The GOLD BUCKLE issue /// Fall 2017 ( Volume 1 Issue 2)

INSPIRED BY THE ICONIC COWBOY TO FOLLOW THE HEART WHEREVER IT LEADS...

covering the Life & Style of the rodeo famous and all the unrivaled western culture that surrounds it.

Watch for our

BLACK & WHITE

issue coming soon!

Photo by Mary Peters

CONTENTS 6 Candid Photos

The kids are the real gold 8 God Blog 10 Real Lives of Rodeo Wives

Kaitlyn Davis 14 Rules & Regulations

The Rules Have Changed 16 Athletes & Stars

Paige Duke 18 Beauty

Corkill, Lageschaar, Davis 20 In This Issue

Top 10 Countdown 22 Bronc Riding Naiton 24 Real Estate

Rustic Ranch 28 Athletes & Stars

Ty Murray 32 Fashion Wagon

Bobbie Tryan

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF April Bach Patterson

34 Tailgating

Ask an Athlete

COPY EDITOR Alyssa Barnes

35 Rodeo Vocabulary

"On-Deck"

DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY Todd Klassy todd@toddklassy.com WRITERS/REPORTERS Erin Jusseaume, Lori O'Harver, Katie DIxon, Brenda Matamoros-Beveridge

36 Travel

Nashville

CONTRIBUTORS Shannon Geddess, Janzen Jackson, Ambereen Ahmed

40 Athletes & Stars

Sage Kimzey

LAYOUT & DESIGN Chantel Miller

44 Travel

Ellensburg

ADVERTISING joey@rodeofame.com

48 Winner's Spotlight

Top Summer Wins of 2017

SUBSCRIPTIONS joey@rodeofame.com COVER PHOTO Angie Clayson Phototography

50 Hall of Fame

History of the Gold Buckle

RODEO FAME PO Box 2264 • Boerne, TX 78006

54 Business Profiles

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Photo by Angie Clayson Phototography

Editor's letter Gold Buckle Issue

"Anyone can find the dirt in someone. Be the one that finds the Gold." - Anonymous Our re-launch of Rodeo Fame has been quite a journey but here we are with Volume 1, Issue 1 celebrating our beautiful lifestyle!

Real quick I would like to give a shout out to the prisoners that read Rodeo Fame behind bars - I hope this gets to you in one piece. We are thinking of you and praying for you all! No matter what season of life you are in, you are not alone.

This ‘Gold Buckle' issue has been so exciting to work on because it’s a true privilege to learn from the winners in our industry. Champions are champions for a reason and it’s important to study them. It doesn't matter if it’s rodeo or basketball. Obstacles exist for everyone, and it takes the same endurance and grit to overcome them.

I will leave you with my opinion of what makes a champion...

The secret to being a champion in life: Doing what you are passionate about.

If you are passion-driven you will always find a way to keep going even when it’s painful. Passion trumps PAIN. I saw my dad do this a lot in his career and countless other individuals in the arena of life. Although the storm raged they pressed on. The biggest champion I admire is Jesus. His passion and love for the world trumped the pain he felt on the cross. That Jesus is a real Champion. Passion TRUMPS pain.

Who do you think has a Gold Buckle in their near future?

LORI O'HARVER RFM Writer & Reporter

KATIE DIXON RFM Writer & Reporter

"Cody Demoss"

"Matt Shiozawa"

BRENDA MATAMOROS RFM Wrtier & Reporter

"Kacique Pacheco"

ERIN JUSSEAUME RFM Writer & Reporter

"Tiany Schuster"

CHANTEL MILLER RFM Graphic Designer

"Kory Koontz" www.rodeofame.com

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CANDID PHOTOS

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All candids by Christy Burleson Photography

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The kids are the real

GOLD 01 // World Champion Team Roper, JADE CORKILL 02 // World Champion Team Roper, LUKE BROWN 03 // World Champion Team Roper, PATRICK SMITH 04 // World Chamion Steer Wrestler, LUKE BRANQUINO 05 // 2002 Olympic Gold Medalist and Pro Barrel Racer, MOLLY POWELL 06 // Pro Team Roper, ERIC ROGERS

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GOD BLOG

What is your favorite

scripture?

PATRICK SMITH

Joshua 1:9 "Have I not commanded you?

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."

BOBBY MOTE

Philippians 3:13-14 “Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.�

JAKE BARNES

Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ who strengtheneth me."

CLAY COOPER

2 Peter 1:3 "Our life has been ordained and supplied in Jesus Christ!"

Sometimes I forget that truth! But when I choose to live in and by that truth - life is wonderfully amazing!

SECRET TO BEING A CHAMPION IN LIFE PATRICK SMITH

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JAKE BARNES

CLAY COOPER

"Chase your dreams and don't let anyone tell you you can't do something because God is the only one with the master plan."

"Knowing that Jesus is the Champion.

Not me."

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"I think the secret to being a champion is to not be defined by the outcome of the task at hand. To know you put forth the effort to be the best, but be able to accept losing with dignity and be motivated by it. To let the down times fuel you to overcome and to always have the bigger picture in mind. Never being so caught up in ourselves that we forget the importance of others."

RODEO WIVES

TAKES ON THE WORLD IN LOUBOUTIN HEELS

By Brenda Matamoros-Beveridge She grew up on the Texas/Louisiana border in a town called Orange. Her husband, PBR World Champ Cooper Davis, grew up about an hour away. They never met until a mutual friend introduced them in 2014 and they’ve been side by side ever since.

About 6 months into their relationship, Kaitlyn received a job offer for a marketing position in Houston which meant a big pay raise and moving away from Cooper. “‘You can't do that! I want you to come on the road with me,’” was Cooper’s response.

“So that was a big decision for me. But ultimately we made it together and I'm glad that I did because who knows if we would have made it if I’d accepted that job and we’d lived two hours away from each other.”

But with spunk and drive to spare, Kaitlyn wasn’t happy just sitting in the bleachers. So she put her marketing knowledge and experience to work.

That was the beginning of Kaitlyn’s company, Reign Lashes.

Photos provided by Davis Family

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“I love beauty, I love fashion, I love makeup, and so I decided to start designing some eyelashes for my company. I first designed a pair to wear for my wedding. And then I loved it so much, I thought, ‘I'm going to turn this into a livelihood.’ And I did. I started in September 2016, and now we're in 150 stores in the United States,” Kaitlyn said. “I don't have any employees, it's just me and Cooper. I do everything on my own. I do all of the marketing, I do all of the designing, all the packaging. I really need to hire an employee, but it's hard to let go of any kind of control.”

But running a company isn’t the only challenge Kaitlyn faces. The young couple also has a 2-year-old soon named Mack. And earlier this year, they faced the type of scare all parents dread.

Mack is a spirited child and prone to tantrums. He would get so overworked, he’d faint. One day, when the couple was away on a Valentine’s Day getaway they received a call from Kaitlyn’s father informing them Mack was acting lethargic. They immediately flew home. But when they got to him, Mack was completely fine. They chocked it up to another tantrum and decided to head over to THE AMERICAN rodeo in Arlington, TX. “He started acting super lethargic. As a mom you know when something is wrong with your son.

If something's off I can tell, and he wasn't acting himself,” Kaitlyn said. “I woke Cooper up early and said, ‘we're going to the hospital.’ So we show up to the Emergency Room at Dallas Children's Medical Center. They took one look at him and they said he looked super gray and transparent. So they decided to rush him back.”

They ran a blood test on Mack. A regular person’s hemoglobin is around 12 to 14. Mack was at 2.6 and dropping. Although still undiagnosed, the word “Leukemia” was uttered by every doctor they saw.

Doctors weren’t sure if it was cancer or a disease called T-E-C. The long word for it is Transient Erythroblastopenia of Childhood. “When they said that to me, my first thought was, is he going to live?”

But it is actually the best scenario. Although it is more rare than cancer, it’s easily treatable.

Unfortunately, they still don’t have a concrete answer.

“It’s hard to look at your child when they’ve told you they really don't know what's wrong with him and they just think it's this long word. There’s no way to know for sure. So it really bothers Cooper and I. I mean obviously every day we worry about him, and

we always wonder is he going to relapse? Could it happen again? Could it be cancer because they really weren't sure?”

Kaitlyn wanted to take their experience and in light of not knowing, turn it into something positive.

HOPE LASHES “I designed the lashes to be super natural, I wanted them to be something that someone going through chemo who lost their eyelashes would want to wear on an everyday basis. If one pair is purchased, we donate a pair. So if you were to go on my site and purchase three pairs, we would donate three pairs,” Kaitlyn said.

In a short time, Kaityln’s operation has become large scale. “I wasn't expecting to grow so rapidly, but with the broad social media spectrum that Cooper and I both have, it just grew overnight. People call them the Rodeo Lashes. I'm a wholesale only company when it comes to my lashes. So, I sell them to all these mom and pop boutiques, and they sell them. They mark it up and they make their profit.”

Kaitlyn is a self-proclaimed style diva. Her speciallydesigned closet holds everything from Celine bags to Christian Louboutins heels to Valentinos.

“I'm still young, so I like to incorporate things that are trendy, but I like to add touches of a western flair. I love rhinestones and sparkle, and still having my diva personality designer things,” she said.

Although her husband won $1 million riding bulls, she is determined to make her own way and her own money.

“This point drove me more than anything, I'm going to take this and I'm going to contribute to my family. I'm not going to be what people expect me to be, which would be stop working. Not reaching higher goals or set any kind of goals for myself,” Kaitlyn said. “I'm not just going to be a trophy wife, I want to be a wife that makes her own choices too, while my husband does the same thing. And that was the goal from the start.”

Kaitlyn with her husband Cooper and their son Mack.

STETSON VEST

Burch Rodeo Company's Fringe Benefits is a BHBA registered son of Lunatic Fringe.

Photo by Tangled Mane Images by Keri Andrews

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THE RULES

RULES & REGULATIONS

Registered Bucking Horses: Does knowing your horse's genetics and ancestry matter?

By Lori O'Harver Governance is important but rules aren’t to be confused with commandments. What has served one generation or phase of business needs constant review to stay relevant.

Join Rodeo Fame and Bronc Riding Nation as we explore the good, the bad and the visionaries who keep the bucking horse industry growing and satisfying to those who depend on the standards set to provide fairness for contestants, horse owners and most importantly, the fans who want to fall in love.

One short year ago, the Bucking Horse Breeder’s Association (BHBA) posthumously registered BHBA #1, Tooke Bucking Horse’s foundation sire, General Custer. Working with University of California – Davis to provide DNA verification, the BHBA started with the Tooke’s visionary program that is believed to be the first to selectively, purposely breed horses to buck. The official registry for bucking horses is growing fast and is a huge benefit to those involved in every aspect of the industry.

BHBA President Steve Stone is a former bareback rider, horseman and plays bass for Casey Donahew Band.

Here’s what he had to say about the past, present and future of the least understood performance horse in the world.

Several past attempts have failed while the BHBA has exceeded the one-year goal for registry by 700%.

Why is that?

SS: First, we looked carefully at successful registries like AQHA and took what we learned to the historians and visionaries at the Tooke Ranch in Ekalaka, Montana. Putting the DNA from their foundation sire, General Custer, in the data base first impacts most of today’s horses who trace back to the historic breeding program. General Custer’s DNA has allowed us to give owners legitimate information regarding their horse’s pedigree that is valuable.

What was the inspiration for the Every new concern has surprises. What’s BHBA? SS: I bought a lot of practice horses for my son that included several colts, so I went to check out a United Bucking Horse Association futurity to see if that was a game I wanted to get involved in. Everybody there was talking about their youngster’s pedigree with no proof that they were bred like they thought they might be.

If the bucking horse community is to grow, legitimacy is important. We saw a way to fix that.

that been for the BHBA?

SS: None from an administrative standpoint. For our members registering with us, there has been one common eye-opener. First, know that the true horsemen of the community were the first to join the registry. They’ve always kept extensive pedigree and production records. What we’re finding is that

the science involved in verifying parentage is proving that, despite outstanding effort on the part of these conscientious owners, records fail. First, most bucking horses are pasture bred and sometimes, stallions manage to roam. What’s most interesting is some mares originally thought to be the dam of a given foal will be wrong. Tough by nature and range raised, if a predator takes a foal, that dam is likely to steal a replacement from a more timid mare.

What do you hope will be the most important change in the future of bucking horses brought on by the BHBA?

SS: We hope to legitimize bucking horses and increase their value in ways that haven’t been done before.

I’m a dreamer and clearly see ways to elevate bucking horses and their people through supporting programs for registered horses. We’re working to put those programs in place in a sustainable way, because anything less than a well thought out, perfectly executed plan does disservice. Our passion is bucking horses and every member of the BHBA team is inspired to work to strengthen the community.

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ATHLETES & STARS

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Photo by Jose Luis

Paige Duke southern belle celebrity

marries rodeo king Ty Murray this September

By Brenda Matamoros-Beveridge

A South Carolina native and a graduate from Clemson University with a degree in Animal Science, Paige began her career in modeling and on-air reporting. She is a former NASCAR Miss Sprint Cup, the bachelorette on CMT’s hit series Sweet Home Alabama, and she has made cameos in ABC’s Nashville, Realtree’s Monster Bucks and music videos for stars like Brantley Gilbert and Brad Paisley.

Paige is a model for Wrangler, Montana Silversmiths and Bass Pro Shops, and she is currently a behindthe-chutes reporter for the Elite Rodeo Association.

In addition to all of these, Paige is the official spokeswoman for RIDE TV and hosts her own cooking show, Southern Fried Skinnyfied, where she takes hearty “cowboy-style” meals and turns them into healthy delights, fit for a jockey. In her spare time, Paige can be found hunting, fishing or riding horses and embracing her “country-girl” roots.

She’s also the fiancé of legendary bull rider, Ty Murray. In her words, she tells Rodeo Fame about how they met, their wedding plans and her style.

Ty and I met at the 2014 NFR and had a brief conversation. The next morning my friend called and said "Ty called me and asked me to dinner but I think he thinks I'm you."

Turns out Ty had called my boss to get my number but couldn't remember my name and my boss

gave Ty my friends name and number. Long story short, we figured it out and Ty took me to dinner that night and we've been together since!

Ty proposed to me at Hope Lake, CO after we hiked up to 12,000 feet. Our wedding is coming up in September and my mama has been the most amazing wedding planner! We both love the outdoors and nature’s beauty, so we are having an outdoor wedding by an incredible natural spring in North Carolina. It's actually an old rock quarry (when I told Ty this he said "uh, Fred Flinstone worked at a rock quarry).

Ty's Dad and his son Kase will be his best men!

Kase is such a kind boy and we have an awesome relationship. I couldn't ask for a better stepson, as he rolls with everything and is always in a great mood. Blending families has its challenges but Kase is super easy and always wants to please Ty and I, he's never mischievous. I feel so blessed of his acceptance of me and the personality he was born with. He is so excited for the wedding and he truly loves me. Ty and I have an awesome partnership and we make a great team raising Kase.

My daily style consists of jeans and a tank if we are riding horses at the ranch, comfy yoga clothes if I'm just lounging around, and if we're going to a PBR or out to dinner I'm usually dressed in Free People or a similar style! I hate wearing makeup and fixing my hair, haha. I love turquoise, bohemian dresses, 70's style outfits, and southwestern inspired fashion.

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BEAUTY WHAT HELPS MAKEUP STAY ALL DAY?

A good foundation (I LOVE gloMinerals Satin II liquid foundation), an HD setting powder for under my eyes and my T zone (I love elf brand's HD powder--its low cost and works!), and lastly a makeup setting spray (Urban Decay All Nighter can't be beat!).

WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE FACE WASH?

I use Rodan and Fields and I love it. I use the reverse line.

ap hy

HAILEY CORKILL

b Photo

rle Bu isty r h yC

n so

r og ot h P

Miss Rodeo America

Lisa Lageschaar's FAVORITE FACE WASH:

Photo p

rovided by Davis Family

RODAN AND FIELDS Reverse System

Kaitlin Davis' FAVORITE FACE WASH: KIEHLS Calendula Deep Cleansing Foaming Face Wash

WHAT'S IN YOUR BAG?

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1 // Marc Jacobs Lipgloss "sugar sugar" available at Sephora.com 2 // Reign Lashes "Fiji" reignlashes.com 3 // Georgio Armani Power Control Foundation Sephora.com 4 // Mac highlighter "Beaming Blush" Maccosmetics.com 5 // Mac "Quite the Stand Out" liquid lip stick Maccosmetics.com 6 // Tarte Shape tape Concealer ulta.com 7 // Jaclyn Hill Eyeshadow Palette morphebrushes.com

RODEO HIGHLIGHTS

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03 10 // The number of rounds the world’s best cowboys & cowgirls go head to head in Las Vegas for the coveted World Title. 09 // When it comes to Bareback riding, the name FEILD is without a doubt one of the most well-known in the industry. Together, LEWIS and his son KAYCEE have a combined 9 Gold Buckles to their names. Lewis dominated that event in the 80's, not only winning three All-Around titles but two Bareback Riding World titles before being the first ever rough stock contestant to win more than $1 million in his career.

His son Kaycee, who has won four consecutive World Titles from 2011-2014. 08 // Before the Rodeo Cowboys Association (RCA) was known as the PRCA and before there was an age limit to competing, there was 14 year old LARRY MAHAN just starting his professional rodeo career. The first to compete in three events at the NFR, Mahan dominated in saddle bronc riding, bareback riding and bull riding, claiming 8 Gold Buckles throughout his career. 07 // Bandera, TX cowboy, TOOTS MANSFIELD certainly left his mark on the industry from 1939 to 1950 when he won 7 tie-down roping World Titles, a record that lasted for 19 years. Not only was he recognized as the man to beat whenever he competed, but he also went on to establish the first successful rodeo school for aspiring ropers in the mid-1950's. 06 // Tie-down roper, CODY OHL may have 6 Gold Buckles under his belt, but without a doubt it was his first one that means the most to him.

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FEILD photo comped by Stephanie Feild; MAHAN photos by James Fain;

RODEO HIGHLIGHTS

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MANSFIELD, FERGUSON, AND FROST photo by Bryan Oller; SEARS photo by Mary Peters

05 // You could say saddle bronc riding is a family affair for the Etbauer's; another name notoriously associated with rodeo.

Five times PRCA World Saddle Bronc Champion, BILLY ETBAUER traveled and competed with his brothers, Robert and Dan and friend, Craig Latham.

Latham was often referred to as "the fourth Etbauer." 04 // Bull rider, J.W. HARRIS won his first of 4 PRCA World Titles in 2008, however, the PRCA isn't the only association Harris wants to claim that title with. 03 // Steer wrestler and tie-down roper, TOM FERGUSON was a force to be reckoned with in the 70's.

Not only did he claim 3 Gold Buckles in the two events but he also added another 6 World Titles to his name by winning the All-Around title 6 consecutive years from 1974-1979. 02 // Canadian beauty, LINDSAY SEARS and her beloved mare, Martha are without a doubt a duo no one will forget anytime soon. A competitive figure skater and swimmer growing up, her passion for fashion and amazing sense for style translated into her unforgettable outfits in the arena.

Together Lindsay and Martha won the World in 2008 and 2011 and have earned over $1 million. 01 // It may have been over 25 years since bull rider, LANE FROST tragically lost his life while doing what he loved in Cheyenne, but his name is one that has lived on to this day and undoubtedly one of the most recognized names when it comes to rodeo. In 1987, at the age of 24, Frost's lifelong dream came true when he became the PRCA World Champion Bull Rider.

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BRONC RIDING NATION

By Lori O'Harver ELSMERE, Nebraska – There’s romance in what looks like violence in the contest between a cowboy and an excellent bucking horse, and no one knows that better than Cort Scheer.

matter if he scored big or bucked off at 7.9 seconds. He’s a man in love with riding the big, feather footed broncs he nomadically chases all over the continent.

In fact, he’s in love with his life.

The 31-year-old ranch raised bronc rider from Nebraska knew what he wanted when he bought his Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association card 10 years ago.

He wanted to ride with the best, to be the best, but most of all, he just wanted to earn a living with his saddle doing what he loves.

Always thrilling to watch, Scheer doesn’t just pull that flying, no pickup man needed dismount trick out of his hat anytime he wants to, he’s taken it to a level never seen before in professional rodeo. It first appeared at the ERA Finals last season in Dallas on the ride that clinched the title.

With catlike balance and a cool factor all his own, he lit on his feet and walked off grinning.

Scheer won the Elite Rodeo Association’s (ERA) championship last year. He’s a veteran of both the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo and Canadian Professional Rodeo Association finals, a horseman, a rancher and possesses all the cowboy skills. His big, gorgeous smile is always there at the end of a ride, doesn’t

“I focus on getting a good start and giving God the glory.

The rest just falls in place.”

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“It was an accident,” Scheer said humbly.

“I couldn’t do it again if I tried!”

That turned out to be wrong. He’s done it again several times, including one of those 7.8 second buck offs at the Calgary

Stampede when he got rocked off into his right stirrup and the next moment was walking away with only his smile to keep him company. The signature move is becoming a natural part of what he does and after 10 years in the game, he’s riding stronger than ever before.

“Winning the PRCA gold buckle would be a constant reminder of the great times, the great horses I was able to get on. Every horse I nod for teaches me something. I have so much respect for them,” said Scheer. “This year’s goal is to focus on having great mark outs on every ride and letting the rest take care of itself.

The glory in what I do all belongs to God and I never forget that.”

Photo by Tangled Mane Images

by Keri Andrews

James Bond vogues for the crowd at the World Famous Miles City Bucking Horse Sale 2017.

Photo by Mary Peters

BALDWIN, North Dakota - To the educated eye of a seasoned horseman, horses fall into about three different categories; barely interesting, good horses and then there’s the rarest of them all, the reason they keep looking, the one’s with greatness. That last kind doesn’t just rivet the horseman’s eye, they grab them straight by the soul.

Shane Gunderson was at the News Year’s Eve bronc match in Malta, Montana, when he saw #007 James Bond for the first time. The flashy bay 4-year-old was rare, had a presence about him. When his rider got ready and nodded for the young stallion, Gunderson was hooked.

“You’ll see a lot of good colts on the futurity trail,” Gunderson said. “This one was special.”

Gunderson offered to buy him on the spot, but breeder Jim Orahood wasn’t interested. He knew what he had. About 10 days later, he called Gunderson and asked if he still wanted him. Gunderson

had his checkbook in his pocket and was championship round at the world famous headed to his rig when he said yes.

Miles City Montana Bucking Horse Sale,” Gunderson said. “We’re hoping he At first, the big colt was tougher in the qualifies for his second Wrangler National chute than he should have been to be Finals Rodeo (WNFR) this December in considered cowboy friendly at all, and Las Vegas.” once it opened, he wasn’t easy. He was a horse you could win it on, though, if Good horses will earn a rodeo company you were smart enough to get past the a name, great horses will earn them a start. Doing that took more than a little reputation. Gunderson bought James courage, too.

Bond in 2014, purchased the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association’s stock He got better as time went on. He was contractor card of Bailey Pro Rodeo in never scared; it wasn’t that kind of fit. 2015 and in 2016, he took his blue-eyed Scared horses don’t buck for long. 6-year-old to the WNFR. James Bond was just fit for the fight and had no sense of the rules of engagement. James Bond is a grandson of Burch Rodeo Company’s Old Tooke and “Earlier this year, past world champion Canada’s Kesler breeding. He’s 7 this Taos Muncy was 90 points on him at year and getting wiser and stronger by Rodeo Houston. He was selected for the jump. James Bond knows when all the RAM National Circuit Finals Rodeo in eyes are on him and he likes it. Star status Kissimmee and helped Jacobs Crawley suits him and at 7, he’s got plenty of time earn the title. He was out in the short go at to buck his way into the hearts of Bronc Nampa, Idaho, under CoBurn Bradshaw Riding Nation and the record books. and bucked off RFD-TV’s The American finals qualifier, Louie Brunson, in the

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REAL ESTATE

k e v i n f o w l e r ’ s R U S T I C R A N C H

IF THESE OLD WALLS COULD TALK

By Katie Dixon

Nestled in the heart of Wimberley, Texas, along Loneman Creek shaded by towering oak trees sits a private ranch that looks as if it hasn’t aged a day since the late 1800’s. From wooden cabins to Victorian cottages with a touch of authentic Texas flare, this “rustic ranch” was not stumbled upon by chance, but a dream created by none other than country music superstar, Kevin Fowler.

‘Kevin Fowler’s Rustic Ranch’ set on 130 acres just outside of Austin, has quickly become a sought-after venue for many brides wanting a country, yet modern wedding, with a touch of old Texas charm. From the Pennsylvanian cabin built in the 1800’s reserved for the groom and his party, to the 1913 Victorian relocated from south Texas for the bride’s quarters, every building has a story and been renovated and restored by Kevin himself.

RFM: How long have you been collecting and restoring old buildings? "I've always loved building

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things. Over the last ten years or so I've really gotten into moving old structures and restoring them to their original glory. I recently moved some old silos that we're going to turn into guest houses. That's gonna be a fun project!"

RFM: Where did this passion come from? "My dad has always been a collector of antiques. I guess I got it from him. I've always liked old things. Whether it's guitars or buildings or whatever. Old things have always intrigued me. They have a story to tell. I can look at an old house and just imagine what all it has seen or been through. Or who all lived in it. They just fascinate me."

RFM: Did you always plan to open up your private property as a wedding venue? "I really built Rustic Ranch for me and friends and family. But it seemed like such a waste to not let others enjoy it. It's such a beautiful place. It really is a step back in time. The wedding and events were an afterthought. I really enjoy seeing people enjoy the place as much as I do."

Photos by Al Gawlik Photography

RFM: Are all the buildings on the property original structures you've relocated to the ranch? "All but two of the buildings on the ranch were moved there."

RFM: What is it about restoring these old buildings as opposed to building and recreating them? "Anybody can take a bunch of old materials and try to build a structure that looks old to the average person. But to me the old original buildings have a charm that you can't recreate. They have a story to tell. A history that can't be manufactured."

RFM: How involved are you in finding these buildings and restoring them? "I'm 100 percent involved. These buildings are my babies. I seek out each one of them. I go out and beat the bushes to find them and coordinate everything from the move to the restoration. My old buildings are my passion. I could never let somebody else be in control of that."

RFM: Being on the road touring so much, how often do you get back to the ranch to do more projects?

"I'm usually home about three days a week. I live at the ranch when I'm not on the road. So, I get to spend a good amount of time there. I'm always dreaming up new projects when I'm home. It's an obsession!"

RFM: Do you plan on expanding the Rustic Ranch more? "I'm getting ready to build a dance hall out of some old 1800's barns that we took down. That's gonna be a big job. But it's gonna be fun. I'll never run out of projects!"

RFM: What is your favorite building/piece on the ranch and why? "I love all of my old structures but I think my old 1800's log cabin is my favorite. It's really cool and has a lot of character. But I also love the house that I live in. It's an early 1900's Victorian farmhouse that we moved from New Braunfels, Texas. It's hard to pick a favorite. These buildings are like my kids. I love all of 'em!!!"

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REAL ESTATE

I've always loved building things. Over the last ten years or so I've really gotten into moving old structures and restoring them to their original glory.

KEVIN FOWLER

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ATHLETES & STARS

If Ty Murray weren’t a legendary bull riding champion of the world that little kids look up to, he would probably be a legendary super cross champion of the world that little kids look up to.

“I always wanted to do super cross but we didn’t have the time or the extra money for me to ever do it because everything revolved around rodeo. I was busy going to junior rodeos and feeding horses and practicing and all of that,” Murray said. “I was so deep in all that I never really had the chance to do it.

I think my body type and brain type would have been great for super cross. It’s comparable to riding bulls.”

Thankfully, Murray was steered toward rodeos and bulls. After many successful 8-second rides, nine world championships, and an induction into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame, he and a few other cowboys

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brought us the Professional Bull Riders - more commonly known as the PBR. His mission for the PBR is to make it as mainstream as Monday Night Football. As an announcer and a ride analyst for the broadcasting team of the PBR, he does his best to break down for the masses the techniques of rides, riders, bulls, bullfighters and all the aspects that make an 8-second ride possible.

“Non-rodeo folks don’t have anything to compare bull riding to. Every person grows up playing football and baseball. With NASCAR, everyone drives a car. But in our sport, people don’t have a way to understand or appreciate what they are seeing,” Murray said.

Although, there is a long way to go for the PBR in the mainstream sports landscape it still has an incredible

Photo by Chris Hatchett

By Brenda Matamoros-Beveridge

following. According to an ESPN sports poll, there are 82.5 million PBR fans in the U.S., not including fans of PBR Australia, PBR Brazil, PBR Mexico and PBR Canada. One of the highest attended PBR events is the 3-day showdown held in the middle of Manhattan at Madison Square Garden - one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world. CBS TV reports an audience of 1.2 million fans. On various Sundays, the PBR has been known to draw a larger audience than PGA Golf, US Open Tennis, and NASCAR. Among all major sports, PBR is one of the fastest growing social platforms and is a leader in social engagement.

“I feel it’s part of my mission to help people see and understand what they are watching, how much time and effort and repetition and training and toughness goes into what these guys are doing. People are starting to see what goes into our sport. It’s not just

crazy guys holding on for dear life,” Murray said.

“People are seeing what makes up this sport and its athletes. From the mental, physical and the brave aspect to the coordination, body control, pound for pound strength, in every aspect, these guys are athletes.”

DAY JOB Murray, a resident of Stephenville, Texas, is very clear about his day job.

“My job is NOT being a rodeo announcer; my job is to be an analyst. It’s a hard job. It’s not natural to talk about anything that much,” Murray said. “But that’s what the job is and I try to be as honest as I can be.”

Nor does Murray intend to be a bull riding coach.

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ATHLETES & STARS Ty with his son Kase at a branding.

“When you are talking about bull riding you are talking about a game that is so mental, guys have millions of things that are running through their head because it’s such a dangerous game,” Murray said. “I think there is a real art to being a coach. What might work for one guy may not work for the other guy. I’m hesitant to pass out information to most guys. But when they come to me, I try to tell them how it looks to me. Even in that, I try to keep it simple.”

Part of what Murray tries to convey when he talks about the sport is the physical, mental and spiritual aspects it entails.

“It takes a tremendous athlete and man to be able to do this sport at the highest level. Hopefully, though, the PBR is helping to educate the masses. I was lucky. I trained in gymnastics, I trained in wrestling, martial arts, so I learned the proper way to train. I wasn’t trying to bench press 350, I was trying to be light and lean, flexible and super quick and super strong core strength,” Murray said. “A quarterback doesn’t train like a linebacker. We want to make sure our guys know and learn that it’s about pound for pound; core strength, fast twitch, flexibility, all of these things to where you are doing things that are going to help you.”

The long-term goal is not really about building bodies up. It is actually making sure they do not breakdown.

“I love the sport. I feel that the amount of training I did, helped in the amount of championships I won and I feel it also helped me with my longevity and health.”

MURRAY’S HEROES HAVE ALWAYS BEEN COWBOYS “Larry Mahan was absolutely my hero as a little boy. He was a guy that I looked up to so much because he was so great in three events.”

Mahan was the first cowboy to compete in saddle bronc, bareback and bull riding at the National Finals Rodeo.

“I idolized him - everything about him - his grit, his style.

He set the benchmark. He made me want to keep coming back when it got tough. When you do this sport you question yourself, how bad do you really want this? It’s hard in a lot of ways. It can be hard physically, mentally and financially. There has to be something driving you and for me it was Larry Mahan. It was my drive to do better than him. He has become a good friend of mine. He is still a hero of mine. He helped guide me to deal with this sport.”

At present, it’s JB Mauney, the two-time PBR world champion.

Ty with his fiancé Paige and son Kase.

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“I feel he has the essence. Having the guts, confidence, and the willingness to want to capitalize on really big moments. I feel his attitude and his mental approach has been a big part of what has made him so successful,” Murray said. “You can

“I love the sport. I feel that the amount of training I did, helped in the amount of championships I won and I feel it also helped me with my longevity and health.” call it swagger, confidence. I feel that in a sport that is as dangerous as bull riding, you are up against the odds. His, “you are the underdog every time”, I feel that sort of attitude is what makes me a big fan of his.”

Murray is the consummate athlete. Whether it be 8-seconds on a bull or the fastest motorcyclist in the world, nothing would have changed - he’d still be one of the best because he eats, drinks and sleeps his passion and discipline.

“Bull riding is a sport that has engulfed me since I was 2 years old. I was fascinated by it as far back as I can remember. I have put everything into it,” Murray said.

He still does.

Catch the PBR on CBS and CBS Sports Network, online at PBR.com or follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Make sure to check out the World Finals on Nov. 1-5 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Ty announcing at the ERA.

FASHION WAGON

Bobbie TRYAN Wife of World Champion, CLAY TRYAN

FAVORITE RODEO? I'd have to say the NFR since it's the most fun to dress up at.

How do you dress for that performance? I try to have as much fun with my style in Vegas as possible. It's the place to wear those items that just don't work at any other rodeo. I love to add things I don't normally wear to my usual style, elevating it while I'm there. But always keeping it somewhat comfortable and something I can still saddle a horse and chase kids in.

WHERE DO YOU DRAW YOUR INSPIRATION FROM? Style inspiration comes to me in so many ways. People, Tv shows and movies, fashion bloggers and influencers.

I love to draw inspiration from these things, incorporate what I see and like into my own personal style.

WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE STYLE ICON OUTSIDE THE RODEO WORLD? I love Gwen Stefani's style. I love how she mixes very classic retro hair and makeup with edgy punk style, perfect juxtaposition. Rihanna is someone who looks so good in everything from a backwards ball cap with stilettos to a designer gown on a red carpet. And Rachel Zoe is the queen of incredible denim, jackets and accessories.

WHAT TRENDS DO YOU THINK WILL BE MOST POPULAR AT VEGAS? I think the usual fringe, sequins, great custom hats, great boots, lots of turquoise.

Though I would consider those classics for NFR and not so much trends. The key is to wear these in your own unique way. I'd love to see old Hollywood/ Parisian glamour added to those classics this year. It would be fantastic and fresh to bring that chicness to Vegas.

WHAT TREND DO YOU NOT WANT TO SEE ANYMORE? I never want to say I'm tired of any certain trend. Honestly what I'd like to see end is the stress and competitiveness of fashion in the western scene. Fashion should be fun always and never a competition. Wear what makes you feel good!

FAVORITE PLACE TO SHOP? Boutiques, malls, online, I shop it all!

I like my money right where I can see it... hanging in my closet." Carrie Bradshaw 32

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Compiled by Janzen Jackson

TAILGATING

ask an

Looking back on the year you won your first Gold Buckle, who was the most influential person to you that year?

"My dad Leo Ohl is responsible for all my winning from day one. [He] taught me EVERYTHING I know!"

athlete

TIE-DOWN ROPER, CODY OHL

Earning a “GOLD BUCKLE” is a huge milestone in any professional rodeo cowboy or cowgirl’s career. To hold that title is proof that he or she has put in the time and effort to be ranked among the best of the best in the sport.

But it would be rare to find an athlete who can’t attribute at least some of his or her success to their heroes, mentors, and top supporters. Rodeo Fame Magazine caught up with a few Gold Buckle winners to learn about the influencers who helped along their journey to Gold Buckle status.

What does it mean to win a Gold Buckle?

"It means no one can ever take it away. It means the greatest accomplishment anyone could win as a barrel racer. It means you are now a mentor to anyone who is a barrel racer. Winning a Gold Buckle is something that makes me smile every time I put it on!!!"

BARREL RACER, MARY WALKER

Looking back on the year you won your first gold buckle, who was the most influential person to you that year?

"It’s a dream come true. My first buckle will always mean the most. That’s because I know that of all the hard work and all the rides that year I was truly blessed to stay as healthy as I did for that long. It also has so much more behind it as well; staying focused on my goals, staying fit, knowing how to keep my books while on the road and more importantly nominating for the rodeos. My dad was and still is a great influencer on me and my rodeo career. Every year and after every ride, I would get back to the van and call him. Even without him seeing a video, he always knew where I may have come short. He knew my riding style and he knew the broncs.

That kind of support and advice is invaluable."

BAREBACK RIDER, KACYEE FEILD

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Compiled by Erin Jusseaume

Thinking about reaching your goals to a Gold Buckle win, KACYEE FEILD has this exclusive tip for Rodeo Fame Readers.

There is no sugar coating that you’ll get beat down, you’ll get in a slump both physically and mentally. You have to have the ability to look at the positives and what it’ll take to get better. It not only takes dedication but you still got to have fun as well. Dig deep and go for that buckle.

Going to a rodeo can sometimes feel like visiting a foreign country. The language and terminology itself can be more than a little confusing to new fans.

This issue, Rodeo Fame aims to help you break it all down with another term commonly used by announcers, so you know what’s what when you watch the action from the grandstands.

RODEO VOCAB

"ON-DECK" You hear this term a lot during the actionpacked rodeo. It is not just used in one event, though most announcers will use it more during the timed events where contestant order fluctuates less often.

foul territory called the on-deck circle.

If you have ever watched a game of Baseball, you will have heard the term ‘on-deck’ before. The term is used in the same context in Rodeo.

The Oxford Dictionary will revert the term back to an old shipping term that was used to find out who was or was supposed to be on guard duties. The term later evolved to be used in sports such as baseball.

A team in the box, one ‘on-deck’ and one ‘in the hole,’ describes the team currently competing, the next one that will ride into the arena and the one after that. Announcers give this heads up not only to alert fans of upcoming contestants, but also to let contestants know when to be ready.

Wikipedia refers to the phrase in that of baseball, referring to being next in line to bat.

In a professional game, the batter that is ‘ondeck’ traditionally waits in a location in the

Like baseball, the term ‘on-deck’ refers to the next rodeo contestant to compete (after the one currently competing leaves the arena).

So next time you are sitting in the stands, and you hear your favorite contestant is ‘on-deck,’ you’ll know to look up from your Rodeo Fame Magazine long enough to watch!

TRAVEL

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By Shannon Geddes

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Photos by JB Brookman Photography

The smell of dirt, the sound of honky tonks coming from every direction and food to knock you off your feet! The PBR is a favorite annual event of the Bridgestone Arena, in Music City, USA. Nashville, Tennessee is host to the PBR – Built Ford Tough Music City Knockout. In mid-August each year, the top bull riders in the country converge on this drinking town with a music problem to compete for top PBR honors. You would be hard-pressed to find a combination more exciting! A sport that is so imbedded in American culture and a destination with its own rich history to be appreciated and enjoyed.

An unforgettable experience can be had in Nashville while you are there for the PBR. Let’s start your trip at one of the historic Nashville Hotels. Located next to the Tennessee Capitol building is the Hermitage Hotel that became the preferred gathering spot for well-known figures such as Greta Garbo and Al Capone in the early 1900’s. The Hermitage was reopened in 2003 after an extensive renovation. If the Hermitage isn’t your style, try the awe-inspiring Gaylord Opryland Hotel. The Gaylord Opryland Hotel boasts fine shopping, dining, and 9 acres of lush, indoor gardens and waterfalls. For those that just need a good place to rest their head after a long day, the Homewood Suites in Downtown Nashville puts you right near the excitement of Nashville’s entertainment and nightlife.

Start your day with breakfast at Taylor Swift’s favorite spot, Fido, known for its great atmosphere. Afterwards, wander around the shops in Hillsboro Village. Don’t forget to stop by Nashville’s oldest coffee company, Frothy Monkey for a freshly roasted cup. Nothing says Nashville, like Hot Chicken, be sure to try Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack for a legendary meal. The Nashville food scene is nothing less than vibrant and exciting. It’s a wonder more country artists don’t sing about it.

Of course a trip to Nashville wouldn’t be complete without visiting The Grand Ole Opry, the iconic and legendary Country Music Stage and Concert Hall and Ryman Auditorium. See the most famous stage in country music. Located across from the Bridgestone Arena is the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. You can browse its unrivaled music collection and be treated to regular live performances.

Spend your evening at the Bridgestone Arena enjoying the antics of Flint Rasmussen, the official entertainer of the PBR and top bull riders taking on the fiercest bulls in the world. After watching the most action-packed, adrenaline pumping sport on dirt, wind down in the honky tonks on Lower Broadway, the crown jewel of Music City, USA. Rows of honky tonks line the street and play music all day and long into the night.

No matter how you decide to spend your time in Nashville during the PBR, your first trip to Music City is sure to be an unforgettable experience with a little something for everyone.

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TRAVEL

NASHVILLE

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ATHLETES & STARS

INSID A GLAS BOX How SAGE KIMZEY wins so much.

By Brenda Matamoros-Beveridge "Show the World" by Rob Bailey is his summer song. With the heavy bass playing in his head, Sage Kimzey makes his way to the chutes where a ton of animal awaits him. He performs the exact same ritual each time he climbs onto the bull’s back. He nods, the chute opens and they’re off. The bull flies into the air and comes down like a Mack truck, all the while Kimzey stays safe inside his glass box. He does this for 8-seconds almost every night.

“Most bull riders that get bucked off, buck themselves off. It's nothing that the bull actually does. I just try to stay square

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and act like the glass box is circling me,” Kimzey said.

Oh, that’s it?

If you have ever seen Kimzey ride, he makes it look so easy. While the whirl of mass and muscle, twist, turns, spins, and jumps under him, he is a board.

How to #BecomeLegendary Kimzey’s, job this season is to win all the rodeos.

So far he’s won Salt Lake – 90 pts, Calgary Stampede – 91 pts, Edmonton,

Alberta – 88 pts, Riverton, WY – 90.5 pts. He was a co-champion at the Redding Rodeo, he’s won a few Xtreme Bulls, a CBR world title (his third) and a $20,000 bonus for riding Pearl Harbor (one of Chad Berger’s rankest bulls) in Bismarck, ND. And it’s still early August. If things keep going well for him, he will be making his fourth appearance at the WNFR where in 2014, 2015 and 2016 he became the first PRCA contestant to win world titles each of his first three years as a member. At present, he’s about $40,000 ahead of 2nd place in the PRCA standings.

DE

SS

Photo by Angie Clayson Phototography

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ATHLETES & STARS

It’s hard to imagine, but he used to struggle with bulls that went away from his hand.

“I was always really small growing up. I did okay in junior high and then probably the end of my sophomore year in high school was when it all just kinda came together and I started winning quite a bit. I just kept working on it and really focused for years on those bulls that went left because those were the only bulls that were throwing me off. It took a while, I guess I'm a slow learner, but it finally kinda took off. It doesn’t matter what way they go now.

I just like bulls that buck hard,” Kimzey said.

He started winning a lot of open rodeos around his home state of Oklahoma his junior year in high school, then he broke his hand the summer of his senior year.

Regardless, he was not able to get his PRCA card until his second-semester in college because he graduated high school at 17.

“As far as learning and maturing and growing as a bull rider, that spring of my freshman year of college – would have been 2013 – everything kind of took off.

Everything was good and the rest is history.”

Kimzey’s a well-mannered young man who is surprisingly articulate for a guy in his early 20s. His mom was a barrel racer/ rodeo queen and his dad was a barrel man/clown. From Strong City, Oklahoma, a blip-town on the map, Kimzey played basketball and wrestled and got on a lot of practice bulls.

“I spent my time working my tail off to get to the point where I am now. You know, now I like to keep my riding weight at right around 145, I'm pretty particular about the weight I ride at. But other than that, I don't have a specific training that I have to do all the time,” Kimzey said.

“I just try to keep it simple, but make sure everything is perfect. I'm kind of a perfectionist as far as riding goes. But really after you get everything ready, I just clear my head and give it to him like you would anything else.”

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Kimzey’s work ethic comes into play every time he is on the back of a bull. This summer, it was especially beneficial when he met up with Pearl Harbor, a 6-year-old beast athlete that has been ridden only four times in 43 outs. Well … five, now.

“Chad [Berger] called me and asked me if I'd be interested in getting on him, as a bounty bull at the Mandan Xtreme Bulls.

Obviously, if you ever get a shot to get on a bull of that caliber, whether it's for $20,000 or not, most of us bull riders are probably going to take it. And it was pretty awesome. I got on a really great bull. It was just an all around awesome night.”

For Kimzey, every ride comes down to collecting gold buckles and that’s his most important job.

“I definitely do hold myself to a little different standard than probably about everybody else that's going down the road holds themselves to,” Kimzey said. “I don't expect anything less than perfection from myself. It's a lot of weight on my shoulders, but at the same time I embrace it, I know there's a target on my back. That's okay with me. I kind of enjoy the spot. It took me a while before I got used to being number one, but now it's a place that I'm very comfortable in.”

Photos by Molly Morrow

TRAVEL

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The Ellensburg Rodeo opens each Labor Day weekend along with the Kittitas County Fair in Ellensburg, WA. Started in 1923, the Ellensburg Rodeo has grown from a local competition among ranch owners to the skilled present-day contestants competing for more than $250,000 in prize money. Among professional rodeos in the Pacific Northwest, the Ellensburg Rodeo is second in size only to The Calgary Stampede in Alberta, and considered one of America’s top twenty-five rodeos.

bone with his hilarious antics and the One Armed Bandit puts on quite a show as well. John Payne wows the crowds by riding a horse or mule and cracking a bullwhip with his one good arm to herd animals such as longhorn steers and buffalo onto the roof of his trailer.

Rodeos around the world offer a variety of attractions for the whole family and the Ellensburg Rodeo is no different. Here is a taste of what rodeo fans can expect from a trip to the Pacific Northwest over Labor Day.

#SPECIAL EVENTS World-class rodeo action is not all fans will find at the Ellensburg Rodeo.

Thursday night kicks off with the ‘Rockin’ the Arena’ concert featuring Zach Hinson and Ned LeDoux, son of the legendary Chris LeDoux. On Friday, a rodeo ticket will also get attendees into the Bullfighters Only competition to witness the fancy footwork of men going toe to toe with beast on the arena floor.

#RODEO The Ellensburg Rodeo offers entertainment for the whole family with four nights of top-notch rodeo action. Included is world class bull riding from the Xtreme Bulls Tour Finale – the toughest bull riding competition in the professional rodeo.

In addition to the contestant action, barrelman JJ Harrison has been known to tickle the crowds’ funny

#TOWN CULTURE Kittitas County provides diverse landscapes in Washington from magnificent mountains to rivers brimming with trout. The county is famous for outdoor leisure.

Adventurers can take advantage of mountain biking, skiing, fly fishing, hiking and rafting. Local businesses in the valley go all out during rodeo season, welcoming people of diverse backgrounds to enjoy all their county has to offer.

#FOOD & WINE If delicious food and wine is on the travel itinerary, Cave B Estate Winery and Resort is not to be missed.

The award-winning boutique winery situated at the heart of Washington State Wine Country in the Ancient Lakes of Columbia Valley AVA (American Viticultural Area) features a broad array of varietals from Barbera to Cuvée Blanc. Tendrils Restaurant is the perfect complement to a glass of red or white featuring locally sourced cuisine such as Cedar Planked Steelhead and Beef Carpaccio. The estate also offers lodging at the Cave B Inn and relaxing treatments at their on-site spa. #TRADITION With all that the Ellensburg Rodeo and Kittitas County has to offer, there is no question first-time travelers will be itching for an excuse to go back. The Spirit of the West Cowboy Gathering in February is the perfect time. Celebrating cowboy music, poetry and art, the festival attracts over 4,000 visitors annually to enjoy entertainers like Baxter Black, Dave Stamey and Don Edwards.

If world class rodeo action coupled with adventure, tradition and a party for your taste buds sounds good to you, Rodeo Fame strongly recommends you to give the Ellensburg Rodeo a try.

by Ambereen Ahmed & Alyssa Barnes

www.rodeofame.com

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Photo credit:Jelly Cocanougher

Now making BIGGAR HATS STRAWS

WINNERS SPOTLIGHT

! ! ! s n o i t a l Congratu e m o s n o s te le th a t u o d n to these sta rena. a e th in S T N E M E V IE H C A REAT

G

Photo by Jackie Jensen at Cheyenne 2017

WHO: STEVI

HILLMAN

WHEN: July 30, 2017

WHERE: Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo, Cheyenne Wyoming WHO: TUF

COOPER

WHEN: July 24, 2017

$9,860

WINNINGS: from a total pool of $835,283

WHERE: Days Of 47 Rodeo Cowboy Games - Salt Lake, City Utah.

$50,000

WINNINGS: from a total pool of $1,000,000 and a

GOLD MEDAL. Photo by Tiffany McGhan with Fashion Posse

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Check out more about these BIG WINS online // www.RodeoFame.com

Check out more about these BIG WINS online // www.RodeoFame.com Photo by Christy Burleson just outside of Las Vegas

FUN FACT:

Tiany is now sitting at $244,472 in earnings, that’s only $79,098 difference from the record earnings Lindsay Sears made in 2008. Total Earnings in one season equaled $323,570

SCHUSTER

WHEN: July 30, 2017

WHERE: Calgary Stampede; Calgary, Canada WINNINGS: Schuster won a total of

$111,750 at the Calgary Stampede.

Check out more about these BIG WINS online // www.RodeoFame.com

WHO: TIANY

HALL OF FAME

“Gold is a treasure and he who possesses it does all he wishes in this world and succeeds in helping souls into paradise.” – Christopher Columbus

THE GOLD BUCKLE The cowboy’s quest for gold started with the first Rodeo Cowboy’s Association National Finals Rodeo in a buckle made by the Seattle raised silversmith and engraver, Don Ellis.

“I was a 9-year-old roper kid with championship dreams the first time I held one of those buckles in my hands.

It belonged to Ben Johnson, the top hand cowboy and movie star who was one of my heroes and a friend of Dad’s.

It changed me,” Gary Gist said. “It drove home the desire to earn one of my own.

It turned out, that wasn’t meant to be, at least not in a way I could see through a 9-year old’s eyes.”

Gist would never forget the feel and weight of that buckle. He heard it’s call clearly throughout a rodeo career that spanned several decades. Roping and traveling with his dad, he would become the youngest PRCA card holder at age 12.

When his arena career was over, he would have 12 NFR team roping qualifications, six of those with his dad across from him in the box. In 1964, he and his dad won

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it but by a since changed technicality, the longed-for gold buckle would hang on someone else’s belt.

1966 found the young California cowboy a long way from home in the jungles of Viet Nam. “I had a lot of time to think about what I wanted to do with my life when I got back to the world,” Gist remembers.

Two years later, the ex-Marine was back home, hanging up his first shingle as a business owner. The sign said Gist Silversmiths; the brand and the artist would go on to become the gold standard in Western buckles.

“The first year I had the PRCA contract for the champion’s buckles, I had qualified for the NFR and was in contention to win one. It was 1970 and PRCA wasn’t on solid financial ground. I told them if they’d buy the gold, I’d donate my time building them and they accepted. When the finals rolled around, I wasn’t done with them, so I’d rope for the title at night and engrave in my camper all day.”

Gist never won a gold buckle. He was edged out by heartbreakingly slim margins. What he did do was continue to make the buckles that haunt every great cowboy’s dreams in finer, more elaborate versions as the true craftsman’s display of Western Art for years to come. For 16 years, Gist Silversmiths sponsored the buckles in honor of the hard work, dedication of the rodeo athletes and the PRCA. What is the Gold Buckle Worth?

The PRCA championship buckles are built from a sterling silver foundation faced with a solid layer of gold that’s then engraved, adorned with different colors of gold and finally, the name is added.

Each of those buckles is worth $10,000.

To the recipients, it’s priceless.

In the top tier of rodeo athletes who’ve won gold buckles, you’ll find commonalities. They were all born with a rare talent and desire to do what they do. They’re driven to practice relentlessly, sacrifice anything that doesn’t contribute to the goal, they commit to sleepless nights and long miles in pursuit of their

By Lori O'Harver

dreams and train their minds to only see success. Along the way, they come to know God intimately and understand that in spite of the massive human effort they contribute, that greatness will evade them if every fiber of their existence isn’t in perfect balance.

ALLEN BACH: FOUR GOLD BUCKLES & A MISSION He was 12 years old when he understood that he’d never rest until he was wearing a gold buckle with his name on it. Ten years later, he realized that he wasn’t the best roper of his time. He used the knowledge to stay in the practice pen until he was completely exhausted. While his competition rested after practice, Bach was still at it, driven by the knowledge that while they were on the couch, he was honing the best edge he had to razor sharpness.

“I won my first gold buckle at 22 years old,” Bach recalls. “I learned that my ability to influence had increased immediately.

Sponsorships came. I began to put on roping schools.

he’d want to meet face to face, visit some before he would agree to do it.”

The trappings of championship suited him, but something was missing. It wasn’t just that the quest for gold hadn’t gone away and was, in fact, sharper than ever before. It was something deeper.

One of the perks to rodeoing for a living is the long, lonely hours spent driving in between performances. It’s a quiet time of reflection and devotion, ideas flourish but most importantly, clarity comes.

All of that happened and Bach’s buckle was re-engraved.

“I realized that I didn’t feel just right about my name being engraved on that buckle.

I knew that that buckle belonged to Jesus, not me, and since it was such an influential thing, I thought when somebody looked at it, they should see who truly won it. I wanted to represent roping and God,” Bach said. “I called Gary Gist and asked him if he could take my name off and replace it with ‘Jesus Is Lord’. He was quiet for a long time. Told me he’d never had such a request before and that

“There’s a price attached to championship that is paid in sweat, blood and pain, but when it’s all said and done, rodeo isn’t who I am, it’s what I do.” – Allen Bach

In 1990, as the 10th round National Finals Rodeo arena dust settled around Bach being presented with his second piece of weighty Gist gold, his mind was already beginning a familiar struggle. He’d seen some odd looks over the years when people saw ‘Jesus Is Lord’ on his buckle instead of his name and wondered about the new one he was about to wear.

“I worked on that all the way back to Texas where I took it up in prayer,” said Bach. “I gave God the glory and asked him for a clear sign. I wanted to know if he cared, if it meant anything to him to have his Son’s name on a buckle instead of mine. I asked, then trusted. As I walked back into the house, my name fell right off of that buckle.”

“It doesn’t matter what anybody else thinks,” Bach said. “This has always been between me and the Lord.”

www.rodeofame.com

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FRONTIER FORTITUDE

BY KIM ZIERLEIN www.frontierfortitude.com #findyourfrontier

facebook.com/wyofrontier • Instagram: @frontierkimz • Twitter: @WyFrontierPhoto • Pinterest: Frontier Fortitude

Rodeofame summer 2017 ad full page.indd 1

8/10/2017 8:34:47 PM

BUSINESS PROFILE

BIGGAR HAT STORE

BIGGAR IS BETTER

There are few things in American culture that are more iconic than the cowboy hat.

The cowboy hat can be worn anywhere in the world and receive immediate recognition. A cowboy’s hat is quite possibly the most defining staple of the cowboys’ rugged image.

A cowboy hat is much more than protection from the sun, rain and other outdoor elements. The characteristics of the cowboy hat such as shape, material, wear, cleanliness, and color provide an indication of the type of man (or woman) beneath the brim.

After years of training horses, Jeff Biggars, transitioned into the western wear business. His starting wage was just $4.75 per hour. He learned the ropes and worked his way up to management and upper management positions for various companies. In the past few years, he has designed some of the most popular straw hats for Resistol and American Hat Company.

In 2013, Jeff and his father-in-law, Mike Garland opened Biggar Hat Store. They sell many western wear items such as jewelry, shirts, sandals and boots.

They carry various brands of straw and felt hats as well as a collection of other handmade brands. But the most fascinating thing about Biggar Hat Store, is that customers can meet with Jeff - their very own “mad hatter” - to get that custom made felt hat right in the

store. They can also take a tour and watch how the custom hats are made.

Even though the average hat-wearer may not realize it, their hat tells a story about them. So, when buying a hat, it’s important they know the story they wish to tell based on their personality and aspirations. Jeff Biggars at Biggar Hat Store will design the type of hat that speaks volumes before the wearer utters a single word. Jeff has shaped thousands of hats and attributes experience to his success, “I believe that working on both sides of the hat world has allowed me to see and learn much more than the average hatter.”

There is an old cowboy saying that goes something like, “it’s the last thing you take off and the first thing that is noticed.” Biggar Hat Store understands the importance of the cowboy hat. And they are committed to providing the ultimate hat shopping experience.

You can check out Biggar Hat Store by visiting their website at www.biggerhatstore.com.

Biggar Hat Store is located in Decatur, Texas.

Stop in for a visit or give Jeff a call at (940)-627-HATS.

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www.rodeofame.com

By Shannon Geddess

BUSINESS PROFILE

HAWKINS HANDICRAFTS

RING AROUND THE WISKEY BARREL

It has been said that the ring is, “the article of jewelry around which centers tradition, antiquity, utility and symbolic meaning of the greatest reverential character.” However, this was not why stay-at-home dad, Daniel Hawkins, started making rings. Little did he know before he started in the ring making business, that the rings he would make, would be rich in tradition.

Although some may find it strange, Daniel found himself bored while staying at home with his son.

Daniel’s son took four hours worth of naps per day and he needed something to keep him busy during those times. He started out making cedar baskets and selling them on Etsy. Daniel had just a drill press and belt sander, but didn’t feel like the cedar baskets were utilizing these pieces of equipment to the full extent. So, he began making rings from mahogany, zebrawood and any other small scraps of wood that he could find.

BUSINESS ADVICE?

“I think the most important thing that I've learned since starting the business is the value of being disciplined. As much as I love being in the shop, when you're having a bad day and motivation is a hard thing to come by, discipline creates a routine that sticks even when you're not excited about work. This is the only job I've missed when I'm on vacation. Part of that is because I truly enjoy creating the rings and knowing how much they mean to my customers, but a part of it is that at 10 am on a weekday, I should have a podcast on, standing in front of the band saw with the materials for the day. Anything else just feels strange”. Daniel Hawkins - Hawkins Handicraft

By Shannon Geddess

After making these wooden rings and selling them on Etsy for a few months, Daniel was casually browsing through a woodworking store when he stumbled across some Jack Daniels whiskey barrel staves. The staves immediately brought his dad, and lover of all things Jack Daniels to mind. His dad’s birthday was coming up so he bought the whiskey barrel wood, as a joke and made some rings. Daniel gave one to his dad and put the rest on Etsy.

What actually started out as a gag gift for his dad, has turned into a successful business for Daniel. Hawkins Handicraft was born and as they say, “the rest is history.” The whiskey barrel rings became an instant hit. The rings have become so popular that Daniel now buys whole barrels at a time. He has added a variety of unique woods, including wine and bourbon barrel rings to his ring-making collection.

Each ring is custom made to the customer’s specifications and each is unique with its own one-ofa-kind pattern. No two rings are alike. Customers can choose from different styles and wood type. Whether in the market for wedding rings or just a gift, Daniel at Hawkins Handicraft has something for everyone. The styles, colors and originality are a anything but boring.

Tradition and originality collide with rings handcrafted from whiskey and wine barrels.

Take a glimpse of what Daniel has to offer at hawkinshandicrafts.com.

You can also find Hawkins Handicraft on Twitter (@hawkhandicrafts), Instagram (hawkinshandicrafts), Pinterest and Facebook. www.rodeofame.com

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Photo by Christy Burleson Photography

BUSINESS PROFILE

RODEOTAX.COM

THE BUCK STOPS HERE Committed to helping rodeo athletes streamline their bookkeeping systems and providing cost efficient, worry free professional assistance at tax time.

You’ve seen RodeoTax.com out front in sponsorship at major rodeos like the RAM National Circuit Finals in Kissimmee, Florida. It’s always great when businesses support the community in sponsorship and RodeoTax. com is committed to that, but what they’re most committed to is helping rodeo athletes streamline their bookkeeping systems and providing cost efficient, worry free professional assistance at tax time.

RodeoTax.com’s founder, Ernest Lee, earned his accounting degree from the University of Hawaii then came back to the mainland to earn his law degree from Pennsylvania State. He worked in the corporate private sector from London to Seattle before returning to Kentucky in 2008. His cowboy roots were calling him and he found himself picking up broncs for Charlie Lowry’s 4L Diamond S Rodeo Company in Florida when he wasn’t leading trail rides as the most over qualified guide in the country.

“As I talked to rodeo cowboys, I realized how much there was a need for tax and accounting services by someone who understood the rodeo industry,” said Lee. “I started out doing taxes for my friends and the work load grew quickly through ‘word of mouth.’ In 2012, I decided to make RodeoTax.com officially a business.

Since then, the business has doubled annually and we’ve earned the loyalty of over 100 full time clients.

We have dedicated ourselves to putting the proceeds back into not just promoting the business, but doing it by supporting professional rodeo.”

Many professional cowboys have other businesses.

Even if their only business is rodeo, any given day generates tons of small to not so small expenditures.

Using RodeoTax.com streamlines these professional’s accounting processes in vital ways. There’s a place on the website that allows them to upload the day’s receipts directly to the firm with an even easier, free smart phone app due to be released before the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. Working with a top-level CPA who is also a cowboy brings an even more professional aspect to the relationship in that no explanation for legitimate costs is needed, or discounted as it may be by mainstream tax professionals.

“I was able to save a client who sells timed event horses literally thousands of dollars because RodeoTax.com understands the expenses involved in marketing horses and saved her that money on her taxes,” said Lee. Getting involved with RodeoTax.com is cost efficient.

The first year is a flat fee of $500 which includes an audit of the last three years of tax returns and usually generates the reimbursement of under refunded monies. Going forward with the firm is generally under that initial cost annually.

“If a client is audited, we not only stand behind our work, I will personally and successfully defend them at my own expense,” Lee said.

When he’s not in the office saving rodeo, ranch and other equine professionals time, money and stress freeing them up to focus on their careers, Lee is caring for his diverse string of bucking and pickup horses and putting on free practices every Wednesday night in McAlpin, Florida.

You can check out all RodeoTax.com's services at their website: www.RodeoTax.com

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www.rodeofame.com

By Lori O'Harver

BUSINESS PROFILE

RHINESTONE LIPGLOSS

#WhatTheWinnersWear

Rhinestone Lipgloss is a badge of proud, determined, beautiful women who aren’t afraid to go after life harder than the average bear.

She graduated with a degree in Mandarin-Chinese and was working as a translator. But by something of an accident and a little money that her horse, Josie, had won for her in a weekend competition, Sarah Kelsey became a successful entrepreneur.

You have probably heard of Rhinestone Lipgloss and maybe even own some of the RL products. But, you probably don’t know that Sarah started this business all because she needed a pair of earrings to match the custom made shirt that her momma made for her to compete in at the All American Quarter Horse Congress.

Sarah wore her big, custom, blinged-out earrings at the show and had quite a few girls come up to her asking how she could run in earrings so big and heavy.

Sarah pulled out the earrings and commented, “they were not heavy at all.” The girls were shocked and wanted to purchase a pair right then! Sarah, who

BUSINESS ADVICE?

“My best advice is to be sure you are obsessed with whatever it is you’re planning on going into business doing. I don’t mean you like it, or just enjoy doing it, or are in it for the money (because trends change and chasing money is like trying to rope the wind) but flat out OBSESSED. Like, almost schedule a meeting with a client on your wedding day (which I did, and still have the screenshot to prove it lol).

Because at 3am, when you’re hustling to get orders out while drinking your 4th cup of coffee and listening to Law and Order SVU reruns in the background, you’re going to find out just how bad you want this.

Luckily for me, I do this on a regular basis- and love every second.”

Sarah Kelsey - Rhinestone Lipgloss

By Shannon Geddess

still has the very first pair of earrings she ever made, politely said no, but offered to make them a pair.

After this experience, Sarah got to thinking and decided that there was clearly a market for comfortable bling. What cowgirl can resist bling, and better yet, comfortable bling? So, with $85 left over from a check that her horse, Josie, had won for her, she started the paperwork to make Rhinestone Lipgloss official.

What started out as a ‘boutique’ style Facebook page and a small booth at a local rodeo, has turned into a popular, very successful company. The RL brand has been on a winning streak with contestants that include the NLBRA (Little Britches) Queen and Princess, National High School Rodeo Association Queen, Miss Rodeo Idaho, Utah and Oklahoma and countless more. Sarah is humbled by the fact that these ladies could have chosen any earrings to wear, but choose Rhinestone Lipgloss.

The main hashtag is unique is its own right, #WhatTheWinnersWear. This is not referring to the title her customers achieve, but refers to their drive in life.

From Adrian Brannan of “Buckaroo Girl” to Melissa Bennet, Kansas Railroad engineer to Fallon Taylor, just to name a few of women with inexplicable drive, that wear RL. Sarah Kelsey, who still answers the messages, does the invoices, orders inventory and builds every custom pair of earrings can be contacted at by visiting her website at RhinestoneLipgloss.com or by phone at 567-356-7176. www.rodeofame.com

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Congratulations to Mr. & Mrs. Tony & Taryn Mendoza Eastside Ranch / Redlands, California Photo by Christy Burleson

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