ProRodeo Sports News - April 12, 2024

Yates

Hall Bound

Mr. T

Stone

McRae

Arnold

Day

Andrews

Six-time Bareback World Champ Kaycee Feild tops 2024 Class

Diefenbach

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WORN & RAISED TO WIN.

RYDER WRIGHT 2X WORLD CHAMPION

WRANGLER.COM

CONTENTS

APRIL 12, 2024 VOLUME 72, NO. 8

Stampede 4-6. The field was stacked with world champions as they went head-to-head for their share of the $163,111 purse. 30 Contestants ventured west for the High Desert Stam pede in Redmond, Ore., April

Bullfighter Logan Blasdell steps in to protect Jake Lockwood after his 86-point ride on Corey & Lange Rodeo’s Hulk at the High Desert Stampede.

Roseanna Sales photo

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INSIDE

6 Manager’s Message 8 Hot Takes 10 Grille 16 Social Media 20 World Standings 22 Short Round

RODEOS 30 Redmond, Ore.

COVER

Yates

Hall Bound

Mr. T

Stone

Photo courtesy Denver Broncos Karl Mecklenburg, a member of the Denver Broncos Ring of Fame, will speak at the ProRodeo Hall of Fame May 16. An Evening with Mecklenburg Karl Mecklenburg will be the featured speaker at the ProRodeo Hall of Fame’s 2024 Spring Sports Fundraiser May 16 in Colorado Springs, Colo. The evening will include a live auction, dinner, dessert and cocktails. 36

McRae

Arnold

RODEOS Andrews

Day

Six-time Bareback World Champ Kaycee Feild tops 2024 Class

Diefenbach

Six-time world champion bareback rider Kaycee Feild highlights the class of 2024 inductees into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame.

ProRodeo Sports News PRCA CEO Tom Glause MANAGER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND MEDIA

PRORODEO SPORTS NEWS (ISSN 0161-5815; USPS 469-620) is published semimonthly by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, 101 Pro Rodeo Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80919-4301. PERIODICALS postage paid at Colorado Springs, Colo. , and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to ProRodeo Sports News , P. O. Box 469025, Escondido, CA 92046. Subscription rate: $45 for one year, 12 issues. Disclaimer: The ProRodeo Sports News carries advertising as a service to PRCA members and PSN readers. However, publication of advertisements in the PSN does not in any way, whether expressed or implied, commit the PSN to guarantee or warrant any of the merchandise or livestock advertised.

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Click Thompson photo

ONLINE: For more ProRodeo events and full results, go to prorodeo.com

Tracy Renck PSN EDITOR & DIGITAL MEDIA SPECIALIST Tanner Barth PRCA ART DIRECTOR Stephen Olver SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER Jessica Butterly

Colorado Springs, CO 80919 ©2024, PRCA Properties Inc. , a

marketing service and subsidiary of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, including photocopy, recording, or any information retrieval system, without permission in writing from PRCA Properties Inc.

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MANAGER’S MESSAGE TRACY RENCK

Tracy Renck is the Manager of Communications and Media. He previously served three years as the editor of the ProRodeo Sports News , and before that he spent seven years as a media coordinator at the PRCA. He has three decades of experience in sports journalism with the last decade consumed by ProRodeo.

Emotion evident with HOF phone calls O n April 8, it seemed like a just another normal day at PRCA headquarters. Maybe that’s a stretch. After all, that was the day of the much-anticipated Solar Eclipse. Shortly after the eclipse happened the sun shined bright on some cowboys. That’s because calls were made from the PRCA to notify the members of the 2024 ProRodeo Hall of Fame class. The reactions were great – it was raw emotion at its finest. Take a new inductee like Art Arnold, a 1968 RCA World Champion Team Roper. Dan Hubbell photo Mr. T of Burns Rodeo Company takes a break in the pen in 1990. The 1986 PRCA Bull of the Year and Bull of the NFR in 1986 and 1989, is being inducted into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame on July 13.

Imagine though if you’re Arnold – six-plus decades after competing in the inaugural 1959 NFR you receive a random phone call with a 719-area code giving you life-changing news. In a matter of moments, he went from believing he was one of the best team ropers of all time to being immortalized in the ProRodeo Hall of Fame. It would make anybody’s heart race at rocket speed. Beyond the reactions from the newest members of the Hall, the coolest thing is doing deep dives on the careers of the new members – like rank bull Mr. T of Burns Rodeo Company. This Mr. T didn’t work with the characters from the action adventure TV show from the 1980s – the A-Team – he was the A-Team all by himself. He bucked off the likes of ProRodeo Hall of Famers – the late great Lane Frost and Jim Sharp and he put Burns Rodeo Company – based in Laramie, Wyo. and run by Pete Burns and his father Hal Burns on the map. While trying to track down photos of the new Hall members, I came across this gem accompanying this story. The photo was taken by Dan Hubbell in 1990. What was written on the back of the photo says it all – “Mr. T.” A Legend! Now, he is a ProRodeo Hall of Famer. Congratulations to all the 2024 ProRodeo Hall of Fame inductees. April 8 is a day they will never forget and now they and their families can look forward to making even more lifetime memories July 12-13 at the ProRodeo Hall of Fame.

After the news was delivered that he was chosen for induction into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame in Colorado Springs, Colo., on July 13, this is what was heard on the other end of the phone line: “Oh, my God!” Which Arnold replied. “My wife just heard that (news).” The caller said he hoped Arnold would be able to attend the ProRodeo Hall of Fame festivities on July 12-13 in person. “We will sure make every effort to do that,” Arnold said. His wife quickly responded, “We are going to be there.” The reaction from his wife magnified what the honor meant. Arnold competed at the inaugural 1959 National Finals Rodeo – and he likely thought he would never receive this call. Arnold competed at the NFR in 1959-63 and 1965-68 and 1970 – all as a header except for 1962 as a heeler.

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Rodeo Intel

“Having a little knowledge of what your calf does prior can be beneficial, but at the same time you can’t make too many plans because they’ve got a mind of their own. Sometimes you’ve just got to react and go from there. Luckily, I just kind of got a good start on her before

A little video intel and a quick phone call helped Beau Cooper to victory in Redmond, Ore. The Stettler, Alberta, cowboy replayed fellow tie down roper Ty Harris’ run during a first-go performance at the High Desert Stampede. Cooper called Harris to talk about the run as he was paired with the same calf. It paid off as Cooper finished in 7.8 seconds to win and earn a $4,355 paycheck.

she got over there and that was it.”

NEXT ON TAP SAN ANGELO STOCK SHOW & RODEO Where: San Angelo, Texas When: April 12-20 Broadcast Schedule: The San Angelo Stock Show & Rodeo will be broadcast on The Cowboy Channel and stream live on the PRCA on The Cowboy Channel Plus App, April 12-20. MIDWEST HORSE FAIR & RODEO Where: Madison, Wis. When: April 19-20 Broadcast Schedule: The Midwest Horse Fair & Rodeo will stream live on the PRCA on The Cowboy Channel Plus App, April 19-20. RED BLUFF ROUND-UP Where: Red Bluff, Calif. When: April 19-21 Broadcast Schedule: The Red Bluff Round-Up will be broadcast on The Cowboy Channel and stream live on the PRCA on The Cowboy Channel Plus App, April 19-21. * Broadcasts are subject to change. For complete broadcast schedule visit https://bitly.ws/3hK9m

HOT TAKES

In the Hunt The end of March and beginning of April has been just what the doctor ordered for saddle bronc rider Sterling Crawley. The 32-year-old picked up back-to-back wins in his home state of Texas at the Walker County Fair & Pro Rodeo and ABC Pro Rodeo in Levelland. As of April 9, Crawley is 19th in the 2024 PRCA | RAM World Standings with $28,080 earned. David Seymore photo Sterling Crawley and Beutler & Son Rodeo’s No Show Jones combined for 85.5 points to win the ABC Pro Rodeo in Level land, Texas, April 6.

162 $16,958,073 MONEY WON BY COWBOYS IN THE 2024 SEASON NUMBER OF PRCA-SANCTIONED RODEOS IN THE 2024 SEASON AS OF APRIL 9

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COWBOY GRILLE WITH TANNER BARTH

How’d you get your start in rodeo? Wyatt: My parents rodeoed when they were younger, and it was something that my brother and I were always around. So, it made it a pretty easy decision for us to rodeo as well. When did you know you could make a career out of rodeo? Wyatt: I had always kind of wanted to do it as a career. I had a cutting horse given to me when I was 18 that I could take and make a roping horse. I finally started picking up heeling and decided I wanted to be a heeler in rodeo. I figured one day I’d either be famous or broke. Why did you decide team roping would be your event? Wyatt: I think I chose team roping because as far as timed events go in rodeo, it’s the least expensive. To find a good bulldogging or calf roping horse it’s going to cost you some money. You can usually make a good team roping horse if you put enough work in. Did you do any other rodeo events growing up? Wyatt: I used to calf rope, but my calf roping horse got old on me. I still had a couple younger team roping horses, so that’s just the direction we went. Plus, there aren’t many calf ropings around the house in Utah. What’s one rodeo you want to win in your career? Wyatt: I would probably have to say winning Reno (Nev.) would be near the top of the list for me. I grew up in Las Vegas and always liked watching that rodeo when I was younger. It’s a pretty awesome rodeo. Why did you decide to get your PRCA card this season? Wyatt: My brother and I just kind of amateur rodeoed forever. I’ve had a full-time job ever since I was 16. So, I always stayed busy working. Then I became better and better at roping to where it was time to try it before I got too old. So, we just kept going down the road. What do you hope to learn during your Resistol Rookie season? Wyatt: I’m hoping to get better at my riding position on different types of cattle. I hope that allows me to become a better overall horseman as well. Who’s someone you look up to in the rodeo business right now? Wyatt Thomas, 28, had his ProRodeo career start a little later than most. Thomas and his brother Casey spent most of their time at amateur rodeos. Now, the Cedar City, Utah, team roping heeler is making his name known on the rodeo trail. He pocketed $6,051 at La Fiesta de los Vaqueros in Tucson, Ariz., in February. Thomas currently leads the Resistol Rookie of the Year race with $11,641 earned so far in 2024.

WYATT THOMAS

Wyatt: I really love watching Jake Long and Clint Summers rope. They came to Cedar City last year before Mona (Utah) and we do ropings every Wednesday. They asked if they could come practice afterwards and I got to know them both a little bit. They are probably two of my favorite guys going down the road. What’s your favorite movie? Wyatt: I’d probably have to go with The Blind Side , that would at least be one of my top picks for sure. What’s your go-to restaurant before or after a rodeo? Wyatt: It depends how much food we want. We can either go with something quick like McDonalds or go to a place like Chili’s. What’s the first vehicle you drove? Wyatt: It was a 1997 Dodge RAM 3500. I think by the time I got rid of it, it probably had 240,000 miles on it. What do you enjoy doing when you’re not rodeoing? Wyatt: I really love ranching when I have time. Just being out there riding a horse and chasing cows is what I really like to do.

What’s your favorite holiday? Wyatt: I’d probably have to go with St. Patrick’s Day because I’m red headed. So, everybody thinks I’m Irish. It’s pretty funny honestly. What type of music do you like listening to? Wyatt: It just depends on what we are doing. If we are out cowboying it is probably country music. If we need to get pumped up it’s probably rap or hip-hop or even a little rock. I listen to all sorts of music.

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WORD SEARCH TRY YOUR LUCK

ANSWERS ON PAGE 54

Find the winners from the Clovis (Calif.) Rodeo and the Redding (Calif.) Rodeo in 2023. Cowboys or cowgirls who won more than one event at both rodeos appear once for each win. Names may be forward, backward, horizontal, vertical, or diagonal. California Dreamin’

CUJZPPJACSXTTVRZEFFPU FLOMZYZBZKKQHRDRPAMNC SWAZCKKCBSAYGJHEACERG MELYEXSXXEBRI SVUUWTEI XNNZTZYAVKWXRMORPXKMA YDLQLOCRYVDYWATCFZXL J JAXLSANHZRGUE I FDBDQZZ S JONI EABOHXSSLVNBOSZT TOWGXMMF I IKCSL I BORPKT EHVI IOHPDGATE IQREQZBV TNWLPS SKGSLNJWBDUGTTE S STRAWETSYDOCNNE IRPVH OONS JWE I JWMXWAXPNZWPR NNSRPTDHEXQPEDP JQVMBZ WOJOFYRGNITNUBYEL IMDV RPDBRP J J SHANEHANCHEYZ IUJMCOZMNLYTEAKXOYVOI GBSNDPTAACLQSOBXI SVCA HGLYSETKTDOYVCFQTLNHA TBCLDIRSZXRPCTJKWNGRT AYYKGTBZRHXNZFQPQASWU

1. Find the winners from Clovis, Calif.: BB: Clayton Biglow SW: Kalane Anders TR: Jr. Dees/Ross Ashford SB: Jesse Wright

TD: Shane Hanchey GB: Wenda Johnson BR: Stetson Wright

2. Find the winners from Redding, Calif.: BB: Ty Pope SW: Curtis Cassidy TR: Dan Williams Jr./Cody Stewart SB: Q Taylor TD: Riley Webb GB: Miley Bunting BR: Ky Hamilton

Dynamic Duo

Bull rider Ky Hamilton shines at NFR & Stetson Wright wins fifth all-around title

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Proud sponsor of NFR Playo Series, National Finals Rodeo, and Xtreme Bulls Tour Finale

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HAUL IN A DAY’S WORK

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Meet your next ranch hand at o road.polaris.com

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SOCIAL MEDIA SPOTLIGHT

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SOCIAL MEDIA SPOTLIGHT

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2024 PRCA RAM WORLD STANDINGS

Official as of April 11, 2024. For the 2024 season (Oct. 1, 2023-Sept. 30, 2024), official rodeo limits are as follows: all-around, 70; bareback riding, 100; steer wrestling, 80; team roping, 80; saddle bronc riding, 100; tie-down roping, 80; barrel racing, 100; breakaway roping,100; and bull riding, 125. Bull riders can count Xtreme Bulls events toward the PRCA World Standings, but not toward the all-around standings.

ALL-AROUND 1. Marcus Theriot, Lumberton, Miss. .................. $40,550 2. Brushton Minton, Witter Springs, Calif. ............ 27,031 3. Wacey Schalla, Arapaho, Okla. .......................... 20,348 4. Paden Bray, Stephenville, Texas ........................ 19,608 5. Bart Brunson, Terry, Miss. ................................ 17,800 6. Bodie Mattson, Sturgis, S.D. ............................. 17,221 7. Tanner Green, Cotulla, Texas ............................. 16,740 8. Zane Kilgus, Pyror, Okla. ................................... 16,031 9. Luke Gee, Stanford, Mont. ................................. 15,863 10. Slade Wood, New Ulm, Texas .......................... 14,625 11. Chet Weitz, London, Texas .............................. 11,298 12. Seth Peterson, Wellington, Colo. ..................... 10,347 13. Scot Brown, Mount Joy, Pa. ............................ 10,155 14. Stetson Wright, Beaver, Utah ............................ 9,984 15. Zmann Zamora, Okeechobee, Fla. ..................... 9,915 16. Paul Tierney, Oklahoma City, Okla. .................... 9,215 17. Cole Eiguren, Fruitland, Idaho ........................... 8,580 BAREBACK RIDING 1. Leighton Berry, Weatherford, Texas ................ $77,139 2. Garrett Shadbolt, Merriman, Neb. ...................... 61,764 3. Rocker Steiner, Weatherford, Texas .................. 60,196 4. Cooper Cooke, Victor, Idaho .............................. 58,862 5. Keenan Hayes, Hayden, Colo. ........................... 58,208 6. Tanner Aus, Granite Falls, Minn. ........................ 54,420 7. Taylor Broussard, Estherwood, La. .................... 53,840 8. Dean Thompson, Altamont, Utah ...................... 50,621 9. Bradlee Miller, Huntsville, Texas ........................ 42,506 10. Cole Franks, Clarendon, Texas ......................... 40,434 11. Sam Petersen, Helena, Mont. .......................... 34,276 12. Cole Reiner, Buffalo, Wyo. ............................... 33,586 13. Weston Timberman, Columbus, Mont. ........... 31,590 14. Nick Pelke, Mondovi, Wis. .............................. 30,276 15. Clayton Biglow, Clements, Calif. ...................... 29,163 16. Kade Sonnier, Carencro, La. ............................ 28,531 17. Clint Laye, Cadogan, Alberta ........................... 27,808 18. Jacob Lees, Caldwell, Idaho ............................ 26,736 19. Waylon Bourgeois, Church Point, La. .............. 26,467 20. Mason Stuller, Veneta, Ore. ............................. 25,868 STEER WRESTLING 1. Dakota Eldridge, Elko, Nev. ............................. $60,474 2. Dalton Massey, Hermiston, Ore. ........................ 50,256 3. Will Lummus, Byhalia, Miss. ............................. 45,766 4. Stetson Jorgensen, Blackfoot, Idaho ................. 44,987 5. Jacob Talley, Keatchie, La. ................................. 40,844 6. J.D. Struxness, Milan, Minn. ............................. 40,033 7. Tyler Pearson, Atoka, Okla. ............................... 38,565 8. Tanner Brunner, Ramona, Kan. .......................... 38,460 9. Walt Arnold, Coleman, Texas ............................. 34,502 10. Tucker Allen, Ventura, Calif. ............................. 33,156 11. Stephen Culling, Fort St. John, B.C. ................ 31,991 12. Ty Erickson, Helena, Mont. .............................. 31,262 13. Travis Munro, Townsville, Australia ................. 26,518 14. Don Payne, Stephenville, Texas ....................... 25,658 15. Kyle Irwin, Robertsdale, Ala. ........................... 25,377 16. Justin Shaffer, Hallsville, Texas ....................... 24,623 17. Cash Robb, Altamont, Utah ............................. 21,513 18. Riley Duvall, Checotah, Okla. ........................... 20,172 19. Tyler Waguespack, Gonzales, La. .................... 20,158 20. Tristan Martin, Sulphur, La. ............................. 19,010 TEAM ROPING (HEADER) 1. J.C. Yeahquo, Mandaree, N.D. ......................... $65,674 2. Clint Summers, Lake City, Fla. ........................... 60,572 3. Dustin Egusquiza, Marianna, Fla. ...................... 50,885 4. Kaleb Driggers, Hoboken, Ga. ........................... 46,107 5. Andrew Ward, Edmond, Okla. ........................... 43,869 6. Derrick Begay, Seba Dalkai, Ariz. ....................... 36,271 7. Clay Smith, Broken Bow, Okla. .......................... 35,318 8. Jake Smith, Broken Bow, Okla. ......................... 35,057 9. Marcus Theriot, Lumberton, Miss. .................... 34,416 10. Jake Clay, Sapulpa, Okla. ................................. 32,968 11. Cody Snow, Los Olivos, Calif. .......................... 32,384 12. Tyler Wade, Terrell, Texas ................................ 29,349 13. Lightning Aguilera, Athens, Texas ................... 27,025 14. Coleman Proctor, Pryor, Okla. ......................... 25,810 15. Brenten Hall, Jay, Okla. .................................... 25,235

16. Bradley Massey, Perry, Fla. ............................. 22,762 17. Brady Tryan, Huntley, Mont. ............................ 22,403 18. Cory Kidd V, Statesville, N.C. .......................... 22,312 19. Aaron Tsinigine, Tuba City, Ariz. ...................... 20,292 20. Cash Duty, Weimar, Texas ............................... 19,269 TEAM ROPING (HEELER) 1. Buddy Hawkins II, Stephenville, Texas ............ $70,240 2. Jake Long, Coffeyville, Kan. .............................. 64,009 3. Levi Lord, Sturgis, S.D. ..................................... 50,885 4. Coleby Payne, Stephenville, Texas ..................... 45,318 5. Junior Nogueira, Pres. Prudente, Brazil ............. 39,241 6. Colter Todd, Willcox, Ariz. ................................. 36,271 7. Douglas Rich, Herrick, Ill. .................................. 35,057 8. Cole Curry, Liberty, Miss. .................................. 34,416 9. Hunter Koch, Vernon, Texas .............................. 34,395 10. Trey Yates, Pueblo, Colo. ................................. 32,968 11. Kaden Profili, Jacksonville, Texas .................... 29,897 12. Wesley Thorp, Throckmorton, Texas ............... 29,349 13. Ross Ashford, Lott, Texas ............................... 25,896 14. Logan Medlin, Tatum, N.M. ............................. 25,810 15. Tanner Braden, Dewey, Okla. ........................... 25,686 16. Sid Sporer, Cody, Wyo. ................................... 25,026 17. Zack Mabry, Piedmont, Ala. ............................. 23,459 18. Jonathan Torres, Ocala, Fla. ............................ 21,789 19. Clay Futrell, Union Grove, N.C. ........................ 21,312 20. Ryan Motes, Weatherford, Texas ..................... 21,017 SADDLE BRONC RIDING 1. Damian Brennan, Injune, Australia ................ $118,226 2. Statler Wright, Beaver, Utah .............................. 67,393 3. Lefty Holman, Visalia, Calif. ............................... 65,360 4. Wyatt Casper, Miami, Texas ............................... 59,130 5. Logan Hay, Wildwood, Alberta .......................... 49,493 6. Cole Elshere, Faith, S.D. .................................... 49,252 7. Brody Cress, Hillsdale, Wyo. ............................. 45,025 8. Logan Cook, Alto, Texas .................................... 43,331 9. Ryder Wright, Beaver, Utah ............................... 43,129 10. Parker Fleet, Axtell, Texas ................................ 40,042 11. Sage Newman, Melstone, Mont. ...................... 39,719 12. Zeke Thurston, Big Valley, Alberta ................... 37,250 13. Kade Bruno, Challis, Idaho .............................. 36,568 14. Ryder Sanford, Sulphur, La. ............................ 36,376 15. Kolby Wanchuk, Sherwood Park, Alberta ........ 32,230 16. Ben Andersen, Eckville, Alberta ....................... 30,632 17. Brody Wells, Powell, Wyo. .............................. 30,471 18. Lucas Macza, High River, Alberta .................... 29,426 19. Sterling Crawley, Stephenville, Texas .............. 28,080 20. Trent Burd, Madison, Kan. .............................. 25,025 TIE-DOWN ROPING 1. Shad Mayfield, Clovis, N.M. .......................... $107,379 2. Ty Harris, San Angelo, Texas ............................. 77,116 3. Riley Webb, Denton, Texas ................................ 51,046 4. John Douch, Huntsville, Texas ........................... 50,145 5. Joel Braden Harris, San Angelo, Texas .............. 46,728 6. Tuf Cooper, Decatur, Texas ................................ 41,040 7. Haven Meged, Miles City, Mont. ........................ 35,552 8. Marty Yates, Stephenville, Texas ....................... 34,182 9. Chance Thiessen, Elk City, Okla. ........................ 33,389 10. Brushton Minton, Witter Springs, Calif. ........... 30,832 11. Westyn Hughes, Caldwell, Texas ..................... 30,421 12. Macon Murphy, Keatchie, La. .......................... 28,018 13. Kincade Henry, Mount Pleasant, Texas ............ 26,413 14. Trevor Hale, Perryton, Texas ............................ 22,832 15. Blane Cox, Stephenville, Texas ........................ 22,688 16. Quade Hiatt, Canyon, Texas ............................. 22,666 17. Bryce Derrer, Portales, N.M. ............................ 21,871 18. Tom Crouse, Gallatin, Mo. ............................... 21,529 19. Sterling Smith, Stephenville, Texas .................. 19,289 20. Cole Walker, Sparta, Tenn. ............................... 19,110 STEER ROPING 1. Cole Patterson, Pawnee, Okla. ........................ $34,336 2. Vin Fisher Jr., Andrews, Texas ........................... 24,445 3. Scott Snedecor, Fredericksburg, Texas .............. 22,570 4. Slade Wood, New Ulm, Texas ............................ 20,262 5. Cody Lee, Gatesville, Texas ................................ 19,488 6. John Bland, Okarche, Okla. ............................... 18,983

7. J. Tom Fisher, Andrews, Texas ........................... 18,507 8. Jess Tierney, Hermosa, S.D. .............................. 18,419 9. Kyle Cauthorn, Poetry, Texas ............................. 16,322 10. Clay Long, Stephenville, Texas ......................... 14,545 11. Duck Benson, Colfax, Wash. ........................... 14,535 12. Brodie Poppino, Big Cabin, Okla. ..................... 13,634 13. Rocky Patterson, Pratt, Kan. ............................ 12,445 14. Garrett Hale, Snyder, Texas ............................. 12,132 15. Cooper Mills, Saint John, Wash. ...................... 11,768 16. Chad Mathis, Morristown, Ariz. ....................... 11,010 17. Ryan Willberg, Lott, Texas .............................. 11,006 18. Dalton Walker, Clyde, Texas ............................ 10,537 19. John Clark, Pecos, Texas .................................. 9,031 20. Doug Pharr, Mount Calm, Texas ....................... 8,531 BULL RIDING 1. Creek Young, Rogersville, Mo. ...................... $101,649 2. Clayton Sellars, Wildwood, Fla. ......................... 75,683 3. Luke Mast, Hutchinson, Kan. ............................. 53,230 4. Jace Trosclair, Chauvin, La. ............................... 50,688 5. Roscoe Jarboe, New Plymouth, Idaho ............... 49,174 6. Cody Teel, Bryan, Texas ..................................... 48,336 7. Hayes Weight, Goshen, Utah ............................. 47,290 8. T.J. Gray, Dairy, Ore. .......................................... 45,793 9. Tristen Hutchings, Monteview, Idaho ................ 44,742 10. Brody Yeary, Morgan Mill, Texas ..................... 44,522 11. Chase Dougherty, Canby, Ore. ......................... 42,567 12. Dustin Boquet, Bourg, La. ............................... 41,324 13. Jeter Lawrence, Council Hill, Okla. .................. 39,473 14. Maverick Smith, Mountain Grove, Mo. ............ 37,766 15. Jake Lockwood, Volborg, Mont. ...................... 37,555 16. Tristan Mize, Bryan, Texas ............................... 37,022 17. Taylor Toves, Stephenville, Texas .................... 36,992 18. Mason Moody, Letcher, S.D. ........................... 35,846 19. Trey Kimzey, Strong City, Okla. ........................ 34,648 20. JR Stratford, Byers, Kan. ................................. 34,575 BARREL RACING 1. Leslie Smalygo, Skiatook, Okla. ...................... $68,074 2. Kassie Mowry, Dublin, Texas ............................ 55,660 3. Lisa Lockhart, Oelrichs, S.D. ............................. 51,617 4. Sara Winkelman, Big Lake, Minn. ...................... 41,159 5. Ashley Castleberry, Montgomery, Texas ............ 39,961 6. Hailey Kinsel, Cotulla, Texas .............................. 39,242 7. Abby Phillips, Marshall, Texas ........................... 38,856 8. Wenda Johnson, Pawhuska, Okla. ..................... 35,892 9. Sissy Winn, Chapman, Texas ............................ 34,275 10. Emily Beisel, Weatherford, Texas .................... 32,207 11. Taylor Carver, Broxton, Ga. ............................. 31,566 12. Preslie Reid, San Angelo, Texas ...................... 29,498 13. Jessica Routier, Buffalo, S.D. .......................... 29,086 14. Shelley Morgan, Eustace, Texas ...................... 28,557 15. Stevi Hillman, Granbury, Texas ........................ 26,861 16. Jodee Miller, Bellville, Texas ............................ 25,500 17. Katie Jo Halbert, Port Lavaca, Texas ................ 24,848 18. Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi, Lampasas, Texas ......... 23,955 19. S. Wolaver-Troyer, Ruidoso Downs, N.M. ....... 23,189 20. Jymmy Kay Cox, Ruidosa Downs, N.M. .......... 22,947 BREAKAWAY ROPING 1. Jackie Crawford, Stephenville, Texas ............... $77,662 2. Danielle Lowman, Gilbert, Ariz. ......................... 59,513 3. Taylor Munsell, Alva, Okla. ................................ 43,654 4. Shelby Boisjoli-Meged, Miles City, Mont. .......... 41,790 5. Rickie Fanning, Spearfish, S.D. ......................... 31,849 6. Maddy Deerman, Hope, N.M. ............................ 31,456 7. Macy Young, Wittmann, Ariz. ............................ 30,562 8. Willow Wilson, Baggs, Wyo. ............................. 26,706 9. TiAda Gray, Portales, N.M. ................................ 24,950 10. Tacy Webb, Midway, Texas .............................. 24,513 11. Jordan Jo Hollabaugh, Springtown, Texas ...... 23,590 12. Bradi Good, Abilene, Texas .............................. 23,576 13. Sarah Angelone, Lipan, Texas .......................... 21,695 14. Hali Williams, Comanche, Texas ...................... 20,418 15. Addie Weil, Commerce, Texas ......................... 20,262 16. Cassidy Boggs, Stephenville, Texas ................ 19,729 17. Martha Angelone, Stephenville, Texas ............. 19,486 18. Rylee A. George, Oakdale, Calif. ...................... 17,479 19. Braylee Shepherd, Fitzhugh, Okla..................... 17,324 20. Kendal Pierson, Wardlow, Alberta ................... 17,047

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The Best ProRodeo Cowboys and Cowgirls from the U.S. and Canadian Circuits, plus National Champs from Mexico are coming to Colorado Springs, Colorado July 9-13, 2024. With over $1 million in payouts, they’ll be riding to win. This is where champions and careers are made. The speed, the excitement... there’s no better place to be than the NFR Open at the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo.

H Bareback Riding H Breakaway Roping H Steer Wrestling H Team Roping

H Saddle Bronc Riding H Tie-down Roping H Barrel Racing H Bull Riding

Evening performances Tuesday through Saturday, matinee performances Friday and Saturday! Fan Zone fun before the Rodeo and the Coors Roadhouse Saloon afterward, with live music and dancing!

The 83rd Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo | NFR Open takes place at the Norris Penrose Event Center at 1045 Lower Gold Camp Road, Colorado Springs, CO 80905.

Copyright © Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo All rights reserved. © Photography by Brian Gauck

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SHORT ROUND

Durango Boots, PRCA introduce boot collaboration Historic

D urango Boots, a division of and largest professional rodeo-sanctioning body in the world, have come together to develop a collection of boots engineered for rodeo performance. After a much-awaited introduction, the PRCA Collection by Durango is available now at key retailers nationwide and online at prorodeo.com and durangoboots.com. “We are really excited about the PRCA collection by Durango. This is the first time Rocky Brands, Inc., and The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA), the oldest

(DDB0466); Whiskey Tobacco/Aqua (DDB0467); and Sand Tobacco/Cayenne (DDB0468). Sporting a cutter toe design, three new 13-inch Western styles featuring a 11/2-inch-long base riding heel and high-abrasion rubber heel lift include: Kango/Tobacco Rust (DDB0463); Nicotine/Burnt Sienna (DDB0464); and Goldenrod/Deep Teal (DDB0465). Rounding out the collection are four 13-inch square toe premium exotic styles with exquisite exotic leathers. Two caiman styles include: Black Stallion (DDB0470) and Cognac Cigar (DDB0471), and features a caiman belly foot, full-grain leather shaft, and caiman belly underlay in pull tabs. Midnight (DDB0469) and Antiqued Saddle (DDB0472) feature a full-quill ostrich foot, full-grain leather shaft and a full-quill ostrich underlay in pull tabs. Product MSRP range: $330-$655. Men’s sizes available are medium and wide 7-12, 13 and narrow width sizes 9-12.

the PRCA has ever licensed a boot product and it is a natural fit with Durango. The quality, finish and durability of these boots are second to none. These are boots our members and our fans will be proud to wear and our team is proud to associate with Durango on the release of this collection,” said Tom Glause, CEO of the PRCA. The first ProRodeo boot collaboration of its kind, the PRCA Collection by Durango features hand-crafted boots with superior comfort, premium leathers, and a low ground feel – tested and approved by world champion Team Durango athletes. Each boot is branded on the inside shaft and on the outsole with the PRCA ProRodeo logo and will be in brand new packaging. Silhouettes include square toe, cutter toe and exotics. Square toe styles with 13-inch full-grain leather square toe boots with a 11/4 stockman heel include: Chestnut/Black Eclipse

PRCA Executive Council election outcome Below are the results of the 2024 PRCA Executive Council Election: • Rodeo Committee Executive Council $10,000 or less – Steve Gander – Incumbent • Rodeo Committee Executive Council Representative - $50,000.01 or more – Tom Hirsig • Contract Personnel Executive Council – Announcers/Music Directors - Jesse Knudsen – Incumbent • Contract Personnel Executive Council – Clowns/Bullfighters – Robert “Blue” Jeanes - Incumbent • Saddle Bronc Representative – Bradley Harter – Incumbent • Steer Wrestling Representative – Riley Duvall • Steer Roping Executive Council Representative – Don Ed Eddleman • Rodeo Committee Executive Council Representative At Large – David Petty – Incumbent • Stock Contractor Executive Council Representative – Reno Rosser • Stock Contractor Executive Council Representative – Kirsten Vold The PRCA would like to thank those who took the time to vote in the election.

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ONLINE: For more ProRodeo events and full results, go to www.prorodeo.com

Legendary Pete Carr Pro Rodeo horse Big Tex passes away

BY THE NUMBERS 93 The score of the bareback ride registered by ProRodeo Hall of Famer Joe Alexander aboard Beutler Brothers & Cervi’s Marlboro in 1974 at Cheyenne Frontier Days. The ride is still the rodeo record. Alexander won five career PRCA Bareback Riding World Championships from 1971-75. 1961 The year the PRCA team roping finals were held in Santa Maria, Calif. That year Al Hooper was the team roping world champion with $6,346. 1975 The year J.D. Yates made PRCA history that still stands today. Yates, at 15 years, four months, became the youngest cowboy ever to qualify for the National Finals Rodeo. J.D., a header, partnered with his dad, Dick, at the ’75 NFR. The duo placed in five rounds, highlighted by winning Round 4 outright (6.6 seconds), Round 9 outright (6.2 seconds) and they split the Round 10 win in 6.6 seconds.

Big Tex was born to be a bucking horse on the Zinser Ranch in Michigan, but he was much more than that Most of his life, he was recognized as one of the elite broncs in ProRodeo. He was selected 17 times to perform at the National Finals Rodeo, a credit to his breeding and to the care he received. The 2010 Bareback Horse of the Year, Big Tex passed away last Tuesday on the Pete Carr Pro Rodeo ranch near Moscow, Texas. He was 24. He was the epitome of everything right in rodeo. Sired by the legendary stallion Night Jacket, Big Tex lived up to his heritage. He was the kind of horse the cowboys dreamed of riding, whether it was early in life under a bareback rigging or the last half in saddle bronc riding.” Wyatt Casper, a four-time NFR qualifier, was just one of many cowboys that loved drawing Big Tex, and several of them had the horse multiple times. PRCA World Champion Wade Sundell won both Houston and San Antonio on the athletic beast in consecutive years, registering 90-point rides both times. Dean Wadsworth finished second both times the two matched up. During his last out in Hempstead this past October, Big Tex bucked off a young cowboy, and Wadsworth was there to see it. The veteran bronc buster from Buffalo Gap, Texas, took note of just how much the animal loved his job. “One of the coolest things I saw was this year at Hempstead during the bareback riding,” he said. “Big Tex got himself in the load alley and was ready to go. He was just standing there waiting for his shot.” Billy Jones, the operations manager for Pete Carr Pro Rodeo, found the horse in the pasture Wednesday morning. He said Big Tex had a pretty typical routine along with the hundreds of other animals on the southeast Texas ranch. “It looked like he just laid down and died,”

Big Tex at 2020 NFR

PRCA ProRodeo file photo

Jones said.

Sometimes the tough guys just give out, and Big Tex was definitely tough, and he proved it a decade ago. While in Guthrie, Okla., for the RAM National Circuit Finals Rodeo, he began to show signs of colic. In his case, his colon was displaced and was between the spleen and the kidney. On-site veterinarians from the Oakridge Equine Hospital in Edmond, Okla., cared for the animal for 48 hours. Travis Adams was Carr’s operations manager at time, and he was there with the vets. The doctors performed a rolling maneuver in which Big Tex was lifted off the ground by his hind legs with a tractor to help release the colon off his spleen and kidney. While it worked, it failed to relieve the horse’s discomfort, so he was sent 45 miles north, where doctors with Oklahoma State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine surgically alleviated the blockage. Big Tex was expected to be out of action for four to six months, but veterinarians didn’t realize the animal’s make-up. Three months later, he was bucking in the championship round at the Cheyenne (Wyo.) Frontier Days Rodeo, and he was back in Las Vegas that December for the NFR.

New episode of NFR Extra Podcast available The newest episode of the NFR Extra podcast is now available. The podcast, which is hosted by Brilynn Bentley, Steve Goedert, and Andy Seiler, includes featured guest – PRCA CEO Tom Glause. Visit the link below for the podcast. https://www.nfrexperience.com/podcast/902c9a04-b9a3-4f4a-8abc-94e956c2a668

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SNAPSHOT

On Fire ProRodeo specialty act Rider Kiesner puts on a show for the fans at the Osage Bronc Days Xtreme Broncs in Pawhuska, Okla., April 6. – Terri Abrahamsen photo

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THE CHUTE BOSSES ... WITH TODD HELTON

VIDEO

The Todd-father speaks

Former Colorado Rockies superstar Todd Helton joins The Chute Bosses as the featured interview guest in Episode 8. Helton goes into detail about his historic MLB career and what it was like to get the National Baseball Hall of Fame induc tion call this January. He also talks about his relationship with the legendary Cervi family. The ProRodeo Hall of Fame Spotlight takes a look at 1995 inductee Ellen Backstrom and her rodeo secretary career. The show also brings in 20-year-old standout bareback rider Sam Petersen for the “Eight Questions With” segment.

KEEP UP WITH THE HERD!

To subscribe to the ProRodeo Sports News call 800.763.3648 or go to ProRodeo.com

Dynamic Duo

Bull rider Ky Hamilton shines at NFR & Stetson Wright wins fifth all-around title

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REDMOND, ORE.

Messier seizes rematch opportunity Return to Form BY ALEX RILEY, Special to ProRodeo Sports News HIGH DESERT STAMPEDE

I t was unintentional, but for Cameron Messier the gap between his last rodeo and the High Desert Stampede in Redmond, Ore., on April 5 was exactly what he needed. During the three-week space between his ride at the Lake Havasu Stampede in Arizona back in mid-March, personal matters back home took priority, allowing him to focus on more important things. Just before climbing in the chute at Redmond, Messier paid a visit to Nevada to help train some up-and-coming high school competitors. It gave him an opportunity to ride a few practice broncs before returning to action. From there, Messier came back and made a statement – nothing is slowing him down. The Herald, Calif., native shined in a rematch ride with Corey & Lange Rodeo’s Diamond Fever, a horse he previously faced in 2022, scoring 88 points to take the saddle bronc title at the High Desert Stampede. “I had that horse two years ago in Hermiston, Ore., and was 83.5 on it, so I kind of had an idea of how she should be. But she was actually outstanding today,” Messier said. “That’s a great little mare from Corey & Lange Rodeo, she’s been to the (Wrangler National Finals Rodeo) a couple times herself, so I was fortunate enough that she was having a good day, and I was having a good day and we just really matched up together and it worked out today.” The victory was the latest in a run of good rides to open the 2024 season. In December, Messier closed 2023 by placing third in the average at the RAM California Circuit Finals Rodeo. Once the calendar flipped, the momentum didn’t stop. Messier has competed in eight rodeos this year, coming away with some money at six of them, including a win in the third round at the National Western Stock Show and Rodeo in Denver back in January. Redmond was by far Messier’s biggest payday, earning him $4,512 and vaulting him to 41st in the PRCA | RAM World Standings with a little more than $15,600 thus far. The early success has been a boost of confidence for Messier as he continues to find his stride. Last May, he hit a bump when his saddle broke. Fortunately, his travel partner at the time, Justin Lawrence, allowed him to borrow a saddle, which Messier fell in love with. The loaner worked well, helping him to bring in more than $21,600, his second-highest year-end total since turning pro. “I was kind of bummed when I had to give it back,” Messier joked. “But, when I did give it back, I was fortunate enough to find one pretty alike and I jumped on it and set it up like the one that my buddy had. It’s been working really well for me and it kind of fits me really good and it fits my style really good.” With the saddle tuned in and a lot of positive outcomes on his side, the goal is to keep building momentum as the spring season continues. Redmond was certainly a big win, the first of what Messier hopes are more to come. “To kind of get a whooping on them guys early on, it gives me a little bit of confidence and will bump me up in the standings a little bit more than where I’m at right now,” Messier said. “I’m pretty excited and really excited to see what’s going to happen in the next couple weeks.”

TOP SCORES

TOP MONEY EARNER Luke Mast ($5,103, bull riding) BAREBACK RIDING

Mast

1. Garrett Shadbolt ................. 87.5 pts. 2. Taylor Broussard ....................... 82.5 (Tie) Orin Larsen ........................ 82.5 STEER WRESTLING 1. Levi Rudd ............................. 4.3 sec. 2. Cord Gomes ................................ 4.6 (Tie) Jace Melvin ......................... 4.6 TEAM ROPING 1. C. Eiguren/T. Eiguren ............ 5.3 sec. 2. T.C. Hammack/B. Minton ............. 5.4 3. H. Smith/J. Davis ......................... 5.5 (Tie) D. Williams Jr./C. Stewart .... 5.5 SADDLE BRONC RIDING 1. Cameron Messier ................... 88 pts. 2. Jake Clark .................................. 86.5 3. Damian Brennan ........................... 86 (Tie) Trent Burd ............................ 86 TIE-DOWN ROPING 1. Beau Cooper ......................... 7.8 sec. 2. Haven Meged ............................... 7.9 3. Zaine Mikita ................................. 8.4 BARREL RACING 1. Hayle Gibson .................... 16.32 sec. 2. Megan McLeod-Sprague ......... 16.44 3. Aysha Martin ........................... 16.58 BULL RIDING 1. Luke Mast ........................... 87.5 pts. 2. Jake Lockwood ............................. 86 3. Caleb McMillan ............................. 85

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Roseanna Sales photo

Saddle bronc rider Cameron Messier captured the biggest win of his PRCA career when he won the High Desert Stampede in Redmond, Ore., with this 88-point ride on Corey & Lange Rodeo’s Diamond Fever.

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PRORODEO HALL OF FAME

PRCA ProRodeo file photo by Phil Doyle Bareback rider Kaycee Feild, who won an event record six PRCA Bareback Riding World Championships, had an 87.5-point ride on Sankey Pro Rodeo & Phenom Genetics’ Shoutin’ Shoes to place second in Round 9 of the 2022 Wrangler NFR in Las Vegas.

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ProRodeo Hall of Fame announces 2024 class The Hall Call BY PRCA STAFF K aycee Feild, who set the gold standard for PRCA bareback riders, winning an event record six PRCA World Championships, headlines the 2024 ProRodeo Hall of Fame class announced on April 8.

Feild, who won PRCA World Championships in (2011-14, 2020-21), is joined in the class by contestants – team roper Art Arnold, a 1968 RCA World Champion; bull rider, the late Blue Stone, a PRCA World Champion in 2001 and 2002; stock contractor Sammy Andrews; bullfighter Darrell Diefenbach, who was selected to work the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo 12 times (2001-12), notable J.D. Yates, who made the NFR as a team roping header and heeler; standout bull Mr. T of Burns Rodeo Company (1986 PRCA Bull of the Year, and Bull of the NFR in 1986 and 1989); the rodeo committee from the Tri-State Rodeo in Fort, Madison, Iowa; and barrel racers Marlene (Eddleman) McRae, the 1983 WPRA World Champion and Jeana Day, the 1974 WPRA World Champion. The 2024 Ken Stemler Pioneer Award, which recognizes those who have provided groundbreaking, innovative ideas and forward-thinking that help the development, advancement, and success of the PRCA and/or the Hall of Fame and their missions is being awarded to Bob Feist, who was a contestant, announcer at the 1979 National Finals Steer Roping and 1980 National Finals Rodeo and founder of the popular Bob Feist Invitational Team Roping. They will be enshrined July 13 during ceremonies at the ProRodeo Hall of Fame in Colorado Springs, Colo. “I’m kind of surprised this came so fast,” said Feild, who retired after the 2023 PRCA regular season. “What an amazing honor. I think of my display next to my late father Lewis Feild (a ProRodeo Hall of Famer), a guy who was my hero. To look back on my career and to be inducted into the Hall of Fame is a goal you don’t really have control of, but at the same time if you accomplish your goals, you can cross that off someday. This is a big win for me.” Feild obtained his PRCA card in 2007 and qualified for the Wrangler NFR 13 times – (2008-15, 2018-22) tied for fifth most ever for bareback riders. The Genola, Utah, cowboy won the average four times in 2011-14. Lewis was a five-time PRCA World Champion in the all-around 1987 89; and bareback riding 1985 and ’86. Kaycee also has a bareback riding record 29 NFR round wins. “I was blessed with a durable body and with my dad as long as I had him (before he passed),” Feild said. “My resiliency, grit, determination all those things played into what I did. I’m kind of at a loss for words because I’m so surprised. I thought I would have five or six years to prepare for this speech.” Arnold, who competed at the NFR in (1959-63 and 1965-68 and 1970) – all as a header except for 1962 – was thrilled to get the call from the Hall. “This means a lot because there are not a lot of people who get to be (inducted into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame),” said Arnold, who was a reserve world champion in 1967. “It took a lot of practice and trying to perfect techniques and just watching guys and learning from guys who did it well.” Stone, who passed away March 13, 2022, at the age of 43, earned his first world championship by earning $174,772 to edge Cody Hancock by less than $10,000. He followed that up in 2002 by earning $157,707 and defeated Myron Duarte by less than $9,000. Those were the only two appearances Stone made at the NFR. Stone was

PRCA ProRodeo file photos

Art Arnold

Blue Stone

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