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  • RFD-TV’s THE AMERICAN Patch Auction raised $440,000 for athletes and their charities.

    RFD-TV’s THE AMERICAN Patch Auction raised $440,000 for athletes and their charities.

    NASHVILLE, Tenn (RFD-TV) Sunday evenings RFD-TV’s THE AMERICAN Patch Auction raised $440,000 for athletes and their charities.

    Busby Quarter Horses bought Amberley Snyder, the fan exemption,  at the patch auction for $31,000!

    65% of the money raised goes right back to the cowboy …

    Here’s a list of the consignors and their sponsors:

    CONSIGNOR: SPONSOR:

    Austin Foss  Marvin Alderman Jr.

    Kaycee Feild  3-S Services

    Richmond Champion            Rich Champion

    Bobby Mote    Stan Harper Harper Cattle LLC

    Steven Peebles    Jane Allman Animal Health International

    Jake Vold    Kurt Manke

    Winn Ratliff    Jane Allman Animal Health International

    Tim O’Connell    Terry Dickerson/ Machinery Auctioneers

    Justin McDaniel   Justin McBride

    Will Lowe   Chad Riggins

    Brian Bain    Mike Fester Insurance and Equine, LLC

    Ryan Gray    Steve Britten

    Tilden Hooper    Scott Davis/ Western Unlimited

    Taylor Price    Rachel Stevenson

    Orin Larsen Steve Britten

    Seth Hardwick    Gil Galyean

    Amberley Snyder    Jeff Busby / Busby Quarterhorses

    Lisa Lockhart    Payson Peterson /Professional Compliance & Testing, LLC

    Kaley Bass    Chris Woodruff / Group W Productions

    Michele McLeod    Blitz Energy Services

    Brittany Diaz    Chris Woodruff / Group W Productions

    Carlee Pierce    Chris Woodruff / Group W Productions

    Mary Walker   Byron Walker / World Performance Horse

    Trula Churchill    Chris Woodruff / Group W Productions

    Kassidy Dennison    Dale Steege / Med Vet Pharmaceuticals

    Charmayne James    Chris Woodruff / Group W Productions

    Fallon Taylor    Bob Tallman (Bart Steindorf)

    Shelly Anzick    Payson Peterson /Professional Compliance & Testing, LLC

    Chayni Chamberlain         SOD Rope Horses, Inc

    Callahan Crossley    Chris Woodruff / Group W Productions

    Destri Davenport    Kristi Schiller / K9s4COPS

    Sharin Hall    Dale Steege / Med Vet Pharmaceuticals

    Jackie Jatzlau    Betthe Deal

    Lindsey McLeod    Dan Houk / Universal Asphalt Co., Inc.

    Jane Melby    Anna Jennings / Stockyards Station

    Adeline Nevala    Chris Woodruff / Group W Productions

    Carmel Wright    Shada Brazile / Relentless

    Luke Branquinho    Triple 777

    Kyle Irwin    Steve Britten

    Casey Martin    Chad Havens

    Nick Guy    Jane Allman Animal Health International

    Dakota Eldridge    Wade Sundell

    Trevor Knowles    Cetyl M.

    Ty Erickson    Molly Winstead

    Clayton Haff    Byron Walker / World Performance Horse

    Bray Armes    Taco Casa

    Ote Berry    Sinks Excavation

    KC Jones    Robbia Bryant

    Garrett Smith    Jane Allman Animal Health International

    Stewart Gulager    Charlie Cummings

    Cash Myers    Boo Klein , Kline Bros. Rodeo

    Josh Peek    Jack Pitts/Bob Tallman

    Rowdy Parrott    Scott Broussard / Acadia Crawfish Co & Gunner Co

    Clay Tryan    Bill Casner

    Trevor Brazile    Stan Harper / Harper Cattle LLC.

    Cole Proctor    Heath Massey

    Jake Barnes   Rodeo Cowboy Collectibles

    Dustin Bird   3-S Services

    Kaleb Driggers   3-S Services

    Turtle Powell   Steve Britten

    Brandon Beers   Brett Tatum / Tres Rio

    Speed Williams   Rene Cervantes

    Tee Woolman   Brett Tatum / Tres Rio

    Colby Lovell    Bill Fick Ford

    Manny Egusquiza    Steve Britten

    Tyler Wade    Sinks Excavation

    Jimmy Tanner    Jane Allman Animal Health International

    Jade Corkill    Peek Brothers Construction

    Travis Graves    Tiada Gray

    Jake Long    Steve Britten

    Paul Eaves    Jane Allman Animal Health International

    Patrick Smith    3-S Services

    Junior Nogueira Grupo Banderantes de Band TV

    Dakota Kirchenschlager       Byron Walker / World Performance Horse

    Jim Ross Cooper Michael Aura

    Rich Skelton Jim Folk

    Daniel Brannon John Wayne Cancer Institute

    Cole Bigbee David Kimbrough

    Jonathan Torres Chad Havens

    Kinney Dale Harrell     Tyler Wright

    Kory Koontz Larry The Cable Guy

    Spencer Wright Terry Dickerson / Machinery Auctioneers

    Cort Scheer Bismarck Ranch

    Wade Sundell Mesquite Championship Rodeo

    Heith DeMoss Josh Dill

    Jake wright Mesquite Championship Rodeo

    Jacobs Crawley Jaclyn Thayer / Vetericyn

    Jesse Wright Steve Britten

    Chuck Schmidt Kurt Manke

    Layton Green Jane Allman Animal Health International

    Bradley Harter Steve Britten

    Tyler Corrington Joe Simon

    Steven Dent Larry The Cable Guy

    Tuf Cooper Stan Harper / Harper Cattle LLC.

    Matt Shiozawa Ronnie Austin, Austin Cattle Co

    Cody Ohl Jason Beyer

    Cade Swor Triple 777

    Adam Gray Steve Britten

    Hunter Herrin Triple 777

    Shane Hanchey Michael Aura

    Timber Moore Mark Winstead

    Fred Whitfield David Markley

    Marty Yates Mark Winstead

    Cole Bailey Triple 777

    Walt White Triple 777

    Tyson Durfey Terry Dickerson

    Marcos Costa Grupo Banderantes de Band TV

    Reese Riemer Triple 777

    Chase Williams Triple 777

    Mike Lee   Steve Britten

    Cody Nance   Roger & Linda St. Clair / Sheridan Wyoming Rodeo

    JB Maundy   Brett Tatum / Tres Rio

    Stormy Wing Clayton Hass

  • IFYR Champion Qualifies for The American Semi-Finals

    IFYR Champion Qualifies for The American Semi-Finals

    In 2014, Ali Armstrong of Noble, OK entered the International Finals Youth Rodeo in Shawnee, OK.  “It was my first time to enter the IFYR,” said Ali.  “I loved that rodeo, it was great.  I met a lot of new people and saw friends from a lot of different states.”

    The cowgirl not only made a lot of friends, she made a lot of money and left Shawnee, OK with the barrel racing championship added to her resume.  From the IFYR she traveled to Perry, GA to the NBHA Youth World Championship where she and her wonder horse, Matts Freckled Cowboy or Panama, as he is known, earned the win in the 1D, which earned her a horse trailer and a trophy saddle.

    With the birth of RFD-TV’s The American in 2014 and it’s opportunity for everyone to have a chance to earn a spot at the ATT Stadium, it was no surprise that Ali had her sights set on a chance to run at the biggest payday in rodeo.  “I qualified for The American Semi-Finals in Lincoln, NE last October,” said the soft-spoken cowgirl.  “It wasn’t our best run by any means, he was running but his turns weren’t as good as they could have been.  It was just a decent run and we ended up 8th out of the top 10.  We did win the derby side-pot they had along with it.”

    Ali’s strategy for her run at the semi finals in Ft. Worth is simple, “I’m just going to go in there and do the best we can and let God take care of the rest.   We’ve ran there before and he likes the Cowtown Coliseum.  I’ve made the top 30 and will run again on Friday night, hopefully we’ll get to move on and run in the ATT Stadium.”

    Panama is Ali’s top priority.  “I ride him everyday and keep him in shape and legged up.  I work very hard to keep him healthy and going down the road.  He had an abscess and has been off for about a month.  I took him to Ardmore this past weekend and it was his first run back and there were 274 entries and we won it so I’m really excited that he came back so strong.  He loves his job.”

    “Running barrels is really a mental game,” said Armstrong.  “I’ve learned that you have to have your priorities right and when you want it bad enough, you’ll get it.

    My mom and I pray together before every run I make and that is very important to me.  I will usually watch a couple of videos from past runs on my phone and that helps me prepare.  I just think about him and I.”

    Ali credits Debbie Caywood of Lexington, OK for being the biggest influence in her barrel racing career.  “She had actually started Panama on the barrels when we bought him.  I’ve been running him for 4 years now and she is always there to help me if I have any trouble.”

    While Ali’s sights are set on The American right now, she is looking forward to another trip to Shawnee in July for the International Finals Youth Rodeo.  “Yes ma’am, I’m definitely planning on being back there,” she said enthusiastically.  “It’s a great rodeo.”

    The IFYR will take place at the Heart of Oklahoma Expo Center July 5-10, 2015.  Online entries open on April 1, 2015 at www.ifyr.com.

  • Durfey one step closer to repeat trip to American

    Durfey one step closer to repeat trip to American

    FORT WORTH, Texas; February 21, 2015 – Tie-down roper Tyson Durfey, who lives just outside Fort Worth, Texas, is handily dominating the $500,000 American Semi-Finals rodeo in Fort Worth’s Cowtown Coliseum.

    On Saturday night, Durfey’s run of 7.72 seconds was the second-fastest in the third round and easily qualified him for Sunday’s top-10 short round. On Sunday, Durfey must post one of the six fastest times to advance March 1 into RFD-TV’s $2 million rodeo, The American presented by Polaris Ranger, held at AT&T Stadium.

    At The American in Arlington last year, Durfey won his event and $100,000 plus roughly $40,000 in prizes. This year, because Durfey gained entry via the Semi-Finals rather than being invited as one of the top 10 in the world, he could win the $1 million bonus as a repeat champion.

    Also on Saturday night, Tyler Wade and Kinney Harrell made the fastest run of the entire week – a 4.20 – to lead the team ropers into the short round, while steer wrestler Riley Duvall also carries plenty of momentum into the sudden-death round after posting a 4.28-second time in his event.

    Bareback and bronc riding fields on Sunday will feature 14 competitors; bull riding 11; and all timed events except barrel racing will feature 10 (the 10 barrel racers running on Sunday will be competing against the 20 who ran on Friday and Saturday for the 10 open positions into The American). Just five slots are available into The American in bareback and bronc riding and team roping; six slots in steer wrestling and tie down roping; ten in barrel racing and one in bull riding.

    The $500,000 American Semi-Finals continues Sunday at 2 p.m. (Central) and will be broadcast live on RFD-TV. Tickets are available at the Cowtown Coliseum box office, by calling (800) COWTOWN, or at stockyardsrodeo.com.

    Tickets for RFD-TV’s The American, presented by Polaris Ranger, and the Iron Cowboy VI are on sale at the AT&T Stadium Box Office, all Ticketmaster locations and at americanrodeo.com.

     

    Following are leaders at The American Semi-Finals through Feb. 21:

    Bareback Riding:  1. Taylor Price, Huntsville, Texas, 83.25 points; 2. Seth Hardwick, Laramie, Wyo., 82.75; 3. Buck Lunak, Florence, Mont., 82; 4. Logan Berg, Mandan, N.D., 81.25; 5. Tilden Hooper, Weatherford, Texas, 81; 6. (tie) Jared Keylon, Uniontown, Kan., Jessy Davis, Power, Mont.; RC Landingham, Pendleton, Ore., 80.75; 9. Josi Young, Buhl, Idaho, 80.5; 10. Josi Young, Buhl, Idaho, 80; 11. Austin Graham, Jay, Okla., 79.5; 12. Orin Larsen, Inglis, Manitoba, William Tutor, Huntsville, Texas, and Ryan Gray, Reardan, Wash., 79.25 each.

     Steer Wrestling:  1. Riley Duvall, Checotah, Okla., 4.28 seconds; 2. Garrett Smith, Rexburg, Idaho, 4.41; 3. Rowdy Parrot, Mamou, La., 4.48; 4. Cole Fritzlon, Rifle, Colo., 4.53; 5. KC Jones, Decatur, Texas, 4.56; 6. Blake Mindemann, Blanchard, Okla., 4.60; 7. Josh Peek, Pueblo, Colo., 4.84; 8. Lane Holland, Walker, La., 4.89; 9. Cash Myers, Athens, Texas, 4.99; 10. Stewart Gulager, Fort Scott, Kan., 5.02.

     Team Roping:  1.Tyler Wade, Terrell, Texas, and Kinney Harrell, San Angelo, Texas, 4.20 seconds; 2. Colby Lovell, Madisonville, Texas, and Kory Koontz, Earth, Texas, 4.99; 3. Manny Egusquiza, Madiso, Calif., and Jonathon Torres, Bell City, La., 5.33; 4. Blaine Vick, Dublin, Texas and Jed Middleton,  5.56; 5. Drew Horner, Plano, Texas, and Chase Tryan, Helena, Mont., 5.63; 6. Jimmy Tanner and Cole Bigbee, 6.00; 7. Tee Woolman, Llano, Texas and Daniel Braman, Refugio, Texas, 6.04; 8. Cale Markham, Vinita, Okla., and Buddy Hawkins, Columbus, Kan., 8.72; 9. Bubba Buckaloo, Kingston, Okla., and Jett Hillman, Purcell, Okla., 10.02; 10. Rhen Richard, Roosevelt, Utah and Shay Carroll, La Junta, Colo., 11.32.

    Saddle Bronc Riding:  1. Steven Dent, Mullen, Neb., 80.25 points; 2. (tie) Eric Wolford, Three Corners, USA, Chuck Schmidt, Keldron, S.D., and Tyrell Smith, Cascade, Mont., 80 each; 5. Tyler Corrington, Guymon, Okla., 79.5; 6. Tyrell Smith, Cascade, Mont., 79.25; 7. Coburn Bradshaw, Beaver, Utah, 79; 8. Ray Tom Meiers, 78.75; 9. Zeke Thurston, Big Valley, Alberta,78.5; 10. Bradley Harter, Weatherford, Texas, 77.5; 11. Layton Green, Meeting Creek, Alberta, 76.75; 12. Troy Crowser, Whitewood, S.D., Nat Stratton, Okeehobee, Okla., and Shorty Garrett, 76.5 each

     Tie Down Roping:  1. Sterling Smith, Stephenville, Texas, 7.39 seconds; 2. Tyson Durfey, Peaster, Texas, 7.72; 3. Marcos Costa, Childress, Texas, 7.78; 4. Chase Williams, Stephenville, Texas, 8.00; 5. Cole Bailey, Okmulgee, Okla., 8.04; 6. Dane Kissack, Spearfish, S.D., 8.11; 7. Reese Riemer, Stinnett, Texas, 8.12; 8. Cimarron Boardman, Stephenville, Texas, 8.14; 9. Justin Maas, Giddings, Texas, 8.31; 10. Walt White, Ochelata, Okla., 8.35.

    Barrel Racing Leaders:  1. Chayni Chamberlain, Stephenville, Texas, 13.902 seconds; 2. Carmel Wright, Roy, Mont.; 14.005; 3. Lindsey McLeod, Whitesboro, Texas, 14.040; 4. Jane Melby, Burneyville, Okla., 14.066; 5. Callahan Crossley, Hermiston, Ore., 14.090; 6. Jackie Jatzlau, Giddings, Texas, 14.104; 7. Destri Devenport, Lubbock, Texas, 14.134; 8. Shelly Anzick, Livingston, Mont., 14.153; 9. Adeline Nevala, Sebeka, Minn., 14.242; 9. Sabra O’Quinn, Ocala, Fla., 14.271; 10. Kassie Mowry, Dublin, Texas, 14.279.

     

    Bull Riding Leaders:  First Round:  1. [one qualified ride] Stormy Wing, Dalhart, Texas, 86.25 points. Second Round:  1. [one qualified ride] Stormy Wing, Dalhart, Texas, 81.5.

     

     

  • Two rounds complete in timed events at American Semi-Finals

    Two rounds complete in timed events at American Semi-Finals

    Nashville, Tenn.; February 20, 2015 – Nearly 600 contestants hoping for a chance to advance to RFD-TV’s THE AMERICAN, presented by Polaris RANGER, were whittled to just 110 in timed events during preliminary rounds of the American Semi-Finals on February 18-19.

     

    The $500,000 American Semi-Finals in the Fort Worth Stockyard’s Cowtown Coliseum continues February 20-21, during which the fastest 20 entries after two rounds in steer wrestling, tie down roping and team roping compete once to determine top-10 short-round qualifiers on February 22. In barrel racing, the fastest 30 competitors advanced after one round and 10 each will compete in performance Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

     

    The rodeo offers a clean slate for third-round action. Except in barrel racing, once the top 10 advance to Sunday’s short round, they once again compete with a clean slate. On Sunday, just five teams in team roping; six steer wrestlers, six tie down ropers and 10 barrel racers will punch their tickets to RFD-TV’s The American in AT&T Stadium on March 1.

     

    Last year, defending American champion Tyson Durfey earned $100,000 for winning The American in AT&T Stadium because he was an invited contestant who had been ranked in the top 10 in the world in 2013. This year, he’s qualifying the old-fashioned way and has advanced to the third round. He has four calves ahead of him to tie down if he wants to repeat his championship in AT&T Stadium – but this time, he’s eligible for the $1 million bonus. Also, in barrel racing, Shelly Anzick has taken a step toward returning to The American, where last year she suffered a penalty during her final for $1 million.

     

    Unlike sanctioning rodeo associations, RFD-TV’s The American has no age, gender, or earnings limitations. The top 30 barrel racers this weekend include three kids 9, 10 and 12 years old, respectively, as well as two male racers. Five former NFR barrel racers are also in the mix, including Taylor Jacob, who holds the arena record at the NFR.

     

    The roughstock events Friday and Saturday will feature more than 15 former NFR qualifiers including rising star Joe Frost, who is a cousin to late rodeo legend Lane Frost. In tie down roping, Brazilian Marcos Costa made the cut, as well as his mentor, world champion Stran Smith, and six other former NFR ropers. The field includes Rhen Richard, who has also advanced in team roping. The other two-event cowboy trying to get two chances at $1 million – and the $25,000 bonus in the all-around at AT&T Stadium – is Steven Dent in bareback and saddle bronc riding.

     

    Seven more NFR qualifiers will compete in steer wrestling including Cash Myers, who came out of a five-year retirement to try his luck at winning $1 million. In team roping, legendary Hall-of-Famer and four-time world champion Tee Woolman is in the mix with his 18-year-old partner, as well as 10 other former NFR ropers who include former world champion Kollin VonAhn.

     

    Tickets for the American Semi-Finals at the historic Fort Worth Stockyards, Feb. 20-22, are available at the Cowtown Coliseum box office, by calling (800) COWTOWN, or at stockyardsrodeo.com.

     

    Tickets for RFD-TV’s The American, presented by Polaris Ranger, and the Iron Cowboy VI are on sale at the AT&T Stadium Box Office, all Ticketmaster locations and at americanrodeo.com.

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    Following are results from the timed events at The American Semi-Finals on Feb. 18-19:

     

    Steer Wrestling:  First Round:  1. KC Jones, Decatur, Texas, 3.86 seconds, $3,690; 2. Riley Duvall, Checotah, Okla., 4.12, $2,337; 3. Cash Myers, Athens, Texas, 4.15, $1,599; 4. (tie) Christian Petigrew, Fort Sumner, NM; Shayde Etherton, Hico, Texas; and Jacob Edler, State Center, Iowa, 4.16 each, $1,148 each. Second Round:  1. Sean Thomas, Benton, Ark., 4.07 seconds, $3,690. 2. Cade Staton, 4.11, $2,337; 3. Josh Peek, Pueblo, Colo., 4.14, $1,599; 4. Benjamin Cox, 4.43, $1,353; 5. Josh Garner, Live Oak, Calif., 4.51, $1,107; 6. (tie) Justin Morehouse, and KC Jones, Decatur, Texas, 4.52 each, $492 each.  Top 20 Qualifiers to Third Round:  Luke Campbell, Riley Duvall, Cole Fritzlon, Josh Garner, Tyler Gibson, Stewart Gulager, Jule Hazen, Lane Holland 5. Tyler Gibson, Huntsville, Texas
    6. Stewart Gulager, Fort Scott, Kan.
    7. Jule Hazen, Ashland, Kan.
    8. Lane Holland, Walker, La.
    9. KC Jones, Decatur, Texas
    10. Will Lummus, West Point, Miss.
    11. Blake Mindemann, Blanchard, Okla.
    12. Sean Mulligan, Coleman, Okla.
    13. Cash Myers, Athens, Texas
    14. Lex Owen, Mathews, Ala.
    15. Rowdy Parrot, Mamou, La.
    16. Josh Peek, Pueblo, Colo.
    17. Garrett Smith, Rexburg, Idaho
    18. JD Struxness, Appleton, Minn.
    19. Todd Suhn, Hermosa, S.D.
    20. Aaron Vosler, Cheyenne, Wyo., KC Jones, Will Lummus, Blake Mindemann, Sean Mulligan, Cash Myers, Lex Owen, Rowdy Parrot, Josh Peek, Garrett Smith, JD Struxness, Todd Suhn, Aaron Vosler.

     

    Team Roping:  First Round:  1. Lane Ivy, Amarillo, Texas, and Dustin Davis, Terrell, Texas, 4.60 seconds, $6,705; 2. Nick Sartain, Yukon, Okla., and Rich Skelton, Llano, Texas, 4.65, $4,246; 3. Jay Tittel, Pueblo, Colo., and Cullen Teller, Pierce, Colo., 5.16, $2,906; 4. Bubba Buckaloo, Caddo, Okla., and Russell Cardoza Jr., Terrebonne, Ore., 5.25, $2,458; 5. Tyler Wade, Terrell, Texas, and Dustin Davis, Terrell, Texas, 5.30, $2,012; 6. Luke Brown, Morgan Mill, Texas, and Kollin VonAhn, Blanchard, Okla., 5.36, $1,788; 7. Tee Woolman, Llano, Texas, and Daniel Braman, Refugio, Texas, 5.36, $1,341; 8. Tyler Wade, Terrell, Texas, and Kinney Harrell, Marshall, Texas, 5.39, $894. Second Round:  1., Clint Summers, Kyle Lawrence 4.46 seconds, $6,705; 2. Clint Summers Zak Richardson, , 4.50, $4,246; 3., Charly Crawford, Ryon Tittel 4.57, $2,906; 4., David Key, Wesley Thorp, 4.58, $2,458; 5. Kaden Richard, Cody Doescher, 4.63, $2,012; 6. Seth Hall, Kory Bramwell, 4.67, $1,788; 7. Jimmy Tanner and Cole Bigbee, 4.81, $1,341; 8. Travis Bounds, and Wade Kreutzer, 4.88, $894. Average on Two:  1. Jimmy Tanner, Stephenville, Texas and Cole Bigbee, Tuscumbia, Ala., 10.56 seconds, $6,638; 2. Luke Brown, Morgan Mill, Texas and Kollin Vonahn, Blanchard, Okla., 10.92, $4,425; 3. Bubba Buckaloo, Kingston, Okla., and Jett Hillman, Purcell, Okla., 11.00, $3,420; 4. Manny Cunde Egusquiza, Madiso, Calif., and Jonathon Torres, Bell City, La., 11.37, $2,414; 5. Lane Ivy, Amarillo, Texas and Dustin Davis, Terrell, Texas, 11.45, $1,810; 6. John Alley, Adams, Tenn., and Clark Adcock, Watertown, Tenn., 11.79, $1,408. Top 20 Qualifiers to Third Round:  Jimmy Tanner/Cole Bigbee; Luke Brown/Kollin VonAhn; Bubba Buckaloo/Jett Hillman; Manny Egusquiza/Jonathon Torres; Lane Ivy/Dustin Davis; John Alley/Clark Adcock; Zachary Small/Billie Jack Saebens; 8. Shane Philipp and John Philipp; 9. Blaine Vick and Jed Middleton; 10. Billy Bob Brown and Garrett Jess; 11. Tyler Wade and Kinney Harrell; 12. Cale Markham and Buddy Hawkins II; 13. Kenton Woodson and John Philipp; 14. Colby Lovell and Kory Koontz; 15. Robert Boyd and Byron Wilkerson; 16. Cory Clark and Jake Smith; 17. Nick Sartain and Rich Skelton; 18. Cory Kidd V and Ryan Motes; 19. Rhen Richard and Shay Carroll; 20. Tee Woolman and Daniel Braman.

     

    Tie Down Roping:  First Round: 1. Randall Carlisle, Bryan, Texas, 7.34 seconds, $4,191; 2. Sterling Smith, Stephenville, Texas, 7.42, $2,654; 3. Michael Otero, Lowndesboro, Ala., 7.57, $1,816; 4. Marshall Leonard, Shongaloo, La., 7.76, $1,537; 5. Clif Cooper, Decatur, Texas, 7.91, $1,257; 6. Stran Smith, Childress, Texas, 7.94, $1,118. Second Round:  1. Cooper Martin, Alma, Kan., 6.81 seconds, $4,191; 2. Blane Cox, , Cameron, Texas, 6.85, $2,654; 3. Kody Mahaffey, Sweetwater, Texas, 7.32, $1,816; 4. Rowdy Haferkamp, Cuero, Texas, 7.39, $1,537; 5. Scott Kormos, Teague, Texas, 7.40, $1,258; 6. Jeff Chapman, Union, Miss., 7.43, $1,118. Top 20 Qualifiers to Third Round:  Marcos Costa, Stran Smith, Houston Hutto, Rhen Richard, Randall Carlisle, Sterling Smith, Cole Wilson, Justin Maass, Cimarron Boardman, Dane Kissack, Reese Riemer, Clif Cooper, Bradley Bynum, Cooper Martin, Walt White, Cory Kirk, Tyson Durfey, Michael Otero, Cole Bailey, Chase Williams.

     

    Barrel Racing:  First Round and Final-Round Qualifiers:  1. Jackie Jatzlau, Giddings, Texas, on Imanonstop Fame, 13.863, $7,911; 2. Jane Melby, Burneyville, Okla., 13.939, $6,981; 3. Jacie Etbauer, Edmond, Okla., 13.962, $6,050; 4. Jimmy Bryant, Columbus, Ind., 13.984, $5,119; 5. Taylor Jacob, Carmine, Texas, 13.987, $4,188; 6. Chayni Chamberlain, Stephenville, Texas, 14.006, $3,723; 7. Kelsie Miller, Riley, Ore., 14.019, $3,258; 8. Tana Poppino, Big Cabin, Okla., 14.052, $2,792; 9. Lindsey McLeod, Whitesboro, Texas, 14.058, $2,327; 10. Callahan Crossley, Hermiston, Ore., 14.062, $1,629; 11. Kassie Mowry, Dublin, Texas, 14.062, $1,629; 12. Laura Kennedy, Quitman, Ark., 14.069, $931; 13. Sharin Hall, Kingston, Okla.; 14. Destri Devenport, Sandy Hook, Miss.; 15. Ann Scott, Odessa, Texas; 16. Allie Chouest, Cut Off, La.; 17. Ali Armstrong, Lexington, Okla; 18. Troy Crumrine, Waynesfield, Ohio; 19. Kathy Grimes, Medical Lake, Wash.; 20. Shelby Herrmann, Stephensville, Mont.; 21. Latricia Duke, College Station, Texas; 22. Sabra O’Quinn, Ocala, Fla.; 23. Megan Swint, Lithia, Fla., 14.175; 24. Steffani Matther, Cypress County, Alberta, 14.179; 25. Joy Wargo, Gainesville, Texas; 26. Karsyn Daniels, McKinney, Texas; 27. Carmel Wright, Roy, Mont.; 28. Adeline Nevala, Sebeka, Minn.; 29. Shelly Anzick, Livingston, Mont.; 30. Jaycie Cundall, Queen Creek, Ariz.

     

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  • ProFile: J.J. Elshere

    ProFile: J.J. Elshere

     JJ Elshere PRS 2014 Champ, ProFile, Rodeo News
    JJ Elshere PRS 2014 Champ – photo by Jodie Baxendale

    J.J. Elshere, Professional Rough Stock competitor and 2014 PRS World Saddle Bronc Champion, is carrying his gear bag into the AT&T Stadium for the first time this month. The recipient of one of The American’s coveted exemptions, J.J. has every intention of winning the saddle bronc riding at the world’s richest one-day rodeo. While winning the average in the saddle bronc riding at the 2006 WNFR is one of his career highlights, J.J.’s trip to Arlington, Texas, is equally exciting to him. “I think it’s going to be fun!” says the 34 year old from Hereford, S.D. “I’m just going to treat it like any other rodeo – you want to do your best at every rodeo you go to, and that’s what I’m going to do.”
    Following in the bootprints of his older brother, Ryan, J.J. started riding saddle broncs in high school. The boys’ father introduced them to rodeo early on, and both gravitated toward roughstock. “Our whole family went with us to our rodeos, and gave us the opportunity to compete,” J.J. recalls. “Ryan taught me a lot about saddle bronc riding, and that made it a little easier for me to learn.” While J.J. also rode bulls, it was rodeo’s classic event that he pursued after high school. He joined the PRCA in 2000. “Ryan bought my permit for me and got me started in pro rodeo. He entered me in rodeos – even some I didn’t want to go to, but I got money out of it!”

    Full story available in the March 2015 issue.

     

  • Back When they Bucked with Wayne Cornish

    Back When they Bucked with Wayne Cornish

    Wayne Cornish followed in his dad’s footsteps, and the rodeo world was a better place because of it.
    Born February 2, 1935 in Waukomis, Okla.,, the son of Cecil and Juanita Cornish, Wayne grew up doing the same thing his dad did. His dad had a variety of famous specialty acts, and after high school, Wayne joined him, criss-crossing the country with the Cornish animal acts, and working as a barrelman as well.
    He was part of his dad’s acts, but made his first rodeo money when he was five. At Ponca City, Okla., barrel men and bullfighters Hoyt Heifner and John Lindsay put him on a Brahma bull calf. Wayne rode him all the way across the arena, lost his boots, but didn’t fall off the calf. And he won his first rodeo check with that ride, after Heifner and Lindsay gathered money to pay him for his effort.
    At age thirteen, Wayne began clowning. He put on a “dude” suit and rode into the arena on a donkey, carrying a suitcase. Someone behind the scenes would shoot a gun, the suitcase would open, and live chickens would fall out.
    Wayne graduated from high school in 1954, but barely. He had missed several days of school while on the rodeo circuit, and the school board threatened to dismiss him. Wayne’s dad told the principal his son had learned more in those few days he was gone than he did in school.
    After high school, Wayne hit the road with his dad. Together, they had a variety of acts, mostly involving animals. Cecil had started in 1935 or ’36 with his trick horse Smoky, which would become his most famous act. But the family had a lot more up their sleeves. There was Danger, the Brahma bull who jumped over a car, and six golden liberty horses. They had a bull that pulled a cart, and a roman team that Wayne rode called the Golden Eagles. Wayne had a pig he put in a suitcase and called the “Handy Dandy Garbage Disposal,” and a skunk whose act was called Mr. Stinkbottom. He had a roman team named Susie and Sally, sisters, who he called the Flying White Clouds. They did figure eights, jumped through hoops of fire, and re-enacted the Days of Ben Hur. Wayne, like his dad, had an affinity for training animals, and Juanita made their flashy costumes.
    He kept up his specialty acts, mostly his roman riding, but because of his early friendship with Heifner and Lindsay, he preferred to be a barrel man and clown.
    Together, Wayne and his dad traveled across the nation and Canada, working big rodeos and small ones alike. One of his favorite stories is that he drove a load of bucking horses and his barrelman equipment to a rodeo in northern Canada. He was supposed to leave the truck and horses and meet his dad at the North Platte, Neb. rodeo, but he had no way to get there. He called his dad and asked him to pick him up in Calgary. He told his dad, laughing, “did you ever try hitchhiking with a barrel?”
    Being a barrelman came with the usual broken bones, and Wayne had his share. He broke his neck in Carlsbad, N.M., in 1962, when a bull stuck his horn in the barrel. The bull threw him into the air, and even though his neck hurt, he went on and rode his roman team that same night. After the injury continued to ache, he decided to have it checked out.
    Another time, he broke a shoulder in Crockett, Texas, when a bull did the same thing. And he suffered so many broken ribs, he learned to bandage them himself.
    Wayne would work as a barrelman at the same rodeos where his dad and he entertained. He got his Rodeo Cowboys Association card in 1953. About twenty years later, after the Evanston, Wyo. rodeo, Cecil had had enough. He came home and decided to retire. Wayne quit then, too. His roman team was old, and having to train a new team would be time consuming.
    That was in 1971, and he began driving. He hauled horses for Hull and Smith out of Ashland, Neb., one of the nation’s largest horse haulers. He hauled livestock for A.J. Foyt, Dale Robertson, and race horse breeder Walter Merrick. He hauled horses for Dee Raper, and hauled cattle. Driving was something he enjoyed, and even though he can’t drive now, he can still tell his wife Jackie what roads to take, and when to turn.
    And, in typical rodeo style, Wayne has lots of stories to tell. He traveled with Slim Pickens, who told him he was glad God gave him such an ugly face so he didn’t have to paint it up like Wayne did. And once, at a rodeo in Independence, Mo., the hometown of Harry Truman, he came home and told his wife he’d have to shoot his dog, because Margaret Truman, who was in the stands watching the rodeo, had stepped on its tail and the dog had yelped, “Ike, Ike, Ike” (the nickname for Dwight Eisenhower.)
    He and Jackie, who were high school sweethearts, went their separate ways after school but were reunited and married in 1995. They each brought three daughters to the marriage: Donna Kay, Shawna and Jacquetta from Wayne, and Jackie’s Kelly Ann, Kimberly and Karen. Two of the six girls have passed: Donna Kay and Kelly Ann.
    Two years ago, Wayne suffered an aneurysm that nearly killed him. It has affected his eyesight and speech, but he is able to get around. Jackie serves as his eyes and voice, and is happy to do it, because she’s glad he’s still alive.
    Wayne is proud to have worked for some of the best rodeo producers in the business: Beutler Bros., Harry Knight, Todd Rodeo, Jim Shoulders, Gerald Roberts, Casey Tibbs and Associates, Beutler & Son, Ralph Collier, Neal Gay, Lawrence Winfrey, Harry Nelson, Reg Kesler, Tommy Steiner, and Summit Rodeo, among others.
    And he’s glad to have worked with some big names: Slim Pickens, Gene Autry, Marty Robbins, Rex Allen, Roy Rogers, Michael Landon, Jack Lord, and Edgar Buchanan.
    If he could, Wayne would still be on the rodeo trail. “He’d still be rodeoing if he possibly could,” Jackie said. “That was his life. He just loved it.”
    And he’s still living the memories.

    Story also available in our March 2015 issue.

  • On the Trail with Fallon Taylor

    On the Trail with Fallon Taylor

    Fallon Taylor grew up in Tampa, Fla, and moved to Texas when she was seven. “I started riding horses and in six months I decided that’s what I wanted to do,” said the youngest of three. Her parents, Shelton and Dian, hired a trainer to help since they knew nothing about riding horses or rodeo. Fallon was homeschooled so she could focus on riding and barrel racing. “We stumbled our way through the rest and ended up with a trainer that lived at the ranch and trained my mare, Flowers and Money, the dam of Babyflo.”

     

    Fallon qualified for her first NFR in 1995, at 13 years old. She qualified for the next three years and found that life on the road had lost its allure. The bright lights of New York City caught her attention and she spent the next ten years modeling in New York City, acting in Las Angeles, and riding her horses in Texas. “I was training horses for other people, and had no aspirations to come back to the NFR,” said the 32 year old. A near-fatal accident five years ago set Fallon down a different path. She was loping a 16.3 hand gelding one night and he slipped and started bucking “It got Western,” she said. “He was snapping and kicking. He reared up and fractured my skull in four places. I picked a spot to land and tried to get off – terrible idea. When I did, he kicked my feet and I went 12 feet in the air and landed straight on my head.” Fallon was paralyzed for three days with the same injury as Christopher Reeves, better known as Superman, and was given a 2% chance to walk. She shattered bones on the right side of her face, including her eye socket, fractured her skull in four places and broke the C-2 vertebra. “I’m blessed to be here.” Fallon’s recovery included wearing a halo for three months. “I had no other choice so I made it my life mission to learn how to recover. I had one come apart moment when I was trying to eat dinner with a halo on and couldn’t get the fork to my face.” After that, Fallon’s mission was to ride again and after a year of riding poorly, she finally found her stride. “I ride ten times better now than the first finals in the 90s, I have a lot more awareness of my body and my horse.”

    Along came a football player named Delbert Alvarado – who came to town with the Dallas Cowboys’ training camp. “My uncle and his dad are coworkers – he gave me his phone number, and asked me to show him around. I’d just gotten out of the collar and he came to the ranch.” They were married three years ago and even though Delbert had never ridden before, he saw the talent that Fallon had in her horses and herself and encouraged her to pull the horses out of the pasture and try again. “Babyflo was the last one I pulled out of the pasture, and I cinched her up and we ran barrels that night.” Flos Heiress, sired by Dr Nick Bar out of Flowers and Money, was born, raised, and trained on the ranch. The 14.2 hand 8-year-old mare has carried Fallon to two NFRs and the team continues to improve.

    Full story available in our March 2015 issue.

  • Bownds rebounds at San Antonio Rodeo

    Bownds rebounds at San Antonio Rodeo

    SAN ANTONIO, Texas (Feb. 13, 2015) — It was a very happy Chandler Bownds that made the victory lap in front of fans at the second performance of the San Antonio Stock Show Rodeo.

    The bull rider from Lubbock, Texas, is no stranger to the winner’s circle having qualified for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo as the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association Rookie of the Year in 2011 and again in 2013. Bownds missed rodeo’s championship in 2014 finishing 20th in the standings, high enough to qualify him for San Antonio’s $1.65 million rodeo.

    Last year was also filled with chronic pain from injuries. He is now healthy and while the year hasn’t started off like he had hoped it could all change here. Bownds won the second round of the first bracket with an outstanding 89-point ride on Rafter H Rodeo’s bull, Never Been Kissed, a bull that bucks off 90% of his riders. That was good for $2,281 for put him in good position to be back here for the semi-finals.

    At most rodeos, bucking off in the first round – like Bownds did on Thursday night – would minimize their chances of advancing. Here contestants move into the semi-finals based on the total amount of money they win in their bracket. Each bracket contains 10 competitors and the top four money earners will move forward.

    Bownds bucked off on Thursday night but his win here Friday night ,puts him in a tie with Dallee Mason from Weiser, Idaho, on the money list. They will both ride again at the Saturday matinee performance and hope to add to their earnings.

    “I like the way this rodeo is set up,” Bownds said. “When your success is based on money, even when you buck off you still have a chance. It’s always been a rodeo that I look forward to coming to.”

    Friday night’s bull riding had three Texans scoring over 80 points including Bownds’ 89. Howdy Cloud from Kountze, was 86 and Nile Lebaron from Weatherford scored 85. The fourth man to make to the whistle was Tanner Learmont from Cleburne, Texas who had a 79.

    Victoria Williams from Kiln, Miss., has dominated the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association barrel racing so far. She won the first round with a time of 13.95 seconds. She bettered that significantly on Friday night taking her horse around the cloverleaf pattern in 13.74. They are now the high money earners at the rodeo so far with a total of $4,562 and are assured a spot in the semi-finals.

    The first bracket of competition will come to a close at the Saturday matinee performance beginning at 1 p.m. The second bracket then starts Saturday evening at 7:30.

    SAN ANTONIO, Texas (Feb.13, 2015) — The following are results from the first performance of the San Antonio Stock Show Rodeo which features over $1.65 million in cash and prizes.

    Bareback Riding: (second round) 1, Steven Dent, Mullen, Neb., 87 points on Beutler and Son Rodeo’s Black Cat, $2,281. 2, Austin Foss, Terrebonne, Ore., 83, $1,711. 3, Richmond Champion, The Woodlands, Texas, 81, $1,140.53. 4, Cain Riddle, Vernon, Texas, 65, $570. (total money) 1, Dent, $4,277. 2, Foss, $3,707. 3, Champion, $1,996. 4, Tilden Hooper, Carthage, Texas, $855.

    Steer Wrestling: (second round) 1,(tie)  Cole Edge, Durant, Okla.; Trevor Knowles, Mount Vernon, Ore.; and Jason Lahr, Stephenville, Texas, 3.7 seconds and $1,140.53 each. 4, Josh Peek, Pueblo, Colo., 3.8, $570. (total money) 1, Edge, $2,851. 2, Todd Suhn, Hermosa, S.D., $2,281. 3, (tie) Knowles; Jason Lahr, Stephenville, Texas; and Sean Mulligan, Coleman, Okla., $1,141 each.

    Team Roping: (second round) 1, Charly Crawford, Prineville, Ore., and Shay Carroll, La Junta, Colo., 4.6 seconds, $2,281. 2, Cory Kidd, V, Statesville, N.C., and Chase Tryan, Lipan, Texas, 5.1, $1,711. 3, Brandon Beers, Powell Butte, Ore., and Cody Doescher, Roosevelt, Utah, 5.6, $1,141. 4, Kolton Schmidt, BarrHead, Alberta, and Will Woodfin, Marshall, Texas, 6.0, $570. (total money) 1, Crawford and Carroll, $3,992. 2, Jake Stanley, Hermiston, Ore., and Russell Cardoza, Terrebonne, Ore., $2,281. 3, Kidd and Tryan, $1,711. 4, (tie) Beers and Doescher; and  Joel Bach, San Augustine, Texas, and Tommy Zuniga, Centerville, Texas, $1,141 each.

    Saddle Bronc Riding: (second round) 1, Tyrel Larsen, Inglis, Manitoba, 81 points on Calgary Stampede’s Nutty Champagne, $2,281. 2, Dean Wadsworth, Ozona, Texas, 74, $1,711. 3, Sterling Crawley, Stephenville, Texas, 68, $1,141. 4, Taos Muncy, Corona, N.M., 65, $570. (total money) 1, (tie) Sterling Crawley and Wadsworth, $3,422 each. 3, Larsen, $2,281. 4, (tie) Jacobs Crawley, Stephenville, Texas, and Joaquin Real, Santa Paul, Calif., $855 each.

                    Tie-Down Roping: (second round) 1, Ryan Watkins, Bluff Dale, Texas, 7.7 seconds, $2,281. 2, Marshall Leonard, Shongaloo, La., 8.2, $1,711. 2, Randall Carlisle, Athens, La., 10.7, $1,141. 4, Michael Otero, Lowndesboro, Ala., 22.1, $570. (total money) 1, (tie) Watkins and Monty Lewis, Hereford, Texas, $2,281 each. 3, Carlisle, $1,996. 4, (tie) Leonard, and Cade Swor, Winnie, Texas, $1,711.

     

    Women’s Barrel Race: (second round) 1,Victoria Williams, Kiln, Miss., 13.74, $2,281. 2, Sarah Kieckhefer, Prescott, Ariz., 13.80, $1,711. 3, Britany Diaz, Solen, N.D., 13.96, $1,141. 4, Kenna Squires, Fredonia, Texas, 14.01, $5770. (total money) 1, Williams, $4,562. 2, Squires, $2,281. 3, Kieckhefer, $1,711. 4, (tie) Diaz and Kassidy Dennison, Tohatchi, N.M., $1,141 each.

    Bull Riding: (second round) 1, Chandler Bownds, Lubbock, Texas, 89 points on Rafter H Rodeo’s Never Been Kissed, $2,281. 2, Howdy Cloud, Kountze, Texas, 86, $1,711. 3, Nile Lebaron, Weatherford, Texas, 85, $1,141. 4, Tanner Learmont, Cleburne, Texas, 79, $570. (total money) 1, (tie) Bownds and Dallee Mason, Weiser, Idaho, $2,281 each. 3, (tie) Cloud and Joe Frost, Randlett, Utah, $1,711.

     

  • Champions crowned at 119th Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo

    Champions crowned at 119th Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo

    FORT WORTH, Texas (Feb. 7, 2015) – The 119th Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo came to a close on Saturday night paying $621,302 to rodeo contestants.

    The big money winner here was last year’s Women’s Professional Rodeo Association Rookie of the Year, Sarah Rose McDonald riding her great eight-year-old mare “Bling.” They earned first place every time they ran in the Will Rogers Memorial Coliseum, including Saturday night’s championship round.

    Their total time of 49.11 seconds earned them a total of $20,933, most assuredly an earnings record for this rodeo. This should move McDonald to the top of the world standings and will put her in contention for her first Wrangler National Finals Rodeo qualification.

    There are not many buckles that Trevor Brazile has left to earn in his career and the 21-time world champion took another one off of that list here winning the team roping. Brazile, from Decatur, Texas, and his partner Patrick Smith, from Lipan, Texas, had a total time of 16.5-seconds to earn the championship. They each collected $13,887.

    “What a great rodeo,” Smith said. “It’s amazing to come here and think about the history and tradition. It’s just awesome to win it and have your name on that list.”

    In the saddle bronc riding, traveling partners Cody DeMoss and Joe Lufkin are dominating winter rodeos so far. DeMoss won the National Western Stock Show Rodeo in Denver and Lufkin won here.

    DeMoss, from Heflin, La., also had success here, placing second in the finals and third in the overall standings. Rusty Allen from Eagle Mountain, Utah won the final round with an 84 point ride on J Bar J Rodeo’s Sweatin’ Bullets. Allen finished second overall.

    The saddle bronc riding buckle is going to Sallisaw, Okla., with Lufkin however. He earned $12,064 for his three rides that totaled 239 points.

    “It hasn’t sunk in yet,” Lufkin said. “Cody and I are so blessed and are having the best winter. We are both just really grateful.”

    Other winners here include, Tyler Nelson, Victor, Idaho in bareback riding; Baylor Roche, Tremonton, Utah in steer wrestling; Sterling Smith, Stephenville, Texas, tie-down roping; and Clayton Savage, Yoder, Wyo., in bull riding.

     

    Bareback Riding – Tyler Nelson, Victor, Idaho, 324 points, $8,444

    Steer Wrestling – Baylor Roche, Tremonton, Utah, 12.6 seconds, $14,663

    Team Roping – Trevor Brazile, Decatur, Texas/Patrick Smith, Lipan, Texas, 16.5 seconds, $13,887

    Saddle Bronc Riding – Joe Lufkin, Sallisaw, OK, 239 points, $12,064

    Tie-Down Roping – Sterling Smith, Stephenville, Texas, 28.0 seconds, $16,909

    Barrel Racing – Sarah Rose McDonald, Brunswick, GA, 49.11 seconds, $20,933

    Bull Riding – Clayton Savage, Yoder, WY, 167 points, $11,372

     

     

    FORT WORTH, Texas (Feb. 7, 2015) The following are unofficial final results from the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo.

    Bareback Riding: Final Round – 1, (tie) Ty Fast Taypotat, Regina, Saskatchewan, on Pickett Pro Rodeo’s Scarlet Fever and Tyler Nelson, Victor, Idaho, on J Bar J Rodeo’s  Pass The Hat, 86 points, $1,450 each. 3, (tie) Tilden Hooper, Carthage, Texas; David Peebles, Redmond, Ore., and Kash Wilson, Gooding, Idaho, 82, $617 each. 6, Orin Larsen, Inglis, Manitoba, Canada, 81, $250.

    (total on four) 1, Nelson, 324 points, $6,326. 2, Taypotat, 322, $4,850. 3, Wilson, 319, $3,585.  4, Peebles, 318, $2,320. 5, Tilden Hooper, Carthage, Texas, 317, $1,476. 6, (tie) Winn Ratliff, Leesville, La., and Luke Creasy, Lubbock, Texas, 315, $949 each. 8, (tie) Larsen and Tanner Aus, Granite Falls, Minn., 313, $316 each.

    Steer Wrestling: Final Round—1, Baylor Roche, Tremeton, Utah, 3.9 seconds, $2,231. 2, Tyler Pearson, Louisville, Miss., 4.3, $1,940. 3, Matt Mousseau, Hensall, Ontario, Canada, $1,649. 4, Jason Thomas, Benton, Ark., 5.2, $1,358. 5, Ty Erickson, Helena, Mont., 5.3, $1,067. 6, (tie) Nick Guy, Sparta, Wis., and Dirk Tavenner, Rigby, Idaho, $631 each. 8, Brett Gumb, Burwell, Neb., 5.8, $194.

    (total on three) 1, Roche, 12.6 seconds, $8,578. 2, (tie) Pearson and Erickson, 13.8, $6,900 each. 4, Mousseau, 13.9, $5,222. 5, Tavenner, 14.4, $4,103. 6,  Thomas, 14.7, $2,984. 7, Guy, 14.9, $1,865. 8, Gumb, 15.0, $746.

    Team Roping: Final Round – 1, Clint Summers, Lake City, Fla., and Brad Culpepper, Sylvester, Ga., 5.2 seconds, $1,610 each. 2, Jesse Stipes, Salina, Okla., and Billie Jack Saebens, Nowata, Okla., $1,332 each. 3, Matt Sherwood, Pima, Ariz., and Quinn Kesler, Holden, Utah, 6.0, $1,055 each. 4, Trevor Brazile, Decatur, Texas, and Patrick Smith, Lipan, Texas, 6.1, $777 each. 5, Chase Wiley, Charlotte, Texas, and Ace Pearce, Washington, Texas, $500 each. 6, Caleb Smidt, Bellville, Texas, and Mickey Gomez, Holland, Texas, $278 each.

    (total on three) 1, Brazile and Smith, 16.5 seconds, $7,067 each . 2, Sherwood and Kesler, 17.0, $6,145. 3, Stipes and Saebens, 17.2, $5,223 each. 4, Summers and Culpepper, 17.9, $4,302 each. 5, Bubba Buckaloo, Caddo, Okla., and Russell Cardoza, Terrebonne, Ore., 18.5, $3,380 each. 6, Wiley and Pearce, 18.7, $2,458 each. 7, Smidt and Gomez, 19.0, $1,536 each. 8, Kaden Richard and Cody Doescher, Roosevelt, Utah, 27.1, $615 each.

    Saddle Bronc Riding: Final Performance- 1,Rusty Allen, Eagle Mountain, Utah, 84 points on J Bar J Rodeo’s Sweatin’ Bullets, $1,650. 2, Cody DeMoss, Heflin La., 80, $1,250. 3, Joe Lufkin, Sallisaw, Okla., 77, $900. 4, Rusty Wright, Milford, Utah, 75, $600. 5, Layton Green, Meeting Creek, Alberta, 73, $350. 6, Ryan Bestol, Hyannis, Neb., 72, $250.

    (total on three) 1, Lufkin, 239 points, $6,826. 2, Spencer Wright, 238, $5,233. 3, DeMoss, 237, $3,868. 4, Rusty Wright, 232, $2,503. 5, Green, 227, $1,593. 6, Bestol, 226, $1,138. 7, Spencer Wright, Milford, Utah, 161, $910. 8, (tie) Colton Miller, Lance Creek, Wyo., and Sam Spreadborough, Snyder, Texas, 157, $341 each.

    Tie-Down Roping: Final Round- 1, Jordan, Ketscher, Squaw Valley, Calif., 8.9 seconds, $2,082. 2, Sterling Smith, Stephenville, Texas, 10.0, $1,810. 3, Josh Peek, Pueblo, Colo., 10.6, $1,539. 4, Dane Kissack, Spearfish, S.D., 10.8, $1,267. 5, Marcos Costa, Childress, Texas, 10.9, $996. 6, Monty Lewis, Hereford, Texas, 11.2, $724. 7, Timber Moore, Aubrey, Texas, 11.3, $453. 8, Jeff  Chapman, Sebastopol, Miss., 11.9, $181.

    (total on three) 1, Smith, 28.0, $9,059. 2, Jordan Ketscher, Squaw Valley, Calif., 28.7, $7,878. 3, Lewis, 30.3, $6,696. 4, Costa, 30.4, $5,514. 5, Moore, 30.9, $4,333. 6, Josh Peek, Pueblo, Colo., 31.0, $3,151. 7, (tie) Kissack and Chapman, 31.3, $1,379 each.

    Barrel Racing: Final Round – 1, Sarah Rose McDonald, Brunswick, Ga., 16.32 seconds, $3,556. 2, (tie) Kenna Squires,  Fredonia, Teas, and Jana Bean, Fort Hancock, Texas, 16.48, $2,285 each. 4, Shelly Anzick, Livingston, Mont., 16.60, $914.

    (total on three) 1, McDonald, 49.11 seconds, $7,404. 2, (tie) Bean and Kali Parker, Wendell, Idaho, 49.80, $5,818 each. 4, Kendra Dickson, Aubrey, Texas, 49.87, $4,584. 5, Squires, 49.89, $3,526. 6, Taylor Jacob, Carmine, Texas, 50.05, $2,821. 7, Anzick, 50.06, $2,116. 8, Fallon Taylor, Whitesboro, Texas, 50.09, $1,410. 9, Jill Tanner, Tifton, Ga., 50.46, $1,058. 10, Michelle Lummus, Hiram, Ga., 50.46, $705.

    Bull Riding: Final Round—(no qualified rides)

    (total on two) 1, Clayton Savage, Yoder, Wyo., 167, $7,984. 2, John Jacobs, Little Eagle, S.D., 165, $6,121. 3. Steve Woolsey, Payson, Utah, 160, $4,524. 4, Lon Danley, Tularosa, N.M., 157, $2,927. 5, Trevor Kastner, Ardmore, Okla., 150, $1,863. 6, Derek Creswell, Weatherford, Okla., 149, $1,331. 7, Trenton Montero, Winnemucca, Nev., 147, $1,065.. 8, J.T. Pettitt, West Odessa, Texas, 142, $798.

     

     

  • ProFile: Zancanella Family

    ProFile: Zancanella Family

    Horses are the tie that binds the Zancanella family, and Kristen Zancanella wouldn’t have it any other way.
    Matt and Kristen Zancanella, along with Matt’s sisters, ReAnn Zancanella and Bryel and her husband Sean Mulligan, own and operate Pride Farm, a horse business centered around their stud, King, whose registered name is Lions Share of Fame.
    But for Matt and Kristen, their love of horses starts much farther back.
    For Matt, life began in Rock Springs, Wyo. the eldest child of three, with two younger sisters. While his dad worked hard to get his veterinary clinic started, his mom groomed dogs. The money she earned from grooming went for entry fees for her kids: Matt and his sisters Bryel and ReAnn. And after she worked all day, she drove all night, hauling her kids to youth rodeos. Matt and his sisters competed in Little Britches, junior and high school rodeos, with his attention being focused mainly on the team roping, and Matt realizes the sacrifices she made for her kids to rodeo.
    After graduating from high school in 1994, he spent a semester in college. That winter, he entered Rodeo Houston and never returned to college. “He started rodeoing (fulltime) after that, and never looked back,” Kristen said. “He was addicted to team roping.”
    For the next decade and a half, he criss-crossed the country, competing at pro rodeos and making his dream come true three times: qualifying for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. In 2002 and 2003, he heeled for Travis Tryan, and in 2004, he roped with Wade Wheatley.
    In 2004, he met a tall slender cowgirl named Kristen Storm at the San Juan Capistrano, Calif. rodeo. Kristen was there as a volunteer, and the couple started dating. She moved to South Dakota the next year, and in 2006, they married.
    In 2011, the road was wearing on Matt, and he quit rodeo full time, focusing on the Badlands Circuit. He began his own business: Pro Earth Animal Health. The business sells all-natural supplements for cattle and horses, and since he began, it’s taken off. Matt’s genuine personality and friendliness helped him in rodeo and has helped him with his business. “He’s never met an enemy, everyone remembers him and everyone likes him,” Kristen said. “He’s a genuine guy, and he tends to remember everyone. He has a lot of friends.”
    Kristen grew up in Orange County, California, in town, with a love of horses but parents who never rode and had no place to keep a horse. So she took riding lessons at the age of seven, when her instructor recognized her as a “horse freak,” as Kristen says. The lady allowed her to spend as much time as she wanted at the stables, where Kristen ended up giving riding lessons and spent summers working for jumping, cutting and reining trainers. Growing up, barrel racing was not her favorite event. “Growing up I thought barrel racing was the stupidest sport ever.” Now that she spends days breaking and training horses for barrels, her opinion has changed. “It’s tougher than anything I’ve ever done.”
    Full story available in the February 2015 issue.

  • Back When they Bucked with Dean Oliver

    Back When they Bucked with Dean Oliver

    Dean Oliver attended his first rodeo when he was 15 years old. It may have been the heady feeling of stealing into the Snake River Stampede without a ticket, but as Dean watched a tie-down roper win $300 in a single run, he decided that rodeo was the life for him. Little did he know that he would become a record holder at that very rodeo, winning the tie-down roping ten times, and that a drawing of him would be featured on the Snake River Stampede’s rodeo poster 70 years later, heralding him an 11 time world champion.
    Born in 1929 to Verne and Vesper Oliver in Dodge City, Kan., Dean was the fifth of seven children. Each child was born in a different state, but all of Dean’s childhood memories reside in Idaho. His family moved to the Gem State in the late 1930s. Dean’s father was a private pilot, and he sold automobile and airplane parts and accessories, while also managing the Nampa (Idaho) Airport. In February of 1940, Verne and his friend Guy Givens were contracted by a farmer to hunt coyotes. The men did so from Verne’s airplane, with Guy shooting the predators from an open door. During one of their close passes to the ground, Verne’s plane crashed into the side of a snow-covered mountain, killing both men.
    Following the tragic accident, the Oliver family worked even harder to survive in a country just recovering from the Great Depression. Dean began working at dairy farms by his early teens. Sitting in a classroom didn’t suit the restless boy, and he dropped out of ninth grade, never to darken a school doorway again. That same year, he and his older brother snuck into the Snake River Stampede rodeo in Nampa. “When the rodeo came around, I really liked the cowboys’ western gear, and their horses and cars and trailers,” says Dean. “It looked like a fun way of life!”
    Inspired, Dean began his rodeo quest that same year, purchasing his first horse for $50 dollars and riding it bareback with just a rope around its nose to guide it. He began roping fence posts and hay bales, and even the calves at the dairy farm in the cover of night. While Dean was persistent about his roping, he was equally persistent in pursuing Martha Reisenstein, the daughter of one of the farmers he worked for. They were married in 1950, the year that would mark the beginning of Dean’s rodeo competition. He purchased another horse – this one green – for $400, and spent another $10 on a roping calf, which Martha would hold until Dean gave a nod.
    The self-taught cowboy made his debut at several local amateur rodeos in Idaho and soon won his first tie-down roping at the rodeo in Kuna. The taste of success was so satisfying that Dean told his boss at the dairy farm he might quit and rodeo instead. “What makes you think you’re a star? You couldn’t win anything!” The man replied hotly. Dean quit his job that summer and rodeoed until he ran out of money, returning to work in the fields until he could pay his entry fees.
    In December of 1950, Dean and Martha’s first child, Sheryl, was born. Her birth kept Dean from being drafted into the Korean War, changing him from a I-A (available for service) to a III-A (deferred because of dependents). After running into questionable rules at some amateur rodeos, Dean decided to join the Rodeo Cowboys Association in 1952. He went to his first professional rodeo in Jerome, Idaho, then leaped to Albuquerque, N.M., where the top professional ropers were competing. He was afoot, no longer trying to train a rope horse, but instead borrowing horses and paying the owners a percentage of his winnings. “There were 80 ropers, and not one of them would mount me, until finally a guy put me on a great, big tall horse,” Dean recalls. He won second in Albuquerque, then went to Denver’s new coliseum the following week, where he placed second in the average. He felt so optimistic with $1,700 in winnings that he purchased a gelding named Buck. He spent $1,750 on the buckskin with a knot on its knee, anxious to find a good rope horse. Dean made a makeshift trailer in the bed of his pickup for Buck and went home with an empty wallet.
    After working through the winter feeding cattle, Dean had enough money to rodeo again in May. He and Buck won several rodeos that summer, yet Dean still lacked an edge in his competition that could only come with practice. The winter of 1953-1954, Dean lived with tie-down roper Dan Taylor in Doole, Texas, and the Idaho cowboy finished third in the RCA standings at the end of 1954 with roughly $11,000. Dean stayed with another roper in Oklahoma the following winter, and despite dismounting on the left to tie calves, he still had the fastest time, finishing the 1955 rodeo season with $19,963 and a glistening gold buckle reading World Champion Calf Roper.
    His professional rodeo career soared out of the chutes, and Dean was rodeoing 11 months out of the year, often putting 80,000 miles on his station wagon each season. He competed in 70 to 80 rodeos a year, winning every professional rodeo he went to over the course of his career. Dean competed in the first National Finals Rodeo in 1959 on a horse named Mickey, whom he’d searched long and hard for after retiring Buck. Mickey and Dean won five world championships in a row from 1960-1964, and Dean also won three all-around world championships from 1963-1965. He had started steer wrestling and was just as talented in the event as tie-down roping with his 6’3″, 200 pound frame. But after breaking his leg at Madison Square Garden during the event, Dean feared further injuries and kept tie-down roping as his main focus, eventually dismounting on the right when he was in his 40s for faster time.
    Not only did Dean’s achievements catch the eyes of rodeo fans nationwide, but also magazines and other publications. Time magazine, People magazine, Sports Illustrated, Saturday Evening Post, and western publications all wanted an interview with the rags-to-riches cowboy. Dean even modeled jeans for Wrangler. He and Martha purchased a ranch in Boise, Idaho, with 80 acres and calves aplenty for roping. While he traveled the length and width of the United States, one of Dean’s favorite rodeos remained the Snake River Stampede. He won his hometown rodeo ten times in the tie-down roping, a record yet to be broken, while also winning the local Caldwell Night Rodeo eight times. He secured his eighth and final world title at the NFR in 1969 at the age of 38, with record earnings of $38,118 for the most money won in a single event in one year. That record has since been broken, but Dean’s eight world tie-down roping championships still sets the bar.
    Dean continued to rodeo into his 40s, but sorely missed his growing family of five daughters, Sheryl, DeAnn, Nikki, and twins Kelli and Karla. Martha had travelled with him as often as she could, but that didn’t make up for life at home. Yet Dean’s involvement in rodeo was hardly over. He served on the PRCA’s board of directors in 1979 and was inducted into seven halls of fame, including the National Cowboy Hall of Fame and the ProRodeo Hall of Fame. Texas sculptor Edd Hayes even included a bronze statue of Dean tie-down roping in a series of bronzes he called “Legends of Rodeo.”Dean also pursued his hobby of golfing, which he’d started in the 1950s, setting course records around the Treasure Valley and winning several tournaments.
    Today, Dean and Martha’s home sits just off a farm road in Greenleaf, Idaho. Dean raises calves for beef cattle, but finds himself busiest during the Snake River Stampede rodeo in July, where he grooms the arena, and contracts the sheep and calves for the mutton bustin’ and the calf scramble. He has been serving on the rodeo’s board of directors since 1990, and dons his media credentials every December to work as a grip for a television crew covering the WNFR.
    Dean’s story is marked with extraordinary grit and perseverance, but the rodeo legend says humbly, “I never did want to quit rodeo. When I started, I didn’t know I’d be any good. I was lucky enough that I had the ability, and I stuck with it.”

     

    Story also available in our February 2015 issue.

     

  • On the Trail with Sean Mulligan

    On the Trail with Sean Mulligan

    Sean Mulligan grew up in Valentine, Neb., going to rodeos with his dad, Bill, in a 1978 Ford Super cab pulling a two horse inline. “His first love was calf roping, but he’s a better bulldogger.” Sean learned from him, jumping his first steer at Paul Cleveland’s school in Ogallala when he turned 16. Sean grew up with three older sisters and made the National High School Finals rodeo his junior and senior year. He was recruited by Pete Burns to the University of Wyoming. “I bull dogged – roped in college, but there’s a reason I bulldog; I can’t rope – I have to ride up and grab them by the horns.”

    He started rodeoing fulltime after graduating with an Ag Business degree in 1998. He hit the northwest with Lynn Churchill and had a good fall out there. “I loved the country – and I thought rodeoing was awesome.” His career as a PRCA cowboy includes four WNFR qualifications – 2000, 2004, 2007, and 2011. He met his wife (Bryel Zancanella) in college. “She won the region in breakaway roping every year but her senior year.” She quit roping after college due to a bad shoulder and concentrated on training barrel horses. Bryel was raised in Rock Springs, Wyo., where her dad is a vet. Her initial plan was to go south for college and is glad she didn’t because she met Sean while getting her teaching degree from the University of Wyoming.

    “After I graduated, I did my student teaching in Rock Springs, and taught for a year in Brookings, South Dakota. I loved the kids, but I wanted to spend more time with the horses.” Sean and Bryel moved from Brookings, South Dakota, to Coleman, Okla., and ended up in the stallion business quite by chance. “I was riding for some people from South Dakota and found an FM Radio horse for them on the internet. We found another colt, full brother to FM Radio (AQHA Junior Barrels World Champion), that was really nice and bought Lions Share of Fame off the internet from a picture. We got him home and my sister-in-law started him, put him on the barrels, and the rest is history.” They had decided to leave “King” a stud as long as he earned that right. They watched his full brother, Gun Battle, run the fastest qualifying time at the All American Futurity, winning second in the race. After watching that, they decided to keep King as a stud. He won $60,000 as a futurity colt.

     

    Full story available in our February 2015 issue.