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Breakaway roping added to the Round-Up

Red Bluff, Calif. – A new event is coming to the Red Bluff Round-Up.

Breakaway roping will be one of the competition events at this year’s Round-Up, held April 20-21-22 at the Tehama District Fairgrounds.

For cowgirls only, breakaway is similar to tie-down roping. The cowgirl on horseback in the box at the south end of the arena, nods her head when she and her horse are ready to go. The calf is released from the chute and the cowgirl ropes the calf. The cowgirl stops her horse, and while the calf runs, the end of the rope, which was attached to the saddle horn, breaks away, signaling the end of the run. Good breakaway runs will be two or three seconds in length.

It’s a fun addition to the Round-Up, says local breakaway roper Suzanne Williams. Williams, who lived in Gerber and recently moved to Susanville to coach the Lassen College rodeo team with her husband Dan, will compete in Red Bluff.

Fans will enjoy the breakaway roping for two reasons, Williams believes. It’s fast paced, and it features women. PRCA rodeos usually involve women in the barrel racing only, and spectators may like to see another women’s event. “The fans like to see the cowgirls,” Williams said. “In our day and age, when women are empowered, it’s nice to see them get to rope.”

Williams grew up on a ranch ninety miles from Winnemucca, Nev. and began breakaway roping when she was eight years old. As a kid, her parents allowed her to compete in three junior rodeos a year, but once she got to high school, “I was all in,” she said. She has always “made” her own horses, riding horses she trained herself instead of buying them trained. In college, she won the all-around title at the College National Finals Rodeo twice (2001, 2003), and has competed at the Women’s Pro Rodeo Association (WPRA) Finals Rodeo three times, finishing as reserve world champion breakaway roper in 2015 and 2016.

The breakaway roping at the Round-Up will be sanctioned by the Women’s Pro Rodeo Association (WPRA). The first round of competition will take place during slack on April 19; the 24 fastest breakaway ropers will go on to compete in the performances (eight in each performance.)

The Round-Up will add $2500 to the purse for the breakaway roping, and Williams thinks that will entice breakaway ropers from all over the nation to come to Red Bluff. “We’ll see a lot of California cowgirls. It’ll draw cowgirls from all over, because of the added money. It’s worth driving out here.”

Williams said the little girls in the crowd will appreciate seeing the breakaway ropers. “I think it helps (them), seeing the cowgirls in another event,” she said. “All those little girls out in the stands, waiting to watch.”

The Red Bluff Round-Up will be held April 20-22. Performances begin at 7 pm on April 20, at 2:30 on April 21 and at 1:30 on April 22. Tickets range in price from $14 to $30 and can be purchased online at www.RedBluffRoundup.com, at the Round-Up office (530.527.1000) and at the gate. For more information, visit the website.

Rodeo title cements a love of community in Franklin resident

Franklin, Tenn. (March, 2018) – Tonya Sanchez has never strayed far from the Franklin Rodeo.

The Franklin resident spent most of her growing up years in her hometown, attending the rodeo, and in 1986, even served as the Franklin Rodeo Queen.

The rodeo does not have its own queen anymore; rodeo officials estimate the local pageant was eliminated about twenty years ago.

But in the 1980s, each high school in Williamson County: Fairview, Franklin, Page and Battle Ground Academy voted on one girl to represent her school at the rodeo pageant. Sanchez, who ran for the pageant when she was sixteen, made signs, hoping to get the votes to represent Page High School.

Then, those four girls won the Franklin Rodeo Queen title by selling the most tickets. Sanchez and her girlfriend hit the pavement hard, going door to door, knocking on lots of doors.

It was a great experience, she said. She got to know and meet other people, and most were so welcoming, inviting her into their homes and talking with her. One of her memorable instances was meeting Miss Jenny Gant. A well-known Franklinite, Gant told her she wouldn’t buy tickets but would donate the money. “She said, “honey, I’m too old to get out but I’ll give you any amount of money you need, and you can put it towards those tickets.’”

Part of Sanchez’s drive to win the rodeo title was to fit in. She and her family were the one of the first Hispanic families to live in Franklin, and the kids at school called her “Taco.” “I was trying to prove that, hey, I belong here, just as much as anybody else.” She didn’t let the nickname define who she was; she used it for motivation. “I knew (the nickname), I loved it, and I embraced it.”

Sanchez loves her hometown and has lived and worked in it most of her life. In high school, her first job was at the Baskin Robbins store. After high school, she worked at Bridal Showcase in downtown  Franklin, then at a tuxedo company. During her marriage, she lived in Nashville but moved back after her divorce.

She has been a member of the Franklin Noon Rotary Club, the organization that produces the rodeo, since 2004, sitting out a few years but returning full time last year. She is a Paul Harris Fellows recipient.

Sanchez hasn’t missed many rodeos, either. Her family, including her mom Theresa Sanchez and grandmother, Francis Headrick, still go.

For serving as the Franklin Rodeo queen over thirty years ago, Sanchez received a trophy and a pair of cowboy boots, which she still has. She got to ride in the parade and was recognized during the rodeo each performance.

It was a great experience, one she remembers fondly. It gave her a reason a sense of belonging. “I’ve kept my hands (in Franklin). (As rodeo queen) I wanted to be part of the community, and it made me part of the community.”

This year’s Franklin Rodeo, the 69^th annual, is May 17-19 at the Williamson Co. Ag Expo Park. Performances are at 7 pm each night. Tickets are on sale online at www.FranklinRodeo.com and at the gate and are $20 for adults and $10 for kids ages 12 and under. All seats are reserved. For more information, visit the website at FranklinRodeo.com or the rodeo’s Facebook page or call 615-RODEO-11.

Minot rodeo makes changes to schedule, start times 

Minot, N.D. (March 22, 2018) –Several changes are in store for the Minot Y’s Men’s Rodeo, hosting the Badlands Circuit Finals Rodeo in Minot, N.D. in October.

This year’s rodeo will be held on October 5-6-7, with a 7 pm start on Fri., Oct. 5, a 1 pm matinee and a 7 pm start on Sat., Oct. 6, and a 1:30 pm kickoff on Sun., Oct. 7.

In past years, the rodeo has had a Thursday evening performance but this year, it is replaced with a Saturday afternoon matinee. The purpose for the Saturday afternoon matinee is two-fold, said rodeo committee chairman Steve Bogden. It will be a convenience for cowboy and cowgirl contestants, as they will not need to be to Minot till Friday, taking away less time from work and school. Bogden also hopes attendance will increase for the Saturday matinee, compared to the Thursday show. “We hope we can get families who haven’t had the opportunity to go to the rodeo because of school or sports.”

The committee will offer discounted tickets for the Sat. matinee. Tickets are discounted by $10 from the other performances. Adult tickets will be $23 for gold and $13 for silver. Kids tickets will be $8.

Evening performances will begin a half-hour later than in past years (7 pm for Oct. 5 and 6).

For those with little ones, mutton busting will be expanded from eight sheep riders per performance to ten, and registration will take place from mid-August to mid-September.

For potential vendors at the Minot Y’s Men’s Rodeo, all booths will be located in the Magic Place, the vendor area on the first level to the north of the building.

The Y’s Men’s Rodeo got its start in 1955 and is a not-for-profit event, with proceeds supporting the Triangle Y Camp at Garrison, N.D.

This year’s rodeo is October 5-6-7; tickets will go on sale in September.

For more information, visit the website at www.MinotYsMensRodeo.com.

Courtesy of Lazy E Arena

California cowboy claims prestigious CINCH Timed Event Championship

March 4, 2018 / Guthrie, Oklahoma – Jordan Ketscher is the 14^th man in the 34-year history of the CINCH Timed Event Championship to claim the prestigious title.

With it, he became the first Californian in five years to win the “Ironman of ProRodeo.”

“I’ve always watched this event, and just to be here and be part of the greats – Trevor (Brazile), Cash (Myers) and Kyle (Lockett) – is a dream come true,” said Ketscher, 28, of Squaw Valley, Calif.

He roped, wrestled and tied 25 animals in a cumulative time of 324.3 seconds to win the title, finishing 19.1 seconds faster than the runner-up, Clayton Hass of Stephenville, Texas; the three-time National Finals Rodeo qualifier in steer wrestling had his best run at the Timed Event after many years competing at the Lazy E Arena the opening weekend of March.

“This meant a lot, because I didn’t get to come here last year because of a conflict with a Champions Challenge event,” Hass said, referring to a PRCA event in which he was contractually obligated to compete. “I got a chance to come back and prove that I’m supposed to be here.

“This is a bit of redemption I’ve placed here a few times, and to stay solid through all 25 head means a lot.”

Ketscher entered Sunday’s fifth and final round as the No. 1 man, but he had just a 7.1-second lead on Myers, who moved to third after the first discipline of the day, heading. Brazile, the Timed Event’s only seven-time winner, posted a 6.7-second run to move into the runner-up position.

Myers then fell all the way to sixth after suffering a 60-second penalty in tie-down roping when his calf got up from the tie before the required 6 seconds – a 60 is equivalent to a no-time at a traditional rodeo. An event later, Brazile joined him after losing his dally in heeling.

The standings shuffle continued through the final performance of the five-round affair. When the competition ended, the top two men took the biggest prizes.

“It always helps to have $25,000,” Hass said, referring to his substantial second-place earnings. “The winter has been pretty good, but it could always be better. Now I’m just trying to move on throughout the year and make the NFR.”

So, what brought the Texan the most pride in his performance over the weekend?

“The fact that I used my head, and I feel like I stayed focused,” he said. “Even when I had hiccups, I didn’t back off. I just roped my game.”

Ketscher has never been to the NFR, but he performed at an optimum level through the three days of competition, where cowboys battle the mental and physical challenges that come with the “Ironman.”

“This is just so awesome,” he said of the event. “Everybody specializes in different events, so you’ve got to come here and do something you’re not comfortable with. It’s just a marathon.”

He held the lead through much of the three-day championship and showed just why consistency is important in this game. And on the final day, when the thoughts of that big check came into his mind, he had to push them away and focus on the task at hand.

“I was trying not to overthink things, and I was just wanting to make every run like I had done the four previous rounds,” Ketscher said. “I wanted to trust myself and trust my horses to make it happen.”

He will return a year from now as the reigning champion.

“I’m going to go home and work on a few things,” he said. “It’s going to be just as tough next year. There’s no need to slack off.

“Things happen here, and that’s what the Timed Event is all about. Anytime, as a cowboy, that you get a chance at $100,000, you have to love the opportunity.”

Myers did pick up a nice prize. His horse, Diesel, was named the AQHA CINCH Timed Event Championship Top Horse.

The 2018 CINCH Timed Event Championship partners include CINCH – Jeans and Shirts, Priefert – Farm, Ranch & Rodeo, YETI Coolers, Montana Silversmiths, ABI Equine, RAM, RIDE TV, Carroll Original Wear, Big Tex Trailers, P&K Equipment, Cavender’s, Nutrena, The Team Roping Journal,  MacroAir, Bio S.I., National Saddlery, Cross Bar Gallery, John Vance Auto Group, Pendleton Whisky, CSI Saddle Pads, Formula 1 Noni, Guthrie CVB, Made In Oklahoma Coalition, J.W. Brooks Hat Co., Hilton Garden Inn – Edmond, America’s Best Value Inn – Guthrie,  Sherwin-Williams, Anderson Bean Boot Co., Chris Neal’s Future Stars and Rising Stars Calf Ropings, and the National Little Britches Rodeo Association.

The 2018 CINCH Timed Event Championship is a Lazy E Production. For more information on the CINCH Timed Event Championship or other Lazy E events, contact the Lazy E Arena, 9600 Lazy E Drive, Guthrie, OK  73044, (405) 282-RIDE, (800) 595-RIDE or visit www.lazye.com.

RESULTS

First round: 1. Cash Myers, 51.8 seconds, $3,000; 2. Trevor Brazile, 65.1, $2,000; 3. Russell Cardoza, 67.7, $1,000.

Second round: 1. Erich Rogers, 55.0 seconds, $3,000; 2. JoJo LeMond, 59, $2,000; 3. Jordan Ketscher, $1,000.
Third round: 1. Jordan Ketscher, 56.0 seconds, $3,000; 2. Trevor Brazile, 57.6, $2,000; 3. Clayton Hass, 57.9, $1,000.

Fourth round: 1. Cash Myers, 51.0 seconds, $3,000; 2. Marcus Theriot, 51.3, $2,000; 3. Clayton Hass, 55.0, $1,000.
Fifth round: 1. Russell Cardoza, 53.3 seconds, $3,000; 2. Shank Edwards, $2,000; 3. Lane Karney, 60.1, $1,000.
Average leaders: 1. Jordan Ketscher, 324.3 seconds on 25 runs, $100,000; 2. Clayton Hass, 343.4, $25,000; 3. Marcus Theriot, 379.9, $15,000; 4. Lane Karney, 386.1, $10,000; 5. JoJo LeMond, 398.9, $7,500; 6. Kyle Lockett, 403.4, $5,000; 7. Cash Myers, 406.9, $4,500; 8. Trevor Brazile, 408.3, $3,000.

Courtesy of Lazy E Arena

Arkansas cowboy earns $11,000 while claiming the Jr. Ironman Championship

Guthrie, Oklahoma – The biggest attribute for cowboys competing in multiple events is being consistent through the contest.

Myles Neighbors was the most consistent through his three days at the Jr. Ironman Championship, which led to his title and the first-place check worth $10,000. He roped, wrestled and tied 12 animals in 167.8 seconds to claim the title.

“This is a marathon, not a sprint,” said Neighbors, 19, of Benton, Ark., repeating the adage passed on by longtime contestants of the CINCH Timed Event Championship. “You’ve got to keep knocking them down. Even if you break a barrier, you just don’t take a 60. If you don’t take a 60, you’ll be the champ.”

In this unique competition – where the 10 cowboys compete in heading, heeling, tie-down roping and steer wrestling in each round – a 60-second run is equivalent to a no-time at a traditional rodeo. The Arkansas cowboy was the only man in the field who didn’t suffer that penalty. In fact, his longest run came Sunday morning’s final round, when he stopped the clock in 31.1 seconds in heeling.

“I think the key was my horsepower and consistency,” he said. “You’ve got to have horsepower here. You’ve got the score them, you’ve got to run them down, and you’ve got to be consistent. You’ve got to catch everything.”

He also needed things to go his way. Heading into the final event of the weekend, Neighbors was in second lace and trailed leader Wyatt Hansen of Oakdale, Calif., by 30.4 seconds. But Hansen struggled in steer wrestling and suffered his first 60 of the weekend.

That pushed Neighbors to the top spot when it counted most. Hansen fell to second place, while the reigning champion, Bo Yaussi of Udall, Kan., finished third.

A year ago, Neighbors won the opening round but fell off the pace through the end. He took the lessons gained 12 months ago into account while chasing the championship.

“I found out I needed to start reading my cattle a lot better, knowing what my cattle are supposed to do,” said Neighbors, who is attending Northeast Texas Community College on a rodeo scholarship. “This is easily the biggest thing I’ve ever won. This is an opportunity we don’t have very often. This is a one-of-a-kind deal for us. We don’t get to run at $10,000 every day.”

In all, he pocketed $11,000, adding the $1,000 prize for winning Saturday’s second round. Yaussi won the first round, while Ryder Ladner of Kiln, Miss., posted the fastest round of the weekend, 36.6 seconds, to win Sunday.

For the second straight year, Chance, the steer wrestling horse owned by J.D. Draper of Oakley, Kan., earned the AQHA Jr. Ironman Top Horse Award.

The 2018 CINCH Timed Event Championship partners include CINCH – Jeans and Shirts, Priefert – Farm, Ranch & Rodeo, YETI Coolers, Montana Silversmiths, ABI Equine, RAM, RIDE TV, Carroll Original Wear, Big Tex Trailers, P&K Equipment, Cavender’s, Nutrena, The Team Roping Journal,  MacroAir, Bio S.I., National Saddlery, Cross Bar Gallery, John Vance Auto Group, Pendleton Whisky, CSI Saddle Pads, Formula 1 Noni, Guthrie CVB, Made In Oklahoma Coalition, J.W. Brooks Hat Co., Hilton Garden Inn – Edmond, America’s Best Value Inn – Guthrie,  Sherwin-Williams, Anderson Bean Boot Co., Chris Neal’s Future Stars and Rising Stars Calf Ropings, and the National Little Britches Rodeo Association.

The 2018 CINCH Timed Event Championship is a Lazy E Production. For more information on the CINCH Timed Event Championship or other Lazy E events, contact the Lazy E Arena, 9600 Lazy E Drive, Guthrie, OK  73044, (405) 282-RIDE, (800) 595-RIDE or visit www.lazye.com.

RESULTS
Jr. Ironman first round: 1. Bo Yaussi, 42.3 seconds, $1,000.

Jr. Ironman second round: 1. Myles Neighbors, 42.3 seconds, $1,000.

Jr. Ironman third round: 1. Ryder Ladner, 36.6 seconds, $1,000

Jr. Ironman average leaders: 1. Myles Neighbors, 167.8 seconds, $10,000; 2. Wyatt Hansen, 193.2, $5,000; 3. Bo Yaussi, 197.1, $2,000.

Laboratory confirmation of a horse infected with Equine Herpesvirus (EHV1) Myeloencephalopathy in Sheridan County was received by Wyoming Livestock Board (WLSB) staff veterinarians on Wednesday, March 14. The horse has been quarantined to its premise in Sheridan County with 12 other horses.

EHV1 is the very common Rhinopneumonitis virus which typically causes mild respiratory symptoms in infected horses. In rare cases, the virus may cause neurologic symptoms.

The affected horse began showing neurologic signs on Sunday, March 11 while competing at a barrel racing event at the Cam-plex facility in Gillette. Owners of any horses attending that event should consult with their veterinarians and take precautions regarding exposure risk. At a minimum, these precautions should include close monitoring of the horses and checking their temperatures at least twice daily. If any of the horses show neurologic signs or fever, the owner needs to contact his/her veterinarian and the Wyoming Livestock Board.

The source of the infection in the quarantined horse is unknown; however, this horse did compete at two other earlier events, including one at the Central Wyoming Fairgrounds in Casper on Thursday, March 1, and one at Laramie County Community College, Friday, March 2 – Sunday, March 4. “Horses at those events may have been exposed,” explained Wyoming assistant state field veterinarian Dr. Thach Winslow, “but keep in mind that the incubation period [time from exposure to exhibiting signs] for the disease is less than 14 days, in which case clinical signs should have already been apparent if horses were exposed at either of those events.”

More information on Equine Herpes Virus can be obtained by contacting the Wyoming Livestock Board Field Office at 307-857-4140.

Courtesy of Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

RODEOHOUSTON^® CHAMPIONS TAKE HOME THE $50,000 PRIZE DURING THE 2018 SUPER SERIES CHAMPIONSHIP — MARCH 17, 2018 — HOUSTON — FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — Eight RODEOHOUSTON 2018 Champions added another $50,000 to their previous winnings during the RODEOHOUSTON Super Series Championship Saturday, March 17.

TIE-DOWN ROPING                         

Tyler Milligan of Pawhuska, Oklahoma, won the RODEOHOUSTON Super Series Championship in Tie-Down Roping. Milligan said it is hard to put into words how blessed he feels to be here at RODEOHOUSTON for the first time and win.

“Winning here in Houston means more than the money,” Milligan said. “This is such a prestigious Rodeo, and it is very humbling to win here.”

Final Four Winners (total RODEOHOUSTON 2018 winnings):

Tyler Mulligan: Pawhuska, Oklahoma — $56,000

Randall Carlisle: Athens, Louisiana — $24,875

Marcos Costa: Childress, Texas — $17,000

Tuf Cooper: Decatur, Texas — $11,000

BAREBACK RIDING

Clint Laye of Pocatello, Idaho, won the RODEOHOUSTON Super Series Championship in Bareback Riding after advancing from the Wild Card Round. Laye said after he got off his horse he knew he had a good ride, just did not know how good.

“My mind is going a million miles per hour and I know it is going to take a couple of weeks to really sink in,” Laye said.

Final Four Winners (total RODEOHOUSTON 2018 winnings):

Clint Laye: Pocatello, Idaho — $57,250

Bill Tutor: Huntsville, Texas — $27,000

Will Lowe: Canyon, Texas — $14,000

Orin Larsen: Inglis, Manitoba, Canada — $9,250

TEAM ROPING
Matt Sherwood of Pima, Arizona, and Walt Woodward of Stephenville, Texas, won the RODEOHOUSTON Super Series Championship in Team Roping after advancing from the Wild Card Round with an arena-record time of 4.0 seconds. Sherwood said after competing in Houston for 15 years, the feeling of winning is like no other.

“I’m 48 years old and I feel better than ever after winning, even though I can’t see very well,” Sherwood said.

Final Four Winners (total RODEOHOUSTON 2018 winnings):
Matt Sherwood: Pima, Arizona, and Walt Woodard: Stephenville, Texas — $112,000

Kaleb Driggers: Stephenville, Texas, and Junior Nogueira: Burleson, Texas — $45,000

Cody Snow: Stephenville, Texas, and Wesley Thorp: Stephenville, Texas — $43,500

Dustin Bird: Cut Bank, Montana, and Jake Minor: Milton-Freewater, Oregon — $21,000

SADDLE BRONC RIDING

Cody Demoss of Heflin, Louisiana, is now a two-time RODEOHOUSTON Super Series Saddle Bronc Riding Champion, after his win tonight. Demoss said he remembers competing in the Astrodome like it was yesterday, but there is still nothing like winning at this Rodeo.

“Praise God! I thank the Lord for this opportunity today,” Demoss said. “It still hasn’t sunk in quite yet.”

Final Four Winners (total RODEOHOUSTON 2018 winnings):
Cody Demoss: Heflin, Louisiana — $56,250

Wade Sundell: Coleman, Oklahoma — $27,000

Ryder Wright: Beaver, Utah — $16,000

Zeke Thurston: Big Valley, Alberta, Canada — $12,875

STEER WRESTLING

Timmy Sparing of Helena, Montana won the RODEOHOUSTON Super Series Championship in Steer Wrestling. He said he started to Rodeo because of John Wayne, and the childhood dream of Rodeo came true tonight.

“The Rodeo is amazing,” Sparing said. “It’s life-changing. The committee, the crowd, it’s awesome.”

Final Four Winners (total RODEOHOUSTON 2018 winnings):
Timmy Sparing: Helena, Montana — $53,500

Scott Guenthner: Provost, Alberta, Canada — $26,000

Tyler Pearson: Louisville, Mississippi— $15,500

Baylor Roche: Tremonton, Utah — $11,500

BARREL RACING

Nellie Williams-Miller of Cottonwood, California, won the RODEOHOUSTON Super Series Championship in Barrel Racing. Williams-Miller is a mother whose children watched her win tonight, and she said she owes the win to her horse, Sister, whom she described as willing, honest and consistent.

“I was raised in a Rodeo family,” Williams-Miller said. “I started running barrels around [age] 12 and kept it up.”

Final Four Winners (total RODEOHOUSTON 2018 winnings):

Nellie Williams-Miller: Cottonwood, California — $58,750

Hailey Kinsel: Cotulla, Texas — $27,000

Carley Richardson: Pampa, Texas — $18,000

Fallon Taylor: Collinsville, Texas — $15,000

BULL RIDING

Parker Breding of Edgar, Montana, won the RODEOHOUSTON Super Series Championship in Bull Riding. Breding said he could not have imagined being here at RODEOHOUSTON today, even though he grew up in rodeos and his father was a bull rider who also rode at RODEOHOUSTON.

“I couldn’t have imagined being here in these shoes today. Rodeo has been part of my life forever and I’ve always been infatuated with it,” Breding said. “Probably first thing I’ll do is call my dad.”

Final Four Winners (total RODEOHOUSTON 2018 winnings):
Parker Breding: Edgar, Montana — $57,500

JW Harris: Goldthwaite, Texas — $27,500

Cole Melancon: Hull, Texas — $13,750

Aaron Pass: Kaufman, Texas — $12,250

The RODEOHOUSTON Super Shootout: North America’s Champions^® presented by Crown Royal, will close the show on Sunday, March 18.

Courtesy of HLSR

Five Champions LEft STanding After the RODEOHOUSTON Super shootout: North America’s Champions^®, Presented by Crown ROyal — MARCH 18, 2018 — HOUSTON — FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — Champions from the top rodeos in the US and Canada gathered in NRG Stadium, Sunday, March 18, to compete in the RODEOHOUSTON Super Shootout: North America’s Champions, for their chance to win $25,000 and bragging rights as the best of the best.

With a total purse of $250,000, the RODEOHOUSTON Super Shootout is one of the richest one-day rodeo events in the world. Each rodeo athlete competed as an individual as well as with a team. Each champion received a $25,000 payout, and the winning team received a $12,500 payout. The teams consisted of the champion athletes from the following eight rodeos: Calgary Stampede, Cheyenne Frontier Days, Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo, National Western Stock Show, Reno Rodeo, Rodeo Austin, RODEOHOUSTON, and San Angelo Stock Show and Rodeo.

Tonight’s high point team was Reno Rodeo. The winning team consisted of bareback rider Wyatt Bloom, steer wrestler Dakota Eldridge, saddle bronc rider Heith Demoss, barrel racer Nellie Williams-Miller and bull rider Brady Portenier.

BAREBACK RIDING

JR Vezain of Melstone, Montana, claimed the RODEOHOUSTON Super Shootout Bareback Riding Championship title with a 90-point ride. Vezain said he had been on the horse, Special Delivery, but still did not know what to expect.

“I’ve been on him four or five times,” Vezain said. “Thank God it worked out tonight.”

Top Four

JR Vezain: Melstone, Montana — $25,000

David Peeples: Powell Butte, Oregon — $10,000

Clint Laye: Pocatello, Idaho — $5,500

Richie Champion: The Woodlands, Texas — $3,500

STEER WRESTLING

Tyler Waguespack of Gonzales, Louisiana, took the lead to win the RODEOHOUSTON Super Shootout Steer Wrestling Championship with a time of 4 seconds. Waguespack said he was super pumped to win here after winning the RODEOHOUSTON Championship in 2017.

“It is incredible,” Waguespack said. “Growing up you want to win here, and winning last year and now is amazing.”

Top Four
Tyler Waguespack: Gonzales, Louisiana — $25,000
Dakota Eldridge: Elko, Nevada — $10,000
Cody Cassidy: Donalda, Alberta, Canada — $5,500

Tommy Cook: McAlester, Oklahoma — $3,500

SADDLE BRONC RIDING

Heith Demoss of Heflin, Louisiana, secured the win for RODEOHOUSTON Super Shootout Saddle Bronc Riding with an 89-point ride. Demoss said family is everything, and having his whole family at such a great rodeo is a blessing.

“I feel like I won a million bucks,” Demoss said. “It is a great day between me and Cody [Demoss’ brother].

Top Four
Heith Demoss: Heflin, Louisiana — $25,000

Brody Cress: Hillsdale, Wyoming — $10,000

Ryder Wright: Beaver, Utah – $5,500

Zeke Thurston: Big Valley, Alberta, Canada – $3,500

BARREL RACING

Nellie Williams-Miller of Cottonwood, California, won the RODEOHOUSTON Super Shootout Barrel Racing Championship, a night after winning the RODEOHOUSTON Super Shootout. Nellie said she wouldn’t be able to win RODEOHOUSTON without her family.

“It’s a fun thing to look up in the stands and see so many fans,” she said. “It’s a huge win, it’s life changing.”

Top Four

Nellie Williams-Miller: Cottonwood, California — $25,000
Tammy Fischer: Ledbetter, Texas — $10,000
Kellie Collier: Hereford, Texas — $5,500
Stevi Hillman: Weatherford, Texas — $3,500

BULL RIDING

Sage Steele Kimzey of Strong City, Oklahoma, won the RODEOHOUSTON Super Shootout Bull Riding Championship with a 90-point ride. Sage arrived in Houston at 3 a.m. this morning and said he’s a little bit of a wreck, but winning feels great.

“RODEOHOUSTON is one-of-a-kind,” he said. “It doesn’t matter how beat up or sore you are. It never gets old, and that’s because of the fans.”

Top Four

Sage Steele Kimzey: Strong City, Oklahoma — $25,000
Shane Proctor: Grand Coulee, Washington— $10,000

Brady Portenier: Caldwell, Idaho — $4,500
Riker Carter: Stone, Idaho — $4,500