Rodeo Life® Magazine - October/November 2024

Owners & Publishers: Rick Bizzell Lori Bizzell rick@rodeolife.com lori@rodeolife.com

Editor-in-Chief: Clay Noel Harper claynoel@rodeolife.com

Graphic Designer: Jon Eric Pharr jon@rodeolife.com IT/Graphics: Chris Fowlkes chris@rodeolife.com Chief

SOUTH POINT SHOWROOM

WELCOME LETTER

DEAREST RODEO LIFE READERS

Rodeo Life has been evolving over the last month with the changes in the frequency of publications and others that will slowly unveil. But for the Rodeo Life family, we have seen a shift in leadership for a couple of departments. One of them is the promotion of Morgan Lutgen. She now serves as the Vice President of Sales. Her knowledge of the western industry and background in sales has been a massive asset to the team ever since she initially joined as a sales representative. So please join us in congratulating her! Morgan’s vision, organization, personability, and creativity will drive this publication in a way that we are excited to watch unfold.

Also, our previous Editor-in-Chief, Kristen Schurr, has seen a significant life change this year as she welcomed her beautiful daughter into the world. With that, she has left us in favor of focusing on her family and her photography business.

Kristen’s relentless hard work and dedication to this magazine has been nothing short of extraordinary. Rodeo Life Media owners Rick & Lori Bizzell had this to say: “We want to extend our deepest gratitude for all the work and care that Kristen has done for Rodeo Life. We will continue to work with Kristen with her photography, although she will no longer be working with us in the same capacity. Kristen is going to be focusing on her photography business and other adventures. We pray her endeavors will continue to be fruitful and a blessing to her, her family, and all of us who love her creativity and dedication to our community.” Kristen’s deep passion for the western lifestyle was so evident on every page of every edition she worked on. If you would like to continue to follow Kristen and her work, her Instagram handles are @kristenschurr, @kschurrphoto, and @kschurrphotolifestyle

As the new Editor-in-Chief, I have some big boots to fill. But I am excited to take on the challenge. With that, I wanted to take a moment to introduce myself.

My name is Clay Noel Harper. I was born into the western industry, raising corriente cattle on the Wild R Ranch and rodeoing with my family. My dad is a past Columbia River Circuit President, cowboy artist, and past NFR bullfighter Rowdy Barry; my mom is past Lady Wrangler and Wrangler Girls’ coach Laura Lee Barry; my three brothers are all PRCA bullfighters. I was the only child that didn’t pick up the bullfighting gene. My passion stems more from running barrels, ranching, and telling

the story of the western industry. Throughout my career, I have worked for various companies, such as Wrangler Network, The Cowboy Channel, the Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund, the Columbia River Circuit, the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association, and the Benton Franklin Fair & Horse Heaven Round-Up. Now, I travel the Western United States as a freelance sideline reporter, producer, and event content coordinator for multiple rodeos throughout the year. When I’m not on the road, my husband, professional saddle bronc rider Joe Harper, and I work on his family’s cow-calf operation in Northern Nevada. I started with Rodeo Life as their social media correspondent, covering rodeos for them & managing their social media pages.

My parents instilled a strong mindset of giving back to the community that has given so much to me. For me, the western industry represents so much of what the general populace is searching for. There is such an enduring faith in God at the core of the rodeo community. So it is with a servant’s heart that I step into this position. And, man, am I so thankful that each of you are here for the ride! Here’s to the rodeo life that each of you cares so much about!

Gratefully, Clay Noel Harper

The Rodeo Life family would like to welcome Clay Noel as our new editor~in~chief! Rick and I have complete confidence in Clay Noel as she steps up into this dynamic position. She brings a wealth of virtues, discernment, boldness, and aptitude. We are appreciative of her heart and soul for rodeo and her aligned vision for all things in a life that is sustainable and builds a strong foundation both individually and in our community, which seeks adventures, victories, and truth!

-Rick & Lori Bizzell

For the LORD is the great God, the great King above all gods. ~ Psalm 95:3

Enter His gates with Thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise His name. ~ Psalm 100:4

Saddle Bronc Riding

1.

2.

7.

Tie-Down Ropers

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

11. Dylan Hancock $109,728.42

12. Joel Harris $108,644.69

13. Cole Clemons $101,283.68

14. Quade Hiatt $100,654.10

15. Marcos Costa $99,338.74

Bareback Riding

Team Roping – Headers

Steer Roping

1. Cole Patterson

2. Slade Wood

$89,532.90

$72,036.57

3. Vin Fisher $68,662.13

4. Trent Johnson $66,584.98

5. Cody Lee $66,533.0

6. Scott Snedecor $64,702.31

7. Chet Herren

8. Clay Long

$61,041.48

$58,343.90

9. Jess Tierney $58,120.15

10. John E. Bland $55,482.17

11. Brodie Poppino $54,158.71

12. J. Tom Fisher

Steer Wrestling

Team Roping – Heelers

1.

$48,268.69

13. Thomas Smith $47,440.79

14. Blake Deckard $45,987.02

15. Billy Good $44,478.13

Bull Riding

1. Jace Trosclair $212,965.17

2. T.J. Gray $212,031.6

3. Josh Frost $211,063.61

4. Hayes Weigh t$194,104.24

5. Wacey Schalla $180,164.71

6. Clayton Sellars $177,366.06

7. Jeter Lawrence $175,282.83

Wednesday - November 27th

8:00 AM Million $ Breakaway Last Chance Qualifier

- Limit 250 (Equidome)

6:00 PM Million $ Breakaway Buy Back Round (Barn 3)

Saturday - November 30th

8:00 AM: 12 & Under Breakaway (Equidome)

8:30 AM: 19 & Under Breakaway (Barn 3)

12:00 PM: All-Star Open Tie-Down (Equidome)

1:00 PM: 10 & Under Breakaway (Barn 3)

3:00 PM: 10 & Under Double Muggin (Barn 3)

4:00 PM: TOP 5 SHOWCASE

- 10 & Under Breakaway (Barn 3) - 10U Double Mugging (Barn 3)

Thursday - November 28th

8:00 AM: Million $ Breakaway Semi-Finals (Equidome)

9:00 AM: WRWC Challenger Breakaway (Barn 3)

12:00 PM: WRWC Open Breakaway (Barn 3)

6:30 PM: Million $ Breakaway Performance - Round 1, 2 & 3 -

WRWC Challenger SHOWCASE - After Round 2

Sunday - December 1st

8:00 AM: Believers Arena Church

8:30 AM: 15 & Under Tie-Down (Equidome)

12:00 PM: 19 & Under Tie-Down (Equidome)

4:00 PM: TOP 5 SHOWCASE

- 15 & Under Tie-Down

- 19 & Under Tie-Down

6:30 PM: Million $ Breakaway Performance (Equidome) - Round 7, 8, 9 & 10 -

RISING STARS TOP 5 SHOWCASE:

12 & Under Breakaway - After Round 7

19 & Under Breakaway - After Round 8

Open Tie-Down Finals - After Round 9

Friday - November 29th

8:00 AM: 12 & Under Girls Breakaway (Equidome)

8:30 AM: 12 & Under Tie-Down (Barn 3)

10:00 AM: 15 & Under Breakaway (Equidome)

1:00 PM: 3D Breakaway (Barn 3)

6:30 PM: Million $ Breakaway Performance (Equidome)

- Round 4, 5 & 6 -

RISING STARS TOP 5 SHOWCASE:

- 12 & Under Girls Breakaway - After Round 4

- 15 & Under Breakaway - After Rd 5

- 12 & Under Tie-Down - Following 15U

Red Steagall

Article by Lilly Platts | Photos Courtesy of Red Steagall

WESTERN ART ROUND-UP

AlwAys A Cowboy

Steagall was born in Gainesville, Texas, and spent his childhood in the Panhandle. Cowboys and music were a part of his life early on, and he dreamt of working in agriculture. “I always wanted to be a cowboy,” Steagall shared.

He played high school football and also rode bulls at local rodeos. Bull riding was fun, but he knew it wasn’t a good long-term plan. “I never won a dime,” he laughed.

Steagall dreamed of being a veterinarian and working cowboy until he was stricken with Polio at 15. Fortunately, the Salk vaccine was available to halt the virus four months after he became ill, but it had irreversibly damaged the deltoid muscle in his shoulder.

No longer able to meet the physical demands of rodeo and ranching, Steagall turned to his other interest — music. His mother gifted him a second-hand mandolin and music lessons, changing the course of his life.

Playing music helped him regain dexterity and strength, and he soon began writing songs. Following high school, Steagall was still planning to have a career in agriculture, attending college at what is now West Texas A&M to study animal science and agronomy. Following college, he took a job as an agricultural chemist. His role required extensive travel throughout the West, and he took his guitar along, playing at cafes and coffee shops on the weekends. He also formed a band, playing many rodeos and dances.

A call from a friend again changed the direction of Steagall’s career, taking him to California to work in the music business. During his eight years as an executive in Hollywood, Steagall started making his mark as a songwriter and performer. He was in the room for a long list of chart-topping recording sessions and many of his songs became popular on the radio.

Steagall’s life was changed forever when a song he wrote with Don Lanier was released in 1967. Lanier was sharing a simple melody he had stuck in his head with Steagall, saying that he couldn’t figure out the right words to go with it. When Lanier’s phone rang, he said, “Here we go again…”, and both he and Steagall lit up, knowing they had just landed on the hook for the song.

They sat down, and the rest of the song came together in short order. Steagall described himself as being “bulletproof” and wasn’t afraid to pitch his songs to the top musicians of the time. He took it to Buck Owens’ record label, but Owens demanded full publishing on the song, which Steagall couldn’t agree to. After another label executive told Steagall they would need full publishing, he said he would take it to Ray Charles. This likely seemed like an unrealistic, idle threat to the label executive, but Steagall was serious, and after Charles heard the song, he wanted to sing it. They agreed on publishing, and before Steagall and Lanier knew it, they had a number-one hit on the radio.

Here We Go Again has been recorded by a long list of notable singers, from Nancy Sinatra to Glen Campbell. Norah Jones sang the song with Ray Charles on his last album, Genius Loves Company. The album won eight Grammy awards and has currently sold over five and a half million copies.

GettinG bACk to His Roots

After living in Hollywood and then Nashville, Tennessee, Steagall moved home to the Lone Star State in 1977. He married his wife, Gail, who played a critical role in his career, soon after.

Steagall continued writing and releasing country western music, but after playing dance halls and honky tonks across the country for years, frequently spending over 200 days a year on the road, he felt called to rethink his career.

Fortunately for Steagall, an opportunity to shift came his way. He had been sifting through the songs he wrote, feeling more drawn to stories and ballads than classic honky-tonk songs. Coincidently, the first National Cowboy Poetry Gathering was held in 1985, which he attended with his brother. Steagall returned home with a newfound inspiration to follow the thread of cowboy stories and poetry.

This chapter of Steagall’s career also included an expansion beyond the radio, live performance, and CDs. “I had a friend in the car business, and he asked me if I could come speak to the Rotary Club in Fort Worth,” Steagall shared. “After that, his ad agency called and asked if I would do a cowboy poetry session every morning on WBAP radio in Fort Worth.”

The original idea was to share a minute and a half of poetry, but Steagall shared that 30 minutes of programming would be better. “I went into my studio and I cut a demo of what I thought the show should sound like,” he recalled.

“ “

The western way of life actually came from an agrarian society, at a time when we depended on each other for survival.

-RED STEAGALL

Steagall shared the demo with the ad agency and other friends in the radio business, and the response was overwhelmingly positive. Many listeners of this first demo shared that an hour of content would be even better. This started Cowboy Corner, which is now syndicated on 150 stations in 34 states. The program was born out of Steagall’s passion for western stories and includes music, interviews, and stories of the American cowboy.

In 2010, Steagall expanded his storytelling to TV, airing the first episode of In The Bunkhouse with Red Steagall on RFD-TV. Steagall now hosts Somewhere West of Wallstreet for the network.

Throughout these programs, Steagall has focused on sharing real cowboy stories, often interviewing people the public likely would never know about otherwise. Steagall has traveled throughout the West to historic ranches, like the 6666’s Ranch, King Ranch, and many others.

The extensive archive Steagall has amassed now serves as a look back in time and includes interviews with legendary Western figures like Roy Rogers, Reba McEntire, and Buster Welch.

tHe next CHApteR

Steagall’s music, poetry, and storytelling have had an indelible impact on the preservation of western culture. He is now expanding on these efforts through the Red Steagall Institute for Traditional Western Arts. The center will be located at the National Ranching Heritage Center in Lubbock, Texas, and include an amphitheater, bit and spur shop, saddle and boot shop, outdoor sculpture court, archive, recording studio, garden featuring West Texas flora, and more.

The common thread throughout these stories is the value of western culture and an agrarian lifestyle. “I’m really attached to the western way of life,” Steagall shared. “The western way of life actually came from an agrarian society, at a time when we depended on each other for survival.”

Steagall believes that sharing the values of western life benefits society as a whole. “We’re respectful of our neighbors, and we have a certain code of ethics, and we live by them. We honor tradition and heritage. We look to the future with an open mind and a wide, open eye. We have a set of values that make us a harmonious society. I treasure that and I want to preserve it,” Steagall explained.

Western culture and the agrarian lifestyle have changed dramatically since Steagall started his career, and he wants to make sure the story lives on for future generations. “I’m afraid that if we don’t preserve it, in the next 50 years, nobody will know who we were, what we said, what we did, or anything about the values that we live by. I’m proud of who we are and I want the rest of the world to know,” he reflected.

Steagall also founded the Red Steagall Cowboy Gathering and Western Swing Festival, held every October in Fort Worth, Texas, for the past 30 years. The event celebrates the music Steagall first fell in love with in West Texas.

While the center will include an archive, the primary focus is on the future, and providing a space for artisans to learn, work, and commune.

Steagall wants to connect western artisans throughout the country with masters in their craft, giving them the opportunity to learn and grow. “I know how important it is to work with someone who really is a professional. It can help you find other things about your talent and help you take the next step. There are so many people who are very talented, but give up because they don’t have a platform,” Steagall shared.

The center will also benefit the public, allowing people to explore western culture, watch artisans at work, and learn about the history of the West. “I also want to provide a research library, and over time, it will be the most complete research library in the world about ranching and the ranching industry,” he added.

The National Ranching Heritage Center is an ideal neighbor for the Institute, already including western art, exhibits on oil and ranching, western history archives, a series of homes walking visitors through hundreds of years of life in the West, and much more.

The Institute is currently being fine-tuned and funded, with plans to break ground in the spring of 2025. Steagall is proud to have his name and brand attached to the project and believes it will be important in preserving western culture. “I believe with all my heart that the traditional arts can keep our lifestyle alive,” he concluded. •

LIVING THE RODEO DREAM

The Inspiring Journey of Cody and Sierra Emerson

Article by Rodeo Life

When it comes to living life to the fullest, cody and sierra emerson are doing just that. this dynamic couple from marble falls, texas, embodies the spirit of rodeo, entrepreneurship, and a positive mindset. together, they navigate the highs and loWs of life With an unWavering determination to succeed and inspire others along the Way.

Cody Emerson’s journey to becoming a world-renowned bullfighter began in Jonesboro, Arkansas, where he spent his high school years roping calves and team roping. “I made nationals (finals for the High School Rodeo Association) and won top 10 in the calf roping and the calf roping,” Cody says with a smile. “I was a kid from Arkansas and I beat Tuf Cooper! I was pretty excited.” His passion for bullfighting was ignited by a magazine ad for a three-day bullfighting school after high school graduation. After his first few encounters with the adrenaline-pumping sport, he was hooked. Cody’s dedication and skill led him to win the World Champion Freestyle Bullfighter title in 2012, and he has since been a three-time nominee for the PRCA Top 5 Bullfighter of the Year.

Cody’s career is not without its challenges. He has faced injuries that would have deterred many, but his resilience and passion for the sport keep him in the arena, fighting bulls and saving cowboys. His story is one of perseverance, showcasing the importance of a growth mindset and the ability to push through adversity.

Sierra’s roots in rodeo run deep. Growing up in a family of rodeo legends, including her grandfather, World Champion steer roper H.L. Todd, her father, Jimmy Lee Hodge, a champion calf roper, steer roper, and Hall of Fame inductee, and her mother, Kim Todd Hodge, a collegiate champion and inductee into the Tarleton State University Rodeo Fall of Fame, Sierra was destined for the rodeo life. Sierra competed in high school and collegiate rodeo events, excelling in breakaway roping and goat tying. However, her ambitions extended beyond the rodeo arena. “Rodeo prepared me to give my best in my career. It taught me responsibility and determination, and I am forever thankful for the skills I learned. I haven’t entered in years. I still rope for fun, and I’m learning to do things for fun. But (with a grin) I have started team roping a little. I may have to enter a world series sometime,” Sierra said.

Photos Courtesy of Cody & Sierra Emerson

-Photo Courtesy of Mike Rastelli

We couldn’t do it if we didn’t truly love and support one another. Communication has to be huge. That’s something we work on daily to be better for one another. -SIERRA EMERSON “ “

Sierra is a successful entrepreneur, hairstylist, and business educator. She works three days a week behind the chair in her popular hair salon in Marble Falls and dedicates the rest of her time to teaching others how to build successful businesses in their niche through online courses. Her ability to balance her professional career with her passion for mentoring highlights her versatility and drive.

Their love story is as captivating as their careers. Cody moved from Arkansas to Texas, a decision he cherishes deeply. “It was the best thing that ever happened to me,” Cody states. “Marrying Sierra, she is the most driven person I know. She strives to be better every day and to grow daily. She has helped me grow into a better man since we got married. Texas has a lot of cowboys, and being around them daily makes me better.”

The couple tied the knot in a fitting fashion—after the third round of the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas in 2016. “We got married after the rodeo… seemed fitting,” Sierra states. “Our lives are rodeo.”

Together, Cody and Sierra make an unstoppable team. Their life in the hill country of Texas, where Cody works as an order buyer for show stock resips and they trade livestock when he is home, is a testament to their hard work and commitment to their dreams. Cody’s rodeo schedule and Sierra’s entrepreneurial ventures require a strong partnership built on mutual support and a shared vision for success.

“We couldn’t do it if we didn’t truly love and support one another. Communication has to be huge. That’s something we work on daily to be better for one another,” Sierra shares. “Sometimes when he’s on the road doing fun stuff, and I’m home with water leaks and sick livestock, I tend to handle it with grace and some cussing too (she says with a laugh), but it makes it all worth it when we are accomplishing what we envision. I am thankful for my career that has led me to a flexible schedule that allows me to go when I want and take care of things at home also.”

The couple’s story is a powerful example of how a good mindset can transform challenges into opportunities. They embrace every experience, whether it’s a bullfight or a business challenge, with a positive attitude and an eagerness to learn and grow. Their journey inspires others to pursue their passions and live life to the fullest, no matter the obstacles.

For rodeo fans and aspiring entrepreneurs alike, Cody and Sierra Emerson are living proof that with ambition, resilience, and a growth mindset, anything is possible. Their dedication to their crafts and each other serves as a beacon of inspiration for anyone looking to make their mark on the world.

Follow along with the couple on social media at @thecodyemerson and @mrssierraemerson •

-Photo Courtesy of Sheridan Elliott

MISS RODEO MISSOURI 2024

JORDAN TODD

Growing up on the road with a team roper dad and a barrel racer mom, it’s safe to say that Jordan Todd is no stranger to the rodeo lifestyle. She’s a barrel racer herself, winning her very first buckle in pee-wee barrels at just three years old at the Flickerwood Arena in Jackson, MO. Todd recalled, “I remember seeing this old picture of me standing in front of my horse at the time, and I don’t even come up to his knee, with my buckle and my hand wrapped around his leg.” Todd still enjoys competing at barrel races all over Missouri and surrounding states, as well as amateur rodeos.

RODEO QUEEN 101

Jordan Todd is the current Miss Rodeo Missouri 2024 and also finished law school in May of this year. Interestingly enough, this is her first Rodeo Queen title! An Instagram post unknowingly planted a seed in Todd back in 2018 by a former Miss Rodeo America and now legal attorney, Katherine Merck of Katherine Merck Law, who managed to complete her law degree during her busy reign. Todd was never able to shake Merck’s inspirational post and decided to take a leap of faith. “In 2023 I was like, all right, it’s still on my heart, still at the back of my brain. I need to do this for some reason, I’m not sure exactly what it is, but God is really pulling me in that direction.” Todd decided to go straight to the top and submitted her application to compete at the Miss Rodeo Missouri Pageant. Although she had no prior pageant experience, she was a quick study and was able to pull from her years and knowledge as a horsewoman, with some additional

Article and Photos by Art of Aperture Photography

training for the horsemanship portion. Her dance background helped tremendously with modeling and having grace on stage, and competing on the mock trial team at the University of Central Missouri gave her excellent public speaking skills for speech and impromptu questions. She was such a natural that she impressively won all but one category! Todd said, “I have some sort of purpose here. I don’t know what it is, and there’s a possibility that I’ll never know, but I’m on this journey because God put me here and I’m just rolling with it.”

Because Todd is passionate about both rodeo and law, she wanted to take a minute and talk about the future of Rodeo and the Working Animal Protection Act (WAPA), which is now law in Oklahoma and Arkansas. Todd asked, “What do we want the future of our industry to look like? How are we going to make it better and how are we going to keep it alive? The industry has grown exponentially in the past few years which is fantastic, however, we are inevitably getting some backlash from that.” Todd explained that the Working Animal Protection Act was created by the Cavalry Group, headed by Mindy Patterson. Simply put, it is to protect lawful animal-related businesses. This includes animalbased attractions that are used for entertainment purposes - rodeos, horse-drawn carriages, animal exhibitors, etc. This law potentially prevents local governments from making these businesses illegal. Todd encourages anyone involved in the rodeo industry to call their local representative for their State House of Representatives and tell them they need WAPA in their state. Either that or contact the Cavalry Group directly for help. “All of us rodeo personnel don’t like to get caught up in a lot of politics, but your local government officials don’t know what you want unless you tell them,” Todd said. “We like to go to our rodeos, work hard, and see our progress in the arena, but sometimes we forget about what goes on outside of the arena and how important it can be to preserve this sport on the government level.” For more information about the Working Animal Protection Act, go to www.TheCavalryGroup.com. Jordan Todd grew up in Warrenton, MO. She spent four years at the University of Central Missouri where she received her Bachelor’s of Science in Political Science and Criminal Justice and competed on the

Mock Trial Team. She then attended the University of Missouri School of Law, where she completed her law degree in May of 2024. Once Todd’s queening career comes to a close, she plans to intern with a law firm. Multiple offers are on the table, but Todd has narrowed it down to a location either in Missouri or Texas. This December 1 – 8, Todd will represent the state of Missouri at the annual Miss Rodeo America Pageant in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Follow Jordan Todd and her many interviews with rodeo athletes and government officials on her socials. Instagram at @missrodeomissouri, Facebook at @missrodeomo, TikTok at @missrodeomissouri or visit the Miss Rodeo Missouri website at www.MissRodeoMO.com •

About The Author ART OF APERTURE PHOTOGRAPHY

Art of Aperture Photography is a full-service portrait studio in Caldwell, Idaho. The owners, Mara Tamez Stattner and Noah Tamez-Gorce, are a mother/ son photography team, and have been in business since 2013 photographing Rodeo Queens, Western Lifestyle, Rodeo and High School Seniors. They have been the Official Photographers for Miss Rodeo Idaho since 2017 and since then, have photographed Rodeo Queens from across the nation including multiple Miss Rodeo Americas. They are excited to use this platform to give voice and provide insight into the world of Rodeo Queens.

Instagram: @artofaperture_queens

TikTik: @artofaperture_queens

Facebook: @artofaperture

Collegiate Rodeo SCholaRS

Article and Photos Courtesy of Smarty

At Smarty Rodeo, we’re more than just a brand— we’re a collaboration of products, services, and values committed to cultivating champions both in and out of the rodeo arena. Our goal is to preserve the western way of life while supporting athletes as they transition from high school rodeo into the professional ranks. To do that, we’ve built several programs, including our Smarty Rodeo Collegiate Training Program, which we launched in 2022 to enhance the collegiate rodeo experience and support young athletes.

We started the Collegiate Training Program with one key goal in mind: to give every rodeo team within the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association (NIRA) the opportunity to access Smarty and Heel-O-Matic training products at discounted rates. We aimed to make sure these students had the right tools to succeed in their rodeo careers. Initially, the program focused on offering discounted roping dummies and bronc riding simulators, but as we progressed, our vision expanded. We realized that with our internal resources, we could do much more. We could help schools market their rodeo programs and build more awareness for this often-underrecognized sport.

As the program grew, we began forming strong relationships with coaches and teams across the country, such as Tarleton and Cal Poly. We quickly found ourselves thinking outside the box, creating new ways to support athletes. It wasn’t just about selling equipment anymore; we wanted to offer mentorship and guidance, helping these college students navigate the tricky transition from high school to adulthood. Our program became a resource where athletes could find the support they needed to not only continue their passion for rodeo but also thrive as young adults.

One of the main reasons we created this program was to help keep the western way of life alive. Rodeo is a sport rich in heritage, but as the costs of horses, rigs, and training rise, it’s becoming harder for young athletes to pursue their dreams. College rodeo is a critical stepping stone for these passionate young adults, providing them the opportunity to continue developing their skills. But rodeo also teaches life lessons like hard work, commitment, and teamwork—values we believe should carry through both in and out of the arena.

We see collegiate rodeo as a key part of the future of our sport. As our team says, “You can never get comfortable or status quo with anything we do.” We recognize that traditional western values are fading, and we are committed to making college rodeo a platform that helps young adults transition into future professional careers—whether in rodeo or in other walks of life. Our program is about more than rodeo; it’s about personal growth and offering mentorship that goes beyond the arena.

You can never get comfortable or status quo with anYthing we do . -SMARTY RODEO “ “

Transitioning from high school to college can be tough. Many of these young athletes are leaving behind structured environments—family support and the guidance of high school coaches—and entering a world where they must make their own decisions. We’ve already built a strong reputation with our Young Pro Program and Pro Team, but we saw a real need to bridge the gap for students just starting their college careers. That’s why we created the Collegiate Training Program—to give students the resources they need not only to succeed in rodeo but to thrive as young adults.

Our goal is to partner with NIRA and work directly with college rodeo coaches to help these athletes develop both their competitive skills and their understanding of life after college. By working together, we foster an environment where athletes and supporters benefit from mutual education and collaboration. It’s a shared effort to ensure the future of rodeo remains strong.

While the Smarty and Heel-O-Matic dummies are a staple of our program, what we offer goes far beyond products. We’re invested in building long-term relationships with collegiate rodeo teams. Our commitment to promoting rodeo has led to creative ways of highlighting the sport. Whether it’s social media coverage of practices, showcasing facilities, or spotlighting athletes, we want to ensure the hard work and dedication of college rodeo athletes doesn’t go unnoticed.

-Photo Courtesy of Click Thompson

We don’t see this program as a seasonal initiative. It’s an ongoing effort that we continue to expand throughout the year. Our network is growing, and our exposure in the collegiate rodeo space is increasing. We even have two full-time collegiate program managers whose role is to make sure we’re constantly connecting with schools, coaches, and students to deliver the services and products they need.

Additionally, we make it a point to physically visit every school that participates in the program. This gives us the chance to gather real feedback from students and coaches while showing our commitment to improving the sport. These interactions strengthen our relationships and give us valuable insights into how we can continue to make a positive impact on the future of collegiate rodeo.

The success of our Collegiate Training Program is just one example of our commitment to innovation. We started with humble beginnings, creating anatomically accurate roping dummies, and have since grown into a global leader in roping products. Acquiring Heel-O-Matic in 2022 strengthened our presence in the industry even further, while our Elite Custom Saddles and Smarty Saddlery brands provide athletes with both premium and cost-effective saddle options.

Beyond our products, we’ve always been dedicated to giving back to the rodeo community. We support youth programs, high school and college rodeos, and numerous charitable initiatives each year. Our partnerships with professional athletes and our commitment to maintaining a small business mentality have allowed us to stay true to our roots, even as we continue to grow.

As we look ahead, we’re excited about the future of the Collegiate Training Program. We’re committed to expanding our network and enhancing our impact, working closely with coaches and students to reach more athletes. At the end of the day, our passion is about more than just rodeo—it’s about helping young athletes transition into adulthood, achieve their goals, and embrace the western way of life. Whether through roping dummies, mentorship, or simply fostering a love of the sport, we remain dedicated to cultivating champions both in and out of the arena. •

Editor’s Note: We are proud to welcome Smarty Rodeo to the Rodeo Life family as our official partner for everything collegiate rodeo. Our shared values of faith, country and rodeo make this a winning combination and we are grateful for Smarty Rodeo!

Cultivating ChampionS in and Out of the Arena

The mission of Smarty Rodeo is to provide products and services to the western industry that cultivate champions in and out of the arena.

The collegiate training program is designed to educate and promote the importance of teamwork for both coaches and athletes. It emphasizes the crucial timing and preparation needed for professionalism, whether in or out of the arena.

THE HEART OF A COWGIRL

WHAT BECOMES KNOWN BECAUSE OF THE UNKNOWN

September. A month that sparks recollection of the historic Pendleton Round-Up and back-to-school time (for me, one being far more exciting than the other). While I no longer face the back-to-school dread, I got the pleasure of accompanying one of my dear friends to her daughter’s preschool orientation. As we walked into the classroom, this little girl dashed away to begin her exploration of new curiosities and faces she’d never seen. Left standing in the doorway were mamas decorated with cheerful smiles, trading stories of summer growth and recent changes their kiddos had since they’d seen one another last.

Article and Photos Courtesy of Katie Grover

Inside this classroom was a little boy who marveled at Lincoln Logs, plastic gears, and fabric road maps for toy cars. His eyes crossed with great regard, causing his own gears to turn and making the determination on his face recognizable. My attention was divided as I heard joyful laughter spill from the friend I came with. Standing within earshot, I heard her proclaim to his mama, “Oh, I just adore him! He always knows what he wants!” Instantly, my heart hung itself against the walls that held it in. While my expression kept my composure, my mind began to race. No one around me knew that each day for the last four weeks, my time had been consumed with dismay, not knowing what my next steps were. Recent changes, ones I had prayed on and felt compelled to make left, me questioning the Lord. In those last few weeks, I knew better than to doubt God’s goodness, but my own disillusion began convincing me I had misheard Him or, even worse, disobeyed what He asked of me. Within moments, the creeping feeling of being “lost” came into clear view, and discouragement crept in. Snapping back to reality, I hear her again, this time explaining what she’d just previously stated. “If you ask him about [this], he says, ‘no’. If you ask him about [this over here], he says, ‘no’.” While explaining, her hands were oating about, implying this little boy answered in a way that was engaged, certain, but also waiting for the next option to be presented. Without a second of hesitation, I knew this would be a moment that forever changed my life. It wasn’t that he knew what he wanted, but he knew what he didn’t want. And he was clear about it.

“ “

“Until it’s good, or your circumstance changes.” In other words, translated to a tale as old as time, “it’s about the journey far more than it’s about the destination.”

-KATIE GROVER

That memory hung close until I went walking with the Lord later that night. It was then that scripture was brought to the surface of my heart, “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” (Luke 19:10) As I thought about the last month, yes, I felt lost, I may have looked lost, but all along, Jesus said I’d been found. His Word is a promise. It’s a truth to cling onto, and there, as the sun began to set, He reminded me of it. “Lost” wasn’t my identity, but Jesus is. I continued to walk along the edge of the pivot, my gaze set on a dried wheel track, when a conversation with the Lord I’d had only a few months prior came to mind. I recalled asking Him, “God, where is the end?” The question stemmed from quitting not being an option, yet feeling stuck in the middle, meaning there had to be an “end” I could recognize as my cue to move on. I was surely wrong. While praying that particular day months ago, I felt God impressed on my heart, “Until it’s good, or your circumstance changes.” In other words, translated to a tale as old as time, “it’s about the journey far more than it’s about the destination.”

These seasons of drought, loss of direction, and pain, most of the time, feel as if they’ll never end. But friend, let me remind you, you are found. (Luke 15:32) Found by the Good Shepherd who calls you by name and leads you out. (John 10:3) Jesus may ask you to wait, but this waiting isn’t void of intention. Waiting on Him and faithlessness do not go hand in hand. It’s in these seasons we become familiar with His nearness, His compassion, His love. These things we get to know because of the unknown.

At times, it feels like my doubt outweighs my faith. It was late in the night when I spoke out loud, “I don’t know what the next steps are however, it has only been a month”. While this is my story, I hope you can fill in the blank. “It has only been ______”. A year? 5 years? 2 weeks?

My hope is that you’re able to create the time to ask yourself, “What are things I don’t want in an effort to discover what I do?”

Heavenly Father, I pray this reader is reminded of Your graciousness today. I pray these words land softly and comfortably, that this serves as a reminder of Your steadfast love and faithfulness that abounds, Lord. I thank You, Jesus, for what You’ve done for us, solely from a place of love. I pray this reader moves from where they’re seated, fueled by Your Spirit, equipped with faith in Your Word, and a Holy confidence that You have gone before them, behind them, and dwell so fervently within them. You are worthy of all the honor, the glory, and the praise. In Jesus’ mighty name, amen. •

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Katie Grover is a lover of Jesus and, second to Him, the cowboy way of life.

She currently is a certified personal trainer who specializes in training and equipping working women in the West. She is committed to seeing others’ careers succeed while glorifying and exalting the Lord through the process and outcome. With thanks to our gracious God, Katie has a calling on her life that cultivates her passion for encouraging people in faith, hope, truth, and joy. Hopeful in what lies ahead, she looks forward to the possibility of leading a fitness ministry catered to women of the western lifestyle.

-Photo Courtesy of Rowdy Barry

THE ORIGINAL

wrangler bull fights hall of fame

On October 19th, bullfighters, young and old, will descend upon Cowtown for the annual Original Wrangler Bull Fights Hall of Fame ceremonies. This year’s event will take place at the River Ranch Stockyards in Fort Worth, TX. Each year, The Original Wrangler Bull Fights holds a Hall of Fame induction ceremony; aside from being inducted into the Hall of Fame by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA), this is the top award a bullfighter can receive.

James (Jim) Sutton Jr. of Sutton Rodeo Company started the Black Hills Stock Show and Rodeo in 1978. He wanted the show to be a success and started coming up with ideas to draw crowds, so the Wrangler Bull Fights were born (Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame,2021).

Sutton later pitched a sponsorship deal with Wrangler to the PRCA, who had no relationship at the time. After the Wrangler Bull Fights were disbanded, this sponsorship would later give way to branding the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo.

The Original Wrangler Bull Fights took place in the early 1980s as a bullfighting tour. The top 16, most elite bullfighters, were asked to join the tour to compete in 20 or so bullfights; the events were not held at rodeos like we see today. In order to keep the competition fresh, the bottom four bullfighters would fall off the tour, and four new bullfighters would join for the next season.

These competitions eventually made their way into the PRCA. Although The Original Wrangler Bull Fights petered out in the early 2000s, this program built the path for cowboy protectors, freestyle bullfighters, and rodeo clowns as we see them today. It gave way to change the industry in new unique ways through organizations like Bull Fighters Only. After the PRCA disbanded the tour, it opened it up for any rodeo around the country to hold Wrangler Bull Fights, creating opportunities for bullfighters across the United States.

Article by Kristen Sublette

-Photo Courtesy of The Original Wrangler Bullfights Hall of Fame

-Photo Courtesy of The Original Wrangler Bullfights Hall of Fame

If you aren’t familiar with freestyle bullfighting, it is different than protecting cowboys during the bull riding at a rodeo. Freestyle bullfighters are alone in an arena with a Mexican fighting bull. Their job is to keep the bull engaged with them for the time they are in the arena. Similar to freestyle bullfighting, you will sometimes see a fighting bull turned out in the arena at the end of the bull riding, so the bullfighters can work it to add excitement for the crowd. One of the many bullfighters part of The Original Wrangler Bull Fights was Rowdy Barry, a freestyle bullfighter for 15 years and cowboy protector for over 30 years.

Barry is being inducted into the 2024 class of The Original Wrangler Bull Fights Hall of Fame. His incredible bullfighting career has spanned more than three decades. When his career started, rodeos were not required to hire more than one bullfighter to protect the bull riders. This meant that if a bullfighter wanted to gain any traction in their career, they had to hustle. Barry did just that, with his signature move, running straight at a bull and hurdling over it, nose to tail. In 1992, Barry made his first appearance bullfighting at the National Final Rodeo as a part of the Wrangler Bull Fights Tour; he placed third in the season that year.

Barry’s final performance in the arena was in January of 2019 at the Columbia River Circuit Finals. He has had a fulfilling career in bullfighting for both the freestyle and cowboy protection, making it to the NFR for both. During his final year fighting bulls, he was able to work his hometown rodeo, the Horse Heaven Round-Up in Kennewick, Washington, alongside his youngest son, Miles. Barry’s sons, Ryan Manning and Miles Barry continue his legacy of fighting bulls; he also has a daughter, Clay Noel Harper (Barry), who barrel races. Barry has much to say about bullfighting and being honored with this nomination.

-Photo Courtesy of Rowdy Barry

-Photo Courtesy of Dave Jennings

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

Q: What made you start fighting bulls?

A: “Even as a child, I was attracted to bulls. So, when I started fighting bulls, I thought I wanted to be a bull rider at first. I was tall and thin and strong-legged and fast, but I wasn’t built like a bull rider. Anyway, that’s how I kind of ended up fighting bulls. So that was more appealing to me, being strong-legged and fast.”

Q: What does receiving this Hall of Fame nomination mean to you?

A: “I don’t even know how to really answer that. It’s so honoring. I feel fortunate to do something I love to do for a living, and to have a recognition like this at the end is something I’m very thankful for. I guess it puts me in the same place that I was growing up, with my role models and guys I tried to emulate, you know, that are in the Hall of Fame before me. Being there, with them, just kind of closes a chapter on my bullfighting career.”

“ “

I don’t even know how to really answer that. It’s so honoring. I feel fortunate to do something I love to do for a living, and to have a recognition like this at the end is something I’m very thankful for.

-ROWDY BARRY

Q: What is some advice you would give to someone starting out as a bullfighter?

A: “I had to learn from different bullfighters because sometimes somebody can say the same thing in a different form laid out, and you might pick it up differently than somebody else trying to teach you the same thing. Learn from different bullfighters and see what works best for you. Then the other thing is go be around livestock; that’s the most critical part to being a good bullfighter. Go get a job at a sale barn or something where you’re sorting cows, calves, steers, bulls, every day. The cow sense or bull sense is one of the most critical parts to fighting bulls; knowing how they’re going to think, how they’re going to move, where they’re going to be, and being able to anticipate that is going to get you in position.”

-Photo Courtesy of Rowdy Barry

-Photo Courtesy of Rowdy Barry

-Photo Courtesy of Rowdy Barry

“ “

Because especially in the freestyle bullfight world, we had some 1,800-pound bulls that if you messed up or they caught you, they’re big enough that they’re gonna break things. -ROWDY BARRY

Q: What makes a good bullfighter?

A: “You have to be very aggressive and very strong-minded. A good bullfighter has to be mentally strong, right? Because especially in the freestyle bullfight world, we had some 1,800-pound bulls that if you messed up or they caught you, they’re big enough that they’re gonna break things. With these Mexican bulls, most of them fight now; they’re smaller, they can tear you up and bruise you, but most of the time, they’re not gonna break a lot of things. But back then, those big bulls would be rattling the chutes; they’re bad, and if you let that get into your head, you can’t just walk out there, nod your head and let them have you. A big old 1,800-pound bull that’s been pounding the chutes letting the whole coliseum know that he’s mad; for your confidence, you’ve gotta walk out with a mindset of I’m the baddest S.O.B. and this bull hasn’t met me yet.”

Q: What do you think the future looks like for bullfighting?

A: “In the last ten years, freestyle bullfighting has grown tremendously. In 2000, the tour stopped through the PRCA; so a rodeo could have a bullfight at it, but it was just an independent bullfight. Some rodeos did that: Fort Smith, Arkansas; Salinas, California; there’s a number of (them), so they went ahead and just had bullfights on their own, but they weren’t part of a tour. They hired who they thought was the best freestyle guys they could get. It kind of went that way for a few years, and then Bull Fighters Only came along. Then they started putting together a tour and doing their own standalone events, with social media and cell phones started making everything more available. So that’s brought in a lot of young, good athletes that probably wouldn’t have been drawn to rodeo. There’s quite a few young bullfighters (that) all they do is freestyle bullfighting. Then there’s other young bullfighters that have no plans on being a freestyle bullfighter, but they want to be Dusty Tuckness, Cody Webster, or whoever that are at the top of the game just protecting bull riders. So, there’s not very many that cross over. There is still a certain amount in the middle that do; but as their protection career grows, usually their freestyle career starts minimizing once they’re making enough money and can just make a living off of working rodeos and bull riding events. But as far as bullfighting, it’ll just keep growing.”

As Barry looks to the future, he is a rodeo man through and through. He contracts out for rodeos as a chute boss or arena director. He judges bullfighting, having worked six of the Bull Fighters Only World Finals. He enjoys watching his sons fight bulls or spectating at his daughter’s barrel races. Barry wants to continue to pass on knowledge to the next generation of bullfighters. •

-Photo Courtesy of Rowdy Barry

THE FOLLOWING ARE THE RECIPIENTS OF THE ORIGINAL WRANGLER BULL FIGHTS HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 2024: Wick Peth Memorial Awards- George Mills

Stock Contractor- Cotton Rosser

Fighting Bull of the Year- Vold’s “141 Purple People Eater” Committee Award- Fort Smith, Arkansas, Barrelmen: Jim Bob Feller, Kellie LaCoste, Ted Kimzey

Wrangler Bull Fighters: Tony Johnson, Kenny Watson, Stan Ham, Jim McLain, Kevin Rich, Ted Kimzey, Rowdy Barry

Honoring 1985 and 1986 World Champion Rob Smets

Supporting Legend Award: Jerry Gustafson, Bob Tallman, Red Steagall

Julie Sutton Special Recognition Award: Jackie Romer, Leslie Kinsel

-Photo Courtesy of The Original Wrangler Bullfights Hall of Fame

-Photo Courtesy of The Original Wrangler Bullfights Hall of Fame

-Photo Courtesy of The Original Wrangler Bullfights Hall of Fame

AMERICAN HAT COMPANY

JOSIE CONNER

Article by Charity Pulliam

Photos Courtesy of American Hat Company

“Ihave been with American since 2020,” said American Hat athlete Josie Conner. “It has been a great experience.”

“I love their hats, and the people at American are amazing,” she added. “You walk into one of their stores, and the atmosphere is unbeatable.”

Iowa, Louisiana cowgirl Josie Conner is nothing short of a superstar in the breakaway roping world. She qualified for her first National Finals Breakaway Roping in 2022 and was the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association Breakaway Rookie of the Year. In 2023, she made her second trip to Las Vegas and finished 13th in the world.

The 20-year-old cowgirl has sat comfortably in the top 15 of the breakaway world standings all year, but she said one rodeo changed her trajectory going into the 2024 NFBR.

“My win in Ellensburg this year I will remember forever,” she said. “The weekend after that win, I jumped to the number one spot in world standings.”

Conner won $11,015 in Ellensburg, WA, placing her at the top of the WPRA breakaway roping world standings.

“The same person had held the number one spot since March,” she said.

Jackie Crawford, who boasts 19 WPRA world titles, has led the standings since her big win at Rodeo Huston earlier this year.

“I think the horse I have been riding this year has a lot to do with my success,” Conner said. “He has been great this year. He has been putting me in the places that I need to be and giving me the opportunities that I needed.”

Conner was referring to her 16-year-old American Quarter Horse Association gelding, Stylish Drifter, whom she affectionately calls Dutch. Before she bought Dutch, Conner said he was being used as a tie-down roping horse.

“I rode Dutch my rookie year and made the finals, but I was not having the success I would have liked,” she said. “I had not transitioned well into pro rodeo yet. They are so much different than the junior ropings I was used to.”

Conner qualified for the National Finals Breakaway Roping in 2022 and 2023. She said that in her rookie year and sophomore season,

she had to rodeo until the last week of the season to secure her spot at the finals.

“It has been a lot different this year not having to be on the bubble race,” Conner said.

The “bubble” Conner referred to is when a contestant sits just on the edge of being in the top fifteen-ranked athletes at the end of the pro rodeo season. She is far from being on the bubble rounding out the 2024 regular rodeo season.

“My second year in pro rodeo, I gave Dutch the year off, and Riley Webb roped on him for a while,” she said. “I came back with Dutch this year, and he has been so great for me.

“I think it’s funny how God works in mysterious ways,” Conner added. “I had put him aside for that time in my life, and we came back this year so much better than we ever have been.” •

STILLS RODEO IN BreakaWave

-Photos Courtesy of Clay Noel Harper

-Photos Courtesy of Clay Noel Harper

-Photo Courtesy of Lyndsey Goldwyn

-Photo Courtesy of Clay Noel Harper

YESTERDAY’S RODEO

GOD LOVES A THANKFUL HEART AND CELEBRATION

By Smokey Anderson with Lori Bizzell

The first Thanksgiving celebration was the Lord’s last supper with Jesus and his twelve disciples in Jerusalem. What a glorious time of fellowship! God calls us blessed! “Blessed are your eyes because they see and your ears because they hear.” Matthew 13:16

Texans celebrated the first Thanksgiving according to a 1992 resolution passed by the Texas Legislature. It was held in North America on April 30, 1598, near El Paso, Texas. Thanksgiving day is one of the most precious holidays we have been given. In God’s Word, the Holy Bible, He assures us that we have salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. The apostle Paul writes us in Ephesians 2:8-9 “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works so that no one can boast.” Wow, isn’t this something to be thankful for, along with the Holy Sacrament of Communion, when we remember Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross for each of us? Today, when we understand all that we must be thankful for, we can enjoy Thanksgiving with even more appreciation.

On October 3, 1863, our 16th president, Abraham Lincoln, proclaimed the last Thursday of each November to be Thanksgiving Day. It is a time of joy to be with family and friends, sharing gratitude for God’s blessings and abundance.

Thanksgiving is a bit more than that for a rodeo cowboy like me. Every time I can walk away from a near-death disaster from hanging up, or a crazy bull, or a wild bronc that fell or rolled over on me, I am saved and will live another day to be thankful for the life my Lord has given me! •

BY SMOKEY ANDERSON RODEO CRAZY COWBOYS

Step into the thrilling world of rodeo with ‘Rodeo Crazy Cowboys’, the captivating sequel to ‘Kansas City Rodeo Cowboy’. With a heart-pounding career spanning over five decades, Smokey Anderson shows you what it means to be a true cowboy. He takes you on a thrilling ride, capturing every aspect of the cowboy lifestyle - from the adrenaline rush of bull riding to the technical expertise of cow roping. Smokey has lived to tell the tale of his incredible experiences, making him an expert in the art of cowboy life. This riveting story evokes the danger and the drama, the mystery and the intrigue, and, most of all – the fun! Smokey’s words gallop off the pages as he recounts spectacles that’ll make your heart race. Experience the rush of adrenaline as one stares into the eye of the beast, poised to unleash the exhilarating fury of the sport. But it’s not just about the action – the story takes you through the dusty arenas, the heart-stopping moments, and the grit that defines the life of a cowboy. Smokey’s relentless determination, with spurs dug in and head held high, paints a vivid picture of a passionate life. So saddle up, immerse yourself in the world of chutes and lassos, and get ready for a memorable ride. Find the Smokey’s Book on Amazon.com

DYLAN OUZTS

Article by Charity Pulliam

Photos Courtesy of Team Cavender’s

“Ihad seen things really good about Team Cavender’s,” said Team Cavender’s Athlete Dylan Ouzts. “I think a few of my friends who had been on the team put in a good word for me, and I was officially made a part of the team during the National High School Rodeo Finals this year.

“Later, I was able to learn more from Lightning Aguilera, who made the NFR in 2022,” he added. “I started to see a real future in rodeo.”

“It had been a dream to be on Team Cavender’s for a while,” he added. “Now that it’s actually happening and it is real, I am very thankful and excited for the rest of this year.”

Dylan Ouzts said that although he had lived in Texas all his life, a state that has produced multiple rodeo legends, he had not grown up in a traditional rodeo family.

“I always rode horses growing up just like everyone else here, but I didn’t really have any family that was involved in rodeo,” Ouzts said.

Although he did not grow up in a traditional rodeo family, Outzts said he had no shortage of role models and teachers.

Robson Palermo, a three-time Professional Bull Riders World Champion and 2021 Ring of Honor Inductee, played an instrumental role during the start of Ouzts’s rodeo career.

“Robson taught me how to really ride my horse so that I could even have the ability to rope and the basics of team roping,” he said.

Ouzts said he realized he had to choose between school sports and rodeo.

“I felt like between school and rodeo, I was living two different lifestyles,” Ouzts said. “I played sports at school, but the injuries I would get from rodeoing would stop me from playing baseball and football, so I decided to focus only on rodeo.

“It’s hard because I love rodeoing, and I see more opportunities and a future there, but I miss playing football and baseball with my buddies at school,” he added.

During his freshman year of high school, Ouzts said he decided to add another event to his resume, this time on the opposite end of the arena.

“Jeremy Stevenson, who knew my mom, texted me one day and said he’d like to help me get into bronc riding,” he said. “I went to his house, and he let me use his saddle and gear when I started. I am very thankful for everything he’s taught me.”

While Ouzts was learning to rodeo, he said his family was learning along with him. One person he said has taken it all in stride is his dad, Burton Ouzts.

“He didn’t grow up around rodeo at all, and he didn’t think much of it when I started roping,” he said. “When I started riding broncs, he did question me pretty hard because he knew how much I loved playing football. I think he sees now how much I also love riding broncs.” No matter what he chose, Ouzts said he knew his parents would be supportive.

“My mom, Shana Ouzts, always makes it to my rodeos,” he said. “I can’t say how thankful I am for her being supportive of me and my dreams.”

He added there is no shortage of support from the friends he’s made on Team Cavender’s.

“Jace Stout and Cooper Lane have helped me a lot too,” he said. “Whether they are teaching me something new about bronc riding or giving me pep talks, they are always helping.” •

KINLEY LOWRY

Article by Charity Pulliam

“Igot my first pair of boots and first hat at Cavender’s,” said Kinley Lowry, a first-year member of Team Cavender’s. “A former member of the rodeo team, Jolee Alvey, reached out to me and told me about the team.

“So, I went on their website and read a little more about it and decided to apply,” she added. “I officially signed with them this past August.”

Kinley Lowry is a senior at Chapel Hill High School in Mount Pleasant, Texas. While she is an active member of Team Cavender’s and the Texas High School Rodeo Association, she said she has her sights set on attending veterinary school at Texas A&M University.

“I have always wanted to be a vet since I was very, very little,” she said. “I love animals so much. I want to be able to be a vet and help them and their owners as much as possible.”

Lowry said she is currently a dual-enrolled student at North East Texas Community College, earning college credit hours while still in high school. She said this would give her a head start on her college career.

“I am planning on attending Texas A&M-Commerce after I graduate,” she said. “So, the classes I am taking at NTCC right now will help me start as a sophomore or a junior when I get to Commerce.”

As a current member of the National Honor Society, Lowry said she wants to continue that trend of academic excellence by being a part of the Honors College at A&M-Commerce, where she will study PreVeterinary Science with a minor in equine science to prepare her for vet school.

Lowry said her involvement in the FFA organization helped her chase her dream of attending vet school. She said she serves as treasurer on her FFA chapter’s officer team and is heavily involved in the organization.

“I do Leadership Development Events and Career Development Events,” she said. “In the fall, I compete on the Agricultural Advocacy and Agricultural Issues team, and this spring, I will compete on the vet science team and the horse judging team.”

According to a description on the National FFA website in Veterinary Science CDE, students will work in teams to demonstrate their technical knowledge with small and large animals. They complete written exams, scenario questions, identification, and hands-on practicum.

“Our team made it to the state contest in vet science last year,” Lowry said. “When we were getting ready for the contest, we had a local vet come and talk to us. That was really cool to be able to ask him questions and learn from him.

“Being on the team has helped me learn a lot about certain skills and instruments used in equine medicine,” she said. “I can carry all those skills over to my horses and my rodeo career.”

Lowry said she hopes to work towards buying a WPRA card, but vet school and a career in veterinary medicine will be her main focus once she starts attending classes at A&M-Commerce. •

Photos Courtesy of Team Cavender’s

COWBOY ENTREPRENEUR

AMERICAN PAINT HORSE ASSOCIATION

Article by Scott Knudsen

Photos Courtesy of APHA/Paint Horse Journal

The American Paint horse has been such an important part of rodeo and the western lifestyle.

The APHA is the world’s second-largest breed association and is growing around the world every day. Their beautiful corporate office is right in the middle of Cowtown in Fort Worth, TX, and is definitely worth a visit. Their popularity is not based solely on their appearance. American paint horses are world-renowned thanks to their calm nature and unwavering intelligence.

The association was founded in 1962 with the merging of two different color breed registries that had been formed to register pinto-colored horses of Quarter Horse bloodlines. One of these organizations was the American Paint Quarter Horse Association (APQHA) and the other was the American Paint Stock Horse Association (APSHA). Rebecca Tyler Lockhart, APHA founder, did not know the impact she would have on the global level. Her vision of providing a wealth of opportunities for paint horses has certainly come full circle, and one can only imagine she would be so pleased to see APHA’s progress and success. “The American Paint Horse Association has now registered more than 1.1 million horses in 59 countries worldwide since APHA’s inception in 1962,” says Jessica Hein, Sr. Director of Communications for the APHA.

“Marked for Greatness” is a tagline that came out of their rebranding several years ago. The American paint horses are so unique, just like the people who love them. Their potential is often marked right there on their coats in the form of beautiful chrome markings that let the horses stand out and shine bright in whatever direction they go. “Marked for Greatness” means something different to everybody, but it’s uniquely personal and helps connect each paint horse enthusiast or breed admirer with the horses that can turn dreams into reality.

“Our staff is uniquely composed of horse lovers who are deeply entrenched in the horse industry and western lifestyle. The result is a group of individuals who care deeply and passionately about the product they’re producing, the horses, and our members. That internal pride keeps us moving forward, finding new ways to connect with our members, preserve our heritage, and provide new, meaningful experiences to the association,” says Hein. The horse world is moving from breed-loyal focuses to discipline-focused pursuits. By providing ways for our association to meet people where they’re at, instead of expecting them to participate in a handful of cookie-cutter programs, they have a greater margin of success in reaching new and existing enthusiasts in a way that’s meaningful. APHA has hosted events around the world. There have been APHA-approved shows on every continent except Antarctica. Recently, they have seen a growing interest in paints and the western lifestyle in Asia. They have hosted some clinics and shows there to help build the market. The APHA actively seeks out partners who complement their values and goals, and vice versa. All of the APHA partners are chosen for the value they can offer their members, in addition to the value they find in APHA as well.

Though the breed is best known for Western events, paints are found in almost every equestrian sport. They offer more than 400 events at their World Championship Show, along with about $2.5 million in added money between the World Show and Halter Million events. Ranch horse events are probably the area that’s seeing the greatest interest and growth. That’s one of the reasons they have partnered with Daniel Patton to develop their sister organization, the International Ranch Horse Association. APHA is seeing impressive growth in western performance events, like reining, cutting, reined cow horse, and barrel racing. The impact of paints in the sport of rodeo is growing daily. Some more notable are Big Time Movie Star & Pine Time Boogie (Trevor Brazile), Chicks Keen O Pocopoo (Brittany Barnett), Colonel Peeka Pep (Riley Webb), Smokin Copper King (Junior Nogueira), and Pixi Golden Streak (Hunter Cure). These are among some of the topperforming paints, but there are many more!

“ “

Stop by and visit if you’re in town—we love meeting paint horse enthusiasts and would love to show you around. -JESSICA HEIN

The American Paint Horse Association created the first all-scholarship show in the horse world. It has been a big draw for the youth program, the American Junior Paint Horse Association. We all know the benefits of horse involvement (physical fitness, mental health, responsibility, etc), but the availability of scholarships at the World Championship Show and general academic-based scholarships help justify participation for parents. Why choose between having a horse and saving for college when you can do both and build valuable skills in your child along the way!

“We’d love to invite everyone to visit us in the heart of the Fort Worth Stockyards. You’ll see our larger-than-life bronze paint horses galloping down Mule Alley in the Stockyards, just steps from our international headquarters and our retail store, the PH Barn Door. Stop by and visit if you’re in town—we love meeting paint horse enthusiasts and would love to show you around,” said Hein. You will always see a smiling face and receive a hand to shake in their office. It is a must-see for any tourist or visitor to Cowtown in Fort Worth, TX. •

To follow Scott: instagram@cowboy_entrepreneur www.cowboyentrepreneur.com

CRAVE ADVENTURE, FAITH, AND A GLIMPSE INTO THE WILD WEST?

Saddle up for “Sovereign rein,” a collection of heartwarming true StorieS about a cowboy’S life intertwined with faith and family. author Scott KnudSen ShareS hiS experienceS working the ranch, hiS unwavering belief, and the inSpiring bond with hiS family.

In “SovereIgn reIn,” you’ll dIScover:

• 17 captIvatIng taleS from the rugged landScapeS of the WeSt.

• a coWboy’S perSpectIve on faIth and the bIble’S Influence In daIly lIfe.

• the Importance of famIly and unWaverIng Support.

• a love for the WeStern Way of lIfe and ItS cherIShed tradItIonS.

thIS book IS perfect for you If you:

• love adventure StorIeS Set In the WIld WeSt.

• Seek InSpIratIon and a reneWed connectIon WIth faIth.

• apprecIate the bond of famIly and the valueS they InStIll.

• Want to experIence the beauty of the coWboy lIfeStyle.

the firSt Story iS being made into a feature film! get your copy today and embark on a literary adventure!

resistol rooKie race

THESE ROOKIES HAVE THEIR SIGHTS ON AN NFR QUALIFICATION THEIR FIRST YEAR OUT.

Resistol rookies in their first year as Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association card holders are battling through the ranks for the coveted PRCA Resistol Rookie of the Year title and a Wrangler NFR qualification. Competing against seasoned multi-time world champions, the 2024 Resistol rookies hold their own in the top 15 rankings. Six of these rookies aim to secure an NFR qualification in their debut year.

WACEY SCHALLA

Wacey Schalla, with the ink on his high school diploma still wet, established himself as a household name. Last summer, he won the 2023 National High School Rodeo Finals All Around and Bull Riding champion titles. This summer, he is qualifying for the NFR.

The 18-year-old from Oklahoma has clinched an estimated 19 All-Around titles during the 2024 rodeo season. His summer success moved him to second in the PRCA all-around world standings and third in the bull riding world standings. Undoubtedly, Schalla is leading the rookie all-around and bull riding standings. He is sitting second in the rookie bareback riding standings, behind another standout star Weston Timberman.

WESTON TIMBERMAN

Weston Timberman is leading the rookie bareback riding standings by over $50,000, and respectively is ninth in the bareback riding world standings. The 19-year-old maintained a consistent lead all season by starting at the top and aims to finish in the same position.

Outside of the ProRodeo circuit, he defended his title from the College National Finals Rodeo last year to claim it again this year.

JETER LAWRENCE

With over $131,000 to his name, Jeter Lawrence is sitting second in the rookie bull riding standings and 10th in the bull riding world standings.

Last year, Keenan Hayes won the world title to end the knife fight for the Bareback Riding Resistol Rookie of the Year title. This year’s bull riding rookie title might require the same. Nineteenyear-old Lawrence held the lead for most of the year, until Schalla claimed the number one spot.

Article by Paige Brandon

Photos Courtesy of Resistol

COOPER JAMES

Behind Lawrence, Cooper James, at 19 years old, sits third in the rookie bull riding standings and 11th in the world bull riding standings. His success at the Douglas County Fair and Rodeo and Omak Stampede pushed him past the $100,000 mark, as one of only five rookies to do so (a potential sixth rookie is less than $5,000 away).

Consistency is the name of James’ game. He reportedly won just one rodeo this season, but on the same hand, he earned nearly $25,000 in a single week and placed fourth in Cheyenne Frontier Days bull riding finals.

ZACHARY DALLAS

Zachary Dallas, leading the saddle bronc rookie standings, is 12th in the world saddle bronc standings. The 22-year-old has drawn attention since the beginning of the season. What started as a modest difference of a few thousand dollars between him and second place in the rookie standings has grown to over $90,000. His highest reported paycheck comes from St. Paul Rodeo after he finished third in the saddle bronc. His highlight reel includes wins from the Ponoka (Alberta) Stampede and the 152nd Silver Spurs Rodeo (Kissimmee, FL).

COLE CLEMONS

Cole Clemons, the 20-year-old rookie, is first in the rookie tie-down standings and 12th in the tie-down world standings. Clemons is less than $5,000 from breaking the $100,000 mark. He secured the top spot after a seasonlong battle with Bryce Derrer, thanks to recent successes that have widened the gap between them by $15,000.

FIRST-TIME CONTENDERS

Last year, in the 2023 Resistol Rookie class, five rookies qualified for the NFR, including Keenan Hayes, the 2023 Bareback Riding World Champion; Kade Sonnier; Dean Thompson; T Parker, the 2023 Bull Riding Resistol Rookie of the Year; and Ryder Sanford, the 2023 Saddle Bronc Riding Resistol Rookie of the Year. Each new class of rookies continues to raise the bar, proving the impossible becomes possible and any rookie can rise to world champion status.

From day to day ranch work to rodeo production, with western events like Tom Horn Days, we needed the reliability, versatility, and durability that only the Apex Trailer provides.

- The crew of Tom Horn Days and Selle Ranch

COWBOY CHEF COOKING WITH THE

VAQUERO TORTILLA SOUP: A COWBOY’S FAVORITE

Life on the rodeo circuit is demanding. Long days in the saddle, tough nights on the road, and an endless parade of competitions can leave even the toughest cowboys craving something hearty and comforting when you finally get a chance to kick off your boots. That’s where Vaquero Tortilla Soup comes in. It’s simple, hearty, and perfect after a long day of work. This isn’t just your average soup—it’s filling enough to be a meal on its own but works just as well paired with a salad or grilled cheese.

Don’t let the depth of flavor fool you into thinking this soup is complicated. It’s quick and easy to make, coming together in less than an hour, and while most people associate soups with colder weather, this one is great year-round. It’s comforting in winter but light enough for a summer evening. What I love most about this soup is its versatility. You can make it thinner by adding more broth or thicker by tossing in more tortilla strips. It’s up to you.

Every time I’ve served this soup, it’s been a hit. There’s something about the way the tortillas soften into the broth, the cheese melts on top, and the avocado adds just the right creaminess. It’s like an enchilada in soup form—familiar, comforting, but with a little extra kick. You can make it your own with toppings like diced jalapeños, a dollop of sour cream, or a squeeze of fresh lime.

You know, I’ve never met a soul who didn’t dig into this soup with a smile on their face. It’s one of those dishes that just brings people together, whether out on the road or sharing a meal at home, and it reheats beautifully, so it’s perfect for making ahead or enjoying leftovers on the go. So, next time you’re looking for something hearty, simple, and packed with flavor, give Vaquero Tortilla Soup a try. You won’t be disappointed.

Check out my step-by-step instructions at www.CowboyChefNewton.com

“Do

INGREDIENTS:

6 T Cooking Oil

VAQUERO TORTILLA SOUP

4 6-inch corn tortillas, halved and cut crosswise into 1⁄4 inch strips

8 6-inch corn tortillas, chopped

1 Sweet White Onion, chopped

4 Lg Garlic Cloves, smashed

1 Poblano Pepper, diced

1 T Paprika

1 T Ground Cumin

3 T Chili Mix* *For Chili Mix, use your favorite blend. Check out Pendry’s in Ft Worth, TX. Their Sierra Madre mix works perfectly for this hearty, flavorful soup!

2 Qts Chicken Broth

2 C Vegetable Broth

3 C Canned Crushed T omatoes (28 oz can)

1 Can Rotel Original Tomatoes

1 Bay Leaves

2 1/2 T Salt

1/2 C Cilantro Leaves, plus 3 T Chopped Cilantro

1 3/4 lbs Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts, cut into 3⁄4-inch pieces

1 Lg Avocado, cubed

1/4 lb Grated Cheddar/Monterrey Jack Cheese

2 Lg Jalapenos, sliced (larger Jalapenos aren’t as spicy, adjust to taste)

1 Lg Lime, cut into wedges

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. In large pot, heat oil over moderately high heat. Add the Tortilla strips and cook, stirring, until light golden, about 1 minute. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

2. Reduce heat to medium-low, add Onions, Garlic, Poblano and Spices; cook, stirring, for 5 minutes.

3. Add Chicken & Vegetable Broth, Tomatoes, Bay Leaves, Salt, Cilantro Leaves, and the 8 Chopped Tortillas; bring to a simmer. Cook, uncovered, for 30 minutes. REMOVE THE BAY LEAVES.

4. *Omit this next step if you want a brothier soup. The tortillas will cook down. If you’d like a thicker, creamier soup, proceed with the stick blender. Using a stick blender, puree soup until smooth.

5. Add Chicken (this is a great recipe for using leftover smoked, grilled or baked chicken. Reconstitute chicken in chicken broth before adding to soup), and simmer for about 5 minutes. Add Jalapenos and simmer until Chicken is cooked through, about 5 more minutes.

6. In serving bowl, layer desired amount of Tortilla Strips, Cheese, and Avocado; pour Soup gracefully around “mound” and top with additional Tortilla Strips, Cheese and Chopped Cilantro. Serve with Lime wedges. •

WESTERN STATES RANCH RODEO ASSOCIATION & RODEO LIFE

Rodeo Life is proud to announce its partnership with the Western States Ranch Rodeo Association as the official magazine. We strive to promote everything rodeo, including ranch rodeo. The WSRRA shares a love for the western way of life and, in that, faith, family, and freedom. Within this partnership, you can expect coverage both in our December issue and on social media, plus highlights of various WSRRA rodeos, contestants, and teams throughout the year. If you’re around Winnemucca, Nevada, October 31st- November 2nd, come down to the Winnemucca Events Complex to witness all of the action of the WSRRA World Finals firsthand!

-Photo Courtesy of the WSRRA

CREATED TO BE SET APART

Article by Kory Keeth

It’s so easy to get caught up in the busyness of life. Whether it be work, chasing kids, personal hobbies, or other activities, it’s easy to be consumed in the rush of life. The world tells us we need to have the best of everything. We need to work harder to buy things that make us fit in.

But we weren’t made to fit in, we were created to be set apart. Jeremiah 1:5 says, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” God has a plan and a purpose for each one of us before we are born, or before we were even a thought.

“For He chose us in Him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in His sight” Ephesians 1:4. If you are reading this, know God chose YOU. He has a deep love for you greater than you could ever comprehend. So what does it mean to be set apart?

It means surrendering our plans to His will for our life. God has so much more in store for our good than we could ever imagine. Sometimes our greatest problem is limiting our view of God or what we think He can do.

As we carry on in our day-to-day lives, we need to live intentionally, knowing our identity as a child of God carries a great privilege and purpose. We need to walk in righteousness, live out our faith, and bring glory to His name in our interactions with others.

For He chose us in Him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in His sight. -EPHESIANS 1:4 “ “

If you haven’t started living for Him in EVERY area of your life, it’s not too late. God is waiting for you to run to Him. Any past mistakes, negative habits, earthly desires... lay them at His feet. It is simply incredible how deep His grace is and His mercy freely flows for those who want to accept it. It might be the toughest thing losing friends and family for not living by their standards anymore. But at the heart of the matter, I’d rather stand by God and be judged by the world. When people see you, let them see Jesus. Be set apart. •

Kory and Wife Jessica

ABOUT KORY KEETH

In 2017, Kory began his PRCA announcing career, and he now stands on some of the most prestigious podiums in the sport. Kory takes pride in knowing as much as possible about every contestant. His hard work has led him to work over 100 performances a year. On top of his announcing career, Kory is a beef cow/calf producer in Missouri and raises high-quality commercial heifers with his wife Jessica. Jessica travels with him to rodeos as much as possible and is an avid breakaway roper. Kory and Jessica also serve in their church youth group and are involved in the community.

FOR MORE ENCOURAGEMENT FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM @KORYKEETH

Kory and Wife Jessica

RODEO RESULTS

-Photo Courtesy of Sage Harper

PENDLETON ROUND-UP

Article by Clay Noel Harper

While Pendleton is a 30-minute drive southeast of Hermiston, Oregon, many Hermiston locals claim the Round-Up as their second hometown rodeo. One of those cowboys is Columbia River Circuit tie-down roper Preston Pederson. He grew up watching his dad, Curtis Pederson, compete in a similar pursuit, then competed with older brothers, Michael and Johnny. Tie-down roping was bred into him, and a Pendleton Round-Up Championship had always been the dream. Pederson entered the final round–along with his brother Michael-in the top 5 in the average with 21.5 seconds on two head. The local cowboy went out to rope his calf in 8.6 seconds. Pederson would share the title with NFR cowboy Ty Harris in a time of 30.1 seconds on three head. The champions took an iconic three victory laps around the arena. Pederson said, ‘That was pretty cool. The second one, my dad (Curtis), said to take another lap. So the guys were out there like, “Woah, woah.” I just blew past them and I didn’t look back.’

THE Black Tie from Sankey Pro Rodeo and Phenom Genetics is no stranger to bucking on the grass for Short Go Saturday. The 2022 Horse of the Year was matched with Australian cowboy Jake Finlay this year. The pair went out for 91 points–the highest marked score of the rodeo–to win the short go. That score propelled Finlay to the top of the average with 176.5 points on two rides. This was the second consecutive year the Pendleton Round-Up Saddle Bronc Riding Championship was won from a ride on THE Black Tie in the short go. Before his victory lap, Finlay was seen running to his expecting wife, Janie Finlay (Johnson), to celebrate with a hug.

Lisa Lockhart is a highly respected name in the barrel racing world. The 17-time NFR qualifier has won almost every Women’s Professional Rodeo Association sanctioned rodeo except the historic Green Mile. With a time of 57.29 seconds on two runs, Lockhart was finally able to take a Pendleton Round-Up buckle back home to South Dakota, saying, “It is so cool to be old and have a win at a most prestigious, legendary rodeo that it took me a long time to get here. Couldn’t be more proud.”

-Photo Courtesy of Sage Harper

-Photo Courtesy of Sage Harper

PENDLETON ROUND-UP

PENDLETON, OREGON, SEPT. 11-14

ALL-AROUND COWBOY

Coleman Proctor, $24,154, team roping and steer roping.

BAREBACK RIDING

First round: 1. Kade Sonnier, 86.5 points on Outlawbuckers Rodeo’s Barcelona City, $6,822; 2. R.C. Landingham, 86, $5,230; 3. (tie) Cole Reiner and Dean Thompson, 85, $3,183 each; 5. (tie) Bradlee Miller and Weston Timberman, 84.5, $1,364 each; 7. Cole Franks, 84, $910; 8. (tie) Waylon Bourgeois, Clay Jorgenson, Nick Pelke and Mason Stuller, 83.5, $171 each. Finals: 1. Weston Timberman, 89 points on Sankey Pro Rodeo & Phenom Genetics’ Land O’ Fancy, $1,650; 2. (tie) Waylon Bourgeois and Cole Reiner, 88, $1,075 each; 4. (tie) Mason Clements and Clay Jorgenson, 87, $475 each; 6. (tie) Jacob Lees and Mason Stuller, 85.5, $125 each. Average: 1. Weston Timberman, 173.5 points on two head, $6,822; 2. Cole Reiner, 173, $5,230; 3. (tie) Waylon Bourgeois and Kade Sonnier, 171.5, $3,183 each; 5. R.C. Landingham, 171, $1,592; 6. Clay Jorgenson, 170.5, $1,137; 7. Mason Clements, 170, $910; 8. Bradlee Miller, 169.5, $682. TIE-DOWN ROPING:

First round: 1. Cash Hooper, 8.6 seconds, $5,329; 2. Britt Bedke, 8.8, $4,634; 3. Lucas Potter, 9.0, $3,939; 4. Kincade Henry, 9.1, $3,244; 5. Brushton Minton, 9.3, $2,549; 6. Logan Bird, 9.6, $1,854; 7. (tie) Dylan Hancock, Kass Kayser, Jason Minor and Marty Yates, 9.7, $405 each. Second round: 1. Paden Bray, 8.7 seconds, $5,329; 2. Zack Jongbloed, 9.3, $4,634; 3. (tie) Waid Dalton and John Pereira, 9.8, $3,591 each; 5. (tie) Garrett Jacobs, Brushton Minton, Jake Pratt and Riley Pruitt, 10.0, $1,506 each. Finals: 1. Ty Harris, 8.4 seconds, $1,508; 2. Marcos Costa, 8.5, $1,248; 3. Preston Pederson, 8.6, $988; 4. Jake Pratt, 8.8, $728; 5. Cody Craig, 9.0, $468; 6. Michael Pederson, 9.3, $260. Average: 1. (tie) Ty Harris and Preston Pederson, 30.1 seconds on three head, $7,472 each; 3. Jake Pratt, 30.2, $5,908; 4. Brushton Minton, 30.3, $4,866; 5. Britt Bedke, 30.7, $3,823; 6. Michael Pederson, 31.1, $2,780; 7. Marcos Costa, 31.2, $1,738; 8. Cody Craig, 31.9, $695.

BREAKAWAY ROPING:

First round: 1. Kelsie Domer, 2.4 seconds, $4,481; 2. Lari Dee Guy, 2.6, $3,585; 3. (tie) Jenna Dallyn, Coti Fuller and Haliegh Grant, 2.7, $2,315 each; 6. (tie) Bailey Bates and Taylor Munsell, 2.8, $1,232 each; 8. Braylee Shepherd, 2.9, $1,008; 9. (tie) Rickie Fanning, Chloe Lambert, Bailey Patterson and Madalyn Richards, 3.0, $728 each; 13. (tie) Jackie Crawford, Bradi Good and Jordan Jo Hollabaugh, 3.1, $336 each. Finals: 1. Coti Fuller, 3.7 seconds, $1,431; 2. Chloe Lambert, 3.9, $1,245; 3. Kelsie Domer, 4.0, $1,058; 4. Braylee Shepherd, 4.5, $871; 5. Bailey Patterson, 4.7, $685; 6. Madalyn Richards, 4.8, $498; no other qualified runs. Average: 1. (tie) Kelsie Domer and Coti Fuller, 6.4 seconds on two head, $6,049 each; 3. Chloe Lambert, 6.9, $4,369; 4. Braylee Shepherd, 7.4, $3,361; 5. Bailey Patterson, 7.7, $2,689; 6. Madalyn Richards, 7.8, $2,016; 7. Lari Dee Guy, 2.6 on one head, $1,680; 8. (tie) Haliegh Grant and Jenna Dallyn, 2.7, $1,428 each; 10. (tie) Taylor Munsell and Bailey Bates, 2.8, $1,092 each; 12. Rickie Fanning, 3.0, $840; no other qualified runs.

-Photo Courtesy of Sage Harper

SADDLE BRONC RIDING

First round: 1. (tie) Jake Finlay, on Summit Pro Rodeo’s Cowboy Fool, Zeke Thurston, on Brookman Rodeo’s Chick Bate, and Statler Wright, on Four Star Rodeo’s Stroke Of Luck, 85.5 points, $4,999 each; 4. (tie) Kade Bruno, Lefty Holman and Kolby Wanchuk, 85, $1,642 each; 7. (tie) Damian Brennan, Zachary Dallas and Cash Wilson, 84.5, $500 each. Finals: 1. Jake Finlay, 91 points on Sankey Pro Rodeo & Phenom Genetics’ The Black Tie, $1,650; 2. (tie) Brody Cress and Zeke Thurston, 89, $1,075 each; 4. Lefty Holman, 86, $600; 5. Damian Brennan, 85.5, $350; 6. Dawson Hay, 85, $250. Average: 1. Jake Finlay, 176.5 points on two head, $6,427; 2. Zeke Thurston, 174.5, $4,927; 3. Brody Cress, 173, $3,642; 4. Lefty Holman, 171, $2,357; 5. Damian Brennan, 170, $1,500; 6. (tie) Dawson Hay and Cash Wilson, 169, $964 each; 8. Statler Wright, 168.5, $643.

STEER WRESTLING:

First round: 1. Riley Duvall, 4.9 seconds, $5,035; 2. Trisyn Kalawaia, 5.1, $4,378; 3. (tie) Logan Kenline and Rowdy Parrott, 5.8, $3,393 each; 5. (tie) BoDee Foster and Colin Wolfe, 6.0, $2,080 each; 7. Kenny Coppini, 6.1, $1,095; 8. (tie) Landon Beardsworth and Dakota Eldridge, 6.2, $219 each. Second round: 1. Eli Lord, 4.1 seconds, $5,035; 2. Rowdy Parrott, 5.9, $4,378; 3. (tie) Dalton Massey and Jacob Stacy, 6.0, $3,393 each; 5. Tyler Waguespack, 6.2, $2,408; 6. (tie) Jesse Brown, Scott Guenthner, Logan Kenline and Brendan Laye, 6.4, $821 each. Finals: 1. Jace Melvin, 4.9 seconds, $1,334; 2. Dalton Massey, 5.1, $1,104; 3. Jesse Brown, 5.3, $874; 4. Justin Shaffer, 5.5, $644; 5. Cody Devers, 5.6, $414; 6. Scott Guenthner, 5.9, $230. Average: 1. Jesse Brown, 18.3 seconds on three head, $7,552; 2. Dalton Massey, 18.4, $6,567; 3. Jace Melvin, 18.9, $5,582; 4. Cody Devers, 19.5, $4,597; 5. Scott Guenthner, 20.3, $3,612; 6. Justin Shaffer, 20.8, $2,627; 7. Tucker Allen, 22.9, $1,642; 8. Kyle Irwin, 23.2, $657.

TEAM ROPING:

First round: 1. Brye Crites/Tyler Worley, 5.0 seconds, $6,579 each; 2. (tie) Jake Clay/Trey Yates and Coleman Proctor/Junior Nogueira, 5.3, $5,292 each; 4. (tie) Hagen Peterson/Chase Tryan and Clint Summers/ Jake Long, 5.6, $3,576 each; 6. (tie) Luke Brown/Travis Graves and Jeff Flenniken/Jake Minor, 5.8, $1,859 each; 8. (tie) Wyatt Bray/Paden Bray and Dustin Egusquiza/Levi Lord, 5.9, $286 each. Second round: 1. Cody Snow/Hunter Koch, 4.0 seconds, $6,579 each; 2. Hayes Smith/ Justin Davis, 4.9, $5,721; 3. David Temple/Tio Simmons, 5.2, $4,863; 4. Tyler Tryan/Denton Dunning, 5.3, $4,005; 5. Kreece Thompson/Cooper Freeman, 5.4, $3,146; 6. Wawa Ben JR./Brandon Ben, 5.5, $2,288; 7. Jake Stanley/B.J. Campbell, 5.6, $1,430; 8. (tie) Dustin Egusquiza/ Levi Lord and Roger Nonella/Colton Gow, 5.9, $286 each. Finals: 1. Dustin Egusquiza/Levi Lord, 6.1 seconds, $1,783 each; 2. Wyatt Bray/ Paden Bray, 6.3, $1,550; 3. Luke Brown/Travis Graves, 6.7, $1,318; 4. Coleman Proctor/Junior Nogueira, 8.4, $1,085; 5. Jason Handy/Cole Cooper, 8.8, $853; 6. Jeff Flenniken/Jake Minor, 10.9, $620; 7. Kellan Johnson/Carson Johnson, 13.3, $388; 8. Cody Snow/Hunter Koch, 14.4, $155. Average: 1. Dustin Egusquiza/Levi Lord, 17.9 seconds on three head, $9,868 each; 2. Wyatt Bray/Paden Bray, 18.3, $8,581; 3. Luke Brown/Travis Graves, 18.7, $7,294; 4. Coleman Proctor/Junior Nogueira, 19.8, $6,007; 5. Jason Handy/Cole Cooper, 22.1, $4,720; 6. Jeff Flenniken/Jake Minor, 23.0, $3,433; 7. Kellan Johnson/Carson Johnson, 26.4, $2,145; 8. Cody Snow/Hunter Koch, 28.0, $858.

-Photo Courtesy of Heath Herring

BULL RIDING:

First round: 1. Trevor Reiste, 87 points on Big Rafter Rodeo’s Sasquatch, $6,371; 2. Jeter Lawrence, 86, $4,884; 3. Roscoe Jarboe, 84, $3,610; 4. Rawley Johnson, 83, $2,336; 5. Jestyn Woodward, 82.5, $1,486; 6. Ernie Courson Jr, 82, $1,062; 7. Jace Trosclair, 81.5, $849; 8. TJ Gray, 81, $637. * Finals: 1. Trevor Reiste, 91.5 points on Outlawbuckers Rodeo’s Blue Magic, $1,800; 2. Jeter Lawrence, 88, $1,400; 3. Trey Kimzey, 87.5, $1,050; 4. Hayes Weight, 82.5, $750; no other qualified rides. Average: 1. Trevor Reiste, 178.5 points on two head, $6,371; 2. Jeter Lawrence, 174, $4,884; 3. Trey Kimzey, 160.5, $3,610; 4. Hayes Weight, 160, $2,336; 5. Roscoe Jarboe, 84 on one head, $1,486; 6. Rawley Johnson, 83, $1,062; 7. Jestyn Woodward, 82.5, $849; 8. Ernie Courson Jr, 82, $637. *(all totals include ground money).

STEER ROPING:

First round: 1. Trenton Johnson, 11.1 seconds, $5,108; 2. Coleman Proctor, 11.9, $4,442; 3. Erich Rogers, 12.4, $3,776; 4. (tie) Quay Howard and Dalton Walker, 13.1, $2,776 each; 6. (tie) Blake Deckard, Cody Lee and Kelton McMillen, 14.0, $1,111 each. Second round: 1. Dalton Walker, 10.3 seconds, $5,108; 2. Bryce Davis, 12.5, $4,442; 3. Trenton Johnson, 12.8, $3,776; 4. Vin Fisher Jr., 12.9, $3,109; 5. Tuf Case Cooper, 13.2, $2,443; 6. Cameron Ritchey, 13.5, $1,777; 7. Thomas Smith, 13.8, $1,111; 8. Tuff Hardman, 14.6, $444. Finals: 1. Trenton Johnson, 14.0 seconds, $1,378; 2. (tie) Clay Long and Trent Sorey, 14.1, $1,021 each; 4. Coleman Proctor, 14.6, $665; 5. Blake Deckard, 15.1, $428; 6. Tuff Hardman, 16.7, $238. Average: 1. Trenton Johnson, 37.9 seconds on three head, $7,662; 2. Coleman Proctor, 41.2, $6,663; 3. Tuff Hardman, 46.3, $5,664; 4. Blake Deckard, 46.6, $4,664; 5. Clay Long, 50.8, $3,665; 6. Trent Sorey, 52.5, $2,665; 7. Thomas Smith, 55.3, $1,666; 8. Dalton Walker, 23.4 on two head, $666.

BARREL RACING:

First round: 1. Lisa Lockhart, 28.57 seconds, $5,891; 2. Italy Sheehan, 28.71, $5,049; 3. Sara Winkelman, 28.84, $4,208; 4. Shelly Mull, 28.86, $3,647; 5. Jamie Olsen, 29.00, $2,805; 6. (tie) Megan McLeodSprague and Tayla Moeykens, 29.08, $1,964 each; 8. LaTricia Duke, 29.09, $1,122; 9. Colleen Kingsbury, 29.23, $842; 10. Leslie Smalygo, 29.25, $561. Finals: 1. Sara Winkelman, 28.63 seconds, $2,493; 2. Tayla Moeykens, 28.64, $1,870; 3. (tie) LaTricia Duke and Lisa Lockhart, 28.72, $935 each. Average: 1. Lisa Lockhart, 57.29 seconds on two head, $5,891; 2. Sara Winkelman, 57.47, $5,049; 3. Tayla Moeykens, 57.72, $4,208; 4. LaTricia Duke, 57.81, $3,647; 5. Jamie Olsen, 58.15, $2,805; 6. Nikki Albisu, 58.20, $2,244; 7. Megan McLeod-Sprague, 58.24, $1,683; 8. Lindsey Ham, 58.90, $1,122; 9. Leslie Smalygo, 60.15, $842; 10. Shelly Mull, 62.46, $561. •

-Photo Courtesy of Heath Herring

PENDLETON ROUND-UP

GALLERY

-Photo Courtesy of Nate Van Mol

-Photo Courtesy of Nate Van Mol

-Photo Courtesy of Eric Drapeau

-Photo Courtesy of Nate Van Mol

-Photo Courtesy of Nate Van Mol

-Photo Courtesy of Sage Harper

-Photo Courtesy of Nate Van Mol

-Photo Courtesy of Heath Herring

-Photo Courtesy of Mikal Wright

PENDLETON XTREME BULLS TOUR FINALE

Article by Lexi Gieck

Under the Happy Canyon lights in Pendleton, Oregon, the top 24 riders in the Xtreme Bulls standings battled it out to see who would claim the event and tour titles. With names like Roscoe Jarboe, Cooper James, Trey Kimzey, and TJ Gray plus $150,000 up for grabs, there’s a reason this two-day event would have everyone on the edge of their seats. Superb riders mixed with exceptional stock made for an explosive event.

In the first round, Jeter Lawrence scored 87 points on Five Star Rodeo’s Buck Nasty. In the last two pro-rodeo seasons, Buck Nasty hadn’t been ridden until that night. Between the high buck-off rate from Buck Nasty and Lawrence’s sheer determination, the duo proved to be unbeatable. Lawrence’s performance in the first round wouldn’t be the only source of his pride. When the event was over, he would take home over $20,000 and leave knowing he was the only cowboy ever to cover this bull in two years within the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association.

Cooper James, a 19-year-old cowboy sitting 10th in the world, covered Muddy Creek Pro Rodeo’s Southern Heat for 87.5 points. He had the highest score of the night and won the second round.

Lawrence and James are more than just the winners of the first two sections; these young guns are competing in the 2024 Resistol Rookie race together. The talent we’re seeing from the next generation of bull riders is truly something special to witness due to their highperformance ability at such a young age.

Walking into the Happy Canyon, 3x NFR qualifier Dustin Boquet was looking to return to his first NFR since 2021. The cowboy would add the 2024 Xtreme Bulls Tour Finale Champion to his resume. Earning 260.5 points on three head - only 2.5 points ahead of the next bull rider in the average - with $24,071 in winnings, that paycheck would launch him to 18th in the world standings, getting him a little closer to the bright lights of Las Vegas.

After the Xtreme Bulls series, the cowboy who remained on top was the 2021 NFR Average Champion, Josh Frost. The cowboy has recently taken time off to heal up from an injury. After evading an Xtreme Bulls tour win, he would re-write his history in 2024. Frost left the Happy Canyon arena as the 2024 Xtreme Bulls Champion, even after sitting out for the finals.

-Photo Courtesy of Eric Drapeau

XTREME BULLS TOUR FINALE RESULTS

FIRST ROUND:

1. Jeter Lawrence, 87 points on Five Star Rodeo’s Buck Nasty, $7,050; 2. Hawk Whitt, 85.5, $5,405; 3. Clayton Sellars, 84, $3,995; 4. Roscoe Jarboe, 83, $2,585; 5. Jace Trosclair, 82.5, $1,645; 6. Cooper James, 82, $1,175; 7. TJ Gray, 81, $940; 8. Josh Frost, 79.5, $705.

SECOND ROUND:

1. Cooper James, 87.5 points on Muddy Creek Pro Rodeo’s Southern Heat, $7,151; 2. Maverick Potter, 86.5, $5,506; 3. Jace Trosclair, 85.5, $4,096; 4. Dustin Boquet, 85, $2,686; 5. TJ Gray, 83, $1,746; 6. Trey Benton III, 79, $1,276; 7. Luke Mast, 76, $1,041; no other qualified rides.

THIRD ROUND:

1. Trevor Reiste, 90.5 points on Outlawbuckers Rodeo’s Blue Magic, $7,050; 2. (tie) Dustin Boquet and Trey Kimzey, 88, $4,700 each; 4. Roscoe Jarboe, 84.5, $2,585; 5. (tie) Jeter Lawrence and Fulton Rutland, 84, $1,410 each; 7. Maverick Smith, 82.5, $940; 8. Lukasey Morris, 82, $705.

FOURTH ROUND:

1. Trey Benton III, 90.5 points on Wayne Vold Rodeo’s Wild Time, $7,050; 2. TJ Gray, 89, $5,405; 3. Jate Frost, 88.5, $3,995; 4. Dustin Boquet, 87.5, $2,585; 5. (tie) Jeter Lawrence and Fulton Rutland, 87, $1,410 each; 7. Cooper James, 86.5, $940; 8. Jace Trosclair, 86, $705.

AVERAGE:

1. Dustin Boquet, 260.5 points on three head, $14,100; 2. Jeter Lawrence, 258, $10,810; 3. Cooper James, 256, $7,990; 4. Jace Trosclair, 254, $5,170; 5. TJ Gray, 253, $3,290; 6. Roscoe Jarboe, 251.5, $2,350; 7. Fulton Rutland, 171 on two head, $1,880; 8. Trey Benton III, 169.5, $1,410. *(all totals include ground money). •

-Photo Courtesy of Clay Noel Harper

-Photo Courtesy of Eric Drapeau

XTREME BULLS TOUR FINALE

-Photo Courtesy of Eric Drapeau

-Photo Courtesy of Clay Noel Harper

-Photo Courtesy of Clay Noel Harper

ELLENSBURG RODEO

Article by Lexi Gieck | Photos by Megan Ray

the holiday weekend is rodeoing for just shy of $250,000. With added money like that, there’s no telling how this could shake things up for the rest of the 2024 regular season.

Hunter Herrin, an iconic name in the sport of tie-down roping, would set himself up for success and a win in Ellensburg. Winning the average with 26.4 seconds on three head was all about consistency, as he placed in almost every round.

Household name Dakota Eldridge would take home a round, shortgo, and average win back to California. The 10x NFR steer wrestler, who only seems to get stronger with age, is looking to claim a world title this year. Currently seated second in the world, with a few weeks and ten days in Vegas to go, there’s no telling what we’ll witness Eldridge do the rest of the year.

Brenten Hall and Kaden Profili, a young team roping duo, would have a standout week, giving them the confidence they needed to keep going down the road for the next few weeks. The whole week before they roped in Ellensburg was a chain reaction of everything “gone wrong.”

But things changed when they won the average, with 16.6 seconds on three head. Going into the short-go, they needed a 5.5 second-run or better to win. Like the champions they would soon be, they handled the pressure with ease, roping the exact time they needed to take the lead in the average. Hall is on his way to his third Wrangler National Finals Rodeo qualification, while heeler Prolili sits 8th in the world, looking to punch his way to his first trip to the Thomas & Mack Center.

With a rich history, beautiful Native American influence, and worldrenowned competitors, the Ellensburg Rodeo is one to add to your bucket list for 2025.

Ellensburg

ELLENSBURG RODEO RESULTS

ALL-AROUND COWBOY:

Seth Hall, $8,373, tie-down roping and team roping.

TIE-DOWN

roping: First round: 1. Haven Meged, 7.8 seconds, $3,838; 2. Zack Jongbloed, 8.4, $3,337; 3. (tie) Seth Hall, Hunter Herrin and Jake Pratt, 8.5, $2,336 each; 6. Garrett Jacobs, 8.6, $1,335; 7. Kyle Lucas, 8.8, $834; 8. (tie) Kincade Henry and Zane Kilgus, 9.2, $167 each. Second round: 1. Riley Mason Webb, 7.5 seconds, $3,838; 2. Blane Cox, 8.3, $3,337; 3. (tie) Kyle Lucas and Michael Otero, 8.4, $2,586 each; 5. Joel Harris, 8.6, $1,835; 6. Marcos Costa, 8.7, $1,335; 7. Austin Hines, 8.9, $834; 8. (tie) Preston Pederson and Chet Weitz, 9.0, $167 each. Finals: 1. (tie) Seth Hall, Hunter Herrin and Riley Mason Webb, 8.8 seconds, $1,032 each; 4. Kincade Henry, 9.1, $602; 5. Zack Jongbloed, 9.3, $387; 6. Jake Pratt, 9.7, $215. Average: 1. Hunter Herrin, 26.4 seconds on three head, $5,756; 2. Seth Hall, 26.7, $5,006; 3. Riley Mason Webb, 26.8, $4,255; 4. Zack Jongbloed, 27.4, $3,504; 5. Jake Pratt, 27.8, $2,753; 6. Kincade Henry, 28.2, $2,002; 7. Joel Harris, 28.6, $1,251; 8. Shane Hanchey, 29.1, $501.

BAREBACK RIDING:

First round: 1. (tie) Orin Larsen, on Big Bend Rodeo’s Moon Shadow, and Jess Pope, on Korkow Rodeos’ Onion Ring, 85.5 points, $3,525 each; 3. Keenan Hayes, 84, $2,262; 4. Mason Stuller, 82.5, $1,463; 5. Kade Sonnier, 82, $931; 6. (tie) Colton Clemens and Bradlee Miller, 81, $599 each; 8. Lane McGehee, 80.5, $399. Finals: 1. Jess Pope, 88 points on Calgary Stampede’s Disco Party, $1,650; 2. Bradlee Miller, 86.5, $1,250; 3. Orin Larsen, 86, $900; 4. Keenan Hayes, 85.5, $600; 5. Mason Stuller, 85, $350; 6. Kade Sonnier, 84, $250. Average: 1. Jess Pope, 173.5 points on two head, $3,991; 2. Orin Larsen, 171.5, $3,060; 3. Keenan Hayes, 169.5, $2,262; 4. (tie) Mason Stuller and Bradlee Miller, 167.5, $1,197 each; 6. Kade Sonnier, 166, $665; 7. Colton Clemens, 161.5, $532; 8. Bodee Lammers, 160.5, $399.

BREAKAWAY ROPING:

First round: 1. Kaydin Finan, 2.6 seconds, $2,897; 2. (tie) Josie Conner, Kelsie Domer and Braylee Shepherd, 2.7, $2,076 each; 5. (tie) Brooke Curuchet, Aspen Miller and Macy Young, 2.8, $1,062 each; 8. (tie) Kinlie Brennise and Kirsty Stewart, 3.0, $543 each; 10. (tie) Courtney Crum, Melody Hale, Harley Meged, Amanda Terrell and Jessica Tye, 3.2, $217 each. Second round: 1. (tie) Sarah Angelone and Josie Conner, 2.5 seconds, $2,679 each; 3. (tie) Maddy Deerman, Jordi Edens and Taylor Munsell, 2.6, $1,738 each; 6. Aspen Miller, 2.8, $1,014; 7. (tie) Kelsie Domer, Jodi Goodrich, Tiffany Schieck and Hope Thompson, 2.9, $561 each; 11. (tie) Timber Allenbrand and Kaydin Finan, 3.0, $326 each. Finals: 1. Macy Young, 2.3 seconds, $1,633; 2. (tie) Josie Conner and Braylee Shepherd, 2.6, $1,211 each; 4. Martha Angelone, 2.8, $789; 5. Jordi Edens, 3.0, $507; 6. Kelsie Domer, 3.1, $282. Average: 1. Josie Conner, 7.8 seconds on three head, $4,345; 2. Macy Young, 8.3, $3,693; 3. Kelsie Domer, 8.7, $3,042; 4. Braylee Shepherd, 8.8, $2,607; 5. Jordi Edens, 8.9, $2,173; 6. Martha Angelone, 9.2, $1,521; 7. Aspen Miller, 9.8, $1,086; 8. Annie Minor, 10.2, $869; 9. Kaydin Finan, 5.6 on two head, $760; 10. Amanda Terrell, 6.4, $652; 11. (tie) Timber Allenbrand and Kirsty Stewart, 6.8, $489 each.

SADDLE BRONC RIDING:

First round: 1. Wyatt Casper, 88 points on Korkow Rodeos’ Ringworm, $3,974; 2. Damian Brennan, 86.5, $3,046; 3. (tie) Brody Cress and Sage Newman, 85, $1,854 each; 5. Leon Fountain, 84.5, $927; 6. Kolby Wanchuk, 84, $662; 7. (tie) Chase Brooks and Dawson Hay, 83.5, $464 each. Finals: 1. (tie) Wyatt Casper, on Calgary Stampede’s Xena Warrior, and Sage Newman, on Calgary Stampede’s Tokyo Bubbles, 89 points, $1,450 each; 3. Weston Patterson, 87.5, $900; 4. Brody Cress, 86.5, $600; 5. Tanner Butner, 86, $350; 6. Logan Cook, 84.5, $250. Average: 1. Wyatt Casper, 177 points on two head, $3,974; 2. Sage Newman, 174, $3,046; 3. Brody Cress, 171.5, $2,252; 4. Damian Brennan, 170, $1,457; 5. Weston Patterson, 169.5, $927; 6. Tanner Butner, 169, $662; 7. Leon Fountain, 167.5, $530; 8. Kolby Wanchuk, 167, $397.

STEER WRESTLING:

First round: 1. Justin Shaffer, 3.9 seconds, $3,887; 2. Shane Frey, 4.1, $3,380; 3. Kyle Irwin, 4.2, $2,873; 4. (tie) Ty Bauerle, Grant Peterson and Jason Thomas, 4.3, $1,859 each; 7. (tie) Logan Kenline and Jacob Talley, 4.4, $591 each. Second round: 1. Dakota Eldridge, 4.0 seconds, $3,887; 2. Landris White, 4.1, $3,380; 3. Brendan Laye, 4.2, $2,873; 4. Jace Melvin, 4.3, $2,366; 5. (tie) Logan Kenline and Mike McGinn, 4.4, $1,605 each; 7. (tie) Stan Branco, Blake Knowles and Tyler Waguespack, 4.5, $394 each. Finals: 1. Dakota Eldridge, 4.6 seconds, $1,276; 2. (tie) Brendan Laye and Justin Shaffer, 4.7, $946 each; 4. Tyler Waguespack, 4.8, $616; 5. Cole Walker, 5.0, $396; 6. Jesse Brown, 5.1, $220. Average: 1. Dakota Eldridge, 13.3 seconds on three head, $5,830; 2. Brendan Laye, 13.6, $5,069; 3. Tyler Waguespack, 14.0, $4,309; 4. Justin Shaffer, 14.1, $3,549; 5. Logan Kenline, 14.3, $2,788; 6. Landris White, 14.7, $2,028; 7. Cole Walker, 14.8, $1,267; 8. Jesse Brown, 14.9, $507.

BARREL RACING:

First round: 1. Michelle Alley, 17.03 seconds, $2,724; 2. Summer Kosel, 17.09, $2,335; 3. Lindsay Sears, 17.22, $1,946; 4. Jordon Briggs, 17.24, $1,686; 5. Halyn Lide, 17.25, $1,297; 6. Dona Rule, 17.32, $1,038; 7. (tie) Tarryn Lee and Jamie Olsen, 17.44, $649 each; 9. Chelsea Moore, 17.47, $389; 10. Jodee Miller, 17.50, $259. Second round: 1. Jodee Miller, 16.58 seconds, $2,724; 2. Emily Beisel, 16.95, $2,335; 3. Michelle Alley, 16.96, $1,946; 4. Summer Kosel, 16.99, $1,686; 5. Jordon Briggs, 17.04, $1,297; 6. LaTricia Duke, 17.18, $1,038; 7. Ashley Castleberry, 17.24, $778; 8. Lindsay Sears, 17.26, $519; 9. Jessi Wade, 17.29, $389; 10. Molly Otto, 17.30, $259. Finals: 1. Molly Otto, 17.13 seconds, $2,018; 2. Emily Beisel, 17.14, $1,513; 3. Lindsay Sears, 17.26, $1,009; 4. Halyn Lide, 17.37, $504. Average: 1. Jodee Miller, 51.54 seconds on three head, $4,086; 2. Emily Beisel, 51.68, $3,502; 3. Lindsay Sears, 51.74, $2,919; 4. Jordon Briggs, 51.98, $2,529; 5. Molly Otto, 52.00, $1,946; 6. Halyn Lide, 52.05, $1,557; 7. Dona Kay Rule, 52.19, $1,167; 8. Jamie Olsen, 52.34, $778; 9. Andrea Busby, 52.51, $584; 10. Michelle Alley, 56.49, $389.

TEAM ROPING:

First round: 1. Dustin Egusquiza/Levi Lord, 4.6 seconds, $3,789 each; 2. Tee Luttrell/Chris Young, 5.0, $3,294; 3. (tie) Shay Dixon Carroll/Logan Moore and Tyler Wade/Wesley Thorp, 5.1, $2,553 each; 5. (tie) Kaleb Driggers/Junior Nogueira, Brenten Hall/Kaden Profili, Coy Rahlmann/ Ross Ashford, Erich Rogers/Paul Eaves and Aaron Tsinigine/Jace Helton, 5.5, $857 each. Second round: 1. Hagen Peterson/JR Gonzalez, 4.5 seconds, $3,789 each; 2. Jr. Dees/JC Flake, 4.9, $3,294; 3. Riley Minor/Brady Minor, 5.4, $2,800; 4. Chase Helton/Wyatt Hansen, 5.5, $2,306; 5. (tie) Brenten Hall/Kaden Profili and Aaron Tsinigine/Jace Helton, 5.6, $1,565 each; 7. Korbin Rice/Caleb Hendrix, 5.7, $824; 8. (tie) Chad Masters/Wyatt Cox and Tee McLeod/Sid Sporer, 5.8, $165 each. Finals: 1. Dustin Egusquiza/Levi Lord, 5.2 seconds, $1,218 each; 2. Brenten Hall/Kaden Profili, 5.5, $1,008; 3. Kaleb Driggers/Junior Nogueira, 5.7, $798; 4. (tie) Tanner Tomlinson/Patrick Smith and Andrew Ward/Kollin VonAhn, 6.0, $483 each; 6. Riley Minor/Brady Minor, 6.2, $210. Average: 1. Brenten Hall/Kaden Profili, 16.6 seconds on three head, $5,683 each; 2. Dustin Egusquiza/Levi Lord, 16.7, $4,942; 3. Tanner Tomlinson/Patrick Smith, 17.7, $4,200; 4. Riley Minor/Brady Minor, 18.3, $3,459; 5. Kaleb Driggers/Junior Nogueira, 18.6, $2,718; 6. Andrew Ward/Kollin VonAhn, 18.7, $1,977; 7. Kash Bonnett/Logan Spady, 19.3, $1,235; 8. Tyler Wade/Wesley Thorp, 21.4, $494.

BULL RIDING:

First round: 1. (tie) Hector Cardona, on Dakota Rodeo’s The Judge, and Maverick Smith, on Dakota Rodeo’s Dr Campbell, 87 points, $3,560 each; 3. Maverick Potter, 86.5, $2,284; 4. (tie) Rawley Johnson and Brady Portenier, 84, $1,209 each; 6. TJ Gray, 83.5, $672; 7. Wacey Schalla, 82, $537; 8. Clayton Sellars, 81.5, $403. * Finals: 1. Maverick Smith, 87.5 points on Flying 5 Rodeo’s No. 808, $5,000; no other qualified rides. Average: 1. Maverick Smith, 174.5 points on two head, $4,030; 2. Hector Cardona, 87 on one head, $3,090; 3. Maverick Potter, 86.5, $2,284; 4. (tie) Brady Portenier and Rawley Johnson, 84, $1,209 each; 6. TJ Gray, 83.5, $672; 7. Wacey Schalla, 82, $537; 8. Clayton Sellars, 81.5, $403. *(all totals include ground money).

STEER ROPING:

First round: 1. (tie) John E. Bland and Blake Deckard, 12.2 seconds, $1,317 each; 3. Billy Good, 12.3, $944; 4. Dalton Walker, 13.8, $696; 5. Brodie Poppino, 14.1, $447; 6. Trenton Johnson, 14.4, $248. Second round: 1. Cody Lee, 11.4 seconds, $1,441; 2. Slade Wood, 11.5, $1,192; 3. Coleman Proctor, 11.8, $944; 4. Trent Sorey, 12.2, $696; 5. Tuff Hardman, 12.5, $447; 6. Trenton Johnson, 13.2, $248. Average: 1. Billy Good, 27.2 seconds on two head, $2,161; 2. Trenton Johnson, 27.6, $1,789; 3. Brodie Poppino, 29.6, $1,416; 4. Tony Reina, 38.5, $1,043; 5. Cooper Mills, 39.0, $671; 6. Cody Lee, 11.4 on one head, $373. •

HORSE HEAVEN ROUND-UP

Article by Lexi Gieck | Photos Courtesy of Photos courtesy of Benton-Franklin Fair & Rodeo

Tucked back in the hills of Kennewick, WA, the BentonFranklin Fair & Horse Heaven Round-Up concluded on August 24th with a short go. Contestants from all across North America spent time up in the Pacific Northwest, trying to make as much money as possible before the end of the regular season. Whether they were circuit athletes, NFR qualifiers, or sitting within the top 15, once they entered the arena, none of that mattered; they were simply focused on that one performance.

The ladies of the breakaway roping brought the heat all week. Maddy Deerman and Jordi Edens tied to set a new arena record with a time of 1.9 seconds, ensuring their name on the short-go list for Saturday. Just two months before, Edens and her husband added a precious baby boy to their family. Making this run extra special as she celebrated with the newest addition to her fan club. In the final round, the 2022 WPRA Resistol Rookie of the Year, Josie Conner, came to play with a run of 2.0 seconds. This landed Conner with the fastest average time of 4.1 seconds on two head and this year’s breakaway roping title.

Stock contractors such as Calgary Stampede, Wayne Vold Rodeo, and Bridwell Pro Rodeos brought their best stock to give the boys a chance at scoring high and setting the bar even higher for the next rider. In the long round, Brody Cress on Calgary’s Freedom Express made an 89-point ride, which was a standout moment for the 6-year-old bronc. This gelding is just starting in its career, so there’s no telling what kind of meaningful moments could follow as he gets more time on the road.

Paired with a score of 87 points on Calgary Stampede’s Erotic Tango, Cress captured the title on the final night.

To round out the rodeo, bull rider Fulton Rutland had an 8-second ride he wouldn’t ever forget. On Championship Saturday, he was matched with Outlawbuckers Rodeo’s Blue Magic. Before that ride, Blue Magic had a 100% buck-off statistic for the 2023 rodeo season and most of 2024. The 89-point ride provided Rutland with a wellearned championship buckle. His gritty effort made him the only person to ride two bulls at the rodeo.

This year’s Horse Heaven Round-Up was full of unforgettable moments and brought back confidence for many contestants who had grown weary from their time on the road. For some, it reminded them that their goal for the National Finals Rodeo was still within reach.

HORSE HEAVEN ROUND-UP RESULTS

ALL-AROUND COWBOY:

Marty Yates, $8,420, tie-down roping and team roping.

BAREBACK RIDING:

First round: 1. Cole Franks, 87.5 points on Calgary Stampede’s Yukon Ramber, $3,269; 2. Waylon Bourgeois, 86.5, $2,506; 3. Strawbs Jones, 85.5, $1,852; 4. (tie) Mason Clements and Weston Timberman, 85, $981 each; 6. (tie) Jaceklane Frost, Lane McGehee and Jess Pope, 84.5, $436 each. Finals: 1. Cole Franks, 88.5 points on Calgary Stampede’s Disco Party, $1,650; 2. Keenan Hayes, 88, $1,250; 3. Weston Timberman, 87.5, $900; 4. (tie) Waylon Bourgeois and Lane McGehee, 86, $475 each; 6. Jess Pope, 82, $250. Average: 1. Cole Franks, 176 points on two head, $3,269; 2. (tie) Waylon Bourgeois and Weston Timberman, 172.5, $2,179 each; 4. (tie) Lane McGehee and Keenan Hayes, 170.5, $981 each; 6. (tie) Mason Clements and Jess Pope, 166.5, $490 each; 8. Bradlee Miller, 162.5, $327.

TIE-DOWN ROPING:

First round: 1. Marty Yates, 7.4 seconds, $3,284; 2. John Douch, 7.7, $2,855; 3. Riley Pruitt, 7.9, $2,427; 4. Chet Weitz, 8.0, $1,999; 5. (tie) Seth Hall, Shane Hanchey and Riley Mason Webb, 8.1, $1,142 each; 8. Haven Meged, 8.2, $286. Second round: 1. (tie) Shad Mayfield and Macon Murphy, 7.4 seconds, $3,069 each; 3. (tie) Shane Hanchey and Zack Jongbloed, 7.5, $2,213 each; 5. (tie) Cole Clemons and Sherman Lasker, 7.6, $1,356 each; 7. (tie) Beau Cooper, Haven Meged and Michael Otero, 7.7, $333 each. Finals: 1. Haven Meged, 7.0 seconds, $1,102; 2. Cole Clemons, 7.4, $912; 3. Riley Pruitt, 7.6, $722; 4. Marty Yates, 7.7, $532; 5. Shane Hanchey, 8.6, $342; 6. Seth Hall, 10.0, $190. Average: 1. (tie) Marty Yates and Haven Meged, 22.9 seconds on three head, $4,604 each; 3. Riley Pruitt, 23.6, $3,641; 4. Shane Hanchey, 24.2, $2,998; 5. Cole Clemons, 24.3, $2,356; 6. Seth Hall, 28.1, $1,713; 7. John Pereira, 31.4, $1,071; 8. Lucas Potter, 31.9, $428.

BREAKAWAY ROPING:

First round: 1. (tie) Maddy Deerman and Jordi Edens, 1.9 seconds, $2,794 each; 3. Rylee A George, 2.0, $2,114; 4. (tie) Kennedy Buckner, Josie Conner, Aspen Miller, Jordan Minor, Sarah Morrissey and Joey Williams, 2.1, $1,045 each; 10. (tie) Jackie Crawford and Rickie Fanning, 2.2, $415 each; 12. (tie) Danielle Lowman and Ariana Varischetti, 2.4, $151 each. Finals: 1. Josie Conner, 2.0 seconds, $1,217; 2. (tie) Jordan Minor and Joey Williams, 2.7, $902 each; 4. Jordi Edens, 2.9, $587; 5. Rickie Fanning, 3.2, $378; 6. Kennedy Buckner, 3.4, $210. Average: 1. Josie Conner, 4.1 seconds on two head, $4,531; 2. (tie) Jordan Minor, Joey Williams and Jordi Edens, 4.8, $3,247 each; 5. Rickie Fanning, 5.4, $2,265; 6. Kennedy Buckner, 5.5, $1,586; 7. Jackie Crawford, 14.3, $1,133; 8. Maddy Deerman, 1.9 on one head, $906; 9. Rylee A George, 2.0, $793; 10. (tie) Sarah Morrissey and Aspen Miller, 2.1, $623 each; no other qualified runs.

STEER WRESTLING:

First round: 1. Caden Camp, 3.4 seconds, $3,626; 2. Ryan Shuckburgh, 3.7, $3,153; 3. Eric Logan, 3.9, $2,680; 4. (tie) Eli Lord and Rowdy Parrott, 4.0, $1,970 each; 6. (tie) Kenny Coppini, Will Lummus and Tyler Pearson, 4.1, $788 each. Second round: 1. Kyle Irwin, 3.5 seconds, $3,626; 2. (tie) Will Lummus, Justin Shaffer and Colin Wolfe, 3.8, $2,680 each; 5. Scott Guenthner, 3.9, $1,734; 6. Jesse Brown, 4.1, $1,261; 7. (tie) Darcy Kersh, Rowdy Parrott and Ryan Shuckburgh, 4.2, $368 each. Finals: 1. Justin Shaffer, 3.5 seconds, $1,392; 2. Eli Lord, 3.8, $1,152; 3. Will Lummus, 3.9, $912; 4. Riley Duvall, 4.4, $672; 5. Ryan Shuckburgh, 5.1, $432; 6. Dakota Eldridge, 5.4, $240. Average: 1. Justin Shaffer, 11.6 seconds on three head, $5,438; 2. Will Lummus, 11.8, $4,729; 3. Eli Lord, 12.1, $4,020; 4. Ryan Shuckburgh, 13.0, $3,310; 5. Riley Duvall, 13.2, $2,601; 6. Dakota Eldridge, 14.0, $1,892; 7. Sterling Lambert, 17.5, $1,182; 8. Scott Guenthner, 22.2, $473.

TEAM ROPING:

BARREL RACING:

First round: 1. Kassie Mowry, 16.95 seconds, $3,811; 2. Carlee Otero, 17.18, $3,049; 3. Leslie Smalygo, 17.24, $2,477; 4. Lindsay Sears, 17.27, $1,906; 5. Paige Jones, 17.28, $1,524; 6. Jordan Driver, 17.30, $1,143; 7. Jordon Briggs, 17.34, $953; 8. Ashley Castleberry, 17.39, $858; 9. Nicole Driggers, 17.40, $762; 10. Julia Johnson, 17.42, $667; 11. Andrea Busby, 17.47, $572; 12. Chelsea Moore, 17.48, $476; 13. Katelyn Scott, 17.51, $381; 14. (tie) Emily Beisel and Tayla Moeykens, 17.55, $238 each. Finals: 1. Kassie Mowry, 16.83 seconds, $1,694; 2. Carlee Otero, 16.93, $1,270; 3. Chelsea Moore, 17.03, $847; 4. Paige Jones, 17.19, $423. Average: 1. Kassie Mowry, 33.78 seconds on two head, $3,811; 2. Carlee Otero, 34.11, $3,049; 3. Paige Jones, 34.47, $2,477; 4. (tie) Leslie Smalygo and Chelsea A Moore, 34.51, $1,715 each; 6. Lindsay Sears, 34.57, $1,143; 7. Jordon Briggs, 34.58, $953; 8. Ashley Castleberry, 34.70, $858; 9. Nicole Driggers, 34.95, $762; 10. Julia Johnson, 35.03, $667; 11. Jordan Driver, 39.76, $572; 12. Andrea Busby, 40.34, $476; no other qualified runs.

SADDLE BRONC RIDING:

First round: 1. Erich Rogers/Paul Eaves, 4.9 seconds, $3,296 each; 2. (tie) Riley Minor/Brady Minor and Nelson Wyatt/Jonathan Torres, 5.4, $2,651 each; 4. (tie) Luke Brown/Travis Graves, Dayton Stafford/ Cully Stafford and Jordan Tye/Andy Carlson, 5.9, $1,576 each; 7. Tanner Patzke/Quade Patzke, 6.0, $716; 8. Andrew Ward/Kollin VonAhn, 6.1, $287. Second round: 1. (tie) Jake Clay/Trey Yates and Hayes Smith/Justin Davis, 4.5 seconds, $3,081 each; 3. (tie) Tyler Tryan/ Denton Dunning and Tyler Wade/Wesley Thorp, 4.6, $2,221 each; 5. (tie) Kash Bonnett/Logan Spady and Bodie Mattson/Trae Smith, 4.8, $1,361 each; 7. (tie) Cash Duty/Dylin Ahlstrom, Dustin Egusquiza/ Levi Lord and Coy Rahlmann/Ross Ashford, 5.0, $334 each. Finals: 1. Tyler Wade/Wesley Thorp, 5.0 seconds, $1,109 each; 2. Jake Smith/ Douglas Rich, 6.2, $918; 3. Aaron Tsinigine/Jace Helton, 6.3, $727; 4. Andrew Ward/Kollin VonAhn, 6.5, $536; 5. Clint Summers/Jake Long, 8.2, $344; 6. Chad Masters/Wyatt Cox, 8.9, $191. Average: 1. Andrew Ward/Kollin VonAhn, 19.5 seconds on three head, $4,944 each; 2. Tyler Wade/Wesley Thorp, 19.7, $4,299; 3. Clint Summers/Jake Long, 20.1, $3,654; 4. Aaron Tsinigine/Jace Helton, 20.2, $3,009; 5. Chad Masters/ Wyatt Cox, 21.4, $2,364; 6. Jake Smith/Douglas Rich, 22.2, $1,720; 7. Jeff Flenniken/Jake Minor, 25.4, $1,075; 8. Brayden Schmidt/Bucky Campbell, 12.6 on two head, $430.

First round: 1. Brody Cress, 89 points on Calgary Stampede’s Freedom Express, $3,170; 2. Allen Boore, 87, $2,430; 3. Zeke Thurston, 86.5, $1,796; 4. Gus Gaillard, 86, $1,162; 5. Dawson Hay, 85.5, $740; 6. (tie) Damian Brennan and Kade Bruno, 84.5, $475 each; 8. Jake Finlay, 84, $317. Finals: 1. Brody Cress, 87 points on Calgary Stampede’s Erotic Tango, $1,650; 2. Damian Brennan, 86.5, $1,250; 3. Logan Cook, 86, $900; 4. Weston Patterson, 85, $600; 5. Allen Boore, 84.5, $350; 6. Isaac Diaz, 83.5, $250. Average: 1. Brody Cress, 176 points on two head, $3,170; 2. Allen Boore, 171.5, $2,430; 3. Damian Brennan, 171, $1,796; 4. (tie) Zeke Thurston and Logan Cook, 169, $951 each; 6. Weston Patterson, 166.5, $528; 7. (tie) Isaac Diaz and Bailey Small, 165.5, $370 each.

BULL RIDING:

First round: 1. (tie) Wacey Schalla, on Bridwell Pro Rodeos’ Fred, and Stefan Tonita, on Wayne Vold Rodeo’s Wolf Bait, 88 points, $2,725 each; 3. Jordan Spears, 86.5, $1,748; 4. Fulton Rutland, 84, $1,131; 5. Jeff Bertus, 83, $720; 6. TJ Gray, 82, $514; 7. Levi Gray, 80, $411; 8. Shane Proctor, 79, $309. * Finals: 1. Fulton Rutland, 89 points on Outlawbuckers Rodeo’s Blue Magic, $5,000; no other qualified rides. Average: 1. Fulton Rutland, 173 points on two head, $3,085; 2. (tie) Stefan Tonita and Wacey Schalla, 88 on one head, $2,057 each; 4. Jordan Spears, 86.5, $1,131; 5. Jeff Bertus, 83, $720; 6. TJ Gray, 82, $514; 7. Levi Gray, 80, $411; 8. Shane Proctor, 79, $309. *(all totals include ground money). •

DURING THE FINAL DAY OF COMPETITION AT THE HONDA CENTER IN ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA, 2024 PBR WORLD CHAMPION CASSIO DIAS CLINCHED THE WIN FOR THE KANSAS CITY OUTLAWS (15-6), 345.75263.75, WITH A WALK-OFF 87.25-POINT RIDE IN THEIR SLUGFEST WITH THE TEXAS RATTLERS (10-11).

As the Outlaws and Rattlers began their third matchup of the season, Brady Fielder put up 86.5 points on Tropic Thunder to give Texas a leadoff score. Sandro Batista, who had slipped to No. 3 in the MVP race after two-time reigning MVP Jose Vitor Leme’s earlier ride, fired out of the chutes on Wingman for 88.25 points for the Outlaws. The qualified ride, his 17th of the season, moved him back into the No. 1 spot in the MVP race.

In the top of the second with Kansas City leading by 1.75 points, the Rattlers looked to Daniel Keeping aboard Pay Dirt to give them their second ride - and he did just that, pulling Texas into the lead with his 88.25-point score. Koltin Hevalow stepped up to get the Outlaws back in the lead in the bottom of the second, conquering Good to Go for 85.5 points to put Kansas City one point behind Texas.

As the battle continued in the third frame, Claudio Montanha Jr. took on Benjamin Ranklin for an impressive 89 points, padding the Rattlers’ lead. Maikon Calixton Rocha fired back for the Outlaws aboard Chicken Joe for 84.75 points, closing the gap to a mere 5.25 points.

Qynn Anderson was then no match for Army Slasher, smashed to the ground after 3.37 seconds and carried out by sports med. In the bottom of the fourth frame, Kansas City’s Brennon Eldred readied for his pairing with Beef Cake but was bucked off after a thrilling 5.86 seconds.

Texas’s usual champion closer, veteran Joao Ricardo Vieira, faltered in his pairing with Sober Train with the clock stopping at 4 seconds after he touched the bull. Reigning World Champion Cassio Dias then stood on the back of the chutes, ready for his matchup with Taz. Having ridden 15 of 26 this season, Dias began celebrating the minute he jumped to the ground –but judges called a review to see if Kansas City’s superstar had actually made the 8. After several nail-biting minutes, it was deemed a qualified ride, and the 87.25-point score secured the win for the Outlaws, 345.75-263.75.

The Outlaws’ by 82-point victory allowed them to hold tight to the No. 2 spot in the league, while the Rattlers, now 10-11 this season, hold the No. 4 spot heading into the Tar Heel state next weekend.

Before that, in a matinee showdown of the league’s leading team and a 2024 expansion team, the Carolina Cowboys (15-4-1) overcame the New York Mavericks (9-12), 172.75-90, during the first game. The Mavericks’ lone score was courtesy of Leandro Machado’s monster 90-point ride aboard triumphant animal athlete Ricky Vaughn.

In the second game of the day, the Missouri Thunder (9-12) logged their ninth game win of the 2024 season, dominating the Austin Gamblers (1011) in their third matchup of the 2024 season, 266-168. When the two teams last battled, in Austin, Texas, the Gamblers defeated the Thunder in a shutout.

In the last game Sunday afternoon at Honda Center, the Nashville Stampede (9-12) defeated the Oklahoma Wildcatters (8-13-1), 166.25-87, to advance up two spots in the standings, from No. 8 to No. 6.

The evening concluded with the Shootout Round, featuring one rider from each of the night’s winning teams. Keeping the winning streak going on Anaheim’s final day, the Missouri Thunder’s Dawson Gleaves bested July for 89 points in the only ride of the special round. •

Article Courtesy of the PBR

-Photo Courtesy of Andy Watson & Bull Stock Media

NeW ReVieW SYSteM at NFR

“REVIEW SYSTEM” WILL BE IMPLEMENTED AT 2024 WRANGLER NATIONAL FINALS RODEO PRESENTED BY TETON RIDGE

A “Review” system will be implemented at the upcoming NFR.

Only the six specific calls can be reviewed. Only calls made INARENA by the Pro Officials will be reviewed. NON-CALLS WILL NOT BE REVIEWED.

1. Contestant competing before breaking the plane of the Barrier

2. Crossfire – Team Roping

3. Livestock infraction – Tie-Down

4. Spur Out (Mark Out Rule) – Rough Stock Events

5. Barrier Malfunction – All Timed Events

6. No-Nod – All events

“As access to technology has increased, it is vital that we adapt a fair opportunity for competition. The PRCA is committed to providing our committees the best resources to allow for the best competition, including embracing video review, when possible,” said Steve Knowles, PRCA’s Director of Rodeo Administration. •

Article and Photo Courtesy of the PRCA

GOD IS VEHEMENTLY AGAINST WORRY

God is vehemently against worry. Jesus preached against it. Paul preached against it. The whole Bible preaches against worry because it was designed by Satan to produce stress, strain and death.

Yet many of us still act as if it’s an option, as if we’re free to worry if we want to. But we’re not! Worrying is a sin. It’s one of those things the Word of God directly commands us not to do. What are you supposed to do then with all the concerns you have about your problems? In 1 Peter 5:7, God says you should cast them all upon Him. All. Not 75 percent of them. Not all of them but the ones about your kids. All of them!

Your confession every morning should be, “I do not have a care in this world because I’ve cast every one of them onto my Lord.”

Once you do that, changes will start to take place in your life. Problems you’ve been fretting about for years will start being solved. You’ll no longer be tying God’s hands with your worryin His power can begin to operate because you’ve acted in faith and cast your cares on Him!

Remember, though, God will not take your cares away from you. You have to give them to Him. Then you have to replace those worries with the Word. You are the one who has to keep your thoughts under control. But you can do it. The Greater One dwells within you.

He is able to put you over. Commit to it. You’ll never have to worry again. With all the worldly circumstances and issues that are going on right now, it is a prime opportunity for the devil to try to get us in to worry. But being a giver and a seed sower will cause the Lord to “rebuke the devourer on behalf of your sake” (Malachi 3:10-11). Satan has no power over you or anything in your life. Thank you so much for your faithfulness to the Lord and to this ministry. We pray an abundance of blessings and prosperity for you.

-Stay Blessed, Pastor Corey Ross

ABOUT COWBOY MINISTERS NETWORK

Cowboy Ministers Network (CMN) is a fellowship designed to promote unity and provide a place of contact throughout the Western Ministry world. It is our desire to come together through love and respect to serve one another and to honor God by displaying accountability to His Word. It is a place, among good friends, where ministries may safely come to obtain wise counsel in order to fulfill and accomplish all that our Lord Jesus Christ has called each to do. Our relationships will enable us to hold up one another’s hands whatever the area of need.

COREY AND JAIME ROSS OVER 40 YEARS IN MINISTRY

Corey Ross was born in Casa Grande, Arizona, while his dad was working on the 26-Bar Ranch for John Wayne. This allowed him and his brothers to grow up living the cowboy lifestyle that many young boys dream about. In 1989, Corey’s real-life experience in the cowboy lifestyle paid off when he qualified for the College National Finals in the Team Roping events. Professional Rodeo has always been an important part of Corey’s life.

He is the founder of Cowboy Ministries Outreach Center and has been serving the Lord as an evangelist since 1994. He has become well-known throughout the Professional Rodeo circuit, both for his feats in the Steer Roping/Team Roping competitions and as a Cowboy Preacher. For many years he has preached at PRCA events and college rodeos all over the country. He leads a week-long service at the College National Finals and preaches at the National Finals in Las Vegas. In his travels, he has many opportunities to minister one-on-one with cowboys and tell them about Jesus. At home, Corey and Jaime are pastors to a great group of folks at Williamson County Cowboy Church in Liberty Hill, TX.

Corey was appointed as the president of CMN in 2017, after Glenn Smith’s passing.

COWBOY MINISTRIES OUTREACH CENTER

P.O. BOX 1121

LIBERTY HILL, TX 78642

COREY: 214-632-2036

CMNPARTNERS1@GMAIL.COM

WWW.COWBOYMINISTERSNETWORK.ORG

COWBOY MINISTERS NETWORK

Western heritage

EDITH HAPPY CONNELLY

Article by Lilly Platts

As rodeo took hold throughout the U.S., specialty entertainment also became a part of events, keeping crowds entertained before a performance started or during necessary pauses. Legendary performers like Buffalo Bill Cody showed that many elements of western life could be developed into entertaining acts, drawing in huge crowds of people who wanted to see wild, often dangerous stunts. Cody, along with others, established that Americans enjoy western entertainment. Rodeo performances have since become an American pastime, and entertainment like trick riding is a crowd favorite. Women like Edith Happy Connelly paved the way for many rodeo entertainers.

Trick riding as entertainment dates back to the 1800’s, when Georgian, or Cossack men would show off their skills, which had been developed for war. In England, Buffalo Bill Cody first recruited Cossack men for his Wild West Show. His efforts were expanded, bringing these performers to the U.S. The Georgian horsemen would ride several horses simultaneously, mount and dismount at a gallop, pick things up from the ground, and perform a variety of other acrobatics.

These performers also became part of rodeos, and by the 1940s, trick riding was a judged event. Rodeo producers quickly realized that making the event a competition was pushing riders to do extremely dangerous things to win money, and soon, it became a specialty act.

image was used as inspiration for the 2017 Rodeo Salinas poster, painted by Ruth Deoudes. This, and the other tricks Connelly perfected, required athleticism, quick thinking, and a lot of trust in her horse.

Connelly was born in 1925, as trick riding was finding its place in American rodeo. She developed a love for horses early on. As a child, Connelly split her time between Boston with her father, and California with her mother, but would eventually choose western life. As a young woman, she met rodeo athlete and trick rider Buck Abbott, who convinced her to live out West. In 1943, she began working as a trick rider. Connelly was famous for her hippodrome stand — a trick where a strap at the front of the saddle is used for the rider to stand straight up or even backbend facing forward while the horse runs — which can be seen in many photographs of her at rodeos. One

Connelly’s career as a trick rider lasted over two decades; she performed at rodeos throughout the country. Her horsemanship and athleticism led to work on the Gene Autry show. In Hollywood, she also worked as a stunt double for actresses like Betty Hutton and Irene Dunn.

Following her career as a trick rider, Connelly continued working in rodeo as a secretary and administrator. She worked the rodeo at Madison Square Garden in New York, Rodeo Salinas, and Golden State Rodeo, among many others. She was a secretary for the National Finals rodeo four times.

Connelly passed away in February 1999. Her career as a trick rider has inspired many young women to pursue the sport. Her family continues to be involved with rodeo, carrying on her legacy. She has been inducted into the National Rodeo Hall of Fame, as well as the ProRodeo Hall of Fame. •

Thursday December 5, 2024

5:00 PM NFR Round 1 American Hat Watch Party

Friday December 6, 2024

8:00 AM Last Chance RFTC Open Ladies BA (American Contender Event)

5:00 PM NFR Round 2 American Hat Watch Party

5:30 PM Awards Presentation

7:45 PM RFTC Back Number Ceremony & Calcutta

Saturday December 7, 2024

9:00 AM RFTC Finals $25,000 Added

5:00 PM NFR Round 3 American Hat Watch Party

5:30 PM Awards Presentation

Sunday December 8, 2024

8:00 AM WRWC Challenger Breakaway ($1,500 Added)

11:00 AM WRWC Open Ladies Breakaway ($3,500 Added)

5:00 PM NFR Round 4 American Hat Watch Party

5:30 PM Awards Presentation

Monday December 9, 2024

8:00 AM 15 & Under Girls BA Junior RFTC

Junior Patriot Last Chance

9:00 AM 19 & Under TD Last Chance Junior Patriot (Arena 2)

11:00 AM 19 & Under Girls BA Junior RFTC

Junior Patriot Last Chance

1:00 PM 12 & Under BA Last Chance Junior Patriot (Arena 2)

5:00 PM NFR Round 5 American Hat Watch Party

5:15 PM Awards Presentation

7:45 PM Junior Rope For The Crown

Back Number Ceremony & Calcutta

Tuesday December 10, 2024

8:00 AM Junior RFTC 15 & Under Finals

10:00 AM Junior RFTC 19 & Under Finals

12:00 PM Open Tie-Down (American Contender Event)

5:00 PM NFR Round 6 American Hat Watch Party

5:30 PM Awards Presentation

Wednesday December 11, 2024

8:00 AM 12 & Under TD Junior Patriot Last Chance

11:00 AM 15 & Under TD Junior Patriot Last Chance

5:00 PM NFR Round 7 American Hat Watch Party

5:30 PM Awards Presentation

Thursday December 12, 2024

8:00 AM 12 & Under BA Junior Patriot Semi-Finals

10:00AM 15 & Under BA Junior Patriot Semi-Finals

12:00 PM 19 & Under TD Junior Patriot Semi-Finals

5:00 PM NFR Round 8 American Hat Watch Party

Friday December 13, 2024

8:00 AM 12 & Under TD Junior Patriot Semi-Finals

10:00 AM 15 & Under TD Junior Patriot Semi-Finals

12:00 PM 19 & Under BA Junior Patriot Semi-Finals

5:00 PM NFR Round 9 American Hat Watch Party

Saturday December 14, 2024

10:00AM Hooey Jr Patriot Finals Performance

5:00 PM NFR Round 10 American Hat Watch Party

5:15 PM Awards Presentation

COWBOY CONNECTIONS & CLASSIFIEDS

Devers Performance Horses

Just won TX NIRA 4th this week! WPRA & 1D, 17.1 on standard, 2015 Dinero mare-CHEAP! $75K

1D & Pro Barrels, Poles, almost auto, large earner, 2011 15h geld-$35K WPRA rodeo, 1D Top 5 of 1794 runs, 17.1 standard, Amer Qual, freer style. WIll consider trade on ratey 1D. 2016 geld-$95k

Royal Crown Head & Heel Champion, BFA OKC 15.6 barrels, Broke & Gentle, 2015 Streakin Boon Dox roan g-$115k

WPRA 2x Circuit & Super Show 1D, 9 yr old m-high $75K

HORSES

Owned all his life, sound, quite in box. come try him out in my arena located in Louisiana.

318-263-2200 or 318-278-0876

Heels. Brky, Heads, Barrels, Turn back, GENTLE Buckskin 2018 g-$35K

REDUCED Barrels & Heads Pink & Ruby own son ASOF 1D-2D , Gentle, 11 yr old red roan g-$25 K

UPRA/NIRA rodeo barrels, also Poles, Easy for Youth, ‘07 mare-$30k

Pink buckle, fut elig, Ranch used, GENTLE, youth suitable, blk g-$25k

PRCA Hazing, Upper end Head, Brky, Buckle winner in Barrels, Sunfrost 2012 geld-$25K obo

REDUCED Economy Amateur Rodeo

Head horse, HS Barrels, Gentle, 13 yr old grade g-$15K

Pony Barrels & Poles, Jr High tough-$10K

1D Pink & FF, Eddie Stinson 6 yr old mare-$55k

20 Sec pole & barrel pony, gate issue, taking offers

Tiedown Rodeo horses $40k & $45k

Devers Performance Horses, videos located on Youtube Sabrina Devers, 806 664-6615 text is best. Perryton, TX

$18,000 7 year year

his life, sound, quite in box. come try him out in my arena located in Louisiana. Call 318-263-2200 or 318-278-0876

Price $18,000

HORSES/TRAINING

GOOD BOYS TRAINING AND SALESBULL-DOGGIN, Team Roping and Breakaway Horses, throughout the winter months. Indoor and Outdoor arenas, plenty of calves and steers. Allen, Carson and Denton Good Long Valley, SD. 605-441-6898, 605-462-6290

TRUCK/TRAILER

5H Bloomer 14’ SW, side load, facing dual couches, ONAN gen, HUGE hay pod, LOADED, very good condition, video available-$97,500

2008 International W2 Custom conversion, GORGEOUS small semi, auto trans, nearly 100k miles on it, EASY FOR ANYONE to drive, leather interior, crew cab, custom graphics, air ride, polished wood interior, electric bed backseat, $75,000. Will package both for $165K

‘03 Freightliner Detroit 60 engine, single axle, bunk beds-$12,500

Devers Performance Horses, 806 664 6615 text is best. Videos located on Sabrina Devers, Perryton TX

Bucking Chutes

Left and Right Hand Delivery & Squeeze Gates: $2,800 obo Contact Roger: 2172042457 or 2179396378

Make sure to Leave Message

ROPING CALVES FOR SALE

Dairy Cross, Beef Calves, Breakaway or Ty Down, 150 lbs - 250 lbs Location: Limon, CO Call Zeke @ 719-740-7175

12 year old Calf Roping and Steer Roping Gelding. Registered AQHA.

old Calf Roping Mare. Registered AQHA. Owned all

-Photo Courtesy of Sage Harper

Rodeo!

SINCE 1961

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