A quick letter from the publisher introducing the issue and sharing a personal note.
08 Letter from Bob Feist
Bob Feist recalls the history of team roping and reflects on the current state of the sport.
10 The Chowchilla Stampede
A recap of the 2025 Chowchilla Western Stampede with results and photos.
12 The World Series of Team Roping: Title Fights from Wickenburg
A wrap-up of the Title Fights event in Wickenburg, featuring major payouts and highlights, thanks to Ty Yost.
14 The Art of the Cowgirl
A coverage of this year's Art of the Cowgirl event at Rancho Rio in Wickenburg, including event highlights and results.
18 Trailblazer Feature: Linsay Rosser-Sumpter
A deep dive into the personal story and career of Linsay Rosser-Sumpter.
22 Cowgirls Helping Cowgirls
A spotlight on Mary Ann Miller’s foundation and how the Western community can support those in need.
26 Live Like Lilly
An inspiring feature on the rodeo legacy of the Live Like Lily scholarship program and The Frogtown rodeo.
28 The Motherlode Round-Up
A feature on this hidden gem of a pro rodeo in the California foothills, with event details and history.
30 Hershberger Sale Results
A report on the top horses sold at this year’s Hershberger horse sale.
31 WPRA Press Release: Calgary Stampede
A major announcement on breakaway roping earning equal prize money for women at the Calgary Stampede.
32 Pacific Coast Shootout: Latest Roping Results
A rundown of recent results from the Pacific Coast Shootout.
34 American Rope Horse Futurity Association: Sun Circuit Results
A feature on the latest results and a spotlight on Isaac Starlight, the standout stud horse.
36 Yost Legends Results
A results recap from the Yost Legends event in Cave Creek, Arizona.
38 2025 Cinch Timed Events Championships
Results and photos from the Cinch Timed Events Championships, highlighting the top moments.
40 Empty Saddles: David S. Brown – “Big Man, Big Life”
A tribute to David S. Brown and his legacy in the Western world.
42 Empty Saddles: Jack Roddy
A remembrance of legendary California cowboy Jack Roddy; a tribute.
43 V7 Roping Cattle Results
The latest roping results from V7 Roping Cattle events.
44 Fillmore Roping Club Results
A listing of results from recent Fillmore Roping Club competitions.
45 Seven Up Productions: Basso Breakaway Jackpot Results
A recap of the Basso Breakaway Jackpot results organized by Seven Up Productions.
46 Special Feature: “Always Something to Chase” by Gerry Gesell
A reflective piece titled "Heavy Hooves, Heavy Drought, Heavy Hearts," exploring challenges in the Western world.
48 Complete Calendar of Events
A comprehensive listing of upcoming rodeo and team roping events.
The ROPERS Team
Dee Yates is a rodeo mom, gardener, and homesteader, Dee Yates creates and publishes work that inspires, empowers, and celebrates the Western way of life.
Lacey Parsons is a dedicated mom, loving wife, marketing specialist, and passionate Western lifestyle storyteller. She navigates life in and out of the arena with a perfect blend of grit and grace.
Kimberly Mullen is a dynamic and performance-driven sales and marketing executive. Mother of 3 living the farmstyle life.
Vickie Meidinger comes from a long line of Cowboys and is an All-Around Champion Super-Woman. Loves to cook, bake, can, garden and spoil her children and grandchildren, and is the resident problem-solverextraordinaire at Ropers Sports News!
Cyndi King is a graphic designer and triathlete based in Northwest Arkansas. A creative spirit and adventure enthusiast, she loves reading, exploring new places, and cherishing moments with her family.
PUBLISHER AND EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Dee Yates deeyates@roperssportsnews.com Office line (209)333-2924
Lacey Parsons, Ann Ishii, Dee Yates, Bob Feist, Jennifer Dennison, Dusty Saddles Photography, Teton Ridge, Andersen C bar C, Clay Guardipee, Hailey Kennedy, Kiese & Co, Jennings Photography, Kristen Schurr, Rachel Sebastian, Gerry Gesell
You can mail in to: P.O. Box 182 Burson, California 95225
To have your event added to the calendar of events please email to calendar@roperssportsnews.com
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Land of 9000 Arenas
I've always believed there's something special about Arizona in February. The desert air feels gritty, warm and full of electricity, and Wickenburg pulses with the kind of wild fun you can only find when ropers gather. This winter, I dove headfirst into what felt like team roping heaven.
The moment I pulled into town, the welcome was immediate. Barbara, John, and Mary Ann Miller took me in like family, showing this California girl what Arizona hospitality really means. After the Millers, I landed at Pake and Tess Younger's ranch, where something pretty amazing happens every day. Ropers from all over the country come together, practicing, laughing, sharing stories, and genuinely supporting each other. It wasn't just about getting better with a rope – it was about belonging to something bigger than ourselves.
Wickenburg truly is the land of 9,000 arenas. Almost everyone has their own practice space, but what struck me was how these private arenas transform into community gathering spots. I watched seasoned pros giving pointers to newcomers, weekend warriors throwing loops alongside champions, all while someone's got coffee brewing nearby. This daily ritual stitches the community together in ways I've never seen before.
My camera didn’t catch a break as I traveled across Arizona photographing 35 incredible women for my upcoming book, "Cowgirl Culture: Arizona." The follow-up to the California edition (deeyates.com) reveals such a different landscape – harsh in its beauty, demanding in its terrain. There's something about Arizona's rugged backdrop that perfectly frames the grit and grace of cowgirl life.
This issue of Ropers Sports News celebrates people who embody that spirit without compromise. Linsay Rosser-Sumpter has transformed the Women's Rodeo World Championship with quiet determination and unwavering vision. She hasn't just created opportunities – she's completely shifted what women can expect from this sport. The path she's carved will benefit generations of cowgirls to come.
Then there's Ty Yost. What he's done with Team Roping promotions has turned Wickenburg into the undisputed capital of our sport. The Title Fights weren't just well-attended – they were electric. Standing in those arenas, you could feel the sport growing, evolving, and thriving.
The Art of the Cowgirl Event at Rancho Rio hit me right in the heart. Watching this gathering of tough, talented women from across the country, I kept thinking how proud Tammy would be to see her vision flourishing like this.
Having my son along for this journey made it even more meaningful. Homeschooling gave us the freedom to hit the road together, and watching him rope at various arenas including his favorited Dynamite Arena – where he found some luck – well, that's the kind of moment that stays with you. (Check out page 34 to see this proud mama's favorite shots!)
As spring calls me back to California's green hills, I'm already planning next winter's return to Arizona. The chance to share these stories on Tracy Hammond's Wild Ride TV feels like a gift – a way to spread the word about this way of life we cherish.
None of this happens without my behind-thescenes crew – what I affectionately call my "underground girl gang." These women pour their hearts into Ropers Sports News, believing in our mission with the same passion I do.
Coming home also means reconnecting with the Frogtown Rodeo and the Live Like Lilly scholarship program. Honoring that remarkable young woman while supporting emerging rodeo athletes keeps me grounded in what matters most. (see page 26)
In this incredible moment for our sport, I promise to keep telling our stories honestly – through words, photos, and video. My door is always open to anyone moving team roping forward.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you to everyone in Arizona who welcomed me, shared their coffee and their stories. We're just getting started.
With grit and grace,
Dee Yates
GET IN TOUCH!
We love hearing from our readers here at Ropers Sports News! If you have a question, correction or simply want to share your thoughts or ideas, contact me at info@roperssportsnews.com You can also find us on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and TikTok.
By Bob Feist
A Letter From Bob
Team Roping Central Through the Years
Dee Yates asked me the other day, "Where was Team Roping Central in the early days of team roping?" She had just returned from Wickenburg, AZ and was in awe at all the team roping activities going on this time of year.
I didn't have to reminisce long until I thought back to the early days of team roping becoming very popular in the early 70's, not long after Ropers Sports News started in 1968. In those days, I guess you could say roping central was split between the Central Valley of California and Arizona - two regions that shaped the foundation of our sport.
The Central Valley of California had several arenas within a 200-mile radius where a roper could find action almost any night of the week. There was always generally an hour or so of practice prior to a jackpot or two that followed. They were pretty much "enter when you got there" type of ropings - no pre-entries or complicated classifications like today. In those days, 25-30 teams at a weeknight roping was considered a big turnout, a far cry from the hundreds you might see now.
Most all of the Pro ropers hung out in California as team roping was not popular in Texas and Oklahoma at the time. All of the spring rodeos in California had team roping as an event. Some pros would rodeo on the weekends and go to jackpots on the weeknights to win enough money to go to the rodeos the next weekend again - a pattern that kept the sport alive and growing.
This was before handicap systems, so if you went to a roping, you might find yourself facing the likes of the best in the business. Very few had even drawpots in those days. Because of the pros being there, many areas would have "funny money" in each go-round rather than pay fastest time money. The time would be drawn prior to the round, and the time closest to that time won. This clever approach let the pros ride a colt in training and not hurry the run and still win - a win-win for everyone.
Ceres, CA probably hosted the majority of the arenas within a 25-mile radius. Many snowbirds and out-of-state ropers would come to the area to rope for the winter. There weren't living quarter trailers in those days, but some had pickup campers or motor homes. Many just
stayed with other roping friends, strengthening the community bonds that have always defined our sport.
Many of the popular spring ropings came about that time of year like the Muley Ropings in the state plus the Dr. Lane Falk roping which was always in February. Riverside, CA hosted a big roping in January followed by the Falk, and then the Chowchilla Stampede was in March. This made for a good three-month run in California, creating a natural circuit that ropers could follow.
Some chose to go to Arizona and hung around the Phoenix valley. Scottsdale hosted a lot of ropings as did the Cave Creek area. You would buy a local newspaper and look in the want ads to see which ropings were listed - no social media or text alerts back then. Arizona also had many reasons to be there if you liked to rope— the weather was generally pretty good, and their rodeos hosted team roping at a time when it wasn't yet standard in PRCA events elsewhere.
Then Bill Roer started his Roer Ropathon which would go on for a week in the LaVeen, AZ area, and his place was a great place to hang out while going to the spring rodeos in Arizona. Southern California also was a nice winter hangout for team ropers because of the mild winters and the Riverside Rancheros Roping club that hosted a big roping in December and January.
Today, Wickenburg, AZ is definitely team roping central for almost five months a year now, and my Resistol hat is off to those producers that have made all of this happen. Ropings are scaled to where any talent of roper has a place to rope every day—except the pros. The pros pretty well have to go to the rodeos in the area or find an open roping somewhere. Many of the ropings have an age limit range which eliminates the young roping talents from competition.
When I look back at those early days and compare them to what we see in Wickenburg now, I can't help but marvel at how far we've come. What started as small jackpots in California and Arizona has evolved into a sophisticated industry with million-dollar payouts and specialized divisions. Yet despite all the changes, the heart of team roping remains the same - two partners, their horses, and the undeniable hook of catching both ends of a steer. Those early roping grounds might have been humble compared to today's mega-complexes, but they laid the groundwork for everything we enjoy now. The spirit of those California and Arizona pioneers lives on every time headers and heelers back into the box, no matter where roping central happens to be.
2025 CHOWCHILLA WESTERN STAMPEDE
An incredible roping event with over 670 teams competing, and congratulations to Dustie Christensen, winner of the Chowchilla Western Stampede custom trophy saddle, roping sharp and well-deserved. The 4 1/2 winners were Mr. Tres Porter, Esq. and Mr. Shannon Riggs, with awards presented by President Justin Bruecker and Grand Marshal Roger Evans. Champs of the 5 1/2 Handicap Down were Derek Grant and Logan Erickson, while Eli Green and Mason Hicks took home the big win in the #6 Handicap. The #7 Handicap Eight Steer Average winners were Dustie Christensen and Shawn Aguiar in first with $5,260, Kashlyn Martinez and Blake Vanstavern in second with $3,960, Justin Stacy and Blair Wheatley in third with
$2,650, and Wayce Mcgill and Ross Rivera in fourth with $1,320. First Four Steer Average winners were Wayce Mcgill and Royce Brown with $2,200, Dustie Christensen and Blake Vanstavern with $1,360, and Kashlyn Martinez and Blake Vanstavern with $900. Second Four Steer Average winners were Logan Sullivan and Chase Grantham with $2,200, Dustie Christensen and Shawn Aguiar with $1,360, and Darren Lowry and Blake Vanstavern with $900. In the 10 1/2 Eight Steer Average, Mike Christensen and Jake Edwards took first with $4,620, Eli Green and Dan Green second with $2,760, and Seth Mielke and Jake Edwards third with $1,860. First Four Steer Average in the 10 1/2 went to Mike Christensen and Jake Edwards with $1,680 and Eli Green and Daniel Green with $1,100, while Second Four Steer Average went to Tyson Perez and Frank Perez with $1,680 and Blake Hirdes and Tucker Donlon with $1,100. Dummy Roping Champs for
ages 6-9 were Waylon Babshoff in first, Weston Lord in second, and Brylee Banstapp in third, and for ages 5 and under, Reese Roberts took first, Rowly Naillon second, and Ketch Lord third. From the Roping Payoff Summary Sheet for the 68th Chowchilla Western Stampede '25 6 Handicap P1/D1, Round Payoffs Rotation 1, Round 1 winners were Blake VanStavern (4.5) and Branstan Joseph (3) with $250 each, Colton Haynes (3) and Clay Horton (3.5) with $150 each, and Dustie Christensen (2.5) and Daniel Green (5) with $100 each. Average Payoffs in this category went to Eli Green (4) and Mason Hicks (3) with $800 each for first, Scott Jones (3) and Blake VanStavern (4.5) with $650 each for second, Dustie Christensen (2.5) and Mike Christensen (4.5) with $500 each for third, Wyatt Hammerstrom (3.5) and Blake VanStavern (4.5) with $380 each for fourth, Juan Ramirez (4) and George Dellis (2.5) with $250 each for fifth, and Billy Butler
SUBSCRIPTION
(4) and Shannon Riggs (2.5) with $140 each for sixth. From the Roping Payoff Summary Sheet for the 68th Chowchilla Western Stampede '25 5.5 Handicap Down P1/D1, Round Payoffs Rotation 1, Round 1 winners were George Dellis (2) and Daniel Alviso (3) with $350 each, Dominic Kastl (2) and Branstan Joseph (3) with $165 each, and Bronc Rowland (3) and Cody McNaney (2.5) with $165 each. Average Payoffs went to Derek Grant (1) and Logan Erickson (1) with $1,020 each for first, Billy J (Charlie) Prewitt (3) and Shannon Riggs with $860 each for second, Dominic Kastl (2) and Dakota McCurley (1.5) with $700 each for third, Gabby Webb (1.5) and JT Stinson (2.5) with $550 each for fourth, Jack Batey (2) and Kathryn Seitz (1.5) with $400 each for fifth, Cody McNaney (2.5) and Shannon Riggs (2.5) with $230 each for sixth, and Gabby Webb (1.5) and Jimmy Joe Yanez (3) with $160 each for seventh.
WICKENBURG WRAPS UP ANOTHER
Successful
TITLE FIGHTS
The Ariat World Series of Team Roping Title Fights rode strong at Rancho Rio, Wickenburg, Ari-zona, February 12–15, 2025. Known as the Team Roping Capital, Wickenburg drew ropers na-tionwide competing for a hefty $2,031,800 prize pot, marking the second-largest qualifier of the year. Topping the payouts, the #8.5 WS Qual roped in $339,600, with the #11.5 WS Qual close behind at $268,910. The event featured dual arenas, live-streamed on Roping.com, giving fans and competitors front-row action. WSTR President Ty Yost highlighted the KeyCard perks, including instant run videos via the Global Handicaps app, so competitors could focus purely on perfor-mance. KeyCard Max members enjoyed extra bonuses, like Roping.com memberships, roadside assistance, and event entry discounts. Competition kicked off with a #15.5 add-on, wrapping up fiercely with the Open qualifier. Renowned local arenas, including Rancho Rio, Simpson, Down-town, and Big Tree, reinforced Wickenburg’s premier roping reputation. See you next year at Ran-cho Rio for another round of top-level team roping competition.
#7.5 WS QUAL: Jordyn C Kurfiss, Prescott Valley, AZ, Lance Fillmore, Pueblo, CO, $25,800, 30.03 on 3; Bud Howell, Carthage, TX, Drew Galyean, Henderson, TX, $18,200, 33.03 on 3; Doug Parker, Judy Parker, Williams, CA, $13,660, 34.91 on 3; Donnie Johnston, Canadian, TX, Chris Eckhardt, Pray, MT, $12,140, 36.26 on 3; Cisco Nixon, Congress, AZ, Austin Vigil, Cave Creek, AZ, $10,620, 38.03
on 3; Shelly Moore, Jack Moore, Mount Vernon, MO, $9,100, 38.37 on 3; Gina Hall, Medford, OR, Andy Joffer, Jacksonville, OR, $7,580, 39.02 on 3; Steve Hinson, Jonesboro, AR, Steve Waltz, Cogan Station, PA, $6,060, 42.11 on 3; Cole Prettyman, Kailua Kona, HI, Beau Ramirez, Wickenburg, AZ, $6,060, 18.98 on 2; Len Jones, Shorter, AL, Becky Cannizzaro, Wayne, OK, $4,560, 19.73 on 2; Joy Handley, Wickenburg, AZ, John Sampson, Boerne, TX, $4,560, 21.42 on 2; Dino Webb, Wheatland, CA, John Clary, Gardner, KS, $4,000, 22.67 on 2; Brett Hensley, Henderson, TX, Robert Delude, Waskom, TX, $4,000, 22.71 on 2; SGO FT: Bud Howell, Drew Galyean, $1,800, 9.05. #8.5 WS QUAL: Jana Smith, Carlsbad, NM, Mark McAlister, Artesia, NM, $64,400, 38.11 on 4; Robby LeFebre, Justin Tapia, Albuquerque, NM, $49,780, 41.43 on 4; Doug Parker, Williams, CA, Kevin Kelly, Jordan, MT, $35,120, 42.19 on 4; Kerry Jackman, Thermopolis, WY, Johnnie Phillips, Casper, WY, $26,340, 42.58 on 4; Ha-ley Brown, Poncea, NE, Shelly Holliday, Chouteau, OK, $20,480, 43.45 on 4; Jay Rueter, Win-chester, IL, Jerry Bliss, Ellisville, MO, $17,580, 44.7 on 4; Colin Miller, Kimberly, ID, Aaron Champneys, Chelsea, OK, $11,720, 45.17 on 4; SGO FT: Robby LeFebre, Justin Tapia, $1,800, 8.18. #9.5 WS QUAL: George Evetts, Hanford, CA, Gary Santos, Porterville, CA, $52,980, 37.13 on 4; BA Ulibarri, Chama, NM, Jose Romero, Bernalillo, NM, $40,940, 38.46 on 4; Wally Blank-enship, Killdeer, ND, Josh Anderson, Manhattan, MT, $28,900, 39.03 on 4; Carly Todd, Willcox, AZ, Ace Peterson, San Simon, AZ, $19,260, 42.61 on 4; Garrett Cooper, Cave Creek, AZ, Tim Caswell, Phoenix, AZ, $14,460, 42.94 on 4; SGO FT: JT Bradley, Auburn, CA, Buck Baca, Valley Springs, CA, $900 each, 14.58. #10.5 WS QUAL: Steele Shumway, Pasco, WA, Ty Jacobs, Buckley, WA, $57,320, 33.52 on 4; Greg Cruthers, Maricopa, AZ, Colter Dunn, Ogema, SK, $44,280, 33.55 on 4; Wyatt Bourdet, Billy J Aviles, Hollister, CA, $31,260, 35.86 on 4; George Evetts, Hanford, CA, Connor Nighman, Norwalk, CA, $23,440, 36.02 on 4; Mickey Young, Buhl, ID, Blake Bowler, Enterprise, UT, $13,020, 37.55 on 4; SGO FT: Gordon Graham, Maricopa, AZ, Braden Bedke, Oakley, ID,
#7.5 Winners Ariel Lockward & Dusty Pate$33,380 (29.18 on 3)
#8.5 Winners Jana Smith & Mark McAlister$64,400 (38.11 on 4)
#9.5 Winners George Evetts & Gary Santos$52,980 (37.13 on 4)
Open Winners Travis Whitlow & Garrett Jepson - $16,840 (29.77 on 4)
$1,800, 10.33. #11.5 WS QUAL: Steele Shumway, Pasco, WA, Stoney Boy Joseph, Herald, CA, $54,400, 33 on 4; Chuck Henderson, Spokane, WA, Ty Ja-cobs, Buckley, WA, $42,040, 33.37 on 4; Brooke Trammell, Ty Trammell, Amarillo, TX, $29,680, 33.81 on 4; Phil Schuman, Johnstown, CO, Zane Williams, Hammond, MT, $22,260, 33.89 on 4; Lee Maggard, Westville, OK, Rusty Silva, Lapoint, UT, $12,360, 37.31 on 4; SGO FT: Kike Her-rera, El Paso, TX, Jorge Hawkins, Santa Teresa, NM, $1,800, 11.89. #12.5 WS QUAL: Jason Carlson, Two Dot, MT, Ryan Ferguson, Wilsall, MT, $40,880, 32.15 on 4; Clay Shoop, Inola, OK, Jason James, Windsor, CO, $31,580, 32.19 on 4; Braxton Hughes, Canyon, TX, Will Mitchell, Henderson, NV, $22,300, 33.17 on 4; Todd Graff, Wittmann, AZ, Stoney Fred, Rough Rock, AZ, $11,140, 35.88 on 4; SGO FT: Avery Davis, Springdale, AR, Bryson Chamberlain, Vinita, OK, $1,800, 11.95. Total payouts: #15.5 Add on $78,480, #14.5 WS Qual $137,760, #13.5 WS Qual $190,010, #12.5 WS Qual $206,600, #11.5 WS Qual $268,910, #10.5 Legends $44,160, #10.5 WS Qual $285,320, #9.5 WS Qual $266,640, #8.5 WS Qual $339,600, #7.5 WS Qual $161,520, Open WS Qual $52,800. see full results at roperssportsnews.com
#10.5 Winners Steele Shumway & Ty Jacobs$57,320 (33.52 on 4)
#13.5 Winners Ruben Lorta & Cesar Ochoa$37,300 (31.19 on 4)
#11.5 Winners Steele Shumway & Stoney Boy Joseph - $54,400 (33 on 4)
COWGIRL SPIRIT SHINES AT WICKENBURG'S ART OF THE COWGIRL SHOWCASE
By Dee Yates, Publisher, Ropers Sports News
As I pulled into Rancho Rio this February, the Arizona desert was alive with anticipation. Having covered western events for many years, I've witnessed countless gatherings, but the seventh annual Art of the Cowgirl at its new Wickenburg home struck a different chord in my heart. This wasn't just another event to report—it was a vibrant celebration of our shared western heritage that reminded me why I fell in love with this way of life in the first place.
The magnificent 55-acre Rancho Rio facility, just minutes from downtown Wickenburg, proved the perfect backdrop for this extraordinary fiveday showcase. Rancho Rio founder Ty Yost shared with me his enthusiasm: "I have been watching the Art of the Cowgirl for the past six years as it has grown and become just a fantastic event. We are so excited to bring the Art of the Cowgirl to Rancho Rio, not just for us, but for the entire town and community of Wickenburg."
Throughout my career, I've always believed location matters in western events, and Mesa Pate, the dedicated Horse Sale and Competition Director, confirmed my thoughts when she told me, "The town embodies everything Art of the Cowgirl celebrates."
From February 25 to March 1, 2025, I immersed myself in every aspect of the event—attending hands-on workshops where traditions were passed to eager learners, watching riveting horsemanship demonstrations that showcased the connection between horse and rider,
listening to inspiring artist presentations that revealed the inspiration behind western creativity, enjoying soulful cowgirl musicians whose melodies blessed the desert landscape, participating in thought-provoking panel discussions about preserving our heritage, and witnessing an exceptional horse sale that exceeded all expectations.
The carefully curated trade show was a treasure trove of western artistry. I found myself lingering at booths displaying original art, apparel, gear, gifts, and accessories—all created with obvious love by talented cowgirl artisans. More than once, I pulled out my notepad to jot down contacts for future feature stories in our publication.
When the Kimes Ranch World's Greatest Cowgirl competition presented by Western Horseman began, I staked out my spot along the arena fence. The energy was electric as elite horsewomen showcased their versatility and horsemanship. Over five days of fierce competition, these remarkable women demonstrated unmatched skill and breathtaking finesse across multiple disciplines.
I've covered Kelsey Thomas's career since her early days, so watching her and her exceptional mare Kit Kat Jerrie claim their fourth championship title filled me with pride. This legendary duo's dominance was evident throughout the competition, with victories in the Steer Stopping Finals (149.50), Fence Work Finals (148.00), and preliminary rounds in both Herd Work (148.00) and Fence Work (150.50).
Thomas took home an impressive $10,000 cash prize, a gorgeous Martin Saddlery trophy saddle, a Montana Silversmiths trophy buckle, a boot jack donated by Western Horseman, SLIDE Joint Care Products, and a free breeding.
"This victory isn't just a win-it's truly a legacy in the making!” -Kelsey Thomas
The top 10 competitors showcased extraordinary talent across all events, with total payouts reaching $49,500.
1. Kit Kat Jerrie & Kelsey Thomas - 592.50 - $10,000
7. Ze Sparkin & Jennifer Holland - 560.50 - $3,000
8. Travelinonmoonshine & Sadie Grant - 550.00 - $2,500
9. Bob J Wilson & Whitney Hall - 432.50 - $2,000
10. Melvin Jonez & Carmen Buckingham - 135.00 - $1,500
In the Herd Work Finals, Dylan Sponseller and Spin N Twist Arey topped the competition with an impressive 150.00 score, followed by Kelsey Thomas and Kit Kat Jerrie at 148.00, and Kate Buchanan and Sweetes at 145.50. Bob J Wilson and Whitney Hall earned fourth with 143.50, while Kit Kat Royal and Jenna Stolting secured fifth with 143.00. Tylie Norcutt with Soula Hickory Star and Sadie Grant with Travelinonmoonshine tied for sixth with 141.00. Morgan Holmes and Monster Truk placed eighth with 140.00, Jennifer Holland and Ze Sparkin
ninth with 139.00, and Carmen Buckingham and Melvin Jones rounded out the top ten with 135.00.
The Fence Work Finals saw Kelsey Thomas and Kit Kat Jerrie take the win with 148.00, earning a beautiful custom wood carving made and donated by Richelle Munro. Tylie Norcutt and Soula Hickory Star secured second with 147.00, while Whitney Hall and Bob J Wilson claimed third with 145.00. Jennifer Holland and Ze Sparkin placed fourth with 144.50, Dylan Sponseller and Spin N Twist Arey fifth with 140.00, and Morgan Holmes with Monster Truk sixth with 139.00. Jenna Stolting and Kit Kat Royal earned seventh with 137.50, Kate Buchanan and Sweetes eighth with 135.50, and Sadie Grant with Travelinonmoonshine ninth with 132.00.
In the Reining Finals, Morgan Holmes and her home-raised equine athlete, Monster Truk, claimed victory with a remarkable 150.50 score. Jenna Stolting and Kit Kat Royal secured second place with 147.50, while Kelsey Thomas and Kit Kat Jerrie took third with 147.00. Jennifer Holland and Ze Sparkin placed fourth
with 145.00, and Kate Buchanan with Sweetes fifth with 144.50. Whitney Hall with Bob J Wilson and Dylan Sponseller with Spin N Twist Arey tied for sixth with 144.00. Tylie Norcutt and Soula Hickory Star earned eighth with 142.50, and Sadie Grant with Travelinonmoonshine ninth with 137.50.
The Steer Stopping Finals saw Kelsey Thomas and Kit Kat Jerrie dominate with 149.50. Kate Buchanan with Sweetes and Morgan Holmes with Monster Truk tied for second with identical scores of 149.00. Jenna Stolting and Kit Kat Royal secured third with 143.00, Sadie Grant and Travelinonmoonshine fourth with 139.50, Dylan Sponseller and Spin N Twist Arey fifth with 138.50, Tylie Norcutt and Soula Hickory Star sixth with 133.00, and Jennifer Holland and Ze Sparkin seventh with 132.00.
The preliminary rounds were equally impressive. In the Herd Work Preliminary, Kelsey Thomas and Kit Kat Jerrie won with 148.00, taking home $600 and Montana Silversmiths Trophy Buckles. Vanessa Ratliff and Bet Hesa Start placed second with 146.00, earning $300 and SLIDE Joint Care Products. Kylie Haskins with Cold Harde Cash and Kate Buchanan with Sweetes tied for third with 145.50. Dylan Sponseller with Spin N Twist Arey and Jenna Stolting with Kit Kat Royal tied for fifth with 145.00. Tylie Norcutt with Soula Hickory Star and Carmen Buckingham with Melvin Jones tied for seventh with 144.00. Jennifer Holland and Ze Sparkin placed ninth with 143.50, while Chantz Stewart with Buster Time and Paris M Starn with Santanas Rey Gun tied for tenth with 142.00.
In the Reining Preliminary, Jenna Stolting and Kit Kat Royal topped the field with 149.50, earning $600 and a custom bronze donated by NRHA. Kate Buchanan and Sweetes placed second with 149.00, taking home $400 and Slide Joint Care Products. Morgan Holmes and Monster Truk secured third with 147.50. Paris M Starn with Santanas Rey Gun and Dylan Sponseller with Spin N Twist Arey tied for fourth with 147.00. Lausanne Hillmuth with The Wright Approach and Kelsey Thomas with Kit Kat Jerrie tied for sixth with 146.00. Jennifer Holland and Ze Sparkin placed eighth with 145.50, Marisa Julian and Spooky N Smart ninth with 145.00, and Kylie Haskins with Cold Hardened Cash tenth with 144.50.
The Fence Work Preliminary saw Kelsey Thomas and Kit Kat Jerrie win with 150.50, receiving $600 and a Montana Silversmiths Trophy Buckle. Bailey Barrett and Magnetic Chex earned second with 149.50, taking home $400 and SLIDE Joint Care Products. Morgan Holmes and Monster Truk secured third with 148.00. Carmen Buckingham with Melvin Jones and Dylan Sponseller with Spin N Twist Arey tied for fourth with 147.50. Karey Louthan with Surely This Time and Sadie Grant with Travelinonmoonshine tied for sixth with 146.00. Whitney Hall with Bob J Wilson and Kate Buchanan with Sweetes tied for ninth with 144.00.
In the Steer Stopping Preliminary, Kelsey Thomas and Kit Kat Jerrie won with 148.00, earning $600 and a Montana Silversmiths Trophy Buckle. Dylan Sponseller and Spin N Twist Arey placed second with 147.00, receiving $400 and SLIDE Joint Care Products. Jenna Stolting and Kit Kat Royal took third with 146.00. Chantz Stewart with Buster Time and Tylie Norcutt with Soula Hickory Star
tied for fourth with 145.50. Kiely Walz and Honky Tonk Dreams placed sixth with 145.00. Marisa Julian with Spooky N Smart and Kate Buchanan with Sweetes tied for seventh with 144.50. Alexis Decker and Hail Of A Shine secured ninth with 144.00, while Sommer Amos with Big Buck Shot and Sadie Grant with Travelinonmoonshine tied for tenth with 143.50.
The 2025 Art of the Cowgirl Invitational Horse Sale was a highlight I won't soon forget. The sale grossed $1,441,500 with an average of $27,198 per horse. The top 10 averaged $53,267, top 20 averaged $37,258, and top 30 averaged $32,058. I've covered horse sales across the West for decades, and these numbers are truly remarkable.
The high seller that had everyone talking was Soul Ridge Lamont Flame, known affectionately as "Ben," consigned by Keily Stewart of High River, Alberta, Canada. This exceptional 2018 Registered Canadian Bay Gelding commanded $200,000, purchased by Angela Husemann of Winnipeg, Manitoba.
"Years of time and commitment goes into these animals, it's a big deal for me to let them go. One day, when my cards are right, I'll hold on to every last one of them.” -Keily Stewart
Stewart's roots in horsemanship run deep. She grew up in the mountains of British Columbia, spending seasons in a Canadian horse-ran outfitting area, packing into the backcountry. Her horses are recognized for their exceptional foundation and real-life ranching experience, making them some of the most sought-after offerings at the sale. As a returning loyal consignor, she's built a reputation that draws serious buyers.
In the Cowkid Select sale, "Cowboy," consigned by young Saylor McPhail of Canyon, Texas, sold for $36,000 to Javier Rodriguez of Las Vegas, New Mexico—a price that brought a standing ovation from the crowd.
The Wrangler All Women's Ranch Rodeo, presented by COWGIRL Magazine, was another event I covered extensively. Team Bar G, featuring Megan Gunter, Kylie McLean, Brooke Curuchet, and Kim Grubbs, displayed remarkable toughness and cowgirl spirit to claim the championship. In the Sorting & Doctoring Preliminaries, presented by Bishop's Trailer Sales, this same team demonstrated exceptional skill, getting their cow sorted and doctored quickly to take the win.
The Branding Preliminaries, presented by Priefert, went to team Vaqueras Locas, consisting of Whitney Hall, Kelsey Love Thomas, Codie Brown,
and Dylan Sponseller, who showed incredible teamwork and precision. The Ranch Horse Preliminaries presented by Brennan Vineyards saw a tie between Team Espuela's Kelsey Love Thomas and Team Three Bar Quarter Horses' Breanna Jenkins, both scoring 75.
The roping arena proved just as exciting. Oregon's Natalie Thompson wins in the Merck Animal Health Breakaway Roping, while California's Brooke Jackson and Summer Tex secured the win in the All-Women Team Roping with teamwork.
Beyond the competitions, what struck me most was the heart of Art of the Cowgirl—its fellowship program. This initiative unites emerging female artisans in traditional trades like silversmithing, leathercraft, boot making, horse training, and fine art with masters in their fields. These partnerships ensure our cherished traditions continue while empowering and educating women. As someone who has spent a lifetime documenting western heritage, I find this aspect particularly moving.
Mesa Pate explained it perfectly when she said, "We really focus on creating a hands-on experience. We encourage everyone to come take it all in and support our artists. The vibe of Art of the Cowgirl is so welcoming, whether you've been to a past event, or this will be your first. It's a place to experience the true cowgirl spirit and connect with Western culture and the people who create it."
As I packed up my camera on the final day, I knew this event would feature prominently in our next issue of Ropers Sports News. The overwhelming success of this year's gathering has already created anticipation for 2026. Applications for the trade show will open this summer, and event tickets go on sale September 1. I encourage all our readers to visit www.ArtoftheCowgirl.com or follow them on Facebook and Instagram for updates on ticket sales, host hotels, and the exciting schedule of events.
Reflecting on the five days I spent at Rancho Rio, I'm reminded why I've dedicated my life to sharing stories of Cowgirls and western heritage and now I get to bring them to Ropers Sports News. The cowgirl spirit is alive and thriving in Wickenburg. Through events like Art of the Cowgirl, our timeless traditions continue to inspire, educate, and unite us all in appreciation of the West's enduring legacy.
To every cowgirl who brought heart, grit, and talent to Wickenburg this year: you are all legends, and your passion inspires not just me, but every one of our readers at Ropers Sports News. We'll see you next year at Rancho Rio!
Linsay Rosser-Sumpter
Written
and Photographed by Dee
Yates
Linsay Rosser-Sumpter's journey from a devoted California cowgirl to one of the most influential voices in women's rodeo exemplifies the power of staying true to your roots while embracing change. As the Commissioner of the Women's Rodeo Championships, she's transforming the landscape of professional rodeo, ensuring future generations of cowgirls have opportunities she once only dreamed of.
Growing up in California's rich ranching tradition, Linsay developed deep roots in the Western way of life. Her time at Cal Poly proved transformative, laying the foundation for a career that would eventually reshape women's rodeo. The university's "Learn by Doing" philosophy resonated deeply with her approach to both competition and leadership, preparing her for the challenges ahead.
"I'm a big time California girl," Linsay proudly declares, carrying forward a legacy that runs deep in the Golden State's rodeo history. Her roots in the sport stretch back to her legendary grandfather, Cotton Rosser, known throughout the rodeo world as the "King of the Cowboys."
Cotton Rosser's impact on the sport of rodeo was nothing short of revolutionary. A Cal Poly alumnus himself (Animal Husbandry '52), he transformed rodeo into the spectacular event it is today through his Flying U Rodeo Co. in Marysville, California. After a ranch accident ended his competitive career, Cotton purchased the Flying U in 1956, going on to produce more than 3,000 rodeo events. His innovations – from patriotic flag presentations to pyrotechnics – became industry standards, earning him spots in both the ProRodeo Hall of Fame and the Hall of Great Westerners at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum.
The Rosser family's dedication to rodeo and education runs generations deep at Cal Poly. Following in Cotton's footsteps, Linsay graduated with a degree in Agricultural Science in 2006, joining a proud line of Rosser alumni that includes her dad Lee, mother Bonnie, uncles Brian, and "Reno" David, Aunt Katharine, and brother Levi. This legacy was honored in 2021 when Cal Poly renamed its facilities the Cotton Rosser Rodeo Complex, recognizing Cotton's enduring impact on the sport until his passing in June 2022 at age 93.
Today, Linsay shares her passion for rodeo with her two boys: Lindon "Turkey" Lee, age 8, and Weston Richard, 10. Social media followers know "Turkey" through his daily adventures, where he transforms from Daniel Boone to World War II soldier, always accompanied by his faithful dog and dreams of flying airplanes. These moments of family life ground Linsay's larger mission in the personal connections that make rodeo special.
After graduating from Cal Poly, Linsay took a bold step, accepting a position in PR and marketing with the Professional Bull Riders (PBR) in Pueblo, Colorado. This move, initially intended as a trial run in her future husband Wade's home state, opened doors she never imagined. By 2009, she had married Wade and launched a rodeo program at Otero College, where she would serve as head coach for 15 years before transitioning to fulltime agriculture business management faculty in August 2023.
January 2022 marked a pivotal moment when Linsay stepped into her role as Commissioner of the Women's Rodeo World Championship, following crucial conversations with industry leaders Bobby Mote, Scott Davis, and Sean Gleason. Under her
guidance, the championship has become the largest allfemale rodeo globally, with over $800,000 in payouts planned for the 2025 finals.
"I don't ever want my son's wives to say that they had to quit after college because there wasn't a chance for them to make money," Linsay reflects, her voice carrying the weight of personal experience. "I'm of that generation where college rodeo was over, we were done roping. We could run barrels, but this six-foot body is not a barrel racer."
The championship's structure reflects Linsay's commitment to inclusivity, featuring pro, challenger, and limited divisions.
"We're trying to build this umbrella of sisterhood where everybody can come together," she explains. "It doesn't matter if you're a 3D-4D barrel racer or you're Hailey Kinsel and you're one of the best in the world."
Beyond the arena, Linsay serves on the Ag Advisory Committee for the Coffee Break Project, addressing rural stress and suicide awareness in agricultural communities. Her contributions to Western sports were recently recognized with the Grit Award from the Western Sports Foundation, though she humbly insists she hasn't "done enough yet to be getting awards."
Working alongside rodeo icon Pam Minick, whom Linsay calls "the fairy godmother of Women's Rodeo Championship," and her director of operations Sami Jo Smith, Linsay continues to innovate. The championship's Pam Minick Lifetime Achievement Award, which saw Reba McEntire as its second recipient, exemplifies their commitment to honoring the sport's legacy while building its future.
The future of women's rodeo has never looked brighter, thanks in part to Linsay's leadership. Her work ensures that the next generation of cowgirls won't have to choose between their passion and their livelihood. The program's nomination system allows competitors to qualify through events they're already attending, recognizing the value of their time and the realities of balancing competition with family life.
"Our industry is not big enough to compete against each other. We need to work together," Linsay emphasizes, highlighting her vision for unity in the sport. This philosophy has led to groundbreaking partnerships, including a recent collaboration with NIRA to include goat tying in the championship, providing collegiate athletes a professional pathway in their event.
For Linsay Rosser-Sumpter, this isn't just about rodeo—it's about preserving a way of life, building a legacy, and ensuring that every cowgirl has the opportunity to chase her dreams. Through her leadership, determination, and unwavering commitment to the sport, she's not just moving the needle; she's redefining what's possible for women in rodeo, one breakthrough at a time.
COWGIRLshelpingcowgirls
Written by Julie Mankin
There has been a beautiful parallel between the rising popularity in women’s sports (thank you, Caitlin Clark), the overdue enforcement of Title IX that protects the integrity of all-female competition, and what’s happening for rodeo cowgirls right now.
Pro rodeos in the Northwest had included all-lady ropers first, then the snowball got rolling when breakaway was added to the lucrative Bob Feist Invitational jackpots. That influenced the adjacent televised Reno Rodeo to showcase lady ropers. Soon, World Champions Rodeo Alliance (WCRA) made breakaway a standard event at its professional rodeos – meaning the 2018 Days of ’47 rodeo in Salt Lake City became the first major rodeo to give girls who rope their own platform and money. Then, The American in 2019 added breakaway inside AT&T Stadium. As a result, this season women have their own roping event at some 500 PRCA rodeos – including the Calgary Stampede – for the first time.
Plus, the WCRA partnered with the PBR to launch Women’s Rodeo Championships (WRC) with a mission of creating more opportunities for women in rodeo and elevating their presence in all sports (the winning heeler last year earned $60,500).
What’s more, it created the annual Pam Minick Lifetime Achievement Award to recognize female leaders who’ve made outstanding contributions to Western sports while supporting cowgirls. And this spring for the first time ever, the Women’s Rodeo World Championships (WRWC) inside AT&T Stadium will include a $10,000-added goattying showcase.
While competitors themselves are a big part of more opportunities for cowgirls, as usual, it’s been other cowgirls doing the dirty work of persuading
decision-makers to offer more opportunities, landing big sponsorships, dipping their toe into politics or just getting the word out. We profile two of them here, and more next month.
A giving spirit
A decade ago, fourth-generation world champion roper Mary Ann Miller of Arizona had already spent years trying to get enough funding to produce a documentary about women’s rodeo, but the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA) was too strapped for cash or time to help. In 2023, she took it upon herself to spearhead efforts to gain Tito’s Handmade Vodka as the official vodka partner of the 2024 WRWC – now the world’s richest all-female rodeo.
“It was an honor to start the partnership with WRC – an organization that’s as dedicated to providing opportunities for cowgirls as Tito’s is to supporting them,” said Miller, who noted the WRWC will pay winning cowgirls more than $800,000 this year in heading, heeling, breakaway and barrel racing, plus a prestigious all-around title.
Miller won back-to-back WPRA heading world titles in 2006-07 after her father John Miller was the 1970-71 PRCA world champ, her great-uncle Ben Johnson won the gold buckle in 1953, and her greatgrandfather Ben Johnson Sr. claimed the 1922 gold buckle in steer roping. Mary Ann’s mother, Barbara Bell Miller, ran barrels at the NFR back when equal money for cowgirls was just a pipe dream.
“I originally reached out to Tito’s to help fund my Miller Johnson Foundation,” said Mary Ann. “Uncle Ben used to have a lot of celebrity events to raise money for the sick or underprivileged. As a kid, that made a huge impression on me, to see those rodeo legends and movie stars show up to change someone’s life for the better. So, I set up
the foundation in honor of my family’s giving spirit, to support the financial health of Western families in need, whether due to natural circumstances, medical emergency or natural disaster.”
Miller hopes to continue fundraising efforts to establish the foundation as a leg up to people living the Western lifestyle who need help.
“Our very first recipient was a cowboy who’d gotten his chaps hung on his saddle horn and gotten drug by a horse, which put him in intensive care,” she said of the Miller Johnson Foundation, for which more donation details and contact information can be found at MillerJohnsonFoundation.com. “We’ve also sponsored roping clinics for youths that want to get better and can’t afford lessons. Things like that.”
The first thing the Tito’s founder asked Miller was how he could help. He’d struggled in the early years of starting Tito’s, so today the company is quite philanthropic. And now, America’s best-selling distilled spirit supports cowgirls by also backing the Kimes Ranch Million-Dollar Breakaway, the Horse Sale at Rancho Rio and the National Finals of Breakaway Roping.
Flame for rodeo
“It’s amazing to have attended the Kimes Ranch Breakaway and watch it pay out a million bucks, and to know that in six years at WRWC we’ve paid out $3.75 million,” said Sami Jo Smith, the WCRA’s Director of Operations and Administration. “It’s just really exciting to see opportunities growing for women across the industry.”
Smith was a city girl who loved horses. After serving as Miss Frontier in her native Cheyenne, Wyoming, she met the Vold family through the famed Frontier Days and spent a weekend at their ranch.
“That weekend with the Vold’s really immersed me and ignited the flame for rodeo in my heart,” she said.
Smith went on to intern at the College National Finals Rodeo (CNFR) and the NFR before launching a career in event logistics and operations. She worked behind the scenes for years during The American, the Days of ’47, the short-lived ERA and now for the WCRA since its inception.
“I still think there’s a lot of room for more opportunities and more money in women’s rodeo throughout the year,” said Smith. “I hope that when my daughter turns 18, she could make a six-figure income as a rodeo athlete alongside many other women, not just a few.”
Last year for the first time, thanks to competitive cowgirl, wife, mother and WRC Commissioner Linsay Rosser-Sumpter, the WCRA partnered with the NIRA to
give $10,000 cash to the highest point-getter nominating the CNFR. But goat tyers weren’t eligible.
“Linsay and I thought, ‘We’ve got to raise the bar, because these girls are having to retire after college,” Smith said. “That’s not the WCRA’s mission.”
So now, goat tyers can nominate their college rodeos and not only be eligible for the $10,000 Top Hand bonus at the CNFR, but also compete at the Smarty Rodeo Goat Tying Showcase during the WRWC with $10,000 added. She expects goat-tying nominations to become available at amateur and youth rodeos next season.
“All this progress with purse money would not be possible without people like Matt and Amanda Kimes, and the team at WCRA and PBR for saying, ‘Let’s put these girls in the football stadium during the PBR World Finals.’ Right?” said Smith. “I have to applaud those who had the courage and power to say, ‘It’s time. Let’s do this.’ And throughout the rest of my career, I can continue to apply that, as well, and make more changes.”
More applause, clearly, is due cowgirls like these who’ve rolled up their sleeves, brainstormed and put boots on the ground to push more money and more competitive opportunities for ladies into ProRrodeo.
THE HEART OF CALAVERAS
A RODEO LEGACY BUILT ON LOVE, COMMUNITY, AND CCPRA PRIDE
Frogtown CCPRA Rodeo - a beloved tradition that has become so much more than just an an-nual event in Angels Camp, California. As a sanctioned event of the California Cowboys Pro-fessional Rodeo Association (CCPRA), this rodeo represents the beating heart of a community while upholding the proud traditions of California's leading rodeo organization.
The
CCPRA: Californias Rodeo Legacy
The California Cowboys Professional Rodeo Association stands as the cornerstone of rodeo tradition in the Golden State. Founded in 1966, this non-profit organization has grown to be-come the premier rodeo sanctioning body throughout California and neighboring states. What makes the CCPRA special is its diverse membership - from cowboys and cowgirls to judges, clowns, bullfighters, photographers, secretaries, announcers, contractors, and committee members. CCPRA contestants compete for nearly half a million dollars in prize money annually, with points awarded on a dollar system leading to the championship
finals held Thanksgiving weekend at the Tehama District Fairgrounds.
What truly distinguishes the CCPRA from other rodeo associations is its commitment to giving back to host communities. Through partnerships with corporate sponsors, the CCPRA not only funds substantial rodeo purses but also makes generous donations to local charities after each event. Their significant support of Western Wishes demonstrates how rodeo values ex-tend far beyond the arena.
Frogtown CCPRA Rodeo: A CCPRA Showcase
The Frogtown CCPRA Rodeo proudly carries the CCPRA sanction, featuring all the thrilling events rodeo fans love - bareback riding, barrel racing, breakaway roping, bull riding, calf rop-ing, saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling, and team roping. The 2025 rodeo, scheduled for Sat-urday, May 18th at 7:00pm at the Calaveras County Fairgrounds, continues this tradition of CCPRA excellence and community spirit.
With stock provided by Rockin M Rodeo and competition overseen by CCPRA-certified judges, participants and spectators alike can expect top-quality western sports entertainment. For contestants, this event represents not just a chance at prize money, but valuable points toward CCPRA finals qualification.
A Legacy Transformed by Love
What truly sets this particular CCPRA rodeo apart isn't just the impressive lineup of events or the skilled competitors – it's the heartwarming story of transformation that has unfolded over the years. The rodeo queen competition, once organized by the Calaveras Saddle Club dating back to at least 1970, has evolved into something extraordinary thanks to the dedication of one family and their response to unimaginable loss.
The story of "Live Like Lilly" captures the essence of this community's spirit. What began as a dream to support young women in their rodeo queen journeys became a powerful legacy fol-lowing the loss of a remarkable young woman named Lilly. As the 2021 Calaveras Saddle Queen, Lilly embodied everything this community stands for – dedication, determination, and an infectious love for rodeo that inspired everyone around her.
During her reign, Lilly traveled more than 6,000 miles representing Calaveras County, elevating the expectations for future queens and helping transform the title from Calaveras Saddle Queen to Calaveras Rodeo Queen. Her achievements didn't stop there – she went on to be-come the 2022 Amador County Fair Rodeo Queen, chapter president for FFA at Calaveras High School, and had dreams of becoming Miss Rodeo Oakdale in 2024.
Lillys Dream Lives On Through Others
In a beautiful testament to Lilly's lasting impact, Lillian Crummey was crowned 2024 Miss Ro-deo Oakdale – the very title Lilly had aspired to claim. Crummey ran for the title in memory of Lilly, proudly displaying the flying L emblem on her chaps as a tribute to her legacy. Her jour-ney doesn't stop there; Crummey plans to run for Miss Rodeo California in the fall of 2025, with the ultimate goal of winning Miss Rodeo America – fulfilling what was once Lilly's greatest dream.
This powerful continuity of purpose shows how Lilly's ambitions continue to inspire and live on through others in the rodeo community. Each time Crummey enters the arena with the flying L displayed proudly, Lilly's spirit rides alongside her, touching hearts and reminding everyone of the profound impact one passionate young woman can have even after she's gone.
The Queen Tradition: From CCPRA to Frogtown
While the CCPRA hosts its own prestigious Miss CCPRA Pageant crowning queens who rep-resent the organization at rodeos throughout the year, local rodeos like the Frogtown CCPRA Rodeo also maintain their own queen traditions. These local royalty programs serve as step-ping stones for many young women who aspire to compete at higher levels, including the CCPRA queen competition.
Following Lilly's passing, her mother's original dream of creating a nonprofit to support rodeo queens took on new meaning and urgency. In April 2024, "Live Like Lilly" became official – not just supporting rodeo queens as initially envisioned, but expanding to provide scholarships to organizations created in Lilly's memory.
The impact has been profound. Since April 2024, they've awarded over $1,600 in scholarships and presented six Live Like Lilly Buckles. Throughout California, rodeo queens proudly carry Live Like Lilly flags in their trailers, and many competitions have renamed their Miss Congeniali-ty Award to the "Live Like Lilly Spirit Award."
Building for the Future
The dedication to improving the rodeo queen program exemplifies the "leave it better than you found it" philosophy that permeates both the CCPRA and local rodeo communities. Through fundraising efforts and community support, they've added significant prizes including custom saddles for queens and expanded the competition to include participants from outside the area. The program now features
both Calaveras Rodeo Queen and Calaveras Rodeo Jr Queen titles, with plans to add a Calaveras Rodeo Princess in 2026.
Perhaps most exciting is the announcement that 2025 will mark the first year the Calaveras Rodeo Queen will receive her very own trailer – a testament to the growth and support this program has achieved.
Join Us in Angels Camp
If you'd like to experience this special CCPRA event firsthand, the 2024 Frogtown CCPRA Ro-deo awaits on Saturday, May 18th. The event features a full lineup of CCPRA-sanctioned competitions, with entries having closed on May 7th.
For more information, contact the Calaveras County Fair & Jumping Frog Jubilee at (209) 736-2561 or visit their website at https://www.frogtown.org/frogtownrodeo. To learn more about the California Cowboys Professional Rodeo Association and its year-round schedule of events, visit http://www.ccpra.com/ or call (530) 347-9256.
The
Spirit Lives On
Lilly's story reminds us all that rodeo is more than competition – it's about community, dreams, and the impact we have on each other. As her mother beautifully expressed, "Her spirit is with all of us. Remember to lead with a smile."
In every flag flying in a queen's trailer, in every scholarship awarded, and in every competition that honors her memory, Lilly's legacy continues to inspire and unite this remarkable rodeo community. The Frogtown CCPRA Rodeo stands as a beautiful example of how tragedy can transform into triumph when a community comes together with love, purpose, and dedication - values that perfectly align with the CCPRA's mission of not just preserving western heritage, but strengthening the communities where rodeo thrives.
As Lillian Crummey continues her journey toward Miss Rodeo California and potentially Miss Rodeo America, she carries not just her own dreams but Lilly's as well – proving that some legacies are too powerful to be contained by time or circumstance.
I invite you to experience this special CCPRA event and witness firsthand how the spirit of Lilly and the passion of this community continue to make the Frogtown CCPRA Rodeo so much more than just another stop on the circuit. It's a celebration of life, legacy, and the power of leading with a smile.
OUR 61ST YEAR! BREWER PRODUCTIONS PRESENTS: 2025
Facebook-Brewer’s Roping Arena
Team Roping Practice Monday-6-8pm $25
Los Molinos, CA • Brewers Arena
APRIL 7, 14, 21, 28
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APRIL 9, 16, 23, 30
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Middletown, CA • Owen Ranch
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Brown’s Valley, CA • Sheriff Posse Arena
MARCH 22 & SATURDAY, APRIL 12
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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16
SU 2:30, Rope 3:00pm Open 5 for $250- go 2x Spencer’s Switch Ender ....4 for $100 Jackets to 1st place winner, 80% payback
Petaluma, CA • Riding & Driving Club
SATURDAY, APRIL 26
SU 12:30, Rope 1:00pm #5, #6, #7 HDCP.... Draw 3 for $30
Cottonwood, CA • Jones Arena
SATURDAY, MAY 10
SU at 5:30 Rope @ 6:00 #6 Roping, #8 HDCP Draw 3 for $25
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MONDAY, MAY 26
SU 9:30, Rope 10:00am #4, #6, #8 HDCP.... Draw 3 for $25 #10 Roping – 4 for $40. Breast Collars to winners
Corning Jr. Rodeo Corning, CA • Estel Clark Park
SATURDAY, MAY 31
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Roping bag to High Money junior roper
Corriente Saddle Co Skyline SilverSmithS
the Cabin Saloon J.J. maxwell leather
By Dee Yates
by Kathy Scutt
TMother Lode Round-Up Sonora, California may 10th
& 11th 2025”
California Foothills
ProRodeo HIDDEN GEM in
he 66th Annual Mother Lode Round-Up, presented by the Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Posse, returns to Sonora, California on May 10–11, 2025, bringing the action of professional rodeo and the charm of small-town tradition to the Mother Lode. Sanctioned by the PRCA, this event draws more than 350 of the top rodeo athletes in the nation and over 20,000 spectators, making it one of California’s largest and most celebrated rodeos.
The history of rodeo in Tuolumne County stretches all the way back to 1850, when round-ups were a necessary part of ranching life. By 1916, Sonora hosted its first formal rodeo, which would see ups and downs through the following decades. In 1949, the Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Posse stepped in to help guide the event’s future. In 1958, they established the Mother’s Day weekend as the permanent home for the Round-Up—thanks to early benefactor Mrs. Jonathan Crooks. Today, the Mother Lode Round-Up Parade is the second largest in California, behind only the Rose Parade, and continues to serve as a homecoming for families across the region.
The weekend kicks off on Saturday, May 10, with the famous Mother Lode Round-Up Parade at 10:00 AM, followed by the first day of PRCA rodeo action at 2:00 PM at the Mother Lode Fairgrounds. Events include Bareback Riding, Barrel Racing, Saddle Bronc Riding, Bull Riding, Calf Roping, Steer Wrestling, Team Roping, and Xtreme Bronc Riding.
On Sunday, May 11, the excitement continues with the Kiddie Rodeo starting at 12:30 PM, followed by the second full performance of the PRCA Rodeo at 2:00 PM. Tickets are $25 for general admission, $20 for pre-sale tickets through queen contestants, $10 for children ages 7–12, and free for kids under 7.
In addition to the rodeo, the weekend features the Rodeo Queen Pageant, the beloved Mother’s Day Breakfast, a Western dance, and community favorite kids' events including Mutton Bustin’, Boot Races, and the Stick Horse Race.
The Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Posse, founded in 1948, continues to support the community through youth programs, scholarships, and local events. For tickets and more information, visit motherloderoundup. com. Don’t miss this chance to be part of one of California’s longestrunning and most heartwarming rodeo traditions.
RODEO
Saturday May 10th
beginning at 2:00 pm
Mother Lode Fairgrounds, Sonora
$25.00 Regular Admission.
$20.00 Pre-sale from Queen Contestants
$10.00 Child (7-12). Under 7 FREE
Sunday, May 11th
beginning at 2:00 pm
Mother Lode Fairgrounds, Sonora Tickets: $25.00 Regular Admission. $20.00 Pre-sale from Queen Contestants
$10.00 Child (7-12). Under 7 FREE
KIDDIE RODEO
Sunday, May 11th
beginning at 12:30 PM
Mother Lode Fairgrounds, Sonora Tickets: $25.00 Regular Admission.
$20.00 Pre-sale
$10.00 Child (7-12). Under 7 FREE
Photos
$20,000 Added Money! SADDLES! + $90,000 in Awards with no money taken out presents
CALIFORNIA CHAPTER FINALS
SEPTEMBER 24-28, 2025
PAYBACK OVER 90% IN CASH & PRIZES
“No Teams Held For Awards, Your Entry Fee After Cattle Charge Goes To The Pot.”
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24
Books Open 9:30, Close 10:30, Rope 11 • 1 Arena
#8.5 Roping (29% Cattle) 4 for $100
Open Roping (20% Cattle) 5 for $200
Must be a minimum of 3 header/4 heeler to draw in w/o a pick. must draw one, can pick or draw up to 3 more
Do not need to be qualified. Day passes accepted. Books won’t close before 1:00
Breakaway (25% Cattle) 3 for $200
Progresssive After Two. 14 & Under Incentive. Books won’t close before 4:00. Enter 2X.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25
Books Open 7am, Close 8am, Rope 8:30
#10.5 Hdcp. Up/Down (29% Cattle) 4 for $100
Jim Hanner Century #8 Hdcp(33% Cattle) 4 for $75
Books Won’t Close Before 10am
Mixed #8 Hdcp (33% Cattle) 4 for $75
Books Won’t Close Before 2pm
Books for the #7 will close at 5:00 and be posted by 7:00. Late entries accepted Fri morning until 8:00 and will run first at 8:30
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26
Books Open 7am, Close 8am, Rope 8:30
#7 Hdcp. Down (29% Cattle) 5 for $150
All Girl (P1/D1) #8 Hdcp (33% Cattle)..3 for $60/$120
Go 3 times (6 total partners max). Must be fully qualified. Books won’t close before noon
#4.5 over 40 (33% Cattle) ......................... ..4 for $75
Must be over 40+ to enter Age is day of roping. Books won’t close before 3:00
Wine Tasting & Social Hour 5:00. Books for the #5.5 will close at 5:00 and be posted by 7:00. Late entries accepted Sat morning until 8:00 and will run first at 8:30
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 27
Books Open 7am, Close 8am, Rope 8:30
#5.5 Roping (33% Cattle) 4 for $75 #3 Pick or Draw (33% Cattle) .. 4 for $60
Dummy Roping 10 a.m. Age Groups 3 & U; 4-5; 6-7; 8-9 There will be no early draw posted for the #4 due to the draw-in option.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 28
Books Open 7am, Close 8am, Rope 8:30 #4 Pick or Draw (33% Cattle) 4 for $60
• Stall & RV Reservations Will Open August 1 On The EZ Stall App
Two Arenas • Must be an ACTRA member and have 10 ropings in by September 1st to rope • Huge year end awards program • Dress code enforced (cowboy hat or no hat, collared shirt) • Cash or Credit Card with 3.95% fee •
Go 4 times • Stall & RV Reservations will Open on August 1st through EZ Stall
By
HERSHBERGER SALE RESULTS
Hershberger Performance Horse Sale Company, Jason and Nikki Hershberger, held their 20th Annual Performance Horse Sale Friday, February 28th, at WestWorld in Scottsdale. The sale kicked off the AZ Sun Circuit, the biggest AQHA show in the west. Horses were previewed Thursday afternoon in Ranch Riding, that was won by DT Holy Smokes ridden by Casey McCleskey. The futurity heading and heeling preview format showed the horses well in their respected age group. The Jr. Heading was won by Reed Boos, riding the rank bay horse, Reys Time. In the Jr. Heeling, Reed Boos again was the champ riding Reys Time.
The Sr.Heading champ was San Batman shown by Tate Kirchenschlager. The Sr Heeling, won By Deacon Boon, the awesome bay horse shown by Jason Warner.
Horses were previewed again Friday morning. Horses were demonstrated in the roping, reining, and cow horse. The sale began at 1:00. Joel White and Blake Thompson called the bids. Wyatt Hershberger read pedigrees; Ross Wagner did a great job announcing the preview.
The High-Selling Horse, Stoppin N Hollywood was consigned by Jason Hershberger agent for Shelley Diede. The gorgeous Dun gelding is an awesome rope horse. He sold for $73,000 He is staying in AZ. Other top sellers were, Miss Stylish Doc, consigned by Dakota Kirchenschlager for Cooper Smith. The awesome roam mare sold for $70,000. Too Smooth To B Ruff, consigned by Estevan Castillo commanded the price of $65,000. Dakota Kirchenschlager offered another awesome horse Wimpys Got A Shiner sold for $62,000.00. Rounding out the top ten horses sold, Colton Klassen, Garrett Hershberger, Jason Warner, SKC Livestock, and Carson Coffelt. The top ten horses averaged $54,900.00.
We are excited to see good horses from the sale go on to be successful with their new owners. This year was an exceptional group of consigned horses! The over-all average sale price on the horses sold was $25,037.00. A big thank you to the consignors who brought these quality horses. This year’s lucky buyer was Clay Overson. He took home the Corriente trophy saddle (sponsored by John Holt and Terry Larsen, Southwest Risk Management).
The outstanding Arizona weather, the climatecontrolled indoor arena, shopping, and great horses to watch and bid on made this year’s performance horse sale a success. Jason and Nikki would like to thank all that attended. We are grateful to all of our buyers that trust in the quality brought to the Hershberger Performance Horse Sale.
HISTORY IN THE MAKING: LADIES BREAKAWAY ROPING DEBUTS AT THE ICONIC CALGARY STAMPEDE RODEO IN 2025!
CALGARY — The Calgary Stampede, in partnership with the Women's Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA), announces the addition of Ladies Breakaway Roping to the Calgary Stampede Rodeo lineup for 2025. This event, presented by Imperial, will be featured at The World's Largest Outdoor Rodeo from July 4-13, 2025.
Breakaway Roping, one of rodeo's fastest-growing events with winning times under two seconds, will become the first new event added to the Stampede Rodeo since Ladies Barrel Racing in 1979. Competitors must rope a calf, stop their horse, and break the rope from the saddle horn in the shortest possible time.
"This event celebrates the incredible talent of female ropers and our dedication to elevating women's events in rodeo," says Joel Cowley, CEO of the Calgary Stampede.
The WPRA has officially sanctioned the event, with competitors earning prize money that counts toward world standings. With equal prize money to the six other major Stampede Rodeo events, Breakaway Roping will award $310,250 over ten days, bringing total Stampede Rodeo prize money to $2,171,750.
"Not only taking this step to add Breakaway Roping to their daily rodeo but to include it at equal money is exceptional," says Heidi Schmidt, WPRA President.
Breakaway Roping was previously featured at the Stampede as part of the Rocky Mountain Cup in 2023 and 2024. For 2025, 30 competitors will participate, with 24 securing spots through Canadian and WPRA Pro Rodeo rankings and six qualifying through events in Utah (April 2025) and Calgary (June 2025).
Shelby Boisjoli-Meged, 2023 WPRA world champion in Breakaway Roping, commented: "I can only imagine the impact this moment will have on the little girls watching us compete in the Stampede Rodeo for the first time and realizing that one day, they too could be in our place.” The Rocky Mountain Cup will shift to August 2025, exclusively featuring Team Roping.
Tickets for the 2025 Stampede Rodeo and Evening Show are available at calgarystampede.com/tickets.
About the Calgary Stampede: A volunteer-supported, not-for-profit community organization that preserves and celebrates western heritage, cultures, and community spirit. All revenue is reinvested into Calgary Stampede programs and facilities.
About the WPRA: The oldest women's sports organization in the United States, founded in 1948, providing opportunities for women to compete in timed rodeo events including barrel racing, team roping, breakaway roping, and tie-down roping.
PCS Ropings held on March 9, 2025, in Sanger, CA, had a total payout of $4,370. In the 7.5 Hdcp Down PorD, Scott Adair from Coarsegold, CA, and Steve OBar from Madera, CA, took home $420 for the average, while HP Evetts and Monty Evetts, both from Hanford, CA, earned $280. Kathy Balaam from Lindsay, CA, and Steve OBar from Madera, CA, won $80 in the first fast time round. In the 8.5 Hdcp Down PorD, Allen Hagens from Red Bluff, CA, and Kevin Pascoe from Bakersfield, CA, claimed the top average prize of $570. Aiden Amador from Sanger, CA, and Gilberto Valdez from Hanford, CA, secured $380 for second place. Aiden Amador from Sanger, CA, and Kevin Pascoe from Bakersfield, CA, also took the first fast time round prize of $110. The 9.5 Hdcp Down PorD saw Emmett Wise from Catheys Valley, CA, and Charlie Hagens from Turlock, CA, win $570 for the average, and Emmett Wise and Alan Pettit from Newman,
CA, took second with $380. Karen Dias from Hanford, CA, and Aiden Amador from Sanger, CA, got $110 for the first fast time round. Finally, in the 10.5 Hdcp P1,D1, Buck Cardoza and Gavin Cardoza, both from Sanger, CA, won $1,000 for the average, and Mike Christensen from Madera, CA, and David Daniel from Bakersfield, CA, came in second with $270. Mike Christensen and Gavin Cardoza also won $200 in the first fast time round.
Scott Adair and Steve O’Bar
Kevin Pascoe and Allen Hagens
Dalton Walker III and Monty Evetts
DANNY CARDOZA BENEFIT ROPING
SATURDAY, MAY 3
SU 8am, Rope 9am
Buckles to Average Winners, High Point, and Over 50 High Point ropers of the day #11 Hdcp Pick 1/Draw 1……3 for $50
#9.5 Hdcp. Down Pick 1/Draw 1……3 for $50
*Pacific Coast membership not required. Global day passes available on site.
PCS ROPINGS
SUNDAY APRIL 6, 27
SU 9am, Rope 10am
#10.5 Hdcp. Pick 1/Draw 1…4 for $50
1st PLACE IN AVERAGE, $1000 GUARANTEED!
#9.5 Hdcp. Down Pick or Draw...3 for $30
#8.5 Hdcp. Down Pick or Draw...3 for $30
#7.5 Hdcp. Down Pick or Draw...3 for $30
SADDLE TO HIGH POINT
THAT HAS NOT WON A SADDLE BEFORE (MUST REGISTER PRIOR TO ROPING)
BUCKLES TO AVERAGE WINNERS
OPEN ROPING
MONDAY, APRIL 21
SU 5pm, Rope 6pm 5 for $300 no membership required
Handicap is 1 second Down and .75 Second Up Per Half Number in Handicap Ropings. 2/3 Payback cash awards unless otherwise noted in all ropings. May take $$ value in lieu of awards. Producer reserves the right to make any and all necessary changes.
Buckles to average winners of the #8.5 and #7.5 Handicap pick or draws.
SADDLE & BUCKLE ROPINGS
SUNDAY APRIL 13
SUNDAY MAY 4
SATURDAY MAY 24
SU 9am, Rope 10am
#9.5 Hdcp. Down Pick 1/Draw 1…3 for $40
• Must be a Pacific Coast Shootouts (PCS) member to rope.
• Memberships available at arenas using global handicaps.
• All ropings pick or draw unless otherwise noted.
• Global Handicap or WSTR Membership Required. JOIN PCS NOW FOR 2025
N. del Rey, Sanger, CA 93657
Directions: HWY 180 East from Fresno. Turn Left at Del Rey Avenue, go 3.5 miles.
#8.5 Hdcp. Down Pick 1/Draw 1…3 for $40 #7.5 Hdcp. Down Pick 1/Draw 1…3 for $40
3 SADDLES AND 6 BUCKLES TO BE AWARDED
Saddle to high money winner of each pot and buckles to first and second in each average.
Isaac Starlight Shines at Sun Circuit
The 2025 Arizona Sun Circuit ARHFA wasn’t just a showcase of elite roping talent—it was a testament to the legacy of horses bred to excel in the sport. Among the bloodlines leaving a mark, Isaac Starlight’s progeny proved once again why his name is becoming synonymous with heart, trainability, and success in the rope horse futurities.
Isaac Starlight was never handed an easy road. Raised by Wyatt and Lacy Bourdet, he came along at a time when rope horse futurities were still gaining traction. A money earner in team roping, barrel racing, breakaway, ranch rodeo, and versatility ranch horse competitions, Isaac may not have had the early exposure some stallions did, but he more than made up for it with ability and try. His offspring are following in his footsteps, with their combined earnings now surpassing $120,000 across multiple disciplines.
At this year’s Arizona Sun Circuit, the impact of Isaac’s bloodline was on full display. Jake Bourdet dominated aboard two different Isaac offspring, winning on both Natalie Certain and Starlight Cruz in the Futurity Heeling Intermediate. Tyler Friday piloted Budhas Lil Starlight to success in the Limited, while Braydee Bourdet placed aboard Glow Like Isaac in the Non-Pro Heading. Andy Holcomb’s crew also showcased Isaac’s First Cody, a top-earning offspring of the stallion. Each of these horses reflected the qualities Isaac has come to be known for—level-headedness, athleticism, and an eagerness to work.
By Dee Yates • Photos by: Kara Mathews
Isaac’s roots run deep in the Bourdet breeding program. His dam, Smart Cols Kricket, was the foundation mare who built their herd. Her influence, paired with Isaac’s sire Charlie’s Starlight, created a horse with size, speed, and versatility. Today, the Bourdets continue to cross their best mares with Isaac and have begun incorporating his daughters and sisters into their program, ensuring the bloodline remains a fixture in both ranching and competition.
This year’s event wasn’t just a win for Isaac’s offspring—it was a nod to a breeding program built on substance and heart. The Arizona Sun Circuit proved once again that when a horse carries the Isaac Starlight name, they’re showing up to do a job—and do it well.
2025 Arizona Sun Circuit ARHFA Futurity Finals Results
Heeling Intermediate Results: Natalie Certain ridden by Jake Bourdet, owned by Lacy and Wyatt Bourdet from Hollister, CA, with a total score of 678.1, $12,730.00. Lectric Spark N Snow ridden by Les Oswald, owned by Brian Flanagan from Angels Camp, CA, with a total score of 677.94, $8,184.00. Betshesawoodenheart ridden by Casey Hicks, owned by Jared Gary from Bixby, OK, with a total score of 677.2, $6,138.00. Nu Delta Enterprise ridden by Dustin Rogers, owned by Lisa Emtman from Valleyford, WA, with a total score of 676.72, $4,092.00. Stevie Rey Train ridden by Les Oswald, owned by Lesley Cummins Trust, with a total score of 675.32, $3,069.00. Starlight Cruz ridden by Jake Bourdet, owned by Lacy and Wyatt Bourdet from Hollister, CA, with a total score of 673.6, $2,387.00. Futurity Heading Intermediate Results: Two Smart For You ridden by JD Yates, owned by Mike Van Egdom from Sioux City, IA, with a total score of 679.12, $10,975.00. Smokeing Trip ridden by Britt Williams, owned by Manuel F. Gonzales Jr.,
with a total score of 678.06, $6,780.00. Red N White Hero ridden by Thad Ward, owned by High Call Equine, with a total score of 677.46, $5,085.00. Nightime High Roller ridden by Thad Ward, owned by High Call Equine, with a total score of 677.26, $3,390.00. SJR Diamond Playit ridden by Taylor Thompson, owned by T Squared Performance Horses from Cheyenne, WY, with a total score of 673.68, $2,542.50. DF Cols Holly Time ridden and owned by Caleb Woodard, with a total score of 672.04, $1,977.50. Futurity Heading Finals Results: Kynis Brookstone ridden by Rhen Richard, owned by A/C Racing & Roping from Roosevelt, UT, with a total score of 916.54, $10,725.00. Reys Sunset ridden by Rhen Richard, owned by A/C Racing & Roping from Roosevelt, UT, with a total score of 910.77, $8,580.00. Colonel Smart ridden by Logan Cullen, owned by Jeff & Jodie Bailey, with a total score of 908.8, $6,435.00. Nightime High Roller ridden by Thad Ward, owned by High Call Equine, with a total score of 907.7, $5,148.00. Two Smart For You ridden by JD Yates, owned by Mike Van Egdom from Sioux City, IA, with a total score of 907.58, $4,290.00. SJR Bet He Sparks ridden by Tate Kirchenschlager, owned by Belo Wiley, with a total score of 902.04, $3,432.00. Futurity Heeling Finals Results: Mayhemm ridden by Dakota Kirchenschlager, owned by TNT Performance Horses from Whitesboro, TX, with a total score of 919.59, $14,790.00. Copperton ridden by Joseph Harrison, owned by Cox & Moore Partnership from Marietta, OK, with a total score of 913.77, $11,832.00. Itawtisawakooterkat ridden by Andy Holcomb, owned by Shelly Franklin, with a total score of 913.68, $9,613.50. A Genuine Whizkey ridden by Steve Orth, owned by Sara Hudson from Shawnee, OK, with a total score of 913.1, $8,134.50. Oops Im Fine ridden by Andy Holcomb, owned by Kevin Wilkin, with a total score of 913.07, $6,655.50. One Nite Special ridden by Joseph Harrison, owned by Chris Young from Coleman, OK, with a total score of 912.81, $5,176.50. Non-Pro Heading Finals Results: PLZ Pay Me X Tra ridden and owned by Chris Pomeroy from Bolivar, MO, with a total score of 681.44, $5,768.00. Smart Gets A Check ridden by Paul Bogart, owned by Bogart Performance Horses, with a total score of 680.68, $4,532.00. Shine Deuce Shine ridden by Larry Branco, owned by Cord Forzano from Madera, CA, with a total score of 680.46, $3,502.00. Reigning King ridden by Danielle Dawn Wray, owned by Mark Wray from Ord, NE, with a total score of 680.41, $2,472.00. LP Panhandle Joe ridden and owned by Cassie Thompson from Merino, CO, with a total score of 675.96, $1,854.00. SV Whiskey Whiz ridden by Cierra Briggs, owned by Joshua Briggs from Pilot Point, TX, with a total score of 675.57, $1,442.00. Non-Pro Heeling Finals Results: Gunners Nite Train ridden by Statton Wittwer, owned by Jared Wittwer, with a total score of 684.2, $5,120.00. Marlboro Cat ridden by Cameron Ritchey, owned by JD Yates from Pueblo, CO, with a total score of 680.19, $3,840.00. Peppys Stylin Lena ridden by Cameron Ritchey, owned by JD Yates from Pueblo, CO, with a total score of 675.6, $2,560.00. Chic O Dual ridden and owned by Shane Walters from Marietta, OK, with a total score of 672.26, $1,280.00.
Talon Pestka on Isaac's First Cody Jake Bourdet on NATALIE CERTAIN (Isaac offspring)
— YOST LEGENDS — High Roller
Yost - Legends Friday roping events held at Dynamite Arena in Cave Creek, Arizona on February 14, 2025, with a total payout of $31,230. In the 11.5 High Roller, Rowdy Yates and Vail Gutierrez took first place winning $4,220, followed by Morgan McDowall and Cinch Penrod in second place with $2,120, and Cru Parry and Kycen Winn also securing third place with $2,120. In the 10.5 Legends, Doug Flowers and Tyler Boyd were the top winners with $4,320, Dave Stewart and Jerry Brown came in second with $2,600, and Chris Gierisch and Ricky Bonds placed third, winning $1,740. The 9.5 Megabucks winners were Mark Rogers and Shawn Coombes in first place with $3,420, Mike K Rider and Steve Waltz in second place earning $2,060, and Jarret Baker and Pat Danehey in third place with $1,380. For the 8.5 Legends, Doug Flowers and Scott Welch grabbed first place with $2,480, RoxAnn Fillmore and Lance Fillmore took second place with $1,860, Ken Huseman and Stan Rider landed third with $1,240, and Pat Hafenstein and John Copeland secured fourth place with $6
Rowdy Yates and Vail Gutierrez Cru Parry and Kycen Winn
Morgan McDowall and Cinch Penrod
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA National Finals Qualifier
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 19 - INDOOR ARENA
Entreies close at 5:45pm, Rope at 6pm Breakaway Roping 3 for $200 Open Breakaway w/ 14 & under incentive • Prizes to Open & Incentive Progressive after 2 • Top 20 to short • 35% Cattle Charge
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 19
Any current member can rope and win awards on Friday without being qualified • All Friday ropings-Go 6 Times
Books Open 11am, Close 11:30am, Rope at 12pm
#2 Cap Draw Pot 3 for $60
Go 6 Times • 35% Cattle Charge
#6 Hdcp. Down Pick 1/Draw 1
(or Draw Both) 4 for $60/Run ($120/entry)
Maximum Six Runs Total • 35% Cattle Charge
#7 Hdcp. (Up or Down) Pick 1/Draw 1 (or Draw Both) 4 for $60/Run ($120/entry)
Maximum Six Runs Total • Books Will Not Close Before 5pm • 35% Cattle Charge
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 21
Books Open 7:30am, Close at 8:30, Rope at 9:00am
#10.5 Hdcp. Up/Down 29% Cattle Charge 4 for $100
Super #7 Handicap Down 29% Cattle Charge 5 for $100
Jr/Sr/Cent/Mix #7 Hdcp Up/Down 35% Cattle Charge .3 for $60
Each team must have: 17&under, 55+, female, or a combined age of 100+ (age is day of the roping)
#5.5 35% Cattle Charge 4 for $60
The Lodge, (530) 824-3220
• Hdcp. 1 Second Up/2 Seconds Down • 35% Cattle Charge
9233 SIERRA HIGHWAY, AGUA DULCE, CA
2025 Championship
CTEC R1: Ketch Kelton 50.0, Cody Doescher 53.1, Stetson Jorgensen 68.3, Paul D. Tierney 74.2, K.C. Jones 75.6, Kyle Lockett 75.7, Dylan Hancock 77.4, Nelson Wyatt 80.8, Blane Cox 84.0, Colby Lovell 86.8, Brushton Minton 87.3, Billy Good 88.5, Clayton Hass 90.7, John Douch 99.2, Riley Wakefield 100.0, Seth Hall 101.5, Kolton Schmidt 109.9, Erich Rogers 110.3, Thomas Smith 112.8, Russell Cardoza 118.2, Marcus Theriot 118.7, Jess Tierney 120.8, JoJo LeMond 136.3, Tyler Pearson 142.3, Clay Smith 152.1
Jr Ironman R1: James Mann 43.8, Jake Holmes 44.3, Kreece Dearing 56.8, Wyatt Williams 60.9, Luke Tippmann 68.3, Leo Loucks 71.9, Jake Shelton 72.3, Micah Kearney 74, Colin Fox 91.8, Kade Foster 147.9
Pro-Am Pro Header-Am Heeler: Cardoza/Morrison
$4,000 buckle/breast collar, Wyatt/Weiss $2,500 duffle/halter, LeMond/Todd $1,500 pistol case, Fast Time Good/Randolph $1,200 halter
Pro-Am Am Header-Pro Heeler: Gentry/Cardoza
$4,000 buckle/breast collar, Latta/Minton $2,500 duffle/halter, Tebow/Wyatt $1,500 pistol case, Fast Time Gentry/Cardoza $1,200 halter
CTEC R2: Ketch Kelton 72.5 $3,000, Kyle Lockett 75.8 $2,000, Seth Hall 84.6 $1,000, Minton 88.1, Lovell 89, Hancock 92.6, Wyatt 99.4, Schmidt 104.9, Jones 109.1, Rogers 115.6, Wakefield 115.9, Tierney 116.7, Jess Tierney 123, Cardoza 130, Pearson 132.9, Good 135.1, Theriot 137.3, Smith 139.8, T. Smith 147.5, LeMond 150.3, Douch 152.5, Doescher 161, Cox 171.2, Jorgensen 199.6, Hass 200.6
CTEC Agg After 10: Kelton 122.5, Lockett 151.5, Hancock 170, Minton 175.4, Lovell 175.8, Wyatt 180.2, Jones 184.7, Hall 186.1, Tierney 190.9, Doescher 214.1, Schmidt 214.8, Wakefield 215.9, Good 223.6, Rogers 225.9, Jess Tierney 243.8, Cardoza 248.2, Douch 251.7, Cox 255.2, Theriot 256, T. Smith 260.3 DNQ: Jorgensen 267.9, Pearson 275.2, LeMond 286.6, Hass 291.3, C. Smith 291.9 Jr Ironman R2: Williams 40.2, Mann 47.1, Dearing 55.7, Shelton 69.5, Fox 86.2, Kearney 90.8, Holmes 96.8, Loucks 106, Foster 129.3, Tippmann 154.9
ABOUT LAZY E ARENA:
Jr Ironman Agg After 8: Mann 90.9, Williams 101.1, Dearing 112.5, Holmes 141.1, Shelton 141.8, Kearney 164.8, Loucks 177.9, Fox 178, Tippmann 223.2, Foster 277.2
CTEC R3: Doescher 56.4 $3,000, Theriot 56.6 $2,000, T. Smith 59.8 $1,000, Wakefield 60.2, Hall 60.5, Tierney 62.8, Kelton 73.2, Cardoza 73.4, Lockett 79.1, Minton 79.7, Jess Tierney 82.5, Schmidt 85, Cox 90.8, Hancock 92.5, Douch 97.3, Wyatt 99.3, Lovell 100.4, Jones 115.4, Good 167.9, Rogers 171.7
CTEC Agg 15: Kelton 195.7, Lockett 230.6, Hall 246.6, Tierney 253.7, Minton 255.1, Hancock 262.5, Doescher 270.5, Wakefield 276.1, Lovell 276.2, Wyatt 279.5, Schmidt 299.8, Jones 300.1, Theriot 312.6, T. Smith 320.1, Cardoza 321.6, Jess Tierney 326.3, Cox 346, Douch 349, Good 391.5, Rogers 397.6
CTEC R4: Theriot 56 $3,000, Rogers 66.4 $2,000, Lovell 69.7 $1,000, Cardoza 70.5, Wakefield 71, Lockett 73.5, Jess Tierney 75.7, Kelton 80.9, Minton 82.6, Tierney 83.7, Cox 90.2, Hancock 95, Doescher 103.9, Wyatt 110.9, Schmidt 117.3, Hall 119.5, Jones 120.9, Douch 154.8, T. Smith 168.1, Good 205.1
CTEC Agg 20: Kelton 276.6, Lockett 304.1, Tierney 337.4, Minton 337.7, Lovell 345.9, Wakefield 347.1, Hancock 357.5, Hall 366.1, Theriot 368.6, Doescher 374.4, Wyatt 390.4, Cardoza 392.1, Jess Tierney 402, Schmidt 417.1, Jones 421 DNQ: Cox 436.2, Rogers 464, T. Smith 488.2, Douch 503.8, Good 596.6
Jr Ironman R3: Dearing 43.8 $750, Fox 44.8 $250, Mann 47.5, Williams 61.5, Holmes 63.5, Shelton 90.9, Kearney 97.5, Loucks 105.7, Tippmann 131.3, Foster 152.3
Jr Ironman Final Agg: Mann 138.4 $20,000, Dearing 156.3 $5,000, Williams 162.6 $2,000, Holmes 204.6, Fox 222.8, Shelton 232.7, Kearney 262.3, Loucks 283.6, Tippmann 354.5, Foster 429.5
The Lazy E Arena just northeast of Oklahoma City was opened in December 1984 to host the National Finals Steer Roping. Founder Ed Gaylord had a vision that both the National Finals Steer Roping Finals and the National Finals Rodeo would happen at the same time, in the same area. While the plan only worked for one year, as the NFR moved to Vegas in ’85, the legacy and standards he set from the beginning still carry on today. From giving PBR its start to the Timed Event Championship of the World, the Lazy E has hosted world champions, world championships and personalities galore. In 2005, Gaylord sold the property to a partnership from Nevada, and in October 2013 the property was sold to the McKinney Family from Midland, Texas. They’ve committed to maintaining the Lazy E as the world’s premier Western entertainment facility.
Rick Corum Memorial Team Roping
Saturday, April 12th
FRIDAY, APRIL 25 SU 7:45, Books Close 8:45, Rope 9am
• One Over 40 #8.5 Hdcp 4 for $60
• Mixed Jr/Sr #7 Hdcp 3 for $40 Qualified Teams: Mixed 55 + Any 17/Under + Any Girl = Any Pick Only, Progressive After One • All Girl #7 Hdcp
BIG MAN, BIG LIFE Remembering David S. Brown
Written By Lacey Parsons
There are few people who touched the world of team roping, specifically in California, like David S. Brown. Born on March 16, 1946, and making his final ride on February 9, 2025, after a private eight-month battle with Myelodysplastic Syndrome, David will forever be remembered as a big, kind man who loved life and loved people. While many ropers knew him as the man behind the California $hootouts, he was so much more than that. David S. Brown was an advocate, a competitor, a teacher, and a friend.
A Life Defined by Passion
David was raised in Oklahoma and grew up with an unwavering determination. “He was a character,” said Ann Wimmer, the love of his life for 35 years. “He was an all-American kid—packing a lunchbox, cast on his arm—just a typical kid from that era. Had a pretty classic upbringing and was always outside.” As a young boy, he dreamed of being a calf roper. His uncle challenged him: “You can’t rope off a horse until you can catch the dummy ten times in a row without missing.” By the next day, David had it mastered. That drive carried him through life—whether it was cars, roping, polo, or golf, he pursued every passion with intensity and skill.
David was exceptionally athletic. Standing at 6’7”, he excelled in nearly every sport. His hand-eye coordination was unmatched, enabling him to excel across multiple sports and disciplines with ease.
After high school and a brief stint in college, David went to Vietnam, serving in the Army as an infantryman. “I don’t know how he made it out of Vietnam,” Ann reflected. “A lot of those guys didn’t make it back. But he did, and when he got home, he just shelved it. It wasn’t a big part of his identity.”
David had a love for fast cars and after returning home from Vietnam and spending some time in Louisiana, he made his way to California in style—driving a Cadillac and pulling a one-horse trailer. He immersed himself in the roping community and found success not only as a competitor, but also as an event producer, changing the landscape of California roping forever.
Changing the Game in California
David was a visionary. When roping participation began to dwindle in California, he revitalized the scene by offering high-money ropings and valuable prizes. “A lot of the ropings in California were really cheap at the time, and they had died off,” recalled Denny Gentry, the founder of USTRC and WSTR. “David brought excitement back with prize ropings. When the World Series started, he wanted in on the ground floor because he knew it was going to be something big.”
He was a relentless advocate for recreational ropers. “David was pushing for a #7roping in the World Series two years before it happened,” Denny added. “He believed Global was being too careful in making #2 the first number and utilizing the #3. When the #7 took off, he said, ‘What did I tell you!’”
His fairness extended to every aspect of his events. Steve Simons, his colleague and close friend, noted, “David made sure the cattle fit the lowest numbered team there. He wanted everyone to have a shot at being seven seconds in a roping.” He fought for fair handicapping, ensuring California ropers were properly classified so they had a competitive chance.
Stephanie Anderson, longtime General Manager of Ropers Sports News, also reflected on David’s impact. “David expressed an interest in producing and advertising ropings early on. In 2004, he established The California $hootouts after talking to ropers and potential sponsors. His goal was to give ropers a Finals with huge payouts and unbelievable prizes. When the WSTR debuted in 2006, David saw it as the wave of the future and quickly jumped in to produce qualifying ropings throughout California and Nevada.”
David’s commitment to team roping was evident in his loyalty to Ropers Sports News. “David’s monthly treks to our office were more than memorable,” Stephanie added. “There was no internet, and he refused to fax, so he made the two-hour-plus drive from Los Gatos to Lodi once a month with his loyal Australian Shepherd, Boogie, in the back of his truck. He’d roll in with notes scratched in binders and steam coming out of his ears with his grandiose ideas. He was such an innovator!”
The Man Behind the Ropings
Beyond his business sense, David was known for his humor, his quirks, and his unwavering generosity. He had a way of bending the rules in his own way, particularly when it came to dress codes. Denny Gentry recalled an instance where David repeatedly defied the World Series
dress code, which required cowboy hats. When questioned, David justified it by saying, “I saw a puff of dust over here, so I implemented the wind rule.” It was classic David—finding a way to do things his way while keeping everyone laughing.
His reputation for bucking the dress code was a regular occurrence, and he often competed in shorts and a ball cap. “He asked Booger Barter if it was true there was no dress code at his roping,” Ann recalled. “Booger asked, ‘What exactly are you planning to rope in?’ David said, ‘Shorts and some top-siders.’ And Booger just laughed and said, ‘I’d like to see that.’ And that’s exactly what he did.”
David was also a smooth operator. “He once talked himself through airport security and onto a plane with no luggage and no ID,” Ann shared with a laugh. “And it was because he could. It was because he was smart and solid and radiated good intent—so, they let this gigantic guy with no luggage and no ID on this plane. Anyone else would be on a terrorist watch list for the rest of their lives, but the one guy big enough to single-handedly take down the cock pit, they’re like, ‘Yeah come on! You want a free upgrade?’
Beyond his appreciation for comfort and his ability to talk himself out of any situation, David’s love for food was legendary. “Every trip we took revolved around what was for dinner,” Steve laughed. “He was big on buffets—if we had to drive an extra 30 minutes for a good one, we would.”
While he had a sharp business mind, he was also incredibly generous. “I watched him give away $5,000 in prizes at an event,” Steve added. “Then we’d go negotiate the next venue, and he’d push for even more to give back to the ropers. He never cut corners when it came to the competitors.”
A Lasting Legacy
Even in the final months of his life, David was still showing up. He attended as many ropings as he could, often driving himself to events despite being sick. “He didn’t want anyone feeling sorry for him,”
Steve said. “He was trying to help people until the very end.”
David was also deeply passionate about golf, spending years as a superintendent of working-class golf courses. “He could make grass grow anywhere,” Ann shared. “He always loved the 9-hole municipal course that the everyday guy played. His last golf course was out at Gavilan College in Gilroy, and he took this rundown, sorry looking little 9-hole course, and turned into this lovely little jewel. It’s not expensive to play, but man, is it pretty! He just loved it. It was his thing. That was his happy place. He had no intentions of retiring. He loved getting up and going, even when he got sick, he was still working. The ladies at the infusion clinic would ask, ‘You’re still working?!’ And he’d reply, ‘Of course I’m still working!’ And then later, he was driving himself in and they would say, ‘You’re still driving?!’ And he would reply, ‘Of course I’m still driving.’ And towards the end, he would walk in and they were in awe that he was still walking. You never met a more even-keeled guy. He never complained.”
His influence in team roping, polo, and golf all stemmed from one core belief— sports should be accessible. He fought for the working-class competitors, ensuring they had a place to pursue their passion.
As Steve Simons so graciously put it, “No matter what their opinion of him was, I hope people remember that he truly tried to do the best he could at every roping he ever produced. Even when he was sick, he was still showing up.”
“No one ever had my back like David,” Ann reflects. “He encouraged me to do everything that I wanted to do. He was always 100% supportive. I don’t know how many people get that kind of uncompromising love. I hope everybody. I hope everyone gets that somewhere in their life where you choose each other over and over and you don’t let go.”
David S. Brown wasn’t just a roping producer or a golf course expert. He was a man who made the world better for those around him—through his fairness, his friendship, his support, his advocacy, and his relentless drive to improve the sports he loved. His legacy will live on in every roper who gets a fair shot, in every working man’s golf course that thrives, and in the countless people who had the privilege of knowing him.
Rest easy, David. You left your mark, and we will never forget it.
AKC CHAMPION BRED
Jack Roddy
California's Legendary Cowboy 1937-2025
By Dee Yates
There's a special quiet that settles when a California cowboy takes his final ride. On March 2, 2025, we lost Jack Roddy – a native son whose presence filled arenas across the Golden State and beyond. With heavy hearts but grateful memories, we honor a man who wasn't just a champion, but a visionary who helped build professional rodeo as we know it today.
Born in 1937 in San Francisco, Jack's journey began on the family ranch near Colma. His connection to the East Bay's ranching heritage ran deep. Despite his father's resistance to rodeo, the arena called to this California native. At 14, Jack entered his first RCA competition, winning $90 in the wild horse race – the start of an extraordinary career. During his Cal Poly days, Jack captured both the All-Around Champion and World Champion Intercollegiate Steer Wrestling titles in 1959. A champion was emerging.
Jack's powerful style transformed steer wrestling in the 1960s, bringing world championships in 1966 and 1968 home to California. The Salinas arena – Jack's favorite rodeo – saw him win in '62, '64, and '66. While his success took him to Cheyenne Frontier Days in 1971 and rodeos from Fort Worth to San Antonio, Jack's heart stayed in California soil. His wins at Reno, San Francisco's Cow Palace, and Hayward's Rowell Ranch Rodeo showed his dominance at home. In California arenas, Jack represented our state's Western heritage. As a Rodeo Cowboys Association board member and steer wrestling director for 16 years, he fought for the sport's advancement. His vision helped turn rodeo from weekend entertainment into a professional powerhouse.
Jack's legacy extends past championships. His 1979 induction in the inaugural ProRodeo Hall of Fame class speaks to his impact. The National Cowboy Museum welcomed him in 1997, while the California Rodeo Hall of Fame and San Jose Sports Hall of Fame proudly claim him as their own. In 2024, Cal Poly Rodeo honored him in their Hall of Fame, recognizing that the young man in green and gold had become a Western heritage icon.
Many knew Jack as the heart of Roddy Ranch south of Antioch. With Donna, his beloved wife, they created more than a home – they built community.
Their legendary barbecues welcomed friends and strangers alike. The path wasn't always smooth. Jack wrestled with local government for his Roddy Ranch development vision. When challenges came – whether bureaucratic hurdles or environmental threats – Jack faced them with arena-tested determination. His greatest victory may have been ensuring their 1,885acre property would benefit future generations. By selling to the East Bay Regional Park District, they created a lasting legacy as Deer Valley Regional Park – preserving both nature and the Roddy name.
Jack lived the cowboy code daily. When thrown from horses or facing setbacks, he did what cowboys do – got back up and continued forward. His generosity was legendary. The $400,000 raised through Roddy Ranch events helped countless community causes. His work with the Antioch Rotary Club and Sister City programs showed a man who valued community as much as personal achievement.
In 2020, Jack and Donna moved to Stephenville, Texas. Jack made this move with characteristic thoughtfulness, ensuring Donna would have good friends nearby when his time came. As we share stories of the giant who walked among us, we're reminded that legends live on. Jack's wisdom still guides young bulldoggers. His business sense still shapes rodeo. When the Roddy homestead becomes a museum, visitors will see the buckles and trophies. But we – his rodeo family – will remember the man behind them. The friend. The mentor. The visionary. The cowboy. Rest easy, Jack. Heaven's arena has gained its finest competitor.
*From all of us at Ropers Sports News, we extend our sympathy to Donna and Jack's loved ones. California has lost a rodeo hero, but his East Bay legacy lives on. Share your memories at editor@roperssportsnews.com for our next issue.*
$560 David Ramirez & Jeff Fontes, 2. 27.55 $440 Jamie Fontes & Alex Perez, 3. 28.39 $300 Ethan Strassburger & Tim Boyle, 4. 28.47 $200 Kurtis Ewing & Darin
Readmond, 5. 28.56 $110 Beccah Haller & Juan Jimenez
#5.5 hdcp +/- draw only, Fast time:1. 8.08 $40
Gary Christensen & Jeff Fontes; Average 1. 33.53 (on three )$135 Gary Christensen & Jeff Fontes, 2. 9.12 (On one) $90 Ken Maler & Ralph Theising.
Basso's Team Roping Jackpot Winners January 26, 2025 High Money Earner of the day #3 1/2 over Tanner Kent. #3 under Ace Flannagan.
By Gerry Gesell - Photo by Rachel Sebastian
There is an unspoken affection for the pastures and the land we look after— the ground beneath our feet, beneath our horses’ hooves. The life we have chosen, tending livestock and crops, is no easier than the struggle of grass and grain to grow. On top of that, there’s the constant search for the next bite of fresh grass by the livestock we care for. Heavy hooves, heavy drought, heavy hearts—but still, we carry on.
The pastures I write about are often named. The reasons are practical, but also personal. Once we name a pasture—or take over a pasture that was named long before we came along—we inherit or create a legacy tied to that ground. With commitment and hard work, we take care of the grasses that take care of our livestock. It can be hard to describe unless you’ve been there. The longer we stay, the more chances we have to learn why pastures are named—beyond just the practical reasons. We often hear how pastures are loved and hated for how rough they are, how big they are, how easily they hide cattle, and how well they recover and grow grass after a long dry season. They can be easy to gather, easy to drive across, and just the same, easy to hold in high regard for being wide-open spaces.
I need to step back almost thirty years. The first time I left home, I was 19 years old, headed north to Colorado for the summer. As we drove north from Adkins, Texas, we passed through Sweetwater. I remember how that country seemed so big! I guess that’s why they call it “Big Country.”
Jump ahead a couple of years, and I made my first real move away from Texas. I moved to Thermal, California. I was a long way from Texas and its wide-open spaces, but I was horseback every day, making the best of it. On a rare day off, I decided to go in search of a saddle shop in 29 Palms. A saddle shop I would never find. But in my search, I topped a hill and found myself overlooking one of the strangest sights I had ever seen—my first wind farm.
I had no idea what I was looking at. Yes, I had heard of these things, but at the time, I couldn’t comprehend the amount of land these monstrosities took up. I was young and naïve, but even then, I had a bad feeling about these so-called farms. How in the world did they make enough energy to justify taking
Always Something to Chase:
Heavy Hooves, Heavy Drought, Heavy Hearts
I love this ranch, partly because of the love and admiration shared by those who came before me. That legacy is irreplaceable, like the land itself.
WE PLAN FOR THE DAYS WHEN THE RAINS DON’T COME, AND IN DOING SO, WE ARE PREPARED FOR THE DAYS WHEN THE RAINS RETURN.
over valuable farm and ranch land? How did they work? How did they justify their expense?
Remember, this was thirty years ago.
I turned around and headed back to Thermal, back to my horses. I had a rotten feeling in my stomach as I drove home, and to this day, I remember it vividly.
As I made my way across the country over the years, working for ranches, I got to know a lot of pastures and their names—from large cattle ranches and horse operations to small farms raising some of the best horses in the world. Big pastures, small pastures, but wideopen spaces nonetheless.
Many years later, making a trip from South Texas to Wyoming, I once again traveled up through Sweetwater. My heart sank as I climbed over one of the many hills on that stretch of highway— wind turbines, as far as the eye could see. I couldn’t believe what I was looking at. At least, for the most part, I was still seeing cattle. But over the years, I’ve seen fewer and fewer cattle on that stretch of highway as I travel to horse shows, cuttings, horse sales, and other events.
About ten miles south of Sweetwater, there’s a stack yard full of old turbine blades—less than twenty years old—cut in half and left to rot. Well, left to rot the land.
We are not safe from these giants.
I’ve been on this ranch for fourteen years now—a hearty little ranch between Christoval and Eldorado, just south of San Angelo, Texas. I’ve seen a lot, learned a lot, and experienced a lot while living here. Not long after moving in, I began to hear stories from those who lived here before me. I learned the names of the pastures and how ranchers loved this place.
One particular pasture is the Ivy Pasture. The oldtimers tell stories about how good and strong it once was and how they hoped it still grew grass. I assured them it was still in good shape, despite my use of it in times of both need and ease. I’d tell them how I relied on it for calving heifers, dog-breaking cattle, and how I’d pack it full when I needed an easy pasture to gather by myself when it came time to wean and ship cattle.
In return, I’d hear stories of wild cattle and goats— how surely, some remnants of them were never caught. They might be gone, but their spirits remain in the soul of this land.
It is now 2025.
In 2021, this ranch was sold to an energy company. I can’t blame my owners—it was an offer they couldn’t refuse. The new owners leased the ranch back to my people because they couldn’t do anything with their new land grab just yet. They had no interest in ranching or land conservation whatsoever.
Since that change of ownership, I have continued ranching here, along with another lease across the fence. I’ve watched land being bought for three times what it’s worth, swallowing up as much open country as possible. The millions of dollars being spent to buy these farms and ranches make it too easy to sell.
Every day, I wonder—where will I go with these cattle next?
I ask myself this as the Trojan horse of “green energy” in the form of wind turbines has arrived, and from its belly, an army of solar panels has emerged. The disconnect these companies have from the land—above and below—is only exacerbated by the impersonal ways they treat these farms and ranches, and those who take care of them.
From my experience, their only concern is making a buck and saving a buck, and in turn, displacing wildlife, livestock, and the farmers, ranchers, cowboys, and stockmen who feed this world.
When they ask you to count the live oak trees they plan to rip out of the ground—or whether the water wells will produce enough water to dump on the ground to keep down the dust from construction traffic—what are we supposed to think? What are we supposed to believe?
I saw my very first porcupine on this ranch. He was climbing a big live oak tree in the Ivy Pasture—luckily high enough that my dogs couldn’t reach him. That oak, along with thousands more, will be ripped from the ground and turned to mulch.
The windmill in Ivy Pasture—known as the Ivy Mill—has watered a lot of stock over the years. At one time, I even had to add more rod to reach deeper into the aquifer because we were running out of water. Soon, it will finally get a chance to rest, when there are no longer cattle left to water.
I’ve said it many times: “Y’all might be warm, but y’all are gonna be awful hungry.”
2025 ACTRA NATIONAL FINALS
2025 RENO, NEVADA
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 18TH
Rope @ 12 pm
Ladies Breakaway……….…...3/$200
$1,500 Added - 14 & Under Incentive - Enter 2x – 25% Cattle Charge
All Girl………….…………….….4/ $75
Handicap Muley Roping….…..4/$75
#10
½ handicap, 1 sec per ½ number add/sub, max 5 seconds off
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 19TH
Rope @ 8 am
#10 ½ Handicap…..……4/ $75
Even, 1 sec per ½ number add/sub
Mixed Handicap…………4/ $75
#8 Even, 1 sec per ½ number add/sub
Open…..………..……..….5/$200
$1,000 added – 20% Cattle Charge
MONDAY, OCTOBER 20TH
Rope @ 8 am
RopeSmart Big Bucks #9 Handicap Down……4/$300
80% Payback - $2000 Added - 1 sec per ½ number – 20% Cattle Charge
Gene Aguiar Scholarship Roping …………...3/$60
Pick 1 Draw 1, Enter 2 times, #8 Even, 1 sec per ½ number add/sub #8 ½..………...….……………...4/ $75
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 21ST
Rope @ 8 am
#6 ½ Over 40 - Handicap Down……4/$100
Both Partners Must Be Over 40 - 1 sec per ½ number Century Handicap w/#5 ½ Incentive …4/$75 #8 Even, 1 sec per ½ number add/sub Member Reception & Cal Custom Super 7 Team Auction at the Nugget
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22ND
Rope @ 8 am Cal Custom Super 7.……..5/$150
7 Even, Handicap Down, 1 sec per ½ number – 29% Cattle Charge #4 ½ Over 40………….…4/$75
Both Partners Must Be Over 40
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23RD
Rope @ 8 am #5 ½ …….………..4/$75
Draw-In option for #4 and under
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24TH
Rope @ 8 am Red River Arena #4….…….……..4/$75
Draw-In option for #2.5 and under Dummy Roping at approx. 12 pm
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 25TH
Rope @ 8 am #3.………………..4/$75
Draw-In option for #1.5 and under
Enter 4 times unless noted 33% cattle charge unless noted
ROPERS SPORTS NEWS CALENDAR OF EVENTS
For more details on events please see ads and calendar online at: roperssportsnews.com/events
See the launch of our new interactive CALENDAR! | With more features and tools on the go | ROPERSSPORTSNEWS.COM/EVENTS
Note: We are working every month to make the Calendar better and better so please continue to send us your feedback and your events to calendars@roperssportsnews.com. Thank you for all your patience and consideration, Dee
APRIL
April 2 R-W Productions at R-W Arena, Hollister, CA (page 48)
April 3 RCR Arena, Paso Robles, CA (page 17)
April 4 Tommy Lee Livestock Breakaway Series at Rafter C3 Arena, Fallon, NV (page 29)
April 4 S7 Livestock at Douglas County Fairgrounds, Gardnerville, NV (page 35)
April 5 WSTR Qualifier at Pacific Coast Shootouts Arena, Sanger, CA (page 32)
April 5 Nevada High School Rodeo Team Roping Series at Fallon Livestock Big Silver Arena, Fallon, NV
April 5 S7 Livestock at Douglas County Fairgrounds, Gardnerville, NV (page 35)
April 5 Ranch Rodeo at Clovis Rodeo Grounds, Clovis, CA (page 36)
April 5 Team Roping at Owen Ranch, Middletown, CA (page 27)
April 6 Pacific Coast Shootouts at Pacific Coast Shootouts Arena, Sanger, CA (page 32)
April 6 Turlock Horseman's Club at Turlock Horsemen's Club, Turlock, CA
April 7 Turlock Horseman's Club at Turlock Horsemen's Club, Turlock, CA
April 7, 14, 21, 28 Team Roping Practice at Brewers Arena, Los Molinos, CA (page 27)
April 9 7UP Productions at Basso's Arena, Livermore, CA (page 9)
April 9 R-W Productions at R-W Arena, Hollister, CA (page 48)
April 9 V7 Roping at McNaney Quarter Horses Arena, Oakdale, CA (page 43)
April 9 #2 & Under 4-Week Buckle Series Begins at Brewers Arena, Los Molinos, CA (page 27)
April 9, 16, 23, 30 Jackpot & Practice at Brewers Arena, Los Molinos, CA (page 27) April 10 - RCR Arena, Paso Robles, CA (page 17)
April 11 Tommy Lee Livestock Friday Nights at Fallon Livestock Big Silver Arena, Fallon, NV (page 29)
April 11 Oakdale Rodeo Weekend Kickoff Breakaway and Calf Roping at Escalon Livestock Market, Escalon, CA (page 39)
April 11 V7 Roping at McNaney Quarter Horses Arena, Oakdale, CA (page 43)
April 12 CICA Roping at Fallon Livestock Big Silver Arena, Fallon, NV
April 12 Rick Corum Memorial Roping at Basso's Arena, Livermore, CA (page 39)
April 12 Squaw Valley Spring Breakaway Series at Squaw Valley, Yokuts Valley, CA
April 12 S Bar J Arena Jackpot at S Bar J Arena, Sanger, CA
April 12 111th Clovis Rodeo Team Roping at Clovis Rodeo Grounds, Clovis, CA (page 36)
April 12 Team Roping at Sheriff Posse Arena, Brown's Valley, CA (page 27)
April 12-13 Jake Barnes and Clay O'Brien Cooper Clinic at Thorson's Arena, Morgan Hill, CA (page 43)
April 13 Pacific Coast Shootouts at Pacific Coast Shootouts Arena, Sanger, CA (page 32)
April 13 7UP Productions at Basso's Arena, Livermore, CA (page 9)
April 13 V7 Roping at Turlock Horsemen's Club, Turlock, CA (page 43)
April 15 Broc Cresta Memorial Roping at Four Star Rodeo Arena, Cottonwood, CA
April 16 R-W Productions at R-W Arena, Hollister, CA (page 48)
April 16 V7 Roping at McNaney Quarter Horses Arena, Oakdale, CA (page 43)
April 16 Brew's Big One 40th Annual at Jones Arena, Cottonwood, CA (page 27)
April 17 RCR Arena, Paso Robles, CA (page 17)
April 18 Tommy Lee Livestock Breakaway
Series at Rafter C3 Arena, Fallon, NV (page 29)
April 18 7UP Productions at Oakdale Rodeo Grounds, Oakdale, CA (page 9)
April 18-19 Easter Weekend Roping at Diamond Bar Arena, Ceres, CA (page 27)
April 19 Fillmore Roping Club at Fillmore, CA (page 44)
April 19 Nevada High School Rodeo Team Roping Series at Fallon Livestock Big Silver Arena, Fallon, NV
April 20 Rickey and Vernon Green Memorial Easter Roping at Diamond Bar, Ceres, CA (page 23)
April 22-23 Jake Barnes and Rick Skelton Clinic at Wayne McCurley Arena, Oakdale, CA (page 43)
April 23 R-W Productions at R-W Arena, Hollister, CA (page 48)
April 23-27 111th Clovis Rodeo at Clovis Rodeo Grounds, Clovis, CA (page 36)
April 24 RCR Arena, Paso Robles, CA (page 17)
April 24-27 ARHFA Oil Can Classic at Hardy Murphy Coliseum, Ardmore, OK
April 25 Tommy Lee Livestock Friday Nights at Fallon Livestock Big Silver Arena, Fallon, NV (page 29)
April 25 S7 Livestock at Douglas County Fairgrounds, Gardnerville, NV (page 35)
April 25-27 Three Rivers Lions Team Roping at Three Rivers Lions Club Arena, Three Rivers, CA (page 39)
April 26 7UP Productions at Clements Rodeo Grounds, Clements, CA (page 9)
April 26 S Bar J Arena Jackpot at S Bar J Arena, Sanger, CA
April 26 CICA Roping at Fallon Livestock Big Silver Arena, Fallon, NV
April 26 S7 Livestock at Douglas County Fairgrounds, Gardnerville, NV (page 35)
April 26 Team Roping at Riding & Driving Club, Petaluma, CA (page 27)
April 27 Pacific Coast Shootouts at Pacific Coast Shootouts Arena, Sanger, CA (page 32)
April 30 R-W Productions at R-W Arena, Hollister, CA (page 48)
May 2025
May 1 RCR Arena, Paso Robles, CA (page 17)
May 3 Queen of Cali Breakaway Roping at Riverdale Rodeo Grounds, Riverdale, CA
May 4 Coarsegold Rodeo May Day Roping at Coarsegold Rodeo Arena, Coarsegold, CA (page 29)
May 4 V7 Roping at Turlock Horsemen's Club, Turlock, CA (page 43)
May 5, 12, 19, 26 Team Roping Practice at Brewers Arena, Los Molinos, CA (page 27)
May 7 7UP Productions at Basso's Arena, Livermore, CA (page 9)
May 7 R-W Productions at R-W Arena, Hollister, CA (page 48)
May 7 V7 Roping at McNaney Quarter Horses Arena, Oakdale, CA (page 43)
May 7 #1 Buckle Series Begins at Brewers Arena, Los Molinos, CA (page 27)
May 7, 14, 21, 28 Jackpot & Practice at Brewers Arena, Los Molinos, CA (page 27)
May 8 RCR Arena, Paso Robles, CA (page 17)
May 9 Circle N Arena at Circle N Ranch, Tulare, CA (page 17)
May 10 Fillmore Roping Club at Fillmore, CA (page 44)
May 10 Annual Don Jones Memorial Roping at Jones Arena, Cottonwood, CA (page 27)
May 11 Fairlea Ranch at Fairlea Ranch, Exeter, CA
May 11 V7 Roping at Ranch, Brentwood, CA (page 43)
May 12-14 WRWC Cowtown Qualifying Rounds and Semi-Finals at Cowtown Coliseum, Fort Worth, TX (page 21)
May 13 WRWC Cowtown Goat Tying at Cowtown Coliseum, Fort Worth, TX (page 21)
May 14 R-W Productions at R-W Arena, Hollister, CA (page 48)
May 14 V7 Roping at McNaney Quarter Horses Arena, Oakdale, CA (page 43)
May 15 RCR Arena, Paso Robles, CA (page 17)
May 16 S7 Livestock at Douglas County Fairgrounds, Gardnerville, NV (page 35)
May 16 7UP Productions at Escalon Livestock Market, Escalon, CA (page 9)
May 16 Tommy Lee Livestock Friday Nights at Fallon Livestock Big Silver Arena, Fallon, NV (page 29)
May 16 Circle N Arena at Circle N Ranch, Tulare, CA (page 17)
May 17 Squaw Valley Spring Breakaway Series at Squaw Valley, Yokuts Valley, CA
May 17 CICA Roping at Fallon Livestock Big Silver Arena, Fallon, NV
May 18 Fairlea Ranch at Fairlea Ranch, Exeter, CA
May 18 V7 Roping at Turlock Horsemen's Club, Turlock, CA (page 43)
May 21 7UP Productions at Basso's Arena, Livermore, CA
May 21 R-W Productions at R-W Arena, Hollister, CA
May 22 RCR Arena, Paso Robles, CA
May 23 S7 Livestock at Douglas County Fairgrounds, Gardnerville, NV
May 23 Circle N Arena at Circle N Ranch, Tulare, CA
May 23 Flyin' B Arena Roping at Flyin' B Arena, Fortuna, CA (page 31)
May 23 Team Roping at Owen Ranch, Middletown, CA (page 27)
May 23-26 Memorial Weekend Roping at Flyin' B Arena, Fortuna, CA (page 31)
May 24 S7 Livestock at Douglas County Fairgrounds, Gardnerville, NV
May 24 7UP Productions at Basso's Arena, Livermore, CA
May 24 Flyin' B Arena Roping at Flyin' B Arena, Fortuna, CA (page 31)
May 25 Flyin' B Arena Roping at Flyin' B Arena, Fortuna, CA (page 31)
May 26 Flyin' B Arena Roping at Flyin' B Arena, Fortuna, CA (page 31)
May 26 Annual Ken & Kenny Brewer Memorial Roping at Brewers Arena, Los Molinos, CA (page 27)
May 28 R-W Productions at R-W Arena, Hollister, CA
May 29 RCR Arena, Paso Robles, CA
May 29-June 1 ARHFA Redbud Spectacular at State Fair Park, Oklahoma City, OK
May 30 Circle N Arena at Circle N Ranch, Tulare, CA
May 30 Team Roping at Sheriff Posse Arena, Brown's Valley, CA (page 27)
May 31 Tommy Lee Livestock Friday Nights at Lovelock, NV
May 31 7UP Productions at Oakdale Rodeo Grounds, Oakdale, CA (page 9)
May 31 V7 Roping at Ranch, Oakdale, CA (page 43)
May 31 Corning Jr. Rodeo at Estel Clark Park, Corning, CA (page 27)
BREAKAWAY SERIES!
MARCH 14 FERNLEY, NV RODEO GROUNDS
MARCH 21 RENO, NV RENO LIVESTOCK EVENTS CENTER (INDOOR)
APRIL 4 FALLON, NV RAFTER C3 EVENTS CENTER (OUTDOOR)
APRIL 18 FALLON, NV RAFTER C3 EVENTS CENTER (OUTDOOR)
Books close at 5:00 rope at 5:30 3 for $50 enter 3 times (progressive after 1) High $ Buckle to Champion Lady Roper
NEVADA HIGH SCHOOL RODEO TEAM ROPING SERIES
MARCH 15 AND APRIL 5TH
BOOKS CLOSE AT 5:00 ROPE AT 6:00
APRIL 19TH
Books close at 4:00 rope at 4:30 P1D2 3 steers for $40/$120
