Author: Teri Edwards

Hearing the word “cowboy” conjures up a variety of images for most of us. It’s doubtful many can envision Travis Ericsson’s lifestyle. Travis is a true cowboy. At Ericsson Equine he raises and trains some amazing horses, but that’s just part of what he does.
Travis Ericsson is a 5th generation cowboy, son of the legendary Mr. Dave Ericsson, 1966 IRA Champion Saddle Bronc Rider. At the young age of three, Travis was exposed to his first gathering with his dad who contracted with the state of Arizona to remove burros from the Grand Canyon.
Travis was featured in the Yeti Tumbler “Wild Cow Catcher” commercial giving a glimpse into his life and what most can only imagine. Catching wild cattle is a learned skill and not for the weak of heart.
Travis, a native of Arizona was born in Wikieup, graduated from Kingman High School and attended Central Arizona College. During his college days, Travis would work for the San Carlos Apache Reservation gathering wild cattle. Travis currently contracts throughout the state of Arizona, from gathering wild horses on reservations to wild cow/bull catching.
“There are over a million acres in Arizona unfenced. Cattle have everything they need to survive out there and become feral, like deer. At some point they will need to be caught. The process, while exciting, can be dangerous especially when catching wild bulls. Wild bulls learn to chase people because people have run from them. It’s unfathomable to most people. It’s like trying to catch buffalos with a rope.
In September we caught wild horses for the Apaches. My dad was great with anything wild. I can look at the situation and know where they’re going and how to catch them. Most people don’t have the experience to know what to expect or how to get this done.”
Travis credits his father with the knowledge and lifestyle he enjoys today. He considers himself blessed to do what he loves every day and will quickly tell you he’s the luckiest guy in the world.
“My father was an amazing cowboy. I grew up not enjoying it and taking it for granted. Now that I’m older I feel so lucky to have been born into this life. I am excited to get up every day and do what I do. My dad was a maker of cowboys and taught so many people our way of life. We always had ten or fifteen guys working for us and they’re all the best cowboys in Arizona. I hope to continue what he started.
He was also a phenomenal horseman who did not believe in a reject. He was a lover of horses and I’ve seen him whip many men for being mean to horses. He always tried to encourage a horse to do what he wanted.
He was strict but never mean to us kids and has always been my hero. He’s been on the cover of Western Horseman more times than anyone. Many of Bill Owens paintings are of my dad.”
Travis has spent his life devoted to his passion for ranch work, horses, and team roping. Today, when Travis isn’t qualifying at a World Series Roping or catching wild cows, you will find him riding and training colts.
“We have an own son of Peptoboonsmal, Merada Ima Pepto, and he’s the coolest horse I’ve ever owned. We are raising some exceptional colts from him that are nice minded and super athletic. I’m fortunate because in the Scottsdale area, there are some phenomenal cutter and reining trainers, like Kelby Phillips, NRCHA Greatest Horseman. Getting to spend time with them is very enjoyable. I love to be around excellence.”
Currently Travis and his partner, Lori, ride train and sell horses at their place in Scottsdale. For more information follow Ericsson Equine on Facebook or visit ericssonequine.com. A search on You Tube will yield videos that are well worth the watch.

COWBOY Q&A
How much do you practice?
We rope all day every day when we’re home.
Do you make your own horses?
Yes.
Who have been your roping heroes?
Jake Barnes, he’s a neighbor and a friend. He’s always honest with me about my roping.
Who do you respect most in the world?
We all strive to be like Jesus, I respect Christ-like people. I respect Lorie, my significant other.
Who has been the biggest influence in your life?
My father. Also Mike Kevil, who starts colts for a lot of trainers in my area, has had a significant influence on me.
If you had a day off what would you like to do?
Ride colts and rope. I do a lot of fishing on my colts.
Favorite movie?
Lonesome Dove.
What’s the last thing you read?
How To Win Friends And Influence People.
How would you describe yourself in three words?
Optimistic, compassionate, adventurer.
What makes you happy?
Living the life we live.
What makes you angry?
The mistreatment of animals. When I see people jerk and whip on their horse I can’t handle it.
If you were given 1 million dollars, how would you spend it?
I would buy a place.
What is your best quality – your worst?
My best quality is forgiveness. My worst quality is my temper.

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

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

Brook Styron, a Texas native, has seen a lot of changes in the roping industry over the years. He grew up in Granbury, Texas and was introduced to calf roping at twelve years old by a neighbor. That was before team roping had caught on, and Brook continued to rope calves in junior rodeo, high school rodeo and college rodeo.
Now, in his mid-50’s, Brook has worked in the roping manufacturing industry since the early 90’s. As a young newlywed, Brook spent a number of years managing ranches in north and east Texas. He and his wife, Nancy, have raised three kids: Brandi, Sarah, and Bryce.
Styron’s resume includes jobs as a deputy sheriff and telephone installer before settling in the rope manufacturing industry in the early 90’s. He worked at Maverick Ropes and Precision Ropes before settling in at Fast Back Ropes.
Brook has been with Fast Back for twelve years and works in Operation Production where he’s responsible for purchasing string and other raw materials needed to produce ropes, in addition to other duties. He has seen a lot of changes in the rope making industry over the years.
“Back when I first started, we tied a lot of 7/16” ropes which by today’s standards are extremely large. Also most rope companies carried just one or two ropes,” explains Styron. “Now there are numerous rope companies and they all sell a quite a variety.”
Brook loves to rope and used to rope on a daily basis. Now he ropes several times a week and competes most weekends. He’s endured surgery on his right shoulder three times to repair damage from years of repetitive motion, primarily from roping. His last surgery, in March 2017, entailed a complete replacement.
“I postponed each surgery as long as I could,” explains Brook. “By the time I had surgery I could barely rope and each time I came back and was competitive. This shoulder replacement, has made the biggest difference and I feel like I rope better now than I have in ten years.”
Styron has also seen team roping evolve drastically over the years he’s been competing.
“Besides the ropes and cattle getting smaller, the times have gotten incredibly faster. Back when I started, it was before the days of video and there weren’t many schools. Today kids have access to a variety of schools and training videos they can watch on their phone. They learn much more quickly and it definitely shows at the jackpots.”
When not roping or working, Brook and Nancy, enjoy spending time with their grandkids: Ruger, Sadie, and Klara.

COWBOY Q&A
How much do you practice?
Twice a week.
Do you make your own horses?
I used to, but as I’ve gotten older, I would rather not spend my time training. Now I just want to rope.
Who have been your roping heroes?
Clay O’Brien Cooper.
Who do you respect most in the world?
My dad.
Who has been the biggest influence in your life?
My wife.
If you had a day off what would you like to do?
Go hunting, fishing, or roping.
Favorite movie?
Remember the Titans
How would you describe yourself in three words?
Confident, generous, out-going.
What makes you happy?
Family and friends.
What makes you angry?
Disrespect.
If you were given 1 million dollars, how would you spend it?
Retire and enjoy life.
What is your worst quality, your best?
My worst is probably my temper. Loyalty is my best quality.

Kevin Staples grew up in Stephens City, Virginia, where his dad, Billy Staples, trained horses and owned one of the largest sale barns on the east coast. Their monthly horse sale, held the first Saturday of each month averaged 300 to 400 horses, and during the spring months they would sell anywhere from 500 to 700 horses in one day. The sale included every kind of horse imaginable: roping, buggy, jumpers… they sold them all.
“Growing up I was blessed to have access to an indoor arena with 30 stalls,” says Kevin. “We basically lived in that arena.”
Kevin started roping when he was four or five, but his father started him trick roping at an early age. His first trick roping show was booked at just nine years old. Kevin’s trick roping act became an opener for country and western singers like Tammy Wynette. In 1983 he opened for B.J. Thomas on the White House lawn where they performed for President Reagan. He also appeared on the television show, That’s Incredible.
By the age of fifteen, Kevin’s interest in team roping surpassed his desire to be a trick roper.
“Like many kids, my dream was to make it to the NFR,” explains Kevin. “At the time I was breaking a lot of thoroughbreds, getting them ready for the track and then team roping on the weekends.”
Obsessed with the dream of becoming a professional roper, Kevin realized he needed to spend time with people who would help improve his ability. In 1988, while living in Florida, Kevin was diagnosed with a grapefruit size tumor on top of his bronchial tubes.
Kevin credits his doctors at Duke University, and the grace of God, for his complete recovery. Treatment consisted of chemo every other week for six months, followed by daily radiation for another month. Now, at age 50, he’s been cancer free since, or as he likes to joke, “I’ve been clean for thirty years.”
Enduring and surviving a life threatening illness changed Kevin’s perspective on his life and goals. No longer did he feel a pull to be at the NFR, but realized the desire to hone his craft as a horse trainer.
“I always knew my dad was a pretty good trainer,” explains Staples. “But it wasn’t until I matured that I realized just how good he was.”
In addition to his father, Staples also credits a six-month stint he spent with cutting horse trainer, Tracy Bales, for the passion he now has for riding young horses.
Kevin still loves to compete and regularly places at World Series ropings, but admits what really excites him is riding colts and watching their progress.
During his early 30’s and living in Virginia, Kevin entered a horse in the San Antonio Ranch Gelding competition. There he reconnected with family friend, Tom Nelson, owner of the HK Ranch in Victoria, Texas. Having lived in Pennsylvania, Mr. Nelson knew first hand the challenges of riding and training in winter conditions. He offered Kevin a job riding horses in Texas during the winter. Staples would return to Virginia for spring and summer, and head back to south Texas in the fall. It was in the third year Kevin realized that Texas offered the lifestyle he craved and stayed full time, only returning to Virginia to visit family.
Since then, other than a few years training at JB Quarter Horses, Kevin has been with Tom Nelson at the HK Ranch where he’s the General Manager and horse trainer.
The HK Ranch operates a breeding program for foundation Quarter Horses. They are currently standing a Les Glow Colonel stallion and a Red Baron stallion. With a dozen broodmares Staples has his hands full with yearlings, two-year olds, three-year olds, plus a herd of 300 cows.
Staples has trained some very successful jackpot and rodeo horses ridden by cowboys such as Trevor Brazile, Shay Carroll, Logan Medlin, and Charlie Crawford. One of the most famous horses to come from the HK was the well-known heel horse, Switchblade, ridden and owned by NFR heelers Kory Koontz, Allen Bach, and Jade Corkill.
At HK Ranch, Kevin strictly trains team roping horses. Their philosophy is two and three-year olds are used for ranch and cowboy work only. Colts never see the inside of an arena before the age of four. By that time they are broke and mature.
“The policy at the HK is ‘old school’. If we check fences or water troughs, it’s done horseback,” explains Kevin. “Rather than worry about saving time, there’s so much more value for a horse to be ridden and used. The only four-wheeler on the ranch is in the arena and used to pull a dummy.”
The HK Ranch always has a nice variety of colts for sale in various stages of training. For information Kevin can be reach by email at: kevinstaples1@gmail.com.

COWBOY Q&A
How much do you practice?
Every day.
Do you make your own horses?
Yes.
Who were your roping or rodeo heroes?
H.P. Evetts and Clay O’Brien Cooper.
Who do you respect most in the world?
Jesus Christ.
Who has been the biggest influence in your life?
My parents.
If you had a day off what would you like to do?
Go to New Mexico and hunt mule deer.
Favorite movie?
Lonesome Dove.
What’s the last thing you read?
The Gorilla Mindset.
How would you describe yourself in three words?
Genuine, fun-loving, honest.
What makes you happy?
Visiting and drinking a beer with old friends.
What makes you angry?
People that whip horses.
If you were given 1 million dollars, how would you spend it?
Buy land and cattle.
What is your best quality – your worst?
My best quality is honesty. My worst quality is being too easy going at times.

Troy McDonald grew up in the small town of Pierson, Florida, into a rodeo family that competed at and produced ropings. He entered his first jackpot at five years old and won his first buckle at a roping school when he was seven.
Troy was successfully active in junior rodeo and high school rodeo. As a freshman, Troy won fourth at the high school nationals. In his sophomore year he was reserve state champion heeler, earning a trip to nationals in Springfield, IL, where he finished tenth in the nation. McDonald also qualified for nationals as a heeler in his senior year.
“My partner’s dad took us to Texas and Oklahoma for some big ropings during Christmas break that year,” says Troy. “At the Booger Barter roping in Glen Rose, TX, I tied for high point and ended up in a rope off for the truck. Thankfully I prevailed and got to drive a new 2003 Chevy Duramax home.”
After high school Troy wanted to be the first in his family to earn a college degree. McDonald sent a package of videos and his resume to seven or eight schools before deciding on Clarendon College in the Texas panhandle.
“Both of my Ag teachers knew Jerry Hawkins, who was on the Board of Regents at Clarendon. They had just built a new indoor facility for their rodeo team. Clarendon offered the most lucrative scholarship, so that’s where I went.”
Troy’s first rodeo coach was steer wrestler Matt Reeves, now a 6-time NFR qualifier. He credits his sophomore coach, Chad Smith, for helping take his roping to another level.
“Chad was a #8 heeler and we broke in a lot of steers. There were many days we would rope 60 to 80 steers. That year, in 2006, I won a truck at the OTRA (Original Team Roping Association) finals and got moved to a #9.”
After visiting home in Florida, Troy returned to west Texas and spent the summer with his friend, Jared Stoker. He soon realized he and his horses could withstand dry 100-degree weather much easier than the dense humidity of Florida.
“I couldn’t get over the difference in the humidity and how much more you could rope. That’s when I decided I was going to stay in west Texas.”
It was during his second year at Clarendon that Troy met his wife, Kelly. In July 2006 McDonald moved to Canyon, TX, after transferring to West Texas A&M. He also qualified for the college national finals that year. In 2008 Troy graduated from WTAM with a degree in Agri Business.
Troy and Kelly have both worked at Coolhorse in Amarillo, Texas for six years where Kelly oversees online shipping and Troy is the store manager. The couple has one son, Slade, who is two and a half.
“We still live in Canyon and I really enjoy living in a small town like I grew up in. When we’re not working I sometimes rope at World Series events. We also have a contract for the goat tying in the high school and junior rodeos in Region 1 and the Junior Cowboy Rodeo Association,” explains McDonald. “Slade is able to compete there in the 3 & Under. The little ones do everything on foot and he just won his first buckle.
“I love kids, and Kelly and I are enjoying Slade and being parents.”

COWBOY Q&A
How much do you practice?
Now days if I get to practice twice a week that’s a lot.
Do you make your own horses?
I used to when I was in high school and college. I’ve bought the last few.
Who were your roping heroes?
Speed Williams, my parents and my step-dad Jody Ruth.
Who do you respect most in the world?
My wife. She puts up with me and sees to it Slade and I have what we want and need.
Who has been the biggest influence in your life?
Through high school, my mom put her barrel racing second so I could jackpot. I’ll never forget when I graduated she said, “Now it’s my turn to go again.” I would not have wanted to match her when I was growing up.
If you had a day off what would you like to do?
I would like to go to Florida and get on a bass boat and fish all day.
Favorite movie?
Tombstone.
How would you describe yourself in three words?
Competitive, good hearted, love kids.
What makes you happy?
My family.
What makes you angry?
Missing the horns.
If you were given 1 million dollars, how would you spend it?
I would love to build an indoor arena and buy my wife a boat.
What is your best quality – your worst?
My best quality is being kind hearted and that I love teaching kids. My worst quality is, as a header, I push the envelope too much instead of focusing on catching.

Very few cowboys are able to achieve their rodeo dreams and build a business at the same time. To be successful at either requires significant time and dedication. But that’s exactly what Cody Johnson has done over the last few years.
At 49, Cody qualified for the PRCA First Frontier Circuit Finals last year, and owns Twisted J, in Stephenville, Texas, with his wife, Luann. Cody and Luann have three children: Bayli, 25, Tori, 23, and Clay, 16.
Cody grew up on the family ranch in Lingleville, Texas, and as a youngster tried riding bulls and rough stock. He also spent time as a jockey and assistant trainer in Ruidoso, New Mexico.
Though he had always roped on the ranch, Cody had never team roped and in his early 20’s a friend got him started. He had been playing at it for a couple of years when he met Luann, a successful barrel racer.
“The first few years we were married, we went pretty hard,” says Cody. “But when you’re raising kids priorities change, so there was about twelve years or so that I really couldn’t afford to pick up a rope.
“After my dad passed away, we moved back to the ranch. I built an arena because the kids were going to high school rodeos and I started roping in the practice pen. One night when I came in the house Luann said, ‘It’s time for you to put up or shut up. You never go anywhere and I’m tired of hearing how good you are.’”
Not long after, in January 2012, a nervous Cody entered a Brother-in-Law roping in Glen Rose, Texas.
“I had been out of it for so long, I was as nervous as a kid on his first day of school. I entered 20 times on a barrel horse reject. He wasn’t great but he was all I had. I didn’t win anything, but felt like I roped pretty good.”
A few weeks later, a confident Cody and some friends loaded up in the bus they used for high school rodeos and made the trip to Jacksonville, Florida for the NTRL finals.
“I felt like I was roping good, and was having the time of my life and really enjoying the camaraderie,” says Cody. “Once I got there I didn’t rope well at all. I entered with Speed Williams and he was teasing me a little. It really had an impact on me and I realized I needed to refocus and commit if I was going to get better. I would have to pay my dues again.”
That year Cody worked at his roping and at a World Series roping in Hugo, OK, secured one of the last available qualifications for the World Series Finals in Las Vegas. During those finals Johnson placed a couple of times and won a little money, but was still dreaming about rodeo.
Cody knew the importance of surrounding yourself with talent and how it makes you try harder. So, he began been spending time with professional ropers like Dakota Kirchenschlager and Cesar de la Cruz.
“After learning from those guys and working to emulate their mental and physical training, I told my wife I wanted to get my PRCA card and make a run at the First Frontier Circuit finals. Her reply was, ‘I would rather you go and fail, than to not go at all.’ So, with her blessing, I loaded up and headed north for four months and made the circuit finals last year at the age of 49. I am living proof that dreams do come true if you work hard enough.”
Unfortunately an old shoulder injury required surgery early this year and Johnson will be out for the remainder of 2018. He plans on coming back bigger and better in 2019.
“I love the western lifestyle and heritage and like to think I make an impact. I believe America still loves the American cowboy and if it weren’t for the fans rodeo cowboys would not have a job. Rodeo is not always easy and almost impossible without sponsors. I have some great sponsors and believe in being loyal and holding up my end of that relationship.”
When Johnson started traveling in 2012 he met producers, John Johnson and Troy Shelly, and credits these relationships, among others, in the roping and rodeo industry for the growth Twisted J has enjoyed. Twisted J started as a small boutique and has evolved into a merchandise company that now occupies a 22,000 square foot building in Stephenville, Texas.
“Initially we got started by acquiring licensing agreements for some major western companies. We now do screen printing and embroidery in house for some of the largest companies in the industry. At Twisted J we focus on quality and customer service and that philosophy has served us well.”
Several years ago, Twisted J was invited to set up a gifting suite at the Golden Globes in Hollywood, California. Cody and Luann gladly participated and saw this as a prime branding opportunity. Not long after, they received a similar invitation for the Oscars with a request for ‘the cowboy from Texas.’
The following year Stephen Tyler, front man for Aerosmith, released a country album. He also wanted to align with a western company that would help support his charity for neglected and abused women, Janies Fund. The Johnsons gladly accepted the challenge and have enjoyed a friendship with Tyler as a result.
A trip to Nashville sparked the idea for their latest successful venture.
“We were considering opening a location in Nashville. That didn’t work out, but what we saw there were boutiques with small stages where local artists would perform. We bounced a lot of ideas around and eventually built a stage and bar in our building. Now, with Twisted J Live, we have a state of the art music venue where acts from all over the country perform.”
“If it weren’t for my travels in rodeo and roping, our business wouldn’t be what it is today. Without the relationships and clients like Resistol and Stephen Tyler, Twisted J as it is, would not exist.”
“I enjoy what I do and realize I am incredibly blessed. But I also know this journey would not be possible without the support of my family, friends, and sponsors.”

COWBOY Q&A
How much do you practice?
When I’m healthy and able, every day.

Do you make your own horses?
No.

Who have been your rodeo or roping heroes?
Speed Williams, Cesar, Dakota, Russell Cardoza. I admire anyone who has made it to that level because it is not easy.

Who do you respect most in the world?
My mother, Linda.

Who has been the biggest influence in your life?
My wife, Luann. She has always believed in me and encouraged me.

If you had a day off what would you like to do?
Spend it with my family.

Favorite movie?
Top Gun.

What’s the last thing you read?
Wall Street Journal.

How would you describe yourself in three words?
Fun, loyal, generous.

What makes you happy?
Life

What makes you angry?
Takers – people who take and don’t give back.

What is your worst quality – your best?
My best quality is being ethical. My worst quality is I can be hard headed.

There are a few professions, besides rodeo, that require driving many miles and spending time away from home. One of those occupations is a sales rep, which is what Scott Stickley has chosen to do for the last twenty-six years. Scott, who makes his home in Whitesboro, Texas, is a sales rep for Professional’s Choice, Dutton Bits, Fast Back Ropes, Weaver Leather, and Eight Away Breakaway. Covering Texas and New Mexico keeps him on the road four days a week and puts 65,000 miles a year on his truck.
“Being a sales rep isn’t rocket science,” says Scott. “You get in your truck and call on accounts. Ninety-five percent of the people in our industry are good people and fun to deal with. It’s not like having a real job. I get to go see people and visit.”
“My favorite thing about this job is the relationships I’ve built over the years. It’s more of a friendship than a business relationship at this point.”
Stickley grew up in Iowa roping calves and qualified for the National High School Finals Rodeo three times. He was crowned state champion calf roper during his sophomore and senior years.
“When I was 18, I moved to Texas. The weather was more favorable for roping and I knew I could rope more often against some great ropers. Shortly after moving I realized the calf roping was very competitive – more so than I had anticipated. Later I met Shaun Burchett, a world champion steer roper, and started roping with him. I grew to love the sport, mostly due to the horsemanship involved. In 1990 I was the PRCA Rookie Steer Roper of the year.”
Stickley’s first job in Texas was working in a warehouse for a company that sold pneumatic tools. In the early 90’s he went to work for Jimmy Smith, of Smith Brothers, in Denton, Texas, putting on team ropings. He also helped manage the 1,800 head of steers Smith owned and leased.
Scott soon found himself working “road shows” for Smith Brothers such as Congress and the NFR and eventually went to work in the store full time. There he met visiting sales reps and decided it was a pretty cool profession.
“At one of the road shows I met Monty Crist, Professional’s Choice, who convinced me to step out of retail and try my hand at being a sales rep,” explains Stickley. “My first lines were Professional’s Choice and Dutton Bits. At the time PC only had about five products so sales were nothing like they are today.”
Now, years later, Scott has seen a lot of changes in the western industry.
“Sadly, the smaller ‘mom and pop’ stores are dwindling. The Internet has a lot to do with it, and the larger companies keep expanding. The changes I find exciting is the development of new materials used in sport boots, and rope making. High tech is making its way to the western industry.”
When not traveling, Scott enjoys spending time with his wife, Regale, and two daughters, Jaci, 19, and Jesi, 14. He also ropes steers and team ropes.
“I still enjoy this hobby very much. I enjoy roping and like keeping current with the needs, ideas, and changes in products. Staying in the loop helps me service and relate to my customers’ needs.

COWBOY Q&A
Do you make your own horses?
Yes.
Who have been your roping heroes?
Roy Cooper, Phil Lyne.
Who do you respect most in the world?
Greg Dutton.
Who has been the biggest influence in your life?
My dad.
What’s the last thing you read?
A book called, Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters.
How would you describe yourself in three words?
Humble, self-motivated, good friend.
What makes you happy?
Family.
If you were given one million dollars, how would you spend it?
I would help our church, put enough away for college for my girls, and save rest away for retirement.
What is your worst quality – your best?
My best quality is honesty. My worst is being disorganized.
Where do you see yourself in ten years?
Hopefully in ten years, I will be retired and roping in Arizona during the winter.

Sometimes fate steps in and totally changes our life…
“Back in the mid-90’s, one Sunday afternoon, my dad and I were driving around, drinking beer, “says Brock. “We took a wrong turn down a dirt road and stumbled upon Grady Harper’s arena where they were team roping. We had no clue what they were doing but it looked like fun.”
Not long after, the Middleton’s bought three horses out of a pasture that had never been ridden. They sent them to local trainer, Ray Scott, who broke them. Then they bought a couple of steers to put in his calf-roping pen and started roping them. After a while they got a little better.
At that time, the Middleton’s couldn’t afford to build the arena they wanted. So every night, after work, Brock and his dad would saddle the horses and haul them two hours to practice. They would get home about 1 a.m. and be ready to work the next morning at 5:30. They did this for four years while growing their construction company.
“My dad wanted to wait until we could afford to build a nice pen,” explains Middleton. “Once we did, everyone within forty miles would come to our place rope three nights a week.”
“My dad got sick a few years ago and had to quit roping for a while. Now I practice on the Heel-O-Matic a few times a week. I have a new six-year old horse named Coon, and roping the Heel-O-Matic is really better for him than roping live cattle. We’re still getting to know each other.”
Brock grew up playing softball and football in high school before attending Valdosta State College with a degree in business.
A few years ago Brock and his brother, Keith, bought the commercial construction business from his dad. CGM Construction Group projects include hospitals, schools, and churches. They work all over the country and as far away as Jamaica and Puerto Rico.
“We bought the company and have grown it fairly quickly. While my brother stays in the office most of the time, I’m usually in the field. My secretary is my aunt, and my dad still works part time. We employ about 20 people, most of whom have been with us for quite some time.”
The Middleton’s are a close family and on any given Sunday you can usually find them grilling out, entertaining, and spending time together. Brock and his wife, Dana, have three children between them: Caleb Howard, 18, Caroline, 16, and Rose, 14. The family enjoys the beach and traveling.

COWBOY Q&A
How much do you practice?
I rope the Heel-O-Matic several times a week. I rope the heading dummy almost every evening with my dad, while we drink wine.
Do you make your own horses?
No, I buy them.
Who have been your roping heroes?
When I started roping, I looked up to Brad Culpepper. He’s from my hometown. I admire Kaleb Driggers and what he’s accomplished.
Who do you respect most in the world?
My father.
Who has been the biggest influence in your life?
My family.
If you had a day off what would you like to do?
Go to the beach with my wife. Take a 12-pack of beer, stick our toes in the water, and relax.
Favorite movie?
The Man from Snowy River
How would you describe yourself in three words?
Outgoing, loud, big hearted.
What makes you happy?
My family. When they’re happy, I’m happy.
What makes you angry?
Dishonest people.
If you were given 1 million dollars, how would you spend it?
Pay off my house and build a pool for my wife. Then I would like to travel to big ropings and spend time with my roping friends.
What is your best quality?
I’m pretty generous.

Craig Branham, 58, grew up, the eldest of three boys, in Tombstone, Arizona. When he was six, his mom, Sue, married Jack Branham, and the family moved to Oakdale, California. Jack was a roper and Reserve World Champion to Ken Luman, in 1966, before Heading and Heeling were recognized as two events.
Craig and his brothers, Chris and Daryl, started roping the dummy and the entire family would go rodeos and ropings. The boys would find a kid and pay him .25 to be their “steer” so they would have something to rope.
“My mom loves to tell the story of finding us at a rodeo eating snow cones with our pockets full of candy,” laughs Branham. “When she asked where we got it, we told her we won it.”
An avid athlete, Craig was a four event state champion in track and field; and a first team all state basketball player his junior and senior year. Craig received a scholarship and played basketball for Eastern Arizona College before transferring to Pima where he excelled in track.
In the spring semester he was second in the nation in the Decathlon and fifth in the Triple Jump. The following year Branham won the National Decathlon and set a national record. After graduating from Pima, Craig received a full ride at the University of Arizona.
There, he met modeling agent, Pam Grissom, who talked him into going to New York City for a modeling convention. After winning the male model competition, Branham found himself in demand by modeling agencies.
“At the time I was living with my grandparents in Tucson,” recalls Craig. “I went home and told them I was going back to New York to model. They weren’t too happy about that.”
Branham signed with Legends agency and quickly received a contract in Milan, Italy. Soon after, he was booked for a spread with GQ magazine and also worked with the Italian version of men’s Vogue. A flourishing modeling career found Branham living in Milan, Paris, Manhattan, and Dallas, TX.
While in Dallas, Craig booked some acting jobs where he realized what he wanted to do with his life. At 25 he bought his first home in Dallas, which he leased the following year before moving to Hollywood.

Soon after relocating, Craig was enjoying steady work with jobs on shows like “Cheers,” and “Murder She Wrote.” He was able to study with renown acting coaches and started booking national commercials, in addition to his modeling.
After seeing the television show, American Gladiators, Craig tried out for the second season and ultimately won the 1990-1991 American Gladiators Grand Championship. Craig recalls this as “one of the most fun things I’ve ever done.”
Shortly after the win, People magazine included Branham in their “50 Most Beautiful People” issue. Branham also got married that year and celebrated the birth of his daughter, Sarah, in July.
“At some point I started roping again,” says Craig. “I hadn’t roped in a long time and though I was originally a header, I wanted to heel. I worked hard at it and eventually got to where I thought I could rodeo.”
“In 1998, I got to rope with David Motes and ended up finishing 20th in the world on my permit. In 1999, I bought my card and won the PRCA Heeling Rookie of the Year. I was 40 years old and am still the oldest Heeling Rookie ever.”
Branham came close to qualifying for the NFR several times with year-end finishes in 20th, 22nd, and 25th place.
Not long after returning home from rodeo, Craig was contacted by his friend and stunt coordinator, Charlie Croughwell, about a stunt job. Craig got the job to double for Josh Lucas, on the show the “Hulk.” This was the beginning of a successful career as a stunt man.
“I quickly realized this is what I need to be doing. It’s a fun job that I really enjoy. I’ve gotten to double Robert Redford. In 2005 I got to double Pierce Brosnan for three months on a movie call “Seraphim Falls.”
“About ten years ago, I met Robert Patrick on a show where I doubled him and I’ve been his stunt double ever since. I’ve been working with him on the show “Scorpion” for four years now. I also got to play the Headless Horseman on “Sleepy Hollow” for four years and that show just ended last January.”
Branham lives with his wife of three years, Nathalie, in Canyon Country, California. Craig strives for a balance between work and team roping. As a #8, Craig often competes at the World Series ropings and won $26,000 in the #15 with Andy Holcomb at the 2016 WSTR Finals in Las Vegas.

COWBOY Q&A
Who were your roping (rodeo) heroes?
My dad and probably Jake and Clay.
Who do you respect most in the world?
My mom.
Who has been the biggest influence in your life?
My grandfather, Roscoe Christopher. I still think of so many things he taught me.
If you had a day off what would you like to do?
I’d love to work on my place and plan my next build. I’m studying an architectural program now. I really love that.
How would you describe yourself in three words?
Friendly and outgoing, compassionate, understanding.
What makes you happy?
My wife. I’m a happy person overall. I wake up happy.
What makes you angry?
Bad or aggressive drivers.
If you were given 1 million dollars, how would you spend it?
I would try and find a cause, probably to do with the heroin epidemic and try and support an organization that could put those kids in the western way of life. I would travel.
What is your best quality – your worst?
My best quality is a good heart. My worst is sometimes I feel I may be selfish, by doing what I want when I want.