The Black and White Project - Meet Chris DuMond

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CONTENTS

6 Bronc Riding Naiton 8 God Blog 10 Winner's Spotlight

Top Summer Wins of 2017 12 Real Lives of Rodeo Wives

Britany Diaz 16 Real Estate

Diaz Ranch 20 Athletes & Stars

Dale Brisby 22 Fashion Wagon

Black & White Fashion 24 Travel

Thackerville, OK 28 Tailgating

The Great Debate 29 Rules & Regulations

Ride A Rank One 30 Athletes & Stars

Jody Carper 31 In This Issue

Cal Poly 32 Rodeo Vocabulary

"Slack" 34 On The Cover

Christopher duMond 38 Athletes & Stars

Neil Holmes

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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF April Bach Patterson COPY EDITOR Alyssa Barnes DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY Todd Klassy todd@toddklassy.com WRITERS/REPORTERS Erin Jusseaume, Lori O'Harver, Katie DIxon, Brenda Matamoros-Beveridge CONTRIBUTORS Shannon Geddess, Janzen Jackson, Ambereen Ahmed LAYOUT & DESIGN Chantel Miller ADVERTISING joey@rodeofame.com SUBSCRIPTIONS joey@rodeofame.com COVER PHOTO Christopher duMond Phototography RODEO FAME PO Box 2264 • Boerne, TX 78006

Editor's letter

I dedicate this issue to all photographers that put their hearts and souls into their work. Before I begin my note about what this BLACK AND WHITE issue means to me, I am fully aware of the criticism I am opening myself up to when discussing black and white vs. full color.

Dear photographers- please just humor my attempt to explain my love for black and white.

"Photographers have to deal with a lot of CROP" - unknown

Full color is a beautiful thing. A vibrant rainbow, pink puffy cotton candy, a blue waterfall reflecting the gold sun. But black and white has its moment and a beauty all on its own. I definitely do not think it should be forgotten. There is something simple yet very bold about black and white; for me personally, it makes me really focus on what is happening in the moment and on the canvas. What's the message? What actions are playing out? It makes me observe the life in the photo instead of all the color. I know grey is trending right now, trust me, all 50 shades of it!

Haha. But the sharp contrast between black and white is what I have always loved. I appreciate times when choices are easy. You get black or white, hot or cold, yes or no. Keep the grey and all the BS, please.

Last thing I think about when I think black and white is the commitment it takes to go for it. You have to make the choice to remove the color and make the statement. That is BOLD because removing the color is a BIG decision. Just like making a big decision in life. Sometimes your answer is yes or no. Will you marry me? Maybe. No one wants to hear that answer. What is it in your life that you need to make a decision about today? It's yes or no.

I will end with a quote by my favorite photographer. A man whose work I continue to collect and whose subjects I admire on an annual camping trip to where much of his work was photographed.

“I hope that my work will encourage self expression in others and stimulate the search for beauty and creative excitement in the great world around us.”

—Ansel Adams, 1902-1984 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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BRONC RIDING NATION

THREE AMIGOS

ONE NEW CHEYENNE FRONTIER DAYS HALL OF FAMER

By Lori O'Harver In 1984, Sue Rosoff’s iconic image of Mark Cotter, Doug Vold and Darrell Barron behind the main grandstand at Cheyenne Frontier Days gained international fame for rodeo cowboys. The man in the middle is all-around cowboy, pickup man, horseman, rodeo historian and bucking stock authority, Darrell Barron. He was recently inducted into Cheyenne’s hall of fame.

For 31 years, Darrell Barron strode into the arena for all ten performances of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo.

Of all of the stockmen, every cowboy

in the Professional Rodeo Cowboys in the hearts of every rough stock Association, it was Darrell Barron who contestant going for gold at one of the got the nod for the critical position of biggest rodeos of his career. chute boss for the riding events.

Barron has an impossibly deep When Barron’s tall top boots hit the database of horses and bulls indelibly arena floor, thirty cowboys in the etched on his mind. He knows bareback and bronc riding and fifteen them by sight, performance and bull riders relaxed a little and felt their disposition. He knows their owners adrenaline level go up a notch. The and preferences. He knew each tightly timed, televised performances night’s match ups. Barron carries with from the bucking chutes that were him the innate ability to ask for and clogged with the owner-stock get every individual animal athlete’s contractors, all varieties of cameramen top performance, which carries with it and a handful of V.I.P.s went from the respect of the contestants. Darrell Mission Impossible to ‘we’ve got this’ Barron made the WNFR work.

Photo by Sue Rosoff Photo

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Photo by Mary Peters Photo

COWBOY CODE

By Lori O'Harver

All cowboys and cowgirls live by ‘the code’. It’s not generally written, but taught. Handed down from -generation to generation, ‘the code’ is a living set of ethics. Every move, every decision, every spoken word is first filtered by the doctrine of our ancestors; honesty, authenticity, compassion and passion are all encompassed, constantly heeded and stood for.

Being cowboy isn’t about the hat that’s worn as a badge of honor or silver spurs that jing musically with every step.

Being cowboy is a code thing. Sacred.

The Cowboy Code I’ve always been a cowboy, It’s what I know and love, I consider it blessing From the Almighty Lord above.

See, I don’t think that it’s a job one can choose to do, I’m rather inclined to believe Cowboying chooses you.

It is a way of living life You’re either born to or you ain’t, Treatin’ folks with dignity And the old ones like they was saints.

Recognizing culls and counterfeits, Whether they be beast or man, But still treating them with respect, Until they show their hand.

Showin’ up each day for work And damn sure doing your part, Not griping or bellyaching about the job But doing it with a glad heart.

Not speaking bad about the boss In them times when you get mad, ‘Cause long as you’re drawing a check,

By God, you’re riding for the brand.

Treating your wife with a respect Second only to the Good Lord hisself, Remembering them parts in them vows, The ones ‘bout sickness and health.

Now, I ain’t tellin’ you how to live, Ain’t doing that at all, my friend.

I just hope that’s how folks remember me When my life comes to an end.

Jake Perkins, Cowboy www.rodeofame.com

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GOD BLOG

By April Patterson

“Just like an athlete mentally prepares for his ride or competition, we should do the same thing when we wake up each morning before we take on our day.

How much easier would it be to prepare, though, if you knew you were not alone?

Or even better, if you knew you were going to win?

1 John 5:4-5 says For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world.

And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?

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Look for this photographer in upcoming Rodeo Fame issue's as well as their bio and gallery on rodeofame. com in the future! RF is always honored to work with talented and passionate photographers.

Photographer SPOTLIGHT: MARK

LAROWE

A bull rider goes through his pre-ride mental preparation process.

I would like to encourage you to look to God’s handbook on winning and more importantly - look to Him for friendship.

Maybe you have known about God all of your life but have never met him? We can know all the stats on Trevor Brazile or Mary Walker but if we have never actually met them and spent time getting to know them, it’s hard to call them friends. The same with God; many of us have heard about him and read all of his words and even been to church meetings- but unless we spend time with Him it’s impossible to REALLY get to know the GOD of the UNIVERSE. “

Spend some time getting to know Him today! I see VICTORY in your future.

Resource to use! Check out a pastor by the name of Robert Morris www. theblessedlife.com (interesting fact: he rode bulls when he was younger).

Pastor Robert has many free resources and also several books that will change your life- here is my recommendation today called ‘The God I Never Knew.’ It’s a free video series that will help you get to know God. You can find it at http:// www.theblessedlife.com/series/god-inever-knew.

RODEO WIVES

Photos by Albert Noffsinger T47 Productions

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RODEO WIVES

Real Lives of Rodeo Wives

BRITANY DIAZ Compiled by Erin Jusseaume

We caught up with Professional Barrel Racer and wife to Saddle Bronc Rider Isaac Diaz, the one and only Britany Diaz.

RFM: How long have you been married?

BD: We’ve been married for 4years. We got married in Mandan, North Dakota. It was a little cool being November, but it was a lot of fun.

RFM: When did you meet and who asked who out first?

BD: We met at the 2010 Canadian Finals. We were on the same circuit looking to make the WNFR that year as well. Isaac asked me out to breakfast in Clovis, California while we were at the rodeo.

RFM: What’s it like being professionals in the same industry?

BD: It’s great because we have the same goals, interests and it’s nice to have someone who understands your dreams because they have the same as well. We’re best friends so it works even better.

RFM: Who has the weirdest pre-game before a rodeo?

BD: He’s super laid back, but needs to be at the rodeo on time. Early even, like an hour. He has a routine he does before he rides. If it was up to me I’d be there just before I ride. (giggles) RFM: Who has the best style?

BD: Isaac, hands down. He has the best style out of the two of us. We both have great sponsors and great clothes, but I am more a jeans and t-shirt girl. Though I do enjoy shopping in small town boutiques when I get the chance.

www.rodeofame.com

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STETSON VEST

REAL ESTATE

Photos by John Glo

Photos by Albert Noffsinger T47 Productions

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DIAZ RANCH Compiled by Katie Dixon

When you spend the majority of the year on the rodeo road, travelling from one town to another and living out of a trailer, there is nothing quite like heading home. Barrel racer, Brittney Diaz and her husband saddle bronc rider, Isaac, love nothing more than coming home to their 74 acre property in Desdemona, Texas; a home the both worked on together making it their own.

RFM: Tell us about your ranch.

BD: It's a single story metal frame building that has a very rustic/country style. The house was intended to be a shop but the previous owners just kept adding to it and making it bigger so it ended up being a house. It's very cool and different. The ceilings are old rustic tin and the living room/ kitchen is one huge room. It's great for entertaining. A lot of people talk about our fridge, of all things, because it is one of those big commercials refrigerators. But we have a big kitchen with an island and can serve a lot of people.

We love having people over.

RFM: What additions have you done to the home since moving in?

BD: We've really made it our own by adding personal

touches; painting it, putting up new trim etc. We also built a "trophy loft" type deal in our game room and have all our NFR back numbers displayed with saddles we've won, buckles and all our rodeo memorabilia. There is a pool table, foosball table and karaoke machine in there also.

We also have a room in our house for our rodeo friends on the road who need a play to stay. Our property was once an RV camp ground, so we have a lot of plug ins on the property and Isaac built all the corrals (welding them) and I got to paint which was great to do together. Our rodeo family can stop by anytime and have a place for their trailers and horses. We also built our arena and stables so have really made it our own and made it work for us and what we do.

RFM: What do you love most about the home?

BD:It's nice to go home to a place we made how we wanted it. We have a lot windows in our house and our horse's pens are right outside, so it's nice to be able to run outside, feed them then come back inside for my coffee; plus we can always see them. I love sitting on the front porch. It's so beautiful and private. www.rodeofame.com

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REAL ESTATE

FU N FA C T

Both Britany and Isaac are headed back to their ranch after the summer run. Isaac is sitting 19th in the world hoping to make the NFR with a few more rides.

Britany has been working on young horses this year due to injuries, but says they speak at least 4 times a day when apart.

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We bought this property to be closer to our son and grandson. Barrel racing in California is just as str any other state, so I had no problem coming out h the winter with my barrel horses.

MARLENE MCRAE

Photos by Albert Noffsinger T47 Productions

d rong as here during

ATHLETES & STARS

Photo by Mallory Beinborn

DALE BRISBY IS the Cowboy Code

By Lori O'Harver ______________________________________ “In a world hungry for heroes, Dale Brisby has risen to the call."

With an unmistakable style of his own, Dale Brisby turns up everywhere bad bucking bulls chew up the ground and attract the cowboys born to crawl on them. He preaches the Cowboy Code in a way that’s easy to hear; speaks to the heart of honorable conduct for competition, going down the road and representing the cowboy way.

He’s walked the streets of Las Vegas giving new socks, cold water and hot meals to the homeless, but maybe the richest gift he offered the men and women who’d reached bottom in a city that glitters with excess was hope and dignity, if just for the moment.

Sometimes, a moment that reminds us that our circumstances aren’t to be confused with who we are is all it takes to change a life.

Dale Brisby is a game changer. He’s a friend to children and a serious inspiration to those who live in search of becoming a champion.

Dale Brisby IS the Cowboy Code. Bold, authentic, fearlessly rocking his own style. He makes the world a better place.

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FASHION WAGON

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W B B a

R m B W D N

R w B F c t o

BLACK & WHITE FASHION www.rodeofame.com

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TRAVEL

You BET you’ll find something to do in Thackerville!

Right across the Red River and just a few miles from the Texas border, sits a tiny town of 440 people that boasts the world’s largest casino, Thackerville, Oklahoma. Home to Winstar World Casino & Hotel and Winstar Golf Course, Thackerville is host to many events including the Built Ford Tough Series Professional Bull Riders event the first weekend in September. The 2017 champion was Stetson Lawrence in his first time dominating a BFTS event.

Though small in stature, Thackerville has plenty to offer any kind of traveler.

If you favor relaxation over neon lights and the ringing of slot machines, head north about 50 miles to Turner Falls in the heart of the Arbuckle Mountains. It is the home of a 77-foot waterfall, some amazing natural swimming areas, sandy beaches, picnic areas, caves and the Rock Castle.

Other things to do and explore in and around Thackerville include lakes, several ATV riding tracks, animal parks, wine vineyards, car racing, horse riding stables, boating, fishing and hunting.

Thackerville was founded around the mid-1800s and named after Zacariah Thacker, a pioneer from Arkansas who was passing through and decided to stay. Much of the natural beauty that appealed to Thacker then is still accessible to visitors nearly two centuries later.

Depending on your schedule and the direction you’re coming from, many of these attractions can be visited before your arrival, during your stay, or after your departure.

Texoma Lake Photo by Kim Baker www.rodeofame.com

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Red River Photo by Kim Baker

Lake Murray State Park Photo by Kim Baker

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TAILGATING

the great

debate

The iconic cowboy story. It’s been told countless times through the lens of a Hollywood movie camera. But who has done the best job of representing the true spirit of the cowboy on the silver screen?

RFM asked some of our favorite rodeo cowboys and cowgirls their opinion and this is what they told us.

Who do you think represents the cowboy code the best?

"John Wayne"

JC DESAUEVER, Saddle Bronc Rider

A: John Wayne B: Clint Eastwood C: Sam Elliot

"John Wayne"

JANA BEAN, Barrel Racer

"John Wayne"

CLAY O’BRIEN COOPER, Team Roper *Clay appeared alongside John Wayne in the movie The Cowboys.

"Sam Elliot" TYLER PEARSON, Steer Wrestler

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John Wayne!

There is no one else who had/has that grit and that way of making the cowboy code the cowboy code. He is cowboy through and through.

LORI FRANZEN, Powder River Rodeo Company

RULES & REGULATIONS

RIDE A RANK ONE & SCORE BIG…

By Lori O'Harver Governance is important but rules aren’t commandments. They deserve constant review to stay relevant and keep the bucking horses’ popularity growing.

Join Rodeo Fame and Bronc Riding Nation as we explore the good, the bad and the visionaries who keep the sport fair to the contestants, the horses and exciting for the millions of performance horse lovers just looking for a chance to fall in love.

The first line in the rule book regarding bareback and bronc riding reads ‘it’s a spurring contest.’ Those spur rowels are thick and blunt, set on short off-set shanks.

They’re not there to hurt, they’re there to allow the rider’s heel to flow smoothly from the horse’s neck to the cantle (back) of the saddle in a movement called a ‘lick’. Points are awarded from 1 to 25 based on the rider’s legwork and precise timing that sees his spurs set, toes out, above the points of the horse’s shoulder before his front feet strike dirt at each jump.

The horse’s performance is also awarded points from 1 to 25 based on his timing, extension in every jump’s kick and what is known as ‘degree of difficulty.’ That last one is a tough call for a judge who didn’t graduate from the ranks of the riders. It’s never happened, but 100 point rides are possible based on a two judge system.

Strict adherence to the existing rule usually results in the horses who buck the hardest and wildest and the cowboy who’s aboard him receiving ridiculously low scores. That’s an issue BRN feels needs addressed.

No fan wants to find out that their favorite rider has chosen not to compete at their hometown rodeo because he’s drawn a rank one that won’t display the bucking horse equitation today’s judges are favoring.

No rider wants to turn out a rodeo he entered or turn down a challenging horse, no fan wants to witness the most thrilling ride of his life to hear an almost insulting score. www.rodeofame.com

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ON THE COVER

New Rodeo Photographer

CHRISTOPHER DUMOND Written by By Shannon Geddes

Being a good rodeo photographer not only takes skill, but a passion for the unpredictable.

Fortunately for fans, 25-year veteran photographer Christopher duMond possesses both.

took photos right from the grandstand. Completely fascinated by the rodeo action, Chris realized that he wanted to shoot more rodeo, but next time from the photographer’s pit.

Chris started shooting at 19 years old after taking a black and white photography class in college.

He even processed his own black and white film while working for the college’s local newspaper.

Chris says that photographing rodeos is a lot like every other sport - a lot of action. And you need to know the best perspective, timing and be able to anticipate what is going to happen. But the real difference in rodeo is the x-factor that is the animals, which are highly unpredictable.

During his years as a photographer, Chris has done many different types of photography, but says that sports photography has always been his first love.

Chris stumbled into rodeo photography while on vacation in Calgary. He just happened to go to the Calgary Stampede with camera in hand and

Photo by Christopher duMond

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From processing his own black and white film to the unpredictability of rodeo, photography has never been boring for Chris. Just like rodeo, the photography of Christopher duMond is one of a kind and a pure exhibition of skills.

FASHION WAGON

www.rodeofame.com

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ON THE COVER

Photo by Christopher duMond

Photo by Christopher duMond

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ON THE COVER

Photo by Christopher duMond www.rodeofame.com

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ATHLETES & STARS

JODY CARPER Lynden Rodeo

By Justin Felisko ________________________________________________ PRCA announcer, Jody Carper, has seen the rodeo industry evolve a lot over the 21 years he has been announcing, but in his eyes, the ‘Cowboy Code’ is just as strong today as it ever was.

Raised on a ranch in west Texas, Carper started roping when he was four years old following in his father’s and grandfather’s footsteps. Competing in rodeos all the way through College, the ‘Cowboy Code’ was his guiding principle. “We never really sat down and went over the ‘Cowboy Code’, but it was more something I saw through my parents and grandparents. It’s about working hard, taking care of and providing for your family and animals, but also taking care of our lifestyle. I saw this through them and it’s important to continue that mentality.”

Now as an announcer, Carper doesn’t get to compete as much as he once did, but continues to see the foundation for this way of life remain. “I think for a lot of people it hasn’t changed. Rodeo has changed a lot but the ‘Cowboy Code’ has not. For some athletes who don’t come from a rodeo background it might not quite be the same, but we still have kids raised on ranches who get up and work every day and those values are instilled in them through that.”

Although he may not always be on horseback with rope in hand ready to compete, Carper is able to use his platform and voice behind the microphone to continue to instill the cowboy fundamentals in not only athletes but spectators as well. “It’s something that we talk about a lot with younger athletes. From how to talk to the media, how to dress (even though that’s changed) to taking care of our own and our heritage. Instilling that ‘Cowboy Code’ in them helps move our sport in the right direction.”

“The animals are such a huge part of it. I have animals at home and need to continue to provide for my family.

Rodeo continues the western way of life and has allowed me to continue to take care of not only my family, but animals through talking about it. Which is why I really love my job. It goes back to the same fundamentals of the ‘Cowboy Code’ which hasn’t changed at all for me.”

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IN THIS ISSUE

CAL POLY RODEO

By Jane Wood ____________________________________ Poly Royal made its remarkable debut in the Alex G. Spanos Football Stadium in April of 2017 as the largest college rodeo ever held in the United States.

But this historic move didn’t exactly go off without a hitch.

The week leading up to the rodeo continuously called for rain, which isn’t all that unusual for springtime in San Luis Obispo, California. What was unusual was the temporary arena created in the stadium for the very first time. The fear was that if it rained, the dirt would be washed away and the rodeo would be forced to cancel.

Head Rodeo Coach, Ben Londo, the lead on the project to move the rodeo into the Stadium, was seriously rethinking his crazy idea. Ultimately, the problem was solved by holding the Friday slack and performance in the Cal Poly Rodeo arena and covering the stadium arena with tarps to save it for the short go on Saturday night.

Preserving the stadium turned out even better than expected as the top 10 competitors in each event returned to compete under the lights. A recordbreaking 14,000 people attended the performance in Spanos Stadium to watch the best of the West Coast compete for championship titles. The night was surely one to remember as Cal Poly Alumni and Pro Rodeo Hall of Famer Cotton Rosser put on a world class performance. Students, University Police, rodeo athletes, coaches, staff, Cal Poly’s President Armstrong, and the Chancey Williams and the Younger

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FASHION WAGON

Look for this photographer in upcoming Rodeo Fame issue's as well as their bio and gallery on rodeofame. com in the future! RF is always honored to work with talented and passionate photographers.

Photographer SPOTLIGHT: PHIL

DOYLE 35

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ATHLETES & STARS

NEIL HOLMES and cowboys join Harvey relief efforts

By Justin Felisko _________________________________________ “Hey is that road closed, too?”

Neil Holmes’ voice trails off from his cell phone as he focuses his attention back onto the chaos around him in Houston.

The 31-year-old bull rider and Houston resident can recall seeing natural disasters before on the news, but the past few days has been unlike anything he ever thought possible as his city has been struck with unimaginable destruction and despair at the hands of Hurricane Harvey.

“You see tragedies all over the news in different places, but you never know how it affects you until it is at your front door,” Holmes said Tuesday, August 29, 2018 via phone. “We are out here trying to help people as best we can and stay as safe as we can.”

Holmes, and many others, have been working nonstop as recovery/volunteer efforts continue all across the Houston region.

Harvey - breaking the all-time contiguous U.S. rainfall record for a tropical storm or hurricane –pummeled the region with life-threatening, catastrophic flooding.

Holmes – a two-time PBR World Finals qualifier – lives on the north side of Houston and considers himself one of the luckier ones right now as he still has a place to call home and is safe.

“Everyone is helping everyone. No matter what race, political background. It is great to see that,” Holmes said.

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FASHION RODEOWAGON VOCAB

" S L A C K " Compiled by Erin Jusseaume

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.

This term can be used both in conjunction with rodeo events and also as a segment of the rodeo itself.

out of the rope which will help him make a quick and safe dally around the horn of his saddle.

Firstly, the rodeo. Usually when you talk about a rodeo, you’ll hear ‘Main Performance starting at 8pm.’ In most cases there is also a lesserknown preliminary or ‘slack’ performance during the day.

What about when you’re watching the horses in the rough stock? Yep, you’ll hear the term ‘slack’ there as well.

The ‘slack’ is usually held in an effort to keep performance lengths manageable for fans in regard to the timed events, which usually garner the most entries. The contestants compete for the best times just as if they were competing in the performance but usually to a pretty small audience earlier in the day.

Sometimes a good slack performance will help cowboys qualify to compete in the main performance.

The other side of the term is used when referencing the roping events. You’ll hear an announcer talk about a cowboy pulling his ‘slack’. This is in reference to the cowboy working his rope.

If he is in the tie-down roping, he will be ‘pulling the slack’ to tighten the rope. Then he will ‘handle his slack’ to turn the calf in a specific direction and help propel him down his rope to the calf.

If you’re watching the team roping, you may hear it as well. The header will pull the ‘slack’

This time the announcer will be referring to the cowboy pulling up on the slack in his bucking rein during the saddle bronc riding.

His bucking rein is super important to keep the cowboy balanced while he battles the full 8 seconds on the back of a powerful bucking horse.

If the cowboy has too much or too little slack in his rein he could lose balance and be bucked off. That’s one of the reasons cowboys study bucking horses so closely.

Each horse requires a different length of rein based on their bucking style and a successful ride depends on cowboys understanding that crucial detail.

As you can see, there can be many interpretations of just one word.

Now, the next time you find yourself at a rodeo, don’t be a ‘slacker’ - whip out some of your new rodeo vocabulary to converse with the pros. www.rodeofame.com

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IN THIS ISSUE

PHOTOGRAPHER SPOTLIGHT

TODD KLASSY

________________________________________ The American West and the American cowboy were popularized on the silver screen and in the colorful tomes of the 1900s. It was then that the so-called Cowboy Code was used to describe basic tenents of the honest and traditional lifestyle of the American cowboy.

The author of the code was “The Singing Cowboy” himself, Gene Autry, who in the 1940s first spoke of the code on radio. It was later memorialized on paper, and then printed in “Life” magazine for the whole world to see.

The Cowboy Code would be printed again and again as people used the words describe the cowboy who stood for so much in America.

Some might argue the Cowboy Code was also a retrospect for a different time in America; a simpler, more honest, and hardworking place in our history which (sadly) may be disappearing.

Tell the truth. Help people in need. Work hard.

Be a patriot. Those are just a few of the words contained in the Cowboy Code. Some might say the rules were obvious. But if so, then why is it so hard for many to live by them?

The Cowboy Code is now some 70 years old, but men and women who work every day on ranches all over rural American have been living the basic tenants of the code for many years long before Autry put the words on paper.

Although the number of working ranch cowboys has decreased, the Cowboy Code is still on display in rodeo arenas all over America today. The next time you take your seat at a rodeo, take a moment to remember the men and women that made rodeo as we know it a reality. Those who gave birth to the Cowboy Code - words we should all live by.

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www.rodeofame.com

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IN THIS ISSUE

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Look for this photographer in upcoming Rodeo Fame issue's as well as their bio and gallery on rodeofame. com in the future! RF is always honored to work with talented and passionate photographers.

PHOTOGRAPHER SPOTLIGHT

CHRIS DICKINSON Written by By Shannon Geddes

_________________________________________________ Photography is more than just picture taking to photographer Chris Dickinson. As a professional photographer for the past ten years, his goal is to connect with his viewers on an emotional level through (the images he creates).

Chris specializes in the ranch lifestyle following a core group of cowboys through the whole lifecycle of cows, from weaning and processing, to doctoring and branding.

His images evoke memories and feelings from working on a ranch and allow those unfamiliar with the lifestyle an inside look.

Chris’s work has been published in some of the most renowned western magazines as well as used in national and international advertising campaigns. He uses local cowboys and cowgirls from his home state of Utah to capture his expressive images of the American West.

As a high school rodeo parent, Chris started into rodeo photography by volunteering at his daughter’s high school rodeos. Chris feels that it is important to give the contestants (more than just a single image) from their individual events as a way for them to get better. The images that he shoots tells the whole story as kind of a personal diary of that event. But something truly unique about the high school rodeo images he takes - he does not charge for the kids to download and use the pictures.

Look for more of Chris Dickinson’s work in our upcoming issues and view his bio and gallery on rodeofame.com. We look forward to working with him in the future and we hope his photographs and life inspire you. www.rodeofame.com

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IN THIS ISSUE

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Look for this photographer in upcoming Rodeo Fame issue's as well as their bio and gallery on rodeofame. com in the future! RF is always honored to work with talented and passionate photographers.

Photographer SPOTLIGHT: EBBIE

HANSEN

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