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  • Jared Keylon Claims RAM Prairie Circuit Finals Rodeo Title

    Jared Keylon Claims RAM Prairie Circuit Finals Rodeo Title

    DUNCAN, Okla. – The last time Jared Keylon won the RAM Prairie Circuit Finals Rodeo he went on to qualify for the 2012 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo.

    On Oct. 20, the bareback rider gave his 2019 season an early boost by winning the RAM PCFR for the second time in his 12 years of PRCA competition.

    “I came in with the attitude there are so many good guys riding in this circuit, and when you have competition like that all the time you know you have to be on your toes,” Keylon said.

    The Arkansas-native-turned-Kansas cowboy won two of the three rounds, giving him the average win by 11.5 points. Keylon’s $4,580 payday came in part by winning the second round with an 84.5-point ride on Frontier Rodeo’s Big League and the third round with an 85-point ride on Beutler & Son Rodeo’s Satin Sheets.

    “I couldn’t have asked for three better horses,” Keylon said. “The third one (Satin Sheets) I’ve had before. You couldn’t ask for a more solid draw. You never know if you’re going to win first, but you look at it like, ‘That’s my placing horse.’”

    Before his win, Keylon ranked second in the Prairie Circuit with $17,517.

    Since his last trip to the Wrangler NFR, Keylon’s been climbing the world standings. He was 54th in 2017 and 36th in 2018 with $25,791.

    Winning the RAM PCFR hadn’t sunk in for Keylon on Oct. 20 since he’d been bouncing between Duncan, Okla., his home in Uniontown, Kan., and Waco, Texas, for the All American ProRodeo Finals. While at Waco, he won the first two rounds of Bracket 1 and the semifinals and took home $7,600, bringing his weekly winnings to just past $12,000.

    “It means a lot to my heart because I have two kiddos at home, so to them dad’s gone, but I can show this is what dad’s doing to get some extra money,” Keylon said, referring to his son Gunner, 7, and daughter Sadie, 2. “This time of the year is the best time (to win) because we’re going to lay up for the winter for those of us that didn’t make the NFR.”

    With two big wins early in the season and a qualification for the RAM National Circuit Finals Rodeo in place, Keylon’s feeling optimistic.

    “I feel like if you work hard and put your faith in the Lord it will work out the way it’s supposed to,” Keylon said. “You never know where you’re going to end up, and if you do your job at home by working out and getting on the spur board, you’ll be satisfied because you know you did the best you could.”

    With the holidays on the horizon and rodeo season heading into hibernation, Keylon’s ready to head home.

    “I’ve been gone so many weekends this year I’m ready to do something with my family,” he said.

    Considering the start he’s had for the 2019 season, there’s a good chance Keylon will make another run for the Wrangler NFR.

    “My wife and I talked about it, but I kind of just leave it up to the Lord,” Keylon said. “If it keeps going good, I might try to go back to the NFR.”

    Other winners of the $185,591 rodeo were all-around cowboy Steven Dent ($6,447, bareback riding and saddle bronc riding); steer wrestler Riley Duvall (13.8 seconds on three head); team ropers Dylan Gordon/Chase Boekhaus (16.2 seconds on three head); saddle bronc rider Hardy Braden (242 points on three head); tie-down roper Cody McCartney (27.4 seconds on three head); barrel racer Dona Kay Rule (46.35 seconds on three runs); steer roper Kelton McMillen (51.8 seconds on three head); and bull rider Brett Custer (246 points on three head).

     

    Ram Prairie Circuit Finals

    Duncan, Okla., Oct. 18-20

    All-around cowboy: Steven Dent, $6,447, bareback riding and saddle bronc riding.

    Bareback riding: First round: 1. Will Martin, 83 points on Mo Betta Rodeo’s Jason’s Pride, $1,832; 2. Jared Keylon, 81.5, $1,374; 3. Blaine Kaufman, 80, $916; 4. (tie) Steven Dent and Garrett Shadbolt, 77, $229 each. Second round: 1. Jared Keylon, 84.5 points on Frontier Rodeo’s Big League, $1,832; 2. Steven Dent, 82.5, $1,374; 3. (tie) Mike Fred and Mark Kreder, 79, $687 each. Third round: 1. Jared Keylon, 85 points on Beutler & Son Rodeo’s Satin Sheets, $1,832; 2. Mark Kreder, 81, $1,374; 3. Justin Pollmiller, 80.5, $916; 4. Will Martin, 78.5, $458. Average: 1. Jared Keylon, 251 points on three head, $2,748; 2. Will Martin, 239.5, $2,061; 3. Steven Dent, 237.5, $1,374; 4. Mark Kreder, 228.5, $687.

    Steer wrestling: First round: 1. Blake Mindemann, 3.8 seconds, $1,851; 2. Stockton Graves, 4.4, $1,388; 3. Riley Duvall, 4.7, $925; 4. Jule Hazen, 5.3, $463. Second round: 1. (tie) Riley Duvall and Hunter Crawford, 4.3 seconds, $1,619 each; 3. Jule Hazen, 4.4, $925; 4. Kyle Eike, 4.7, $463. Third round: 1. J.D. Struxness, 3.9 seconds, $1,851; 2. Bridger Anderson, 4.0, $1,388; 3. Stockton Graves, 4.4, $925; 4. Tyler Pearson, 4.6, $463. Average: 1. Riley Duvall, 13.8 seconds on three head, $2,776; 2. Cody Devers, 15.6, $2,082; 3. Tyler Pearson, 15.8, $1,388; 4. J.D. Struxness, 16.6, $694.

    Team roping: First round: 1. Dylan Gordon/Chase Boekhaus, 4.6 seconds, $1,851 each; 2. (tie) Andrew Ward/Reagan Ward and Paul David Tierney/Tanner Braden, 5.2, $1,157 each; 4. Cale Markham/Buddy Hawkins II, 5.6, $463. Second round: 1. Curry Kirchner/Jett Hillman, 5.0 seconds, $1,851 each; 2. Dylan Gordon/Chase Boekhaus, 5.1, $1,388; 3. Andrew Ward/Reagan Ward, 5.5, $925; 4. Cale Markham/Buddy Hawkins II, 6.0, $463. Third round: 1. Coleman Proctor/Joseph Harrison, 4.4 seconds, $1,851 each; 2. Nick Sartain/Austin Rogers, 4.5, $1,388; 3. Jesse Stipes/Jake Smith, 4.8, $925; 4. Curry Kirchner/Jett Hillman, 4.9, $463. Average: 1. Dylan Gordon/Chase Boekhaus, 16.2 seconds on three head, $2,776 each; 2. Nick Sartain/Austin Rogers, 17.1, $2,082; 3. Cale Markham/Buddy Hawkins II, 21.2, $1,388; 4. Curry Kirchner/Jett Hillman, 9.9 on two head, $694.

    Saddle bronc riding: First round: 1. Steven Dent, 80 points on Beutler & Son Rodeo’s Night Latch, $1,851; 2. Hardy Braden, 78.5, $1,388; 3. Roper Kiesner, 78, $925; 4. (tie) Clint Lindenfeld, Dalton Davis and Preston Kafka, 76, $154 each. Second round: 1. Hardy Braden, 83.5 points on Rafter H Rodeo Livestock’s Aces Wild, $1,851; 2. Dalton Davis, 79.5, $1,388; 3. Jake Finlay, 77, $925; 4. (tie) Tyrel Larsen and Colt Gordon, 75.5, $231 each. Third round: 1. Colt Gordon, 87 points on New Frontier Rodeo’s Toy Box, $1,851; 2. Hardy Braden, 80, $1,388; 3. Steven Dent, 77.5, $925; 4. Jake Finlay, 76, $463. Average: 1. Hardy Braden, 242 points on three head, $2,776; 2. (tie) Tyrel Larsen and Clint Lindenfeld, 222.5, $1,735 each; 4. Steven Dent, 220.5, $694.

    Tie-down roping: First round: 1. Ryan Jarrett, 8.0 seconds, $1,851; 2. Trent Creager, 8.5, $1,388; 3. Tyler Milligan, 8.8, $925; 4. Luke Potter, 9.3, $463. Second round: 1. Cody Quaney, 7.7 seconds, $1,851; 2. Cole Bailey, 8.0, $1,388; 3. Paul David Tierney, 8.2, $925; 4. Tyler Milligan, 8.8, $463. Third round: 1. Bryson Sechrist, 8.0 seconds, $1,851; 2. Cole Bailey, 8.2, $1,388; 3. (tie) Caddo Lewallen and Ryan Jarrett, 8.3, $694 each. Average: 1. Cody McCartney, 27.4 seconds on three head, $2,776; 2. Caddo Lewallen, 27.7, $2,082; 3. Tyler Milligan, 28.0, $1,388; 4. Cole Bailey, 34.6, $694.

    Barrel racing: First round: 1. Dona Kay Rule, 15.55 seconds, $1,851; 2. Kylie Weast, 15.61, $1,388; 3. Hollie Etbauer, 15.76, $925; 4. Emily Miller, 15.85, $463. Second round: 1. Dona Kay Rule, 15.50 seconds, $1,851; 2. Hollie Etbauer, 15.54, $1,388; 3. Kylie Weast, 15.70, $925; 4. Tracy Nowlin, 15.73, $463. Third round: 1. Dona Kay Rule, 15.30 seconds, $1,851; 2. Emily Miller, 15.41, $1,388; 3. Tracy Nowlin, 15.46, $925; 4. Kylie Weast, 15.54, $463. Average: 1. Dona Kay Rule, 46.35 seconds on three head, $2,776; 2. Kylie Weast, 46.85, $2,082; 3. Emily Miller, 47.09, $1,388; 4. (tie) Tracy Nowlin and Randi Buchanan, 47.17, $347 each.

    Steer roping: First round: 1. Blake Deckard, 11.4 seconds, $1,710; 2. Rocky Patterson, 12.5, $1,282; 3. Billy Good, 12.7, $855; 4. Dee Kyler Jr., 15.4, $427. Second round: 1. Brady Garten, 10.6 seconds, $1,710; 2. J.P. Wickett, 11.0, $1,282; 3. (tie) Trenton Johnson and Cole Patterson, 11.1, $641 each. Third round: 1. Brodie Poppino, 9.9 seconds, $1,710; 2. Billy Good, 13.3, $1,282; 3. Ralph Williams, 14.6, $855; 4. Kelton McMillen, 19.4, $427. Average: 1. Kelton McMillen, 51.8 seconds on three head, $2,565; 2. Mike Chase, 57.0, $1,924; 3. Ralph Williams, 64.0, $1,282; 4. Brodie Poppino, 22.3 on two head, $641.

    Bull riding: First round: 1. Tyler Hessman, 86.5 points on Big Rafter Rodeo’s Outback Pharmacy, $1,851; 2. Nathan Hatchel, 84, $1,388; 3. Jeston Mead, 82.5, $925; 4. Brett Custer, 82, $463. * Second round: 1. Trevor Kastner, 86 points on Silver Creek Rodeo’s Bull Throttle, $2,545; 2. Brett Custer, 83, $2,082; no other qualified rides. * Third round: 1. Trevor Kastner, 86 points on New Frontier Rodeo’s Black Lightning, $2,005; 2. Tyler Hessman, 82.5, $1,542; 3. Brett Custer, 81, $1,080; no other qualified rides. Average: 1. Brett Custer, 246 points on three head, $2,776; 2. Trevor Kastner, 172 on two head, $2,082; 3. Tyler Hessman, 169, $1,388; 4. Nathan Hatchel, 84 on one head, $694. *(all totals include ground money).

    Total payoff: $185,591. Stock contractors: Frontier Rodeo, Mo Betta Rodeo, Beutler & Son Rodeo, Big Rafter Rodeo, Rafter H Rodeo Livestock, New Frontier Rodeo and Silver Creek Rodeo. Rodeo secretary: Dollie Riddle. Officials: Royd Doyal, Steve Knowles and Joe Bob Locke. Timers: Tammy Braden and Kate Rumford. Announcer: Greg Simas. Specialty act: Keith Isley. Bullfighters: Nathan Harp and Wacey Munsell. Clown/barrelman: Keith Isley. Flankmen: Matt Scott, Matt Williams, Chad Cometti and Tom McFarland. Chute bosses: Bennie Beutler and Les Wagley. Pickup men: Butch Braden Jr and Ryan Bestol. Photographer: Fly Thomas. Music director: Dakota Riggin.

  • Mountain States Circuit Finals

    Mountain States Circuit Finals

    Loveland, Colo., Oct. 25-27

    All-around cowboy: Garrett Uptain, $7,526, saddle bronc riding and bull riding.

    Bareback riding: First round: 1. Seth Hardwick, 82 points on Summit Pro Rodeo’s Sangria, $1,714; 2. (tie) Craig Wisehart and Joel Schlegel, 81, $1,072 each; 4. Logan Patterson, 80, $429. Second round: 1. Seth Hardwick, 84 points on The Cervi Brothers’ Lil Bucker, $1,714; 2. Logan Patterson, 79, $1,286; 3. (tie) Craig Wisehart and Cole Reiner, 78, $643 each. Third round: 1. (tie) Jeffery Zdziarski, on Rocky Mountain Rodeo’s Hardtimes, and Logan Patterson, on The Cervi Brothers’ Orl Held Hostage, 82 points, $1,500 each; 3. Craig Wisehart, 80.5, $857; 4. Seth Hardwick, 80, $429. Average: 1. Seth Hardwick , 246 points on three head, $2,572; 2. Logan Patterson, 241, $1,929; 3. Craig Wisehart, 239.5, $1,286; 4. Joel Schlegel, 229, $643.

    Steer wrestling: First round: 1. Aaron Vosler, 4.1 seconds, $1,771; 2. (tie) Miguel Garcia and Cody Pratt, 4.3, $1,107 each; 4. Joe Buffington, 4.5, $443. Second round: 1. (tie) Beau Clark and Kalane Anders, 3.6 seconds, $1,549 each; 3. Cody Pratt, 3.8, $885; 4. (tie) Austin Eller and Aaron Vosler, 4.0, $221 each. Third round: 1. Beau Clark, 3.8 seconds, $1,771; 2. Kalane Anders, 4.0, $1,328; 3. (tie) Brady Thurston and Nick Guy, 4.1, $664 each. Average: 1. Beau Clark, 12.3 seconds on three head, $2,656; 2. (tie) Cody Pratt and Aaron Vosler, 12.4, $1,660 each; 4. Austin Eller, 13.2, $664.

    Team roping: First round: 1. Garrett Tonozzi/Trey Yates, 5.1 seconds, $1,771 each; 2. Ty Blasingame/Ryon Tittel, 5.4, $1,328; 3. Clayton Van Aken/T.J. Watts, 5.7, $885; 4. Paul Beckett/JC Flake, 5.8, $443. Second round: 1. Garett Chick/J.W. Borrego, 4.9 seconds, $1,771 each; 2. Casey Adams/Riley Pedro, 5.4, $1,328; 3. Travis Bounds/Kyon Kreutzer, 5.6, $885; 4. Ty Blasingame/Ryon Tittel, 5.8, $443. Third round: 1. Austin Crist/Josh Fillmore, 5.2 seconds, $1,771 each; 2. Garrett Tonozzi/Trey Yates, 5.3, $1,328; 3. Paul Beckett/JC Flake, 6.0, $885; 4. Cole Cooper/Clancey Kreutzer, 6.8, $443. Average: 1. Paul Beckett/JC Flake, 17.7 seconds on three head, $2,656 each; 2. Clayton Van Aken/T.J. Watts, 22.0, $1,992; 3. Garrett Tonozzi/Trey Yates, 25.6, $1,328; 4. Ty Blasingame/Ryon Tittel, 25.9, $664.

    Saddle bronc riding: First round: 1. Garrett Uptain, 81.5 points on Summit Pro Rodeo’s Hay Fever, $1,771; 2. Tanner Lockhart, 81, $1,328; 3. Chanse Darling, 79, $885; 4. Andy Clarys, 73, $443. Second round: 1. Andy Clarys, 80.5 points on Summit Pro Rodeo’s Stage Stop, $1,771; 2. Wyatt Hageman, 79.5, $1,328; 3. Garrett Buckley, 74, $885; 4. Wyatt Kammerer, 70, $443. Third round: 1. Tanner Lockhart, 82.5 points on Burch Rodeo’s Maria Bartomoro, $1,771; 2. Chanse Darling, 81.5, $1,328; 3. Garrett Buckley, 79.5, $885; 4. Wyatt Hageman, 78.5, $443. Average: 1. Andy Clarys, 228 points on three head, $2,656; 2. Tanner Lockhart, 163.5 on two head, $1,992; 3. Chanse Darling, 160.5, $1,328; 4. Wyatt Hageman, 158, $664.

    Tie-down roping: First round: 1. (tie) Trevor Thiel and Joey Dickens, 8.5 seconds, $1,549 each; 3. Owen Wahlert, 9.0, $885; 4. (tie) Darnell Johnson and Kyle Dickens, 9.2, $221 each. Second round: 1. Owen Wahlert, 8.7 seconds, $1,771; 2. Kyle Dickens, 9.4, $1,328; 3. Trevor Thiel, 10.5, $885; 4. Joey Dickens, 10.7, $443. Third round: 1. Riley Pruitt, 8.2 seconds, $1,771; 2. Jase Staudt, 9.0, $1,328; 3. Brice Ingo, 9.6, $885; 4. Kyle Dickens, 9.7, $443. Average: 1. Kyle Dickens, 28.3 seconds on three head, $2,656; 2. Owen Wahlert, 29.0, $1,992; 3. Joey Dickens, 30.3, $1,328; 4. Jack Tyner, 34.3, $664.

    Barrel racing: First round: 1. Ivy Conrado, 15.57 seconds, $1,771; 2. Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi, 15.61, $1,328; 3. Shali Lord, 15.71, $885; 4. Sydni Blanchard, 15.74, $443. Second round: 1. Laura Lambert, 15.42 seconds, $1,771; 2. (tie) Kelly Yates and Ivy Conrado, 15.49, $1,107 each; 4. Christine Laughlin, 15.60, $443. Third round: 1. Ivy Conrado, 15.40 seconds, $1,771; 2. Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi, 15.48, $1,328; 3. Shali Lord, 15.49, $885; 4. Laura Lambert, 15.58, $443. Average: 1. Ivy Conrado, 46.46 seconds on three head, $2,656; 2. Shali Lord, 46.91, $1,992; 3. Christine Laughlin, 47.13, $1,328; 4. (tie) Kelly Yates and Sally Conway, 47.19, $332 each.

    Bull riding: * First round: 1. Garrett Uptain, 82 points on Burch Rodeo’s Good Luck Chuck, $2,435; 2. Clayton Savage, 76.5, $1,992; no other qualified rides. * Second round: 1. Elijah Mora, 77 points on Summit Pro Rodeo’s Panama Red, $4,427; no other qualified rides. * Third round: 1. Cordell Curtis, 86 points on Rocky Mountain Rodeo’s American Blood, $2,435; 2. Garrett Uptain, 84, $1,992; no other qualified rides. Average: 1. Garrett Uptain, 166 points on two head, $2,656; 2. Cordell Curtis, 86 on one head, $1,992; 3. Elijah Mora, 77, $1,328; 4. Clayton Savage, 76.5, $664. *(all totals include ground money).

  • Miracle Business

    Miracle Business

    John 10;10 says, “’The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.” I have heard this verse many times throughout my life but I have come to understand it in a whole new way in the last few weeks.

    On September 22nd, 2018 I was involved in a rodeo wreck that occurred in Pasenda, TX; the accident happened when the horse was bucking and ended up bucking back into the chutes, resulting with the horse flipping over on top of me. Instantly I knew I couldn’t feel my legs. My life was changed forever, for the better. As the horse got up, she stomped on my ribs putting me in the most excruciating pain that I have ever been in my life. Right away there was a calming voice that put me at ease. I knew it was from God. I knew after I heard that voice that everything was going to be alright. I immediately began praying for a miracle. They life-flighted me to Texas Medical Center, where I underwent surgery first thing the next morning. I ended up breaking T9 and T10, where they stuck two rods, eight screws and fused it all together.

    JR doing physical therapy at the TIRR Memorial Hermann Rehab Center – courtesy of the family

    I was in the hospital for eight days then they moved me over to TIRR Memorial Hermann Rehab Center the 1st of October, where I have been rehabbing the last two weeks. Some may wonder how it changed my life for the better. I have gained a whole new outlook on my faith, family, friends and life. I have always put my trust and faith in God but this has defiantly been my biggest test. Through this journey so far, one of the verses I have relied on is James 1:2-3, “Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.” Right away, I believed that God was not the one who intended for this bad thing to happen; it was the thief that came to steal and destroy. However, God intends for a satisfying life. With the help of God, my wife, my family, my friends, and everyone else that has pitched in to help us out, I have learned to search for the little miracles every day. I believe God is going to make a miracle out of this.

    I have learned over the years to appreciate the little things but now I have learned to appreciate the most minute things in life. I never knew I would appreciate a simple twitch in my leg so much or even just getting to stand up. This has been the most humbling experience of my life. When I go to the gym and see someone on a walking machine, my heart fills with joy; knowing what they are going through and seeing them excel through each small step they take. Watching other patients have to learn to use their hands to be able to feed themselves again fills my heart with gratefulness. I feel so blessed to have full use of my upper body. Having so many friends visit, text, and call makes the days go by so much faster. Having family come down and stay with Shelby and I makes it reassuring to know that we are so loved at home and taken care of. Having so many people help us financially has humbled us beyond measures. Having my wife by my side every day since the day of the accident, lets me know I have a rock to lean on for encouragement through thick and thin.

    I believe God is still in the miracle business. Miracles happen every day. Romans 8:28 “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love him and are called according to his purpose for them.” I personally know people who are living miracles. Throughout our stay here we have met people who are healed and restored walking miracles. When times get tough, you can either throw the towel in and give up or you can put your trust and faith in God by getting up every morning and striving to be better than you were yesterday. Instead of putting so much focus in prayers on our problems, maybe we should seek the kingdom of God and see how to be used in times of brokenness. If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it. I have learned to trust the process, be patient, and let God do His work. His plan is always greater than we can even fathom. As I continue down this journey in this new season that I’m in, I will remain faithful in God’s plan, trusting in his miracles for my life. My prayer and hope is that God will use this situation in the future for people to see His power, turn non-believers into believers, and to be an inspiration to somebody all for His glory.

    JR was featured in the November issue of Rodeo News. You can read the issue following this link: https://reader.mediawiremobile.com/RodeoNews/issues/203990/viewer?page=7

  • Roper Review: Cody Russell

    Roper Review: Cody Russell

    Growing up in West Monroe, Louisiana, Cody Russell never gave much thought to becoming a team roper like his dad. A natural athlete, Cody started playing T-Ball at six, and football in the fourth grade. Those two sports remained his passion until he incurred a major injury during a football game during his freshman year.
    Complete separation in his ACL and MCL ligaments required surgery and a lengthy recuperation. Months of going to physical rehab and waiting to mend caused Russell to miss baseball tryouts that spring.
    “I was just sitting around,” says Cody, “My dad wasn’t a big fan of that and said we needed to find something for me to do. When I told him I wanted to team rope…. he told me it would not be a fleeting decision and I would have to work at it.”
    So, in a sport that most kids start about the time they’re able to stay on a horse, Cody took up roping at fifteen years old. His dad would sit on a 5-gallon bucket and watch him rope the dummy. Before he would be allowed to rope off a horse, he would have to be able to catch the dummy 100 times in a row.
    “I had messed around with a rope but never really worked at it or roped with other kids at the ropings. It took weeks before I was able to rope the dummy 100 times in a row. My dad has always been a worker and had the philosophy of ‘we’ll work through it until we figure it out.’ He also told me he would not give me a horse, but I could buy one from him.”
    That work ethic and philosophy has served Cody well. He’s never been to a clinic or taken a lesson. He invested in training videos and watched YouTube videos. He also describes watching a Rich Skelton video where he studied Speed’s hand position and delivery in slow motion. He would film himself roping the dummy and study that as well.
    “My dad said if I did what he said for a year, he guaranteed I would win a roping.”
    One year after starting his team roping journey, Cody and his dad entered a USTRC roping in Kinder, Louisiana. The father and son team won the Incentive and came back second high call, where Cody missed. Though it was his first roping, it was also his first taste of defeat and he was crushed.
    “Even though my dad told me it was okay, I was devastated. Even today if I miss an important steer I need a few minutes to get over it. Winning is important to me and I would rather not enter than not win.”
    In 2015 Russell got the opportunity to move to Texas where he stayed and worked at Chad Masters’ in Lipan.
    “That was the year they were going to the ERA rodeos, so Chad was home quite a bit,” says Cody. “I feel the opportunity and timing was a blessing from God. It allowed me to spend quite a bit of time with Chad and learn so much. He’s very much like my dad in that he works hard and would never ask you to do something he wouldn’t do.”
    This move, plus a new horse, took Cody’s roping to a new level and he was quickly moved to a #7 header. He has since sold his good horse and feels the loss.
    “This year I took a break and it’s helped me mentally. When I had my good horse, I felt like if I was entered I should win something. When I sold him, I felt I didn’t have an advantage anymore and had to re-evaluate my roping. Now I’m heading as well as I ever have. I believe it’s important to be positive and I don’t like to hear people talk negatively about themselves or anyone else.”
    Currently Cody rooms with fellow ropers, Andrew Wong and Dustin Searcy in Weatherford, TX, and has built a profitable shoeing business in north Texas.
    “When I was younger I thought my dad was just working, and now after all these years I realize he was preparing me to receive blessings. The harder I work, the more I receive.”

    Cody Russell heading for Coy Brittain – Kierce Photograpy

    COWBOY Q&A
    How much do you practice?
    A couple of times a week.
    Do you make your own horses?
    No.
    Who have been your roping heroes?
    Chad Masters. He had no idea who I was and took me in and gave me a chance.
    Who do you respect most in the world?
    My dad.
    Who has been the biggest influence in your life?
    God.
    If you had a day off what would you like to do?
    Play golf.
    Favorite movie?
    Gladiator.
    What’s the last thing you read?
    Bible.
    How would you describe yourself in three words?
    Kind, hard working, passionate.
    What makes you happy?
    Seeing people happy.
    What makes you angry?
    When I feel I didn’t do my best.
    If you were given 1 million dollars, how would you spend it?
    Tithe first, then I would buy some horses, a place, and invest the rest.
    What is your best quality – your worst?
    My best quality is being nice to people. My worst quality is I can be too quiet.
    Where do you see yourself in ten years?
    Making a living roping.

  • Back When They Bucked with Arden Clement

    Back When They Bucked with Arden Clement

    Winston Churchill said, “We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give,” and the life of Arden Clement of Kinder, Louisiana, has been all about giving to the future of rodeo. With a Cajun heritage, speaking only French until starting school, Arden began training colts in his youth and quickly became a go-to cow horse trainer for many of the local farmers. In high school, he competed in the inaugural Louisiana High School Rodeo Association rodeo in 1950; and in 1951, riding a sorrel horse Red Man, in cutting, calf roping, and bulldogging, he finished the year as the LHSRA Reserve Champion Calf Roper, Reserve Champion Cutter, and Reserve Champion All-Around Cowboy. Red Man, owned by Sidney Marcantel of Welch, Louisiana, was sold to Wild Bill Elliott, who campaigned the horse in his shows for several years before selling him back to the Marcantel family for his retirement. After high school, Arden dedicated his life to training horses and kids for their own futures in rodeo, retiring from it in 2004, at the age of 72. He stepped back into the training arena in 2011, when his young great-grandson, Cole Ford, came to him with aspirations of becoming a calf-roper like his great-grandfather, and he was happy to get the fourth generation of cowboys started just right.

    Born in 1932, just after The Great Depression, Arden began training horses on the rice farm where his family worked, to ride the fields and doctor cattle. His knack for breaking young horses for work led him to training horses for many local farmers, charging them $10 per month to break their 2-year-old colts. Arden’s parents, Elza and Minnie Pearl Clement, counted on Arden to help on the farm, along with his three younger sisters, Rena, Dewanna, and Veronica. “I would break horses to make a little spending and rodeo money while I was in high school. My sisters would help me some, Veronica competed in rodeo through high school and would help work the cattle and the chute as I was training roping and cutting horses. Rena would help unless I raised my voice at her, and she’d head straight back to the house. At the end of the day, when I was done training on the colts, my sisters would ride them in the shade of a pecan tree grove by the house to cool them off, it was a pretty sight.” Arden would load horses up a ramp into the rice truck beds rigged with cattle racks to go to rodeos. “We also used old Chevy one-seater cars with 70-75 horsepower engines that would only pull at about 30-miles-per-hour, to haul trailers with no springs and wood boards on the sides. One time we were going to a rodeo and looked back when we heard something, to see boards falling off the trailer. We just picked them up and tied them back on, so we could make it to the rodeo.”
    After high school, Arden worked for a short time managing a hardware store in Elton, before being hired by George Grimshaw of Bunkie, Louisiana to train roping and cutting horses. “Mr. Grimshaw asked me if I needed someone to help me with the horses, and I introduced him to my good friend Billy Duhon. I had taught Billy how to rope and train horses, and he worked there with me until I left that job.” Billy Duhon was a lifelong friend of Arden’s and ended up spending his life training cutting and roping horses as well as competing as a steer wrestler for many years before his retirement. “I made the mistake of teaching Billy all I knew about competing and training, and after that I couldn’t beat him. He was athletic and knowledgeable, he just took to it like a duck takes to water.”
    Arden worked for Mr. Grimshaw for a year before leaving, “I went to work for Calcasieu Marine National Bank and started from the bottom up. I worked my way up to assistant vice president and manager of the bank during the 38 years I worked there before retiring.” While working at the bank, Arden continued to rodeo and train cutting and calf roping horses; and found a true enjoyment in helping aspiring rodeo athletes get a start in rodeo. He had a friend build an indoor arena for him at his farm, so he could give lessons year-round. “I could have a bad day at work but get home and ride or train on a horse and it would just relax me.” Arden and Billy remained friends but also worked together to help many get started in rodeo; including Arden’s son from his first marriage, Brent, and Billy’s son Steve Duhon. Steve went on to become a three-time world champion steer wrestler, and Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame Cowboy. Brent competed as a steer wrestler and won the champion title in the Louisiana Rodeo Association in 1981. The two friends were also instrumental in helping world champion steer wrestler, Mike Smith get started. “We both helped them, but Billy was really the champ teaching steer wrestling, I did most of the hazing.”

    Arden helped form the Louisiana Rodeo Association, now known as the Louisiana Rodeo Cowboy Association, remaining a member for many years. He competed in the PRCA for two years as a calf roper before a knee injury kept him home. Arden also competed in the Old Timer’s Rodeo Association, formed in Texas, and although he was one of the oldest in his group, he enjoyed competing in the association for several years before his retirement. Arden remained supportive of the LHSRA from its beginning and was honored at a LHSRA state finals rodeo a few years ago. His son, Brent, explained, “My dad has been active in rodeo his whole life. He’s helped people, trained horses, loaned horses, and let many come rope at his arena. At the LHSRA state finals, at least 50 to 70 people of all ages stood up that he had personally helped, and there have been so many more. He did it because he loved it.”
    Arden married his second wife, Betty, in 1970, and helped raise her children, Michael and Bill Creasman, and Sally Daigle. He was glad to share rodeo with them as they were raised, as well as several of their friends. Brent, who after competing in the LHSRA, amateur-rodeoed and college-rodeoed for McNeese State University, had a son, Cody Clement, who also competed in LHSRA as a saddlebronc rider. Cody’s stepson, Cole Ford, currently competes in the LHSRA as a calf roper. “Cole came to me and said he wanted to calf rope, so I started him on the dummy and he just took off, I was really glad to get him going in rodeo. Now Shane Hanchey has taken him under his wing and has really brought him along to where he is now.” Shane found Cole a new strawberry roan calf horse named Thumper, that Cole has had quite a bit of success on. When Arden checked Thumper out, they were surprised to discover that Arden had trained the gelding’s mother over 20-years-prior, as well as the gelding’s sister; and now the offspring of that mare is putting his great-grandson in the winning ranks of rodeo; evidence of the lasting effects of what Arden has given to a sport he loves.
    “Rodeo has changed so much over the years, there are better schools, better equipment, and better horses. Kids can go learn more about roping in a 3-day clinic than I learned in 6 years. What hasn’t changed is how good it is for the kids. I hear people say all the time that horses and rodeo fees are so expensive, but I tell them, ‘would you rather pay fines to get your kid out of trouble, or pay rodeo fees to keep them out of trouble?’ When it comes down to it, paying fees is cheap.”
    In his retirement, Arden enjoys going to the coffee shop to drink coffee with friends, reading the paper and taking naps after dinner. He still goes to the LHSRA rodeos that are close to home and enjoys seeing many of the results of the help he’s given over the years, especially his great-grandson that is starting down his own rodeo path.
    Looking back, Arden appreciates Zack Marcantel for furnishing him good horses and taking care of him throughout his rodeo career; and Doug Habert and family for furnishing his indoor arena for 20 years before he retired.
    “I’ve gone to every rodeo I ever wanted to go to in my life, except Calgary. I had a good career, met a lot of people, and saw a lot of things, I can’t complain.”

  • Jackie Ganter

    Jackie Ganter

    Professional barrel racer Jackie Ganter took the road less traveled when it came to her rodeo goals this season. It ultimately led her to a new horse, who is poised to put Jackie firmly in the competition for the 2019 season. The 22-year-old from Abilene, Texas, started out her 2018 season by placing in Odessa at the Sandhills Stock Show in January, but the following weekend, she broke her ankle when her horse fell in the middle of a run. “I rode a bit prematurely and tried to run at San Antonio and Houston because those are such big rodeos, but I couldn’t really ride right, so I didn’t have any money coming out of the winter,” Jackie explains. “I changed my science and we went to Canada. Two of my horses got hurt really early in the year, and my mom really wanted to make the Canadian Finals, so we kind of focused on her.”
    While Jackie and her mom, Angela Ganter, were rodeoing near Wainwright, Alberta, she was asked by a friend, Gayle Howes, to ride one of her horses, a powerful gelding named Tycoon. The duo won the first round at Wainwright, and they clicked so well that Jackie approached Gayle about purchasing the horse. “He was really special to her, but she said we fit so well together, and she sold him to us. Right after that, I went down to Cheyenne and he won fourth in the first round. My second round was under water, and we came back in the short round, which was muddy too, and he did great. Since my Baby J horse was hurt, I hadn’t ridden anything with that kind of power in a few months, so I had to get with it and remember how to ride that. He’s extremely powerful when he leaves a barrel.
    “It was pretty hard to accept at first when I got hurt just because I had bigger plans for this year, but that’s sometimes how plans work—they don’t,” Jackie says with a laugh. “I think everything happens for a reason, and this year it was to take a step back, and I was also meant to get Tycoon, which probably never would have happened if my good horses hadn’t been hurt. I’ve been back on my other horses, and they’re both sound and they look great, so I’ll have Jet and Baby J back, and Cartel has been good all year. Now I have Tycoon, so hopefully next year we’ll start with four sound, ready-to-go horses.”
    Part of Jackie’s program to keep her horses sound are her 5 Star Equine saddle pads, which she started using five years ago. “I started with them early in 2014—I won the BBR finals in Oklahoma City and I was riding a 5 Star pad, and they approached me and I’ve been with them ever since.” After four years of hard use, Jackie still uses her first sponsorship pad from 5 Star. “They’re incredible pads, and that’s all I ride in, at home and when I compete. I also use their breastcollars and just got introduced to their sport boots. They have awesome products and I’ve believed in them for a long time now. I’ve signed for them at the NFR both times I made it, and last year as well, and I’ve done some promotional videos and I try to promote them on Facebook. They are great people to work with.”
    Since returning home from the summer run, Jackie is starting several colts on barrels and riding eight horses a day. “I’ve always been a jockey—I’ve never trained my own horses and I’d like to get into that. One of my good horses, Jet, is a stud and his oldest babies that we have are three, and one of them I’m about to start on barrels. It’s a whole new realm I’ve never done before,” says Jackie. “I don’t think you ever quit learning—you can get something out of every single person that you ride with, and I always try to pick up at least one thing that day that I can implement in my program.”
    When she’s not in the saddle, Jackie enjoys visiting all the restaurants she misses while she’s traveling, along with reading. “I read murder mystery books, and I just read Rachel Hollis’s ‘Girl, Wash Your Face’. I thought it was incredibly motivational. Other than that, it’s horses from sunrise to sunset. I’m just glad to be home from the summer run like everybody is. Now I’m just trying to finish up the season in the top 40 so I can get into San Antonio next year.”

  • On The Trail with L.A. Waters Quarter Horses & The Outhier Family

    On The Trail with L.A. Waters Quarter Horses & The Outhier Family

    Mike and Kristy Outhier are continuing the brand that Kristy’s parents began – LA Waters Quarter Horses. “My dad (Lou Waters) put himself through college as a cotton farmer,” said Kristy. “When they moved to Boston, mom (Wanda) helped put him through business school – they had a $20 per week budget for groceries.” The goal was to buy a ranch in Texas and thanks to smart business decisions and a horse named Colonel Freckles, the dream came true. “They had instincts about him – and did lots of research – they bought Colonel Freckles as a young stud and promoted him.” Between his successful business ventures and Colonel Freckles, they were able to build a breeding facility on a 300 acre facility near Houston. “Dad was the backbone and master mind, but mom was the wind beneath the wings, did all the paperwork, and helped pick the crosses that they bred to.” Mike and Kristy are running LA Waters with a stallion, Wild Card Dunnit, that they raised and campaigned. “We won the AQHA Junior Horse of the year in all the roping events in 2006.”

     

    Kristy grew up in the horse world, involved in AQHA and cutting, but left that behind when she found polo. “I fell head over heels in that, and went on to Texas AM intercollegiate polo.” After college, she worked for a year, and got hired to play polo professionally. “I spent 5 years hauling – three months at a time, playing across the United States.” For Kristy, polo was the best of sports – it incorporated her love of horses, which she trained, to her passion for competing. “To have a sport with a ball in the competition – all that goes into your strategy on the field, and then it’s multiplied by your horse and horsemanship. It’s like driving race cars – if you’re good at it, you still have to have a good car.”

    She was competing in Calgary Canada when she met Mike – both in their 20s. “I didn’t know a thing about rodeo, except it existed and here comes this guy.” Mike was traveling with a friend of his (Johnny Pollock) and his wife (Tori) introduced them. “He stopped by the barn while I was riding one of my ten horses. He offered to jump on one of my horses, English saddle and all. Away we went, and four months later we were engaged.”

    She continued playing polo and Mike kept rodeoing. “I would go somewhere riding 18 hours a day – it wasn’t glorious. Mike would fly in when he could.” She took time off when their oldest, Madison, was born, but went back to polo shortly after. “I was out of the country a lot; England, Argentina, and other countries, and that was hard on the family.” Madi watched her play on the US Team in the Queen’s Cup last year in England. She played her last polo match last year, retiring to stay home with her family and help Mike with the horses that they train and sell.

    Mike started competing at the age of 7. His dad (Milburn) was an IPRA bareback riding champion, and Mike was born into the rodeo world. “I remember going to the rodeos with my dad,” said Mike. “I’d be behind the chutes, rosin in hand. I was always around the chutes. I craved it my whole life.” His dad taught him how to do all the events – having competed in them himself. “All week we rode outside horses for other people, and then go rodeo on the weekend.” He had two younger sisters (Lynnsi and Amy) who started rodeoing when they got older. When he started entering the junior rodeos and high school, his mom (Deena) and grandpa (John Salsbury) would haul him. Mike competed in both ends of the arena, bareback, saddle bronc, bull riding, calf roping, team roping, steer wrestling, and steer roping. He was also a four time IFYR All Around Cowboy (1993, 94, 95, 96). Mike entered his first IPRA at the age of 15 and went to the IFR, winning the All Around in 1995, 1996, and 1997. He is a pro rodeo cowboy in the NFR as well as the IPRA. From Oklahoma, Mike was the PRCA Resistol Saddle Bronc Riding Rookie of the Year in1998. He made four appearances in the NFR, 2001 – 2004, competing in saddle bronc riding. He won the PRCA Linderman Award twice; 2004 and 2007. Most recently, he was inducted into the International Finals Youth Rodeo (IFYR) Hall of Fame in 2007.

    He finished his strongest NFR ever in 2004 and started off 2005 winning many of the major rodeos in Bronc riding. He was in the top 5 in the world standings going into the big summer run. He and his traveling partner, Taos Muncy, had to rent a jet to make it to several rodeos in a few day stretch. The two were up at Window Rock, Arizona with a huge week ahead of them when time stopped for Mike. He finished a picture perfect ride and hit the ground right after the whistle, when a pick up man ran smooth over Mike crashing him head on with the chest of his horse at full speed. Mike had to be carried out of the arena and put in an ambulance straight to the hospital. When he came to, he never regained full use of his left shoulder, his riding arm. After months of doctors and studies it was known that the blow had damaged all the nerves that attach the neck and shoulder. It was devastating to Mike and Kristy, as their lives suddenly changed. “Both of us have battled injuries and we always bounced back. Every time it just brought us closer and you learn to really appreciate each other when you are down physically.”

    He rode a bronc last year, and still competes in team roping and steer roping, but has concentrated his time on training horses and coaching his two children as well as many others in rodeo.

     

    Madison, Madi, is 16 and competes in all the events. She went to every NFR since she was born and by the time she was four, she was riding around the barrels on her own. “Her biggest love in life is roping, and she just completed her best year as a breakaway roper,” said Kristy. Between rodeo and school, she works hard to be at the top of her game. She is an AP student, taking a full load at school. “She is so much like her dad, but she also has varsity basketball, and of course, she got into polo big time – there’s not enough hours in the day.” Madi competes in the Texas High School Rodeo, TYRA, and YRA. She is headed to her third year at the Junior NFR, competing in breakaway. Her rope horse was raised and trained on the ranch and her barrel and pole horses were bought as yearlings by Mike’s father – they are now 22 and 15. They are working on young ones for Madi as she progresses in rodeo.

    She learned rodeo from her dad. “He’s really taught me how to be a humble winner and never take winning for granted. Just because you have a winning day doesn’t mean you always will. He’s been my only mentor in breakaway and I’ve had a bunch of success in that and I owe all of that to him.” Last year she won the Junior NFR in Vegas in the breakaway, also the Cody Ohl’s 15 and under and the Joe Beaver. ”I definitely thank my mom and dad – anywhere I want to go, they take me.”

    Her younger brother, Ace, is five years younger, 11, and rides well but his passion is sports and fishing. “Ace is our bigtime fisherman,” said Kristy. “He just won 3rd runner up in his first ever state wide fishing tournament this year. He has the talent of a professional fisherman and has the passion for it.”

    Mike and Kristy head to the “office” every day – the barn – riding and training anywhere from ten to 20 horses each day. The foals start selling from their yearling year through to the two-year-olds that Mike has started. “We keep one or two,” said Kristy.

    Along with the performance horses, Mike raises bucking horses. “I used to wait for my folks to leave and buck all the steers at the house – I like the idea of being a stock contractor and messing with livestock.” He bought his first set of horses at the IFR Bucking Horse Sale in 1996. “I liked to have them around to buck.” He sold them, and three years later, he found some good blood from Ike Sankey, and started again. “I had some stock contractors take a chance on me and buy some of my horses. I raise them until they are three, after they’ve been dummied twice and ridden once. We take them to our family annual ranch rodeo, the Utopia Ranch Rodeo – which has been going on for 16 years.” The town of Utopia has gotten behind the event and with a crowd of more than 1,000 watching the Memorial Day event. The horses head to pasture for the summer and in the fall, they sell them all. Stace Smith, Pete Carr, Scottie Lovelace, and HiLo Rodeo have all bought horses from Mike. “Several of my horses have been to the NFR – Betty Boop, ridden by Tim O’Connell won a round last year. Sweet Maria has been high mark horse of the night. It’s been crazy – one year Raised the calf horse, sold him to my buddy who rode him at the NFR, plus I had bucking horses there as well. That’s pretty cool.”

    From bucking horses to performance horses, from polo to fishing – the Outhier family is on the go. “I couldn’t be happier to be building a breeding program and helping my kids succeed,” concludes Kristy. “I feel so lucky to have a great man at home and a great family and life ahead!”

  • Tomas Garcilazo

    Tomas Garcilazo

    When Tomas Garcilazo and his horse stride into the arena, the rope artist does so with the goal of representing the Mexican charro and the American cowboy, rodeo tradition and the heritage of the West. With each deft turn of his wrist, the three-time PRCA Specialty Act of the Year winner ties the traditions and cultures together in hopes of making a lasting impression for future generations. “It’s a mission for me as an ambassador of the charros to preserve that. In modern day, everything is getting lost, and we have to be strong and keep our culture for new generations to see the background and how everything started,” explains Tomas, 50, who is now a U.S. citizen living in Stephenville, Texas.
    His own roots start in Mexico City, Mexico, where Tomas was raised in his family’s tradition learning the horsemanship and roping skills of the Mexican charro. He competed in all seven of the La Charreria events growing up, many of which are similar to rodeo events. “I didn’t have the modern toys that we have right now, so I was playing with a rope all the time and developed more skills. In school festivals, I was performing and showing my skills with a rope.” He particularly found his love for showmanship at age 9 after performing for the president of Mexico, and continued to develop his charro skills through high school. “I had to think of ways where the horses were not just for beauty, but that they could perform and be in the entertainment business.” Tomas came to the United States for a year in hopes of finding his place in the entertainment business, but the year came and went without accomplishing those goals.
    Rather than give up and return home, he traveled back and forth between Mexico and California competing in charro events. “In the meantime, I needed to decide what to do with my life. I would become a charro or go into the entertainment business—either opportunity that came along my path, I’d take it.” The opportunity to do both came along in 1992 when Linda Ronstadt was on tour to promote a series of traditional mariachi albums she’d recorded. Tomas was given a part in the show, riding on stage in traditional charro attire and performing his rope artistry. Soon after, he auditioned for Broadway’s The Will Roger’s Follies, a six Tony Award winner, and performed in 58 cities in 48 states, along with several cities in Canada.
    After the three-year tour was finished, Tomas was invited to perform at Disneyland Paris in the Buffalo Bill Broadway show, and when he wasn’t performing as a cowboy in the cowboys and Indians show, he donned his charro attire and performed in horse shows. While riding at a European Rodeo Cowboy Association rodeo at the U.S. Air Force Base in Germany, Tomas met Shawn Davis, the general manager of the WNFR. “He liked my skills and the way I performed, and he invited me to recreate those scenes at the NFR.”
    Recently married to his wife, Justine, whom he met in France, Tomas made his debut at the Thomas & Mack Center in 1997, little realizing he would command the attention of WNFR fans for the next 20 years and counting. “Looking back all these years, it’s amazing the evolution. I want to maintain what we believe—our integrity throughout the roping, the horses, the tack, everything that speaks for that tradition. Something that I admire about Mr. Shawn Davis is that he is very open-minded. He went to Europe and saw everything different and pulled those elements together and made them work.”
    Tomas has pulled his own elements together over the years, including a variety of horsemanship methods and disciplines that have helped him build the trust and harmony he shares with his horses. A palomino overo Paint named Pinto Bean helped Tomas build his career as an all-around charro and performance horse, and the most famous of the horses today is Latigo Dun It, better known as Hollywood. The 17-year-old Quarter Horse stallion, whose elegant mane reaches past his knees, has more than 34,000 followers on Facebook and a Breyer model horse made after him. He stands calmly while nearly all 65 feet of Tomas’s rope whirl’s around horse and rider in a trick called the Wedding Ring, then lopes forward in a shimmer of gold, the rope still circling. Justine and their 4-year-old son, Louis, also join Tomas in the arena and perform on their other horses, including an Andalusian and Louis’s pony.
    In February alone, Tomas put on 20 performances at the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo, and loses count before the summer run even starts. To keep his horses at their peak all season, he feeds them Nutrena. “It’s been an amazing product for us. The grain has all the supplements together inside—you can spend the money on all the supplements, but a horse’s system will only take a portion and the rest will be wasted. Since we’ve been with Nutrena the last two years, we’ve had really great results with their coats and their systems and toplines. We feed ProForce Fuel, Senior, and SafeChoice, and for the performing horses, they develop muscle and they don’t get too hot. It’s really good nutrition, and I’m trying to educate more people about being more concerned about nutrition in Spanish.”
    Along with preparing for his 21st year at the WNFR, which he’s been nominated in for 2018 PRCA Dress Act of the Year, Tomas’s focus is ever on maintaining his skills and learning more. His wife, Justine, has also been a part of the Jaripeo Sin Fronteras USA tour, a Mexican concert combined with rodeo acts, which she choreographed and managed. “Our goal as a family is to produce and feature our own show,” Tomas adds. “We’ve been involved with so many performers, and we have so many ideas we’d like to recreate in our profession with all the variety of cultures and horse people.”

  • Rickey Green Remembered

    Rickey Green Remembered

    The team roping world mourns the loss of former NFR Team Roping champion Rickey Green at 61 years of age.  Rickey passed away Wednesday, October 10 at his home in Stephenville, Texas after a brief illness.  Green qualified for the National Finals Rodeo 10 times, winning the NFR Average in 1988 with Charles Pogue.  He has won all the major PRCA rodeos, and also won the prestigious Bob Feist Invitational Team Roping.  Rickey loved the challenge of roping steers quick, often before they were completely turned off by the header, and it is said that the “Crossfire” rule in Team Roping was implemented in part because of his roping style.

    He has also trained 7 NFR Team Roping horses and an AQHA Superior Team Roping horse.

    Not only one of the great Team Roping heelers of all time, since 1991, he has completely concentrated on making learning to team rope fun for others.  He has become one of the best-known and qualified team roping instructors around the world.  A special interest in novice, youth, and even senior ropers, the stories of Rickey’s passion for helping others become successful would fill volumes, and nothing made Rickey more proud than to see one of his students succeed.

    In 2001 Rickey came out with the first video in a series called Knowledge and Techniques for Power Team Roping.  His website “Rickey Green’s Power Team Roping” provides the most viewed team roping instructional videos.

    Rickey’s wife, Kelly, also a top horsewoman was the videographer and editor of his team roping videos.  Rickey was so proud when she shifted  her equestrian skills from team roping to jumping horses.  He was her biggest cheerleader, and in fact traded a roping horse for one of Kelly’s jumping horses.  Their daughter Whitney recently graduated from Texas A & M university and is working on a Masters Degree.

    The family team roping roots run deep.  Rickey’s dad Virgil has a sister Darlene, married to World Champion Team Roper Walt Woodard; and brother Vernon, who is the father of Daniel and Chris Green.  Rickey and his dad spent the summer going to Team Ropings and putting on schools.

    Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame honoree Billy Minick said “ Rickey dedicated himself to helping other people and taking a deep interest in them.  He made everyone feel like a champion.  In all the years I’ve been around him, I’ve never heard him say a bad word about anyone.  His smile lit up the room, and his sense of humor made everyone at ease with him.”

    Per Rickey’s wishes, there will be no service and the family requests memorials be sent to the Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund.

     

  • MONEY IN MINOT

    MONEY IN MINOT

    Badlands Circuit Finals Rodeo determines champions in North, South Dakota

    MINOT, N.D. (October 9, 2016) – It came down to the wire for cowboys and cowgirls in Minot at this weekend’s RAM Badlands Circuit Finals Rodeo.

    After four performances of the Minot Y’s Men’s Rodeo, which hosts the circuit finals, year end (based on the amount of money won throughout the season) and average (based on combined points or times at the circuit finals rodeo) champions were determined in each of seven events.

    Those two champions per event will go on to qualify for the RAM National Circuit Finals Rodeo (RNCFR) in Kissimmee, Florida, in March of next year, where $1 million is up for grabs.

    Monies won at this year’s circuit finals and the RNCFR counts towards the world standings, for those contestants who choose to rodeo full time and try to qualify for the world championships, determined at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (WNFR).

    The only race that was determined before the circuit finals started was in the bareback riding.

    Ty Breuer, Mandan, N.D., had the year-end title sewn up before he got to town, because of his large lead.

    And when the four performances were over, he also had won the average title, the most points on four rides (321). He won first place in two rounds and second and fourth place in the other two rounds. “I was lucky to place in every round and get on good horses,” he said. “It was fun.” Breuer is ranked the number twelve bareback rider in the world standings and will compete at his fourth WNFR in December.

    It came down to the last run in the steer wrestling.

    Cameron Morman, Glen Ullin, N.D., held off the other eleven steer wrestlers to finish as the 2018 Badlands year end and average champion.

    He won money in three of the four rounds to have a total of 17.2 seconds on four head. In his final run on Sunday, he had the best steer in the herd. “I missed the barrier a little bit, and Billy (Boldon, the hazer) did a good job of putting him in my office. I almost screwed up (the run) but it worked out and it was fast enough to stay in the average.”

    The circuit finals might be over, but Morman, a 2016 Dickinson (N.D.) State University graduate, isn’t slowing down. “I have to keep it rolling going into 2019. Tomorrow we leave for the All-American Finals (Rodeo) in Waco, Texas, and we’ll stay pretty busy from here on out.” In the world standings, he finished 2018 in eighteenth place. “I finished too close in 2018 to not go (rodeo) in 2019.”

    Morman won the average title last year and the year-end title in 2015.

    In the last dozen years, no one has won more Badlands Circuit saddle bronc riding titles than J.J. Elshere.

    Elshere, of Hereford, S.D., kept the streak going by winning the year-end title again this year.

    He chased a WNFR qualification nation-wide this year and came into the circuit finals in second place behind Ty Manke. He won the first, second and fourth rounds but got bucked off in the third round, allowing Jade Blackwell to win the average with 302.5 points on four head.

    The 39 year old cowboy is one of the veterans in the circuit and thought the judges might have known that as well. “A couple of those rides, it felt like they gave me some old-man-points, maybe. ‘Thanks for coming, here’s a couple extra (points.)’” This year’s year-end title was his fifth; he’s won the average three times. “I’m pretty fortunate just to get to come here and get on good horses. I’m actually pretty blessed.”

    Blackwell’s circuit finals didn’t start as well as he’d have liked. For the first two rounds, he made qualified rides but they weren’t good enough to earn him checks. In the third round on Saturday night, when Blackwell won second place, eight of the twelve cowboys did not make qualified rides. Blackwell, along with Dickinson, N.D.’s Dusty Hausauer, were the only two cowboys who made qualified rides on all four horses.  Hausauer finished with 298 points on four head.

    There was a new face in the barrel racing, and it wasn’t a human.

    For the first time in a dozen years, Lisa Lockhart was aboard a different horse at the Badlands Circuit Finals.

    The Oelrichs, S.D. cowgirl won both the year-end and average titles aboard her eight-year-old mare, Rosa.

    Lockhart has ridden her buckskin Louie for years, and fans are familiar with the gelding.

    But Louie stayed home this weekend and Rosa made the trip to Minot.

    Lockhart was unsure of how her mare would perform. “I hadn’t run her a whole lot inside, and I’d not run her in multiple runs. It was all to gain, nothing to lose by bringing her here. Sometimes you have to do those things to adapt.”

    Lockhart won first place in the first and third rounds and second place in the second and fourth rounds to finish with a time of 55.09 seconds on four runs.

    “We just climbed Mt. Everest, as far as I’m concerned,” Lockhart said, regarding her wins with Rosa. She chose to take a chance on Rosa at the circuit finals. “I really thought about bringing Louie, but it’s always the bigger picture. I need to advance Rosa.”

    Lockhart rides Rosa differently than she rides Louie. Rosa “really likes to turn, and so does Louie, but the difference is everything she does is more theatrical. She’s wired pretty tight, and therefore she’s more difficult to ride.”

    She is ranked fourth in the world standings and will compete at her twelfth WNFR this December. In the last dozen years, she has won the Badlands Circuit year-end or average title ten times.

    Tie-down roper Clint Kindred is headed back for his second RNCFR.

    The Oral, S.D. cowboy won both the year-end and average titles in Minot.

    He came into the circuit finals in third place, behind Dane Kissack and Joe Schmidt, and won money in every round but the fourth one, finishing with an average time of 38.6 seconds on four runs.

    “I got off to a good start and drew good calves,” he said. “It all fell together for me, really.”

    His fourth round run nearly ended in catastrophe. He stumbled after dismounting from his horse, but was able to make a 9.9 second run. It didn’t earn him money, but was fast enough to win the average.

    It was adrenaline that got him through the stumble. “After I fell down, it was straight panic mode.”

    Kindred won the 2016 RNCFR and plans on rodeoing full time next year.

    The team roping year end winners were Tyrell Moody, Letcher, S.D. (header) and Levi Lord, Sturgis, S.D. (heeler). Average winners were Turner Harris, Killdeer, N.D. (header) and Ross Carson, Grassy Butte, N.D. (heeler.)

    For the second consecutive year, both bull riding titles went to Jeff Bertus, Avon, S.D.

    The Rookie of the Year was awarded to Chance Rosencrans, Jamestown, N.D., and the all-around went to Riley Wakefield, O’Neill, Neb.

    Awards were also given to the Badlands bareback horse, saddle bronc, and bull of the year. Yankee Rose of the Sutton Rodeo Co. won Bareback Horse of the Year; South Point of Suttons won the Saddle Bronc of the Year. The bull Cougar, owned by Bailey Pro Rodeos, won Bull of the Year.

    For the finals awards, the Bareback Horse of the Badlands Circuit Finals went to Onion Ring, Korkow Rodeos. The Saddle Bronc Horse of the Finals was won by Bad Onion, Korkow Rodeos, and the Bull of the Circuit Finals went to Ace High, Bailey Pro Rodeo.

    During the Sunday rodeo, the 2019 Miss Rodeo North Dakota was crowned, and Kara Berntson, Kulm, N.D., won the title. She is a recent graduate of North Dakota State University where she earned a bachelor degree in animal science with a minor in equine science. She served as the 2017 Miss North Dakota Winter Show Rodeo Queen. She is the daughter of Neal and Marla Berntson.

    The Minot Y’s Men’s Rodeo is a not-for-profit venture by the YMCA Men of Minot, N.D. Proceeds from each year’s rodeo benefit the Triangle Y Camp at Lake Sakakawea, near Garrison, N.D. Next year’s Badlands Circuit Finals Rodeo will be October 4-6, 2019. Hess and 4- Bears Casino & Lodge are proud sponsors of the Badlands Circuit Finals Rodeo. National sponsors include the PRCA, WPRA, RAM, Cinch, Justin Boots, Pendleton, Montana Silversmith, American Quarter Horse Association, Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame, Only Vegas and Experience Kissimmee.

    – ### –

    Ram Badlands Circuit Finals Rodeo, Minot, ND

    4th performance October 7, 2018

    Year end and average winners for the Badlands Circuit

    All-around Champion: Riley Wakefield, O’Neill, Neb.

    All-around champion for the Finals: Levi Lord, Sturgis, S.D.

    Bareback riding

    Bareback Riding Year End Champion: Ty Breuer, Mandan, N.D.

    Bareback Riding Average Champion: Ty, Breuer, Mandan, N.D.

    4th go round results:

    1. Ty Breuer, Mandan, N.D. on Sutton’s Time Rental, 87 points; 2. Blake Smith, Zap, N.D. 82; 3. Nate S McFadden, Elsmere, Neb. 80.5; 4. Logan Glendy, Oconto, Neb. 78.5.

    Average results:

    1. Ty Breuer, Mandan, N.D. 321 points on 4 head; 2. Blake Smith, Zap, N.D. 312; 3. Logan Glendy, Oconto, Neb. 293.5;  4. Nick Schwedhelm, Fort Calhoun, Neb. 235 on 3 head.

    Steer Wrestling

    Steer Wrestling Year End Champion:  Cameron Mormon, Glen Ullin, N.D.

    Steer Wrestling Average Champion: Cameron Mormon, Glen Ullin, N.D.

    4th go round results:

    1. Chason Floyd, Buffalo, S.D, 4.0 seconds; 2. Cameron Mormon, Glen Ullin, N.D., 4.1; 3. Kody Woodward, Dupree, S.D., 4.2; 4. (tie) Eli Lord, Sturgis, S.D. and Tee Burress, Piedmont, S.D. 4.4.

    Average results:

    1. Cameron Morman, Glen Ullin, N.D. 17.2 seconds on 4 runs;  2. Reed Kraeger, Elwood, Neb. 18.6;  3. Kody Woodward, Dupree, S.D. 19.1; 4. Chason Floyd, Buffalo, S.D. 22.9.

    Team Roping

    Team Roping Year End Champion Header: Tyrell Moody, Letcher, S.D.

    Heeler: Levi Lord, Sturgis, S.D.

    Team Roping Average Champion Header: Turner Harris, Killdeer, N.D

    Heeler: Ross Carson, Grassy Butte, N.D

    4th go round results:

    1. Tyrell Moody, Letcher, S.D. and Rory Brown, Edgemont, S.D. 5.1 seconds; 2. Tim P Nelson, Midland, S.D. and Jake Nelson, Creighton, S.D. 5.3; 3. Cooper White, Hershey, Neb. and Tucker White, Hershey, Neb. 5.4; 4. Shaw Loiseau, Flandreau, S.D. and Jade Nelson, Midland, S.D. 6.2.

    Average results:

    1. Turner Harris, Killdeer, N.D. and Ross Carson, Grassy Butte, N.D. 46.4 seconds on 4 runs; 2. Eli Lord, Sturgis, S.D. and Levi Lord, Sturgis, S.D. 15.5 on 3 runs; 3. Tyrell Moody, Letcher, S.D. and Rory Brown, Edgemont, S.D. 17.1; 4. Wyatt Bice, Killdeer, N.D. with Tel Schaack, Edgemont, S.D 18.7.

    Saddle Bronc Riding

    Saddle Bronc Year End Champion: JJ Elshere, Hereford, S.D.

    Saddle Bronc Average Champion: Jade Blackwell, Rapid City, S.D

    4th go round results:

    1. (tie) JJ Elshere, Hereford, S.D. 84 points on Sutton’s Fancy and Chuck Schmidt, Keldron, S.D. 84 points on Bailey Pro Rodeo’s Dancing Bear; 3. Kaden Deal, Eagle Butte, S.D. 81.5; 4. Jesse Bail, Camp Crook, S.D. 77.5.

     

    Average results:

    1. Jade Blackwell, Rapid City, S.D. 302.5 points on 4 rides; 2. Dusty Hausauer, Dickinson, N.D. 298; 3. JJ Elshere, Hereford, S.D. 247 on 3 rides; 4. Ty Manke, Hermosa, S.D. 238.5.

    Barrel Racing

    Barrel Racing Year End Champion: Lisa Lockhart, Oelrichs, S.D.

    Barrel Racing Average Champion:  Lisa Lockhart, Oelrichs, S.D.

    4th go round results:

    1. Jessica Routier, Buffalo, S.D. 13.53 seconds; 2. Lisa Lockhart, Oelrichs, S.D. 13.59; 3. Hallie Hanssen, Hermosa, S.D. 13.62; 4. Bobbi Grann, Sheyenne, N.D. 13.71.

    Average results:

    1. Lisa Lockhart, Oelrichs, S.D. 55.09 seconds on 4 runs; 2. Jessica Routier, Buffalo, S.D. 55.57; 3. Bobbi Grann, Sheyenne, N.D. 55.65; 4. Nikki Hansen, Dickinson, N.D. 56.33.

    Tie-down Roping

    Tie Down Roping Year End Champion: Clint Kindred, Oral, S.D.

    Tie Down Roping Average Champion: Clint Kindred, Oral, S.D.

    4th go round results:

    1. Matt Peters, Oral, S.D. 8.7 seconds; 2. Dane Kissack, Spearfish, S.D. 8.8; 3. Riley Wakefield, O’Neill, Neb. 9.2; 4. (tie) Blake Eggl, Minot, N.D. and Trey Young, Dupree, S.D. 9.4 each.

    Average results:

    1. Clint Kindred, Oral, S.D. 38.4 seconds on 4 runs; 2. Trey Young, Dupree, S.D. 42.5;  3. Riley Wakefield, O’Neill, Neb. 43.7; 4. Mike Johnson, Henryetta, O.K. 47.2.

    Bull Riding

    Bull Riding Year End Champion: Jeff Bertus, Avon, S.D.

    Bull Riding Average Champion: Jeff Bertus, Avon, S.D.

    4th go round results:

    1. Jeff Bertus, Avon, S.D. on Sutton’s High Roller, 86 points; no other qualified rides.

    Average results:

    1. Jeff Bertus, Avon , S.D. 168.5 points on two rides; 2. Bart Miller, Pleasanton, Neb. 168; 3. Ryan Knutson, Toronto, S.D. 77 on 1 ride; 4. (tie) Corey Maier, Timber Lake, S.D and Ethan Lesiak, Clarks, Neb. 76 each.

    ** All results are unofficial.  For more information, visit www.MinotYsMensRodeo.com and www.ProRodeo.com.

     

     

     

  • Give New Life To Old Denim This October

    Give New Life To Old Denim This October

    Kimes Ranch Jeans and the Cotton Incorporated Blue Jeans Go GreenTM Program Join Forces to Upcycle Old Denim into UltraTouch™ Denim Insulation Oct 1 – 31

    Scottsdale, AZ – Kimes Ranch Jeans and Cotton Incorporated are giving customers the opportunity to “Trade in Their Fades” at retail locations around the country during the month of October.  By bringing a piece of worn out denim to any participating location, Kimes Ranch will offer a $20 discount on any men’s style Kimes Ranch jeans.  The old denim will be upcycled into UltraTouch™ Denim Insulation, some of which is allocated to help with building efforts in communities around the country.

     

    Through the Blue Jeans Go Green™ denim recycling program, created in 2006 by Cotton Incorporated, Kimes Ranch Jeans hopes to aid in diverting textile waste from landfills by engaging consumers to help with rebuilding efforts.  All denim collected through the Blue Jeans Go Green™ program is recycled into UltraTouch™ Denim Insulation through Bonded Logic, Inc. and a portion of this insulation is in turn distributed to organizations such as Habitat for Humanity to help rebuilding efforts across the country. The UltraTouch™ Denim Insulation is composed of 80 percent recycled cotton fibers, is environmentally safe, has 30 percent better sound absorption, resists mold and mildew, and doesn’t contain volatile chemicals.

     

    “The Blue Jeans Go Green™ program embraces the ‘do good consumerism’ we are seeing across the country by returning clothes to their natural cotton fiber and giving it new life to meet a need in our communities,” says Andrea Samber, co-director of Strategic Alliances at Cotton Incorporated.

     

    To participate, bring your old denim of any brand into participating retailers Oct 1-31. (A full list of retailers is available at kimesranch.com/trade-in-your-fades) Denim drive locations will also be available at the All American Quarter Horse Congress at Rod’s Western Palace, Schneider’s Saddlery and West 20 or at the NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity at CR Ranch Wear and Calvin Allen Saddlery. The final weekend of October, Kimes Ranch will be joining forces with Nashville North in Stateline Idaho for a three night celebration.  For each piece given attendees will be entered to win giveaways, admission and meet and greets with country music stars John Anderson, Craig Campbell and Jeremy McComb.

     

    Kimes Ranch is urging those heading to major October equine events such as the All American Quarter Horse Congress in Ohio and the National Reined Cow Horse Snaffle Bit Futurity in Texas to pack their old denim to be recycled.

    “Most people who attend these events do so in part for the amazing trade show shopping.  They typically bring an extra suitcase to bring home their wares, this time they can bring that suitcase full of old denim,” advised Amanda Kimes, president of Kimes Ranch Jeans.

    For more information on the “Trade in Your Fades” promotion visit  kimesranch.com/trade-in-your-fades

     

    About Cotton Incorporated

    Cotton Incorporated, funded by U.S. cotton producers and importers of cotton and cotton textile products, conducts worldwide research and promotion activities to increase the demand for and profitability of cotton. For more information about Cotton Incorporated visit CottonInc.com.

    Blue Jeans Go Green™ is a trademark of Cotton Incorporated. UltraTouch™ Denim Insulation is a trademark of Bonded Logic Inc.

     

    About Kimes Ranch Jeans

    Founded in 2009, Kimes Ranch was created to fill a void in the western marketplace by producing superior quality, great fitting, long-lasting jeans that walked the line between fashion-forward and western friendly.

    The brand’s catchy logo and even more attractive company culture and customer service has created a dedicated following amongst western consumers. The classically inspired line of jeans have been featured in magazines including American Cowboy, Horse & Rider, Cowboys and Indians and Chrome Magazine.  For more information on Kimes Ranch, visit kimesranch.com.

  • PRCA Announces Award Nominees

    PRCA Announces Award Nominees

    It’s common for rodeo athletes and fans to use the hashtag “attitude of gratitude.” Each year, that gratitude is expressed at the annual PRCA Awards Banquet in Las Vegas right before the start of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo.

    The final online ballot process will be open Oct. 1-15 for applicable voting PRCA members. Eligible voters will need to keep an eye on their email’s inbox for voting information on Oct. 1. If no email is received for voting, contact Brandy Sorenson in rodeo administration for more information.

    The winners for each category will be announced at the PRCA Awards Banquet at the South Point in Las Vegas on Dec. 5.

    The following men, women and committees are among the bunch of highly skilled and enthusiastic nominees:

     

    Announcer of the Year

    Andy Stewart

    Bob Tallman

    Mike Mathis

    Wayne Brooks

    William Rasmussen

     

    Dress Act of the Year

    Bobby Kerr – Bobby Kerr Mustang Act

    John Payne – The One Arm Bandit & Company

    Haley Ganzel and Lindy Nealey – The Cowgirl Sweethearts

    Rider Kiesner – Trick roping

    Tomas Garcilazo – El Charro

     

    Clown of the Year

    Cody Sosebee

    JJ Harrison

    John Harrison

    Justin Rumford

    Keith Isley

     

    Bullfighter of the Year

    Clay Heger

    Cody Emerson

    Cody Webster

    Dusty Tuckness

    Nathan Jestes

     

    Comedy Act of the Year

    Cody Sosebee

    Gizmo McCracken

    John Harrison

    Johnny Dudley

    Keith Isley

     

    Music Director of the Year

    Charles (Chuck) Lopeman

    Jill Franzen Loden

    Joshua (Hambone) Hilton

    Mark Evans

    Randy (Stretch) Mayer

     

    Photographer of the Year

    Dan Hubbell

    Greg Westfall

    James Phifer

    Jay (Matt) Cohen

    Robby Freeman

     

    Stock Contracting Firm of the Year

    Cervi Championship Rodeo

    Frontier Rodeo

    Pete Carr Pro Rodeo

    Powder River Rodeo

    Stace Smith Pro Rodeos

     

    Secretary of the Year

    Amanda Corley-Sanders

    Brenda Crowder

    Eva Chadwick

    Haley Bridwell

    Sandy Gwatney

     

    Timer of the Year

    Allison France

    Amy Muller

    Jayme Pemberton

    Kim Sutton

    Shawna Ray

     

    Small Rodeo of the Year

    Claremore, Okla.

    Clovis, N.M.

    Huntsville, Texas

    Monte Vista, Colo.

    Yuma, Colo.

     

    Medium Rodeo of the Year

    Amarillo, Texas

    Belle Fourche, S.D.

    Coleman, Texas

    Estes Park, Colo.

    Stephenville, Texas

     

    Large Indoor Rodeo of the Year

    Corpus Christi, Texas

    Denver, Colo.

    Fort Worth, Texas

    Rapid City, S.D.

    San Antonio, Texas

     

    Large Outdoor Rodeo of the Year

    Cheyenne, Wyo.

    Deadwood, S.D.

    Dodge City, Kan.

    Ogden, Utah

    Pendleton, Ore.

     

    Pick Up Man of the Year

    Chase Cervi

    Jason Bottoms

    Jeremy Willis

    Josh Edwards

    Shandon Stalls

    Shawn Too Tall Calhoun

    Will O’Connell

    *Please note there are 7 nominees rather than 5 due to a 3 way tie. They will all be on the final ballot