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  • National Western Stock Show Rodeo winding down

    National Western Stock Show Rodeo winding down

    DENVER, Colo. (January 21, 2023) — There is just one performance left at the National Western Stock Show presented by Centura Health and it promises to have some of the most exciting action yet.

    Three semifinals rodeo performances were held on Saturday and the sold-out crowds enjoyed every bit of the rodeo action. Saturday night was especially exciting for barrel racer Darby Fox from King Hill, Idaho.

    The National Western Stock Show Rodeo started off on Thursday, January 12 with the first of eight brackets. In the timed events, contestants competed in a qualifying event or got in based on their standings in the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association or Women’s Professional Rodeo Association. The bareback, saddle bronc and bull riding was all based on standings.

    The rodeo started out with 80 contestants in each event competing in one of eight brackets. Three of the contestants from every event then advanced to the semifinals based on how they finished in the individual brackets. Those 24 contestants were divided into three semifinals performances held in the Denver Coliseum on Saturday.

    Fox was one of the barrel racers that qualified for the rodeo performances. Then she became the only woman to have to runs less than 15 seconds in a bracket. She was at the top of the leaderboard in Bracket six. When she made her run in semifinals three there was a 15.04-second time by her name and she once again was at the top.

    Fox has been riding a mare that she bought as a yearling and trained herself. She started seasoning her in 2022 and the experience paid off for both of them. Last year, she won $10,086 at rodeos. Thanks to her success in Denver, she has already collected $7,776 and stands to win more on Sunday.

    The reigning world champion all-around cowboy and bull rider, Stetson Wright from Milford, Utah is hoping to add his name to the winners list here and join members of  his legendary family that have already clamed championships in the Denver Coliseum, including his father, Cody Wright, uncle Spencer Wright and brother Rusty Wright.

    Stetson competed in the semifinals in both of his signature events, saddle bronc riding and bull riding. He has already won money in both of those events and everything he wins here will help jumpstart the year and put him in contention for more gold buckles. At 23-years-old, he has seven world titles on his resume already, four all-around, two in the bull riding and one in saddle bronc.

    Sunday will be the final day of the 117th National Western’s 16-day run. The rodeo will begin at 2 p.m. and will be aired live on the Cowboy Channel.

     

     

     

    DENVER, Colo. — The following are results from the National Western Stock Show Rodeo, Saturday, 22, 2023.

     

    17th performance – Semifinal 1   

     

    Bareback Riding: 1, Rocker Steiner, Weatherford, Texas, 87.5 points on Cervi Championship Rodeo’s Banger Main. 2, (tie) Garrett Shadbolt, Merriman, Neb., and Jacob Lees, Caldwell, Idaho, 84.5. 4, Tanner Aus, Granite Falls, Minn., 82.5

     

    Steer Wrestling: 1, Gus Franzen, Kearney, Neb., 3.9 seconds. 2, Denver Berry, Checotah, Okla., 4.5. 3, (tie) Don Payne, Stephenville, Texas, and Cal Wolfe, Palmer, Texas, 4.9.

     

    Team Roping: 1, Lightning Aguilera, Athens, Texas, and Coleby Payne, Stephenville, Texas, 4.0. seconds. 2, Ty Arnold, Midway, Texas, and Kaden Profili, Jacksonville, Texas, 4.9. 3, Cooper and Tucker White, Hershey, Neb., 5.2. 4, Jake Clay, Sapulpa, Okla., and Kollin Vonahn, Blanchard, Okla., 6.0.

     

    Saddle Bronc Riding: 1, Houston Brown, Miles City, Utah, 83.5 points on Burch Rodeo’s Rev Runner. 2, Tanner Butner, Daniel, Wyo., 83. 3, Cash Wilson, Wall, S.D., and Ben Andersen, Eckville, Alberta, 82.5.

     

    Tie-Down Roping: 1, Blane Cox, Cameron, Texas, 7.7 seconds. 2, Preston Pederson, Hermiston, Ore., 8.3. 3, Dylan Hancock, San Angelo, Texas, 8.5. 4, Riley Wakefield, O’ Neil, Neb., 8.7.

     

    Women’s Barrel Race: 1, Kalli McCall, Lufkin, Texas, 15.07. 2, Timber Allenbrand, Paola, Kan., 15.20. 3, Kelly Yates, Pueblo, Colo., 15.30. 4, Kristi Steffes, Vale, S.D., 15.33.

    Bull Riding:  1, Trey Holston, Fort Scott, Kan., 86 points on Cervi Championship Rodeo’s Mean Mug. 2, Stetson Wright, Milford, Utah, 84.5. 3, Tyler Bingham, Howell, Utah, 84.5

     

    18th performance – Semifinal 2 

     

    Bareback Riding: 1, Taylor Broussard, Estherwood, La., 87 points on Cervi Championship Rodeo’s Midnight Snack. 2, Yance Day, Mannford, Okla., 85. 3, Sam Petersen, Helena, Mont., 84. 4, (tie) Bradlee Miller, Huntsville, Texas, and Richmond Champion, Stevensville, Mont., 82.

     

    Steer Wrestling: 1, Curtis Cassidy, Donalda, Alberta, 4.0 seconds. 2, Jaret Whitman, Belgrade, Mont., 4.3. 3, Stand Branco, Chowchilla, Cali.,4.4. 4, Ty Everson, Laramie, Wyo., 5.9.

     

    Team Roping: 1, Clay Smith, Broken Bow, Okla., and Jake Long, Coffeyville, Kan., 4.3 seconds. 2, Rhett Anderson, and Chris Young, Annabella, Utah, 4.8. 3, Kaleb Driggers, Hoboken, Ga., and Junior Nogueira, Presidente Prude, Brazil. 4, Hayes Smith, Central Point, Ore., and Jason Duby, Klamath Falls, Ore., 5.6.

     

    Saddle Bronc Riding: 1, Layton Green, Millarville, Alberta, 86.5 points on Cervi Championship Rodeo’s Sippin’ on Fire. 2, (tie) Shorty Garrett, Eagle Butte, S.D., and Shea Fournier, Raceland La., 84.5 each. 4, Leon Fountain, Socorro, N.M., 84.

     

    Tie-Down Roping: 1, Shad Mayfield, Clovis, N.M.,7.8 seconds. 2, Jody Green, Ada., Okla., 8.2. 3, Chet Weitz, London, Texas, 9.0. 4, Hayden Ford, Whitehouse, Texas, 9.6.

     

    Women’s Barrel Race: 1, Sophie Nolen, Stephenville, Texas, 14.92. 2, Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi, Lampasa, Texas, 14.97. 3, Lisa Lockhart, Oelrichs, S.D., 15.00. 4, Jimmie Smith- Tew, McDade, Texas, 15.28.

    Bull Riding: (two qualified rides) 1, Cullen Telfer, Plant City, Fla., 88 points on Cervi Brothers Rodeo, Keep Talkin. 2, JC Mortensen, Paulden, Ariz., 69.

     

    19th performance – Semifinal 3 

     

    Bareback Riding: 1, Keenan Reed Hayes, Hayden, Colo., 84 points on Cervi Brothers Rodeo’s Mesquite Thorn. 2, Bodee Lammers, Tolar, Texas, 83.5. 3, Trenton Montero, Winnemucca, N.V., 79.5. 4, Waylon Bourgeois, Church Point, La., 78.

     

    Steer Wrestling: 1, Hoyt Draeger, Weeping Water, Neb., 4.9. 2, Justin Kimsey, Kennewick, Wash., 5.7. 3, Cody Mumma, Kremmling, Colo., 14.9. 4, Trey Jackson, Keensburg, Colo., 15.1.

     

    Team Roping: 1, Hagan Peterson, Delta, Utah, and Caleb Hendrix, Fallon, Nev., 4.3 seconds. 2, Jake Orman, Prairie Miss., and Bryce Crites, Welch, Okla., 5.3. 3, Kellan and Carson Johnson, Casper Wyo., 5.7 4, Chet Weitz, London, Texas, and Jace Davis, Stephenville, Texas, 16.1.

     

    Saddle Bronc Riding: 1, Sage Newman, Melstone, Mont., 86.5 points on Cervi Championships Rodeo’s Blood Angel. 2, Stetson Wright, Milford, Utah, 85. 3, Logan Cook, Alto, Texas, 84.5. 4, Jesse Wright, Milford, Utah, 82.5.

     

    Tie-Down Roping: 1, Riley Webb, Denton, Texas, 8.0 seconds. 2, Kincade Henry, Mount Pleasant, Texas, 8.7. 3, Ben Robinson, Red Deer County, Alberta, 8.9. 4, Cash Enderli, Liberty, Texas, 9.1.

     

    Women’s Barrel Race: 1,  Darby Fox, King Hill, Idaho, 15.04 seconds. 2, Katie Pascoe, Morro Bay, Cali., 15.17. 3, Sara Winkelman, Big Lake, Minn., 15.22. 4, Taycie Matthews, Wynne, Ark., 15.24.

    Bull Riding: (one qualified ride) 1, Bryce Burnell, Sheridan, Wyo., 88 points on Cervi Championship Rodeo’s Legal Action.

     

    About the National Western Stock Show — Established in 1906, the National Western Stock Show is a 501(c) (3) charitable organization that provides college and graduate level scholarships in agricultural-related fields of study. Its mission is to serve producers and consumers throughout the world by being the premier stock show, equestrian competitions, and center for year-round events. The 16-day show also serves as an entertainment arena, hosting one of the world’s richest regular season professional rodeos, family and educational shows plus Colorado’s largest western trade show. For more information, visit nationalwestern.com.

     

     

  • Winners take home $119,000 from Fort Worth’s Texas Champions Challenge

    Winners take home $119,000 from Fort Worth’s Texas Champions Challenge

    FORT WORTH, Texas (Jan. 19, 2023) Seven individuals earned $10,000 paychecks at the 2023 Texas Champions Challenge rodeo in Dickies Arena Thursday night. The event featured winners from five iconic Texas rodeos in six events, plus four contestants in freestyle bullfighting.

    The 126th edition of the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo (FWSSR) paid out $119,000 to 34 competitors in bareback riding, steer wrestling, saddle bronc riding, breakaway roping, barrel racing, freestyle bullfighting and bull riding.

    The format of the rodeo featured an elimination round in each event where five contestants competed. The top two returned almost immediately for a head-to-head round with the winner taking home $10,000 and a bottle of Fort Worth-based TX Whiskey. The runner-up received $4,000 and the three other contestants from the elimination round each received $1,000. In the bullfighting, the two individuals who did not make the head-to-head round each received $1,500.

    The event was also part of the first Texas A & M University day at the FWSSR and featured some of the 90-member Texas A & M Cavalry in the grand entry and an appearance by the school’s yell leaders to start the competition.

    The first contest was bareback riding. Reigning world champion Jess Pope scored 86 points on Korkow Rodeos’ horse Ringworm. Jess’s younger brother Ty, the reigning collegiate champion, finished second with 85.5 points on Korkow’s Zoowee Mama to join his brother in the final round.

    The two broke into big smiles when they realized they would be in a head-to-head match for the $10,000 prize. Ty was first to ride, and he scored 87 points on Brookman Rodeo’s horse 3:10 to Yuma. Jess rode another Brookman horse, Boozy Beaver, for 89 points. The Pope brothers took $14,000 back home to Garnett, Kansas, with Jess winning $10,000 and Ty $4,000.

    Tristan Martin of Sulphur, Louisiana, was the only reigning Fort Worth Pro Rodeo Tournament champion to win his event at the Texas Champions Challenge. He clocked the only time under four seconds in steer wrestling – 3.97 – to win the elimination round, then bested fellow National Finals Rodeo (NFR) cowboy J.D. Struxness by three-tenths of a second in the final round.

    Talking to broadcaster Pam Minnick in the spotlight on the Dickies Arena floor, Martin said, “I love this place. This is my favorite rodeo.”

    That sentiment was seconded by saddle bronc riding winner Lefty Holman of Visalia, California. The newlywed finished second in the elimination round behind reigning world champion Sage Newman of Melstone, Montana. Newman scored 90.5 points on Mazca Pro Rodeo’s horse Ima Winner while Holman scored 87 on Korkow’s horse Meat Coma.

    In the final round Holman and Newman both competed on horses from the Brookman string with Holman edging Newman 89 to 88.5. “This is the best rodeo all year,” Holman told former world champion turned broadcaster Dave Appleton.

    2021 World Champion Barrel Racer Jordon Briggs of Tolar, Texas, and her horse Rollo stopped the clock in 16.662 seconds to win the elimination round. Two-time world champ Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi was second with a 16.961 time.

    In the final round, Tonozzi changed horses and turned in a time of 16.902. Briggs again rode Rollo and won the $10,000 payout with 16.851.

    Briggs told Minnick that the Fort Worth rodeo, then held in Will Rogers Coliseum, was her first big win in 2009. “I love this rodeo,” she said, “and Rollo and I will be back Tuesday and Wednesday of next week.”

    Newly crowned world champion Martha Angelone dominated the breakaway roping. A Virginia native who now lives in Stephenville, Texas, Angelone set a near arena-record time of 1.87 seconds in the elimination round. The only other roper to connect was 2021 reserve world champ Shelby Boisjoli, a Canadian who also lives in Stephenville, with a time of 12.15 -2.15 with a 10-second penalty.

    Boisjoli again broke the barrier in the final round, giving Angelone plenty of room to make a solid run to win first. But Angelone again went all out, again stopping the clock in 1.87 seconds. The almost unbelievable feat proved the reigning champ is at the top of her game as the 2023 season gets into full swing.

    Freestyle bullfighting returned to the Texas Champions Challenge for the second year. Californian Alex McWilliams and Canadian Aaron Mercer fought the first match, with McWilliams’ score of 81.5 moving him to the finals.

    The second match featured four-time Bullfighters Only World Champion Weston Rutkowski of Haskell, Texas, and Tyler Mansell of Caldwell, Idaho. Rutkowski showed why he’s one of the best freestyle bullfighters in the world with a score of 87, three points better than Mansell.

    McWilliams and Rutkowski fought a close duel in the final round with McWilliams scoring 86 points and Rutkowski earning 87.5 to win the event and $10,000.

    The bull riding proved to be a two-man match. In the elimination round only NFR cowboys Trey Kimzey of Cheyenne, Oklahoma, and Josh Frost of Randlett, Utah, managed to stay on for the required eight seconds. Kimzey scored 85.5 points on Mazca Pro Rodeo’s bull Thunder Dome. Frost was a point behind at 84.5 on Brookman Rodeo’s bull Silver Tongue Devil.

    They came back in the finals with Kimzey scoring 88 points on Brookman’s bull Devils Eye and Frost conquering Mazca’s Rock Salt & Nails for 90 points to win the event.

    Frost voiced a sentiment that many cowboys and cowgirls have made since the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo moved to Dickies Arena in 2020 when he told Appleton and the crowd “Dickies Arena is the nicest arena I’ve ever rode in.”

    The third FWSSR Pro Rodeo Tournament rides into Dickies Arena Friday night at 7:30 p.m. for the first of 16 performances. The event culminates with the Championship Finals on February 4.

     

    FORT WORTH, Texas — The following are winners from the Texas Champions Challenge rodeo at the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo, January 19, 2023.

    Bareback Riding-Elimination Round: 1, Jess Pope, Garnett, Kan., on Korkow Rodeos’ Ringworm. 2, Ty Pope, Garnett, Kan., 85.5. 3, Cole Reiner, Buffalo, Wyo., 84.5, 4, (tie) Chad Rutherford, Hillsboro, Texas, and Leighton Berry, Weatherford, Texas, 83.5. Head to Head Round: 1, Jess Pope, 89 points on Brookman Rodeos’ Boozy Beaver, $10,000. 2, Ty Pope, 87, $4,000.

     

    Steer Wrestling-Elimination Round: 1, Tristan Martin, Sulphur, La., 3.97 seconds. 2, J.D. Struxness, Perrin, Texas, 4.31. 3, Talon Roseland, Summit, Miss., 4.32. 4, Tyler Waguespack, Gonzales, La., 4.75. Head to Head Round: 1, Martin, 5.29 seconds, $10,000. 2, Struxness, 4.59, $4,000.

     

    Saddle Bronc Riding-Elimination Round: 1, Sage Newman, Melstone, Mont., 90.5 points on Mazca Pro Rodeo’s Ima Winner. 2, Lefty Holman, Visalia, Calif., 87. 3, Kolby Wanchuk, Sherwood Park, Alberta, Canada, 86.5. 4, Zeke Thurston, Big Valley, Alberta, Canada, 86. Head to Head Round: 1, Holman, 89 points on Brookman Rodeo’s Beaver Trail, $10,000. 2, Newman, 88.5, $4,000.

     

    Barrel Racing-Elimination Round: 1, Jordon Briggs, Tolar, Texas, 16.662 seconds. 2, Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi, Lampasas, Texas, 16.961. 3, Cheyenne Wimberley, Stephenville, Texas, 17.048. 4, Hailey Kinsel, Cotulla, Texas, 21.735. Head to Head Round: 1, Briggs, 16.851 seconds, $10,000. 2, Tonozzi, 16.902, $4,000.

     

    Breakaway Roping-Elimination Round: (two times) 1, Martha Angelone, Stephenville, Texas, 1.87 seconds. 2, Shelby Boisjoli, Stephenville, Texas, 12.12. Head to Head Round: 1, Angelone, 1.87 seconds, $10,000. 2, Boisjoli, 12.25, $4,000.

     

    Freestyle Bullfighting: Match 1 – 1, Alex McWilliams, Paso Robles, Calif., 81.5 points. 2, Aaron Mercer, Calgary, Alberta, 78.5.  Match 2 – 1, Weston Rutkowski, Haskell, Texas, 87. 2, Tyler Mansell, Caldwell, Idaho, 84.  Head to Head Round: 1, Rutkowski, 87.5 points, $10,000. 2, McWilliams, 86, $4,000.

     

    Bull Riding-Elimination Round: (two rides) 1, Trey Kimzey, Cheyenne, Okla.,  85.5 points on Macza Pro Rodeo’s Thunder Dome. 2, Josh Frost, Randlett, Utah, 84.5.  Head to Head Round: 1, Frost, 90 points on Mazca Pro Rodeo’s Rock Salt & Nails, $10,000. 2, Kimzey, 88, $4,000.

     

  • 5 Star Featured Athlete Rylie Smith

    5 Star Featured Athlete Rylie Smith

    While Rylie Smith is the definition of self-made, she’s quick to credit her parents – Ricky and Misty Smith – and everyone else who’s had a hand in her roping career so far. Perhaps one of the most important people on that list is Hope Thompson. “I believe my best year of all is still ahead of me, but my biggest accomplishment so far was when Hope and I won the Inaugural Women’s Rodeo World Championship in 2020,” said the roper from Whitsett, Texas. “We’ve been roping together for the last 5 years. We may not always be the best team, but we certainly rope well together, and we’re blessed to win when we have the opportunity.” Typically, Rylie is throwing for two heels but she’s as versatile as the Quarter Horses she rides. The 21-year-old can throw a solid head loop for both a calf and steer.
    “Jane [Halleluiajah Wild Card] is my number one for heeling and sometimes when we enter backwards, Hope will ride Jane on the heel side.” When Rylie bought 7-year-old Jane, she came as a pair with her half-sister, Hail Mary Wild Card. When Hope heels off Jane, Rylie uses Mary on the head side. “The girls were born in the same pasture and every time they got moved around, they always went together. And then I bought them together, so they have some separation anxiety for sure.” Anyone would be hard pressed to find Jane without Mary any time Rylie’s out chasing white lines. Where Jane is eager and willing, Mary is hard-headed and full of sass. “No matter what, both of them will give anyone riding them 110%. I never have to worry about them trying to take something from me when I back in the box for a lot of money. I was very fortunate to get those girls.”
    With equine partners like Jane and Mary, Rylie’s always protected them with the best. She found that in 5 Star pads and sport boots back in 2018. She became a sponsored athlete in 2020 after cashing a $90,000 check with Hope. “My horses do everything they can for me, so I try to take care of them the best I can. I think 5 Star pads and boots are the best products I can give them to keep them comfortable and sound.” It was a little bit of trial and error for Rylie when it came to finding equipment she liked. “I had ridden quite a few different brands; some that I won and some that I bought. I rotated through them and found the best fit for my horses in 5 Star.” Comfort and protection are Rylie’s top priorities when it comes to her equipment and 5 Star delivers on both.
    As both a professional athlete in the WPRA and a rope horse trainer, it wasn’t all that long ago that Rylie and her parents were diving headfirst into the horse world. “Neither of my parents grew up in [rodeo], but when my dad was in his early 20s, he started team roping. When I was little, I always wanted a horse of my own so I could rodeo.” At 9 years old, Rylie got her first horse. And the rest, as they say, is history. “I started in the speed events which helped with my horsemanship. I think that’s the best thing to help with riding a horse. As I got older, I always wanted to rope. I hounded my dad and finally I got a rope in my hand.”
    As Rylie puts it, things just snowballed from there. “My parents took me anywhere and everywhere so I could get help and be the best possible, I’m very fortunate to have had that.” Even before Rylie got her first horse, she was always finding a reason to be outside. She’s the same way today, but now she has plenty of four-legged reasons to keep her busy. “I never want to be sitting at a desk somewhere all day long. I like to be hands on and outside. I have some outside horses and some younger ones of my own. I do horse teeth, braid custom halters and tie downs, and everything else relating to horses.

  • Testimony of Karen Vold: God is Faithful

    Testimony of Karen Vold: God is Faithful

    Don’t expect to be treated fairly in life. Some people will say and do hurtful things that you don’t deserve.
    After leasing our part of the ranch for 10 years we went through another heart wrenching experience. The owner sold the whole ranch to a man in Oregon. Harry had a meeting with the new owner and he agreed to sell us the part we had been leasing. He told us to go do our winter rodeos in Texas and we would finalize the deal when we returned the 14th of February. On the 15th of February, the fire marshal, and the foreman of an outfit from Louisiana, came to the ranch and asked if Harry had found another place yet. He told us we had 30 days to get out. The man from Oregon had sold the entire ranch to a developing outfit that went all over the country buying up land.
    Several years earlier, Harry and his brother bought some property in Ponoka, Alberta. Eventually a gas line from Alaska was installed past it and an interstate was built next to it, so it became very valuable. Harry’s younger brother—whom he had been partners with in an auction market before moving to the States—built a very elite golf course on his half. That, in turn, made Harry’s half more valuable to build houses around the golf course.
    During this time in March we would go up to Edmonton and put their rodeo on. The guys from Louisiana finally dealt with Harry and many prayers later traded the ranch we leased for the land around the golf course, as things were really hopping in Canada that year in construction. It was truly a miracle! “The things that are impossible with man are possible with God” (Matthew 19:26).
    Sometime later, the army at Ft. Carson was looking for land to expand for training and they thought they wanted our ranch along with the rest of the Red Top. The people of Pueblo put up such a fuss, as they didn’t want the army trucks, etc., all going through Pueblo to get to the training base. Many more prayers later, the army went farther south to Highway 10 and took those ranches. Some had been in families for several generations. Scriptures we stood on at this time were Romans 8:31, “If God be for us, who can be against us?” and Philippians 4:6-7, “Do not be anxious about anything but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
    In 2004, on a Cheyenne parade morning, while I was trying to keep a saddle horse on his feet that was colicing, I was kicked hard and landed 15 feet away.
    It required two surgeries, and 12 months to completely recover from this accident. When I was taken to the emergency room, the parade committee chairman came to see me. I was told later that the announcer asked the entire audience to pray for me. That too was a humbling experience.
    Another example of God’s faithfulness in spite of undeserved treatment came in 2011, after we had put on the Cheyenne Frontier Days rodeo for 36 years. They told Harry they decided to change stock contractors, and didn’t need him anymore. Harry was extremely hurt over it because he thought you didn’t lose a rodeo unless you did something wrong, and we had worked just as hard the 36th year as we did in 1976, the bicentennial year and our first year.
    I will admit that all of the family was pretty upset about the way they went about it. They could have handled it in a less hurtful way after 36 years but it had nothing to do with the people of Cheyenne. Many of them were always wonderful and we made a lot of good friends over those years.
    Sometimes God’s plans are different than your plans. Cheyenne was very hard work and required additional horses, and equipment only needed for their rodeo. It costs a lot to feed that extra livestock all year, for one rodeo. At this point in life I’m glad not to have to work that hard, so it turned out for the best in the long run.
    After Harry and I married we became a blended family. He had four children and I had one. His two daughters married and moved to the States, living in Casper, Wyoming and Greeley, Colorado. His two sons both stayed and still live in Canada, and my daughter Nancy married and moved to Texas. Kirsten, our daughter, was born in 1973 and was raised on the ranch we still live on.
    All the children were and still are involved in the rodeo business. Nancy died of diabetes when she was 48. There was no background of diabetes on either side of the family but her doctor indicated it was brought on by stress. I had a hard time believing that and it is very painful to lose a child at any age. No one expects that to happen. But let that be a warning to you not to allow stress to cause you to get a serious illness.
    Harry passed away in 2017 and Kirsten has taken over running our rodeo and ranch company. She had been the foreman for her dad for many years and is trying to keep the legacy going. Thank you, Lord, for all those who stepped in when I couldn’t do it alone. Now let me be the one to reach out to others. I am very blessed to have a good relationship with all our children and the rodeo business is still our common bond.
    I was fortunate to be in rodeo when they formed the Fellowship of Christian Cowboys, and also blessed to be at Colorado Springs when my dad got saved during a church service. His friend, Wilbur Plaugher, another rodeo clown, and one of the original seven that formed the FCC, did the service that day.
    Jesus is a gentleman. He stands at the door and knocks. You must choose to invite Him into your heart and life, unlike Satan, who barges into your life and tries to steal your health and finances, and destroys relationships and families. God created us but gives us the freedom to choose Jesus and His gift of eternal life, or Satan and his path, which leads to hell and horror. John 10:10, “Jesus said, ‘The thief comes only to steal, kill, and destroy. I came that they might have life and have it abundantly.” Remember, no matter what the challenges are that we face in life, the Lord loves you and wants you in his family.
    Jesus has been my rock, my shield, my refuge, and my strength through all our challenging ordeals. He promised he would never leave those who believed in him. And he has kept his word throughout my life and he will in yours.
    If you don’t already know him, I urge you to make the choice to accept his free gift of forgiveness and salvation. He wants to be your best friend and will never leave you or disappoint you as your family or friends or other people you deal with might do at times. Psalms 18:30 says “As for God His way is perfect, the word of the Lord is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in Him”

  • Miss Rodeo America 2023

    Miss Rodeo America 2023

    Kicking up Kindness

    “To me it’s a family legacy.” explains the 22-year-old, Queen Creek, Arizona native, Kennadee Riggs, about her platform. “My grandmother in the 90s didn’t like how negative the news headlines were, so she started writing a column for a local paper on kind deeds and she had people write back with their own stories of kindness. We now have a whole book of kindness stories and I get to do the exact same thing – hoping to bring more positivity to the media.”
    “Kennadee exudes kindness,” said Hailey Frederickson, the outgoing Miss Rodeo America. “She is genuine in every way and I have no doubt that whoever comes across her during her year as Miss Rodeo America will leave with a warm heart.”
    Kennadee will have the entire year to share stories of kindness as she crosses the globe representing rodeo as the 2023 Miss Rodeo America. “I dipped my toes in all the waters,” said Kennadee about her childhood in Arizona. “I performed on an equestrian drill team with the women in my family – Cowgirls Historical Foundation – which started with my grandmother – and included many different women across Arizona. My life was split between the loud environment of rodeo and the quiet lifestyle of showing horses. My great great grandfather, Harry Frost, started Frost Quarter Horses over 75 years ago. That bloodline is still going today.”
    Harry Frost was the 1963 Reno Rodeo President. After the grandstands burned down, Harry was said to have saved the rodeo when by a miracle he was able to bring in temporary stands just in time.
    Kennadee’s great grandmother was the Reno Rodeo queen, and all the women in the family have followed in that. Kennadee had always wanted to pursue Miss Rodeo Arizona and Miss Rodeo America to carry on the family legacy, but hadn’t known if that was the Lord’s will for her. Her plan after high school was actually to cheer in college. “Then one specific day, I felt strongly that I needed to go on a mission for my church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I knew that would change the course of my life being that it was 18 months away from home, dedicating my time and money to serving others.” Teaching horse lessons to fund the mission herself, the mission trip took her to Brazil and Oklahoma, before returning home. “I came away a completely different person – thankful of Heavenly Father’s awareness of us – I was always meant to be where I was – I also came back with a new appreciation for air conditioning and carpet.” The experience helped her see and focus on what matters the most – and that her deeper sense of purpose is who she can help.”
    She felt called to try out for Miss Rodeo Arizona and won that competition. “It’s something she’s always wanted to do,” said her mother, Shanda. “I was Gilbert Days Rodeo Queen, and my sisters were all rodeo queens, Taryn Brady Hale (Miss Rodeo Arizona 2009), Kelsee Brady Bradshaw (Miss Rodeo USA 1st runner-up) and Marjon Brady Brown (Miss Rodeo USA 2000). We were all part of Gilbert Days Royalty and ran at the national level so she was familiar with that lifestyle.” Her first time running in a pageant was Miss Rodeo Arizona.
    When she won the title in December as Miss Rodeo America, she knew it was God’s calling for her life. “When my name was called, that was more of a testament to me that this is Heavenly Father’s will, it wasn’t just by chance that I won. I knew it was because of my prayers. That’s the biggest sense of emotion that I got when they called my name — gratitude — for another mission experience that I was really hoping and praying for.” Her first stop is the National Western Stock Show, where she will present the flag for 20 performances. “In a nutshell, I hope to always be kind so people might recognize a light in me that comes from something beyond our comprehension. I will get to meet people all across the country and hopefully continue to do what I was able to do as Miss Rodeo Arizona, which is promote this heritage and lifestyle that is so special to me,” she said. “At the same time, in everything I do, I will try to be an example of Jesus Christ as someone who loves Him and show that in everything I do.”

  • WNFR Through the Lens of Will Reed Jennings

    WNFR Through the Lens of Will Reed Jennings

    “It was amazing – there was no feeling that rivaled that feeling,” said Will Reed Jennings about walking down the tunnel at the Thomas & Mack to photograph his first Wrangler National Finals. “There were so many people just in the hallway that I knew.”
    Will Reed Jennings is the only son of Dave and Beth Jennings. Like his dad, Will has a natural eye for a great image. “I never really got interested in rodeo until Covid happened,” said the 19-year-old freshman at Texas Tech. “I missed it and got back into it.” Will grew up listening to his dad instruct other photographers and his knowledge of cameras came from sitting next to him and Dave telling him what to do.
    Will throws passion into everything he does – he excelled at one-act plays and percussion. His talent with a drum landed him a position in the drum center line while marching band. “It’s hard to have drum sets in college, so I brought a guitar. One of the first instruments I learned was violin, so it’s pretty easy.”
    With his new-found love of rodeo photography, Will has joined the Texas Tech Rodeo Team as their photographer and will do that while pursuing a degree in media and communications. “If you have a feeling about it, just try it. That’s what I did and this is what it’s turned into.”
    Dave’s photography career spans 40 years, beginning in 1982, including 8 trips to the NFR, and all the major rodeos, photographer for the National High School Finals for 15 years. He has been inducted into the Texas Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Fame in 2012. Watching his son walk into the Thomas & Mac was something he’ll never forget. “That was bad-___. I couldn’t believe it was happening – it was sureall.

  • American Hat Presents Daniel Miranda

    American Hat Presents Daniel Miranda

    Daniel became an American Hat ambassador his 8th grade year at Nationals. “I went to their booth to get a new straw hat,” he said. Daniel has been wearing an American hat since he was 8. “As soon as I could wear a good hat, it was an American.” He met Keith Mundee, who gave him the hat and asked Daniel to join the Ambassador team for American Hat. “That was five years ago, and I’m still doing it. It’s grown to be a family now, which is super awesome. The people there are amazing.”

    Daniel Miranda is a freshman at Cal Poly. The native from Maui had his eyes set on Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, which has a strong rodeo team and a school of agriculture. “The schooling is great here in California; it’s good competition but it’s about getting the degree first.” Daniel plans to pursue a degree in Ag systems management. “It’s close in line with getting an engineering degree but not the ridiculous math and having fun with everything else,” said the 19-year-old who ended his first sememster with a 3.1 and is currently leading the California ciruit in the tie down roping. His degree will help him learn about Animal Science irrigation management.
    His father, Ken Miranda, is the general manager for Kaonoulu Ranch, and Daniel is a seventh generation family member on the ranch, through his mother, Morag, and the Rice family. He grew up with a rope in his hand. “I started roping as soon as I could hold the string to rope the cowboy toy,” he said. “Then I graduated to roping my three sisters (Elizabeth, 15; Rebecca, 27; Megan, 31). I remember some nights my youngest sister would run around the house and I’d rope her – I did that when my parents were gone of course.” Through a close family friend, Peter Baldwin, the Miranda’s were able to grow their Corriente herd. “We have around 200 momma cows now,” said Daniel. “We have three places we put ropings.”
    Daniel went through the junior high and high school rodeo, making the trip to the mainland each summer to attend Nationals. Transporting horses from Maui to the mainland is nothing new to the Miranda family – they ship horses from island to island all the time. “My 8th grade year, I sent my horse, Allen, up to the Junior High finals in South Dakota. I calf roped, ribbon roped and goat tied, my team roping partner headed on him too. Allen made the 12-hour boat ride from Maui to the main island, then five hours by plane from O’ahu to Las Angeles, followed by a 22 hour drive to South Dakota.” Horses are quarantined upon arrival back to Hawaii. “Hawaii doesn’t have any major diseases, so it’s just coming back home when they have to be quarantined for a month and a half.” The cost is around $3,000 a horse to transport from Hawaii to South Dakota.
    Along with the rodeo team, he is also part of the polo team. “All plans change, that’s why you have a plan, but my plan right now would be to graduate from Cal Poly and if I’ve got the support through my rodeo sponsors that I’ve acquired the past couple of years and my family up here and my family in California — I’d like to go try some pro rodeos a little bit.”

  • World champ Jesse Kruse adds Montana Circuit Finals win to his name

    World champ Jesse Kruse adds Montana Circuit Finals win to his name

    The rodeo lifestyle is all encompassing, taking families on a zig-zag pattern across the country. It provides unique memories, watching children grow up in the backdrop of their parents’ careers.

    Saddle bronc rider Jesse Kruse, father of three, knows all too well. On a night he clinched his seventh RAM Montana Circuit Finals Rodeo win, the spotlight was on his son, Kree. His son took part in rodeo clown JJ Harrison’s act, bringing a smile to his parents’ face. His wife, Lindsay, and Kruse chuckled saying, “it was the highlight of the rodeo for my wife and I.”

    Inside the chutes, it was quite a weekend for the hometown cowboy. Kruse captured the win with 235 points on three head, bringing home the title with an 83-point trip on J Bar J’s Stacked Deck. He earned $9,455 in the three-day span. The saddle bronc rider admitted it wasn’t his best showing. But in rodeo, you need not apologize for winning.

    “I definitely drew good. I thought I could have ridden better on all three of them, but it ended up working out,” said Kruse. “So, a guy can’t complain.”

    The three-time NFR qualifier is proud of his hometown, Great Falls. The passionate fan base gives Kruse an electric roar, motivating the cowboy to deliver some of the best performances of his career.

    “The Montana Pro Rodeo Circuit Finals is pretty special in my opinion. I’m a home-towner and I definitely can feel the energy in the crowd for me,” Kruse admitted. “Even the other guys, they know a good ride and it’s pretty cool to hear them let loose, no matter what.”

    The win provides the 2009 PRCA Saddle Bronc Riding World Champion a chance to compete in the NFR Open this summer. Kruse believes it’s the opportunity he needs to reach the NFR for the first time since 2011.

    “It’s always good to be riding well and get the chance to ride at these big rodeos. Hopefully it helps me get a better chance of reaching the finals,” said the 36-year-old. “I hope to stay healthy and keep it going.”

    Kruse plans to attack rodeo full-time in 2023. As he continues his trek back to Las Vegas, the cowboy hopes to enter as many rodeos as they’ll let him in.

    “If I can get in them, I will dang-sure be in them.”

    Other winners at the $219,571 rodeo were all-around cowboy Caleb Berquist ($4,574, tie-down roping and team roping); bareback rider Caleb Bennett (253 points on three head); steer wrestler Ty Erickson (12.7 seconds on three head); team ropers Dustin Bird/Ike Folsom (18.3 seconds on three head); tie-down roper Dillon Hahnkamp (27.3 seconds on three head); barrel racer Abigail Knight (38.95 seconds on three runs); and bull rider Hawk Whitt (174.5 points on two head).

     

  • INTERNATIONAL FINALS RODEO Results

    INTERNATIONAL FINALS RODEO Results

    IFR 53
    GO AROUND #1
    Bareback Bronc: Stetson Bierman 83.75 $2,222.22; Quintonn Lunsford (R) 82.50 $1,666.67; Carl Bernier 77.00 $1,111.11; Luke Herbert 76.50 $555.56 – Bull Riding: Dason Janes 82.25 $3,333.34; Deklan Garland 77.00 $2,222.22 – Saddle Bronc: Joe Farren 84.00 $2,222.22; Kenneth Glick 76.75 $1,666.67; Kody Rinehart 74.00 $1,111.11; Ray Hostetler 72.00 $555.56 – Tie-Down Roping: Jarod Nooren 9.1 $2,222.22; Trent Creager 9.2 $1,666.67; Garrett Elmore 9.6 $1,111.11; Glen Freels 9.7 $555.56 – Steer Wrestling: Cooper Smitley (R) 5.4 $2,222.22; Johnny Jones 5.7 $1,666.67; Matt Fisher 6.2 $1,111.11; Kirkland Reaney (R), Justin Thigpen split 6.7 $277.78 ea – Cowgirl Barrel Racing: Julie Plourde 16.312 $2,222.22; Josie Thompson 16.442 $1,666.67; Nicole Helm 16.482 $1,111.11; Wendy Chesnut 16.554 $555.56 – Team Roping: Eric Flurry – Tyler Hutchins 4.8 $2,222.22 ea; Garrett Elmore – Cody Heflin, Cody Camerer (R) – Zack Mabry split 5.3 $1,388.89 ea; Will Clark – Derrick Crawford 5.8 $555.56 ea – Cowgirl Breakaway Roping: Kelsey Mabry 2.5 $2,222.22; Kyla Matthews 2.7 $1,666.67; Maelee Wade 3.0 $1,111.11; Adrienne Trainor 3.3 $555.56
    GO AROUND #2
    Bareback Bronc: Stetson Bierman 85.25 $2,222.22; Quintonn Lunsford (R) 84.75 $1,666.67; Tyler Waltz 80.50 $1,111.11; Houston Herbert 80.25 $555.56 – Bull Riding: Deklan Garland, Brandon Goforth (R) split 83.25 $1,944.45 ea; Holden Moss 81.00 $1,111.11; Reid Arnold (R) 80.25 $555.56 – Saddle Bronc: Joe Farren 81.25 $2,222.22; Kody Rinehart 78.00 $1,666.67; Blane Stacy 77.75 $1,111.11; Rudy Troyer 76.75 $555.56 – Tie-Down Roping: Trent Creager 7.9 $2,222.22; Garrett Elmore 8.1 $1,666.67; JC King 9.0 $1,111.11; Cory Kirk, Jud Gully split 10.2 $277.78 ea – Steer Wrestling: Justin Thigpen 4.4 $2,222.22; Matt Fisher 4.9 $1,666.67; Gunar Ramsey 5.9 $1,111.11; Dale Briere 6.3 $555.56 – Cowgirl Barrel Racing: Julie Plourde 16.241 $2,222.22; Abbey Kilgore 16.305 $1,666.67; Wendy Chesnut 16.419 $1,111.11; Josie Thompson 16.558 $555.56 – Team Roping: Kaston Peavy – Shane Edmonson 4.6 $2,222.22 ea; Jake Wells – Bryer Hamilton 4.7 $1,666.67 ea; Cody Camerer (R) – Zack Mabry 4.9 $1,111.11 ea; Zeb Chapman – Ross Lowry 5.4 $555.56 ea – Cowgirl Breakaway Roping: Kyla Matthews 2.6 $2,222.22; Adrienne Trainor 3.0 $1,666.67; Kelsey Mabry, Maggie Lamb split 3.4 $833.33 ea
    GO AROUND #3
    Bareback Bronc: Tanner Phipps 83.50 $2,222.22; Quintonn Lunsford (R) 82.25 $1,666.67; Tyler Waltz 79.00 $1,111.11; Joshua Michael Cragar 76.50 $555.56 – Bull Riding: Deklan Garland 86.75 $5,555.56 – Saddle Bronc: Tristin McClain 79.25 $2,222.22; Joe Farren 75.25 $1,666.67; Reginald Lecourt 74.75 $1,111.11; Kody Rinehart 72.00 $555.56 – Tie-Down Roping: Ty Kirby (R) 8.0 $2,222.22; Garrett Elmore 9.0 $1,666.67; Justin Thigpen 9.4 $1,111.11; Cory Kirk 10.0 $555.56 – Steer Wrestling: Mason Couch 4.0 $2,222.22; Justin Thigpen, Eli Tippmann split 5.3 $1,388.89 ea; Eli Troyer (R) 5.9 $555.56 – Cowgirl Barrel Racing: Josie Thompson 16.111 $2,222.22; Nicole Helm 16.174 $1,666.67; Ashley Ketron 16.186 $1,111.11; Julie Plourde 16.206 $555.56 – Team Roping: Jake Wells – Bryer Hamilton 5.4 $2,222.22 ea; Kaston Peavy – Shane Edmonson 5.5 $1,666.67 ea; Garrett Elmore – Cody Heflin 5.7 $1,111.11 ea; Cody Camerer (R) – Zack Mabry 5.9 $555.56 ea – Cowgirl Breakaway Roping: Jessie Nooren 2.2 $2,222.22; Kayley Kennemer 2.3 $1,666.67; Maelee Wade 2.4 $1,111.11; Keeley Senn 3.2 $555.56
    GO AROUND #4
    Bareback Bronc: Tanner Phipps 82.50 $2,222.22; Houston Herbert 82.00 $1,666.67; Matthew Smith 81.75 $1,111.11; Joshua Michael Cragar 81.25 $555.56 – Bull Riding: Deklan Garland 85.50 $2,777.78; Holden Moss 80.50 $1,666.67; Reid Arnold (R) 68.50 $1,111.11 – Saddle Bronc: Kody Rinehart 80.50 $2,222.22; Joe Farren 80.25 $1,666.67; Stephen Graefen, Reginald Lecourt, Blane Stacy split 76.50 $555.56 ea – Tie-Down Roping: Ty Kirby (R) 8.3 $2,222.22; Garrett Elmore 8.5 $1,666.67; Jud Gully 9.4 $1,111.11; Cole Walker 10.0 $555.56 – Steer Wrestling: Johnny Jones 5.2 $2,222.22; Casey Stone 5.3 $1,666.67; Mason Couch 5.7 $1,111.11; Justin Thigpen 5.8 $555.56 – Cowgirl Barrel Racing: Andee Jo Haden 16.018 $2,222.22; Julie Plourde 16.136 $1,666.67; Julie Goodrich 16.201 $1,111.11; Kindyl Scruggs 16.211 $555.56 – Team Roping: Connor Osborn – Shawn Kreder 4.2 $2,222.22 ea; Clint Keller – Jason Hill 4.3 $1,666.67 ea; Brady Schmidt (R) – Josh Clayton 4.5 $1,111.11 ea; Garrett Elmore – Cody Heflin, Sergio ‘Junior’ Fornazin – Nick DeLeon split 5.5 $277.78 ea – Cowgirl Breakaway Roping: Addee Carder 2.2 $2,222.22; Kyla Matthews 2.4 $1,666.67; Kayley Kennemer 2.9 $1,111.11; Kelsey Mabry 4.9 $555.56
    AVERAGE WINNERS
    Bareback Bronc: Quintonn Lunsford (R) 327.50 $4,444.44; Stetson Bierman 320.00 $3,333.33; Tanner Phipps 318.25 $2,222.22; Tyler Waltz 308.25 $1,111.11 – Bull Riding: Deklan Garland 332.50 $4,444.44; Holden Moss 161.50 $3,333.33; Reid Arnold (R) 148.75 $2,222.22; Brandon Goforth (R) 83.25 $1,111.11 – Saddle Bronc: Joe Farren 320.75 $4,444.44; Kody Rinehart 304.50 $3,333.33; Reginald Lecourt 216.25 $2,222.22; Rudy Troyer 210.25 $1,111.11 – Tie-Down Roping: Garrett Elmore 35.2 $4,444.44; Cory Kirk 43.7 $3,333.33; Jarod Nooren 45.5 $2,222.22; JC King 45.6 $1,111.11 – Steer Wrestling: Justin Thigpen 22.2 $4,444.44; Casey Stone 32.6 $3,333.33; Eli Tippmann 36.2 $2,222.22; Mason Couch 39.6 $1,111.11 – Cowgirl Barrel Racing: Julie Plourde 64.895 $4,444.44; Josie Thompson 65.493 $3,333.33; Wendy Chesnut 65.887 $2,222.22; Julie Thomas 65.983 $1,111.11 – Team Roping: Garrett Elmore – Cody Heflin 22.1 $4,444.44 ea; Cody Camerer (R) – Zack Mabry 22.6 $3,333.33 ea; Jake Wells – Bryer Hamilton 22.7 $2,222.22 ea; Will Clark – Derrick Crawford 31.6 $1,111.11 ea – Cowgirl Breakaway Roping: Kyla Matthews 19.4 $4,444.44; Kelsey Mabry 10.8 $3,333.33; Cassie Vaughan 21.1 $2,222.22; Addee Carder 26.3 $1,111.11

    IFR All-Around Champion Standings
    1. Garrett Elmore – Springer, OK $17,777.78
    2. Justin Thigpen – Waycross, GA $10,000.00

  • Steiner in contention for second title at National Western Stock Show Rodeo

    Steiner in contention for second title at National Western Stock Show Rodeo

     

    DENVER, Colo. (January 15, 2023) — A year ago, Rocker Steiner set the rodeo world on fire when he won the bareback riding at the National Western Stock Show Rodeo.

    The 18-year-old, from Weatherford, Texas, was coming off a win at the Odessa (Texas) Stock Show Rodeo, came here ready to compete in the legendary Denver Coliseum and left with a brand-new championship buckle and nearly $10,000 in prize money.

    That gave the rising star momentum and put him on a path towards his first Wrangler National Finals Rodeo qualification. He competed at rodeo’s championships last December in Las Vegas and finished the season in 10th place.

    Steiner is hoping to be back in Las Vegas again in 2023 and another win in Denver could help him get on pace to do just that. The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association regular season actually started in October and many contestants tried to jump start their season with early wins. Steiner, who is a multi-generation rodeo competitor didn’t use that option.

    The National Western Stock Show presented by Centura is his first rodeo of the season to compete in. He competed in both rounds on Sunday and had the most success during the evening performance.

    It seemed appropriate that the horse he got on is named Time to Rock owned by Bailey Pro Rodeo. It was a great matchup. When the judges added up their scores, there was an 87 by Steiner’s name. Steiner is now headed for the semifinals for the second consecutive time in just his second trip to the rodeo here. He was leader of the pack in Bracket 4 with a total of 163 on two rides.

    Coloradoans made a lot of noise here during the barrel racing on Sunday. Shali Lord from Lamar finished third during the matinee, then came back during the evening performance and stopped the clock in 15.01 seconds. Her total of 30.38 has her at the top of the leaderboard and she will be a fan-favorite next Saturday during the semifinals.

    Bracket 4 was completed on Sunday. Monday’s matinee will be the beginning of Bracket 5. Then Monday evening, the Martin Luther King Jr. African American Heritage Rodeo of Champions will be held. ProRodeo returns to the Denver Coliseum on Tuesday where Bracket 5 will be completed.

     

    DENVER, Colo. — The following are results from the National Western Stock Show Rodeo, Saturday, Jan. 14, 2023.

     

    Seventh Performance — 

    Bareback Riding: 1, Mark Kreder, Claremore, Okla., 79.5 points on Big Rafter Rodeo’s Dark Rose.  2, Waylon Bourgeois, Church Point, La., 76. 3, Tyler Berghuis, Atwater, Minn., 73. 4, A.J. Ruth, Huntsville, Texas, 71.5.

     

    Steer Wrestling: 1, Cal Wolfe, Palmer Texas, 4.1 seconds. 2, Cody Harmon, Dublin Texas, 4.8. 3, Jace Logan, Yampa, Colo., 5.5. 4, Tait Kvistad, Hudson, Colo., 5.7.

     

    Team Roping: 1, Kellan and Carson Johnson, Casper Wyo., 4.9. 2, Jase Staudt, Saguache, Colo., and Jhett Tenary, Salida, Colo., 5.0. 3, Jake Clay, Sapulpa, Okla., and Kollin VonAhn, Blanchard, Okla., 5.3. 4, Luke Brown, Rock Hill., S.C., and Hunter Koch, Vernon, Texas, 6.4.

     

    Saddle Bronc Riding: 1, Dean Wadsworth, Buffalo Cap, Texas, 80.5 points on Generations Pro Rodeo’s, Doughboy. 2, Cash Wilson, Wall, S.D., 79. 3, Ian McGivney, Kaycee Wyo., 77. 4, Lane Schuelke, Newell, S.D., 76.5.

     

    Tie-Down Roping: 1, Garrett Jacobs, Bosque Farms, N.M., 7.8. 2, Trevor Hale, Perryton, Texas, 8.9 seconds. 3, Matt Shiozawa, Chubbuck, Idaho, 10.7. 4, Darnell Johnson, Fowler, Colo., 11.1.

     

    Women’s Barrel Race: 1, Kylee Scribner, Azle, Texas, 14.88. 2, Cayla Small, Afton, Okla., 15.18. 3, Shali Lord, Lamar, Colo., 15.37. 4, Hailey Garrison, Glen, Mont., 15.41.

    Bull Riding: 1, Tyler Bingham, Howell, Utah, 85 points on Bailey Pro Rodeo’s Hot Rocks. 2, Riley Barg, Lewisville, Idaho, 81. 3, Trey Kimzey, Strong City, Okla., 78.5. 4, JC Mortensen, Paulden, Ariz., 75.

     

    Eighth Performance — 

     

    Bareback Riding: 1, Rocker Steiner, Weatherford, Texas, 87 points on Bailey Pro Rodeo’s Time to Rock. 2, Jayco Roper, Oktaha, Okla., 84. Mark Kreder, Claremore, Okla., 82. 4, Waylon Bourgeois, Church Point, La., 81.5. (total on two — semifinal qualifiers) 1, Steiner, 163. 2, Kreder, 161. 3, Bourgeois, 157.5.

     

    Steer Wrestling: 1, Justin Shaffer, Hallsville, Texas, 3.5 seconds. 2, Cody Harmon, Dublin, Texas, 5.0. 3, Cal Wolfe, Palmer, Texas, 5.2. 4, Tait Kvistad, Hudson, Colo., 5.5. (total on two — semifinal qualifiers) 1, Wolfe, 9.3. 2, Harmon, 9.8. 3, Jace Logan, Yampa, Colo., 11.2.

     

    Team Roping: 1, Jake Clay, Sapulpa, Okla., and Kollin VonAhn, Blanchard, Okla., 5.1 seconds. 2, Jase Staudt, Saguache, Colo., and Jhett Trenary, Salida, Colo., 5.7. 3, Wyatt Murray, Neola, Utah, and Clay Futrell, Union Grave, N.C., 9.7. 4, Brenten Hall, Jay, Okla., and Paden Bray, Stephenville, Texas, 10.4. (total on two — semifinal qualifiers) 1, Clay and VonAhn, 10.4. 2, Staudt, and Trenary, 10.7. 3, Kellan and Carson Johnson, 16.6.

     

    Saddle Bronc Riding: 1, Jacobs Crawley, Stephenville, Texas, 82 points on Bailey Pro Rodeo’s Rip Cord. 2, Sterling Crawley, Stephenville, Texas, 81.5. Cash Wilson, Wall, S.D., 79. 4, Damian Brennan, 75. (total on two — semifinal qualifiers) 1, Wilson, 158. 2, Jacobs Crawley, 82. Sterling Crawley, 81.5.

     

    Tie-Down Roping: 1, Trevor Hale, Perryton, Texas, 7.6 seconds. 2, Matt Shiozawa, Chubbuck, Idaho, 8.2. 3, Stetson Vest, Roosevelt, Utah, 9.2. 4, Darnell Johnson, Fowler, Colo, 9.8. (total on two  — semifinal qualifiers) 1, Hale, 16.5. 2, Shiozawa, 18.9. 3, Vest, 20.4.

     

    Women’s Barrel Race: 1, Shali Lord, Lamar, Colo., 15.01. 2, Hailey Garrison, Glen, Mont., 15.12. 3, Andrea Busby, Brock, Texas, 15.72. 4, Carlee Otero, Laundesboro, Ala., 16.35. (total on two — semifinal qualifiers) 1, Lord, 30.38. 2, Garrison, 30.53. 3, Sierra Williams, Sherwood Park, Alberta 30.89.

     

    Bull Riding: 1, (tie) JC Mortensen, Paulden, Ariz on Bailey Pro Rodeo’s Rude Dude, and Riley Barg, Lewisville, Idaho, on Bailey Pro Rodeo’s Little Tyrant, 83.5 points each. 3, Riker Carter, Stone, Idaho, 81.5. 4, Trey Kimzey, Strong City, Okla., 78.5 (total on two — semifinal qualifiers) 1, Barg, 164.5. 2, Mortensen, 158.5. 3, Kimzey, 157.

     

     

    About the National Western Stock Show — Established in 1906, the National Western Stock Show is a 501(c) (3) charitable organization that provides college and graduate level scholarships in agricultural-related fields of study. Its mission is to serve producers and consumers throughout the world by being the premier stock show, equestrian competitions, and center for year-round events. The 16-day show also serves as an entertainment arena, hosting one of the world’s richest regular season professional rodeos, family and educational shows plus Colorado’s largest western trade show. For more information, visit nationalwestern.com.

     

     

  • On The Trail with Killer Bee

    On The Trail with Killer Bee

    “Cowboys don’t know what pen to put her in,” said 4x World Champion Saddle Bronc Rider, Clint Johnson, about Killer Bee. “She is probably the greatest in this generation. She’s been a little bit of an exception all along. She is an outstanding bronc – one of those horses that comes along once in a lifetime – like Secretariat, Scamper, and a handful of others that were exceptional in their discipline.”
    Killer Bee is the daughter of Commotion and Molly Bee. “Molly Bee had been to the finals four or five times and we bred her to Commotion as we retired him. That mare colicked when we were in Nebraska and she didn’t survive the surgery,” said Bennie Beutler. “Killer Bee was two months old, and we raised her on a bottle. She never got real gentle.”
    She bucked her first time as a four-year-old, at a college rodeo. “We eased her along to some of the smaller rodeos,” continued Bennie. “We knew we had something – she was rank in the bareback.” Cowboys couldn’t mark her high enough, so she was switched to bronc riding. The Wrights got on her – that was in 2015 – the bronc riders wouldn’t get on her because they couldn’t ride her. When cowboys could ride her, they, they were in the 90s and same in the bronc riders. “She’s just as rank one way as the other.”
    At 17, Killer Bee went out on top – Dawson Hay scoring a 92 point ride in Round 9 of the 2022 WNFR. Among her other accolades Killer Bee was the 2020 Wrangler NFR top bareback horse. She was the 2019 PRCA Bareback Horse of the Year and voted top bareback horse of Round 3 of the 2019 NFR after bucking off Austin Foss. Killer Bee was also the top bareback horse of the 2018 NFR and top saddle bronc horse of the 2013 and 2014 NFRs. Her job now? Raise colts. “Now the hard part comes.”

    The Beutler name has long been connected to rodeo stock and this year their ranch-raised stock took all three awards for top-scored rough stock of the Finals. Beutler & Son were awarded best bareback, bronc, and bull of the Finals. This comes from the judges scores – and with 105 in each event, winning one is an honor and winning all three has never been done.
    “We were pretty fortunate.”

    Killer Bee Accomplishments
    2013 – Top Saddle Bronc of the NFR
    2014 – Top Saddle Bronc of the NFR
    2018 – Top Bareback Bronc of the NFR
    2019 – PRCA Bareback Horse of the Year
    2020 – Top Bareback Bronc of the NFR
    2022 – Top Saddle Bronc of the NFR

    Beutler & Son Accomplishments

    Most Top Bucking Stock of the NFR Awards for a Single Rodeo Company – (14), six bucking bulls, four barebacks, and four saddle broncs.
    Most Top Bucking Stock of the NFR Awards – Killer Bee (5), 2013, 2014 & 2022 as a saddle bronc and 2018 & 2020 as a bareback horse (Tied with Sippin’ Velvet (Bernis Johnson).
    Most Top Saddle Bronc of the NFR Awards – Killer Bee (3), 2013, 2014 & 2022 (Tied with Angle Blue (Flying U), Trade Winds (Big Bend), & Trails End (Zumwalt).
    First Stock Contracting Company to Win All Three Top Bucking Stock of the NFR Awards In A Single Year – 2022 with Killer Bee (saddle bronc), Ghost Town (bareback), and Smoke Stack (bull).
    4th Highest Scored Bareback Ride in PRCA History (13-way tie) 93 points by Devan Reily on Beutler & Son Rodeo’s Killer Bee in Tucson, Arizona, in 2018.

    Ranch Raised

    The Beutler name has long been connected to rodeo stock and this year their ranch-raised stock took all three awards for top-scored rough stock of the Finals. Beutler & Son were awarded best bareback, bronc, and bull of the Finals. This comes from the judges scores – and with 105 in each event, winning one is an honor and winning all three has never been done.

  • Champions rise to top at National Western Stock Show PBR Bull Riding

    Champions rise to top at National Western Stock Show PBR Bull Riding

    DENVER, Colo. (Jan. 11, 2023) — The action at the PBR Bull Riding at the National Western Stock Show presented by Centura Health came to a close in the Denver Coliseum on Wednesday night.

    What started on Monday and Tuesday with 90 riders was narrowed down with two riders finishing the event with successful rides on all three of their bulls. At the top of the leaderboard by one point was Chase Dougherty who makes his home at Decatur, Texas.

    Originally from Oregon, Dougherty started competing as a youngster. He qualified for the National Junior High School Finals Rodeo, then went on to compete at the National High School Finals Rodeo for four years. After graduating, he furthered his career at Montana State University in Bozeman and finished third at the College National Finals Rodeo.

    He had success in the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and competed at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in 2018. That was also the year that he won the bull riding championship at the National Western Stock Show Rodeo.

    He started focusing on the PBR and qualified for the World Finals in 2020 and finished 38th in the standings. He has been on the injured reserve but showed the fans in Denver that he is back full force and ready to be back on the Unleash the Beast Tour where the elite compete.  The Denver win will give him a boost in that department as he earned 120.5 Velocity Tour points with his win.

    Right behind Dougherty was Josh Frost who won the rodeo in Denver a year ago. Frost, from Randlett, Utah had the highest marked ride of the entire event in the final round. When the judges added up their scores, he had earned a 92 after riding Montana Jacket from Berg/Coleman/Ogden/Hart.

    Frost had a total of 251.5 points to earn $15,444. He also got 94 Velocity Tour points and is hoping that will help him qualify for his second consecutive World Finals. His name is on the short list of bull riders that have competed at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo and the World Finals in the same year. He will be competing at the rodeo in the Denver Coliseum on Thursday and Friday and is hoping that his 2023 is even better than his 2022.

    Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association action gets underway on Thursday at 7 p.m.

     

    The following are unofficial results from the PBR Bull Riding at the National Western Stock Show, Jan. 9 – 11, 2022.

     

    First Round:  1, Luciano De Castro, GUzolandia, Sao Paulo, Brazil, 89.5 points on Berg/Coleman/Ogen/Hart’s Montana Jacket. 2, Grayson Cole, New Ringold, Pen., 89. 3, (tie) Robbie Taylor Jr., Chinle, Ariz., and Braden Richardson, Jasper, Texas, 86.5 each. 5, Marcelo Procopio Pereira, Rinopolis, Sau Paulo, Brazil, 86. 6, (tie) Austin Richardson, Dallas, Texas; Caden Bunch, Tahlequah, Okla.; and Vinell Mariano, Church Rock, N.M., 85.5 each.

     

    Second Round: 1, Elijah Mora, Wiggins, Colo., 88 points on Jenkin’s Cattle’s Juice. 2, Rafael Joe de Brito, Potirendaba, Sao Paulo, Brazil, 86.5. 3, Flavio Zivieri, Balsamo, Sao Paulo, Brazil, 86. 4, Josh Frost, Randlett, Utah, 84.5. 5, Chase Dougherty, Decatur, Texas, 81.5. 6, Marcelo Procopio Pereira, Rinopolis, Sao Paulo, Brazil, 56.5.

     

    Finals: 1, Josh Frost, Randlett, Utah, 92 points on Berg/Coleman/Ogden/Hart’s Montana Jacket. 2, Chase Dougherty, Decatur, Texas, 88. 3, Luciano De Castro, Guzolandia, Sao Paulo, Brazil, 86.

     

    Total on three followed by total money: 1, Dougherty, 252.5, $19,979. 2, Frost, 251.5, $15,444. (on two)3, De Castro, 175.5, $11,665. 4, Mora, 170.5, $7,785. 5, de Brito, 168.5, $5,125. 6, Flavio Zivieri, Balsamo, Sao Paulo, Brazil, 165, $3,401.