The Roping Pen - March 2017

Mar 2017

NTRL FINALS Complete Results PATRIOT Looking Ahead WILDFIRE Out With a Bang SRA Champ Profile Clay Futrell

Vol. 26 No. 3

2 / MARCH • 2017 THE ROPING PEN

THE MAGAZINE FOR AMERICA’S ROPER / 3

TABLE OF CONTENTS T

his past month I had the opportunity to head to one of my favorite events – the NTRL Finals . I got to see old acquaintances and meet several new ones . This event ranks high on my list because of the good time enjoyed by those there . It truly is a one-of-a-kind event . It is not only exciting to see people win, but the atmosphere is nothing like any team roping event . Don’t get me wrong, it’s about the competition, but the overall tone of the event is built around having a good time . My hat is off to John Johnson as he is the foundation that the NTRL Finals is built upon and continues to be the driving force behind the unique style and the good-time sensation of the roping .

This brings me to something else that has been on my mind for a while . Johnson has been a leader in the industry for a long time and although he does not live in the most populated team roping area he still produces some of the biggest ropings in the country . I believe this is contributed to his knowledge of the sport and the ropers in the area, but it is also a testament to the ropers themselves . There is little doubt the sport continues to evolve and it’s the ropers that drive it forward .

This not only applies to ropings all across the country .

Producers and organizations continue to shift and maneuver their formats and payouts to make their events more attractive .

Even though this is often a positive spin for the sport there still needs to be some sort of standard and practice among producers in order for the event to grow as a whole .

I always try to take a high road and it aggravates me to see people misleading others in order to push their own agenda .

There are good practices and then there are others that often split the fence on what I can say are honest and true . Often greed is behind these bad options . Over the past couple years there are many different options for team ropers . If producers have a good product they will attract the ropers they are targeting . Ropers attend events for various reasons and understanding what target market of ropers you want at an event is the first step for producers . However, in the meantime you cannot undercut others just to promote yourself and must keep the overall respect for the sport at the forefront . I am a firm believer that in business you keep your head down, do your job and not worry about others so called competition .

You must respect the competition, but do not let it overwhelm your thought process . If you have a product that you believe in and it is marketable to those you are targeting, you will be successful . Worrying too much about the competition or mocking them or their product is not the best way to succeed .

You have never seen Coke mock Pepsi, they continue to sell Coke! The same should be said about team roping .

I guess I have rambled long enough and I’ll step off m soapbox before I get onto another tangent . I am just happy to see another successful NTRL Finals and excited to see what the future of the sport has to hold for ropers .

Until Next Time...

Dirt, Keep it under your feet!

Ryan Davis

ARTICLES Dirt, by Ryan Davis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Ropers of the Round Table, by Stuart Mtichell . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Sweat & Balin’ Twine, by John Rhudy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

Patriot Welcome . . . . . . . . . . 34

The Other Half, by Gracie Mae . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 The Way, by Charles Powers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 What Was I Thinking? by Crystal Lyons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

PATRIOT EVENT ADS...

YJ Qualifier, Dodge City, KS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

FEATURES Fire it Up, Event Recap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Heart of Texas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

EVENTS & ADS - COMING UP . . .

News & Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 NTRL Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41, 44, 45 NTRL Bluegrass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 NTRL South Georgia Qualifier . . . . 43 NTRL North Carolina Classic . . . . . 48 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

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John Hudson Thanksgiving Roping, Event Recap . . . . . . . . . 53 Muddy River Classic, Event Recap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 NTRL Finals, Event Recap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-10 South Georgia Classic, Event Recap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Wildfire, Event Recap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30-32 Mary Ann Brown . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Index, Advertisers & Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 Classifieds, Buy/Sell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

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AHSRA, Alabama HS Rodeo Association . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 FYRA, Foothills Youth Rodeo Association . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24-25 NCHSRA/NCJHRA, N Carolina HS & JH Rodeo Assoc’s . . . . . 26 SCHSRA/SCJHD/SCYRA, S Carolina Rodeo Assoc’s . . . . . . . 28 SRA, Southern Rodeo Assocation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14-17

ON THE COVER: NTRL Finals - Cody Johnson and Billy Myers Photo Courtesy of C BAR C

USPS-023083 is published monthly. Published by RJ Five LLC The Publication office is located at 28 Rincon Loop in Tijeras, NM. Periodical Postage Paid at Tijeras, NM and additional Mailing offices.

4 / MARCH • 2017 THE ROPING PEN

In the Loop, with Patrick Smith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Editor: Ryan Davis

505-407-2151 • rdavis@theropingpen.com

THE MAGAZINE FOR AMERICA’S ROPER / 5

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NTRL Finals

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Just Keeps Getting Better!

Photos by C Bar C

I

t’s taken a year since ropers in the Southeast had a chance to win at the NTRL National Finals.

It finally circled back around this past January. The 2016 seasonending event played out again in Jacksonville, Florida and ropers came out of the woodworks to rope and have a chance at the big money at this years event. It is no wonder why. Over a half a million dollars in

cash and prizes awarded, this event incorporated a format for all calibers of ropers to enjoy, great cattle and an atmosphere like no other roping in the country. For many this is the biggest event of the year, one that they look forward to, practice and give it their all trying to be among the winners. It is a roping they don’t miss, traveling from all across the country to enjoy everything the

NTRL Finals has to offer.

The NTRL Finals is always a great event and for anyone who has attended it in the past, they are hooked. It encompasses unique standards that make it one of the best and one of the largest events of the year. It’s hosting facility, the Jacksonville Equestrian Center is second to none, the format is

roper friendly and of course you get to rope for big money. The NTRL Finals sets itself apart with is truly sociable atmosphere. It has the feeling of a good-time backyard roping, where friends laugh and enjoy each other’s company. Producer John Johnson is at its center playing host to the ropers each year. This year they had 2,271 teams in attendance.

Johnson has been hosting ropings in the Southeast for many years and welcomes every roper with his gracious personality. The NTRL Finals is no different and ropers expect and enjoy the great hospitality. Johnson also knows it takes a great crew, good cattle, an awesome prize line and great sponsors to make this event a success and he pulls it all together each year. Ropers enjoy having an event such as the NTRL Finals to attend each year which is why it continues to grow. Each year the NTRL Finals adds to its contestant list, more money to win and of

recognized all of their great sponsors including Heel-O-Matic, Priefert, Trailers of the East Coast, “This year’s Finals was a great Carroll Original Wear and American event,” John said following the event. “We had a great turnout, were Hats. up a few teams from last year and I “We could not do it without our think overall everyone had a good sponsors,” said Pam Smith, NTRL’s time. I have plans to make it even secretary. “They are great to us. bigger next year. The Jacksonville We also have several sponsors that Event Center is adding a second always contribute to the NTRL covered barn and we will be able Finals. They are Jerry Thompson of to run more teams through. We are also going to add a prestigious, first Dandee Foods, Carroll Middleton class horse sale. We will continue to and Brock Middleton of CGM have the nightly cookouts and I am Construction.” going to host a concert next year as Of course the main attraction of well. I am looking forward to it.” the NTRL Finals is winning and this year the event played host This year’s NTRL Finals had to many of them. From the VIP close to 400 ropers who came from Roping honoring those who support 24 different states to make up the the NTRL throughout the year, 2,271 teams. They ran at $374,000 the Shootout events, the Specialty dollars in cash and an additional ropings and the Preliminary $140,000 in prizes. Wrangler, The title sponsor of the event and one events, the winner circle filled with that supports the NTRL throughout champions who collected their the year was well represented at checks and their prizes throughout the event. In addition, the NTRL the 4-day event! course more good times to be had.

#11 VIP Champions – Richard Miller / Mike White

Century Roping Champions Craig Nelson / Eric Maloney

Pro-Am Champions Josh Love / Jake Edwards

#13 Shootout Champions Justin Sands / Bradley Massey

#12 Shootout Champions Hannah White / MikeWhite

All Girl Champions - Deb Raulerson / Mattie Colvard

6 / MARCH • 2017 THE ROPING PEN

THE MAGAZINE FOR AMERICA’S ROPER / 7

NTRL Finals

Just Keeps Getting Better results #11 VIP Average 1. Richard Miller (Mc Clure, PA) / Mike White (De Kalb, TX), 32.86, $5,000; 2. Dale Simmons (Wirtz, VA) / Zak Dobbins (Bay Minette, AL), 34.57, $2,300; 3. Bucky Nastri (Wolcott, CT) / Cody Warner (Marathon, NY), 35.82, $1,600; 4. Wes Tindell (Hartford, AL) / Zak Dobbins (Bay Minette, AL), 36.49, $1,200; 5. Wilbur Durrance (Lake Placid, FL) / Steve Waltz (Cogan Station, PA), 36.51, $800; 6. Scott Bone (Calhoun, GA) / Billy Lam (Canton, GA), 37, $600 Overall Fast Time 1. Scott Bone (Calhoun, GA) / Billy Lam (Canton, GA), 6.83, $330; 2. Scott Bone (Calhoun, GA) / Billy Lam (Canton, GA), 6.92, $220 All Girl Average 1. Deb Raulerson (San Mateo, FL) / Mattie Colvard (Crumpler, NC), 34.67, $3,560; 2.

Tish Luke (Yeehaw Junction, FL) / Jessica Gray (Sparr, FL), 35.32, $2,670; 3. Cassey Clement (Ocilla, GA) / Ashley Clement (Wray, GA), 41.78, $1,780; 4. Savannah D Holt (Walkertown, NC) / Kellie Tabor (Summer Shade, KY), 43.5, $900 Overall Fast Time 1. Heather Fleckinger (Cocoa, FL) / Megan Cameron (Oxford, PA), 8.69, $460 Century Average 1. Craig Nelson (Lawtey, FL) / Eric Maloney (Tupelo, MS), 40.26, $2,700; 2. J R Spencer (Leesburg, FL) / Matt Wilson (Madison, GA), 40.31, $1,620; 3. Mike Woolven (Nettleton, MS) / Guy Graden (Jacksonville, FL), 41.72, $1,080 Overall Fast Time 1. Mike Woolven (Nettleton, MS) / Guy Graden (Jacksonville, FL), 7.11, $280 ProAm Average 1. Josh Love (Loveland, CO) / Jake Edwards (Fort Ann, NY), 24.13; 2. Kacy Cronan (Clermont, GA) / Billy Myers (Stephenville, TX), 25.49; 3. Chase Chapman (Eclectic, AL) / Cody Warner (Marathon, NY), 25.99; 4. Beck Hyslop (Loxahatchee, FL) / Ryan Pratt (Shelbyville, TN), 27.23; 5. Beck Hyslop (Loxahatchee, FL) / Ryan Davis (Tijeras, NM), 27.56 #13 Shootout Average 1. Justin Sands (Perry, FL) / Bradley Massey (Perry, FL), 30.16, $10,000; 2. Jaxson Tucker (Mount Ulla, NC) / Braxton Culpepper (Poulan, GA), 30.6, $5,600; 3. Bryer Hamilton (Tellico Plains, TN) / Adam Postelle (Rocky 8 / MARCH • 2017 THE ROPING PEN

Face, GA), 30.7, $4,100; 4. Craig Flowers (Mineral Bluff, GA) / Denver Ivester (Clarkesville, GA), 31.63, $3,100; 5. Justin McMillion (Covington, OH) / Adam Postelle (Rocky Face, GA), 31.81, $2,000; 6. Cody Sessions (Perry, FL) / Jason Hill (Ashburn, GA), 32.1, $1,500 Overall Fast Time 1. Josh LeMaster (Gaffney, SC) / Jake Edwards (Fort Ann, NY), 6.03, $820; 2. Justin McMillion (Covington, OH) / Adam Postelle (Rocky Face, GA), 6.21, $540 #12 Shootout Average 1. Hannah White (De Kalb, TX) / Mike White (De Kalb, TX), 31.31, $11,600; 2. Bradley Ammons (Fort Myers, FL) / Jay Holmes (Sarasota, FL), 31.91, $7,250; 3. Jeff Hartfield (Charlestown, IN) / Derrick Davis (Baldwin, FL), 32.72, $5,440; 4. Daren Sims (Fountain, FL) / Calvin Moody (Valdosta, GA), 32.8, $3,990; 5. Justin McMillion (Covington, OH) / Adam Schlechty (Ansonia, OH), 34.35, $3,260; 6. J W Baucom (Carthage, NC) / Blake Walker (Forest City, NC), 36.59, $2,900; 7. Jeff Hartfield (Charlestown, IN) / Adam Schlechty (Ansonia, OH), 36.7, $1,800 Overall Fast Time 1. Bradley Ammons (Fort Myers, FL) / Jay Holmes (Sarasota, FL), 5.65, $1,140; 2. Scott Elliott (Live Oak, FL) / Brock Middleton (Colquitt, GA), 5.68, $760 #11 ShootOut Average 1. Whit Harper (Sparks, GA) / Brady Barrentine (Enigma, GA), 32.98, $14,300; 2. Jeff Hartfield (Charlestown, IN) / Travis Brown (Wirtz, VA), 33.66, $9,060; 3. Dakota Sunday (Huntington, IN) / Zach Waggoner (Belpre, OH), 34.24, $6,200; 4. Trey Mills (La Belle, FL) / Ryon Springer (Ocala, FL), 34.84, $5,250; 5. John Thompson (Salem, AL) / Will McCraw (East Bend, NC), 35.24, $4,290; 6. Jason Bagwell (Garner, NC) / Daniel Raynor (Four Oaks, NC), 36.03, $3,820; 7.

Cole Compton (Kernersville, NC) / Casey Cox (Canton, GA), 38.8, $2,860; 8. Tish Luke (Yeehaw Junction, FL) / Derrick Davis (Baldwin, FL), 23.82, $1,900 Overall Fast Time 1. Josh LeMaster (Gaffney, SC) / Luke LeMaster (Gaffney, SC), 5.89, $1,500; 2. Cody Warner (Louisville, MS) / Conner White (Dekalb, TX), 5.92, $1,000 #10 Shootout Average 1. Dillon Lawless (Fountain Inn, SC) / Paul Gibson (Cowpens, SC), 34.23, $15,320; 2. John Jenkins (Palatka, FL) / Nick Hart (Keystone Heights, FL), 34.72, $9,700; 3.

Brady McCormick (Branford, FL) / J D Elliott (Live Oak, FL), 35.81, $6,640; 4. Beck Hyslop (Loxahatchee, FL) / Nick Hart (Keystone Heights, FL), 36.54, $5,620; 5. Cole LeMaster (Gaffney, SC) / Clint Humphries (Lincolnton, NC), 36.93, $4,600; 6. Davis Sewell (Greer, SC) / Matt Wilson (Madison, GA), 38.85, $4,080; 7. Kelli Davis (Baldwin, FL) / John Hudson (Ocala, FL), 40.34, $3,060; 8. Waylon Overstreet (Kenansville, FL) / Parker Carbajal (New Syrna Beach, FL), 40.73, $2,040 Overall Fast Time 1. Dillon Hardwick (Galivants Ferry, SC) / Dylan Ray (East Bend, NC), 6.25, $1,340; 2. Dillon Hardwick (Galivants Ferry, SC) / Dylan Ray (East Bend, NC), 6.35, $670; 3.

Dakota Sunday (Huntington, IN) / Red Burney (Emelle, AL), 6.35, $670 #9 Shootout Average 1. Trey Mills (La Belle, FL) / Scott Martell (Arcadia, FL), 39.83, $14,130; 2. Della Bird (Williston, FL) / Nick Hart (Keystone Heights, FL), 40.78, $8,950; 3. Jason Bagwell (Garner, NC) / Faith John (Punta Gorda, FL), 42.68, $6,120; 4. Beau Tabor (Summer Shade, KY) / Justin McMillion (Covington, OH), 43.82, $5,180; 5. Tish Luke (Yeehaw Junction, FL) / Scott Martell (Arcadia, FL), 44.36, $4,240; 6. Kelly King (Morriston, FL) / Brad King (Morriston, FL), 46.32, $3,770; 7. Cole LeMaster (Gaffney, SC) / Josh Humphries (Gaffney, SC), 47.19, $2,830; 8. Jim Grover (Dunnellon, FL) / Jessie Arnow (Morriston, FL), 47.56, $1,880 Overall Fast Time 1. Cole LeMaster (Gaffney, SC) / Josh Humphries (Gaffney, SC), 6.34, $1,240; 2.

Lance Thrift (Gaffney, SC) / Dustin Toney (Forest City, NC), 6.89, $740; 3. Mike White (De Kalb, TX) / Conner White (Dekalb, TX), 7.24, $500

#15 Roping Average 1. Daren Sims (Fountain, FL) / Zak Dobbins (Bay Minette, AL), 38.88, $4,750; 2. Scott Elliott (Live Oak, FL) / Arky Rogers (Lake City, FL), 40.95, $2,850; 3. Kaston Peavy (Bay Minette, AL) / Jason Garcia (Clanton, AL), 43.3, $1,900 Overall Fast Time 1. Jaxson Tucker (Mount Ulla, NC) / Clay Futrell (Union Grove, NC), 5.76, $500 #13 Preliminary Average 1. Garrett Keeter (Blacksburg, SC) / Cody Warner (Louisville, MS), 30.89, $3,330; 2.

Jaxson Tucker (Mount Ulla, NC) / Bradley Massey (Perry, FL), 30.93, $1,990; 3. Kelly Beahm (Draper, VA) / Alex Brooks (Pageland, SC), 31.28, $1,330 Overall Fast Time 1. Garrett Keeter (Blacksburg, SC) / Cody Warner (Louisville, MS), 4.67, $350 #12 Preliminary Average 1. Cole Futrell (Union Grove, NC) / Clay Futrell (Union Grove, NC), 30.41, $3,520; 2.

Brian Barefoot (Dunn, NC) / Adam Postelle (Rocky Face, GA), 32.76, $2,630; 3. Morgan Holmes (Sarasota, FL) / Bradley Massey (Perry, FL), 32.89, $1,760; 4. Kelly Beahm (Draper, VA) / Will McCraw (East Bend, NC), 33.95, $880 Overall Fast Time 1. Kelly Beahm (Draper, VA) / Will McCraw (East Bend, NC), 6.07, $460

#11 Preliminary Average 1. Tyler Boatwright (Marble, NC) / Riley Kittle (Woodland, AL), 24.37, $3,440; 2. Cole Compton (Kernersville, NC) / Adam Schlechty (Ansonia, OH), 24.76, $2,170; 3. Josh LeMaster (Gaffney, SC) / Tommy Allison (Mooresboro, NC), 24.87, $1,720; 4. Cody L Johnson (Dublin, TX) / Will McCraw (East Bend, NC), 25.74, $1,080; 5. Cole Futrell (Union Grove, NC) / Will McCraw (East Bend, NC), 25.8, $630 Overall Fast Time 1. Bryer Hamilton (Tellico Plains, TN) / Riley Kittle (Woodland, AL), 4.61, $480 #10 Preliminary Average 1. Frank Sweet (Greenville, FL) / Burley Davis (Blackshear, GA), 23.84, $4,090; 2.

Deb Raulerson (San Mateo, FL) / Scott Seiler (Ocala, FL), 27.13, $2,580; 3. Kathy McMillan (Enigma, GA) / Brady Barrentine (Enigma, GA), 29.08, $2,040; 4. Christopher Peebles (Kite, GA) / Matt Wilson (Madison, GA), 29.18, $1,290; 5. Mitch Rogers (Claxton, GA) / Calvin Moody (Valdosta, GA), 29.23, $750 Overall Fast Time 1. Kyle Gardner (Stephentown, NY) / Bear Weeks (Naples, FL), 6.54, $570 #9 Preliminary Average 1. Richard Miller (Mc Clure, PA) / Mike Bratton (Phenix City, AL), 25.35, $3,000; 2. Dillon Hardwick (Galivants Ferry, SC) / Darryl Hardwick (Galivants Ferry, SC), 27.14, $2,250; 3. Nathan Roberts (Aynor, SC) / Tyler

Lasseter (Sycamore, GA), 29.86, $1,500; 4.

Cole LeMaster (Gaffney, SC) / Riley Kittle (Woodland, AL), 30.47, $750 Overall Fast Time 1. Cole LeMaster (Gaffney, SC) / Ty Norris (Archdale, NC), 7.09, $390 #8 Preliminary Average 1. Nathan Gray (Tifton, GA) / Bryce Hart (Keystone Heights, FL), 34.31, $4,200; 2. Travis Norris (Winston Salem, NC) / Ty Norris (Archdale, NC), 34.32, $2,650; 3. Bob Pledge (Charles Town, WV) / Ty Norris (Archdale, NC), 37.54, $2,100; 4. Dale Simmons (Wirtz, VA) / Roger Bain (Dublin, VA), 40.54, $1,320; 5. Britt Claxton (Millen, GA) / Daniel Barnard (Colquitt, GA), 43.24, $770 Overall Fast Time 1. Bob Pledge (Charles Town, WV) / Ty Norris (Archdale, NC), 6.71, $580 #7 Average 1. Nathan Gray (Tifton, GA) / Tyler Veon (Middleburg, FL), 37.17, $5,030; 2. Shane Riddle (Virginia Beach, VA) / Kimberly Breyo (Galway, NY), 42.26, $3,770; 3. Cassey Clement (Ocilla, GA) / Ashley Clement (Wray, GA), 45.11, $2,520; 4. Shane Riddle (Virginia Beach, VA) / Harry Allan (Screven, GA), 46.07, $1,260 Overall Fast Time 1. Nathan Gray (Tifton, GA) / Tyler Veon (Middleburg, FL), 8.33, $660

#8 Shootout Average 1. Cole LeMaster (Gaffney, SC) / Luke LeMaster (Gaffney, SC), 42.3, $12,950; 2.

Stephanie Honeycutt (Mooresville, NC) / Anthony Armstrong (Salisbury, NC), 42.41, $7,900; 3. Luther Googe (Barnwell, SC) / Justin Hancock (Sandersville, GA), 47.89, $5,750; 4.

Nathan Gray (Tifton, GA) / Tyler Lasseter (Sycamore, GA), 48.31, $4,300; 5. Wes Tindell (Hartford, AL) / Anthony Stafford (Southport, FL), 49.33, $2,880; 6. Donald Broadway (Kinston, NC) / Buddy Holland (Elm City, NC), 49.42, $2,160 Overall Fast Time 1. Travis Norris (Winston Salem, NC) / Ty Norris (Archdale, NC), 7.03, $1,140; 2. Cole LeMaster (Gaffney, SC) / Dustin Toney (Forest City, NC), 8.16, $740 THE MAGAZINE FOR AMERICA’S ROPER / 9

NTRL Finals

Just Keeps Getting Better!

#11 Shootout Champions Whit Harper / Brady Barrentine

#9 Shootout Champions Trey Mitchell / Scott Martell

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#10 Shootout Champions Dillon Lawless / Paul Gibson

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From Ryan Davis

T

eam roping is a tough sport no matter what level you play. When a run goes according to plan it looks ad can be easy, but there are so many different elements to a run that if any one of them goes as un-planned, it can become disastrous.

Eliminating these hiccups and knowing how to spot them early and overcome them from the start to the finish of a run can be the difference in a qualified run or a no time.

One of the biggest elements of the sport that you have no control over is the steer.

When they run straight it can go well, but a step or two to the left of right can spell trouble.

Bret Beach had some information to say about a topic we have covered before, but thought we should strike into it again since it seems to be a big problem among headers.

This is when a steer runs hard to the right it becomes a lot harder for a header to get into position.

“There are two types of steers that get guys,” Bret said. “Those that show and run left and those that show and run right. On those that run hard right toward the fence it is the headers responsibility to read and react. The most important thing after getting a good start is reading and reacting to the

steer in any direction they move. The steer will show you what they are going to do right out of the box.”

This seems to affect ropers at all levels, but shows up more in lower numbered ropings.

“You often see headers in lower numbered ropings miss these types of steers,” added Bret. “That is because it is hard to get to the right spot. This is where being able to read the steer as quick as possible and react quickly increases your catch ratio. If a steer moves hard right, a header needs to react as quickly as possible.

I can’t stress enough how important it is to do it quick. I mean right now, ask your horse to move to the right with the steer.

This means pushing your hand over and using your legs. Head horses don’t like to go right. It is against what they are trained to do so you really have to ask strong and quick to get them in position. Often a header asks his horse to move too late and by that time the steer is half way down the arena and you start running out of time for any type of correction. Then you have to rope from a bad spot. Your percentage goes down if you don’t react early in the run.”

Should a header find themselves too wide and to far down the arena to make a correction, we asked Bret; What can you do?

“Typically roping from too wide a position creates room for too many misses.” Bret explained. “Typically there are two types of misses from this position.

One is a header hits the steer in the back of the right horn because he does not through enough rope. The second miss that often happens is because of the angle, it is hard to keep it on a short horned steers when you pull your slack. It often comes off the left horn in this situation. In either case, by not reacting at the front end of the arena you have to take a bad shot at the back end where the two misses come in to play.”

If you believe this quick tip was helpful, be sure to stop by TotalTeamRooing.com and check out the entire sight Bret, Charles Pogue and Clay O’brein have to say. There are different levels of programs ropers can sign up for to help progress and the sight uses some of today’s most advanced programs and videos to help everyone improve.

#8 Shootout Champions Cole LeMaster / Luke LeMaster

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Congratulations to all of this year’s NTRL Finals Champions!

The event is second to none and comes to life only once a year.

Its unique style sets it apart and ropers always enjoy the chance to win the big payouts and enjoy the event from beginning to end.

510/ /MARCH MARCH • 2017 • 2017THE THE ROPING ROPING PEN PEN

THE MAGAZINE FOR AMERICA’S ROPER / 11

with Patrick Smith Patrick Smith just scratched a big item off his bucket list. The two-time world champion finally got his picture on the wall at Wildfire Ranch. After 13 years of competing at the Wildfire Open to the World, Smith came out on top last month.

“I’ve roped there for about 13 years and I’ve done well, winning second, third and fourth over the years,” Smith said. “It was always on my bucket list to win it and I finally got it done.”

“We were just talking about this last week,” Smith continued. “We call them ‘The Big 3’, the BFI, the George Strait and the Wildfire. Obviously, the financial reward from a roping of this magnitude is great, but to us, as ropers, the prestige is just as important.

Everyone wants to win the big, prestigious events.”

Smith heeled behind his new second partner, Aaron Tsinigine, but in a rare twist, shared the win with Kaleb Driggers and Junior Nogueira. “The odds of tying on six head when you’re timing to the hundrendths are phenomenal,” he stated. “But it’s great that we shared the win with really good 12 / MARCH • 2017 THE ROPING PEN

friends.” Driggers and Smith roped together in 2014.

Smith ran his first steer at Wildfire on his main horse, Amigo, but switched to a younger horse following that round.

“Amigo is a warrior, he’s a legend in the heel horse game, but he’s 18 years old and has had two knee surgeries,” Smith continued. “He’s lost a step and with a heel barrier and strong steers, I knew I needed all the speed I could get.”

In comes Turbo, a six year old horse that Smith has owned for two years. “I got Turbo when he was four and sent him to my good friend, Ben Gambrell to ride and rope the machine on,” he said. “When I got him back, I put some finishing touches on him and started hauling him. The Wildfire was only the fourth or fifth place I’d taken him. I roped on him at the Sandhills Invitational in Odessa and won a little, giving both of us a little confidence, but this was by far his biggest debut. He was amazing and needless to say, I’m pleased with how he did.”

After 19 years, the Wildfire Open to the World run is coming to an end.

When Smith learned that was the end of the Wildfire Open era, he was quick to praise Wildfire producer Billy Pipes.

“If that was the last one, I wasn’t a moment too soon. Thank goodness I won it. I just want to sincerely thank Billy, not just from me but from all team ropers. Sometimes we get in the rut of going from one place to another and looking at dollar signs, not remembering the opportunity someone like Billy is providing for us. For 19 years, he’s put this thing on to help us and we appreciate being able to compete at one of the greatest ropings of all time.”

Smith earned his part of the Wildfire loot using the Shark Extreme from Lone Star Ropes, in his words, “the greatest rope on the market”. “I tell people all the time they need to try this rope,” he stated. “My man Guy Alford at Lone Star has done an amazing job creating this rope and I know that when it doesn’t work for me, it’s pilot error. The Shark Extreme is a bigger rope with more weight, but if you prefer a smaller, lighter rope that still feels great, try The Shark.”

If you have a question or comment for In The Loop, you may submit it to lonestarintheloop@gmail.com THE MAGAZINE FOR AMERICA’S ROPER / 13

No Stanger to Winning

Clay Futrell

T

he 2016 SRA (Southern Rodeo Association) season wrapped up with the associations Finals in Ashville, North Carolina last fall. With its conclusion, the event placed another stepping stone on the trail for young roper, Clay Futrell who is well on his way to the top in the sport of team roping. Futrell, is no stranger to winning titles and big money in the team roping, and at 18-years-old, the young cowboy from union Grove, North Carolina has started a positive career in his chosen sport.

Futrell has been successful inside the arena at many of today’s biggest events including placing at the 2016 World Series Finale in Las Vegas, Nevada with partner

Tyler Waters. They took home $35,000 from the roping.

Heeling his way to victory, Clay also roped with, Kelsie Chace at the 2016 USTRC Finals in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and won his share of the #13 Shoot-Out taking home an additional $18,200 to North Carolina. Clay also won money at the recent NTRL Finals in Jacksonville, Florida and many other ropings and rodeos throughout the past several years. Add this to his success at the SRA and this young man has already been a success and a championin the arena.

“I like the SRA rodeos,” Clay said. “I go to a good many of them around my house when I am not roping at other big events.

They are great events and I look forward to going to them when I can.”

Clay and his family, as well as many of his extended family are rodeo athletes. His older brother, Matt is a calf roper and is a consistent winner at the SRA and IRA events, his older sister Page ran barrels and roped calves and his younger brother Cole is an up-and-comer, rodeoing and roping

his way to championships as well. Clay also has cousins who rodeo including Cory Kidd who rides bulls professionally and the Tucker Family who rope all across the country.

Rodeo is nothing new to Clay. He grew up alongside the sport as his father, Bart is co-owner in the S Bar 10 rodeo company.

They produce SRA and IRA rodeos in the Southeast, as well as bull ridings. Growing up, Clay adapted to the lifestyle and is one of the many cowboys who come from this lifestyle and continue to carry on the tradition of the sport. His knowledge of rodeo came natural and he had many avenues to advance his skills as a young roper.

“I’ve had lots of help,” Clay said. “Bronc Fanning is probably the one that has helped me more than anybody. He helped me every day for a long time when I was younger.

Luke Brown has also helped me out a lot.

I stayed with him last spring for about a month and he took me to the next level in a way. Just being around Luke and the other professionals that were there helped me a lot.”

As a young man looking forward to graduating this year, Clay is already planning his future.

“I want to compete professionally at the PRCA next year,” he added. “I want to go to Ranger College in Stephenville, Texas.”

When it comes to events, Clay has that desire to compete and win. Growing up in

Clay Futrell aw arded with hi Championsh s 2016 SRA ip Buckle. Pho tos Courtesy Circle S Pho of tography.

a rodeo family he enjoys rodoes more than jackpot ropings.

“I just like rodeos more, Clay said after being asked what he preferred. “You get to go fast every time. I also like the big ropings.

They are a lot of fun and exciting, but I guess I just like rodeos better since I grew up around them my whole life.”

With the future shinning a bright star in his direction, Clay is well on his way to capturing many more championships as a team roper.

With the history of those that he grew up around in his thoughts, the skills he has already displayed at a young age, as well as the desire to win, Clay is well on his way to claiming many more championships in years to come!

MIKE ASKS: How can I rope a trotter?

RICKEY’S TIP: The best two guys I’ve ever seen roping trotters are Walt Woodard and Dennis Motes. Both just put a big ol trap under the steer. Put your top strand up high in the flanks and plane the bottom strand out and then just wait on it.

Clay and his younger brother Cole won the #12 Preliminary roping at the recent NTRL Finals in Jacksonville, Florida.

1 / / MARCH 14 MARCH• •2017 2017 THE THEROPING ROPINGPEN PEN

Photos Courtesy of C Bar C Photography THE MAGAZINE FOR AMERICA’S ROPER / 15

VISIT US AT WWW.SRARODEO.COM FOR COMPLETE LISTING OF POINT STANDINGS, RODEO RESULTS & MORE NEWS.

SRA RODEO SCHEDULE March 3-4, 2017 • PENDLETON SC • IPRA/SRA Friday 8:00pm, Saturday 8:00pm BB SB BR CR SW TR CBR CBA $500 ADM, $50 EF, $10 SCF Call to enter: 800-639-9002 Mon, Feb 27, 8am-5pm CST Location: T Ed Garrison Livestock Arena (Indoor Arena) 1101 W Queen St Coggins required for all horses and out of state horses must have health certificate Stock Contractor: Ken Treadway Rodeo Co March 17-18, 2017 • ASHEVILLE NC • SRA Friday 8:00pm, Saturday 8:00pm Bull Riding $1000 ADM, $80 EF, $10 SCF each performance (you may enter both days) Barrel Racing $500 ADM, $50 EF, $10 SCF (enter only one performance) Call to enter: 800-639-9002 Mon, Mar 13, 8am-5pm CST Location: WNC Ag Center, 1301 Fanning Bridge Rd, Fletcher NC More Info: 864-809-2630 Stock Contractor: Double Creek Pro Rodeo Co March 30-31, April 1, 20107• ATHENS GA • IPRA/SRA Thursday 8:00pm, Friday 8:00pm, Saturday 8:00pm BB SB BR CR SW TR CBR CBA $1000 ADM, $70 EF, $10 SCF Online entry: Tue, Mar 21, 12pm CST - Wed, Mar 22, 5pm CST www.rodeosportsnetwork.com Call to enter: 800-639-9002 Wed, Mar 22, 8am-5pm CST Call Backs: Thur, Mar 23 & Fri, Mar 24, 9am-4pm CST All events draw for perf - Tradeouts No slack to be run after Sat, Apr 1st perf All perfs must be filled before slack There will be 8 contestants in each event, except CBR will be 10 & BR will be 12 Coggins required, Hospitality room for contestants Location: Indoor Arena, UGA Livestock Inspection Facility, South Milledge Ave Stock Contractor: Southern Rodeo Co

All events draw for perf - Tradeouts Location: Kiwanis Fairgrounds, 16942 Hwy 67 Stock Contractor: Hedrick Rodeo Co April 28-29, 2017 • EVANS GA • IPRA/SRA Friday 7:30pm, Saturday 7:30pm BB SB BR $1200 ADM, $70 EF, $10 SCF CR SW TR CBR CBA $1000 ADM, $70 EF, $10 SCF Online entry: Tue, Apr 18, 12pm CST - Wed, Apr 19, 5pm CST www.rodeosportsnetwork.com Call to enter: 800-639-9002 Wed, Apr 19, 8am-5pm CST Call backs: Thur, Apr 20 & Fri, Apr 21, 9am-4pm CST All events draw for perf - Tradeouts Location: Columbia Co Fairgrounds, 5462 Columbia Rd, Grovetown GA Stock Contractor: Hedrick Rodeo Co May 5-6, 2017 • WALTERBORO SC • IPRA/SRA Friday 8:00pm, Saturday 8:00pm BB SB BR CR SW TR CBR CBA $1000 ADM, $70 EF, $10 SCF Online entry: Tue, Apr 25, 12pm CST - Wed, Apr 26, 5pm CST www.rodeosportsnetwork.com Call to enter: 800-639-9002 Wed, Apr 26, 8am-5pm CST Call backs: Thur, Apr 27 & Fri, Apr 28, 9am-4pm CST All events draw for perf, Tradeouts Location: DD Arena Stock Contractor: Ken Treadway Rodeo Co May 5-6, 2017 • NICHOLLS GA • IPRA/SRA Friday 7:30pm, Saturday 7:30pm BB SB BR CR SW TR CBR CBA $750 ADM, $60 EF, $10 SCF Call to enter: 800-639-9002 Date TBA Location: Indoor Arena, Wiregrass, 416 Flying Hawk Rd Stock Contractor: T-T Rodeo Co

March 31-April 1, 2017 • BRUNSWICK GA •IPRA/SRA Friday 7:30pm, Saturday 7:30pm BB SB BR $1000 ADM $70 EF, $10 SCF CR SW TR CBR $500 ADM, $50 EF, $10 SCF Call to enter: 800-639-9002, Mon, Mar 27, 8am-5pm CST Location: Brunswick Fairgrounds, 101 Emory Dawson Rd Stock Contractor: Hedrick Rodeo Co

May 12-13, 2017 • GATES NC • SRA Friday 7:30pm, Saturday 7:30pm BB SB BR CR SW TR CBR CBA $1000 ADM, $80 EF, $10 SCF Call to enter: 800-639-9002 Mon, May 8, 8am-5pm CST Location: 158 Paige Riddick Rd More Info: 252-209-1473 Stock Contractor: Double Creek Pro Rodeo Co

April 7-8, 2017 • GREENWOOD SC • SRA Friday 8:00pm, Saturday 8:00pm Bull Riding $1000 ADM, $80 EF, $10 SCF each performance (you may enter both days) Barrel Racing $500 ADM, $50 EF, $10 SCF (enter only one performance) Call to enter: 800-639-9002 Mon, Apr 3, 8am-5pm CST Location: Lander University Equestrian Center, 2611 Hwy 72E More Info: 864-377-1479 Stock Contractor: Double Creek Pro Rodeo Co

May 12-13, 2017 • ALPHARETTA GA • NCPRA/SRA Friday 8:00pm, Saturday 8:00pm BB SB BR CR SW CBR CBA $500 ADM, $85 EF(includes all fees) TR(enter once) $1000 ADM, $80 EF(includes all fees) Call to enter: 770-548-2358 Mon, May 8, 10am-4pm EST Jerkdown Rule in effect One companion pass per contestant, must be in vehicle with contestant at check in Location: Wills Park Equestrian Center (covered arena), 11925 Wills Rd Celebrate Freedom Rodeo Stock Contractor: Bar W Rodeo Co

April 21-22, 2017 • GAINESVILLE GA • SRA Friday 8:00pm, Saturday 8:00pm Bull Riding $1000 ADM, $80 EF, $10 SCF each performance (you may enter both days) Call to enter: 800-639-9002 Mon, Apr 17, 8am-5pm CST Location: Chicopee Woods Ag Center, 1855 Calvary Church Rd More info: 864-377-1479 Stock Contractor: Double Creek Pro Rodeo Co April 21-22, 2017 • FRANKLIN NC • SRA/NCPRA Friday 8:00pm, Saturday 8:00pm BB SB BR CR SW TR CBR CBA $500 ADM, $50 EF, $10 SCF Call to enter: 800-639-9002 Mon, Apr 17, 8am-5pm CST Location: Macon County Fairgrounds, 1436 GA Hwy More Info: Jenny Collins 828-342-2780 Stock Contractor: Bar W Rodeo Co April 21-22, 2017 • STATESBORO GA • IPRA/SRA Friday 7:30pm, Saturday 7:30pm BB SB BR CR SW TR CBR $1000 ADM, $70 EF, $10 SCF Online entry: Tue, Apr 11, 12pm CST - Wed, Apr 12, 5pm CST www.rodeosportsnetwork.com Call to enter: 800-639-9002 Wed, Apr 12, 8am-5pm CST Call backs: Thur, Apr 13 & Fri, Apr 14, 9am-4pm CST

116/ / MARCH MARCH• •2017 2017 THE THEROPING ROPINGPEN PEN

May 26-27, 2017 • HAYESVILLE NC • NCPRA/SRA Friday 8:00pm, Saturday 8:00pm BB SB BR CR SW CBR CBA $500 ADM, $85 EF(includes all fees) TR(enter once) $1000 ADM, $80 EF(includes all fees) Call to enter: 770-548-2358 Mon, May 22, 10am-4pm EST Jerkdown Rule in effect Location: Cutworm’s Corral, 4637 Downings Creek Rd Bar W Agricultural Scholarship Rodeo Stock Contractor: Bar W Rodeo Co June 2-3, 2017 • WILSON NC • SRA Friday 8:00pm, Saturday 8:00pm BB SB BR CR SW TR CBR CBA $500 ADM, $50 EF, $10 SCF Call to enter: 800-639-9002 Mon, May 29, 8am-5pm CST Location: 2331 Hwy 301 South More Info: 252-209-1473 Stock Contractor: Double Creek Pro Rodeo Co June 9-10, 2017 • CHESAPEAKE VA • SRA INCENTIVE RODEO (double points)

2017 POINT STANDINGS *Cotton Eyed Joe Buckle Series = must compete in 5 rodeos in series to be eligible.

AS OF 01/19/17 (EXCLUDING SALEM VA)

RANK & NAME .............................. POINTS RANK & NAME ..............................POINTS

Friday 7:30pm, Saturday 7:30pm BB SB BR CR SW TR CBR CBA $500 ADM, $50 EF, $10 SCF Call to enter: 800-639-9002 Mon, Jun 5, 8am-5pm CST Location: 645 Woodlake Dr More Info: 757-478-2828 Stock Contractor: Double Creek Pro Rodeo Co June 9-10, 2017 • CLEVELAND NC • SRA Stock Contractor: 5L Rodeo Co June 16-17, 2017 • DAHLONEGA GA• SRA/IPRA Friday 8:00pm, Saturday 8:00pm BB SB BR CR SW TR CBR CBA $500 ADM, $50 EF, $5 SCF Call to Enter: 800-639-9002 Mon, Jun 12, 8am-5pm CST Location: R- Ranch, 65 R- Ranch Rd Part of the 2017 4L Rodeo Tax Saddle Series Stock Contractor: 4L Rodeo Co June 16-17, 2017 • BLAIRSVILLE GA • IPRA/SRA Friday 8:00pm, Saturday 8:00pm BB SB BR CR SW TR CBR CBA $300 ADM $50 EF, $10 SCF Call to enter: 800-639-9002 Location: Union Co Saddle Club (Indoor Arena), 73 Saddle Club Dr Stock Contractor: Hedrick Rodeo Co June 23-24, 2017 • INMAN SC • SRA Friday 8:00pm, Saturday 8:00pm BB SB BR CR SW TR CBR CBA $500 ADM, $50 EF, $10 SCF Call to enter: 800-639-9002 Mon, Jun 19, 8am-5pm CST Location: Sugar Ridge Arena, 481 Sugar Ridge Rd More Info: 864-809-8968 Stock Contractor: Double Creek Rodeo Co June 30 - July 1, 2017 • OLD FORT NC • SRA/IPRA Friday 8:00pm, Saturday 8:00pm BB SB BR CR SW TR CBR CBA $300 ADM, $40 EF, $5 SCF Call to enter: 800-639-9002 Mon, Jun 26, 8am-5pm CST Location: 189 Catawba River Rd More Info: 706-889-2172 Ray Norton Stock Contractor: Hedrick Rodeo Co July 1, 2017 • HAYESVILLE NC • SRA/NCPRA Saturday 8:00pm BB SB BR CR SW TR CBR CBA $500 ADM $50 EF, $10 SCF TR $1000 ADM, $80 EF, $10 EF (enter only once) Call to enter: 800-639-9002 Mon, Jun 26, 8am-5pm CST Location: Cutworm’s Corral, 4637 Downings Creek Rd More Info: Karyn Woody 706-897-0956 Stock Contractor: Bar W Rodeo Co July 2, 2017 • CLAYTON GA • NCPRA/SRA Sunday 7:30pm BB SB BR CR SW CBR CBA $500 ADM, $85 EF(includes all fees) TR(enter once) $1000 ADM, $80 EF(includes all fees) Call to enter: 770-548-2358 Mon, Jun 26, 10am-4pm EST Jerkdown Rule in effect There will be a team roping at this arena on Mon, July 3rd (not sanctioned) Location: Rabun Arena (covered), 100 W Boggs Mountain Rd, Tiger GA 4th of July Celebration Rodeo Stock Contractor: Bar W Rodeo Co

**See www.srarodeo.com/membership for details on rodeos not selling SRA MEMBERSHIPS.

• • • • • • • • • THEMAGAZINE MAGAZINEFOR FORAMERICA’S AMERICA’SROPER ROPER// 17 2 THE

Mary Ann Brown E

Heart of Texas

Championships

January 6-8, 2017 • Waco, Texas

Extraco Events Center • Produced by USTRC • Story by Ben Clements Mar y Mary Ann Brown and her horse, Felina

Ann a

nd Ke

nny B

rown

mpowerment – The Process of Finals rodeo in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, for me,” added Mary Ann. “I hope this can becoming stronger and more an accomplishment only once before ever be something that will inspire all girls in the confident, especially in controlling one’s life done by a woman in the team roping event in sport of rodeo and team roping.” and claiming one’s rights.

PRCA history. In addition, she and Kenny are Her biggest support of course came That is a powerful word, especially after the only husband and wife team to ever make from Kenny who himself has seen success reading the definition. Empowerment - In a PRCA Circuit Finals event. Throughout in the rodeo arena many times in the past. order to claim empowerment, one must first the season the Brown’s were a tough team.

He has won the First Frontier Circuit on set a goal, work hard to reach that goal and Throughout last year the Browns were a six different occasions, three times heading when all said and done have the opportunity competitive team at the Frontier Circuit and three times heeling. “Kenny may be the to look back with accomplishment. rodeos and even won the Allengany County only person in PRCA history to do that, Empowerment may not only be an individual Fair and Rodeo in Cumberland, Maryland “ added Mary Ann. She also wanted to feat and often opens doors for others to after winning second place a couple weeks extend a special, “thank you” to three special follow. Such is the case of Mary Ann Brown. earlier at the Cowtown Rodeo in Woodson girlfriends, Kelly Davis, Sheri Cervi and Mary Ann Brown and her husband Pilsegrove, in New Jersey. It was a big week Alison Serio who supported her throughout Kenny Brown are team ropers. Not your for them and one that helped push them her travels. She also had a special friend ordinary team ropers, but a couple who have towards their goal of making the “Felina” the horse that carried her along the crossed the country many times in search of Circuit Finals. way to give recognition to. championships inside the arena. They have “I’ve teamed roped a lot,” said Mary Ann. Mary Ann and Kenny have roped together found many and even though they have “But rodeo is a different world. There is for 20 years. Married the last 15 of those reached the pinnacle of championship status a lot more pressure, which is one of the years, they each have a long line of rodeo continue to push forward in search of more reasons I set the goal and it feels so good to history. Kenny grew up the son of a PRCA ways to satisfy their team roping desires. accomplish it.”

Rodeo Stock Contractor, Triple K Rodeo Many in the team roping circles know And she reached her goal. Mary Ann hopes Company in Keedysville, Maryland. Mary Mary Ann and Kenny Brown. They can that her accomplishments can inspire other Ann was born in Ohio, but spent summers be found at almost every large event in the women in the sport, as well as young girls to on the family ranch in Montana and rodeoed country. The duo compete at the USTRC find a passion in their lives and work to fulfill since her youth. They continued to live their Finals every year, have been at the World that craze as it allows you to feel empowered passions of the rodeo world. Over those 20 Series Finale in the past, have attended every and accomplished, opening the door for you years in the team roping arena, they have NTRL Finals and are regulars at almost every to move forward with a type of achievement. sold some top team roping horses. Their major team roping event in the country. This “The support I got from everyone was fuel Lightning B Rope Horses have seen a lot of is a feat as they live in Maryland, success from Pro Rodeo, the not quite the team roping hot BFI, the USTRC Finals and spot. However, they are often World Series Finale. found collecting checks at these Mary Ann and Kenny events at the end of the day.

Brown are a truly remarkable Kenny Brown is among the top team of ropers. They are great of the sport. Mary Ann has been competitors and have continued a fierce competitor in the Allto push and support each other Girl events, as well as the largest towards their goals. Mary Ann’s of team ropings, however, she recent accomplishment has has recently added to her team defiantly empowered her to roping resume with one of the move ahead in the sport, but biggest accomplishments of her even more it has opened the career so far. door for others to follow and Mary Ann and Kenny Brown roping at the 2016 NTRL Finals in Jacksonville, FL Mary Ann competed at her chase their own dreams inside Photos Courtesy of C Bar C – Val Ford first PRCA First Frontier Circuit the rodeo world!

18 / MARCH • 2017 THE ROPING PEN

T

he Heart of Texas Championships, January 6-8, 2017, took place at the Extraco Events Center and welcomed team ropers to town for some excellent USTRC team roping action. Cold weather couldn’t keep team ropers from enjoying some great team roping.

The first roping of the weekend was the Open Division. This was a qualifier for The American and the event welcomed a slew of Open teams to try their hands at qualifying.

Tyler Wade and Dakota Kirchenschlager teamed up to win the qualifier with a four head average time of 25.52 seconds. They won $7200, along with a qualification to The American Semi Finals. Second place was Aaron Tsinigine and Ryan Motes who pocketed $5400. Cody Snow and Wesley Thorp earned $3600 for their third place finish, while Dustin Egusquiza and Kory Koontz banked $1800 for placing fourth.

These teams along with those placing sixth through tenth in the average earned a place in The American Semi Finals. Tyler Wade and Dakota Kirchenslager also won first place in the average of the Open division with a time of 31.20 seconds on five steers.

They won $7006 plus trophy suede leather saddle pads. Taking home second place and $4426 was Aaron Tsinigine and Ryan Motes with a time of 31.74 seconds on five steers.

Third place went to Dustin Egusquiza and Kory Koontz. Thomas Braman and Cody Hintz won the incentive average.

In the #15 Division, the win went to the Willis Point, Texas team of Clay Deen and Clayton Lowry. The team caught four steers in 29.97 seconds and won $6082, trophy suede leather saddle pads, and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Second place in the roping was Cory Smothers of Lipan, Texas and Colton Brittain from Rockwall, Texas.

They received $4562 and $2000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Third place went to Stratton

Lopez and Levi Lord.

Cutter Duckett from Wimberley, Texas and Tanner Green of Cotulla, Texas teamed up to win the #13 Division with a time of 25.35 seconds on four steers. They took home $10,000, trophy suede leather saddle pads and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings.

Second place in the roping was Laramie Allen and True Lacina. Kolt Tucker of Marquez, Texas and Ross Ashford from Lott, Texas took home third place.

The #12 Division was won by the team of Garett Chick and Whit Kitchens. They were 30.04 seconds on four steers and received $10,000, trophy Martin saddles and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings for their efforts.

Second place was Levi Boatright and Dane Reed with a time of 31.26 seconds on four steers. The third place team was Nick Gonzales lll and Kyler Gomez. Chick and Kitchens won the incentive average.

The second day of team roping began with the #12 Gold Plus. Jim Coffman and Larry Cox secured first place with a total of 32.58 seconds on four steers. They received $5000 plus $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings for their efforts. Fidel Pina and Chico Hines won second place with a time of 37.56 seconds on four steers to take home $2680.

Shane Boston from Waxahachie, Texas and Chase Harris of Stephenville, Texas took home third place. The incentive average went to Caleb Fallon and Bly McGuire.

Shane Boston partnered up with Bobby Weir to claim the average title of the #11 Division. They caught four steers in 34.30 seconds to win $10,000, trophy Martin saddles and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings.

Second place in the roping went to the team of Preston Day of Kentwood, Louisiana and Dane Reed from Sumner, Texas. Ron Pack and Chase Harris won third place. The incentive win went to the team of Quade Hiatt and Jabin Rice.

The team of Tyler Willberg and Derek Jenkins won the average of the #10 Division with a time of 27.92 seconds on four steers.

They received $10,000, trophy Martin saddles and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings.

Second place was the team of Logan Farmer from Lorena, Texas and Heston Jenkins of Marlin, Texas. The third place team was Kolt Tucker and Keith Stermer.

Tera Arledge and Cutter Overton won the incentive average.

The #10 Gold Plus kicked off the final day of the Heart of Texas Championships.

The win went to the team of Rene Garcia from Helotes, Texas and Derek Pierce from Axtell, Texas. The team caught four steers in 41.15 seconds and won $5906 plus $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Second place in the roping was the Goldthwaite, Texas team of Wade Clifton and Walt Clifton. Third place went to Clay McKinney and Heath Hardman. Garcia and Pierce took home the incentive average as well.

The team of Brad Henderson and Russell Henderson took home the win of the #9 Division. The team won the average with a time of 30.82 seconds on four steers. They earned $10,000, trophy Martin saddles and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Second place was the team of Derek Pierce and Derek Jenkins with a time of 34.93 seconds on four steers. Third place in the average was Korbin Rice and Jabin Rice. Jeremy Stevenson and Kaden Prince won the incentive average.

In the #8 Pick/Draw the winners were Darcy Podzemny and Philip Padget. They were 24.33 seconds on three steers and won $6782, trophy Gist buckles and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Second place in the roping was the team of Mitch Dahl and Craig Chumley. The third place winners were Carlos Galindo and Grant Gilbraith.

THE MAGAZINE FOR AMERICA’S ROPER / 19

COMMUNICATION LOST

of the

By Crystal Lyons

pouch and into the deeper water.

How many times have I “heard” that inner voice that instructed me and it had proven addling up Strider to get him out and itself out to be the voice of God, by either exercised while at the Miles City MT positive or negative consequences, depending Bucking Horse weekend, I put my iphone in on whether or not I honored what I heard the pouch on the saddle that I always carry it by obeying! My ability to be reached by my in. As I did, I “heard” down inside me, that sons, friends and office was LOST....not to voice that everyone describes as....”something mention, I am now in Verizon country and just told me”....I was instructed to buckle there’s no AT&T for 100 miles....AND....I the pouch. I was in a hurry and it had never had several more days of being there before I fallen out before. So....my logic took it’s place could get a replacement phone. of prominence and I obeyed it....disregarding that small, inner voice, I headed out.

Asking The Lord if there was some prophetic message in this experience, He I met up with a friend at the track and after began to speak into my heart about the law a nice, easy exercise, she suggested we ride of HONOR. We reap the results of what across the road where there was a lake. Heck we honor! This is true across the board. yeah! All the years of coming to Bucking He said if I would have honored His voice, Horse weekend, I never knew about Spotted I would still have my phone but because I Eagle Lake. This lake has such great sloping honored MY logic over His voice, I reaped ground that gradually gets deeper so as to be the consequences of honoring my voice over perfect for taking horses into the water. Out His. He also began to speak to me about into the water we went as the horses were this day and age we live in.....a prophetic refreshing themselves by splashing with great insight if you may. He said that if we as a delight! All of a sudden, I watched helplessly people will honor His voice, we will have as my phone flew ever so gracefully out of it’s open communication with Him which will

S

20 / MARCH • 2017 THE ROPING PEN

be vital in the days coming upon us. But if we choose to dishonor Him by disregarding His voice, we will LOSE the ability for clear communication with the Almighty. Just as I lost my ability to freely communicate by my phone being somewhere at the bottom of the lake, so will we, if we do not honor the privilege of open communication with The Lord of all the earth.

How do we honor His voice? By PRACTICING through our daily affairs, listening to His voice, as He speaks inside us, as well as what is recorded in His Word and OBEYING what we hear! So many people who acknowledge that Jesus is their Lord and Savior are blatantly living in total disregard of His words! It starts THERE! You can’t sharpen your hearing to that inner voice when you aren’t even obeying what’s written in His Word! Bottom line? Communication with the Almighty is going to be CRUCIAL in the coming days! You can’t wait for the storm to hit before you start listening to Him! Start now! Sharpen your hearing

by PRACTICING obedience to what you believe is His voice! It will prove to literally be a life saver!

By Stuart Mitchell

H

ow’s your attitude? Mine is good most of the time.

Sometimes I let life start mashing on me and I have to regroup. Over the last couple of years on the road I have seen some of the best and some of the worst attitudes. One particular person I have had the pleasure of getting to know has one of the best . He is always smiling, happy and talkative. He loves roping and going to rodeos. He loves counting cows for his dad. He lives to rope and enjoy life. He is sneaky, He’ll be standing right next to me before I know he’s around, always smiling.

He is soft spoken and soft mannered.

As confident a young man as I have been around in a long time. He never meets a stranger and is polite to his parents and others alike.

He has gotten to meet a lot of our rodeo stars over the years. He keeps up with their standings, their whereabouts and how they are doing.

He loves rodeo, roping, family and life. With his attitude he’s sure to be successful. He’s had his share of difficulties, “bumps in the road” in his young life, but he and his family work on them and carry on. His loving mom and dad and sweet sister, when I see them they are always smiling and never complaining.

Sometimes when I’m around this young man I think about my attitude and he makes me feel better. Just being around him lifts my spirits and makes me want to try harder. I enjoy talking to him, when he lets me speak. He does love to talk, about rodeo and cows mostly.

Roping the dummy with him is a lot of fun. I’ve watched him rope it a jillion times with his mom or dad right there. Sometimes they leave him with me to rope. It’s a great pleasure and a trust I don’t take lightly. If you know Caleb then you understand why I like him and why he keeps my attitude in check. When things start going south look into the mirror of your mind and see where your attitude is. Are you working hard, doing all you can or do you fail to fully appreciate your abilities? Are you fulfilling your potential? Look around and work on your attitude daily. You’ll smile more, feel better and who knows, you might even influence someone else’s attitude in a positive way. Thanks Caleb!

THE MAGAZINE FOR AMERICA’S ROPER / 21

H

ey everybody! It’s Hannah Rogers, the Alabama High School Rodeo Queen. I hope you have had a blessed winter with decent weather. Alabama has gone from 70 degrees to 30 degrees and from hot, sunny days to wet, dreary days, but we are finally starting to tell that spring is on the way. If you don’t know, spring is my most favorite time of the year! Why? Two words: turkey season! It starts March 15, but that’s not the only reason I’m excited about that day! The fifteenth of March I am going to the special needs rodeo in Montgomery, AL held every year along with the SLE rodeo. I can’t wait to go help out, watch all the kids, and learn from the families that attend! Until next time, thank you for reading and God bless. Miss Hannah Rogers ALL AROUND COWBOY CONTESTANT

1. COLE HARMON, 145; 2. GRANT HODGES, 99; 3. JT ELLISON, 88; 4. GARRETT GUILLOT, 76; 5.

TJ ALLEN, 64; 6. RIVER HOUCK, 60; 7. DUSTIN HYSON, 55; 8. WILL KIRKLAND, 53; 9. WILLIAM EMBRY, 46; 10. CODY STUBBS, 35; 11. KADE MURPHY, 30; 12. DALTON KENT, 25; 13/14.

JUDD HUBBARD, 24; 13/14. TY SINGLETON, 24; 15. JOSH GREEN, 20; 16. ERON HOLLOWAY, 19; 17. CADE SMITH, 18; 18. WYATT HUBBARD, 17; 19/20. JARED ROLLINS, 10; 19/20. KYLE ROGERS, 10; 21. LARAMIE WELLS, 8

ALL AROUND COWGIRL CONTESTANT

1. HEATHER VARNER, 240; 2. KAITLYN PUGH, 191; 3. HALEY POLK, 159; 4. TAYLOR OGLESBY, 150; 5. LAURYN HOAGLAND, 133; 6. MARAH SMITH, 126; 7. ASHLEIGH CLUKEY, 102; 9.

ALICIA CRUZ, 85; 10. MIKAYLA LARAMORE, 82; 11. JACY SCHNAUFER, 78; 12. ALLI TATE, 77; 13. JAYCELYN MERCHANT, 68; 14. MORGAN SUMMERLIN, 59; 15. LIZZY SEXTON, 58; 16/17. ANNA KATE NORTON, 57; 16/17.

MADISON HAYEK, 57; 18. SYDNEY MCQUEEN, 56.5; 19. HANNAH ROGERS, 56; 20. ASHLEY HENDERSON, 52.5; 21. NATALIE WEAVER, 51; 22.

PRAIRIE SMITH, 50.5; 23. ERICA JOHNSON, 49; 24. KAITLYN CHESTNUT, 48.5; 25. MARY BETH WILLIAMS, 47; 26. MADISON HEDGE, 41; 27/28.

KATHRYNE SHOOP, 30; 27/28. CASEY COX,

30; 29. SAMANTHA NELSON, 25; 30. ALISON TANNEHILL, 19; 31. JESSICA ANDREWS, 9; 32.

JAMILYN WRIGHT, 8; 33. CHLOE CZAPLA, 7; 34.

KELLY ROGERS, 4

BAREBACK RIDING CONTESTANT

1/2. JOSH GREEN, 20; 1/2. JARED ROLLINS, 10

SADDLE BRONC RIDING

No Quaified Rides. *

STEER WRESTLING CONTESTANT

1. GARRETT GUILLOT, 48; 2. COLE HARMON, 40; 3. JT ELLISON, 29; 4. WILLIAM EMBRY, 28; 5. CADE SMITH, 18; 6. DAKOTA ARNOLD, 0; 7. #N/A, 0; 8. #N/A, 0; 9. #N/A, 0; 10. #N/A, 0; 11. #N/A, 0; 12. #N/A, 0; 7. VADEN ARNOLD, 0; . **RED INDICATES ROOKIE**. *

BREAKAWAY ROPING CONTESTANT

1. LAURYN HOAGLAND, 58; 2. HALEY POLK, 53; 3. MARAH SMITH, 52; 4. ASHLEY HENDERSON, 44.5; 5. ALLI TATE, 44; 6. HEATHER VARNER, 37; 7. MIKAYLA LARAMORE, 36; 8/9. ANNA KATE NORTON, 30; 8/9. JACY SCHNAUFER, 30; 10.

JAYCELYN MERCHANT, 25; 11. KAITLYN PUGH, 22; 12. ALICIA CRUZ, 19; 13. CASEY COX, 16; 14.

PRAIRIE SMITH, 15.5; 15. KAITLYN CHESTNUT, 12; 16/17. ERICA JOHNSON, 11; 16/17.

KATHRYNE SCHOOP, 11; 18. LIZZY SEXTON, 8; 19. MORGAN SUMMERLIN, 6; 20. HANNAH ROGERS, 4

TIE DOWN CALF ROPING CONTESTANT 1. GRANT HODGES, 65; 2. RIVER HOUCK, 60; 3. COLE HARMON, 55; 4. JT ELLISON, 34; 5.

DUSTIN HYSON, 27; 6. DALTON KENT, 25; 7.

GARRETT GUILLOT, 20; 8. WILL KIRKLAND, 19; 9. TJ ALLEN, 14; 10. TY SINGLETON, 9; 11. JUDD HUBBARD, 7; 12. WILLIAM EMBRY, 3

POLE BENDING CONTESTANT

1. HEATHER VARNER, 77; 2. KAITLYN PUGH, 59; 3. ASHLEIGH CLUKEY, 49; 4. TAYLOR OGLESBY, 47; 5. ALICIA CRUZ, 43; 6. HALEY POLK, 34; 7.

HANNAH ROGERS, 28; 8. MIKAYLA LARAMORE, 27; 9. MADISON HEDGE, 27; 10. SAMANTHA NELSON, 24; 11. KATHRYNE SCHOOP, 18; 12/13.

MORGAN SUMMERLIN, 17; 12/13. ALISON TANNEHILL, 17; 14. NATALIE WEAVER, 12; 15/16. ERICA JOHNSON, 9; 15/16. JESSICA ANDREWS, 9; 17-19. ASHLEY HENDERSON, 8;

17-19. JACY SCHNAUFER, 8; 17-19. JAYCELYN MERCHANT, 8; 20/21. KAITLYN CHESTNUT, 6; 20/21. MADISON HAYEK, 6; 22. JAMILYN WRIGHT, 5; 23. CASEY COX, 4; 24. LAURYN HOAGLAND, 3

GOAT TYING CONTESTANT

1. MARAH SMITH, 74; 2. KAITLYN PUGH, 73; 3.

HEATHER VARNER, 58; 4. HALEY POLK, 56; 5.

LIZZY SEXTON, 50; 6. SYDNEY MCQUEEN, 44; 7. JACY SCHNAUFER, 37; 8. PRAIRIE SMITH, 35; 9. TAYLOR OGLESBY, 32; 10. ERICA JOHNSON, 29; 11. HANNAH ROGERS, 24; 12. ANNA KATE NORTON, 20; 13. MADISON HAYEK, 17; 14.

KATHRYNE SCHOOP, 1

TEAM ROPING CONTESTANT

1. TJ ALLEN / COLE HARMON, 100; 2. GRANT HODGES / WILL KIRKLAND, 68; 3. JAYCELYN MERCHANT / CODY STUBBS, 70; 4. LAURYN HOAGLAND / DUSTIN HYSON, 56; 5. ALLI TATE / JT ELLISON, 50; 6. ERON HOLLOWAY / HEATHER VARNER, 38; 7. WYATT HUBBARD / JUDD HUBBARD, 34; 8. TY SINGLETON / WILLIAM EMBRY, 30; 9. CASEY COX / KAITLYN CHESTNUT, 20; 10. GARRETT GUILLOT / LARAMIE WELLS, 16

BARREL RACING CONTESTANT

1. TAYLOR OGLESBY, 71; 2. ASHLEIGH CLUKEY, 53; 3. HEATHER VARNER, 49; 4. MARY BETH WILLIAMS, 47; 5. LAURYN HOAGLAND, 44; 6.

NATALIE WEAVER, 39; 7. KAITLYN PUGH, 37; 8. MORGAN SUMMERLIN, 36; 9. MADISON HAYEK, 34; 10. ALICIA CRUZ, 23; 11. KAITLYN CHESTNUT, 20.5; 12. MIKAYLA LARAMORE, 19; 13. HALEY POLK, 16; 14. MADISON HEDGE, 14; 15. SYDNEY MCQUEEN, 12.5; 16. ALLI TATE, 8; 17/18. CHLOE CZAPLA, 7; 17/18. ANNA KATE NORTON, 7; 19. KELLY ROGERS, 4; 20/21.

JAMILYN WRIGHT, 3; 20/21. JACY SCHNAUFER, 3; 22. ALISON TANNEHILL, 2; 23. SAMANTHA NELSON, 1

BULL RIDING CONTESTANT

1. KADE MURPHY, 30; 2. KYLE ROGERS, 10

TRAP SHOOTING CONTESTANTS

1. DUSTIN HYSON, 29.5; 2. CASEY COX, 26; 3.

DAKOTA ARNOLD, 21.5; 4. VADEN ARNOLD, 21; 5/6. JESSICA ANDREWS, 18.5; 5/6. PRAIRIE SMITH, 18.5;

Alabama High School Rodeo Upcoming Events March 11-12, 2017 Montgomery, AL (Tentative Plans) (2 Day – 2 Go) April 8-9, 2017 Priceville, AL (2 Day – 2 Go) April 29 – April 30, 2017 Bay Minette, AL (2 Day 2 Go w/Shooting) State Finals – June 7-10, 2017 – Andalusia AL to include Cutting, RCH, and Shooting 22 / MARCH • 2017 THE ROPING PEN

THE MAGAZINE FOR AMERICA’S ROPER / 23

Foothills Youth Rodeo Association

2017 FYRA Rodeo Schedule

(J/S= Junior & Senior Performance P/W= Pee Wee & Wrangler Performance) March 24th @ 8 PM P/W - March 25th J/S 10 am & P/W 7 PM - March 26th @ J/S 10 am Cross Creek Ranch - 1916 McIntyre Rd. - Wingate, NC 28174 www.crosscreekarena.net April 29th @ J/S 10 am & P/W 7 PM - April 30th @ P/W 10 am & J/S 3 PM Stockman Farms - 4507 Callison Hwy - Troy, SC 29848 May 20th @ J/S 10 am & P/W 7 PM - May 21st @ P/W 10 am & J/S 3 PM Stockman Farms - 4507 Callison Hwy - Troy, SC 29848

Welcome to the F.Y.R.A.!

Just a few things to help get you started!

Visit - www.rodeofyra.com ASSOCIATION PHONE LINE: #864-906-0698 Please refer to our website & Facebook page for the most updated information! Points, Participation Apps, Sponsorships, Scholarships, Newsletters, Rulebook, Dates, Call-ins, other deadline reminders, & espec. in the event of a possible rain out, or cancelation!

Our Board is here to help you in any way we can! Please don’t hesitate to reach out! All Board Member names & contact info is posted on our website at www.rodeofyra.com! Also Look for us in our FYRA shirts!

June 10th @ J/S 10 am & P/W 7 PM - June 11th @ P/W 10 am & J/S 3 PM Cottonwood Arena - 8024 Park Place Rd. - York, SC 29745 July 29th @ J/S 10 am & P/W 7 PM - July 30th @ P/W 10 am & J/S 3 PM Latigo Farms Arena - 3472 Hwy 414 - Landrum, SC 29356 August 18th @ 8 PM P/W - August 19th J/S 10 am & P/W 7 PM - August 20th @ J/S 10 am Cottonwood Arena - 8024 Park Place Rd. - York, SC 29745 September 2nd @ J/S 10 am & P/W 7 PM - September 3rd @ P/W 10 am & J/S 3 PM Sugar Ridge Arena - 481 Sugar Ridge Rd. - Inman, SC 29349 FINALS- Oct 20th -Oct 22nd Times TBA Double J Arena- 501 Lockaby Road -Pendleton, SC 29670 www.doublejbarrelhorses.com

All Entries must be Called in for. Call-Ins held on the Monday prior to the rodeo 7-10 pm JR/SR # 864-906-0698 & PW/WR # 864-430-2664 - Late Call Ins –See RULEBOOK.*

President

Crystal McDowell- Boiling Springs, SC #864-809-8968 / roperchick55@yahoo.com

Vice President

Josh Per- Inman, SC #856-816-7445 / v10kingsnake@gmail.com

Association Secretary

Peden Styles- Fountain Inn, SC #864-616-4449 / psty300@bellsouth.net or rodeofyra@att.net

(See Peden for Membership-Permits, Newsletters, Point Standings, Sponsorships, Scholarship Apps., Queen & Princess Contest, Student Officers, General Association Info., etc.)

Rodeo Secretaries

General Info.:

*Contestant’s are responsible for bringing their own horses and equipment needed. Camping is allowed at each rodeo - no horse stalls available.

Water on grounds for all stock- No trailer/camper hookups available. Generators welcome. Contestants should always travel with a Negative Coggins exam.

Rodeo equipment can be purchased at sites like www.usrodeosupply.com, www.nrsworld.com, www. smithbrothers.com, or Cowboy Connection- Boiling Springs, SC #864-578-6003, etc. *Membership Fees & Fines may be paid with a check- however all other fees (such as Rodeo Entry fees, permits, or exhibitions) must be paid for with CASH. This money is used for pay out! No other checks accepted! $35.00 fee for all returned checks! *Annual Membership (one time $75.00/year fee before March 1st- $85.00 after) entitles you to called in Rodeo entry at any level (entry, permit, or exhibition), and to receive a rulebook, newsletters, & Year End Award points & prizes, etc. from the Association for the current rodeo season only. To enter a Rodeo: Call-ins are usually held on the Monday night 7-10 pm prior to the scheduled Rodeo weekend. The call in info (Date- Time- Secretary Name & phone #) will be posted on the website & in the newsletter. You must call in to sign up for each Rodeo or your entry will not be allowed! Late call ins will be accepted until 10 pm on the next night

MARCH• 2017 • 2017 THE THEROPING ROPINGPEN PEN 124/ /MARCH

Maddie Johnson maddiestyles10@yahoo.com PW/WR Call in: 864-430-2664 JR/SR Call In: 864-906-0698 Maggie Hurley maggiestyles000@yahoo.com (See Maddie & Maggie for Rodeo Call-in’s, Paying Entry Fees or Fines, Permits or Exhibitions, Rodeo Draw/Order of Events

2017 Membership Form can be found on www. rodeofyra.com

for a $10.00 per event entered fine. No other late call ins accepted! Each rodeo held is a 2 day 2 Go. You need to specify which day or both- and what events you wish to ride in -as well as if it will be a member entry- permit- or exhibition (SEE BELOW). Do not leave a voicemail! You must speak to the Rodeo Secretary!! Then you must check in with, and pay your Entry Fees to the Rodeo Sec. no later than 30 min. prior to start of the rodeo! Late fee payment may result in a fine! Entry Fees are $15.00 Stock Busting & $30.00 per all other events per rodeo!

Each day will have a separate cash payout & points awarded to the winners at the end of the rodeo only.

No early pay outs!! All trash on grounds must be picked up before pay out! * GATE ADMISSION: Card Holders are free at the gate-all others must pay to enter. $5.00/noncontestant -6 and under free of charge. You may also show your Membership Card at some local western stores for a 10% discount- Such as Cowboy Connection in Boiling Springs, SC. *Dress Code- all contestants must be wearing a long sleeve button down shirt with collar, jeans, cowboy boots, and cowboy hat by one hour prior to start of rodeo. Also Members must wear their back number assigned to them at each rodeo whenever dress code is in effect. Lost or destroyed back numbers must be replaced at a cost of $5.00 from the Association Sec. You may make color copies

of your number to have extras. You may also have them autographed or decorated so long as number is clearly visible. *Ignorance of the FYRA Rulebook is not acceptable! Read your Rulebook! Rulebook is also posted on the FYRA website! www.rodeofyra.com Also check info board at each rodeo for any new Ground Rules!! *Permits are entries allowed by non-members who have called in, and paid permit fees and entry fees.

They will be allowed to compete for the prize money for that rodeo only, however no year end points will be awarded. Must have signed liability forms & proof of age prior to Rodeo entry! Permit Fees: $20.00 Assoc. fee/rodeo entered. *Exhibitions are called in entries allowed for a contestant (member or non-member) to basically have just a practice go or run in an event. No points or prize money will be awarded. Fees: Prices per event vary due to Stock prices and Assoc. fees. See Rodeo Secretary or Rule Book. Must have signed liability forms prior to Rodeo entry! Forms also on web-www.rodeofyra.com! *Finals Rodeo- All contestant’s that have competed in/ or exhibitioned in a minimum of 7 rodeos will be eligible to attend our Finals Rodeo in October and will receive a complimentary Finals Qualifier’s Award if they ride at Finals. A year end Banquet is held in February each year for all Year End Awards!

Follow us on FACEBOOK!

Photos by Donna Farmer

THE THEMAGAZINE MAGAZINEFOR FORAMERICA’S AMERICA’SROPER ROPER/ / 25 2

26 / MARCH • 2017 THE ROPING PEN

THE MAGAZINE FOR AMERICA’S ROPER / 27

South Carolina High School Rodeo Association dule

High School Spring Sche

March 10-11th: Conway, SC April 7-8th: Lowrys, SC , SC April 14-15th: Fountain Inn ll, April 21st-22nd: Mint Hi SC ty, SC April 28-29th: Oconee Coun

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S SC Hi t 9:00 a.m. 10, and in ththe #8 begaeir chance ttion was early a #12, the # d 2:00 a.m, king for thhe competiteam o by the here arounms were lo short go. T e high call2nd high h a w e e e som ety nine t back in th last r un. T ws for the just won e n e e i n h N ms cam n to t t was good im Watt haden better is rs w a o e t d n e to I v T Te ! It cam arrier. Kuntz and t makes it erd of Direc n! b e c e r h e t fi Boa or Divisio roke aylor ! Wha back back team! Tean catches he SCHSRA Juni A call b 8 with 3 cl ember of t ber SCHSR the # att is a m tz is a mem inners!

Tim Waylor Kun to all the w and T ratulations Cong 28 / MARCH • 2017 THE ROPING PEN

THE MAGAZINE FOR AMERICA’S ROPER / 29

Wildfire Open to the World End of an Era: Ropers Send Wildfire Open to the World Out With a Bang

W

ildfire Open to the World Producer Billy Pipes was looking for the perfect ending to his renowned “Texas Gunslinging.”

An all-star cast of world-class team ropers— headlined by 2017 Wildfire co-champs Aaron Tsinigine and Patrick Smith, and Kaleb Driggers and Junior Nogueira—delivered. The fearsome foursome duked it out all day long on Super Saturday of this year’s February 3-5 showdown in Salado, and in the end there was the first-ever tie at the top.

“I really wanted to crown 20 champs before we called it quits, and this was our 19th annual,” Pipes said moments after both teams stunned the crowd by stopping the clock six times in 37.79 seconds. “Here’s my answer.

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•

2017

•

This is the perfect ending, and I got my goal of crowning 20 champions.”

Everyone in the packed house to witness the Saturday Night Live short round of the 2017 Wildfire Open to the World described it as more of a knife fight than a gunslinging.

“I’ve seen some pretty rank short rounds, but that’s the best one I’ve ever seen,” said five-time National Finalist and Georgia native Driggers, who doubled down by splitting the win and also finishing fourth with Kollin VonAhn (they placed second at the 2016 Wildfire). “(Defending champs) Chad Masters and Kory Koontz were fifth high callback, were 5.5, they paid four moneys and they didn’t even pull a check. That’s unheard of.”

“This short go was the toughest I’ve ever seen,” said Nogueira, who’s roped at the last three Wrangler National Finals Rodeos and is the reigning world champion all-around

By Kendra Santos cowboy. “Every team was 5, 5, 5…that’s not easy to do here, and everybody just kept outdoing each other. This is not a simple setup; it’s tough. The steers were great—fresh, fast and strong—and this is a big old arena with room to run. This is a six-header, and you have to catch ’em all and be fast. There were teams—Chad and Kory, Blake Hughes and Justin Davis, Bubba Buckaloo and Ryan Motes—that caught ’em all clean and didn’t place. Team roping has changed just since I got here to America the first time. Today, it’s crazy tough.”

The Wildfire Ranch’s 2017 Wildfire Open to the World Weekend featured a $469,170 cash payout, including $98,400 in added money that came straight out of the pocket of Wildfire Producer Billy Pipes, and the Wildfire’s traditional, second-to-none prizeline. Here’s a fun fact for all you open ropers and roping

•

Kaleb Driggers and Junior Nogueira split the 2017 Wildfire Open to the World with Aaron Tsinigine and Patrick Smith. Each team roped six steers in 37.79 seconds to come out 2017 Wildfire Open to the World co-champs. The 2017 Wildfire Open to the World Winners Circle included, left to right: Wrangler’s Robert Lever, heading champ Aaron Tsinigine and his heeler, Patrick Smith, Wildfire Producer Billy Pipes, heading champ Kaleb Driggers and his heeler, Junior Nogueira, and Resistol’s Ricky Bolin

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•

•

Hope Thompson and Whitney DeSalvo won the 2017 Wildfire Ladies Open by roping four steers in 30.74 seconds. Left to right on the 2017 Wildfire Ladies Open podium were Wrangler’s Robert Lever, Ladies Only Champion Header Hope Thompson, Wildfire Producer Billy Pipes, Resistol’s Ricky Bolin, Ladies Only Champion Heeler Whitney DeSalvo and Cactus Ropes’ Mike Piland.

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On hand to celebrate the last roping of the Wildfire’s 19-year run on Sunday, February 5, were the Wildfire #11 Businessman’s Roping Champion Header Jacob Carr, Heeling Champ Brent Mays!

Photos Courtesy of Lone Wolf Photography

30 / MARCH • 2017 THE ROPING PEN

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fans: Pipes has sweetened the Wildfire Open to the World Weekend pot with $1.64 million in added money he personally put in during the run of this roping—since crowning Speed Williams and Brad Culpepper as the inaugural Wildfire Open to the World champs in 1999.

“I’ve always seen this Wildfire roping and all the money there is to win here in magazines since I was a kid,” said 2015 Heading Champ of the World Tsinigine, who lives in Tuba City, AZ. “I’ve roped here four or five times, and have always thought it’d be cool to win the Wildfire one day. The Wildfire’s one of those ropings like the US(TRC) Finals, the BFI or the George Strait—the money’s so big that it’s like another stage and another zone in roping.

You just know that the Wildfire is one of the big ones.”

“The Wildfire has always been one of the big, prestigious ropings, like the BFI and the George Strait,” chimed in Smith, who won the 2005 world title roping with Clay Tryan and the 2010 gold buckle behind Trevor Brazile.

“The Wildfire has always been right there.

It’s just a tough, prestigious roping, where you can win a beautiful briefcase stuffed full of cash. I’ve been successful here, but hadn’t ever left with the briefcase and the buckle.

This was the one big roping I hadn’t ever won. It’s awesome to finally get my picture on the wall (per Wildfire tradition, the wall of fame is plastered with the pictures of all champions past).”

True to his first-class form, Pipes ordered a second set of prizes so the happy champs wouldn’t have to flip a coin after realizing their Wildfire dreams.

“Seeing those four guys, who are the best in the world, up on that stage acting giddy and silly, like kids, was so cool,” Pipes said. “They were kidding around and trying to steal the briefcase from each other. They were just ecstatic.”

Seventy-one teams stepped up to the plate at this year’s Wildfire Open to the World.

Wrangler (Robert Lever) was the title sponsor of the 2017 Wildfire Open to the World, and Resistol Hats (Ricky Bolin) was the event sponsor. Added money for the Wildfire Open to the World was advertised at $50,000, but Producer Pipes came up with $61,400 on roping day to make first pay $100,000. Each of the four co-champs pocketed $32,500 cash stuffed into Cactus Saddlery Briefcases plus one of the coveted Wildfire Open Montana Silversmiths Buckles and a Resistol Black Gold Hat. Hope Thompson and Whitney DeSalvo twisted this year’s Wildfire Ladies Open, which is a USTRC affiliate roping, by running down four steers in 30.74 seconds. After adding $25,000 to the pot, Pipes handed each woman $12,500 cash stashed inside Cactus Saddlery Purses, Montana Silversmiths

Buckles and Charlie 1 Horse Hats. Wrangler is the title sponsor of the Wildfire Ladies Only under the direction of Robert Lever, and Montana Silversmiths (Steve Miller) is the event sponsor.

Thompson, 31, is a USTRC 5 Elite roper who trains horses and teaches roping clinics with Lari Dee Guy all over the world based out of the Guy Ranch in Abilene, Texas.

“I’ve always roped calves and breakawayed,” Thompson said. “I’ve only team roped the last seven years, since I moved here in 2010 (from Atlanta, Texas). It’s always been a dream to say I’ve won the Wildfire. We were practicing at the house the day before we left to come over here and I said, ‘Ok, this is our last steer.

Short round at the Wildfire.’ We ran the steer and made a good run. Whitney said, ‘We just got on the wall at the Wildfire.’ It’s exciting to win it. It’s a great roping and one of the biggest all-girl ropings anywhere. There are getting to be more good all-girl ropings now, but we don’t get to go to these big ones every day.”

DeSalvo, who turns 22 in March, is a USTRC No. 6 Elite heeler from Springfield, AR. “All I do is rope,” DeSalvo smiled.

DeSalvo frequents the Guy Ranch, so her dominating performance at the Wildfire Ladies Only came as no surprise to Thompson or Guy. Besides winning it with Thompson, DeSalvo finished third with Guy and fifth with Megan White.

This was the 18th annual Wildfire Ladies Open, and Pipes has always had a soft spot in his heart for the lady ropers since Debbie Garrison first suggested he add an all-girl roping to the Wildfire lineup. “The ladies have always been so appreciative—win, lose or draw—of what we do here,” Pipes said.

“It’s been so gratifying to see so many young women step up over the years. This year’s roping was sort of a changing of the guard. It showed just how many new faces there are and how many girls can really rope these days.”

Jacob Carr and Brent Mays won this year’s Wildfire No. 11 Businessman’s Roping and $37,500 per man stuffed into hand-tooled Cactus Saddlery Briefcases by roping four steers in 29.94 seconds. The 185-team World Series of Team Roping Super Qualifier, which featured an 80-percent payback, shelled out $223,000 in 2017 and paid 60 ropers. Hank Brown and Denton Jones roped four steers in 30.74 to take the reserve title and $16,000 a man. All eight teams who placed in the foursteer average now advance to the 2017 World Series of Team Roping Finale in Las Vegas.

Carr, who’s 24 and lives in Daisetta, Texas, has two day jobs. He works for his dad’s Shamrock Vacuum Service, and runs Liberty County Tack with his wife. It was just the second year Carr, a USTRC No. 5 header, entered the roping and his first taste of

••

success at it.

“What a good opportunity to win a bunch of money,” Carr said. “This is one of the biggest ropings I go to all year. Winning it my second year is pretty cool. It’s a pretty prestigious win. They put your picture on the wall and it stays there. That’s pretty cool, too.

This is definitely my biggest, proudest win.

I’ve won my local rodeo here in Liberty, but this is the most money I’ve won in one place.

It tops the list, for sure, and will pay my entry fees for the rest of the year.”

Carr and Mays, 36, have just joined forces in the last year or two. Mays is the operations manager for a hydrovac excavation company in the oilfield industry in Sulphur, La., by trade.

“Team roping is just a hobby,” said Mays, who’s a USTRC No. 6 heeler. “By far this is the biggest win I’ve ever had in my career. For a guy to put on a roping like this where you can rope and win this kind of money in one day is awesome. It’s hard to explain how good a feeling it is to win it. I’ve been coming since I was 25, and have only placed once or twice.

To come out on top with the win is a very big deal.

The event sponsors of the 2017 Wildfire No. 11 Businessman’s Roping included Cactus Gear (Dustin Noblitt and Lane Tiltrum), Cactus Ropes (Barry Berg and Mike Piland), Cactus Saddlery (Tony Wilson and Josh Johnson), Heel-O-Matic (Josh Love), Fastback Ropes (Coy Upchurch) and Resistol Hats (Ricky Bolin).

The Wildfire Sponsor Pro-Am roping is another Billy Pipes special, featuring no entry fees and $12,000 in added money. It’s basically a great big thank you to the people who support Pipes’ dream to give back to his beloved cowboy community. This year’s Sponsor Pro-Am heading champ was Charlie Gorzalka, who headed for Cole Davison and roped for Classic Ropes. On the heeling side, it was fitting to see a guy who “lives it every day,” Resistol’s Ricky Bolin, whose day job is general manager of HatCo. Bolin won the black, parade-style silver Wildfire saddle heeling for Derek Begay, and also placed third behind Chad Masters.

“It all started with the Godfather, Bob Feist, and the BFI. Then came the King, George Strait, and his great roping. The Wildfire Open to the World has been one of the Big Three, and that makes me proud. I set out to put on one of the biggest, best ropings in the country, and we got that done. Now it’s time for me to stop being a team roping producer and get back to roping. It’s been a ball. And for those who say I was crazy to put $1.64 million of my own money into this thing, I can say with certainty that I wouldn’t trade that money for all the friends I’ve made in this industry. It’s been a great ride.”

THE MAGAZINE FOR AMERICA’S ROPER / 31

Wildfire Open To the World Average (6 Head) 71 teams Total Payoff - $175,000

1/2. Aaron Tsiningine / Patrick Smith, 37.79 seconds - $129,000, Montana Silversmith Buckles, Cactus Saddlery Briefcases, Resistol Black Gold Hats; 1/2. Kaleb Driggers / Junior Nogueira, 37.79 seconds - $129,000, Montana Silversmith Buckles, Cactus Saddlery Briefcases, Resistol Black Gold Hats; 3. Colman Proctor / Jake Long, 38.04 Seconds - $9,650; 4. Kaleb Driggers / Kollin VonAhn, 38.28 seconds - $4,830

Ladies Championships Average (4 head)

1. Hope Thompson / Whitney Desalvo, 30.74 Seconds - $25,000, Montana Silversmiths Buckles, Cactus Saddlery Purses, Charlie 1 Horse Hats; 2. Bailey Corkill / Jessy Remsburg, 32.05 Seconds - $9,200; 3. Lari Dee Guy / Whitney Delsalvo, 33.97 - $6,480; 4. Kayelen Helton / Jessy Remsburg, 39.41 - $4,900; 5. MeganWhite / Whitney Delsalvo, 39.54 - $3,690; 6. Christie McClary / Martha Angelone, 41.16 - $2,760; 7. Lydia Martin / Ashley Richardson, 44.33 - $2,160; 8. Laura Coe / Sky Parmer, 50.23 - $1,550

Businessman’s Roping Average (4 head)

1. Jacob Carr / Brent Mays, 29.94 - $75,000, Montana Silversmiths Buckles, Cactus Saddlery Breifcases, Resistol Black Gold Hats; 2. Hank Brown / Denton Jones, 30.74 - $32,000; 3. Shane Larue / David Miller, 31.56 - $22,000; 4. Luis Beltran / Cesar Martinez, 32.32 - $17,500; 5. Jesus Barrerra / Neto Galindo, 32.71 - $13,000; 6. Danny Massingill / Tory Morrison, 32.88, $11,000; 7. Jose Acosta / Phillip James Shurden, 32.95 - $9,000; 8. Sigifredo Morales / Cesar Martinez, 33.01 - $7,000

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AND THE WINNERS ARE? SEE COMPLETE STORY AND LIST OF WINNERS IN THE APRIL ISSUE OF THE ROPING PEN

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South Georgia Championships December 30 - January 1, 2017 • Perry, Georgia

Georgia National Fairgrounds • Produced by JX2 Productions • Story by Ben Clements

T

he South Georgia Classic in Perry, Georgia is always one of the first events of the new USTRC season. The event produced by John Johnson and Jx2 Productions is held at the Georgia National Fairgrounds and this year took place December 30 January 1, 2017.

The event began with the Open Division. Cory Kidd from Statesville, North Carolina was the big winner. He and Adam Plyler from Pageland, South Carolina were the champions. They were 38.12 seconds on five steers and took home $1840. Second place in the average was Kidd and Caleb Anderson, while the incentive average went to Cody Warner and Nelson Wyatt.

The #15 Division champions were Jaxson Tucker from Mount Ulla, North Carolina and Caleb Anderson from Charlotte, North Carolina. They were 31.09 seconds on four steers and won $3860, trophy Ritchie ColdSaver coolers and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings.

Second place in the average was Cory Clark and Caleb Anderson, while third place went to Ross Lowry and Mark Gentry.

In the #13 Division the win of the average went to the team of Dean Wilson from Louin, Mississippi and Glenn Davis from Salem, Alabama. The duo roped four steers in a total time of 32.97 seconds. They won $5780, trophy Ritchie ColdSaver coolers, and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Second place in the average was the team of Jaxson Tucker and Cory Clark. The third place finishers were Tucker and Bradley Massey.

The South Carolina team of Dillon Hardwick from Galivants Ferry and 50 / MARCH • 2017 THE ROPING PEN

Rick Scruggs of Campobello teamed up to win first place in the #12 Division.

They were 31.25 seconds on four steers and thus took home $5840, trophy Ritchie ColdSaver coolers and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Second place in the average went to the team of Bradley Ammons and Derrick Davis. Third place in the average was Sheldon Walker and Clay Futrell. David Gaddis from Canton, Georgia and Denver Ivester from Clarkesville, Georgia won the incentive average. They took home $960 and Trophy Gist Buckles.

The first roping of the second day of team roping was the #12 Gold Plus.

Kacy Cronan from Clermont, Georgia and Randy Moore of Luverne, Alabama finished the roping with a time of 32.65 second on four steers and took home $5230 per team and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Second place was Seth Thomas and Glenn Davis. Third place went to the Georgia team of Trey Miller and Matt Thomas. The win of the incentive average went to Beau Tabor and Derrick Davis.

Brent Kittle and Riley Kittle from Woodland, Alabama took first place in the average of the #11 Division. They were 32.60 seconds on four steers and won $7000, trophy Ritchie ColdSaver coolers and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings.

Second place was Dillon Hardwick and Jaret Nobles while third place in the average went to Scott Bone and Tate Thomas. Garrett Keeter and Brandon Cullen won the incentive average.

The next roping was the #10 Division.

Jaret Nobles from Barnwell, South Carolina and Doyle Nobles from Aynor, South Carolina teamed up to win first place in the average. They were 33.95

seconds on four steers and took home $7090, trophy Ritchie ColdSaver coolers and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings.

Second place was Walter Taylor from Opp, Alabama and Riley Kittle. They also won the incentive average. The third place team was Joe Caps and Logan McNeill.

The final day of the South Georgia Championships kicked off with the #10 Gold Plus. Kenneth Allen from Alma, Georgia and Matt Jarriel from Collins, Georgia won the roping with a time of 42.05 seconds on four steers. They earned $6610 and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Second place went to Chris Sercer and Anthony Stafford. Third place was Jeremy Rector and Jaime Rector. The incentive win went to Eric Trent Parker and Skipper Crocker.

In the #9 Division the win of the average went to Eliott Hooper from Whittier, North Carolina and Todd Christian from Madison, Georgia. They were 37.41 seconds on four steers and took home $9560, trophy Ritchie ColdSaver coolers and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Second place in the average went Mitch Rogers and Matt Jarriel and third place was Wyatt Allen and Cole Harmon. Mikhayla Graham and Devan Gilbert won the incentive average.

A great conclusion to the weekend of team roping was the #8 Pick/Draw. The Keystone Heights, Florida team of Joey Crews and Bryce Hart won the average.

They were 25.64 seconds on three steers and won $6690, trophy Gist buckles and $6000 in USTRC Flex Earnings. Second place went to Natalie Nobles and Chad Ray, while third place was Joey Denney and Luke Denney.

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Decisions, Decisions...

The Other Half

John Hudson Productions Annual Thanksgiving Roping November 25, 2016

Thoughts of a Team Roping Spouse

By Gracie Mae

Multi-Tasking I

will just tell you things are getting out of hand. We are just in too big of a hurry.

We hurry to work, we hurry to school, we hurry to do meals and chores and we hurry to rope. Personally, I’m a little tired of it.

Roping is hard enough but add to it “hurry up” and it just fries my brain. All of my crew are multi-taskers, me included. It is not a good thing. Seems to me we just have too many irons in the fire.

Stop and think about: how many of you have your phone in your pocket? Yep, I thought so. How many of you have ear buds in your ears? Yep, I thought so! How many of you have three or four horses saddled and a pile of ropes laying on the ground in the arena? Yep, point exact. How many of you have someplace you need to be here in a little bit? Mmmmm!

All of us have a million things going on at any one time. Are we doing anyone or anything justice? I don’t think so.

I’m being philosophical here. However, the more we have going on the more we miss and the less focus we have on anything.

What is the old saying, “Jack of all trades, master of none!” Think about that.

If you are warming up your horse thinking about how he is feeling and responding and your phone rings what happens? Train of thought interrupted. You are roping the dummy focused on your swing and someone hollers at you to do something what happens? Focus disrupted, short circuited, so to speak.

Helping the kids learning to dally and you realize you forgot to turn in a report at work because you were thinking about helping the kids learn to dally. Do you see the chain of events developing here?

You cannot do anything justice if you are spread to thin. Not only does it make you tired and a bit stressed but you are cutting your own throat. You are only hurting you.

When I suggested to Boss to cut back on a few things his first response was, “I’m not overdoing. It’s not a problem.” Well, it is a problem for me.

From my point of view, as the weekends roll around I struggle with errands, laundry, cleaning and reloading the trailer, getting kids to school and lessons done, plus spending time in the arena, and making sure all of our basis are covered.

Personally, I’m only half cocked and things just “sort of” get covered. I’m not doing myself or others any favors. It quickly becomes one vicious circle after another.

All of you know roping drives me crazy; But so does a dirty house, undone laundry 52 / MARCH • 2017 THE ROPING PEN

and a mess in the trailer. Add to that keeping horses rode, practice, and a cluttered barn. Then there is feeding and water tanks and bills that need to be paid and unread mail.

I don’t like bridles strewn all across the barn floor or the floor in the trailer covered in dirt and muddy boots. Feed sacks stacked against the wall instead of hauled to the trash drive me crazy.

I’ve saddled horses and unsaddled horses but I don’t rope. I don’t mind doing but I’ve heard it said “if there is stress in your life eliminate the unnecessary.” Personally, I don’t know where to start. I can think of a lot of unnecessary things that I could eliminate.

Boss ropes, talks on his cell phone, watches videos on the iPad and drives in traffic. Shhhh, don’t tell anyone I said that.

He is very busy and I wonder if I should take a number to get to visit with him.

So, what do you think about? Where do you draw the line? You can only rope on one horse at a time despite five being tied to the fence. You can only use one rope at a time despite ten or twelve laying on the ground. You can only give one kid a lesson despite ten lined up to hear what you have to say. You can only watch one training video or movie at a time despite having downloaded six. You can only hear a person talk if you take the ear buds out of your ears.

Am I being too critical here? I guess what I want is one on one, in your face, commitment to the task at hand. That is what leads to perfection. That is what leads to growth and enhanced and developing hidden talents.

We all have a lot going. We all have a lot of things that need to be done. However, going around half loaded serves no purpose and a lot of things suffer.

Boss asked me, “Just how would you do things different? You wash clothes, cook food, do lessons all at the same time. Don’t tell me you don’t multi-task. So you, with wise words, give me insight. I work, I rope, I ride, I load and unload, I feed and I sort steers and I help my kids. So, what is your solution?” I must have looked at him in awe or maybe stupidity was written on my face.

He grinned, “You have no answer, right! I thought so!”

I guess what I’m saying is when we are in the arena I want 100% practice. When we are doing lessons I want 100% study and lessons. I guess I want a clean house and the time to do it justice and I want a clean barn without the clutter and mess.

I guess I want a 100% in your face, all your attention to the task at hand. Is that possible?

“Who does that?” Boss asked. “No one I know.” I nodded I guess that is true.

“People don’t live like that anymore,” Boss continued. “I’m just trying to rope and get horses rode.”

“It’s supposed to be fun!” I countered.

“None of this is fun if we are stressed and spread way to thin. Nothing gets figured out if we don’t take time. We are just in such a hurry. It seems like everyone has some place else to be or something else they need to get to after this!”

Buzzy piped up, “I know let’s making roping first and most important. I don’t have any place else I want to be and I will turn off my iPad.” June Bug added, “I just want to ride my horse and pen the steers. Does that count?”

Somehow I knew roping would be the priority. There was some reason Iknew deep in my heart that all my crew would give up and set aside everything to devote more time to roping. Is that necessarily a bad thing?

Unfortunately, this lecture fell on deaf ears. Furthermore, I’m still juggling food, laundry, cleaning and picking up and that is just stuff I can’t toss out. However, I have a bargaining tool: I’m not turning out any more steers or going to the arena until one mess, per person, is cleaned and picked up each week.

Boss told a friend, “I’ll be glad when Gracie gets over this “psychological improve your family and way of living” kick. She thinks we don’t focus on what’s important.

She should know by now that nothing else matters except roping. We can multi-task or not but we are concentrating on roping and that won’t change. We will do that if we don’t do anything else.”

Ahhhhhh!

Keep Ropin, Love Gracie © The Other Half Thoughts of a Team Roping Spouse Multi-Tasking © Melinda Clements melinda@clements.net March 2017

A

tradition is often described as a belief or behavior passed down within a group or society with symbolic meaning or special significance with origins in the past.

The annual Thanksgiving Roping held in Marion County, Florida produced by John Hudson would certainly qualify as a tradition among team ropers. The 3-day event began over 28 years ago, with the Rice family, avid team ropers who reside in Fort McCoy, Florida. Held at their beautiful Woodside Ranch, the roping saw over 700 teams compete in 2015.

As the event continued to grow over the years, the daring of Mother Nature with an outdoor arena (in Florida) was always looming in the shadows. In 2016, the mutual decision was made to stray from the tradition of the Woodside Ranch Thanksgiving Roping, and move the event to the covered arena at the beautiful Florida Horse Park facility. With plenty of stalls, RV hookups, thousands of miles of riding trails and a convenient location to lodging and restaurants, the Florida Horse Park offered everything ropers could need or want for their Thanksgiving weekend 2016 including a great roping with a premier prize line!

The roping witnessed over 1,200 teams ride through the arena over 3 days and awarded a John Deere Gator, 2 - Smarty Roping Dummies, a trophy saddle, trophy buckles and LOTS of CASH! The 250 acre Florida Horse Park was established in 1997 and hosts equine events for all disciplines from cross country jumping events, cutting, barrel racing, team roping, dressage, bull riding, equine clinics, show jumping and rodeos. The Florida Horse Park continues to be developed with more stalls, additional RV hookups, as well as a state of the art announcers tower/show office with an elaborate viewing platform. The spacious facility, large covered arena, and convenient location to I-75 in North Central Florida, makes it a great fit for equine events in Florida.

John Hudson Team Roping Productions is returning to the Florida Horse Park March 31, April 1st & 2nd. Another John Deere Gator will find a new owner with one lucky team roper as well as trophy saddles, buckles and lots of CASH! Thank you to the ropers that showed their dedication to this event and supported us with this change in venue. Most of all, we have the deepest gratitude to the Rice Family for their continued support of this event through the years.

Open 1. Joshua Torres / Clint Summers , $1,576; 2. Joshua Torres / Jonathan Torres , $1,182; 3. Mikey Fletcher / Britt Bockius , $788; 4. Marcus Theriot / Kyle Lawrence , $394 #12 1. Ryder Ladner / Marcus Theriot , $1,737; 2. Scott Martell / Derrick Davis , $1,158; 3. Hayden Grant / Calvin Moody , $895; 4. Wyatt Hart / Bradley Massey , $632; 5. Scott Martell / Spunk Sasser , $474; 6. Sheldon Sands / Derrick Davis , $369 #15 1. Ryder Ladner / Bradley Massey , $1,310; 2. Joshua Torres / Cole Curry , $983; 3. Chase Graves / Kyle Lawrence , $655; 4. Austin Barber / Clint Summers , $328 #13 1. Mason Theriot / Jonathan Torres , $1,403; 2. Mason Theriot / Kyle Lawrence , $935; 3. Jesse Mayhew / Bradley Massey , $723; 4. Wilbur Durrance / Spunk Sasser , $510; 5. Cody Conroy / Aaron Barber , $383; 6. Bradley Ammons / Chase Graves , $298 #10 Drawpot Gator Roping November, 26, 2016 TOTAL PAYOUT - $15,000 1. Jesse Mayhew / Scott Martell, 18.82, $2,500; 2. Wilbur Durrance / Parker Carbajal, 18.84, $2,000; 3. Victor Palacios / Mason Theriot, 19.02, $1,500; 4. Angel Roque / Jorge Cruz, 21.58, $1,000; 5. Jesse Mayhew / Pablo Delgado, 22.24, $500; 6. Greg Perry / Aaron Barber, 22.6, $500; 7. Faith John / Calvin Moody, 22.85, $500; 8. Alex Montero / Denver Ivester, 23.1, $500; 9. Greg Graden / Guy Graden, 23.57, $500; 10. Angel Roque / Ryder Ladner, 24.34, $500 Overall FT 1. Jose Ramos / Pablo Delgado, 5.02, $2,000 Overall FT 2nd 1. Colton Paschal / Scott Martell, 5.09, $1,500 Overall FT 3rd 1. Victor Palacios / Ariel Urra, 5.21, $1,000 Overall FT 4th 1. Jesse Mayhew / Scott Martell, 5.39, $500 JOHN DEERE GATOR WINNER: JESSE MAYHEW #9 Smarty Roping November 27, 2016 Total Payout - $13,000 1. Logan Taylor / Parker Carbajal, 23.14, $2,500; 2. Jimmy B Peele / Ariel Urra, 25.46, $2,000; 3. Alex Montero / Carlos Aguilera, 26.93, $1,500; 4. Juan Hernandez / Cody Taylor, 27.61, $1,200; 5. Jacob Ming / Keith Cooner, 27.71, $1,000; 6. Chris Green / Nick Hart, 28.12, $900; 7. Logan Taylor / Donnie Hix, 28.42, $700; 8. Jim Grover / Donnie Hix, 29.1, $600; 9. Faith John / Jesse Mayhew, 29.34, $600 Fast Time 1. Matti Moyer / Parker Carbajal, 6.33, $2,000 Franklin Thomas Memorial Saddle Winner - Donnie Hix

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Muddy River

Fire it Up

Classic

Saddle Blowout

February 10-12, 2017 • Memphis, Tennesee

Shelby County Showplace Arena • Produced by JX2 • Total Cash Payout $132,854 Open Average 1. Coy Rahlmann (Ellsinore, MO) / Doyle Scrivner (Harrison, AR), 20.83, $530 #15 Handicap Average 1. David Curry (Liberty, MS) / Cole Curry (Liberty, MS), 33.32, $2,740 #13 Handicap Average 1. Quentin Sawyer (Whitewater, MO) / Colton Matthews (Martin, TN), 31.44, $3,000; 2. Blair Kelley (Iron City, TN) / Cole Curry (Liberty, MS), 32.56, $1,800; 3. Nick Govero (St Genevieve, MO) / Colton Matthews (Martin, TN), 34.53, $1,200 #12 Average 1. Preston Day (Kentwood, LA) / Cole Curry (Liberty, MS), 30.28, $3,720; 2. Cody Mills (Sturgis, MS) / Ty Stroup (Houston, MS), 34.64, $2,230; 3. Mike Sibley (Denham Springs, LA) / Jed Sibley (Denham Springs, LA), 36.6, $1,490 #12 Gold Plus Average 1. Blair Kelley (Iron City, TN) / Tim Roberts (Pontotoc, MS), 31.01, $4,710; 2. Mary Ann Brown (Keedysville, MD) / David Curry (Liberty, MS), 31.46, $2,820; 3. Jay R Troyer (Macon, MS) / Cody Warner (Louisville, MS), 33.67, $1,880 #11

Average 1. Preston Day (Kentwood, LA) / Cole Curry (Liberty, MS), 34.15, $6,010; 2. Preston Day (Kentwood, LA) / David Curry (Liberty, MS), 34.35, $3,800; 3. Mary Ann Brown (Keedysville, MD) / Colton Matthews (Martin, TN), 34.36, $3,000; 4. Hunter Moody (Killen, AL) / Ty Stroup (Houston, MS), 35.23, $1,900; 5. Trey Gargis (Leighton, AL) / Jason Myrick (Florence, AL), 36.49, $1,100 #10 Average 1. Tyler Brooks (South Fulton, TN) / Colton Matthews (Martin, TN), 37.06, $6,340; 2. Shanon Travis (Kentwood, LA) / Zack Summerall (Liberty, MS), 37.77, $3,870; 3. Ethan Murray (Piggott, AR) / Wade Harris (Piggott, AR), 38.33, $2,820; 4. Colby Gilchrist (Iron City, TN) / Trey Gargis (Leighton, AL), 39.48, $2,110; 5. Mike Sibley (Denham Springs, LA) / Jimmy LaDale White (Hazlehurst, MS), 40.93, $1,410; 6. Jeana Rudd (Ellsinore, MO) / Heath Sanders (Leachville, AR), 41.19, $1,060 #10 Gold Plus Average 1. Claude Lowery (Wesson, MS) / Bruce Barnett (West Plains, MO), 42.37, $5,020; 2. Randy Chandler (Mount Juliet, TN) / Tommy Hand (College Grove, TN), 46, $3,760; 3. Nick Govero (St Genevieve, MO) / Bruce Barnett (West Plains, MO), 48.51, $2,500; 4. Bruce Barnett (West Plains, MO) / Paul Reel (Olive Branch, MS), 29.5, $1,250

#9 Average 1. Randy Chandler (Mount Juliet, TN) / Tommy Hand (College Grove, TN), 36.67, $7,680; 2. Josh Sifford (Puxico, MO) / Bart Stallings (Charleston, MO), 37.01, $4,690; 3. Clint Bain (Culleoka, TN) / Zane White (Scotts Hill, TN), 40.78, $3,410; 4. Cody Troyer (Macon, MS) / Shannon Baker (Poplar Bluff, MO), 42.36, $2,560; 5. Coleman Thomas (Meadville, MS) / Chico Williams (Hollandale, MS), 43.24, $1,700; 6. Tyler Lance (Poplar Bluff, MO) / Pete Harrelson (Shannon, MS), 45.42, $1,280 #8 PickDraw Average 1. Ethan Murray (Piggott, AR) / Tristian Gillespie (Petal, MS), 28, $6,070; 2. Mark Shirshekan (Farmington, MO) / Zane White (Scotts Hill, TN), 29.05, $3,790; 3. David McRae (Sparta, TN) / Jarrett Lassiter (Portland, TN), 29.12, $2,840; 4. Lucas Koehn (Macon, MS) / Tyler Patterson (Starkville, MS), 32.68, $2,080; 5. Lane Ormsby (Doniphan, MO) / Chris Cunningham (Doniphon, MO), 32.98, $1,710; 6.

Emmett Burke (Charleston, MO) / Tyler Patterson (Starkville, MS), 33.78, $1,520; 7. Ethan Murray (Piggott, AR) / Zane White (Scotts Hill, TN), 34.2, $950; HM Friday Friday High Money Saddle Champion - Cole Curry HM Saturday Saturday High Money Saddle Champion - Preston Day HM Sunday Sunday High Money Champion - Randy Chandler

Open

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#9 Photos by C Bar C Photography 54 / MARCH • 2017 THE ROPING PEN

#8

HM Fri

HM Sat

HM Sun

Jackson, MS January 28 - January 29

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e are sure glad we made our way to the Kirk Fordice equine Center in Jackson, Mississippi. The ropers showed up to support as we ventured into a new part of Mississippi!

We are always so very humbled by the ropers who continue to support us, the friends they bring along, and the new comers. We had such a great turnout, right at 1,500 teams for the weekend. To show appreciation for the support, we added back $ 16, 960.00 to the ropers in the saddle ropings.

Our weekend started out with our #6 roping. Cory Reid and Timmy White took the 1st place honors home, giving them buckles and some cash! Buckles and cash were passed out all the way to 5th place, and buckles went on down the line to 10th place. Then we went right into our #7 roping where Donnie

Endres and Seth Bennett snagged them a couple saddles and some cash.

Buckles and cash to 2nd place, 3rd-4th were breast collars and cash, and 6-th 10th took home trophy spurs. We finished out Saturday with our #8 saddle blowout roping. Brandon Amason and Ty Edmonson were the big winners of the #8, but there were many winners as saddles and cash went to 1st through 5th and spurs to 6th through 10th.

We began our Sunday morning with cowboy church led by Mr. Michael Knight. I can’t think of a better way to start the day than to rejoice in the love of God, John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” Then we moved right into the sport that we all love…TEAMROPING. The #9 opened

us up, as Kason Davis and Morgan Mills showed us how to get it done, grabbing them a pair of saddles and some cash.

2nd place took home a set of buckles and cash, 3rd-4th breast collars and cash, and 6th-10th trophy spurs. Our #10 saddle blowout ended our day as Bailey Arrington and Jordan Hanna took top position with a pair of saddles and some cash. Saddles and cash went all the way to 5th place, and trophy spurs went from 6th -10th.

I would say that was a pretty good weekend of roping, cash, prizes, and fun. Come on out and join us for the next one. We will be back in Mississippi on March 4th-5th. Join us in Meridian where we will be giving away more cash and prizes. Who knows, you might leave with a brand, spanking new Dodge 1 ton, all dressed up just for you.

Congratulations Winners THE MAGAZINE FOR AMERICA’S ROPER / 55

SWEAT AND BALIN’ TWINE Clare

“Y

ou’ve got to come down here and get one or both of these pups. They’re working everything on this place, ducks, geese, turkeys, goats, the Great Pyrenees guarding the goats, and the bull. If you don’t buy them they’re gonna get killed by something.

They even try to work my skidsteer!”

My buddy, Greg, was putting in the water system for a lady on her place and had been watching these puppies. He knew I was in need of a good dog and hated to see these go to waste. I drove down and, sure enough, they were working everything there. I didn’t feel confident in my ability to train them both, so I picked the one I liked best, a black and white female with cow dog written all over her. Her papers showed good breeding and I had always been a Border Collie man.

I was, and still am, a big Lonesome Dove fan, and wanted to name her Lori, after Diane Lane’s character. My wife at the time had a cousin named Lori, and wasn’t fond of having a dog of the same name, nor of her being named after a whore. So I settled for Clara Allen, but didn’t like the way it sounded, so I just called her Clare.

She was my constant companion from that moment on.

I took my time starting her, but she had to stay busy. When I deemed it time, I got a small flock of ducks on which to work her.

56 / MARCH • 2017 THE ROPING PEN

with Pastor Charles Powers

BY JOHN B. RHUDY

The main thing, after teaching her to come when called, lie down, and heel, was to stay out of her way. She caught on to her sides quickly, and went from ducks to roping steers. She had a great herding instinct coupled with plenty of grit to handle cattle.

Clare would follow me wherever I went, be it horseback or on an ATV. This led to one habit I broke too well. Every time she heard a four wheeler, she thought she was supposed to go with it. This was a problem during spring turkey season, when the landowner and his guests were zooming around. While rebuilding a part of the corrals, she would take off after the hunters as they came by. It was getting annoying calling her back constantly, or having to stop work to go get her, so I decided to try an electronic collar. The next day, I put it on her, and went about business as usual. About noon, an ATV came by and as usual, Clare took off after. I yelled, “Clare, here!”, she never slowed. Once more I gave her the command to come and was ignored. As I gave the command a third time, I hit the shock button. Unfortunately, I had not turned it down. She turned a flip and came back wide open. From that day on, she never would go with an ATV, even if I wanted or needed her to do so.

Clare had an amazing desire to work. If she didn’t have cow work to do, she would try to herd the barn cats, the butcher pigs in their pen, anything but the horses, thankfully. After we moved from HQ to our own place, she would sleep on the porch if we weren’t home; she was the only dog I allowed to roam free on the place because she never left the porch if I was in the house or gone. When we pulled in, she would always be working an old mama barn cat that would come up to the house. She liked to protect our territory. One evening Wifey came home and caught Clare sleeping on the porch with Mama Cat. When Clare finally heard the car, she jumped up and acted like she was working the cat away from the house. Wife called her a big faker and laughed.

I had run over her with an empty cattle trailer when she was younger, popping her femur out of the hip socket. Dr Peggy Rucker sent her to Virginia Tech, where the hip was put back in socket and sutured in place. I rehabbed her the full amount of time before returning her to work. Her first day back, a 1000 pound steer stomped her, once again dislocating the hip. This time Dr Peggy performed surgery and removed the head of the femur. Clare built up the muscles and worked on all fours unless she became tired, when she would carry that leg. This led to her having to be retired two years ago. She got to the point she couldn’t rock back and get out of the way of an aggressive cow and started getting timid. She would still lie on the porch at the door unless it was raining or bitter cold. On those rare times it was cold enough to affect her, she would knock on the door to be let inside.

This winter I noticed Clare was having issues getting her rear legs under her and walking. I talked with my vet and put her on medication. It did not help. I made the decision to do what had to be done. I did not want her health to continue to deteriorate. The night before, she got down on the icy concrete and could not get back up. For thirteen and a half years Clare had been my constant companion. She was either working with me, on the truck, or by the door. I came home tonight, even though I buried her just hours before, expecting her to bound out to meet me, growling and trying to grab my boot like she had been doing since a pup.

I’ve been told you only get one good dog in a lifetime. I’ve had a few good ones, but only one magnificent one. Clare set the bar so high, I doubt I’ll have another come close. Goodbye, old friend; I’m sure you have plenty of steers to gather now.

A

s I sit looking out my front porch window, I know that Spring is just a around the corner, March 20th to be exact. I feel the anticipation of getting to work in my garden and yard begin to rise up within me and I know that after a long winter being stuck indoors, my three boys are counting down the days until we can “move outdoors”.

When the weather is warm enough, we spend almost all day outside. Spring conjures up all sorts of feelings,

most of all the renewal of life. Its exciting to see buds sprouting on the trees and bulbs sprining forth their green foliage. Robins return to our area and signs of new life are all around. Its also a good time for us to evaluate our own lifes, the areas that we need renewal, that we may have allowed to die over the past year. If you are in need of this new life that we read about have any other questions, feel free to email me at thewayfellowship@outlook.com

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!

2 Corinthians 5:17

Advertisers & Events Index EVENTS: Ed Allen - S Alabama ........................ 33 Fire It Up ......................................... 27 Hudson Team Roping ........................ 37 JX2 South Georgia........................... 43 NJ Productions.................................. 23 NTRL Bluegrass................................. 42 NTRL Calendar/Events ......40-41, 44-45 NTRL North Carolina Cls .................... 48 Patriot Welcome ............................... 34 Patriot YJ Qualifier ........................... 35 Pitzer Ranch ..................................... 49 Priefert Youth Event ......................... 39 ADVERTISERS: Alabama Roping ............................... 51 Albracht Insurance ............................ 56 Allen’s Rodeo Photos .......................... 4 Bar H Photography ............................. 4 BTuff Jeans ...................................... 15 C Bar C Photography .......................... 4 Classic Rope...................................... 60 Dare To Be A Cowboy ....................... 51 Fastback............................................. 3 Flatland Ropes.................................. 51 FSR Cattle Company.......................... 51 Heel-O-Matic .................................... 29

Hot Heels ......................................... 38 Hudson Rope Horses ......................... 20 Jackets For All .................................. 51 JD Photography.................................. 4 Jim Davis Photo ................................. 4 Lone Star Ropes ............................... 12 Maverick Saddle Co. ......................... 38 Maynard Buckles ................................ 9 Mortenson Saddle Buckle .................. 36 Power Team Roping .......................... 15 Priefert ............................................ 58 Property in Texas ............................. 20 Rope Smart ........................................ 2 Sparky ............................................. 32 STS Ranchwear ................................. 36 Team Equine Saddle Pad................... 51 Tom Bourne ..................................... 21 Total Equine Feed ............................. 59 Totalteamroping.com ........................ 11 Willard Rope Co ................................ 36 CONTACT US TODAY TO FEATURE YOUR EVENT OR PRODUCT! • 505-407-2151 • • rdavis@theropingpen.com •

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FOR SALE

HOT HEELS. NEW. 2015 MODEL. Has a moving body & spring loaded tongue & hitch. See Photos on Ranch World Ads. Selling for $2750. Call 706-987-3172 HEEL-O-MATIC FOR SALE! BRAND NEW - Straight from the factory with all the upgrades. The Ultimate Ground-Driven Trainer includes the Spring-Loaded Tongue and Deluxe Leg Package. Top of the line roping practice machine. See one at heelomtic. com. Selling for $3100 ($500 off retail). Call 505-259-7975 LIL BLUE HEELER – Get the best, most fun training & roping dummy on the market.

Rope it one time and you will be hooked! Rope it inside, outside, take it on the road, the Lil Blue Heeler is a great roping aid at a great price! The Lil BLue Heeler is completely portable with realistic hopping motion. Great for beginners to pros! Get yours today – call Grizzly Saddlery (406) 761-5948 WW ROPING CHUTE, ally, panels, all in good condition,16 gauge, heavy duty.

Contact Susan @ mtponygirl@hotmail.com '01 SOONER STOCK /COMBO. 24 X 7 Rubber Floor Mats. 2 horse Petitions & 1 center cut Gate. Plexiglass fully enclosed Escape door. Brand New Firestone 10 Ply Radial Tires. Horse Trailer World Ad # 1083525. $10,500 OBO

THE MAGAZINE FOR AMERICA’S ROPER / 57

58 / MARCH • 2017 THE ROPING PEN

THE MAGAZINE FOR AMERICA’S ROPER / 59

60 / MARCH • 2017 THE ROPING PEN