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  • Building Your Foundation

    Building Your Foundation

    A house built on a solid foundation is crucial to provide protection and safety to anything that lives inside. The function of a well-built foundation is to hold up and hold together the structure built above it. The foundation increases the amount of abuse the house can take while remaining safe for those living inside. The three main purposes of a building foundation are to bear the weight of the building, increase the stability against natural forces such as wind or shifting ground, and to shield from any other obstacle that might be detrimental to the building or its occupants such as flooding or predators. Just as it is important for a buildings foundation, it is equally important to build our faith on a solid foundation.
    Matthew 7:24-27 tells us “Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock. But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn’t obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash.”
    The foundation in which we build our faith upon has similar purposes to a buildings foundation. The relationship with God that we have provides stability to bear our weight. We can take all our problems, insecurities, and burdens to him and let him carry the load rather than try to handle them ourselves. The words we bury in our hearts help provide stability against the winds and shifting ground in our lives that try to knock us down. Through our conversations and prayer with Christ we can resist the lies that come from the predator as he tries to flood our minds and wash away our foundation.

    The last eleven months has given me plenty of time to revamp, repatch, and restore any cracks in my foundation. As the devil tries to shift the ground around me, sneak in the basement, and flood my foundation I have spent countless hours seeking God, spending time in his word, and praying to build my foundation stronger so that I can resist against the enemies lies. The foundation I had before has been solid enough to get me this far but since my wreck I have had numerous opportunities to continue to build and solidify my foundation in Christ.
    The thing about building a solid foundation in Christ is not only so we will follow his instructions, but also so we can continue moving forward knowing the best is yet to come when our world gets rocked and knocked upside down. It can become hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel sometimes after months and months of not seeing your dreams come to pass. Or after sometimes years of not seeing change, whether it be in your marriage, your finances, or your physical being when you are seeking healing. The Lord tells us that his word is alive and active, sharper than any double edged sword. The more we bury in our hearts, the more we memorize, and the more we reflect on them, the more weapons we have to combat the devil throughout the day. When he tries telling us this is it, this is all the better it’s going to get we can use Jeremiah 29:11 knowing that God has a plan for our future and his plan is to prosper not to harm us. When the enemy tries to lie to us saying that God doesn’t want to take care of our problems we can use Psalms 55:22 and know that we can give our burdens to the Lord, and he will care for us and not allow us to slip and fall. When Satan tries to tell us since God hasn’t answered your prayer yet he isn’t going to we can use Matthew 7:7 knowing that if we continue to ask he will give us what we ask for. Also, when we don’t know how we are ever going to get out of the situation we are in we can use Isaiah 55:8-9 knowing that God’s ways are not like our ways, and his thoughts are higher than anything we can fathom.
    The foundation we build in Christ has many purposes. To build our character so we follow the Lords instructions. To build our faith in God knowing we can take all our worries, cares and burdens no matter how big or small, to him so he can carry the load rather than try to carry it ourselves. And lastly, so we have a solid base with many weapons in store to resist the devil’s temptations and lies so we can lean on the solidity of the bedrock of Christ. So make sure you are building your foundation on the concrete of Christ so it can stand the storms that come your way!
    “The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety.” Psalms 18:2

  • YETI® Introduces the Hopper® M30 to its Premium Soft Cooler Line

    YETI® Introduces the Hopper® M30 to its Premium Soft Cooler Line

    Newest Cooler Features HydroShield™ Magnetized Closure for Optimal Ice Retention

    Austin, Texas (August 22, 2019) — YETI® Holdings, Inc. (“YETI”) (NYSE: YETI), a leading premium outdoor brand, today launched the latest evolution of its soft cooler collection, the Hopper® M30. The Hopper M30 features a new leak-resistant HydroShield™ magnetized closure that provides superior ice retention and usability.

    “We’re committed to providing our customers with the most innovative and highest quality gear on the market to use as they pursue their active adventures,” says YETI President and CEO, Matt Reintjes. “We know the Hopper M30 design will deliver incredible portability, durability, and ice retention, and we’re excited to officially introduce it to consumers.”

    The Hopper M30 is completely waterproof and uses high-density fabric that resists punctures, abrasions, mildew, and UV rays for unmatched durability. It offers superior thermal performance due to its closed-cell foam insulation and is engineered with a 50 percent wider opening for increased ease of use.

    The Hopper M30 is the latest product within the YETI soft-sided Hopper family and joins the Hopper Flip™ 8, the Hopper Flip 12, and the Hopper Flip 18. While it’s the first Hopper product to use a novel magnet technology, YETI began incorporating magnetic closures in 2017, first with the Rambler® MagSlider™ Lid and most recently within the SideKick Dry™ and Daytrip™ Lunch Bag.

    The Hopper M30 retails for $299.99 and is available in Charcoal, Navy, and, for a limited time, River Green. For more information regarding the Hopper M30, and YETI’s other premium products, please visit yeti.com.

    About YETI Holdings, Inc.

    YETI is a growing designer, marketer, retailer, and distributor of a variety of innovative, branded, premium products to a wide-ranging customer base. Our mission is to ensure that each YETI product delivers exceptional performance and durability in any environment, whether in the remote wilderness, at the beach, or anywhere else life takes our customers. By consistently delivering high-performing products, we have built a following of engaged brand loyalists throughout the United States, Canada, Japan, Australia, and elsewhere, ranging from serious outdoor enthusiasts to individuals who simply value products of uncompromising quality and design. Our relationship with customers continues to thrive and deepen as a result of our innovative new product introductions, expansion and enhancement of existing product families, and multifaceted branding activities.

  • Martha Josey

    Martha Josey

    courtesy of Madison Bruce

    When you hear the name Martha Josey, two images come to mind. The barrel racing legend who won every championship barrel racers can win, and the hands-on teacher who has mentored over 200,000 students in her 50+ years teaching about her sport.

    Martha began her domination of the barrel racing scene in the 1960’s. Right out of the gate she qualified for the National Finals Rodeo in 1968, 1969, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1985, 1987, 1989, 1990, and 1998. Throughout her 4 decades competing at the top of her sport, Martha earned world championship titles in the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association, the National Barrel Horse Association, and the American Quarter Horse Association. Then in 1988 the USA Olympic Team called and asked Martha to represent them at the 1988 Calgary Olympic Games, and after the dust settled she walked away an Olympic Medalist. Martha has been inducted into numerous Hall of Fames, notably the National Cowgirl Hall of Fame, the Texas Rodeo Hall of Fame, the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame, the Ark-La-Tex Sports Museum of Champions and the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum.

    During her years competing, Martha felt called to share her hard-earned knowledge with other aspiring barrel racers. Being self-taught, Martha knows the value of being mentored in this sport that is only getting more and more competitive. So, in 1967 Martha and her beloved husband R.E. Josey held their first barrel racing clinic. Fast forward 52 years and the Josey Ranch is now synonymous with superior barrel racing instruction. Martha and her team have trained over 200,000 students and many of them have gone on to win big in the barrel racing arena. A few notable names that got their start at the Josey Ranch are: Fallon Taylor, Mary Walker, Jimmie Smith, Lynn McKenzie, and Angie Meadors.

    One thing that stands out about the instruction at the Josey Ranch is that Martha and her team teaches that preparation and care outside of the arena is just as vital to success as training inside the arena. Beyond learning how to practice perfect, the Josey Ranch offers demonstrations during every clinic on how to care for your horse’s legs, how to ensure your horse is getting the nutrients he needs, how to haul safely in your trailer, and what equipment is best for you and your horse.

    The Josey name is known for quality and success. That extends to the types of products and equipment that they advocate for. Martha has never pushed products or companies based on an endorsement or sponsorship alone. Instead, Martha is fiercely loyal to the products that truly make the difference in her performance. It is this commitment to quality that has helped the Josey Ranch craft champions. Students come to our clinics and learn the most effective way to keep themselves and their equine partners in the best health for peak performance. For many students, this is the first time they learn about that level of care and how it can help them in the arena. Because of Martha’s commitment to only recommend the highest level of products and equipment, she has held longtime partnerships with several major companies including Purina, Big Tex, Circle Y, MVP, Fiber Energy Products, and Priefert.

    David Nelson, Director of Purina’s Ambassador Program, says this about Martha and R.E.

    “R.E. and Martha have been fantastic long time partners with Purina. They have a high standard for products they endorse, if the product meets their rigorous standards, Martha and R.E. will strongly recommend it to the thousands of students that pass through the Josey Ranch each year.”

    Martha always says that it is easy to share about a product with her students when she believes it is the best product in the field. This is why the Josey Ranch has fed Purina for over 50 years and why Martha partnered with Circle Y to create a superior barrel racing saddle. However, Martha is always on the lookout for the latest innovations. More recently, she has partnered with Polylast Rubber Flooring Systems because of their padded antimicrobial flooring that allows liquid to filter out. Martha loves this flooring in her trailer and in her barn as it keeps her horses comfortable and healthy.

    The Josey Ranch is the place that students from all over the world come to learn how to be a champion. Martha would not have been able to achieve all of her success without the help of great products and equipment. Therefore, part of the instruction that catapults Josey students into the winner’s circle includes sharing about those great products and equipment. It is a Martha Josey tradition that still stands today –give credit where credit is due. If Purina horse feed helped Martha’s horses to be at their peak performance, then Martha will passionately advocate that her students feed Purina. Because at the end of the day, our priority is that Josey Ranch students achieve their grandest dreams.

  • Twisted X® Earns Spot on Inc. 5000 – for the Second Consecutive Year – as One of America’s Fastest-Growing Private Companies

    Twisted X® Earns Spot on Inc. 5000 – for the Second Consecutive Year – as One of America’s Fastest-Growing Private Companies

    Decatur, TX, August 14, 2019 — Inc. magazine officially unveiled their annual Inc. 5000, a prestigious ranking of America’s Fastest-Growing Private Companies, including Decatur’s Twisted X footwear company earning the no. 3424, as compared to no. 3482 in 2018.

    As a part of 2019’s Inc. 5000, Twisted X® joins a class of companies that together have shown astounding three-year average growth of 454 percent and a median rate of 157 percent. The Inc. 5000’s aggregate revenue was $237.7 billion in 2018, accounting for 1,216,308 jobs over the past three years.

    Since its inception in 2005, Twisted X has dedicated business to creating comfortable handcrafted footwear. From men and women, to kids and infants, every pair of Twisted X® shoes and boots is created with comfort in mind. While they originally started making western boot styles, the creation of the iconic Driving Moc opened the door for Twisted X®, creating an extensive range of styles including casual, lifestyle, work and outdoor footwear.

    “We are thrilled to have earned our spot, for the second year running, on the Inc. 5000 list and to be sharing a pedigree with Intuit, Zappos, Under Armour, Microsoft, Jamba Juice, Timberland, Clif Bar, Pandora, Patagonia, Oracle, and other notable alumni,” Twisted X CEO Prasad Reddy said of the award. “With an unparalleled desire toward design and product development, our speed to market allows us to rapidly create innovative footwear styles that our customers love. As a result, for the past 9 years, we have grown by 30% year-over-year.”

    The annual Inc. 5000 event honoring the companies on the list will be held October 10 to 12, 2019, at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort and Spa in Phoenix, Arizona. As always, speakers include some of the greatest innovators and business leaders of our generation.

     

    About Twisted X®: Twisted X creates comfortable, handcrafted footwear for men, women, and children across the lifestyle, western, work and outdoor categories. In addition to producing innovative products for their customers, Twisted X is known for their cutting-edge comfort technologies, sustainability mindset and philanthropic roots. To learn more about their products, innovations in footwear, and contributions to the community visit www.twistedx.com.

  • Smarty Young Pros: Mason Pitts

    Smarty Young Pros: Mason Pitts

    There have been years of preparation leading up to the success that Smarty Young Pro, Mason Pitts, has experienced. When the Haughton, Louisiana 18-year-old showed interest in roping at a young age, his dad, Chet Pitts got involved as well, and he and Mason’s mom, Kelli Pitts, did all they could to provide opportunities for Mason to grow in a sport he was enthralled by. Mason’s parents both work in the oil industry, Kelli for an oilfield company, and Chet as a self-employed contractor. Kelli put aside her barrel racing competition to support Mason’s goals when he started getting serious about the rope in his hands at about 9 years old. Mason’s older brother, Colton, 27, roped some, but was more involved in other sports. State, national, and world titles have come since those beginner roper days; and most recently Mason and fellow Smarty teammate, Chet Weitz, finished as the 7th place team ropers in the world at the 2019 National High School Finals Rodeo in Rock Springs, Wyoming.

    Although Mason was born and raised in Louisiana and spent 6 years competing in the Louisiana High School Rodeo Association, he chose a zip code change to Hamilton, Texas in February to finish out his final high school rodeo season in Region 10 of the Texas High School Rodeo Association. “Chet and I were the 2019 Texas High School Rodeo Association Champion Team Ropers this year, and it felt really good to come to such a competitive state and finish on top my first year there. It is a great environment to be in.” After graduating from Haughton High School in Louisiana in December, Mason moved to live and work for a family in Stephenville, Texas helping around their ranch, and putting himself in a prime location for a dedicated heeler with big goals ahead.

    During his rodeo years in Louisiana, success became standard for the cowboy. Mason was the 2015 LJHSRA Champion Heeler, roping with Morgan Sparks; and he was the 2014, 2016, and 2018 LHSRA Champion Heeler with partner, Tyler McGuffee, whose dad, Brian McGuffee was a friend of Mason’s dad and helped Mason with his roping skills. Mason and Tyler were the 2014 NJHFR world champion team ropers, winning the coveted title in Des Moines, Iowa. The team almost repeated their world champion success at last year’s NHSFR and came back to the short round as the second-high call team. “When I threw my rope in the short round the steer took a big jump and hopped right over my rope and there wasn’t much I could do. We finished as the 11th place team in the world in Rock Springs last year.”

    Mason is currently competing on the 14-year-old bay mare, Belle, that he has owned since he was in 5th grade. But, most of his success came from the back of a red roan gelding he called Junior. “I competed on Junior for 7 years and went from a number 4 roper to a number 9 on him. I just retired him a few months ago at 16 years old. After taking him around the world every year, he had lots of miles under him, and I felt it was time to give him a break.”

    As a second-year Smarty Young Pro member, Mason is grateful for all of the people he meets on the team and enjoys seeing them at the ropings and rodeos he attends. He also likes getting recognized by younger kids that come up to talk to him at events. “It’s been a great thing going to Decatur to camps and seeing Allen Bach and Jade Corkill and some of the pros that attend.” Although initially Mason thought being on the team would be a great thing, he appreciates all the company does for him even more today. “It’s become more than what I expected, and I’m grateful for the recognition it gives us in the industry. I love the conference calls and I feel like a better person every time I get off the phone after listening to Trey Johnson.”

    With youth rodeo competition behind him, Mason looks forward to the big ranks of rodeo for his future. He appreciates all that his sponsors do for him to keep him traveling down the rodeo trail; Classic Ropes, Resistol, and Smarty Young Pros.

  • Rodeo Historical Society 2019 Inductees

    Rodeo Historical Society 2019 Inductees

    National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum and Rodeo Historical Society to celebrate rodeo legends at annual Rodeo Hall of Fame Weekend – Rodeo legends to be honored during prestigious weekend

    OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – Rodeo icons will be recognized at the Rodeo Historical Society and National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum’s annual Rodeo Hall of Fame Weekend, November 8 – 9, 2019, with induction into the renowned Rodeo Hall of Fame. The Ben Johnson Memorial Award and Tad Lucas Memorial Award recipients will also be honored. The celebration will take place at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City.

    The Rodeo Hall of Fame Class of 2019 inductees include Wacey Cathey, Buck LeGrand (1931 – 1997), Gene O. “Buddy” Cockrell, Thomas Joseph “T.J.” Walter (1949 – 2017), Lydia Moore, Frank Shepperson, Rob Smets and Jack Ward, and the Directors’ Choice Award recipient  is Dr. Charles “Bud” Townsend. The Tad Lucas Memorial Award recipient is Cindy Rosser, and the Ben Johnson Memorial Award recipient is Doug Clark.

    “The National Cowboy Museum and the Rodeo Historical Society are delighted to celebrate rodeo by honoring the incredible men and women who helped make it an American tradition,” said Museum & President and CEO Natalie Shirley. “Rodeo Hall of Fame Weekend offers both rodeo enthusiasts and members of the public the opportunity to come together and celebrate a sport that is important to so many individuals — and families — across the country.”

    Rodeo Hall of Fame inductions and awards are sponsored and selected by the Rodeo Historical Society, an organization under the auspices of the National Cowboy Museum whose worldwide members share an interest in preserving both rodeo history and the sport itself. Membership supports the Museum’s rodeo programs, including research, an oral history project, acquisition of materials for the American Rodeo Gallery and the distinguished Rodeo Hall of Fame.

    Rodeo Hall of Fame Weekend includes the Rope ‘N’ Ride Cocktail Reception Friday, November 8, as well as the Inductee panel discussion and the Champions’ Dinner, Induction Ceremony and Benefit Auction on November 9. For more information, visit nationalcowboymuseum.org/event/rodeo-hall-of-fame-weekend/. Reservations for most events are required in advance and can be purchased online or by calling (405) 478-2250 ext. 218. Package pricing and à la carte options are available.

    About the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum

    The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City is America’s premier institution of Western history, art and culture. Founded in 1955, the Museum collects, preserves and exhibits an internationally renowned collection of Western art and artifacts while sponsoring dynamic educational programs to stimulate interest in the enduring legacy of the American West. For more information, visit nationalcowboymuseum.org.

     

    Buck LeGrand (1931 – 1997)

    Bull Fighter and Rodeo Clown

    Buck LeGrand was born September 8, 1931, in Ponca City, Oklahoma. At age 18 he began to rodeo as a bull rider, bareback rider and saddle bronc rider. At one rodeo LeGrand heard a rodeo producer complain about a barrelman and LeGrand offered to take the barrelman’s place. He then became a bullfighter and was known as the cowboy’s bullfighter — one of the toughest men in the rodeo arena. He was selected by the bull riders as the very first NFR bullfighter in 1959, and continued in 1960, 1965, 1967 and 1968. He took the punishment of many bulls to save a bull rider, but never complained. Most major rodeos and many stock contractors sought out LeGrand to work their rodeos. He also entertained audiences with his jokes and animal acts. LeGrand worked the Houston Rodeo 20 times; Madison Square Garden and Boston Garden 10 times each; the Burwell, Nebraska, and Sidney, Iowa, rodeos 17 times each; and the 101 Ranch Rodeo in Ponca City, Oklahoma, 15 times. He was inducted into the AkSarBen Hall of Fame in 1971, and received the Top Hat Award at the NFR in 1985. LeGrand retired from the arena in 1976 and died March 1, 1997.

    Thomas Joseph “T.J.” Walter (1949 – 2017)

    Bareback and Bull Riding

    Thomas Joseph “T.J.” Walter was born February 27, 1949, in Watkins, Iowa. Raised on an Iowa farm with 12 siblings, Walter began riding calves at age 10, bulls at age 13 and bareback horses at age 14. As a high school student, Walter competed in the National High School Rodeo Association (NHSRA), winning the Iowa High School Rodeo bull riding and bareback championships in 1966 and the NHSRA bareback and All-Around championships in 1967. While attending college in Casper, Wyoming, Walter qualified for the NIRA finals in 1967 and 1968. Following college, he competed in the RCA/PRCA for 15 years, making 12 NFR appearances in bareback riding. In addition to competing in all the major rodeos in the United States and Canada, Walter won the bareback riding at the Presidential Rodeo in Washington, D.C., held in honor of President Ronald Reagan, and he earned a Gold Medal as coach of America’s 1988 Olympic Rodeo Team. A gold card member of the PRCA, Canadian Pro Rodeo Association and the Australian Pro Rodeo Association, Walter served on the PRCA Board of Directors for 11 years and as director of PRCA Rodeo Administration for 14 years. He was inducted into the Iowa High School Rodeo Hall of Fame and the Texas Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Fame. Walter died January 1, 2017.

     

    Wacey Cathey

    Bareback and Bull Riding

    Wacey Cathey was born June 29, 1953, in Big Spring, Texas. A bull rider and bareback rider, he participated in the American Junior Rodeo Association (AJRA) from 1970 — 1972, winning the bull riding championship in 1972.  Cathey joined the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) in 1974 and qualified for the National Finals Rodeo (NFR) in 1976, winning round 9. He qualified for the NFR a total of 14 times from 1976 — 1991 and was among the top 10 finishers a total of 9 years. He won the Calgary Stampede’s $50,000 payout in 1983 and 1990; was the Texas Circuit Champion in 1982; won the PRCA ProTour in 1985; and was invited to compete at the Summit Presidential Rodeo. In all, he won the bull riding at Cheyenne; the Texas State Fair in Dallas; North Platte, Nebraska; the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo in Colorado Springs, Colorado; and was co-champion at the Greeley, Colorado, Stampede. In 1993 he began competing with the Professional Bull Riders (PBR) and was inducted into their Ring of Honor. Cathey was inducted into the Pecos Hall of Fame, the Texas Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Fame, the Bull Riders Hall of Fame and the Howard County, Texas, Hall of Fame. He has been on the Board of Directors of the Big Spring Cowboy Reunion & Rodeo for 20 years.

     

    Gene O. “Buddy” Cockrell

    Calf Roping, Steer Roping, Steer Wrestling and Team Roping

    Gene O. “Buddy” Cockrell was born June 10, 1934, in Pampa, Texas. He learned cowboy skills early in life and entered calf roping, steer roping, team roping and steer wrestling events at various rodeos. Cockrell was the 1953 Texas High School Rodeo All-Around Champion. He also played football, basketball and boxed in the heavyweight Golden Gloves division in high school. This athletic ability helped Cockrell receive a college education – he received a full football scholarship to the University of Oklahoma and played on the 1955 National Championship team. Yet, Cockrell’s true love remained in the rodeo arena; he transferred to Hardin-Simmons University to rodeo in the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association (NIRA), where he joined the school’s championship rodeo team and played football. Later, Cockrell joined the New York Jets professional football team. He was the PRCA World Champion Steer Roper based on total earnings for 1977, and he later helped start the Senior Steer Ropers Association in 1984. He was a director for the Top of Texas Rodeo Association for eight years, and ran a 540,000-acre ranch in Australia for seven years. Cockrell remains a “cowboy’s cowboy” who gives back to kids and the underprivileged.

     

    Lydia Moore

    Barrel Racing

    Lydia Moore was born March 31, 1937, in St. Charles, Illinois, to a rodeo/circus family. She received trick-roping lessons from Billy Buschbaum at age 10 and performed at area rodeos. She and her sister, Percyna, were instrumental in establishing the Missouri Girls Rodeo Association. They also won events such as goat tying, barrel racing and pole bending. In 1967 the Moore family moved to Oklahoma and, shortly thereafter, Lydia Moore was hired by legendary rodeo announcer Clem McSpadden as the liaison between the NFR and barrel racers. Later, Moore helped run the NFR’s press room. She served as awards chairman for the Girls Rodeo Association (GRA), securing vehicles, trailers and other donations for barrel racing champions, and became a GRA director at large, bull riding director and Southern Region director. In 1973 she accepted the executive secretary position for the GRA/WPRA (Women’s Professional Rodeo Association), a position she held for 22 years. Today Moore lives in Wayne, Oklahoma, with her daughter and son-in-law.

     

    Frank E. Shepperson

    Bareback, Bronc and Bull Riding, Steer Wrestling and Calf Roping

    Frank Shepperson was born April 7, 1942, in Casper, Wyoming. He began rodeoing in 1957 in the Wyoming High School Rodeo Association and won the All-Around and Champion Team Roper titles. He also wrestled steers and rode saddle broncs. He was the National High School Champion Saddle Bronc Rider in 1960, and was part of the University of Wyoming 1962 NIRA champion men’s rodeo team. He competed in saddle bronc riding, bareback riding, steer wrestling, calf roping and bull riding. He was the 1964 NIRA Steer Wrestling Champion. Shepperson joined the RCA in 1964 and competed in all the major rodeos. He qualified for his first NFR in 1970 and was second in the average that year, and again in 1973 and 1975. He won the World Champion Steer Wrestling title in 1975, winning $9,000 more than the reserve champion. Shepperson’s family continues his winning spirit with daughter, Amy, winning the NIRA 2000 Breakaway Roping Championship and son, Les, coming in third at the 2012 PRCA NFR Steer Wrestling. Shepperson and wife, Susan, ranch near Midwest, Wyoming.

     

    Rob Smets

    Bullfighting

     

    Rob Smets was born September 11, 1959, in Palo Alto, California. While attending Salinas, California, High School, he entered every rodeo event except boys cutting. Critical of the bullfighters, he was told to see if he could do it better. Bill Landis, a bullfighter, mentored Smets and in no time he was, in fact, doing it better.
    He joined the PRCA in 1978 and became one of the best bullfighters in the business. In time he worked for Harry Vold, Neal Gay, Jim Shoulders, Cotton Rosser and Christensen Brothers, bullfighting at most major rodeos and many others. Smets was chosen to bullfight at the NFR six times (1983, 1987, 1989, 1990 and 2000). He is a nine-time PBR Bullfighting World Champion, and received the nickname the “Kamikazi Kid” because of his daring. Smets received the Wrangler NFR World Bullfighting Championship five times. He is in the ProRodeo Hall of Fame, the Texas Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Fame and the Bull Riders Hall of Fame, and received the PBR Heroes & Legends – Jim Shoulders Lifetime Achievement Award. An ordained minister, Smets and his wife, Carla, live in Ross Hill, Texas.

     

    Jack Ward

    Bareback and Bull Riding

    Jack Ward Jr. was born May 21, 1948, in Caldwell, Kansas. A bull and bareback rider, he began his career in 1963, competing in junior rodeos through 1966. In 1967 he attended Sul Ross State University, where he competed in the NIRA. That same year he also joined the RCA. He won the NFR bareback title in 1977 and 1978. Winning or placing at all major rodeos during his career, Ward won the All-Around and the bareback riding at Cheyenne Frontier Days in 1978; he won Salinas Rodeo bareback riding twice; the San Francisco Rodeo bareback championship; and the Albuquerque bareback title. Ward also won the All-Around at San Angelo, Texas; the 1970 Calgary Stampede bull riding; and the bull riding title at the Tulsa Rodeo. He served on the PRCA Board of Directors as Bareback Director from 1977 — 1979, and currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Texas Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Fame. Ward was inducted into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame in 1995, the Texas Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Fame in 2006 and the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame in 2011. Ward is retired and lives in Weatherford, Texas.

    Honorees

    DOUG CLARK

    A member of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association for nearly four decades, Doug Clark epitomizes the legacy of Ben Johnson. He’s a fourth-generation PRCA member.  A quiet gentleman who is one of the most respected rope horse trainers in the business, Clark has shown many horses to AQHA championships. He has qualified for the National Steer Roping Finals, and won the All-Around Championship at Cheyenne Frontier Days.  Like Ben Johnson, Clark spends hours helping children, primarily teaching them roping and life skills. His greatest passion is matching young cowboys and cowgirls with horses that will help them excel in the arena.

     

    Clark has served on the Rodeo Historical Society board of directors. His wife, Linda, is a former barrel racer and daughter Darcy competes in barrel racing, breakaway calf roping and team roping.

     

    Cindy Rosser

    Barrel Racing, Rodeo Production, Rodeo Secretary

    Cindy Rosser was born in December 1954 to Cotton and Linda Rosser in Yuba City, California. Born into a rodeo family, she grew up horseback, and rodeo has remained her life’s work. As a youth, Rosser received 4-H and junior rodeo awards, then graduated to NHSRA awards. She joined the Girls Rodeo Association (GRA)/WPRA in 1969 and spent 20-plus years on their Board of Directors. She was the California Circuit Barrel Racing Champion in 1982 and served on its Board of Directors for 20-plus years. She became the World All-Around Stock Horse Ladies Roping Champion in 1976. The 1995 Coca-Cola WPRA Woman of the Year honors also went to Rosser.

     

    In 1986 Rosser was named PRCA Secretary of the Year, and she was a 1998 NFR Rodeo Secretary and a 2012 Ram National Finals Rodeo Secretary. In addition to the many secretarial duties she has carried out at various rodeos, Rosser was also involved in rodeo production, including carrying the American flag. She trained numerous horses to jump through paper, stand in a Liberty Bell, a birthday cake, a ring of fire, and more. She also produced and designed openings and sponsor flags at the NFR for 10 years.

     

    Rosser is a member of American Bucking Bull, Inc. and has sat on their Board of Directors for more than 6 years. She lives in Arboga, California.

     

    Dr. Charles “Bud” Townsend

    Rodeo Announcer

    Dr. Charles “Bud” Townsend was born in November 1929 in Nocona, Texas. He began his rodeo announcing career at age 16. For the next 50 years he announced rodeos for Bobby Estes, Homer Todd, Cotton Rosser, Beutler Brothers, Everett Colborn, the Steiners, and Walt Alsbaugh. At Rodeo Cowboys Association (RCA) conventions he booked rodeos from Fort Worth, Texas, to Omak, Washington; Greeley, Colorado, to Belle Fourche, South Dakota; Ponca City, Oklahoma, to North Carolina; and into the Deep South.

     

    Townsend received his Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin and became a history professor, spending his summers announcing rodeos. He spent 27 years at West Texas A&M in Canyon, Texas. “I owe a debt to rodeo I can never repay,” he said. “Rodeo taught me how to teach students so they enjoyed learning.” He was inducted into the Texas Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Fame, and received an American Cowboy Culture “Lifetime Achievement Award” and an “All-Around Cowboy” Award. He participated for years in the Cowboy Symposium at Lubbock, Texas.

     

    Townsend received the 1975 Wrangler Book Award from the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum for his book San Antonio Rose: The Life and Music of Bob Wills. He also won a Grammy award for his album notes to Bob Wills & His Texas Playboys: For the Last Time.

     

     

  • Don’t Give Up

    Don’t Give Up

    Why is it so important to never give up? Somedays giving up seems like the easy thing to do. We have all had those days where throwing in the towel seems like the right answer. It can be very frustrating working day in and day out towards something and not seeing the results you think you deserve. When you don’t see your hard work bringing you success, it has the tendency to drain you physically, emotionally, and even spiritually. Giving up is the easy way out. But, quitting is not the answer. Giving up will not solve anything!

    get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.”

    Galatians 6:9

    This verse says it all. Even when we think there is no way it will work out. When we are tired of getting beat down. When all the hard work, late nights, failed attempts, and everything else has you drug down, just remember at just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if you dig in, dig deep,  and don’t give up.

    I heard a saying a while back I find myself referring to constantly on hard days. When I try to wiggle a toe and it still doesn’t  wiggle. When I stand up with a walker and think today is the day and my knees still don’t lock. When I try to kick my leg out and it just dangles there. After all this time, approaching 11 months, all the hours of strenuous physical therapy. All the days spent staring at my toes, feet, and legs trying to get them to move. After all these months praying, seeking, reading, and believing. After the constant day in and day out of putting in the effort and working hard to conquer the odds. After all the early mornings and late nights catching a workout in the gym between managing our cattle and getting leather work done, so I can still provide for my family. After all this time, why am I not seeing the success and results I feel like I deserve? This saying helps me a lot, “God loves us to much to deliver us at anytime other than the perfect time.”

    As Isaiah 55:8-9 claims, God’s ways are not like our ways. His thoughts are not like our thoughts. We cannot think like God thinks. We can’t fathom how God works. So who are we to say what we do and don’t deserve? All we are supposed to do is keep believing and not grow tired of doing what is good, because we will reap a harvest of blessing from the seeds we sow. Just like the story of Joseph, he could’ve gave up when his brothers sold him into slavery. Or, when he ended up in prison for years. He could’ve quit trying. He could’ve gave up on his dream, but he didn’t. He kept doing the tasks that God had laid in front of him day in and day out, and believing in the dream and vision God had given him until at the perfect time God delivered him to be Pharaohs right hand man, and save his family from the 7 year famine.

    So, when you grow tired we can find strength and peace in these promises from God:

    • “Give your burdens to the Lord, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall.” Psalms 55:22
    • “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.” Isaiah 41:10
    • “For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13
    • “God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.” James 1:12

    When you don’t see any progress, whether it’s in your dream business you’ve started and don’t see growing, your new weight loss program you’ve been doing for months and can’t shake the extra pounds, your physical breakthrough you are working towards, or any other trial that has you wore down and on the brink of giving up. Whatever it is, just remember Romans 8:18 “Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later.” So, dig in, dig deep, keep your vision in front of you, and DON’T GIVE UP!

  • International Finals Rodeo finds new home at Lazy E Arena

    International Finals Rodeo finds new home at Lazy E Arena

    August 28th, 2019 – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Oklahoma City, OK – The International Professional Rodeo Association (IPRA) along with the Lazy E Arena (LEA) is proud to announce a collaboration to relocate the International Finals Rodeo (IFR) for its 50th anniversary and beyond. Within this new partnership benefits will be seen by all members involved from contestants to stock contractors to contract personnel. Furthermore, the life blood of the event, the fans, will as well have a refreshed experience from the Lazy E’s rich history in western sports and improved production techniques.

    As discussed in the live press conference on Wednesday, August 28th increases to the contestant prize money will grow from $26,000 per event to over $33,000 per event in the 7 standard events, continuing with equal money in the Team Roping for headers and heelers. We are pleased to announce that the Breakaway Roping will increase from a total of $15,000 to match the 7 standard events with over $33,000. This will bring the total cash payout of the event up to $300,000. Stock Contractors will see a 20% increase per animal in stock lease for the 2020 event. Contract personnel who are selected to work IFR50 will also see a 20% increase in pay.

    When the Lazy E Arena was constructed in 1984, western sports, more specifically rodeo, were the primary tenant in mind. Fans that attend the upcoming International Finals Rodeo will be welcomed with a strong sense of cowboy heritage that lives inside the historic Lazy E Arena. They will also enjoy the unique amenities offered by the LEA including new seating options, an unobstructed, intimate view of the arena floor, and state of the art video, lights, and sound brought in for the new age entertainment. The LEA offers numerous RV hook ups as well as free parking for patrons attending IFR50 slated for January 17-19, 2020.

    “This is a historic day for the International Professional Rodeo Association and the International Finals Rodeo. We are proud to announce a partnership with the Lazy E Arena that will help bring the IPRA and the IFR closer to its goals. Those goals include increased benefits for our members, sponsors, and fans. This move sets in motion a plan of continued growth for years to come.” Says Dale Yerigan, General Manager of the IPRA. Yerigan, who has won 11 World Championships in the Steer Wrestling, has always had sense of what it takes to benefit the rodeo athletes and sees this move as one in a forward direction for all involved.

    For more information on this monumental step, visit www.ifrodeo.om for details.

    About the IPRA: The International Professional Rodeo Association (IPRA) has been providing rodeo excitement for more than 50 years. From big cities to small towns, from major league stadiums to portable arenas, the IPRA is the sport’s second largest professional rodeo association sanctioning over 300 rodeos. The IPRA is keeping the spirit of the west alive from coast to coast throughout the United States and Canada.

    About the LEA: The Fabulous Lazy E Arena – just southeast of Guthrie and northeast of Edmond/Oklahoma City – was established in December 1984. From giving PBR its start to the Timed Event Championship of the World, the Lazy E has hosted world champions, world championships and personalities galore. In 2005, Gaylord sold the property to a partnership from Nevada, and in October 2013 the property was sold to the McKinney Family from Midland, Texas. The ownership group has long recognized not only the tremendous facility, but also the importance of the Lazy E’s place in Rodeo and Oklahoma history. The Family has committed to maintaining the Lazy E as the World’s premier western entertainment facility. Many updates and renovations are taking place at the Arena which will only enhance the lure of the Lazy E to the general population.

  • National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum and Rodeo Historical Society to celebrate rodeo legends at annual Rodeo Hall of Fame Weekend

    National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum and Rodeo Historical Society to celebrate rodeo legends at annual Rodeo Hall of Fame Weekend

    Rodeo legends to be honored during prestigious weekend

     OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – Rodeo icons will be recognized at the Rodeo Historical Society and National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum’s annual Rodeo Hall of Fame Weekend, November 8 – 9, 2019, with induction into the renowned Rodeo Hall of Fame. The Ben Johnson Memorial Award and Tad Lucas Memorial Award recipients will also be honored. The celebration will take place at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City.

    The Rodeo Hall of Fame Class of 2019 inductees include Wacey Cathey, Buck LeGrand (1931 – 1997), Gene O. “Buddy” Cockrell, Thomas Joseph “T.J.” Walter (1949 – 2017), Lydia Moore, Frank Shepperson, Rob Smets and Jack Ward, and the Directors’ Choice Award recipient  is Dr. Charles “Bud” Townsend. The Tad Lucas Memorial Award recipient is Cindy Rosser, and the Ben Johnson Memorial Award recipient is Doug Clark.

    “The National Cowboy Museum and the Rodeo Historical Society are delighted to celebrate rodeo by honoring the incredible men and women who helped make it an American tradition,” said Museum & President and CEO Natalie Shirley. “Rodeo Hall of Fame Weekend offers both rodeo enthusiasts and members of the public the opportunity to come together and celebrate a sport that is important to so many individuals — and families — across the country.”

    Rodeo Hall of Fame inductions and awards are sponsored and selected by the Rodeo Historical Society, an organization under the auspices of the National Cowboy Museum whose worldwide members share an interest in preserving both rodeo history and the sport itself. Membership supports the Museum’s rodeo programs, including research, an oral history project, acquisition of materials for the American Rodeo Gallery and the distinguished Rodeo Hall of Fame.

    Rodeo Hall of Fame Weekend includes the Rope ‘N’ Ride Cocktail Reception Friday, November 8, as well as the Inductee panel discussion and the Champions’ Dinner, Induction Ceremony and Benefit Auction on November 9. For more information, visit nationalcowboymuseum.org/event/rodeo-hall-of-fame-weekend/. Reservations for most events are required in advance and can be purchased online or by calling (405) 478-2250 ext. 218. Package pricing and à la carte options are available.

    About the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum

    The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City is America’s premier institution of Western history, art and culture. Founded in 1955, the Museum collects, preserves and exhibits an internationally renowned collection of Western art and artifacts while sponsoring dynamic educational programs to stimulate interest in the enduring legacy of the American West. For more information, visit nationalcowboymuseum.org.

  • Champions crowned at 85th Caldwell Night Rodeo

    Champions crowned at 85th Caldwell Night Rodeo

    CALDWELL, Idaho (Aug. 17, 2019) – If a script had been written for the conclusion of the Caldwell Night Rodeo, it couldn’t have played out any better than the actual competition on Saturday night.

    It started with outstanding bareback riding where four-time and world standings leader Kaycee Feild tied for the arena record. Feild rode the Northcott & Macza horse named Spilled Perfume for 91 points to win the final round and the overall title. His total of 180 points on two rides is the highest on record here and added $8,702 to his earnings.

    Feild won the championship here in 2012, a year after he won his first of four consecutive world titles. He qualified for his first Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in 2008 and has competed at rodeo’s championships nine times. The most recent of those was last December.

    He started off this year with a big win at RodeoHouston last March. Then while competing in Austin, Texas, he was injured sustaining facial and skull fractures. He returned to competition over the Fourth of July and won his first rodeo back at Mandan, North Dakota.

    Feild has been in the lead of the world standings for most of the year and helped his quest to remain number one in Caldwell. The man behind him there also finished second here, Clayton Biglow, from Clements, California.

    In the saddle bronc riding, a win here could have a big impact on Mitch Pollock’s season. Pollock, from Winnemucca, Nevada was 18th in the world standings before he rode here. The top 15 at the end of September qualify for the NFR and Pollock needed a big win to move him in the standings.

    He won the first round here with a 90-point ride, then came back and won the overall title with 176.5 points on two head. The $7,156 he won here should move him into the top 15 and give him an opportunity to compete in Las Vegas in December for the first time.

    Pollock grew up in Nevada, but after coming to college in Idaho he has made the Twin Falls area his home. He had a lot of friends and fans that got to watch him make his victory laps around the arena and now they are all hoping to see him compete in Las Vegas.

    A world champion bucking bull was the superstar here on Saturday. Powder River Rodeo’s Sweet Pro’s Bruiser had a much-anticipated match up with Challis, Idaho, resident Ruger Piva. Piva not only made it to the whistle, he scored 92-points and won the rodeo adding nearly $8,000 to his earnings.

    Piva could also be headed to his first NFR thanks to the Caldwell championship. He was 17th in the world standings and with the money he won here, he should move into the top 15. This year’s rodeo had a total payout of $327,501.

    Plans are underway for the 86th Caldwell Night Rodeo. More information is available at www.caldwellnightrodeo.com.

     

    2019 Caldwell Night Rodeo Champions

    Bareback Riding – Kaycee Feild, Genola, Utah, 180 points, $8,702

    Steer Wrestling – (tie) Aaron Vosler, Laramie, Wyo., 13.9 seconds, $5,766

    Kodie Jang, Townsville, Australia, 13.9 seconds, $6,888

    Team Roping – Jr. Dees, Aurora, S.D., &

    Lane Siggins, Coolidge, Ariz., 15.4 seconds, $7,946 each

    Saddle Bronc Riding – Mitch Pollock, Winnemucca, Nev., 176.5 points, $7,156

    Tie-Down Roping – Tuf Cooper, Decatur, Texas, 28.0 seconds, $8,785

    Barrel Racing – Dona Kay Rule, Minco, Okla., 51.38 seconds, $8,718

    Bull Riding – Ruger Piva, Challis, Idaho, 92 points, $7,952

    CALDWELL, Idaho (Aug. 17, 2019) — The following are final results from the 85th annual Caldwell Night Rodeo.

    Bareback Riding: (final round) 1, Kaycee Feild, Genola, Utah, 91 points on Northcott & Macza’s Spilled Perfume, $1,650.* 2, Clayton Biglow, Clements, Calif., 88.5, $1,250. 3, Steven Peebles, Redmond, Ore., 86, $900. 4, Seth Lee Hardwick, Ranchester, Wyo., 85, $600. 5, Orin Larsen, Inglis, Manitoba, 84.5, $350. 6, Caleb Bennett, Corvallis, Mont., 83.5, $250. (total on two) 1, Feild,180, $3,526. 2, Biglow, 174.5, $2,703. 3, Peebles, 172, $1,998. 4, Hardwick, 170, $1,293. 5, Bennett, 186, $823. 6, Orin Larsen, Inglis, Manitoba, 165.5, $588. 7, Cole Reiner, Kaycee, Wyo., 151.5, $470. (on one) 8, Clint Laye, Cadogan, Alberta, 83, $353.

    Steer wrestling: (final round) 1, Aaron Vosler, Laramie, Wyo., 4.5 seconds, $1,305. 2, Levi Rudd, Chelsea, Okla., 4.6, $1,030. 3, (tie) Will Lummus, West Point, Miss., and Kodie Jang, Townsville, Australia, 4.7, $743 each. 5, Nick Guy, Sparta, Wis., 4.8, $405. 6, Kyle Irwin, Robertsdale, Ala., 5.3, $225. (total on three) 1, (tie) Vosler and Jang, 13.9, $4,024 each. 3, Lummus, 14.1, $3,182. 4, Irwin, 14.3, $2,620. 5, (tie) Rudd and Guy, 14.5, $1,778. 7, Jace Melvin, Fort Pierre, S.D., 15.6, $936. 8, Taylor Gregg, Walla Walla, Wash., 16.1, $374.

    Team roping: (final round) 1, Jr. Dees, Aurora, S.D., and Lane Siggins, Coolidge, Ariz., 5.1 seconds, $1,138. 2, Garrett Tonozzi, Lampasas, Texas, and Dustin Davis, Terrell, Texas, 5.6, $942. 3, Jeff Flenniken, Caldwell, Idaho, and Tyler Worley, Berryville, Ark., 6.3, $745. 4, Clayton VanAken, Descanso, Calif., and Trey Yates, Pueblo, Colo., 6.7, $550. 5, Kaden Richard, Roosevelt, Utah and Bradey Ramone, Orangeville, Utah, 7.0, $353. 6, Clay Tryan, Billings, Mont., and Travis Graves, Jay, Okla., 7.2, $196. (total on three) 1, Dees and Siggins, 15.4, $4,561. 2, Tonozzi and Davis, 16.7, $3,966. 3, Tryan and Graves, 17.0, $3,371. 4, Flenniken and Worley, 17.5, $2,776. 5, VanAken and Yates, 19.0, $2,181. 6, Richard and Ramone, 19.1, $1,586. 7, Aaron Tsinigine, Tuba City, Ariz., and Patrick Smith, Lipan, Texas, 22.0, $992. 8, Jaguar Terrill, Blackfoot, idaho and Jason Warner, Rexburg, Idaho, 26.4, $397.

    Saddle bronc riding: (final round) 1, (tie) Spencer Wright, Milford, Utah on Powder River Rodeo’s Rich N Fancy and Allen Boore, Axtell, Utah, on Powder River Rodeo’s Look Again, 86.5 points and $1,450 each. 3, Mitch Pollock, Winnemucca, Nev., 86.5, $900. 4, Colt Gordon, Comanche, Okla., 86, $600. 5, Hardy Braden, Welch, Okla., 85, $350. 6, Brody Cress, Hillsdale, Wyo., 84.5, $250. (total on two) 1, Pollock, 176.5, $3,128. 2, Boore, 171.5, $2,398. 3, Wright, 170.5, $1,772. 4, Gordon, 168, $1,147. 5, Zeke Thurston, Big Valley, Alberta, 167.5, $730. 6, Braden, 166, $521. 7, Cress, 164, $417. 8, Bradley Harter, Loranger, La., 162, $313.

     Tie down roping: (final round) 1, Tyler Milligan, Pawhuska, Okla., 9.4 seconds, $1,334. 2, Tuf Cooper, Decatur, Texas, 10.0, $1,104. 3, (tie) Dane Kissack, Spearfish, S.D., and Marty Yates, Stephenville, Texas, 10.4, $759 each. 5, J.D. McCuistion, Collinsville, Texas, 11.2, $414. 6, Lane Livingston, Seymour, Texas, 11.5, $230. (total on three) 1, Cooper, 28.0, $4,569. 2, Milligan, 28.1, $3,973. 3, Livingston, 29.2, $3,377. 4, Yates, 31.0, $2,781. 5, (tie) Kissack and McCuistion, 31.9, $1,887. 7, Taylor Santos, Creston, Calif., 32.2, $993. 8, Colton Farquer, Oakdale, Calif., 37.6, $397.

    Barrel racing: (final round) 1, Dona Kay Rule, Minco, Okla., 17.00, $1,637. 2, (tie) Christine Laughlin, Pueblo, Colo., and Stevi Hillman, Weatherford, Texas, 17.23 &  $1,023 each. 4, Carly Taylor, Andersonville, Tenn., 17.25, $409. (total on three) 1, Rule, 51.38, $3,315. 2, Hillman, 51.55, $2,841. 3, Taylor, 51.99, $2,368. 4, Amberleigh Moore, Salem, Ore., 52.12, $2,052. 5, Laughlin, 52.13, $1,578. 6, Brittney Barnett, Joliet, Mont., 52.16, $1,263. 7, Cheyenne, Wimberley, Stephenville, Texas, 52.36, $947. 8, Tanya Jones, Prineville, Ore., 52.41, $631. 9, Amanda Lewis Waller, Oreana, Idaho, 52.50, $474. 10, Cindy Smith, Hobbs, N.M., 52.97, $316.

    Bull Riding:  1, Ruger Piva, Challis, Idaho, 92 points on Powder River Rodeo’s Sweet Pro’s Bruiser, $7,952. 2, Sage Steele Kimzey, Strong City, Okla., 89.5, $6,097. 3, Derek Kolbaba, Walla Walla, Wash., 87.5, $4,506. 4, Daylon Swearingen, Rochelle, Ga., 87, $2,916. 5, Chase Dougherty, Canby, Ore., 81.5, $1,856. 6, (tie) Happy Weight, Goshen, Utah and Colten Fritzlan, Rifle, Colo., 80, $1,193. 8, Shad Winn, Westmoreland, Kan., 79.5, $795.

    *Tied for arena record with Steven Dent in 2008.

     

  • Roper Review: Brandon Ben

    Roper Review: Brandon Ben

    Brandon Ben has been roping for 11 years. He started because his family ropes and he’s carrying it on. He learned from his dad, Rawley Ben, who is a 8+ heeler and 7 header. From, Peridot, Arizona, the 17 year old has done quite well in the roping world; he’s won two trucks so far – including the one that ZD Cattle is giving away in September. “I am keeping both of them, using them to travel,” said the #7 heeler who is also a #6 header. He ropes on a 6 year old bay mare. “She’s pretty small, like a kid’s horse, but we’ve been roping on her since she was three.” Six of Brandon’s eight siblings’ rope and they each have a horse they compete on. Whenever they are not at school or traveling, the family can be found in the arena.
    He is going to be a senior and fits school into his roping. Sometimes that doesn’t always work out – he qualified for the World Series Finale in Vegas this coming December, but can’t attend. “I can’t miss that much school.”
    Along with the two trucks, Brandon has more than 500 buckles that he has collected over the years.
    He takes the money he wins roping to enter more, buy feed and tack and help support his family. The family trains horses and rides horses for people that send them to them. He learned how to train horses from his dad, and they can have as many as 15 outside horses they are working with at a time. “If we buy a horse, we keep it for ourselves,” he said.
    He and his two brothers help with the training. His five sisters are not as involved in the training, but they rope.
    Their place is complete with cattle and a donkey, which they trail.
    When he graduates from high school next spring, he plans to try prorodeoing and go to college at Central Arizona College, and focus on college rodeo.
    He is looking forward to the upcoming truck roping. “I rope with Zane alot and he puts on a great event.”

  • Don’t Give Up

    Don’t Give Up

    Why is it so important to never give up? Somedays giving up seems like the easy thing to do. We have all had those days where throwing in the towel seems like the right answer. It can be very frustrating working day in and day out towards something and not seeing the results you think you deserve. When you don’t see your hard work bringing you success, it has the tendency to drain you physically, emotionally, and even spiritually. Giving up is the easy way out. But, quitting is not the answer. Giving up will not solve anything!
    “So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.”
    Galatians 6:9
    This verse says it all. Even when we think there is no way it will work out. When we are tired of getting beat down. When all the hard work, late nights, failed attempts, and everything else has you drug down, just remember at just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if you dig in, dig deep, and don’t give up.
    I heard a saying a while back I find myself referring to constantly on hard days. When I try to wiggle a toe and it still doesn’t wiggle. When I stand up with a walker and think today is the day and my knees still don’t lock. When I try to kick my leg out and it just dangles there. After all this time, approaching 11 months, all the hours of strenuous physical therapy. All the days spent staring at my toes, feet, and legs trying to get them to move. After all these months praying, seeking, reading, and believing. After the constant day in and day out of putting in the effort and working hard to conquer the odds. After all the early mornings and late nights catching a workout in the gym between managing our cattle and getting leather work done, so I can still provide for my family. After all this time, why am I not seeing the success and results I feel like I deserve? This saying helps me a lot, “God loves us too much to deliver us at anytime other than the perfect time.”
    As Isaiah 55:8-9 claims, God’s ways are not like our ways. His thoughts are not like our thoughts. We cannot think like God thinks. We can’t fathom how God works. So who are we to say what we do and don’t deserve? All we are supposed to do is keep believing and not grow tired of doing what is good, because we will reap a harvest of blessing from the seeds we sow. Just like the story of Joseph, he could’ve given up when his brothers sold him into slavery. Or, when he ended up in prison for years. He could’ve quit trying. He could’ve given up on his dream, but he didn’t. He kept doing the tasks that God had laid in front of him day in and day out, and believing in the dream and vision God had given him until at the perfect time God delivered him to be Pharaohs right hand man, and save his family from the 7 year famine.
    So, when you grow tired we can find strength and peace in these promises from God:
    • “Give your burdens to the Lord, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall.” Psalms 55:22
    • “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.” Isaiah 41:10
    • “For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13
    • “God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.” James 1:12
    When you don’t see any progress, whether it’s in your dream business you’ve started and don’t see growing, your new weight loss program you’ve been doing for months and can’t shake the extra pounds, your physical breakthrough you are working towards, or any other trial that has you wore down and on the brink of giving up. Whatever it is, just remember Romans 8:18 “Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later.” So, dig in, dig deep, keep your vision in front of you, and DON’T GIVE UP!