August 2008

Calgary Stampede ‘08

Thrills & Spills From the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth

Season Coverage - pg.29 To say that the month of July was busy for the should have been a part of, staff is an understatement. We started off with Dave Fraser to see the best ropers from hosting his Heel-a-matic roping. It was an extremely warm the USA and Canada go- day but to rope outside at Claresholm was awesome. Winners ing head to head was in- Colin Gorr and Trevor Scheller are no doubt enjoying their credible. Thanks to Don heel-a-matics. Beaton of JKR Excavating for helping get the Ameri- Then it was off to the Ranchmans, where Cody and Rhonda can ropers here with added Snyder treated us to a Bullbustin event. The top names in bull money he put up. riding were there and as per usual the Snyders along with the Ranchmans kicked off Stampede in fine fashion. We caught Check out how well young up with Tyler Thomson, Ty Elliott, Chad Besplug and Max Kole Ashbacher did at the Fortmuller at the event, so be sure to check out their traveling Stampede and the talk tal- adventures on page 16 . ented DVM Kirby Watt gave to the kids at the Al- Stampede was next on the list. It was great to see so many berta High School Rodeo folks having a good time. I was fortunate to meet up with the Finals contestants. talented Terry Mason. She is the editor of Canadian Cowboy magazine and I have really looked up to her as a mentor. The My friend Travis Whiteside has hung up his spurs after and in- final Sunday at Calgary saw three tie-breakers and the excite- credible win at Ponoka, it is sad to see such an amazing rough ment was over the top. My friend Shawn Calf-Robe who is a stock rider hang it up, thanks for years of great rides famous outrider had the opportunity to be in the opening cer- Travis and for being a great advocate for the sport of rodeo. emonies of the Stampede each day as the Indian war brave, he did a great job. Look for an article on him coming soon! My friend Alec Lockton still struggles and my hope for next month when I write is that we find the angels answering our I spent some time in the Art show at Calgary and was for- prayers as he fights. For those of you who know Alec and tunate to come across the works of contributor Lisa Cawte- Joan and understand the significant contribution they have Baker. She’s very talented with a camera. Congratulations made to rodeo, say a little prayer. Lisa on getting the nod for the art show. In closing, thanks for the support of the magazine. Remember, During Stampede, the George Sutcliffe Memorial Calf Rop- the most important thing in life is to stop staying, “I WISH” ing Event was held in High River so there were two days of and start saying “I WILL.” Consider nothing impossible then volunteering. The match roping’s were something everyone treat possibilities as probabilities.

Xtreme Rodeo 3 August 2008

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

----- Inside ----- MEDIA CONTACT: Katharine Sherrer, Public Relations Manager Professional Bull Riders, Inc. 719.242.2800, ext. 3372, [email protected] Calgary Stampede Page 18 2008 PBR World Cup Team Members Announced!!!

Get your tickets today for this world class event! From Pool A & B Hi-lights to Stampede fun PUEBLO, Colo. (June 21, 2008) – The Professional facts.... we were there & we have the cover- Bull Riders, Inc. (PBR) is excited to announce the 25 age to prove it! bull riders selected to represent their respective countries (United States, Mexico, Brazil, Canada, Australia, Brazil) for the 2008 PBR World Cup. The Trusting What Counts two-day competition gets underway on August 16 & Page 12 17, 2008, in Chihuahua, Mexico, at the Manual Bernardo Aguirre Gymnasio.

A look at todays ropes. Classic ropes shares Led by Team Captain J.W. Hart (Overbrook, Okla.), the 2002 PBR World Finals Event winner and former it’s rope making procedures from phase 1 PBR Rookie of the Year, the United States team will to phase 6. consist of five of America’s best. Topping out the list is two-time (2005 & 2007) and reigning PBR World Champion Justin McBride (Elk City, Okla.). Other Team USA members are 2005 PBR Rookie of the Year Kody Lostroh (Longmont, Colo.); 2006 PBR Rookie of the Year J.B. Mauney (Mooresville, N.C.); 2006 PBR World Finals Event winner L.J. Jenkins (Texico, N.M.); and PBR veteran and fan ----- In Every Issue ----- favorite Sean Willingham (Summerville, Ga.). All five riders are experiencing their first World Cup competition.

Team Mexico is led by Team Captain, 2007 PBR Mexico National Champion Hugo Pedrero (Leon, Pro Tips Mexico). Other team members are last year’s Mexico Team Captain and 2006 PBR Mexico Page 10 National Champion Rocky McDonald (Juarez, Mexico); Gerardo Venegas (Juarez, Mexico) and Francisco Morales (Irapuato, Guanajuanto, Mexico), who both rode in the 2007 World Cup; and first-timers Francisco Torres (Mission, TX) and hometown bull rider Nile Lebaron (Chihuahua, Women comprise nearly 52% of the popu- Mexico). lation. There is only one event in pro rodeo Brazil is headed up by Team Captain, three-time (1994, 2000, & 2006) PBR World Champion that seems to best suit women’s abilities. Adriano Moraes (Cachoeira Paulista, SP, Brazil) who will also serve as one of the five Brazilian Do the math. This does not explain their riders. Moraes decided to stick to the same formula that worked so well for them last year and earned the inaugural PBR World Cup title. Current world No. 1 rider Guilherme Marchi (Leme, dedication to the sport. SP, Brazil); Valdiron de Oliveira (Aparecida de Goiania, GO); Robson Palermo (Rio Branco, Arce, Extreme Exposure Page 26 Attention Xtreme Rodeo Readers: Photos from our Xtreme Rodeo readers & This issue is the FINAL contributors. complimentary issue that you will Young Gunz recieve from your association. If you Page 22 would like to continue recieving Xtreme Rodeo, please At the early age of 12 years old, a dream email [email protected] has been realized for young Kole Ashbach- er. Ashbacher recently got the nod from the Calgary Stampede to compete in the boys’ steer riding event. Our condolences to the family of George Randle on his XTREME RODEO . Telephone 403.649.6287 . Fax 403.649.6288 recent passing. He will be deeply missed. WPCA PUBLISHER: Xtreme Rodeo Page 29 EXECUTIVE EDITOR: Chrissy Mosby Sincere wishes to Bob Tallman on the loss of his mother during the 2008 Calgary Stampede. CREATIVE DIRECTORS: Barn Spider Advertisement & Web Design Hi-lights from the 2008 season. COPY EDITOR: Wade Paterson CONTRIBUTORS: Chrissy Mosby, Mike LaBelle, Cody McCarroll, Speed Williams, Classic Ropes, Kirby Watt, WPCA Publication Mail Agreement NO.41351035 PHOTOS COURTESY OF: Billy Melville, Danielle Laplante, Sarah Timmons, Congratulations to Cliff Williamson on winning the Guy

Return Undeliverable Canadian Al Gimblett, Joan Bak, Gail Gatto, Photography By Ken Weadick Award at the Stampede. Addresses To: COVER PHOTO: Lindsay Sears on “Martha” - 2008 Calgary Stampede #101, 613-19 St. S.E. High River, AB T1V 1V2 photo courtest of Ken Cornett Notes cliff, “It’s an honor to win this award and even great- er at this event, my hometown rodeo” No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored or transmitted without the permission of the publisher. Xtreme Rodeo 6 August 2008 Xtreme Rodeo 7 August 2008 We are Mink & Manure ~ Fashion for the Farmer’s Trophy Wife ~ and we are here to bring some glitz and glam to the farm. Think Dolly Parton meets Paris Hilton, think Las Vegas showgirl meets Annie Oakley!

The concept of Mink & Manure began almost two years ago while out chasing cattle. We were chatting and discovered a similarity in our tastes and frustrations. When shopping to find “our style”, a look that was both chic and western, we had to hit a thousand different stores. Wouldn’t it be great, we thought, to be able to go to one store and find both! And if we were the type of women who wore Chanel lip-gloss and rubber boots, there must be thousands of other women out there the same. So here we are...bringing together looks hot off the runway with those western styled items that posh farm wives can’t live without!

The idea of the “Farmer’s Trophy Wife” came about as a tongue-in-cheek way to describe our lives and those of MANY women we know. The women with the perfectly arched eyebrows hid- den under toques in -30 weather, the ones with neatly manicured nails in leather gloves helping pound posts and stretch wire. Those of us wearing designer sunglasses while mowing the lawn and whose brand-new espadrille shoes get a workout on the way home from town because 35J (that brockle-faced psycho cow) got out AGAIN!

We are located in the cute “Full of Beans” coffee shop at 400 1st Ave in Irricana, AB and we are open Thursdays and Fridays 11:30 am to 4:30 pm and Saturdays from 11:30 am to 4:00 pm.

Being Farmer’s Trophy Wives ourselves, we know how busy life can be, so not only do we have a boutique near by, but also we can bring Mink & Manure to you. Constantly on the road show- ing off our line at “Trunk Shows”, rodeos, cattle shows and trade shows all across Alberta, we can bring the fabulous fun of shopping to your front door.

Some of the brands we carry are the Hollywood-made-famous MISS ME jeans and Oprah’s favorite…!IT Jeans. We also carry purses, jewelry, hats, home décor and much, much more! There are fewer team ropers at the pro rodeos for other rea- they didn’t win? I think the fact that barrel racers are running sons as well. Some guesses as to the reasons for the lack of for more money is a big factor, but not the only one. Consider Winning Is A Process.... Not A Result team roping entries in comparison with the barrel racing, but the rest of these comments on this issue also as tips for any by: Cody McCarroll not necessarily in relation to the steer wrestling and tie-down timed event competitor, whether you’re a pro or a weekend roping, at the pro level are: warrior wishing to take your game to the next level. So here’s 1. The majority of team ropers will lack the necessary blend of the second, more helpful list of things to learn from barrel rac- horsemanship, hand-eye co-ordination, and mental toughness ers’ persistence and dedication to the sport: I had an interesting conversation with a barrel racer at a morn- sport overall, offer an event that is fast, colourful, and popular to compete professionally. ing slack during the Canadian version of “Cowboy Christmas” with crowds everywhere. Contrary to some schools of thought, 2. The current handicap system in team roping penalizes rath- 1. More barrel racers are willing to ENTER. If you aren’t en- on the Canada Day long weekend. It started with a familiar sight it takes seven major events to make a rodeo, all of which are er than rewards improvement. The massive preponderance of tered, you can’t win. Once Justin and I became number 6 rop- to anyone that has given any attention to barrel racing. A contes- equally important to the success, integrity, and ongoing tradi- team ropers are low-numbered, and consequently low-num- ers, we quit entering most the handicapped jackpots and ama- tant makes a good run, with few noticeable flaws, and finished tion of the sport. I also fully support the inclusion of the boys bered ropings will draw the highest number of teams. Conse- teur rodeos. This didn’t mean that we started out winning at the close to two seconds off the pace. Two seconds is an eternity in steer riding and the novice saddle bronc and bareback at the pro quently, the largest monetary prizes are awarded at competi- Open ropings and the pro rodeos. We learned how to win, too an event where tenths of a second separate first from fifteenth. rodeos, all of which encourage more young cowboys to compete tions in which professional ropers can’t compete (the CFR, of slowly at times, and are still learning. This brings me to point At times, mere hundredths of a second divide three or more at the roughstock end of the arena where they are sorely needed. course, be- number barrel racers near the top of the leader board. This means that It seems to me that Canadian Pro Rodeo generally needs more ing a noted 2. More if you are consistently running between one and two seconds competitors in order to maintain both the finances of the as- exception). barrel rac- off the pace set by the leaders, while the gap between wining sociation and to maintain and foster both the present and future There is ers are will- and losing might seem slim and easy to hurdle, it is actually an quality of the sport. incentive, ing to get all but unbridgeable canyon. I said that about half of the close therefore, out of their to 100 barrel racers entered will run well off the pace and that With this in mind and getting back to the questions proposed to remain a comfort their chances seem slim to none and yet this does not deter those above, it is easy to explain the high number of barrel racers. low-num- zone. Most competitors from entering again and again. The barrel racer Women comprise nearly 52% of the population. There is only bered roper upper-in- agreed. I then noted that team ropers, on the other hand, with one event in pro rodeo that seems to best suit women’s abilities. rather than termediate similarly slim odds of winning, tend to stay home or compete Do the math. This does not explain their dedication to the sport, improve ropers can elsewhere rather than enter and fail to be competitive at the pro however, or the fact that most are entering without a reasonable and risk be- easily make level. Why do barrel racers persist in entering while team rop- chance of immediate success. ing elimi- any ama- ers with a low classification number or whose an all-out run is nated from teur rodeo 5.5 seconds on a slow steer and a short score tend to stay at the In comparison, it is harder to explain the dearth of team roping the bigger, finals they lower-numbered jackpots and amateur rodeos? entries at the pro level. The timed events seem flooded with lucrative want. They competitors, especially early in the season, with the exception jackpots which are often exclusively for low-numbered rop- are then faced with a choice: stay where you know you can That same day, Mel Coleman told a group of cowboys at Wil- of team roping. This seems like a strange phenomenon. I would ers. This phenomenon of “protecting your number” has al- win or try to move up to stiffer competition. The vast majority liams Lake that the barrel racing was the hardest event in rodeo imagine that the number of team ropers across the Western ways been an alien one to me, a strange form of underachiev- of team ropers will struggle to reach the upper-intermediate today to win in. I wholeheartedly agree. There is always a mini- provinces vastly exceeds the number of tie-down ropers and ing mixed with gamesmanship. I had one goal when I started level their entire career, and there is absolutely nothing wrong mum of 60 entries, ranging up to 150. I have grown to appreci- steer wrestlers combined. But the team ropers don’t seem to roping, and which I’m still pursuing: Canadian Champion. with that. Reasonable goals are a part of life. Just because you ate the barrel racing: not only how well-broke the horses need be at the pro rodeos. Or are they? At an average mid-season Without striving to improve, I’m not sure why anyone would may never compete at the CFR does not mean you had any to be to combine a race horse’s sheer speed with the technical rodeo, there are about 60 tie-down ropers and 75 steer wres- bother competing at all. More is said on this point below. less fun roping. A career number 3 heeler working on his or turns and lead-changes suited to reining horse but also barrel tlers, with 35 team roping teams. But this means that there are 3. Numerous team roping jackpots in general offer an alterna- her game and dedicated to the sport, and who has an Instant horses’ superior quality and mental toughness. They are being 70 team ropers. Even the team roping standings are not tracked tive to the rodeos, where ropers are lured by being able to enter Rancher Roping championship in his or her sights, may have asked for every ounce of their speed and control, time and time as a single event. There are separate columns for the heading several times and make many runs. If you’re a steer wrestler an equally rewarding experience roping as a many-time Cana- again, often under less than ideal conditions. and heeling, meaning that you do not necessarily qualify for or tie-down roper, the rodeos are about all you have. Even if dian Champion. Which leads me to tip the CFR as a team. However, only 23 teams will miss the finals you aren’t winning, the choices are to compete at the rodeos 3. If you’re not trying to get better, everything about your rop- The slack ended and my talk with the barrel racer fizzled but I while 12 qualify – a ratio of 2:1. In the other timed events, con- or not at all. Jackpot ropers have often told me that I must be ing will stagnate. For me, working to improve all aspects of have been wondering ever since why the number of entries in testants face a much more daunting ratio of at least 5:1. As I’ve crazy for driving twenty hours to rope one steer – and at least my roping is what constantly enriches the game. Moreover, team roping and barrel racing differ by so wide a margin. In to- established, however, nearly as many individual team ropers, one-quarter to one-third of the time, as a heeler, not to throw this is what separates the best from the rest of the crowd. Con- tal, across the western provinces, there are far more team ropers about 40 or so, are missing the finals as the other events. my rope. I won’t contradict them as to my sanity. sistent winners are usually not as interested in the end result than all the tie-down ropers and steer wrestlers combined. And as the process that allows them to win. No one has ever won a I would estimate that there are more barrel racers in total than These figures are not so trivial when considered along with the These points all seem reasonable until you realize that barrel jackpot by roping five or twenty-five steers at once. You win all the other timed events together, team ropers included. Does fact that at the vast majority of the rodeos, the team ropers are racers are also separated by skill, are mainly amateurs, and by catching one at a time. Developing better horsemanship, winning, and perhaps the goal of qualifying for the CFR, matter competing for half of the added money that is up for grabs in have many viable jackpots which also offer a handicap system more effective practice methods, perseverance, dedication, a less or more to barrel racers than team ropers? Are team ropers the other events. If a rodeo committee adds $3000 to the pot, which rewards the lower “D’s.” So this is the nearly the end positive attitude, and mental toughness are all part of this pro- weak-hearted or are they more realistic about their abilities and this means that each member of the team roping team is only of the article, and I’m no closer to figuring out why there are cess. Competing is important but preparation is paramount to chances of professional success? Why do the majority of team roping for $1500. Team ropers have all the same expenses as so many barrel racers entered at pro rodeos beyond the obvi- the process of winning. ropers tend to stay home or compete at a different level rather the other cowboys. As individuals, they pay fuel, fees, feed, and ous fact that it’s the only event in pro rodeo in which women than consistently lose while most barrel racers soldier on with so on. Yet they compete for half the money, with the notable compete. Try to find that healthy balance between a goal-driven com- the daily process of being a professional in the face of truly dis- exceptions of Olds, Bonnyville, and High River. These rodeos petitive edge that will not accept failure and enjoying the pro- mal chances of success? And most importantly, is it attention to add true “equal money” to the team roping. With these excep- The best I can come up with is not that barrel racers envi- cess that will allow this edge to flourish. If there are as many the process or the result that defines a winner? tions in mind, however, it is no secret then why earnings in the sion success differently or would just as soon participate as team ropers, as well as steer wrestlers and tie-down ropers, team roping are noticeably lower in comparison with the other win. Barrel racing is rodeo’s most competitive event. And I’ve entered as barrel racers next year, we’ll know competitors in The overall context for this article might be explained thus. timed events. Even a cursory glance at the standings reveals heard team ropers say they’ve made good runs, for instance, all the timed events have this mastered. First, without the barrel racers, the CPRA would be greatly di- this fact. With rising fuel prices trimming already slim profit on a bad draw or on the first day of the rodeo or under poor minished. The barrel racers offer a significant share of member- margins from black well into the red, how can team ropers fail weather conditions, but didn’t win anything as a result. Aren’t See you next month, ship revenue for the association, and from the perspective of the to be hit the hardest of all the rodeo events? they saying they were happy with their performance, even if Co dy Xtreme Rodeo 10 August 2008 Xtreme Rodeo 11 August 2008 S u c e s ? eam roping has many variables that cannot be predicted. What’s Behind That is what makes the sport unique and also why many box, they can trust the rope in their hand for the job in front of Trusting What Counts enjoy it. With so many factors to consider in any given run, them.Thousands of dollars can be at stake with nothing more tThe last thing a roper needs to be concerned about is his rope. than a few twisted pieces of a fibrous material making up the The team rope is the most critical piece of equipment used by key ingredient of the sport. ropers and can be a valuable tool that enhances the roper’s abilities The early ropes packed by cowboys were no more than The young man swings his rope around his head, sending a little more weight into the tip of his loop. or hinder his or her success.The sport of team roping did not adopt twisted hemp or braided rawhide, but like everything else, the Satisfied with the feel, he moves his horse into the box. With a handful of coils and his reins in his left hand the rope, the rope actually helped create the sport. rope has continued to evolve and today’s technology is taking and holding the perfect loop in his right, he positions his horse to be ready for the run ahead.His combined The phenomenal growth of team roping has created a huge market team roping to a whole new level. Ttimes on the first three runs has placed him and his partner in the number one position, high team back. There’s for ropes, and ropers today have a wide variety of styles to choose When team roping began to become popular, the ropes one more steer to rope and a solid, clean run will cinch the victory. With thousands of dollars on the line, he knows from.There are ropes made specifically for headers and those made used in the sport were nothing like they are now. In fact, early that it is his time. A look over at his older, more seasoned partner in the heel box reassures him that their chances for heelers. Ropes are made with different lays, lengths, and weights ropes were usually not consistent from one rope to the next. of success are high. He has been in this position once before and has spent many hours since pondering over what and are made with a number of different combinations of fibers, sizes, Many variables made these ropes unpredictable, and if you ask he would do different if he were to get that chance again. Today is that day and now is that moment. and strands. In addition, they come in an array of colors and are often some of the older ropers about it, they can probably tell you He looks at the unpredictable, slick black hide of the steer in the chute below and moves his gaze to his head. labeled with cool names that ropers can identify with. many stories about how far the rope industry has come in the One last deep breath to relax the body and he nods his head. Before the sport though, there was the cowboy and the wide last twenty years. With the sweet slam of the Preifert chute the steer bolts, and reading the score he allows his horse to let loose. open places where a rope was a must in order to make a days pay. Since then though, the art of rope making has changed in Within seconds, he and his horse are well into the catch zone. His arm is up and swinging rhythmically with the

R u n ! However, the rope is even older than the cowboy who made it the order to keep pace with rapid growth of the sport. Like many stride of his horse. Split seconds past and with one final swing, he lets the tip of his loop fly. Right horn, left horn icon we know today. other sports, applied technology along with the use of hi-tech and the remaining part of the loop curls up over the steers back, just milliseconds before he pulls the slack and The rope is perhaps one of the oldest tools used and traces of it materials have made better quality products. Rope makers goes to the horn to secure a quick dally. can be dated back to the Egyptians, 4000 to 3500 B.C. A general have used better material and more sophisticated means to Now his thoughts move to the handle and setting up the run up for his partner. Like second nature he sits down definition of a rope is a length of fibers, twisted or braided together combine these materials to improve the performance and into the seat of his saddle and cues the horse. The horse feels the movements of the rider, slows down and prepares to improve strength for pulling and connecting.The rope has always quality of team ropes.These improvements have greatly for the pull while he changing directions and moving across the arena. been an important tool and continues to be used in fields as diverse contributed to improve roper performance and success. Another second clicks by and the steer has changed directions, in tow of the horse and rider. The focused eyes as construction, seafaring, exploration, sports and a variety of jobs Since then, many companies have risen to the cause of of his heeler are locked on the target as he delivers his loop to secure two hind feet without a bobble. The heeler’s and industries. team ropers making ropes that are unbelievably more horse tucks his nose and begins to slide to a stop as his partner dallys, finishing the run. The young header and his Today’s manufacturing technology, along with advances in textile consistent and durable. Classic Ropes in Granbury,Texas is a horse turn to face as he and his partner keeps pressure on their ropes. formulation, has caused the rope to evolve into a more useful tool leading team rope manufacturer. Since 1986, they have been With a snap of the judge’s flag, the time stops and cheers from the crowd fill the silence. The total time is than ever before. For team ropers, this means when they back into the producing ropes specifically for team roping. announced and as he had rehearsed in his head so many times before, he begins to smile and takes that victory rich lope out of the arena. T h e

Cable Machine. Next, spools from the Ply Machine are transferred to the Cable Machine to cable strands together to make the “S” twist. Each beam These spools then go to the Rewinder. of nylon A Look at Today’s fiber weighs Rewinder. Finished spools from the Cable Machine are transferred 1200 lbs. to the Rewinder to wind the finished string onto spools that will be used in the actual rope Last fall, we had the opportunity to visit the Classic Rope factory to see first hand The String making process. how ropes are made. It is truly an amazing process and we were surprised by the Machines number of steps it takes to complete a finished rope. Making ropes for competitive Phase team ropers is an art form that requires hands on precision and skill throughout each Making String, step of the process. 1 Step by Step A unique aspect of Classic’s rope making process starts with the single fiber from which ropes are made.The company actually converts these fibers of nylon and polyester Ply Machine. Individual strands of from its raw form.The process of string manufacturing begins with a fiber no bigger than hairlike nylon fibers are pulled from a hair-strand. Craig Bray, Chief of Operations says that “starting with a raw material and 1,200 lb. beam and twisted into strands formulating our own string allows us to better control the quality and consistency of the to make the “Z” twist. Each strand with Spools from the Ply Machine ropes we produce. We believe it is the most important aspect of our business allowing the “Z” twist is then wound onto a spool. are ready for cabling. us to customize a feel for various roping styles.” Controlling the TPI (turns per inch), is The tour through the Classic Rope factory was an eye opening experience.There are key to the feel and consistency of the so many steps in making a rope from fiber to its finished form. So in order to really finished rope. Plyed strands go through the Cable Machine show you how the tools of the roper’s trade are made, Classic Rope has allowed us to The “Z” twist of the nylon fiber and the “S” twist and end up ready for the Rewinder. take you on a virtual tour so you can see for yourself. of the poly fiber are made on the Ply Machine. Making String, Step by Step continued The Wax Pots The Tie room Finishing Finishing Ropes, Classic is Waxing Ropes, Tying Ropes, Step by Step Phase continuously Phase Phase Step by Step Step by Step testing new fibers Waxed rope bodies are transferred to the Finished ropes are inspected through research tie room, where the rope is finished. 5 3 Rope bodies are transferred to 4 and swung. and development the wax room to be treated. Papered floors keep the ropes First, a crown knot is After the final to improve from getting dirty or scuffed. Ropes bodies are submersed tied and burned smooth quality check, the feel and in vats, remaining there until the wax has fully penetrated to hold the eye of the ropes are performance of their core. rope in place. The eye tagged, their ropes. is tied and the rope is powdered, stretched to pull the transferred to crown knot tight into shipping the eye. The Rewinder spins cabled string into spools The art of tying and for the rope machines. rolling a rope is the most important step to

The first step in the finishing room is to tie the crown knot. Tail tags are put on the end Spools from the Rewinder A knot is tied in each of each rope to identify its are ready for Phase 2: the end before the rope name, size, lay, and length. Rope Machine. can go into the wax pot. Then the end is burned to prevent fraying.

The Rope Machines A rack of ropes is wheeled Making Ropes Each rope is put on the stretcher into the powder room Phase to pull the hondo tight. where the powder settles When the spools of nylon and poly onto the ropes. finishing the rope. fibers are spun onto finished string, A set number of 2 Rope tiers must be they are taken to the machines to be spun into a rope body. ropes are put highly trained. It Each individual into the wax pot requires a specialized rope is made at a time. skill set determining Shipping with a how the tip of the rope combination Shipping Ropes, is felt in the swing. Phase of fibers made Step by Step The rope tiers make specifically adjustments in the tying 6 Because Classic makes their ropes to order, they do not become stale sitting on the and rolling process to compensate for racks. The ropes are made and tied based on the season, Each of Classic’s Next, rope bodies are stretched tight, excess wax is changes in the climate and season in ensuring the customers receive fresh ropes every time. machines are set removed, and they are allowed to cool. which the rope is made and used. to make a specific type of rope. The formulation of the wax and the penetration that is The burner is hand achieved sewn onto the eye, for its is key and the rope is particular style. to the rolled and set. Rope machines longevity Three strand ropes are set and life of are tied in according to the rope. traditional fashion with the eye tied their own Each rope must be specialized straight up. Four strand rolled correctly. measurements ropes are intentionally tied for each with the eye in an off set position to individual rope accommodate a slight, counter-clockwise Four strand ropes rotation around the center core which being made. are rolled with the brings the eye straight after the first use. Ropes are spun one at a time. eye to the right. Another Great Success Bull Riding at The Ranchmans by: Chrissy Mosby

To get the locals ready for the Stampede, Cody Snyder along course the thrill of great stock. Because of the miles they put with PBR Canada and the Ranchmans; we were treated to on, riding for practice is not really an option. To stay fit, they a couple of nights of great bull riding.The Ranchmans re- regularly jump out of the truck and see who can do the most vamped their back parking lot push ups or sit ups at one time. with tents, bleachers and loads of They also try to ride horses as screaming fans. The music came much as they can, whether it’s streaming through and in the cen- in working cowboy mode or ter of the ring was the competi- pleasure riding they are staying tors along with World Champion fit. Cody Snyder who has just recently been named as the Captain of the They work hard to encourage Team Canada Bull Riders. I was each other, they have a friendly fortunate to run into my friend Ty- competition going on and they ler Thomson who was competing. feel that together, with their fo- We were able to find some time to cus they can move mountains. catch up and he introduced me to As they tell me, “we all feel that his traveling crew. Chad Besplug, the other is such much better, Ty Elliott and Max Fortmuler. All if you surround yourself with talented bull riders who are now all expe- guys you can look up to you ride better!” riencing success on the road. They have some great sponsors as well For these talented four, the winning keeps to help them accomplish such lofty goals. coming, they seem to share the leader For Tyler Thomson he has Top Notch board which makes a happy truck. What Construction, JKR Excavating, Wran- keeps them gelling is their focus on the gler, S.A.L.E., Dry-cleaning by Dave “big picture,” which is the PBR in Las and during the Stampede, Super 8 signed Vegas. Before a PBR Championship they on as well. For the others, Chad Besplug know there are some other feathers to add has Wrangler and Bridge Carriers. Ty to the cap. Anyone of them would love Elliott has Cowboys Choice and Cinch, the feel of a Canadian Championship, the and young Max counts on himself as well $100,000 at the Calgary Stampede and as his family. of course some wins on the PBR circuit south of the border. To keep themselves motivated they all agree on the same thing. “We listen to the Many of their fellow riders who come in speech form the movie Any Given Sun- and out of the interview are all in agree- day. It’s called Peace with Inches. It’s ment about this truck, “It’s cool to see good guys doing well all about living and dying for the inches that it takes to win.” and enjoying what they are doing.” As a group they agree on If you have the chance to watch this foursome in action, take most things bull riding, right down to loving the noise the note and remember their names as one day there is no doubt fans make, feeling the energy of an enthusiastic crowd and of that a championship buckle will adorn all their jeans.

Xtreme Rodeo 17 August 2008 There is something to be said for the Calgary Stampede’s Showdown Sunday, this year we could have re- With a quick nod he was out and somewhere the rope missed the calf. Again we named it to Tie-Breaker Sunday. If we lacked any excitement along the way the competitors made it up to let out our breath in disbelief and knew that if Chapman hadn’t felt the stress it just kicked up us on the final day as we saw tie breakers in three events. a notch.

In the bareback riding, Texan Will Lowe and Alberta boy Russ Hallaby each rode to an 88.5. As they Chapman had travelled to Canada with Blair Burk and his family. Dwayne Erickson jumped back on it was Lowe who would come out on top with a 87.5 and Hallaby with a 83.5. has said that, “Blair Burk is one of the greatest ropers never to win the world.” Burk stepped up with some advise for Chapman, “Go at the barrier and take your first opportunity at a good throw, The doggers didn’t leave us out either, Curtis Cassidy and Casey McMillan each threw down in 3.5 seconds just like a run in the practise pen that you’ve done a million times.” For Chapman great advice. leaving us wondering what the run really looked like as it was that fast. Wade Sumpter from Colorado rode in the box with a heavy weight on his shoulders, 3.5 or less. Like bull doggin isn’t hard enough that you Here is Chapman as he walks us through his $100,000 run. “I got the start I wanted and I threw my rope have to add a superb time under the stress if the final showdown. Like any cowboy Sumpter “cowboy’d up” when I wanted, as if I wanted to be in the 7 second range. I saw my rope go around the calf’s neck and I and drilled one in 3.4. The look on his face was overwhelming. The cameras found his parents in the stands slowed down. I needed to make a text book run and be sure that the calf stayed tied. To beat Cody Ohl at this and they too were over the moon as they knew what this would mean for their son. Sumpter said, “I’m not type of deal, you have to be lucky and you gotta be good, but I mean he wouldn’t miss that calf again in sure what to do with this money, I’ve never had this kind of money before.” Bob Tallman was quick to point 100 tries.” out that there is young girl who holds Sumpters heart that could use a diamond. There are more than 30,000 flFLowers on Stampede Park There was no 8 second rule at the first Stampede in 1912. If the cowboy could stay in the saddle, they did and the record is 10 minutes. 1872 rolls of paper towel used, 1,120,680 napkins and 20,640 rolls of toilet paper Who would have thought that the final performance’s of the Calgary Stampede could have been so crazy. If you stretched out the steel used for the pens in the agriculture area at Stampede, it would be 34 km or 21 miles I guarantee you none of the fans. In the tie down roping, six of the 10 ropers were faster than a 7.6. And lets just add that a 7.6 would hold its own at any rodeo. And like an old western, when the dust settled two men were left standing, both tied and headed for a rope off. Cody Ohl, is a world champion who has time after time shown why he can won the world, he faced off against Texas cowboy Jeff Chapman. Chapman A painful back injury had forced Travis Whiteside to pull out of the Stampede. Watching Travis walk around had previously won the Stampede in 1997 when the cheque was $50,000.00. the infield and visiting with him during Pool A, you couldn’t see a think wrong. Then pain came during his first The calf roping event in itself was a high light for me on the Sunday, who would have thought that of the ride, watching Travis get off was painful as we watched him wince in pain. The pain on his face was evident that 10 men coming in 3 would miss all together. For the guys left our thoughts and fingers were crossed for something was very wrong. Travis headed into the Stampede with a great win at the Ponoka Stampede. He rode our Alberta cowboy Dean Edge who has been roping up a storm on his horse Sid. Edge along with Idaho Grated Coconut to a 92.5 ride. He was the talk at the Stampede as folks commented on how he was riding and this cowboy Matt Shiozawa had to be a seven or quicker to advance and that they did. looked to be the best year he ever had. “it’s unfortunate that I got hurt and then I couldn’t finish out the Stampede. That’s how I wanted to end my career, riding for the $100,000 round - that would have been awesome,” he said. Dean Edge started us off in the final four and came ripping out only to just miss his calf. The entire crowd was holding their breath and then when Edge missed we all let out a cry of angst for our cowboy. No one After his first ride Travis was assessed by the sports medicine team and taken to a Calgary hospital for further testing. could believe that he missed. Next Matt came out and roped his calf in a 7.7. Cody Ohl would have no Nothing was broken and doctors were urging Travis to stay off bucking horses. Travis was not about to let a doctor idea as be backed in that he was about to step it up a notch as be battled Jeff Chapman. take the chance to ride for $100,000 away from him. “The doctors don’t understand about cowboys, of course they want you stay off,” he adds. Travis rode 2 more, and on his list ride he was awarded a re-ride but couldn’t do it. In the blink of an eye two calves were roped and the times stood, the both sat with a 6.9. The crowd went nuts!! As Chapman was quoted, “Cody and I looked at each other and said let’s put a show on for them.” When sports medicine reviewed the tests with Travis on the Monday, it showed a herniated disc and a was extremely And that they did. It is funny to think that just moments before the tie-down roping event started Chapman close to living a painful life if he kept riding. With a wife and young family and a successful career outside the arena, and Ohl could be seen behind the chutes shuffling to the music looking way too relaxed. Travis made the decision that this was the end. He knows that life with his family is precious. “It wasn’t worth it, the last one you get on will probably hurt you the most.”

Cody went in first and once again you could hear the crowd take in their breath. We all have “As I look back the win at Ponoka was a career high for me, getting on the infamous Grated seen Cody Ohl rope tough and even tougher when its on the line. I will never forget his NFR Coconut and being 92.5 was an awesome finish. Getting on the best horse in the world run with a knee that had popped out and true to form he went for it. and finishing on him was a highlight,” Travis adds. Travis is now looking forward to a summer at the lake with his wife Dusti and their girls Kylie and Bradi.

Barrel racer Traci Dawson headed down to Vernal,Utah to attend a Wrangler Tour Rodeo during Stampede. Heading into Sunday, Thomson felt confident and in fact we chatted on Saturday at the rodeo She won $1200.00. This talented barrel racer calls Erskine home and currently sits 14th in the tour standings office. He had the day off and was happy to just enjoy the break. “I’m here as a fan today,” he and has secured herself a spot in the finals. The first leg of the finals comes to Caldwell, Idaho from August told me. With the sun shining he cheered and helped his competitors who were making a last 12 - 16, 2008. Lindsey Sears and Deb Renger are sitting in the top 20 on the tour as well. ditch effort to make it back to the finals on Sunday.

As Sunday came, Tyler found himself riding Train Wreck and true to his name, the ride was a train wreck. It’s Stampede and everyone is here, walking up into the media booths is a rather large creature who looks Tyler came out of the ride with 57 points and the opportunity for a re-ride. He took the re-ride and hit the like the famous horse chiropractor Larry “Thumper” Jones. Dressed in a ball camp, t-shirt along with dirt. This was not part of the game plan. In Tyler’s words, “you can look back on it and say: yeah had I carpenter shorts and cowboy boots he casts a large shadow. And as he approaches we all know that the kept the 57 I would have got in to the final 4, but this is a sport where you try to finish first.” horses are being well cared for by him. Thomson hopes that his performances over the past week has proven to the Stampede that he should be Thumper was raised in the Stettler area but his practice now finds him residing in Stephenville, Texas back next year. “If you don’t want to be back here, you’re in the wrong sport. I have been to a lot of the where they only make cowboys. Thumper is no stranger to chuckwagons or their animals. After all this big rodeos adn this is the coolest one there is!” is where he got “his feet wet.” Back in the 80’s he came on the scene and through trial and error he is now known as the best in the business. His resume reads of the best horses and his passport is well marked In 1952, Linda One Spot broke into the boys steer riding event by entering her name having worked on more than 30,000 horses throughout nine countries. as Linder One Spot. She made three rides before her identity was discovered. His technique is quite simple and one that any horse enthusiast should know and practice. Simply stretch- ing. Its basically simple we all feel better after a good stretch and horses are no different. In a world Cowboys-the guys who ride bucking horses and bulls – used to travel and enter rodeos in pairs. Now, they crowd where an edge can mean the $100,000 cheque at Calgary and second placing, competitors are lining up anywhere from four to six into a unit. It’s easier running on the credit card with gas running at $4 gallon or $1.50 a to use Thumpers services. litre. But when their lifestyle is based on the luck of the draw, it presents a while new set of problems. The chances of four – rather than two-getting up on the same day at a rodeo are far more diminished. Watching as he moves a horse into place could be called a dance, yet when the moving starts it is almost like the horse has relief written all over its face. You can see them relax and they move around like we Bobby Mote is the reining World Champion Bareback rider fro Oregon. He travels with Brian Bain and world final- would after a good stretch. ists Jason Havens, both also from Oregon, and Washington’s Ryan Gray. They all wanted to compete at the Daines Ranch Rodeo at Innisfail in June in the rain and on the Wednesday night. But, the luck of the draw put them all up Thumper feels the secrets to his success come from patience and being able to read and horse and making on the Saturday afternoon. It didn’t suit any of them because they were up at conflicting rodeos in Sisters, Oregon them feel relaxed. You can’t just walk up and start moving a horse into these crazy positions that Thumper that day. They had two alternatives – skip Innisfail or Sisters and pay a fine, or phone other cowboys and try to trade puts them in. These animals like their owners have problems in the same areas, neck, shoulders and dates. backs. It’s like Sports Medicine for the Animals. Mote said skipping Innisfail was not an option, “It doesn’t matter which day we’re up at Innisfail, we know were going to get on good bucking horses.” So, Havens spent a day on the phone trying to make trades. He managed to get Mote up on Wednesday night. He drew the Calgary Stampede mare “Licorice.” Mote rode to an 85 point ride Tyler Thomson took Stampede by storm. When we met with Tyler at the Bullbustin event hosted by and took the lead. But, no matter how the guys end up, the gas bills just keep piling up. It makes scheduling a lot the Ranchmans, Tyler told us that he was listed as the first alternate headed into the Stampede. When tougher; these guys are already doing everything they can to make as many rodeos as they can. True to cowboy the show opened we learned that bull rider Kanin Asay had been hurt and Tyler had been given the nod. form they just keep movin’ on. “I am really excited to be hear, but I wish the circumstances were different,” Tyler says. Asay has been hurt quite seriously at another event. Any cowboy out there these days has to treat this “passion” as their business and decisions need to be made. It truly is coming down to the pennies earned. Of they can make it, they will realizing that the Tyler was quick to show the Stampede that he belonged there, he thrilled fans with ride after ride. They costs to just get to the show are increasing beyond their control. don’t call him TNT for nothin! As Pool B started, Tyler rode to a 3rd place finish. Day 2 found him on the top spot filling his jeans yet again with the go round winnings. “After day 2 I had made it back to the SundaY.” Day 3 showed us that the bulls had different ideas and Tyler found himself in the dirt. As Pool B finished, he was seated in a tie for second. Kole Ashbacher A Champion In The Making

“I know for sure that rodeo will be a part of whatever I do...”

photo courtesy of Sarah Timmons

At the early age of 12 years old, a dream has been realized for Upon talking with Kole, if one failed to have previous knowl- young Kole Ashbacher. Ashbacher recently got the nod from the edge, it is likely he/she would overestimate Ashbacher’s age. Calgary Stampede to compete in the boys’ steer riding event. Though not big in stature, Kole’s heart and attitude make up for “To ride at [the Calgary Stampede], it was an awesome experi- what he lacks in height. He seems to always be positive, kind, ence,” Kole tells me. “I was a little nervous so I practiced at well-mannered and focused on the task at hand. He understands home and that helped prepare me.” the meaning of hard work; he knows that learning on the job with mom and dad will give him the knowledge he needs later in Young Kole comes from a long line of tough. The Ashbacher life, when he may have his own stock. name is synonymous with Wild Cow Milking and Champion- ships. Kole is the son of Duane and Judy who farm out near As Kole and I continue to talk about his Calgary experience he Arrowwood, AB. Not only does the family farm, they also raise walks me through the play by play story of his ride. bucking stock under the Lazy 2 brand.Kole explains that it is “I had a really rank steer in the chute and he just kept lying down his father, Duane, who accompanies him in traveling to various so they put me on the re-ride steer. I came out riding well and rodeos. Perhaps it is this reason that leads Kole to describe his then I was off and getting stepped on. I wasn’t hurt bad, just little dad as “the coolest person” he knows. It is evident that Kole has scrapes. [After my run] people told me that I was having a great also gained valuable wisdom from his parents. ride and I could have been in the top six if I would have stayed “They taught me to always help the other person out and that on. It’s awesome to hear that many people cheering for you.” nasty never pays.” All four of the Ashbacher kids are involved with the farm and the stock contracting. Kole felt inclined to tell me about his most memorable experi- “I have always loved rodeo and taking animals to the events,” ence of the Stampede. Kole says. “The other cool thing that happened [in] Calgary was that we “I know everything about our animals and someday I am going were able to dress with the bull riders and I got to talk to Chad to have my own stock.” Besplug - I think he is the best. When it was my time to ride, I had my dad pull my rope and Chad was there to hold me.” Young Kole has big plans for the future and he can’t wait to try Look for big things from little Kole Ashbacher. There is no doubt his skills in the bronc and bareback riding events. in my mind he is a champion in the making and a future hall of “Right now riding steers is okay, but sooner than later I want to fame stock contractor. u try all the rough stock events just to see what I like the best,” he tells me. “I know for sure that rodeo will be a part of whatever I Is there a young gun in your area? do. I really like hockey as well, so I fit hockey in when I can.” email [email protected] and tell us about them!

Xtreme Rodeo 22 August 2008 Xtreme Rodeo 23 August 2008 I know that I haven’t convinced all of you that college is the Another advantage we all have in this room is that we are Ca- next step you want to take. You’re sitting there thinking well nadians. Everyone I talk to down south including the rodeo “If you will change all things will change for you,” Jim Rhone. I can put off going to college and go rope calves, ride bulls for coaches, love Canadians because we know how to work hard. a year and make 10X the amount that I would make if I were We get out there and get it done and we don’t whine about it. W. Clemmons Stone; “What the mind of man can conceive and believe, the mind of man can achieve.” to go to college. Or maybe you’re thinking if I go to college, A good work ethic can take you a long way. Sure you have to I can’t rodeo hard enough to make the CFR or the NFR. Well, have some rodeo skills but if you have qualified for the Alberta Whether you think you can or you think you can’t your right. I’m here to tell you that you still can rodeo hard and go to Finals you must have some so don’t be afraid to send out your university and get a great education. I went to school at Mon- video tapes of your rodeo runs and pick up the phone and call a tana State with Kagen Sirett who qualified for the NFR while rodeo coach at a college or university that you are interested in The power of asking. Lost opportunities. completing his last year of his accounting degree. Sure he had attending. Because if you never ask, they can never say yes. to work his butt off and study in the camper instead of partying, but that extra bit of effort really paid off when he had a career Now I’ll leave the kids alone for a second and offer a little The following speech was given by Kirby Watt at the Alberta ending injury just a short while after he finished his education. advice to the parents. I know that for most of you seeing your High School Rodeo Finals in Ponoka this past June. I pub- But, thanks to his hard work and dedication he had a career baby get in the truck, pull out of the yard and head 500 or even lished this speech for you all to read, because I think the mes- to fall back on. Kagen’s not the only one I can think of that 1000 miles away from home is slightly painful. (or depending sage is one that parents & kids in the rodeo industry should utilized rodeo in order to get a secondary education. Many of on the day, it may not be !), but from personal experience and hear & think about. It’s some awesome advice from an intel- you know Kay-Dee Munns, she is now a school teacher. Luke talking with parents whose kids have left home to attend col- ligent, competitive young woman. Enjoy! Butterfield will graduate from Texas Tech with a Petroleum lege they and I will tell you that when your all by yourself you Chr i ssy Engineering degree. are forced to grow up one way or another. When I left home for the first time I thought I was invincible and that I knew $42,000.00 this is the ball park figure of how much my three years At this point in your life the majority of you sitting in this room everything, man was I wrong. of state tuition and books cost while I was attending Montana State think that you are invincible and are probably having a hard University. I never wrote a cheque for any of it. Even better, neither time thinking about what you are going to be doing 10 years I never realized how much I still depended on my parents until did my parents. So, now that I have the undivided attention of all the from now and how you will be supporting yourself and quite they weren’t around everyday. I learned how to make respon- parents, I’ll move on to try to inspire everyone else. possibly a family. I’d say the majority of you are just trying to sible decisions for myself and realized that I had to live with figure out what you are going to do and where you are going the not so responsible decisions that I made. Don’t worry your My dad always used to tell me, “Whether you think you can or you to hang out after you get done listening to this boring speaker. little darlings will make mistakes, some you will find out about think you can’t, your right!” These words of wisdom hang rang true If you just sit back and imagine a little bit about how a higher and some you won’t. (And it’s probably better that way), but over and over again throughout my life. I truly believe that if you ap- education could benefit your life, I really think that you would they will all learn from those mistakes. When there is no one ply both those phrases to your life and in your future, you can achieve be surprised. For anybody who wants to make rodeo their one around to tell you how to spend your money, when to study, greatness. It is so important to set goals for yourself and have the and only career just think how important getting sponsors for when to go out and practice, they will learn or else trust me dedication and determination to reach those goals. For the majority yourself are, to help offset the cost. Now think how much a they will starve because they’ll run out of money to buy food of high school I had a goal to become a veterinarian, then as gradu- marketing degree could help you market yourself as a prod- or have just enough to live on bran flakes like I did for the past ation neared and the realization of the time and dedication it was uct to those potential sponsors or how much some accounting 8 years. They may fail a class and get a cussing’ from a rodeo going to take in order for me to achieve this goal started to become knowledge would come in handy so you could manage those coach or they’ll get their but kicked at the next college rodeo a reality and I started to doubt myself. I started to think that maybe sponsorship dollars making it last all year. Maybe someday by the kid who got out there and practiced. Some individuals I wasn’t smart enough to get into vet school. “Did I really want to you want to raise bucking bulls or broncs or manage a rodeo learn quickly but I really think that when you as a parent let go spend another 6-8 years in school? After all I had just finished 12 association; this is a way to stay affiliated with rodeo when and let your kids go out on their own, when they come back years of school.” I headed off to the University of Montana pretty you are too old and crippled to compete anymore. Just think you will really see a different person. You have spent 18 years much undecided as to what I was going to do with my life all because how beneficial it would be to have the knowledge and manage- trying to educate your kids, and teach them how to be good re- I didn’t think that I was smart enough to be a vet. The first year of ment skills to make these endeavors a successful career. Now sponsible adults. You have taught them the skills to succeed in college I went from wanting to be a physio therapist, to a pharmacist, if you just keep imagining for a second that all these wonderful life and to become self sufficient. If you never let them spread to a sports medicine therapist then back to the pharmacist, but none skills are just outside your reach and with a little effort there’s their wings and fly, they’ll never get a chance to prove to you of these careers seemed to inspire me. a decent chance that someone will pay you to go to school and that you taught them well. gain these skills. Finally I started to believe that I was smarter than I gave myself credit There is a loyalty amongst the rodeo community that is unlike for and that hey I think I would make a great vet. I made up my mind My 2nd piece of advice: All you have to do is ask. There are so any other, in no other sport will you see competitors readily that if I worked hard and believed that I could get into vet school many colleges and universities out there that have rodeo schol- helping one another like they do in rodeo. Whether it is pull- that it would happen. So I transferred to Montana State University arship programs with rodeo coaches just sitting there waiting ing your buddies bull rope or pushing a calf, basically you are because it had a better science program and started down the path to to answer a phone call from you or watch a video tape of your helping them be their best. These are the type of people that my present day career. I’m not going to lie to you there was a lot of rodeo runs or rides. A lot of kids have the misconception that I want in my life and that’s why I am still good friends with blood, sweat and yes I’m embarrassed to admit there were a lot of you have to have qualified for the National High School Finals many people that I high schools rodeoed with. You never re- tears, but it was definitely worth it. I know that everyone in this room or Silver State Finals in order to get a scholarship. Nothing ally know what might become of the relationships that you de- loves to rodeo, but I also know that only a very very small percent- could be further from the truth. A lot of rodeo coaches are velop through high school rodeo.I never thought that I would age of you will be able to make a living at rodeoing. In this day and looking at recruits based on their potential. Does this kid have be marrying the guy I started to date in Grade 9 and I’m pretty age as diesel prices are sky high, you can’t hardly go down the road the potential to be a great rodeo athlete? Does this kid have the sure 11 years ago my dad would have done just about anything without having a second income. That second income can’t be your grades and work ethic to keep his/her grade point average high to get that bull rider to leave his daughter alone, but it just goes parents forever! You are at a stage in your life where the opportunity enough to rodeo? Because if your GPA falls below a 2.0 then to show some friendships and relationships are meant to last. to get a secondary education is just sitting there waiting for you to you can’t rodeo for the college the following semester and in grab it. I really didn’t know of a better situation than getting your a coaches eyes that’s a wasted scholarship, you no longer have I don’t think I can offer anymore words of wisdom and I hope secondary education paid for or partially paid for by a rodeo scholar- the potential to be making the team points if you’re ineligible that by sharing how I got to where I am in my life that it in- ship. You get the opportunity of a life time to further your education to rodeo. Does this kid have the attitude to be part of my ro- spires some of you to go out and do the same. Don’t be afraid and prepare yourself for a career while still getting to rodeo. Added deo team? In high school rodeo it is an individual sport but at to set BIG goals for yourself and NEVER doubt that you can bonus you don’t just win buckles and jackets at the college rodeos the college level there is more of a team atmosphere because achieve these goals. Utilize every opportunity that is presented they actually pay money granted its not a huge amount but trust me if your team is one of the top two in the region you have the to you and don’t be afraid to just ask. u any paycheque is welcome when you are a starving college kid. chance to go to the College Finals.

Xtreme Rodeo 24 August 2008 Xtreme Rodeo 25 August 2008 We’d like to thank the following advertisers for participating in we the July issue: Keddies www.keddies.com Ev Stern, dedicated roping fan Frontier Western Shop Fraser Roping - Claresholm, AB www.westernshop.com Barn Spider Advertisement & Web Design Trish Seitz Shane & Cody Sawley www.barnspider.ca Rope 4 Fun - Nanton, AB Dugdale Agco Branding ‘08 Billings Livestock Exchange www.billingslivestock.com Diane Kundert Memorial Rodeo Miss Rodeo Canada www.rodeocanada.com Glen Keeley Memorial Bull Riding www.glenkeeleymemorial.ca T.R.A.S.H. For Kids - Schmidt Family Masterfeeds www.masterfeeds.com Lee Laskosky, wrapping up a long day Mink & Manure Fraser Roping - Claresholm, AB www.minkandmanure.ca Cowboy Country Clothing Ltd www.cowboystuf.com Nanton Ag Society Bob Koch Sawer Eirikson www.nantonagsociety.com helping out; summer ‘08 Fraser Roping - Claresholm, AB Southern Alberta Livestock Exchange www.livestock.ab.ca Keifer Built www.keiferbuilt.com WPCA www.wpca.com Key Ranch www.keyranch.com Flaman Horse & Stock Trailers Doug Dorin & his grandson www.flamantrailers.com RMR - Nanton, AB Broken Springs Ranch - Pollit Families Kearose Ranch Xtreme Xposure www.kearoseranch.com Big West Dodge Wants YOUR photos! www.bigwestdodge.com Submit some of your favorite snapshots to Hi Plains Ranch Gordon Weerstra & Ray Lane [email protected] www.highplainsranchsupply.com Everyone reads Xtreme Rodeo! Fraser Roping - Claresholm, AB Maureen Dalton Jack Russels Todd Gallais The 2008 Season is Falling Into Place

A Conversation With a True Professional

Photos Courtesy of Billy Melville

fter a successful start to the 2008 at the Grande Prairie outriders Chad Fike and Eddie Melville, captured the North Stompede, the WPCA Dodge Pro Tour moved on to Medi- American Chuckwagon Championship in High River Sun- Acine Hat for the Medicine Exhibition & Stampede. It turned day afternoon. Tournier posted the best 4-day aggregate out to the perfect show for Kelly Sutherland who ended up time of 5:09.74 to capture his first career North American taking day money on all 3 days. Kelly Sutherland, driving Chuckwagon Championship. the Hear Now Inc. outfit, and along with outriders Chanse How does a team roper/husband/school teacher and new Tell us about your wife and son? Do they travel with you Vigen and Reo King, swept the 2008 Medicine Hat Exhibi- Luke Tournier jumped from 10th place after Friday, and father find time to produce leather products? etc? tion & Stampede Championship with the perfect show tak- overcame a 1.2 second deficit in 5th place after Saturday’s ing the top time of the night all 3 nights. runs to win the 2008 North American Chuckwagon Champi-

I’m lucky to have the job I do where I have the summers and Maxine and I used to go everywhere together. Last fall she onship by just 18 one hundreds of a second over 2007 cham- weekends off. This frees up a lot of time for leather work. If bought a new horse and they’re still getting each other fig- Sutherland’s 3-day aggregate time of 3:23.03 bested runner- pion Jason Glass. Day 3 leader Rae Croteau Jr. finished in

I know I have a few orders to get done I also plan my nights ured out so she hasn’t been rodeoing. I have been traveling up Chad Harden by 1.21 seconds to take the Medicine Hat 3rd place overall with Buddy Bensmiller and Jerry Bremner around being in my ‘Leather Room’. with my brother, Travis, and whoever else we can squeeze crown. Doug Irvine, who drove for the 1st time this season finishing in 4th and 5th respectively. Tournier also received

in the rig. Unfortunately, that means leaving Maxine and after a hand injury kept him out of the Grande Prairie Stom- the Strike Energy Services Safe Drive Award for the North

How did you become involved with leather work? Graison at home. That part is tough but Maxine has been pede placed 3rd, while Kirk Sutherland and Rick Fraser American Chuckwagon Championship. so supportive it has made this year so much easier. made up the top 5 overall for the show. It was the 2nd time I have always had an interest in leather work and tooling Kelly Sutherland has won the Medicine Hat Exhibition & Then it was off to Ponoka and the Ponoka Stampede Cham- leather since I was a kid but never really knew where to Stampede, his first coming in 2002. Sutherland also received pionship. The weather was perfect for the second consecu- start. One day I told Maxine I was going to start doing it as the Strike Energy Services Safe Drive Award for the Medi- tive year at Ponoka, and the track record fell twice in the six a sideline business and she said, “Yeah right.” That’s how cine Hat Exhibition & Stampede. day event. The record of 1:14.07 set by Jason Glass in 2006 it all started. I just began doing it. I didn’t even know how was beaten first by Doug Irvine on opening night with a new at first but over time I have a learned a lot. Next, it was off to Lethbridge for the Rocky Mountain Turf mark of 1:13.59. Then on night 4 Luke Tournier cracked the Club Derby. The first day was cancelled due to unsafe track 1:13 barrier and established the new track record at Ponoka conditions, but the 2 days that were run were fantastic. It with a 1:12.94. But when the show wrapped up it was Doug How do folks find your products? took nearly 40 years, but Kelly Sutherland has finally cap- Irvine, driving the B & R Eckels Transport Ltd. outfit, and tured his first championship in Lethbridge - one of the few along with outriders Dave Biever, Chance Flad, Dale Gray I have a lot of products out there but many people probably cities he hat yet to win in prior to this year. and Eddie Melville captured the 2008 Ponoka Stampede don’t know that I’m the person who made them. I have a Championship. It was the first career win for Irvine who has website that showcases many of my products. You can find Despite being an event shortened to 2 days, Kelly Suther- been driving since 1998, and he did it in his 3rd career sud- it at wildhorseleather.com. land, driving the Hear Now Inc. outfit, and along with out- den death final. riders Chanse Vigen and Reo King captured the 2008 Rocky Are you hoping that one day leather will replace teaching? Mountain Turf Club Derby in Lethbridge. It was the second Coming off barrel number 2 in heat number 9, Irvine won consecutive week that Kelly Sutherland walked away with a the Tommy Dorchester $50,000.00 Sudden Death Champi- I don’t know if that will ever happen. I enjoy my teaching show championship as he captured the Medicine Hat Exhi- onship Final Heat over Luke Tournier, Hugh Sinclair and job and it allows me to do some of these other things I like to bition & Stampede just last week. Rae Croteau Jr. in an exciting conclusion to the 2008 Pono- do. It would be interesting to do leather work as a full time ka Stampede. His 1:14.65 was just 7 one-hundreds of a sec- business but then it might take the fun out of it. Right now I Sutherland’s 2-day aggregate time of 2:04.98 bested runner- ond faster than Luke Tournier who placed 2nd in the sudden enjoy doing a nice job on the orders I get and if I had to hire up Jerry Bremner by 20 one-hundreds of a second to take death final, with Hugh Sinclair and Rae Croteau Jr. placing someone to do the work it wouldn’t be the same. the Lethbridge crown. Kirk Sutherland, Buddy Bensmill- 3rd and 4th respectively. er and Mark Sutherland made up the top 5 overall for the Best rodeo moment to date? show. Sutherland also received the Strike Energy Services Doug Irvine made it a clean sweep by having the best six day Safe Drive Award for the Rocky aggregate followed closely It used to be my first CFR in the calf roping but knowing how Mountain Turf Club Derby. by Luke Tournier, Rae Cro- much harder I have worked at my team roping I would have teau Jr., Jason Glass and to say that right about now is the best rodeo moment. We Following Lethbridge, the wag- Hugh Sinclair. Doug Irvine won Sundre and Airdrie and placed deep in Ponoka and with ons rolled into High River for the will also receive the Strike that I should be close to making my first CFR in the team North American Chuckwagon Energy Services Safe Drive roping. It’s a very exciting time for me. Championship. Luke Tournier, Award for having the least driving the High River Home number of penalty seconds Hardware outfit, and along with over the 6 day event. Xtreme Rodeo 28 August 2008 Xtreme Rodeo 29 August 2008 CPRA Strathmore CPRA Strathmore CPRA Abbotsford CPRA Abbotsford FCA Nanton CPRA Grimshaw FCA Nanton

CPRA Strathmore CPRA Strathmore S.E.P.T.R. Med Hat CPRA Dawson Creek CPRA Dawson Creek CPRA Dawson Creek CPRA Abbotsford CPRA Dawson Creek CPRA Olds CPRA Olds CPRA Grimshaw Sundre Super Six Roping Diane Kundert Memorial

CPRA Olds CPRA Jasper CPRA Jasper CPRA Jasper CPRA Jasper CPRA Dawson Creek CPRA Cranbrook CPRA Cranbrook Sundre Super Six Roping T.R.A.S.H. Kids Roping - Schmidt Arena CPRA Pincher Creek CPRA Pincher Creek

CPRA Cranbrook S.E.P.T.R. Med Hat WTRA Finals CPRA Kamloops CPRA Kamloops CPRA Pincher Creek CPRA Lethbridge CPRA Lethbridge CPRA Lethbridge Broken Springs Ranch Alberta Century Team Horse Sale Roping Championships

TRC Finals - Olds TRC Finals - Olds Claresholm HSR Alberta Century Team TRC Finals - Olds Roping Championships

Claresholm HSR TRC Finals - Olds

C o n g r a tu l a ti o n s ! Alberta was once again represented strongly at the National High School Finals rodeo, TRC Finals - Oldswww.keithstewart.ca S.E.P.T.R.A. Finals the Silverstate International Rodeo & the Wrangler Jr Rodeo Finals. Congrats to all the contestants who competed in the rodeos.... Alberta had several top 20 finishes this year,

RMR Finals Tees CARA Pincher Creek HSR Tees CARA making it once again a successful season!

Pincher Creek HSR Nanton HSR Cypress Hills Reg Visit www.albertahsrodeo.com for final standings from each of the national rodeos. Horse Breeders Sale

Nanton HSR ATRA Finals - Claresholm Bullarama @ Siksika ATRA Finals - Claresholm

ATRA Finals - Claresholm

Cayley, AB For upcoming clinics & events at KEY RANCH, please visit www.keithstewart.ca www.xtremerodeo.ca [email protected] P. 403.649.6287 F.403.649.6288 PAR MEDORA GIRL ~ 3y/o AQHA Sorrel Mare Don’t miss out on this pretty little mare. 14.3hh. Breeding goes back to legendary working horses: Two Eyed Jack, Zan Parr Bar & Jackie Bee. PAR is green broke & is ready to take to the next level. She’s a sensible and smart student. Given the opportunity, she could go in any direction: penning, team roping, gymkhana, english, etc. Confirmation & ability to make an all around horse. Eye appeal & bloodlines to make a nice broodmare. Has been clipped, bathed, shoed & hauled. Will continue to Classifieds & Business Directory be used & hauled until sold. Priced to sell @ $2500. Tom & Leslie Crowe 403.646.5733

Casey - 15hh, 6y/o sorrel mare. More horses for sale: www.thecroweplace.com She has great potential; nice disposition, easy to be around. Has had 2 previous owners & is looking for the perfect fit. Well broke & proves to be quite athlet- ic. Moved cows, pleasure rode & started on heeling. 4H, gymkha- na project, penning prospect or everyday using horse. Willing to learn & interested in cattle. Easy keeper & has been hauled numerous times. Casey isn’t a beginner horse, but is ready for someone to take to the next step in their riding abilities. Reason for selling - too many horses! $4000, contact Corey 403.650.6444 or [email protected]

15hh, 14y/o registered gelding. Solid red dun - Firebrand Raw- hide. Sire: Docs Good Bargain. Dam: A Good Dustin. Purchased in ‘97 and used as ranch horse. Used as a 4H/show horse for the first couple years. Trained as a heading & heeling horse. Has been breakaway roped off of a little. Hauled to AHSRA Rodeos, pro rodeos & jackpots. Would make excellent HS rodeo horse/ beginner rope horse. Very dependable & good to be around - kids can ride him. Proven himself over & over again. This is a horse you can do anything with & he doesn’t let you down. Contact Cory 403.650.6444 or rbecker@ hammereq.com

13y/o reg. gelding. Chestnut w/ bald face and 4 sox. Stands 15hh. King Eyed Cochise. Sire: King Eyed Oak. Dam: Dez Double Dandy. ‘07 College Rodeo horse of the year. Purchased in ‘04 and used for college & amature rodeo. Heading, heeling, breakaway, calf roping, hazing and ranch work. Would make an excellent HS ro- deo or College rodeo horse. Great for someone starting out. Good to be around, kids can ride him. Proven himself over & over again. You can do anything with him - young or old. Selling b/c too many horses. Call Carol PRODUCTS FOR SALE 403.888.9819 or rbecker @ hammereq.com or [email protected] LIVESTOCK FOR SALE JOB POSTINGS 7 y/o reg. AQHA mare for sale. BUSINESS LISTINGS Stands aprox 14.2hh - Shays Snoopy - Sire: Peppy O Shay. Dam: Alberta Cowgirl. Purchased as a 2 y/o with 60 days riding. Hauled all over AB & into BC. Used as ‘03 & ‘04 Miss Rodeo Okotoks horse - hauled to various parades, rodeos and other func- tions. Been barrel raced, heeled For more info or to post & breakaway roped off of. Very something in our next issue: cowy & likes to work. She is very athletic. Would make a good cattle pen- ning, working cow horse or 4H/show horse if given the opportunity. Full of PLACE [email protected] AD HERE class & an easy keeper. Reason for selling - too many horses. Call Becky 403.888.9824 or [email protected]

Xtreme Rodeo 34 August 2008 Xtreme Rodeo 35 August 2008