Rodeo Life: The NFR Edition 2021 Featuring Jacob Talley

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PROFESSIONAL MEDIA GROUP, LLC 1201 South Highland Avenue, Suite 7 Clearwater, FL 33756 Tel: 727-584-5511 Fax: 727-441-8888 info@pmgfirst.com PRESIDENT VICE PRESIDENT

Robert Keliher Anthony Shane Moldovan

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Kelly Morrison EDITOR Jocelyn Beach CREATIVE DIRECTOR Stacy Kovatch ASSISTANT EDITOR Joyce Fish ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Mathew Bannon William Flynn Copyright 2021/2022 Copies are available at $5.00 + $7.95 shipping and handling by calling 727.584.5511.

Copyright 2021/2022. Reproduction in whole or part is prohibited. The opinions expressed within this publication do not necessarily represent the view of the Publisher. Professional Media Group, LLC assumes no responsibility for the advertisements or any representations made therein. Professional Media Group, LLC is unable to accept and hereby expressly disclaim, any liability for the consequences of inaccuracies or omissions in such information, whether occurring during the publication of such information for publication nor otherwise.

Disclaimer: Rodeo Life is published by Professional Media Group, LLC with its registered offices located in Clearwater, Florida. Copyright 2021/2022. Neither the Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association or the National Finals Rodeo have approved, endorsed or authorized this product or promotion, serve or activity.

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Rodeo LIFE

Photo Credits and Mentions Photos by Clay Guardipee, Douglas Busby Photography, Joe Duty, JackieJensenPhotography.com, Rod Connor, and William Kierce.

Cover photo of Jacob Talley courtesy of the PRCA. Special thanks to The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) and their Communications Staff for always assisting us in getting great photos and information on our featured Cowboys and the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association for the information on our featured Cowgirls.

Please visit Prorodeo.com and WPRA.com for further information.

Table Of Contents 8 10 18

30 31 32 32 34 36 37 37 38 42 43 43 44 48 49 49 50 52

6

Editor’s Letter The Return to Vegas Givin’ It All Ya Got When It Comes to Mission & Passion, Military & Rodeo Make a Perfect Match All-Around Stetson Wright Paden Bray Clay Smith Tuf Cooper Loops in 5th Consecutive WNFR Qualification Bareback Riding Tilden Hooper Tim O’Connell On the Rodeo Rollercoaster An Interview with Caleb Bennett Saddle Bronc Riding Ryder Wright Brody Cress Going for Gold a Third Time An Interview with Zeke Thurston Bull Riding Sage Kimzey Clayton Sellars Keep the Faith Rolling An Interview with Dustin Boquet Steer Wrestling

Rodeo LIFE

54

56

60

62 64 64 65 66 67 68 72

74 75 75 76

Wrestling for a World Champion Title An Interview with Jacob Talley The Four-Time Feat of Making the Finals An Interview with Will Lummus Making Runs like Poetry An Interview with Stetson Jorgensen Team Roping Headers Dustin Egusquiza Erich Rogers Kaleb Driggers Team Roping Heelers Junior Nogueira The Missing Puzzle Piece An Interview with Trey Yates Exchanging Equine and Entrepreneurship An Interview with Wesley Thorp Tie-Down Roping Shane Hanchey Shad Mayfield From Texas to Taking Over Sin City An Interview with Westyn Hughes

80 81 81 82 84 85 85 86

88 89

91 94

96 98 98

Steer Roping Cole Patterson Vin Fisher Roping Up An Interview with Slade Wood Barrel Racing Hailey Kinsel Jordon Briggs Barreling Towards a World Champion Title An Interview with Jessica Routier Breakaway Roping Breaking Through the Rodeo Barriers An Interview with Shelby Boisjoli One Step Closer An Interview with Sawyer Gilbert The Light Around the Corner An Interview with Martha Angelone Split Personality 2021 NFR Trends NFR Schedule Ad Index

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e are so excited to featur Finals Rodeo edition. We al tion Na Life ive eo lus Rod exc his elcome to the ty to work with him, see and to have an opportuni e personally hav o wh s Jacob Talley on our cover ion mp cha eral other rodeo sev e hav We 54. e pag interview on utier (page 86) to our new n (page 44) to Jessica Ro rsto Thu e Zek m fro tion ge 89), two-time Wrangler participated in this edi ludes Shelby Boisjoli (pa inc t tha s per Ro the y wa aka ping Leader going into featured section on Bre and World Breakaway Ro r lifie qua g pin Ro y wa National Finals Breaka ication. all for your time and ded 2021 Finals. We thank you the eran, Jim Lamb, featuring Journalist and proud Vet by 18) ge y (pa t itar Go Mil Ya .

All U.S tradition of our See our article Givin’ It n that explores the rich atio oci Ass rit deo spi Ro ic ces riot ture the pat Professional Armed For and photos that will cap deo with heartfelt words and their passion for Ro within all of us. and rodeo nature that is the eo, the competitors and qualifying events in rod the on us p foc shi to ion is mp circuit and cha Our aim at Rodeo Life mpions. We have seen the cha se the t , por ths sup t you s, tha tion iety of genera wonderful associations eos encompass a mass var rod s ay’ tod h and wit ce ed ien olv l and inv rodeos expand their aud e but are equally traditiona only are highly competitiv surged rodeo into e hav , life of lks women and men who not their fans, of all wa and irls wg Co and oys wb their communities. Co phenomenon. a worldwide recognized se competitors that have we’d like to spotlight the and ber cem g De in is deo is a lifestyle, encompassin The National Finals Ro and dedication. Rodeo Life rk wo d har . h tion oug edi thr t ce nex k forward to our earned their rightful pla s, of rodeo… and we loo itor pet com l wil the icle es, art niti r tact us, maybe you the culture, the commu order a copy, please con or , icle art an ute trib 2022.

Should you like to con eo edition in December eo Life National Finals Rod be featured in our next Rod RA ff, the WPRA and the WP CA Communications Sta PR the , CA the PR of t the por nk sup for their We would like to tha shots they provided and the champion and action re information. And a mo for om Communications Staff for A.c om and www.WPR o.c ode roR iker w.P ww at m at the PRCA and Ann Ble sport, please visit the o facilitates our requests wh ce ren Law rol Ca to sible. very special thank you gazine would not be pos r support this beautiful ma at the WPRA , without you

W

To learn more visit us at

TheRodeoLife.us.

Thank you all for a great

year and good luck at the

National Finals Rodeo.

Jocelyn Beach on Editor rris Kelly Mo COO

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Rodeo LIFE

fun IS HOW WE ROLL

I-82, EXIT 50 TOPPENISH, WA LEGENDSCASINO.COM

The T

Return

he Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (WNFR) is returning to Las Vegas this year December

2nd, 2021 for an event that will span over 10

days with the finale on December 11th at the Thomas

& Mack Center. All of the events will also be aired live on The Cowboy Channel. The entire event is organized by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and it is the premier championship rodeo event to take place in the United States every year.

The Wrangler National Finals Rodeo is a competition that showcases the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association’s elite talents and the top 15 money winners in each event as they will compete for the World Title. Last year the event was temporarily held at a relocated site of the Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas due to COVID-19. The WNFR is scheduled to take place as usual this year in Las Vegas in 2021 where it has been held in the first week of December every year since 1985.

The WNFR, which is known popularly as the “Super Bowl of rodeo,” was previously held in Oklahoma City before it was decided to move to Las Vegas as Benny Binion and the President of the WNFR at that time, Herb McDonald, had the vision to make it happen. The prize money from Herb McDonald and Las Vegas Events was increased that year from $900,000 to $1.8 million going to the Cowboys and $700,000 going to the contractors. The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association established the event in 1958 as a championship to determine the World Champion in seven different main events: TieDown Roping, Steer Wrestling, Bull Riding, Saddle Bronc Riding, Bareback Riding, Barrel Racing, and Team Roping. It is currently the largest event at the g

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Vegas to

Rodeo LIFE 11

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Rodeo LIFE

Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada bringing in more

to the ground by latching onto its horns. This is based on speed

than 170,000 fans during the 10 days of the event. Oklahoma has

as the cowboy is timed on how fast they can achieve this feat. It

bid to get the WNFR back there but Las Vegas has continuously

is one of the more entertaining but also dangerous events as the

won the bid to the rights of the event. In January of 2014, the PRCA

cowboy can run the risk of jumping off of his horse and missing

signed a deal to extend the contract between the WNFR and Las

the steer landing in an awkward position at high speeds. The

Vegas to continue to hold the event in Las Vegas through the year

cowboy could also potentially have the steer get on top of him and

2024 that has now been extended to 2025 because of the inability

catch a horn in a bad place. This event is also sometimes known

to host the event in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the

as “bulldogging.”

Nevada state-mandated health restrictions.

The only team event in the competition is Team Roping. This is Prior to the championship event for the PRCA being held in

where two ropers go after a full-grown steer and attempt to capture

Oklahoma City, the WNFR originally took place in 1958 in Dallas,

and restrain it in the fastest time possible. Both teammates are on

Texas. The event was aimed at determining the World Champion

horseback and one rider, called the header, lassos the running

in each of the seven events. The venue continued to be held in

steer’s horns. At the same time the other rider, called the heeler,

Dallas through 1961 until it was moved to Los Angeles, California

lassos the steer’s two hind legs. The two partners then face

for the years 1962 through 1964. That is when the event moved to

each other and pull the steer between them once the animal is

Oklahoma City in 1965 after they successfully won a bid to host

successfully captured. The event was designed to be a simulation

the event. The first time the WNFR was held in Oklahoma City

of a real-life event that occurs on ranches when cowboys need to

it drew a crowd of over 47,000 fans. It remained there until

capture and restrain an animal for treatment.

1984 when it eventually moved to where it is still held today in Las Vegas, Nevada in 1985.

Saddle Bronc Riding is an event that is very similar to Bareback Riding but in this case, the rider uses a western saddle with no horn

The WNFR is the final rodeo event of the season for

and a bronc rein while attempting to stay on the back of a horse for

the PRCA. In this event, the World Championship

eight seconds. The scoring system is the same as Bareback Riding

Titles are awarded to the competitors who had

as each run is scored out of 100 points and the cowboy with the

earned the most money in his or her events

most total points is awarded the winner at the end.

throughout the entire year. This final championship rodeo features seven events and 10 championships

The oldest rodeo event is Tie-Down Roping. It is also called Calf

that are sanctioned by the PCRA followed by the

Roping and it is when a cowboy ropes a running calf with a lariat

announcement of the All-Around winner.

aiming to get it around its neck. His horse then stops and the cowboy dismounts the horse to run to the calf, throwing it to the

One of the most popular events is Bareback Riding. In this event

ground and then tying three of its feet together. The horses are

the rider has to stay on a bucking horse for at least eight seconds to

trained for this event to hold the rope taught to the calf to ensure

secure a successful run. The cowboys are only allowed to hang on

the calf doesn’t keep moving while the cowboy attempts to tie

to the horse by using a surcingle called a rigging and also a sturdy

it. This event is all based on speed and originated from cowboys

lead rope called a bronc rein that is attached to the horse’s halter.

wrangling up calves for branding or treatment on a ranch.

Each successful eight second ride in this format is scored out of a maximum of 100 points per ride. The riders are judged on how hard

The next event is a women’s specialty event called Barrel Racing.

the horse is to ride and how in control the rider is during the run. This

This is another timed event in which the rider is on horseback and

ultimately determines how many points the rider will score for that

gallops through a clover pattern of barrels attempting to make

ride of at least eight seconds. The cowboy that has the most total

tight turns without knocking over the barrels. The contestant that

points collectively at the end of the competition wins the event.

goes through the circuit the fastest wins the event as long as there are no deductions from knocking over a barrel which would add

The next event is Steer Wrestling. In this event the cowboy is on

five seconds per barrel knocked over onto the time. This event is

a horse and the rider jumps off of their horse and wrestles a steer

only competed in by females at the championship level. Hailey g

Rodeo LIFE 13

Kinsel has won the event the last three years running and will

events where each run is scored out of 100 if they stay on for eight

compete for her fourth straight this year.

seconds and then the rider with the most total points is declared the winner at the end. This event is far more dangerous than

Breakaway Roping is another common female rodeo event that is

Bareback or Saddle Bronc Riding due to the unpredictability of

not currently in the WNFR but is looking to be added in the coming

the bulls that may attack, stomp, or stab a rider with their horns.

years. This event as of right now has its own National Finals, the

Rodeo clowns are used the most often in this event with the goal

National Finals Breakaway Roping (NFBR) that coincides with the

of them protecting the Bull Riding competitors by distracting the

WNFR. While it was held at the same venue as the WNFR last year

bulls after the rider is bucked.

at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, the second annual NFBR is going to be held at The Orleans in Las Vegas. The roping will

Finally, the All-Around title is granted at the end of the competition to

consist of 10 rounds held over the course of 2 days. In Breakaway

the highest-earning cowboy that competed in more than one event

Roping the calf is let go before the horse and rider and then the

throughout the year. This is the most popular event and sells out every

cowgirl lassos the calf around the neck and then signals the horse

seat in the house to witness who will be crowned World Champion of

to stop. The rope used to lasso the calf is tied to the horn of the

the WNFR that year. Last year’s winner of the All-Around competition

horse’s saddle and when the calf pulls to the end of the rope it

was also the Bull Riding winner in Stetson Wright.

snaps marking the end of the run. The fastest time that a rider does this is in is awarded the winner.

The current All-Around leader this year in the PRCA is Stetson Wright again as he looks to be the favorite going into the WNFR.

Lastly in the WNFR, is the Bull Riding event. This is where cowboys

He has a wide lead on the next up in Paden Bray who currently

ride full-grown bulls that are trying to buck them off for at least

has winnings of $135,000 compared to Wright’s $320,000. While

eight seconds. The scoring is the same as the other bucking horse

he is currently far ahead in the All-Around, Wright only has a slim

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Rodeo LIFE

contest with second place rider Tim O’Connell who has $142,000 in current winnings while Hooper has $161,000. This will most likely be a tight competition heading into the WNFR championships. Jacob Talley leads the Steer Wrestling prize money so far at $117,000 to second place Jesse Brown at $92,000. Shane Hanchey has a sizable lead on the Tie-Down leaderboard at $173,000 to Westyn Hughes $133,000. Cole Patterson also has a comfortable lead in Steer Roping over Vin Fisher, $104,000 to $65,000. Hailey Kinsel will look for her fourth consecutive Barrel Racing WNFR Championship in 2021 as she currently has the lead in that event $113,000 to $102,000 over Jordon Briggs. All of the current riders’ winnings and rankings are as of October 15th, 2021.

With these events taking place in Las Vegas, most of the casinos will carry all the events on their sportsbooks for people to place bets on. The casinos will also host special parties to accommodate all of the WNFR fans that come to Las Vegas for the event and even for those that don’t have tickets for all of the events. Hotels and casinos will even book special shows during this time in their showrooms with country-themed entertainment. g

lead in his best event, Saddle Bronc, at just $193,000 to $181,000 against his older brother Ryder Wright who is 23 years old.

This will be an interesting storyline to follow heading into the WNFR in December. Stetson Wright originates from Milford, Utah and is just 22 years old. He specializes in Bull Riding and also Saddle Bronc Riding and will be one of the fan favorites to see at the WNFR. The big money event is Bull Riding which Stetson also excels at but is currently in second place to Sage Kimzey by a total of $264,000 to $204,000. The Bareback Riding leader this season is Tilden Hooper who is in a much closer

Rodeo LIFE

15

The cowboys and Vegas love having the WNFR take place in Las Vegas, Nevada.

It is a great time for Las Vegas as far as having thousands of visitors that have tickets for the events that total 170,000 people going to at least one event over the course of the 10 days it takes place. Also, the thousands of more people who come just for the Las Vegas rodeo-themed festivities make the trip just to have a good time in Sin City with other rodeo fans. Many casinos will transform for the week to accommodate these rodeo goers and fans that will see resorts world turn into rodeo world for a week. Events set to take place around the rodeo feature some of the best country and rock bands from the last few decades such as Brooks and Dunn, who will be performing with Reba at the Colosseum in Caeser’s Palace for seven days starting December first through the end of the WNFR, December 11th.

Some other musicians and groups to be performing in Las Vegas during the 10 days of the event include: Shania Twain, Journey, George Strait, Little Big Town, and Brantley Gilbert, among many more. Even for WNFR fans who can only make a couple of events or none at all, there are sure to be musical acts that they will be interested in for their stay in Las Vegas.

Besides musical acts during the WNFR, casinos are putting on ongoing events around the competition for the many fans who will be flocking into the city that never sleeps. Virgin Hotels Las Vegas will be hosting a nightly recurring event every day of the WNFR December 2nd through December 11th called the Official Wrangler NFR Viewing Party that will open at 4 pm every day and be followed

by Cowboy Revival Live Acoustic/Power Acoustic Performance and DJ Music Party after the final rodeo events conclude each day. The Mirage hotel will also host recurring events every night of the WNFR called The Mirage Presents Rodeo Vegas where they will have a live viewing party followed by free concerts nightly from country music’s biggest stars. Other hotels and casinos having nightly events for every day of the competitions are: the MGM, The Orleans Hotel and Casino, Silverton, the Mirage, and Treasure Island, who all are also having free admission events with free live music.

More one-off events surrounding the WNFR championship competitions include the PRCA Annual Awards Banquet the day before the events kick off on December first. The PRCA Awards Banquet honors the best of the best from within the Association that is voted on by the members. This event will join members and fans to gather and enjoy a nice dinner and congratulate the year's top selected personnel and celebrate the year's achievements all in one night. This event takes place at the South Point Hotel and Casino. Another event at the South Point Hotel and Casino is the official kickoff party for the WNFR competition that takes place after the award ceremony and features free live music from Kolby Cooper.

The WNFR in 2021 will be an event to remember as it returns to Las Vegas after a one-year hiatus when it took place in Arlington, Texas in 2020. The cowboys, cowgirls, and fans are excited to have it back in Sin City where they can enjoy a nice and big venue in the Thomas & Mack Center and also take advantage of all of the nightlife and events that the city, hotels, and casinos will be putting on. The riders will be in close competition heading into the WNFR so fans will have a lot to cheer for come the time of the events. Even if you are only able to attend a couple of events or none at all, the scene in Las Vegas during the 10 days of the WNFR

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Rodeo LIFE

will be an environment that can be enjoyed by all fans.

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Givin’ It

When It Comes to Mission & Passion,

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All Ya Got

Military & Rodeo Make a Perfect Match

By Jim Lamb

Rodeo LIFE 19

W

hen the Deer Trail and West of the Pecos rodeos drew

The striking statue by artist Douwe Blumberg, dedicated by then-

cowboys and crowds in the late 1800s, few realized that

Vice President Joe Biden in a 2011 Veteran’s Day ceremony, is called

the last chapter of the warhorse was about to be written.

America's Response Monument and is subtitled De Oppresso Liber

The cavalry would be phased out after World War I – but not before

– the official motto of Special Ops, which can be translated from

millions of horses died pulling ambulances, supply wagons, and

the Latin as “To Free the Oppressed.”

artillery over terrain too rough for vehicles.

With its flowing lines and action stance, Blumberg’s bigger-thanIt seemed like the end of the trail – but history has a way of pulling

life warrior overlooks the September 11 Memorial & Museum. The

surprises out of its cowboy hat.

statue looks as if it could be picked up and transported back in time to either the Deer Trail or West of the Pecos rodeos and fit

The United States Army Special Forces used sturdy steeds in battle

right in with those pioneer gatherings.

during the invasion of Afghanistan in 2001. It was the first time

20

American troops rode horses in combat since 1942. The movie “12

Blumberg, a horse trainer and history buff, crafted a remarkable

Strong” starring Chris Hemsworth portrays their exploits; a bronze

metaphor that connects the essence of military service and rodeo

statue of a Special Ops soldier on horseback in New York City’s

life. It’s no wonder, then, that cowboys and cowgirls welcome with

Liberty Park honors their efforts.

open arms any Soldier, Sailor, Airman, or Marine who chooses to

Rodeo LIFE

PAFRA recently celebrated the 20th anniversary of its World Championship Rodeo in the Landon Arena at the Stormont Vail Events Center in Topeka, Kansas. Military personnel and their families traveled from across America to participate. Events included Bareback Riding, Saddle Bronc Riding, Bull Riding, Barrel Racing, Team Roping, Steer Wrestling, Chute Dogging, Mounted Shooting, Tie-Down Roping and Breakaway Roping.

“That rodeo was the biggest we ever had,” Hastings said.

The event helped fulfill the association’s stated goal: “The mission of PAFRA is to provide a Veterans-based, Values-oriented Rodeo Association that empowers its members to Serve their Communities through Servant Leadership and Rodeo.”

Hastings said that there were a number of things that made this particular gathering memorable – one of which was honoring the 13 men and women who died in the Kabul airport attack in August, all but one of which were in their 20s. The oldest was 31.

“Look at the ones we just lost and their ages,” Hastings said. “They made their choice to join, knowing it was a nation at war. They flat-out

“It’s the ropes and the reins

knew they were going into a war… intense danger.”

And the joy and the pain

For each service member who was killed, Hastings said an empty

And they call the thing rodeo.”

grounds of the arena. He added that their sacrifice was an example of

Garth Brooks, “Rodeo” (1991)

pair of combat boots and a folded American flag were placed on the selfless service and leadership.

“We need people who have that attitude,” he said.

Another significant moment at the anniversary rodeo was the

swap combat boots for cowboy boots to enjoy a weekend of

presence of PAFRA’s founding fathers – one of whom was J.D. Burns.

R&R (Rest & Relaxation) by adding a third R – for Rodeo.

“In the beginning, four of us came together, and we built the rodeo There are many organizations that help make that transition

association for the military cowboy by the military cowboy,” Burns said,

easier. One of them is the Professional Armed Forces Rodeo

adding that “This year we went to World Championship Finals, the

Association (http://rodeopafra.com), a non-profit veterans

four of us, and were amazed … we are in awe of what the membership

organization comprised of active-duty, retired servicemen and

has done with this association. The one thing that we all started for

women, reservists, National Guard and honorably discharged

was it be an association by the members and for the members.”

veterans from all branches of service.

That’s exactly what’s happened.

James Hastings, retired Army, is PAFRA’s president.

“Rodeo really and truly is a family affair,” Burns explained. “If Dad is a “ The organization's goal is to provide a venue where

roper or a bronc-rider (or whatever) that love of this sport carries on

men and women who share the bond of military service

to the next generation. One of our older member’s son and daughter

can come together and compete in the sport of rodeo,”

are now in youth rodeo, and riding steers and goat-tying, and barrel-

Hastings said.

racing and all that.” g

Rodeo LIFE

21

Burns served more than 20 years in the Air Force. He’s had tours overseas, including Germany, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait – but it’s at the rodeo where he feels most at home.

“It’s like watching your child grow and become an adult,” he said. “I couldn’t be more proud of what this association has done and where it has gone and how it has grown and how it’s being led today.”

At the other end of the spectrum is Dan Francis, a relative newcomer to rodeos.

Francis was involved in Explosive Ordinances Disposal with the Army. Getting involved with the rodeo was the furthest thing from his mind but his older daughter trained horses and his younger daughter trained ponies – so guess what they roped him into? Yup. You guessed it.

After his introduction to the third R, Dan Francis got involved in Chute Doggin’. Here’s a brief description: Competitors start the event in a roping chute with a steer. When the chute opens, the steer must be brought to a line 10 feet from the chute and wrestled (or “dogged”) to the ground, with all four feet of the steer in the air.

The action is fast and furious.

“It’s classy on how they put together presentations to the public,” Francis says of PAFRA. “They honor the rodeo. They honor the United States… Rodeo and horse people are very loyal to their country.”

He said that his only disappointment is that more people don’t know how much the rodeo supports the military: “It promotes so many things that are so wonderful to see.”

Here are some other organizations that help promote rodeo living: Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (www.prorodeo.com) Headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colorado, PRCA is the oldest and biggest rodeo-sanctioning body in the world.

Military Rodeo Cowboys Association (www.mrcarodeo.org) Open to current active duty, guard, reserve, honorably discharged veterans or retired from military service.

Professional Armed Forces Rodeo Association (www.rodeopafra.com) PAFRA’s mission is to provide a veterans-based, values-oriented rodeo association that empowers members to serve their communities through servant leadership and rodeo. g

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Rodeo LIFE 23

Warriors and Rodeo (www.warriorsandrodeo.org)

Cowboy’s Professional Rodeo Association (www.cprarodeo.com)

“WAR” is a nonprofit organization designed to give back to

The CPRA was formed in 1992 by a handful of producers and

those who are willing to put their life on the line for our country's

contestants. The association held its first finals in Lufkin, Texas.

freedoms and safety.

National Cowboy Pro Rodeo Association (www.ncprarodeo.com) Military Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Fame (www.mrchof.com)

Founded with the rodeo competitor in mind, NCPRA’s goal is to

MRCHOF’s purpose is to establish a sports hall of fame to honor

ensure each and every rodeo is presented to the rodeo fan at the

significant achievements and/or contributions by individuals in

highest of levels.

the sport of military rodeo.

Professional Bull Riders (www.pbr.com)

24

Women’s Professional Rodeo Association (www.wpra.com)

Headquartered in Pueblo, Colorado, PBR was created in 1992 by a

The association, which started in 1948 with a group of Texas ranch

group of 20 visionary bull riders, seeking mainstream attention for

women, is the oldest women’s sports organization in the country.

future generations of cowboys. g

Rodeo LIFE

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But it isn’t just national organizations that get involved. Local rodeos of

The thing about rodeos – big and small, national or local – is that

every size make a point to connect with military families. To name a few:

you never know what’s going to happen next.

The Boots for Glory Veteran’s Rodeo benefits the American

Don’t believe that? Just ask Wayne Boney, who knows what it’s like

Legion Post 81 of Choctaw County, Alabama. The theme: “All gave

to live with one foot in the military and another in the arena.

some, some gave all.”

Boney served 20 years in the Air Force, reaching the rank of Tech The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo holds special Armed

Sergeant (E-6) while making it a priority to ride every chance he got.

Forces Appreciation Day to honor the brave men and women for their service in the U.S. military.

It paid off:

National Western Stock Show, established in 1906, is a premier

The veteran Bull Rider was a five-time World Champion for the

livestock, rodeo, and horse show that sponsors a special Military

Military Rodeo Cowboys Association (MRCA) and two-time All-

Appreciation Night as a part of its nationally known gathering.

Around. (It should be noted that in 1993 he became only the third person to win World Titles in Bareback Riding, Bull Riding as well as

The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association Rodeo in Killeen,

the All-Around, a rodeo trifecta if there ever was one).

Texas, hosts military appreciation night. Military personnel receive free entry into the event with a military identification card.

As a civilian, Boney maintained his rodeo street creds working as an instructor at Sankey Rodeo Schools. He also serves as Director of

Volunteers involved with the Military Affairs Committee assist the

Rodeo Administration for the MRCA and is secretary/historian for

San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo in fostering relationships with

the Military Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Fame.

branches of the military.

But even extensive experience doesn’t guarantee things will be easy.

The San Angelo Stock Show and Rodeo Association hosts Military

For example, during one competition, a bull unexpectedly jumped,

Appreciation Night to honor military members for protecting the

turned, and twisted – leaving Boney and his ride momentarily face-

rights and freedom of others.

to-face. He describes what happens next: g

26

Rodeo LIFE

No Bull.

We forge the toughest tools on Earth.

“At 62, I have to be a little more discerning about what I get on,” he said. “Last year was a great year even though we fought through the pandemic to get rodeos. Due to our co-sanction arrangement with one of the Senior Pro associations, I was able to get enough points to make the MRCA World Finals Rodeo that was held in North Carolina in December of 2020.”

Boney placed third in the World for the MRCA. “This year wasn't going as good, and in August I separated my pelvis in the middle of a bull ride and also ruptured my bladder,” he said “Had surgery to repair all of it in Rapid City, South Dakota, and made it home a couple days later.”

Two weeks out of surgery Boney was doing a CrossFit Fundraiser workout (albeit, a very modified version), but he raised a lot of money for a Christian mission project to get fresh water to folks in some tough areas of the world.

“I'm eligible to start rehab next week to see if I can get ready for next season which starts around April,” Boney said.

Boney’s success has not gone unnoticed.

“In October of 2019 I was inducted to the Military Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Fame based on my owning most of the records in the MRCA,” he said. “With last year's WFR (World Finals Rodeo) qualification, I have now qualified for the WFR 18 times.

The next closest competitor has eight, and nobody behind me “He knocked me down into the chute. Pinned me there.

Commenced to hitting me with his horns, his head, and his hooves. Just beating me up at the bottom at that chute.”

An arena worker ran over and opened the gate.

“Once he left the chute, I rolled over to my stomach and got up on my knees. Tried to stand up. My chest was one massive amount of pain.”

Not surprisingly, Boney ended up at the hospital.

“Obviously I was pretty messed up and needed some help,” he said.

Despite bruises head-to-toe, as well as broken ribs, Boney showed up for roll-call Monday morning right on time.

After 22 years of “rodeo retirement,” Boney decided last year to join the Senior Pro tour.

is still competing.”

Amazing.

PAFRA’s Hastings summarized the military-rodeo connection this way: “The sheer adrenaline rush and gut-tingle of being set and ready to nod for the gate, or for the roping stock, is not too far removed from stepping out of the door of an aircraft in flight, sliding down a rappel rope, or kicking out on a convoy with heavy threat.”

So whether it’s R&R or an adrenaline rush mixed with a gut-tingle, a weekend at the rodeo serves up a smorgasbord of competition, patriotism, majesty, and family fun. It’s been that way for more than a hundred years – and if military personnel and rodeo lovers have anything to do with it, these action-packed gatherings will be around for a hundred more.

Jim Lamb is a retired journalist. He served in the United States Navy, including a brief stint in Vietnam, and attended the University of South Florida on the G.I. Bill.

All Photos by Douglas Busby Photography

28

Rodeo LIFE

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30

Rodeo LIFE

All-Around

STETSON WRIGHT

2021 HIGHLIGHTS | ALL-AROUND

WORLD TITLES: 3

• Won the Wilderness Circuit Finals Rodeo (Heber City, Utah) NFR QUALIFICATIONS: 3 • Won the Southeastern Livestock Exposition & Rodeo (Montgomery, Ala.) PRCA EARNINGS: $397,196 • Won the Cedar City (Utah) Championship Rodeo AGE :22 • Won the Fort Herriman PRCA Rodeo (Herriman, Utah) MEMBER SINCE: 2018 • Won the Strawberry Days Rodeo (Pleasant Grove, Utah) HOMETOWN: Milford, UT • Won the Days of the Old West Rodeo (Delta, Utah) • Won the Rooftop Rodeo (Estes Park, Colorado) CAREER HIGHLIGHTS • Won the Dinosaur Roundup Rodeo (Vernal, Utah) Career earnings: $764,777 • Won the Oakley Independence Day Rodeo (Oakley City, Utah) 2020 world standings place: 1st (AA), 1st (BR), 7th (SB) • Won the St. Paul (Oregon) Rodeo 2020 Wrangler NFR place: 1st (BR), 10th (SB) • Won the World's Oldest Rodeo (Prescott, Arizona) 2020 Wrangler NFR earnings: $207,965 (BR), $106,603 (SB) • Won the Silver State Stampede (Elko, Nev.) 2020 earnings: $392,302 (AA); $154,101 (SB); $267,941 (BR) • Won the San Angelo (Texas) Cinch Chute-Out Education Milford (Utah) High School • Won the Sandhills Stock Show & Rodeo (Odessa, Texas) World Titles Won: 3 (AA, 2019-2020) (BR, 2020) • Won the Cedar City (Utah) Championship Rodeo Wrangler NFR Average Titles: 0 • Won the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo (Colorado Springs, Colorado) Wrangler NFR Qualifications: 3 (BR, 2019-2020) (SB, 2020) • Won the Oakley Independence Day Rodeo (Oakley City, Utah) • Won the Lehi (Utah) Roundup • Won the Caldwell (Idaho) Night Rodeo • Won the Kitsap Stampede (Bremerton, Wash.)

• Won the Magic Valley Stampede (Filer, Idaho) • Won the Washington (Puyallup) State Fair Pro Rodeo • Won the Pendleton (Ore.) Round-Up BULL RIDING • Won the San Antonio (Texas) Stock Show & Rodeo • Won the Wilderness Circuit Finals Rodeo (Heber City, Utah) • Won the Days of the Old West Rodeo (Delta, Utah) • Won the Rooftop Rodeo (Estes Park, Colorado) • Won the Kitsap Stampede Xtreme Bulls (Bremerton, Wash.)

• Won the Caldwell (Idaho) Night Rodeo • Won the Kitsap Stampede (Bremerton, Wash.)

• Won the Magic Valley Stampede (Filer, Idaho) • Won the Pendleton (Ore.) Round-Up • Co-champion at the Southeastern Livestock Exposition & Rodeo (Montgomery, Ala.) SADDLE BRONC • Won Cheyenne (Wyoming) Frontier Days • Won the Veater Financial Group Battle of the Best (Coarsegold, Calif.)

• Won the Jerome (Idaho) County Fair And Rodeo • Won the Caldwell (Idaho) Night Rodeo • Won the Fallon Country Fair & Rodeo (Baker, Mont.)

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

• Won the Pendleton (Ore.) Round-Up Information and Photos courtesy of PRCA www.prorodeo.com

Rodeo LIFE 31

All-Around

PADEN BRAY CAREER HIGHLIGHTS Career earnings: $248,387 2020 world standings place: 2nd 2020 Wrangler NFR standings place: 1st 2020 NFR earnings: $122,962 2020 earnings: $175,503 Education: Cisco (TX) College, Tarleton State University (Stephenville, TX) Wrangler NFR Average Titles: 1 (2020) Wrangler NFR Qualifications: 1 (2020)

WORLD TITLES: 0 NFR QUALIFICATIONS: 1 PRCA EARNINGS: $135,143 AGE: 22 MEMBER SINCE: 2018 HOMETOWN: Stephenville, TX

2021 HIGHLIGHTS | ALL-AROUND • Won the Ute Mountain Round-Up (Cortez, Colo.)

• Won the Dodge City (Kansas) Roundup Rodeo • Won the Spokane (Wash.) Interstate Rodeo • Won Rodeo de Santa Fe (N.M.) TEAM ROPING - PARTNER ERICH ROGERS • Won The American (Arlington, Texas) • Won the San Angelo (Texas) Cinch Chute-Out • Won the Ute Mountain Round-Up (Cortez, Colo.)

• Won the Lehi (Utah) Roundup • Won the Cache County Fair and Rodeo (Logan, Utah) • Won the Spokane (Wash.) Interstate Rodeo TEAM ROPING- PARTNER TYLER WADE • Won the Mesquite (Texas) Championship Rodeo TIE-DOWN ROPING • Co-champion at the Big Timber (Montana) Weely Pro Rodeo • Co-champion at the Kitsap Stampede (Bremerton, Wash.)

Information and Photos courtesy of PRCA www.prorodeo.com

All-Around

CLAY SMITH WORLD TITLES: 2 NFR QUALIFICATIONS: 6 PRCA EARNINGS: $126,360 AGE: 30 MEMBER SINCE: 2012 HOMETOWN: Broken Bow, OK

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS Career earnings: $1,370,317 2020 world standings place: 6th (TR) 2020 Wrangler NFR standings place: 8th 2020 NFR earnings: $85,308 2020 earnings: $155,011 2021 HIGHLIGHTS , PARTNER JADE CORKILL • Won the San Antonio (Texas) Stock Show & Rodeo • Won Black Hills Roundup (Belle Fourche, South Dakota) • Won Cheyenne (Wyoming) Frontier Days • Won Nebraska’s (Burwell) Big Rodeo • Won the all-around at the Deadwood (S.D.) Days of 76 Rodeo | • Won the all-around at the Lewiston (Idaho) Roundup • Co-champion of the Dinosaur Roundup Rodeo (Vernal, Utah) Information and Photos courtesy of PRCA www.prorodeo.com

32

Rodeo LIFE

Tuf Cooper

T

Loops in 5th Consecutive WNFR Qualification

uf Cooper is one of the veterans of the Professional Rodeo

West Texas Fair & Rodeo that took place on September 10th to the

Cowboys Association with 12 qualifications for the Wrangler

18th where he completed one successful round of nine seconds

National Finals Rodeo (WNFR) in his career and he has been

in Tie-Down Roping. This wasn’t enough to get Cooper into the

a member of the PRCA since 2008. He is a four-time PRCA World

money but at the Stockyards Pro Rodeo just a couple weeks later

Champion as he won the All-Around World Title in 2017 and the

in Fort Worth, Texas Cooper placed second in Tie-Down Roping

Tie-Down Roping World Championship three years in 2011, 2012,

with a run of 10.1 seconds. Cooper was back competing less than a

and 2014. Career earnings for Cooper have now totaled $2,816,550

month after his surgery August 19th and back winning just a

as he just turned 31 years old and had another standout season in

month later.

Tie-Down Roping this year.

At the end of the PRCA season on September 30th, Cooper finished Cooper had a stretch from late June to mid-July where he had four

fifth in the All-Around and fourth in Tie-Down Roping. Two close

Tie-Down Roping first place finishes in competitions and racked

second round finishes at the end of September ended up costing him

up some serious earnings as well as made his way up the rankings

a few spots in the rankings. All in all, Cooper had quite a year in the

in both Tie-Down Roping and the All-Around. This was before an

PRCA winning the All-Around at the Texas (Waco) Circuit Finals and

unfortunate injury to his left hand at the Cache County Fair and

winning first place in Tie-Down Roping five times including at the Red

Rodeo that was held from August 12th to the 14th where he got his

Bluff (Calif.) Round-Up, the San Angelo (Texas) Rodeo, the Dinosaur

hand stuck in a coil dismounting his horse. The coil locked down

Roundup Rodeo (Vernal, Utah), the Cody (Wyoming) Stampede, and

on all four of his fingers and fractured his left index finger while

the Oakley Independence Day Rodeo (Oakley City, Utah).

also breaking off his finger nail. He had surgery on August 19th and was second in the PRCA in Tie-Down Roping and third in the All-

Tuf Cooper most recently was back at it competing in the Heart

Around at the time of the injury.

O Texas Rodeo where he finished in fifth place in the Tie-Down Roping contest. Cooper will look to continue his strong year all The surgery and potential

the way into the WNFR where he finished second last year in the

career threatening injury

All-Around, eighth in Tie-Down Roping, and sixth in Steer Roping.

didn’t

keep

Cooper

He has had four consecutive WNFR qualifications and will look

down for long as he

to make it a fifth this year where he is primed for a top finish in

competed in the

Tie-Down Roping.

PRCA Photo by Clay Guardipee

34

Rodeo LIFE

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Bareback 36

Rodeo LIFE

Bareback Riding

Tilden hooper NFR QUALIFICATIONS: 7 PRCA EARNINGS: $161,952 AGE: 33 MEMBER SINCE: 2006 HOMETOWN: Carthage, TX

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS Career earnings: $1,168,417 2020 world standings place: 11th 2020 Wrangler NFR standings place: 9th 2020 NFR earnings: $38,981 2020 earnings: $116,530 Education: Panola (Texas) Junior College, associate degree in business Wrangler NFR Qualifications: 7 (2008-09, 2011, 2014, 2018-20) 2021 HIGHLIGHTS • Won The American (Arlington, Texas) • Won the Goliad (Texas) County Fair & Price Rodeo • Won the Johnson County Sheriff's Posse Rodeo (Cleburne, Texas) • Won the Dinosaur Roundup Rodeo (Vernal, Utah) • Won the Mandan (N.D.) Rodeo Days • Won the Reno (Nevada) Rodeo • Won the Golden Spike Rodeo (Tremonton, Utah) Information and Photos courtesy of PRCA www.prorodeo.com

Bareback Riding

TIM O’CONNELL WORLD TITLES: 3 NFR QUALIFICATIONS: 7 PRCA EARNINGS: $156,056 AGE: 29 MEMBER SINCE: 2012 HOMETOWN: Zwingle, IA

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS Career earnings: $1,994,571 2020 world standings place: 2nd 2020 Wrangler NFR standings place: 3rd 2020 NFR earnings: $148,064 2020 earnings: $270,991 Wrangler NFR average titles: 3 (2016-17, 2018 – tied) World Titles Won: 3 (2016-18) Wrangler NFR Qualifications: 7 (2014-20) 2021 HIGHLIGHTS • Won the Calgary (Alberta) Stampede • Won the Riggin Rally Xtreme Broncs (Weatherford, Texas) • Won the High Desert Stampede (Redmond, Ore.) • Won the San Angelo (Texas) Cinch Chute-Out • Won the Cherokee (Iowa) Chamber PRCA Rodeo • Won the Cinch World's Toughest Rodeo (Nashville, Tenn.)

• Won the Stanley (Wis.) Rodeo • Won the Home Of Champions Rodeo (Red Lodge, Mont.)

• Won Cheyenne (Wyoming) Frontier Days Information and Photos courtesy of PRCA www.prorodeo.com

Rodeo LIFE 37

On the

Rodeo Roll An Interview with Rodeo Life: With eight Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (WNFR) qualifications, coming up on your ninth qualification, under your belt, how has your previous experiences at the WNFR helped you prepare to hopefully go in and win a World Champion Title this year?

Caleb Bennett: I think overall it's given me a better perspective on what to look forward to, what I can I control and can't control, and what to worry about and not worry about. Vegas can be pretty overwhelming, just the city itself, let alone going there to ride ten of the greatest horses in the world, and be up against 14 of the other best guys in the world; there's a lot that can run through a competitor’s head. I think being there as many times I have in the past and knowing what to expect and not to expect is going to help me mentally and physically.

RL: There are so many uncertainties that come with the professional rodeo territory with so many things that can go wrong and left up to chance, what makes rodeo so rewarding?

CB: Riding bucking horses in general is one of the most rewarding parts of it. It is an experience that you really can't explain to anybody until you feel what it's like to ride a bucking horse, especially inside the Thomas and Mack with the energy that the crowd brings, the environment, the horses, and the competitors – the chills that run down your spine are unlike anything else in this world. It’s not just the first round or the tenth round – it's every round that has chills runnning down your spine. When they start playing that opening, you hear the crowd roar, and you know that all the hard work you put in throughout the year is finally paying off, win, lose or draw.

RL: Would you consider yourself an adrenaline junkie?

CB: Yes and no. I do love that feeling, the rush of the adrenaline that runs through your body. But I've also learned over the years that it's only with certain things. There are certain things that I have done before and I felt the adrenaline and I'm just like, nope, never going to do that again, I don't care what kind of adrenaline rush it gave me.

38

Rodeo LIFE

lercoaster Caleb Bennett RL: Is there anything outside of Rodeo that gets that good adrenaline going for you?

CB: I think there are multiple things. I like to ski; going down that hill gets the adrenaline going. Cliff jumping, that's one of those things that'll get the adrenaline going. But I've also learned that I have my limits. All in all, it's hard to get that same adrenaline or that feeling that I get when I ride a bucking horse.

RL: How did COVID-19 change the course of rodeo last year?

Are there any lasting effects on the rodeo industry going into it this year?

CB: It hit us hard last year with everything shutting down. The number of rodeos we were able to go to and the payout amounts were drastically cut down. It wasn't the same. We were traveling 12 and 14 hours on way and 12-14 hours back home just for one rodeo that might have added two or three thousand to your earnings. You were going just to try to make the Finals and hope like heck it paid off.

There were a few rodeos that cancelled or still didn't pull through, but this year has been 99.9% on track I've been really impressed with the PRCA and all the committees who have stepped up that we were able to come back, put on their rodeos and do a great job with great contractors and awesome money. A lot of them really put on good events for us this year. The show went on this year almost better than ever.

RL: You’ve earned over 1.5 million dollars in your career earnings, what was it like to break that million-dollar barrier?

CB: That's something I hadn’t really thought about until someone told me and I was like “wow really.” Which at that point I did start wondering where it all went. But it is a huge accomplishment; it's just a stepping stone for where I want to go with my career. I'd like to obviously try to win as much as I can and get up over that $2,000,000 mark before my career is over. To be able to do that in the sport of Rodeo shows you where the sports going and how it is growing. It gives me hope to hit two and a half million before I settle my career down.

RL: You’ve been a PRCA member for over a decade, how has rodeo evolved in the past ten or so years? What do you foresee the next decade of rodeo looking like?

CB: It's constantly changing. Some people are afraid to change, but we've started making changes in the right direction: we've started bringing back the bigger rodeos that we lost there for a while; the committees are starting to see that and they're stepping up to the plate; the added money at the majority of the rodeos is starting to go up; and you're starting to see more young contestants make the WNFR. When I first started in Bareback Riding, it took me a few years to kind of get the ball rolling. I think there are a lot of guys starting to lend a helping hand and teach the newcomers how to enter, what to go to and what not to go to when they start out so that they don't just burn themselves out. I know when I teach schools, I try to emphasize on where to go or not to go, so the new guys are not butting heads with the top-end guys all of the time and going broke. Because that is a huge thing and you see a lot of great young talent fade quickly that way. I also think we're doing a better job at promoting the circuit systems and trying to get the circuit system setup for guys that are up and coming or after working nine to five jobs. The overall contestants and committees are pulling together, and we're seeing better outcome because of it.

As far as evolving, it's really the contestants that have evolved more from a beer garden drinking standpoint to they are more athletes; everybody is working out taking it seriously. It's more of a business. And the same with the animal athletes. Since I've been a PRCA member, there have been more good ones to get on to be 80-plus points. You're not going to be able to scrape the bottom of the barrel and score 75 and maybe catch a check anymore – you might score 84 points and not even place. This year has been one of those years with personal and arena records being broken and world records being tied. Stock contractors and producers have started raising more outstanding animal athletes, and the contestants have seen that. The contestants have become more athletes themselves by taking better care of themselves and Bareback Riders especially are going to have longer, stronger careers because of it. It'll just continue to grow and it is only going to get better. g

Rodeo LIFE 39

PRCA Photo by Clay Guardipee

RL: How do you think the televised exposure of rodeo through the Cowboy Channel and shows like Yellowstone and How To Be A Cowboy have affected the rodeo industry?

CB: It's only helped us grow. Shows like Yellowstone put a different perspective and outlook on the Western ways and rodeo in general.

What the Cowboy Channel has done for us has been incredible.

People in the rodeo world and everyone I've talked to absolutely love it; they love what it's done for the sport. I think it's going to help us grow with sponsors. It has gotten people more involved, whether they're actually showing up to rodeos or they're just paying for the Cowboy Channel app or watching it at home on their TV. It's really put rodeo back on the map.

away from it from time to time, but it has been a huge attribute to helping me get through that aspect of rodeoing.

RL: What is the like a professional cowboy and Bareback Rider really like?

CB: It's good for the most part, but can be exhausting. There's a lot of time spent stretching. Physical fitness has always been a passion of mine anyway, but Bareback Riding is obviously hard on the body. You have to take care of your body and that's always been my number one priority. I take full advantage of that and spend hours a day stretching and doing anything physically that I can do to improve myself as an athlete. Other than that, it's all a mental game and I take each day one at a time.

RL: With your mom having rodeo roots as a Barrel Racer, how did she help influence your passion for rodeo and the western lifestyle?

CB: My mom, dad, brother, and sister – we all grew up around horses, so I have always been around them. Having that early influence to get on horseback is what started my interest in it. Me and my brother are the only two in the family that ever took it to the roughstock end. But it was a huge impact on me and from the minute I sat horseback, I just knew I wanted to be some kind of cowboy; I don't know if I could call it a cowboy, because I feel like the Cowboys are the hard workers and ranchers, but a rodeo athlete.

RL: How has your degree in marketing helped your rodeo career?

Do you have any other plans for your degree in the future?

CB: I think it has helped with being more approachable when it comes to talking with sponsors or anything rodeo related. There are a lot that people don't see what goes on in the rodeo world, and there can be a lot of public speaking. When you get to a certain level, especially now with the cowboy channel and with as many rodeos that they cover, there are always interviews. I took a lot of public speaking classes while pursuing my marketing degree and had to learn to talk in front of people – I usually don't like to and still shy

RL: What attributes must a cowboy have to be successful in the rodeo industry?

CB: Two of the biggest things that you need are determination and the discipline. Rodeo can be a rollercoaster ride. It definitely has its ups and downs. You see a lot of people come and go, and the reason they go isn’t because they lack talent or the ability, they just get too frustrated with the down part of it and can't push through that. You have to stay focused to get better and push through those down times. Because there's always hard times that come and you have to get through those to enjoy the good.

40

Rodeo LIFE

RL: What advice do you have for someone who wants to be a professional cowboy and pursue a career as a Bareback Rider?

CB: You might not work 9:00 to 5:00 but you're going to be working constantly. That's the biggest thing I could tell someone is it takes dedication and work. You have to put all your eggs in one basket. You have to give it everything you have every time you nod your head, every time you go up and down the road and leave home, and every day you wake up. Whether you're on the road or at home, you need to be working to better yourself inside and outside of the arena.

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Rodeo LIFE

Saddle Bronc Riding

RYDER WRIGHT CAREER HIGHLIGHTS Career earnings: $1,377,920 2020 world standings place: 1st 2020 Wrangler NFR standings place: 1st 2020 Wrangler NFR earnings: $247,135 2020 earnings: $358,471 Education: Milford High School (Milford, Utah) World Titles Won: 2 (2017, 2020) Wrangler NFR Qualifications: 5 (2016-2020) Wrangler NFR average titles: 1 (2020)

WORLD TITLES: 2 NFR QUALIFICATIONS: 5 PRCA EARNINGS: $181,894 AGE: 23 MEMBER SINCE: 2016 HOMETOWN: Milford, UT

2021 HIGHLIGHTS • Won The American (Arlington, Texas) • Won the Georgia (Perry) National Rodeo • Won the Fort Herriman PRCA Rodeo (Herriman, Utah) • Won the Snake River Stampede (Nampa, Idaho) • Won the World’s Oldest Rodeo (Prescott, Arizona) • Won the Laramie (Wyo.) Jubilee Days • Won the Lehi (Utah) Roundup • Won the Colorado (Pueblo) State Fair & Rodeo • Won the Lewiston (Idaho) Roundup • Won the Othello (Wash.) PRCA Rodeo Information and Photos courtesy of PRCA www.prorodeo.com

Saddle Bronc Riding

BRODY CRESS CAREER HIGHLIGHTS Career earnings: $896,546 2020 world standings place: 3rd 2020 Wrangler NFR standings place: 11th 2020 Wrangler NFR earnings: $74,308 2020 earnings: $173,847 Education: Tarleton State University (Stephenville, TX) Agribusiness major Wrangler NFR Qualifications: 4 (2017-2020) Wrangler NFR average titles: 2 (2017, 2019)

NFR QUALIFICATIONS: 4 PRCA EARNINGS: $142,225 AGE: 25 MEMBER SINCE: 2014 HOMETOWN: Hillsdale, WY

2021 HIGHLIGHTS • Won the Calgary (Alberta) Stampede • Won the 146th Silver Spurs Rodeo (Kissimmee, Fla.) • Won the ABC Pro Rodeo (Levelland, Texas) • Won the Henderson County First Responders PRCA Rodeo (Athens, Texas) • Won the West of the Pecos (Texas) Rodeo • Won the Home on the Range Champions Ride (Sentinel, N.D.) • Won the Lawton (Okla.) Rangers Rodeo • Won the Golden Spike Rodeo (Tremonton, Utah) • Co-champion at the Mountain Valley Stampede (Heber City, Utah) • Co-champion at the Goliad (Texas) County Fair & Price Rodeo Information and Photos courtesy of PRCA www.prorodeo.com

Rodeo LIFE 43

An Interview with ZEKE THURSTON Rodeo Life: How has the rodeo life and competing been different since starting a family and having your kids Lucy and Hardy? Do you hope they get involved in rodeo one day?

Zeke Thurston: It makes me want to go home a lot more and that makes you not want to leave home, but they love it, and when you get to take them with you, that’s even better. That's how I grew up and I honestly don't think there's any other better way to grow up.

Rodeo itself is a great big family and when you share that with your kids, it's very special. Whether I win, lose, or draw they are there. They don't care, they are there to cheer you on so it's pretty fun.

I would sure enjoy it if they did, but if they choose to go a different direction in life, I’m 100% supportive. As long as they put 100% effort into whatever they want to do, I'll be satisfied.

RL: How was it navigating the rodeo world through COVID-19 last year? How have things been this year still dealing with COVID-19?

ZT: It was difficult to be honest. It made it really hard to come home. The borders were closed which made it so that we couldn't see our families. There really was no plus side to it. They cancelled a lot of rodeos because of it, but we made it. It was hard on a lot of people and made it tough.

We went to a lot rodeos that I'd never been to and probably never would have gone to so that part of it was fun. It was neat to go to the smaller rodeos. This year went pretty well. Everything kind of went back normal and we just went back to our old routine. We have this little trail that we make and we just followed that again as normal. We didn't get back to any of the ones that we hadn't been to before, but maybe one day we might.

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RL: This will be your seventh consecutive WNFR qualification.

What have you learned from your previous appearances to help you prepare for this one? Are you bringing any new techniques or strategies to the arena this year?

ZT: I just go try my guts out and try as hard as I possibly can and put in maximum effort. That's all you can do. As far as learning anything from it, I've been there and I've had awesome Finals and I've been there and had terrible Finals. All I know is that anything can happen out there. You just go out there and do your best to roll with the punches and if it works out, that's great. It's easy to get caught up in all the bright lights and what's going on but you have to remember at the end of the day, it's the same horses you've been getting on all year.

Like my dad always told me, just dance with the girl that brought you, so that's what I usually do.

RL: How do you stay mentally focused knowing that one 8-second ride could make or break your spot not only in the World Standings, but your chance at winning another World Champion Title?

ZT: That is where it gets tough. That in itself is way harder than riding any bronc that walks this earth. I've seen some of the most talented

guys in the world that just can't break the mental barrier. It's hard and sad to see, but you just have to get through it. I've been pretty lucky that way; I try to keep it pretty loose and cool. I get to ride broncs for a living and that's about as awesome of a job as you could have. There are people that aren’t as fortunate; people who are born without the use of their legs, or into sickness, or whatever the situation may be, so I'm pretty lucky to get to do what I do and I am always grateful for each ride. I try my hardest and if doesn’t work out at one rodeo, there's another rodeo somewhere else down the line.

RL: What was it like winning your second World Champion Title in 2019? Did it feel differently than winning your first? What is your ultimate goal for your rodeo career?

ZT: They were two totally different World Titles. The first one I came from way behind – I probably really wasn't even supposed to win it. Jacobs had it wrapped up. All he had to do was score, but he missed his horse out and I ended up winning it. The second one I went in as second in the World, and I won the first round. I won three rounds and had the lead from the third round on or something, and that night's round I had to ride and place pretty deep in the round to g PRCA Photo by Clay Guardipee

Rodeo LIFE 45

sew it up. That's probably the most nervous I've ever been getting on. Not because it was the last horse, but I just knew if I did my job there, The World was mine to win. I won the round and after that they couldn't catch me. So, two totally different scenarios. With that being said, every year except for last, I’ve had myself in the position to win a World Title. In 2017, I went in second in the World behind Jacobs and I got really sick out there and I rode horrible. I think I placed the first round and that was maybe the only check I got. It didn't go well at all.

In 2018, it came down to the 10th round. Wade definitely had the upper hand, but there's always a chance for the other guys to mess up and if you do your job and there was a chance it could have been mine.

But I fell off in the 10th round, so that one didn't work out either. But that's rodeo.

fans that you'll have. They will be in the Thomas and Mack waving their Canadian flags. It's pretty cool. We usually show up with somewhere around 8 or 10 contestants representing Canada and we get to take a picture with the Canadians in front of the bucking chutes; I buy one every year. I'm very proud of those pictures and I’m very proud of my fellow Canadian competitors. This year we're going to have 6 maybe 7 Canadian bronc riders, so that's going to be really exciting.

I want to win as much as I can and be as successful as I can be.

Ultimately, my goal when I'm done with rodeo is to have people remember me as a good guy and as a friend. I hope to make a difference on the sport and try to leave an impact on it. Rodeo is so fun and has such a great group of people. I have friends all over the entire world because of rodeo. But as far as winning, everybody wants to win. Every time I nod my head, I expect myself to win.

RL: What advice do you have for aspiring Saddle Bronc riders?

ZT: Whatever it is that you want to do, get out there and get around the right people that know what they're talking about, what they're doing, and spend as much time with them as you can and just apply yourself. Give it all your time and attention and you’ll go places. Work will out beat talent any day.

RL: How long does 8 seconds really feel when you are bucking on some of the industry’s strongest broncs?

ZT: Sometimes it feels pretty long especially when you’re out of shape and fighting just to make it. On other horses, if you've got a really good seating, it's really bucking, and you're making a perfect ride on it, you don't want to the whistle to go, you don't want it to end. But that's the fun of it: You never truly figure it out, I don't think.

RL: What about Saddle Bronc Riding drew you in as opposed to Bareback or Bull Riding?

ZT: I rode bulls throughout high school and I really enjoyed Bull Riding, but my dad rode broncs and had a pretty successful career. He went to the Finals six times and I had a good coach at home.

I got hurt Bull Riding and I couldn't ride bulls or broncs for a while. But while I was hurt, I put effort into riding the spur board and things like that. When I did come back to riding bulls and broncs again, the bronc riding started clicking and getting better. Before that, Bull Riding came naturally and it was easy for me and I was going to be a Bull Rider but once I got the bronc riding figured out a little better, I realized that it doesn’t hurt me as badly and I can get on a lot more of them.

RL: Is there any particular horse you’re hoping to draw this year at the WNFR? ZT: They're all good, every horse who goes there. There are some special horses out there. I'd really like a crack at Wild Cherry, the way that she bucks she’s hard to get cleared out.

RL: What is it like representing Canada in the Thomas and Mack Center?

ZT: It's really cool. Canada is quite smaller of a rodeo world and confined more to Alberta. The fans that do come out to support you, support you online, or they are sitting at home watching you, they're the biggest

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RL: Is there any rodeo that you haven’t won yet that is on your “To Win” list?

ZT: I haven't won Cheyenne or Pendleton and I would really like to win both of those because of the tradition and hype behind them and how prestigious they both are. It would be pretty special to win those rodeos.

RL: Was there anyone when you were first starting your Saddle Bronc career that showed you the ropes?

ZT: I was pretty lucky that I had my dad. I had one of the best coaches right at home. My dad went to the Finals six times, so he knew what he was doing. He got us nice practice horses. He put on a lot of Bronc Riding schools, and still does, so we were in controlled environments all the time. We had good pick-up men, had our saddles set up correctly, we got ride the spur board, the bucking machine, and the drop barrel. We had all the stepping stones and preparation of getting on a live Bronc, so when we did get on a live bronc it wasn't going to wreck us out or get us hurt. I think that's the best way to go about it. It keeps you interested and keeps you craving it.

RL: Is there anything about Saddle Bronc Riding or the rodeo industry in general that you would like people to know?

ZT: Like I said earlier, rodeo is a big family. You will meet your best friends and have so many close relationships because of rodeo. There have been a lot of families started because of rodeo; my dad met my mom because of rodeo and that's the case for a lot of people. It is one big family itself. There are so many great people involved in rodeo and I wouldn't trade it for the world.

PRCA Photo by Clay Guardipee

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DONE RIGHT

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CHEF EDWARD LEE

Much like the rich tradition of BBQ, there are incredible people behind the craft of bourbon. With Chef Edward Lee, we visited four iconic distilleries in the heart of Kentucky to share their unique stories – making bourbon-inspired dishes along the way.

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l l Bu g n i d Ri 48

Rodeo LIFE

Bull Riding

SAGE KIMZEY CAREER HIGHLIGHTS Career earnings: $2,520,494 2020 world standings place: 5th 2020 Wrangler NFR standings place: 6th 2020 NFR earnings: $92,429 2020 earnings: $184,764 Education: SW Oklahoma St. University (Weatherford) World Titles: 6 (2014-19) Wrangler NFR Average Titles: 3 (2014, 2017, 2019) Wrangler NFR Qualifications: 7 (2014-2020)

WORLD TITLES: 6 NFR QUALIFICATIONS:7 PRCA EARNINGS: $264,739 AGE: 27 MEMBER SINCE: 2013 HOMETOWN: Salado, TX

2021 HIGHLIGHTS • Won the Cactus Jack Xtreme Bull Riding (Uvalde, Texas) • Won the Ropin Dreams Xtreme Bulls (Pleasanton, Texas) • Won the Durant (Okla.) Pro Rodeo • Won Ogden (Utah) Pioneer Days • Won Kansas (Phillipsburg) Biggest Rodeo • Won the Hells A Roarin Xtreme Bulls & Broncs Riding • Won the Yellowstone River Round-Up (Billings, Mont.)

• Co-champion of the Dinosaur Roundup Rodeo (Vernal, Utah) • Co-champion at the Mustang Seeds, Xtreme Bulls (Mitchell, S.D.) Information and Photos courtesy of PRCA www.prorodeo.com

Bull Riding

CLAYTON SELLARS

NFR QUALIFICATIONS: 2 PRCA EARNINGS: $147,021 AGE: 23 MEMBER SINCE: 2017 HOMETOWN: Fruitland Park, FL

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS Career earnings: $331,178 2020 world standings place: 12th 2020 Wrangler NFR standings place: 8th 2020 Wrangler NFR earnings: $29,885 2020 earnings: $83,279 Education: Western Texas College (Snyder) World Titles: 0 Wrangler NFR Average Titles: 0 Wrangler NFR Qualifications: 2 (2019-2020) 2021 HIGHLIGHTS • Won the Reno (Nev.) Rodeo Xtreme Bulls • Won the Mustang Seeds Xtreme Bulls (Mitchell, S.D.) • Won the Horse Heaven Kennewick (Wash.) Round-Up • Won California Rodeo Salinas • Co-champion at the Waller County Fair & Rodeo (Hempstead, Texas) Information and Photos courtesy of PRCA www.prorodeo.com

Rodeo LIFE 49

RO

KEEP THE

An Interview with

Dustin Boquet

Rodeo Life: You’ve competed at the WNFR in both Las Vegas and Arlington, which venue do you favor more for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (WNFR)? Are you excited to be returning to Vegas this December?

Dustin Boquet: I'm not going to lie, I'm really excited to go back to Vegas.

I'm thankful that Arlington put the WNFR together so fast and gave us somewhere to go compete for the Finals. It's just that Fort Worth and Arlington have Cowboys in it every day. There is just something special about Vegas. If you go there right now there isn’t a cowboy in sight, but when the WNFR comes around, you can’t look anywhere without seeing a cowboy hat. I just like how Cowboys takeover Sin City.

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RL: How have your first two appearances at the WNFR helped you going into this one? What is the greatest thing you’ve learned being and competing against the best in the World?

DB: It's going to help out a lot going into this year.

I’ve been twice and the jitters are still going to be there. If you don't get fired up about going to the WNFR, then I don't know why you rodeo. It’s the Super Bowl of rodeo. I broke my arm 2 weeks ago, so I have been on a break unlike some guys who are still going and trying to finish the year off strong. I have this broken arm that's going to set me back, but it is just fueling my fire up again. I'm ready to heal and head for the Finals.

You have to stay humble and keep level headed. You can't get ahead of yourself and you can't get too down on yourself. That's why I like watching rodeo; In every event you have guys that could have just had a terrible weekend and the next weekend they win everything they go to. It's awesome with the gracious hospitality and how people treat you – It's just one big family.

RL: You’ve entered some PBR events over the years, what has made you focus more on your career within the PRCA than the PBR? Which do you prefer?

DB: I haven't been to a PBR event since 2013 or 2014. I like my rodeos.

I like to watch all of the other events. I like to see everybody rooting for everyone, no matter if we are competing against each other or not. Like I said, I like how it is just one big family.

RL: How many bulls on average do you get on a year? What is the toughest bull you’ve been on so far? Is there any bull you’ve yet to face that you hope to draw at the WNFR? DB: On average, I bet we get on between 100 to 120, if not more. I've been on some tough ones. I wouldn't mind getting a rematch with the Cliff Hanger from Jack Simmons. Chiseled from D&H Cattle too, everybody wants to get on him.

RL: How important is physical fitness to your career as a professional Bull Rider?

DB: It's really important. We ride bulls for fun; but our real job is sitting behind a steering wheel driving all day to get to from one rodeo to another. It's definitely important, especially for me right now because when I come back off of this arm injury, I’m going to be rehabbing it, getting back to exercising, and getting my muscle memory back to where it was.

RL: Are rides different when you are riding for higher payouts? How do you stay mentally focused when a big check is on the line?

B: It can be pretty hard to do, but myself, and a lot of others, have been doing it for so long. You have to know to block it out, do your job, and let the puzzle lay where it wants to lay. I just go with the flow. Sometimes I get worked up and let it get to me. But this year I've had a phenomenal year and I just took it one bull at a time, kept a steady pace, and kept knocking them out.

OLLING RL: When you had to choose between continuing baseball or continuing rodeo, how hard was that decision? Was your mom nervous about you becoming a Bull Rider?

DB: It wasn't hard for me. It was hard for my mom. I ventured off and enjoyed rodeoing. I didn’t want to do baseball anymore. When I started really rodeoing more, I realized that I was somewhat good at it, and it was fun to win money.

She still is. She's nervous every time I get on.

RL: What’s your favorite outdoor hobby? What about an indoor hobby?

DB: That's a tough one. It would be between fishing and hunting. If I had to choose one, I would probably have to go with fishing since I could do it throughout the whole year. I don't really have any indoor hobbies. I'm the type of person that can be outside every day, all day.

RL: What rodeo other than the WNFR do you hope to win in your career?

DB: Cheyenne and Pendleton – those are the top two on my bucket list because they're both so unique. They're some of the oldest rodeos – Cheyenne because it’s the “Daddy of ‘em All.” It would be awesome to win one of those buckles.

RL: What buckle have you been sporting this season?

DB: I put back on my Round 6 buckle from 2018 WNFR and took off my Extreme Bulls Division One buckle from Fort Worth. The WNFR buckle means a lot to me.

RL: What would you consider the biggest accomplishment in your career so far is?

DB: Probably winning the San Antonio Xtreme Bulls and making two WNFRs so far. Those are my biggest accomplishments. I overcame a lot. There were people that told me that I'd never make it anywhere and that I don't need to be riding bulls, but now I come back home and those same people are telling me that they're watching me on TV. RL: Are you going to be wearing your 2018 WNFR Round 6 buckle into this year's WNFR to bring that same energy?

DB: I don't know. I change all my buckles every now and then. I get tired of wearing one and want to start wearing another one. I guess we will just have to see!

RL: What advice do you have for any aspiring Bull Riders who want to make a professional career out of rodeo?

DB: Never take no for an answer. That's how I’m where I’m at today. There have been times where my bank account has had a negative sign in front of it, and I still kept going because I know my ability and what I am capable of. I come from a town where nobody really rodeos. I just keep with my game plan; I had a goal and I reached it, so I made more goals and I plan on reaching them. You just have to stay level headed and keep the faith rolling. I feel like I got to where I am for a reason and hopefully it's not going to end anytime soon.

PRCA Photo by Clay Guardipee

Rodeo LIFE 51

Steer Wrestling

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Rodeo LIFE

Wrestling for a

World Cham An Interview with Jacob Talley

Rodeo Life: You are entering the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (WNFR) in first place in the World Standings, how are you preparing for your runs at the Thomas and Mack Center this coming December? What would it mean to win your first World Champion title? What is your ultimate goal for your rodeo career?

Jacob Talley: I'm going to do what I've done the last handful of years: fine tune little things, do a lot of dummy work, practice, and stay in the gym every day. I treat it just like any other professional sport. I'm going to be working at it all day, every day until we get ready to leave and go out there.

That's why we do what we do. That's why we travel all year and go all year. That’s been the game plan from day one.

I would say right now, my ultimate goal is to get that first gold buckle.

RL: You have a decade of PRCA competing experience under your belt, what is the greatest thing you’ve learned in your time being a member of the PRCA? JT: It's all been a learning curve. It's a lot different than other sports.

You don't have a coach telling you when to be at practice, you don't have somebody to help you prepare, there is no set time to be at the gym or do anything, so you learn a lot of discipline. Because if you don't practice, you're not going to accomplish what you want to, but nobody is there telling you, “Hey, you better go out there and do it.”

RL: How has rodeo changed over the past ten or so years? What do you foresee the future of rodeo looking like?

JT: For the most part, it's the same. It’s growing more. There are more guys coming around and the money and stages are getting a little bit bigger.

I hope it keeps growing. It's hard knowing with everything going on. You see all these bigger rodeos taking place, rodeos like the American and San Antonio, being able to add money toward making the WNFR. It makes it tough. If a guy has a strong year and doesn't make the NFR, he doesn't even break even. The only time you make money is if you are making the WNFR. So, it would be nice for guys to be able to rodeo for a living and if they have a hard year or get hurt still be able to go the next year and not have to go get a job for a year and a half just to catch back up.

RL: How has dealing with COVD-19 changed the course of rodeo over the past two years? Was this year more manageable than last year?

JT: The course of rodeo in 2020 was a lot different. We were going to little rodeos that we would normally never go to just to try and go somewhere. Surprisingly, it's been fairly normal this year. All the rodeos that we normally go to we've got to go to and there's fans in the stands. There haven’t been very many restrictions that we've seen. It's been pretty awesome to get back to a little bit of normality.

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RL: As more of a veteran of the sport, have you taken any rookies under your wing? What advice do you/would you give someone just starting out in rodeo?

JT: Not really. I traveled this year with Luke Branquinho, Justin Shaffer, and Tucker Allen. Tucker was the youngest one in our truck. He's gone rodeoing a couple years with Luke. Tucker's a younger guy, but he has experience and he's been traveling Luke, so he knows what's going on.

My main advice would be to be disciplined, practice, and put the effort in. Don't just show up to the rodeo on the weekend and expect to win money, you have to work at it. And my next advice would be don't give up or quit. It's tough to get out there on the road and win money and if you get in a slump or have a bad week, it builds up quickly, so my advice is to just keep going and be persistent.

RL: What is the best advice you’ve received about competing and living the rodeo lifestyle?

JT: From the very get go, when I went to Mr. Tom Carney’s bulldogging school, he said that I can accomplish anything I want it just depends on how much I'm going to put into it. I'm somebody that doesn’t like to lose. I really want to be the best at whatever I'm doing. So, if I can outwork everybody else that's what I’m going to do. I feel like that is how I am where I am at today.

RL: You have some huge career rodeo wins under your belt, especially this year winning The American, are there any rodeos outside of the WNFR that you hope to win in your career?

JT: Reno is one I want to win. I’ve finished everywhere from second through eighth in the average there over the years, but I've never got the win. I love all the big indoor rodeos in the winter. I love going to San Antonio and Austin. I'd say San Antonio and Reno would be the two that I'd like to win next.

RL: What has been your favorite rodeo to date and why?

JT: Excluding the WNFR, I would have to say the American. I like the big stages and stadiums. I like the pressure. So, I'd have to say the American. Obviously the WNFR too, but as far as rodeo outside of the WNFR, it would be the American.

RL: Your younger brother also competes as a Steer Wrestler; do you guys compete against each other often? Do you guys help each other out or is there a healthy dose of competition?

JT: We did a little bit. He has a family and doesn't go too far from home. If we go somewhere close to home, we will. It's been a while since he’s been out on the road. We're both pretty competitive. We both go to the gym together when I'm at home. He helps me practice and it's good having family like that in your corner.

RL: You’ve had a few notable injuries in your career. How do you deal with injuries? What is the recovery process like? What keeping you getting back up on the horse?

mpion Title JT: I went to physical therapy every day when I got hurt. I've only had one surgery. But recovering is just like practice: it’s about being persistent. I really worked on coming back stronger and I came back faster. You can either sit there on the couch and wait to heal, or you can work at it and be back faster, stronger, and ready to go. I treat it like practice just like for my rodeo career. Like anything else, I'm going to work to try to come back stronger.

Just wanting to win and being competitive keeps me coming back. I love the sport. I love rodeo in general. I’ve had big wins but I haven’t accomplished everything I want to quite yet so I’m just going to keep working until we do.

RL: How hard was it to choose between pursuing a career in football vs. rodeo? Do you still get out on the field when you aren’t dominating in the arena?

JT: It wasn’t hard, I didn't play college football or anything, I just played high school football. I had some pretty extreme coaches that coached in the NFL and they played the NFL in college. I love sports and I love playing football but, I wanted to try something different. Before I made my decision whether I was going to pursue football or going to pursue rodeo, I knew rodeo was something wanted to try. I tried it then I fell in love with it. I feel like you're in a little bit more control of how much you win and lose instead of relying on ten other people. In rodeo, you still have to have a hazer, but you're in a lot more control.

No, that time in life is in the past. I've stayed working out in the gym and that's about as close as I get to anything with football anymore is watching it and staying in the gym like we used to. My favorite college

team I would have to say is LSU and my favorite NFL team is the Saints – I like to keep it in my hometown.

RL: After growing up around horses and rodeo what finally piqued your interest in trying bulldogging?

JT: My dad rodeoed a little bit when I was growing up. But my football coaches were really strict, they didn't want us doing anything but football, so I didn't want to try it when I was playing football. My dad steer wrestled, so I knew that was the event I want to do. Plus size wise, that's what I needed to do. I’m a good size for bulldogging and not anything else.

RL: Is there anything about Steer Wrestling or the rodeo industry that you would like people to know?

JT: I think a lot of people outside of rodeo get a bad taste in their mouth about rodeo regarding how the animals are treated and how everybody is towards their animals. But people don’t see day in and day out how we interact with our animals. These animals are not just tools to us, they are a part of our family. They make our living, but there's a bond that we have with these animals. People just don't understand that. We don't use them and throw them out or treat them badly. When you're hauling up and down the road, you form a special bond with these animals and they become your family too. I think there are misconceptions on how rodeo animals are treated a lot.

PRCA Photo by Clay Guardipee

Rodeo LIFE 55

The Four-Time Feat of

Making the An Interview with Will Lummus Rodeo Life: You have three consecutive WNFR qualifications under your belt and coming up on your fourth, how have these past performances shaped you as a competitor and prepared you more for a run at a World Champion Title?

Will Lummus: I think that knowledge is everything at the WNFR. Being there as many times as I have, has been awesome because now I know what to look for and what to expect. There's so much adrenaline that goes into effect and the energy in that building is ridiculous, so being able to have already been there is pretty cool.

RL: What was your favorite rodeo this season?

WL: One of my favorite rodeos every season is Estes Park because of the beauty of it and being able to drive up through the mountains to get there. It's just a really cool place to hang out. While it’s 90 degrees everywhere else, it's a good 65 degrees there. You’re likely to see ten elk while you're going through there. It's just a cool place to be and it's always been one of my favorites. Probably my overall favorite rodeo is Salinas. I chose not to go to the tour finals that just finished. The only reason I decided not to go is because I am already high up in the standings and there's just so many variables at that rodeo that could go wrong, and at this time of year, I wouldn’t have time to heal up before the Finals.

RL: 2022 will mark a decade since you’ve became a PRCA member. How has rodeo evolved over the past decade? If you could go back, what advice would you give yourself?

WL: I bought my card and I became a member in in 2012, but I didn't start really rodeoing until 2017. I was focusing on finishing school. As far as myself in 2017 when I started rodeoing for a living, I have always been a confident person. I always knew I could do well. But when you get out there, it's different. Coming from the southeast where I come from, all of the rodeos you go to you need to win first or second if you want to make money at rodeo. They obviously don't pay as much as some of the bigger rodeos when you're really in it for a living. My mentality when I started rodeoing in 2017 was that every time I nodded, I needed to try to win first. But it’s not always that way. There are so many rodeos throughout the year that you can place 5th or 6th and still win a couple thousand.

If I could go back, I would tell myself to relax and make the runs. You're not competing against everybody else; you're competing against that animal.

As long as you make the best run on the steer that you have, that is all you can do. If you win, you win, and if you lose, don't beat yourself up.

RL: Many speculate rodeo as a model of the American Dream.

What does the American Dream mean to you and how has rodeo helped you achieve it?

WL: I feel like so much is taken for granted. If you have a roof over your head and food on the table, you can wake up and be happy about doing something. I think if you can be happy doing something and make a living doing it, and it provides for you and your family, that's the ultimate American Dream.

RL: Has your bachelor’s degree in exercise science and wellness and your Physical Therapy Assistant certification helped your rodeo career at all? What do you hope to do with these degrees one day?

WL: At one point, all I wanted to do was practice physical therapy.

That was what I honestly thought I was going to do. When I did start rodeoing, it definitely helped my career plenty as far as keeping myself and the other guys in the rig healthy. We try to keep everybody in the rig healthy. It does come in very handy for us on the road.

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I started a business last year when COVID hit and there weren’t a lot of rodeos to go to. I built a lot of pipe fence and it's done very well lately. I don't know if that's something I want to do forever, or if I want to practice physical therapy, I'm not really sure about that yet.

But I have been keeping up with my license renewals and continuing education. It is still an option for me. I am happy that I have options. g

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I bought my card in 2012 I was going to start rodeoing, but then I fell in love with physical therapy. I didn't start rodeo until 2017 because I had to finish school and everything. It put a halt to my rodeo career, but it was for my future. I have a lot of options now.

RL: Who has influenced your rodeo career the most?

WL: My dad and my uncle. My uncle rodeoed for a living back in the early 2000s and made the Finals four times and my dad was always there for him. My dad rode bulls but never really had the option to take off and go rodeo. But those two guys have definitely been an influence. My wife has been really, really, good pushing me to be better and pushing me to follow my dreams to try to go for the gold buckle. I have a lot of people to help me along. My mom was there helping me to finish school because she knew that I wanted to go rodeo but I needed to finish school. There are a lot of people that helped me early on. Jen and I got married four years ago and she’s had a huge impact on my success in rodeo by keeping me motivated and keeping me going.

RL: What has been your greatest accomplishment in your rodeo career so far?

WL: Making the National Finals is a feat in itself and to do it four times in a row is something that I'm proud of. I’m very proud of being able to make the Finals four times consecutively. I've had some success winning some of the other major rodeos and that's been cool too. I still have goals that I would like to achieve; I'd like to win some bigger rodeos and win the gold buckle, so we'll see how this year goes and can see what goals to set for next year.

RL: What do you hope to accomplish in your professional rodeo career?

WL: When I started rodeoing in the Finals, the first year I made the

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Finals, it paid $26,000 a night. It started paying that like in 2015 or something like that. My goal for my rodeo career was to set myself up so when I finish rodeoing, I could do a lot of the things I wanted; I wanted a business and to be able to build a house.

I want to be able to be successful when I get done rodeoing and not owe $1,000,000. The ultimate goal is to put back enough money to be able to pay for my future and set it up to where when I get done rodeoing, I can be successful and not have a whole lot of debt. That's what drives me to be better.

RL: With so many things that can go wrong and with so many things left up to chance, how do you deal with the uncertainties that come with the professional rodeo territory? What makes rodeo so rewarding?

WL: For me it just keeps going back to the money. If I can make the Finals, there's just so much money up for grabs that I can put back for the future. There are a lot of people that will tell you they're in it for this and that and the other, but I ultimately started to rodeo professionally when it started paying so much. Now with media contracts and TV, it's really growing. It's going to be great for the future.

RL: What advice do you have for aspiring Steer Wrestlers who want to make a professional career out of rodeo?

WL: It takes a lot time, just like any other rodeo event or like any other professional sport. It literally takes blood, sweat and tears. You have to be able to put in the time and effort because it's not given to you. Nothing is given in this sport, or any other professional sport for that matter. It takes everything you have and it takes a lot away from you. You have to have the opportunity first and the want second. It's something that you're going to have to work for. And it is worth it when you do.

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The Perfect Holiday Gifts

SUNWEST

Making runs

like

An Interview with Stetson Jorgensen Rodeo Life: You have been climbing the world standings each year at the NFR with being placed 3rd in 2019 and then 2nd in 2020, How are you preparing mentally and physically to claim that number one spot this year?

Stetson Jorgensen: The years before, I'm going to go in there with a positive attitude and go at the barriers as best as I can and whatever happens at the end will happen.

RL: Do you think having had experience competing at the NFR gives you a leg-up going into this year’s competition? What have you learned from your two previous appearances that has helped you prepare for this one?

SJ: Yeah, I got those first-year jitters out of the way. I think some jitters are going to still be there though, but I think it is definitely an advantage knowing what to expect. I'm sure thirsty for that number one spot.

The biggest thing I've learned is that you can't rush things. You have to just let things happen. Trust your bulldogging, trust your horse, and enjoy it. Definitely have fun while you're there. The reasons you’re there are to have fun and do the best you can.

RL: With just fractions of seconds being able to make or break a World Title, how do you stay mentally sound before and during a run? How do you feel after a good run?

SJ: Going into a run, there are a million things that can go wrong. I make sure my fundamentals are right in the box, make sure my reins are squared, and I'm up over my saddle horn. Once I feel that I have a good go and everything, my body just reacts. After that it's more muscle memory. When I do see the clock and it's a good time and

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the crowd is yelling, I can't even describe it, especially in the Thomas and Mack it's quite an incredible feeling.

RL: What role does confidence play in the success of your runs and your career?

SJ: Confidence is everything going into a run. I tell myself if I don't feel like I'm 100% confident going into the next rodeo then why am I going? I know there are other guys out there that may have better confidence and a better attitude, but I keep telling myself if I have 100% confidence that I'm going to win that I can be pretty unstoppable.

RL: What sparked your passion for being a spokesman for Project Filter-Idaho Fights Tobacco? Why is it important for you to be a voice to encourage people to not use or stop using tobacco?

SJ: The main reason is because it's a great life choice; a better, healthier lifestyle. These tobacco products and the vaping industry are attacking young kids. They advertise it for adults, but they're attacking the young kids by advertising and producing products that taste like candy. I don't want that. It’s not good for them or for anyone. I hope to encourage these kids and one day if they get asked to vape, they will remember me being a spokesperson and learn something from me, and make a better life choice and not do it.

RL: In your career so far, what has been the win that you will always remember? What made that win so special?

JT: My Round 7 win at the 2019 National Finals. My grandpa passed away about 10 months before my first finals and that really motivated me to get to the Finals because he was always saying how he wanted to see Vegas. When I won that round, all I could think about was him.

I know he was watching me and it really meant a lot.

RL: How much of your success do you attribute to your horse?

How do you prepare your horse to compete before a rodeo?

SJ: She’s in better shape than I am in. I owe it all to her. Once I got on Mabel, she turned my whole career around. We went from being 40th in the World Standings to being 3rd in the World by the end of that year. I try to keep her in shape as well as I can with MVP on my team keeping her healthy. Gregg Veneklasen, the vet in Canyon, Texas, he does a lot for me too. All of that helps her stay sound and be able to compete at the top of her level throughout the whole year.

RL: Many speculate rodeo as being the last blue-collar sport in America. With so many things that could possibly go wrong along the way, such as injuries to you or your horse, mechanical issues from being on the road so much, and relying on having good runs alone for a payout, what makes the rodeo lifestyle so rewarding?

SJ: The rush and attention that you get when you're at the Finals. You feel so accomplished when you get there; like the all-day and all-night drives, the blew tires, the truck problems, the

horse issues, and everything that went wrong, was worth it. It's just a relief once you get there. I'm not out here for fame or the money. It’s the connection between the bulldogger and the horse that makes a good solid run. The rhythm that you have with something like that, like everything could go wrong and all at once, but the run turns out so smoothly, it's like poetry. It's an amazing feeling.

RL: What advice do you have for anyone wanting to make a profession career out of Steer Wrestling or rodeo?

SJ: My advice is to never give up. You're always going to have good runs and you're always going to have bad runs. Keep your head up and keep moving forward.

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TEAM ROPING:

Headers

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Team Roping: Headers

DUSTIN EGUSQUIZA CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

NFR QUALIFICATIONS: 3

Career earnings: $619,246 PRCA EARNINGS: $147,516 2020 world standings place: 7th AGE:26 MEMBER SINCE: 2016 2020 Wrangler NFR standings place: 10th HOMETOWN: Marianna, FL 2020 NFR earnings: $87,000 2020 earnings: $151,176 Education: Eastern Mississippi Community College (Scooba, Miss.)

Wrangler NFR Qualifications: 3 (2017-18, 2020) 2021 HIGHLIGHTS | PARTNER TRAVIS GRAVES

• Won the Sandhills Stock Show & Rodeo (Odessa, Texas) • Won the Waller County Fair & Rodeo (Hempstead, Texas) • Won the Dixie National Rodeo (Jackson, Miss.)

• Won the Woodward (Okla.) Elks Rodeo • Won the Snake River Stampede (Nampa, Idaho) • Won Ogden (Utah) Pioneer Days • Won the Home Of Champions Rodeo (Red Lodge, Mont.)

• Won Livingston (Montana) Roundup Rodeo • Won the Oakley Independence Day Rodeo (Oakley City, Utah) • Won the Othello (Wash.) PRCA Rodeo • Co-champion at the North Texas State Fair & Rodeo (Denton, Texas) • Co-champion at the Hugo (Okla.) Pro Rodeo • Co-champion of the Dinosaur Roundup Rodeo (Vernal, Utah) Information and Photos courtesy of PRCA www.prorodeo.com

Team Roping: Headers

ERICH ROGERS CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

Career earnings: $1,656,901 2020 world standings place: 3rd 2020 Wrangler NFR standings place: 1st 2020 NFR earnings: $122,962 2020 earnings: $175,503 World Titles: 1 (2017) Wrangler NFR Average Titles: 1 (2020) Wrangler NFR Qualifications: 10 (2011-2020) 2021 HIGHLIGHTS | PARTNER PADEN BRAY

WORLD TITLES: 1 NFR QUALIFICATIONS: 10 PRCA EARNINGS: $122,195 AGE: 35 MEMBER SINCE: 2006 HOMETOWN: Round Rock, AZ

• Won The American (Arlington, Texas) • Won the San Angelo (Texas) Cinch Chute-Out • Won the Ute Mountain Round-Up (Cortez, Colo.)

• Won the Lehi (Utah) Roundup • Won the Cache County Fair and Rodeo (Logan, Utah) • Won the Spokane (Wash.) Interstate Rodeo Information and Photos courtesy of PRCA www.prorodeo.com

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Team Roping: Headers

KALEB DRIGGERS CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

Career earnings: $1,827,415 2020 world standings place: 24th 2020 earnings: $34,640 Wrangler NFR qualifications: 8 (2011-14, 2016-19)

NFR QUALIFICATIONS: 8 PRCA EARNINGS: $119,330 AGE: 31 MEMBER SINCE: 2008 HOMETOWN: Hoboken, GA

2021 HIGHLIGHTS | PARTNER LANE MITCHELL

• Won the Texas (Waco) Circuit Finals Team Roping-Partner Junior Nogueira • Won the Mandan (N.D.) Rodeo Days • Won the St. Paul (Oregon) Rodeo • Won Kansas (Phillipsburg) Biggest Rodeo • Won the Tri-State Rodeo (Fort Madison, Iowa) (Sept. 8th) • Won the Amarillo (Texas) Tri-State Fair and Rodeo • Co-champion of the Rooftop Rodeo (Estes Park, Colorado) Information and Photos courtesy of PRCA www.prorodeo.com

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TEAM ROPING:

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JUNIOR NOGUEIRA WORLD TITLES: 1 NFR QUALIFICATIONS: 7 PRCA EARNINGS: $133,716 AGE: 31 MEMBER SINCE: 2014 HOMETOWN: Presidente Prudente, SP

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

Career earnings: $1,485,701 2020 world standings place: 12th 2020 Wrangler NFR standings place: 13th 2020 NFR earnings: $56,115 2020 earnings: $114,199 World Titles: 1 (AA 2016) Wrangler NFR Average Titles: 0 Wrangler NFR Qualifications: 7 (2014-2020) 2021 HIGHLIGHTS | PARTNER CODY SNOW

• Co-champion at the North Texas State Fair & Rodeo (Denton, Texas) Team Roping-Partner Kaleb Driggers • Won the Mandan (N.D.) Rodeo Days • Won the St. Paul (Oregon) Rodeo • Won Kansas (Phillipsburg) Biggest Rodeo • Won the Tri-State Rodeo (Fort Madison, Iowa) (Sept. 8th) • Won the Amarillo (Texas) Tri-State Fair and Rodeo • Co-champion of the Rooftop Rodeo (Estes Park, Colorado) Information and Photos courtesy of PRCA www.prorodeo.com

Rodeo LIFE

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The

Missing P

An Interview with

Trey Yates

Rodeo Life: You’re coming up on your second Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (WNFR) qualification. What did you learn from your past attempt at the World Title that will help you this year at your run for that gold buckle? Do you feel that having previous experience competing at the WNFR gives you a leg up in the competition?

Trey Yates: I didn't really know what my goal was the first year I made the WNFR, it was just kind of a blur. It was an exciting moment in life – a dream come true and I lived it like a dream.

We roped ten steers and won the average. I shouldn't say I have a higher expectation or expect more out of myself. I want to go have a good time and rope the steers we draw. We just go do our jobs and let the chips fall where they will. That's my goal: to do my best to rope two feet every night. Experience is always a plus, but you can't go there knowing what to expect or expecting

anything because the Thomas and Mack is a unique place, it is small, things happen really fast, and it's a reaction game. You just have to do your best to prepare. We work really hard to try to develop muscle memory and put our confidence in our horses and our roping and hope that puts us in a position to win.

RL: With your family being so active in rodeo throughout your life, especially your dad with 21 NFR qualifications, did you always know you were going to grow up and be a rodeo cowboy? What would it mean to you to bring a World Champion Title to the Yates legacy?

TY: I did not. I never had a plan. I’m just kind of a day-to-day person. I know what my goals are now. But no, it probably wasn't until about 16 that I wanted to be serious about roping. I liked everything about roping and rodeoing when I was that age because I'm a social butterfly. I liked to go to the High School rodeos and see my friends and I liked roping because it was what I was doing while I was there. But my family never pushed roping or rodeo on me. Whatever I was going to end up doing I was going to put forth my best effort. I was going to have a big support system behind me, whether it was golf, tennis, soccer or football, just anything. I'm going to do it 100%. I never had that pressure to rodeo at a young age and it opened my heart to solidifying that that's what I wanted to do, and I did my best to run with it. I'm very thankful for my family. They have a huge work ethic and I've tried to attain that.

The gold buckle is the only missing puzzle piece to our family.

That's the only win really missing amongst our family. There have been wins at Reno, Cheyenne, Pendleton, any of the majors whether it's a single event or an All-Around they've done it. The list goes on and on.

My dad has told me many times that he wouldn't take anything back in life or trade it for buckles. He found a way to make a living and ran with it. Money was an objective for them; they didn't have a lot of money back in the day when they were rodeoing. But now my dad has put together a huge thing with his horse show and he's made it where I'm able to go rodeoing.

I'm very thankful for that. I'd be lying if I said I haven't dreamt about winning a gold buckle but at the end of the day, it's just about roping and having fun.

RL: How did it feel to have the fastest run of your career at the Fiesta Days Rodeo this year? How do you plan to bring that energy into the Thomas and Mack Center this December?

TY: I had never been three and Tyler Wade told me, “Don’t worry partner we’re going to be 3.” That night we knew we had a good steer. It was probably one of the most relaxed time of g

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zzle Piece PRCA Photo by Clay Guardipee

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PRCA Photo by Clay Guardipee

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mine going into a run. It was not a crazy run. Tyler got a good start, got him on a short rope, set him up where I could heel him fast, and we got a good finish. It wasn't overly spectacular. It wasn't out of control. It was sharp – there were no flaws in the run. We had a clear state of mind and a lot of focus. We had good horses and we had a good steer so everything came together. That all goes into the preparation with the horses with your mindset. The steers dictate what you win and we had a good steer and capitalized on it. If we can put those runs together on the right steers in the Thomas and Mack, we could win.

RL: How did it feel to win the Average NFR Title on your first qualification in 2018? What is your ultimate goal for your rodeo career?

TY: It felt amazing. A lot of people consider it the second most covenant buckle to the gold buckle. There are a lot of great ropers who go there for several years and don't do that. My partner turned me 10 steers and I roped a couple legs, but we were the only team to catch all ten. The conditions are tough in the Thomas and Mack, and to get it felt like a major accomplishment.

I don't ever want to rodeo myself in a hole. I don't ever want to put myself in a position that I'm not financially stable. There's something about showing up on a horse and being fully ready to compete at all times. When it all comes together, it’s a very gratifying feeling.

I'm just thankful that I was raised to take care of business and be as prepared as I can be at all times. I look at the guys who are winning, like Stetson Wright, he's in a league of his own. He is there for one reason only and that is to win and all of the pieces are put together before he gets there. That's what I strive to do, and I'm not near on the same scale, but someday I want to be. I've taken up a liking for steer roping. My dad has helped me a lot. I'm fortunate to have good people on my side. Making the Steer Roping Finals is a goal of mine – it’s something I really want to do. I have high expectations for myself. When I show up to the Steer Roping, I want to be a competitor, I don't want to be just another guy that's entered.

RL: How much do you rely on your heading partner and your heading partner rely on you? What makes a good team successful?

TY: Tyler and I have the same goals. He's very talented and he wants to win. He wakes up and he craves roping and he craves winning. That's all I’ve wanted to do. That's all I've ever known, and that's the environment I wake up in every day. We've roped a lot of steers together and have developed a feel for each other’s roping styles. We get along well and have made some amazing runs this year. There's little room for error in Team Roping. There is a huge reliance on your partner. I have confidence in him and I try to keep myself confident. I trust in our ability, our horses, and let the rest take care of itself.

RL: What made you choose Team Roping over the other roping events? What about Heeling over Heading?

TY: Honestly, I headed more growing up. I just started heeling one day. Growing up, calf roping was hard for me because I was little.

I worked at it in spurts, but never enough to really excel. Looking back, I’d give anything to be able to rope calves competitively. I think about it every day. I'd love to be a good calf roper. I would have to put a lot of time into it at this point in my career, well over half my time to the calf roping. Ultimately, I've worked hard to get a good partner. I'm in a position that I have a great partner and I have a couple of great horses and I'm going to run with it as far as it will takes me.

RL: What is your favorite part about living the rodeo lifestyle?

What is your least favorite?

TY: My favorite part is meeting people all over the world and making friendships or connections that last a lifetime. Hardly anywhere I go do I not have a place to put my horses up or stay. All that are from relationships that either I've built in my short rodeo career or from my dad through his career. It's pretty special. I don't know what my least favorite thing is. I mean, nobody likes losing. It's tough to not let the down times get you too down because on paper it looks pretty good when somebody has $100,000 won. But at some point, there was probably a dry spell and to fight through that is a hard thing. So, I guess my least favorite thing would be losing, but it makes you a better person and it makes you appreciate winning.

RL: Many speculate rodeo as a model of the American Dream.

What does the American Dream mean to you and how has rodeo helped you achieve it?

TY: I have been able to see a lot of things and go to a lot of places with the rodeo. Every day I wake up and I get to work towards a goal, try to better myself as a person while doing something that I love to do. There's so much opportunity in life and so many different things people can do. I think you if you're working towards a goal and loving it, then you're living the American dream and for me, that just happens to be rodeo. I'm thankful for the opportunities my family has provided me with. I'm thankful for opportunities as far as where we get to go, what we get to do and the places we get to see. I get to do what I love to do and work for something and enjoy it. It's something I get to enjoy with my family and that means more to me than anything.

RL: What advice would you give anyone wanting to live and compete in the rodeo lifestyle? Do you have any advice for Team Roping Heelers specifically?

TY: Take it to a professional level if that's what you want to do. My family says there's no secret just hard work. It's a very humbling and rewarding sport. There are a lot of talented individuals and a lot of people that have devoted their whole life to it. If you want to be successful, that's what you have to do. Don't let a couple bad experiences crucify your outlook on rodeo. Every person that has been at the top has gone through it. It's just something that you have to learn to cope with, keep working harder, and set a high standard for yourself. Nobody can do it for you. At the end of the day, you have to work hard and keep a clear mind. That's one of the biggest things is keeping your mind clear. It’s something that I'm just now starting to let work on my side and it's really made a turn for the better in my career.

RL: Is there anything about Team Roping/Heeling or the rodeo industry that you would like people to know?

TY: Especially when you watch the WNFR, a lot of newcomers may think, “I can't wait to get there,” or, “when I make the Finals…” and I'm not saying don't set your goals high or set high standards for yourself, but nobody's going to give it to you. You have to start at the bottom and work your way up. There's no way around it.

Don't think because you're a young kid with a lot of talent that things are always going to go your way because like I said, it's a very humbling sport. There's a reason for that. Whether it's $500 or $100,000, to win a PRCA Rodeo is an accomplishment – you overcame and capitalized on that opportunity. But don't think just because you are a young talent that there's not 100 other guys out there that are just as hungry and talented. If you think, even for one minute, it's going to come easy, they will take your money and not feel bad about it.

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&

Exchanging EQUINE ENTREPRENEURSHIP An Interview with

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PRCA Photo by Clay Guardipee

WESLEY

&

THORP

Rodeo Life: What was it like winning your first World Champion Title back in 2019? Do you think winning a second World Title will feel differently?

Wesley Thorp: Winning the World Title in 2019 was an incredible experience. It was as if everything I’d worked for all those years had paid off. It was such a rewarding feeling. I think winning a second World Title would be really cool just to prove that I could do it twice. I think it would be a different kind of excitement.

RL: With 5 NFR qualifications and a World Champion Title under your belt, does having as much experiencing competing at the Thomas and Mack Center as you do give you an advantage going into your 6th qualification?

What has competing at the NFR level taught you as a Cowboy and as a person?

WT: I do feel like having 5 trips to the NFR does give me an advantage going into the 6th because I have a good idea of what to prepare for. I have a good idea of how I want to practice and where I need my mindset to be for competing. The NFR has taught me to remain humble and that there is always someone out there trying to take your spot. The first year I qualified was a very humbling experience because I did not rope as well as I would have liked.

RL: Do you remember your first NFR performance? If you could go back to that moment, what advice would you give yourself?

WT: I remember my first performance at the NFR extremely well. I was like a kid in a candy store. I was so excited to have qualified that I couldn’t even focus. The main thing I would tell myself if I could go back would be to relax enjoy the moment and when I ride in the box to act like it’s just another practice run.

RL: How was competing at the NFR in your home state last year? How do you feel about Cowboys and Cowgirls being back to taking over Vegas again this year at the Thomas and Mack?

WT: I enjoyed competing at the NFR last year in Texas. I think it was great to see the interest in all the people that wanted to make an effort to go to the rodeo since it was in their home state. It is exciting that it’s back in Vegas this year just because the atmosphere out there is really exciting.

RL: How has competing and the rodeo life changed since starting a family and having your sons Matthew and Charlie? Do you hope they get involved in rodeo one day?

WT: Rodeo hasn’t changed too much since Matthew and Charlie have been born. I try to take them with me as much as I can because I do not like leaving them at all. As far as them competing one day, I would support it if it is something they really want to do. There are some great life lessons in rodeo

and I think there are a lot of positive things they can be a part of and learn. Although, I do hope rodeo has been taken to another level by the time they are in the picture.

RL: What inspired you to create the Equine Exchange app? Being a professional cowboy is a business in itself, but what is it like shifting from roping and livestock to entrepreneurship and algorithms? Has the app been launched?

WT: The Equine Exchange idea came about from some good friends of mine who were always wondering what horses were for sale at certain events. I was in the process of trying to grow my horse program myself and the hardest thing is always finding quality horses. It started out as an idea 2 years ago and it now has turned into a finished app that has just launched. The app will also have coaching in the near future for people to get their videos analyzed by the leading competitors in the industry. Learning how algorithms and coding work was a very cool experience to see the process.

RL: How much do you rely on your heading partner and your heading partner rely on you?

What makes a good team successful?

WT: I definitely rely on my heading partner a lot.

He’s the quarterback. Knowing each other’s roping styles is very important for making consistent runs.

RL: What made you choose Team Roping over the other roping events? What about Heeling over Heading?

WT: I chose Team Roping over the other events because my dad roped and I could go to a lot of jackpots and rope a lot. I enjoyed the social side of Team Roping growing up and all of the people I got to meet.

RL: What buckle have you been sporting this season? Which one will you be sporting at the NFR? WT: I sport my world championship buckle all the time just because it has a lot of meaning to me.

RL: Are there any rodeos that you haven’t won yet that you hope to win during your career?

WT: I have not won Salinas, Cheyenne, or Pendleton.

I think those would be really cool rodeos to win.

RL: What advice would you give anyone wanting to live and compete in the rodeo lifestyle? Do you have any advice for Team Roping Heelers specifically?

WT: The advice I would give young people wanting to compete in the rodeo lifestyle would be to use it as a learning experience and meet as many people as you can. Heelers in particular I would say quality horses and make sure you have someone to help you stay on the right track as far as practicing, how to enter, and fundamentals in general.

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Tie-Down Roping

SHANE HANCHEY

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

Career earnings: $1,998,871 2020 world standings place: 3rd 2020 Wrangler NFR standings place: 1st 2020 NFR earnings: $143,692 2020 earnings: $195,991 Wrangler NFR average titles: 2 (2013,2020) World Titles: 1 (2013) Wrangler NFR Qualifications: 11 (2010-20)

WORLD TITLES: 1 NFR QUALIFICATIONS: 11 PRCA EARNINGS: $175,079 AGE: 32 MEMBER SINCE: 2008 HOMETOWN: Sulphur, LA

2021 HIGHLIGHTS

• Won The American (Arlington, Texas) • Won the Guymon (Okla.) Pioneer Days Rodeo • Won the Crockett (Texas) Lions Club PRCA Rodeo • Won the Woodward (Okla.) Elks Rodeo • Won the Johnson County Sheriff’s Posse Rodeo (Cleburne, Texas) • Won the World’s Oldest Rodeo (Prescott, Arizona) • Won the Lehi (Utah) Roundup • Won Gem State Stampede (Coeur D Alene, Idaho) • Won the Golden Spike Rodeo (Tremonton, Utah) • Won the Pendleton (Ore.) Round-Up • Co-champion at Fiesta Days Rodeo (Spanish Fork, Utah) • Co-champion at the Lewiston (Idaho) Roundup Information and Photos courtesy of PRCA www.prorodeo.com

Tie-Down Roping

SHAD MAYFIELD

WORLD TITLES: 1 NFR QUALIFICATIONS: 2 PRCA EARNINGS: $131,916 AGE: 20 MEMBER SINCE: 2018 HOMETOWN: Clovis, NM CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

Career earnings: $325,962 2020 world standings place: 1st 2020 Wrangler NFR standings place: 15th 2020 Wrangler NFR earnings: $41,731 2020 earnings: $198,399 World Titles Won: 1 (2020) Wrangler NFR Qualifications: 2(2019-20) 2021 HIGHLIGHTS

• Won the Rodeo Rapid City (S.D.) • Won the High Desert Stampede (Redmond, Ore.) • Won the Gladewater (Texas) Round-Up Rodeo • Won the Greeley (Colo.) Stampede • Won the Caldwell (Idaho) Night Rodeo • Co-champion at the Heart O Texas (Waco) Rodeo • Co-champion at the Fiesta Days Rodeo (Spanish Fork, Utah) Information and Photos courtesy of PRCA www.prorodeo.com

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From

TEXAS to taking over SIN CITY An Interview with

WESTYN HUGHES

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Rodeo Life: This will be your first Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (WNFR) in Las Vegas, are you excited to take over Sin City?

Westyn Hughes: I'm just excited to be a part of it. So many people dream of roping in Las Vegas as a kid and I’m finally getting the chance. I’m not saying I like it over Arlington, or like one better than the other, I'm just glad Arlington was there to have it and I'm glad we got to go to Vegas this year. Wherever it goes after that is fine with me.

RL: How was your first NFR experience in Arlington, TX last year? What did you learn from that experience that will help you at the NFR this year?

WH: You can have stuff go wrong and not be completely out of the picture. Last year I had a long run that knocked me down a few spots in the average. But at the end of the week that run wouldn't have held me back, there were a couple of runs after that I kind of rushed and if I would have just made three more smooth runs after round six, I still would have placed in the average. Hopefully I don't cross that bridge going into this year. If something does happen, I think I can keep my cool a bit more and stay a little more settled.

RL: You won the PRCA Resistol Tie-Down Roping Rookie of the Year in 2016, what did that accomplishment mean to you?

How did that award catapult your professional rodeo career?

What advice do you have for ropers in their rookie year?

WH: As surprising as it sounds, the award didn’t mean as much to me then as it does now. I look back and feel very fortunate to win that award. It's a huge honor to win that award. At the time, I was kind of bummed out that I didn't make the Finals and I probably should have enjoyed winning it just a little bit more. Only one guy gets a rookie buckle, and you can't ever go back and try again, so I'm glad I got mine.

Really look into your entering because entering is a huge part of it, figure out the setups that not only fit you, but also fit your horse, figure out where the stock contractors you like are going to be at, and know what cattle you rope best on. I rope better on bigger, stronger calves, and some guys are the opposite; some guys like smaller calves and faster setups. You just kind of got to find your niche, then go with it.

RL: How has a “more consistent than fast” roping style played in your favor in your runs?

WH: I would say I don't always hit the biggest licks throughout the year, but I place really, really consistently. I like that style of roping because you don't have as many ups and downs. You're always consistently winning checks. You might not always win first when you should, but you might win third. There's also been a lot of times I won fifth when I wasn't supposed to win anything.

RL: With just fractions of seconds being able to make or break a win and one rodeo being able to make or break your place in the standings, how do you stay mentally sound before and during a run? Are runs different when you are competing for bigger purses?

WH: Basically, you throw out a run when anything goes bad. But I never look at any moment to quit. I always try to show up. You g PRCA Photo by Clay Guardipee

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can't rush a run, but you can never ever give up in a run either – meaning like when you string the front legs, you don't want to reach down there and rush crossing the feet. But, when a calf kicks you, you don't just want to take your sweet time either. You need to burn those two wraps on and get out of there because there's still a chance you can win last hole. And at the end of the year, 7th and 8th adds up to be a lot.

For some guys, it definitely is. But for me, I bring it the same whether it fits for $500 or $50,000 – it doesn't change. I have the same nerves. I’m nervous for competing in a 1 for 20 jackpot down in Louisiana the same way as I am before I ride in the box at the WNFR. It's roping and I'm there to win every time I show up and I'm there to do the best on what I draw.

RL: How important is physical fitness to your career? What do you work on most?

WH: It's really important because I can always tell when I'm home during the winter. I do a lot of running, agility workouts, and core exercises. My roping is always stronger going into the spring and summer then it is during the fall because when I'm on the road a lot I can't work on my fitness as much as I probably should. Every time I go home and start working out again, I can tell my roping gets a lot sharper. It's in the riding and when I'm locked up to the front of the saddle and am able to stay up there, my neck loop gets a lot more consistent and a lot sharper.

RL: What has been your go-to buckle to sport this season?

What buckle will you be wearing at the NFR? WH: I would say my go to buckle is Oakdale. My Oakdale buckle means a lot to me. I spend a lot of time in Oakdale with Jerold Camarillo and the Camarillo family. They've been really good to me with giving me advice, letting me stay at their house, and with all of their hospitality. Jerold a past World Champion. He won the World in 1969. To be able to hang out with a guy like that all throughout the day and through a big part of the season has definitely helped my career.

I'm going to have a hard time changing it now. I'm going to keep it Oakdale. I don't know if it's lucky or not, it just seems right to put it on.

RL: What attributes make a good cowboy to be able to succeed in rodeo?

WH: You have to be very mentally tough. Rodeo is a tough sport. It can be mentally exhausting and physically exhausting. All the guys I've known that have been successful have all been through down slopes. But the difference between them and other guys is they never quit when they hit their bottom point. They kept going and rode it out and it ended up working out for them. There have had been times I've been to 16 rodeos and never won a check; then there been times I've placed 15 in a row. You're going to have your good days and bad days. You just have to work towards it every day that way you have more good ones than bad ones. If you get a little bit better each day, you'll look up and you'll realize you have come a long way.

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RL: What has been the proudest moment in your career so far?

What is the ultimate goal for your rodeo career?

WH: I would say throwing my hands up at Redmond, Oregon in 2020 because I knew I just punched my first back number. My ultimate goal is to win a World Championship.

RL: How did you get into rodeo? Has there been anyone who has greatly influenced your career?

WH: The Camarillo family. I'm from Texas, but I come to the California Circuit. I feel like this circuit attracts me because they let calves out a little farther, they are a little bit stronger, and it's more old school roping style. I obviously wouldn't be where I'm at without my family. God has helped direct me along the way.

RL: Is there anything about Tie-Down Roping or the rodeo industry in general that you'd like people to know?

WH: Especially Tie-Down Roping, you lose on your own and you win on your own. I’m not meaning on your own completely, but when you nod your head and once you back in the box, it's all on you at that point. It can be really easy to get down. There was one point in my career, back in 2018, where I couldn't have told you if I was going to keep roping calves. I was on the verge of being done with it. I'm glad I stuck with it because I would have woken up every day not knowing if I could have made it and I finally proved to myself that I could. You have to stick with it. What’s hard is when you're a kid and used to winning and then you hit the pros and might hit a dull spot for some time when all you know is winning.

There are a lot of people that don't know how to lose when they get to the pros. It actually hurts them a little more because they had never learned how to deal with losing at the youth and amateur level. I kind of dealt with that some. I feel like my mental game now has come a lot further than it was. I think that's the main reason I win more now than I used to.

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Steer Roping

COLE PATTERSON PRCA EARNINGS: $104,516 AGE: 26 MEMBER SINCE: 2018 HOMETOWN: Pratt, KS CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

Career Earnings: $132,101 2020 World Standings place: 15th (SR) 2020 NFSR Standings Place: 4th 2020 NFSR Earnings: $32,208 2020 Earnings: $87,405 (SR) Education: Western OK State (Altus, OK), Northwestern OK State University (Alva, OK) NFSR qualifications: 2 (2019, 2020) 2021 HIGHLIGHTS

• Won the National Circuit Finals Steer Roping (Torrington, Wyo.) • Won the Sandhills Stock Show & Rodeo (Odessa, Texas) • Won the Atoka (Okla.) Pro Rodeo • Won Cody (Wyoming) Stampede • Won the West of the Pecos (Texas) Rodeo • Won the Cheyenne (Wyoming) Frontier Days • Won the Days 76 Stand Alone Steer Roping • Won Gem State Stampede (Coeur D Alene, Idaho) Information and Photos courtesy of PRCA www.prorodeo.com

Steer Roping

VIN FISHER PRCA EARNINGS: $65,101 AGE: 40 MEMBER SINCE: 2001 HOMETOWN: Andrews, TX CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

Career earnings: $1,222,059 2020 World Standings place: 3rd 2020 NFSR Standings place: 4th 2020 NFSR Earnings: $55,717 2020 Earnings: $105,514 Education: Texas Tech University (Lubbock), bachelor’s degree in business administration NFSR Qualifications: 17 (2002-03, 2005-06, 2008-20) NCFSR Qualifications: 5 (2010-14) 2021 HIGHLIGHTS

• Won the Sheridan (Wyoming) Rodeo • Won the Yuma (Colo.) County Fair & Rodeo Information and Photos courtesy of PRCA www.prorodeo.com

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ROPING

UP

An Interview with

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PRCA Photo by William Kierce

Rodeo Life: How does it feel to make the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (WNFR) in your rookie year?

Slade Wood: It’s a dream come true and what I've been dreaming about since I was a little kid. There is no better feeling.

RL: What would it mean to you to walk out of your first NFR with a World Champion buckle?

SW: I've dreamed about this ever since I was a little kid and now there is actually a chance achieve it. I'd be speechless – I wouldn't even know what to say or what to do.

RL: How has it been competing against more veteran ropers?

Have any of them given you any advice and showed you the ropes of professional rodeoing?

SW: They've helped me a lot. Just roping against those guys that are so good makes you rope up and rope better than you normally do.

They're right there pushing for you just as much as they're pushing for themselves.

RL: With just fractions of seconds being able to make or break a win and one rodeo being able to make or break your place in the standings, how do you stay mentally sound before and during a run?

SW: You just have to go in with a lot of confidence and know that you can win. You have to go out of the arena, whether you won or not, knowing that you can still win next time. Things happen, and if it went your way then just stay humble and keep going; if it didn't go your way, figure out what went wrong and fix it for the next time and just keep your head up. Never lose your confidence.

RL: How has it been competing professionally straight out of high school? What has been your greatest challenge so far?

SW: There was a huge adjustment. With Youth Rodeo, you would go to a rodeo on the weekend, have one or two runs, and then go home and practice and have your horse tuned up. At the Pro Rodeo, you hardly go home all summer and you have to fix what you can at the rodeo. You're competing every day at all these different rodeos and you have to fix what you did wrong, keep your horse working, and try to go win.

RL: How did it feel winning the first round and ultimately placing second at Cheyenne Frontier Days?

SW: One of my biggest goals is to win to Cheyenne. To come back in the short round and have a chance to win it, having already won the first round, was a dream come true because that's the one rodeo this year I had my mind set on wanting to do good at. That jumped me from 20-something in the World to almost the top 15. I was more than happy place second and that I almost won. I couldn't believe it.

RL: What advice do you have for the new guys coming into their rookie year about the rodeo industry?

SW: To keep your head up and when you have a chance to learn, learn.

Take advice from everyone – you don't have to do what everyone advises, but listen and try to see if it works for you. These guys know what they're talking about and they've been doing it longer than we have. When there's a learning experience, learn from it. Keep your head up. Things will turn around if they aren’t going your way, you just have to wait for your time to win. And when it's your time, you have to capitalize on it.

RL: With your dad being a four-time National Finals Steer Roping qualifier, how has he inspired and helped your career as a professional cowboy? What is it like following in his footsteps?

SW: He definitely showed me that it doesn't come easy. He’s been hard on me which has helped a lot because he knows what it takes to be successful. He's been able to show me what I need to do to get to be able to make the Finals and rope against the best in the world.

It's been good. I'm glad that I could make the Finals already in my career to prove to myself that I have a chance of doing what he did and hopefully taking it further.

RL: Is there anything about the rodeo lifestyle that you thought you knew but turned out to be different once you really immersed yourself in it?

SW: There's definitely a huge difference between youth rodeo, amateur rodeo and Pro Rodeo. I've learned a lot this summer. Pro Rodeo is more competition. But the guys out here they want you to win just as bad as they do themselves. If they do good, you cheer them on and if you do good, they cheer you on. The level of competition is by far greater than any other level of rodeo.

RL: What is the greatest thing you’ve learned so far in your rookie year?

SW: There are definitely ups, and there are definitely downs. When you're down, you have to keep your head up and keep thinking that you can win even if you’re on a losing streak. And every time you are on top, stay humble and be the same person winning as you are at the bottom losing – the same person that everyone is cheering for.

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HAILEY KINSEL

Barrel Racing

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS CAREER EARNINGS: Joined the WPRA: 2015 $1,294,478 World Titles: 3 (2018-20) 2020 EARNINGS: $349,076 Wrangler NFR Average Titles: 1 (2020) BORN: OCT. 3, 1994 Wrangler NFR Qualifications: 5 (2017-21) HOMETOWN: COTULLA, TX RAM Top Gun: 1 (2020) Education: Texas A&M University (College Station), graduated May 2017 with a degree in agriculture economics 2021 HIGHLIGHTS • Highest money earner among WPRA Barrel Racers for the Fourth of July finishing with a total of $22,238.

• Won Cheyenne (WY) Frontier Days Rodeo • Won Amarillo (TX) Tri-State Fair & Rodeo • Won Tri-State Rodeo (Fort Madison, IA) • Won Kansas’ Biggest Rodeo (Phillipsburg) – set arena record on standard 16.61 • Won Sheridan WYO Rodeo • Won Ogden (Utah) Pioneer Days • Won Livingston (MT) Round-up • Co-champion at Guymon (OK) Pioneer Days Rodeo • Finished second at St. Paul (OR) Rodeo • Finished second at Reno (NV) Rodeo • Finished second at Cody (WY) Stampede • Finished second at Dinosaur Days Rodeo (Vernal, UT) Information and Photos courtesy of PRCA www.prorodeo.com and www.wpra.com

Jordon Briggs

Barrel Racing

CAREER EARNINGS: $146,791 CAREER HIGHLIGHTS BORN: AUGUST 9, 1988 Joined WPRA: 2007 HOMETOWN: TOLAR, TEXAS World titles: 0 Wrangler NFR qualifications: 2 (2009, 2021) Education: Weatherford (Texas) Junior College Horse: Famous Lil Jet “Rollo” (7-year-old sorrel gelding) Sire: Dash Ta Fame/Dam: Blazin Beauty 2021 HIGHLIGHTS • Won Ellensburg (WA) Rodeo • Won Dodge City (KS) Roundup • Won Wild Bill Hickok Rodeo (Abilene, KS) • Won Home of Champions Rodeo (Red Lodge, MT) • Won Laramie (WY) Jubilee Days • Won Crockett (TX) Lions Club PRCA Rodeo • Won Old Fort Days Rodeo (Ft. Smith, AR) • Co-champion at the Guymon (OK) Pioneer Days Rodeo • Finished second at Central Wyoming Fair and PRCA Rodeo (Casper, WY) • Finished second at Horse Heaven/Kennewick (WA) Round-up • Finished second at Caldwell (ID) Night Rodeo • Finished second at Walla Walla (WA) Frontier Days Information and Photos courtesy of PRCA www.prorodeo.com and www.wpra.com

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Barreling TOWARDS A WORLD CHAMPION TITLE

An Interview with

Jessica Routier

Rodeo Life: You are entering the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (WNFR) in the top 5 of the World Standings, how are you preparing for your runs at the Thomas and Mack Center this coming December?

What would it mean to win your first World Champion Title?

Jessica Routier: We are preparing the same as every other year. Now that Circuit Finals is over, Missy will get a few weeks off, and then I like to have a good 3-4 weeks to get her back in shape. That mostly entails long trotting and riding up and down hills here at home.

I don’t think you can describe what a World Champion Title would mean. Missy definitely deserves one. She has so much grit and try, and because of her, I have been able to make the WNFR the last 4 years without having to spend much time away from my family. But there are so many amazing athletes going down the road right now, it is just an honor to be running again at the WNFR. RL: This will be your fourth consecutive WNFR qualification. What have you learned from your previous appearances to help you prepare for this one?

JR: We are just going to cherish each run and not take any of them for granted. Our little Barrel Racing community saw a lot of tragedies this summer and it really just makes you appreciate every run you get to make with your #1 partner.

RL: How was it competing at the WNFR in Arlington, Texas last year? Are you excited to be returning to Vegas and having the western world take over Sin City for 10 days?

JR: I loved Arlington, and I love Vegas. I think that no matter where they had the WNFR, we would be excited to go!

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RL: Even though Barrel Racing and Breakaway are womenleading sports, the rodeo industry and sport are very maledominated. What advice would you give any woman or girl at any level trying to find her place in the rodeo world?

JR: Focus on what you are there for – to run around 3 barrels as fast as you can! And don’t be afraid to ask questions or ask for help. So much of going down the road successfully is just knowing where the most comfortable places to stay are and when the best time to be certain places is. And almost everyone that has been there and done that already is always more than willing to help and give advice.

RL: What does it mean to be a cowgirl? What attributes does a cowgirl have to have to be successful in the rodeo industry?

JR: Being a cowgirl means having a never-give-up attitude, being kind to everyone around you, and putting everything you have into providing the best care for your animals. These three attributes help immensely in having success in the rodeo industry.

RL: How did rodeoing professionally change when you started a family? How do you find a healthy balance between rodeo, family, and ranching commitments?

JR: Rodeoing with a family definitely changes a lot of things… whereas your horse used to be your #1 priority, it becomes difficult to find the right balance between taking the best care of your horse and the best care of your family. On the other hand, it really puts things in perspective. At the end of the day, if my barrel run didn’t go quite how I wanted it to, I can still go to bed thankful for all of the many blessings I’m surrounded by daily.

As far as finding a healthy balance, it is a struggle! There is always going to be someone or something that you feel like you are not giving enough of your attention to. The only advice I have is that if you are worried about it, you are probably doing a great job.

RL: When did you know you wanted to make a career out of Barrel Racing?

What challenges have you faced taking on the life of a professional cowgirl and how did you overcome them?

JR: I don’t feel like making a career out of Barrel Racing was ever a decision that I made… it has just been what I’ve done my whole life. From the day I was born, my parents rodeoed, my mom trained horses, and I rode and started competing as early as I could. It is what I’ve always loved to do and I’ve been very fortunate to have horses come into my life that have allowed me to make a career out of it.

I don’t know that I’ve faced any major challenges, but I have gone through different phases in my Barrel Racing career, and enjoying all of those phases, I believe, is what has allowed me to continue to do it. When Smoothie, my first pro rodeo horse that I had success on for many many years, was ready to retire, I didn’t have that next really good rodeo horse lined up and ready to go, but I was ok with that because, in addition to rodeoing on her, I’d also been training futurity horses and enjoyed doing that as well. Her last few years running I juggled rodeos with futurities, and kind of figured once she retired, I’d follow the futurity route a little more. The year I retired Smoothie was Missy’s futurity year and after that year I thought I’d better start going to some rodeos again and see what this horse can do.

RL: What was it like winning the Reserve WPRA World Champion in 2018?

What do you consider the greatest win of your career thus far?

JR: 2018 was insane! I had no intentions of trying to make the WNFR until after we placed 2nd at the RNCFR in April. We hadn’t gone to any winter rodeos, other than our Badlands circuit rodeos, but our winnings from the RNCFR gave us quite a jump in the world standings and got us into Calgary, and after that, I was being threatened by my friends that if I didn’t start entering myself, they were going to enter for me and come get me and make me go! So the reality of even making the WNFR never even hit me until it was over – and I honestly didn’t even have the Reserve Champion Title on my radar either. We were just enjoying the ride and trying to make the best run we could one run at a time!

Missy and Smoothie have given me so many great memories over the years, but there are probably 2 wins that were my favorite. The first was winning the College National Finals in 2003. It was the first time I ever felt the feeling, I just wish my horse could know what an amazing thing she just did! My second favorite win was winning the Pikes Peak or Bust rodeo this past summer.

Missy has been so consistent over the years; I don’t know how many finals she’s gotten us to. We’ve been in several rodeos with the 8-man semifinals and then 4-man finals all in the same perf and she’s consistently gotten us to the 4-man round but we’d never won one, until Colorado Springs this year, so it was super exciting to finally get a win!

RL: You’ve won the Jerry Ann Taylor Best Dressed Award Winner at the WNFR twice, what is the inspiration for your style? Do you have any outfit/styling tips for the WNFR? JR: If you want to be stylish, find someone that knows what they are doing to help you! I’m actually pretty plain and pretty clueless when it comes to style but I’m super fortunate to have the help of Cowgirl Tuff Co. and Thunderbird Brand when it comes to dressing myself.

RL: How are you keeping Missy fresh and prepped for the WNFR? JR: She will have a little vacation from now until the beginning of November, and then will get back in shape just riding here at home – lots of long trotting and hills!

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y a w a k a e G r B N I P RO

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BREAKING THROUGH the

RODEO

BARRIERS An Interview with

Shelby Boisjoli Rodeo Life: What is it like competing alongside your sisters? Is there a healthy dose of competition between you all?

Shelby Boisjoli: I love competing alongside my sisters, we’ve practiced and had competition between us all our lives. It feels like home when we get to compete alongside each other.

RL: What has it been like seeing Breakaway Roping evolving in rodeo and making its way more and more into the pro rodeo circuit and getting opportunities at renowned rodeos such as Cheyenne Frontier Days and The American?

SB: I’m so excited about the rodeos we’ve gotten to compete at and get to compete at. It’s a dream come true. I’ve always watched the big rodeos growing up and thought how cool it would be to get to rope there – I didn’t think it would actually happen!

It means the world to us Breakaway Ropers and we can’t thank the committees enough for giving us a chance.

RL: Are you excited about the Breakaway event being added to the 2022 RODEOHOUSTON roster? What does it mean for you and other Breakaway Ropers to finally have access and be recognized by these big rodeos and have a shot at these big purses?

SB: Being able to rope at Houston is so cool. It’s such a huge step for Breakaway Roping as far as it being treated equally to the other events. I really hope once committees see that RODEOHOUSTON is adding Breakaway that they too will step up and add it. I hope that by all these big rodeos recognizing Breakaway, we will be recognized by the right people to help get us to the NFR someday! g

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RL: What does it mean to be a cowgirl? What attributes does a cowgirl have to have to be successful in the rodeo industry?

SB: I love being a cowgirl! I love my lifestyle and I wouldn’t trade it for the world, even on my worst day. I think the rodeo world is NOT for the faint of heart and we definitely got a dose of that this summer. So many long drives, and it’s an emotional roller coaster not being able to go home and see your family and sleep in your own bed. All of that on top of trying to make a living, knowing every time you don’t win, you’re hurting your chances at a World Title. It all gets really heavy and it takes a lot of grit, determination, and mental toughness to power through and enjoy the ride in the process.

RL: Even though Breakaway and Barrel Racing are womenleading sports, the rodeo industry and sport are very maledominated. What advice would you give any woman or girl at any level trying to find her place in the rodeo world?

SB: I would tell any girl trying to find her way in the rodeo world to keep her head down and hustle hard! Pick something you love to do, whatever that may be, and work so hard you make a career out of it.

Anything is possible. If you want to have a future in the rodeo world as a cowgirl you have to be resilient, a little stubborn, and absolutely relentless in pursuit of being the very best.

RL: You are on course to enter your second consecutive National Finals Breakaway as first place in the World Standings. How has your experience at the last NFR helped you prepare for this one?

SB: Last year’s NFR definitely lit a fire in me to do better this year and I knew how to prepare differently. I didn’t have the showing I wanted at last year’s NFR and I left there knowing I never wanted to feel that way again. I prepared for the 2021 season in every way I knew how; I isolated myself from anything that didn’t help me get to where I wanted to be and I worked as hard as I could every single day. I wish we were able to nod our head at the Thomas and Mack but unfortunately, that’s not in the cards for us this year.

RL: What is it like being a roping power couple with Haven Meged?

How do you guys help each other in your careers? Do you guys have any fun costumes planned for Halloween this year?

SB: I love being able to compete and practice at the highest level alongside Haven. We feed off of each other and help each other so much, I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I wouldn’t be where I’m at and couldn’t have done any of this past year without him. Honestly, we haven’t even gotten to think about Halloween even, it still feels like August we’ve been so crazy busy!

RL: How has it been competing against more veteran ropers and going head-to-head with World Champions?

SB: I love competing alongside the women I’ve looked up to my whole life and still look up to. I always stop and make sure to watch them rope. I’m still in awe and have so much respect for them. It doesn’t matter where my career takes me, my idols will always be my idols and I will always feel like a student of the game.

RL: What was it like to leave your hometown of Langdon, Alberta, Canada to move to the cowboy capital Stephenville, Texas? How has this location change impacted your rodeo career?

SB: Moving from Alberta to Texas was a huge adjustment for me but it was necessary to get to this level. I knew if I wanted to be the best, I had to figure out how to compete with the best.

I feel like the people I have surrounded myself with have had a huge impact on my career and pushed me to be better. They say you’re only as good as your competition and I fully believe that.

I miss my family every single day, but I know they’re proud of me and they want me to chase my dreams and pursue my goals.

RL: How has coming from a ranching background helped your professional rodeo career? How did you get into rodeo?

How has horsemanship attributed to your success?

SB: A ranching background has helped me the most. My family is very talented and has always made nice horses from scratch.

We’ve never paid high dollars for horses growing up, we always had to work with what we had and learn how to make nice horses.

It’s been such a blessing to be able to ride with my dad, uncle, and grandparents on both sides growing up because they gave me so much horse sense. I also got a lot of my showmanship from my mom. I know I wouldn’t be where I’m at currently without the great horses that have come into my life – and I’ve trained everyone I’ve had. I think that having horsemanship has been a big advantage for me in this game! I don’t think any one of the girls in the top 15 rope better than the other, I think it always comes down to what we draw and if our horses can make a bad calf into a good calf for us. Breakaway has gotten so competitive and the numbers are so high, and contrary to what some think, horsemanship is the most important part of being successful.

Not being able to practice all summer is tough, having a horse that will stay together and take the runs regardless is also super important.

RL: What would walking away with a World Champion title mean to you? What would be your ultimate goal for your rodeo career?

SB: Becoming a World Champion would mean everything to me. I don’t even have the words.

I’ve wanted to be a World Champion just like Jackie Crawford ever since I was a little girl. I would rope the dummy for hours on end and pretend to be Jackie Hobbs (back when she was Hobbs, not Crawford). God willing, I hope to have a World Championship title someday!

Until then, I will work as hard as possible to get one. I think that’s the end goal for every cowboy and cowgirl when they buy their card, it’s indescribable how much we all crave that end result. We’ll do almost anything.

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Photo by JackieJensenPhotography.com

ONE STEP

CLOSER An Interview with

Sawyer Gilbert

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Rodeo Life: You are on course to enter the National Finals Breakaway Roping in the top 3 of the World Standings. How are you preparing for your run at a world champion title? What would it mean to you to bring home that gold buckle?

Sawyer Gilbert: As soon as I finished out this season, I wanted to take a second and just kind of step away from going to a rodeo every day. I was going to go back to South Dakota and let my good horses out on the pasture and practice on my other ones and really, really just focus on the practicing in the arena at home. That's kind of been the game plan: to finish out the year strong and then go home and get to work on the practice side of it.

It's been my lifetime goal since I was a little kid. When I was really little Breakaway wasn't that big yet. I thought I was going to be a Team Roper to make it to the WNFR in the Team Roping, but I made it a goal that I was going to rope at Thomas and Mack.

RL: How did it feel to win the Breakaway Roping title at Cheyenne Frontier Days this year and to make history as being the first woman to have the earnings count toward the PRCA/ WPRA standings?

SG: It was pretty special. You can only say that you won Cheyenne the first time once so it was neat to just be able to do that and have that opportunity. It meant a lot to me because my traveling partner at the time was the first girl that won the first year they ever had it, so I thought it was a pretty special moment that the two girls that ever won Cheyenne got to travel together. It meant a lot to me because growing up around there, I know so many people in Cheyenne and my dad competed there. It was a surreal moment.

RL: What has it been like seeing Breakaway Roping evolving in Rodeo and making its way more and more into the pro rodeo circuit and getting opportunities at renowned rodeos such as Cheyenne Frontier Days and The American?

SG: It is such a great opportunity that we get to do this. From the committees putting it on, to add more added money, find more parking spots and stalls, it takes a pretty big village for them to do that. It is pretty special that certain people went out of their way to try to add Breakaway into a sport that has been set in its ways, so it has been a great opportunity.

RL: Are you excited about the Breakaway event being added to the 2022 RODEOHOUSTON roster? What does it mean for you and other breakaway ropers to final have access and recognized by these big rodeos and have a shot at these big purses?

SG: That's another big game changer. The bigger rodeos that get added, like Cheyenne, Pendleton, Houston, and all those, it's one step closer to our goal of being in every rodeo just like the guys being in the finals and in the performances. It’s just one step closer to achieving that.

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It's a game changer. There are lots of girls that made their living Breakaway Roping before it was a Pro Rodeo event. Now that it is, it gives us so many more opportunities for sponsorship money and all of the things that the guys get to have. Not to mention that we still get to have all these great jackpots. It'll really build the sport. It will give the young girls watching it and up and coming Breakaway Ropers something to aspire to.

RL: Even though Breakaway and Barrel Racing are women-leading sports, the rodeo industry and sport is very male dominated. What advice would you give any woman or girl at any level trying to find her place in the rodeo world?

SG: Take advice when you can, but you believe in yourself and do it. If you set your mind to it, don't take second for an option. Win or lose, it will be okay. Just give it your maximum effort.

RL: After your big win at Cheyenne Frontier Days you jumped from 19th to 3rd in the World Standings. How do you stay mentally focused knowing that one run or one rodeo could make or break your spot in the World Standings and a chance at a World Champion Title?

SG: When you go to the 19th to 3rd in that one run, it makes it easier.

It’s a lot of work coming up from the standings. When I started this year, I was behind because I was still in college, and I was 150th for 3 weeks. It’s a battle to crawl up the standings and having one run where you just get to jump all those people really makes it easier. It is not easy, but it seems easier because it's the same as you've done a million times before, but that one run just pays a lot more money.

RL: What is the life professional cowgirl like?

SG: It’s funny because you have a lot of things to do but not really on the road. I always try to keep my life as scheduled as I can, which can be hard when you have to rope in the mornings and at night and then you drive all night and you’re nowhere for three days. My horses come first, so whatever they need they get. I try to keep them on the same schedule and exercise them because they're athletes too.

With me, I try to work out every morning, eat right, and try to keep me healthy. There's always something to do; like when we were at Pendleton, my generator was broken down for most of the week. I had to play mechanic every off minute I had to try to get it working.

It's just important to keep yourself busy.

RL: What does it mean to be a cowgirl? What attributes does a cowgirl have to have to be successful in the rodeo industry?

SG: Mental toughness. You can overcome a lot of things. It takes a pretty mentally tough person to be out here away from home, away from family and friends, not being able to practice, not being able to do what you want to do, not being able to have a nice and tight schedule, and having

Photo by JackieJensenPhotography.com

to drive all of the time. It takes it takes a lot out of you. Understand exactly who you are gave me an advantage and is why I love rodeoing so much. One thing that I definitely underestimated about coming into this year was how mentally tough you to have to be every single day to make it out here.

RL: When did you know you wanted to make a career out of Breakaway Roping?

SG: I wanted to be a professional Breakaway Roper when I was really, really young. When I was in junior high, I quit playing other sports. I would go to school, come home, and saddle up horses that we roped. Then during the summer, we were going every weekend to some junior rodeo somewhere, and if we weren't, and I wasn't actively on a horse, we were working on the ranch. I've always been around horses, and horses have always been in my life. I grew up on a ranch in a ranching family. It's something that I've always done, and I fell in love with it. I’m driven enough because once it was something I decided I wanted to do, I was going to do it and figure out how to make it work.

RL: What is your favorite part about living the rodeo lifestyle?

What is your least favorite?

SG: There are a lot of things that I love and there are things that I just tolerate. I'm not going to say I love driving, but I don't hate it either. It's pretty cool that you get to drive all over the US and see all of the different people, land, and stuff that we get to see. I love rodeo and it's in some ways easier just to be out here then to be driving back and forth trying to fit in a full-time work schedule when you're home for three days and then be gone for four days. There are challenges in everything. I just try to have fun and I try to take in all the sights and do all the things when we have extra time. I try to experience it all.

RL: Is there anything about Breakaway Roping or rodeo in general that you'd like people to know?

SG: The amount of women out here that are business women that run their businesses and have made a career out of Breakaway before it was a professional sport is amazing to me.

They make these horses themselves, not some calf roper or some dad that bought one. They went and found a horse and they made them from start to finish. It's not just the big names in our sport, it's almost every single girl out here that has made her own horse. It's pretty cool to me that they do that.

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LIGHT

The AROUND THE CORNER An Interview with Martha Angelone Rodeo Life: With Breakaway emerging in rodeo from mostly jackpots into the pro rodeo circuit with big-purse opportunities at renowned rodeos such as Cheyenne and The American, how has that changed the course of your rodeo career?

Martha Angelone: This summer has been an awesome opportunity for us Breakaway Ropers. Most of us amateur rodeoed and jackpot all year every year and we loved it. We’ve always wanted this chance.

It’s awesome how the pro rodeos have stepped up and have allowed us to compete. Some rodeos like Cheyenne even let us have the same amount of added money, which is so awesome! Between the pro rodeos now and the WCRA rodeos, it has changed our lives as professional women ropers. This summer was so difficult and different; it’s not as easy being on the road all the time but we are blessed for the opportunity.

RL: Are you excited about the Breakaway event being added to the 2022 RODEOHOUSTON roster? What does it mean for you and other Breakaway Ropers to finally have access and be recognized by these big rodeos and have a shot at these big purses?

MA: I’m so excited about this! This is going to be such an awesome opportunity for us! I remember how cool being in Fort Worth was two years ago! That rodeo changed my life! I love the tournament-style rodeos as well! I like that Houston is set up that way! I think it ’s awesome that we are supposed to get to go to Houston, San Antonio, and Fort Worth this year! I know we girls appreciate the chance at that prize money. Wow is all I have to say and thank you to the committees for giving us this chance!

RL: What does it mean to be a cowgirl? What attributes does a cowgirl have to have to be successful in the rodeo industry?

MA: Being a cowgirl is more than just rodeoing. A lot of fans think that being a cowgirl is just hauling around and rodeoing when it’s so much more than that. Back in the day, cowgirls had to break and train horses, fix fences, doctor cattle, and so much more. In today’s world there are still a lot of us that do all of these things, and more.

RL: Even though Breakaway and Barrel Racing are women-leading sports, the rodeo industry and sport are very male-dominated.

What advice would you give any woman or girl at any level trying to find her place in the rodeo world?

MA: My advice is to find what you enjoy doing the most. When we were little, a lot of us wanted to ride horses. There are so many areas in the sport of rodeo. You don’t have to just be a Barrel Racer or Breakaway Roper to be a rodeo girl. I honestly enjoy and love Team Roping so much. Even though it’s considered a “men’s sport,” before this year I Team Roped more than I Breakaway Roped. You just have to find what really makes you enjoy the animals and the lifestyle.

RL: What advice do you have for any aspiring female roper?

MA: Never give up. I’m originally from Virginia where rodeo really isn’t a popular sport at any age. I learned a lot about roping from my dad, Ron Renzi, and anybody I could around there. I tried to go to a lot of clinics too. You just can’t get down when things aren’t going right. When I moved out here to Texas, roping held a whole different meaning than it did back home. I had to work on everything twice as hard. If you keep pushing and don’t give up on your dream, one day you will achieve your goals. The harder you work at it the easier it becomes!

RL: How has it been competing against more veteran ropers and going head-to-head with World Champions?

MA: It has been awesome. The competition this summer has been tougher than ever! Everyone has been trying their butts off this year to make the Finals and has been roping so tough! I like having to step up to the plate. Although I messed up a lot of chances this summer, I feel like I have grown in my roping by getting to compete against these talented women all summer!

RL: What challenges have you faced pursuing the life of a professional cowgirl and how did you overcome them?

MA: This summer was a challenge honestly. Everyone sees the wins and the ups in our rodeo trails because of social media but nobody sees the hardships along the way. This summer I was in a three-week slump missed/or broke out on 13 calves in a row. I started going broke

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PRCA Photo by Joe Duty

while being away from home. I had an axle bust out of my trailer and had to change rigs twice. My truck has been good, but I had to get new brakes, tires, and it was in the shop twice and still had to go back in. You hardly get to practice which I’m used to doing daily. It’s so hard not being able to go home and work, practice, and fix things. I had to keep telling myself the light is just around the corner and I’m so glad I told myself it was. It’s easy to give up. It’s hard to keep going.

RL: How did it feel to be the WPRA's Reserve World Champion last year?

MA: I’m not going to lie; it was one of the coolest feelings ever to accomplish. But at that moment when we were standing there at Globe Life Field, waiting to hear who won World Champion, I was upset when I found out I was Reserve.

Jackie Crawford has been someone I have looked up to since I was a little kid, so I couldn’t have been happier for her at that moment either. She deserved it. She kicked our butts at the Finals while being 6 months pregnant! She truly is a champion in my book. After the Finals, I told myself that I never wanted to come in second again, and I always wanted to feel those feelings and emotions that the Finals brought into my life. I’ve been working harder than I have before at this. Even though I’m coming in 9th to the Finals and didn’t exactly have the year I wanted to have, I’m going to try my best to be the most prepared for the Finals this year!

RL: Who has greatly influenced your career and passion for rodeo?

MA: My dad. My parents were so supportive of my sister and me when we were kids. They hauled us all across the country, even if they couldn’t afford it, for us to be where we are at today! My dad was the reason I started roping when I was younger though and pushed me so hard, especially in high school, until the day he passed away. I know he’s up there smiling down at the chances we are getting now!

RL: How do you mentally and physically prepare for a rodeo? How do you prepare your horses?

MA: Preparing for a rodeo mentally and physically are two things you have to make sure you’re doing constantly. If you are mentally prepared and you trained hard, nothing can stop you. You have to have confidence that you are the best every time you walk into the box. One little negative thing you think about will take play in your run if you let it. I prepare each of my horses differently because each horse I ride has a different style! On my freer horses, I practice for myself. On my horses that get tight, I practice for them mostly. I am constantly in the practice pen; I will free them up and take them to the end of the arena.

RL: What are some of your training secrets in making top equine talent?

MA: You have to be patient. A lot of people will push horses too fast, too early. You have to haul and season them. You cannot just get off of them if they mess up on the first run at a jackpot. You have to take your time and get them to where they love their job.

RL: How are you preparing for your runs at this year’s NFR? MA: I’m going to practice just like I did last year. I will still ride our colts and everything like I always do, but I focus a lot more on myself. Scorings and timing are the main aspects of roping and I want to be on point with those areas when I head to Vegas.

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2021 NFR TRENDS

Split Pers

By Kim Kammenzind

I

t’s the most wonderful time of the year! Viva Las NFR and the ten greatest days of rodeo and western fashion that we all look forward to annually. The planning and outfit preparation has been in the works for months for many of us, and the anticipation of finally getting to pack bags is so real. As our society has pivoted the past two years during the pandemic, so has fashion. I think now more than ever we gals love playing “dress up” and showing off our individual style, personality and moods which may change by the moment and definitely over the course of ten rounds. Personally, after missing last year’s event I want to wear everything in my closet ranging from stilettos to fringe. I am predicting at the 2021 finals we will see a mix of sleek, contemporary high fashion styles and traditional all out retro and western wear glam. Indeed, many fashionistas will showcase both trends in one outfit, after all why not have the best of both worlds?

With so much to see and do over the course of a week plus, there will many wardrobe changes to say the least. Here is a little style inspo for all things NFR:

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1. Bleacher Babe at World Series of Team Roping at Southpoint: A custom tooled leather jacket is perfect for watching your favorite roper come back high call. Comfortable enough to be worn all day and a great piece to dress up or down. Visit therodeorose.com for available styles.

Model: Lauren Makin. Jacket: Custom Jacket by The Rodeo Rose. Photographer: Kim Kammenzind.

2. Trade Show Shopper Extraordinaire: Western casual at its finest. Clay paired our Sundown Striped Flares with her own graphic tee, blazer, squash blossom and cowboy hat for a recent on camera appearance. With Chucks for footwear, we think this is the perfect outfit for long days on your feet with a cold drink in hand crusin’ the thousands of amazing booths the NFR experience has to offer.

Model: Clay Berry. Photographer: Kim Kammenzind.

3. Dinner and Show: The Tough Enough bodysuit is sassy and oh so perfect for a night of fun having on the strip. Paired with a great pair of crisp black jeans and your favorite jewels and you are ready for the hottest restaurants and reviews in town!

Model: Lauren Makin. Photographer: Kim Kammenzind.

4. Gold Buckle Style: The Victory Lap Dress is perfect for either the back number ceremony or Round 10 championship presentations as it’s truly a showstopper. This fringe, body

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onality

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con style is sleek and classy and provides the perfect backdrop to pile on all of your favorite turquoise pieces.

Model: Sierra Bryan. Photographer: Michelle Wagoner Photography.

5. After Hours Cowgirl: The post rodeo options are literally endless.

Some of my favorites include the buckle ceremony at Southpoint, Rodeo Vegas at The Mirage, The Gold Buckle Zone at the MGM and the amazing concerts Hooey hosts. Wherever the night may lead you, there will for sure be a band. Nothing pairs better with live music than some fringe for shakin’ and spinnin’. Kelli is shown wearing our Last Call Bodysuit which seems so fitting for after-hours fun.

Model: Kelli Wiersma. Photographer: Michelle Wagoner Photography.

6. Opening Round Attire: If Cruella was a cowgirl, she would wear this to round one. The Beaumont Blazer is chic and oh so classy. Westernize this look with some classic Navajo pearls or a squash blossom.

Model: Cheyenne McQuade. Photographer: Kim Kammenzind.

7. The Finale Fashions: In Rounds 6-10 we see our western style icons truly begin bringing their “A” game and perf fashion transforms to a rodeo red carpet. The Joplin Jumpsuit is an outfit in itself, accessorized with a little white buffalo to add some cowgirl flair. An outfit like this will help you finish your week strong and confident like a modern-day Charlie’s Angel.

Model: Lauren Makin. Photographer: Kim Kammenzind.

For more information please visit nobodysgirlboutique.com

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al n io t a N r le g n a r W 1 2 0 2 Finals Rodeo Schedule SOR DATE SPON PERFORMANCE Pendleton Whisky 5:45 p.m.

2 c.

De y da 1 - Thurs Coors 5:45 p.m. rguson 2 - Friday Dec. 3 Hesston by Massey Fe 5:45 p.m.

4 c.

De y da 3 - Satur Polaris 5:45 p.m.

4 - Sunday Dec. 5 Montana Silversmiths 5:45 p.m.

6 c.

De ay 5 - Mond Resistol 5:45 p.m.

6 - Tuesday Dec. 7 Pendleton Whisky 5:45 p.m

8 c.

De ay esd 7 - Wedn Durango Boots 5:45 p.m.

8 - Thursday Dec. 9 RAM Rodeo 5:45 p.m.

10 c.

De y 9 - Frida Wrangler 5:45 p.m.

10 - Saturday Dec. 11 Schedule provided by

om

PRCA www.prorodeo.c

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om x.c ota Rode toutgloves.com IBC www.s m Stout Gloves www.sunwestsilver.co Page 59

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