Rodeo Life® Magazine - NFR Edition 2023

This is How We Live

FA M I LY O W N E D • C AV E N D E R S . C O M

PUBLISHERS’ LETTER

W

elcome to Rodeo Life Magazine’s National Finals Rodeo edition. We are excited to feature Caleb Smidt on our cover. Our mission at Rodeo Life Magazine is to encompass All Things Rodeo:

Living a Life of Integrity, Purpose & Passion. Given the tumultuous past few years, coupled with current events worldwide, we understand that the population may be apprehensive about their current lives and what the future holds.

These times may produce a spirit of fear and a temperament that may have us shrinking back. This is not who we are as a family nor at Rodeo Life. We choose to speak life into our community and into our world. Thank God that many of us have embraced spiritual significance and have the understanding that consequences concerning these things often yield a more fruitful prayer life. See the article Dedication, Skill & Courage on page 8 where we speak to Kaycee Feild about the determination and faith that made him a Champion but more importantly a survivor.

For many, God, Family, and Country has become more than a simple slogan, it is reflected in our lives taking on a much deeper meaning in our hearts, and especially within the hearts of our families. Reflected in Jess Pope’s thoughts on kindness, beliefs, and mindset in his interview Full Circle Champion on page 50. It is with this passion that we embrace the life God offers us with every fiber of our being.

This is who we are, and it is this genuineness that we share with you! Rodeo Life Magazine will bring rowdy and fun rodeo news, cover epic rodeos at beautiful locations and feature articles on the lives of current and up-and-coming superstars in an intimate and compelling way. We will be where the electrifying action is but also in those quiet places with heartfelt stories where life beckons a more personal connection.

We look forward to the opportunity of getting to know one another and to experiencing life’s beautiful journey together. We are here to cheer you on and to support the spirit and traditions of the West. That’s what matters to us: making a difference in every life. So, please, let us know what is happening in your arena, be it ranch life or farm life, cowboys or cowgirls, western ways, or southern comforts.

-- Rick and Lori Bizzell

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became the first Father and Son to achieve that double honor.

Donnie Gay knows the ins and outs of rodeo the way few people do, and he realized early on that the eyeballs at the arenas were miniscule compared to the potential eyeballs on TV and cable. His calculations weren’t just smart; they were savvy.

From the mid-1970s to the mid-1980s, the National Finals Rodeo was telecast through syndication. From 1987 through 2010, it was broadcast by ESPN, although its coverage was often tape-delayed.

“Until we got rodeo on television, same station year-round, it was never going to get much traction,” he observed.

Over the years, Donnie helped rodeo in general and the NFR in particular get that traction and more.

“We’re on a really good path with TV coverage,” he observed.

Donnie keeps busy nowadays as general manager of Frontier Rodeo Company, which provides livestock to professional rodeos and Bull Riding events across the America. He also does television commentating for ProRodeo and Pro Bull Riding events throughout the country. In addition, from the 1980s to 2000s, he was a commentator for the Mesquite Championship Rodeo when that weekly event was televised.

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The Hall of Famer considers rodeo and the challenges in the arena as unique in all of sports.

“Those are games,” he said. “This is life.”

Donnie Gay also loves flying, having gotten his pilot’s license shortly after graduating from high school which helps explain why he can have his feet firmly planted on the ground while at the same time letting his dreams soar high in the sky.

Those dreams include attending NFR’s 65th Anniversary. Look for him there. He’ll be the one with his head in the clouds.

THE MOST DANGEROUS BULL IN THE WORLD Sammy Andrews has a friendly Texas accent. When you hear him talk, he could be your Dad, Uncle, or Neighbor. But the head honcho of Andrews Rodeo Company in Bagwell, Texas, is actually more like a computer.

Few people walk around a rodeo thinking about DNA and hightech equipment than Sammy, a respected third generation Stock Contractor and Texas Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Famer.

The word that comes to mind when Sammy’s name gets tossed about is “Bodacious,” his legendary Champion who’s been dubbed “the most dangerous bull in the world” – a title he justly deserved.

Kaycee KayceeFeild: Feild:Photo Photocourtesy courtesyofofAriat.

Ariat.

The 1,900-pound Charolais/Brahman crossbreed was Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association’s Bucking Bull of the Year in 1994 and 1995 as well as the 1995 Professional Bull Riders World Champion Bull.

Bodacious was also inducted into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame in 1999 and the Bull Riding Hall of Fame in 2017. Later, in 2023, he was ranked as one of the top 30 bulls in history, according to Professional Bull Riders.

Sammy has been going to arenas since he was “a little bitty kid.” The improvements he’s seen are too many to mention, but without doubt quality of the livestock is at the top of the list.

“Everything has really changed,” he said. “Arenas are so much better…

Attendance is off the charts.”

Sammy also said that “Vegas has improved so much,” adding that “the entertainment outside the arena gives visitors more to do.”

Sammy loves everything about the rodeo and loves talking about it, but his voice shifts to a hushed tone when he mentions the “patriotism and freedom” people re-discover when they first step into an arena.

“People appreciate the Flag and National Anthem,” he said. Of course, they also appreciate the action, too. “It’s unrehearsed,” Sammy said.

“You never know what going to happen.”

MISS RODEO AMERICA Jeana Linton took time from her busy schedule as Executive Director of Miss Rodeo America, Inc., to help put into perspective what it takes to coordinate the Miss Rodeo America Pageant that’s held annually in conjunction with the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas.

“I was asked to be Pageant Director in 2017 and was given the title of Executive Director in 2019,” Jeana said. “I am fortunate to say that I have my dream job.”

Reigning Rodeo Queens from the state level toss their hats in the ring to vie for the coveted crown of Miss Rodeo America (MRA) by competing in the areas of appearance, horsemanship, and personality.

“This will be the 67th Miss Rodeo America Pageant. The only year we did not have a pageant since 1955 was in 2020 during Covid,” Jeana said. “There have been so many changes since the beginning.”

For one thing, there are more contestants.

“Over the years we’ve been up and down in numbers, but the first pageant had eight contestants and this year we have 31,” she said.

“Styles of clothing and hats are also a big difference. In the beginning they wore very simple wool suits, and now the outfits much more glamorous. One thing that hasn't changed is that these young ladies are classy, well-spoken, very intelligent, and true western cowgirls.” J

HOME OF THE LIFETIME GUARANTEE Jeana grew up on an Angus Cattle operation in Laramie, Wyoming, and became Miss Rodeo Wyoming 1998. She achieved Second Runner-Up in the 1999 Miss Rodeo America Pageant and became a member of the Miss Rodeo America organization that same year, starting as a volunteer with the Horsemanship Committee. She served on several MRA Pageant committees and chaired the coronation committee. She was elected to the MRA Executive Board in 2005, where she served for 10 years.

MRA has steadily grown, not just in its membership base but its sponsors and grassroots programs as well.

“We now have programs in 37 states and over 500 members,” the Executive Director said. “Our sponsors and donors help promote the pageant and program, allowing more young ladies to participate and travel further to represent professional rodeo and the western way of life.”

One special aspect is that so many former Miss Rodeo Americas remain engaged with the pageant when their reign is over.

“We are so thankful to have not only previous MRAs still involved,” Jeana said, “but there are so many of our members and volunteers that have remained involved and have become leaders within their state and also at the national level.

“They want to pay it forward and help others have the same wonderful experiences that they were able to have.”

That attitude is core to MRA’s purpose.

“The goal of our organization is to provide educational opportunities for young ladies where they can represent their rodeo, their states, our sponsors, and the western way of life,” says its Executive Director. “We are proud to be able to provide scholarships for every young lady who competes for the title of Miss Rodeo America.”

The NFR is so much more than just rodeo. It is traditions, family, pageantry, muscle bound animals, and pure excitement but more importantly it’s Dedication, Skill and Courage. So put on your new boots, and cowboy hats.

Saddle up. And remember what Rodeo Writer and Rider Ralph Clark said: “Anyone who has ever experienced the thrill of rodeo life wishes it could go on forever.”

Jim Lamb is a retired journalist living in Florida. He worked as a reporter and copy desk editor for The Tampa Tribune and as an award-winning section editor for the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.

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• Pipe • Panels • Gates • Feeders • Continuous Fencing • AND MUCH MORE! Lometa, Tx 512-752-3200 Stephenville, Tx 254-459-1500

MRA at the NFR. Photo provided by Miss Rodeo America Inc.

CAPTURING THE LEARFIELD Ventures into the Collegiate Rodeo Arena

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teeped in the rich traditions of the Wild West, rodeo has long been ingrained in the cultural fabric as a competitive sporting event that embodies the nation’s spirited, rugged essence. The equestrian sport, which first saw its origins arise out of the working practices of cattle herding in Spain and Mexico before expanding throughout the western region of America in the 1800s, has gradually evolved into a symbol of resilience and skill, captivating rodeo enthusiasts across the nation. With the surging popularity and growth of the sport of rodeo, LEARFIELD, the premier media and technology company powering collegiate athletics, has strategically expanded its robust offerings to launch LEARFIELD College Rodeo – a new business line dedicated to elevating college rodeo and embracing the widespread influence and popularity of the western lifestyle and culture.

LEARFIELD will leverage its deep understanding of college fans and relationships in the industry to drive revenue, growth, brand awareness, and fan engagement for brands, sports, and entertainment properties. With ties to over 1,600 collegiate institutions and over 15,000 local and national brand partners, LEARFIELD’s presence in college sports and live events delivers influence and maximizes reach to target audiences who are passionate about their collegiate institutions. With the ability to deliver solutions for a 365-day, 24/7 fan experience, LEARFIELD enables schools and brands to connect with fans through licensed merchandise, event ticketing, donor identification, exclusive custom content, innovative marketing initiatives, NIL solutions, and advanced digital platforms.

The LEARFIELD College Rodeo division, launched in the summer of 2023, is committed to propelling the world of collegiate rodeo to new heights, while celebrating the enduring legacy and profound impact of the western heritage. Through this division, LEARFIELD utilizes its extensive expertise in delivering sports and cross-campus marketing solutions to provide unprecedented opportunities for college rodeo teams. Among the more than 100 club-level rodeo programs throughout the U.S., 21 of those teams are located at current LEARFIELD multimedia rights partner institutions. These rodeo teams, which are majority co-ed, compete as part of club organizations at their institutions, as rodeo is not an official NCAA, NAIA or NJCAA sport and has no limits imposed by these associations for participation on varsity rodeo

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teams. The governing body for college rodeo competitions is the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association (NIRA), which includes both varsity and club programs, while the College National Finals Rodeo (CNFR) is an event where topperforming collegiate rodeo athletes from each region in the country compete to become a national Champion.

The current LEARFIELD College Rodeo portfolio proudly includes a roster of esteemed partner institutions, with initial members such as Cal Poly, Montana State, and Wyoming being joined by the recent addition of Colorado State, Montana, UNLV and Utah State. Through these collaborations with the Rodeo division, LEARFIELD leverages its national western brands through various partnerships, as well as branded content and national media coverage, to showcase the talent of its partner institutions and promote the sport of rodeo on a national scale. By aligning with agriculture and land grant institutions and their diverse audiences and fans across America, LEARFIELD College Rodeo serves as a bridge, connecting these institutions with a passionate fan community that deeply resonates with the values and traditions rooted in the heart of the American West.

LEARFIELD’s College Rodeo partner institutions are provided the essential tools and resources needed to build their unique brands and celebrate the timeless grit and determination that defines the essence of the western sporting legacy.

“Rodeo is distinctively an American experience, and LEARFIELD College Rodeo will create avenues for brands to deepen their engagement in the western lifestyle while increasing exposure for the hardworking young men and women that participate in the unique college sport,” said Andrew Wheeler, LEARFIELD Executive Vice President.

“Western-influenced sports and entertainment are enjoying unprecedented growth, and we look forward to harnessing that growth to generate new revenue and increased brand awareness for our university partners.”

Within the sport of collegiate rodeo, a new generation of worldclass athletes is emerging, poised to leave a lasting mark on the landscape of the sport. The dedication, skill, and raw athleticism demonstrated by these competitors exemplifies extraordinary skills and profound dedications to their crafts, J

THE RODEO SPIRIT:

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reflecting the enduring spirit and resilience inherent in the American frontier. LEARFIELD College Rodeo’s unwavering commitment to these student-athletes not only fosters their growth, but also amplifies their impact, empowering them to reach new heights of success in their intercollegiate rodeo journey.

“We’re excited to join LEARFIELD in advancing the success of student-athletes in intercollegiate rodeo,” says James Pritchett, Dean of Agricultural Sciences at Colorado State University. “College rodeo provides students a platform for professional development and personal success as the member of the university community – and LEARFIELD’s partnership centers positive student outcomes in their business practice.”

With the primary goal of integrating renowned national brands with the passion and energy of the rodeo community and college fans, LEARFIELD College Rodeo presents a unique platform that extends far beyond the arena and into the digital realm. Embracing the enduring legacy and culture of the American West, this partnership offers a dynamic connection that amplifies a brand’s voice, ensuring widespread recognition and engagement. LEARFIELD College Rodeo is the gateway to unparalleled opportunities, from nationwide exposure to vibrant community engagement and brand partnerships.

The sport of rodeo currently stands as the seventh most attended major sporting event, surpassing other popular sports such as golf and tennis, with a dedicated following of over 30 million fans. The professional rodeo industry boasts an impressive annual prize pool of $68 million, solidifying its position as a major player in the sports landscape, while the western wear industry is projected to reach a staggering $136.8 billion globally by 2031, underscoring the universal appeal and economic significance of Western culture. In addition, millions of college

sports fans across the country express their interest in and engagement with professional Bull Riding and rodeo, with over 16.1 million college sports fans showing interest in professional Bull Riding and 15.1 million interested in professional rodeo. Notably, a significant number of fans have attended professional rodeo events in the past year, with over 2.2 million attending such events and over 518,000 attending professional Bull Riding events. With the current surge in the popularity of western culture, epitomized by hit television series such as Yellowstone and 1883, among other Western-themed entertainment, there has been a heightened interest in the rugged allure of the American West, setting the stage for brands to align with LEARFIELD College Rodeo and make lasting impressions within the collegiate sports community.

“Joining forces with LEARFIELD College Rodeo is a game–changer for our team,” said University of Montana Rodeo Head Coach Kory Mytty. “This partnership opens doors to showcase the remarkable skills, determination, and sportsmanship of our student-athletes on a national scale. We believe that this collaboration will not only amplify our team’s visibility but also contribute to the growth and popularity of rodeo as a collegiate sport.”

As LEARFIELD College Rodeo begins a transformative journey within the collegiate sports arena, the shared passion for the spirit of competition and camaraderie remains at the forefront. By harnessing the enthusiasm for college sports and offering an innovative platform that amplifies the visibility of collegiate rodeo, LEARFIELD College Rodeo is poised to create an immersive and engaging experience that not only celebrates the time-honored tradition of rodeo but also highlights the remarkable talents and achievements of aspiring student-athletes and amplifies the passion that unites athletes, fans and university partners alike.

One goal on the horizon is to finalize plans for the LEARFIELD College Rodeo Series, a culmination of heart-stopping rodeo events and electrifying concerts featuring popular music groups as well as brand building and merchandise opportunities. The event would capture the essence of the sport, setting the stage for a captivating fusion of adrenaline, tradition and innovation.

The LEARFIELD College Rodeo Division, with a focus on amplifying the sport’s culture of resilience, sportsmanship, and excellence, is poised to make a permanent impact on the world of collegiate rodeo and the wider landscape of American sports.

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LIGHTS, CAME

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ERA, ACTION!

By Kristen Schurr

T

he Contract Personnel are the backbone at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, National Finals Breakaway Roping and National Finals Steer Roping events, this includes the talented PRCA-selected photographers, and they are going to rock

the finals with epic entertainment and Rodeo Life is here to capture every moment!

Behind every successful event are the strong teams of experienced Contract Personnel dedicated to their profession and their roles in the event. NFR Contract Personnel take their work seriously and it shows. For some this is their very first NFR appearance. There are also many seasoned veterans selected each year. It is announcer Randy Corley’s 23rd appearance and Livestock’s Superintendent, John Barnes’ 18th consecutive appearance and this year Mark Evans will be making his debut as the music director at the National Finals Steer Roping (NFSR).

Contract Personnel also provides exceptional entertainment during the NFR. This year’s specialty acts are Roman Rider, Dusti Dickerson and Flying Arena Stars, sisters Shyla, Layna, and Clara Navarre. Dusti has been Trick-Riding for over 20 years and has said it’s like a dream come true being selected to perform at the NFR. The Navarre sisters are Trick Riders carrying on the tradition of rodeo in their family.

We spoke with PRCA 2022 Photographer of the Year, Click Thompson about his experience capturing images at the NFR. Rodeo Life: How long have you been photographing rodeo?

Click Thompson: I have been photographing rodeos for a little over 12 years.

RL: What was the best piece of advice you were given starting out?

CT: As a photographer the best piece of advice I was given starting out is the same advice I give to every new photographer. TAKE PICTURES! There’s a misconception that there is some secret sauce to becoming a better photographer. The secret sauce is taking pictures. Now and forever!

RL: What three words describe your photography style?

CT: Passion, Culture, Detail.

RL: What do you love about photographing the NFR? CT: For me the thing I love about the photographing NFR is that it’s the one opportunity to photograph the best in every category. Every rider, horse, bull, bullfighter, pickup man, clown, announcer are at their best those 10 days and it’s fun to be at my best and capture every moment. J

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Behind every successful event are the strong teams of experienced contract personnel dedicated to their profession and their roles in the event.

RL: Why is the NFR special to you?

RL: Any additional comments you would like to add?

CT: The NFR is special because it’s a part of history. Once I step

CT: A thing I recently said but is now a part of my ethos is...”It is

on that dirt, I’m a part of history. I have a book of the 50 first NFR’s

my belief that you don’t rise to the level of your goals after you

and I know that when the next book comes out my images will be

achieve them but rather you surpass the standard to pursue

in there and that’s special.

your dreams.”

RL: What are some of your favorite events and/or things to do in Vegas during NFR? CT: I’m a bit of a fashion guy so I love going to Cowboy Christmas and do a little bit of window shopping. Really my favorite thing

Congratulations to this year’s Contract Personnel. We appreciate all of your hard work and look forward to seeing you at this year’s rodeo! For a complete list of contract personnel visit the PRCA website at ProRodeo.com.

about Vegas is seeing all my friends that I don’t get to see over the course of the year.

RL: What advice would you give someone who would like to become a rodeo photographer today?

CT: As a photographer, always strive to make a better picture every time you pick up your camera. Also, just be a sponge. Every time you’re around or in an arena take in everything. The arena can be a really dangerous place but when you learn how to move in and out of the arena you can ultimately be safer and capture better images.

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It is announcer Randy Corley’s 23rd appearance at the National Finals Rodeo.

PRCA 2022 Photographer of the Year Click Thompson Photo Courtesy: Click Thompson

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RODEO LI

THE STARS OF THE SHOW By ByKristen KristenSchurr Schurr

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IVESTOCK W

rangler National Finals Rodeo Animal Athletes are bred to

The caliber of the bucking stock is critical to winning since the judges

Compete. Watching the bucking stock enter the arena has

score both the rider and the horse or bull. The judge’s scores are

been compared to watching football linemen running onto the

added together for a possible 100 points. High scores are given for

field, and it’s an accurate comparison. The best horses and bulls in the

several reasons including the timing between the animal and the rider

world are matched up with the best riders in the world at the Wrangler

and the bucking style of the horse or bull, and of course, the rider must

National Finals Rodeo each year. The National Finals Rodeo (NFR) raised

remain on for the required full eight seconds!

its purse this year for the third consecutive year to $14.9 million, almost $4 million more than last year’s purse. The multi-million-dollar rodeo relies

We spoke with Matt Burch of Burch Rodeo Company to gain some

on these elite athletes, all bred to buck their way out of a rodeo chute and

insight into the bucking horse and bull business and his thoughts on

challenge the cowboys who are primed to ride them for eight seconds.

the animal athletes to watch at this year’s NFR. The Burch family has been raising bucking horses since 1980, bulls since 1981, and has been sanctioned in the Pro Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) since 1998.

They are the proud recipients of this year’s PRCA Polaris Remuda Awards for the best pen of bucking horses brought to PRCA rodeos. J

Photos provide by Kristin Schurr Photography

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Cole Franks Burch said his favorite part of being a stock contractor is raising

grain and feed because hauling and traveling can be stressful

horses and bulls. “It is very exciting to cross great genetics and see

and exhausting.”

another generation getting bigger, stronger, and a higher percentage of rank stock. The rodeo world is very special. It is a family. We love

Burch’s favorite part of the NFR? “It is Vegas baby. We enjoy seeing all

drawing the best cowboys and giving them an opportunity to win!”

of the other stock contractors and cowboys. This is the only time of

When asked about what most of us don’t see that goes into being

the year that we sleep past 5 or 6am. Every time you buck an animal

a stock contractor, Matt said “The majority of people do not think

we are matched up with the best cowboys in the world! Winning a

about all of the thoughtfulness of crossing specific bloodlines… we

buckle is the ultimate!”

raise about 100 colts a year and it takes years and years to see the finished product. The tons of feed we pour to them. The hours of one-

Speaking of winning a buckle, keep an eye out for the Burch Rodeo

on-one “training” that make them comfortable and for them to trust

Company’s selected NFR stock including 2018 Horse of the Year,

us so that they are born to buck. The days upon days that it takes to

Lunatic Fringe’s son, Lunatic From Hell as well as Bubble Bath,

get to a rodeo. And when you get there the cowboys might turn them

Moccasin Fringe, and Zombie Time. It will be interesting to see

out and they don’t get bucked. While hauling all the animals you have

the matchups and to witness who comes out on top. It will be a

to make sure you have a safe and comfortable place to stop and

guaranteed wild ride in Vegas.

unload where you have fresh clean water and quality feed.”

Hats off to the stars of the show as the crowds enjoy America’s Preparing for the NFR must be daunting, but Matt says: “We treat the

original sport and the prize-winning animal athletes and cowboys.

NFR just like any other rodeo. We want them all to be the best they

Here’s the list of selected livestock that will be competing at the

could be at every rodeo. When they are on the road, they get extra

Wrangler National Finals Rodeo 2023.

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BAREBACK RIDING Brand 39 154 757

Name Fresno Cash & Carry Top Dollar

Delivery L L L

Firm Andrews Rodeo Inc. Andrews Rodeo Inc. Andrews Rodeo Inc.

778 5H2 40 651 658 111 48

Time To Rock Backdoor Johnny Black Kat Happy Hour Ghost Town Bar Talk Fired Up

L R L L R L R

Bailey Pro Rodeo Barnes PRCA Rodeo, Inc. Beutler & Son Rodeo Beutler & Son Rodeo Beutler & Son Rodeo Beutler & Son Rodeo Big Stone Rodeo Inc.

313 604 419 5F14 A11 F13 B-65 Y-92

Mayhem SOS Moccasin Fringe She-La Oney Virgil Born Fearless Yipee Kibitz

R R E R L L L L

Big Stone Rodeo Inc. Brookman Rodeo Burch Rodeo Co. C5 Rodeo Company C5 Rodeo Company C5 Rodeo Company Calgary Stampede Calgary Stampede

A-91 D-508 B-73 W16 S48

Agent Lynx Disco Party Blasting Sand Vitalix On Your Own R. Watson William Wallace

L L L LMF RFM

Calgary Stampede Calgary Stampede Calgary Stampede Cervi Championship Cervi Championship

X29 5-1 5912 308 247 445 -611

R. Watson Daddy’s Girl Rip Pass The Hat Vegas Confused Cat Nap Damaged Goods Cajun Queen

LM L L R L R/E L

Cervi Championship Championship Pro Rodeo Championship Pro Rodeo Championship Pro Rodeo Championship Pro Rodeo Championship Pro Rodeo Championship Pro Rodeo

K7 P49 107

Big Show Gander Goose Hooey Rocks

R R L

Championship Pro Rodeo Championship Pro Rodeo Championship Pro Rodeo

102 Q52 578 313

Meat Cracker The Crow Private Eyes Hot Money

R L L R

Championship Pro Rodeo Championship Pro Rodeo Dakota Rodeo Fettig Pro Rodeo

608 B02 6M0

Lil Red Hawk Rand The Man Deep Springs

LM R R

Flying U Four Star Rodeo Co. Four Star Rodeo Co.

16 28 215701

Gun Fire Painted Smoke Full Baggage Breaking News

R L L L

Frontier Rodeo Co Frontier Rodeo Co. Frontier Rodeo Co. Frontier Rodeo Co.

704 16 86

Ed Bishop Sippin’ Firewater Square Bale

R R R

Frontier Rodeo Co. Harper & Morgan HiLo ProRodeo

346 J02+ Q66 FT15

Gronk Blessed Assurance Wild Night Straight Stick

R L L L

J Bar J J Bar J J Bar J J Bar J

L00 F43 694 F302 8171 F608 529 118 531 497 520 633 122 -001

River Bugs All Pink Fringe Jacket Straight Ringer Damn Straight Drunk Bunny Dixies Gravy OLS Tubs Stevie Knicks Black Mamba Hot Mocha Barn Buster Broken Arrow Turn Back Time Wilson Sanchez

L R L R L L L RF R R L R R R

J Bar J J Bar J J Bar J J Bar J J Bar J J Bar J Korkow Rodeos Macza Pro Rodeo Muddy Creek Rodeo Muddy Creek Rodeo New Frontier Rodeo Northcott & Yule Outlaw Buckers Rodeo Pete Carr Pro Rodeo

319 445 213 807 9504-

San Angelo Sam Nite Faded Good Time Charlie Renovo Shady Nights Scarlet Belle

R L L LMF LM

Pete Carr Pro Rodeo Pete Carr Pro Rodeo Pete Carr Pro Rodeo Pickett Pro Rodeo Pickett Pro Rodeo

471 1608304 447 76083063404-

Night Delta Uncapped Top Egyptian Natural Hell Questionable Nightlock Renovo Night Gazer Night Flight

LFM LFM LB RMF RMB RB LMF

Pickett Pro Rodeo Pickett Pro Rodeo Pickett Pro Rodeo Pickett Pro Rodeo Pickett Pro Rodeo Pickett Pro Rodeo Pickett Pro Rodeo

2708 904 4504384

Night Crawler Top Notch New Scarlet Two Buck Chuck

LMF LF LMF RM

Pickett Pro Rodeo Pickett Pro Rodeo Pickett Pro Rodeo Powder River Rodeo LLC

62 9873 710

All Eyes On A & K Knot So Foxy Heads Up Hank

RM RM LM

Powder River Rodeo LLC Powder River Rodeo LLC Powder River Rodeo LLC

651 5403 667 060 618 432 510 127 614 418 17

Ankle Biter Right On Q South Point Kate Sozo Land Of Fancy Bronc Riding Nation Shoutin’ Shoes Irish Eyes Mustard Star Witness Risky Business

L L R R R L L L L L R

Rafter G Rodeo Co. Rosser Rodeo Rosser Rodeo Sankey Pro Rodeo & Phenom Genetics Sankey Pro Rodeo & Phenom Genetics Sankey Pro Rodeo & Phenom Genetics Sankey Pro Rodeo & Phenom Genetics Sankey Pro Rodeo & Phenom Genetics Sankey Pro Rodeo & Phenom Genetics Stace Smith Pro Rodeos Stace Smith Pro Rodeos

191 K10 F12

Girl Crush Mr. Harry Game Trail

R/E R R

Stace Smith Pro Rodeos Stace Smith Pro Rodeos Summit Pro Rodeo

Y72 Y50 R4 07 O27 73 307

R. Watson On Second Thought Vitalix Prairie Fire Balboa Hot N Harry Tarnished Silver True Grit Snap Chat

RM RM R R L RF R

The Cervi Brothers The Cervi Brothers Three Hills Rodeo Three Hills Rodeo Three Hills Rodeo Wayne Vold Rodeo Wayne Vold Rodeo

SADDLE BRONC RIDING Brand L19

Name Gypsy Rose

Delivery L

Firm Andrews Rodeo, Inc.

H09 810 113 615

Brutus American Hat’s Positive Times All Or Nothin Rage

L L L L

Andrews Rodeo, Inc. Andrews Rodeo, Inc. Andrews Rodeo, Inc. Beutler & Son Rodeo

5T6 -301 663 447

Foul Motion Hammer Stone Spotted Blues Major Huckleberry

L L LB LM

Beutler & Son Rodeo Beutler & Son Rodeo Big Bend Rodeo Company Big Bend Rodeo Company

864 473 711 19

Broken Camp Wild Valley Rubels Give Or Take

RB L L L

Big Bend Rodeo Company Big Rafter Big Stone Rodeo Inc. Big Stone Rodeo Inc.

734 331 307 572

Second Thoughts Indian Burn Ragin’ Lunatic Apollo

L R R R

Big Stone Rodeo Inc. Bridwell Pro Rodeos LLC Brookman Rodeo Brookman Rodeo

946 873

Bubble Bath Lunatic From Hell

L L

Burch Rodeo Co. Burch Rodeo Co.

3003 765 638 A-73 W-1 Y-15 Y-38

Trump Card Macho Man Storm Warning Amazon Hills Weekend Departure Y U R Friskey Yesterdays Delivery

R L R L L R L

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Rodeo LIFE 27

Surviving

10 Days

By Nicole Jasperson

W

hen it comes to experienced National Finals Rodeo attendees, Marijka Hunsaker is at the top of the list. As a prominent Western Fashion Influencer, she has years of experience attending the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas. It’s not her first rodeo and she has learned a thing or two since the first time she attended. Here are her top survival tips for rodeo fans attending the 65th annual finals this December.

HYDRATE Marijka recommends hydrating before and during your trip and likes utilizing hydration packets to maintain her electrolytes. Staying hydrated prevents exhaustion and keeps illness at bay while you’re enjoying the NFR.

WEAR COMFORTABLE SHOES “While sneakers or tennis shoes may not be the most fashionable choice, you won’t regret wearing them,” Marijka says. The NFR requires lots of walking, whether it's around Cowboy Christmas, or walking down the Vegas strip. Going to and from events and locations with comfortable shoes will ensure you don’t get sore feet after the first day.

KEEP AN OPEN MIND While it’s important to research the events and schedule beforehand, Marijka said it’s important to come to Las Vegas with an open mind.

Each day will be different, and plans may change once you get to Vegas. Be open to new experiences.

ATTEND THE HOOEY PARTIES Marijka recommends going to the Hooey Parties hosted during the NFR. Tickets range from $30-50 per person and are a fun way to get involved with other fans while watching the rodeo in an energizing atmosphere.

WATCH THE RODEO Especially for first-time attendees, Marijka recommends going to at least one night of the rodeo performance. “Even the nosebleed seats are worth it,” she says. While it's easy to get caught up in all the other events surrounding the rodeo, the performances themselves are the main attraction, and you won’t regret watching them while you’re in Las Vegas.

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in Vegas with Marijka Hunsaker REST

Marijka plans on setting one of her ten days in Vegas aside for rest. It can be easy to become overwhelmed by ten busy days of attending events, therefore it's important to rest and recharge to enjoy the remainder of your trip.

PREPARE FOR PARKING A lot of visitors are surprised by the high parking fees required at events.

Marijka explained that she plans on bringing plenty of extra money to park while she’s in Vegas. Another option is using ride services. Plan on spending money on getting to one destination to the next.

BE SAFE Safety is the most important thing to remember while in Las Vegas. Marijka explained that it’s vital to stay with a group and be wary of certain areas of the city. While the National Finals Rodeo can be an amazing experience, it can also be dangerous for travelers who aren’t familiar with the city. Be aware of your surroundings.

Rodeo LIFE 29

Classy Cowgi

Jarvis Family at their ranch in Idaho.

Photo: Nicole Poyo Photography.

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Rodeo LIFE

irl Comeback

Jessie Jarvis on Western Fashion

By Nicole Jasperson

E

ach December, rodeo and western lifestyle enthusiasts

shopping, while folks tend to go all out for the nightly rodeo

flock to Las Vegas for the Wrangler National Finals

performances.

Rodeo. While it may seem that the rodeo performances

are the main attraction, the fashion and “fits” worn by

To predict what the NFR fashion scene will look like this year,

attendees has become just as big of a production.

we sat down with Rancher, Business Owner, and Western Fashionista Jessie Jarvis. “There’s been a lot of western-

Each year brings a new set of apparel themes and trends. For

inspired wear circulating in mainstream fashion over the

example, the 2020 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo inspired

last few years, and I think this year we’re going to see that

a more casual, vintage western theme due to the rodeo’s

trickle back into a lot of NFR looks. I think you’ll see a lot more

proximity to Fort Worth and the historic stockyards. This was

equestrian-inspired looks, Ralph Lauren-esqe looks, and quite

a stark contrast to the usual location in Vegas, where sequins,

a bit of street style. I foresee the ‘classy cowgirl’ making a

fringe, and more extravagant looks are common.

comeback in a big way,” Jessie said.

There is also variety in attendees’ nighttime and daytime

Many are fans of the business casual looks that have been

looks, with day looks being more casual for sightseeing and

trending, including Jessie.

Rodeo LIFE 31

Rancher, Business Owner, and Western Fashionista, Jessie Jarvis.

Photo: Nicole Poyo Photography.

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Rodeo LIFE

“I’m loving the business, Ralph Lauren, tweed blazer inspiration that we’ve been seeing a lot of lately. I’m a sucker for stuff that’s timeless, classy, and stems from old school western wear,” she said.

Jessie said she isn’t typically someone who follows trends. She prefers to wear what makes her feel good and look her best. For sources of inspiration with similar style, she said she loves looks worn by women like Lindsay Branquinho, Kelli LeClair of Heritage Style, and Alli Addison Menasco. Jessie encourages people to find out who inspires them and use that as long-term inspiration rather than attempting to follow every trend. Furthermore, she recommends reusing pieces in your closet rather than buying a new wardrobe for your trip.

“If you’re someone who collects timeless pieces, then you likely have a closet full of staples that you can mix and match outfits from,” she said. Seeing that capsule wardrobes, closet basics, and responsible shopping have all been trending lately, we wouldn’t be surprised to see more classic looks with subtle western flair at this year’s finals.

While it’s fun to predict trends and put together stunning outfits for your trip, Jessie said the most important thing to remember is to enjoy your time in Las Vegas.

“I truly cannot stress this enough, don’t stress about what you’re wearing. The point of going to Vegas for the NFR is to have fun,” Jessie said.

It can be easy to get caught up in comparisons and having stress about looking the best you can everywhere you go, but Jessie reminds us not to lose sight of why you’re there and what really matters the most, which is having fun and making memories.

Men’s Fashion at the 2022 NFR. Photo: Kristen Schurr Photography.

Jessie Jarvis as a guest at the Cowgirl Gathering in Las Vegas.

Rodeo LIFE 33

It’s a Barbie World

By Kim Kammenzind

I

t’s a Barbie World and we are all just living in it… as we

the color pink is very vogue right now as well. Pink conch

modern day cowgirls and fashionistas alike are in fact

is currently the new turquoise and its light blush tones

her. Barbie wears what she wants and makes her own

are the perfect neutral to pair with just about everything.

rules. Sound familiar? Over the course of ten rounds in

When in doubt Barbie says to think pink and wear

Sin City there will be many outfit changes to reflect her

sparkles!

diverse range of personas and capabilities. Embracing her uniqueness and showcasing her potential is an essential part of her wardrobe strategy. Here are a few trends and looks you may see her embracing at the finals this year.

Blazers aren’t just for meetings anymore. Blazers of all styles, textures and prints will be seen adorning the Thomas & Mack Center. They are the perfect way to dress

VEGAS SPARKLE BARBIE

an outfit up or down. Tooled or fringed lapels can add a

One Vegas trend that has stood the test of time is sequins.

little western flair to a casual look. Retro and Aztec print

Sparkle and shine pair perfectly with the bright lights of

blazers are a great way to add a pop of color, and velvet

the city. Nothing says National Finals Rodeo (NFR) like the

materials always provide a rich texture. Whether you are in

glitz and glamour of sequins. Thanks to Barbie,

town for business or pleasure, you need to pack a blazer.

Vegas Sparkle Barbie

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BOSS BABE BARBIE

Rodeo LIFE

Boss Babe Barbie

Rodeo LIFE 35

BUCKAROO BARBIE

love the retro piping details on this set, as they provide some

Classic cowgirl is always in style. A good shaped hat, some

serious western edge. This outfit could easily transition to an

quality denim and spiffy boots are what cowgirls are most

evening look by adding heels and a concho belt. Casual Cool

comfortable in, in the arena or out on the town. A solid pearl

Barbie can scale an escalator in a single bound with an arm full

snap is the perfect backdrop to showcase a turquoise squash

of bags and look good while doing it.

blossom or some Navajo pearls for a night at the rodeo. On a cooler morning walking the strip, a wild rag is a fashionable way to keep warm. Authentic looks are always a win, long live cowgirls!

WESTERN GLAM BARBIE If there was a Beth Dutton Barbie, she would wear this. Fur is classic, timeless and oh so elegant. Want an upscale, posh outfit? Simply pair a blanket coat with tall boots and a belt.

CASUAL COOL BARBIE

Many pieces like the one pictured offer a removable fur collar

This is the perfect outfit for long hours spent shopping away at

and cuffs, offering extra versatility. Upon arrival of the rodeo,

the many amazing trade shows. Silk joggers are trending right

Western Glam Barbie can drape this beauty over her shoulder to

now, and we are here for it, as they are both cute and comfy! We

show off a slinky black dress underneath.

Casual Cool Barbie

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Rodeo LIFE

Western Western Glam Glam Barbie Barbie

Buckaroo Barbie

Rodeo LIFE 37

All-Around

Cow

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Rodeo LIFE

boy Rodeo LIFE 39

All-Around STETSON WRIGHT

#1 WORLD SADDLE BRONC RIDING #1 WORLD BULL RIDING WORLD TITLES: 7 NFR QUALIFICATIONS: 7 PRCA EARNINGS: $620,256 MEMBER SINCE: 2018 HOMETOWN: BEAVER, UT

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Rodeo LIFE

CAREER EARNINGS: $2,382,950

2022 CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

2022 WORLD STANDINGS PLACE: 1st (AA), 1st (BR), 4th (SB) 2022 WRANGLER NFR STANDINGS PLACE: 1st (BR), 5th (SB) 2022 WRANGLER NFR EARNINGS: $271,545 (BR), $142,677 (SB) 2022 EARNINGS: $758,829 (AA), $592,144 (BR), $335,797 (SB) WORLD TITLES: 7 (AA, 2019-22) (BR, 2020, 2022) (SB, 2021) WRANGLER NFR AVERAGE TITLES: 1 (BR, 2022) WRANGLER NFR QUALIFICATIONS: 7 (BR, 2019-2022) (SB, 2020-22)

Won his fourth consecutive PRCA All-Around World Championship while claiming his second Bull Riding World Title. He ended the season winning $927,940, shattering the record for most money won in a season. Wright also broke the Bull Riding season-earnings record, collecting $592,144. At the NFR, he notched his first average title, winning the Bull Riding average with 684.5 points on eight head.

He brought home an NFR-Bull Riding earnings record $271,545. He placed in all eight qualified rides including three go-round wins in Rounds, 2, 4, and 8. In Round 4, Wright set a new round record with a 92-point ride on Salt River Rodeo’s Belly Dump. In the Saddle Bronc, he finished fifth in the average, earning $142,677 with 781.5 points on nine head. He placed in seven rounds, highlighted by a 90.5-point ride in Round 8 to earn the go-round victory. Won the All-Around titles at the San Antonio (Texas) Stock Show & Rodeo, the Fort Worth (Texas) Stock Show & Rodeo, the Wilderness Circuit Finals Rodeo (Heber City, Utah), the Southeastern Livestock Exposition (Montgomery, Ala.), the Clovis (Calif.) Rodeo, the Fort Herriman (Utah) PRCA Rodeo, the Livermore (Calif.) Rodeo, the Days Of The Old West Rodeo (Delta, Utah), the Lehi (Utah) Roundup, the Fiesta Days Rodeo (Spanish Fork, Utah), the Ogden (Utah) Pioneer Days, That Famous Preston (Idaho) Night Rodeo, Won the Red Desert Roundup (Rock Springs, Wyo.), the Mountain Valley Stampede (Heber City, Utah), the Larimer County Fair & Rodeo (Loveland, Colo.), the Farm-City Pro Rodeo (Hermiston, Ore.), the Cache County Fair and Rodeo (Logan, Utah), the Caldwell (Idaho) Night Rodeo, the Canby (Ore.) Rodeo, the Gooding (Idaho) Pro Rodeo, the Range Days Rodeo (Rapid City, S.D.), the Horse Heaven Roundup Rodeo (Kennewick, Wash.), the Kitsap Stampede (Bremerton, Wash.), the Gem State Classic Pro Rodeo (Blackfoot, Idaho), the Lewiston (Idaho) Roundup, the Magic Valley Stampede (Filer, Idaho), the Ellensburg (Wash.) Rodeo and the Young Living’s Last Chance Rodeo (Mona, Utah). Won the Saddle Bronc riding at the San Antonio (Texas) Stock Show & Rodeo, the Fort Worth (Texas) Stock Show & Rodeo, the Las Vegas (Nev.) Days, the Cave Creek (Ariz.) Rodeo Days, the Lakeside (Calif.) Rodeo, the Fort Herriman (Utah) PRCA Rodeo, the Days Of The Old West Rodeo (Delta, Utah), the Reno (Nev.) Rodeo, the Cheyenne (Wyo.) Frontier Days, That Famous Preston (Idaho) Night Rodeo, the Lea County PRCA Rodeo (Lovington, N.M.), the Cache County Fair & Rodeo Xtreme Broncs (Logan, Utah), the Gooding (Idaho) Pro Rodeo, the Horse Heaven Roundup Rodeo (Kennewick, Wash.), the Gem State Classic Pro Rodeo (Blackfoot, Idaho), the Ellensburg (Wash.) Rodeo and the Young Living’s Last Chance Rodeo (Mona, Utah). Won the Bull Riding at Rodeo Houston (Texas), Rodeo Austin (Texas), the SWELS - Xtreme Bulls (Fort Worth, Texas), the Clovis (Calif.) Rodeo, the Ute Mountain Round-Up (Cortez, Colo.), the Livermore (Calif.) Rodeo, the Red Desert Roundup (Rock Springs, Wyo.), the Caldwell (Idaho) Night Rodeo, the Range Days Rodeo (Rapid City, S.D.), the Young Living’s Last Chance Rodeo (Mona, Utah), the Lewiston (Idaho) Roundup, the Magic Valley Stampede (Filer, Idaho) and the Amarillo (Texas) Tri-State Fair And Rodeo. Co-Champion at That Preston (Idaho) Night Rodeo, the Mountain Valley Stampede (Heber City, Utah) and the Colorado (Pueblo) State Fair & Rodeo.

PROFESSIONAL HIGHLIGHTS 2023 All-Around • Won the San Antonio (Texas) Stock Show & Rodeo • Won the Wilderness Circuit Finals Rodeo (Heber City, Utah) • Won the Santa Maria (Calif.) Elks Rodeo • Won the Eagle (Idaho) Rodeo • Won the Ute Mountain Round-Up (Cortez, Colo.)

• Won the Sisters (Ore.) Rodeo • Won the Strawberry Days Rodeo (Pleasant Grove, Utah) • Won the Days Of The Old West Rodeo (Delta, Utah) • Won the Lehi (Utah) Roundup • Won the Cody (Wyo.) Stampede • Won the Rooftop Rodeo (Estes Park, Colo.)

• Won the Dinosaur Roundup Rodeo (Vernal, Utah) • Won the Spanish Fork (Utah) Fiesta Days Rodeo • Won the Aulick Industries Champions Challenge (Mitchell, Neb.) • Won the Summit County Fair & Rodeo (Coalville, Utah) • Won the Ellensburg (Wash.) Rodeo • Won the New Mexico (Albuquerque, N.M.) State Fair & Rodeo • Won the Pendleton (Ore.) Round-Up • Won the Lion’s Dixie Roundup (St. George, Utah)

Saddle Bronc Riding • Won the Texas (Waco) Texas Circuit Finals, with Tyler Worley • Won the Stockyards Pro Rodeo (Fort Worth, Texas), with Levi Lord • Won the Big Fork (Mont.) Summer ProRodeo, with Chase Tryan • Won the Lawton (Okla.) Rangers Rodeo, with Chase Tryan • Won the Dillon (Mont.) Jaycees PRCA Rodeo-Montana’s Biggest Weekend, with Clay Tryan

Bull Riding • Won the Clovis (Calif.) Rodeo • Won the Cactus Jack Xtreme Bull Riding (Uvalde, Texas) • Won the “Take the Oath” Extreme Bulls (Manti, Utah) • Won the Santa Maria (Calif.) Elks Rodeo • Won the Strawberry Days Rodeo (Pleasant Grove, Utah) • Won the Lehi (Utah) Roundup • Won the Oakley Independence Day Rodeo (Oakley City, Utah) • Won the Cody (Wyo.) Stampede • Won the Rooftop Rodeo (Estes Park, Colo.)

• Won the Ogden (Utah) Pioneer Days • Won the Cheyenne (Wyo.) Frontier Days • Won the Pendleton (Ore.) Extreme Bulls Tour Finale • Co-Champion at the Spanish Fork (Utah) Fiesta Days Xtreme Bulls

Information and Photos courtesy of the PRCA. For further information please visit www.ProRodeo.com.

Rodeo LIFE 41

All-Around

NELSON WYATT #3 WORLD TEAM ROPING HEADERS UNRANKED TIE-DOWN ROPING NFR QUALIFICATIONS: 1 PRCA EARNINGS: $149,361 MEMBER SINCE: 2016 HOMETOWN: CLANTON, AL

CAREER EARNINGS: $437,980 2022 WORLD STANDINGS PLACE: 37TH (TR) 2022 EARNINGS: $44,661 WRANGLER NFR QUALIFICATIONS: 1 (2020)

PROFESSIONAL HIGHLIGHTS 2023 All-Around • Won the Stockyards Pro Rodeo (Fort Worth, Texas) • Won the Waller County Fair & Rodeo (Hempstead, Texas)

Team Roping • Won the Texas (Waco) Texas Circuit Finals, with Tyler Worley • Won the Stockyards Pro Rodeo (Fort Worth, Texas), with Levi Lord • Won the Big Fork (Mont.) Summer ProRodeo, with Chase Tryan • Won the Lawton (Okla.) Rangers Rodeo, with Chase Tryan • Won the Dillon (Mont.) Jaycees PRCA Rodeo-Montana’s Biggest Weekend, with Clay Tryan

2022 CAREER HIGHLIGHTS Won the All-Around at the Stockyards Pro Rodeo (Fort Worth, Texas) and the Mesquite (Texas) Championship Rodeo. Won the Team Roping at the Hugo (Okla.) Rodeo, the Mesquite (Texas) Championship Rodeo and the Mesquite (Texas) Championship Rodeo, with Tyler Worley. Co-Champion at the Franklin (Tenn.)

Rodeo, with Cole Curry. Won the Tie-Down Roping at the Stockyards Pro Rodeo (Fort Worth, Texas).

Information and Photos courtesy of the PRCA. For further information please visit www.ProRodeo.com.

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Rodeo LIFE

All-Around

CALEB SMIDT #7 WORLD TIE-DOWN ROPING UNRANKED TEAM ROPING (HEADERS) WORLD TITLES: 4 NFR QUALIFICATIONS: 9 PRCA EARNINGS: $138,206 MEMBER SINCE: 2012 HOMETOWN: BELLVILLE, TX

CAREER EARNINGS: $2,085,462

2022 WORLD STANDINGS PLACE: 1ST (TD), 2ND (AA) 2022 WRANGLER NFR STANDINGS PLACE: 1ST 2022 WRANGLER NFR EARNINGS: $225,221 2022 EARNINGS: $374,737 (TD), $372,965 (AA) WORLD TITLES: 4 (2015, 2018, 2021-22) (TD) WRANGLER NFR AVERAGE TITLES: 4 (2015, 2018, 2021-2022) WRANGLER NFR QUALIFICATIONS: 9 (2013, 2015-20, 2021-22)

PROFESSIONAL HIGHLIGHTS 2023 All-Around • Won the Sheridan WYO Rodeo • Won the Kitsap Stampede (Bremerton, Wash.)

Tie-Down Roping • Won the Sheridan WYO Rodeo • Won the Lawton (Okla.) Rangers Rodeo • Won the Cowboy Capital of The World PRCA Rodeo (Stephenville, Texas) • Co-Champion at the California Rodeo Salinas • Co-Champion at the Yellowstone River Round-Up (Billings, Mont.)

• Co-Champion at the Amarillo (Texas) Tri-State Fair and Rodeo

2022 CAREER HIGHLIGHTS Claimed his fourth PRCA Tie-Down Roping World Championship and won for the second-straight year. He ended the season with $374,737, a season-earnings record by a Tie-Down Roper. He also finished second in the All-Around World Standings with $372,965. In his eighth NFR, Smidt captured his fourth average title, winning with 82.5 seconds on 10 head. He placed in eight rounds including consecutive go-round victories in Rounds 1 and 2. In all, he brought home an NFR Tie-Down Roping record $225,221. Won the All-Around at the Guymon (Okla.) Pioneer Days Rodeo. Won the Tie-Down Roping at the Calgary Stampede (Alberta), the St. Paul (Ore.) Rodeo, the Home of Champions Rodeo (Red Lodge, Mont.) and the Big Fork (Mont.) Summer ProRodeo. Co-Champion at the Strawberry Days Rodeo (Pleasant Grove, Utah).

Information and Photos courtesy of the PRCA. For further information please visit www.ProRodeo.com.

Rodeo LIFE 43

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Bareback Rodeo LIFE 45

ELECTRIC

EIGHT S

“It’s a passion and love for the western lifestyle that doesn’t waver.”

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Rodeo LIFE

SECONDS An Interview with

R

IN VEGAS

Leighton Berry

odeo Life sits down with the three-time Bareback Riding

LB: Injuries come and go, especially in our major physically

Champion, Leighton Berry to discuss his experiences,

demanding event. I have suffered a wide variety of injuries from

inspiration, and spirit of being a second-generation Cowboy.

freak accidents to just plain ol’ wear and tear. I try to uphold myself to the standard of a professional athlete, so every day I

Rodeo Life: How is it carrying on the rodeo roots being a second-

expect a hard training session in the gym and a well-balanced

generation rodeo athlete? What was it like growing up and watching

diet that is high in protein. The more we can perfect our strength

your father, Kirby Berry, rodeo?

and mobility, combined with a good reoccurring food source, the higher our chances go up to win and lower our possibility

Leighton Berry: Being a second-generation cowboy means a lot

of injury.

because I am the first that has been handed down the tradition of riding bucking horses. I don’t know what the future holds, but I can

RL: This will be your third visit to compete at the Wrangler

honestly say I plan on keeping that tradition going with my family

National Finals Rodeo. What have you learned from your previous

one day. Although I was only three years old when my dad retired, I

experiences there that could help you bring home the coveted gold

feel lucky that I actually got to go on the rodeo trail from day one. It’s

buckle this year?

bred into me that’s for sure. My dad is the reason why I do what I do.

LB: I’ve had one NFR in Texas, one in Vegas – both totally different RL: The rodeo circuit can take you to various locations and arenas.

atmospheres and experiences. After my first trip to the Thomas

Is there a particular rodeo or venue that stands out as your favorite,

& Mack last year, I feel like I’ve gained a lot of knowledge on how

and if so, why?

to compete in a high-stress environment. It’s fast paced, intense electricity, loud music, and the best bucking horses on the planet

LB: We travel around all season long and hit anywhere from 60-

for ten days straight. I’d do that for free, let alone $29k per night.

80 rodeos a year. They all vary in added money, bucking horses,

It’s a special honor to be headed back to my third NFR and I plan on

indoor/outdoor and of course good and bad weather occasionally.

using some of the experience I’ve had to my advantage to nail down

I seem to have favorite seasonal rodeos. For instance, I always

a gold buckle.

look forward to San Antonio in the winter. Sure, I love Fort Worth and Rodeo Houston, but there’s something about the rodeo in San

RL: Rodeo fans often look up to professional athletes like you. Do

Antonio that I really enjoy. The Reno Rodeo kicks off the summer run

you have any advice or words of encouragement for aspiring rodeo

every year, and I have had some luck winning that rodeo two-to-

athletes who hope to follow in your footsteps?

three times. It always gets my motor running leading into the Fourth of July. When September rolls around, my favorite outdoor rodeo

LB: If I have any advice to give to any rodeo fans or younger

of all time is none other than the legendary Pendleton Round-Up

generations, it’s that I want them to know that I am no different

because it’s the most Cowboy set up out there.

than you. God created us equally and I got to where I am today by trusting His process and working really hard. If you believe

RL: In the world of professional rodeo, injuries can be a common

in the Big Guy, show up every day and work your absolute

occurrence. How do you manage the physical toll that rodeo events

hardest… you can achieve anything your mind or heart

can take on your body?

desires. Trust the process. Hard work always pays off.

Rodeo LIFE 47

RL: What is it like being a three-time Champion in your

RL: How long does eight seconds really feel when you are

hometown at the Parker County Sheriff’s Posse Frontier Days

bucking on some of the strongest horses in the industry?

and PRCA Rodeo?

LB: Typically, eight seconds to someone seems like the blink of LB: I’m sure I’m starting to get a little bit of the “stink-eye”

an eye. Have you ever stood in front of the microwave waiting

from my friends and competitors when the Weatherford Pro

the last eight seconds for your hot food? It seems like forever!

Rodeo comes around. There’s always a notion of getting extra

For us, those crucial eight seconds that we nod our heads

“hometown” points. But it’s all good fun, and the truth is, I have

for can sometimes seem like it may never end, and other

just drawn a high-caliber horse the past three years knowing

times, you wish you had ten more seconds on that animal. The

if I do my job, I’m going to have a chance. I’ve been extremely

eliminators, or the Buckers as we call them, indeed make eight

blessed to do that three consecutive times. Of course, I always

seconds feel like a minute and a half. You just have to gut it out

turn the heat up a little higher knowing how many friends,

and keep spurring. When we have something out of the TV pen,

family and supporters are in the stands cheering me on.

which is the flashy electric horses, once you’re tapped off it

And don’t get me wrong, I’ve had my lows there, including not

feels like you’re on top of the world and you wish it’d never end!

making a qualified ride the first two years competing there

I often think about the Cowboys back in the early days of rodeo

when I was eighteen and nineteen years old!

when the official time for a qualified ride was ten seconds.

RL: Rodeo is not only a sport but also a lifestyle. What do you love most about being a part of the rodeo community, and how has it shaped your life?

LB: My entire life all I have known is the rodeo community. I’ve been surrounded by great Cowboys since I was a kid, and I’ve never wanted to be anything else. It’s a passion and love for the western lifestyle that doesn’t waver. You either are, or you aren’t. I couldn’t imagine living any other way, and like I

#5 WORLD BAREBACK RIDING NFR QUALIFICATIONS: 2 PRCA EARNINGS: $157,955 MEMBER SINCE: 2018 HOMETOWN: WEATHERFORD, TX CAREER EARNINGS: $488,870 2022 WORLD STANDINGS PLACE: 3RD

said before, I want my kids to experience life as a Cowboy or

2022 WRANGLER NFR STANDINGS PLACE: 5TH

Cowgirl just as I did, because to me, I have the best job in the

2022 WRANGLER NFR EARNINGS: $137,080

whole world.

2022 EARNINGS: $267,274 WRANGLER NFR QUALIFICATIONS: 2 (2020, 2022)

RL: Can you share some of your career highlights or memorable moments from your time as a PRCA athlete?

LB: I have many memorable moments in my short career so far, some comic, some breathtaking, and others just downright unbelievable. Whether it was winning my first Pro Rodeo in Sonora, Texas when I was eighteen, or realizing I had made my first NFR at twenty-one, I can tell you this: it’s not the wins, trophies and buckles that you reflect on often, but the relationships you made along the way and the good times you had traveling with your best friends across the country. We get to live a lifestyle that shouldn’t ever be taken for granted. I am a competitor to my core, I love winning. I love competing. But

48

PROFESSIONAL HIGHLIGHTS 2023 Bareback Riding • Won Rodeo Houston (Texas) • Won the San Antonio (Texas) Stock Show & Rodeo • Won the Los Fresnos (Texas) Rodeo • Won the Parker County Sheriff’s Posse Frontier Days and PRCA Rodeo (Weatherford, Texas) • Won the Big Spring (Texas) Cowboy Reunion & Rodeo • Won the Meagher County Labor Day Rodeo (White Sulphur Spring, Mont.)

• Won the Lewiston (Idaho) Roundup) • Co-Champion at the San Angelo (Texas) Rodeo

most of all, the experiences and journey this job has taken me on

Standings Information and Photo courtesy of the PRCA. For further information please visit

is above all else.

www.ProRodeo.com.

Rodeo LIFE

Full Circl “Never be afraid to always smile and be the kindest person that you can be.”

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le Champion An Interview with

W

Jess Pope

orld Champion Jess Pope sits down with Rodeo Life to discuss the coveted Gold Buckle, kindness, beliefs, and mindset.

Rodeo Life: What was it like winning your first Wrangler National Finals Rodeo World Champion title last year? How would it feel to win a consecutive gold buckle?

Jess Pope: It was an amazing and humbling experience. It is something I have been working towards since I was six years old.

There was an older man who lived about seven miles from where I grew up who had a bucking machine and did fundamentals practice every Tuesday night, so I started going over there when I was six.

I initially started out wanting to be a bull rider and calf rider. There were a few kids getting on the big bucking machine with a rig in it. I would jump on there and try to ride it too. I rode it every Tuesday. It was something I really enjoyed. The older man, George, always told me, “Man you’re going to be a World Champion.” From that point in time, I started believing it. To be able to actually achieve it had all of those memories flooding back. It definitely was a full circle moment.

It would be awesome to win a consecutive gold buckle. It is hard to describe what it is like to win a World Champion Title because there are so many emotions when you get up there, and they are handing you the Gold Buckle. It doesn’t feel real, but as soon as you step off that stage, everything starts back over, and you are back to trying to achieve the same goal that you just accomplished. It's kind of like a little kid eating candy for the first time: as soon as you eat it, you want more of it.

RL: Do you feel any added pressure going in to defend the World Champion Title? How is this year going to be different from previous years competing at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo?

JP: No, I do not feel any added pressure. It is still my goal to win, but at the end of the day I know that rodeo doesn't define who I am as a person. As long as I go in and ride to the very best of my ability, that is all I can do. God has a plan, and if I'm not supposed to win another World Title then I'm not supposed to, but my goal is definitely to win another one.

I don't necessarily think it will be too different. It is still the NFR – the Super Bowl of Rodeo. This will be my fourth NFR, and I've won three

consecutive average titles. My train of thought is always to just take it one horse at a time and make sure I don't leave anything on the table. If there is something that I messed up on, I have to put it in the rear-view mirror and keep looking at the windshield.

RL: What goes through your mind as you prepare to enter the rodeo arena? How do you handle pre-competition nerves?

JP: Nerves are good. I just try to block them out. When I was in college, my rodeo coach was a guru of Bareback Riding. He knew how to make anybody good at it. His mental game was really strong.

He would always give a speech every Monday when we would have a team meeting and he had some mental strategy for us to work on.

He would always say, “if there's ever a negative thought that comes into your mind, you gotta POW it out.” Except he would scream “POW” when he said it. I try to POW out any negative thoughts and use the nerves as excitement.

RL: As a PRCA Athlete, you meet and interact with fans regularly. What's the most rewarding part of connecting with rodeo enthusiasts?

JP: I think the coolest part about rodeos are the places you see and the people you get to meet. I'm not a very shy guy and I really enjoy interacting with people, especially young kids. I try to bring a positive energy to everybody that I get to meet, especially all the little kids because at one point in time I was that same little kid that wanted to rodeo and was excited to be anywhere, talk to anybody to try to learn anything.

RL: There are so many unpredictable variables in the rodeo circuits.

How do you stay motivated when things do not seem to be going your way?

JP: Trust in the process. This year I had a pretty tough year just with drawing and I was not even in the top 15 when we got to the Fourth of July. It was just one of those deals where I had to put my nose down on the grindstone and take care of everything when I had a good draw and made it count. You can't let anything be wasted because you're not always going to have the draw to win on, but when you draw the horse that you could win second or third on, you better take advantage of it.

Rodeo LIFE 51

RL: How did growing up around horses and rodeo shape you as an athlete? How about as a person?

about those things, so I can fully devote my time to being home and being with my family.

JP: I think growing up around horses and rodeo helped quite a bit.

I grew up being a cowboy, not just a rodeo athlete. I still to this day go do day work for a lot of people around the house and catch wild cows. I think that adopting the mentality of approaching any job that is put in front of me and completing it, no matter what it takes, with the knowledge that I’m going to get it done, helps me in rodeo the most. Today's generation is a little bit different, but when I was a kid playing football at recess, everyone was competitive. Everyone wanted to be the best that they could, so competitiveness just came natural to me. It's making sure that I give 100% and taking care of the whole job that is important to me.

RL: In the rodeo community, camaraderie is essential. How do you interact with other athletes, and do you have any close friends or rivals on the circuit?

I think the cowboy code of ethics has shaped me outside of the arena the most. All of the good cowboys that I know and am around, are some of the most genuine people that you'll ever meet. They are the first people to put a handout if you need help. It is the natural combination of being a good person and a good Christian.

RL: Are there any role models or mentors who have influenced your rodeo career and helped you along the way?

JP: I've had more help than you could shake a stick at throughout the years. Tim O'Connell helped me once I got my card. He let me travel with him and he did all my entering for the first four years of my career. There have been a lot of people that have helped me along the way.

RL: What buckle have you been mostly sporting during the 2023 season? What buckle can we expect to see at the Wrangler National Finals?

JP: Definitely my Gold Buckle.

RL: How has newlywed life been treating you since tying the knot earlier this year?

JP: Getting married was awesome. My wife, Sydney, keeps me grounded, especially with this year being as tough as it was. She was really good about keeping me on the straight and narrow, making sure I'm going to the next rodeo and keeping up the positive energy.

RL: The rodeo lifestyle can be demanding on personal relationships. How do you balance your career with your personal life and family commitments?

JP: When I'm home, I have a turn off rodeo. When you’re on the road and traveling, your sleep schedules get messed up and all you think about is what you have drawn or where you're going next. When I do get time at home, I have to shut all that off and not even think

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JP: One of the cool things about Bareback Riding is nobody is competing against each other; we're all competing against ourselves and the animal that we're getting on. I consider myself really good friends with all of the Bareback Riders. I have really good relationships with them and there are four or so of them that I consider to be like my brothers. We talk every other day on the phone just to see what they're up to. I feel like in rodeo in general, the vast majority, especially on the rough stock end, understand that we all have to be friends and help one another out.

RL: Rodeo fans often look up to Professional Athletes like you.

Do you have any advice or words of encouragement for aspiring rodeo athletes who hope to follow in your footsteps?

JP: Never be afraid to always smile and be the kindest person that you can be. You never know who you're talking to, and you never know the burden another person carries. You never know how big of a deal it might be to make a positive impact on another person’s day.

#10 WORLD BAREBACK RIDING NFR QUALIFICATIONS: 3 WORLD TITLES: 1 PRCA EARNINGS: $127,048 MEMBER SINCE: 2018 HOMETOWN: WAVERLY, KS CAREER EARNINGS: $1,007,549 2022 WORLD STANDINGS PLACE: 1ST 2022 WRANGLER NFR STANDINGS PLACE: 1ST 2022 WRANGLER NFR EARNINGS: $231,361 2022 EARNINGS: $390,620 WORLD TITLES: 1 (2022) WRANGLER NFR AVERAGE TITLES: 3 (2020-22) WRANGLER NFR QUALIFICATIONS: 3 (2020-22)

PROFESSIONAL HIGHLIGHTS 2023 • Won the Killdeer (N.D.) Mountain Roundup PRCA Rodeo • Won the Aulick Industries Champions Challenge (Mitchell, Neb.) • Won the Iowa’s Championship Rodeo (Sidney, Iowa) • Won the Madison (Ind.) Pro Rodeo • Co-Champion at the Old Fort Days Rodeo (Fort Smith, Ark.) • Co-Champion at the Stanley (Wis.) Rodeo • Co-Champion at the Hamel (Minn.) Rodeo & Bull Riding Bonanza • Co-Champion at the Deadwood (S.D.) Days Of ‘76 Rodeo • Co-Champion at the Gooding (Idaho) Pro Rodeo Standings Information and Photo courtesy of the PRCA. For further information please visit www.ProRodeo.com.

HAND-CRAFTED LEATHER BELTS

Bareback Riding

keenan Hayes #1 WORLD BAREBACK RIDING PRCA EARNINGS: $265,896 MEMBER SINCE: 2022 HOMETOWN: HAYDEN, CO

PROFESSIONAL HIGHLIGHTS 2023 • Won Rodeo Austin (Texas) • Won the Mountain States Circuit Finals (Loveland, Colo.)

• Won the Las Vegas (Nev.) Days • Won the 150th Silver Spurs Rodeo (Kissimmee, Fla.) • Won the San Angelo (Texas) Cinch Chute-Out • Won the Resistol Rookie Roundup (Fort Worth, Texas) • Won the Home Of Champions Rodeo (Red Lodge, Mont.)

• Won the Laramie (Wyo.) Jubilee Days • Won the Dinosaur Roundup Rodeo (Vernal, Utah) • Won the Steamboat Spings (Colo.) Pro Rodeo Series, July 7th • Won the NFR Open (Colorado Springs, Colo.)

• Won the Eagle County Fair & Rodeo (Eagle, Colo.)

• Won the Big Sky Pro Rodeo (Great Falls, Mont.)

• Won The War Bonnet Round Up (Idaho Falls, Idaho) • Won the Gem State Stampede (Coeur D Alene, Idaho) • Co-Champion at the Brighton Field Day & Rodeo (Okeechobee, Fla.) Information and Photos courtesy of the PRCA. For further information please visit www.ProRodeo.com.

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Bareback Riding

Clayton Biglow #2 WORLD BAREBACK RIDING WORLD TITLES: 1 NFR QUALIFICATIONS: 7 PRCA EARNINGS: $162,738 MEMBER SINCE: 2015 HOMETOWN: CLEMENTS, CA

CAREER EARNINGS: $1,560.784 2022 WORLD STANDINGS PLACE: 11TH 2022 WRANGLER NFR STANDINGS PLACE: 14TH 2022 WRANGLER NFR EARNINGS: $63,786 2022 EARNINGS: $173,605 WORLD TITLES: 1 (2019) WRANGLER NFR QUALIFICATIONS: 7 (2016-22)

PROFESSIONAL HIGHLIGHTS 2023 All-Around • Won the Mother Lode Round-Up (Sonora, Calif.)

Bareback Riding • Won the Brawley (Calif.) Cattle Call Rodeo • Won the California (Red Bluff) Circuit Finals Rodeo • Won the Clovis (Calif.) Rodeo • Won the Lakeside (Calif.) Rodeo • Won the Springville (Calif.) Sierra Rodeo • Won the Mother Lode Round-Up (Sonora, Calif.)

• Won the Jerome (Idaho) County Fair and Rodeo • Won the Canby (Ore.) Rodeo • Won the Cassia County Fair & Rodeo (Burley, Idaho) • Won the Moses Lake (Wash.) Round-Up Rodeo • Won the Golden Spike Rodeo (Tremonton, Utah) • Co-Champion at the 94th Annual Arcadia All-Florida Championship Rodeo • Co-Champion at the Cheyenne (Wyo.) Frontier Days • Co-Champion at the Washington State Fair Pro Rodeo (Puyallup, Wash.)

2022 CAREER HIGHLIGHTS Compiled $173,605 in season earnings, ending the season 11th in the World Standings. He appeared at the NFR for the seventhstraight time, finishing 14th in the average. Biglow won $63,786, scoring 679 points on eight head. He placed in three rounds including a pair of second place finishes in Rounds 3 and 10. His best score came in the final round, claiming a 90-point ride on Macza Pro Rodeo’s OLS Tubs Stevie Knicks. Won the Industry Hills Charity Pro Rodeo (Industry City, Calif.), the Brawley (Calif.)

Cattle Call Rodeo, the California (Red Bluff) Circuit Finals Rodeo, the Southeastern Livestock Exposition (Montgomery, Ala.), the Oakdale (Calif.) Saddle Club Rodeo, the Springville (Calif.) Sierra Rodeo, the Santa Maria (Calif.) Elks Rodeo, the Livermore (Calif.) Rodeo and the Lewiston (Idaho) Roundup.

Information and Photos courtesy of the PRCA. For further information please visit www.ProRodeo.com.

Rodeo LIFE 55

Bareback RIding

kade sonnier #3 WORLD BAREBACK RIDING PRCA EARNINGS: $160,469 MEMBER SINCE: 2022 HOMETOWN: CARENCRO, LA PROFESSIONAL HIGHLIGHTS 2023 • Won the Calgary (Alberta) Stampede • Won the Sandhills Stock Show & Rodeo (Odessa, Texas) • Won the Crossett (Ark.) Riding Club • Won the Mountain Valley Stampede (Heber City, Utah) • Co-Champion at the Old Fort Days Rodeo (Fort Smith, Ark.) • Co-Champion at the Cheyenne (Wyo.) Frontier Days Information and Photos courtesy of the PRCA. For further information please visit www.ProRodeo.com.

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Rodeo LIFE

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Rodeo LIFE

Rodeo LIFE 59

Saddle Bronc Riding

SAGE NEWMAN #2 WORLD SADDLE BRONC RIDING NFR QUALIFICATIONS: 2 PRCA EARNINGS: $247,264 MEMBER SINCE: 2017 HOMETOWN: MELSTONE, MT

CAREER EARNINGS: $479,150 2022 WORLD STANDINGS PLACE: 5TH 2022 WRANGLER NFR STANDINGS PLACE: 11TH 2022 WRANGLER NFR EARNINGS: $67,283 2022 EARNINGS: $320,474 NFR QUALIFICATIONS: 2 (2021-22)

PROFESSIONAL HIGHLIGHTS 2023 • Won Rodeo Houston (Texas) • Won the New Years Eve Buck & Ball (Gillette, Wyo.) • Won the 94th Annual Arcadia All-Florida Championship Rodeo • Won the 49th State PRCA XTREME BRONCS (Palmer, Alaska) • Won the Black Hills Roundup (Belle Fourche, S.D.) • Won the Cody (Wyo.) Stampede • Won the Western Stampede (West Jordan, Utah) • Won the Mandan (N.D.) Rodeo Days • Won the Silver State Stampede (Elko, Nev.) • Won the Bear Paw Roundup (Chinook, Mont.)

• Won the Yellowstone River Round-Up (Billings, Mont.)

• Won the Golden Spike PRCA Bronc Riding Classic (Tremonton, Utah) • Won the Sanders County Fair & Rodeo (Plains, Mont.)

2022 CAREER HIGHLIGHTS Ended the season fifth in the Saddle Bronc World Standings, earning $320,474. Qualified for a second-straight NFR appearance, finishing 11th in the average. Newman scored 666 points on eight head, winning $67,283 over 10 nights. He placed in four rounds including a go-round victory in Round 1 with an 89-point trip on Big Stone Rodeo Inc.’s Rubels. Won the Montana Pro Rodeo Circuit Finals (Great Falls, Mont.), Rodeo Houston (Texas), the Clark County Fair & Rodeo (Logandale, Nev.), the Clovis (Calif.) Rodeo, the Fallon County Xtreme Broncs (Baker, Mont.), the Back When They Bucked (Deadwood, S.D.), the St. Paul (Ore.) Rodeo, the Missoula (Mont.) Stampede and the Sanders County Fair & PRCA Rodeo (Plains, Mont.). Co-Champion at the MSU-Northern PRCA Extreme Bares & Broncs Challenge (Havre, Mont.), the Reno (Nev.) Rodeo and the Golden Spike Rodeo (Tremonton, Utah).

Information and Photos courtesy of the PRCA. For further information please visit www.ProRodeo.com.

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Saddle Bronc Riding

KADE BRUNO #3 WORLD SADDLE BRONC RIDING NFR QUALIFICATIONS: 1 PRCA EARNINGS: $225,259 MEMBER SINCE: 2020 HOMETOWN: CHALLIS, ID CAREER EARNINGS: $223,675 2022 WORLD STANDINGS PLACE: 11TH 2022 WRANGLER NFR STANDINGS PLACE: 7TH 2022 WRANGLER NFR EARNINGS: $40,779 2022 EARNINGS: $178,505 WRANGLER NFR QUALIFICATIONS: 1 (2022)

PROFESSIONAL HIGHLIGHTS 2023 • Won the Columbia River Circuit Finals (Redmond, Ore.) • Won the Lakeside (Calif.) Rodeo • Won the Mackay (Idaho) Rodeo • Won Greeley (Colo.) Stampede • Won the NFR Open (Colorado Springs, Colo.)

• Won The War Bonnet Round Up (Idaho Falls, Idaho) • Won the Lynden (Wash.) PRCA Rodeo • Won the Moses Lake (Wash.) Round-Up Rodeo • Won the Magic Valley Stampede (Filer, Idaho) • Won the Chelan County Fair and Rodeo (Cashmere, Wash.)

• Won the Cinch Playoff Series Championship (Sioux Falls, S.D.) • Co-Champion at the Walla Walla (Wash.) Frontier Days

2022 CAREER HIGHLIGHTS Won the NFR Open (Colorado Springs, Colo.), the Columbia River Circuit Finals (Redmond, Ore.), the Wild Rogue Pro Rodeo (Central Point, Ore.), the Redding (Calif.) Rodeo, the Daniel Dopps Memorial Ram PRCA Rodeo (Mountain Home, Idaho), the Eagle (Colo.) County Fair & Rodeo, The War Bonnet Round Up (Idaho Falls, Idaho), the Cache County Fair And Rodeo (Logan, Utah) and the Othello (Wash.) PRCA Rodeo. Co-Champion at the Ogden (Utah) Pioneer Days and the Douglas County Fair and Rodeo (Castle Rock, Colo.).

Information and Photos courtesy of the PRCA. For further information please visit www.ProRodeo.com.

Rodeo LIFE 61

Saddle Bronc Riding

ZEKE THURSTON #4 WORLD SADDLE BRONC RIDING WORLD TITLES: 3 NFR QUALIFICATIONS: 7 PRCA EARNINGS: $221,919 MEMBER SINCE: 2014 HOMETOWN: BIG VALLEY, AB

CAREER EARNINGS: $1,976,668 2022 WORLD STANDINGS PLACE: 1ST 2022 WRANGLER NFR STANDINGS PLACE: 1ST 2022 WRANGLER NFR EARNINGS: $256,078 2022 EARNINGS: $399,916 WORLD TITLES: 3 (2016, 2019, 2022) WRANGLER NFR QUALIFICATIONS: 8 (2015-2022) WRANGLER NFR AVERAGE TITLES: 2 (2016, 2022)

PROFESSIONAL HIGHLIGHTS 2023 • Won the La Fiesta De Los Vaqueros (Tucson, Ariz.)

• Won the World Famous Miles City (Mont.) Bucking Horse Sale Matched Xtreme • Won the Gateway to the North Pro Rodeo Buffalo Lake Metis Settlement (Caslan, Alberta) • Won the Wildwood (Alberta) Bronc Bustin’ • Won the Ponoka (Alberta) Stampede • Won the Utah Days of ‘47 Rodeo (Salt Lake City, Utah) • Won the Big Sky Pro Rodeo (Great Falls, Mont.)

• Co-Champion at the Casey Tibbs Match of Champions Xtreme Broncs (Fort Pierre, S.D.)

2022 CAREER HIGHLIGHTS Collected his third Saddle Bronc World Title (2016, 2019) with a Saddle Bronc-record $399,916 in season earnings. In his eighth appearance at the NFR, he also earned his second average title (2016) while winning the RAM Top Gun Award, amassing an NFR-record $256,078 in the 10 nights.

He scored 876.5 points on ten head, placing in nine rounds including a go-round victory in Rounds 4 and a split win in Round 10. Won the New Years Eve Buck & Bull (Gillette, Wyo.), the Sundre (Alberta) Pro Rodeo, the Big Sky Pro Rodeo (Great Falls, Mont.), the Home on The Range Champions Ride (Sentinel Butte, N.D.), the Dawson Creek (British Columbia) Stampede, the Fallon County Fair & Rodeo (Baker, Mont.) and the Edmonton (Alberta) Pro Rodeo.

Co-Champion at the Cody (Wyo.) Stampede.

Information and Photos courtesy of the PRCA. For further information please visit www.ProRodeo.com.

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Bull Riding

Ky Hamilton #2 WORLD BULL RIDING NFR QUALIFICATIONS: 3 PRCA EARNINGS: $254,165 MEMBER SINCE: 2019 HOMETOWN: MACKAY, QL CAREER EARNINGS: $659,422 2022 WORLD STANDINGS PLACE: 4TH 2022 WRANGLER NFR STANDINGS PLACE: 3RD 2022 WRANGLER NFR EARNINGS: $165,761 2022 EARNINGS: $278,412 WRANGLER NFR QUALIFICATIONS: 3 (2020-22)

PROFESSIONAL 2022 HIGHLIGHTS • Won Rodeo Houston (Texas) • Won the La Fiesta De Los Vaqueros (Tucson, Ariz.)

• Won the Redding (Calif.) Rodeo • Won the Ute Mountain Round-Up (Cortez, Colo.)

• Won the Sisters (Ore.) Rodeo • Won the Crooked River Roundup (Prinevillle, Ore.) • Won the Mandan (N.D.) Rodeo Days • Won That Famous Preston (Idaho) Night Rodeo • Won the Summit County Fair & Rodeo (Coalville, Utah) • Co-Champion at the Sheridan WYO Rodeo

2022 CAREER HIGHLIGHTS Finished fourth in the Bull Riding World Standings with $278,412 after competing in his third-consecutive NFR appearance. While at the NFR, he notched a third-place finish in the average with 510 points on six head, earning $165,761. His most notable ride came in Round 8 with a 90-point trip on Dakota Rodeo’s Bubba G, earning him a split victory. Won the San Angelo (Texas) Xtreme Bulls, the Sisters (Ore.) Rodeo and the Snake River Stampede (Nampa, Idaho). Co-Champion at the Eagle (Idaho) Rodeo and the Mountain Valley Stampede (Heber City, Utah).

Information and Photos courtesy of the PRCA. For further information please visit www.ProRodeo.com.

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ROUGH OUT NATIONALS

Where the Cowboys Meet It is done! The first year of Rough Out Nationals is in the books! The

All the qualifier events looked the same three events branding,

Rough Out team traveled to 6 states to host qualifiers in Florida, Kan-

mugging, and pasture doctoring. Texas held the fastest time in the

sas, Missouri, Alabama, Louisiana and, two in Texas, to bring the top 4

pasture doctoring event, while Missouri held Branding and Florida

placing teams back for their shot at the largest payout in ranch rodeo

held the mugging fast time. The last qualifier event in Louisiana

history. Currently 27 teams have been invited to compete at nationals

came and took all the fastest times in every event! We saw teams

December 15-17th in the Hill Country of Texas, Dripping Springs, Texas

from Texas, Louisiana and Missouri competing for their last shot at

at the Dripping Springs Ranch Park.

Nationals.

The weekend will be complete with a vendor hall, an open women’s

Rough Out Nationals will not look like any other ranch rodeo finals

ranch rodeo, nationals ranch rodeo, a horse sale, concerts, and a west-

that you have ever seen before! With the introduction of the ranch

ern wonderland ice rink! You have the chance to watch some of the

wild card! Do you think you can do it better? Have you done it better?

best cowboy’s and cowgirls’ from around the United States, then skate

Could you come out of the stands and do it better? With the wild card

the night away in the western wonderland ice rink!

one person from their ticket purchase will be selected to compete alongside the qualified teams. For a wild card team, they are eligible

Rough Out being in 2017 when a group of friends got together and want-

for fast round monies but, to win nationals, they will have to placed first

ed to have a different style of ranch rodeo. One that mimicked the ranch

in every round of Nationals. Do you think you have in you? We look to

more than rodeo. No loop limits, illegal catches, or penalties from heeling

conclude Rough Out Nationals in December and crown our first ever

one foot or two. Favor watching a cowboy work through the adversities

National Champions.

of a bad catch rather than being flagged out for it. We often joked “You wouldn’t turn an illegal catch lose on the ranch.” We have all been guilty

We look forward to our 2024 year of qualifiers where we look to ex-

of it before, though not put together or the ideal run for the crowd, the

panding our qualifiers in 2024. More information can be found online

events are more authentic. We held a saddle series every year until

at our website www.RoughOut.org or on all social media sites under

2022, the decision was made to do Rough Out Nationals. Share in our

Rough Out. We hope to see you at Rough Out Nationals “Where the

same style and belief of what a ranch rodeo should look like.

Cowboy’s Meet”.

Bull Riding

Josh Frost #3 WORLD BULL RIDING UNRANKED TIE-DOWN ROPING UNRANKED STEER WRESTLING UNRANKED TEAM ROPING (HEELERS) NFR QUALIFICATIONS: 3 PRCA EARNINGS: $236,887 MEMBER SINCE: 2015 HOMETOWN: RANDLETT, UT CAREER EARNINGS: $1,161,919 2022 WORLD STANDINGS PLACE: 2ND 2022 WRANGLER NFR STANDINGS PLACE: 2ND 2022 WRANGLER NFR EARNINGS: $181,073 2022 EARNINGS: $409,630 WRANGLER NFR AVERAGE TITLES: 1 (2021) WRANGLER NFR QUALIFICATIONS: 3 (2019, 2021-22) (BR)

PROFESSIONAL HIGHLIGHTS 2023 Bull Riding • Won the Fort Worth (Texas) Stock Show & Rodeo • Won the BULLNANZA (Guthrie, Okla.)

• Won the California Rodeo Salinas • Won the Owyhee County Rodeo (Homedale, Idaho) • Won the Magic Valley Stampede (Filer, Idaho) • Won the Walla Walla (Wash.) Frontier Days All-Around • Won the Canyonlands PRCA Rodeo (Moab, Utah) • Won the Reno (Nev.) Rodeo • Won the Steamboat Springs (Colo.) Pro Rodeo Series, June, 23-24th

2022 CAREER HIGHLIGHTS Won the Linderman award for the third-consecutive year while finishing second in the Bull Riding World Standings with $409,630, the highest mark in his career. He also placed second in the NFR average with 589.5 points on seven head, collecting $181,073 over the 10 nights. He placed in seven rounds, highlighted by a pair of 88-point rides (Round 1 and Round 5).• Won the All-Around at the Cedar City (Utah) Championship Rodeo, the Canyonlands PRCA Rodeo (Moab, Utah), the Rodeo of The Ozarks (Springdale, Ark.), the Jerome (Idaho) County Fair And Rodeo, the Summit County Fair & Rodeo (Coalville, Utah) and the Lynden (Wash) PRCA Rodeo Information and Photos courtesy of the PRCA. For further information please visit www.ProRodeo.com.

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Bull Riding

Tristen Hutchings #4 WORLD BULL RIDING NFR QUALIFICATIONS: 1 PRCA EARNINGS: $181,192 MEMBER SINCE: 2020 HOMETOWN: MONTEVIEW, ID CAREER EARNINGS: $402,114 2022 WORLD STANDINGS PLACE: 3RD 2022 WRANGLER NFR STANDINGS PLACE: 4TH 2022 WRANGLER NFR EARNINGS: $251,803 2022 EARNINGS: $379,786 WRANGLER NFR QUALIFICATIONS: 1 (2022)

PROFESSIONAL HIGHLIGHTS 2023 • Won the Red Bluff (Calif.) Round-Up • Won the Fort Herriman (Utah) PRCA Rodeo • Won the Canyonlands PRCA Rodeo (Moab, Utah) • Won the Crystal Springs Rodeo Xtreme Bulls (Clear Lake, S.D.) • Won the Fiesta Days Rodeo (Spanish Fork, Utah) • Won the Dodge City (Kan.) Roundup Xtreme Bulls • Won the War Bonnet Round Up (Idaho Falls, Idaho) • Won the Jerome (Idaho) County Fair and Rodeo • Won the Kitsap Stampede Xtreme Bulls (Bremerton, Wash.)

• Co-Champion at the Buffalo (Minn.) Championship PRCA Rodeo

2022 CAREER HIGHLIGHTS An NFR rookie, finished third in the World Standings, earning $379,786. He rode his way to a fourth-place finish in the NFR average with 447 points on five head. In 10 nights, he collected an-event high four go-round wins (Round 1, Round 5, Round 6, and Round 10), bringing home $251,803. His NFR was highlighted in Round 10 as the only bull rider to make a qualified ride, earning all of the $93,270 prize money. Won the Ellensburg (Wash.) Rodeo, the Cinch World's Toughest Rodeo (Des Moines, Idaho), the Gem State Stampede Xtreme Bulls (Coeur D Alene, Idaho), the Gem State Stampede (Coeur D' Alene, Idaho) and the Sheriff's PRCA Rodeo (San Bernardino, Calif.).

Information and Photos courtesy of the PRCA. For further information please visit www.ProRodeo.com.

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Steer estling Rodeo LIFE 71

Steer Wrestling

DAlton Massey #1 WORLD #1 WORLD STEER STEER WRESTLING WRESTLING PRCA PRCA EARNINGS: EARNINGS: $193,430 $193,430 MEMBER MEMBER SINCE: SINCE: 2014 2014 HOMETOWN: HOMETOWN: HERMISTON, HERMISTON, OR OR CAREER CAREER EARNINGS: EARNINGS: $216,820 $216,820 20222022 WORLD WORLD STANDINGS STANDINGS PLACE: PLACE: 17TH17TH 20222022 EARNINGS: EARNINGS: $67,349 $67,349

PROFESSIONAL PROFESSIONAL HIGHLIGHTS HIGHLIGHTS 2023 2023 • Won• Won Rodeo Rodeo Houston Houston (Texas) (Texas) • Won• Won the San the Angelo San Angelo (Texas) (Texas) Cinch Cinch Chute-Out Chute-Out • Won• Won the Ponoka the Ponoka (Alberta) (Alberta) Stampede Stampede • Won• Won the BigFork the BigFork (Mont.)

(Mont.)

Summer Summer ProRodeo ProRodeo • Won• Won the Bruce the Bruce (Alberta) (Alberta) Stampede Stampede • Won• Won the Okotoks the Okotoks Pro Rodeo Pro Rodeo (Millarville, (Millarville, Alberta) Alberta) • Won• Won the Washington the Washington StateState Fair Pro FairRodeo Pro Rodeo (Puyallup, (Puyallup, Wash.)

Wash.)

2022 2022 CAREER CAREER HIGHLIGHTS HIGHLIGHTS Won Won the Columbia the Columbia RiverRiver Circuit Circuit Finals Finals (Redmond, (Redmond, Ore.),Ore.), the Red the Bluff Red Bluff (Calif.)

(Calif.)

Round-Up, Round-Up, the Wild the Wild Rogue Rogue Pro Rodeo Pro Rodeo (Central (Central Point,Point, Ore.),Ore.), the the Redding Redding (Calif.)

(Calif.)

Rodeo Rodeo and the andCrooked the Crooked RiverRiver Roundup Roundup (Prineville, (Prineville, Ore.).Ore.).

Co-Champion Co-Champion at the atSheridan the Sheridan WYOWYO Rodeo.

Rodeo.

Information Information and Photos and Photos courtesy courtesy of PRCA of PRCA www.prorodeo.com www.prorodeo.com

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Steer Wrestling

jesse brown #2 WORLD STEER WRESTLING NFR QUALIFICATIONS: 3 PRCA EARNINGS: $161,613 MEMBER SINCE: 2016 HOMETOWN: BAKER CITY, OR CAREER EARNINGS: $607,492 2022 WORLD STANDINGS PLACE: 5TH 2022 WRANGLER NFR STANDINGS PLACE: 2ND 2022 WRANGLER NFR EARNINGS: $149,439 2022 EARNINGS: $241,152 WRANGLER NFR QUALIFICATIONS: 3 (2020-22)

PROFESSIONAL HIGHLIGHTS 2023 • Won the San Antonio (Texas) Stock Show & Rodeo • Won the Clark County Fair & Rodeo (Logandale, Nev.) • Won the Medicine Hat (Alberta) Stampede • Won the Jerome (Idaho) County Fair and Rodeo • Co-Champion at the Lynden (Wash.) PRCA Rodeo

2022 CAREER HIGHLIGHTS Collected $241,152 in season earnings to notch a fifthplace finish in the World Standings, a career-high.

Qualified for his third-straight NFR, finishing second in the average with 48.1 seconds on 10 head. Brown placed in four rounds including a go-round win in Round 10 and a pair of second-place finishes in Rounds 1 and 9, winning $149,439. Won the Santa Maria (Calif.) Elks Rodeo and the Rancho Mission Viejo Rodeo (San Juan Capistrano, Calif.).

Information and Photos courtesy of the PRCA. For further information please visit www.ProRodeo.com.

Rodeo LIFE 73

Steer SteerWrestling Wrestling

TYLER WAGUESPACK

#3 WORLD STEER WRESTLING WORLD TITLES: 4 NFR QUALIFICATIONS: 8 PRCA EARNINGS: $147,113 MEMBER SINCE: 2011 HOMETOWN: LOS ANGELES, CA

CAREER EARNINGS: $1,984,898 2022 WORLD STANDINGS PLACE: 1ST 2022 WRANGLER NFR STANDINGS PLACE: 3RD 2022 WRANGLER NFR EARNINGS: $145,008 2022 EARNINGS: $268,881 WORLD TITLES: 4 (2016, 2018, 2021-22) WRANGLER NFR AVERAGE TITLES: 2 (2016, 2018) WRANGLER NFR QUALIFICATIONS: 8 (2015-22)

PROFESSIONAL HIGHLIGHTS 2023 Steer Wrestling • Won the steer wrestling at the Rotary Rodeo (Starkville, Miss.)

• Won the Bill Hoy Kiwanis Rodeo (Clarksville, Tenn.)

• Won the Old Fort Days Rodeo (Fort Smith, Ark.) • Won the Buffalo Bill Rodeo (North Platte, Neb.) • Won the World's Oldest Rodeo (Prescott, Ariz.)

• Co-Champion at the Brighton Field Day & Rodeo (Okeechobee, Fla.) • Co-Champion at the Mt. Pleasant (Texas) Rodeo • Co-Champion at the Lehi (Utah) Roundup • Co-Champion at the Douglas County Fair and Rodeo (Castle Rock, Colo.)

• Co-Champion at the Horse Heaven Roundup Rodeo (Kennewick, Wash.)

• Co-Champion at the Walla Walla (Wash.) Frontier Days All-Around • Won the All-Around at the Southern Miss Coca-Cola Rodeo (Hattiesburg, Miss.)

2022 CAREER HIGHLIGHTS Earned his fourth PRCA Steer Wrestling World Championship, winning for the second-straight year. Compiled $268,881 in season earnings while notching his eighth-straight NFR appearance. Waguespack finished third in the average, scoring 57.1 seconds on ten head. He placed in six rounds highlighted by a split go-round win in Round 8 on a 3.6-second run. At the NFR, he won $145,008. Won the San Angelo (Texas) Cinch Chute-Out, the Fiesta Days Rodeo (Spanish Fork, Utah), the Snake River Stampede (Nampa, Idaho), the Jerome (Idaho) County Fair and Rodeo and the Cowboy Capital of The World PRCA Rodeo (Stephenville, Texas). Co-Champion at the National Peanut Festival Rodeo (Dothan, Ala.), the Lea County PRCA Rodeo (Lovington, N.M.) and the Cache County Fair and Rodeo (Logan, Utah).

Information and Photos courtesy of the PRCA. For further information please visit www.ProRodeo.com.

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Rodeo LIFE

Headers

Rodeo LIFE 77

Team Roping: Headers

KALEB DRIGGERS #1 WORLD TEAM ROPING HEADERS WORLD TITLES: 2 NFR QUALIFICATIONS: 10 PRCA EARNINGS: $160,145 MEMBER SINCE: 2008 HOMETOWN: HOBOKEN, GA

CAREER EARNINGS: $2,447,388 2022 WORLD STANDINGS PLACE: 1ST 2022 WRANGLER NFR STANDINGS PLACE: 2ND 2022 WRANGLER NFR EARNINGS: $112,830 2022 EARNINGS: $340,708 WORLD TITLES: 2 (2021-22) WRANGLER NFR QUALIFICATIONS: 10 (2011-14, 2016-19, 2021-22)

PROFESSIONAL HIGHLIGHTS 2023 PARTNER JUNIOR NOGUEIRA • Won the Reno (Nev.) Rodeo • Won the Farm-City Pro Rodeo (Hermiston, Ore.) • Won the Summit County Fair & Rodeo (Coalville, Utah) • Won the Ellensburg (Wash.) Rodeo • Co-Champion at the Lake County Round-up (Lakeview, Ore.)

2022 CAREER HIGHLIGHTS (Partner Junior Nogueira) Clinched his second-straight PRCA Team Roping World Championship, compiling a Team Roping seasonearnings record $340,708. Made his 10th NFR appearance, finishing second in the Average Standings with 71.4 seconds on nine head.

Driggers placed in four rounds, winning $112,830. His best run came in Round 8, scoring a 4.0-second run to earn a split fifth-place finish. Won the Fort Worth (Texas) Stock Show & Rodeo, the Heart O Texas Rodeo (Waco), the Clark County Fair & Rodeo (Logandale, Nev.), the San Angelo (Texas) Cinch Chute-Out, the World's Oldest Rodeo (Prescott, Ariz.), the Oakley Independence Day Rodeo (Oakley City, Utah), the St. Paul (Ore.) Rodeo, the Big Fork (Mont.) Summer ProRodeo, the Lea County PRCA Rodeo (Lovington, N.M.), the Rancho Mission Viejo Rodeo (San Juan Capistrano, Calif.), the Meagher County Labor Day Rodeo (White Sulphur Springs, Mont.) and the Springhill (La.) PRCA Rodeo. Co-Champion at the Laramie (Wyo.) Jubilee Days, the Cache County Fair and Rodeo (Logan, Utah) and the Walla Walla (Wash.)

Frontier Days.

Information and Photos courtesy of the PRCA. For further information please visit www.ProRodeo.com.

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Team Roping: Headers

TYLER WADE #2 WORLD TEAM ROPING HEADERS NFR QUALIFICATIONS: 5 PRCA EARNINGS: $154,926 MEMBER SINCE: 2011 HOMETOWN: TERRELL, TX CAREER EARNINGS: $1,102,543 2022 WORLD STANDINGS PLACE: 8TH 2022 WRANGLER NFR STANDINGS PLACE: 10TH 2022 WRANGLER NFR EARNINGS: $98,296 2022 EARNINGS: $196,869 WRANGLER NFR QUALIFICATIONS: 5 (2016, 2018-19, 2021-22)

PROFESSIONAL HIGHLIGHTS 2023 PARTNER WESLEY THORP • Won the Henderson County First Responders PRCA Rodeo (Athens, Texas) • Won the Longview (Texas) PRCA Rodeo • Won the Ogden (Utah) Pioneer Days • Won the Fiesta Days Rodeo (Spanish Fork, Utah) • Won the Deadwood (S.D.) Days Of '76 Rodeo • Won the Caldwell (Idaho) Night Rodeo • Won the Stockyards Pro Rodeo (Fort Worth, Texas), Dustin Davis

2022 CAREER HIGHLIGHTS (Partner Trey Yates) Amassed $196,869 in season earnings, finishing eighth in the World Standings. Collected his second-straight NFR appearance, the fifth overall. He scored 30.3 seconds on six head, placing 10th in the average. Wade won $98,296 at the NFR, placing in four rounds including three go-round wins (Rounds 4, 7, and 10). His best run came in the final round, a 3.7-second run to claim the split go-round victory.

Won the Sandhills Stock Show & Rodeo (Odessa, Texas), the West of Pecos (Texas) Rodeo, the Alamosa (Colo.) Round-Up and the Lake County Round-up (Lakeview, Ore.). Co-Champion at the Deadwood (S.D.) Days Of 76 Rodeo. Won the Mesquite (Texas) Championship Rodeo, with Dustin Davis. Co-Champion at the Mesquite (Texas) Championship Rodeo, with Kyle Cauthorn.

Information and Photos courtesy of the PRCA. For further information please visit www.ProRodeo.com

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Team Roping: Headers

DUSTIN EGUSQUIZA #4 WORLD TEAM ROPING HEADERS NFR QUALIFICATIONS: 5 PRCA EARNINGS: $138,348 MEMBER SINCE: 2016 HOMETOWN: MARIANNA, FL CAREER EARNINGS: $1,058,615 2022 WORLD STANDINGS PLACE: 7TH 2022 WRANGLER NFR STANDINGS PLACE: 6TH 2022 WRANGLER NFR EARNINGS: $95,808 2022 EARNINGS: $201,831 WRANGLER NFR QUALIFICATIONS: 5 (2017-18, 2020-22)

PROFESSIONAL HIGHLIGHTS 2023 PARTNER LEVI LORD • Won the San Antonio (Texas) Stock Show & Rodeo • Won the Rio Grande Valley Livestock & Rodeo (Mercedes, Texas) • Won the PPCLA PRCA Rodeo (Mineral Wells, Texas) • Won the Livingston (Mont.) Roundup Rodeo • Won the Mandan (N.D.) Rodeo Days • Won the Basin City (Wash.) Freedom Rodeo • Won the Larimer County Fair & Rodeo (Loveland, Colo.)

• Won the Cache County Fair and Rodeo (Logan, Utah) • Co-Champion at the Dodge City (Kan.) Roundup Rodeo

2022 CAREER HIGHLIGHTS (Partner Travis Graves) Earned a seventh-place finish in the World Standings for the second time in his career (2020), winning $201,831. He clinched a third-straight NFR berth, his fifth overall. Egusquiza finished sixth in the NFR Average Standings with 56.2 seconds on eight head.

He won $95,808, placing in four rounds including a pair of second-place finishes in Rounds 3 and 8 on 3.8-second runs. Won the Southeastern Livestock Exposition (Montgomery, Ala.), the Old Fort Days Rodeo (Fort Smith, Ark.), the Jayhawker Roundup (Hill City, Kan.), the FarmCity Pro Rodeo (Hermiston, Ore.), the Moses Lake (Wash.) Round-Up Rodeo, the Kitsap Stampede (Bremerton, Wash.), the Stockyards Pro Rodeo (Fort Worth, Texas) and the Pasadena (Texas) Livestock Show & Rodeo.

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Information and Photos courtesy of the PRCA. For further information please visit www.ProRodeo.com.

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Heeler s Rodeo LIFE 83

Team Roping: Heelers

WESLEY THORP

#1 TEAM ROPING HEELERS WORLD TITLES: 1 NFR QUALIFICATIONS: 7 PRCA EARNINGS: $172,153 MEMBER SINCE: 2014 HOMETOWN: THROCKMORTON, TX CAREER EARNINGS: $1,200,672 2022 WORLD STANDINGS PLACE: 14TH 2022 WRANGLER NFR STANDINGS PLACE: 11TH 2022 WRANGLER NFR EARNINGS: $45,520 2022 EARNINGS: $137,363 WORLD TITLES: 1 (2019) WRANGLER NFR AVERAGE TITLES: 1 (2019) WRANGLER NFR QUALIFICATIONS: 7 (2016-2022)

PROFESSIONAL HIGHLIGHTS 2023 PARTNER TYLER WADE • Won the Henderson County First Responders PRCA Rodeo (Athens, Texas) • Won the Ogden (Utah) Pioneer Days • Won the Fiesta Days Rodeo (Spanish Fork, Utah) • Won the Deadwood (S.D.) Days Of '76 Rodeo • Won the Caldwell (Idaho) Night Rodeo • Won the San Angelo (Texas) Cinch Chute-Out, with Cody Snow

2022 CAREER HIGHLIGHTS (Partner Cody Snow) Finished 14th in the World Standings, earning $137,363. Made his seventh-straight NFR appearance, finishing 11th in the average with 32.2 seconds on six head. Thorp won $45,520 at the NFR, placing in five rounds. His most notable run came in Round 8, notching a 3.9-second run to earn a split third-place finish. Won the Springville (Calif.) Sierra Rodeo, the Lakeside (Calif.) Rodeo and the PPCLA PRCA Rodeo (Mineral Wells, Texas). Co-Champion at the Norco (Calif.) Mounted Posse PRCA Rodeo.

Information and Photos courtesy of the PRCA. For further information please visit www.ProRodeo.com.

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Natural •• Sustainable •• Cruelty Free

Team Roping: Heelers

JUNIOR NUNES NOGUEIRA

#2 WORLD TEAM ROPING HEELERS WORLD TITLES: 3 NFR QUALIFICATIONS: 9 PRCA EARNINGS: $160,145 MEMBER SINCE: 2014 HOMETOWN: PRESIDENTE PRUDENTE, SP

CAREER EARNINGS: $2,121,731 2022 WORLD STANDINGS PLACE: 1ST 2022 WRANGLER NFR STANDINGS PLACE: 2ND 2022 WRANGLER NFR EARNINGS: $112,830 2022 EARNINGS: $340,708 WORLD TITLES: 3 (AA 2016) (TR 2021-22) WRANGLER NFR QUALIFICATIONS: 9 (2014-2021)

PROFESSIONAL HIGHLIGHTS 2023 PARTNER KALEB DRIGGERS • Won the Reno (Nev.) Rodeo • Won the Farm-City Pro Rodeo (Hermiston, Ore.) • Won the Summit County Fair & Rodeo (Coalville, Utah) • Won the Ellensburg (Wash.) Rodeo • Co-Champion at the Lake County Round-up (Lakeview, Ore.)

2022 CAREER HIGHLIGHTS (Partner Kaleb Driggers) Claimed his second-straight PRCA Team Roping World Championship, third overall, earning a Team Roping season-earnings record $340,708. Qualified for a ninth-straight NFR appearance, ending second in the average with 71.4 seconds on nine head. Nogueira placed in four rounds, winning $112,830. In Round 8, they notched their best time of the week, a 4.0-second run to earn a split fifth-place finish.Won the Fort Worth (Texas) Stock Show & Rodeo, the Heart O Texas Rodeo (Waco), the Clark County Fair & Rodeo (Logandale, Nev.), the San Angelo (Texas) Cinch Chute-Out, the World’s Oldest Rodeo (Prescott, Ariz.), the Oakley Independence Day Rodeo (Oakley City, Utah), the St. Paul (Ore.) Rodeo, the Big Fork (Mont.) Summer ProRodeo, the Lea County PRCA Rodeo (Lovington, N.M.), the Rancho Mission Viejo Rodeo (San Juan Capistrano, Calif.), the Meagher County Labor Day Rodeo (White Sulphur Springs, Mont.) and the Springhill (La.) PRCA Rodeo. Co-Champion at the Laramie (Wyo.) Jubilee Days, the Cache County Fair and Rodeo (Logan, Utah) and the Walla Walla (Wash.) Frontier Days.

Information and Photos courtesy of the PRCA. For further information please visit www.ProRodeo.com.

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Team Roping: Heelers

COLTER TODD #3 WORLD TEAM ROPING HEELERS NFR QUALIFICATIONS: 3 PRCA EARNINGS: $153,283 MEMBER SINCE: 2003 HOMETOWN: WILLCOX, AZ

PROFESSIONAL HIGHLIGHTS 2023 PARTNER DERRICK BEGAY • Won the Clark County Fair & Rodeo (Logandale, Nev.) • Won the Guymon (Okla.) Pioneer Days Rodeo • Won the Gary Hardt Memorial Rodeo (Payson, Ariz.)

• Won the Greeley (Colo.) Stampede

CAREER EARNINGS: $479,773

• Won the Moses Lake (Wash.) Round-Up Rodeo

2022 WORLD STANDINGS PLACE: 36TH

• Won the Colorado State Fair & Rodeo (Pueblo, Colo.)

2022 EARNINGS: $50,480

• Co-Champion at the Magic Valley Stampede (Filer, Idaho)

NFR QUALIFICATIONS: 3 (2006-08)

2022 CAREER HIGHLIGHTS Won the San Angelo (Texas) Rodeo, with Derrick Begay. Co-Champion at the Poway (Calif.) Rodeo.

Information and Photos courtesy of the PRCA. For further information please visit www.ProRodeo.com.

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Rodeo LIFE 89

Tie-Down Roping

RILEY WEBB #1 WORLD TIE-DOWN ROPING NFR QUALIFICATIONS: 1 PRCA EARNINGS: $280,405 MEMBER SINCE: 2021 HOMETOWN: DENTON, TX

CAREER EARNINGS: $201,873 2022 WORLD STANDINGS PLACE: 10TH 2022 WRANGLER NFR STANDINGS PLACE: 12TH 2022 WRANGLER NFR EARNINGS: $71,092 2022 EARNINGS: $188,597 WRANGLER NFR QUALIFICATIONS: 1 (2022)

PROFESSIONAL HIGHLIGHTS 2023 • Won Rodeo Houston (Texas) • Won the Cooks Rodeo Days (Lubbock, Texas) • Won the 69th Annual Mid-Winter Fair & Rodeo (Lafayette, La.) • Won the National Western Stock Show and Rodeo - Timed Events (Denver, Colo.)

• Won the High Desert Stampede (Redmond, Ore.) • Won the Redding (Calif.) Rodeo • Won the Molalla (Ore.) Buckeroo Rodeo • Won the Nebraska's (Burwell) Big Rodeo • Won the Wild Bill Hickok Rodeo (Abilene, Kan.) • Won the Horse Heaven Roundup Rodeo (Kennewick, Wash.)

• Won the Kitsap Stampede (Bremerton, Wash.)

• Won the Gem State Stampede (Coeur D Alene, Idaho) • Won the Washington State Fair Pro Rodeo (Puyallup, Wash.)

• Won the Lion's Dixie Roundup (St. George, Utah)

2022 CAREER HIGHLIGHTS Won the Resistol Rookie of the Year Award in Tie-Down Roping and All-Around. Ended the season 10th in the World Standings, amassing $188,597. As an NFR Rookie, Webb finished 12th in the Average Standings with 66.8 seconds on seven head, winning $71,092.

He placed in five rounds including a third-place finish in Round 4, notching a 7.8-second run. Won the All-Around at the Stockyards Pro Rodeo (Fort Worth, Texas). Won the Tie-Down Roping at the 94th Annual Arcadia All-Florida Championship Rodeo, the Helotes (Texas) Festival Association Rodeo, the PPCLA PRCA Rodeo (Mineral Wells, Texas), the Reno (Nev.) Rodeo, the Fallon County Fair & Rodeo (Baker, Mont.), the Stockyards Pro Rodeo (Fort Worth, Texas) and the Magic Valley Stampede (Filer, Idaho).

Information and Photos courtesy of the PRCA. For further information please visit www.ProRodeo.com.

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Tie-Down Roping

SHAD MAYFIELD #2 TIE-DOWN ROPING WORLD TITLES: 1 NFR QUALIFICATIONS: 4 PRCA EARNINGS: $206,604 MEMBER SINCE: 2018 HOMETOWN: CLOVIS, NM

CAREER EARNINGS: $795,550 2022 WORLD STANDINGS PLACE: 2ND 2022 WRANGLER NFR STANDINGS PLACE: 10TH 2022 WRANGLER NFR EARNINGS: $66,428 2022 EARNINGS: $269,936 WORLD TITLES: 1 (2020) WRANGLER NFR QUALIFICATIONS: 4 (2019-22)

PROFESSIONAL HIGHLIGHTS 2023 • Won the Santa Rosa Roundup (Vernon, Texas) • Won the Liberty Hill (Texas) Fair and Rodeo • Won the Buffalo Bill Rodeo (North Platte, Neb.) • Won the Reno (Nev.) Rodeo • Won the Killdeer (N.D.) Mountain Roundup PRCA Rodeo • Won the Cheney (Wash.) Rodeo • Co-Champion at the Rio Grande Valley Livestock & Rodeo (Mercedes, Texas)

2022 CAREER HIGHLIGHTS Finished second in the tie-down World Standings, earning a career-high $269,936. Mayfield notched his fourth-straight NFR appearance with a 10th-place finish in the average, bringing home $66,428. He collected a score of 92.8 seconds on eight head, placing in three rounds. In Round 6, Mayfield tied the arena-round record with a 6.5-second run to capture to goround victory. Won Rodeo Austin (Texas), the Cooks Rodeo Days (Lubbock, Texas), the Extreme Collision-The OriginalsActs 4:31 (Tatum, Texas), the Liberty Hill (Texas) Fair and Rodeo, the Buffalo Bill Rodeo (North Platte, Neb.), the Greeley (Colo.) Stampede, the Molalla (Ore.) Buckeroo Rodeo, the Livingston (Mont.) Roundup Rodeo, the Dinosaur Roundup Rodeo (Vernal, Utah), the XIT Rodeo & Rodeo (Dalhart, Texas), the Kansas (Phillipsburg) Biggest Rodeo, the Lawton (Okla.) Rangers Rodeo, the Canby (Ore.) Rodeo, the Kitsap Stampede (Bremerton, Wash.), the Lewiston (Idaho) Roundup and the Cinch Playoffs at the Washington (Puyallup) State Fair Pro Rodeo.

Information and Photos courtesy of the PRCA. For further information please visit www.ProRodeo.com.

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Tie-Down Roping

HAVEN MEGED CAREER EARNINGS: $930,524 2022 WORLD STANDINGS PLACE: 6TH (AA), 8TH (TD), 243RD (TR) 2022 WRANGLER NFR STANDINGS PLACE: 4TH 2022 WRANGLER NFR EARNINGS: $71,869 2022 EARNINGS: $214,306 (AA), $227,897 (TD), $3,463 (TR) WORLD TITLES: 1 (2019)

#3 WORLD TIE-DOWN ROPING WORLD TITLES: 1 NFR QUALIFICATIONS: 4 PRCA EARNINGS: $195,068 MEMBER SINCE: 2018 HOMETOWN: MILES CITY, MT

WRANGLER NFR AVERAGE TITLES: 1 (2019) WRANGLER NFR QUALIFICATIONS: 4 (2019-22)

PROFESSIONAL HIGHLIGHTS 2023 • Won the Grande Prairie (Alberta) Stompede • Won the Snake River Stampede (Nampa, Idaho) • Won the Last Chance Stampede (Helena, Mont.)

• Won That Famous Preston (Idaho) Night Rodeo • Won the Missoula (Mont.) Stampede • Won the Caldwell (Idaho) Night Rodeo • Won the Golden Spike Rodeo (Tremonton, Utah) • Co-Champion at the Oakley Independence Day Rodeo (Oakley City, Utah) • Co-Champion at the Yellowstone River Round-Up (Billings, Mont.)

2022 CAREER HIGHLIGHTS Ended the season eighth in the Tie-Down Roping World Standings, capturing $227,897 in season earnings. Claimed his fourth-straight NFR berth, finishing fourth in the average with 117.5 seconds on 10 head.

Meged compiled $71,869 at the NFR, placing in five rounds. His best finish came in Round 4, notching 8.1-second run for a split fourthplace finish. Won the All-Around at the Greeley (Colo.) Stampede, the Dillon Jaycees PRCA Rodeo- Montana's Biggest Weekend and the Meagher County Labor Day Rodeo (White Sulphur Springs, Mont.).

Won the Tie-Down Roping at the Redding (Calif.) Rodeo, the Walla Walla (Wash.) Frontier Days and the Meagher County Labor Day Rodeo (White Sulphur Springs, Mont.). Co-Champion at The War Bonnet Round Up (Idaho Falls, Idaho).

Information and Photos courtesy of the PRCA. For further information please visit www.ProRodeo.com.

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Rodeo LIFE 95

Steer Roping

#1 WORLD STEER ROPING WORLD TITLES: 1 NFR QUALIFICATIONS: 3 PRCA EARNINGS: $118,515 MEMBER SINCE: 2018 HOMETOWN: PAWNEE, OK

CAREER EARNINGS: $439,629 2022 WORLD STANDINGS PLACE: 2ND (SR) 2022 NFSR STANDINGS PLACE: 9TH 2022 EARNINGS: $117,036 (SR) NFSR WORLD TITLES: 1 (2021) NFSR AVERAGE TITLES: 1 (2021) NFSR QUALIFICATIONS: 4 (2019 - 2022)

PROFESSIONAL HIGHLIGHTS 2023 • Won the South Texas (Edna) Classic Steer Roping • Won the M.M. Fisher Jr. Memorial Steer Roping (Andrews, Texas) • Won the Woodward (Okla.) Elks Rodeo • Won the Inter-State Rodeo (Coffeyville, Kan.) • Won the Jim Shoulders Living Legends Pro Rodeo (Henryetta, Okla.)

• Won the Amarillo (Texas) Tri-State Fair And Rodeo

2022 CAREER HIGHLIGHTS Won the All-Around at the Yuma (Colo.) County Fair & Rodeo. Finished second in the Steer Roping World Standings with $117,036. He placed in six rounds at the NFSR and earned $40,487 in Mulvane. Won the Ram Prairie Circuit Finals (Duncan, Okla.), the Spring Fling (Ada, Okla.), the National Circuit Finals Steer Roping (Torrington, Wyo.), the Dodge City (Kan.) Roundup Rodeo and the Days 76 Stand Alone Steer Roping (Deadwood, S.D.). Co-Champion at the Woodward (Okla.) Elks Rodeo.

Information and Photos courtesy of the PRCA. For further information please visit www.ProRodeo.com.

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Steer Roping #2 WORLD STEER ROPING PRCA EARNINGS: $93,735 MEMBER SINCE: 1998 HOMETOWN: GATESVILLE, TX CAREER EARNINGS: $1,135,143 2022 WORLD STANDINGS PLACE: 3RD (SR) 2022 NFSR STANDINGS PLACE: 1ST 2022 EARNINGS: $113,096 (SR) NFSR QUALIFICATIONS: 17 (2001, 2007-2022) NFSR AVERAGE TITLES: 3 (2016, 2018, 2022) NCFSR QUALIFICATION: 4 (2010, 2012-14) ALL AMERICAN PRORODEO FINALS TITLES: 2 (2010, 2014)

PROFESSIONAL HIGHLIGHTS 2023 • Won the Texas (Waco) Texas Circuit Finals • Won the Coleman (Texas) PRCA Rodeo • Won the Dodge City (Kan.) Roundup Rodeo

2022 CAREER HIGHLIGHTS Finished third in the Final World Standings with $113,096. He won the Average for the third time in his career with 123.3-second time on 10 head he was the only competitor to rope 10 steers. He earned $47,363 at the NFSR. Won the Roping Fiesta (San Angelo, Texas), the Walker County Fair & Pro Rodeo (Huntsville, Texas), the Guymon (Okla.) Pioneer Days Rodeo, the Atoka (Okla.) Pro Rodeo, the Parker County Sheriff's Posse Frontier Days And PRCA Rodeo (Weatherford, Texas), the Nebraska's Big Rodeo (Burwell, Neb.), the Will Rogers Memorial Rodeo (Vinita, Okla.) and the Gaines County Riding Club Pro Rodeo (Seminole, Texas).

Information and Photos courtesy of the PRCA. For further information please visit www.ProRodeo.com.

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Steer Roping #3 WORLD STEER ROPING WORLD TITLES: 4 PRCA EARNINGS: $90,037 MEMBER SINCE: 1996 HOMETOWN: FREDERICKSBURG, TX CAREER EARNINGS: $1,677,694 2022 WORLD STANDINGS PLACE: 4TH 2022 NFSR STANDINGS PLACE: 10TH 2022 EARNINGS: $109,286 NFSR QUALIFICATIONS: 21 (2001-11, 2013-22) NFSR AVERAGE TITLES: 3 (2005, 2011, 2017)

PROFESSIONAL HIGHLIGHTS 2023 • Won the Cooks Rodeo Days (Lubbock, Texas) • Won the Walker County Fair & Pro Rodeo (Huntsville, Texas) • Won the Lea County Tradition Steer Roping (Hobbs, N.M.) • Won the National Circuit Finals Steer Ropings (Torrington, Wyo.) • Won the Guymon (Okla.) Pioneer Days Rodeo • Won the Pioneer Days Rodeo (Clovis, N.M.) • Won the Days 76 Stand Alone Steer Roping (Deadwood, S.D.)

2022 CAREER HIGHLIGHTS Finished fourth in the World Standings with $113,096. He won Round 3 and placed in four total rounds and earned $29,627 at the NFSR. Won the M.M. Fisher, Jr. Memorial Steer Roping (Andrews, Texas), the Liberty Hill (Texas) Fair and Rodeo, the Cody (Wyo.) Stampede, the Sheridan WYO Rodeo, the Yuma (Colo.) Stand Alone Rodeo Steer Roping.

Won the All-Around at the Gaines County Riding Club Pro Rodeo (Seminole, Texas) and the Seminole (Texas) Sunday PRCA. Information and Photos courtesy of the PRCA. For further information please visit www.ProRodeo.com.

Rodeo LIFE 99

GRIT AND GRACE An Interview with Katelynn House Miss Rodeo Alaska Rodeo Life: Can you tell us a little about your background and what inspired you to become Miss Rodeo Alaska?

Katelynn House: I grew up in the big city of Anchorage, Alaska and fell in love with horses at the age of 5. My family had bought some land out in the Mat-Su Valley in 2009, at the time it was basically all woods. Every weekend of every summer the family was clearing, cutting, and dragging logs. All the hard work paid off when we moved into our house in December of 2012. I started riding horses in 2013 at Victory Bible Camp then in 2014, my parents surprised my younger sister and I with our very own horses. 2019 was the year I joined the Rodeo Alaska Grand Entry Team and that is what really started my journey in the rodeo community. What inspired me to become Miss Rodeo Alaska was nothing fancy, I had finished school and I asked myself the question of what next? I was approached with becoming the 2023 state titleholder 3 times and refused each time. I really started thinking about it, and it was something that I prayed about for a while. I knew that God had put this in my heart for a reason. I’m so grateful that He did as I am able to serve a purpose that is so much bigger than myself.

RL: What qualities and skills do you believe are most important for someone in your role?

KH: I believe that God gives each person unique qualities and skills that give us the ability to be of service to others. However, I think kindness, humbleness, and the ability to give grace are important. Having the spirit of a true cowgirl, being respectful, gentle, but also not being afraid to show that little bit of grit when things get tough. Having to think on your toes is also a good skill in a rodeo queens tool belt.

RL: What is the most rewarding aspect of representing Alaska in the rodeo community?

KH: The most rewarding aspect is that I get to share and tell people about rodeo in Alaska. People are always surprised and amazed that rodeo is something we do. I love seeing the big smiles and that spark in the children’s eye while they are watching a rodeo performance. To me, that is what it’s about, having those opportunities to make a small impact on the future of this sport. The future are those bright-eyed kids. Meeting rodeo fans and getting to know the committees, the competitors themselves, volunteers, and the announcers.

RL: How do you promote and support the values of rodeo culture within your community?

KH: Throughout my year, not only, was I able to attend rodeos within the state of Alaska, but I have also volunteered at local community events and organizations.

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Going to all of these events allows me to spread the knowledge of

RL: How do you prepare for the various competitions and public

the western heritage of Alaska. Whenever there is an event that I

appearances that are part of your role?

can go to, I’m there.

KH: When preparing to go through a pageant, studying is a key RL: Can you share a memorable experience or event from your

component along with riding horses consistently. Making sure

time as Miss Rodeo Alaska that had a significant impact on you?

that you are up to date on your rodeo knowledge, to knowing symptoms of a horse that may have contracted strangles. When

KH: It is so hard to choose just one! An experience that had a sig-

it comes to public appearances, there’s not really much, besides

nificant impact on me would have to be traveling to the complete

listening to some good music as I get ready and prepare for the

opposite of the country! My travels brought me to Kissimmee,

day. However, one thing I always do before I head out for the day

Florida to attend The Silver Spurs Rodeo. It was a whirlwind week

is say a prayer. Having a conversation with God always helps me

full of school visits and many more activities, but the school visits

be ready for what the day ahead must bring.

just reassured the importance of educating the future generation about rodeo. It was a moment of clarity and that I’m in the place

RL: As Miss Rodeo Alaska, you represent both rodeo culture and

God wants me to be.

your state. How do you strike a balance between the two?

RL: What are your goals and aspirations as an ambassador for

RH: Striking a balance between promoting the sport of rodeo

rodeo and your state?

and my unique state can be quite challenging. When people think of Alaska, rodeo is the last thing on their mind. Whenever I am

KH: My goal is to help educate and promote the sport of rodeo to

asked a question, I do my best to educate on my state as well.

those who are unaware of it. Most importantly, to the future gener-

I always tell people that Alaska is a state that you are going to

ations of fans and spectators. I want to be able to bring new fans

have to see for yourself. When I am asked a question about my

to the sport and put Alaska on the map. It is so important to me to

state, I usually try to sneak a bit of rodeo culture in there too, and

be able to showcase what The Last Frontier has to offer, especially

vice versa.

in terms of where we can take the sport in the future.

RL: What advice do you have for young individuals who aspire to RL: What challenges have you faced during your reign, and how

become rodeo queens or ambassadors for their states?

did you overcome them?

KH: My advice for young women who want to do this is to just go KH: There are many challenges that I have had to face this year, of

for it. Set your mind to it and work as hard as you possibly can.

course, some were easier than others. From learning to overcome

Believe in yourself and don’t let your fears stop you from taking

my fear of public speaking, to realizing that I can’t control everything

that leap of faith. Don’t be afraid to seize those opportunities and

that happens, “Rolling with the punches” is something that I’ve been

take life by the reins, you may surprise yourself in the end.

saying to myself a lot this year. You take what life throws your way and make the best of it. I will say, it definitely makes for some inter-

RL: Looking ahead, how do you plan to continue your involvement

esting adventures and memories that I will forever cherish.

in the rodeo community and the state of Alaska after your reign as Miss Rodeo Alaska?

RL: In what ways have you used your platform to raise awareness about important issues within the rodeo community?

KH: I plan to start working and focusing more on my future in the rodeo community as an athlete and competitor. I would like

KH: My platform this year is to Live Fearless, this comes from 2

to be able to mentor, coach, and encourage more young women

Timothy 1:7 “for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love

to take on the role of a rodeo queen. My eyes were definitely

and self-control.” Using my platform, my hope was to bring attention

opened this year as I was able to travel to different states. I

to the athletes and the risks and struggles that come with being

hope I am able to go back to these places as well and visit with

in this sport. They are people just like us, but they never let their

the many people I’ve met. Even when my journey as Miss Rodeo

fears get in the way of them pursuing their passions. They never

Alaska ends, the one thing I know is that I will never stop rep-

know when the last ride may be, or, if that’s the last rope they will

resenting and promoting the sport that has given me so much.

ever swing. It’s about overcoming those challenges and letting your

Whether that be within Alaska or somewhere else, I know that

passions surpass those fears, and when it comes to the challenges,

God has a plan and I’m excited to see where He takes me in the

they face them head-on without fear of what’s to come next.

next chapter of my life.

Rodeo LIFE 101

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Rodeo LIFE 103

Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi Barrel Racing

#1 WORLD BARREL RACING #11 2022 WORLD STANDING 2023 EARNINGS: $270,563 WORLD TITLES: 2 NFR AVERAGE TITLES: 2 JOINED WPRA: 2003 HOMETOWN: LAMPASAS, TX

PROFESSIONAL HIGHLIGHTS • Entered her 16th NFR ranked 12th and finished the year ranked 11th after winning $65,729 after placing in four out of 10 rounds including a tie for the win in the 6th round, her first NFR round win since 2011 when she won the first round on Duke.

• Won California Rodeo Salinas for the fifth time in her career • Won the National Western Stock Show and Rodeo (Denver) for the fifth time in her career aboard three different horses (Sixth Vision

2022 CAREER EARNINGS: $2,851,662

“Stitch,” Yeah Hes Firen “Duke” and Babe on The Chase “Birdie”)

2022 WORLD STANDING: 11TH

• Won Rodeo of The Ozarks (Springdale, AR)

WRANGLER NFR QUALIFICATIONS: 16

• Won Evergreen (CO) Rodeo • Won Kit Carson County Pro Rodeo (Burlington, CO) • Finished second at Rodeo Austin • Finished second at Rodeo de Sante Fe (NM) • Finished second at Mineral Wells (TX) Rodeo • Finished second at Larimer County Fair & Rodeo (Loveland, CO) • Finished second at Yuma (CO) County Fair & Rodeo • Tied for second at Spokane (WA) Interstate Rodeo

2022 CAREER HIGHLIGHTS Entered the Wrangler NFR ranked 9th and finished the year ranked 11th with $128,200. Placed in three rounds and was ninth in the average at the NFR and won $54,414 at NFR. Won Rodeo de Santa Fe (NM), the Palouse Empire Rodeo (Colfax, WA), the Western Stampede (West Jordan, UT), the Kit Carson County Pro Rodeo (Burlington, CO) and World’s Oldest Rodeo (Prescott, AZ). Finished second at Washington State Fair and Rodeo (Puyallup), at Elizabeth (CO) Stampede Rodeo and at Santa Rosa Roundup (Vernon, TX).

Photos courtesy of the PRCA. Information provided by www.WPRA.com, for further information please visit Women’s Pro Rodeo Association.

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Jordon Briggs

Barrel Racing

#2 WORLD BARREL RACING #2 2022 WORLD STANDING WORLD TITLES: 1 NFR AVERAGE TITLES: 1 2023 EARNINGS: 160,824 JOINED WPRA: 2007 HOMETOWN: TOLAR, TX

CAREER EARNINGS: $781,771 2022 WORLD STANDING: 2ND WRANGLER NFR QUALIFICATIONS: 3

PROFESSIONAL HIGHLIGHTS 2022 • Finished the year as reserve world Champion after entering her third NFR in the No. 1 position with $177,779. She won $96,741 at the NFR. Placed in five out of 10 rounds. Was fourth in the average in a total time of 142.41 seconds • Won Rodeo Houston • Won Dinosaur Days Rodeo (Vernal, UT) • Won Ogden (UT) Pioneer Days • Won Nebraska’s Big Rodeo (Burwell, NE) • Finished second at Reno (NV) Rodeo • Finished second at NFR Open (Colorado Springs, CO) • Finished second at Home of Champions (Red Lodge, MT) Photos courtesy of the PRCA. Information provided by www.WPRA.com, for further information please visit Women’s Pro Rodeo Association.

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Emily Miller Beisel Barrel Racing

#3 WORLD BARREL RACING #6 2022 WORLD STANDING RNCFR TITLES: 1 2023 EARNINGS: $158,752 JOINED WPRA: 2013 HOMETOWN: WEATHERFORD, OK

CAREER EARNINGS: $1,021,787 2022 WORLD STANDING: 6TH WRANGLER NFR QUALIFICATIONS: 4

PROFESSIONAL HIGHLIGHTS • Entered the NFR ranked 9th and finished the year ranked 6th with $221,718 after winning $127,753 at the NFR, placing in 6 out of 10 rounds, winning Rd 4 and tying for the win in Rd 6, crossed the $1 million mark in career earnings following the NFR • Won New Mexico State Fair & Rodeo (Albuquerque) • Won West Texas Fair & Rodeo (Abilene) • Won Bennington (KS) PRCA Rodeo • Won 101 Wild West Rodeo (Ponca City, OK) • Tied for second at Woodward (OK) Elks Rodeo • Finished in a tie for second at ABC Pro Rodeo (Levelland, TX)

2022 CAREER HIGHLIGHTS Entered the Wrangler NFR ranked 10th and finished the year ranked third after winning $129,091 at NFR, tied for fourth in the average in a time of 146.83 second and placed seven out of 10 rounds – winning the fifth round in a time of 13.43 seconds. Finished the year ranked 3rd with $202,565. Won the Seward County PRCA Rodeo (Liberal, KS), Eureka (KS) PRCA Rodeo, Cody (WY) Stampede, Dinosaur Days Rodeo (Vernal, UT), Flint Hills Rodeo (Strong City, KS) and The Haysville (KS) Saddle Club Rodeo. Finished second at Lawton (OK) Rangers Rodeo, at Will Rogers Memorial Rodeo (Vinita, OK) and at Angelina County Benefit Rodeo (Lufkin, TX).

Photos courtesy of the PRCA. Information provided by www.WPRA.com, for further information please visit Women’s Pro Rodeo Association.

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BREAKA BREAK R

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KAWAY AWAY ROPING

Rodeo LIFE 109

Breakaway Roping

SHELBY BOISJOLI MEGED #1 WORLD BREAKAWAY ROPING #5 2022 WORLD STANDING 2023 EARNINGS: $164,548 JOINED WPRA: 2020 HOMETOWN: STEPHENVILLE, TX

CAREER EARNINGS: $273,952 2022 WORLD STANDING: 5TH WRANGLER NFBR QUALIFICATIONS: 3

PROFESSIONAL 2022 HIGHLIGHTS • Finished the year ranked fifth in the world with $83,808. Placed in five out of 10 rounds at her third National Finals Breakaway Roping.

• Won California Rodeo Salinas for second consecutive year • Won the Big Spring (TX) Cowboy Reunion & Rodeo • Co-Champion at the Nebraska’s Big Rodeo (Burwell) • Co-Champion at Gladewater (TX) Round-Up Rodeo • Finished second at Snake River Stampede (Nampa, ID) • Finished second at Gooding (ID) Rodeo • Finished tied for second at American Royal Rodeo (Kansas City, MO) Photos courtesy of the PRCA. Information provided by www.WPRA.com, for further information please visit Women’s Pro Rodeo Association.

Breakaway Roping

HALI WILLIAMS #2 WORLD BREAKAWAY ROPER HOMETOWN: COMANCHE, TX CAREER EARNINGS: $146,743 PROFESSIONAL HIGHLIGHTS 2023 National Finals first timer Hali Williams is heading to Las Vegas this December as she clinched the No. 2 position in the WPRA Breakaway Roping World Standings.

Photos courtesy of the PRCA. Information provided by www.WPRA.com, for further information please visit Women’s Pro Rodeo Association.

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Breakaway Roping

MARTHA ANGELONE #3 WORLD BREAKAWAY ROPER #1 2022 WORLD STANDING WORLD TITLES: 1 NFR OPEN TITLES: 1 2023 EARNINGS: $132,865 JOINED WPRA: 2018 HOMETOWN: STEPHENVILLE, TX CAREER EARNINGS: $351,543

PROFESSIONAL HIGHLIGHTS 2022 • Won her first WPRA World Champion Breakaway Roping title, becoming just the second WPRA member from the State of Virgina to win a World Title, the first being her younger sister, Sarah Angelone, who won the WPRA All-Around title two weeks before Martha won her World Title. Turned in the fastest time of the 2022 Wrangler National Finals Breakaway Roping with a 1.8 in the eighth round. Won a total of $21,207 after winning the eighth round and tying for the win in the ninth round. Finished 10th in the average.

• Finished as the reserve world Champion All-Around cowgirl in the WPRA behind her sister Sarah at the WPRA World Finals.

2022 EARNINGS: $130,304

• Won the NFR Open (Colorado Springs, CO)

2022 WORLD STANDING: 1ST

• Won the Reno (NV) Rodeo

WRANGLER NFR QUALIFICATIONS: 3

• Won the San Antonio (TX) Stock Show and Rodeo • Won the Mineral Wells (TX) PRCA Rodeo • Co-Champion at Home of Champions (Red Lodge, MT) • Co-Champion at Goliad (TX) County Fair & PRCA Rodeo • Finished second at Helotes (TX) Festival Association Rodeo • Finished second at Riverton (WY) Rodeo • Tied for second at Tri-State Rodeo (Amarillo, TX) • Tied for second at Sisters (OR) Rodeo Photos courtesy of the PRCA. Information provided by www.WPRA.com, for further information please visit Women’s Pro Rodeo Association.

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Corey & Lange Rodeo Dakota Rodeo Duane Kesler Flying U Four Star Rodeo Co. Frontier Rodeo Co. Frontier Rodeo Co. Frontier Rodeo Co. Frontier Rodeo Co. Harper & Morgan Hi Lo ProRodeo J Bar J J Bar J J Bar J J Bar J J Bar J J Bar J King Rodeo & Wentz Bucking Bulls Korkow Rodeos Legacy Pro Rodeo, LLC Legacy Pro Rodeo, LLC Legacy Pro Rodeo, LLC Mosbrucker Rodeos, Inc. Muddy Creek Rodeo New Star Pro Rodeo Outlaw Buckers Rodeo Outlaw Buckers Rodeo Outlaw Buckers Rodeo Pete Carr Pro Rodeo Pete Carr Pro Rodeo Pete Carr Pro Rodeo Pete Carr Pro Rodeo Pete Carr Pro Rodeo Pete Carr Pro Rodeo Pete Carr Pro Rodeo Powder River Rodeo, LLC Powder River Rodeo, LLC Powder River Rodeo, LLC Powder River Rodeo, LLC Rafter G Rodeo Co. Sankey Pro Rodeo and Phenom Genetics Sankey Pro Rodeo and Phenom Genetics Sankey Pro Rodeo and Phenom Genetics Sankey Pro Rodeo and Phenom Genetics Sankey Pro Rodeo and Phenom Genetics Stace Smith Pro Rodeos Stace Smith Pro Rodeos Stace Smith Pro Rodeos Stace Smith Pro Rodeos Summit Pro Rodeo Summit Pro Rodeo Sutton Rodeo The Cervi Brothers Three Hills Rodeo TNT Pro Rodeo United Pro Rodeo Wayne Vold Rodeo

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Rodeo LIFE 113

WRANGLER NATIONAL FINALS RODEO SCHEDULE THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 12

Wrangler National Finals Rodeo First Performance Starting at 5:45 p.m.

Performance Sponsor: Pendleton Whisky

Wrangler National Finals Rodeo Sixth Performance Resistol Rookie Night Starting at 5:45 p.m.

Performance Sponsor: Resistol

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13

Wrangler National Finals Rodeo Second Performance Vet of the Year Starting at 5:45 p.m.

Performance Sponsor: Coors

Wrangler National Finals Rodeo Seventh Performance Military Night Starting at 5:45 p.m.

Performance Sponsor: Community Coffee

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo Third Performance Starting at 5:45 p.m.

Performance Sponsor: Hesston by Massey Ferguson

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 10

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo Eighth Performance Canadian Night Starting at 5:45 p.m.

Performance Sponsor: Durango Boots

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15

Wrangler National Finals Rodeo Fourth Performance Memorial Night Starting at 5:45 p.m.

Performance Sponsor: Polaris Ranger

Wrangler National Finals Rodeo Ninth Performance Starting at 5:45 p.m.

Performance Sponsor: RAM

MONDAY, DECEMBER 11

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 16

Wrangler National Finals Rodeo Fifth Performance Tough Enough to Wear Pink Night Starting at 5:45 p.m.

Performance Sponsor: Montana Silversmiths

Wrangler National Finals Rodeo Tenth Performance Wrangler National Patriot Night Starting at 5:45 p.m.

Performance Sponsor: Wrangler

Rodeo LIFE

Schedule provided by The Official NFR Experience.

Please nfrexperience.com for more information.

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