Riled Up With Ryle Smith

Texas (June 19, 2019) - Join us for episode 12 of the That Western Life podcast where hosts Lisa, Rachel & Katie chat with National Finals Rodeo steer wrestler and tie-down roper Ryle Smith. Originally from California, Ryle and his beautiful wife & daughter now live in Texas where they are chasing the rodeo dream! Balancing rodeo and family life isn’t easy though and Ryle takes us through some great stories about living the western lifestyle with his beautiful family!

If you enjoyed Ryle’s episode of the That Western Life podcast, we recommend that you listen to:

• Ep. 9 - Steer Wrestler Jesse Brown

• Ep. 11 - Live With Lucia’s Anthony Lucia

• Ep. 3 - JJ Harrison

Live With Lucia's Anthony Lucia [Podcast]

Live With Lucia is one of the premier shows to watch during Cowboy Christmas of the National Finals Rodeo and we have none other than Anthony Lucia himself on the show! From his career in entertainment as a child, following his father and Whiplash the Cowboy Monkey to some of the biggest international venues, to announcing rodeos, hosting his own talk show, and being a team roper - Anthony Lucia is a God-Fearing and Texas loving cowboy! Oh, did we mention he just married the former Miss Rodeo America and That Western Life podcast co-host Lisa (Lageschaar) Lucia?

Do you love team roping? We recommend Episode 5 with X-Factor’s Pace Freed!

Interested in the world of rodeo entertainment? We recommend Episode 3 with JJ Harrison!

X Factor Roping & Pace Freed

That Western Life Podcast Season 1: Episode 5
X Factor Roping & Pace Freed

“Before I do anything, I ask myself ‘Would an idiot do that?’ and, if the answer is yes, I do not do that thing.” - Pace Freed … sort of?

Growing up on cattle ranches in Idaho, Nevada, and Utah, Pace Freed quickly developed a passion for roping and, specifically, team roping. This led to his creation of X Factor Roping; an all inclusive media program that helps to educate and instruct the future and current generation of team ropers, while also providing analysis, tips, and professional insight from the best in the business. Not only that, but they also livestream some of the biggest team roping events in the country!

Join our That Western Life podcast team as we get the opportunity to interview Pace about his current journey in the world of rodeo and team roping, changes he wants to see in professional rodeo, all things X Factor Roping and the future of his amazing business!

Current ProRodeo Cowboy

X Factor Roping is in its fourth year and has been full time for Pace for the past two and a half years. Balancing a full time business while also finding the time to be able to professionally rope has been a challenge. A successful circuit finals has allowed Pace the opportunity to head to the Ram National Circuit Finals in Kissimmee, Florida, soon which has him rightfully excited about his 2019 season. After not spending much of 2018 rodeoing, Pace has found himself unable to enter the limited-entry Texas winter rodeos, meaning that the RNCFR provides a great opportunity for him to get a head start in the standings.

Podcast Bonus Story: Learn more about Pace and his team roping partner and how they stay mentally strong throughout the season.

What Changes Could Help the PRCA Benefit?

There are many different working pieces when it comes to rodeo; from the added money, stock, and the set-up. It is a very fine balance to get correct for producers and contestants. While rodeo is getting better all the time, Pace believes that we need to continue focusing on the relationships that contestants have with producers, stock contractors and sponsors. This year alone could require the largest amount of money ever needed to qualify for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo.

Having those smaller rodeos count, those circuit final monies, and the All American ProRodeo Series Finals counting towards the world standings is very important. it helps those that can’t get out every single week to compete, allowing them to also work a full time job, and having a good rodeo at one of those rodeos can give you the funds and confidence to take the next step in a more rigorous rodeo schedule.

“You hope for the best opportunities and then you do the best that you can when you get them.”

Rodeo Series Highlight; The All American ProRodeo Series

By removing the All American ProRodeo series and the subsequent finals that counted towards the World Standings for the next year, it lessens the focus on attending smaller rodeos. In episode three, we talked with JJ Harrison about the importance of those small rodeos and the communities that are the backbone of professional rodeo.

On the flip side, the counting of those monies meant that some of the larger names in rodeo were found at those rodeos competing to make those finals. It can make it challenging for those up and coming contestants to have to knock out those big names to make those finals.

Podcast Bonus Story: “Can you explain the All American, not to be confused with the American Rodeo, in the PRCA?”

Pace Freed’s Backstory

Texas by way of Idaho

“I grew up in Idaho and spent a lot of time in Arizona and Nevada… which were great opportunities for me. My family is from Utah and Idaho, but I felt that if I wanted to get to a high level of roping… I had to be closer to where I could knock heads with the best guys in the world,’ says Pace about his move to Texas.

X Factor Roping came about when Pace realized that he needed something outside of roping, but was still very passionate about the industry. Take care of business as much as possible and roping every day as well has created the ultimate dream setup for Pace. By staying consistent, he finds that it’ll all work out.

“I can’t waste time, I feel guilty if I don’t wake up really early in the morning,” Pace says about his work ethic and how he stays mentally committed to his multitude of goals. A typical day for him includes the gym, working until he can get outside to work horses, and then working some more.

Podcast Bonus Story: Family ranch history with the ropings they produce and the hoses that they raise.

Horse Power

Futurities, training, barrel horses, and rope horses; these are just a few of the specialities that Pace’s family focuses’ on. A seven-year old horse that he’s riding now, he was also able to ride both the sire and dam in competition. These horses that they have raised has provided a unique opportunity for Pace to continue the equine breeding legacy of his family.

Podcast Bonus Story: Family ranch history with the ropings they produce and the horses that they raise.

“I have another horse that is starting to get in the mix a little bit…he is my sisters horse, she rode him in the World Series Finale when he was four,” says Pace about his current horsepower.

Pace breaks down the difference of his various horses that he uses and where they are the most competitive (i.e. jackpot vs. rodeo, etc.). Switching over to Honey Badger for the 2019 rodeo season has resulted in a big move for him in success.

Podcast Bonus Story: If you got to ride and compete on a fellow contestants horse, whose would it be?

Biggest Win to Date

“That’s an interesting question… to me money doesn’t matter … the best wins are easily the ones where I am dead broke and you’re on your last dollars … riding a horse you bred … [those are] the favorite ones.”

Despite the thrill of winning large amounts of money or the time he won a truck when he was 15 years-old, Pace finds his biggest wins are backing a horse you bred, raised and/or trained yourself into a box for big money or big opportunities.

Podcast Bonus Story: Pace talks about barrel horse stud Frenchmens Guy bloodlines and how those horses work in the rodeo arena and the roping box.

Podcast Bonus Story: Most embarrassing story as a team roper.

Podcast Bonus Story: If you had to do one other every, which would you pick?

If You Could Change or Create One PRCA Rule, What Would It Be?

“I don’t like how the vote is set up and rules are passed right now,” says Pace about one of our favorite That Western Life podcast questions.

While he wants it to tilt more in the cowboys favor, Pace recognizes that it has to have a business background. Conversations and talks about growing the sport and that we are all on the same team are very important. In order to make more money, it is a give and take process that we need to continue to work for.

X Factor Roping

What is X Factor Roping?

Instructional videos for team ropers and ropers is how X Factor Roping first started. It has since branched out to create video content and instruction from some of the best competitors in the industry; showcasing the practice skills and mental fortitude needed to compete on the highest level. For the next level, they have started to do high speed camera filming for different jackpots and ropings, such as the Lonestar Shootout. An amazing opportunity, they have up to four different camera angles which gives both entertainment and educational analysis opportunities for the biggest name and the biggest atmospheres in the world of roping.

X Factor Roping Memberships

At $150.00 each for an annual membership, X Factor Roping provides hundreds of videos for aspiring and competing team ropers. An amazing price, it puts so much into roping and practices, you are able to gain quality information whenever you want. It is a great introduction and supplement to roping lessons that you are already taking.

Future of X Factor Roping

Scaling to the size of X Factor Roping as it grows and develops has been one of the more challenging aspects to balance meeting patron needs and ensuring that the business does not plateau. As technology becomes more prevalent, it provides opportunities to host events online and livestream different industry events besides just roping - such as horsemanship.

“I have no idea where exactly it’s going to be but I do know we have the gas pedal down and we are trying to be where we are kicking out the most and best content that we can to promote everybody in the industry that is doing a good job,” says Pace.

Conclusion

Make sure to follow X Factor Roping on all their online channels listed below, as well as Pace himself. You can get your membership to X Factor on their website here!

X Factor Channels

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM

Pace Freed

INSTAGRAM

PRCA Futures; New Year's Resolutions for Professional Rodeo

During the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo held in Las Vegas, Nevada, every December, the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) takes the time to meet, present and educate rodeo committees and employees throughout the country at the PRCA’s Annual Convention. Join the That Western Life Podcasting team as they dig deeper into new hires and unofficial resolutions of the PRCA in 2019!

PRCA Convention

The PRCA Convention starts with the Chief Executive Office, George Taylor, giving his first ever address. His vision is very big, bringing in new people to help grow the PRCA, members and fans.

• Numbers were down last year.
  This concerning with the PRCA’s membership, the PRCA rodeos, even.

• Money was up from PRCA’s sponsors.
  This is exciting as this is what adds purse monies into our finals and into individual rodeos which, in turn, increases contestants.

• There were more fans here and there.
  New areas where we can watch rodeo such as the ProRodeo TV streaming app.

• Returning permits are going up.
  We aren’t losing out on contestants that are getting injured and moving forward.

Prediction: Membership will increase with the semi-retirement of Trevor Brazile, the King of the Cowboys.

George Taylor definitely comes across as more CEO, whereas his predecessor, Karl Stressman, came across as more cowboy. Both gentleman have worked very hard in their positions to promote the professional sport of rodeo. TWL Host Rachel was our on the ground correspondent at the convention thanks to the Lakeside Rodeo of San Diego.

George Taylor; the CEO’s Address at the PRCA Convention

For his first time addressing the entire membership that he’s been at the helm of, George Taylor is taking PRCA and his job as CEO by storm. He appears and looks to be fearless, one foot in front of the other to get things done. While there may have been a lot of conversation and uncertainty on social media as Taylor doesn’t come to the CEO position as a former rodeo athlete.

Just like the NFL or NBA, whose commissioners didn’t compete at the professional level for the sports that they have, Taylor can walk the walk and talk the talk. He’s coming in with an outside perspective it is giving him the ability to think outside of the box to the future of the PRCA.

Karl Stressman; Career in Review

Karl Stressman’s initiatives were to support contestants being able to stay local or regional and making it less of a financial burden to be a PRCA cardholder and have success. He promoted the 12 regional Circuit Finals and the National Circuit Finals.

A champion of the All American ProRodeo series, which was an association in the rodeo heavy states of Texas, Arkansas, and Oklahoma, Stressman was able to get larger purses for those finals. For a rodeo to count, it must be $30,000 or less added money to any rodeo in the country. Contestants got 50 points for competing in an All American ProRodeo and then a point for every dollar won at those. Their finals, held in Waco, Texas, the second week in October but 2018 was the last year of those finals.

Finals dollars from the 12 Ram Circuit Finals, the Ram National Circuit Finals, and the All American ProRodeo Series counted in the world standings as of the 2017 seasons, but will no longer count in 2019. The 2018 season was the last of the two seasons that the finals money counts toward the world standings making it a very small “wink in time.”

These smaller finals allowed contestants to win more money to gain access to the limited-access rodeos like Rodeo Houston.

Mexican Rodeo Federation Addition

Stressman assisted creating the Mexican Rodeo Federation into the Ram National Circuit Finals as if they are their own circuit. When Stressman left office last year, he had Rodeos sanctioned in Brazil, Mexico and Canada that counted towards the world standings. Two contestants from each event came to Kissimmee, Florida, to compete for those finals.

Marcus Costa was the first Brazilian to win the tie-down roping in the 2017 world title. He also won the Top Gun award that year, joining Junior Noguiera (team roping heeler) to push for Brazilian success in timed events. It’s great to see rodeo expand and to watch people find success in professional rodeo.

What’s next for Karl Stressman?

Currently working with USTRC, we are interested to see what he will do with that association. They have over 30,000 members and over 100 qualifying events. It’ll be fun to watch to see how that grows and changes in the future. They have already joined forces with the WSTR, proving that being united in the sport of rodeo is the way to grow exponentially, which you can see through their discount in getting the memberships together.

New Hires to the PRCA: Anthony Bartkowski

Anthony Bartkowski has announced a focus on recruiting the grass roots organizations into the professional ranks and athlete development. Being an educator, host Lisa Lageschaar is a former teacher and firmly believes in the youth as the future of the PRCA. This will go hand-in-hand with the PRCA’s youth camps.

Director of Athlete Development and Animal Welfare

Bartkowski comes from all the rough and tumble sports like boxing and wrestling, he’s an outside force to be reckoned with when it comes to professional athlete events. A unique thing for him, is that he’ll be overseeing the operations of the livestock welfare - it should be interesting to see how he handles protestors before Houston or the NFR. Protestors have been seen at a variety of rodeos, even smaller Texas circuit rodeos not just in large, typically liberal cities.

We know the great care our animals receive and having someone like Anthony to be taking care of it. As the new CEO, Taylor needs to stay on top of the avalanche as Ringling Brothers ended their over 100 year run. How do we make sure that this fate doesn’t fall to rodeo? Is rodeo facing the same fate?

Director of Athlete Development

What can professional rodeo do for their contestants?

Rodeo really wants to go into mainstream sports but, unlike mainstream sports, rodeo doesn’t have teams with individual public relations teams to help them. Will there be an online platform to help educate those contestants remotely to help them carry themselves into the new era of rodeo?

At the PRCA convention they talked about the new website with in-depth information on contestants, the bucking stock, and the analysis of what a match up could look like. These stats can help you have prediction and game analysis going into an event which allows fans to have more investment into each match-up or a loyalty to a competitor. A lot of work, but it’ll be well worth it.

PRCA Rodeo Additions

The American Goes PRCA

Thanks to George Taylor, the famous 2-day one million dollar rodeo is now sanctioned with the PRCA as of 2019. Slated for March 2nd and 3rd, it’s going to pay out a lot of money to now count for the world standings.

How will it count:

• Contestants can still qualify in through the qualifying events in all events.

• As a qualifications based rodeo, money won won’t count for the current Ram Texas Circuit Finals.

• If a cowboy has purchased a PRCA card before the American, they are now eligible to count their winnings at the American towards the world standings.

• Only $50,000 for first place will count for the world standings.

• Any place below that, all of their money earned will count towards the world standings.

• February 25 through March 1 is the qualifier; that isn’t a PRCA rodeo. AT&T Stadium winnings will count.

How does this factor in? Look at the event of steer wrestling, one of the most evenly distributed standings, the number 16 cowboy for 2018 was around $80,000 won for the year. Can you imagine what $50,000 is going to do right there? It’s almost going to solidify them a spot in the WNFR.

Prediction: It’ll take more money to qualify for the 2019 National Finals Rodeo.

Rodeo Houston (Texas) and Pike’s Peak or Bust (Colorado) rodeos have both come back to the PRCA.

New Permit Cardholders

JB Mauney and Jess Lockwood, two very successful Professional Bull Riders, got their permits for the 2019 season. Unfortunately, they can’t get in to these limited entry rodeos with big money. This will be the a heated Resistol Rookie of the Year battle. Once they have won the $1,000 on their permit to get their Rookie card, the money will count towards the world standings. Will they stick it out?

The follow the track of Shane Proctor who came back to PRCA full time with saddle bronc and bull riding after riding in the PBR. Increasing entries, he’ll be competing for the All Around title which is unique on the roughstock end. The last one to do so was Ty Murray, who won 7 all around titles and 2 bull riding championships, the last one in 1993.

PRCA’s New Safe Sport Initiative

Seventeen pages front and back, this is something that the PRCA is taking very seriously. A code of conduct of how you should be acting when you are representing the professional sport of rodeo and the PRCA, with the actions if you break those rules. Outlining all the types of misconduct, it allows the PRCA to take further action from there.

It’s not just PRCA members, it’s also contractors, volunteers, internal committee members, PRCA rodeo committee members, sponsors, event attendees, and more. The first case example may be the Cody Nite Rodeo Association with a story that broke right after the 2018 WNFR.

Wrangler Steps Down from Exclusive Clothing Sponsorship

In 2018, Wrangler was still the title sponsor of the PRCA and the NFR but they stepped down from the exclusivity clause. Competition is healthy and keeps us striving and working for the next level. This now gives us some room for growth, and gaining the partnership with Cinch and more, it opens up healthy competition shows that we are going to grow money and, in turn, grow the sport. It takes money to grow in every aspect.

Cinch jumped in to be a sponsor immediately, which has been fun to watch how that develops and changes the marketing schematic for prorodeo. Not just that, Cinch had six endorsees that became world champions in 2018.

If you could make one rule for the PRCA?

Lisa Lageschaar: Jerk down rule clarification.

Did Tuf Cooper really jerk the calf down between ten and two? It was hard to tell, the announcers didn’t explain that on the television, and it needs to be analyzed and looked over to make sure it doesn’t put limitations on our sport. This look would be great for both our contestants and our animals.

1. Tuf did a great job explaining what happened for everyone at home on his Facebook.

2. Eliminating gray area is very important for the preservation of our sport.

Katie Schrock: Ground money should count in the NFR only for all events.

Bull riding is the only event at the WNFR where ground money counts. What this means, is that if not all six payout slots are filled after the round with only 1 to 5 covered rides, than the additional money is spread out throughout the contestants that got a qualified time. This added money doesn’t count towards the All Around standings, just that event.

In the team roping at the NFR in round six, there was only five legal catches in one run, and if ground money had counted it potentially could have shook up the standings. (Further investigation says that it wouldn’t have in this particular rare case, but, theoretically, it could in the future!)

If you could make up a rule for the PRCA and WPRA, what would it be?

Drop it in the comments below or send us a message on any social media platform or email us at thatwesternlifeusa@gmail.com! Give us five stars in a review, tell your friends, and help us get bigger and better for you the fans!

Theme Song: Doin’ Me by Trevor Tagle

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The First Ever That Western Life Podcast

What you need to know about the hosts, plus recapping the 2018 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo!

What is the That Western Life Podcast?

This podcast is going to take someones naive interest in a culture and help them explore the trials and tribulations of the western lifestyle. We are here to share the amazing, funny, educational and unique people and animals that are in rodeo and the western lifestyle. We can’t wait to see what we can do to help those in the sport of professional rodeo into more mainstream ways.

Make sure to subscribe today, tell your friends and leave a review!

Meet the Hosts

Rachel Owens-Sarno - San Diego County, California

I’m excited to jump into the world of podcasting and to continue promoting a lifestyle and sport I love with lots of fun, humor, knowledge and facts!

Read more about Rachel here.

Lisa Lageschaar - Weatherford, Texas

“I am still that horse-crazed kid at heart, but over time, have developed my love of horses into a love for every person involved with and every industry linked to horses. I have been presented with numerous opportunities through the western industry, and it is my goal to give back in any way I can to continue to grow and develop knowledge and passion for horses, rodeo, agriculture, and the western way of life as a whole.”

Read more about Lisa here.

Katie Schrock - Pacific Northwest

“I have always maintained to be an approachable and knowledgeable source of information for the western lifestyle whether it be ranching, farming or rodeo. I want to help keep those interested informed on the western lifestyle and not only the importance of these industries but to preserve the culture.”

Read more about Katie here.

2018 National Finals Rodeo Recap

The National Finals Rodeo starts significantly earlier than most people anticipate the 10-day Super Bowl of rodeos starting. With award shows, the Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association (PRCA) convention, and the kick-off party of the Back Number Ceremony. The theme for 2018’s finals was that there could have been any number of stories that could have competed for screen time for Hollywood with the amazing stories that developed and came forward!

J.R. Vezain, a PRCA bronc rider who found himself in a horrific accident that resulted in him being in a wheelchair, he had qualified a spot for the WNFR in the top 15. Unable to compete, Will Lowe took that vacant spot as the 16th place in the world standings. Not only was Vezain included each night in the Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund injury update but he was also recognized by the legendary King of the Cowboys, Trevor Brazile, recognizing the inspiration that he has been with his positivity. When he rolled up on to stage at the back number ceremony the crowd went wild! A great light for Christ, he and his wife, Shelby, have continued to be an inspiration!

The western industry is striving and one can see that in the payout of the Number 10 in the World Series Team Roping, happening throughout the NFR in Las Vegas, paid out $376,000 to first place. It was around $2.3 million in that round alone! That’s where we got to see NFR Team Roper Trey Yates watch his grandpa Dick Yates win that money in the Number 10 Round Win. Trey is at his first ever NFR which adds to the added royalty legacy of his grandfather, dad and aunt who are the first family trifecta to qualify for the NFR in one year.

Ten rounds of fast-paced action with a lot of money up for grab! Round payout is $84,615.38 total, paid out to six places over the ten rounds in each event. The average pays out $253,846.15 to the top eight per event. First place winning a round is over $26,000 which can bring a person from 14th to 1st in the world; albeit they would have to be close top to bottom. Noteworthy is that the bull riding has ground money if not all rides are completed in the round.

RAM Top Gun & Bull Riding

Chase Dougherty came on hot in the last 7 rounds of the NFR. He won almost $30,000 more in the RAM Top Gun Award. An award given by RAM Trucks for winning the most money in one event. It was a horse race up until the last few rounds between the barrel racers and Chase Dougherty. Over ten days, Chase cashed $318,266.13 (unofficially) at the NFR including the average. When it came down to Round 10 if only 3 or less riders stayed on their bull, as long as one of those was Chase and one wasn’t Sage, Chase would have won the world. Sage stayed on, won the round and won the world!

2019 Predictions; Sage Kimzey wasn’t 100% at the finals and the 2019 season started last year. Could Chase Dougherty or Sage’s kid brother, Trey, take the 2019 title?

Trey Kimzey set a new record in 2018 as a Permit Holder Earnings. Sage is out to catch Don Gay’s 8 World Championships in the NFR. Sage knows how to stay on and ride - one of the most talented in professional bull riding in the country.

Clayton Bigelow & Virgil

An astounding moment at the 2018 NFR was Clayton Bigelow's Round 5 ride on Virgil! An impressive, big gray bucking horse, left the crowds and the judges speechless! If you want to  talk about athletes showing up at the NFR, C5 Rodeo’s Virgil tied the arena record in 2017 with Tim O’Connell, then came back in 2018 to set the arena record at 93. There are only 10 rides in the PRCA period that are 93 or 94; this ride is now one of those.

Wade Sundell - Bareback World Champion

In the round where Clayton Bigelow set the arena record, Wade Sundell on Medicine Woman had a 92 point ride. Keeping pace with that record setting ride kept him in the world title chase. He split round 7 with Chase Brooks. He came to perform and rode at the top of his game, placing in eight of the rounds. One of those bucking horses came from Get Smart who was named the bareback horse of the NFR. He’s been eight times to the NFR and won the American!

This was on top of the rough year that Wade had where he lost his home to a fire. This was a huge explanation point on the end of the year on the road!

If you have never heard of Wade Sundell or are new to rodeo, check out this song by Chance Danison (WARNING: explicit!) that kind of gives you a sample of how Wade got the name “Wild Wade.”

Will Lummus & Grinder with KC Jones

KC Jones is a 9 time qualifier in the steer wrestling but wasn’t competing in the same capacity as he has done in the past; he was the hazer for first-time qualifier Will Lummus. A Mississippi cowboy, he did his darndest to make the steer wrestling exciting this year! Will’s horse Grinder was at its first NFR, and can be a challenging venue for a horse new to the NFR but he handled it with poise. However, he would let out some of his personality with a few bucks every time that Will dismounted to wrestle a steer.

Tie Down Roping; Caleb Smidt & Tyson Durfey

Prior to the 2018 finals, the 2016 World Champion Tyson Durfey had the unfortunate loss of his number one horse Nikko, after a complication in a displaced colon colic surgery on November 23rd. Anyone who knows rodeo or horses, knows how important those horses are not just as a partner in a working environment but also to family. He rode his back up horse, Mitch, and ended up winning some good money! Durfey and Mitch even got the win at the Tuf Cooper’s Tying the Knot Invitational Roping over Trevor Brazile.

Caleb Smidt won the first round and the world title after what may have been the roughest family months. He lost his brother and sister-in-law on the night of their wedding when their helicopter crashed, killing all three involved, which made national news. Throughout the rodeo, Caleb’s family held up signs every single night that said, “God is still good.” To add more emotion to this story, he gave that round one buckle win to his father-in-law to thank him for what he has done for him in his life in the past year as he had also lost his father shortly after the 2017 NFR.

Barrel Racing; Hailey Kinsel’s Sister

A horse that never weakened, Hailey Kinsel and her palomino mare Sister, fired hard every single run, clinching the world title in Round 9. Hailey was saying that Sister had nothing left to prove and so she pulled out TJ, the big gelding she ran college rodeo on and even filled her WPRA permit. It was a great nod to the horse that helped build her professional career!

Kelly Bruner, a veterinarian, qualified on her main mount Susie, who is a gelding, but he wasn’t feeling the Thomas & Mack arena. Susie didn’t want to turn the first barrel so she ran a couple of young horses, and she won rounds on a horse named French Zone. People who don’t give up who are also working a full time job while managing rodeoing and winning enough money to make the NFR.

Another contestant, making it to the NFR in a limited number of rounds, is Nellie Miller and her mare Sister. Utilizing “professional planning” and winning when it counts; when she won the 2017 World Title it was on one of the lowest rodeo number counts.

Trevor Brazile, The King of the Cowboys, Kind of Rides Away

“The Cowboy Rides Away,” will Trevor Brazile really be “done?” Will we see him back, qualifying on a limited number of regional to Texas rodeos or maybe with his son or daughter? If he can make it on a limited number of rodeos and it doesn’t affect his family and involvement with his kids’ sport; he’s going to do it. Knowing that he had to do as well as he did in the 10th round in order to win the average title making the count 24 world titles. In an emotional statement to the camera, his legacy will continue to grow and build. It was a great moment for him, his family and all of his fans. He’s made a big impact in the lives of so many rodeo people!

What an amazing National Finals Rodeo and what a great 2019 rodeo season we have coming up! Make sure you subscribe on iTunes, leave a rating, tell your friends, and check out more of our articles! We want to hear from you! Send us a message on any social media platform or at thatwesternlifeUSA@gmail.com.

Theme Song: Doin’ Me by Trevor Tagle

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National Finals Rodeo Update - Round 7

Las Vegas, Nevada (December 12, 2018) - In Round 7 you can say that the good guys won! We aren’t talking about the go-round winners or the shifts in the average and projected world standings, albeit there was a lot of that. We are talking about a little bit of the controversy of this year's Wrangler National Finals Rodeo.

On November 21st, Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association (PRCA) Tie-Down Roper Tyson Durfey announced on his Facebook Fan Page that Nikko, his main mount and number one horse, would not be attending this year's National Finals Rodeo (NFR) slated in December for 10 of the toughest days in ProRodeo Competition.

“It’s a hard one to swallow but I’m thankful that he is alive and going to be back in the arena,” Durfey explained in the post that showed pictures of Nikko in an emergency colic surgery with a displaced colon.

Nikko, an American Quarter Horse, took a turn for the worse and on November 23rd, 2018, he passed away unexpectedly due to a ruptured colon after his colic surgery.

“He was more than a horse to me,” Durfey wrote on social media. “He was a member of our family and he brought so much joy to us and so many others… It’s honestly hard to look around and not see something I have because of him. He gave me a world championship, my ranch, countless wins and 100% effort every time. For that I am eternally grateful.”

Durfey joined the PRCA in 2013 and has earned over $1.5 million in the ProRodeo arena. He’s qualified eleven times to the NFR in Las Vegas, Nevada, the Super Bowl of the professional sport of rodeo, including the 2018 NFR. In 2016, he entered the NFR placing 14th with the NFR only taking the top 15 in the world. He won Round 6 of the NFR that year, placed in six other rounds, and placed second in the NFR average to win him the Gold Buckle and World Championship. He is riding his secondary mount, Mitch, at the 2018 NFR.

Durfey posted on his Instagram on December 9th a video of his Round 3 run, captioning it, “Honestly was a weird run but got him down in an 8.9. Calf slowed up and Mitch didn’t know I threw my rope! Thankful to rope on the greatest rodeo on dirt!”

Said post was shared on roping fan account “JustRope_It” here where an interesting commentary began. In comments since deleted, the official account of tie-down roper Cody Ohl was screenshotted commenting, “Stop showing a wasted $26K calf horse. Horse is no where close to being ready! Again, not being rude, this ain’t a Tuesday night jackpot.”

When a fan commented explaining that Nicco, Durfey’s number one horse, had just passed away, Ohl responded with an eye roll emoji and, “Sorry I wasn’t aware.”

Ohl then took to his personal Instagram with a picture of his 6.9 second Thomas & Mack arena run captioning the photo, “Not sure how these guys are riding into the box with $26K on the line and I can’t tell that there not at a Tuesday night 2 for $100. I have more intensity scoring my horses at the house. Roping on the biggest stage in the world in the city of ENTERTAINMENT with World Championships on the line! Bring it! DAMN! CO”

Rodeo is a well known sport for their camaraderie and support so the immediate reactions of the fans was quite negative towards Ohl. In subsequent posts, Ohl announced his return to the sport of rodeo. Will we see Ohl backing into the box in 2019 at the NFR?

Bareback Update

• Kaycee Fields moved from 5th to 4th in our projected world standings due to a drop in the average after a low scoring ride on Wednesday night.

  
  
  Steer Wrestling Update

• Blake Knowles drops down in both the average and world standings due to a broken barrier (10 second penalty). The Oregon cowboy had been a dark horse through the finals making a bid for what could be his first world title.

• Bridger Chambers and Tyler Pearson felt the benefits of said barrier break by Knowles.

• Will Lummus and Tyler Waguespack are the two competing for the top and split 3rd and 4th in round 7 meaning that steer wrestling, the fastest sport in rodeo, is going to be getting faster over the next few rounds.

Tie Down Roping

• Ryle Smith, Reese Reimer and Trevor Brazile were all above 10 seconds, hurting them in the average.

• Caleb Smidt moved to first in the average, switching places with Smith in the projected world standing after Round 7.

• Rhen Richard moved to second in the average. The biggest thing about this move? He is still eye balling the world title in the All-Around race with Brazile and Tuf Cooper being his biggest competition. Cooper has had a frustrating NFR but may have got back on track in Round 7.

Barrel Racing

• Hailey Kinsel is flirting with the finality of claiming her first barrel racing world title. Winning back to back rounds, the WPRA cowgirl is on the horse of the year and with Amberleigh Moore knocking a costly barrel and reigning World Champion Nellie Miller out of the average knocking two barrels in Round 7, Kinsel could “have it in the bag” barring no missteps in the last 3 rounds.

National Finals Rodeo Update - Round 6

Las Vegas, Nevada (December 11, 2018) - Round 6 kicks off the start of the second half of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and Women’s Professional Rodeo Association’s Super Bowl of Rodeos. Unlike in main sports, there was no break for the cowboys and cowgirls buttoning down their Resistol cowboy hat every night - firing on day 6 of 10 in front of a sold out crowd at the Thomas & Mack Arena.

Steer Wrestling

The fastest sport in rodeo, there’s been major shake up!

• Curtis Cassidy may have entered the 60th NFR sitting in first place in the steer wrestling standings but the event with the smallest spread entering the NFR has proven to have the most shake ups. It’s still anyone’s game! Our projections have Cassidy finishing 3rd in the World after the average is handed out.

• Mr. Consistent, Mississippi cowboy Will Lummus is the fastest in the average, joining six others who have recorded a time in all six rounds so far (Tyler Waguespack, Blake Knowles, Bridger Chambers, Tanner Brunner, Nick Guy & Riley Duvall). With $59,512.81 earned at the NFR and placing first in the average, he’s projected to finish the season with over $233,000 and (unofficial projection) winning the World title.

• Not far behind in the projected 2018 World Championship race, 2016 World Champion Tyler Waguespack.

Team Roping

Round 6 is the achilles heel for many of the teams, it should be interesting to see how they recover for Round 7.

• Only 5 teams recorded times in Round 6.

• There was a 15.6 second spread between the first place team and the fifth place team.

• The battle between top 2 teams Driggers/Nogueira and Smith/Eaves is TIGHT - you won’t want to miss this!

Saddle Bronc

• If Ryder Wright slips over the next few rounds, keep an eye on Cort Sheer and Wade Sundell.

Tie-Down Roping

• Nine cowboys have recorded a time in all six rounds so far.

• The Average is projected with Ryle Smith, Caleb Smidt, and Rhen Richard (pay attention to Rhen in the all-around).

• If the NFR ended today, Ryle Smith would be your projected World Champion, reserve as Caleb Smidt with less than $8,000 between the two. The tie-down roping is going to be tight as we finish up!

RAM Top Gun Award

Awarded to the contestant who wins the most money one one event (sorry all-around cowboys!) at the end of the NFR. If you didn’t think that the barrel racing was tough, how about Amberleigh Moore and Hailey Kinsel sitting one and two respectively in the standings for the Top Gun award. They’re setting blistering fast barrel patterns as Moore has moved from 13th to a projected 4th with Kinsel still holding onto that first place position. Kinsel is less than $25,000 away from breaking the $300,000 year-end mark.

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All of the information in this article is unofficial results and are not the product nor any relation to the official Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association or the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association. All information belongs to That Western Life and Western Insights Media, LLC.

National Finals Rodeo Update - Round 5

Las Vegas, Nevada (December 11, 2018) - The Wrangler National Finals Rodeo is in full swing in the bright light city of Las Vegas, Nevada. Every year, the rodeo community convenes on the city to showcase western heritage in a variety of ways; youth rodeo competitions, team roping competitions, permit challenges, rookie recognition, leather working, fashion, and the latest in equine and bovine technology. Halfway through the 10 heated rounds of the Super Bowl of Professional Rodeo, there have been numerous big stories to share!

Barrel Racing Heats Up

Heading into the NFR, two-time qualifier Hailey Kinsel and her dynamite six year-old palomino mare “Sister,” named the 2018 American Quarter Horse Association Barrel Horse of the Year, were on track to coast to a gold buckle. Nothing comes easy at the National Finals Rodeo, however, and the random draw order of go on the ground has proven an equalizer for the contestants.

Winning Round 1, Kinsel started the way every racing fan expected; first. She blasted onto the ProRodeo season in 2017 when she won RFD-TV’s The American and a chunk of the million-dollar qualifier incentive. That run was the most money ever won in a single barrel race at the time. She then beat the Thomas & Mack barrel racing record at the 2017 National Finals at a blistering 13.11 seconds; a whopping 2 tenths of a second faster than the previous record set that finals.

Bottom of the ground proved costly for Kinsel and Sister, placing her out of the money in Round 2 and 3, and then a knocked barrel in the 4th Round meant she was dropped in the average. With a field of amazing horses knocking on the door for the world title, it seemed that she may not be able to recover for a large enough chunk of the NFR average money.

Chasing her most notably is Nellie Miller who is riding another horse named Sister, a blue roan quarter horse from the state of California. Miller was the 2017 World Champion and her Sister was the 2017 AQHA Horse of the Year. Consistency is key and she qualified for a the NFR on a limited number of rodeos. Sister’s consistency shows her as one of the biggest threats in the NFR race as she should garner a large chunk of the average money.

In March of 2018, Oregon’s Amberleigh Moore’s mare “Paige,” who set the NFR arena on fire at her NFR debut in 2016 almost knocking off Mary Burger for the World Title, was pulled out injured after Houston Rodeo. The off time almost proved costly as Moore entered the NFR in the 13th (out of 15 potential spots) position. The Thomas & Mack is nicknamed “Paige’s Play Pen” for a reason though as the Darkelly mare came in rested and hungry to compete.

Placing second, second, first and third in the first four rounds of the NFR, she had earned $83,346.15 and was leading the average, which pays out $67,269.23 for first place. This moved her to second in the world, just over $5,000 behind Kinsel. Round 5 proved to be the Achilles Heel and with a knock of the first world, she dropped herself in the average and moving Moore to a projected 4th place including average payout.

What do you think will happen in the barrel racing? Do you think Kinsel and Sister will start firing on all cylinders and gain top of the ground advantage in the draw? What about Miller and her Sister? Will consistency be key for the returning World Champion?

All Around Title - Richard Not So Undercover Anymore

Dark horse Rhen Richard from Utah is proving to not be so sneaky in the race for the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association’s All Around cowboy. The only competitor entered in two events, team roping and tie-down roping, Richard has yet to win a round but has consistently placed in four of a potential 10 rounds (two runs a night for two events in five rounds). He’s earned a total of $35,467.94 in NFR payout already, second only to Trevor Brazile who, thanks to a second and first place win in two rounds, has earned $47,102.56. Brazile, a 23-time World Champion, kicked off the NFR by announcing his retirement from competitive rodeo to send more time at home with his family, is now leading the All Around race over brother-in-law Tuf Cooper, the 2017 World Champion and 2x Tie-Down World Champion.

If Richard continues to be consistent with times, he may be receiving a large check at the pay window for the NFR average.

Eliminator Pen Bucking Horses the Star of the Show

Thanks to diligent efforts by stock contractors and non profits like Bronc Riding Nation, the bucking horse may be the star of the 2018 National Finals Rodeo. In Round 3, every rodeo fan across the country new for a fact that Powder River would be at the Gold Buckle zone at the South Point Saturday night as long as Tim O’Connell, the reigning bareback World Champion and current number one in the world, stayed atop the 2017 Bareback Horse of the Year Craig at Midnight.

The large gray bucking horse, a product of Feek Tooke’s “Born to Buck” program, put on a show. Tim O’Connell laughed afterwards saying he only got a few jumps at the end of the ride where he got to earn points; Craig [At Midnight] was garnering all the points for the round! In rough stock, there are two judges with each judge awarding points out of a possible 25 for each the rider and the horse for a total of 100 points.

In Round 5, it was C5 Rodeo’s Virgil, another big gray bucking horse, that stole the show with Clayton Bigelow who went BIG for a 93 point, arena-record setting ride! The magnificence of these animals are just beginning to be showcased and we can’t wait to see the eliminator pen in the finals for another go!

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All of the information in this article is unofficial results and are not the product nor any relation to the official Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association or the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association. All information belongs to That Western Life and Western Insights Media, LLC.

Trippy Dip - Who is the Thoroughbred inducted into the 2018 AQHA Hall of Fame?

May 31st, 2018 - The American Quarter Horse Association is the largest nationally recognized breed registry in the world and one of the greatest honors that a member or an animal can receive is induction into their Hall of Fame. In the announcement of the 2018 class of inductees, one name stands out: Trippy Dip.

A 1976 Thoroughbred, how did this lone wolf get into the QUARTER HORSE Hall of Fame? 

Born in 1976, Trippy Dip was bred by S.F. Henderson of Odessa, Texas and earned $78,169 on the track. Labeled as the "definition of a broodmare," she went on to produce sixteen foals. These foals have had an impact that has trickled down the ranks of not only the racetrack, but also the barrel horse world. Fifteen of Trippy Dip's foals went on to earn a total of $1.757 million dollars on the track. Of those fifteen, seven of them earned "black type," a racing term that means a horse has won or placed in a select race of importance meaning that on their race form or sale catalog, they would be printed in bold black ink in capital letters. 

Noteworthy Foals

Calyx

Calyx

The first foal of Trippy Dip's was a stallion named Calyx who was the world champion 1987 distance horse where he set the track record at Los Alamitos for 870 yards at 44.420 seconds. An outlaw through and through, he was dominant on the track and sired foals who grossed over $7 million on the track. 

In a story from one of his jockey's, "Diamond Jim" Brooks, he explains how you couldn't touch his mouth, he was his own operator and he knew exactly what to do to win. With a speed index of 117, winning is what Calyx did and he passed that trait down to his offspring. Winning was also something that his sire, Dash for Cash did as well. 

AnyOldTimeX - a beautiful, athletic stallion owned by Lazy 3 Quarter Horses who is by Calyx. 

Florentine

The 1984 daughter of Trippy Dip was another iconic cross with the legendary stallion Dash for Cash. In her three year stint as a racehorse, Florentine won $1,123,102, and was named the Champion Three-Year-Old Filly in 1987, the Champion Aged Horse and Champion Aged Mare in 1988. 

Her contributions to the world of fast sprinting horses didn't stop with her wins, Florentine went on to be named the 1996 Broodmare of the Year and earned a recognition as a dam of distinction. 

Owned by Rainbow Glass Ranch, this mare's foals went on to do big things in the arena.

King Aire, a great grandson of Florentine's that stands at stud at the Rainbow Glass Ranch in Utah. 

There are numerous other colts and fillies that were produced by this legendary racehorse in her broodmare career, more than we can fill into one short article. Please read more about the other inductees into the 2018 American Quarter Horse Association Hall of Fame here. As well as check out the Rainbow Glass Ranch in Utah who stands numerous offspring at stud still.

Do you ride an offspring of Trippy Dip? If so, comment below and share with us a picture of your running bred horse! 

 

ProRodeo Strategy (4/6/18): RNCFR Semi's & Finals Prep

Kissimmee, Florida (April 6, 2018) - The Ram National Circuit Finals Rodeo in Kissimmee, Florida, April 3rd through the 6th, promises to change the PRCA's World Standings. Here's some quick notes from the strategy room as we look at what the first two rounds alone potentially did to the World Standings. Please note that these standings are not official nor guaranteed 100% accuracy; they are simply observations. 

More money stands to be won as the Top 8 contestants advance Sunday to a clean slate semi-finals round, which is then followed with the Top 4 advancing to the Finals round.

Confused on the RNCFR? Read more here.

Bareback:

1. Clayton Biglow has won $6,245 with a round win at the RNCFR this weekend. This moves him from 21st in the world standings to 12th.

2. Reigning World Champion Tim O’Connell has won $10,992 with placings in 2 rounds of the RNCFR. This moves him from 13th to approximately 6th.

3. Some people didn’t move, and they are probably okay with that! Those people won money at the RNCFR in either one round or two, but are still locked into their world standing position.
   Caleb Bennett - 1st
   Mason Clements - 2nd
   Jake Brown - 4th
   Shane O’Connell - 5th

4. Steven Dent won $1,801 and moved from 18th to approximately 16th in the world.

5. Columbia River Circuit Qualifier Steven Peebles has won $3,412 and has moved from 36th to approximately 25th.

Advancing to the Semi-Finals: Tim O'Connell, Clayton Bigelow, Shane O'Connell, Mason Clements, Jake Brown, Wyatt Denny, Steven Dent, and J.R. Vezain.

Steer Wrestling:

1. Louisiana Cowboy Jacob Talley has placed in two rounds and is sitting third in the aggregate heading to the semi-finals with $4,459 won. This moves him from 5th to approximately 2nd in the world standings.

2. Chason Floyd has won the most of any contestant at the Circuit Finals this weekend with $12,508 total, moving him from 18th in the world to approximately 7th.

3. With $6,254 in a round win, Kyle Irwin moves from 17th in the world to approximately 9th.

4. Jacob Shofner has moved one marker from 12th to approximately 11th in the world standings.

5. Billy Bugenig makes the biggest jump for the steer wrestling event in the world standings, moving from 31st to approximately 18th with $7,012 won through two rounds of the RNCFR

Advancing to the Semi-Finals: Billy Bugenig, Kyle Irwin, Jacob Talley, Beau Clark, Chason Floyd, Bridger Chambers, Blake Mindemann, Sean Santucci, and Jacob Shofner.

Team Roping:

1. Trey Yates moves from 12th to approximately 10th in the heeling world standings with $1,327 won.

2. Through the assistance of a round win and $6,254 won, Kyle Lockett moved from 26th to approximately 11th in the world standings.

3. Keven Daniel makes the second biggest move in the world standings of all team ropers, moving from 21st to approximately 12th in the heading, thanks to $4,738 won.

4. Brad Culpepper moved from 20th in the world standings to approximately 13th via $4,738 won.

5. The biggest move by all team ropers so far in the world standings due to the monies won at the RNCFR is header Blake Teixeira who won a round ($6,254) to move from 21st to approximately 15th.

Top 8 Advancing to the Semi-Finals: Thad Ward/Olin Pulham, Logan Olson/Matt Kasner, Andrew Ward/Reagan Ward, Clay Smith/Paul Eaves, Ty Blasingame/Trey Yates, Jesse Stipes/Jake Smith, Marcus Theriot/Clint Summers, and Dustin Bird/Chase Tryan. 

Saddle Bronc:

1. Jacobs Crawley and Brody Cress both won money, keeping them at one and two in the world respectively. Although their positions didn’t change, Cress was able to chip away at the substantial lead seen by Crawley.

2. Wade Sundell moved from seventh to approximately third in the world standings by placing in both rounds of the RNCFR ($6,728).

3. Joey Sonnier won $6,918 between two rounds to move from 15th to approximately 10th in the world standings.

4. Both Ryder Wright and Taos Muncy moved approximately one placing to 13th and 12th respectively.

5. JJ Elshere moved from 17th to approximately 14th in the world standings.

Top 8 Advancing to Semi-Finals: Joey Sonnier III, Jacobs Crawley, Wade Sundell, Taos Muncy, Isaac Diaz, J.J. Elsewhere, Brody Cress, and Ray Hostetler.

Tie Down Roping:

1. Jake Pratt of Washington has moved one placing from 4th to approximately 3rd in teh world standings.

2. Three cowboys stayed in the same world standing spot despite winning money. Those were Tuf Cooper, Tyson Durfey, and Matt Shiozawa placing 5th, 6th and 13th respectively.

3. Sterling Smith moved from 9th to approximately 7th in the world standing.

4. Ryan Jarrett’s round win moved him from 15th to approximately 12th in the world standings.

5. Reno Gonzales of New Mexico’s winnings of $3,412 moved him from 30th to 22nd.

Top 8 Advancing to Semi-Finals: Seth Hall, Tyson Durfey, Tuf Cooper, Sterling Smith, Trey Young, Matt Shiozawa, Ryle Smith, and Riley Pruitt

Bull Riding:

1. Sage Kimzey continues to dominate in his bull riding career, winning money in both rounds of the RNCFR totaling $9,097. This brought him over the $100,000 mark which is the fastest he’s ever reached it in a season he mentioned in an interiview with the PRCA.

2. Parker Breding of Montana won a round of the RNCFR to move from 5th to approximately 2nd in the world standings.

3. Chase Dougherty of Oregon may have been a rookie a year ago, but he’s no rookie in 2018; he’s won $3,601 to move from 16th to 12th in the world.

4. Brady Portenier has won $2,843 to move from 23rd to approximately 20th.

5. Jeff Bertus makes the biggest jump of the bull riders, winning $2,464 to move from 50th in the world standings to 39th.

Top 8 Advancing to Semi-Finals: Sage Kimzey, Aaron Williams, Parker Breding, Brady Portenier, Chase Dougherty, Lon Danley, Dayton Swearingen, and Jeff Bertus.

Barrel Racing:

Top 8 Advancing to Semi-Finals: Shelly Anzick, Teri Bangart, Taci Bettis, Jessica Routier, Alexis Baratka, Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi, Nikki Hansen, and Kathy Petska. 

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These are just observations noted by the information provided on ProRodeo.com; these numbers are not official nor considered accurate. 

Understanding ProRodeo's Circuits and the RNCFR

(Last updated October 17, 2022) - The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association is organized in a slightly complicated fashion into circuits and tours that can be very confusing to those who have no idea about the road to the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. In 2022, the That Western Life podcast sat down with NFR Steer Wrestler and NFR Open Qualifier Cody Cabral and RAM National Circuit Finals Rodeo saddle bronc qualifier Joe Harper to discuss circuits, tours, rodeo counts, strategy and more in a more in-depth breakdown with contestants regarding the circuits, tours, finales, and national rodeos that the PRCA hosts. Click the link below to learn more.

ProRodeo Circuits

Why circuits?

You can liken the circuit idea, which started in 1975, to the motto of the Northwest Professional Rodeo Association of the “Weekend Cowboys” (although the PRCA dubs them the “weekend warriors” – a little more intense). These are people who are able to keep a Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, job and still be able to go rodeo on the weekend and qualify for a finals-eque rodeo.

What are the geographical regions of each of the circuits?

Graphic found online.

• Columbia River Circuit – Located in the northwest consisting of Washington, Oregon, the northern tip of Idaho and parts of Montana.

• California Circuit – The state of California.

• Wilderness Circuit – Located east of California, it includes the majority of Idaho, Nevada and Utah.

• Montana Circuit – The state of Montana.

• Mountain States Circuit – Includes Wyoming and Colorado.

• Turquoise Circuit – Includes the states of New Mexico and Arizona.

• Badlands Circuit – Includes North and South Dakota.

• Prairie Circuit – Includes Nebraska, Oklahoma and Kansas.

• Texas Circuit – The state of Texas.

• Great Lakes Circuit – Includes the states of Wisconsin, Iowa, Minnesota, Indiana, Ohio, Illinois, Michigan, Missouri, and Kentucky.

• First Frontier Circuit – Is the northeastern most part of the United States and includes Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, and New Jersey. With thirteen states, it's the circuit that holds the most states within it's boundaries.

• Southeastern Circuit – Includes everything in the southeastern part of the United States which includes Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Arkansas.

• Mexican Rodeo Federation (added in 2016) - The Mexican Rodeo Federation has 15 PRCA co-approved rodeos and will be eligible to send two champions in each event to compete at the RNCFR. Source.

• Maple Leaf Circuit (added in 2018) - The Canadian Professional Rodeo Association rodeos will allow competitors to earn Maple Leaf Circuit points, with two champions in each event earning spots to compete at the RNCFR. Source.

How does a contestant pick a circuit?

The contestant picks their circuit based off of their preference or off their home address. Meaning that if I am from Louisiana, I could compete in the Southeastern Circuit as my home circuit or I could choose, say, the Wilderness Circuit (or any other circuit for that matter) for my "home" circuit. If a contestant does not determine a separate circuit, the PRCA will allocate them in the circuit that their home address resides in. 

Ram  National Circuit Finals Rodeo (RNCFR) is now known as the NFR Open held in Colorado

At the end of the season, each of the circuits will have their own respective Circuit Finals rodeo. These finals are held with some in November of the competing year (remember that the ProRodeo Season runs from October through September) and other in February or March of the next year. The contestants for the finals are competing for the top spot at their circuit finals, as well as the overall top spot in the season standings. These top two contestants will represent their Circuit at the NFR Open held in July in Colorado.

These finals have been held in the past in Idaho before moving to Oklahoma in 2011. In 2015, it moved to Kissimmee, Florida, where they have added more sponsor money for the contestants to win - thus the reasoning for the big move to a not so stereotypical rodeo area. The PRCA expected a surge in rodeo’s fan base as they tapped into an exciting tourist location that is loaded with theme parks and other exciting adventures (not unlike the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Viva Las Vegas!). They are also a heck of a lot closer for all of the Texas cowboys (who compete in circuits all over the country) than, say, Nevada. It will be harder for the northern contestants to make it, but a chance for nice weather for a winter-ish rodeo is more than exciting for these contestants.

Unfortunately, Kissimmee didn’t provide the draw they expected and announced with new PRCA CEO Tom Glause, the RNCFR was rebranded as the NFR Open to match that of “The Open” in tennis. The reasoning was to create a more mainstream sports branding so that fans would understand the event as a top tier competition. Televised through the Cowboy Channel, the NFR Open was hosted at Pike’s Peak or Bust rodeo in July for the first time in 2022.

Not everyone has the time, nor money, to travel the large tours that the big names (think Trevor Brazile, Tuf Cooper, Bobby Mote, Kaycee Fields, etc.) compete on all around the United States. The circuit system allows a huge opportunity for these people to be rewarded for their time, dedication, and hard work to the sport and it's sponsors. Don't be confused though, the big name contestants will most likely qualify in a circuit for the Ram National Circuit Finals so you will get to see some of the fan favorites competing against the Weekend Warriors.

One of the great attributes of the circuit system is that it allows a younger cowboy or a "weekend warrior" to find success through the ranks, winning larger and larger purses to help fund them down the rodeo trail. It is not a surprise to see someone win enough money through the circuit system to put them on a the national tour and a run for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo.

As of 2016, monies won at each of the twelve circuit finals and the Ram National Circuit Finals counts towards the PRCA's world standings for that next year. Doesn't make sense? Here's the breakdown: 
- Compete in circuit rodeos in 2016
- Qualify to respective circuit finals in 2016 or 2017 (depending on the circuit finals timing)
- Win either your circuit finals or finish the season #1 in the standings for your circuit to qualify for the National Circuit Finals - This money counts toward the 2017 World Standings
- Win money at the 2016 National Circuit Finals (held April 2017 in Florida) - Count the money towards the 2017 World Standings.

This has been an added benefit for competitors to stay closer to home, saving money on gas and travel time. An ever-changing beast, the circuit systems opened up in 2017 to include one new circuit based off the Mexican Rodeo Federation. Stay tuned over the next few years as the PRCA looks to include potentially Canada, Brazil, and more to the RNCFR. 

Advancing through the Circuit Finals

All 28 competitors (two from each of the fourteen circuits) compete in two preliminary rounds over the course of two days. In this tournament style finals, the top eight contestants from each event advance to the semifinals. For the semifinals, competitors will see a clean slate start where the previous times and scores will be thrown out. After one semifinal round, the top four for each event advance to the championship round. 

The championship round is the "Wrangler Round" where contestants again see a clean slate start with previous times and scores thrown out. Contestants are now competing for the RNCFR title and any of the four who qualify to this championship round are eligible to win. 

Stay tuned to the Wrangler Network and the PRCA to find out how your circuit contestants placed at the 2017 Ram National Circuit Finals. 

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This article was originally published on the blog PNW Country Girl and updated and reposted via their permissions.
Updated April 5, 2021 to include circuit additions and updates.  

Tiany Schuster 'Bumped' From #1 Back Number Spot

Las Vegas, Nevada (October 25, 2017) - The much anticipated back numbers were released for the 2017 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo held in Las Vegas at the beginning of December. Excitement for the official listing of the WNFR back numbers is to find out "who will be number 1?" The back numbers are based upon the amount of money earned towards the finals, with both cowboys and cowgirls competing for that elusive spot. 

Only three cowgirls have ever held the elusive number one position. Those three cowgirls are Mary Burger, Sherry Cervi, and Charmayne James. It was assumed that the 2017 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo would be the inclusion of a fourth cowgirl to earn the number one back number: Tiany Schuster of Texas.

Fans thought wrong.

The reason this number is so minimal is because the odds are stacked against them as cowgirls are technically only eligible to compete in one event in the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (girls barrels), which is co-sanctioned through the Women's Professional Rodeo Association. Cowboys, however, are eligible to compete in any of the seven other events, as well as all around monies won. 

In a record setting season, Tiany was as much as $100,000 ahead of her second place competitor in her event.  Hot on the pursuit, it was her goal for that number one back number and to be only the fourth cowgirl to hold the position. 

So on October 25th, when the listing was created, the social world was inspired by the move of the PRCA to reserve the number 58 back number for the 58 victims of the mass killing at a Las Vegas country music concert. An honorable move, it may have proved for enough of a distraction from some other peculiar on the back number standings. 

1. Tuf Cooper (All Around, Calf Roping, Team Roping, Steer Roping) 
2. Tim O'Connell (Bareback)
3. Trevor Brazile (All Around, Calf Roping, Team Roping, Steer Roping) 
4. Jacobs Crawley (Saddle Bronc) 
5. Tiany Schuster (Girls Barrels - WPRA Co-Sanctioned)

In a strange mix of events, the PRCA took the monies won at Calgary (Canada), Houston (Texas), and the WPRA Finals money off all the girls' totals. They also took the money won at Xtreme Bulls events (the PRCA's version of the PBR) off the bull riders' totals. 

In a post on Facebook, Schuster addressed the problem, stating:

"Ya know perhaps that money shouldn't count. Fine. But don't change the way things have always been awarded and done... Yeah I busted my butt and stayed out there, thinking I was ahead. I was not very happy when I got that, 'Oh by the way...' phone call TWO days before the end of the season. Why wait to the last minute? Why was this such a big secret and why the last second change of venue? No one will answer those questions. It is the 11th year of the 10 year contract. Lots of changes. Just saddens me to know that no matter what, WPRA members have no ground to stand on because we are 'invited guests.' Y'all want to talk about all the woulda shoulda coulda money if it all counted, it would be over $325,000 and there is NO American money for me. ...now we know, don't ever expect something because it will, inevitably, be taken from you. Lots of girls worked hard for rankings. Not just me. To only have it taken from them as well. State flags won't get to be carried, while others moved to the end of the list.... but life goes on... actions speak louder than words and numbers don't lie." 

The reason for not counting rodeos like Calgary or Houston is because they don't have team roping at the event, putting those competitors at odds in the final count for the back number race. With that being said, this should have been known information at the start of the season, not with a few days left in the end. 

After all of this, Schuster's fire should be burning more than ever and, if she's firing on all cylinders like she did with her arena-record setting performance in Calgary, she will be putting in quite a performance at Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. 

**REVISED UPDATE**OCTOBER 27, 2017**

Released from the Women's Professional Rodeo Association on October 26, 2017. 

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That Western Life is a news media company focused on bringing the latest news in the rodeo, ranching, agriculture, agvocacy and western lifestyle to those interested. Join our mailing list today to be updated and follow us on all social media platforms. The opinions expressed on this site are that of the authors alone and do not represent That Western Life or Western Insights Media. 

Cover photo taken and owned by the Calgary Sun (Canada). 

Kolbaba; Washingtonians Winning Streak Gives Him National Attention

(October 23, 2017) - Derek Kolbaba, a young gun bull rider from Walla Walla, Washington, has steadily been making himself a well known name in the rodeo world which continued this week a he picked up a Round 1 win in the Professional Bull Rider's (PBR) Built Ford Tough Series Cooper Tires Take the Money and Ride, presented by Wrangler, at SAP Center. 

This win places Kolbaba number one in the PBR world standings which is split between 5 American competitors and 5 Brazilian competitors. Kolbaba enters the next event with a 102.5 point lead on Brazilian Eduardo Aparecido (PBR World Standings). 

Kolbaba's 2017 bull riding season is not limited to just the PBR arena, but he is also a competitor with the Professional Rodeo Cowboy's Association. In Mid-July Kolbaba was matched with the unridden bull "Outlaw" from Bridwell Pro Rodeo at the Chief Joseph Days Rodeo. In what seems like a tale spun for Hollywood, Kolbaba rode the unridden bull for 88 points to set a new arena record at his hometown rodeo. 

PBR Photo

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That Western Life is a news media company focused on bringing the latest news in the rodeo, ranching, agriculture, agvocacy and western lifestyle to those interested. 

The Barrel Racing Worlds Says Good Bye to Judge Cash

(October 3, 2017) - On Monday, September 18th, 2017, Judge Cash, the impressive gray stallion listed as one of the top stallions, was  laid to rest at thirty years old after experiencing colic like symptoms as stated by Scottie Johnson on a Facebook post shared on the stallions fan page. 

With a heart of gold, a personality to match and an unparalleled ability to pass on his athleticism in the arena to his offspring, the rippling effects of Judge Cash will be felt for many years. Pictured below is the stallion only a month before he passed away, still as impressive as always. 

Photo from the Judge Cash fan page on Facebook.

“We’ve lost a legend in Judge Cash. Between Skid, Judge, and Jethro, he was a million dollar Stallion before they started counting the stats at rodeos. He’s left a huge impact on the barrel racing community and his legacy will continue on thru his offspring. RIP Judge Cash, your impact on our life has made dreams come true.”

— Brenda Mays, WPRA Barrel Racer and multi-Wrangler National Finals Rodeo Qualifier

The 15.1 hand stud is an own son of Dash for Cash, who was inducted into the American Quarter Horse Association in 1987. On the dam's side, big names include Sugar Bars and Native Dancer amongst others. 

“Some things in life are so special that we only get them for a short time and Very few stallions make the mark that judge left on the barrel racing industry. He was one the kindest souls and I was blessed to meet him several times. He knew he was great by the poise of his stance, and he smelled like sweet clover. His offspring will only be greater moving forward. On top of all of the great things he was, he also brought together new friends that would end up more like family, condolences to my dear friends Scottie Johnson and Janet Eby.”

— Erika Luzzi, Facebook Post

“He also exudes class, and class is what sets the great horses apart from just a good horse.”

— Cross Country Ranch Website

SOME JUDGE CASH ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

2010 AQHA/WPRA Barrel Horse Of The Year

2 NFR Barrel Horses & Grandson and Granddaughter NFR Barrel Horses

6 Time NFR Horse

2012 National High School Rodeo Barrel Champion

2012 College National Finals Rodeo Barrel Qualifier

Grandson 2012 Canadian National Finals Barrel Champion

That Western Life and Western Insights Media sends their thoughts and condolences to the Judge Cash family and we look forward to seeing the continuance of his legacy through his offspring dominating in the competition arena as well as impacting human lives in a way that only Judge Cash can do. 

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That Western Life is a news media company focused on bringing the latest news in the rodeo, ranching, agriculture, agvocacy and western lifestyle to those interested. 

Ivy & Hawkins Have Their Cowboy Christmas Arena Record Style

Lane Ivy, a team roping header out of Adrian, Texas, and Buddy Hawkins II, a team roping heeler from Sedan, Kansas, decided to have their Cowboy Christmas arena record style this year!

"Cowboy Christmas" is a term used by rodeo fans to describe the lucrative number of professional and amateur rodeos held over the 4th of July weekend. Cowboys can move up significant placings in the Weatherguard World Standings of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, allowing them to strategically set themselves up for the sprint to be in the Top 15 to go to the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in December. The Super Bowl of rodeo, the WNFR is the place to be for any western enthusiast. 

On July 3rd, at the Eugene Pro Rodeo in Eugene, Oregon, Ivy and Hawkins smoked a 4.6 second run in Eugene, a place where a 5 flat is considered fast. The time was good enough for first overall with a new arena record. 

The following day, Hawkins and Ivy got to celebrate America's birthday with another arena record at the Molalla Buckaroo in Molalla, Oregon. Stopping the clock in a deadly 3.9 second run, they took the lead at another Cowboy Christmas rodeo. 

Watch Ivy/Hawkins Eugene Pro Arena Record here.

Watch Ivy/Hawkins Molalla Buckaroo Arena Record here. 

Ivy currently sits 36th in the world according to the PRCA Weatherguard World Standings but is sure to move after the books have officially closed on the Cowboy Christmas run. Hawkins currently sits 10th in the PRCA Weatherguard World Standings and is sitting pretty as we head into the final stretch of the year heading into the WNFR.

Team roping is the only true team event for Professional Rodeo where a header and a heeler work together to stop the clock. The header throws their loop first catching the horns, neck or a combination of both on a 350-500 pound Corriente steer. The header must then turn the steer to the left and, once that direction change has been made, the heeler tries to catch both hind legs. The clock stops when both horses are facing each other with their front feet on the ground, as signaled by a judge. Time penalties can be accrued with the breaking of the barrier (the head start for the steer) or by the heeler only catching one leg (+5 seconds). 

Follow Buddy Hawkins II Fan Page on Facebook.

That Western Life was founded in 2017 and promotes the western industry including rodeo sports, agriculture and ranching politics, western lifestyle, and the people that make this great nation what it is. Our thoughts and opinions are our own.

High Desert Stampede Comes Home to the PRCA

The High Desert Stampede rolled into the town of Redmond, Oregon on March 31st for its "debut" rodeo. Though the rodeo started up in September of 2015, it returned to the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association in 2017 after being the inaugural tour stop of the Elite Rodeo Association last year. That Western Life was able to speak with Greg Ego, the Secretary and Treasurer of the board, to give some insight into what a budding rodeo has to do to be successful.

How do you feel the rodeo went overall?

"We think it went great. We found out in the middle of December we weren't going to have another ERA rodeo because they decided to suspend their tour for 2017. So we basically started over again this year on the 19th of December; putting on a PRCA Rodeo in 90 days - which is almost impossible. BUT, we did it! We were really happy with the crowd and the contractors; I think it went great. We have a great facility, the fairgrounds was awesome to work with, and the sponsors were awesome to work with." 

What was the biggest difference from last year to this year?

"With the PRCA, we called a lot of the shots; with the ERA they called ALL the shots."
While this has its pros and cons, overall the committee was very pleased and "had a good experience with the PRCA, and we would probably look to do that again."

What specific challenges did you have to overcome being a new rodeo and being the opening rodeo to the Columbia River, and being in your third year of rodeo production?

"Our biggest challenge was the short timeline. There was no room for error, we just had to stay on top of it until the last minute." 
Sponsors are always the hardest aspect to gather together, especially starting so last minute.  "...in December, [businesses] have already decided their budgets for 2017, so we're asking people to sponsor when there isn't really an opportunity." 
However, everything gets a little easier once the show starts since the stock contractors and personnel handle everything. "Our job is to take care of the people," Ego added.

What are some of the highlight features that you do to make your rodeo different from other rodeos in the area like Sisters or the Crooked River Roundup?

"You don't really have a lot of opportunity to be different.  We don't do a grand entry but we do recognize the queens." While the local queens were given free entry and announced during the performance, Ego added that the decision to not have rodeo royalty, besides 2017 Miss Rodeo Oregon Kayla Vincent, ride in the grand entry was one of the toughest. Unfortunately, "we didn't have time in the window to get it done correctly," Ego said. 

Where do you want to see growth in your rodeo production for future rodeos?

"[In the future] we grow sponsors, we grow prize money, and we connect other things in the weekend, but our focus now is to put on the best rodeo we can." 

The High Desert Stampede has grown by leaps and bounds through the past three years in two different associations (2015 PRCA, 2016 ERA, 2017 PRCA), which means that credit must be given to the dozens of volunteers and sponsors. One of the most resounding struggles for the High Desert Stampede seems to be draw outs and no-shows--something that every committee struggles with from time to time. With something so normal being their biggest struggle, they're well on their way to being a must-see rodeo in the Northwest.

By building their community involvement and growing relationships with business to bring rodeo to the area, this may be one of the greatest times of the year to plan a trip to Mount Bachelor to go skiing and hit the rodeo on a Friday night,  which is scheduled to be the second weekend of spring break every year. 

You can get to know the board and volunteers through useful information and what each director brings to the table on their Facebook page. 

This article was written by Sara Marcus, a rodeo and western lifestyle enthusiast. Read more about Sara in our Authors section.

Stock Contractor: Growney Brothers Rodeo | Sub-Contractor: Bridwell Pro Rodeos | Rodeo Secretary: Haley Bridwell | Officials: Harry Rose Jr., Bobby Davis and Monty Van Komen | Timers: Molly Twitchell and Diana Alexander | Announcer: Steve Kenyon | Specialty Act: JJ Harrison | Bullfighters: Eric Layton and Tim O'Connor | Clown/Barrelman: JJ Harrison | Flankman: Tim Bridwell | Chute Boss: John Wright | Pickup Men: Mitch Coleman and Matt Twitchell | Photographers: W.T. Bruce and Bob Click | Music Director: Jason Buchanan