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  • American Hat: Josie Conner

    American Hat: Josie Conner

    “I have been with American since 2020,” said American Hat athlete Josie Conner. “It has been a great experience.”
    “I love their hats, and the people at American are amazing,” she added. “You walk into one of their stores, and the atmosphere is unbeatable.”

    Iowa, Louisiana cowgirl Josie Conner is nothing short of a superstar in the breakaway roping world. She qualified for her first National Finals Breakaway Roping in 2022 and was the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association Breakaway Rookie of the Year. In 2023, she made her second trip to Las Vegas and finished 13th in the world.

    The 20-year-old cowgirl has sat comfortably in the top 15 of the breakaway world standings all year, but she said one rodeo changed her trajectory going into the 2024 NFBR.

    “My win in Ellensburg this year I will remember forever,” she said. “The weekend after that win, I jumped to the number one spot in world standings.”

    Conner won $11,015 in Ellensburg, WA, placing her at the top of the WPRA breakaway roping world standings.

    “The same person had held the number one spot since March,” she said.

    Jackie Crawford, who boasts 19 WPRA world titles, has led the standings since her big win at Rodeo Huston earlier this year.

    “I think the horse I have been riding this year has a lot to do with my success,” Conner said. “He has been great this year. He has been putting me in the places that I need to be and giving me the opportunities that I needed.”

    Conner was referring to her 16-year-old American Quarter Horse Association gelding, Stylish Drifter, whom she affectionately calls Dutch. Before she bought Dutch, Conner said he was being used as a tie-down roping horse.

    “I rode Dutch my rookie year and made the finals, but I was not having the success I would have liked,” she said. “I had not transitioned well into pro rodeo yet. They are so much different than the junior ropings I was used to.”

    Conner qualified for the National Finals Breakaway Roping in 2022 and 2023. She said that in her rookie year and sophomore season, she had to rodeo until the last week of the season to secure her spot at the finals.

    “It has been a lot different this year not having to be on the bubble race,” Conner said.

    The “bubble” Conner referred to is when a contestant sits just on the edge of being in the top fifteen-ranked athletes at the end of the pro rodeo season. She is far from being on the bubble rounding out the 2024 regular rodeo season.

    “My second year in pro rodeo, I gave Dutch the year off, and Riley Webb roped on him for a while,” she said. “I came back with Dutch this year, and he has been so great for me.

    “I think it’s funny how God works in mysterious ways,” Conner added. “I had put him aside for that time in my life, and we came back this year so much better than we ever have been.”

    Find out more at AmericanHat.net

  • Resistol Rookie: The race for the PRCA Resistol Rookie of the Year title is in full swing.

    Resistol Rookie: The race for the PRCA Resistol Rookie of the Year title is in full swing.

    The PRCA Resistol Rookie of the Year is the only world champion title with one shot. First-year PRCA card holders in their debut season strive for the coveted crown and the honor of having their name alongside legends like Trevor Brazile, Joe Beaver and Luke Branquinho.
    Throughout the year, each rodeo serves as a proving ground for PRCA Resistol Rookies vying for the title.

    Saddle Bronc Riding

    Zachary Dallas aims for an NFR qualification in his first year. Over $80,000 separates him from Darcy Radel in second place. He is ninth in the world, with over $100,000 in season earnings.
    He secured his leap into the top 15 in the world standings after bringing an estimated $40,000 home during Cowboy Christmas.

     Tie-Down

    Other PRCA Resistol Rookie races are neck-in-neck, specifically in the calf-roping. Only $6,000 separates Cole Clemons from Bryce Derrer, who have been swapping between first and second all summer.
    They are the only two PRCA tie-down rookies to penetrate the top 15 in the world standings. Clemons is 13th, and Derrer is 15th.

    Steer Wrestling

    Cole Walker drew attention when he took home the 2024 San Angelo Rodeo Steer Wrestling Co-Champion title. He’s capitalized on this win since and has consistently kept his number one spot in the PRCA Rookie standings.
    Ty Bauerle is catching up with only $6,000 separating them after his reserve win from the Fiesta Days Rodeo.

    Bareback Riding

    Weston Timberman made a name for himself right out of the chutes. He went into this year’s Resistol Rookie Roundup sitting first, left as the champion, and has been leading it since. Over $40,000 separates him from Mason Stuller, the man sitting second in the PRCA rookie standings.
    His wins at the CINCH World’s Toughest Rodeo and the Ponoka Stampede pushed him to sit 13th in the top 15 in the world.

    Steer Roping

    Trent Sorey is leading the rookie standings in steer roping by $17,000, positioned just outside the top 15 at 17th in the world. Most recently, he reserved the Crooked River Roundup to add over $2,000 to his season earnings.

    Team Roping (Header)

    The team roping standings in both heading and heeling is anyone’s game. Since the start of this rodeo season, no roper has consistently claimed the number one spot.
    Success during Cowboy Christmas, specifically a win at the Livingston Roundup Rodeo, pushed Tyler Tryan into the number-one spot. Only $7,000 stands between him and Korbin Rice, the man in second.
    A few hundred dollars split the difference between 3rd, 4th, and 5th place in the standings.

    Team Roping (Heeler)

    The heeler rookie race is even narrower, with $1,000 splitting first and second.
    Logan Moore claimed first with his most recent check from Deadwood Days of ‘76 Rodeo.

    Bull Riding

    Jeter Lawrence brought home over $18,000 from his time at the California Rodeo Salinas. This fruitful weekend pushed Lawrence over the $100,000 season earnings mark. It moved him to eighth in the world standings, securing his spot in the top 15.
    Right behind him, Cooper James is actively trying to break the $100,000 mark. He is less than $6,000 away, putting him 12th in the world.
    James and Lawrence are the only bull riding rookies to break into the top 15, striving towards their first NFR qualification.

    Barrel Racer Oceane Veilleux. Photo Courtesy of Jake Hodnett

    Barrel Racing

    The barrel racing rookie race competition is fierce and closely fought. Oceane Veilleux and Millie Marquart are less than $2,000 apart.
    Veilleux won the Resistol Rookie Roundup, to highlight her as a frontrunner in the rookie race.

    Breakaway Roping

    KC-Gail Churchill is leading the breakaway rookie standings by $6,000.
    After her, only a few hundred dollars separate places second through sixth.

    All-Around

    All-around rookie leader Wacey Schalla excels in both bull riding and bareback riding. The 18-year-old has over $72,000 to his name. His second place win at Fiesta Days Rodeo in bareback riding added nearly $10,000 to his season earnings.
    Less than $4,000 behind him is Cole Clemons, the current tie-down PRCA Resistol Rookie leader.

    The Race Is On

    As we continue to watch the rookies through the end of the season, it leaves us asking:
    – Who will qualify for the NFR in their debut year?
    – Who will win the Resistol Rookie of the Year in their respective event?

    Find out more about Resistol!

  • From Queen to President: Pendleton Round-Up President, Tiah DeGrofft

    From Queen to President: Pendleton Round-Up President, Tiah DeGrofft

    Tiah DeGrofft is a 38-year volunteer and the 47th President of the Pendleton Round-Up. She is the first female president in the Round-Up’s history. DeGrofft combines her passion for Pendleton and the Round-Up with a career background in professional Sports Marketing and Event Management. She joined the board to give back to her community and continue to pursue her passion in sports marketing. DeGrofft served as a director before becoming president. She received a nomination from her peers, and the Board voted that she was the best person for the job, and the stockholders agreed!

    I had the opportunity to interview Tiah DeGrofft, Pendleton Round-Up’s first female president, and hear firsthand about her path to presidency and why the Pendleton Round-Up is a one-of-a-kind event each year.

    RL: You’ve been involved with Pendleton Round-Up since you were about six years old. Will you tell me a little bit about your experience with the Round-Up and how you became involved in Rodeo?
    TD: My parents didn’t grow up in Pendleton. They moved here right after they got married. In order to meet people, they kept hearing that the Pendleton Round-Up was kind of the epicenter of town—so both of them started volunteering for the Round-Up. Fast forward to my childhood. My dad was a volunteer at the Round-Up, and my mom was a stay-at-home mom. I think to get us out of the house, she would send my brother and me to work parties with my dad. My dad would give us a nickel or a quarter to walk around the massive track with a five-gallon bucket and pick up rocks. That was how he would keep us busy so he could go do other things with the Round-Up. That was probably my first official volunteer job. We “guesstimated” I was six, maybe five years old, and when I was eight years old, my dad was on the Happy Canyon board, which is our night show. I started volunteering over there as well. My dad said, “You’re down there all the time and doing all the things, may as well be a volunteer there.”

    My dad was the Livestock Director at Happy Canyon. We were rebuilding stagecoaches, so my brother and I started repainting stagecoaches. We have what we call pennant bearers who carry the flags in the parade in front of our cleaning fort, so we were going to the parades anyway. We started hauling a horse so that I could pennant bear. I then started working in the hospitality room, doing dishes, and clearing the dishes off tables. Then eventually, in 1999, I was named a Princess to our fort. You have to be a princess before you can be a Queen. In 2001 I was selected as Queen for that year.

    Once I graduated from college, I moved to Portland and worked for the PGA Tour. I would make it home only for Christmas and Round-Up. I ended up moving to the greater Boston area, Rhode Island, where I owned a sports marketing company. I continued to just get back around Round-Up. Unfortunately, my dad got sick with cancer, and then my brother’s wife started having babies and I thought I’m just too far from home, so I ended up moving back to Pendleton. Once I got back, I started getting more involved in the Round-Up, and eventually, I was nominated for our Hall of Fame Board of Directors. I went on the Hall of Fame board as a Round-Up delegate and eventually became their president. And then one year after being their president, I was asked to apply for the panel’s Round-Up board. So I came over and spent eight years as Sponsor Director for the Round-Up, which was right in my wheelhouse given my sports marketing background. After eight years as Sponsor Director, last November, I was elected president. It’s been a really fun ride.

    We were the first major rodeo to have a female president, and then Reno named Carrie Ann Sattler president, which was awesome. We met in Vegas, and it’s just really cool for the sport to have such a big year. Vogue Magazine also named 2024 the Year of the Cowgirl, and it seems like we’re just kind of steamrolling into that.

    You just live your life, and every day goes by, and you don’t think anything crazy happens that day, but then look back on the year, and all of a sudden, you’re like, holy smokes! It has really been that way this year, you know, and signing on to be president is a huge deal. It never seemed like I was doing anything outside of my wheelhouse, and now looking back on it and having some of these conversations with the media, it’s pretty cool to be able to fly that flag for women across the sport of rodeo.

    RL: Will you explain your role, your daily tasks, and what you’re up to right now?
    TD: Our entire board is made up of volunteers, including the president. My job as president is to oversee the board; keep the board on track; oversee; and make sure that we’re following our mission, getting our critical tasks completed and staying on course with the long-term planning. Round-Up is so ingrained with the city we have an ex officio position on our Chamber of Commerce board of directors so I end up at a lot of meetings about a lot of different things—kind of the jack-of-all-trades. I was really busy throughout the winter checking in with the board helping them with things that they need and making sure that they’re on the right track. We have 16 incredible people on our board, and they don’t require a lot of babysitting, which is fantastic! They’re each specialized: for example, we have a Livestock Director, a Medical Director, and an Arena Director. They each know their area of focus very well. I get involved in those areas on a broader level, such as the changes this year as we bring in a new charity. Our Saturday used to be National Patriot Day. This year, we’re moving that to Friday and bringing in the Golden Circle of Champions, which raises funds for pediatric cancer patients in our area. We’re very excited to welcome them on board, and because I had a couple of ties into that, I’ve spearheaded bringing them in, so that’s been a big focus for me recently.

    RL: What are some of the other charities that you work with, and what are the other theme days going to be this year?
    TD: Wednesday, we have the Farmers Ending Hunger charity. Round-Up started as a celebration of the end of harvest here in eastern Oregon so that ties in well with us. Farmers Ending Hunger was started here in Umatilla County, and their mission is to raise extra acres of crops that they give to the Oregon Food Bank to help feed the hungry. Thursday is Tough Enough to Wear Pink; this will be our 18th anniversary with Tough Enough to Wear Pink. Friday, as we discussed, we will have National Patriot and Military Appreciation Day, and then Saturday, the Golden Circle of Champions.

    Because Pendleton is such a small town, we rely heavily on tourism. All of our parking lots are run by charities, as well as the majority of our concession stands, our beer booths, and our camping areas, so nearly every charity in town or service organization like the Rotary or the Kiwanis Club are involved in one way or another to use Round-Up as one of their biggest fundraisers of the year. We also have a lot of the local sports teams—one of my favorite booths at Round-Up is the swim team’s with really great hamburgers. Sports teams from around town use Round-Up as fundraisers for their costs as well, so we have tons of charities that we support. In 2020 when we had to cancel the rodeo, we knew that all of these charities relied on us to keep going and even the downtown businesses, restaurants, and hotels, so we started a fund called Let ‘Er Buck Cares and asked our sponsors if they wanted to donate to it. For our ticket holders, we offered to either roll your ticket, refund your ticket, or you could donate the cost of your ticket to this fund. We were hoping to make two to three hundred thousand dollars, but we made almost a million dollars from the generosity of the Round-Up family, and we were able to then pay a lot of our contract help who obviously were not working when all the rodeos were canceled, and all of our charities—we made everyone whole. It was an incredible way to make something positive out of a terrible year.

    RL: Talking about community and circling back to women in the Western industry in similar positions, we featured Carrie Ann Sattler as one of our cover stories earlier this year. Are there similarities between Reno Rodeo and Pendleton Round-Up?
    TD: There are a lot of similarities in size and scale. And when you’re looking at the Large Outdoor Rodeo of the Year competition, both of us are always included in that. But we’re very different in that Reno is a metropolitan area. We’re three hours from any major city. We’re only about 16,000 people. Reno is more of a traditional rodeo where you have sponsors and banners in the arena. They’re much more commercialized than we are. That was my challenge as Sponsor Director; we don’t offer any advertising in our arena, even in our grand entry. It’s the American flag, the Oregon flag, things like that. So trying to find sponsors that understood our mission without needing those return-on-investment opportunities was really my challenge. Reno has a lot of incredible sponsors. Carrie did a fantastic job with it; I know she was a sponsor director as well. So while we are similar in the sport of rodeo, our business models are very different for that matter. Carrie and I personally, though, have a lot in common. We were both in the same sorority in college. The conversations we get to have, it’s more friends, really, than even business for similar people. It’s just wonderful.

    RL: Talking about the sponsorships, what kind of unique opportunities did you incorporate? I know you have a sports marketing background, so I’m sure that was very helpful, but Pendleton is a unique location—there are not many hotels or lodging options. How did you overcome some of those challenges?
    TD: A lot of times, my first introduction was just selling them on the tradition and the heritage of Round-Up. Many companies, when you call, would say, Pendleton Round-Up, and they’re like, where’s Pendleton? What is this rodeo? It’s not like saying Reno, where everybody knows where that is. So my first thing was always to say, “Come and see us, just be our guest, come out”, and once they set foot on our property and felt the energy, there’s something about it. We hear time and time again that people want to replicate one thing or another from Pendleton, and you can’t. It’s like this feeling when you pull into town and the whole town is just buzzing with Round-Up. I mean, the kids are out of school, so they can volunteer. All of the town is really; the townspeople and the businesses wrap their arms around it. So you get here, and you’re immersed in it. It’s not like you leave and go a few city blocks down, and you can go to a restaurant and not know that the Round-Up is happening, right? They get here, and they would just be like, “Oh, now we get it, and we want to be involved.”

    Once we got potential sponsors here, we could show them hospitality opportunities and that’s really what a lot of companies use. They bring clients, executives, or vendors. They understood then that we could put their banners outside of the concourse and how visible that would make them. I think when they saw how special it was to not have advertising in their arena, it wasn’t ever a question. It wasn’t like, “Well, how can we?” They just were like, “Oh, we get it.” So yeah, it’s definitely an experience. It is stepping back in time and in a really great way.

    We also created the 1910 room. We wanted more of a setting for a foodie experience or those coming from the city that weren’t necessarily there for the rodeo action. They were there more for the experience. The 1910 room is right on the arena floor. Guests have their own cocktails and their own restrooms. We have a chef come in and cook their meals for the day. Obviously, if they want to leave and come back and forth between the 1910 room and the general public, they can. That was a big help to get some businesses in, and they could sit in a quiet, smaller, more intimate setting together.

    RL: Do you have any tips for first-time Round-Up attendees?
    TD: Well, the hotel, first and foremost, nail down where you’re going to stay because that’s the hardest part. You have to decide what adventure you want to make of it. Choose your own adventure type of week. We start with a kickoff concert. We have two nights of bull riding. Then we have four days of rodeo action with the Happy Canyon at night. You can keep yourself busy all day. You’ll burn yourself out very quickly. So I always look at the schedule of events and pick. A lot of what happens Wednesday through Saturday includes the same options. Everything’s happening all four days. So don’t necessarily try to cram everything into one day. There are so many little nuances that aren’t happening at the rodeo grounds. We have a cowboy breakfast that takes place in a park downtown that has really great pancakes, and the radio station is there, it’s a fun atmosphere. Also, there are the underground tours; Pendleton has this great city underneath the city. The downtown has its own action and then you can come to the rodeo for a couple of days. You’ll want to make sure that you take in Happy Canyon. It’s a really cool pageant that tells the story of the Oregon Trail. There are the Native Americans, and then a gold boomtown comes about, and there’s some fighting between the Native Americans and the immigrants, and it tells their story. We also have a lot of our Native American tribe very active in our rodeo, so they put on a lot of Powwow dance competitions and beauty competitions, and if you’ve never gotten to see Native American regalia up close, it’s stunningly beautiful, many of the dresses being worn are great, great grandmother’s dresses that were handmade hundreds of years ago. It’s just a really cool piece of our rodeo, I think. Also, over in the Native American Village, there is incredible jewelry shopping, which is one of my personal favorites. They also make a fry bread taco. If you’ve never had fry bread with berries on it, that is to die for, or if you’re more of a salty person try fry bread tacos—can’t get enough of them. It’s one of my Round-Up favorites.

    There’s definitely a lot going on. If you’re here with a bachelor or a bachelorette party, there is a card passport available. If you get a drink at each one of our watering holes around the grounds, you get prizes.

    There’s something for everybody. There is a carnival downtown for kids. I mean, there really is something for everybody.

    RL: Is there anything new for fans or contestants this year that they can look forward to? Is there anything that you’re excited about?
    TD: I’m really excited about the Golden Circle of Champions. That’s going to be a great change. I know a lot of the Cowboys at the NFR are getting behind the cause, too, so that’s going to be a great opportunity to raise awareness of pediatric cancer. One of the things that I love about Pendleton is that we’re steeped in tradition; at 114 years, there aren’t usually big sweeping changes, we try to find those little nuggets where we can and polish them and get as close to perfection as we can for the year, but you know here we are 114 years later and we’re still finding those nuggets that we can polish. One of my favorite things is that there aren’t big sweeping changes but it’s also never the same. The cowboys are different, the livestock is different, and the crowd is different depending on what day you’re coming. Wednesday and Thursday have a little more of a family feel, and Friday and Saturday have a little more of a Mardi Gras-type feel. Every day brings its own vibes that way. We are bringing in the US Navy Leap Frog parachute team. We had them last year; they’re a military skydiving group that comes in and lands into the arena just prior to the rodeo with their big flags, and you always cross your fingers that we get the jet flyover on Friday and Saturday, that’s a last-minute military call, it always depends on pilots and what else is happening in the world if they’re able to do that but always the fan favorite so we’re looking forward to it.

    RL: In closing, is there anything else you’d like to add about becoming the first Pendleton Round-Up president?
    TD: I’m really grateful for the opportunity. My favorite part is the number of young women who come up and say, “I used to want to be queen. Now I want to be president.” Don’t limit yourself. Well, you know, you can be both. And then the people who have reached out for mentorship, that just really fills my heart. And again, I don’t know that I have the secret sauce, just day by day living to be myself. But, if I can help one other female know that she’s capable of anything, I am more than happy to fly that flag.

    RL: Oh, that’s awesome. I love that, especially having a little girl; we have to raise her so she knows she can do anything. One last question. What’s your favorite rodeo other than Round-Up?
    TD: I have a couple I last went to a few years ago. My mom is from Red Bluff, California. So, that is like a family reunion for me. My family on my mom’s side is very involved there, and then my dad is from a small town up here called Joseph and they have the Joseph days. If you’ve ever been there, it’s like little Switzerland. There are very high mountains. There’s a big lake. It’s a small resort town, and they have a really great rodeo that I look forward to every year. It’s another one that even the Cowboys come and camp out, and everybody goes to the lake and really enjoys it. We were just down in Sisters. That’s an incredible rodeo. I have yet to make it to many of the Texas rodeos. That’s on my list for next year!

    Tiah DeGrofft Bio

    Tiah is a second-generation director and a 37-year volunteer with the Pendleton Round-Up. She started volunteering at the age of 6, coming to Round-Up work parties with her father Duane. Her first job was picking rocks out of the arena. Since then, she has done everything from acting as a pennant bearer in parades to driving VIP Shuttle and saddling trophy horses for champions. In 1999, Tiah served as a Princess on the Pendleton Round-Up Court and, in 2001, was named Queen. Tiah is a past board member and President of the Pendleton Round-Up and Happy Canyon Hall of Fame. For 37 years, Tiah has also been a cast member in Happy Canyon. Her parts have varied from side saddler and emigrant to the madam at Goldie’s Place.

    During her 8 years on the Board of Directors, Tiah has served as Sponsor Director, something that ties in nicely with her background in, and love for, Professional Sports Marketing. During her time as Sponsor Director, Tiah nearly tripled sponsorship contributions and oversaw many renovations to the Sponsor program. As part of her directorship, Tiah also oversaw the shuttle service and chaired the VIP Committee. One of the things she has enjoyed the most is being able to welcome guests near and far to Pendleton while offering them world-class hospitality.

    As a member of the Board of Directors, Tiah served on numerous committees, including Xtreme Bulls, Concert, Trademark, and Public Relations. She has chaired the Farm II committee, Policy and Procedure Committee, and Events Committee and served as Secretary of the Board for six years. Tiah was instrumental in bringing the 1910 Room to the grounds and revamping the VIP program to what it is today. Tiah is also the first woman to complete two full terms on the Board of Directors.

    Tiah would like to sincerely thank her friends and family for their unwavering support, especially her Mother, Patty Ann, who stepped in and stepped up at every whim over the last eight years. The board commitment is really a two-person job, and Tiah contributes much of her success to the support Patty Ann has given her. In addition, Tiah would like to thank her fellow board members, the incredible Round-Up Staff, and the amazing team of Sponsor and shuttle volunteers.

    About Pendleton Round-Up

    2024 will be the 114th Pendleton Round-Up, which is synonymous with “Tradition.” That feeling of stepping back in time and experiencing a true Wild West Exhibition is what makes the Pendleton Round-Up so special.

    One thousand two hundred volunteers make the event happen each September.

    Pendleton is known for its hospitality; it speaks not only to the rodeo but also to the city. Every restaurant, hotel, store owner, etc., impacts that feeling of Welcome you get when you come to Pendleton.

    The entire city is involved in some way. Schools close so kids can volunteer, and playgrounds become campgrounds. Local service organizations and nonprofits use Round-Up as a fundraiser.

  • The Championship of Champions

    The Championship of Champions

    The Horse Nations Indian Relay Council (HNIRC) is more than just an organization; it is a guardian of a vibrant cultural tradition that dates back centuries. Established in December 2016, HNIRC is dedicated to preserving and promoting Indian Relay racing, a sport steeped in Native American heritage. This unique and exhilarating sport showcases the exceptional horsemanship, speed, and agility of its participants, making it one of the most thrilling spectacles in Native American culture. As HNIRC gears up for the 2024 Championship of Champions, let’s delve into the history of both the event and the council, exploring their mission, key events, community engagement, and future goals.

    Origins and Mission of HNIRC

    HNIRC was founded with a clear mission: to honor the heritage of Indian Relay racing, support the communities involved, and inspire new generations of fans and competitors. Indian Relay is a sport that has deep roots in Native American culture, with its origins tracing back to times when horseback riding was a vital part of daily life. The sport involves riders racing bareback on multiple horses, with exchanges happening at high speeds. It is a testament to the skill and bravery of Native American horsemen and women, reflecting their deep bond with their horses and their land.

    The council’s mission is not just about preserving a sport but also about celebrating a way of life. HNIRC aims to expand the reach of Indian Relay racing, bringing its excitement and cultural significance to a broader audience. By doing so, they hope to foster a greater appreciation and understanding of Native American traditions, ensuring that these practices continue to thrive in the modern world. The council’s vision includes creating a platform where the strength, speed, and spirit of Native American horse culture can be celebrated and shared with audiences around the globe.

    The Inception and Growth of the Championship of Champions

    The Indian Relay Championship of Champions is the crown jewel of HNIRC’s efforts. This annual event gathers the best Indian Relay teams from across the United States and Canada, offering a platform for these skilled athletes to compete at the highest level. The Championship of Champions has grown rapidly since its inception, breaking records for crowd size and the number of competitors each year. It has become a major event in the Native American sports calendar, attracting thousands of spectators and participants.

    The first Championship of Champions was held in Billings, Montana, in 2017. The event was an instant success, drawing large crowds and showcasing the best talent in the sport. Following this successful debut, the event moved to Walla Walla, Washington, where it continued to grow in popularity. The choice to rotate the location of the championship is a deliberate one, designed to bring Indian Relay racing to different communities and allow a broader audience to experience this unique cultural tradition. After Walla Walla, the event moved to Casper, Wyoming, next to Fort Pierre, South Dakota, and then back to Casper, Wyoming, where it will be held in 2024.

    In 2019, a significant milestone was reached when Women’s Indian Relay was added to the Championship of Champions races. For the first time, women teams were provided with a national platform to compete, reflecting HNIRC’s commitment to promoting inclusivity and recognizing the talent of female competitors in the sport. The addition of the Women’s Indian Relay has since become a highlight of the event, attracting more participants and fans each year.

    This rotating nature of the Championship of Champions not only allows different communities to host the event but also brings a fresh environment and new challenges for the competitors. It helps keep the sport dynamic and exciting, with each location offering its unique set of conditions and atmosphere. The move to Casper was part of a three-year contract, and HNIRC plans to continue the event in Casper through 2025. This continued expansion and movement reflect the council’s commitment to spreading the excitement of Indian Relay racing and engaging with new audiences.

    The 2024 Tour of Champions: A Showcase of Skill and Culture

    The road to the Championship of Champions is paved with a series of races organized by HNIRC throughout the summer. The 2024 Tour of Champions is a carefully curated schedule of events across the United States and Canada, providing opportunities for teams to compete and qualify for the prestigious championship. The tour is not just about the races; it’s also a celebration of Native American culture, with events often featuring traditional drum groups, dancers, and vendors offering crafts and jewelry.

    The 2024 Tour of Champions includes the following events:

    • June 01-02: Season Opener, Miles City, MT
    • June 08-09: Indigenous Celebration Indian Relay, Grand Prairie, Canada
    • June 22-23: Crow Native Days, Crow Agency, MT Native Days Indian Relay
    • July 06-07: Sugar Bowl Indian Relay, Inchelium, Washington
    • July 27-28: Wyoming Downs, Evanston, WY
    • August 02: Phillips County Fair, Dodson, MT
    • August 03-04: Run with the Warriors, Pine Ridge, SD
    • August 10-11: Lower Brule Races, Lower Brule, SD
    • August 24-25: North Central Washington Fair, Waterville, WA
    • September 07-08: Turtle Mountain Indian Horse Relay, Belcourt, ND
    • September 07-08: Okanogan County Fair, Okanogan, WA
    • September 11-14: Pendleton Round-up, Pendleton, OR
    • September 20-22: HNIRC Championship of Champions, Casper, WY

    These races are crucial stops on the road to the championship, offering teams the chance to qualify for the final showdown in Casper. The Tour of Champions Indian Relay races, accredited by HNIRC, are a series of races that test endurance, skill, and strategy. To be eligible to enter the Championship of Champions, teams must participate in at least two HNIRC-accredited races throughout the season. Each race presents unique challenges, reflecting the dedication and passion of the competitors who travel long distances and train rigorously to compete at the highest level. This tour is a testament to the relentless commitment of the athletes, showcasing the best of Indian Relay racing across diverse locations.

    Leadership and Community Engagement

    HNIRC is led by a dedicated board of directors who bring a wealth of experience and passion to the organization. The current board members are:

    • Calvin Ghost Bear – President, Pine Ridge, South Dakota
    • Carol Murray – Vice President, Browning, Montana
    • Carla Ghost Bear – Treasurer, Pine Ridge, South Dakota
    • Jamie Howard – Secretary, Wayne, Oklahoma
    • Diana Volk – Marketing, Sheridan, Wyoming

    These leaders are not only committed to the success of the sport, but also to the well-being and development of the communities they represent. Under their guidance, HNIRC has made significant strides in promoting Indian Relay racing and ensuring that it continues to thrive in the years to come.

    Community engagement is a core aspect of HNIRC’s mission. The council’s events are more than just races; they are cultural celebrations that bring people together. At each event, attendees can experience the rich traditions of Native American culture, from the stirring rhythms of drum groups to the intricate designs of traditional crafts. HNIRC also works to support the development of young riders and teams, ensuring that the sport’s future is in good hands. By providing training and mentorship opportunities, the council helps nurture the next generation of Indian Relay champions.

    Past Champions and Categories

    The upcoming Championship of Champions expects to have over 50 men’s teams from six states and two provinces. The competition includes several categories:

    • Men’s Relay: Traditional three-horse teams.
    • Women’s Relay: Two-horse teams.
    • Junior Relay (12-15 years old): Two-horse teams.
    • Youth Relay (9-12 years old): Three-pony teams.
    • Kids Relay (7-9 years old): Three-pony teams.

    Past champions highlight the fierce competition and talent present in Indian Relay racing:

    Men’s Past Champions

    • 2017: Abrahamson Relay, Scott Abrahamson, Colville, Billings, Montana
    • 2018: Northwest Express, Mathew Pakootas Jr., Colville, Walla Walla, Washington
    • 2019: Abrahamson Relay, Scott Abrahamson, Colville, Walla Walla, Washington
    • 2020: S/M Express, Dustin Kruger, Crow, Casper, Wyoming
    • 2021: Buffalo Jump, Chris Carlson, Blackfeet, Casper, Wyoming
    • 2022: Omak Express, Colville, Fort Pierre, South Dakota
    • 2023: Carlson Relay, Chazz Racine, Blackfeet, Casper, Wyoming

    Women’s Past Champions

    • 2019: Timentwa Relay, Talliyah Timentwa, Colville, Walla Walla, Washington
    • 2020: Young Money, Autumn Charges Strong, Crow, Casper, Wyoming
    • 2021: Tissidimit Relay, Brailey Tissidimit, Blackfeet, Casper, Wyoming
    • 2022: Amyotte Racing, Diamond Amyotte, Crow, Fort Pierre, South Dakota
    • 2023: Timentwa Relay, Talliyah Timentwa, Colville, Casper, Wyoming

    Future Goals and the Path Ahead

    As HNIRC continues its commitment to Casper, Wyoming, for the Championship of Champions, the council is already looking to the future. They aim to offer fresh environments and opportunities for different communities and sponsors to engage with and celebrate Indian Relay racing. By expanding the sport’s reach, HNIRC hopes to inspire new fans and competitors, ensuring that the vibrant tradition of Indian Relay continues to thrive.

    The council’s future goals include not only the continued growth of the Championship of Champions but also the expansion of the Tour of Champions. HNIRC is exploring new ways to engage with fans, including potential partnerships with media outlets to broadcast the races and bring the excitement of Indian Relay to a broader audience. The council is also committed to furthering its community outreach efforts, providing more opportunities for Native Americans from other areas of the US and Canada to learn about and participate in this unique sport.

    Prize Money

    The Championship of Champions also offers significant prize money, adding to the competitive spirit of the event. The men’s relay has $100,000 in added money, with the total payout estimated at $125,000. The women’s relay features $25,000 in added money, highlighting the importance of supporting and recognizing the talent of female competitors in this sport.

    In conclusion, the Horse Nations Indian Relay Council stands as a proud guardian of a rich cultural legacy. Through its dedication to preserving and promoting Indian Relay racing, HNIRC has created a platform where the strength, speed, and spirit of Native American horse culture can be celebrated and shared with audiences around the globe. The Championship of Champions and the Tour of Champions exemplify this mission, bringing together communities, showcasing exceptional talent, and ensuring that the vibrant tradition of Indian Relay continues to thrive for generations to come.

  • American Hat: Caden Ussery

    American Hat: Caden Ussery

    “I’ve been with American since I was in the sixth grade,” said North Carolina cowboy Caden Ussery. “It’s been a long time. “My mom and I wrote a letter to Keith Mundee. He immediately wrote back and was very welcoming,” he said. “He said he was impressed that I would put myself out there at such a young age. “It really is a relationship I have built with them,” Ussery added. “They always take care of me, and being a part of the American family has been a huge blessing.”

    Caden Ussery from Huntersville, North Carolina, now calls Martin, Tennessee, and the University of Tennessee Martin (UT Martin) his home. “I originally did not want to college rodeo,” Ussery said. “But my mom always wanted me to go to college.” After two years at Central Piedmont Community College, Ussery transferred to UT Martin, where he is now pursuing a bachelor’s degree in business marketing. He still has some time left in school, but Ussery said he hopes to continue his relationship with American.

    “I went to a community college first, and then last summer, right before school started, I got a call from Coach Thrasher at UT Martin,” he said. “He was looking for new talent because they had lost some seniors last year. “People were sending him my videos just from some local and amateur rodeos,” he said. “So, I talked with him and moved to Tennessee.”

    He said he barely missed qualifying for the College National Finals Rodeo this year. “I missed out on the finals by only a few points,” he said. “But I won our home rodeo. That was pretty awesome.” Ussery, a sophomore then, won the tie-down roping average with a time of 20.1 and the short go with a 9.8. He tied for second in the first round with a 10.3. “I started roping at a very young age,” he said. “My grandpa introduced roping into my life before anyone else.

    American Hat Rider Caden Ussery

    “I was pretty small growing up and couldn’t handle my rope to dally that well. So I started just breakaway roping,” he added. “I just had an old rope horse I would rodeo on, and he was awesome. When I got to junior high and high school, I bought a few more horses and got a little more serious.
    Ussery had a very successful Junior High and High School Rodeo career. He made the North Carolina High School Finals all

    four years. He said he won the reserve tie-down title during his freshman and sophomore years. He captured the state title in his junior and senior years.
    While Ussery occasionally team ropes, he said his heart is in the tie-down roping. “I fell in love with calf roping. There are a lot of really good team ropers, but the thought of working hard and not having to rely on anyone else to work to succeed appealed more to me,” he said.

    Although he enjoys the sole accountability of tie-down roping, Ussery said his biggest motivation comes from his family.“They have always encouraged me and allowed me to put myself out there,” he added. “If they believe I can do it, then there is no reason I can’t put my mind to it and get to where I want to be.”

    Learn more about American Hat Company!

    -Article by Charity Pulliam

     

  • Western Art Round-up: Sammy Bird

    Western Art Round-up: Sammy Bird

    Sammy Bird created her first painting to be auctioned off at a friend’s benefit. This spirit of giving, positivity, and hope has prevailed as her career as an artist has grown. Today, Palomino Paintings by Sammy Bird can be seen at art shows, rodeos, and in homes across the West.

    Discovering Her Talent

    Sammy Bird shares her heart and story through colorful, detailed paintings. Most of her subject matter includes horses, and elements of her Native American culture are always represented. She also expresses her style and culture through wearable art, like hats and clothing, which have been featured in western fashion shows. Bird grew up on the Blackfeet Reservation, located in northwest Montana, and comes from a multi-generation rodeo family. Today, she balances her career as an artist with life on the rodeo road.

    Bird dabbled in art projects growing up, but didn’t foresee a career as a painter. “I took high school art, but wasn’t the best one in my class,” Bird recalled.

    It wasn’t until she wanted to donate something unique to a friend’s medical benefit that she discovered her talent. “In a small town you can only get so many donations, so I thought I would try to paint,” Bird shared.

    Her donated painting was a hit, and soon another community member asked if she would donate a painting for another fundraiser. This soon snowballed into requests for commissions, and before Bird knew it she was making money as an artist. “I truly believe God works in mysterious ways,” she said. “It caught on like wildfire, and within a few years I was doing it almost full-time.”

    She continues to donate to fundraisers, but painting is much more than a hobby now. Bird participates in western art shows, is hired for commission work, and has a regular clientele she sells paintings to.

    Bird’s paintings are colorful, abstract, often large, and intricate. This style came completely from her imagination. “You do what feels right for you, and what makes you feel good,” she reflected. “Whenever I start a new painting I honestly don’t really know what I’m going to paint. I might have a general idea in my mind of what I want it to look like, but I usually start at the horse’s eye and work my way out.”

    Art is ultimately the expression of the artist, and Bird wants to spread positivity. “When someone looks at one of my paintings, I want them to feel good, even if it’s just for a moment in their day,” she shared. “For me, it’s a lot of bright, vibrant colors — hopefully it brings positivity to someone.”

    Bird’s handprint is one of the hallmarks of her work. Somewhere in each of her paintings you will see where she has pressed her hand into paint and imprinted it on the finished painting. She started doing this both because it represents her Native American culture, and as a unique way to sign her work. “The handprint stands for resilience,” she explained. “It also represents missing and murdered indigenous women. I started putting it on my paintings for awareness, and because it’s my own fun spin on things. Even if you don’t see it, there’s a handprint somewhere in each of my paintings.”

    Beyond her handprint, Bird also includes other elements of her Native American culture in each painting. “I am very proud of where I come from, and where I’m going. I have always respected and loved where I come from, and I hope to inspire kids on the reservation who feel stuck. I want to show that if I can do it, they can too,” Bird shared.

    She also shares her art through fashion. “I really got into western fashion right after college. I started creating my own pieces, and collaborating with other Native American artists. I think it’s so cool when you bring two creative minds together,” Bird said.

    Rodeos have long been events where people express their style — from contestants to viewers — and fashion shows have become increasingly popular. Bird has participated in many of these, both as a model and creator. At last year’s Indian National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas, Nevada, she participated in a Native American fashion show that included creators from across the country. “It was really cool to see everyone’s backgrounds come out in their fashion,” she recalled.

    Bird’s business page on Facebook, Palomino Paintings by Sammy Bird, has gained a large following, and she does most of her business through this platform. While there is a lot of demand for her art, Bird has been careful to only create when she feels called to.

    Photos of Bird’s paintings on social media are often accompanied by a motivational saying or short story. “I put my heart and what’s important to me into every painting I do,” she said.

    Breakaway Roper Sammy Bird

    Raised in Rodeo

    Bird comes from a rodeo family, and has had many successes in the arena. She grew up going to rodeos, and was competing as soon as she was able. “I’ve been horseback since I was probably three years old,” she shared.

    Her mother and father both competed during her youth, and Bird spent many hours in the stands before she could even walk. Early on, she started competing in the Native American Rodeo Association, and at local and regional rodeos. These rodeos are very family-oriented, including youth, adult, and senior events. “A lot of times you’ll have families that get to travel with their kids, parents, and grandparents,” Bird explained.

    She also competed in high school rodeo, and went on to rope and run barrels at the college level while attending the University of Montana-Western.

    Recently, Bird has been taking advantage of the addition of breakaway roping to the professional rodeo circuit. “As soon as they started including breakaway roping at pro rodeos I started competing there as well,” Bird said.

    The addition of the event has been celebrated by the rodeo community, and Bird has been enjoying competing at a higher level. “It brings in contestants, brings in fans, and it’s a fast, exciting event,” she said. “It’s giving us as contestants equal money, which means everything because we travel hard, and we put just as much work in. Being included means the world. We put a lot of blood, sweat, and tears into it, so being on a stage where we can showcase that means so much.”

    Rodeo has opened up Bird’s world. The Blackfeet Reservation is isolated, and opportunity can be sparse for young people. Horses, ranching, and rodeo have always been there for Bird. “Living on the reservation can be very oppressive for kids,” Bird shared. “Rodeo really played a huge role in keeping me out of trouble, giving me responsibility, goals to shoot for, ambition, and motivation. I always give a lot of credit to the rodeo way of life, and horses in general, for inspiring me to want to be better, and to want more.”

    Something in the Orange – Many of Bird’s paintings are large, like this one, titled “Something in the Orange”.

    The Big Picture

    Bird represents her home and western culture, both through art and rodeo. She was recently featured in a Boot Barn campaign about Native American rodeo and ranching. She also has a strong online presence, sharing her style, rodeo lifestyle, and art through Instagram and Facebook.

    Artists and rodeo competitors often lead similarly unconventional lives, and these two endeavors go hand-in-hand for Bird. Finding the time to paint during the busy rodeo season can be difficult, but also motivating. “It inspires me, because I know that if I’m not winning I can go home and paint,” Bird shared. In turn, her art business allows her to have a flexible career. Winter in northwest Montana puts a damper on roping, so she and her family travel south to Arizona each winter.

    Bird spreads hope and positivity through her paintings, and also remains focused on the opportunity in her rodeo career. Skill is only one element of competing in rodeo, and keeping perspective on what really matters helps Bird navigate the pressure to win. “I have learned that you can’t define your happiness based on that one run. Your breakaway run does not define you, and it doesn’t show your value as a person,” she shared. “Any time I’m having a tough time I check and see where my heart posture is, and thank God for everything I do have.”

    Gratitude for life guides Bird every day in and out of the rodeo arena. “It’s just so easy to have a closed mindset, but we live in such an abundant time,” she concluded. “If you want something, go after it. The worst thing that can happen is you will end up back where you were. Don’t be afraid to go out and try to do whatever you want. We live in an abundant time, and you should match your mindset to that. Be inspired, and just do what you want. Do be afraid of rejection, because rejection is just redirection.”

    Article by Lilly Platts

     

  • Team Cavender’s: Brodey Clemons

    Team Cavender’s: Brodey Clemons

    “I have a few friends that were on Team Cavender’s in the past, and this year at the Texas High School Rodeo Finals, they set me up to talk with some people. I did well enough that they offered me a spot on the team right before nationals,” said Brodey Clemons, a senior on the team. “I really feel like I am part of the family now.”

    Although he will only have one year, Clemons said he is excited to settle into his newfound home on Team Cavender’s.

    “I am from Florida but moved to Weatherford, Texas a year ago,” he said. “There is not a lot of rodeo in Florida, and to progress and get better, I had to move to where there is more of an opportunity to rope and rodeo.”

    Many cowboys move to Texas from their home states every year. The state boasts a long list of PRCA world champions and countless roping jackpots and rodeos year-round.

    Moving from Okeechobee, Florida, to the Lone Star State was always in the plans for him and his family, Clemons said. But the move was a bit easier after his brothers came to Texas for school.

    “Weatherford is the place to go if you are going to be a better calf roper,” he said. “Now that I am here, I have the opportunity to travel with people like Kincade Henry, my brother Cole, and Riley Webb.”

    Kincade Henry has qualified for the National Finals Rodeo twice. Riley Webb, who has also made two NFR appearances, was the 2022 Rookie of the Year and the 2023 PRCA Tie-Down world champion, and Cole Clemons is on track to make his first trip to Las Vegas this year.

    “I like to set goals. Last year, I set the goal to win the state tie-down roping title, and I got that done,” he said. Clemons won the short go with a 7.8 to secure the THSRA Tie-Down championship.

    The next goal he said he has set for himself involves playing with the big boys in the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association.

    “I will buy a PRCA permit in December after I turn 18 and rodeo on my permit for the next year,” he said. “Then, buy my card once I have a year under my belt and hopefully win Rookie of the Year and make the NFR.

    “Because my brother is in the top 15, and he is winning rookie of the year right now, I have some big shoes to fill,” he added.

    Although he has gold buckle goals, Clemons said he started out learning the same way numerous other cowboys do.

    “When I was a kid, I rode calves and sheep, but then I got into calf roping,” he added. “I learned a lot from Jason Hanchey, and my mom started hauling me and my older brothers to clinics and rodeos.

    “I started home school in junior high. If you are going to rodeo at a truly competitive level, it is hard not to be homeschooled,” Clemons said. “If you are truly going to be the best and at the top of your game, you really have to devote your life to it. I love it, and I wouldn’t change it for the world.”

    Learn More About Team Cavender’s

  • Western Art Round-up: Whey Jennings

    Western Art Round-up: Whey Jennings

    Country singer-songwriter Whey Jennings’s story contains multitudes, from the depths of addiction to finding sobriety and peace through faith, music, and the people he loves. The grandson of Waylon Jennings, he is putting his own stamp on country music, and helping others along the way. Jennings’s most recent writing is vulnerable and reflects the years of work he has put into improving himself — and the positive that has come from it. His upcoming full-length record, Jekyll & Hyde, due out August 23 on Dirt Rock Empire, includes songs about finding sobriety, country life, horses, family, patriotism, and the future.


    Making His Way Back to Music

    Country music has always been a part of Jennings’s life, growing up around his grandfather, Waylon Jennings, and grandmother, Jessi Colter. “I learned pretty young that I had a good vocal range. I went on stage with my grandfather a few times when I was young, and I had a great time,” he shared.

    Once Jennings became a teenager, fear replaced the excitement he previously felt in the spotlight. One experience stands out in his memory. “I went out there one time when I was around 13 and was becoming a young man. It scared me to death,” Jennings remembered. “I froze like a deer in the headlights.”

    Singing remained a part of Jennings’s life, but he didn’t foresee a career in it. As a young man, he moved from his childhood home near Dallas to the high plains of the Texas Panhandle, working on a cotton farm for many years. During this time, he struggled with addiction. It took a call from his mother, Katherine, to bring him back to music. “My mom told me that she had lung cancer. So I moved back to Dallas, and I spent the rest of the time she had on this earth with her. During this time, we talked about a lot of things, and she really wished I would do something with music. She had heard me sing my whole life, so I promised her I would do it,” Jennings remembered.

    He returned to the business, but it would be several years before Jennings would find his footing and voice. Music is often the center of the party, and from bars to stadiums, alcohol and other substances are easy to come by. This puts musicians in a particularly unique and often difficult situation since their job requires constantly being around people who are letting loose. Jennings continued to struggle with addiction and admits to many missteps. “I made every mistake you could possibly make. The first mistake I made was thinking it was about a party and not about the music. It took me a lot of years to get over that,” he shared.

    Fortunately, Jennings had supportive people in his corner, like his manager, or “momager” as he lovingly calls her, Tammy Carolus, and girlfriend Taryn Rae, who later became his wife. “They sat me down and told me they weren’t going to watch me kill myself, and at that point, I felt like I had a lot to lose because no matter what I didn’t have, I always had them,” he said. He entered rehab and started finding his unique voice as an artist. Jennings chose a faith-based rehab facility, which helped him further discover who he wanted to be and how to navigate his future. “I’ve always been a faith-based person, and I felt like that was the route for me. I went to church for all 28 days that I was there and took my guitar with me,” Jennings recalled. The community he found through music changed his outlook on the future, and he remembers learning Hallelujah, which Jennings now sings for his fans and has recorded on the new album. “We made some beautiful memories in there playing and worshiping God,” he said. Jennings’s wife, Taryn, knew how to support him through this difficult time. “When I met my wife, I didn’t have two nickels to rub together, but she helped me go out and do what I knew I needed to do in my own heart, to make myself okay with the life I’m living,” he shared.

     

    A New Chapter

    Taryn’s support was critical for Jennings, and he is now focused on supporting her and his six children while balancing his career in music. “I thank God every day for my family,” Jennings stated. “They have really rallied around me.” His children range in age, from his youngest daughter, who is three, to his oldest son, who graduated from high school in 2023. Being there for his youngest — Jennings always travels home between gigs no matter the distance or cost — and watching his older kids begin their own adult lives brings him great joy. “They don’t live the way I did when I was young. They’re all happy and thriving. To see my family thriving means the world to me. That’s what keeps me on the straight and narrow, knowing that I’m able to support my family in a way that I was never supported,” Jennings reflected.

    Faith was important to Jennings long before he entered rehab and continues to be a guiding tenet. “My faith has always been there through life,” Jennings said. “I’ve never found a problem that I needed to solve and couldn’t find the answer to it within the walls of the Bible.”

    Jenning’s new record, Jekyll and Hyde, comes out on August 23 on the Dirt Rock Empire label and is the culmination of these years of finding his voice and learning how to tell his story. He has released three studio EPs, including 2020’s Gypsy Soul, 2022’s If It Wasn’t for The Sinnin’, and 2023’s Just Before The Dawn. This will be his first full-length record, and Jennings is extremely proud to share it with the world. “When my kids are all grown, and I’m old and looking back on my life, I feel like I’m always going to look back to this album,” he shared.

    While Jennings often sings about very personal subject matter, he maintains a grit and honesty that his fans relate to. His baritone voice carries, and like his grandfather, people pay attention when Jennings sings; this attention is going toward a worthy message. Songwriters often say to write about what you know, and Jennings is doing just that. With almost five years of sobriety under his belt, he knows first-hand how difficult it can be to get help and the positive that will come from it. Learning how to share about this in a meaningful way has been a journey in itself. “When I got out of rehab, the first thing I wanted to do was save the world. I found something I wanted to share with everyone,” he reflected. “You feel like you’re healed, but you still have a lot of healing to do before you can try to help others.”

    Looking at the bigger picture and discovering how to share the negative things in his past in a way that can help others has taken time. “What I’ve learned is that I can’t just share about where I’m currently at in my music. I have to share about everywhere I’ve been through my music because I want to be able to relate to everyone. I can’t just disregard the life I’ve led. In this new album I was able to do that. I was able to touch on every area of life that’s important to me,” Jennings shared.

    Taking responsibility for his own actions was critical. “You can dwell on horrible things. One of the biggest mistakes we make in our relationship with God is that we like to blame our lives on him,” Jennings reflected. “We forget about the fact that the first thing He gave us was free will, and with free will comes responsibility.” His own recovery story also helps him relate to others and meet people where they’re at. “I’ve come to realize that while it’s important to sing songs that push people toward recovery, that isn’t enough,” Jennings reflected. One of the most difficult aspects of recovery, and one of the primary areas where people will fail, is having a support system. Addiction pushes loved ones out of a person’s life and destroys trust, which Jennings experienced himself. One of the songs on his new album, Sleeves, explores this. “I’m trying to show people the life their loved ones keep hidden from them,” Jennings explained. “They hide the bad part of their lives and the good parts. Being an addict doesn’t mean you’re no longer human. I’m trying to open up the hearts of people who may be supporting an addict so they have a better chance of success once they decide to enter recovery.”

    Jennings balances this serious message with lighter songs, calling on subject matter that has been a part of country music for generations. One of the tracks on Jekyll & Hyde, titled 10 Day Run, tells a wild, comical tale about an angry girlfriend who has reached her tipping point from being left home alone by her truck-driving man. Jennings enjoys creating music videos to pair with his songs, which bring the stories to life and give listeners a deeper look into each song. The video for 10 Day Run can be viewed on YouTube. Four singles from Jekyll & Hyde are currently available, and the full album will be released across all streaming platforms on August 23. Jennings is playing shows across the country, backed by an all-star band, including Pat Burr on guitar, Jack Dempsey on bass, and Cameron Dudley on drums.

    Jennings is grateful to have a supportive team behind the scenes, including Jason W. Ashcraft, who handles publicity and PR; Tammy Carolus, who works as manager; co-manager David Wade, who also assists with song selection and co-writes with Jennings; Brandon Yannotti, representing Dirt Rock Empire; Gary Carter, record producer; and Gio Gotay, who produces videos for Jennings.

    While a lot of the music business happens from a distance online, Jennings is passionate about connecting directly with his fans. “If people didn’t come out to my shows, I wouldn’t be able to support my family,” Jennings concluded. “I make friends with people while I’m at shows, and I don’t stay hidden. I love playing music, but I also love interacting with people and supporting my family. I’m grateful.” •

    -Article by Lilly Platts

  • Trust the Process with Breakaway Roper Rickie Fanning

    Trust the Process with Breakaway Roper Rickie Fanning

    Breakaway roper Rickie (Engesser) Fanning once again leads the standings in 2024, thanks to her exceptional horsemanship and consistency. Although she recently lost her number one horse, Rolo, Fanning is still roping well and staying at the top of the WPRA standings.

    We had the chance to interview Fanning before her busy Cowboy Christmas schedule. As a two-time Wrangler National Finals Breakaway Roping qualifier, she discussed her horses, goals, and even some of her favorite rodeos.

    Q&A with Rickie Fanning

    RL: Where are you from?
    RF: I was born and raised in Spearfish, South Dakota.

    RL: When did you first start riding horses and roping?
    RF: A lot of it was my dad. He grew up on a farm and ranch when he was younger, then when he married my mom, they bought some land outside of Spearfish where he had horses and roped. Then when we were all born, he got us all on horses at a very young age and we all really enjoyed doing it.

    RL: Have you always wanted to be involved in rodeo?
    RF: I always wanted to rodeo, it was always a big part of our lives. And it’s just such a family thing. I started in the pros, then it kind of took off. I don’t think I ever thought I’d still be going this hard. But I’m super grateful for the support and those things are always going to be a part of my life.

    RL: Did you attend college?
    RF: I went to college in Gillette for two years, then I transferred to Tarleton and finished my undergrad in animal science. Then I went on to get my master’s in consumer resources and science there. Going down south was a blessing, and being in Gillette was a great start to prepare me for college before I went to Texas. Everyone wants to go there, and getting that opportunity helped me meet new people and kind of get out of my box. I got to meet a lot of new people and a lot of them turned into family and so I’m really glad we did go down to Texas.

    RL: What do you like about rodeo and what makes you want to keep competing?
    RF: Competing is always fun, and I love the adrenaline. It’s also family oriented, like we get to bring our family with us to a lot of places. And then honestly, meeting so many great people and seeing new places are all factors in why I like being out on the road. I know there’s a lot of places I definitely wouldn’t see if it wasn’t for rodeo.

    RL: Which of your horses is your all time favorite, and what made them special?
    RF: I had some really cool horses growing up and they were all my favorites. But I think the one that stands out the most to me is my horse I just lost here a couple months ago. His name was Rolo, he was pretty dang special to me and it was a very God-given thing how I even ended up with him. But just the impact he left on me, the confidence he gave me, and the impact he made on the breakaway industry, was incredible. There were a lot of people that knew him. He was one-eyed and old, but he is probably by far one of my more special ones that I’ve had the privilege to own.

    RL: How did you find Rolo?
    RF: I decided I needed another horse when I was attending Tarleton State University for college. I just need something to help take some runs off my main horse. So I went and tried this horse out at a friend’s house. And I mean, I had seen pictures, but he wasn’t the cutest. He had a dent in his head. He had one eye, and the other one was blind. He had like no tail and his mane was roached. But I roped a couple handfuls on him and I went and talked to the guy that I was roping with there and I was like, gosh, I really like him, but I don’t know. He said, if you don’t write the check, I’m going to. So I called my dad and I said, dad, I’m buying the horse. I wrote him the check and brought him home, and after about a month of having him, my good mare got a bowed tendon and he was kind of my next thing I really had to go rodeo on. From then on, he was my number one.

    RL: What horses are you currently hauling with you?
    RF: First I’ve got my gray. He’s turned into my good one, and he’s the one I’ve been riding most of the winter rodeos. And then I just bought a six year old little gelding that I’m hoping to crack out on some of my circuit rodeos to kind of help my good one get a little bit of a break.

    RL: Who is your travel partner?
    RF: I travel with my sister, Taylor Engesser. She’s been roping since we were young as well. She actually started competing professionally more in barrel racing, and then eventually now does breakaway. We travel together all year long.

    RL: What are your goals for this year?
    RF: I think one of our major goals is we would like to be in the top 30 to get into the winter run or those winter rodeos. That’s always one of our main goals. But one of our smaller goals that we have is to focus on each run and not look so far in the future. A mid term goal for me is to make Puyallup and the governor’s cup. Another one of my major goals is to hopefully go back to the finals.

    RL: What are your favorite rodeos to rope at and what makes them special?
    RF: Oh gosh, that’s a hard one. I really like Calgary because that’s the first time we got to go up there, which was really fun. Pendleton’s always a big one because it’s a totally different setup. But I mean, there’s a lot of great ones out there. I love all the winter rodeos. They all do a really good job. The committee members are always great too, so it’s hard to really pinpoint one that is better than the other.

    RL: What are you most proud of achieving in your career?
    RF: There’s a couple big wins I was very fortunate to get. But one of my really favorite wins, especially now that I lost him, was getting to win the fifth round on Rolo two years ago at the 2022 National Finals Rodeo. That was probably the most special to me. My favorite part about that whole thing is, when we took the victory lap, my horse literally tried to run off the whole time. It makes me smile every time I think about it.

    RL: How do you keep yourself and your horses in top shape for your runs?
    RF: A lot of it comes down to roping the dummy, roping the sled and not changing how you rope when you get on the road. It can be hard because you’ll want to change things when it’s not working. But you need to trust the process of how you practice and you’ll be prepared.

    RL: What advice do you have for younger ropers?
    RF: If you want to be a breakaway roper and you want to be good at it, put your work and time into it, and make sure you’re always appreciating the people that have helped you along the way. •

    -Interview by Nicole Jasperson

  • In Memory of Trenten Montero

    In Memory of Trenten Montero

    A year, a month, a week, a day, a minute—we often forget how quickly life can change. August 2023 was a whirlwind of trying to survive the unimaginable for the Montero family.

    On Thursday, August 10th, it was like any other day. Trenten Montero was home with his wife, Maria, and their newborn son, Noah, getting ready to leave for Homedale, Idaho. At the Owyhee County Rodeo, Trenten got ready, talking with his friends behind the chutes. The NFR bareback rider had drawn Half Crow from Macza Pro Rodeo. He rode the horse for 79 points to end up second. That’s when an average day turned into the beginning of Trenten’s fight for life.

    After the whistle, Half Crow jumped up, kicked to the side, and lost footing while Trenten tried to dismount. This was the catalyst to catastrophe. With his hand still in the riggin, the gravity of the fall of the horse and Trenten’s weight all collided. His riggin was driven into his chest. The impact caused a hemorrhaged aorta, a ruptured pancreas, a lacerated spleen, a fractured sternum and pelvis, a punctured lung, and broken ribs. Life-long friend Joe Harper was the first one in the arena when it happened, saying, “Trenten was the toughest human I have ever met. Regardless of the outcome, he always got down on one knee to pray after a ride. After the wreck, he got up and stumbled down to his knee. When he tried to get up and then stumbled again, I knew something was wrong.” Harper jumped over the back of the chutes and ran to his friend, helping to shoulder him out of the arena for EMTs to do a checkup & monitor him.

    He opted for Maria to take him to the hospital when the bronc riding had started, and he still couldn’t catch his breath. The next twenty days at Saint Alphonsus Trauma Center in Boise brought excruciating times for Trenten, his family, and his friends. He suffered through over eleven surgeries. Maria said, “It was like being on the worst rollercoaster of my life. The doctors would come in telling us about another surgery that Trent needed and that the chance of survival was very low. They would try to find case studies, and most of the time, there were none.”

    On August 30th, Trenten was scheduled to go into his 11th surgery, where they were going to have to remove more of his intestines. According to the family, when the surgeons opened him up, the necrosis was past the point of repair. They called friends and family to allow them to say their goodbyes over the phone. At the age of 31, Trenten went to be with the Lord, leaving behind his wife and newborn son. He is one of a few NFR cowboys to succumb to an in-arena injury since Lane Frost in 1989.

    Trenten Montero, at photographer Roseanna Sales’ Wedding.

    The series of events caused rodeo committees to ask what could’ve been done differently to prevent this from happening. We all know that in this sport, it’s not if injuries arise; it’s when and how bad. According to Professional Rodeo Athletic trainer Devin Dice, the common theme is that there needs to be qualified professionals who know and understand the risks of this very niche sport of rodeo on location in addition to the EMTs. He went on to say, “There are over 700 rodeos within the PRCA, and roughly 150 are covered by Justin Sports Medicine, with my company (Rodeo Sports Medicine) covering another 15 rodeos. There should be more than this for the safety and protection of the contestants.” Committees, like the Owyhee County Rodeo, have begun to do just that, bringing in experienced rodeo sports medicine professionals so when accidents do arise, they understand where the highest risk of injury came from.

    Trenten had a larger-than-life personality. To know him was to love him. Whether it was dedication to the western way of life (ranching and rodeo alike), his zest for life, his kindness, his goofy demeanor, or his joyful faith, you were always drawn to this incredible man. No matter what kind of mood you were in, Trenten always made it his mission to make you smile. It was the type of joyful kindness that followed you around for the rest of the day. His joy and love for life will not be forgotten. This is why his loss has been felt so deeply by so many. Now, it is our job to continue his kindhearted legacy.

    The loss of this wonderful man is felt throughout the world. Over 850 letters from all across the globe, Australia, Mexico, and Canada, were mailed to the Monteros, stating that they heard Trenten’s story and were praying for him. Since his passing, rodeo committees and contestants have found various ways to honor Trenten. On the final day of the 2023 Walla Walla Frontier Days (Walla Walla, WA), over $25,000 was donated in less than an hour by various patrons from the community that were in attendance at the rodeo. That money went to take care of Trenten’s family. Haley Proctor and the Ellensburg Rodeo (Ellensburg, WA) dedicated one of Haley’s trick-riding performances to him. The Jerome County Fair & Rodeo (Jerome, ID – where Trenten lived) and the Silver State Stampede (Elko, NV) have created awards in Trenten’s memory to go to a bareback rider each year at their rodeos. NFR bareback rider Mason Clements has led the charge, along with many of Trenten’s close friends, in building the Trenten Montero Foundation. Austin Foss, also an NFR bareback rider, put together a bareback riding and saddle bronc riding school, in conjunction with Legacy Pro Rodeo, to continue Trenten’s legacy. These are just a few of the many wonderful gestures people around the world have made to love on Trenten, his family, and his memory.

    Trenten Montero praying after a successful ride. -Photo Courtesy of Roseanna Sales

    After the passing of his best friend, Joe Harper wrote a beautiful cowboy poem in remembrance of Trenten. Later that fall, he recorded the poem to be edited it into a video with music written and performed by Joe’s dad.

    I apologize if today I can’t seem to see quite straight,
    You see there’s a empty riggin sitting over there, resting on the gate,
    A set of silver spurs hanging, that have some bronc-hair caught,
    And I’m sorry if I’m so lost in broken-hearted thought-

     

    There’s a set of bluish chaps that are folded up half neat,
    And a hat that’s a little crumpled up from the afternoon heat,
    The Nevada sky has lost some of its usual brightened hue,

    There’s a little less color, and a lot more blue,

     

    For our hero and our brother who’s no longer here,
    A man without equal, Rodeo hand without fear.

    Kind and gentle with a giants heart and movie star’s smile,
    If you needed anything, he would drive at least a thousand miles,

     

    Just to give you the shirt off his back and his last dollar.
    He was the one behind the chutes giving you a encouraging holler,

    A man who showed us how to unconditionally love,
    With his Maria at his side and his God up above.

     

    With A goofy grin and an unforgettable swagger, he walked,

    He’d drive cross the country when the others baulked
    At the broncs, they had drawn and entry fees bought,
    He was Riding the ones that were ridden and the ones that were not.

     

    He was a warrior that seemed to be of the unlikeliest sort,
    A man who cared more about his buddies than just the love of the sport.
    And Even when it put him 500 miles out of his way,
    If you called him up he’d be there with in the day.

     

    We had to say farewell to our hero a little too soon,
    With saddened hearts and mournful, lonely tune,

    You see he got the callback to a rodeo that’s a lot higher than down here on earth,
    Where horses have wings, the entries are paid, and the final Judge has already proven his worth.

    This month marks one year since we lost Trenten. While it is always the loss of the best cowboys that causes us to wonder why they are taken from us so soon, we find ways to keep their memories alive, seeing them in the little things in life, sending up a grateful prayer for the time that we had with them, and, in this case, asking how we can be more like Trenten.•

    Photo Courtesy of Roseanna Sales
  • American Hat: Erin Taorimino

    American Hat: Erin Taorimino

    “Originally, I wore only American straw hats. The brand was looking to expand farther into the western industry, outside of rodeo with their partnerships,” said NRCHA Trainer and rider Erin Taorimino. “I already had a close relationship with American athlete Jackie Crawford, and so it all just worked itself out.”

    Erin said her favorite hat she has been wearing recently is American’s 100X Black Cherry felt. “It’s a really great color,” she said. “I used to wear a plain solid black felt, but the Black Cherry has won my heart.”

    Originally from Saskatchewan, Canada, Erin Taorimino, a now household name in the National Reined Cow Horse Association, said she moved to Texas after graduating high school and her final trip to the Quarter Horse Congress.

    “I met some people at the Congress show and had the opportunity to come down to Texas to show my youth all-around horse,” she said. “I ended up selling him at that show and just never went back.”

    Erin said she started her career as an assistant in charge of riding a string of two-year-old prospects at the Jim Babcock Ranch in Gainesville, Texas. While there, she met Million-dollar rider and NRCHA Hall of Fame inductee Ron Ralls.

    “That is how I really got into the industry,” she said. “He was in charge of the cow horse at that ranch, and so I fumbled my way through learning as I went with his help.”

    American Hat Rider, Erin Taormino and her son.

    After Ralls left his position there, Erin said she went with him and worked as an apprentice under him for four and a half years. While working for Ralls, Erin met her husband, Anthony Taormino. Together, the couple moved from Ralls’ ranch in Texas to live in Idaho briefly before moving again to work under NRCHA Two-million-dollar rider and NRHA Million-dollar rider Todd Bergen in Oregon.

    “We stayed under Todd Bergen for five years,” she said. “From there, we moved to work with Garth and Amanda Gardiner at Gardiner Quarter Horses in Ashland, Kansas. We stayed there for two years before moving to Oklahoma and working out of Stuart Ranch for Terry Forst.

    “That’s where we started our business, at Stuart Ranch,” she said. “Terry was amazing. She really opened the door for us to start our own program.”

    Since then, the Taorminos have moved back to Texas, where they started their journey as independent trainers. Taormino Performance Horses is located at their home in Lipan, Texas.

    She said she is most proud of what she has accomplished aboard roan stallion Hazardouz Material (Metallic Cat x Scooters Daisy Dukes). “I won the NRCHA Stallion Stakes on him in 2021, and I made the World’s Greatest Horseman Finals on him last year,” she said.

    Erin also said her plans for her career are constantly changing and evolving.

    “I’d love to win the Snaffle Bit Futurity, going back to World’s Greatest Horseman next year and becoming a million-dollar rider are at the top of my list, also,” she said. “I want to keep climbing and be one of the best trainers in the industry as long as I can.”

    Erin said she does not keep track of her winnings to know how close she is to attaining her goal of being an NRCHA Million-dollar rider. According to the NRCHA, Erin has a lifetime earning of over $900,000.

    Check out American Hat Company Here!

  • Team Cavender’s: Kiley Hargrave-Batten

    Team Cavender’s: Kiley Hargrave-Batten

    While Kiley Hargrave-Batten only joined Team Cavender’s a year ago, she had nothing but good things to say about her experience.

    “It was really a wonderful experience the year I was on the team,” said the 17-year-old cowgirl from Trinity, Texas. “The whole organization is full of amazing and kind people. They have been some of my biggest supporters.”

    Kiley said she was honored to be a part of the youth team during her final year of high school in 2023-24, but she said her rodeo career started much earlier in life.

    “I have rodeoed pretty much my whole life,” she said. “I think I was six when I asked my Papa for a pony for Christmas. I knew from then on rodeo is all I ever wanted to do, and I have done that ever since.”

    Kiley now has quite the list of accolades that include qualifying for the Texas High School Rodeo finals, Jr. National Finals Rodeo, and the Hooey Patriot three times each. She also has been the THSRA Region 9 pole bending champion three times. All these awards and qualifications are thanks in part to her pony, Socks.

    “My Papa bought me my pony at my first rodeo in Waller, Texas. We then trained him together, and that has been such a special memory,” she said. “My Papa is easily the biggest influence I have had in my life. He taught me everything I know, and I am forever grateful for him and his experience.

    “I went on to win the Texas State High School Finals Pole Bending title and National High School Finals Rodeo Pole Bending title on him in 2021,” she said. “That is easily my proudest moment, to be able to win those titles on a horse that my Papa and I trained together.”

    Although Kiley now has several horses in her string, Socks holds a special place. “I have three horses. Socks, my pole horse, and then I have two barrel horses: Easy and Luna,” she said.

    “I have had Socks for 12 years now, and he has always been my favorite,” she said. “After winning me the state and national finals my freshman year, he really has made all my dreams come true.”

    She said Easy and Luna are newer to her herd, having both of them less than a year.

    “Easy came to me from a really great family about three months ago, and Luna, I have been riding for a family friend for about five months,” she said.

    Kiley said she attended public school in the Groveton ISD. She went to Groveton Elementary and then to Groveton Jr.-Sr. High school until she graduated in the spring of 2024. During her time there, she was a varsity cheerleader and cross-country runner. She was involved in the FCCLA, BETA, FCA, and UIL student youth organizations. Outside of school and rodeo, Kiley said she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, especially if it involves the swimming pool.

    Find out more about Team Cavender’s Here