010 Henderson County Fair Park, Athens, Texas USTRC – www.ustrc.com 254-968-0002 Great Eats, Entertainment and Visitor Info ✫ Quality Inn on the Hill 903-675-9214 Hotel ✫ Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Athens www.hiexpress.com Hotel ✫ Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill www.applebees.com Restaurant ✫ Jalapeno Tree Mexican Restaurant www.jalapenotree.com Restaurant ✫ Ole West Bean & Burger Co Restaurant ✫ Cripple Creek BBQ Restaurant ✫ Ole West Steak House 903-675-8200 Restaurant ✫ Athens Country Club www.athenscountryclub.org Golf ✫ Country Oaks Golf Course www.cogc-athens.com Golf ✫ Athens Bowling Center www.athenstx.org Entertainment ✫ Athens City Park www.athenstexas.us Entertainment ✫ Good Times Go-Karts 903-675-5274 Entertainment ✫ Cinemark Cinema 4www.cinemark.com Entertainment ✫ Silver Spur Lounge 903-675-9214 Entertainment

51 ads_Layout 1 12/8/09 12:14 PM Page 51

SUPERLOOPER MAGAZINE / 51

52 Open Tour _*Open Tour 12/4/09 11:46 AM Page 1

$10,000 to Year End High Point Header and Heeler $5,000 to runners-up.

Place Name 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17.

Chad Masters Matt Sherwood David Key Trevor Brazile Tanner E. Bryson Derrick J. Begay Waylon McCurley David W. Motes Morgan Jones Pace Freed Tate Kirchenschlager Jake Barnes Ross J. Farias Nick L .Pullara, Jr. Justin V. Davis Daniel Green Adam Rose

Total 20 20 20 18 18 16 16 14 14 14 12 12 10 10 10 10 9

Place Name 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25.

Ken Miranda Jay D. Ellerman Justin W. Parish Travis L. Bounds Chris Young J. R. Olson Cody McMinn Chance E. Kelton

Place Name 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16.

Jade Corkill Rich Skelton Anthony Calmelat Brock G. Hanson Cory Petska Caleb C. Twisselman Kyle Lawrence Steve Northcott York Gill Robert Murphy T. J. Watts Shay D. Carroll Travis Woodard Cody Cowden Ryan D. Motes Jeff S. Brown

Total 9 9 8 8 7 7 7 6

Total 52 26 18 18 16 16 15 14 14 14 12 10 10 10 10 9

Place Name 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. 31. 32. 33.

Aaron Tsinigine Chase Francis Rance Gantt Rube Woolsey Garrett L. Tonozzi Wes Kent Thomas W. Richards Nathan M. McWhorter

Place Name 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. 31. 32.

Total

Craig Branham Levi T. Tyan Wade Kreutzer Cody Hall Dustin Davis Todd Wilson Kyon Sayer Cole Bigbee Jimmie R. Cooper Jay D. McClain Tom Bill Johnson Donnie W Savage Cody Pearson Chris Young Clint Summers Matthew W. Ingle

6 5 5 4 4 3 2 2

Total 9 9 8 8 7 6 6 4 4 4 4 3 2 2 2 1

S01DF_LightngR_S_*Kim Rogers - FP 12/7/09 2:14 PM Page 53

Lightning R Rope Horses

Mt. Pleasant, TX

Economic Stimulus Package HEAD HORSES

HEEL HORSES

Sunflower 13-yr-old Palamino gelding. 14.2 hands, 1,100 lbs. Head horse. Breaks flat and fast, will heel and can run. This horse is fast and gentle, but prancy. fits # 6 - up.

Joe 13-yr-old sorrel gelding. 14.3 hands, 1,150 lbs. Head horse. Gentle and easy to ride. Short strided and fast. This ia a solid, finished head horse with lots of speed. Prancy.

$4,500

$6,500

Jimmy Registered 7-yr-old blue roan gelding. 14.2 hands, 1,100 lbs. Top notch, big stop and lots of heart. This is a true find. Lots of cow, great looks with tons of ability. Fits a good #5 - up.

T.C. 13-yr-old sorrel gelding, grade. FAST, FAST, FAST! Lots of run. Can head and run barrels. Gentle, fits #6 - up.

$4,200

Pat 11-yr-old Palamino. 15.2 hands, 1,250 lbs. Super looks, great ability. This is the pick of the litter. Very sharp, gentle, quiet, with style. Fits #4 - up.

$9,500 Firm

Roany 8-yr-old red roan gelding. 15.3 hands, 1,200 lbs. Green but very well broke. Started on both ends. Super nice project horse. No vices.

Bay Bullet Registered 12-yr-old. 15.2 hands, 1,250 lbs. Big, stout, nice and short strided. This horse is the whole package and a bag of chips.

$4,500

$8,500

WE HAVE 50 HEAD IN STOCK! ALL THE WAY FROM YOUNG, WELL-BRED PROSPECTS TO THE OLDER, MORE SOLID, FINISHED HORSES.

TRAINING AND LESSONS AVAILABLE Call for appointment

LIGHTNING R proudly endorses Callaway Ropes

$8,500 Firm

Painted Desert Registered 10-yr-old S/W Paint. 14.2 hands, 1,100 lbs. Quiet and solid. A nice average horse with good lines. This horse is okay for low numbered ropers but is real touchy about his ears. Fits #2 - up.

Last year this horse cost $10,000

$4,500

Randy Candy Registered 10-yr-old buckskin gelding. 14.1 hands, 1,100 lbs. Very gentle, with lots of run. Will breakaway. Great looks, great color and can really do it! Fits #4 - up.

Charly One Eye 13-yr-old grade sorrel gelding. 15 hands, 1,250 lbs. Big, stout and wide. A hard stop. Right head lite is out. Fits left handed heeler real well.

$4,000

$7,500 Sox 8-yr-old grade sorrel. 14 hands, 1,000 lbs. Cute, Cute, Cute! This is a really nice, gentle horse that is a pleasure to look at, ride and rope on. Very reasonable at

$6,500

R.O. 13-yr-old true chestnut gelding. 14 hands, 1,000 lbs. Fast, with good stop. This horse has been hauled and won on. Gentle, nice looking, with speed to burn. Great disposition. Will set back occasionally.

$3,500

Misty 11-yr-old good looking chocolate brown mare. 14.2 hands, 1,150 lbs. Nice head horse, easy to ride and plenty fast, heels also. Fits #2 - up.

Roan Ranger 12-yr-old strawberry roan. 15.3 hands, 1,200 lbs. Well broke and athletic. Good looking and quick, not for the faint of heart. Fits #6 - up.

Racey Bay Registered 12-yr-old gelding. 14.3 hands, 1,150 lbs. Big stop, great handle, gentle and cool looking. Lots of mane and tail. Easy to ride. This is a big time horse, fits good #5 - up.

$6,500

$5,500

Grey Dawn 13-yr-old grey beginner horse. 14.3 hands, 1,000 lbs. Nothing fancy, just solid to ride.

$3,500

www.lightningrropehorses.com 903/466-1949 X WE DELIVER ANYWHERE IN THE U.S.X X WE WILL SHOW HORSES ANYTIME, DAY OR NIGHT, 7 DAYS A WEEK X

We now have calf horses â&#x20AC;˘ Visa and Mastercard Accepted

X ALL HORSES OVER $5,500 COME WITH A WRITTEN GUARANTEE X SUPERLOOPER MAGAZINE / 53

Project1_Layout 1 11/5/09 2:20 PM Page 1

Membership Levels for the Whole Family

Gold Spur Membership

Gold Plus Membership

$BSSZ UIF EJTUJODUJWF (PME 4QVS DBSE UIBU TBZT ZPV BSF BU UIF UPQ PG ZPVS HBNF

3PQFST XIP XBOUT UIF WFSZ CFTU TUFQ VQ UP 6453$ÂµT QSFNJFS NFNCFSTIJQ QBDLBHF .VTU CF ZFBST PG BHF PS PMEFS

1,000 in Flex Earnings

Membership Benefits + & OUJUMFT ZPV UP SFDFJWF JO 'MFY &BSOJOHT + $BSE XJUI ZPVS OBNF 6453$ *% OVNCFS BOE IBOEJDBQ DMBTTJÂ¾ DBUJPO + .POUIMZ JTTVFT PG 4VQFS-PPQFS .BHB[JOF + "MMPXT ZPV UP DPNQFUF BU 5FBN 3PQJOH &WFOUT /BUJPO XJEF

Gold Spur Options Gold Spur Double Number Membership + *ODMVEFT FWFSZUIJOH JO UIF (PME 4QVS NFNCFSTIJQ CVU XJUI B VOJRVF DMBTTJÂ¾ DBUJPO OVNCFS JTTVFE GPS CPUI IFBEJOH BOE IFFMJOH Additional Family Membership + "WBJMBCMF UP JNNFEJBUF GBNJMZ NFNCFST SFTJEJOH JO UIF TBNF IPVTFIPME 0/-: + $IJMESFO NVTU CF ZFBST PG BHF PS ZPVOHFS BU UJNF PG BQQMJDBUJPO + "MM BEEJUJPOBM GBNJMZ NFNCFST XJMM SFDFJWF JO 'MFY &BSOJOHT Jr. Looper Membership + '3&& UP DIJMESFO ZFBST PG BHF PS ZPVOHFS BU UIF UJNF PG BQQMJDBUJPO + *ODMVEFT B +S -PPQFS DBSE XJUI OBNF 6453$ *% OVNCFS BOE CJSUI EBUF + 7BMJE QSPPG PG BHF SFRVJSFE CJSUI DFSUJÂ¾ DBUF CBQUJTN SFDPSE FUD + %PFT OPU SFRVJSF BOOVBM SFOFXBM + 4PDJBM TFDVSJUZ OVNCFS SFRVJSFE Lifetime Membership + *ODMVEFT FWFSZUIJOH JO B (PME 4QVS NFNCFSTIJQ GPS B POF UJNF POMZ GFF + JO 'MFY FBSOJOHT FBDI ZFBS + "WBJMBCMF UP UIPTF ZFBST PG BHF PS PMEFS International Gold Spur Membership + 4BNF BT UIF (PME 4QVS NFNCFSTIJQ XIJDI JODMVEFT JO 'MFY &BSOJOHT + 4VQFS-PPQFS .BHB[JOF TFOU 6414 'PSFJHO .BJM 4FSWJDF + 'PS /PO 6 4 3FTJEFOUT

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1:17:31 PM

56-64 Laughlin Finals_Layout 1 12/7/09 5:01 PM Page 56

Roping Gross ▲ $210,920 Roper’s Pot ▲ $181,100 (INCLUDING SHOOT-OUT CONTRIBUTION)

Prizeline ▲ $26,353 Return to Roper ▲ 98.4%

he Laughlin Team Roping Finals held in Fort Mohave, Arizona at the Mojave Crossing Events Center is always a great kick off to the new USTRC team roping season. It was no different this year as team ropers came to enjoy the resort style team roping action in the desert of Arizona. Ropers from as far away as Arkansas and Indiana came to enjoy the great guaranteed payout and prizes. Professional team roper Jade Corkill made the trip from Fallon, Nevada and he was certainly glad he did. The 22year-old heeler teamed up with World

Champion header Matt Sherwood to win the Average of the Open Division. The duo caught four steers in 26.87 seconds to accomplish the task and take home the $10,000 paycheck along with trophy tooled saddle pads. Corkill was not done, however, as he teamed up with Zayne Dishion in the #15. The pair caught their four steers in 28.39 seconds and claimed second place in the Average. The victory put $3,720 in their pockets along with a USTRC National Finals Shoot-Out worth $6,000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Another youngster and up and

Open Matt Sherwood (Pima, AZ) / Jade Corkill (Fallon, NV), 26.87 on 4, $10,000

56 / JANUARY 2010

coming star also enjoyed some success at the team roping battle in the desert. Austin Carter from Las Vegas, Nevada took home more than $7,800 in cash for his efforts. “I haven’t been to this roping in a few years because I have been Little Britches

56-64 Laughlin Finals_Layout 1 12/8/09 11:05 AM Page 57

#15 Edward Hawley, Jr. (Hays, MT) / Aaron Tsinigine (Tuba City, AZ), 27.25 on 4, $10,000, National Shoot-Outs worth $3,000 in USTRC Flex Earnings each

and I usually pressure up, but this time I was just thinking to myself not to safety up and take my first shot. That is what my dad told me and it worked out for the best.”

Fourteen-year-old Carter also teamed up with young Cache Burnside to win second place in the Average of the #9 Division. The pair caught four steers in 44.34 seconds and earned

s s

Rodeoing,” said Cater. “I am really glad we went this year. It was a good roping and I really enjoyed it.” Cater got his start team roping at a young age and has had a lot of help with his roping along the way. “My dad used to ride bucking horses and my stepmom was a rodeo queen. They got married when I was six years old and I started roping then,” said Carter. “Mostly my Mom and Dad helped me to rope but I have really had several people help me out along the way. I just love to rope and that is that.” Carter teamed up with Chet Pulsipher to win the Average of the #11 Division. The pair caught four steers in 31.17 seconds and took home trophy Martin saddles, $10,000 and a USTRC National Shoot-Out worth $6,000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. “We have roped together a few times and we usually do some good,” said Carter. “We were the high team

SUPERLOOPER MAGAZINE / 57

56-64 Laughlin Finals_Layout 1 12/7/09 5:06 PM Page 58

#13 A. J. McCauley (Reno, NV) / Craig Branham (Santa Clarita, CA), 35.28 on 4, $10,000, National Shoot-Outs worth $3,000 in USTRC Flex Earnings each

$4,580, trophy Gist buckles and a USTRC National Shoot-Out worth $6,000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. “Cache and I rope together a lot,” added Carter. “His family puts on ropings and so we get to rope all the time.” Carter has his sights set on roping again at the USTRC National Finals of Team Roping next October. “I went this year and did some good and I am going back next year,” said Carter. “This time my whole family is going, so it will be even better. I am excited that I already have some Shoot-Outs.” No doubt the Laughlin Team Roping Finals was a great way to kick the USTRC 2010 season into gear. The guaranteed payout and the great team roping competition made for a great event. The state of the art facility also added to the hype of the event. If you missed out this year, you won’t want to next year. ■

58 / JANUARY 2010

56-64 Laughlin Finals_Layout 1 12/7/09 5:07 PM Page 59

LAUGHLIN TEAM ROPING CHAMPIONSHIPS â&#x20AC;˘ Shoot-Out Positions Awarded

$2,000 per Team Flex Earning Awarded #15 Thomas W. Richards Humboldt, AZ Cody Pearson Tucson, AZ Ty C. St. Goddard Browning, MT Casey Cummins Lodge Grass, MT Gabriel Santa Maria Tucson, AZ Robert Murphy Globe, AZ Jon C. Scolari Las Vegas, NV Kal D. Jepson Las Vegas, NV #13 Zayne Dishion Bishop, CA Clayton VanAken Descanso, CA Kailey L. Freed Morgan, UT Paul Freed Morgan, UT Bryce Palmer Milton Freewater, OR Cody Pearson Tucson, AZ #12 Buddy Rose Yuma, AZ James Roberson Yuma, AZ Neil Baca Seboyeta, NM Justin Ray Marquez Seboyeta, NM Amanda Perez Castaic, CA Craig Branham Santa Clarita, CA #11 Reno Eddy Gallup, NM Earl D. Higgins Phoenix, AZ Richard O. Hamilton Kingman, AZ Chad Benson Kingman, AZ

Tyler M. Armijo Seboyeta, NM Dennis K. Armijo Seboyeta, NM #10 Richard Haller Oxnard, CA Ben A. Theising Fillmore, CA Karen R. Fontes Fillmore, CA Dar Perez Castaic, CA Allen L. Montano Seboyeta, NM Brandon Gore Edgewood, NM #9 Sean Trodahl Boulder City, NV Bo Hash Henderson, NV Terrie Ashley Chowchilla, CA Manuel Souza Farmersville, CA Gary Metcalf Wickenburg, AZ Larry D. Klinger Surprise, AZ

$6,000 per Team Flex Earnings Awarded #15 Edward Hawley Hays, MT Aaron Tsinigine Tuba City, AZ Zayne Dishion Bishop, CA Jade Corkill Fallon, NV #13 A. J. McCauley Reno, NV Craig Branham Santa Clarita, CA Jerad Wittwer Washington, UT Dusty Pulsipher Moapa, NV

#12 Bryce Palmer Milton Freewater, OR Darrel Sewell Queen Creek, AZ Walt Eddy Gallup, NM Ty Yost Billings, MT #11 Chet Pulsipher Moapa, NV Austin Carter Las Vegas, NV Stefani Lyman Llano, TX Rod Lyman Victor, MT #10 Linda Teague Globe, AZ Bruce Teague Globe, AZ Mary T. Vermedahl Cave Creek, AZ Walt J. Vermedahl Cave Creek, AZ #9 Wes Williams Schurz, NV Don D. Quintero Schurz, NV Cache Burnside Mesquite, NV Austin Carter Las Vegas, NV #8 Phil Watahomigie Peach Springs, AZ Howard Phillips Phoenix, AZ Pat Goldhammer Henderson, NV Jim Jackson Winchester, CA Joshua D. Craig Henderson, NV Sean Trodahl Boulder City, NV Scott Nielson Thatcher, AZ Wade Younger Safford, AZ Stacey Evans Las Vegas, NV John E. Vogel Sandy Valley, NV

SUPERLOOPER MAGAZINE / 59

56-64 Laughlin Finals_Layout 1 12/7/09 5:08 PM Page 60

#12 Bryce Palmer (Milton Freewater, OR) / Darrel Sewell (Queen Creek, AZ), 33.29 on 4, $10,000, National Shoot-Outs worth $3,000 in USTRC Flex Earnings each

60 / JANUARY 2010

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56-64 Laughlin Finals_Layout 1 12/8/09 9:48 AM Page 62

#11 Chet Pulsipher (Moapa, NV) / Austin Carter (Las Vegas, NV), 31.17 on 4, $10,000, National Shoot-Outs worth $3,000 in USTRC Flex Earnings each

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56-64 Laughlin Finals_Layout 1 12/8/09 9:52 AM Page 63

#10 Linda Teague (Globe, AZ) / Bruce Teague (Globe, AZ), 41.32 on 4, $10,000, National Shoot-Outs worth $3,000 in USTRC Flex Earnings each

SUPERLOOPER MAGAZINE / 63

56-64 Laughlin Finals_Layout 1 12/8/09 9:54 AM Page 64

#9 Wes Williams, Sr. (Schurz, NV) / Don D. Quintero (Schurz, NV), 41.24 on 4, $10,000, National Shoot-Outs worth $3,000 in USTRC Flex Earnings each

#8 Phil Watahomigie, Sr. (Peach Springs, AZ) / Howard Phillips (Phoenix, AZ), 30.31 on 3, $5,000, National Shoot-Outs worth $3,000 in USTRC Flex Earnings each

64 / JANUARY 2010

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66-70 CO Fall Ch_Layout 1 12/7/09 1:39 PM Page 66

T Roping Gross s $189,700 Roper’s Pot s $130,389 (INCLUDING SHOOT-OUT CONTRIBUTION)

Prizeline s $17,364 Return to Roper s 77.9%

eam ropers roped for mountains of cash in Colorado at the Colorado Fall Championships at The Ranch in Loveland, Colorado, November 20-22, 2009. Actually, more than 1,045 teams came to try their hand at the great payout and extravagant prizes. Rope the Rockies produced the event and ropers from more than nine states competed for well over $117,000 in cash alone. Twenty two-year-old Tyler Brockman from Lawrence, Nebraska was the big money winner of the weekend. “You know I just love to rope,” said Brockman. “My dad, Duane, got me started roping when I was knee high to a grasshopper and I have just stuck with it. He has always helped us kids out and kept good

COLORADO FALL

PHOTOS COURTESY OF 3 LAZY J PHOTOGRAPHY

CHAMPIONSHIPS

Open Tate Kirchenschlager (Yuma, CO) / Shay D. Carroll (La Junta, CO), 30.13 on 4, $1,521

66 / JANUARY 2010

horses for us, so we had plenty of opportunity to rope.” Brockman teamed up with partner Levi Tyan to win the average of the #12 Division. They caught four steers in 29.48 seconds and won $4,689, trophy Cowboy Gold Saddles and a USTRC National Finals ShootOut worth $6,000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. “Levi lives about three hours away and we get to rope together at the ropings quite a bit,” said Brockman. “He ropes really well and we have a good time.” Brockman then switched over to the head side for the Gold Plus Division where he teamed up with Pat Danehey to win the Incentive Average and fourth in the main Average. “I actually work for Pat and help him farm and take care of some horses,” said Brockman. “He has an arena at his house and I keep my horses over there so we rope together all the time. He is a good partner and ropes really well.” Brockman and Tim Tyan also won the overall fast time of the roping as well. It was back to the heel side as Brockman partnered up with Tim Tyan again to claim third place in the Average of the #11 Division. They caught four steers in 37.49 seconds and earned $2,851 along with USTRC Regional Shoot-Outs worth $2,000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. “We were actually high call back and I roped a leg or we would have won the roping,” said Brockman. “I guess it just wasn’t in the cards but we did place so that was good.” Brockman really enjoyed the event and was glad he went. “It was a really good event for me and it treated me well,” said Brockman. “We were all at a roping the weekend before and decided to load up and go. It was a lot of fun and we saw some really pretty country. I am glad we went.” Tim Tyan also placed first in the main Average of the #15, heading

66-70 CO Fall Ch_Layout 1 12/7/09 1:41 PM Page 67

for his son Levi Tyan. They caught four steers in 31.44 seconds and took home $2,403, USTRC National Finals ShootOuts worth $6,000 in USTRC Flex Earnings and trophy tooled saddle pads. “We rope every chance we get and it is always fun to win with your son,” said Tyan. “We enjoy roping and when you can do some good, that makes it even better.” Tim Tyan then partnered with Chuck Gieck in the #9 Division and secured another third place Average finish. “I have known Chuck for a few years now and we rope together every opportunity we get,” added Tyan. “He is a good partner and ropes good.” The team caught four steers in 44.08 seconds and pocketed $3,519 along with USTRC Regional Finals Shoot-Outs worth $2,000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. “This was a really good produced event with some great weather,” said Tyan. “We try to get out to that roping when we can and this year it just worked out where we all got together and headed out there. It is always a good

#15 Tim E. Tyan (Hayes Center, NE) / Levi T. Tyan (Hayes Center, NE), 31.44 on 4, $2,403, National Shoot-Outs worth $3,000 in USTRC Flex Earnings each

roping and it was really good this year because we did some good.” The Colorado Fall Championships turned out to be a good event. Jeff and

Cindy Smith along with Ike and Mary Cox ensured that. It was certainly one that two Nebraska team ropers will not soon forget. n

COLORADO FALL CHAMPIONSHIPS • Shoot-Out Positions Awarded

$2,000 Flex Earnings Awarded Per Team #15 Travis L. Bounds Clifton, CO Wade Kreutzer La Veta, CO Taya J. Ellerman Ft. Lupton, CO Jay D. Ellerman Ft. Lupton, CO Todd M. Drommond Greeley, CO Jay D. McClain Byers, CO Trice Watts Eads, CO T. J. Watts Eads, CO #13 Derek Reeves Boone, CO Todd Q. Holden Gillette, WY Wyatt Crowder Ft. Lupton, CO Marcus Richard Banister Brighton, CO Witt J. Crowser Lingle, WY Todd Q. Holden Gillette, WY #12 Kent C. Leavitt Kamas, UT Dustin D. Leavitt Oakley, UT Rick A. Montera Greeley, CO Jimmi Jo Montera Greeley, CO Shawn D. Stapleton Sublette, KS Enoch McGill Maud, OK #11 Grant Koury Pueblo, CO Mike S. Diodosio Fowler, CO

Tim E. Tyan Hayes Center, NE Tyler Brockman Lawrence, NE Tamara Tunink Fowler, CO Mike S. Diodosio Fowler, CO #10 Bill Hogan Boulder, CO Clint Buringa Golden, CO George Woods Pueblo, CO Clay Keller Ft. Collins, CO Les Talkington Hillsdale, WY Arron Z. Mordahl Carpenter, WY #9 Butch J. Schara Ft. Lupton, CO Gerald C. Watson Keenesburg, CO Tim E. Tyan Hayes Center, NE Chuck Gieck Rush, CO Willy L. Hicks Laramie, WY Chase Gealy Shelton, NE

$6,000 Flex Earnings Awarded Per Team #15 Tim E. Tyan Hayes Center, NE Levi T. Tyan Hayes Center, NE

#13 Clancey Kreutzer La Veta, CO Shay D. Carroll La Junta, CO #12 Levi T. Tyan Hayes Center, NE Tyler Brockman Lawrence, NE #11 Bob J. Dineen Ft. Lupton, CO Owen Dineen Ft. Lupton, CO #10 Ben L. McGill Maud, OK Tyson Holden Gillette, WY #9 Shayne OHotto Larry Lewis Klay Ready Kal C. Ready Francisco A. Garcia Hugo Rodriguez Jared Higby William Glass Cody Avery Terry Groves Rich L. Johnson Chalio Olivas

Ft. Lupton, CO Parker, CO Dixon, WY Dixon, WY Commerce City, CO Lochbuie, CO Weldona, CO Bond, CO Byers, CO Kersey, CO Torrington, WY Aurora, CO

For complete results listings visit our website: www.ustrc.com SUPERLOOPER MAGAZINE / 67

66-70 CO Fall Ch_Layout 1 12/7/09 1:42 PM Page 68

#13 Clancey Kreutzer (La Veta, CO) / Shay D. Carroll (La Junta, CO), 35.91 on 4, $3,798, National Shoot-Outs worth $3,000 in USTRC Flex Earnings each

#12 Levi T. Tyan (Hayes Center, NE) / Tyler Brockman (Lawrence, NE), 29.48 on 4, $4,689, National Shoot-Outs worth $3,000 in USTRC Flex Earnings each

#11 Bob J. Dineen (Ft Lupton, CO) / Owen Dineen (Ft Lupton, CO), 33.61 on 4, $5,402, National Shoot-Outs worth $3,000 in USTRC Flex Earnings each

68 / JANUARY 2010

66-70 CO Fall Ch_Layout 1 12/7/09 3:57 PM Page 69

#10 Ben L. McGill (Maud, OK) / Tyson Holden (Gillette, WY), 40.67 on 4, $7,638, National Shoot-Outs worth $3,000 in USTRC Flex Earnings each

H&H Trailer Sales #9 Shayne O'Hotto (Ft. Lupton, CO) / Larry Lewis (Parker, CO), 42.32 on 4, $6,668, National Shoot-Outs worth $3,000 in USTRC Flex Earnings each

Lubbock, Texas

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66-70 CO Fall Ch_Layout 1 12/7/09 1:45 PM Page 70

#8 Klay Ready (Dixon, WY) / Kal C. Ready (Dixon, WY), 31.02 on 3, $5,223, National Shoot-Outs worth $3,000 in USTRC Flex Earnings each

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72-75 Maui_Layout 1 12/9/09 2:18 PM Page 72

dense, heavy fog rolled over Piiholo Hill. The air was wet, not only with the dense water molecules, but with excitement and anticipation. As horses were brushed and saddled, the sun poked through the clouds and there was instantaneous light. The air was not cold, just damp and a feather-like mist whirled about. It was rain, but uniquely no one was wet. It is a characteristic that can be found in Hawaii. As ropers mingled and partnered up it was time for the Maui Classic held at Piiholo Ranch in Makawao, Hawaii to be under way. The event took place Thanksgiving weekend and was hosted by Rope Maui and Peter Baldwin. There was certainly plenty to be thankful for and the beautiful scenery, the top-notch facility and first class cattle were just the whip cream on the pecan pie. It was

certainly USTRC team roping Hawaiian style. Since 2006 some of the most elite team ropers have walked away with a championship in the Open Division of the Maui Classic. In fact, the event has seen ropers like Turtle Powell, Kevin Stewart and Clay Tryan finish in the top two of the Open Division. This is certainly a victory that anyone would be proud to take. This year, Hawaiian header Ross Farias teamed up with professional heeler Travis Woodard to claim the Average win in the Open Division. The pair roped four steers in 34.50 seconds to accomplish the task. Second place went to Ken Miranda and Craig Branham. Woodard also claimed the victory in the Incentive of the Open with hometown team roper Emiliano Achaval.

MAUI

Roping Gross s $68,200 Roperâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pot s $47,231

CLASSIC

Prizeline s $9,630 Return to Roper s 83.4%

PHOTOS COURTESY OF JOHN HENDRICKSON

(INCLUDING SHOOT-OUT CONTRIBUTION)

Open Ross J. Farias (Kapaa, HI) / Travis Woodard (Stephenville, TX), 34.50 on 4, $800

72 / JANUARY 2010

72-75 Maui_Layout 1 12/9/09 2:20 PM Page 73

#15 Ross J. Farias (Kapaa, HI) / Randy Brun (Kalaheo, HI), 32.37 on 4, $1,442, National Shoot-Outs worth $3,000 in USTRC Flex Earnings each

trophy Gist buckles and USTRC National Finals Shoot-Outs worth $6,000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Second place went to Bronson Branco and Dingie Joseph and third place was the dynamic duo of Dick Foreman and Myron Duarte. Ross Farias, with his victories in the Open and the #15 Division, earned enough cash to make him the high money roper of the day. His excellent display of team roping skills earned him a trophy Cowboy Gold saddle.

The second day of team roping began with the #12 Gold Plus Division. The team of Alvin Kawamoto and Fern White was a force to be reckoned with. The pair made the trip over from the Big Island and took first place in the Century Bonus, first place in the main Average and qualified to the short round. They caught their short round steer in 9.18 seconds and finished first in the main Average as well. They took home $3,112, two trophy Gist

s s

Farias carried his winning ways over into the #15 were he teamed up with Randy Brun to take the top honors. The team earned $1,442, trophy Gist buckles and USTRC National Finals Shoot-Outs worth $6,000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Second place went to the Montana and Texas team of Chad Turner and Travis Woodard. Brun also took third place with header, Stoney Joseph. Claude Straub of Johnson City, Texas finally laid claim to a Hawaiian USTRC Gist belt buckle as he and Chris Branham teamed up to win the Average of the #13 Division. They caught four steers in 30.44 seconds to claim the Average title. The team earned $1,576, trophy Gist buckles and USTRC National Finals Shoot-Outs worth $6,000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Second in the Average went to the team of Chaz Rita and Jimmy Miranda with a time of 33.30 seconds on four steers. The #12 Division came right down to the wire. When all was said and done, D. Leahi Poouahi and Brad Apo took the top honors by catching four steers in 35.15 seconds. They earned $1,660,

MAUI CLASSIC â&#x20AC;˘ Shoot-Out Positions Awarded $2,000 Flex Earnings Awarded Per Team #15 Emiliano Achaval Makawao, HI Travis Woodard Stephenville, TX Chad Turner Stevensville, MT Travis Woodard Stephenville, TX Stoney Joseph Waianae, HI Randy Brun Kalaheo, HI Dick Foreman Oaks, OK Craig Branham Santa Clarita, CA Dick Foreman Oaks, OK Matt K. Castleberry Seminole, TX #13 Chaz Rita Kalaheo, HI Jimmy Miranda Koloa, HI Andrew Wong Kapaau, HI Ben Clements Stephenville, TX Ken Miranda Honokaa, HI Dillon Almason Tracy, CA Dick Foreman Oaks, OK Matt K. Castleberry Seminole, TX #12 Bronson Branco Kamuela, HI Stanley Joseph Waianae, HI Dick Foreman Oaks, OK Myron D. Duarte Auburn, WA Cole Hendrickson Haiku, HI Ben Clements Stephenville, TX Dick Foreman Oaks, OK Stanley Joseph Waianae, HI

#11 D. Leahi Poouahi Makawao, HI Dillon Almason Tracy, CA Claude W. Straub Johnson City, TX Cole Hendrickson Haiku, HI Gilbert J. Souza Haiku, HI Brad L. Apo Makawao, HI John L. Prito Haiku, HI Stanley Joseph Waianae, HI #10 Alvin Kawamoto Hawi, HI Aletha L. Barkley Kamuela, HI Johnee Lynn Prito Haiku, HI Dick Foreman Oaks, OK Bob Nilmeyer San Martin, CA Myron D. Duarte Auburn, WA Robert S. Rita Haleiwa, HI Fern White Hawi, HI #9 Johnee Lynn Prito Haiku, HI Cole Hendrickson Haiku, HI Robert A. Carvalho Makawao, HI Cole Hendrickson Haiku, HI Bob Nilmeyer San Martin, CA Larry L. Correia Paauilo, HI Gary McClelland Granbury, TX Chad Turner Stevensville, MT

$6,000 Flex Earnings Awarded Per Team #15 Ross J. Farias Kapaa, HI Randy Brun Kalaheo, HI #13 Claude W. Straub Johnson City, TX Chris Branham San Diego, CA #12 D. Leahi Poouahi Makawao, HI Brad L. Apo Makawao, HI #11 Fern White Hawi, HI Randy Brun Kalaheo, HI #10 Robert A. Carvalho Makawao, HI Bronson Branco Kamuela, HI #9 Jon A. Monteaux Box Elder, MT Chad Turner Stevensville, MT #8 Mark D. Miller Ft. Lupton, CO Fred Borsum Haiku, HI Bob Nilmeyer San Martin, CA Chelsea Branco Kamuela, HI Mark D. Miller Ft. Lupton, CO Fern White Hawi, HI Pat Borge Kihei, HI Fred Borsum Haiku, HI Pat Borge Kihei, HI Russell J. Miranda Koloa, HI

For complete results listings visit our website: www.ustrc.com SUPERLOOPER MAGAZINE / 73

72-75 Maui_Layout 1 12/9/09 2:22 PM Page 74

buckles each and two Gold Plus National Shoot-Outs worth $12,000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Second in the Gold Plus Average went to the team of Dick Foreman and Ken Miranda, while Jon Monteaux and Chad Turner, both of Montana, finished third place. White used the momentum from the Gold Plus and went into the #11 Division with guns blazing. She teamed up with Brun and they won the Average. The team caught four steers in 39.51 seconds and took home $2,280, trophy Gist buckles and USTRC National ShootOuts worth $6,000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Second place went to Poouahi and Dillon Almason while Straub teamed up with young Cole Hendrickson to win third place. Bobby Carvalho and Bronson Branco took the #10 Division by storm. They caught four steers in 36.83 seconds and

won $2,760, trophy Gist buckles and USTRC National Finals Shoot-Outs. Kawamoto struck again, this time with Aletha (PeeWee) Barkley. They roped four steers in 38.66 seconds to finish in second place. White placed again, this time in fifth place heeling for Robert Rita. After a great day of team roping Fern White ended up being the high money winner of the day. Her efforts earned her a trophy Cowboy Gold saddle and she was smiling ear to ear. The final day of team roping saw more rain, but it did not dampen the spirits of team ropers. It was game on as usual and everyone enjoyed themselves. Monteaux and Turner teamed up again to claim the Average win of the #9 Division. They were 46.00 seconds on four steers and took home trophy Gist buckles, $2,222 and

#13 Claude W. Straub, Jr. (Johnson City, TX) / Chris Branham (San Diego, CA), 30.44 on 4, $1,576, National Shoot-Outs worth $3,000 in USTRC Flex Earnings each

#11 Fern White (Hawi, HI) / Randy Brun (Kalaheo, HI), 39.51 on 4, $2,280, National Shoot-Outs worth $3,000 in USTRC Flex Earnings each

74 / JANUARY 2010

USTRC National Finals Shoot-Outs worth $6,000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Cole Hendrickson roped really well and he finished second and third heeling for Johnee Lynn Prito and Bobby Carvalho respectively. The #8 Pick Draw was the perfect conclusion to a great event. Mark Miller teamed up with Fred Borsum to win the Average. They pocketed $1,688, trophy Gist buckles and $6,000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Second place went to California header Bob Nilmeyer and Chelsea Branco. Miller also finished in third place with Fern White. Hendrickson ended up winning the most money for the day and earned the trophy Cowboy Gold saddle. The Maui Classic came to a close and it was certainly a big hit with everyone. It went off without a hitch and was the perfect Thanksgiving get-away. n

#12 D. Leahi Poouahi (Makawao, HI) / Brad L. Apo (Makawao, HI), 35.15 on 4, $1,660, National Shoot-Outs worth $3,000 in USTRC Flex Earnings each

#10 Robert A. Carvalho (Makawao, HI) / Bronson Branco (Kamuela, HI), 36.83 on 4, $2,760, National Shoot-Outs worth $3,000 in USTRC Flex Earnings each

72-75 Maui_Layout 1 12/9/09 2:23 PM Page 75

#9 Jon A. Monteaux (Box Elder, MT) / Chad Turner (Stevensville, MT), 46.00 on 4, $2,222, National Shoot-Outs worth $3,000 in USTRC Flex Earnings each

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SUPERLOOPER MAGAZINE / 75

76-80 Miss_Layout 1 12/9/09 2:26 PM Page 76

MISSISSIPPI

Roping Gross s $181,820 Roper’s Pot s $126,200

CLASSIC

Prizeline s $14,964 Return to Roper s 77.6%

Open Morgan Jones (Town Creek, AL) / Kyle Lawrence (Andalusia, AL), 26.97 on 4, $2,396

76 / JANUARY 2010

(INCLUDING SHOOT-OUT CONTRIBUTION)

PHOTOS COURTESY OF LONE WOLF PHOTOGRAPHY

Jackson, Mississippi is the soul of the South. Each Thanksgiving, Larry Burroughs heads to Jackson to produce the Mississippi Classic and this year the event went off without a hitch. The roping took place at the Jackson Expo Center November 27 - 29, 2009. Heeler Tommy Peterman from Gulfport, Mississippi had a terrific weekend in the Capitol City of Mississippi. The 64-year-old team roper earned $4,684 in cash, a trophy Cowboy Gold saddle, a Gold Plus National ShootOut worth $3,000 in USTRC Flex Earnings, a USTRC National Shoot-Out worth $3,000 in USTRC Flex Earnings and a Regional Finals Shoot-Out worth $1,000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. “This was a good roping and the cattle were good. They had some strong

ones in there, but they were good,” said Peterman. “This was a good roping and we enjoyed it.” Peterman started out by teaming up with his son Jeff Peterman to win second in the Incentive Average of the Gold Plus Division. “Jeff and I rope some together. He has six kids so he doesn’t go a whole lot,” said Peterman. “He is a vet today and he grew up roping. I really believe he is a better person because of team roping. He loves to rope, but hates to be away from his family. That is why he doesn’t rope a lot.” He then went into the #11 Division and earned a fourth place finish in the Average with Keith Bentley. They caught four steers in 40.22 seconds and earned $1,740 along with a Regional Finals Shoot-Out worth $2,000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. “Keith and I rope at the ropings some,” said Peterman. “He is a good header and a really good partner. I was glad we did some good.”

76-80 Miss_Layout 1 12/9/09 2:27 PM Page 77

#15 Tyler McMinn (Caddo Mills, TX) / Matthew W. Ingle (Campbell, TX), 27.73 on 4, $2,766, National Shoot-Outs worth $3,000 in USTRC Flex Earnings each

In the #10 Division Peterman teamed up with C.L. Foster and caught four steers in 39.75 seconds. That feat earned them the Average title. “C.L. and I are good buddies and we rope together a whole lot. We drew a tough first steer and got him caught,” said Peterman. “We drew really good after that and we used the cattle. It paid off for us. He is a good partner and

turns every steer.” They pocketed $6,668, trophy Cowboy Gold saddles and a USTRC National Finals Shoot-Out worth $6,000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. “You know I just really love to rope and have been roping for a long time,” said Peterman. “The key to this game is to catch. If you can keep catching, then when the dust settles you will be

in the money.” As the roping wound down is was the perfect Thanksgiving event. Team ropers from more than ten different states made the trip to Jackson to enjoy a little USTRC style team roping. The Mississippi Classic was a great roping and the weather was outstanding. It was certainly a weekend of “thanks” and one that Tommy Peterman will not soon forget. n

MISSISSIPPI CLASSIC • Shoot-Out Positions Awarded $2,000 Flex Earnings Awarded Per Team #15 Beau A. Hebert Shreveport, LA Cole Echols Elm Grove, LA Brandon G. Plush Merryville, LA Cole Echols Elm Grove, LA Mike A. Smith Columbia, LA Donnie W. Savage Greenwood, LA Kaston W. Peavy Bay Minette, AL Cody R. Murphy Greenville, AL #13 Jake L. Orman Prairie, MS Squirt L. Cook Shubuta, MS Sal Cannizzaro Folsom, LA Dusty W. Purvis Independence, LA Brandon G. Plush Merryville, LA Mike Collins Ringgold, LA #12 Shane Overby Morton, MS Richard Traylor Poplarville, MS Shane Overby Morton, MS Eddie A. Dunn Grayson, LA Riley M. Grisham Kiln, MS John P. Korczak Lumberton, MS #11 Jeff Peterman Gulfport, MS Joey Pilgrim McHenry, MS Rod L. Watkins Boyce, LA

Lane Aymond Deville, LA Keith Bentley Rose Hill, MS Tommy Peterman Gulfport, MS #10 Jeff Peterman Gulfport, MS Joey Pilgrim McHenry, MS Dobie M. Eakes Philadelphia, MS Jeremiah Johnson Carthage, MS James A. Clark Osyka, MS Robert L. Green Pine Grove, LA #9 Lawson Womack Elm Grove, LA Tom B. Murrell Elm Grove, LA Ben Lolley Dubach, LA Justin M. Pritchett Terrell, TX Bobby L. Foster Greensburg, LA Sheldon D. Crawford Osyka, MS

$6,000 Flex Earnings Awarded Per Team #15 Tyler McMinn Caddo Mills, TX Matthew W. Ingle Campbell, TX

#13 Bo L. Litton Pelican, LA Kolby W. Kennedy Jonesville, LA #12 Dobie M. Eakes Philadelphia, MS Tyler Pearson Louisville, MS #11 William Richardson Waynesboro, MS Emanuel E. Odom Waynesboro, MS #10 C. L. Foster Greensburg, LA Tommy Peterman Gulfport, MS #9 Mike Culbreth Quitman, MS Howie Cowart Hattiesburg, MS #8 Zachary G. Johnson Bossier City, LA Rodney Shaw Liberty, MS Wayne A. Matherne Bourg, LA Chris J. Bourg Larose, LA Tim W. Alexander Leesville, LA Kelcy Greer Port Gibson, MS Joe D. Jones Macon, MS Adam B. Jeane Deridder, LA Ron Robinson Paragould, AR Rodney Shaw Liberty, MS

For complete results listings visit our website: www.ustrc.com SUPERLOOPER MAGAZINE / 77

76-80 Miss_Layout 1 12/9/09 2:29 PM Page 78

#13 Bo L. Litton (Pelican, LA) / Kolby W. Kennedy (Jonesville, LA), 30.00 on 4, $3,846, National Shoot-Outs worth $3,000 in USTRC Flex Earnings each

#12 Dobie M. Eakes (Philadelphia, MS) / Tyler Pearson (Louisville, MS), 35.61 on 4, $3,752, National Shoot-Outs worth $3,000 in USTRC Flex Earnings each

#11 William Richardson (Waynesboro, MS) / Emanuel E. Odom (Waynesboro, MS), 36.30 on 4, $4,474, National Shoot-Outs worth $3,000 in USTRC Flex Earnings each

#10 C. L. Foster (Greensburg, LA) / Tommy Peterman (Gulfport, MS), 39.75 on 4, $6,668, National Shoot-Outs worth $3,000 in USTRC Flex Earnings each

78 / JANUARY 2010

76-80 Miss_Layout 1 12/9/09 2:30 PM Page 79

#9 Mike Culbreth (Quitman, MS) / Howie Cowart (Hattiesburg, MS), 39.12 on 4, $6,288, National Shoot-Outs worth $3,000 in USTRC Flex Earnings each

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SUPERLOOPER MAGAZINE / 79

76-80 Miss_Layout 1 12/9/09 2:31 PM Page 80

#8 Zachary G. Johnson (Bossier City, LA) / Rodney Shaw (Liberty, MS), 29.81 on 3, $4,456, National Shoot-Outs worth $3,000 in USTRC Flex Earnings each

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SUPERLOOPER MAGAZINE / 80

S08DF_BloomerT_P:Layout 1 7/6/09 3:43 PM Page 1

82-88 Guthrie_Layout 1 12/8/09 10:47 AM Page 82

Guthrie Shoot-Out

ChampiOnShipS By Ben Clements

PHOTOS COURTESY OF 3 LAZY J PHOTOGRAPHY

he Guthrie Shoot-Out Championships is held in conjunction with the USTRC National Finals of Team Roping, and even though it is shadowed by the magnitude of the Oklahoma City event, this is a team roping you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to miss. The Lazy E Arena is a great place to compete and Jeff and Cindy Smith went out of their way to accommodate more than 4,924 teams this year. That is actually 130 teams up from last year. In fact, more than 1,880 individual team ropers competed for more than six hundred thousand dollars in cash alone. Ropers represented more than 40 different states, as well as Canada, Australia and Italy. It was a great team

Friday, October 23 - Open Turtle B. Powell (Alpine, TX) / Travis L. Graves (Jay, OK), 26.50 on 4, $4,186

82 / JANUARY 2010

82-88 Guthrie_Layout 1 12/7/09 5:04 PM Page 83

â&#x20AC;&#x153;A Cut Above The Bestâ&#x20AC;? ' #" !

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Friday, October 23 - #15 Kyle W. Honeyfield (Bosque Farms, NM) / Seth Hall (Los Lunas, NM), 30.49 on 4, $5,619, National Shoot-Outs

+ & #"' ' &' % & #% &' % ( & , (' #)

Texas Bar S Cattle Co. roping event, to say the least. The event started on Friday, October 23, 2009 with the higher divisions and then ran through the following Friday, October 30 to end up with the lower divisions. Matt Carter of Willis, Texas was the big winner of the event as he took home more than $8,735 in cash and an additional $6,000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Carter teamed up with partner, Kenton Woodson, to win the Average of the #10 Division on Tuesday. They then carried their momentum forward and came back to win the #11 Division on Wednesday. Carter then partnered with Brendan Hopkins to win third in the Average of the #9 Division on Wednesday. It was a very prosperous weekend for the 23-year-old Texas team roper and his partners. Jeff and Cindy Smith were proud of the Guthrie Shoot Out Championships and are excited about next year. The event is a perfect warm-up for the USTRC National Finals and provides team ropers with the opportunity to get some extra USTRC Flex Earnings along with some great team roping action. n

S Roping steers for rent - $30/month Locations: Houston, Dallas, Brenham, Beaumont & Three Rivers Sammy Sorsby Mobile 713.208.1282 Home 281.351.2927

SUPERLOOPER MAGAZINE / 83

82-88 Guthrie_Layout 1 12/4/09 1:31 PM Page 84

Friday, October 23 - #13 Colter R. LaRue (Clever, MO) / Tyler Worley (Berryville, AR), 33.58 on 4, $5,721, National Shoot-Outs

Saturday, October 24 #13 Tye Killingsworth (Meade, KS) / Enoch McGill (Maud, OK), 31.87 on 4, $4,927, National Shoot-Outs

Saturday, October 24 - #12 Josh Gordon (Huntington, AR) / Cody Sing (Branch, AR), 32.13 on 4, $5,593, National Shoot-Outs

Saturday, October 24 #11 Ryan Tittle (Beggs, OK) / Dustin L. Hodge (Eureka Springs, AR), 31.82 on 4, $5,345, National Shoot-Outs

84 / JANUARY 2010

82-88 Guthrie_Layout 1 12/4/09 1:33 PM Page 85

Sunday, October 25 - #12 Justin Pechacek (Snyder, TX) / Dustin Hintz (Spring Creek, NV), 30.95 on 4, $4,089, National Shoot-Outs

Sunday, October 25 - #11 Robert M. Johnson IV (Alva, OK) / Dakota Koehn (Laverne, OK), 36.47 on 4, $4,154, National Shoot-Outs

Sunday, October 25 - #10 Ben L. McGill (Maud, OK) / Jeff Smith (Sterling, KS), 35.31 on 4, $3,730, National Shoot-Outs

Monday, October 26 - #11 Randy Maples (Stroud, OK) / Carl Wiles (Eufaula, OK), 34.81 on 4, $4,086, National Shoot-Outs

SUPERLOOPER MAGAZINE / 85

82-88 Guthrie_Layout 1 12/4/09 1:35 PM Page 86

Monday, October 26 - #10 Chris Chandler (Mt Juliet, TN) / Jim Bowie Adcock (Readyville, TN), 30.71 on 4, $3,477, National Shoot-Outs

Monday, October 26 - #9 Lydia Ulibarri (Las Vegas, NM) / Steve Whinnery (Powderhorn, CO), 41.25 on 4, $3,863, National Shoot-Outs

Tuesday, October 27 - #11 Edgar Magallanes (El Paso, TX) / Dakota Koehn (Laverne, OK), 40.19 on 4, $3,832, National Shoot-Outs

Tuesday, October 27 - #10 Matt Carter (Willis, TX) / Kenton E. Woodson (Conroe, TX), 33.63 on 4, $6,232, National Shoot-Outs

86 / JANUARY 2010

82-88 Guthrie_Layout 1 12/4/09 1:37 PM Page 87

Tuesday, October 27 - #9 Cory J. Donnelly (Elk Point, SD) / Terry Steever (Lennox, SD), 36.77 on 4, $5,539, National Shoot-Outs

Wednesday, October 28 - #11 Matt Carter (Willis, TX) / Kenton E. Woodson (Conroe, TX), 32.06 on 4, $6,768, National Shoot-Outs

Wednesday, October 28 - #10 Brandon J. Chee (Kingman, AZ) / Farren F. Carpenter (Inola, OK), 32.90 on 4, $6,435, National Shoot-Outs

Wednesday, October 28 #9 Brian D. Sawyer (Watonga, OK) / Darryl G. Hicks (Geary, OK), 35.21 on 4, $6,053, National Shoot-Outs

SUPERLOOPER MAGAZINE / 87

82-88 Guthrie_Layout 1 12/4/09 1:38 PM Page 88

Thursday, October 29 - #10 Andy Hilton (Lees Summit, MO) / Jeff P. Butler (Cosby, MO), 26.86 on 4, $7,075, National Shoot-Outs

Thursday, October 29 - #9 Greg D. Seufer (Holly, CO) / Greg M. Cline (Holly, CO), 36.57 on 4, $7,828, National Shoot-Outs

Friday, October 30 - #9 Justin Turner (Noble, OK) / Brett Williams (Noble, OK), 36.61 on 4, $9,396, National Shoot-Outs

Friday, October 30 - #8 Dustin E. Schwartz (Mullen, NE) / Dexter Becker (Beaver City, NE), 33.03 on 4, $10,440, National Shoot-Outs

88 / JANUARY 2010

Thursday, October 29 - #8 James R. Meister (Boise City, OK) / Harold Speed, Jr. (Hendrix, OK), 41.79 on 4, $7,637, National Shoot-Outs

89 Scholarship-Obit_Layout 1 12/9/09 4:04 PM Page 89

Scholarship Incentives Up For Grabs at 2nd Annual West Texas Timed Event Championship By: Tammie Hiatt

he 2nd Annual West Texas Timed Event Championship is slated for January 9, 2010 at the West Texas A & M University Horse Center in Canyon, TX. The event is open to any level of roper and offers scholarship incentives to West Texas A & M. Each contestant will head, heel and tie-down rope in two rounds of competition with a short go featuring the top 10 finalists starting at 7 p.m. A girl’s breakaway roping with 2 gorounds and a short go will be held after the second round of the timed event competition. The open breakaway roping offers $500 in added money and a handmade trophy buckle from Clint Mortensen will be presented to the winner. The 2009 winner, Jordan Fabrizio, earned $1,100 in prize money and a $2,500 scholarship. In 2009, the 3 Star Memorial Scholarship Fund awarded $7,500 worth of scholarships. They have doubled their incentives for 2010 and will be awarding $15,000 in scholarships during the event. A $2,500 scholarship will be awarded to the highest placing eligible high school contestant. Another $2,500

scholarship will be presented to the highest placing college contestant. The highest placing eligible breakaway roper will also earn a $2,500 scholarship. The remaining $7,500 scholarships will be awarded to other applicants through a selection process on behalf of 3 Star Memorial. “I really want to thank 3 Star Memorial, Dawn Cattle Feeders, Happy State Bank, Western Equipment and RodeoKidz.com,” said event founder and former IPRA World Champion Team Roper, Vic Morrison. “Without their help we wouldn’t be able to pull this off.” “I also can’t say enough about Purina Mills and Robinson Animal Nutrition for providing us with our added money for both the timed event championship and the breakaway roping,” said Vic. “With their help, this event has really taken shape. We are having an introduction of the contestants on Friday night, January 8 at 7 p.m. at the Country Barn & Steakhouse in Amarillo. It’s free to come to the introduction or you can eat a fantastic steak dinner for $25. The funds raised from the dinners will go to the

West Texas A & M Rodeo Team.” Mike Hammock, the 2004 ICMA Male Vocalist of the Year and ’06 ICMA Entertainer of the Year will be performing during the event. “Mike was with us last year and his music lended a really strong presence during the event. He impacts an overall Christian atmosphere to the roping with a very subtle message,” comments Vic. “The WTAMU Horse Center is a great facility. It is home to the National Champion West Texas A & M Equestrian Team. The facility used to be home to several large roping events, so it is somewhat nostalgic to compete there. It’s just one of those places that you can really feel the western heritage,” said Morrison. “West Texas offers so much cowboy and ranch history. There are so many ropers in this area that rope really well but they never get to a roping. We take a lot of pride in making this a true “cowboy” event and you’ll have to definitely rope up to win it.” For entry or scholarship information call Vic Morrison at 940-366-0790.

Anabel Valenzuela. Mike was a veteran in the cattle business. He traded cattle on the Mexican border for the last 25 years, as well as pastured cattle on ranches throughout New Mexico, Colorado and Arizona. He pastured cattle with partner Jim Bramwell in Pagosa Springs, Chromo and Chama for 15 years. No matter how good or bad the situation, his sense of humor always brought laughs to everyone around him. He took great pride in his business and was a man of his word. Mike was also a very avid team roper and attended many USTRC ropings across the country. He loved to rope and was one who you could always find riding a good horse. Mike was a lung transplant recipient and his case will be studied to further

educate the transplant field of medicine. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to UHS Foundation in honor of Mike Wolf, P.O. Box 33038, San Antonio, TX 78265-3038. Flowers may be sent to 6982 McNutt Rd, La Union, NM 88021. A mass was held at Santuario San Judas Tadeo, 4006 Hidden Way, El Paso, TX on December 18 at 4 p.m. A celebration of life was held on December 19 at 2 p.m. at 6982 McNutt Rd, La Union, NM.

OBITUARY Mike Wolf Much sadness was felt at the announcement of the passing of Michael R. Wolf, 56, on December 1, 2009, in San Antonio, Texas. Mike was born on March 13, 1953 in Phoenix, Arizona to Roger and Mildred (Hardin) Wolf, who preceded him in death. His survivors are wife, Ofelia Wolf; children, Michelle Del Wolf Quigley, Megan Mescal Wolf, George Wolf, Ernesto & Christy Valenzuela, Ruben & Vanessa Valenzuela Muro, and Veronica Valenzuela, and brother Gregory Scott Wolf. Grandchildren include: Rhett, Kiana & Braun Quigley, Kaya Mescal Sharp, Diego, Mateo and

SUPERLOOPER MAGAZINE / 89

Find Larry the Roper How Many times can you find Larry in the Word Find?

presents

R C G R T G N E C W

L L S D X L A R R Y

R A F E A Q K S N I

F F R R I C G O F N

L A R R Y C E N U A

M Y I I Y G E V S K

T P W A P R P X R G

X P E I E X E M C T

A U M N Y B U C Y T

V H A R E L Q O R S

E E R E N T G H R L

H A M W S I S Y A O

L C D N N R I C L U

USTRC Jr. Looper Event Locator-January 2010

Match the number on the map with the location of: ___ Oil Capital Stampede ___ Heart of Texas Championships ___ South Georgia Classic ___ Lasso Del Sol

3 1

Roper Math A Jr. Looper received a $100 from his uncle for Christmas. He wants to buy as many ropes as he can with his ‘Christmas Cash’. Each Jr. Money Maker rope costs $21. How many ropes can he buy with his money?

Bonus How much money will he have left over? Answers on page 160

90 / JANUARY 2010

WORD SCRAMBLE Unscramble the letters below to make words: 1. nosw otobs ______________ 2. vcassre __________________ 3. lgeosv __________________ Hint: Beat the Cold Weather

4. oth olcechota ____________ 5. rfie pceal ________________ 6. ckeatj __________________

S Q A I S G S E I C

91 Jr Looper Pics_Layout 1 12/10/09 9:42 AM Page 91

Junior Looper CHAMPIONS Maui Classic The Jr. Looper roping at the Maui Classic was one of the best ever. Ropers gave their all, trying to win the great Gist buckles up for grabs. In the end, Travis Mendes won the 10 to 12 division, Stoney Joseph took the championship in the 7 to 9 division and Daniel Miranda was the 6 and Under division winner.

Mississippi Classic The Mississippi Classic Jr. Looper competition came to life with a whole slew of future team roping stars ready to rope. In the end, the Gist buckle winners included, Clay McDaniel in the 10 to 12 division, Garrett Jackson in the 7 to 9 division and Tanner Brown in the 6 and Under division.

SUPERLOOPER MAGAZINE / 91

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Tips and Tricks Warm Up Go to any roping in the country and prior to the event, you will see everyone warming up their horse. This is a must. Any athlete must stretch and warm up their muscles prior to an event. Warming up your horse does this for him and you, prior to roping. Ligaments are stretched and pulled, as well as muscles, and all of the stiffness is worked out during warm up not only for the horse, but the rider as well. During warm up, a roper needs to take the opportunity to create and neutralize the communication lines to the horse. Warm up should be a whole lot more than just loping around in a few circles. Trotting and loping to the left and then the right, as well as stopping straight, turning to the left and right and even backing up a few steps help build the confidence between horse and rider. A routine warm up also allows the horse to gain a consistent standard to build upon. It allows the horse to begin listening to you from the start and opens the communication lines. Staying consistent here as well as with all of your training will continue to build the trust between the horse and the rider.

Cold Weather Safety By Amy J. Daum and Kandi Kline

Scenario #1 – The Slip and Fall If you have plans for an active winter on horseback, especially with a horse that wears shoes year-round, you’ll have to consider the footing around the stable, in the arenas, and on the trails in order to avoid a common winter mishap—the slip and fall. A horse that falls on ice can easily pull a stifle, tendon or ligament, or even sustain a fracture—not to mention injure its rider or handler. It’s not uncommon to see life insurance claims this time of year for horses that were euthanized due to injuries sustained from falls in ice and snow. In addition, insurance companies also see a rise in Major Medical/Surgical claims for veterinary expenses related to diagnosing and treating strained tendons and ligaments that result from simple slips where the horse catches itself before falling, as well as serious lacerations that occur when horses fall onto or into something with a sharp edge. So, what to do if you’re saddling up in the barn getting 92 / JANUARY 2010

ready to work your horse in the ring after a few days off due to inclement weather, and in between you and the arena is an expanse of partially-cleared parking lot covered in snow that has sections packed with snow and ice? How do you get from one place to another without injury? If it’s truly treacherous, and you can’t determine a relatively clear path between you and the arena, discretion may be the better part of valor. Consider giving your horse a thorough grooming and leave it at that. If there is a somewhat cleared path, first and foremost, lead, don’t ride, your horse to its destination. You are much safer at the end of a leadline than in the saddle—if the horse starts to slip you have a much better chance of getting clear of half a ton of falling horse if you are already on solid ground. Next, take it slow—very slow. You’ll both have a better chance of keeping your feet under you. What if instead of spending some time working in the arena, you want to enjoy the gorgeous winter day and hit the trail? Horses often have difficulty coping with balledup snow packing in their feet, which can not only lead to uncomfortable foot pressure, but can keep the horse from getting enough traction. To prevent this, there are some temporary quick-fixes. Hoof boots often aren’t as slippery on snow and prevent snow packing. Another option is

t t

For a lot of us, winter brings with it a delightful menu of snow, ice, and cold temperatures, all of which lead to unique horse management challenges. Consider the following scenarios to ensure you and your horse have a safe and healthy winter season.

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to apply Vaseline, ski wax, or other products to the sole of the hoof to reduce snow packing. However, if you plan regular riding in winter conditions, you will want a more permanent solution. There are many traction devices available to combat whatever Mother Nature might toss your way. Some people like drive-in caulks or shoes with permanent caulks attached. Another option is to have your farrier use spots of borium or other composites on the toes and heels of the shoe to give your horse extra grip. With that in mind, remember that there are some drawbacks to adding permanent traction devices. When taking a step, a horse’s foot is designed to make contact with the ground and then slide just slightly. The extra torque created with caulks or other products can prevent that slide and therefore put more strain on the legs than you might expect, which could lead to injury, so it’s important to weigh the risks carefully. To evade the snowball effect, there are a variety of rim pad options that have proven effective over the years. You should consult with a trusted farrier to discuss what products are the most practical and effective for the weather in your area. If you do hit the trail, remember that when riding on ice or snow, take it slow and monitor whether your horse has good purchase on the footing. On hills, your horse will be better able to balance if you go straight up and down, rather than crabbing sideways. If you get off your horse to lead up and down hills, keep in mind that your own traction might not be so great. Keep well to the side of your horse so that a fall by one of you isn’t as likely to take the other down as well. Scenario #2 – Flexibility and Fitness Another common situation that can lead to a vet call and potentially serious injuries or illnesses is underestimating your horse’s fitness or flexibility. Weather, holidays, and other distractions can keep us out of the saddle for more time than we’d like, or on the flip side, keep our horses confined to their stalls for more time than usual. When you finally get the chance to enjoy the local forest preserve, or spend some time working cattle, make sure to give

your horse enough time to warm-up, and shorten your work time if he begins to feel like he’s lagging a bit. Horses that are tired are prone to injury for the mere fact that they are more likely to simply take a bad step. In addition, overworked or under-flexible muscles, tendons, and ligaments are more easily injured as a result of taking a wrong step or experiencing a slip and fall. Scenario #3 –Cabin Fever Complications Musculoskeletal injuries aren’t the only problems on the rise this time of year. Horses used to being turned out may not react well to being confined to a stall for days at a time. This can result in bad habits, such as stall walking or cribbing. Horses are social creatures, so try to make sure they have a neighbor nearby. You might also want to try putting one of the various horse toys in the stall, or even recycle and give them a used plastic gallon milk jug. Colic can become more of a concern this time of year for several reasons. Dehydration can result when horses reduce their water intake, either because they don’t like the liquid’s frigid temperature, or because they actually can’t get to the water due to ice. Make sure to check your horse’s water bucket or tub often to not only make sure it’s clear, but also that the horse is actively drinking. Overfeeding can also bring on colic, or even laminitis. If your horse’s workload has significantly decreased due to the weather, or other issue such as injury, reduce his feed ration, keeping grain to a minimum and relying mostly on low-protein hay. Talk to your vet about the most appropriate menu. Scenario #4 – The Worst Case Despite all your efforts, you may still find yourself dealing with the worst case scenario, which is when an insurance policy can be invaluable. For access to an exclusive roping rate for equine life insurance coverage as well various major medical/surgical options, contact the USTRC’s Equine Insurance Partner, Broadstone Equine Insurance Agency. Visit their website www.broadstoneequine.com for a free quote, or give them a call at 888-687-8555.

SUPERLOOPER MAGAZINE / 93

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by the

skewed toward larger or smaller checks. There are a couple more columns to use for comparison purposes. You can compare how your state did in the percent CONTINUED FROM PAGE14 of checks earned between ‘08 and ‘09 as well as the percent of money won in ‘08 by the number of checks earned by each and ‘09. Or you can compare your state’s state. It’s basically an indication of whether percent of checks earned or its percent of the checks that each state earned were money earned to your state’s percent of

NUMBERS

ropers competing at the Finals. If the percent of checks earned by your state is higher than your state’s percentage of ropers, you did good. The same applies for the percent of money won. So take a look around the Table. Hopefully there is something you can find for your state to brag about somewhere. More Finals stuff next month. ■

2008/2009 USTRC National Finals Number of Checks Received and Money Won by State Sorted By Money Won 09 Checks Checks Money Won Rank 09 State 09 08 09 08 09 08 1 TX 352 433 26.87% 29.58% $1,271,351 $1,535,950 2 OK 268 289 20.46% 19.74% $868,742 $786,582 3 AZ 53 58 4.05% 3.96% $280,275 $191,050 4 LA 74 84 5.65% 5.74% $226,875 $182,000 5 KS 54 49 4.12% 3.35% $175,492 $108,600 6 AR 56 44 4.27% 3.01% $150,400 $163,832 7 NM 56 90 4.27% 6.15% $145,792 $285,282 8 MS 23 21 1.76% 1.43% $135,275 $72,200 9 CO 53 44 4.05% 3.01% $103,700 $102,750 10 NV 31 30 2.37% 2.05% $97,400 $187,350 11 UT 10 24 0.76% 1.64% $87,950 $26,200 12 FL 26 21 1.98% 1.43% $70,325 $55,300 13 MO 48 51 3.66% 3.48% $63,450 $137,750 14 TN 19 11 1.45% 0.75% $62,600 $18,550 15 NE 28 13 2.14% 0.89% $62,050 $44,350 16 ID 7 12 0.53% 0.82% $57,850 $92,350 17 MT 8 13 0.61% 0.89% $49,400 $22,000 18 IA 16 10 1.22% 0.68% $45,100 $18,300 19 GA 26 23 1.98% 1.57% $37,350 $49,800 20 SC 6 1 0.46% 0.07% $34,700 $2,900 21 WI 14 5 1.07% 0.34% $32,225 $5,600 22 CA 19 21 1.45% 1.43% $28,000 $54,275 23 AL 10 16 0.76% 1.09% $25,475 $43,550 24 ND 6 13 0.46% 0.89% $6,800 $22,400 25 HI 5 8 0.38% 0.55% $6,075 $20,225 26 WY 12 31 0.92% 2.12% $4,550 $116,800 27 OR 4 7 0.31% 0.48% $3,200 $66,050 28 CT 5 3 0.38% 0.20% $2,125 $1,750 29 SD 3 10 0.23% 0.68% $1,500 $38,200 29 IL 3 3 0.23% 0.20% $1,500 $1,600 31 MD 2 0.15% 0.00% $1,200 31 OH 2 4 0.15% 0.27% $1,200 $2,000 33 NY 3 3 0.23% 0.20% $1,125 $6,500 34 KY 2 0.15% 0.00% $600 34 MI 1 0.08% 0.00% $600 36 WA 1 5 0.08% 0.34% $500 $49,900 37 AB 3 4 0.23% 0.27% $250 $6,900 37 Italy 1 0.08% $250 IN 0 1 0.00% 0.07% $0 $500 VIC 0 0.00% $0 WV 0 0.00% $0 PA 0 3 0.00% 0.20% $26,650 NC 0 2 0.00% 0.14% $26,150 BC 2 0.00% 0.14% $1,500 MA 0.00% 0.00% MN 1 0.00% 0.07% $1,000 NH 0.00% 0.00% VA 1 0.00% 0.07% $2,900 Jal 0 0.00% 0.00% $0 NJ 0 0.00% 0.00% $0 1310 1464 100.00% 100.00% $4,143,252 $4,577,546 94 / JANUARY 2010

% of Ropers 09 08 28.56% 28.60% 21.09% 20.80% 2.97% 4.20% 4.13% 3.30% 6.30% 5.00% 4.15% 4.50% 5.57% 5.50% 1.61% 1.20% 4.96% 5.10% 1.02% 1.00% 0.67% 1.10% 1.37% 1.10% 3.67% 2.90% 1.15% 1.20% 1.71% 2.10% 0.54% 0.70% 0.56% 0.80% 1.29% 1.30% 0.72% 0.90% 0.38% 0.30% 0.27% 0.30% 1.23% 1.60% 0.88% 0.90% 0.48% 0.40% 0.59% 0.80% 1.15% 1.50% 0.16% 0.40% 0.08% 0.10% 0.59% 0.60% 0.29% 0.30% 0.05% 0.10% 0.19% 0.20% 0.11% 0.10% 0.40% 0.30% 0.27% 0.00% 0.05% 0.10% 0.08% 0.20% 0.16% 0.27% 0.30% 0.03% 0.00% 0.03% 0.03% 0.10% 0.03% 0.20% 0.10% 0.16%

100.00%

% of Money Won 09 08 30.68% 33.55% 20.97% 17.18% 6.76% 4.17% 5.48% 3.98% 4.24% 2.37% 3.63% 3.58% 3.52% 6.23% 3.26% 1.58% 2.50% 2.24% 2.35% 4.09% 2.12% 0.57% 1.70% 1.21% 1.53% 3.01% 1.51% 0.41% 1.50% 0.97% 1.40% 2.02% 1.19% 0.48% 1.09% 0.40% 0.90% 1.09% 0.84% 0.06% 0.78% 0.12% 0.68% 1.19% 0.61% 0.95% 0.16% 0.49% 0.15% 0.44% 0.11% 2.55% 0.08% 1.44% 0.05% 0.04% 0.04% 0.83% 0.04% 0.03% 0.03% 0.00% 0.03% 0.04% 0.03% 0.14% 0.01% 0.00% 0.01% 0.00% 0.01% 1.09% 0.01% 0.15% 0.01% 0.01% 0.00% 0.00% 0.58% 0.57% 0.03%

0.10% 0.02% 0.00% 0.00% 0.10% 0.06% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 100.40% 100.01% 100.00%

Avg Check Rank Per Capita 09 08 08 09 $3,612 $3,547 1 $1,193 $3,242 $2,722 2 $1,104 $5,288 $3,294 4 $2,525 $3,066 $2,167 6 $1,473 $3,250 $2,216 10 $747 $2,686 $3,723 7 $970 $2,603 $3,170 3 $701 $5,882 $3,438 13 $2,255 $1,957 $2,335 11 $561 $3,142 $6,245 5 $2,563 $8,795 $1,092 23 $3,518 $2,705 $2,633 15 $1,379 $1,322 $2,701 8 $463 $3,295 $1,686 28 $1,456 $2,216 $3,412 19 $970 $8,264 $7,696 12 $2,893 $6,175 $1,692 26 $2,352 $2,819 $1,830 29 $940 $1,437 $2,165 18 $1,383 $5,783 $2,900 33 $2,479 $2,302 $1,120 32 $3,223 $1,474 $2,585 16 $609 $2,548 $2,722 20 $772 $1,133 $1,723 25 $378 $1,215 $2,528 27 $276 $379 $3,768 9 $106 $800 $9,436 14 $533 $425 $583 36 $708 $500 $3,820 21 $68 $500 $533 37 $136 $600 $600 $600 $500 35 $171 $375 $2,167 31 $281 $300 $40 $600 $60 $500 $9,980 17 $250 $83 $1,725 30 $83 $250 $42 $0 $500 40 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $8,883 22 $0 $0 $13,075 24 $0 $750 38

$3,163

$1,000

$2,900

$3,127

Sponsor rt 1_10_ *Sponsor Page right 12/8/09 4:56 PM Page 1

PROUD