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  • Twombly Performance Horse Sale

    Twombly Performance Horse Sale

    Twombly Performance Horse Sale was held December 11th & 12th, 2015 in Las Vegas, NV. Held during the National Finals Rodeo! We would like to thank all of you who attended and who also bid by phone. The sale was held at the Mandalay Bay Resort in the Roper Cowboy Marketplace! People participated in bidding from 35 states, Canada and Sweden. We had the highest averages in history and broke our all time high selling record. Big thanks to Group W Productions! Make plans to join us on July 30th, 2016 in Cheyenne, Wyoming for another exciting sale.

    Averages

    Top horse  $60,000

    Top 5         $49,600

    Top 15       $31,000

    Overall      $21,900

    Lot 4, “Troubadour, ” second highest seller at $55,000 – Courtesy of Twombly

    When the hammer dropped on lot 5 “Cactus” became our all time high selling gelding. He is a beautiful 5 yr old buckskin gelding. He has been shown in the reining pen and is a lot of fun to ride on the ranch. On the other end of the line was Mr. Peterson of Wyoming! He purchased Cactus with his six children in mind. Buying him sight unseen over the phone, the record setting price was $60,000! Cactus will have a great home!

    Coming in at second high was lot 4 beautiful “Troubadour”. Talk about as pretty as can be! Just a 4 yr old buckskin gelding-OWN son of the legendary, Gunner!! Broke as can be and gentle-gentle! McCune of Sweden flew into the ranch and rode him prior to the sale and fell in love! At no hesitation her final bid was $55,000! She will have the coolest little gelding on the trails!

    Repeat customers purchased lot 3 “Buttermilk”, sight unseen by phone! Mr. Sikura of Hill ‘n’ Dale Farms purchased him for his kids to ride on their thoroughbred farm in Kentucky. It took $51,000 to claim Buttermilk! He is as pretty as a picture and gentle for the entire family! Ranch ridden and has been in the reining pen! One of a kind!

    Also selling to repeat customers was lot 14 “Woogie” – Wild colored, 8 yr old, chocolate palomino gelding! Haidas Little Pep and Dun It With A Twist bred! Super gentle and a cadillac ranch horse! He will have a great home in Arizona! Selling on a $41,000 bid! This is her 4th horse purchased from us! She gives these horses great homes!

    Also, selling by phone was Lot 7, “Tatonka”. This 10 year old bay gelding is as shapey and pretty as can be! Nice ranch horse and the ideal family horse! He was used for lessons and ridden by all! Some good folks from Michigan had the winning bid at $41,000.

    “Slurpee” was one of the best broke horses in the sale! He had earned over $9,000 in the reining pen and was fun! Also was experienced out on the ranch. Gorgeous 5 yr old palomino gelding! He sold for $35,000 and heads for California!

    Also heading to California was lot 10 “Spur” He is a 10 yr old buckskin gelding. Used on the ranch and of course always looked good! One of Tripp’s picks to ride! The beautiful gelding fetched a bid of $32,000!

    Heading for a large racing quarter horse farm in New Mexico was lot 11 “Tomahawk”, one of the prettiest gray geldings we have ever seen! He has been a using horse on the ranch and he is broke! His price tag was $28,000!

    “Stetson” is one of the biggest athletes of the sale! At lot 6 he sold for $22,000 and heads east to Florida! He is a beautiful 4 yr old dun gelding!

    Also heading for Michigan is lot 2 “Boss” about as pretty of a buckskin as they come, big and gentle! Final bid on this boy was $21,500!

    Lot 16 – $19,000 to Indiana!

    Lot 18 – $19,000 to Texas!

    Lot 9 – $15,000 to Colorado! High mare.

    Lot 20-$13,500 to California!

    Lot 13 – $13,000 to Colorado!

    Lot 22 – $12,500 to Florida! Repeat buyer.

    Lot 1 – $12,000 to Texas!

    Lot 12 – $12,000 to Arizona!

    Lot 27 – $11,000 to Arizona

    Lot 19 – $10,000 to California! Repeat buyer.

    Lot 24 – $9,500 to Arizona!

    Lot 23 – $8,500 to New Mexico!

    Lot 21 – $8,000 to Utah!

    Lot 17 – $7,500 to Arizona!

    Lot 26 – $7,500 to Arizona!

    Lot 25 – $6,000 to Oregon!

  • Kellys enjoy Valentine’s Day at San Antonio Stock Show Rodeo

    Kellys enjoy Valentine’s Day at San Antonio Stock Show Rodeo

    For the San Antonio Stock Show Rodeo

     

    SAN ANTONIO, Texas (Feb. 14, 2016) — Finding a way to spend Valentine’s Day together doesn’t mean competing at a rodeo for most couples, but for Dugan and Brittany Kelly it was the perfect place to be on Sunday.

    Dugan, a six-time Wrangler National Finals Rodeo qualifier in the heeling category is roping with Cody Snow, last year’s rookie of the year in the heading category. At Sunday’s rodeo, they stopped the clock in 6.6 seconds, good for a third place finish and $1,141. As soon as Dugan roped, he was getting in position to watch his wife run barrels.

    Brittany had the fastest time of the day at 14.09 seconds to win $2,281. That money nearly assures Brittany a spot in the semifinals. Dugan and Cody are in a good spot, but need to be among the top four in the third round and add to their earnings to roper in the AT&T Center again.

    This was Brittany’s first time to compete at the $1.67 million rodeo. She finished 31st in the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association world standings last year to qualify for San Antonio. Her success here came aboard a 9-year-old gray gelding, The Opossum, that she affectionately calls “Possum.”

    Team ropers Rhett Anderson from Anabella, Utah, and Jared Bilby, from Bridgeport, Neb., have won the first two rounds in their bracket and $4,562. They are the big money winners in bracket 2 with one more round to go.

    Samuel Kelts, a saddle bronc rider from Canada tied for the first round win, then came back and won the second one outright. He rode Harry Vold Rodeo’s horse named Shimmy Valley for 83 points. He now leads the saddle bronc riders with $4,277.

    The sixth performance of the San Antonio Stock Show Rodeo will determine semifinals qualifiers out of bracket 2. Action starts in the AT&T Center at 7 p.m. on Monday.

    Dugan Kelly swings a well-placed loop to catch two heels and place at the fifth performance of the San Antonio Stock Show Rodeo. – by Greg Westfall

     

    SAN ANTONIO, Texas (Feb.14, 2016) — The following are results from the San Antonio Stock Show Rodeo which features over $1.65 million in cash and prizes.

     

    Bracket 2, round 2 followed by total money (fifth performance)–

     

    Bareback Riding: 1, Ty Fast Taypotat, Regina, Sasketchewan, 84 points on Calgary Stampede’s Trail Dust, $2,281. 2, Winn Ratliff, Leesville, La., 80, $1,711. 2, Taylor Price, Huntsville, Texas, 78, $1,141. 4, Evan Jayne, Marseille France, 77, $570. (total money) 1, Ratliff, $2,851. 2, (tie) Taypotat and Ty Breuer, Mandan, N.D., $2,281 each. 4, Jake Vold, Ponoka, Alberta, 74, $1,711.

     

    Steer Wrestling: 1,Tyler Waguespack, Gonzales, La., 4.7, $2,281. 2, Clayton Hass, Terrell, Texas, 4.9, $1,711. 3, Jacob Edler, Alva, Okla., 5.2, $1,141. 4, Rowdy Parrott, Mamou, La., 5.8, $571. (total money) 1, Parrott, $2,851. 2, (tie) Waguespack and Hass, $2,281 each. 4, Jule Hazen, Ashland, Kan., $1,711.

     

    Team Roping: 1, Rhett Anderson, Anabella, Utah and Jared Bilby, Bridgeport, Neb., 5.7 seconds, $2,281. 2, Justin Davis, Madisonville, Texas, and J.W. Beck, Moville, Iowa, 6.1, $1,711. 3, Cody Snow, Los Olivos, Calif., and Dugan Kelly, Paso Robles, Calif., 6.6, $1,141. 4, Eli Lord, Sturgis, S.D., and Dakota Kirchenschlager, Morgan Mill, Texas, 6.7, $570. (total money) 1, Anderson and Bilby, $4,562. 2, Davis and Beck, $2,851. 3, Brady Tryan, Huntley, Mont., and Tanner luttrell, Oroville, Calif., $1,711. 4, Snow and Kelly, $1,141.

     

    Saddle Bronc Riding: 1, Samuel Kelts, Millarville, Alberta, 83 points on Harry Vold Rodeo’s Shimmy Valley, $2,281. 2, Taygen Schuelke, Newell, S.D., 77, $1,711. 3, Ty Kirkland, Lufkin, Texas, 76.5, $1,141. 4, Jesse Bail, Camp Crook, S.D., 76, $570. (total money) 1, Kelts, $4,277. 2, Kirkland, $3,136. 4, Schuelke, $1,711. 4, (tie) Bail and Jade Blackwell, Rapid City, S.D., $1,141 each.

     

                    Tie-Down Roping: 1, (tie) Robert Mathis, Mart, Texas, and Blair Burk, Durant, Okla., 8.2 seconds, $1,996. 3, Trent Walls, Stephenville, Texas, 8.3, $1,711. 4, Braxton Laughlin, Stephenville, Texas, 8.5, $570. (total money) 1, Mathis, $3,136. 2, Ace Slone, Cuero, Texas, $2,281. 3, Blair Burk, Durant, Okla., $1,996. 4, (tie) Walls and Michael Otero, Lowndesboro, Ala., 9.2, $1,711 each.

     

    Women’s Barrel Race: 1, Brittany Kelly, Paso Robles, Calif., 14.09 seconds, $2,281. 2, Christine Laughlin, Pueblo, Colo., 14.11, $1,711. 3, Morgan Breaux, Tomball, Texas, 14.15, $1,141. 4, Taylor Jacob, Carmine, Texas, 14.18, $570. (total money) 1, Jacob, $2,851. 2, Kelly, $2,281. 3, (tie) Laughlin and Breaux, $1,711 each.

     

    Bull Riding:  (three rides) 1, Aaron Pass, Dallas, Texas, 85.5 points on Frontier Rodeo’s Kathmadu, $2,281. 2, Pistol Robinson, Coolidge, Texas, 85, $1,711. 3, Cole Elshere, Faith, S.D., 79, $1,141. (total money) 1, (tie) Pass and Bart Miller, Pleasanton, Neb., $2,281 each. 3, (tie) Robinson and Trevor Kastner, Ardmore, Okla., $1,711 each.

     

     

  • South Dakota Quarter Horse Association Horse Sale Black Hills Stock Show & Rodeo

    South Dakota Quarter Horse Association Horse Sale Black Hills Stock Show & Rodeo

     

    January 29-30, 2016

    Rushmore Plaza Civic Center – Rapid City, South Dakota

     

    Story by: LARRY LARSON

    Photos by: Shootemnscootem

     

     

    Rapid City, SD – Once again, records were meant to be broken.  Now in it’s 58th year, the Black Hills Stock Show & Rodeo continues to be the premier sale outlet for the equine industry. The 2016 edition of the South Dakota Quarter Horse Association Horse Sale drew major crowds to the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center here in Rapid City.  The sale was presented during the opening weekend of the BHSS on Friday, January 29 and Saturday, January 30.

     

    Following a daily preview each morning at the James Kjerstad Event Center at the Central States Fairgrounds, the consignors converged on Rushmore Hall at the Civic Center in downtown Rapid City.  The 177 select consignments were carefully screened prior to the sale and sold through the Crystalyx BioBarrel Sale Ring.  Auctioneer Lynn Weishaar, Reva, SD, and Announcer John E. Johnson from Piedmont, SD rolled through the rapid paced sale sponsored in 2016 by the South Dakota Quarter Horse Association (SDQHA). Corporate sponsorship included the Rapid City Visitors Bureau; Ravellette Publishing, Inc.; Scoggins Veterinary; and Larry Larson Photography, Inc. High seller jackets were presented to the buyer and consignor this year by Hutchison Western Livestock Supply.

     

    Topping the 2016 Black Hills Stock Show Horse Sale was Roosters Big Diamond, a 2010 Bay Gelding sired by Roosters Diamonds, a son of Gallo Del Cielo and out of a daughter of Cooke County ETC by Tivio Jessie James.  After a successful career in the Reined Cowhorse and Ranch Horse competitions and accumulating 15 AQHA points and $5,500 in earnings, he is now finished in heading, heeling and tie-down.  In 2014 he place 4th in Ranch Riding and was just out of the finals in Working Cowhorse at the AQHA World Championship Show. Levi Grimes from Kadoka, SD was the Agent for consignor Robert Patten, Plaza, ND, and he left the ring on a final bid of $35,000 from Kurt Jasperson, Loxahatchee, FL.

     

    Sired by the $9+ Million Leading Arena Sire Frenchmans Guy, the 2008 Sorrel Mare Frenchfancyandfamous caught the eye of Dallas Talkington from McCook, NE.  Commanding a bid of $30,000, she is out of Nitas Fame, an own daughter of #1 Leading Sire Dash Ta Fame SI 113 and her dam is the Chicks Beduino mare Juanita Beduino. With a solid ranch foundation behind her, this proven cross has now been started in the performance arena in barrel racing and is already a winner in the breakaway roping.  She was consigned by Chelsea Brown from Billings, MT.

     

    Twenty-two of the Midwest’s leading sires were showcased once again at the South Dakota Quarter Horse Association Stallion Row also located in the Rushmore Hall.  Represented this year were both Quarter Horse and Paint stallions – many with extensive show and arena records.  Each day, prior to the sale, the stallions were presented in the sale ring with many offering Stock Show discounted fees if booked during the event.

     

    For the very first time, the SDQHA Producer Of The Year Award was initiated and presented to an AQHA Ranching Heritage Breeder.  Initially honored on January 16th at the 2016 SDQHA Convention at the Cedar Shore Resort near Chamberlain, SD, Stirrup Ranch Quarter Horses were chosen as the Inaugural honorees.  Ranch owners LeRoy & Shirley Wetz from Vale, SD, their son Dale, daughter June along with her children Rowdy and Sorley and fiance Shawn Siebold, were honored each day in the sale ring prior to the stallion preview. This SDQHA award will now be an annual part of their awards presentations.

     

    Into it’s 8th year, the Black Hills Stock Show & Rodeo Ranch Horse Select competition was held on Friday morning during the preview of the sale horses at the Event Center arena. The first 13 head in the sale catalog were entries in the competition and then eligible to compete in this judged event. The 2016 BHSS Champion was KR Playin With Neon, a 2008 Red Dun Gelding sired by Horseplayin and out of a daughter of High Brow Hickory owned by the Krebs Ranch, Gordon, Nebraska. Lynn & Connie Weishaar, Reva, SD, presented them with a pair of Ed Lawrence custom spurs. Reserve Champion was Ernie, a Grade Gelding owned by Tyler Minor from Hyannis, NE. John E. Johnson, Piedmont, SD, was the sponsor of their BHSS blanket.

     

     

    SOUTH DAKOTA QUARTER HORSE ASSOCIATION HORSE SALE

    January 29-30, 2016 – Black Hills Stock Show & Rodeo, Rapid City, South Dakota

     

    2016 OVERALL AVERAGE: $9,206 (2015 – $8,871) Gross Sales: $1.178 Million  

    TOP 5 AVERAGE: $25,300 • TOP 10 AVERAGE: $21,300  

    GELDING AVERAGE: $9,328.13 • MARE AVERAGE: $9,557.14

    ________________________________________________________________

     

    $35,000 – ROOSTERS BIG DIAMOND – 2010 AQHA Bay Gelding sired by Roosters Diamonds by Gallo Del Cielo.  His dam, Jessie Par Cookie, is a daughter of Cooke County ETC. Consignor – Robert Patten, Plaza, ND (Agent – Levi Grimes, Kadoka, SD).  Buyer: Kurt Jasperson, Loxahatchee, FL.

     

    $30,000 – FRENCHFANCYANDFAMOUS – 2008 AQHA Sorrel Mare sired by Leading Performance Sire Frenchmans Guy and out of Nitas Fame, an own daughter of the #1 Sire of Barrel Horses Dash Ta Fame SI 113.  Consignor – Chelsea Brown, Billings, MT.  Buyer – Dallas Talkington, McCook, NE.

     

    $22,500 – PG ROCKY – 2011 AQHA Bay Gelding sired by Playgun by Freckles Playboy.  His dam is an own daughter of Peppy San Badger out of a daughter of Smart Little Lena.  Consignor – Chelsea Brown, Billings, MT.  Buyer – Shawn Claymore, McLaughlin, SD.

     

    $20,000 – ONE TIME WILSON – 2009 AQHA Sorrel Gelding sired by One Time Pepto and out of Lil Wilma, a Freckles Playboy/Doc Wilson bred mare.  Consignor – Frank & Myles Kenzy, Iona, SD.  Buyer – Troy & Kelli Tavegie, Newcastle, WY.

     

    $19,000 – KR SYLISH PLAY – 2007 AQHA Sorrel Mare. Her sire is Horseplayin by Dual Pep out of a daughter of Freckles Playboy.  Her dam is KR Stylish Sarah by Playin Stylish.  Consignor- Krebs Ranch, Gordon, NE.  Buyer – Cody Rood, Bengough, SK Canada

     

    $18,000 – ROCKIN ROAN OF TEXAS – 2010 AQHA Buckskin Gelding sired by Yellow Roan Of Texas by Peptoboonsmal.  His dam is Peppys Darrlyn Lyl, a Mr San Peppy/McLeo Bars bred mare.  Consignor – Paul & Jan Griemsman, Piedmont, SD.  Buyer – Tom Jorgenson, Williston, ND.

     

    $17,500 – TWO GOLDEN FRECKLES – 2006 AQHA Sorrel Gelding sired by Two Timin Freckles by Freckles Playboy and out of the Laughing Boy bred mare JK Laughing Cattina. Consignor – Wallman Quarter Horses, Faith, SD.  Buyer – Cliff Glade, Oelrichs, SD.

     

    $17,500 – SIX FLO FEVER – 2009 AQHA Buckskin Gelding sired by Playboys Buck Fever by Freckles Playboy and his dam is an own daughter of Mr Jess Perry SI 113. Consignor – Pieper Quarter Horses, Hay Springs, NE.  Buyer – Bieber Red Angus Ranch, Leola, SD.

     

    $17,000 – DASH OF DOT – 2007 Sorrel Gelding sired by Dashiar by First Down Dash SI 105 and out of granddaughter of Mr Jess Perry SI 113 and Playgun.  Consignor – Luke Jones, Allerton, IA.  Buyer – Madison McLaughlin, Manhattan, MT.

     

    $16,500 – MG DOUBLE  OTT SEVEN – 2010 APHA Solid Bay Gelding sired by Strait Sevens by Strait From Texas and out of a Flip Mia/Versarys Dr Pepper bred mare.  Consignor – Gale Beebe & Mike Slater, Custer, SD.  Buyer – Amy Pravecek, Winner, SD.

     

    $16,000 – NU CIRCLE DOC – 2010 AQHA Buckskin Mare sired by Circle The Stars, a Nu Cash/Hollywood Smoke bred stallion and her dam is a granddaughter of Smart Little Pistol. Consignor – Otter Creek Ranch, Lewellen, NE. Buyer – Jesse Brewer, Dupree, SD.

     

    $15,500 – DR SUGS LIL PEPPY – 2006 AQHA Dun Gelding sired by Lil Peppy CD, a son of CD Olena out of a daughter of Peppy San Badger.  His dam, Dun Brow Sug, is an own daughter of High Brow Hickory. Consignor – Matthew Wznick & Terry Fruit, Powderville, MT.  Buyer – Ross Wientjes, Mound City, SD.

     

    $15,500 – FANCY COLT 44 – 2009 AQHA Sorrel Gelding sired by Colonels Smoking Gun and out of a Doc O’Lena/Smart Chick Olena bred mare.  Consignor – Kelly & Theresa Wick, Yankton, SD.  Buyer – Schmitt Horse Ranch, Holland, IA.

     

    $15,000 – KR PURRIN – 2011 AQHA Chestnut Mare sired by WR This Cats Smart by High Brow Cat and out of Mary Lou Lena, an own daughter of Doc O’lena.  Consignor – Kassi Ryff, Westcliffe, CO.  Buyer – David Horn, Piedmont, SD.

     

    $15,000 – CAT WITH PEP – 2012 AQHA Sorrel Mare sired by WR This Cats Smart by HIgh Brow Cat.  The dam, Haidas Little Shorty, is sired by Haidas Little Pep and out of a daughter of Shorty Olena. Consignor – Wagonhound Land & Livestock, Douglas, WY.  Buyer – Jason Coulter, Baker, MT.

     

  • O’Connell’s winning ways continue at San Antonio Rodeo

    O’Connell’s winning ways continue at San Antonio Rodeo

     

     

    For the San Antonio Stock Show Rodeo

     

    SAN ANTONIO, Texas (Feb. 12, 2016) — Tim O’Connell is having the ride of his life and that is a good thing for a man who makes a living eight seconds at a time on the back of a bucking horse.

    O’Connell is having the best winter of his three years as a member of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and leads the world standings. He won the second round of bracket 1 at the San Antonio Stock Show Rodeo and now is assured a spot in the semi-finals. Four contestants out of each bracket in each event will advance based on their earnings. O’Connell has collected $3,136 here so far with one more round to go. He is also just coming off of a big win at the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo.

    “This rodeo is awesome,” he said. “There is so much money up for grabs. I love the format. At other rodeos if you make one mistake, it will take you out. Here, because of the format, there is a better opportunity.”

    The former college champion didn’t make any mistakes in the AT&T Center on Friday night. He rode a Beutler and Son horse named Empty Pockets for 87 points and $2,281.

    “There is a lot more to that horse than meets the eye,” he said. “I really think she hates men. She tries to bite you when you are getting on. I tried to get out on her as quick as I could. She’s a typical Beutler horse. She just really bucks and that’s the kind of horses they raise.”

    It was not the first meeting for O’Connell and Empty Pockets. He had previously ridden the mare to a score of 85 points at a rodeo in Lawton, Okla., and was both excited and prepared for the ride here. After his ride in the third round Saturday afternoon, he will be flying to Marshall, Mo., where he is currently living with his wife Sami who works for Missouri Valley College. The two were married last October and want to spend Valentine’s Day together. After a couple of days at home, he will be headed back on the rodeo trail.

    Growing up in Zwingle, Iowa, O’Connell credits much of his success to Three Hills Rodeo Company from Bernard, Iowa. He got on many practice horses at their facility and had some expert advice during the process. Three Hills is just one of 18 stock contractors that are providing livestock here.

    There are two performances at the San Antonio Stock Show Rodeo on Saturday. The third round of bracket 1 will start at 1 p.m. The first round of bracket 2 begins at 7:30 p.m.

     

     

    SAN ANTONIO, Texas (Feb.12, 2016) — The following are results after the second performance of the San Antonio Stock Show Rodeo which features over $1.65 million in cash and prizes.

     

    Bracket 1, round 2 followed by total money —

     

    Bareback Riding: 1, Tim O’Connell, Zwingle, Iowa, 87 points on Beutler and Son Rodeo’s Empty Pockets, $2,281. 2, Kyle Brennecke, Stephenville, Texas, 79, $1,711. 3, (tie) Jamie Howlett, Snyder, Texas, and Luke Creasy, Lovington, N.M., 78 and $855 each. (total money) 1, O’Connell, $3,136. 2, Brennecke, $2,566. 3, Teddy Athan, Livermore, Calif., $2,281. 4, Tyler Waltz, Martin, Tenn., $1,710.

     

    Steer Wrestling: 1, Matt Mousseau, Hensall, Ontario, 4.1 seconds, $2,281. 2, (tie) Nick Guy, Sparta, Wis., and J.D. Struxness, Appleton, Minn., 4.5 and $1,426 each. 4, Blaine Jones, Templeton, Calif., 5.0, $570. (total money) 1, Struxness, $3,421. 2, Mousseau, $2,281. 3, Tommy Cook, McAlester, Okla., $1,996. 4, Guy, $1,426.

     

    Team Roping: 1, Rhen Richard, Ro and Cole Davison, Roosevelt, Utah, 4.7 seconds, $2,281. 2, Joel Bach, San Augustine, Texas, and Kory Koontz, Stephenville, Texas, 4.9, $1,711. 3, (tie) Riley and Brady Minor, Ellensburg, Wash.; and Erich Rogers, Round Rock, Ariz., and Cory Petska, Marana, Ariz.; 5.0 and $855 each. (total money) 1, Bach and Koontz, $3,422. 2, Richard and Davison, $2,851. 3, Garrett Rogers, Baker City, Ore., and Jake Minor, Ellensburg, Wash., $2,281. 4, David Key, Stephenville, Texas, and Travis Woodard, Stockton, Calif., $1,141.

     

    Saddle Bronc Riding: 1, Jacobs Crawley, Boerne, Texas, 81 points on Beutler and Son Rodeo’s Cimmaron Jack, $2,281. 2, Dean Wadsworth, Ozona, Texas, and Clay Elliott, Nanton, Alberta, 78, $1,426 each. 4, (tie) Tyrel Larsen, Inglis, Manitoba, and Curtis Garton, New Zealand, 75, $285. (total money) 1, Larsen, $2,566. 2, (tie) Crawley, and Wadsworth, $2,281. 4, Ben Londo, San Luis Obispo, Calif., $1,711.

     

                    Tie-Down Roping: 1, Randall Carlisle, Athens, La., 8.4 seconds, $2,281. 2, Jesse Clark, Portales, N.M., 8.5, $1,171. 3, Stetson Vest, Childress, Texas, 8.8, $1,141. 4, Chase Williams, Stephenville, Texas, 9.6, $570. (total money) 1, Vest, $3,422. 2, (tie) Carlisle and Williams, $2,281. 4, Clark, $1,710.

     

    Women’s Barrel Race: 1,  Jackie Ganter, Abilene, Texas, 13.78 seconds, $2,281. 2, Kelley Schnaufer, Pueblo, Colo., 13.93, $1,711. 3, Ivy Conrado, Hudson, Colo., 13.96, $1,141. 4, Sherrylynn Johnson, Henryetta, Okla., 13.99, $570. (total money) 1, (tie) Conrado and Schnaufer, $3,421. 3, Ganter, $2,281. 4, Megan Mariluch, Daingerfield, Texas, 14.18, $1,141.

     

    Bull Riding: 1, Joe Frost, Randlett, Utah, 85 points on Beutler and Son Rodeo’s Spin Bo, $2,281. 2, (tie) Adam Jamison, Canada, and Kanin Asay, Powell, Wyo., 78 and $1,426 each. 4, Lane Selz, Bakersfield, Calif., 76, $570. (total money) 1, Frost, $3,422. 2, Cody Rostockyj, Lorena, Texas, $2,281. 3, Dustin Bowen, Waller, Texas, $1,711. 4, (tie) Jamison and Asay, $1,426.

     

  • Added Fat Improves Behavior

    Added Fat Improves Behavior

    by Juliet M. Getty, Ph.D.

    Diet affects behavior. This makes sense. A well-fed horse is healthy. And a healthy horse feels good. Conversely, a poorly-nourished horse is suffering. A variation in hormone levels, for example, can have a temporary effect on how the horse sees the world. Just as reaction to sugar intake varies in humans, so it does in horses. Horses may feel ill or “off” from an overindulgence in sugar/starch, and they certainly have been reported to exhibit “sugar highs and lows” caused by the sudden surge and subsequent drop in blood glucose from a high carbohydrate (sugar/ starch) meal. Although there is, in fact, little scientific evidence that proves a sugar/starch-driven behavioral component, many horse owners will attest to their own horses showing adverse behavioral responses and will therefore avoid feeding anything that contains starchy cereal grains or is sweetened with molasses.
    There are plenty of good reasons beyond the scope of this article to avoid high sugar/high starch diets, but in terms of behavior, what alternative does a horse owner have if the horse simply needs more calories to meet the added demands of exercise, work, and performing? Hay and grass simply cannot provide enough energy (calories) to support the these additional requirements.

     

    The answer is fat.

    Gram for gram, fat provides more than double the calories of carbohydrates or protein. And it is well digested. But there’s an added bonus! Fat has a calming effect on horses’ behavior.

    Researchers at Virginia Polytechnic Institute1 noticed that horses fed a high fat diet are less reactive to startling stimuli and had lower levels of excitability and anxiety than horses fed a more traditional grain-based diet. The horses in their experiment received 15% of the total calories from fat, which is high for most horses. However, the study reveals that fat is worth trying if you have a sensitive horse who may become easily excited by everyday activities.2 (Please note: Ponies, minis, donkeys, and mules should not receive high fat diets.3)

    What type of fat?

    All fat has the same number of calories, regardless of the source. But from a health perspective, it is best to steer clear of animal fats, as well as oils that are have too many omega 6s (which increase inflammation) in relation to omega 3s (which have an anti-inflammatory effect). Oils high in monounsaturated fatty acids are a good source since they neither increase nor decrease inflammation.

     

    Below are some commonly fed fat sources:

    • Ground flaxseeds and flaxseed oil: Has a 4:1 ratio of omega 3s to omega 6s, making it an ideal choice
    • Chia seeds: Has similar omega 3 to omega 6 ratio as flax
    • Canola oil: 10% omega 3s and relatively low in omega 6s. Also contains monounsaturated fatty acids (no harmful impact on inflammation)
    • Rice bran oil: Only 1% omega 3s, less than 50% omega 6s and high in monounsaturated fatty acids
    • Copra meal and coconut oil: Not a source of omega 3s and omega 6s but rather medium chain fatty acids which may be beneficial when added to an omega 3 source
    • Soy lecithin: Only 4% omega 3s but also contains choline, a helpful component of neurotransmitters
    • Soybean oil: Only 7% omega 3s and mostly omega 6s (less desirable choice)
    • Corn oil: No omega 3s and higher in omega 6s than soybean oil (poorest choice)

     

    How much?

    I prefer to limit fat intake to no more than 10% of the total calories, though some athletes are fed levels as high as 20%. For the lightly exercised, mature 1100 lb (500 kg) horse, the National Research Council recommends a minimum total diet of 20 Mcals per day to maintain body condition. Ten percent would be 2 Mcals per day from fat. One cup (8 fluid ounces or 240 ml) of oil will meet this requirement. It weighs 240 grams and at 9 kcals/g, provides 2.16 Mcals.

     

    How to add?

     

    When adding any amount of oil to your horse’s feed, start with a small amount (say, one tablespoon or 15 ml). Most horses do not like oily feed, but more important, it takes several weeks for the horse’s cells to become accustomed to metabolizing more fat.

    Summary

    Short attention span, spookiness, reluctance to work, excessive sensitivity and alertness to surroundings, irritability, and “hot” behaviors can be reduced by adding fat to the diet. Fat is high in calories, so limit the amount you feed based on the horse’s weight and his caloric need. Omega 3s need to be in balance with omega 6s, so choose oils carefully. And finally, build up to desired intake by starting slowly and increasing over 4 to 6 weeks.

     

    Permission to reprint this article is granted, provided attribution is given to Juliet M. Getty, Ph.D. No editorial changes may be made without her permission. Dr. Getty appreciates being notified of any publication.

     

    Juliet M. Getty, Ph.D. is an independent equine nutritionist with a wide U.S. and international following. Her research-based approach optimizes equine health by aligning physiology and instincts with correct feeding and nutrition practices.

     

    Dr. Getty’s comprehensive resource book, Feed Your Horse Like a Horse, is available at www.GettyEquineNutrition.com — buy it there and have it inscribed by the author, or get it at Amazon (www.Amazon.com) or other online retail bookstores. The seven separate volumes in Dr. Getty’s topic-centered Spotlight on Equine Nutrition series are available with special package pricing at her website, and also at Amazon in print and Kindle versions. Dr. Getty’s books make ideal gifts for equestrians.

     

    Find a world of useful information for the horseperson at www.GettyEquineNutrition.com: Sign up for Dr. Getty’s informative, free e-newsletter, Forage for Thought; browse her library of reference articles; search her nutrition forum; and purchase recordings of her educational teleseminars. Reach Dr. Getty directly at gettyequinenutrition@gmail.com. She is available for private consultations and speaking engagements.

  • Competition winding down at Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo

    Competition winding down at Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo

     

    by Susan Kanode

    for the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo

    FORT WORTH, Texas (February 5, 2016) — A pair of Clints moved into the overall standings in the tie-down roping on Friday and now have the potential to earn a Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo championship.

    Clint Robinson, from Spanish Fork, Utah, and Clint Cooper from Decatur, Texas, are now second and third respectively. They are both second-generation contestants and if either one of them leave here with a buckle, it would be a first for their immediate family members.

    Robinson is the son of Lance Robinson, a five-time Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (NFR) qualifier. Cooper is the son of eight-time world champion Roy Cooper, and the brother of three-time world champion Tuf Cooper. With all the accolades won by family members as well as the two Clints, it’s amazing to think that if they won a title here, it would be the first within their families.

    Both of these men have made the trip to Las Vegas to compete at the NFR five times and both have won big, traditional rodeos like Cheyenne, Wyo., and Pendleton, Ore.  Horsemanship in the tie-down roping is key and both of them are known for riding great horses as well.

    Tim O’Connell from Zwingle, Iowa, is hungry for a world title in the bareback riding. He has qualified for the NFR the past two years and did that while he was still in college. He rode his first horse here Thursday night and his second one Friday night. He is in position to take the overall lead here with his third ride Saturday afternoon.

    O’Connell scored 83.5 points on Rafter G Rodeo’s Citation. That finished in second place in the round. He came back Friday night and rode J Bar J Rodeo’s Bar Bandit for 85.5 points. The overall leader here is Orin Larsen from Inglis, Manitoba with 246.5 points on three rides. O’Connell just needs a 78-point score Saturday afternoon to move ahead.

    “Fort Worth and I haven’t always seen eye-to-eye in the past,” O’Connell said. “Hopefully the winds are changing. I’ve got one more and hopefully two more horses to get on so we will see what happens.”

    The barrel racing is shaping up to be the closest race in the Will Rogers Memorial Coliseum. Kimmie Wall from Roosevelt, Utah leads with 33.53 seconds on two runs. The final spot to qualify for Saturday night’s finals is less than a quarter of a second away at 33.77. With 10 more talented rider and horse combinations left to compete Saturday afternoon, the bottom positions are definitely in jeopardy.

    The Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo is sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) and abides by their rules and bylaws. Several of this year’s contestants were eliminated from the rodeo because of an ongoing legal situation between the PRCA and the Elite Rodeo Athletes (ERA). The Honorable Barbara M.G. Lynn, United States District Judge of the Northern District of Texas released an opinion on Feb. 4 denying the Plaintiffs’ (ERA) Motion for a Preliminary Injunction in their suit against the PRCA. With the judge’s decision, the PRCA bylaws at issue were immediately enforced, taking the involved contestants out of the Fort Worth Rodeo.

    That opened doors for other contestants here that moved up in the standings and will have a chance to ride for the championship Saturday night. The decision did not affect the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association members as they have different bylaws.

    The World’s Original Indoor Rodeo ends its 2016 run on Saturday with performances at 2 and 7:30 p.m. in Fort Worth’s historic Will Rogers Coliseum.

     

    -30-

    FORT WORTH. — The following are unofficial results from Friday’s performances of the World’s Oldest Indoor Rodeo® at the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo, February 5, 2016.

    Twenty-sixth Performance

    Bareback Riding: (two rides) 1, Caine Riddle, Vernon, Texas, 79 points on Big Rafter Rodeo’s Dirty Jeans. 2, Taylor Price, Huntsville, Texas, 76.

    Steer Wrestling:  1, Chris Berry, Valley View, Texas, 5.1 seconds. 2, Austin Eller, Glendo, Wyo., 6.5. 3, Kyle Broce, Cheraw, Colo., 14.6. 4, Dean Stermer, Frisco, Texas, 15.6.

    Team Roping:  (two times) 1, Ty Blasingame, Ramah, Colo., and Josh Fillmore, Penrose, Colo., 6.4 seconds. 2, Cole Dorenkamp, Lamar, Colo., and Lance Allen, Orchard, Colo., 10.8.

     

    Saddle Bronc Riding: 1, Sterling Crawley, Stephenville, Texas, 78.5 points on Big Rafter Rodeo’s Marlboro Man. 2, Travis Nelson, Philip, S.D., 77.5. 3, Jacobs Crawley, Boerne, Texas, 73.5. 4, Blaise Freeman, Snyder, Texas, 69.

    Tie-Down Roping:  1, Clint Robinson, Spanish Fork, Utah, 8.6. 2, Clint Cooper, Decatur, Texas, 9.0. 3, Matt Kenney, Onawa, Iowa, 9.5. 4, Jody Green, Shakopee, Minn., 10.0.

    Barrel Racing: 1, Alexa Lake, Richmond, Texas, 16.88 seconds. 2, Sarah Rose McDonald, Brunswick, Ga., 17.03. 3, Megan McLeod-Sprague, Marsing, Idaho, 17.07. 4, Davie King, Decatur, Texas, 17.09.

    Bull Riding: 1, Bayle Worden, Charleston, Texas, 86 points on 4L & Diamond S Rodeo’s Rustler’s Cat. 2, Denton Fugate, Dixon, Mo., 85. 3, Freeman Yoder, Zearing, Idaho, 80. 4, Marcus Mariluch, Daingerfield, Texas, 76.5.

    Twenty-seventh Performance

    Bareback Riding: (three rides) 1, Tim O’Connell, Zwingle, Iowa, 85.5 points on J Bar J Rodeo’s Bar Bandit. 2, David Peebles, Redmond, Ore., 77.5. 3, Caine Riddle, Vernon, Texas, 75.

    Steer Wrestling: (two times) 1, Adam Strahan, Decatur, Texas, 7.7 seconds. 2, Dean Gorsuch, Gering, Neb., 14.10.

    Team Roping: 1, Jim Coffman, Decatur, Texas, and J.C. Williams, Bridgeport, Texas, 5.9 seconds. 2, Cody Butler and Chuck Butler, Sanger, Texas, 6.5. 3, Levi Simpson, Panoka, Alberta, and Jeremy Buhler, Abbottsford, British Columbia, 9.9. 4, Cord Crowell, Marion, Texas, and Trey Carter III, Bellville, Texas, 12.8.

    Saddle Bronc Riding: 1, Layton Green, Meeting Creek, Alberta, 80.5 on J Bar J Rodeo’s Freckles Remover. 2, Justin Caylor, Sulphur Springs, Texas, 77.5. 3, (tie) Jake Watson, Hudson’s Hope, British Columbia, and Call Marr, Twin Butte, Alberta, 77.

    Tie-Down Roping: 1, Scotty Shelton, Avondale, Colo., 13.7. 2, Justin Locock, Jonesboro, Texas, 15.6. 3, Clint Nyeguaard, Cuero, Texas, 17.5. 4, Bryce Ingo, Boone, Colo., 19.9.

    Barrel Racing: 1, Carmel Wright, Roy, Mont., 16.87 seconds. 2, McKinley Goodger, Boyd, Texas, 16.90. 3, (tie) Kellie Collier, Hereford, Texas, and Jackie Ganter, Abilene, Texas, 17.05.

    Bull Riding: (no qualified rides)

     

     

    Current Leaders

    Bareback Riding: (first round) 1, Jake Brown, Hillsboro, Texas, 86 points on Andrews Pro Rodeo’s Gypsy Rose. 2, Tim O’Connell, Zwingle, Iowa, 83.5. 3, Ty Breuer, Mandan, N.D., 83. 4, Mason Clements, Sandy, Utah, 82.5. 5, Ty Fast Taypotat, Regina, Sask., 82. 6, Cody Kiser, Carson City, Nev., 80. 7, (tie) Caleb Bennett, Tremonton, Utah, and Clint Laye, Pocatello, Idaho, 79.5. (second round leaders) 1, Winn Ratliff, Leesville, La., 87 points on Four Star Rodeo’s Rusty Slim. 2, (tie) Orin Larsen, Inglis, Manitoba, and Caleb Bennett, 86, 4, Tim O’Connell, Zwingle, Iowa, 85.5. 5, Jake Brown, 84. 6, (tie) Tanner Aus, Granite Falls, Minn., and Chad Rutherford, Lake Charles, La., 83.5. 8, Teddy Athan, Livermore, Calif., 83.(third round leaders) 1, Bill Tutor, Huntsville, Texas, 84.5 points on Frontier Rodeo’s Bunny Girl. 2, Chad Rutherford, 83.5.  3, Orin Larsen, 83. 4, Evan Jayne, 82.5. 5, Winn Ratliff, 81. 6, Mason Clements, 80. 7, (tie) Tanner Aus and Caleb Bennett, 79.5.

    (total on three) 1, Orin Larsen, 246.5. 2, Caleb Bennett, 245. 3, Winn Ratliff, 242.5. 4, Mason Clements, 241.5. 5, Evan Jayne, 236.5. 6, Clint Laye, 232. 7, Luke Creasy, Lovington, N.M., 231. 8, (tie) Devan Reilly, Sheridan, Wyo.; Justin Pollmiller, Weatherford, Okla., and Bill Tutor, 230.

    Steer Wrestling: (second round) 1, (tie) Sterling Lambert, Fallon, Nev., and Jule Hazen, Ashland, Kan., 4.0 seconds. 3, (tie) Chance Campbell, Sinton, Texas, 4.2. and Tyler Waguespack, Gonzales, La., 4.2.  5, (tie) Jake Rinehart, Highmore, S.D., and J.D. Struxness, Appleton, Minn., 4.3. 7, (tie) Cole Fulton, Miller, S.D., and Ty Erickson, Helena, Mont., 4.4. 9, (tie) Clayton Tuchscherer, Dona Ana, N.M.; Chason Floyd, Buffalo, S.D., and Taz Olson, Prairie City, S.D., 4.5.

    (total on two) 1, Matt Reeves, Cross Plains, Texas, 8.9 seconds. 2, Brother Loud, Kaufman, Texas, 9.6. 3, Jake Rinehart, 9.8 seconds. 4, Joe Buffington, Wheatland, Wyo., 10.1. 5, Jason Thomas, Benton, Ark., 10.2. 6, (tie) Dirk Tavenner, Rigby, Idaho, and Ty Erickson, 10.4. 8, Clayton Tuchscherer, Dona Ana, N.M., 10.8. 9, Timmy Sparing, Helena, Mont., 10.9. 10, Wade Sumpter, Fowler, Colo., 11.2.

    Team Roping: (first round) 1, (tie) Caleb Smidt, Bellville, Texas, and B.J. Dugger, Three Rivers, Texas, and Kolton Schmidt, Barrhead, Alberta, and Shay Carroll, Prineville, Ore., 4.5 seconds. 3, (tie) Nathan McWhorter, Telephone, Texas, and and Dustin Davis, Terrell, Texas; Joel Bach, San Augustine, Texas, and Kory Koontz, Stephenville, Texas, and JoJo LeMond, Andrews, Texas, and Jim Ross Cooper, Stephenville, Texas, 4.7. 6, (tie) Adam Rose, Willard, Mo., and Walt Woodard, Stephenville, Texas, and Ty Blasingame, Ramah, Colo., and Josh Filmore, Penrose, Colo., 4.8. (second round) 1, Clay Smith, Broken Bow, Okla., and Paul Eaves, Lonedell, Mo., 3.9 seconds. 2, Rhen Richard, Roosevelt, Utah, and Cole Davison, Roosevelt, Utah, 4.0. 3, (tie) Matt Sherwood, Pima, Ariz., and Quinn Kesler, Holden, Utah, and Bull Austin, East Bernard, Texas, and Dee Rampey, Bertram, Texas, 4.2. 5, Garrett Tonozzi, Fruita, Colo., and Bret Tonozzi, Loma, Colo., 4.5. 6, (tie) Coleman Proctor, Pryor, Okla., and Buddy Hawkins II, Columbus, Kan.; Cody Snow, Los Olivos, Calif., and Dugan Kelly, Paso Robles, Calif., and Rowdy Rieken, Arp, Texas, and Justin Price, La Veta, Colo., 4.6.

     

    (total on two) 1, Clay Smith and Paul Eaves, 9.4 seconds. 2, Luke Brown, Stephenville, Texas, and Jake Long, Coffeyville, Kan., 9.9. 3, Blaine Vick, Dublin, Texas, and Dakota Kirchenschlager, Morgan Mill, Texas, 10.1. 4, Dylan Gordon, Comanche, Okla., and Austin Rogers, Crescent, Okla., 10.4. 5, Matt Sherwood and Quinn Kesler 10.5. 6, Coleman Proctor and Buddy Hawkins II, 10.6. 7, Colt Fisher, Sulphur, La., and Corey Hendrick, Huntsville, Texas, 10.7. 8, Casey Gattis, Junction, Texas, and Kirt Jones, Hobbs, N.M., 10.8. 9, Zac Small, Welch, Okla., and Wesley Thorp, Stephenville, Texas, 10.9. 10, Rowdy Rieken and Justin Price, 11.0.

    Saddle Bronc Riding: (first round) 1, Jake Wright, Milford, Utah, 84 points on Western Rodeo’s Jet Liner, $4,776. 2, (tie) Troy Crowser, Whitewood, S.D., and Sterling Crawley, Stephenville, Texas, 83.5, $3,184 each. 4, Joe Harper, Paradise Valley, Nev., 82.5, $1,751. 5, Charlie Kogianes, Provo, Utah, 81.5, $1,115. 6, (tie) Clay Elliott, Nanton, Alberta, and Joey Sonnier III, New Iberia, La., 81, $716 each. 8, (tie) Kobyn Williams, De Berry, Texas, and Layton Green, Meeting Creek, Alberta, $239 each. (second round) 1, Alex Wright, Milford, Utah, 83 points on Pro Rodeos, Inc.’s Ruby Tuesday. 2, (tie) Jake Wright, Milford, Utah, and Sam Spreadborough, Snyder, Texas, 82.5. 4, (tie) Audy Reed, Spearman, Texas; Dalton Davis, Holcomb, Kan., and Cooper DeWitt, Rio Rico, Ariz., 82. 7, Joey Sonnier III, New Iberia, La., 81. 8, (tie) Cody DeMoss, Heflin, La., Tyrel Larsen, Inglis, Manitoba, and Brady Nicholes, Hoytsville, Utah, 159.5.

    (total on two) 1, Jake Wright, 166.5. 2, (tie) Sterling Crawley, Joey Sonnier III and Dalton Davis, 162. 5, Alex Wright, 161. 6, Cody DeMoss, Heflin, La., 160.5. 7, Sam Spreadborough, 160. 8, (tie) Troy Crowser, Tyrel Larsen, Brady Nicholes, 159.

    Tie-Down Roping:  (second round) 1, Garrett Hale,Snyder, Texas, 8.1 seconds. 2, (tie) Justin Brinkerhoff, Corinne, Utah, and Ryle Smith, Oakdale, Calif., 8.3. 4, Cheyenne Harper, Iowa, La., 8.4. 5, Ike Fontenot, Ville Platte, La., 8.5. 6, (tie) Bryson Sechrist, Apache, Okla.; Clint Robinson, Spanish Fork, Utah, and Clayton Collmorgan, Lufkin, Texas, 8.6.

    (total on two) 1, Jordan Ketscher, 17.0. 2, Clint Robinson, Spanish Fork, Utah, 17.4. 3, Clint Cooper, Decatur, Texas, 17.7. 4, Justin Macha, Needville, Texas, 17.8. 5, (tie) Ryle Smith and Reese Reimer, Stinnett, Texas, 18.1. 7, Jerrad Hofstetter, Shallow Water, Texas, 18.2. 8, Bradley Bynum, 18.4. 9, (tie) Clint Singleton, Comfort, Texas; Cody McCartney, Ottawa Lake, Mich., and Ryan Watkins, Morgan Mill, Texas, 18.5.

    Barrel Racing: (second round) 1, Andrea Busby, Brock, Texas, 16.69 seconds. 2, Kimmie Wall, 3, Ashley Day, Volburg, Mont., 16.72. 4, Taylor Jacob, Carmine, Texas, 16.75. 5, Paxton Segelke, Snyder, Colo., 16.78.  6, Tiany Schuster, Krum, Texas, 16.79. 7, Carman Pozzobon, Savana, British Columbia, 16.86. 8, Carmel Wright, Roy, Mont. 16.87.

    (total on two) 1, Kimmie Wall, 33.52 seconds. 2, Tiany Shuster, 33.54. 3, Andrea Busby, 33.56. 4, Taylor Jacob, 33.57. 5, Kelly Tovar, Rockdale, Texas, 33.58. 6, Paxton Segelke, 33.64 7, Kellie Collier, Hereford, Texas, 33.65. 8, Danyelle Campbell, Millsap, Texas, 33.69. 9, Dena Kirkpatrick, Post, Texas, 33.70. 10, Sarah Rose McDonald, Brunswick, Ga., 33.74.

    Bull Riding: (first round) 1, Trent Jacobson, Irwin, Idaho, 88 points on Pickett Pro Rodeo’s Amplified Howdy. 2, Clayton Savage, Yoder, Wyo., 87.5. 3, Shad Heiner, Morgan, Utah, 86.5. 4, (tie) Tyler Smith, Fruita, Colo.; Sage Kimzey, Strong City, Okla., and Kody DeShon, Helena, Mont., 85.5. 6, (tie) Rocky McDonald, Colonia Juarez, Mexico, and Jeff Askey, Athens, Texas, 84.5. (second round) 1, Bayle Worden, Charleston, Texas, 86 points on 4L & Diamond S Rodeo’s Rustler’s Cat. 2, (tie) Tate Stratton, Kellyville, Okla., on Rafter G Rodeo’s Thunderstruck; Trevor Kastner, Ardmore, Okla., on Rafter G’s Raptor, and Dustin Bowen, Waller, Texas, on Four Star Rodeo’s No Dice,  85.5. 5, (tie) Ednei Caminhas, Denton, Texas, and Denton Fugate, Dixon, Mo., 85. 7, Eli Vastbinder, Statesville, N.C., 84.5. 8, (tie) Cody Rostockyj, Lorena, Texas; Jordan Sammons, Splendora, Texas, and Luke Haught, Weatherford, Texas, 83.

    (total on two) 1, Ednei Caminhas, 168.5 points. 2, Trevor Kastner, 164. 3, Freeman Yoder, Zearing, Iowa, 163.5. 4, Shad Heiner, 161.5. 5, (tie) Tyler Bingham and Kody DeShon, 161.  7, Jordan Sammons, 159.5. 8, Riker Carter, Stone, Idaho, 159. 9, Joe Frost, Randlett, Utah, 158. 10, Sage Kimzey, 156.

  • Untitled post 7994

    Trevor Brazile’s name is missing from the top of the tie-down roping and all-around world standings.

    The 23-time world champ has won more money than any other tie-down roper this year, and just came off a win at the National Western Stock Show and Rodeo in Denver last weekend. But as long as the lawsuit between the Elite Rodeo Association and the Pro Rodeo Cowboys Association continues, his name will be absent from the standings.

    Brazile, who is on the board of directors for the ERA, and the other 79 ERA members, are allowed to compete in PRCA rodeos, but their names are not included in the world standings.

    The ERA brought the anti-trust class action lawsuit against the PRCA in November of last year, after the PRCA passed bylaws in September stipulating that PRCA members could not compete in “conflicting rodeo associations while receiving the benefits of PRCA memberships.” Those conflicting rodeo associations were defined to be any associations that “produce, promote and/or sanction professional rodeo contests” in two or more rodeo events.

    On Jan. 5, a federal judge ordered that all members of the lawsuit (ERA members) can compete in PRCA-sanctioned events until Feb. 12, giving them a chance to make a living while the suit is pending. Brazile has won about $18,000 since the new year, but that money was put in escrow by the PRCA until the suit is resolved. If the ERA would lose the lawsuit, the cowboys’ entry fees would be refunded but they would not receive the prize money they had won.

    Brazile thinks the ERA brings great opportunities to the pro rodeo world. “This (association) was brought on to be a bonus to contestants, to have another opportunity for television, for endorsements to grow. It is a $4.6 million tour that wasn’t already in the industry, 52 hours of TV (coverage) that wasn’t already in the industry. I think it’s got a lot of positives.”

    The ERA has announced its 2016 schedule, with fifteen rodeos in eight cities and a finals in Dallas in November. FOX Sports is set to broadcast the rodeos.

    When the judge made the order, she also required the ERA and PRCA to attend mediation. The mediation was not successful, said world champion bareback rider and ERA contestant Bobby Mote. The ERA was never meant to replace the PRCA, he said, but enhance what already exists. “These (cowboys) need more chances to be able to make a living doing what they do. The fans want to have the opportunity to see the type of action they’ve grown accustomed to seeing (on television, during the broadcast of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo). One time a year, you get to see all the (rodeo) stars in one place on TV, and the rest of the year, it’s up in the air if you get to see the top names in the sport.”

    Rodeo could use more publicity, Mote said, and he believes the ERA’s television contract was a way to attain that. “Everybody agrees that we have a great sport, and it’s undersold, and the people who do it are undersold. There are so many stories in rodeo, but unless you’re really wired into the western industry and you know where to find them, you have no idea.”

    Rodeo needs to be in front of more fans, he said. “How do you get in front of not only core rodeo fans, but other groups of fans, so that the sport can grow instead of stagnate or lose ground? These are all things we feel where the ERA can add exposure and can present it differently than it’s been presented in the past.”

    The two associations could co-exist, Brazile believes. “It’s been said, a rising tide raises all ships. I hope (the ERA) has an effect on high school, college, and junior rodeos, and that more people want to be cowboys because of more opportunity, not because of restricting opportunities.”

    Mote likens the position of the ERA cowboys and cowgirls to the Turtles –the early cowboys in the 1930s who “stuck their necks out” to form the Turtles Cowboy Association, the beginnings of the PRCA. “We’re the ones sticking our necks out and getting criticized, but at the same time, somebody’s got to do it. In my twenty years of rodeo, I haven’t seen enough positive change, to make me feel like the sport’s better off than when I started.”

    The ERA has been compared to the Pro Bull Riders, which began in 1992 with a band of twenty bull riders who decided to form their own association. “I’ve talked to a lot of those (bull riders),” Mote said, “and they all tell me they faced a lot of the same obstacles and a lot of people criticized them. But you look around now and it’s hard to find somebody to criticize the PBR. Rodeo has benefited from the PBR, whether they want to admit it or not. It’s helped grow the industry and we hope this does the same.”

    “I know I’m fighting for cowboys and cowgirls,” Brazile said, “for the industry itself, not just one group.”

    When asked, the PRCA’s comment was such: “The PRCA has and will continue to vigorously defend this action and is confident in its position.  As there are current motions pending before the court, the PRCA will not comment on specific matters, but can say that it will doggedly prosecute this action to a final dismissal or judgment of the court.”

    Reprinted with permission from TriState Livestock News

  • 10 Fitness Do’s & Don’ts for 2016

    10 Fitness Do’s & Don’ts for 2016

    Everyone makes New Year Resolutions and after a month or so many people tend to start losing their focus and going back to old habits. Honestly, it has been difficult for me to get back in the saddle after delivering my baby a few months ago and having restricted physical activity regimen from my doctor. The 10 Do’s and Don’ts for 2016 are designed to help keep you (and me) on track with our fitness resolutions.

    Sumo Squat

    1) Don’t just do cardio
    Cardio is a a healthy part of a balanced exercise routine, but many people think cardio is all they need to do or all they should do. Common myths are that weight lifting will make you “bulky.”  The body builders out there will tell you they wish that myth was the truth. It takes a dedicated, strategic weight training routine and a special diet to add that much muscle mass. Lift worry free!!! You are doing your body a favor by adding in basic weight training into your routine.
    2) Do squats. Squats work more than just your butt and is one of my favorite exercises. Squatting requires you to use some of the largest muscles in your body. When you engage large muscles like your quadriceps and glutes (thighs and butt) it takes more energy and thus, burn more calories and fat.
    3) Do drink water… Lots of it
    I know I stress this in every issue but it’s so darn important! Proper hydration fuels the body. You should be drink half your body weight in ounces per day. For example: A person that weight 120 pounds should be drinking 60 ounces of water a day.
    4) Do stretch daily
    Stretching is unbelievably important for your body and mind. Better flexibility may reduce your risk or injury by allowing our joints to move through their full range. It can also allow your muscles to work more effectively and increase blood flow to the muscles.
    5) Don’t compromise form …EVER!
    Exercising with incorrect form can not only be unproductive but even worse, it can lead to aches, pains, and injury.
    It’s basically like saddling your horse backwards and trying to have a good practice. It’s not good for anyone!
    6) Do have a work out partner. Having a work out partner will make you more accountable to your workout routine. Many people are more likely to work out harder and not quite before the work out is completed. When working out alone, there is more temptation to stop early and not push yourself.
    7) Do not make unrealistic goals.
    Those who set unrealistic goals tend to give up and fall of the bandwagon. Then set new goals once you reach each milestone. Set goals but make them realistic for you.
    8) Do eat fat in your diet. Make sure you are eating “good” fats like unsalted nuts and avocados and avoid bad fats like saturated fats.
    9) Don’t limit fitness to the gym.
    Find an outdoor activity you like doing. Have that as a part of your weekly workout routine
    10) Do give yourself a cheat day.
    Stick to a healthy diet throughout the week with well balanced meals and restricted sugar intake. I like having one cheat day a week so I don’t feel ultra restricted. The cheat day allows me a little freedom and flexibility while not getting totally off track with my diet.

    Forward lunge

     

    Total Leg Workout:
    The following exercises all focus on your legs. The repetitions are designed to be done with no weight to minimal weight. Repeat these exercises 3-5 times through depending on you time limit and desired intensity.  For videos demonstrating each exercise follow @fitwhit5 on Instagram

    Squats: 20
    Lunges: 15 each leg
    Sumo Squat: 20
    Calf Raises: 40
    One-leg Deadlifts: 15 each leg
    Wall Sit: 1 minute
    Leg Curls (On a ball or on a machine): 15
    Side Lunges: 15 each side
    Rest

  • Bareback riding offers thrills and spills at Fort Worth Rodeo

    Bareback riding offers thrills and spills at Fort Worth Rodeo

     

    by Susan Kanode

    for the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo

     

    FORT WORTH, Texas (January 30, 2016) — Other than a gold buckle for being a world champion bareback rider, there is not a rodeo championship that Jake Brown would rather win than the Fort Worth Stock Show.

    Last December the former high school rodeo champion qualified for his first Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (NFR) and finished the season in eighth place. Less than a week ago, he won the rodeo at the National Western Stock Show in Denver and took the lead in the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association world standings. He came to Fort Worth this week with momentum on his side and high hopes.

    Brown, originally from Hillsboro but now living in Cleveland, Texas, took the lead in the first round of bareback riding here with an 86-point ride on Andrews Rodeo’s Gypsy Rose at the Saturday morning performance.

    He had his second round of competition Saturday afternoon and again took the lead, this time with an 84 on Dakota Rodeo’s Hanna Montana. At the Saturday night performance he was poised to take the overall lead and make the trip back here in one week to compete for the championship.

    Just over halfway through the ride on Frontier Rodeo’s Bar Fever, Brown’s head connected with the horse’s hip and he was knocked unconscious. He came off early, laid in the arena while the Justin Sportsmedicine Team attended to him. He was carried out of the arena on a backboard but was moving fingers, toes and was alert.

    He was evaluated onsite and while he won’t be riding for the championship here, he is likely to get good checks in the preliminary rounds and will be healthy enough to ride again soon. His parents, Paul and Traci Brown along with his sister had made the one-hour trip to Fort Worth to cheer him on.

    “I grew up coming to this rodeo,” Brown said. “It’s one I’ve always wanted to win and I thought I was in a good place to do that. Obviously it didn’t go the way I wanted. I’m still happy to be doing so well in the first and second rounds. I’ll just have to come back and try again next year.”

    Brown’s traveling partner Bill Tutor, from Huntsville, Texas, did move into a three-way tie for second place overall and is planning his trip back here next week for the championship finals. Tutor took the lead in the third round with an 84.5 point ride on Frontier Rodeo’s Bunny Girl. Combined with his previous rides of 72.5 and 73, he has a total of 230 points on three horses.

    It’s been four years since Jake Rinehart from Highmore, S.D., competed in the steer wrestling at the NFR. He’s qualified for rodeo’s championships three times and is hoping for a return to Las Vegas in 2016. A win here would put him well on the way. He didn’t place in the first round but had a solid 5.5-second run. He had his second steer at the Saturday morning performance and stopped the clock in 4.3 seconds.

    Rinehart now leads the overall standings with a total time of 9.8. He is a full second ahead of Clayton Tuchsherer, from Dona Ana, N.M., who has made two runs in 10.8.

    The World’s Original Indoor Rodeo continues Sunday with performances at 2 and 7:30 p.m. in Fort Worth’s historic Will Rogers Coliseum.

     

    -30-

     

    FORT WORTH. — The following are unofficial results from Saturday’s three performances of the World’s Oldest Indoor Rodeo® at the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo, January 30, 2016.

    Thirteenth Performance

    Bareback Riding: 1, Jake Brown, Hillsboro, Texas, 86 points on Andrews Rodeo’s Gypsy Rose. 2, Marvin Alderman Jr., Idabel, Okla., 73.5. 3, Bill Tutor, Huntsville, Texas, 72.5. 4, Kyle Charley, Lukachukai, Ariz., 72.5.

    Steer Wrestling: 1, Jake Rinehart, Highmore, S.D., 4.3 seconds. 2, Kyle Whitaker, Chambers, Neb., 4.9. 3, Wade Sumpter, Fowler, Colo., 6.4. 4, Seth Brockman, Wheatland, Wyo., 6.9.

    Team Roping:  1, Colt Fisher, Sulphur, La., and Corey Hendrick, Huntsville, Texas, 5.8 seconds. 2, Tate Kirchenschlager, Yuma, Colo., and Trevor Kirchenschlager, Ranger, Texas, 5.9. 3, Zac Small, Welch, Okla., and Wesley Thorp, Stephenville, Texas, 6.0. 4, Clayton Van Aken, Descanso, Calif., and Cullen Teller, Pierce, Colo., 8.4.

    Saddle Bronc Riding: 1, Kobyn Williams, De Berry, Texas, 80.5 on Andrews Pro Rodeo’s Bombie. 2, Jeremy Ray, Huntsville, Texas, 78. 3, Gus Thoreson, Dell, Mont., 77.5. 4, Wyatt Caper, Balko, Okla., 73.5.

    Tie-Down Roping: 1, Michael Akins, Whitesboro, Texas, 8.7 seconds. 2, Justin Macha, Needville, Texas, 9.2. 3, Josh Frost, Randlett, Utah, 14.8. 4, Taylor Stout, Justin, Texas, 27.1.

    Barrel Racing: 1, Kathy Grimes, Medical Lake, Wash., 16.86 seconds. 2, Jill Wilson, Snyder, Texas, 17.01. 3, Nichole Riggle, Scottsdale, Ariz., 17.09. 4, Debra Cooper, Poolville, Texas, 17.14.

    Bull Riding: (one ride) 1, Caleb Sanderson, Hallettsville, Texas, 72 points on Andrews Pro Rodeo’s Ready to Rock.

    Fourteenth Performance

    Bareback Riding: 1, Jake Brown, Hillsboro, Texas, 84 points on Dakota Rodeo’s Hannah Montana. 2, Kyle Charley, Lukachukai, Ariz., 76.5. 3, Marvin Alderman Jr., Idabel, Okla., 73.5. 4, Bill Tutor, Huntsville, Texas, 73.

    Steer Wrestling: (three times) 1, Shawn Dollery, Caldwell, Texas, 5.4 seconds. 2, Justin Morehouse, Cleburne, Texas, 8.1. 3, Heath Thomas, Hemphill, Texas, 14.0.

    Team Roping:  (three times) 1, (tie) Justin Davis, Madisonville, Texas, and Zane Bruce, Eldorado, Texas, and Colt Fisher, Sulphur, La., and Corey Hendrick, Huntsville, Texas, and Zac Small, Welch, Okla., and Wesley Thorp, Stephenville, Texas,  4.9 seconds.

    Saddle Bronc Riding: 1, Gus Thoreson, Dell, Mont., 77 points on Dakota Rodeo’s 100 Proof. 2, (tie) Jeremy Ray, Huntsville, Texas, and Korbyn Williams, De Berry, Texas, 71.5. 4, (tie) Clint Hopping, Memphis, Texas, and Corey Terry, Brownwood, Texas, 70.5.

    Tie-Down Roping: 1, Bryson Sechrist, Apache, Okla., 8.6 seconds. 2, Reese Riemer, Stinnett, Texas, 9.1. 3, Lane Jeffrey, Wilburton, Okla., 9.5. 4, Jess Woodward, Dupree, S.D., 12.9.

    Barrel Racing: 1, Shelly Anzick, Shepherd, Mont., 16.69 seconds. 2, Paxton Segelke, Snyder, Colo., 16.86. 3, Laura Lambert, Wiggins, Colo. 17.11. 4, Tyra Kane, Dublin, Texas, 17.16.

    Bull Riding: (one ride) 1, Caleb Sanderson, Hallettsville, Texas, 80.5 points on 4L & Diamond S Rodeo’s Midnight Dynamite.

    Fifthteenth Performance

    Bareback Riding: (three rides) 1, Bill Tutor, Huntsville, Texas, 84.5 points on Frontier Rodeo’s Bunny Girl. 2, Kyle Charley, Lukachukai, Ariz., 78.5. 3, Cody Goodwin, Shepherd, Texas, 64.

    Steer Wrestling: 1, Ty Erickson, Helena, Mont., 4.4 seconds. 2, Joe Buffington, Wheatland, Wyo. 5.0. 3, Gary Gilbert, New Underwood, S.D., 6.6. 4, Calder Johnson, Elm Springs, S.D., 17.4.

    Team Roping: 1, Kolton Schmidt, Barrhead, Alberta, and Shay Carroll, Prineville, Ore., 4.5 seconds. 2, Adam Rose, Willard, Mo., and Walt Woodard, Stephenville, Texas, 4.8. 3, Luke Brown, Stephenville, Texas, and Jake Long, Coffeyville, Kan., 4.9. 4, Chad Masters, Cedar Hill, Tenn., and Travis Graves, Jay, Okla., 5.2.

    Saddle Bronc Riding: 1,Taos Muncy, Corona, N.M., 82 points on Frontier Rodeo’s Cherry Creek. 2, Tyrel Larsen, Inglis, Manitoba, 79. 3, Cody Martin, Pleasant Hope, Mo., 75.5. 4, Isaac Diaz, Desdemona, Texas, 74.5.

    Tie-Down Roping: (three times) 1, Ryle Smith, Oakdale, Calif., 8.3 seconds. 2, Jared Kempker, Eugene, Mo., 10.5. 3, Dennis Luetge, Hempstead, Texas, 22.0.

    Barrel Racing: 1, Sarah Rose McDonald, Brunswick, Ga., 16.71 seconds. 2, Kaley Bass, Kissimmee, Fla., 16.85. 3, Jaime Hinton, Bulverde, Texas, 16.93. 4, Alicia Stockton, Stephenville, Texas, 17.10.

    Bull Riding: (two rides) 1, Jordan Sammons, Splendora, Texas, 76.5 points on Frontier Rodeo’s Sudden Attack. 2, Gannon Ivy, Hampton, Ark., 66.5.

    Current Leaders

    Bareback Riding: (first round) 1, Jake Brown, Hillsboro, Texas, 86 points on Andrews Pro Rodeo’s Gypsy Rose. 2, Ty Breuer, Mandan, N.D., 83. 3, Mason Clements, Sandy Utah, 82.5. 4, Ty Fast Taypotat, Regina, Sask., 82. 5, Cody Kiser, Carson City, Nev., 80. 6, Justin Pollmiller, Weatherford, Okla., 79. (second round leaders) 1, Jake Brown, 84 points on Dakota Rodeo’s Hannah Montana. 2, Tanner Aus, Granite Falls, Minn., 83.5 points on Pro Rodeos, Inc.’s Belle Star. 3, (tie) Tyler Scales, Severance, Wyo., and Devan Reilly, Sheridan, Wyo., 80. 5, (tie) Ty Breuer, Mandan, N.D., and Mason Clements, 79. 5. (third round leaders) 1, Bill Tutor, Huntsville, Texas, 84.5 points on Frontier Rodeo’s Bunny Girl. 2, Mason Clements, 80. 3, Tanner Aus, Granite Falls, Minn., 79.5. 4, (tie) J.R. Vezain, Cowley, Wyo., and Wyatt Maines, Maple Creek, Saskatchewan, 79. 6, Kyle Charley, Lukachukai, Ariz., 78.5

    (total on three) 1, Mason Clements, 241.5. 2, (tie) Devan Reilly, Bill Tutor, Justin Pollmiller, 230. 5, Tanner Aus, 228.5. 6, Ty Fast Taypotat, 227.5.

    Steer Wrestling: (second round) 1, Sterling Lambert, Fallon, Nev., 4.0 seconds. 2, Jake Rinehart, Highmore, S.D., 4.3. 3, (tie) Cole Fulton, Miller, S.D., and Ty Erickson, Helena, Mont., 4.4. 5, (tie) Clayton Tuchscherer, Dona Ana, N.M.; Chason Floyd, Buffalo, S.D., and Taz Olson, Prairie City, S.D., 4.5.

    (total on two) 1, Jake Rinehart, 9.8 seconds. 2, Joe Buffington, Wheatland, Wyo., 10.1. 3, Ty Erickson, 10.4. 4, Clayton Tuchscherer, 10.8 seconds. 5, Timmy Sparing, 10.9. 6, Wade Sumpter, Fowler, Colo., 11.2.

    Team Roping: (first round) 1, (tie) Caleb Smidt, Bellville, Texas, and B.J. Dugger, Three Rivers, Texas; Kolton Schmidt, Barrhead, Alberta, and Shay Carroll, Prineville, Ore., and Colby Lovell, Madisonville, Texas, and Kollin VonAhn, Blanchard, Okla., 4.5 seconds. 4, Kaleb Driggers, Albany, Ga., and Junior Nogueira, Scottsdale, Ariz., 4.6. 5, (tie) Nathan McWhorter, Telephone, Texas, and Dustin Davis, Terrell, Texas, and JoJo LeMond, Andrews, Texas, and Jim Ross Cooper, Stephenville, Texas, 4.7. (second round) 1, Rhen Richard, Blackfoot, Idaho, and Cole Davison, Blackfoot, Idaho, 4.0 seconds. 2, Matt Sherwood, Pima, Ariz., and Quinn Kesler, Holden, Utah, and Bull Austin, East Bernard, Texas, and Dee Rampey, Bertram, Texas, 4.2. 4, Coleman Proctor, Pryor, Okla., and Buddy Hawkins II, Columbus, Kan., 4.6. 5, Ryan Von Ahn, Sac City, Iowa, and J.W. Beck, Moville, Iowa, 4.8. 6, (tie) Justin Davis, Madisonville, Texas, and Zane Bruce, Eldorado, Texas, and Colt Fisher, Sulphur, La., and Corey Hendrick, Huntsville, Texas, and Zac Small, Welch, Okla., and Wesley Thorp, Stephenville, Texas,  4.9

     

    (total on two) 1, Blaine Vick and Dakota Kirchenschlager, 10.1 seconds. 2, Matt Sherwood and Quinn Kesler 10.5. 3, Coleman Proctor and Buddy Hawkins II, 10.6. 4, Colt Fisher and Corey Hendrick, 10.7. 5, Zac Small and Wesley Thorp, 10.9. 6, Clayton Hass and Cody Doescher, 11.3.

    Saddle Bronc Riding: (first round) 1, Jake Wright, Milford, Utah, 84 points on Western Rodeo’s Jet Liner. 2, Troy Crowser, Whitewood, S.D., 83.5. 3, Joe Harper, Paradise Valley, Nev., 82.5. 4, Taos Muncy, Corona, N.M., 82. 5, (tie) Clay Elliott, Nanton, Alberta, and Joey Sonnier III, New Iberia, La., 81. (second round) 1, Cort Scheer, Elsmere, Neb., 83.5 points on Frontier Rodeo’s Covergirl. 2, Alex Wright, Milford, Utah, 83 points on Pro Rodeos, Inc.’s Ruby Tuesday. 3, Jake Wright, Milford, Utah, 82.5. 4, (tie) Audy Reed, Spearman, Texas; Bradley Harter, Loranger, La., and Cooper DeWitt, Rio Rico, Ariz., 82.

    (total on two) 1, Jake Wright, 168.5. 2, Cort Scheer, 164. 3, Joey Sonnier III, 162. 4, Alex Wright, 161. 5, Cody DeMoss, 160.5. 6, Troy Crowser, 159.5.

    Tie-Down Roping: (second round) 1, Ryle Smith, Oakdale, Calif., 10.3 seconds. 2, (tie) Bryson Sechrist, Apache, Okla., and Clayton Collmorgan, Lufkin, Texas, 8.6 seconds. 4, Michael Akins, Whitesboro, Texas, 8.7. 5, (tie) J.D. McCuistion, Collinsville, Texas, and Bradley Bynum, Big Lake, Texas, 9.0.

    (total on two) 1, Justin Macha, 17.8. 2,(tie) Ryle Smith and Reese Reimer, 18.1. 4, Jerrad Hofstetter, 18.2. 5, Bradley Bynum, 18.4. 6, Clint Singleton, 18.5.

    Barrel Racing: (first round) 1, Michele McLeod, Whitesboro, Texas, 16.58 seconds. 2, (tie) Kelly Tovar, Rockdale, Texas, and Kellie Collier, Hereford, Texas, 16.60 seconds. 4, Shelly Anzick, Shepherd, Mont., 16.69. 6, Sarah Rose McDonald, Brunswick, Ga., 16.71. 6, (tie) Tiany Schuster, Krum, Texas, and Clay Sewalt, Del Rio, Texas, 16.75.

    Bull Riding: (first round) 1, (tie) Tyler Smith, Fruita, Colo., on Rafter G Rodeo’s Say It Ain’t So; Sage Kimzey, Strong City, Okla., on Lancaster & Jones Pro Rodeo’s Gas Monkey, and Kody DeShon, Helena, Mont., on Rafter G’s Tahiti Treat, 85.5 points. 4, (tie) Lane Selz, Bakersfield, Calif.; Ednei Caminhas, Denton, Texas, and Tyler Bingham, Honeyville, Utah, 83.5. (second round) 1, (tie) Tate Stratton, Kellyville, Okla., on Rafter G Rodeo’s Thunderstruck and Trevor Kastner, Ardmore, Okla., on Rafter G’s Raptor, 85.5 points. 3, Ednei Caminhas, Denton, Texas, 85. 4, Eli Vastbinder, Statesville, N.C., 84.5. 5, Cody Rostockyj, Lorena, Texas, 83. 6, (tie) Ricky Aguiar, Stephenville, Texas, and Adam Jamison, Okotooks, Alberta, 82.

    (total on two) 1, Ednei Caminhas, 168.5 points. 2, Trevor Kastner, 164. 3, (tie) Tyler Bingham and Kody DeShon, 161.  5, Riker Carter, Stone, Idaho, 159. 6, Joe Frost, Randlett, Utah, 158.

  • Roper Review: Tanner Ward

    Roper Review: Tanner Ward

    Having just celebrated his 21st birthday, Tanner Ward has overcome some large obstacles in his young life. At just three years old, Tanner was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. Fortunately, his babysitter, also a diabetic, recognized his unusual thirst as a symptom. To this day it’s necessary to test his blood often and he can sometimes receive up to seven shots each day.
    However, the disease has done little to slow him down. He entered his first Mutton Busting at just three years old and won. From there he progressed to riding calves, steers, and junior bulls. However, he soon found his true passion in roping.
    Tanner’s family has always been involved in livestock and rodeo. His grandfather, Wayne Meeks, owned several livestock auctions in southeast Oklahoma and Arkansas. His dad, Wayne Ward, competed as a calf roper up until Tanner started Junior Rodeo.
    Tanner began riding outside horses when he was just nine. His mother, Cissy, said he was always big for his age and people just didn’t realize how young he was. At fifteen he was training a mule that bucked him off. For several days he complained about his neck being sore and finally went to the doctor. The diagnosis was a broken neck that required surgery. Tanner had to wear a neck brace for six months and was not supposed to ride. That year he entered the IFYR in Shawnee, OK, wearing his neck brace.
    After completing the 8th grade, Tanner asked his parents if he could home school during high school to have more time to work at his roping. Though reluctant, his parents agreed and that year Tanner won over $50,000 roping in addition to income from training horses. He went on to complete his high school education at home.
    Cissy Ward describes Tanner’s passion for roping, “I’ve never had to make him practice, only to stop practicing. He’s going to rope regardless. It doesn’t matter if it’s storming, 110 degrees, or roping by the headlights of a truck.”
    Now, a #9 heeler, Tanner trains a lot of horses and competes at jackpots and rodeos. He also enjoys helping younger kids with their roping.
    “I have a good partner for next year and plan to go to some of the winter pro rodeos,” says Tanner. “Hopefully we’ll have some luck.”
    COWBOY Q&A

    How much do you practice?
    Every day.

    Do you make your own horses?
    Yes.

    Who were your roping heroes?
    Allen Bach.

    Who do you respect most in the world?
    My dad.

    Who has been the biggest influence in your life?
    My family.

    If you had a day off what would you like to do?
    Rope.

    Favorite movie?
    Lonesome Dove.

    How would you describe yourself in three words?
    Rough, tough, easy-going.

    What makes you happy?
    Winning.

    What makes you angry?
    Losing.

    If you were given 1 million dollars, how would you spend it?
    Build an indoor arena and a facility to help kids.

    What is your worst quality – your best?
    My worst is I’m too hard on myself. My best quality is perseverance.

    Where do you see yourself in ten years?
    Having been to the NFR and being a World Champion.

  • ProFile: Amy (Sutton) Muller

    ProFile: Amy (Sutton) Muller

    The Black Hills Stock Show celebrates its 39th anniversary this February, and for Amy (Sutton) Muller of Agar, S.D., the show is not only the brainchild of her family, but a showcase of the rodeo talent which runs thick through all six generations of Suttons.
    The history of the Suttons starts even before South Dakota became a state. Amy’s great-great grandfather, Edwin Sutton, homesteaded the family’s ranch in 1883, set in the hills near the Missouri River. He started putting on rodeos Sunday after church for the township using his ranch stock. By the late 1920s, he and his sons were producing three-day rodeos on their ranch, where a young Lawrence Welk from North Dakota occasionally stopped to contribute his sparkling music. Edwin’s son, James, ushered the rodeo company into the next generation by becoming a member of the PRCA. He later became the first stock contractor to be inducted into the PRCA’s Hall of Champions in 1982. James and his son, Jim, focused in on the breeding of the rodeo company’s livestock, particularly the bucking horses, which earned them several first runners up and three winners of the PRCA Horse of the Year. In the late ‘70s, Amy’s dad, Steve, who has picked up the WNFR five times, took over the ranch management. Amy was born soon after, going to her first rodeo at ten days old.
    Amy Muller, from Agar, SD - Dave Sietsema, Firesteel Creek Photography

    Her own history in rodeo includes competing through college, carrying the American flag in the 1995 WNFR, and most recently, timing during the 2015 WNFR. But the Black Hills Stock Show Rodeo holds a special place in Amy’s memories. “The show is second nature since it’s been there every year of my life, but I first remember being four years old and carrying the American flag,” she says. “Working alongside all those queens who were in their early 20,s and hanging out with the contestants’ kids made the whole thing feel like one big fun family celebration!”
    Amy carried flags and chased cattle out of the arena until she was 18 and off to college at South Dakota State University like her grandfather and father before her. She studied animal science and competed on the college team in breakaway roping and barrel racing. Her brothers, Brent and Brice, following suit a few years later. “When I was halfway through school, Dad and Grandpa told me and my brothers that they would like for us to come back and join the company as partners,” Amy recalls. “Just like when I was a kid, I stayed very active with the livestock. From the time we were old enough, we’d hop in the truck and do our part with feeding, haying, fixing fence, and whatever else needed done.”
    Within the last several years, however, Amy’s job description changed after the family’s bookkeeper of 21 years retired. “I took over the bookkeeping about the time I had my son, Shaden,” says Amy. “We work rodeos where we are the contractor for a committee, as well as producing rodeos as the committee and contractor ourselves. My day is filled with working on both of those types of rodeo events, as well as sponsorships, marketing, advertising, social media, and our Sutton Rodeo merchandising. I also keep the financial books and the livestock records. About three years ago, Dad started a cross breeding program and brought in outside stock contractors. Those colts are just getting to bucking age, so we’re very excited to see how the offspring from this program turns out.”
    In addition to her office work, Amy continues to time about 12 of the 20 to 30 rodeos Sutton Rodeo produces each year. She obtained her PRCA card when she was 19 and took over timing when her grandmother, Julie, retired. Both Julie and Amy’s mom, Kim, have timed the WNFR, and in 2015, Amy was given the opportunity to do the same. “There’s no feeling I’ve ever experienced like working that rodeo,” says Amy. “The tenth round in that room was electric – so much could happen, you could feel the excitement buzzing, from the contestants, to the personnel and all the fans! Working with Tammy Braden and Jessi Franzen was extremely rewarding. They made working the NFR such a positive experience – they are wonderful ladies, and they’ll be lifelong friends!”
    Alerted ahead of time by her mother and grandmother on how quickly the rodeo would move, Amy was prepared. “You don’t ever want to take your eyes off the arena for fear of missing anything, but you still have to record the times and penalties,” she explains. “One timer wears a headset that goes to the office, which puts out the official time for the record as the rodeo is running.” Along with timing, Amy and the other timers worked afternoons and evenings in the office putting together information such as the official stock draw and buck order, as well as updating the posted rodeo results, standings, and money. “Ultimately, it was one of the most interesting and rewarding experiences I’ve ever had!” says Amy.

    Amy with her husband Steven and son, Shaden - Alicia Berry, Chutin Flicks Photography
    Fortunately, timing and Sutton Rodeo also tie in to Amy’s role as a wife and mother. She and her husband, Steven, have a two-year-old son, Shaden, as well as running their own cattle herd and operating a cattle carcass ultrasound business, Midwest Sonatech.  A seasonal job that runs from December to May, Steven and hired friends and family travel around South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, and Nebraska, booking one or even two clients a day depending on the number of head to ultrasound. Amy does all the computer and bookwork while Steven does the imaging. “Steven and I travelled together exclusively for about five years until we had Shaden,” says Amy. “We ultra sounded until just a few hours before the c-section we’d scheduled for Shaden, and then went from the hospital to Rapid City to work the Black Hills Stock Show Rodeo!”
    With just eight of them to produce all rodeo events held during the Stock Show, Amy and her family – who all live within a few miles of each other on the family ranch – know how to divide and conquer. “We start planning the next stock show in April,” says Amy. “Most of the rodeos that land in the same category as us – large indoor rodeo of the year – have hundreds to thousands of volunteers. We joke that we’re still looking for our first volunteer.” The Suttons’ events include the PRCA Rodeo, Sutton Ranch Rodeo, Girls in Spurs, Wrangler Champions Challenge, Bucking Horse Sale, and the PRCA Xtreme Bulls Tour, while the SDHSRA 20X Extreme Showcase is especially important to Steve Sutton. “Dad is always looking to give back to youth rodeo,” Amy explains. “We keep the numbers the same each year, but we’re always looking to give those kids more things to compete for and a bigger platform to showcase them on.
    “As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized how truly rewarding and exciting it is to work in this company and watch our animals develop and succeed,” says Amy. “You’re not going to get rich in this industry, but it’s really self-rewarding. Goal-wise, I’d love the opportunity to time the NFR again,” she adds. “And on a more personal level, I hope to keep expanding and improving our family business alongside my two brothers. Doing something like this for six generations doesn’t happen that often, and I want to keep this lifestyle going.”

    Jessi, Amy, and Tammy Braden 2015 WNFR timers - Rodeo News!

  • On the Trail with Jace Melvin

    On the Trail with Jace Melvin

    The 2015 PRCA Resistol Rookie All Around, Jace Melvin, was born and raised in Fort Pierre, SD. He moved to Texas for college, and now claims the road as his home. “I rope calves, team rope, and steer wrestle, but not everywhere because of scheduling conflicts; getting up in three events is tough.”

    The 23-year-old has been involved in rodeo his entire life, with three generations on his mom’s side, four on his dad’s before him. “I have two older sisters, Jessica (12 years older) and Jenny (10 years older); they were rodeoing a lot in the youth rodeos, National Little Britches and high school, so I went everywhere with them. They taught me most of what I know.”

    His parents, Mark and Diana, rodeoed and now they run stocker yearlings and raise quarter horses. “Some of the horses that I compete on are some that we have raised and with my brother-in-law’s (Brent Belkham) help, I’m hauling them.” Another brother-in-law, Cody Moore, won Rookie of the Year Steer Wrestling, riding the family horse, Talk, in 2010. That horse, Talk, was critical to Jace’s success as well. “I was blessed with a phenomenal horse in high school and college – horse power has such a huge part in rodeo.” Cowboys Talk helped Jace make it to the National High School Finals all four years (2008-2011) in the steer wrestling and the college finals the past two years in the steer wrestling. Jace also qualifed for the college finals in calf roping in 2015. “Talk is old now – 19, but I had him as I was growing up. He’s got an awesome personality – he’s a character … he’s always talking.”

    His dad, Mark, raised the horse on the race track, and Mark’s sister, Lorita Crowford, picked him and futuritied him as a barrel horse. “He was a great barrel horse, and my sister took him and raced barrels at the college rodeos. You can tie down, team rope, and it came time I started chute dogging and needed a bull dogging horse and he was as broke as it gets and was amazingly fast. Se we tried him as a steer wrestling horse. For as awesome as a barrel horse he was for my aunt and my sister, he was an extremely phenomenal bulldogging horse. He truly loved the steer wrestling.” Jace enjoys calf roping the best, but admits his strength lies in steer wrestling. “I really dedicate at all three events, but I see my most success in the steer wrestling. At a younger age I focused on it more.” His hard work and ingrained family competitive nature paid off when Jace won All Around at the National Junior High Finals in Gallup, NM, in 2007, as well as ended up third in the nation in steer wrestling his junior year and reserve his senior year of high school. “The nature of our family is extremely competitive,” he explains. “We could turn fixing fence into a competition. That goes for all of my family. Through that nature, I won the National Junior High All Around as an eighth grader. I went there to win first in every single event. Everything we do, we go with the intention of winning first and being successful. Being competitors, we know that losing is part of winning. If you don’t win something you learn something. I’ve learned that, and through God’s hand in it, things have fallen into place.”

    After high school, Jace went to college at Vernon for two years and spent the last two years completing his Bachelors in Ag Business at Tarleton, rodeoing with the team that won the Men’s National Championship last year. His degree is coming in handy as he builds his business supplying timed event cattle for several youth and amateur rodeos around his hometown in South Dakota. Melvin Timed Event Cattle happened quite by accident.

     

    15-113 Jace Melvin
    “I had bought 30 head of roping calves when I was a junior in high school. I had planned to train horses on those calves, but I blew my knee wrestling for the high school team, so I couldn’t. A stock contracting company called me and had heard I had these calves and they needed timed event cattle for a Little Britches rodeo and I said yes and hauled those calves to that rodeo.” Growing up in rodeo, Jace knew how important it was for kids starting out and making their goals of the finals to have the best quality stock possible. “My junior and senior year I supplied the timed event cattle at our high school finals,” he said. “I haven’t done a perfect job, but I have a vested interest and sincerely care about the stock these kids get. I know that there is always going to be a bad draw, but to the best of my ability I’m trying to make sure the cattle are even.” The addition of the business is good for the ranch too. “Turning roping calves into feeder calves has been a perfect addition to the ranch.” He admits the business is expensive, hard work, but he plans to continue with it as well as his own career in rodeo. “This past summer I was gone rodeoing and my mom and dad helped me manage the contracts. I was setting up truck drivers and coordinating the events. I can sit and watch the entire slack and pay attention to the details because I’ve trained myself to do that. We mostly put together cattle in the spring, keep over our light end, and keep over team roping and bulldogging steers to reuse at the early rodeos wherever they will fit.”

    Winning the All Around Resistol Rookie award was a goal Jace had set for himself. “It is an unbelievable accomplishment to get there – the trials and tribulations of trying to win this award and then when I won it, it really meant something. I had a really good year in the steer wrestling, but not so good in the team roping and calf roping. I won money, but scheduling and traveling and keeping horses in the trailer was difficult, but in the end it all worked out.” Jace hauls four or five horses at all times. “I travel with my two brother-in-laws and we have to have horses for team roping, hazing, steer wrestling, and calf roping. We’ll share horses and the horses will do more than one thing.”

    Resistol has sponsored the Resistol Rookie awards since the late 70’s and for the first time, they added an awards banquet, along with other prizes, to the event. “I am unbelievably grateful for everything they did for us and how we were treated. Resistol offered us all a sponsorship package that was awesome,” said Jace. “For a lot of us going down the road, our biggest sponsors are our mom and dad and knowing that a company that sponsors the best in the world would sponsor us was amazing. Joining their team is an unbelievable opportunity – everything they did was great.” The 2015 Resistol Rookie recipients received two all-expense paid trips to the WNFR, Cactus saddles, coats, shirts and hats for the year.

     

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    Now it’s time to look ahead to 2016, and Jace’s number one goal this year is to make it to the WNFR in the steer wrestling. “My next goal would be to qualify for the circuit Finals in the steer wrestling and calf roping. It’s hard to get the rodeo count in that many events. If you were just circuit rodeoing, it would be a little less difficult, but when you’re trying to get to the bigger and better rodeos, it’s hard to schedule it.” He is spending part of January practicing in Texas, then he’s up in Odessa in the calf roping and steer wrestling, heads to Louisiana, back to Denver in the steer wrestling and team roping, then to Rapid City for all three events. “The month of February – I look at the Sports News every day for a few hours to figure out my schedule – that month is really busy.” Coming off last year, Jace is confident about his skills. “I really feel good going into spring and every chance I get, I’m going to get in the practice pen and keep my confidence level up and go for first and see where it all shakes out. I’m looking forward and I’m ready to get started.”