Rodeo Life

Category: Newsletter Articles

  • SMC Trailers – What Sets Us Apart

    SMC Trailers – What Sets Us Apart

    • Our team has over 200 combined years of experience building LQ horse trailers
    • SMC’s have an extremely tough structure
      • We do bleed through welding of the rail to the frame, this is a lot of extra work for our team, but a LOT of extra strength for the trailer.
      • SMC uses heavy duty Adarail L-shaped railing along the bottom providing more rigidity and stability for the trailer and horses when going down the road.

    • SMC builds the LQ at the same time we build the trailer structure (or “shell”). There are many advantages to this:
      • The location for LQ components are design before the shell is even built, this avoids awkward modifications to the trailer’s structure by an LQ outfitter after the frame is already built.
      • While the engineering process is more complex, the manufacturing process is MUCH simpler and makes the trailer significantly less expensive. This allows us to build a much stronger/better trailer that we can sell for similar cost to our competition.
    • This will be the High-tech horse trailer on the market

  • POETRY IN (RODEO) MOTION

    POETRY IN (RODEO) MOTION

    Oregon cowboy poet writes poem for St. Paul Rodeo

    St. Paul, Ore. (June, 2018) – The St. Paul Rodeo has a lot of unique features.

    It’s the “Nation’s Greatest Fourth of July Rodeo”, it has trees (arborvitae) in the arena, and it has unique foods like homemade strawberry shortcake and barbecue chicken.

    And now it has its own poem.

    Cowboy poet Tom Swearingen has written a poem about the St. Paul Rodeo. Swearingen, Tualatin, Ore., has attended the rodeo since he was a kid. About ten years ago, his cowboy poetry hobby started.

    He wrote his first poem as a memorial piece for a good friend who had died, and it was well received by family and friends. That was his first inkling that he might have a talent for writing poetry. “It turned a light bulb on and gave me permission to think that maybe I could write.”

    Since then, he’s progressed and flourished in his trade, writing more poetry and performing at cowboy poetry gatherings and invitations to speaking.

    Five years ago, he was asked to recite at the Wild West Art Show, part of the St. Paul Rodeo. He’s recited his poetry there every year since then.

    A few months ago, several members of the St. Paul Rodeo Association asked him to write a poem about the rodeo. Swearingen had been inspired in part by the St. Paul Rodeo to write a few poems, but not one wholly about that rodeo. It was a challenge but one he enjoyed. “I’m pleased with the poem and happy they asked me.”

    Swearingen still attends the St. Paul Rodeo and will entertain in the Wild West Art Tent July 5-6 from 4 to 7 pm each night.

    The Wild West Art Show is open each day July 3-7 with live entertainment by the Bronco Billy Band on July 3 from 4-7 pm and Swearingen and cowboy singer Andy Bales on July 5-6.

    Swearingen’s poem will have its debut at the Hall of Fame Barbecue on July 2 at 5 pm. Tickets are available for sale online; they cannot be purchased at the door for the barbecue.

    The St. Paul Rodeo kicks off action July 3 and runs through the 7th. Performances are every evening at 7:30 pm with a 1:30 pm matinee on July 4. Tickets range in price from $16 to $26 and are available online at www.StPaulRodeo.com and at the gate. For more information, visit the website or call 800-237-5920.

  • 1st Annual Hunter Norman Memorial Bulls & Ranch Broncs Honors Western Slope Rider

    1st Annual Hunter Norman Memorial Bulls & Ranch Broncs Honors Western Slope Rider

    GRAND JUNCTION, Colorado (May 22, 2018) – The 1st Annual Hunter Norman Memorial Bulls & Ranch Broncs debuts on Saturday, June 23rd, 2018 at 7pm at the Mesa County Fairgrounds in Grand Junction, Colorado. The event pays tribute and honors respected Western Slope ranch bronc rider, Hunter Scott Norman who passed away unexpectedly earlier this month. With an added guarantee of $3000+ for ranch broncs and $2500+ for bull riding, the event is anticipated to draw competitors from near and far.

    Organizers of the memorial include family and long-time friends of the Fruita Monument High School Class of 2016 graduate Hunter Norman. This annual memorial helps the community celebrate the young cowboy’s life through his love and passion for ranch bronc riding and by putting on the best bronc and bull riding event that has come to the area. Event organizer and two-time Colorado Bullfighter of the Year (2007, 2013), Tyler Williams and his wife, Crystal have been engrained in the Western Slope community their whole lives and promise to put on an unforgettable annual event this year and for many years to come.

    For those interested in competing in the 1st Annual Hunter Norman Memorial Bulls & Ranch Broncs, details are as follows:

    • $3000+ added guarantee for Ranch Broncs (limited to 30 riders)
    • $2500+ added guarantee for Bull Riding (limited to 20 riders)
    • Top 10 to Short-Go
    • Payouts for 1st, 2nd & 3rd places (plus other awards)
    • Buckles, spurs, jackets & a bronc halter awarded to high point rider in Ranch Broncs
    • Ranch Broncs Entry Fee – $200; Bull Riding Entry Fee – $150
    • ½ of entry fee must be paid before June 8th, 2018 (cashier’s check, money order or cash)
    • Entry fees are non-refundable

     

    Special thanks to buckle sponsors Diamond Peak Cattle Company and Twin Butte Ranch. Special thanks to stock contractors Ty Farris, Lonny Lancaster, Bryan Flynn and Wes Clegg of 7C Buckers. And special thanks to event sponsor Growing Spaces Greenhouses based in Pagosa Springs, Colorado.

    Ticket prices are $10 for adults (5 years old and over); $25 for family of four; $5 for Seniors (65 years and older) and all children under 5 years old are free.  The Mesa County Fairgrounds is located at 2785 US-50, Grand Junction, CO 81503. For more details on Mesa County Fairgrounds, visit their website at www.mesacounty.us/fairgrounds/events/ or call 970-255-7107.

    For entry fee registrations and other details, please contact Tyler and Crystal Williams at 970-589-2369. For sponsorship opportunities, please contact Scott Norman at 970-471-5900. To donate to the event, please visit: https://www.gofundme.com/hunter-norman-memorial-rodeo2018.

  • FRESH START

    FRESH START

    Texas tie-down roper leads second round in his event at the Buffalo Bill Rodeo in North Platte.

    North Platte, Neb. (June 14, 2018) – Tie-down roper Randall Carlisle made his first trip to the Buffalo Bill Rodeo in North Platte on Thursday, and he hopes he’s making a fresh start.

    The Athens, Louisiana cowboy made an 8.4 second run to take the lead in the second round.

    The two-time Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (WNFR) qualifier has had some bad luck lately, not drawing well and not winning any money. The calves tie down ropers compete on are drawn randomly by their ear tag number, and lately Carlisle’s haven’t been the best pick of the herd. “I’ve had too many kickers or something always happens,” he said. His run in North Platte “finally broke the ice. I am pretty happy. I’m thankful to have a good calf.”

    Carlisle and his traveling partner Cory Solomon, Prairie View, Texas, met in North Platte at the rodeo; they’ll travel together for the next several months, during the busy rodeo season. After competing in slack on Thursday morning, they headed to Reno, Nev. to compete at the rodeo there on Saturday morning. After that, they turn the rig north for rodeos in Wainwright and Sundre, Alberta. Then they will fly to Greeley, Colo. for the Greeley Stampede June 22 through July 4. Their rig and three of their horses will head towards rodeos in Prescott, Ariz. and Pecos, Texas, while they compete on another horse that was driven to Greeley from North Platte in a second rig. Then it’s up to Cody, Wyo. Carlisle estimated they will make nineteen competition runs in six days over the busy July Fourth holiday. Solomon has a driver who helps; Carlisle’s girlfriend helps drive as well. He loves the competition, but not the driving. “Other than that, it’s good,” he said. Rodeo is “better than having a day job. You get to see a lot of country.”

    Carlisle is ranked thirty-third in the PRCA world standings; his traveling partner Solomon is ranked eleventh.

    Other leaders from Thursday’s slack and performance are bareback rider Ty Breuer, Mandan, N.D. (80 points); steer wrestler Justice Johnson, Bismarck, N.D. (4.0 seconds), and team ropers Brian Dunning, McClave, Colo., and Tad Sheets, Goodland, Kan. (6.3 seconds). Saddle bronc rider Cort Scheer, Elsmere, Neb., had the high score for the night; his 80 points sits second overall. Barrel racer Taci Bettis, Round Top, Texas had a time of 17.50 seconds to be the fast time for the night. Brennon Eldred, Sulphur, Okla. scored 82 points to be the high score for the performance.

    Night number three of the Buffalo Bill Rodeo takes place on Friday, June 15 at the Wild West Arena in North Platte. Tickets are available online at www.NebraskaLandDays.com, at the NLD office or at the gate.

     

    High scores and fast times from the second performance, June 14, 2018

    North Platte, Nebraska – Buffalo Bill Rodeo

    Bareback riding

    1. Ty Breuer, Mandan, N.D. 80 points on Beutler and Son Rodeo Co.’s Sure Motion; 2. Blake Smith, Zap, N.D. 79; no other qualified rides.

    Steer wrestling

    2nd go-round

    1. Justice Johnson, Bismarck, N.D. 4.0 seconds; 2. Tom Lewis, Lehi, Utah 5.4; 3. Stetson Jorgensen, Blackfoot, Idaho 6.4; 4. Jason Thomas, Benton, Ark. 7.0.

     

    Tie-down roping

    2nd go-round

    1. Randall Carlisle, Athens, La. 8.4 seconds; 2. Joey Dickens, Loveland, Colo. 8.5; 3. Trent Creager, Stillwater, Okla. 8.6; 4. Lane Livingston, Seymour, Texas 12.0.

     

    Saddle bronc riding

    1. Cort Scheer, Elsmere, Neb. 80 points on Beutler and Son Rodeo Co.’s Jack Knife; 2. Preston Burr, Stratford, Texas 77; 3. Roper Kiesner, Ripley, Okla. 72; 4. Rhett Fanning, Martin, S.D. 66.

    Team roping

    1. Brian Dunning, McClave, Colo./Tad Sheets, Goodland, Kan. 6.3 seconds; no other qualified runs.

    Barrel racing

    1. Taci Bettis, Round Top, Texas 17.50 seconds; 2. (tie) Jennifer Hiler, Greeley, Colo. and Ali Armstrong, Lexington, Okla. 17.77 each; 4. Tammy Fischer, Ledbetter, Texas 17.84.

    Bull riding

    1. Brennon Eldred, Sulphur, Okla. 82 points on No. 124; 2. Colten Beaty, Seymour, Texas 65; no other qualified rides.

    ** All results are unofficial.

  • YOUTH TO COMPETE AT STATE HIGH SCHOOL FINALS RODEO

    YOUTH TO COMPETE AT STATE HIGH SCHOOL FINALS RODEO

    High school rodeo athletes from across Nebraska to head to Hastings

    Hastings, Neb.  (June 10, 2018) The entry list has been set for the Nebraska State High School Finals Rodeo, to be held in Hastings June 14-16 at the Adams County Fairgrounds.

    Nearly 150 high school rodeo athletes will compete in twelve events. The top four competitors in each event at the state level will earn a berth at the National High School Rodeo Finals in Rock Springs, Wyo., July 15-21, where national champions will be crowned in each event.

    Athletes from Harrison to Lincoln and from Creighton to McCook will be in Hastings for competition. Hastings has hosted the high school state finals, the pinnacle of the sport for the state, since 2005.

    The twelve events include bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping, steer wrestling, team roping, breakaway roping, goat tying, pole bending, barrel racing, boys cutting, girls cutting, and bull riding.

    The Finals, the culmination of 28 regular season rodeos, will be held at 10 am and 6 pm on June 14-15, with the short round on June 16 at 1 pm. After Thursday and Friday’s performances, the top ten contestants in each event will advance to the short round on June 16. The cutting will be held at 7:30 am on June 14-15, with the short round at 8 am on June 16. The 2018-2019 Miss Nebraska High School Rodeo Queen will be crowned prior to the performance on June 16.  For more information, visit www.AdamsCountyFairgrounds.com or call 402.462.3247. For information on the Nebraska State High School Rodeo Association, visit www.hsrodeo-nebraska.com.

     

    Bareback Riding

    1. Trey Seevers, North Platte
    2. Gauge McBride, Kearney
    3. Jared Schultis, Tryon

     

    Barrel Racing

    1. Bailey Witt, Valentine
    2. Lexie Lowery, Burwell
    3. Sydney Adamson, Cody
    4. Reece Stanley, Sidney
    5. Mable McAbee, Ansley
    6. Madison Stracke, Stuart
    7. Madison Mills, Eddyville
    8. Jaylee Simonson, Dunning
    9. Shanna Bailey, Lakeside
    10. Brooke Becker, Hastings
    11. Brooke McCully, Mullen
    12. Adeline Hobbs, Mitchell
    13. Danielle Wray, Ord
    14. Hadley Teut, Lincoln
    15. Mataya Eklund, Valentine
    16. Sheyenne Hammond, Valentine
    17. Taya McMillen, Lodgepole
    18. Wacey Day, Fleming, Colo.
    19. Brooklyn Leach, Dunning
    20. Ashlyn Jensen, Burwell
    21. Riata Day, Fleming, Colo.
    22. Brieann Schipporeit, Ainsworth
    23. Elle Ravensroft, Nenzel
    24. Hanna Huffman, Burwell
    25. Taryn Underwood, Crawford
    26. Lauren Lehl, Alliance
    27. JoSee Saults, Big Springs
    28. Anna Esch, Spalding
    29. Jadyn Ross, Harrisburg
    30. Tallyn Simpson, Maxwell
    31. Payton Gorwill, Hyannis

    (there are 31 contestants because Tallyn and Payton are tied for 30th place)

     

    Boys Cutting

    1. Sage Konicek, Ord
    2. Ty Bass, Brewster
    3. Wacey Flack, Maywood
    4. Colten Storer, Sutherland
    5. Chase Miller, Broken Bow
    6. Kaine Stokey, Sutherland
    7. Hayden Jennings, Seneca
    8. Mason Ward, North Platte

     

    Breakaway Roping

    1. Emily Knust, Verdigre
    2. Danielle Wray, Ord
    3. Wacey Day, Fleming, Colo.
    4. Mable McAbee, Ansley
    5. Sydney Adamson, Cody
    6. Brooke McCully, Mullen
    7. Jentri Hurlburt, Arcadia
    8. Riata Day, Fleming, Colo.
    9. Elle Ravenscroft, Nenzel
    10. Bailey Witt, Valentine
    11. Maddie Stump, Elsmere
    12. Aluxyn Hollenbeck, Valentine
    13. Hadley Teut, Lincoln
    14. Brooke Becker, Hastings
    15. Ashley Odenbach, Taylor
    16. Andrea Meyer, Stapleton
    17. Mataya Eklund, Valentine
    18. Joscelyn Soncksen, Lexington
    19. Talli Pokorny, Bartlett
    20. Britney Brosius, Ashby
    21. Faith Storer, Sutherland
    22. Jaya Nelson, Bassett
    23. Raesha Warren, Thedford
    24. Tehya From, Crookston
    25. Shailey McAbee, Hyannis
    26. Clare Kohl, Surprise
    27. Maddie Meidell, Harrison
    28. Calli Bauer, Arcadia
    29. Lexie Lowery, Burwell
    30. Morgan Darnell, Gordon

     

    Bull Riding

    1. Mason Ward, North Platte
    2. Conner Halverson, Gordon
    3. BJ McAbee, Ansley
    4. Dodge Daniels, Scotia
    5. Ben Wood, Greeley
    6. Teran Sharman, Palmer
    7. Reid Helgoth, Burwell
    8. Jared Shaw, Bassett
    9. Kaine Stokey, Sutherland
    10. Clayton Miller, Ord

     

    Girls Cutting

    1. Bayli Bilby, Chadron
    2. Concey Bader, Palmer
    3. Brook Bushhousen, St. Libory
    4. Ashton Troyer, West Point
    5. Alexis Rutar, Springview
    6. Kesha DeGroff, Broken Bow
    7. Maddie Stump, Elsmere
    8. Faith Storer, Sutherland

     

    Goat Tying

    1. Wacey Day, Fleming, Colo.
    2. Riata Day, Fleming, Colo.
    3. Emily Knust, Verdigre
    4. Jessica Stevens, Creighton
    5. Britney Brosius, Ashby
    6. Bailey Witt, Valentine
    7. Jaylee Simonson, Dunning
    8. Mataya Eklund, Valentine
    9. Talli Pokorny, Bartlett
    10. Hadley Teut, Lincoln
    11. Joscelyn Soncksen, Lexington
    12. Raesha Warren, Thedford
    13. Andrea Meyer, Stapleton
    14. Gracie Pokorny, Bartlett
    15. Hanna Huffman, Burwell
    16. Aluxyn Hollenbeck, Valentine
    17. Katie Miles, Arthur
    18. Mable McAbee, Ansley
    19. Elle Ravenscroft, Nenzel
    20. Avery Hobbs, Mitchell
    21. Hope Brosius, Ashby
    22. Rylee Naprstek, Gothenburg
    23. Shanna Bailey, Lakeside
    24. Jordan Peterson, Arthur
    25. Ally Micheel, Sargent
    26. Brooklyn Leach, Dunning

     

    Pole Bending

    1. Jaylee Simonson, Dunning
    2. Madison Mills, Eddyville
    3. Halli Haskell, Ainsworth
    4. Riata Day, Fleming, Colo.
    5. Danielle Wray, Ord
    6. Ashlyn Jensen, Burwell
    7. Mataya Eklund, Valentine
    8. Lauren Lehl, Alliance
    9. Lexie Lowery, Burwell
    10. Adeline Hobbs, Mitchell
    11. Gracie Pokorny, Bartlett
    12. Jordan Peterson, Arthur
    13. Brooke McCully, Mullen
    14. Bailey Witt, Valentine
    15. Madison Stracke, Stuart
    16. Ashley Odenbach, Taylor
    17. Hanna Huffman, Burwell
    18. Ansley Wood, Wallace
    19. Shailey McAbee, Hyannis
    20. Reece Stanley, Sidney
    21. Shanna Bailey, Lakeside
    22. Samantha Schemper, Holdrege
    23. Andrea Meyer, Stapleton
    24. Elle Ravenscroft, Nenzel
    25. Britney Brosius, Ashby
    26. Brooklyn Leach, Dunning
    27. Taya McMillen, Lodgepole
    28. Anna Esch, Spalding
    29. Sheyenne Hammond, Valentine

     

    Saddle Bronc Riding

    1. Sage Miller, Springview
    2. Gus Franzen, Kearney
    3. Trey Seevers, North Platte
    4. Garrett Long, North Platte
    5. Brody McAbee, Ansley
    6. Jack Skavdahl, Marsland
    7. Nathan Burnett, Shelton
    8. Samuel Florell, Kearney
    9. Dalton Kunkee, Lexington
    10. Tyce Stoner, Kilgore

     

    Steer Wrestling

    1. Talon Mathis, Atkinson
    2. Marshall Still, Oconto
    3. Chase Miller, Broken Bow
    4. Tyler Ravenscroft, Nenzel
    5. Gus Franzen, Kearney
    6. Blake Henry, Rushville
    7. Cauy Pokorny, Stapleton
    8. Quade Potter, Cambridge
    9. Sage Miller, Springview
    10. Tanner Whetham, Morrill
    11. Evan Hewett, Dunning
    12. Zeb Heggem, Torrington, Wyo.
    13. Clayton Symons, Mitchell
    14. Colten Storer, Sutherland
    15. Dalton Kunkee, Lexington
    16. Jackson Davis, Bingham
    17. Clay Holz, Niobrara
    18. Weston Kunkee, Lexington
    19. Rhett Witt, Valentine
    20. Parker Johnston, Maywood
    21. Ty Chasek, Mitchell
    22. Trayton Travnicek, Minatare
    23. Colt Hesseltine, Halsey

     

    Team Roping

    1. Cauy Pokorny, Stapleton
    2. Clay Holz, Niobrara
    3. Grant Lindsley, Osceola
    4. Nathan Poss, Scotia
    5. Cameron Jensen, Bingham
    6. Tanner Whetham, Morrill
    7. Danielle Wray, Ord
    8. Ralph Saults, Big Springs
    9. Tomas Margritz, Lexington
    10. Gus Franzen, Kearney
    11. Ty Chasek, Mitchell
    12. Merit Van Horn, Page
    13. Ty Bass, Brewster
    14. Mitchell Tucker, North Platte
    15. Tee Whited, Lincoln
    16. Clayton Symons, Mitchell
    17. Colten Storer, Sutherland
    18. Kurtis Palmer, Madison
    19. Sage Konicek, Ord
    20. Blaine Flack, Crawford
    21. Lane Chasek, Mitchell
    22. Talon Mathis, Atkinson
    23. Calli Bauer, Arcadia
    24. Trey Garey, Broken Bow
    25. Sean Miller, Callaway
    26. Jentri Hurlburt, Arcadia
    27. Brody Davis, Cody
    28. Wyatt Colman, O’Neill
    29. Cole Dwyer, Burwell
    30. Chase Miller, Broken Bow
    31. Ashley Odenbach, Taylor
    32. Evan Hewett, Dunning
    33. Grant Turek, St. Paul
    34. Talon Petska, Ord
    35. Sage Miller, Springview
    36. Quade Potter, Cambridge
    37. Sheyenne Hammond, Valentine
    38. Jackson Davis, Bingham
    39. Hadley Teut, Lincoln
    40. Andrew Koenig, Ewing
    41. Cody Fosket, Mitchell
    42. Morgan Darnell, Gordon
    43. Brody McAbee, Ansley
    44. Cinch Heikel, Hazard
    45. Wacey Day, Fleming, Colo.
    46. Hunter Heath, Minden
    47. Bailey Witt, Valentine
    48. Rhett Witt, Valentine
    49. Jake Chasek, Mitchell
    50. Justin Chasek, Mitchell
    51. Nathan Lancaster, Beatrice
    52. Cameron Lancaster, Beatrice
    53. Dalton Kunkee, Lexington
    54. Mable McAbee, Ansley
    55. BJ McAbee, Ansley
    56. Cole Laible, Atkinson
    57. Trent Marshall, Burwell
    58. Maddie Stump, Elsmere
    59. Payton Gorwill, Hyannis
    60. Marshall Still, Oconto
    61. Weston Kunkee, Lexington
    62. Wacey Flack, Maywood

    (there are 62 contestants because of ties)

     

    Tie-Down Roping

    1. Grant Turek, St. Paul
    2. Mitchell Tucker, North Platte
    3. Clayton Symons, Mitchell
    4. Merit Van Horn, Page
    5. Chase Miller, Broken Bow
    6. Kurtis Palmer, Madison
    7. Tanner Whetham, Morrill
    8. Sean Miller, Callaway
    9. Colton Storer, Sutherland
    10. Talon Mathis, Atkinson
    11. Cameron Jensen, Bingham
    12. Gus Franzen, Kearney
    13. Jake Chasek, Mitchell
    14. Clay Holz, Niobrara
    15. Sage Miller, Springview
    16. Brody Davis, Cody
    17. Grant Lindsley, Osceola
    18. Cole Laible, Atkinson
    19. Blaine Flack, Crawford
    20. Justin Chasek, Mitchell
    21. Rhett Witt, Valentine
    22. Quade Potter, Cambridge
    23. Ty Chasek, Mitchell
    24. Kaden Wooters, Elwood
    25. Ty Bass, Brewster
    26. Ralph Saults, Big Springs
    27. Sage Konicek, Ord
    28. Jackson Davis, Bingham
    29. Wacey Flack, Maywood
    30. BJ McAbee, Ansley

    Qualifying high school rodeo contestants for the 2018 Nebraska State High School Finals Rodeo (list and ranking of student athlete subject to change; hometown is in Nebraska unless specified):

  • 9-TIME PBR WORLD FINALS QUALIFIER TONY MENDES TO MAKE COMEBACK IN HONOR OF HUNTER NORMAN AT MEMORIAL EVENT

    9-TIME PBR WORLD FINALS QUALIFIER TONY MENDES TO MAKE COMEBACK IN HONOR OF HUNTER NORMAN AT MEMORIAL EVENT

    GRAND JUNCTION, Colorado (June 5th, 2018) – 9-time PBR World Finals qualifier Tony Mendes will make his return to bull riding to honor the memory and spirit of fellow cowboy Hunter Norman when he competes at the 1st Annual Hunter Norman Memorial Bulls & Ranch Broncs event this month. The event pays tribute and honors respected Western Slope ranch bronc rider, Hunter Norman who passed away unexpectedly in May. The memorial event takes place on Saturday, June 23rd, 2018 at 7pm at the Mesa County Fairgrounds in Grand Junction, Colorado.

    Based in Fruita, Colorado, 40-year old Tony Mendes has an impressive bull riding career spanning 38 years.  The 1996 Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) Rookie of the Year, Mendes won the North American Rodeo Commission in 1995 and has qualified twice for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. Mendes has not been riding bulls competitively in the last two years due to a shoulder injury. When Mendes learned of the memorial event that friends and family are organizing to celebrate the life of his friend, he knew this was something he needed to be a part of to honor the ranch bronc rider.

    “I decided to make a comeback at this memorial event to represent what Hunter represented. Hunter was someone who was all about heart and the try,” said Mendes of his friendship with the fallen cowboy. “He always came around and showed up with a new kid who was ready to learn how to ride. He always wanted to help and kept doing whatever he could to make the sport grow. It was this spirit about being alive that made Hunter a true cowboy. He had heart and was all about the trying – and so for Hunter, I’m going to try.”

    Organizers of the memorial include family and long-time friends of the Fruita Monument High School Class of 2016 graduate Hunter Norman. This annual memorial helps the community celebrate the young cowboy’s life through his love and passion for ranch bronc riding and by putting on the best bronc and bull riding event that has come to the area. Event organizer and two-time Colorado Bullfighter of the Year (2007, 2013), Tyler Williams and his wife, Crystal have been engrained in the Western Slope community their whole lives and aim to put on an unforgettable annual event this year and for many years to come.

     

    For those interested in the 1st Annual Hunter Norman Memorial Bulls & Ranch Broncs, details are as follows:

    • $3000+ added guarantee for Ranch Broncs (limited to 30 riders)
    • $2500+ added guarantee for Bull Riding (limited to 25 riders)
    • Top 10 to Short-Go
    • Payouts for 1st, 2nd & 3rd places (plus other awards)
    • Buckles, spurs, jackets & a bronc halter awarded to high point rider in Ranch Broncs
    • Ranch Broncs Entry Fee – $200; Bull Riding Entry Fee – $150
    • ½ of entry fee must be paid before June 8th, 2018 (cashier’s check, money order or cash)
    • Entry fees are non-refundable

    Special thanks to buckle sponsors Diamond Peak Cattle Company and Twin Butte Ranch. Special thanks to stock contractors Ty Farris, Lonny Lancaster, Bryan Flynn and Wes Clegg of 7C Buckers. Special thanks to event sponsor Growing Spaces Greenhouses based in Pagosa Springs, Colorado and short round ranch broncs sponsor Joe and Beth Madaris from Trading Post Liquors in Grand Junction.

    Ticket prices are $10 for adults (5 years old and over); $25 for family of four; $5 for Seniors (65 years and older) and all children under 5 years old are free.  The Mesa County Fairgrounds is located at 2785 US-50, Grand Junction, CO 81503. For more details on Mesa County Fairgrounds, visit their website at www.mesacounty.us/fairgrounds/events/ or call 970-255-7107.

    For entry fee registrations and other details, please contact Tyler and Crystal Williams at 970-589-2369. For sponsorship opportunities, please contact Scott Norman at 970-471-5900. To donate to the event, please visit: https://www.gofundme.com/hunter-norman-memorial-rodeo2018.

  • WCRA Announces Inclusion of Breakaway Roping to its $6 Million Major Event Series

    AUSTIN, TX (May 21, 2018) The World Champions Rodeo Alliance (WCRA) continues to revolutionize the sport of rodeo by announcing that the discipline of Breakaway Roping will be added to the WCRA Virtual Rodeo Qualifier system and will be included in the 2019 WCRA $6 million event series.

    Until now, Women’s Barrel Racing has been the predominate professional women’s rodeo event, despite the popularity of Breakaway Roping. This unprecedented move will give women athletes more opportunities, including the ability to compete for big-money payouts and the potential that a woman could hold a professional All-Around title for the first time.

    “Part of our mission is to ‘advance the sport of rodeo’ and we truly mean it. Our Alliance Partners support our decision to provide female athletes more opportunities and we all feel like it’s been a long time coming,” said Bobby Mote, President WCRA.

    “On a personal note, I have a daughter who loves to rope and I am excited for the opportunities this will open up for her and girls just like her,” Mote said. “We are confident that fans will love getting to know the leaders in this discipline, like Jackie Crawford, Lari Dee Guy and Hope Thompson who are talented and tough competitors in this discipline.”

    “This is the opening in the door that we have been looking for,” said 17-time WPRA World Champion and NIRA Champion Breakaway Roper, Jackie Crawford. “Our event has some of the largest overall numbers throughout junior, high school and college rodeo, but has desperately needed a larger outlet after that point to continue to grow.

    The implications of this will be far reaching — giving women a reason to stay engaged with the sport will help the industry all the way around.

    I can’t wait for fans to be introduced to this fast-paced discipline and to meet the amazing women athletes involved.”

    Starting Wednesday, May 23rd breakaway ropers can register and begin using the WCRA Virtual Rodeo Qualifier (VRQ) to start qualifying for the WCRA $500,000 semi-final event scheduled in November at the Lazy E Arena in Guthrie, OK, followed by the first WCRA $1 million rodeo in Sacramento, CA in January 2019. Additional 2019 WCRA large-payout events will be announced at a later date.

    The VRQ is available for every rodeo athlete to access a mobile nomination system to qualify for the $6 million in payouts. This new free mobile web App for rodeo athletes was unveiled on May 4th and puts the administration of the sport in the hand of athletes, stock contractors, and committee members. For more information visit www.WCRARodeo.com and https://youtu.be/lVEMfk4dJiI

    The WCRA VRQ nomination and qualification process is open to men and women in all disciplines of rodeo regardless of gender or age. One exception to this position is; if a WCRA host event, not produced by WCRA, has established ground rules that prevent participation based on gender or age. In this case, the qualifying athletes for that particular host event would automatically qualify for the next available semi-finals event.

    In an additional age related exception; WCRA does not allow any athlete under the age of 18 to compete in any of the rough stock disciplines or participate in the qualification processes for WCRA semi-finals and major events.

    In compliance with existing laws governing online business, WCRA requires athletes be a minimum of 13 years of age or older to participate in the qualification process for any of the timed event disciplines.  Any athlete under the age of 18 must have a parent or guardian contact WCRA to set-up the user account on the Virtual Qualifier App.  Parents or Guardians may begin this process be emailing WCRA at info@wcrarodeo.com

    At this time and for the sake of clarity, WCRA will not utilize any youth, high school or intercollegiate competition results in its qualification system and/or for points accreditation.

    About WCRA

    WCRA is a professional sport and entertainment entity, created to develop and advance the sport of rodeo by aligning all levels of competition. In association with PBR, WCRA produces a $6 million major event series that provides rodeo athletes with additional opportunities to compete for large payouts. WCRA recently released the Virtual Rodeo Qualifier, a new technology and world ranking system for athletes to qualify for the major event series by Making Every Ride Count. To learn more visit WCRArodeo.com.

    For more information, contact:

    For WCRA – Holly Delaune, holly@firebrand-marketing.com, 210-632-3208

    Link to VRQ video: https://youtu.be/tyYWPLbfXGY

    Link to VRQ registration page:  app.WCRArodeo.com

  • The New Stanley Cyclone Center Offers Adventure for Everyone

    The New Stanley Cyclone Center Offers Adventure for Everyone

    A whirlwind of fun awaits at the Stanley Cyclone Center, Santa Fe County’s exciting new equine, livestock and event center. Located just 45 minutes from Santa Fe and one hour from Albuquerque, this state-of-the-art venue occupies an impressive 51,250 square feet. It’s the perfect world-class facility for an array of adventurous activities, from bull riding and barrel racing to equestrian training clinics, open riding, team roping and more. There’s plenty of room for carriage driving and vaulting, too. You won’t find a better atmosphere for rodeos in these parts. The center also provides the ultimate site for horse and livestock shows as well as 4H/FFA activities.

    Additionally, the Stanley Cyclone Center provides an ideal space for meetings, conferences and customized events, including weddings. For those planning a unique event not listed here, the Cyclone Center staff members are happy to help.

    Situated on 11 acres surrounded by wide open vistas, this newly built venue offers a spacious arena— 170 feet x 240 feet—that can seat 388 people, as well as a commercial kitchen and two classrooms that can seat up to 30 people each. Showers and restrooms are available, too. The giant parking lot can easily accommodate large crowds, with spaces for both small and large vehicles.

     

    With all that it offers, the Stanley Cyclone Center provides a thrilling experience for any event-goer, with the thundering sound of horses’ hooves and the thrill of watching the drama between a bull and its rider. New Mexico’s newest all-around equine, livestock and event center is located at 22 W. Kinsell Ave. in Stanley, New Mexico. Call (505) 992-9838 to book your event.

     

  • Long Live Rodeo, Long Loves Rodeo

    Long Live Rodeo, Long Loves Rodeo

    North Platte man competed in rodeo, now serves as athletic trainer

    North Platte, Neb. – May 21, 2018 – Doug Long has a long affiliation with the Buffalo Bill Rodeo.

    He grew up in a rodeo family, the grandson of George Long and the son of Larry Long, both recipients of the rodeo’s Trail Boss Award. He and his mom, Mary Ann, accompanied his dad as he competed at local rodeos in the steer wrestling, tie-down and team roping. Larry competed at the Buffalo Bill Rodeo in North Platte many times, with his wife and son in the stands.

    In high school, Doug followed in his dad’s footsteps, participating as a heeler in the team roping. He graduated from North Platte High School in 1980 and went on to Kearney State College, now the University of Nebraska at Kearney, competing occasionally but realizing competition wasn’t financially feasible. “When I went to college, I did the math on what it would take to keep a horse in Kearney and feed it. I quickly figured out my ROI wasn’t as good as I wanted it to be.”

    After getting his bachelor’s degree in Kearney, then his master’s degree from Ft. Hays (Kan.) State University, he got his doctorate at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 2008.

    Long moved back to his hometown and began work with Great Plains Health in North Platte. He is the lead athletic trainer, and, along with the other trainers from Great Plains Health, provides care at sports activities for high schools, Mid-Plains Community College, and other sporting events.

    Great Plains Health has a mobile sports medicine trailer and for the past two years, has provided sports medicine during the Buffalo Bill Rodeo. Long has been one of the trainers staffing the trailer, even though he doesn’t spend as much time at the rodeo as he he’d like. “Invariably, I have a softball tournament the same weekend,” he said. He tries to make it to at least one night of rodeo.

    Long enjoys working with the cowboy and cowgirl athletes. “They’re some of the toughest athletes going down the road,” he said. “Football players are 6’6” and weigh 300 pounds, and they’re colliding at the line. That’s a whole lot different than what it is with a 1,500 lb. bull and a 140 lb. cowboy. The impact forces are so much higher and they last longer.”

    Long’s understanding of the sport and the fact that he used to compete comes in handy as a sports trainer. Athletic trainers who understand rodeo are important to rodeo cowboys and cowgirls. “These guys are making a living, going down the road hard and fast and they don’t want somebody to say, ‘you sprained your finger, you need to be out for six weeks.’ They need somebody to say, ‘here’s how you treat that so you can continue.’”

    There’s continuity between what the sports trainers at Great Plains Health do and other sports trainers, especially Justin Sports Medicine, at other rodeos. “We’re hooked into the Justin (Sports Medicine) program and we pass on information so whoever saw those guys last can put it in a database so we can see it. There’s a lot of communication that way.”

    Long loves the sport and its players. “Rodeo’s kind of in my blood. I like all aspects of it. I appreciate the physical aspects of it. They’re tough people, they’re in shape.”

    He’s also made lots of friends on the rodeo trail.

    “You develop a relationship with those guys.”

    Athletic trainer Tyler Oberlander and Dr. Nathan Jacobson, sports orthopedic doctor, started the rodeo program.

    The Buffalo Bill Rodeo takes place June 13-16 in North Platte at the Wild West Arena. Performances start each night at 8 pm, and tickets range in price from $7 to $20. They can be purchased online at www.NebraskaLandDays.com, at the gate, or at the office at 2801 Charlie Evans Drive (at the Wild West Arena in North Platte.) For more information, visit the website or call 308.532.7939.

  • Frenchmen At The Rodeo

    Frenchmen At The Rodeo

    French firefighting students attend Shrine Rodeo, intern with fire departments.

    OVERLAND PARK, KAN. (May 21, 2018)  – When the Shrine Rodeo kicks off on Thursday, May 24, in Tonganoxie, there will be special guests in the crowd.

    The first night of the rodeo honors first responders (firefighters, police, and emergency medical service people) and military (active, veterans and reserved.) Admission for those people and for their immediate families is free on that night of rodeo.

    It’s a way to honor and show appreciation for those who put their lives on the line for the public, said Bennie Smith, 2018 Abdallah Shrine Potentate. “They do so much that goes unnoticed,” he said. “We want to give them some recognition” on that night of rodeo.

    Among the first responders in the crowd at the rodeo are some extra-special guests.

    Several French firefighters will be in attendance.

    They are interns at fire stations in the area, part of programs at fire departments in Overland Park, Shawnee, Leawood and Olathe.

    For the past 25 years, students from the IUT Bordeaux University in France have come to the United States, spending ten weeks in internships at various fire departments. Of the last 25 years, the Overland Park Fire Department has hosted interns 23 years, said Keith Murry, captain of the Overland Park F.D. Station No. 2 and coordinator for the interns.

    The French students learn about the U.S. fire service as they learn English, going on calls with firefighters.

    While they’re in the U.S., they take in the culture of the area. Murry tells the students to research the area and decide what they’d like to see and do. “The students that come to us say we want to see a rodeo,” he said. Murry, members of the Overland Park Fire Dept. and the students visit the Shrine Rodeo.

    They love it, he said. Last year, the French students took selfies with the rodeo queen. “They thought they were royalty,” Murry said.

    Murry appreciates the free admittance and recognition given to the first responders and military. “Sometimes this job can be depressing, with the calls we make. It’s comforting to find out that people really do care. It’s cool to see the outpouring of generosity people extend to us.”

    The Shrine Rodeo and Demo Derby is held in Tonganoxie at the Leavenworth County Fairgrounds on May 24-26, with rodeo action on May 24-25 and the demo derby on May 26.

    Tickets are $15 for adults for both events. Children’s tickets are good for the nights of rodeo only and are $5.  Tickets can be purchased online at www.ShrineRodeo.com, at Brothers Market in Tonganoxie, and at the gate. For more information, visit the website or call 913.352.6300.

  • Figuring It Out

    Figuring It Out

    Nebraska cowboy manages diabetes, takes it in stride.

    Atkinson, Neb.  (May 21, 2018) –  At a young age, Jade Buss has learned how to manage his health.

    It’s something the seventeen-year-old has been forced to learn, because he was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes four years ago.

    When he was thirteen, the Atkinson youth, a high school rodeo athlete, lost half of his bodyweight and spent two weeks at the hospital in Omaha, as doctors figured out what was wrong.

    But the cowboy has taken it in stride. He doesn’t wear an insulin pump, as it would get in the way as he competes in high school wrestling. He gives himself insulin shots every time he eats and at bedtime, and monitors his glucose levels himself as he competes in rodeo and wrestling.

    Buss, who just finished his junior year at West Holt High School, is a team roper and tie-down roper in rodeo and wrestles in the heavyweight class. His parents, Jim and Sharlene, both competed in rodeo but Jade loves wrestling more than rodeo. He placed sixth at state in Class D in 2016 and fifth last year. The individuality of the sport appeals to him. “It’s all on yourself,” he said. “It’s how much work you put into it. With rodeo, it’s what steer you draw, and your horse, but with wrestling, it’s how well you prepare for it.”

    Buss, who is naturally quiet and reticent, handles diabetes with aplomb. “It was tough to learn but after a while it’s no different than anything else,” he said. “There’s no way around it, really. You learn how to live with it.”

    His mom has learned to pack food for him, for wherever he goes. When the family is moving cattle on their ranch, she’ll see Jade start to sweat, a possible sign of low blood sugar. “I’ll say, ‘need a sandwich?’ and he’ll say, ‘if you have one.’ He’s pretty well accepted the whole deal.”

    One learning curve they faced was when he began to wrestle. To make weight, wrestlers don’t eat much before competing and Sharlene never thought that Jade wouldn’t have breakfast before a meet. “We learned to pack our own meals,” she said.

     

    He loves to hunt and fish, and would love to wrestle collegiately if given the chance. He’d like to come back to Nebraska to ranch someday, he thinks. “I doubt I change my mind, but I could be wrong.”

    Jade’s responsibility for his blood glucose levels and insulin shots have made him mature beyond his years, Sharlene said. “At this age, he’s out and about and I don’t get to be with him for every meal” to monitor his health. “With this disease, you learn to grow up real quick.”

    Jade has three younger brothers: Cale, twelve, Cort, ten, and Reid, seven, and a younger sister, Brett, who is Reid’s twin.

    He has competed at the high school state finals the last two years. He competes in 4-H rodeo and team ropes with his dad at regional rodeos. Jade is a member of the National Honor Society and president of his local 4-H chapter.

    The Nebraska High School Finals Rodeo will be held in Hastings at the Adams Co. Fairgrounds June 14-16. Tickets are $7 for everyone ages five and up and are available through the office and at the gate. For more information, visit AdamsCountyFairgrounds.com or hsrodeo-nebraska.com, or call 402.462.3247.

  • PBR to Produce CBR 2018 World Championship and New PBR Event at Cheyenne Frontier Days, July 23-24

    PBR to Produce CBR 2018 World Championship and New PBR Event at Cheyenne Frontier Days, July 23-24

    Successful CBR Bull Team Challenge to Integrate with PBR Events

    Pueblo, Colo (May 2, 2018) – As part of a multi-year agreement with Championship Bull Riding (CBR), Professional Bull Riders (PBR) will produce and stream on RidePass the final CBR Championship event on July 24.

    Moving forward, at select PBR events, PBR will exclusively host the CBR Bull Team Challenge, a successful bull team competition among stock contractors in which teams of three bulls compete against other teams. PBR is also actively exploring the sanctioning of historical CBR events as PBR sanctioned events.

    Additionally, PBR is entering a deal with Cheyenne Frontier Days (CFD) to produce the iconic event in 2018. In future years, the world’s largest outdoor rodeo and Western celebration, featuring a purse of more than $1 million in cash and prizes, is intended to become a PBR sanctioned event.

    In addition to the CBR Championship event on one of the CFD performance days, PBR will produce a new Touring Pro Division event at Cheyenne Frontier Days on July 23. This will mark the first and only time in history that top CBR and PBR riders will compete head-to-head. Both events will be brought to fans live on RidePass, the new western sports digital network.

    Thirty of the top PBR riders will compete in the July 23 long round and 15 in the championship round for PBR world points. Thirty of the top CBR riders will also compete on July 24, in the same long round/short round format as Monday night. The event aggregate will be paid based on the final scores among all 60 riders over both days of competition.

    PBR, which had produced Cheyenne Frontier Days from 2001-2010, will bring its award-winning production and the world’s top bull riders and bulls to the iconic rodeo.  Flint Rasmussen, official entertainer of the PBR, will serve as on-the-dirt master of ceremonies. In addition to the RidePass stream, PBR will help market and promote the event through its online, social and marketing channels.

    “Championship Bull Riding is excited about our partnership with PBR and Cheyenne Frontier Days. This event will bring together the very best bull riders in the world and the top 30 CBR Bull Teams for two fantastic nights at ‘The Daddy of ‘em All’,” said Wes Bruce, Chairman and CEO of Championship Bull Riding.

    “PBR is thrilled to be back in business with this truly iconic rodeo as the world’s best bull riders and bulls compete in Cheyenne for a $100,000 purse,” said Sean Gleason, CEO, PBR. “Cheyenne Frontier Days, one of the year’s must-attend events celebrating our western heritage, will also be an important programming component of RidePass, our western sports digital network.”

    “We are excited to be associated with the Professional Bull Riders, the leader and innovator in bull riding production and entertainment,” said Tom Hirsig, CEO, CFD.

    Since 1897, Cheyenne has celebrated its Old West roots with this eye-popping festival. The centerpiece of this Western celebration is the world’s largest outdoor rodeo, which draws top professionals who compete for more than $1 million in cash and prizes. Complementing the daily rodeo action are behind-the-chutes tours, trick riding and a wild-horse race. A Native American Village, an old frontier town, a saloon, dancing, a chuck wagon cook-off, pancake breakfasts and an art show carry through the frontier theme. Rounding out the program are a carnival midway, an air show, top-name entertainment, professional bull riding shows and several parades that include antique carriages and automobiles. Cheyenne Frontier Days takes place each summer during the last full week in July.

    Known for its fast pace and large number of contestants, Cheyenne’s rodeo ensures visitors see more rodeo action than they can see anywhere else. CFD has received the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) Large Outdoor Rodeo of The Year award sixteen times.

    Night show ticket prices range from $29 to $71, with daily rodeo tickets costing $20 to $35. A $3 discount is offered on rodeo tickets purchased before July 1.

    Fans can upgrade to a Frontier Nights® Fast Pass for early admission to the Party Zone, a voucher for best-available same-day rodeo tickets and a souvenir rodeo program. For a full events schedule and profiles of musical acts, go to www.cfdrodeo.com.

    All tickets are on sale now at www.cfdrodeo.com or by calling 800 227 6336.

    2018 Cheyenne Frontier Days™ Entertainment Schedule

    July 20: Florida Georgia Line with Michael Ray

    July 21: Cole Swindell with Chase Rice and Morgan Evans

    July 22: Charlie Daniels Band with Tracy Lawrence

    July 23:  PBR Cheyenne Frontier Days

    July 24: Championship Bull Riding – World Finals 2018 – The Road to Cheyenne

    July 25: Eric Church with Cam

    July 26: Nickelback with Pop Evil

    July 27: Toby Keith with Bobby Bones & The Raging Idiots and Ned LeDoux

    July 28: Dierks Bentley with Kip Moore

    July 21 – 29:      PRCA Rodeo action

    About the PBR (Professional Bull Riders)

    The world’s premier bull riding organization began as a dream of 20 bull riders 25 years ago and now operates in five countries. On its elite tour, the organization features the top 35 bull riders in the world and the top bulls in the business. The televised 25th PBR: Unleash The Beast, along with the PBR Real Time Pain Relief Velocity Tour (RVT), the PBR Touring Pro Division (TPD) and the PBR’s international circuits in Australia, Brazil, Canada and Mexico have paid nearly $184 million in earnings to its athletes. Thirty bull riders have earned more than $1 million, including two-time PBR World Champion J.B. Mauney who is the top-earning athlete in Western sports history with more than $7.2 million in career earnings. PBR is part of the Endeavor (formerly WME | IMG) network. For more information on the PBR, go to PBR.com, or follow on Facebook at Facebook.com/PBR, Instagram at Instagram.com/PBR, and YouTube at YouTube.com/PBR.

    For more information, contact:

    PBR Andrew Giangola, 646-871-2402, andrew.giangola@img.com