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DEAR READER: Rodeo Fame is back! And we are excited to announce that you are reading our brand new digital-only version. Enjoy this first issue for FREE! All we ask for in exchange is for you to let us know how we are doing. Please give us your honest feedback about the magazine and this new digital format. We aim to please... so FEEDBACK PLEASE! Tell us what or who you want more of in our upcoming issues. We are still a quarterly print publication but we have improved our paper quality and we will be offering more digital issues! Email april@rodeofame.com with your comments. Don't miss these upcoming issues! Subscribe before July 15 to receive our GOLD BUCKLE ISSUE this August. Featuring current and past world champions!
Print * AUGUST - Gold Buckle issue / History of the ICONIC Gold Buckle Digital * SEPTEMBER - Exclusive Black&White PHOTO issue Print * OCTOBER - Style issue / Cody Teel Digital * NOVEMBER - Fitness issue / Fallon Taylor Print * DECEMBER - Vegas issue / Cody Demoss
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6 Fashion Dress for Your Body Type
22 Money Talk Cassidy Dennison
8 God Blog with Allen Bach
23 Long Live Ranching Medicine Wheel
9 Rodeo Vocabulary Mutton Bustin'
24 Fashion Icons Denim & Velvet
2 Real Lives of Rodeo Wives 1 Sydney Asay
26 Living the Dream Chayni Chamberlain
16 Marlene McRae Lone Tree Ranch
30 ON THE COVER Bonner Bolton
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Rodeo Fame has always consisted of me and a couple of hard-working volunteers that have full time jobs outside of the magazine. I started Rodeo Fame because I always felt rodeo should have more lifestyle coverage and that fans deserved more of an inside look. Of course that was not a novel idea. RF just happened to be the first to take the leap and deliver ONLY lifestyle content. As it turns out, fans actually like this concept. And you have told us you want more of the content Rodeo Fame has been delivering, but on a more consistent and regular basis. This year we are taking your requests SERIOUSLY and are working harder than ever to make that happen. So here is the NEW...Rodeo Fame will be published more frequently online and available to download for FREE when you subscribe to our quarterly print issues. And for subscribers that have complained about receiving a destroyed Rodeo Fame issue or no issue at all because of the post office's great 'handling skills' and our low budget paper, we are now printing on higher quality paper that can withstand a light body slam by the post office.
Photo by Thorpe Griner www.thorpelandphotography.com
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF April Bach Patterson COPY EDITOR Alyssa Barnes WRITERS/REPORTERS Erin Jusseaume, Lori O'Harver, Katie DIxon, Brenda Matamoros LAYOUT & DESIGN Chantel Miller ADVERTISING joey@rodeofame.com SUBSCRIPTIONS joey@rodeofame.com RODEO FAME PO Box 2264 • Boerne, TX 78006
EDITOR'S LETTER I am always interested in what's happening NEW in my friends' lives and even people who aren't my friends - I'm nosy like that. Just in case you are like me, here is what's happening NEW with Rodeo Fame! You have probably noticed we have not posted anything on social media or sent out any new issues of Rodeo Fame for awhile. The truth is, we have experienced some growing pains and as a result we gave ourselves a much-needed makeover.
Lastly, one of our most exciting NEW announcements is Rodeo Fame's partnership with Janzen and Katy Jade of Denim + Velvet Marketing & Design! Check out the story on these two amazing and talented babes in this 'NEW' issue. Rodeo Fame is honored and excited about this partnership. We also have a few more surprise changes up our sleeve, but you will have to subscribe to see those. CLICK HERE to subscribe. Enjoy this life, April Bach Patterson
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Fashion • Dressing for your Body Type
r u o y r o f g n i s s e r D "ATHLETIC BODY TYPE" JACLYN CRAWFORD
wife of Team Roper, Charly Crawford Height: 5'8" Fashion Tips: I've always been a tomboy, but I embrace my feminine side when it comes to fashion. Even when I am in the arena I love to look as girly as possible! I am a curvy, strong, athletic girl so loose flowing tops don't flatter my figure at all. I try to accentuate my curves without looking bulky. I always tend to want to have one unique item in my outfit and tone down the rest. Keep it simple, classy, but still with a little bit of a pop of something funky and unique!
"TALLER BODY TYPE"
TERRYN COOPER
wife of Tie Down Roper, Clif Cooper Height- 5'9
“Even when I am in the arena I love to look as girly as possible!" Jaclyn Crawford
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Fashion Tips: Growing up as a tall girl wasn't always fun, until I learned to embrace my height, now its all about wedges and more wedges! My "go to" outfit is usually Hudson skinny jeans, a crop top, and wedges! If it's winter you will find me in leather jackets and tall fashion boots!! Some of the things that I have found I can not wear are rompers, or short dresses. Those tend to get a little short and never wear right since my body is so long. Overall my only rules of fashion are stay classy, be funky, have fun and take chances!
ES MOUS WIV A F O E D O R TIPS FROM
"LONG TORSO BODY TYPE" KIRBY HARTER
wife of Athlete, Bradley Harter Height: 5'7"
Fashion Tips: I have a long torso with skinny legs, so I normally like wearing jeans or skinny jeans. Right now, I have really liked wearing flared jeans with a little stretch because they are fitting at the knee, which gives your legs a nice shape! I would give the tip that no matter what your body type is you will never feel great in what you wear until you have learned to love yourself and being thankful for the body that God gave you.
"PREGNANT BODY TYPE" NIKKI SANDERSON wife of Bull Rider, Caleb Sanderson Height: 5'4"
Fashion Tips: This is my first time being pregnant and I am currently seven month along. I work as a nurse, but when I'm not in my scrubs I like to dress stylish yet still very comfortable. This summer I have worn a lot of kimonos... They've been my go to! You can never go wrong with rompers and maternity shorts. My husband (Bull Rider, Caleb Sanderson) is 6'4, so I usually like to wear a comfortable pair of wedges or heels so I don't look to short standing next to him!
COMPILED BY CASSIDY BACH
“...you will never feel great in what you wear until you have learned to love yourself and being thankful for the body that God gave you." kirby harter
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God Blog • Allen Bach
Allen Bach
GOD BLOG Today people blog on every topic known to man, and I mean every topic - so why not God? He has been around for centuries and His written word - the BIBLE - is still the number one best seller. Even if you are not a believer yourself, you're probably still a little curious what all the fuss is about. What makes Him so great and His story so worth telling? In every issue we will hear from professional cowboys and individuals who talk about him in a very personal way. Allen Bach is a 4X world champion team roper (heeler) and is the designer and owner of the training tool called Smarty. For more information about Allen Bach visit www.smartytraining.com. RF: What has God been teaching you recently? AB: The world tries to drain us of our love and purpose. Remembering our identity is important! RF: What new bible scripture is he bringing alive to you? Romans 8:28 - "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." If you are interested in reading more God Blogs visit www.rodeofame.com and click on Athletes & Stars.
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Rodeo Vocabulary
MUTTON BUSTIN’ Compiled by Erin Jusseaume
Going to a rodeo can sometimes feel like you’re going to another country. The language and terminology itself can be confusing to new fans, let alone learning the concepts behind each event. Rodeo Fame aims to help you break it all down, so you know what’s what when you watch the action from the grandstands. ‘Mutton’ - by way of the Oxford Dictionary; a leg of a fully grown sheep used as food. This term also came from the more medieval times before sheep were more commonly known as ‘Mutton’ in general terms. In more modern times, 20th Century and onwards, mutton was laced with bustin’ to describe the 6-second thrill of a youngster riding a sheep in the rodeo arena. Mutton bustin’ can also be known as ‘wool riding.' A recreational sport that takes county fairs and rodeos
by storm as children flock to one end of the arena to reenact the rodeo ritual of bull riding in a miniature form. There are general rules to this event, like age limits and weight limits. Usually, kids aged between 4 and 7, weighing no more than 60 pounds, can take part. Then there is the protective gear that kids wear - the helmet, vest and sometimes gloves - as they straddle a Ewe (Female sheep) for a first taste of eternal glory in the rodeo arena. Seen as a more novelty event compared to the main program, kids from all walks of life can have a go. Some, even take it all the way to one day riding junior bulls, then go onto the PRCA or PBR. No matter what your favorite rodeo event may be, the Mutton Bustin’ is always accompanied by a packed grandstand, cheering for the group of kids looking to ride a sheep for that rodeo glory.
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Rodeo Wives • Sydney Asay
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Sydney Asay
REAL LIVES OF RODEO WIVES Compiled by Erin Jusseaume
Sydney is the wife of Professional Bull Rider Kanin Assay, and mom to two beautiful kids, Kasin and Kimber Sue. We caught up with Sydney to get an inside look as to what it’s like to be a rodeo wife. RFM: When and where did you meet? SA: We met in 2008 in Denver, CO. My brother-in-law Scott made the short round in the bareback riding and Kanin made it back in the bull riding that year. Once we started talking, we never quit we texted all day and were constantly on the phone. RFM: Who asked who on the first date? SA: I would have to say Kanin, but the feelings were very mutual. We were both smitten by each other! RFM: What is it about Kanin that makes him so unique to you? SA: He’s such a great family man! I couldn't ask for a better husband or dad to our kiddos. He is also very passionate and driven. RFM: Do you travel with him on the road all year round? SA: The kids and I did travel with Kanin all year round. We bought an RV once we had kids so we could comfortably travel as a family. RFM: What plans do you have this year both professionally and personally? SA: We have only shared this with our family and closest friends, but I guess you could say, Kanin, is unofficially retired. He hates the 'R' word because it makes him feel old. He hasn't been on a bull since last November and had no desire to. He is enjoying being home full
time and settling into our new normal. We all are. Kanin ranches and farms for us, which keeps him very busy. Our son Kasen starts kindergarten this fall and Kymber will start preschool. We are closing one chapter and starting many new ones. Six months ago, I began working part-time as a dental assistant. It feels great to be home. We already are in such a great routine. RFM: Where do you see you and Kanin in 10 yrs time? SA: I see us still ranching and farming. By then we hope to own more land and a larger herd. We raise rodeo cattle and beef cattle. Kanin loves getting to haul and buck our bulls. He sells many each year as well. In ten years I see us chasing around our kiddos and trying to keep up with all their busy lives. RFM: Why do you love being a Rodeo Wife? SA: The #1 reason I love being a rodeo wife is the rodeo family. Having made everlasting friendships, we can honestly say we think the world of each and every one. RFM: Why do you love to share family photos/movies with fans through your social media accounts? SA: We like to share pics because it helps our friends and fans keep up with us. It's an easy way to keep them in the loop with us and what we are up to day to day. I feel like you can learn a lot about a person just by looking at their pictures. No matter where the Asay clan are at, be it on their ranch in Wyoming or a family vacation somewhere down the road. Sydney is always there to capture the moments as she and Kanin raise their family.
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Rodeo Wives • Sydney Asay
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We have only shared this with our family and closest friends, but I guess you could say, Kanin, is unofficially retired. SYDNEY ASAY
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Lifestyle • Lone Tree Ranch
Photos by John Glo
Photos by John Glover Photography
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Lone Tree Ranch
MARLENE MCRAE Compiled by Katie Dixon
World Champion Barrel Racer and two time Olympic Gold medalist, Marlene McRae, may have once spent most her time living out of her trailer chasing world titles, but now she's enjoying life on her new ranch, with husband Doug, in California. Words hardly do this property justice with perfectly manicured gardens adorned by bright colorful flowers, lushes’ green lawns that make you feel like you’re on a golf course and a home described nothing less than a “masterpiece” sitting behind the beautiful American flag. Welcome to Lone Tree Ranch in Temecula, California.
With properties in Colorado and Texas, Doug and Marlene added this stunning 1987, 6 bed, 7 bath “French” style home, placed perfectly in the middle on Wine Country, to their real estate portfolio in 2016. “We bought this property to be closer to our son and grandson. Barrel racing in California is just as strong as any other state, so I had no problem coming out here during the winter with my barrel horses,” said Marlene. The 7,352-sq. ft. home surrounded by 5 acres of Syrah producing vineyards is grand enough to take anyone’s breath away. Naturally, the home boasts a climate
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Lifestyle • Lone Tree Ranch controlled wine cellar and gourmet chef’s kitchen perfect for entertaining all year round. “It is one of the most wonderful climate’s in the USA. We grow Shiraz grapes and it is such a beautiful sight to ride your horses up and down the vines to keep them in shape.” While she may be “semi-retired”, Marlene still competes on a regular basis, sits on the board of the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association and conducts clinics and private lessons all over the US. With no plans of slowing down anytime soon, Marlene made sure the property had all the amenities of her other properties.
“The original arena was too small so we made it into a parking area and built a larger arena. The natural ground is perfect for barrel racing. There are several great horsemen in the area like Paul Jones, Bobby Avila, Monty Schvaneveldt and many more which makes it horse friendly.” It’s easy to see why Doug and Marlene were drawn to this spectacular estate in California. Rodeo Fame readers, enjoy ‘Lone Tree Ranch’ in California. Visit rodeofame.com to see more photos of Lone Tree Ranch.
We bought this property to be closer to our son and grandson. Barrel racing in California is just as strong as any other state, so I had no problem coming out here during the winter with my barrel horses. MARLENE MCRAE
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Money Talks • Brittany Diaz
RFM: What is an investment to you? BD: Investments are anything that you put money or time into to get a greater return. I put a lot of time into my marriage, religion, horses, friendships and work. If you organize and respect all of them, the reward of these is irreplaceable. As far as money, I invest a lot of time at work and investing in things, that will make more money down the road in return. Sometimes, my husband will agree, my gauge is a bit off. lol. RFM: What is the hardest task when managing money on the road? BD: When traveling with horses, everything while going down the road is a massive expense. The only way to make money is to sell horses, taking along some outside training horses or win it while you compete. Everyone rodeos for different reasons, some can do it for a hobby, some are talented enough to do it for income. If you are blessed sufficient to get the opportunity to rodeo for a living, you need to be very organized and a good planner. The hardest part of managing money on the road is no matter how much you plan; there are always going to be unexpected things coming up. For example, hurt horses, flat tires, and pickup or trailer troubles. There is no way to plan for this stuff, and they usually happen at the worst times.
Brittany Diaz
MONEY TALKS Compiled by Erin Jusseaume
For some, the dream of competing on the road can be all-consuming. However, the expenses that accompany traveling have sent many cowboys and cowgirls home early. We caught up with professional barrel racer Britany Diaz to learn how she chooses her investments and what systems she uses to manage her finances on the rodeo road.
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RFM: How do you keep track of your money? BD: I am constantly looking online at my bank account. I also try to keep up with my register to follow my expenses and what I have in the bank. When going to Canadian rodeos, this was harder to do because you had to figure in the exchange rate. I love what I do, so need to stay organized to continue to do it. If it doesn't look like its adding up and I am starting to spend way more than I am making, I will go home and regroup. RFM: Why is good money management important? BD: So you don't go broke. lol. This sport can make you go broke in a big hurry if you do not organize and keep track of what is going out and how much is coming in. You also need to know where your money is going so you can learn where you may need to start saving. It is not like other jobs where your employer puts money aside in a 401K or other retirement plans for you. You have to be aware of how you are doing financially so you can save money on your own. HERE ARE BRITANY’S TOP 3 TIPS FOR SAVING MONEY: 1: Make more than you spend and know when to stop if you are not. 2: Don’t get caught up in all the new gimmicks and new trends as far as horse gear and recovery. 3: Be realistic! Don’t pull trailers, drive pickups, ride horses that you can not afford.
Medicine Wheel Model Ranch
LONG LIVE RANCHING Written by Lori O’Harver
LAME DEER, Montana – There is a sacred blue horse in the history of the Northern Cheyenne, given to the people by Creator to teach, heal and help them in work, in battle and matters of spirit. Today, modern science has confirmed the legend with DNA evidence of this indigenous horse. Deep in the heart of the Northern Cheyenne country, on the Medicine Wheel Model Ranch, out in the lush, grass covered mountains, a lone blue horse grazes with the rest of the herd; testament to the heritage and survival of not just the people but the deep connection they have with the horse. Phillip Whiteman, Jr.’s horses carry the blood of champions.
philosophy for our breeding program is built on that foundation. Our horses carry the blood of Mr. Prospector and Murrtheblurr along with Easy Jet, This Snow Is Royal, Peptoboonsmal, Streakin Six.” The Whiteman horses do ranch work, barrel race, race and travel the continent helping Phillip and his wife, Lynette Two Bulls, share the ancient ways of Cheyenne horsemanship and more importantly, the lessons of spirit that only horses can teach on a soul level. The Whiteman’s herd isn’t coddled. They roam, live and foal under the sun and stars, nourished by lush grass in the summer and fed through the Montana winters. Their lives and ways are respected and worked with, not over or micromanaged. The results are evidenced by fine horses, sane and sound, well suited for any task.
“My father taught me that Thoroughbred blood was critical to good horses,” said Phillip Whiteman, Jr. “My
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Fashion Icons • Denim & Velvet
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Janzen and Katy Jade
DENIM & VELVET Janzen & Katy Jade
Written by Katie Dixon
It's fair to say that the world of rodeo has evolved dramatically over the past few decades. A sport once held 'out the back' on cowboys’ ranches, is now a worldwide televised event that both country folk and "city-slickers" alike tune in to watch each week. Athletes have become "celebrities" and more people are embracing the western lifestyle; not just the sport but fashion, decor and more. Arena styles vary as much as the people who wear them; a pair of dirty old jeans thrown together with a plain shirt and a cowboy hat to colorful shirts covered in sponsor patches with rhinestones, tassels and even bright eye-catching jeans accompanying stylish painted cowboy hats.
know the industry inside and out from getting dirty in the arena to high class modeling. A talented model, stylist and photographer, Janzen is a cowgirl to the core, born in the saddle and raised in the alley of a barn. But that never stopped her from putting on her mom's dresses, heels and all the jewelry she could find. "In college I fell in love with photography and have since turned it into a full-time business while also maintaining my own western fashion blog, Rodeo Vogue, where I cover morning slack outfits, high fashion photo shoots and everything in between," said Janzen.
But with so much variety in the world of western style, it can be overwhelming, to say the least. For those who need a little help deciding between rust and rhinestones, there is Denim and Velvet. Whether folks want a personal stylist, a feel-good photo shoot taken care of or just want to wow their friends with amazing home decor, owners Janzen and Katy can help. Denim and Velvet has quickly become recognized as home to the most sought after stylists in the industry; and they do it all.
Coming from a similar background in rodeo, Katy completes the team with her artistic side. With a degree in both Fine Arts and Ag Business, she has blended the two worlds and found her own one of a kind and unique style. "Being a part of major corporations such as Twisted J and Hooey, I was able to lend them a hand in growing their graphic tee and marketing sides with my designs."
Branding themselves as the "one stop shop" for advertising, social media, staging, design and establishing brands, Denim and Velvet is a marketing and promotion powerhouse. "We had been talking about working together for almost 6 years. We knew there was more we could do if we just combined what we were already doing separately," said Katy. By combining their resources and knowledge, there isn't much these two rockstars can't do. "We do graphics, ads, website builds, website management, photo shoots, styling, event planning and even have a modeling agency that allows businesses to find faces that will fit their style best."
It's clear to see why these two ladies dreamed of joining forces for something even bigger than they ever imagined and it's no wonder they work so well together. "We both love getting to meet new people and make lifelong connections also. Everyone's business is their baby in a way. They put so much time and effort into it making it their own, trying to be original yet staying on target for the market they are in. When they allow us to be a part of that it means so much. The trust they have in our skills is unbelievable and we want to always go above and beyond for our clients. Denim & Velvet has really been something we have wanted for a long time and we are so excited to see where it will go," explained Katy.
Working with established businesses to start-ups, their goal was to be able to work with any type of organization and be able to meet their needs without having to send them to multiple companies. "There is a time lag between businesses when there are multiple projects being worked on, but with us we can do your photo shoots, build your logo, and make your ads in one spot while not having to wait on information to be sent over. This allows the process to work much faster and a lot smoother," said Katy. Growing up in the rodeo world themselves, these women
As each year goes by it seems, like all things, fashion changes and "trends" can be a staple, or simply a one hit wonder. So before you jump down to the local store to stay on par with this seasons trends, here's a tip from Denim & Velvet for all your 2017 stand out outfits. "Lots of muted color tones with femininity playing a large role in the cuts of clothing.True figure flattering designs with high waists, and darted details are going to be showcased. The boxy looks will be thrown out the window. This is the year of curves." www.rodeofame.com
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CHAYNI • Living the Dream
C H A Y N I
C H A M B E R L A I N
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living the dream
There is something special about 11-year-old barrel racing sensation, Chayni Chamberlain that just makes you smile. Maybe it's her contagious giggle and the excitement in her voice when talking about all things horse related, or perhaps the fact that at an age most kids are playing with Barbie Dolls she is traveling the country competing against the best in the world. Whichever it may be, this blonde haired bundle of joy has her whole world at her feet; yet she is already conquering it. She is living "the" dream.
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CHAYNI • Living the Dream
“I have been riding since I was two years old and when I turned four, I got a welsh mountain pony, that my parents trusted to go around the barrels with me.” CHAYNI CHAMBERLAIN
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While she may not even be old enough to drive a car or vote, her determination, knowledge and work ethic would give any adult a run for their money. However, don't think for one minute that her parents do everything for her, in fact, she trains her own horses, saddles them up, warms them up and everything in between. Though, behind her already mature personality, there is a young girl that still enjoys everything an 11-year-old would but her mindset and focus is on the prize, the all elusive world title. Born into a rodeo family, Chayni was destined to grace rodeo arenas. However, no one could have ever predicted the success that was to come. “I have been riding since I was two years old and when I turned four I got Rocky Road, a welsh mountain pony, that my parents trusted to go around the barrels with me,” said Chayni. Being a welsh, Rocky Road was a little bigger than most ponies, which Chayni loved, but it wasn’t long before she was climbing aboard horses twice her size. By the time she was six years old she was already competing on her dad, Casey’s 16hh horse and was winning almost everything she entered. “Ringo was dad’s old team roping horse but I got him and turned him into a barrel racer,” giggled Chayni, “We won a lot together. He turned 20 years old this year but we retired him and he got a new family a few years ago.” Chayni started competing at junior rodeos and after seeing her success her mom decided to pass her own horse, Flo Jo onto her knowing he would take care of her. “She wanted me to ride him. He slow loped for me when I was only seven years old and did whatever I asked him to do. She taught me a lot when she gave Flo Jo to me; she trusted him with me and so do I," said Chayni. As their bond grew so began their journey together which ultimately led them to the world stage.
The world found out who Chayni and Flo Jo were at the American Semi Finals and the rest as they say is history. Now Chayni and her family travel across the country living the dream together. “Mom pulled me out of school and now home schools me so I can focus on rodeo. Sometimes she can be strict on me,” giggles Chayni, “but training and riding is a big part of my day.” Waking up at 6:30am, Chayni helps her mom feed all the animals before exercising her three horses, followed by schoolwork in the afternoon and then back outside to “play” with Flo Jo and feed again. “Sometimes if my little brother, Catch, isn’t around I ride his pony too. He has my old pony Tonto. But it’s his pony now,” laughed Chayni as Catch agrees in the background. “He doesn’t let me get away with riding him much anymore.” Surely on such a big stage it would be easy to get nervous while walking down the alley but Chayni has just the remedy for that. “Mom and dad walk down the alley with me which I’m glad they do because I get pretty nervous. They just yack but it calms me down and they tell me to never quit,” giggled Chayni. Besides the obvious, her parents driving, Chayni stresses how important it is to have a good team and family around you. “If I didn’t have my parents in the alley I would get very nervous. They are calming. We love travelling together and they drive while Catch and I watch movies in the back.” Regardless of her new found fame and success, Chayni plans on attending college, and ultimately one day becoming a vet. “It’s a dream come true knowing that I have a great horse and opportunity to just rodeo and be around people that have more experience than me. They are very kind to me and we support each other 100%. One day Catch climbed into Tuf Cooper’s trailer, and they ended up playing with all his ropes together.” The more you talk to this incredible little girl the more you’re drawn in by her poise, maturity and knowledge. Yet, her giggle and innocent stories quickly remind you that age can be irrelevant when you have big goals and a big heart, Chayni is living the dream most of us still and will always dream of.
“It’s a dream come true knowing that I have a great horse and opportunity to just rodeo and be around people that have more experience than me." CHAYNI CHAMBERLAIN
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COVER • Bonner Bolton
Bonner Bolton
FROM SPURS TO Pasodobles Written by By Brenda Matamoros-Beveridge
Professional cowboy Bonner Bolton is not new to the lights and cameras of Hollywood. You’ve seen him on the big screen as the stunt double for Scott Eastwood in the major motion picture, The Longest Ride. You’ve seen him on billboards for IMG Models. And now as Sharna Burgess’ partner on Dancing with the Stars. But it hasn’t all been Hollywood magic for Bolton. As a professional bull rider Bolton has seen his own real-life injuries. Included are broken collarbones, torn muscles and even a lifeshattering injury which left him temporarily paralyzed; he came off a bull after making the 8-seconds, only to land on his head and splinter his C-2 vertebra. “I like to think I bring an inspirational story. No matter how much a person may be challenged by an injury or anything that’s happened in life, they can work hard and do something remarkable,” Bonner said. And it is remarkable that less than two short years after his life-altering accident, Bolton continues to reinvent himself. Rodeo Fame caught up with the extremely busy dancer/bullrider/model, Bolton, during a break
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Being on “Dancing with the Stars” is really not outside my comfort zone since I like meeting people, going to new places, and trying different things. BONNER BOLTON
from dance rehearsal and he explained to us how bull riding and dancing are similar. “You’re moving with the animal and resisting against him all at once. It’s like playing offense and defense simultaneously. You need to be aggressive, staying an inch ahead of the animal – like having a sixth sense in predicting the bull’s movement and reading two or three jumps ahead,” Bolton said. “Nose over your toes” is a saying in dance. It’s almost the same posture in bull riding. RF- You come from ranch people and cowboy people and rodeo people, does any of this translate to dancing? Do you feel out of place? BB- I don’t feel out of place. It’s obviously not the same kind of dancing, but I’ve spent a good deal of time dancing in honky tonks. And there are people on the show who are not professional dancers. Being on “Dancing with the Stars” is really not outside my comfort zone since I like meeting people, going to new places, and trying different things. That was part of my passion in PBR – the places I saw, the people I met, the things I got to do. This is an extension of that, in a much less dangerous way. Who are the harder judges, bull riding judges or professional dancing judges? PBR judges – bull riding is the world’s toughest sport, and you’re held to the highest standard in PBR. No one gets to the top or rises to a win easily. It’s very hard to earn your stripes in the PBR arena. Traditionally, that goes back to the cowboy culture. You have to work hard to earn what you get. No one works harder than cowboys on the ranch, which derives from American settlers who pioneered their way into the west – fighting Indians, crossing rough terrain and battling the elements. In bull riding the adage is, ‘It's not if you get hurt, but when.’ Do you feel that way in dancing, too? After I accepted the offer to be on the show and started watching video, I thought, “Oh my God, what did I just say yes to?” I called Ty Murray, who had been on the show in 2009. First, he said how proud he was and
pledged his full support. Then he warned me, “Your feet are going to be awfully sore.” I took this on knowing I have my work cut out, and it would be physically challenging. The producers assured me they’ve taken people onto the show with injuries. And of course, during my bull-riding career, like any other guy in the locker room, I’ve gutted out my share of injuries. My dance partner Sharna has been amazing in turning people with disabilities into dancing machines. Not to say that’s easy. My neck hurts every day. My collarbone, where I have an 8 inch plate, and where the metal is in my neck, get really tight and sore. I do
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COVER • Bonner Bolton What are you working on next? Right now I’m focused on “Dancing with the Stars.” I am also going to be shooting for a new brand campaign for an apparel company that will be announced down the road. Following my work for Saks Fifth Avenue, that will be very exciting. After the show, I’ll continue to work with IMG Models as well as PBR. It’s cool to be in a position to help bring awareness to our culture and lifestyle. I am glad to be an ambassador for the sport and cowboy culture where my roots are. You've been all over the world, did you ever in your wildest dreams expect this? At times, it’s been one strange trip, but it’s actually been a fun transition. WME | IMG, which owns PBR, has ushered me into this whole world, and there’s a team of experts helping me figure out my whole place in all this. Your wildest dreams are relative to what’s going on in your life. Fifteen months ago, when I was first injured, my wildest dream was to walk and dance. The doctors said I maybe had a one to five percent chance of walking away from this kind of spinal injury. So to consider where I am now after breaking my C-2 is pretty miraculous. I have no explanation other than the steady hand of a team of amazing doctors and a group of pretty good angels looking over me.
extra work outside the dance floor so I can get back to practice. I’ve developed a lot of respect and admiration for professional dancers. What do you do to prepare now for dancing that you didn't do before for bull riding? What do you do the same? Mentally, physically? Learning the choreography is obviously a big difference. That’s a big part of the preparation in dancing. Bull riding is obviously unpredictable. You don’t want to overthink what the bull is going to do, because he’s going to be unpredictable. In dancing, with practice, you should know exactly where you’re partner’s going to be. On the physical level – I have not rode since my neck injury, so there’s an extra level of physical preparation before even getting on the dance floor. To be flexible and agile, I have done water therapy in the hot tub, lots of cardio, running, swimming, and core kinetic workouts. I learned to do tai chi in a steam room to improve my range of movement and flexibility. All that’s helped bring back my coordination and mobility. What has been the hardest dance, so far? The week I had to tell my story from the wreck was the hardest dance for me. I had to go back and rehash some very difficult memories.
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You have any plans to strut down the runway or head back to the chutes when Dancing with the Stars is over? Before I had gotten injured and signed with IMG Models, I had done a few photos shoots for endorsements. But I had never thought about myself as a professional model. I’d always been interested in acting and got a taste of it as Scott Eastwood’s stunt double in the movie “The Longest Ride.” I’ve played guitar since I was 12, and my brothers play, too. I guess we have natural desire for entertainment and performing. If some type of performing like acting is in my future along with the modeling, I’d absolutely embrace it. As to heading to the chutes, since I was 10 years old, this sport has been my life. I have a passion for it even after that wreck. I’m not sure the doctors will ever clear me, but I am approaching it as if I am going back. Pushing my body and working every day to get back in the same peak condition keeps me driven every day. I’m fortunate to have new options. I’m taking life on jump by jump. Just like when I was riding. That’s all I know how to do, really. Rodeo Fame always asks 'What is in your rodeo bag? Can you answer, what's in your dancing bag? The only thing I carried in my rodeo bag was my gear used in bull riding and an extra set of clothes to change into afterwards. It doesn’t take as much gear to step onto the dance floor. There’s not a lot in my dancing bag except my dance shoes, a bottle of water and some snacks. (When you’re provided a trailer during the shows your wardrobe is brought to you and everything you need is in the trailer.)
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