TIES THAT BIND Family at the Finalsť6 NFR MUST-HAVES The Experts’ Advice 2013 GUIDE TO THE WRANGLER

Vegas Goes NFRWorld Champion + Country predictions Shows, Shopping, in every event , and More!

DESIGN STUDIO - LOGO GUIDE

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AmericanCowboy.com December/January 2014 53

IMAGES REPRESENTED HERE MAY VARY SLIGHTLY ON FINAL IMPRINTED GAR MENT. The perfect combination of & Christmas

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bootbarn.com facebook.com/bootbarn 33 EXTREME RELAXED JEAN WORLD CHAMPION BAREBACK RIDER KAYCEE FEILD Scan to watch a video of Kaycee’s story. Chenea Shiner Miss Rodeo America 2013

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Orleans Showroom Wynonna

Hosted by 3rd Annual Mechanical Don Gay, Joe Beaver, Competitions Sinbad and Dan Miller for a nightly recap 5:00 pm – midnight of the rodeo action! Two (2) Sessions nightly $500 in Cash and Prizes plus a Championship Buckle for 1st Place. Top 5 scores paid out in cash and prizes in each session. Orleans Arena Roxy’s Lounge Montgomery Gentry Live Entertainment Before and After viewing party

Randy Anderson Band Dec 3 – Dec 14: 2pm-6pm

Wolf Creek & Dec 5 – Dec 9 featuring live bands nightly… Doors Open 8:00 pm The Rowdy Band Dec 10 – Dec 14 ‘til the cows come home Inside the Arizona Ballroom Times: Sunday - Thursday Charlie Daniels Band 9:30pm – 1:30am Doors Open at 8:30 pm NO COVER CHARGE Showtime at 9:30 pm Friday & Saturday 9:30pm – 2:30am

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2013 GUIDE TO THE WRANGLER SHUTTLES A free shuttle service to and from the Thomas & Mack Center runs each night for rodeo performances. The shuttle picks up from the [At a glance] Cowboy Christmas Gift Show (one-way route NFR only) and every sponsored and hosted hotel, except the El Cortez. Pick-up time to the rodeo EVENT SCHEDULE is 5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m., and drop-off after the event is 9:00 p.m.–10:30 p.m. !67TH ANNUAL PRCA NATIONAL !THE MIRAGE PRESENTS CONVENTION CONTRACT RODEO VEGAS 2013 COWBOY CHRISTMAS PERSONNEL TRADE SHOW 6:30 p.m. to 4 a.m. at the Mirage Race & The NFR experience wouldn’t be the same with- 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 5, at the Sports Book. Nightly entertainment. Free out shopping at the Cowboy Christmas Gift South Point Exhibit Hall. admission. Show. With more than 300,000 square feet of shopping space and just under 400 exhibitors !NFR COWBOY !GARY LEFFEW’S LEGENDARY from the United States and Canada, you’ll find CHRISTMAS GIFT SHOW “BUCK’N BALL” unique products including custom-made jew- 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily beginning Thurs- 8 p.m. to “until the cows come home,” in elry, , boots and , furniture, day, Dec. 5 through Saturday, Dec. 14, at the Arizona Ballroom at the Gold Coast original art, handmade crafts, home goods, and the Las Vegas Convention Center North Hotel & Casino. Live entertainment. Free official NFR and PRCA merchandise. Hall. Free Admission. admission. *Both Cowboy Christmas and Cowboy Fan- !COWBOY FANFEST !NATIONAL FINALS TONIGHT SHOW Fest will run from Thursday, Dec. 5 through 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily beginning Thurs- HOSTED BY DON GAY, JOE BEAVER, Saturday, Dec. 14, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.* day, Dec. 5 through Saturday, Dec. 14, at AND DAN MILLER the Las Vegas Convention Center North 10:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. nightly at the OFFICIAL NFR HOST Hall, adjacent to the Cowboy Christmas Gold Coast Showroom. Free admission. & SPONSOR HOTELS Aria • Circus Circus • Excalibur • Gold Coast • Gift Show. Free Admission. Golden Nugget • Mandalay Bay • MGM Grand !WRANGLER NFR GO-ROUND • The Mirage • Monte Carlo • The Orleans • !OUTSIDE THE BARREL BUCKLE PRESENTATIONS HOSTED BY Sam’s Town • Silver Sevens • Silverton • South WITH FLINT RASMUSSEN FLINT RASMUSSEN & RANDY CORLEY Point • Treasure Island • El Cortez • Flamingo Noon to 1 p.m. daily in the Las Vegas 11 p.m. nightly through Dec. 13 at the • Harrah’s • The Palms • Planet Hollywood • Convention Center North Hall. South Point Dance Hall. Free admission. Tropicana PHOTO BY DAN HUBBELL

AmericanCowboy.com December/January 2014 59 2013 GUIDE TO THE WRANGLER NFR [At a glance]

JADE CORKILL

AUTOGRAPH SESSIONS COWBOY FANFEST ťFriday, Dec. 6 Cowboy FanFest is the ultimate inter- STEER WRESTLERS active fan experience, featuring the Noon to 2 p.m. best of the . FanFest at Cowboy FanFest includes music, entertainment, spe- cialty food and beverages, a rodeo ťSaturday, Dec. 7 arena, interactive booths, and rodeo. TIE-DOWN ROPERS Here’s the lineup: Noon to 2 p.m. at Cowboy FanFest ENTERTAINMENT The Rodeo Arena features ranch sort- ťDec. 6–7 ing, horsemanship demonstrations, MISS RODEO AMERICA mini bulls, cowboy mounted PAGEANT shooting, and much more! And dance 9:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. at the night away to live entertainment. MGM Grand Hotel Lobby CELEBRITIES ťMonday, Dec. 9 Catch Miss Rodeo America appear- TEAM ROPERS ances and Rodeo Live, featuring live Noon to 2 p.m at Excalibur acoustic music and Flint Rasmussen with his hit show, “Outside the Barrel.” ťTuesday, Dec. 10 BULL RIDERS FOOD & DRINK Noon to 2 p.m. at Gilley’s Enjoy “The Taste of Rodeo” by sam- inside Treasure Island pling the Western-themed menu, along with a cold one, while watching ťWednesday, Dec. 11 the NFR replay at the Rodeo Saloon. BARREL RACERS Noon to 2 p.m. at the HISTORY Golden Nugget Visit Rodeo Way for exhibits on the INFR, NFR after Dark, History of NFR, ťThursday, Dec. 12 Miss Rodeo America, and select . BAREBACK RIDERS INTERACTIVE AREAS Noon to 2 p.m. at Cowboy FanFest Showcasing the latest rodeo products and services. ťFriday, Dec. 13 SADDLE BRONC RIDERS Noon to 2 p.m. at Cowboy FanFest PHOTO BY DAN HUBBELL

60 December/January 2014 AmericanCowboy.com Jeans & Apparel NFR [Livestream]

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M RESORT Performance Parties Couldn’t score a ticket to the Thomas 1) MANDALAY BAY watch the rodeo, laugh with (at) come- & Mack? Don’t let that stop you from ! e hotel’s nightly live simulcast of the dian Rodney Carrington, and perhaps enjoying the NFR Experience! At these NFR is a popular stop, with great drink win a Cactus saddle. More than 20 world specials while you watch. champs typically stay here. ! ere’s also Las Vegas properties, you can catch the 3950 Las Vegas Blvd. South, free admission to the Gold Buckle Zone, rodeo action through livestream view- 702-632-7777, mandalaybay.com happening nightly 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. ing, win some cowboy contest cash, 3799 South Las Vegas Blvd., dance ‘til you drop at the after-parties, 2) EXCALIBUR 877-880-0880, mgmgrand.com and much more. In Vegas, the fun Intense. Exciting. Over the top. Some use those words to describe the NFR and 4) ARIA never stops. Las Vegas in general. Catch each night’s NFR action on the 3850 South Las Vegas Blvd., sport’s book 90 high-defi nition TVs, 702-597-7777, excalibur.com two of which measure a staggering 220 inches. 3730 South Las Vegas Blvd., 3) MGM GRAND 702-590-7757, arialasvegas.com Get ready for a wild ride! Every day, you can shop, dance, play fantasy rodeo, MAP BY CHRIS PHILPOT

62 December/January 2014 AmericanCowboy.com HUNDREDS OF EXHIBITORS $6450.."%&+&8&-3:t)0.&(00%4 8&45&3/8&"3t#0054t41634t)"54 03*(*/"-"35t)"/%."%&$3"'54 '63/*563&t-&"5)&3(00%4t5"$, 1MVT XBUDIUIFQSFWJPVTOJHIUT8SBOHMFS/'3BOE IJUDIBSJEFPOUIFGSFF/'3&YQSFTTUPUIF5IPNBT.BDL$FOUFS

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5) MONTE CARLO 2880 Las Vegas Blvd., Take the belt out a notch at 702-734-0410, !e Buffet, which is serving circuscircus.com up a menu of cowboy grub. 3770 South Las Vegas Blvd., 10) GOLDEN NUGGET 702-730-7777, Classic country music fans, montecarlo.com this is where you want to go! Gretchen Wilson, Dwight 6) GOLD COAST Yoakam, Willie Nelson, !e Gold Coast really is and Merle Haggard are all And Don’t Miss where the cowboys go after performing here during the the rodeo. Get a nightly recap evenings of the NFR. ! THE ORLEANS at the National Finals Tonight 129 Fremont St., Want a luxurious stay with a variety ! THE PALMS Show. 702-385-7111, of activities and restaurants to Enjoy the NFR in style with the 4000 West Flamingo Road, goldennugget.com choose from? The Orleans offers Palm’s fine dining options. The music from Wynonna at the arena, hotel offers multiple restaurants 702-367-7111, a movie theatre, a bowling center, that are home to world-class goldcoastcasino.com 11) SAM’S TOWN Brendan’s Pub, a spa, and a Mardi chefs. If you’re in the mood for Watch the boys make bull- Gras room. Make sure to check out a more casual evening, many 7) THE MIRAGE riding look easy during a live their NFR room package deal! other restaurants offer down-home !e “Official Wrangler NFR NFR performance broadcast, 4500 West Tropicana Ave., cooking, exotic food or a quick 702-365-7111, meal if you are catching the shuttle After-Party of the PRCA” then test your own bull-riding orleanscasino.com to the rodeo. celebrates the world’s greatest skills in the 4321 West Flamingo Rd., rodeo with a 24-hour party, riding contest. !ere’s $2,000 ! EL CORTEZ 866-942-7770, and free live entertainment for the winner! As the longest continuously- palms.com nightly. 5111 Boulder Highway, running hotel in Vegas, El Cortez offers the true Vegas experience. ! PLANET 3400 Las Vegas Blvd. South, 702-456-7777, They boast a variety of activities HOLLYWOOD 702-791-7111, samstownlv.com and dining options, from Elvis to Not much is more American than mirage.com karaoke and The Flame Steakhouse rodeo. Except for maybe a burger, 12) SILVERTON to Café Cortez. fries, and milkshake. Planet Hol- 8) TREASURE ISLAND (TI) Want a good deal? !e 600 East Fremont St., lywood is home to Gordon Ramsay 702-385-5200, BurGR, which seats over 200 and Cowboys, comedy, rodeo, and Silverton offers excellent elcortezhotelcasino.com offers traditional (and some very a saloon. Where has this place NFR lodging deals and event unique!) burgers, fried chicken slid- been all your life? TI brings tickets. Even if you can’t score ! FLAMINGO ers, desserts, and more. the best of the West under a ticket, watch the Silverton’s If you can’t get tickets to the NFR, 3667 Las Vegas Blvd. South, one roof. Watch the rodeo satellite TV broadcast, shop there is always Margaritaville. Don’t 866-919-7472, forget to check out comedy shows planethollywoodresort.com with a live satellite broadcast Outdoor World, or just ogle in the evening. of every performance, then the gargantuan, floor-to- 3555 Las Vegas Blvd. South, ! TROPICANA throw one back at Gilley’s ceiling aquarium. 702-733-3111, After the rodeo, kick up your boots Saloon, where the drafts are 3333 Blue Diamond Road, flamingolasvegas.com in the Tropicana Lounge with live 2-for-1! 702-263-7777, entertainment and exclusive NFR ! HARRAH’S drink specials. The Tropicana 3300 South Last Vegas Blvd., silvertoncasino.com Experience the glamour of vintage Lounge also offers live feed of all 702-894-7111, nightlife with the Million Dollar the NFR action! treasureisland.com 13) SOUTH POINT Quartet’s rockin’ performances 3801 Las Vegas Blvd. South, At the home of the NFR of music by Elvis Presley, Jerry 702-739-2222, 9) CIRCUS CIRCUS Gold Buckle awards pre- Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash, and Carl troplv.com Perkins. sentation, Try the ultimate BBQ platter you can enjoy fine 3475 Las Vegas Blvd. South, at !e Garden Grill before dining and the World Series 800-214-9110, taking in the action via live of Finale. harrahslasvegas.com satellite broadcast. NFR drink 9777 Las Vegas Blvd. South, specials will keep your thirst 702-796-7111, quenched! southpointcasino.com

66 December/January 2014 AmericanCowboy.com FREE and EASY Want express service to and from the Thomas & Mack Center? Fans can use the complimentary NFR Express all ten days of the world’s greatest rodeo!

Cowboy Christmas Aria Tour Bus Lobby Gift Show (one way route only) Monte Carlo West Valet Entrance 1 LVCC North Hall by the Flag Pole 8 2 MGM Grand West Wing Valet Entrance 9 Orleans Main Valet Entrance 3 Sam’s Town Back Entrance next to McDonald’s 10 Golden Nugget Carson Tower Entrance

The Mirage North Valet Entrance Excalibur Rear Circle Treasure Island (TI) 4 11 Bus Loading Zone, near the South Side Valet

Tropicana North Entrance (Facing Tropicana Blvd.) Flamingo Tour Bus Area (Audrie St. and Flamingo Rd.) 5 Mandalay Bay Tour & Travel Lobby 12 Harrah’s Bus Plaza, next to Valet

Planet Hollywood Tour Bus Lobby Gold Coast Main Valet Entrance 6 Silver Sevens West Entrance 13 The Palms Main Entrance at end of Porte-Cochere

Silverton Main Valet Entrance Circus Circus Front Entrance South Point 7 14 Main Valet Entrance (outside Porte-Cochere)

DECEMBER 5 - 14, 2013

Shuttle to Thomas & Mack Shuttle from Thomas & Mack Dates Pre-Event Post-Event Rodeo Start Dec. 5 - 14 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. 9:00 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. 6:45 p.m. /LasVegasNFR #WranglerNFR All times Pacific. Routes and times subject to change. Please check NFRexperience.com for updates. NFRexperience.com NFR [Preview] Fearless predictions In a time when the gap between No. 1 and No. 15 is rapidly shrinking, Butch Knowles steps into a crowded field of cowboys to pick the 2013 world champions in rodeo’s seven events. Photos by Dan Hubbell

THE PICK: Bobby Mote WORLD TITLES: 4 WRANGLER NFRS: 13 BIGGEST 2013 WIN: Caldwell Night Rodeo (Idaho)

Bareback riding THE FAVORITES: Bobby Mote is a four- time world champion bareback rider, and one of his long-stated goals is to reach five titles to tie Joe Alexander and Bruce Ford for the most wins in the event. However, for the past two years, Kaycee Field (son of legendary all-around hand, Lewis) has dominated in Las THE FAVORITES: None of the active world Vegas. While it’s never champions in this event are in the top 5 entering just a two-man race the Wrangler NFR. It might be the first time since in Vegas, this is the 2004 that Luke Branquinho, Lee Graves, Dean closest it comes. Gorsuch or Jason Miller won’t win a world title. Then again, all but Graves are in the field and KNOWLES SAYS: could come from the back of the pack for a win. “I’m going with The smart money, however, is on a fresh crop of Bobby Mote this contenders. Trevor Knowles, Casey Martin, and year. He’s been Matt Reeves will battle it out for the gold buckle. real strong this fall THE PICK: Trevor Knowles WORLD TITLES: 0 and I think he’s WRANGLER NFRS: 10 KNOWLES SAYS: “Casey Martin is going to the healthiest he’s BIGGEST 2013 WIN: Ellensburg be darn tough. But I better stick with the been going into the Rodeo (Wash.) guy whose last name starts with K and Wrangler NFR in a ends with nowles. I don’t think it’s a bad couple of years.” choice—he’s really been on a roll this fall. He’ll ride Jesse, and he’s won a lot of money on that horse at the Finals.”

68 December/January 2014 AmericanCowboy.com

NFR [Preview]

THE PICK: Brandon Beers THE PICK: Cody Ohl THE PICK: Jesse Wright & Jim Ross Cooper WORLD TITLES: 5 WORLD TITLES: 1 WORLD TITLES: 0 WRANGLER NFRS: 19 WRANGLER NFRS: 3 WRANGLER NFRS: Beers: 3; Cooper: 4 BIGGEST 2013 WIN: Justin Boots BIGGEST 2013 WIN: California Rodeo Salinas BIGGEST 2013 WIN: Sheridan WYO Rodeo Championships (Omaha, Neb.)

Team roping Tie-down roping Saddle THE FAVORITES: Brandon Beers THE FAVORITES: Tuf Cooper is the THE FAVORITES: Basically everyone and Jim Ross Cooper didn’t start two-time reigning world champion in entered in this event has a chance. The roping together until halfway through this event and leads the field going into Wright brothers, Cody and Jesse, are the season, but they haven’t gone a the NFR. But for the past two years, the frontrunners, but their other brother, weekend without placing somewhere Cody Ohl has been stalking him. This Jake, Wade Sundell, and Taos Muncy until the last rodeo of the season. just may be the year the cagey veteran could all be contenders. Jesse Wright, However, Clay Tryan and Jade Corkill finally overtakes the young gun. Ohl however, has stepped up his game at are a super-team of sorts: Both have is fearless in Vegas and his boom or the Thomas & Mack the past two years, a world title, Corkill is the defending bust approach could give him his sixth and there’s no reason he won’t do that champion, and they come in leading the world championship. Plus, he’ll be on again in this year. standings. Their former partners, Kaleb the reigning PRCA/AQHA Tie-Down Driggers and Travis Graves, teamed up Horse of the Year, Pearl. The sorrel mare KNOWLES SAYS: “This is the and are second heading to the NFR. rejuvinated Ohl’s career and has been his fountain of youth as he chases the KNOWLES SAYS: “Brandon Beers competition. and Jim Ross Cooper have darn sure been on a roll. The last KNOWLES SAYS: weekend of the season was the small pen, but at the Justin Boots

70 December/January 2014 AmericanCowboy.com

NFR [Preview]

THE PICK: J.W. Harris WORLD TITLES: 3 WRANGLER NFRS: 8 BIGGEST 2013 WIN: Justin Boots Championships (Omaha, Neb.) Bull riding THE FAVORITES: J.W. Harris is a man among boys in bull riding. With three world championships and seven previous NFRs to his name, he’s got more experience than his counterparts by far. He’s also got more momentum, coming off a big win in Omaha. The reigning world champion, Cody Teel, is also in the field, as is Shane Proctor, the 2011 world champ, so it won’t be a cakewalk for Harris, THE FAVORITES: Sherry Cervi is entering her but he’s in the driver’s 16th Wrangler NFR and her horse, Stingray, and is seat. running as good as ever. Most likely, this will boil down to a race between her and the defending KNOWLES SAYS: world champion, Mary Walker. While there’s plenty “J.W. Harris looks of money up for grabs in Vegas, their next-closest really good. The competition is $30,000 behind them. last weekend of the KNOWLES SAYS: “I’ll pick Sherry Cervi. weekend he hadn’t placed since Reno. THE PICK: Sherry Cervi Stingray has been rock solid and she’s going WORLD TITLES: 3 in with the lead. “ The bull riding is WRANGLER NFRS: 16 going to be good— BIGGEST 2013 WIN: Reno there are some Rodeo (Nev.) kids in there who are fun to watch. I think it will be better than it has been in the past.”

72 December/January 2014 AmericanCowboy.com COWBOY UP... DOWNTOWN! SADDLE UP FOR THIS COUNTRY ALL STAR ROSTER — PERFORMING LIVE AT THE GOLDEN NUGGET!

GRETCHEN WILSON DWIGHT YOAKAM December 6 & 7 December 8 & 9

WILLIE NELSON MERLE HAGGARD December 10 & 11 December 12 & 13 NFR VIEWING BARREL RACERS DECEMBER 5-14 AUTOGRAPH SESSION WATCH THE NFR LIVE WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11 TELEVISED NIGHTLY — 12PM - 2PM FREE ADMISSION FREE ADMISSION

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866.946.5336 SAME CLASS. GOLDENNUGGET.COM NEW ERA. NFR [Preview] The scores How to evaluate rodeo’s seven events.

BAREBACK RIDING Ever ridden a jackhammer with one hand? That’s what this event has been compared to. Riders hold on to a leather rigging that’s secured with a cinch and aim for a wild, yet controlled ride with points earned by a back- and-forth spurring motion as the horse bucks. GOLDEN RULE: As in all roughstock events, half the score comes from the animal. No touching with the cowboy’s free hand; any illegal contact results in no score.

STEER WRESTLING Ever had the guts to slide off a horse galloping at full speed and take down a 500-pound steer by the horns? These guys do. Stop the clock in four seconds or less, and you’ll earn a nice check. GOLDEN RULE: As in all timed events, the animal gets a head start. Too much horsepower too soon will break the barrier and result in a 10-second penalty.

TEAM ROPING Let’s play catch, partner. Two ropers, a header and a heeler, take off after a steer. After the header ropes the steer around the horns he turns it so the heeler can rope both hind legs and complete the run. The world record is 3.3 seconds, or faster than it took to read this. GOLDEN RULE: This event depends on two solid catches. Anything less and you don’t get paid.

SADDLE BRONC RIDING Derived from a cowboy’s task of breaking a wild horse, this is rodeo’s classic event—just look at the PRCA logo. Riders hold on to the rein, remain firmly seated, and try to synchronize their spurs to the movements of the horse to achieve the highest score. GOLDEN RULE: Riders must mark out, or hold both heels above the horse’s shoulders as the ride starts—the same rule applies in bareback riding.

TIE-DOWN ROPING A cowboy throws his loop and catches a calf, then dismounts, sprints to the calf, and flanks it to the ground. As quickly as possible, he then ties any three legs together with a piggin’ string and throws his hands in the air to stop the clock. GOLDEN RULE: Tie fast, and tie tightly. The calf has six seconds to stay put after the run. If it breaks free, then it’s no time (and no cash, either).

BARREL RACING Horsepower in its truest sense. Time is the only thing that matters here, and these cowgirls and their horses have gotten so fast that champions are often decided by hundredths of a second. GOLDEN RULE: Don’t topple a barrel, which results in a five-second penalty.

BULL RIDING Maybe it was a bet. Maybe it was a dare. No one knows for sure which cowboy was crazy enough to ride a for the first time. Today, there’s a reason it’s the last event at a rodeo. The sheer excitement of 150-pound man vs. 1,500-pound beast makes this the crowd favorite, hands down. UBBELL GOLDEN RULE: Just hang on, but roughstock rules apply—hold on with one hand only. And as with all roughstock events, style matters. PHOTOS BY DAN H

74 December/January 2014 AmericanCowboy.com

NFR [Feature]

In professional rodeo this season, two sons of Hall-of-Famers are each seeking their own third straight world titles. Utah bareback bronc rider Kaycee Feild, 26, can’t make his dad prouder than he did in 2011 while winning six rounds of rodeo’s 10-round Super Bowl in Las Vegas—also setting a record for highest points scored and most money ever earned in one event at the Wrangler ($179,327). !en again, Kaycee must have been im- pressed when, in 2000, platinum-selling recording artist Jewel sang about his dad’s retirement in a song she penned with her now-retired rodeo-star husband Ty Mur- ray: “Till We Run out of Road.” In the mid-1980s, “Lew” Feild won five world titles—two in bareback riding and three in all-around. !e other headlining son living up to his heritage is the 23-year-old tie-down roper Tuf Cooper, who may soon match Dynasties on dirt the fame of his dad, eight-time world champ Roy “Super Looper” Cooper. !is year’s NFR is a big family reunion. By Julie Mankin !irteen years ago, at 44, Roy became the first rodeo cowboy to surpass $2 million Much of NASCAR’s popularity is thanks to its famous fathers and in earnings. In February, Tuf became the sons—guys with names like Earnhardt and Petty. As for pro football, youngest to hit $1 million. the Manning brothers have the market cornered on quarterbacks, while !e Feilds and Coopers boast rodeo’s third-generation linebacker Clay Matthews III of the Packers is the fifth first father-son world champions in a de- man in his family to gain fame in the NFL. cade, and they are two of only seven fami- It’s extraordinary enough when multiple family members make the big lies in rodeo history who can say that. In leagues. But when they also stretch the legacy of their Hall-of-Fame par- fact, the extended Cooper clan is easily ents with their own world championships? !at’s downright astonishing. today’s First Family of rodeo. ILLUSTRATION BY KISSELEV PAUL ILLUSTRATION

76 December/January 2014 AmericanCowboy.com

NFR [Feature]

fourth NFR. When Jim and have to rope.” his twin brother Jake Cooper "e clan recently founded qualified together in 2007, the Cooper Rodeo Founda- they were the first twins to tion because, as Clay Tom puts rope together in Las Vegas. it, they’re “tryin’ to give a little Plus, their sister Jill is mar- back.” ried to two-time NFR header As steeped in rodeo his- Jimmy Tanner and competes tory books as the Coopers professionally herself. are, team roper Cory Petska More than 20 Coopers can do them one better. His have competed in rodeo. Six dad, Paul, is a three-time NFR of them sport the prestigious team roper; his mother, Gail, gold buckle signifying a world is a two-time world champion champion. barrel racer; and his sister, Tye Back in 1982, Tuffy ex- Petska Green, made a trip to KAYCEE, 3, AND LEWIS AT THE 1990 NFR plained the phenomenon to a Las Vegas in 1994. reporter: “We worked hard,” “It’s pretty cool when you he said. “We devoted our life to think about it,” said Petska, 34 Tuf is joined at the 2013 brother, Clay Tom Cooper, is a it and really worked at it.” And and roping at his 10th NFR. Wrangler NFR by his brother- two-time NFR tie-down roper. whenever that didn’t happen, “My entire immediate family in-law, two cousins, half-sister, And his son, Clint, 31, just he wasn’t afraid to call out his has been to the NFR. People and older brother Clif Coo- missed making his fifth NFR kin. will ask me, ‘Did you always per. this year. Clint, Clif, and Tuf “I told Clay Tom that just know what you wanted to do?’ In addition to being off- became the first set of three because his name was Coo- and I tell them I always knew. spring of the Super Looper, brothers to rope calves togeth- per, that wouldn’t make him I had big shoes to fill and I Tuf and Clif also sport rodeo er at the 2010–11 NFRs. a roper,” recalls Tuffy, now 88. knew I’d have to bear down genes through their mother, But that’s only half the Coo- “Only hard work and lots of and work my tail off to get Shari Smith Rivera. Rivera’s per legacy. Back in the 1950s, practice would do that.” there.” father (and Clif’s namesake), Tuffy Cooper’s brother, Jim- It’s a sentiment learned by Another entire family of ro- Clifton Smith, is a three- mie T., was just as talented Clif, competing this year at his deo stars is the Tryan crew of time NFR tie-down roper. with a rope and had his own fourth straight NFR. Montana. Clay Tryan, 34, is Her daughter, Shada Nor- Hall of Fame roping son, also “People say all the time, roping at his 12th NFR (with ris Brazile, qualified for her named Jimmie. ‘Aw, you were born to rope,’” Jade Corkill). Clay’s young- first NFR in barrel racing this he says. “But when I’m in the er brother, Travis, narrowly year and is married to 17- box at the NFR, it’s just me missed his 12th NFR as well time PRCA World Champion “Now that I’m a and my horse. My dad can’t this year. "eir father, Dennis . Shari’s broth- father, I look back nod for me and rope for me. Tryan, made the Finals in 1984 er, Stran Smith, is the 2008 and see that my I had to put in the time and as a heeler while their mother, world champion tie-down dedication. I had to sacrifice to Terri Kaye Kirkland, made his- roper. And her 27-year-old parents did a tre- be here.” tory by qualifying in barrel rac- nephew, Stetson Vest, is rop- mendous job on He also had to overcome the ing at the NFR alongside her ing calves in Las Vegas for the the parent-coach pressure that comes with be- roping sons in 2003–05. first time this year. mentality.” ing born into a dynasty. Like Clay won the world cham- As for Roy, his father (and the Mannings of football, the pionship in 2005 and has Tu f ’s n a m e s a k e ) Tu ff y C o o - Coopers never seem to blow been runner-up a remarkable per won the 1950 collegiate up, turn away, or burn out. three times. "e boys’ young- national championship in tie- Jimmie B. Cooper, in fact, “Now that I’m a father, I er half-brother, Brady Tryan, down roping and is in the Na- edged his cousin Roy to win look back and see that my par- 24, qualified for the NFR in tional Cowboy Hall of Fame. the 1981 all-around world ents did a tremendous job on 2010, making the trio the first His sister, Betty Gayle Cooper championship by just $48. His the whole parent-coach men- set of three brothers to qualify Ratliff, won eight world titles son, the third Jimmie (who tality,” says Clif. “If I wanted in team roping the same year. roping and is in the National goes by Jim Ross Cooper), to rope, they wanted me to be Finally, their cousin Chase Cowgirl Hall of Fame. His is team roping this year at his the best. But I knew I didn’t Tryan, 25, is the son of Den - PHOTO BY BRENDA ALLEN

78 December/January 2014 AmericanCowboy.com

NFR [Feature]

nis’ brother Rick, and made the NFR last and 2011. He’s the grandson of 1965 world champion and current TV analyst Butch year heeling. champion barrel racer Sammie !urman Knowles). Want more? !e 2013 NFR boasts Brackenbury and was named for his great- Plus, remarkably, four sets of brothers four other descendants of world cham- uncle Stanley Branco, who made the NFR are competing in Las Vegas. Aside from the pions. Jim Ross Cooper’s roping part- in 1961 with Stan’s grandpa, nine-time Coopers, team ropers Riley and Brady ner, 27-year-old Brandon Beers, is the NFR team roper Dan Branco. Minor of Washington are partners for the son of 1980 world team roping cham- Other multi-generational rodeo stars seventh season, at their fourth NFR to- pion Mike Beers. Back in ’07, Mike and at this year’s Fi- gether. And in saddle bronc riding, there’s Brandon became the first father-and-son nals include bar- the triple threat of Cody, Jesse, and Jake NFR partners in two decades. And heeler rel racer Sherry Wright from Utah, and the Texas duo of Ryan Motes, 33, is the son of 1977 world “My dad can’t Cervi (her father, Jacobs and Sterling Crawley. champ David Motes. Ryan holds the nod for me Mel Potter, roped With nearly a dozen contestants hoping world record in team roping (3.3 seconds) and rope for at the 1959 NFR to add a gold buckle to the family trophy and will compete at his third NFR with me. I had to and her mother, room, plenty of proud parents are focused Charly Crawford. Wendy, was an on the 10 upcoming days in Las Vegas. In In tie-down roping, 30-year-old Ster- put in the NFR barrel racer the meantime, fans are mulling over with ling Smith, the son of 1978 world time and in 1970–72). glee a possible 2031 gold-buckle battle champion team roper Brad Smith, will dedication.” !en there’s between Treston Brazile, now 5, and Kase compete at his first NFR. His mom, Bar- 21-year-old bull Murray, 2. rie (Beach), won two national collegiate rider Parker Will Brazile and Murray rope and ride championships with her rope. Breding (son of like their dads, the two greatest all-around Lastly, steer wrestler Stan Branco, 27, five-time NFR bull rider Scott Breding) cowboys of all time? !ere’s always a finally made the Big Show after finishing and steer wrestler Trevor Knowles (neph- chance—as long as little Kase doesn’t in- 16th in the world standings in both 2010 ew of 1987 NFR saddle bronc riding herit his mom’s voice.

80 December/January 2014 AmericanCowboy.com SOUTHSOUTH POPOINTINT DANCEDANCE HALLHALL FREEFREE ENTERTAINMENTENTERTAINMENT

SUSIE DOBBS BILLY CHILDERS CODY JOHNSON AARON WATSON December 4-5 December 6-8 December 9-11 with Wolf Creek December 12-14 HOME OF MONTANA SILVERSMITHS GO-ROUND BUCKLE PRESENTATION HOSTED BY FLINT RASMUSSEN & RANDY CORLEY 11PM NITELY Michael Gaughan’s

“Where All The Cowboys & Cowgirls Stay & Play”

NFR “LIVE” FREE EVERY NIGHT ON CLOSED CIRCUIT TV RAM RODEO VIEWING PARTY NITELY IN THE GRAND BALLROOM PARK HERE AND TAKE THE SHUTTLE TO THE THOMAS & MACK

SouthPointCasino.com NFR [Profile] The man behind it all A look at how Shawn Davis keeps the NFR rolling smoothly. By Bob Welch

For the average fan taking in Each day, Davis is intimate- In addition to the several one or two nights of the Wran- ly involved in many of the daily meetings (and count- gler National Finals Rodeo, the details it takes to pull off the less others in the weeks and seamlessness of the produc- event. In addition to the 120 months leading up to the tion is immediately breath- contestants, there are around NFR) Davis personally par- taking. !is isn’t your local 650 animals, 2,000 pounds ticipates in security walk- county punkin’ rollin’. No sir, of dirt, and 17,000 fans to throughs, times each segment this production takes months consider. Of course, the event of the event in coordination of advance planning, days of employs announcers, security with the live television broad- meetings, and endless hours of personnel, and secretaries, but cast, and handles any bumps fine-tuning. !e man behind also under the direction of Da- along the way. the product is Shawn Davis, a vis are painters, a full-service If you’ve ever wondered how three-time saddle bronc world welding shop, tractor drivers, they pull it all off, here’s a look champion and ProRodeo Hall and an administrative staff— at Davis’ Dec. 7 schedule, as an of Fame inductee. He has shep- most of which have been with example of the nearly 24-hour- herded each performance of him for years and take person- a-day planning necessary to the Finals since 1986 and was al vacation time from real jobs make each performance the instrumental in its move from and ranches to come work the experience of a lifetime. Oklahoma City to Las Vegas. NFR for 10 days.

SATURDAY DECEMBER 7, 2013 (3:00 p.m.–4:30 p.m.) Work Arena (4:00 a.m.–6:00 a.m.) Work arena and (4:00 p.m.–6:45 p.m.) Credential Office till roping boxes and tie-down area. Open (6:00 a.m.–7:00 a.m.) Set up barrels (4:30 p.m.) Conf. Meeting (Jimmy Powers, followed by barrel racing practice at Chief of Security, Timed & Riding Event Thomas and Mack (T&M). Chute Bosses, Asst. Riding Event Chute (7:00 a.m.) Production Staff Meeting Boss,) (7:00 a.m.–8:00 a.m.) Contestants ride (4:45 p.m.) Announcer’s Pre-Performance in arena. Meeting (Production Office) (8:00 a.m.) Opening Meeting with staff (5:15 p.m.) Secure Arena and NFR Announcer (5:30 p.m.) Production Pre-Performance (8:30 a.m.–10:00 a.m.) Tie third pen of Meeting (Production Office) calves in T&M ( Contestants, (6:45 p.m.) 3RD PERFORMANCE Jimmy Powers, Judges, Timed Event Chute Boss, Chief of Security) AFTER PERFORMANCE Immediately after rip and till arena (work (9:00 p.m.-Midnight): arena person) ť1SPEVDUJPO.FFUJOH 1SPEVDUJPO0GŻDF  (9:00 a.m.) T&M Production Meeting ť3VOFYUSBDBUUMF (9:00 a.m.) and Bull Sale ť1SBDUJDFPQFOJOH (South Point) ť1BJOUBOEUPVDIVQDIVUFT (9:30 a.m.–10:00 a.m.) Work Arena (Stanley and crew). (10:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m.) Opening ť3JEJOH&WFOU4UPDL%SBXJO3PEFPPGŻDF Rehearsal/sound check (Pro Officials, Secretaries, Riding Event (11:30 p.m.–1:30 p.m.) Run and Pen Representatives, NFR Cattle (Timed Event Chute Boss) Representative, NFR Livestock Superin- (12:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.) Work stock tendents) (Livestock Superintendent). (12:00–2:00 p.m.) Mandatory Tie-Down Autograph Session (FanFest) PHOTO BY FRED MCCLANAHAN JR.

82 December/January 2014 AmericanCowboy.com

NFR [Gear] Where did it come from? Roping gear The gear of the fast-action sport had humble beginnings. By Thea Marx

ROPE SADDLE ROPING GLOVES PIGGIN’ STRING ROPING HORSE Roping has had a Although evidence of One of the earliest Used in the arena to Athletic prowess, place in many cultures saddle use can be traced documented cultures tie the feet of calves strength, and confirma- throughout history: back to the Sarmatians to use gloves, Minoan that have been roped, tion are sought after in carvings show ancient of the Black Sea around youths wore them while in order to keep them today’s roping horse. In Egyptians using rope on 365 BC, the Moorish boxing. Gloves were down long enough to get team roping, head horses a bull, the Huns used saddle is the first true also an integral part of a time, a piggin’ string must be fast to catch up in battle to ensnare precursor to today’s armor until firearms has a long history of to the steer and strong their opponents, and the Western roping saddle, came along and hand- helping cowboys do their to pull it as the heeler Finns still use them to- as it was the first saddle to-hand combat became jobs. "is handy piece ropes. Heel horses, on day in reindeer herding. to sport a horn and less common. Roping of rope is often found on the other hand, must Lassos, made of braided two girths. "e Moors gloves provide protec- saddles or cowboys on have a strong stop. Both thongs, were used in brought their saddle tion against rope burns the ranch to help brand, horses are required to Ancient Greece—the design to the Spanish and cuts. Made from doctor, tie a gate closed, read and react to what Sagartians used them to peninsula when they cotton, nylon, leather, or hobble a horse. It the cow is doing. An capture their adversaries. invaded in the 13th cen- and even Kevlar, roping can also be called a steer intelligent horse with a Derived from the Span- tury, then Spanish colo- gloves are an important string or hogging rope good disposition is also ish word, la reata, the nists introduced the de- safety tool for ropers in and most are made of key to a roper’s success lariat, (, riata, reata) sign to the Americas in much the same way that either polyester or nylon. because of the close re- is a well-known tool of the 1600s. "e modern metal and leather gloves "is is the rope you’ll see lationship the two must the American cowboy, is derived have protected sports- the tie-down ropers carry have. A tie-down roping both on the range and in from those of the vaque- men throughout history. in their mouths and horse, for example, is the arena, and it is most ros who worked stock in You’ll notice the team tucked through a belt trained to continue commonly made of ny- the colonial American ropers use roping gloves loop, which allows for to work even after the lon, polyester, or a blend Southwest and Mexico. while the tie-down rop- almost instant access. cowboy has dismounted. of the two, though raw- Today, roping saddles are ers do not. Tie-down Relied upon for several hide reatas are still used highly specialized, with ropers’ ropes are tied to centuries to make a cow- by traditionalists. Cactus rawhide-covered wood the horn, while in team boy’s job easier whether Ropes is the official rope trees adorned with finely roping, contestants rope in the pasture, corral, or

of the PRCA and many tooled, high-quality the animal and wrap the arena, a good horse is OGRAPHY of the top competitors leather. In the roping rope around their saddle worth his weight in gold. F PHO T use their products, in- events, the horn is de- horn as the animal is cluding Trevor Brazile, signed to bear the brunt moving—creating a need Clay O’Brien Cooper, of the jerks and pulls of for something to prevent and Cesar de la Cruz. 550-pound bovines. rope burns. TUF COOPER IMAGE LONE WO L

84 December/January 2014 AmericanCowboy.com www.resistol.com S20 Any resistol FUR FELT HAT Off Retailers: Send in coupon along with attached copy of receipt to receive a $10 credit. Include account # along with store name and address Felt hat. 5X* and higher. This coupon does not apply to Wool or Bison hats. One for credit to your account. coupon per headwear purchase only. No substitutions are available. Coupon not Send to: RF promotion 2013, 601 Marion Drive, Garland TX 75042. Please call Resistol Valid only in US and Canada only. Coupon has no cash value. Customer Service at 1.800.347.7434 for more info. *Resistol will honor coupon used on Resistol hats beginning with RF in the style #. NFR [Entertainment]

SHANIA TWAIN WILLIE NELSON

BILLY CHILDERS BEYONCE BILL ENGVALL

LOCASH COWBOYS Welcome to the show Still have energy DECEMBER 5 LoCash Cowboys 6 after FanFest, Cowboy 1, 3–4, 7–8, 10–11, 13–14 Newcomer Dustin co-wrote Keith Urban’s Josh !ompson’s dis- After all these years, Lynch will perform at single “You Gonna Fly” tinctive voice is remi- Christmas, and the Shania Twain is still !e Mirage Race & and Tim McGraw’s niscent of Haggard, rodeo? During the the world’s best-selling Sports Book—the first single “Truck Yeah.” Waylon, and Cash. See NFR, Las Vegas hosts country artist of all of 10 country art- Join the country rockers him at the Mirage Race some of the best and time. Watch Grammy ists that will perform at the MGM Grand & Sports Book. !e Award-winning Shania over 10 nights at the Gold Buckle Zone. same night, Beyonce biggest names in at !e Colosseum at Mirage. Lynch’s debut will perform at MGM Western entertain- Caesar’s Palace. All single “Cowboys and 5–14 Grand Garden Arena. ment and country shows start at 7:30 Angels” was nominated Catch stand-up muisc. p.m. Single of the Year: New comedian, actor, and 6 & 13 Artist in 2012. Oh, country music artist Catch funnyman Bill 4–5 and did we mention Rodney Carrington at Engvall, a former Check out country the concert is free? the MGM Grand Hol- “Blue Collar” come- crooner (and co-host Performance begins at lywood !eatre. He dian, at one of his two of RFD-TV’s Beyond 10:30 p.m. combines music with shows at Treasure Is- Rodeo) Susie Dobbs comedy for a side-split- land (TI). Both shows at the South Point 5–14 ting performance. All start at 9 p.m. Casino. Country music duo shows start at 9 p.m.

86 December/January 2014 AmericanCowboy.com

NFR [Entertainment]

6–8 7 Raised in North Carolina, !e Texas-based Casey Do- Billy Childers has a voice nahew Band will bring their and style that was cultivated red dirt sound to !e Mirage in dive bars and hole-in-the- Race & Sports Book at this wall honky-tonks. Catch the free performance. country singer at the South Point Casino. 7 Alright, so he’s not country, but there’s no denying that opera singer Andrea Bocelli is an incredible singer and performer. He’s the biggest- selling artist in the history of classical music, and he’s com- ing the MGM for one night only! Doors open at 6:30 p.m. GRETCHEN WILSON 8 6–7 Craig Morgan has charted Gretchen Wilson has a the Billboard country charts Grammy, five Top Ten singles, 17 times! See his free perfor- and over 8 million record mance at !e Mirage Race & sales to her name. Join the Sports Book. “Redneck Woman” at the Golden Nugget.

6–7 Music City Walk of Famer and country music chart- topper Wynonna will bring her rich vocals to !e Orleans for two nights. Performances begin at 8 p.m.

6–7, 13–14 You might remember him as the scotch-drinking funny- man from the “Blue Collar Comedy Tour,” but today, Ron “Tater Salad” White continues his solo act at !e Mirage. Each of his four DWIGHT YOAKAM shows begins at 10 p.m.

8–9 For decades, Dwight Yoakam has been a country music icon. He’s recorded more than 21 albums, charted more than 30 singles, and sold more than 25 million records. Catch the legend at Golden WYNONNA Nugget. Both performances

88 December/January 2014 AmericanCowboy.com CLINT BLACK

NEAL MCCOY

MERLE HAGGARD JUSTIN MCBRIDE

CODY JOHNSON start at 10 p.m. two platinum albums, acted in over 30 films, and co-authored 9–10 several books. Catch one of his Join the lively Nashville-based two 10 p.m. performances at group, !e Brit Strokes Band, the Golden Nugget. as they perform everything from country to rock at !e 11 Mirage Race & Sports Book. Fifth-generation cowboy Jus- tin McBride won two world 9–11 championships as a bull rider, From the dance halls and and retired from the PBR after piney woods of Texas, Cody 11 years. Influenced by Hank Johnson brings authentic Sr. and Chris LeDoux, Mc- country (and a little bit of Bride sings it like it is at the rock) to the South Point Ca- Mirage Race & Sports Book. sino each night at 9:30 p.m. 12 9–13 Daryle Singletary brings hits Neal McCoy has been a like “I Let Her Lie,” “Too country music mainstay for Much Fun,” and “Amen Kind decades. He’ll be bringing his of Love” to the !e Mirage talent to the MGM Grand Race & Sports Book in this Gold Buckle Zone stage in five free performance. performances, each starting at midnight. 12–13 Country music outlaw Merle 10–11 Haggard has 40 No. 1 hits to Legendary country music sing- his name. Listen to him bust panhandleslim.com er Willie Nelson has released out “Okie from Muskogee,”

AmericanCowboy.com December/January 2014 89 NFR [Entertainment]

“Mama Tried,” and written three singles “Silver Wings” when he for Garth Brooks. !e takes the stage for two singer of the No. 1 hit 10 p.m. performances “Lover, Lover” will be at the Golden Nugget. doing a free perfor- mance at !e Mirage 12–14 Race & Sports Book. Texas-born Aaron Watson made the No. 14 CHARLIE DANIELS BAND 60 spot on Billboard !e Orleans Arena will charts with his 2006 host their biggest show AARON album, San Angelo, of the season with WATSON and the No. 50 on Montgomery Gentry the Heatseekers chart. and the Charlie Dan- Catch him with Wolf iels Band. !e show Creek at South Point starts at 9:30 p.m. Casino. Meanwhile, the same night at !e Mirage 13 Race & Sports Book, Since 2001, Jerrod catch popular country Niemann has recorded artist, Easton Corbin. two independent albums and has co- MONTGOMERY GENTRY

90 December/January 2014 AmericanCowboy.com NFR [Profile]

TRELL ETBAUER &UCBVFSDBSWJOH Linderman legacy ! e Linderman Award is the most elusive accolade in professional rodeo. To be named America’s most talented “true” all-around cowboy, the winner has to make phenomenal rides on bucking broncs or bulls and rope or wrestle cattle with blazing speed. Here’s the scoop on the award, its namesake, and the American cowboy who was tops this year at all the skills that settled the Ameri- can West: ť"XBSE OBNFTBLF #JMM Š5IF ,JOHš -JOEFSNBOXBT B )BMMPG'BNFS XIP JO CFDBNFUIFŻSTUDPXCPZUPXJOXPSMEDIBNQJPOTIJQTJO UISFFEJGGFSFOUSPEFPFWFOUT ť-JOEFSNBOXBTSFUJSFEBOETFSWJOHIJTUIZFBSPOUIFCPBSEPGQSP SPEFPŞT HPWFSOJOH CPEZ  UIF 1SPGFTTJPOBM 3PEFP $PXCPZT "TTPDJBUJPO  XIFOIFEJFEJOBQMBOFDSBTI ť'PVOEFEJO UIF-JOEFSNBO"XBSEJTBOOVBMMZQSFTFOUFEUPUIF XJOOJOHFTUDPXCPZXIPFBSOTBUMFBTU JOFBDIPGUISFFFWFOUT  JODMVEJOHBSPVHITUPDLBOEBUJNFEFWFOU ť5IJTZFBSŞTXJOOFS ZFBSPME5SFMM&UCBVFS JTJOIJTTJYUIZFBSBTB QSPBOEIBJMTGSPN(PPEXFMM 0LMB XIFSFIFXBTBOBMMTUBUFIJHITDIPPM GPPUCBMMQMBZFS ť"UŞšBOEQPVOET &UCBVFSTQPSUTUIFDIJTFMFEKBXBOECSPBE TNJMFPGB)PMMZXPPE8FTUFSOTUBS ť&UCBVFSXBTCPSOUPCFBCSPODUBNFS)JTEBEJTUXPUJNFXPSME DIBNQJPO3PCFSU&UCBVFSBOEIJTUXPVODMFTBSFŻWFUJNFXPSMEDIBNQ #JMMZ&UCBVFSBOEUJNF/'3RVBMJŻFS%BO&UCBVFS ť5IJTTFBTPO &UCBVFSFBSOFE JOTBEEMFCSPODSJEJOH TUFFS XSFTUMJOH BOEUJFEPXOSPQJOH ť&UCBVFSXBTUIFOBUJPOBMDPMMFHJBUFDIBNQJPOTUFFSXSFTUMFS XIJMFBU1BOIBOEMF4UBUF6OJWFSTJUZ ť*O &UCBVFSCFDBNFUIFŻSTUDPXCPZUPXJOUIF-JOEFSNBOTP FBSMZ JO IJT DBSFFS 'PSNFSXJOOFST JODMVEF )BMMPG'BNF DPXCPZT 1IJM -ZOFBOE-FXJT'JFME ť5IJTNBSLTUIFGPVSUIXJOGPS&UCBVFS XIPBMTPXPOUIF-JOEFSNBOJO ś. —Julie Mankin

AmericanCowboy.com December/January  91 NFR [Must-haves]

Jeans? Check. Boots? Check. Fruity Pebbles? What the pros can’t leave home without! —Chelsea Toy

KAYCEE FIELD LUKE BRANQUINHO KADEE COFFMAN RYAN MOTES KENDRA SANTOS CASEY COLLETTI 2011 & 2012 world Four-time world ProRodeo Three-time NFR- PRCA Director of Three-time NFR-qual- champion bareback champion steer correspondent qualifying heeler Communications ifying bareback rider rider wrestler

[MUST-HAVE] [MUST-HAVE] [MUST-HAVE] [MUST-HAVE] [MUST-HAVE] [MUST-HAVE] FRUITY SILVER DOLLAR PREMIUM HAIR SPRAY DOG TAGS LONG SLEEVE PEBBLES My wife would kill PATCH JEANS I used colored hair I don’t cross the SHIRTS I always make sure me, but she gave I don’t go to spray last year on street without my I take about 20 I’ve got Fruity me a lucky pair of Vegas without my Tough Enough To “dog tags” necklace, long sleeve shirts, Pebbles or Frosted underwear, and I Wrangler Premium Wear Pink Night, which amounts which is about 10 Flakes in Las Vegas. always bring those. Patch Jeans because and spray-painted to a funky silver more than I need, I’m on the go from My dad gave me a they’re the most my goatee pink. chain of charms. really. I usually do first thing in the silver dollar a long comfortable for me !at seemed to !e most meaning- good wearing red, morning to the time ago, too, and to wear all day and work last year, ful to me are the and if I wear black, end of the night, then another when while I’m working because Brock ones with my boys’ it all starts to go and cereal is light, I started rodeo- at the !omas & Hanson and I won names, Lane and south. So I bring quick, and easy. I’ve ing. I’ve had them Mack. But really, the round with a Taylor, on them, black shirts to sign always got Vitamin forever, and I never the most important 3.7-second run, so and the silver cross autographs in, and D milk in the room go to the NFR thing I bring are I will do that again that’s been hanging I try to bring red to go with it, too. without them. my gummy-bear vi- this year. from my neck since shirts to ride in. I tamins. I’ve got to before they were do that with hats, keep my immune born. !is will be too. I bring a hat system super strong my 26th year of that I’ve won a lot because I can’t af- working the NFR, of money in, and ford to get sick! and I do not leave I also bring a new Las Vegas without hat that my spon- having a Mexican sor makes me for food lunch with the Finals. my ProRodeo Hall of Fame friend Leo “!e Lion” Ca- marillo, who’s been like an uncle to me all my life.

92 December/January 2014 AmericanCowboy.com By the numbers NewThe leader in hand-tooled World leather home furnishings, Trading accessories & gifts

Number of world titles Trevor RUSTIC ELEGANCE Brazile has won. His PRCA WESTERN, SPANISH & TUSCAN 17 career earnings come to $4,826,782 prior to this year’s NFR.

Number of years Oklahoma City hosted the NFR before Herb McDonald and Benny Binion 20 had a vision to bring the event to Las Vegas. 29 [email protected] Years the NFR has been in Las Vegas (including 2013). (760) 321-8780 newworldtrading.com 40 96 Resorts that Points scored when Cody Hancock set picked up the the NFR record for the highest marked closed circuit bull ride in 2001. live feed of all 10 performances of the Wrangler NFR Average in 2012. lbs. weight of a 500 steer being wrestled to the ground during the 186,100 rodeo. Total attendance of the 2012 Cowboy Christmas Gift Show and FanFest. 590,000 Las Vegas population in 1985 when the NFR came to town. Since then, it has grown to 1.7 million.

The number of visitors who 39.7 came to Las Vegas, in 2012. million AmericanCowboy.com December/January 2014 93 NFR [The outgate]

TREVOR BRAZILE is—by almost every stan- dard—the most decorated cowboy in the history of ProRodeo. He owns 10 all-around world titles, three tie-down roping world titles, three world titles, and one team roping world title. !at’s a total of 17 gold buckles. When he won his eighth all-around in 2010, passing Ty Murray’s mark, the NFR allowed an unprecedented lone victory lap, pictured here. !is year, Brazile is competing in the tie-down and team roping in Las Vegas. He’s all but assured his 11th all-around title. PRCA PRORODEO PHOTO BY MIKE COPEMAN

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