Western All American wants to congratulate the 2012 Regional champions.  See you at the 2012 College National Finals Rodeo.

2012 COLLEGE REGIONAL CHAMPIONS

Big Sky Region

Mens: Montana State University

Women’s: Montanta State University

Central Plains Region 

Mens: Fort Scott Community College

Women’s: South Western Oklahoma State University

Central Rocky Mountain Region

Mens: Casper College

Women’s: Central Wyoming College

Grand Canyon Region

Mens:  Mesalands Community College

Women’s: New Mexico State University

Great Plains Region

Mens: South Dakota State University

Women’s: Dickinson State University

Northwest Region

Mens: Blue Mountains Community College

Women’s:  Blue Mountain Community College

Ozark Region

Mens:  Missouri Valley College

Women’s: Southern Arkansas University

Rocky Mountain Region

Mens:  Utah Valley University

Women’s: Weber State University

Southern Region

Mens: Sam Houston State University

Women’s:  Sam Houston State University

Southwest Region

Mens:  Tarleton State University

Women’s:  Texas Tech University

West Coast Region

Mens:  Feather River College

Women”s:  Cal Poly State University (San Luis Obispo)

Nice horse or the right horse?

I have a buddy that grew up racing motorcycles, he was pretty handy with it and it looked like fun so I decided I would give it a try. Moral of the story is the bike reared up with me and I was on the ground in about 5 seconds. I was not successful because I was over mounted, which leads us to the topic for this month.

Every year about this time, when the days start getting longer and the weather starts getting warmer, is when people start gearing up and get excited about their schedules of rodeos.  Hence, it is also the time when a lot of horses are bought and sold. I have bought and sold several horses over the last 10 years and I have learned by experience what works and what doesn’t work.

What doesn’t work is being over mounted. In fact in some cases being under mounted will allow you to win more than struggling with too much horse. What I mean by over mounted is the situation when a horse has too much go, is too nervous, or is too hard to ride and it leads to mistakes. Even though the same horse is everything you could ask for with a different rider, what you are essentially doing when you buy a horse is buying a team, which is the horse and you. Sometimes it works in reverse and a higher caliber cowboy or cowgirl can’t get along with a horse that someone just beginning can virtually kick butt on in a different level. On every level, however, what we are looking for is a teammate that allows us to perform at the very best of OUR ability and not make mistakes repetitively that keeps us from winning. When it comes time to go for the money, we need to be able to focus on what we have to do without worrying about riding the horse and what he is going to do. The expenses are so high and the rodeos, roping, and races are paying so much that not getting the right horse is more expensive than owning him.  All of this, naturally, is extremely challenging.

When people say that a horse has taken their roping to another level; many times the roping was already at that level and the more advanced horse allowed it to be showcased. By using this strategy effectively there should be smooth upward transitions between higher levels of horses as our caliber increases.

The cool thing about this is when someone excels to a higher level of horse, the old one can be passed down to someone else coming up the ladder.  The horse is in the perfect environment and allows many different people to win until he becomes a babysitter and retires.

The goal is to get the most out of the horses we ride in order to get the most out of ourselves! God made each horse unique, just as he made us.  Finding that gold mine match can be difficult, but is one of the most rewarding things in the world.

Until next month,

Ride on the Promises!!

Johnny B. Salvo    Proverbs 21:31

Comment any questions or opinions.

Western All American is proud to begin a new column on our website named “The Short Go” with Johnny Salvo.  Johnny is a 2 time college national champion (2008 & 2011) in the tie down roping event from New Mexico State University.  Most college athletes dream of winning a national title just one time in their career and Johnny with his dedication, skill, and hard work has become one of the few to be able to do it twice.

This column will be about the life of rodeo, practice techniques, and words of inspiration to help achieve your goals.  There could not possibly be anybody better to learn from than a champion. We hope all of you enjoy this column and please feel free to comment or ask questions and Johnny will be more than happy to answer.

Realizing goals

As the New Year is up and rolling into full swing, the season of goal setting is among us. Companies are going over the previous year and developing a strategy to maximize profit in the year to come. As individuals, the prize is not always profit in terms of money, but may include building better relationships, getting into better physical shape, learning a new skill…..the possibilities are unlimited. A good goal, however, is always profitable in some fashion. We must take time to organize our goals before we can realize them. By looking at the past, we can process the positive and negative to make a reality of the vision we have for the future by improving our strengths and sharpening our weaknesses. I remember hearing the phrase, “Dream it, Believe it, and Achieve it.” As there is much truth in this expression, it is not a winning formula without the addition of SACRIFICE and WORK! Anything worth achieving is not realized without work, often long and hard, and sacrifice

As I make my plan of attack to realize my goals for the present year, I challenge you all to enjoy the journey of Dreaming-Believing-Working-Sacrificing-and Achieving!

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May God Bless you in 2012!

Until next month,

RIDE ON THE PROMISES!

Cheyenne Saltsman is an 18 year old freshman that is attending Northwest College in Powell, WY.  The rodeo athletes that have the privilege to attend college there defiantly have an advantage of getting to work their skills in amazing practice felicities. This is a complete horse-cattle facility with outdoor arenas, sheds, round pens, and a large parking area for horse trailers. These facilities are suitable for professional horse training, roping, cutting, reining, team penning, barrel racing, and dressage.

Northwest College Rodeo Team members enjoy the opportunity to practice in both indoor and outdoor facilities. The indoor arena is 120’ x 250’, heated and insulated with a roping chute, boxes, return alley, stripping chute, and nearby cattle pens. Also located in the indoor arena is roughstock training equipment, including a bucking machine and Barrel Bull. During the season, local contractors bring in broncs and bulls for “live” practices (Provided by http://www.nwc.cc.wy.us/home/).

Northwest College competes in the Big Sky region.  Cheyenne is going into the spring rodeo season ranked #1 in the nation in barrel racing.  Barrel racing is one of those of events that take a large amount of skill, dedication, and plenty of practice.  Most barrel racers spend hours in the practice arena trying to perfect their horse(s) for that perfect pattern.  It is obviously not an event you get on any horse and expect to win.  You have to have a special relationship with your horse, especially to win.

For Cheyenne to begin her first year in college and becoming #1 in the nation in barrel racing is a major accomplishment for her.  All of us here at Western All American are excited to watch Cheyenne and her horse grow in college and we hope to see her name soon at the CNFR.

Q: How old are you and what grade are you in?

A: I am 18 and I am a freshman at Northwest College.

Q: What is your major?

A: I am studying my generals; I am also studying some Equine classes as well.

Q:  It’s great to go to college and be part of a team, besides college rodeo, what else about college do you enjoy?  How important is school and grades to you?

A: I enjoy my classes a lot. School and grades to me mean a lot, without having good grades I wouldn’t be able to ride for the team.

Q: What events did you compete in this 2011-12 college rodeo season?

A: I competed in Barrel Racing and Goat tying.

Q: What event(s) are you having the most success in right now?

A: I am having the most success in Barrels right now.

Q: What kind of attitude and mind frame do you have to have competing at the college rodeo level?

A: You need to be positive 100% of the time, and be focused. Without being positive or focused you won’t perform at your top level.

Q: You are #1 in the nation in Barrel Racing right now, does that put an added pressure on you during the spring rodeo season to stay on top until the 2012 CNFR?

A: Yes and No. I try not to let the pressure get to me, but on occasion it does. Entering the fall season my goal was to be in the top 3 in barrels for the region, and came out #1 in the Region and Nation. It’s unbelievable. I just want to make it to the CNFR, and being 1^stwould be amazing and a dream comes true.

Cheyenne Saltsman

Q: What was your most memorable moment this college rodeo season?

A: Being able to winning 4 out of the 5 rodeos.

Q: What do you do to prepare yourself and your horse before you enter the arena for your run?

A: My warm up consists of spending a couple hours before my run just brushing my horse and spending time with her. As I brush her out I listen to music, which helps me get focused.  I stretch myself out, as well as my horse. I slowly warm up my horse and let her watch 5 horses run the barrel pattern, and then I leave till am on deck. Taking deep breaths as I walk up the alley way.

Q: How important is the team aspect of a rodeo team and what do you do to help one another out?

A: Being a team is extremely important, without each other, we wouldn’t be as successful as we are. We are at every event cheering our team on as well as our friends we know on other teams. We help feed, and we do as much as we can do for everybody as possible.

Q: Who has been your mentor to help you with some of the success you have had in rodeo?

A: My mentor would have to be my mom. Even though she hasn’t been to all my college rodeos, she has always been there in the past. She keeps me positive and clear headed. She’s the one who has been behind my dreams from the start.

Q:  When did you begin to rodeo and when did you start barrel racing?

A: I didn’t start rodeo till my 8^th grade year. I mostly did 4-H and horse shows. My horse wasn’t ready to compete hard till my sophomore year. She was too young. I’ve been barrel racing since I could show my first horse in 4-H. I never High School Rodeoed. I was in a different program called WAHSET (Washington High School Equestrian Team). It’s like High School Rodeo, but you have choices from English classes, to Western classes, to Cattle events, and Gaming events.

Q: What are your plans after college rodeo and will you continue to rodeo?

A: My plans after rodeo would to continue rodeo, and get my PRCA card, and hopefully get to the WNFR soon. It’s always been a dream. I also plan to transfer to a 4 year university and study some more equine class.

Q: What advise can you give the High School rodeo athlete that plans on being part of a rodeo college team?

A: Make a good recruiting video and just stay positive and have faith in yourself.

Q: Which college rodeo that you have attended do you feel is the best? (Why)?

A: I don’t have a certain rodeo that I have attended I feel was the best. I feel good about all my rodeos and am just glad that my horse and I ended the fall season in good health. Now we can start preparing for the spring season.

Q:  Do you have a funny or serious story that you would like to tell us about your college rodeo life?

A: My favorite story would have to been when I won the both days of the Cody Rodeo, and someone asked one of my teammates who I was, and she answered, “She’s the girl who’s going to win the Region”.

Q:  Now that you are on winter break and college rodeo is over until spring, what will you do to keep your horses in shape?

A: I have given my horse about a month off, but am riding again. I lounge her in a couple circles in each direction, and then I long trot her around the arena. Lope a few circles and work on the basics of good horsemanship.

Q:  How many horses do you compete with?

A: I have just one horse that I run barrels on, and am currently looking for a horse to finish training for a backup.

Q:  What is your horses name and how long have you been competing with him?

A: Her name is Copper, and I have been competing with her since she was 4. I have owned her since she was two and trained her.

Q:  Do you have a weekly routine for you and your barrel horse?

A: Not really, I just spend as much time with her as possible. Being around her, we are continually bonding.

Q: Do you give your horse any special grain or supplements during rodeo season? If so what?

A: I grain her year round. She gets a grain Elenbaas feed. It is only made in Washington. It just helps her stay balanced and helps with her energy consumption. It’s not sugar based.

Q:  What is your goal for the 2012 college rodeo season?

A: My goal is to stay in the top 3 in the region and in the nation. Go to the CNFR and place in the top 3 as well.

Q:  Besides college rodeo, what other accomplishments have you had in rodeo, high school, amateur, etc.

A: I have placed 2^nd in a Professional Western Rodeo Association (PWRA), and placed 1^st in barrels in junior rodeos and NBHA (National Barrel Horse Association) events.

Q:  What other hobbies or activities to you enjoy besides rodeo?

A: I play basketball, and that’s about it. Horses are my life and I do as much as I can with them.

Q:  What is it like to be part of the rodeo team at Northwest College? What made you chose this school?

A: It feels amazing being a part of a team who acts like a family. We are all close and hang out with each other. The rodeo program actually made me chose this school. They have produced great rodeo stars over the years and I hope to become one of those. This school gives me that opportunity.

A new face of barrel racing has begun in Gretna, Florida.  The North Florida Horsemen’s Association (NFHA) and Creek Entertainment Gretna (CEG) has brought barrel racing to a whole new standard that could potentially become very entertaining and provide profits for both barrel racers and betters.   Starting December 1, 2011 NFHA/CEG will begin pari-mutuel barrel racing.  I know what a lot of you are thinking, what is pari-mutuel barrel racing? I thought pari-mutuel betting was only for the horse racing track?

Pari-mutuel is obviously betting on horses.  We have been accustomed to betting on horse races since the Roman days and even before.  NFHA/CEG has decided to give the people another opportunity to bet on horses through barrel racing.  Essentially barrel racing is a horse race, except you add three barrels and a clover leaf pattern.  Like horse racing, usually the fastest, more consistent horse wins more times than not.  But as we have seen at the Kentucky Derby, this is not always the case.  On any given day, any horse in the field can win, and the reason why we bet the odds and try to get a good payday.  Horse racing is the 2^nd most attended spectator sport, right behind baseball.  Having barrel racing run as pari-mutuel, I believe, will bring the sport to a level that barrel racers have been dreaming about.  Large attendances, more entries, and the bigger payoff will be the chance to finally make a decent profit.  This opens the door to many possibilities in barrel racing.

If you look at some of the competitors that will be part of the races that NFHA/CEG is bringing to us, it is more proof that pari-mutuel barrel racing may be a lifeline to success.  With races beginning Thursday, December 15, 2011, NFHA/CEG will include 11 time NFR barrel racing world champion and 19 consecutive NFR barrel racing qualifier Charmayne James.   Also participating is NFR barrel racing world champion in 2000 and 4 time NFR barrel racing qualifier Kappy Allen, and 2 time NFR barrel racing world champion, 10 time NFR barrel racing qualifier, and the 1988 barrel racing Olympic gold medalist Marlene McRae (Marlene McRae will not be racing, She will be represented by Alissa Burson)

NFHA/CEG pari-mutuel barrel racing will be run in a format similar to that summarized below. There are two side-by-side arenas containing identical cloverleaf patterns.  The horses will begin at a starting gate in each arena where there is a barrier that will start the time.  The racers will look at a starting light and when it turns green, you go.  There will be another barrier at the finish line that will stop the time.  First horse across the finish line wins.   It will be set up as bracket (match race) competition.  The December 15^th race will include 16 racers.

Western All American had the privilege to interview one of the 16 barrel racers competing in this event.  Alissa Burson is a student and college rodeo athlete attending Colorado State University.   This is her first year to college rodeo and she began the year making a huge impact in the Central Rocky Mountain region by winning the short round at her first college rodeo.  Alissa is a very bright individual and has an extreme love for barrel racing and her horses.  She has dedicated herself to the sport and we believe that there could be a world championship in her future.  In our interview, you will learn what it takes to college rodeo and be a student at the same time.  Alissa also explains to us about her opportunity in pari-mutuel barrel racing and what impact it could have in the barrel racing world.

Alissa Burson

Q. Can you tell us about pari-mutuel races, how it works, and how these races may be the future of barrel racing?

In Florida pari-mutuel wagering is allowed on only certain types of events such as racing. Gretna has taken the sport of barrel racing to a whole new level.  Here there are two side by side arenas containing clover leaf patterns, a starting gate where the barrier starting the time is, and another barrier on the home stretch acting as the finish line. First horse across the time line wins. The same rules that regard the health of track horses will apply.

This facility has opened the doors to barrel racers, and the sky is the limit. If the courts allow this style if racing and betting to continue, a Casino will be built and purses will be much, much larger. The location here is great with plenty of room to expand. The next addition may be two more arenas for the number of horses racing against each other increases from two to four. Large 4D barrel races will also be hosted.

Q. What are you most excited about entering a race like this?

This race is giving me an opportunity to try something different. Now that there are more factors especially when it comes to the start, the fastest horse will not always win. You cannot break the barrier you must have control over your horse in the alley. Your planning and timing needs to be perfect. What I am looking forward to most is taking off when I see that light go green!

Q. Is there entry fees?  How does payback work?

The only thing you will spend your money on for these races is fuel! Not even shavings, stalls, or R.V. Hookups. The pay is coming from the gambling, since a certain amount has to be paid in prize money. The races are in brackets. The winner of each race wins a check. This gives racers a chance to win up to four checks, the last one being the largest.

Q. There have been some negative press about this type of race, such as, some races are rigged track owners are using the horses to add a poker room and possibly slot machines.  What do you feel about the race and what do you have to say about the negative press?

The more successful the wagering programs are the higher the purses will be for the racers. This is the same relationship as it is with the track racing.  Barrel racing here is highly regulated, equine health is priority, drug testing is done, and all of your paperwork on the horses must be in order. It is not rigged, the field, if anything has become more level. People who are opposed may not understand or have their own benefits from this racing not being allowed. Others possibly are just set in their set in their ways.

Calcutta’s have been preformed, and Las Vegas has hosted the NBHA super show and the NFR year after year. Betting has been around barrel racing, but now barrel racers are given the chance to benefit from the gambling.

I am very enthusiastic about this. The new challenges are very satisfying to my competitiveness. It’s all about having an open mind. I hope people give it a chance, and if some continue not to agree with this that’s fine, they do not have to participate.

Q. You are going to Florida to race against some of the best known barrel racers in the world such as Charmayne James and Kappy Allen.  How do you feel being part of this race?

I strongly believe that pari-mutuel barrel racing has a bright future. Participating in this race to me is a chance of a life time especially because my fellow opponents include former world champions Charmayne James and Kappy Allen.

Q. Knowing that Charmayne and Kappy were both world champions, will you try to learn from them about the sport of barrel racing?

When you have the chance to be around people so well established in the rodeo world you should always be ready to learn. This is what I plan to do. It is all about listening and not being afraid to ask questions. When I get to Florida one of the first task will be mastering the timed starts. I will be asking all of the girls for tips.

Q. What did you do to get invited to this race?

Marlene McRae had originally asked to borrow my college rodeo horse, Frisbee, to compete in Florida, but she ended up having prior commitments and was unable to go. Since I had already taken Frisbee down to Marlene, she had the idea of me running Frisbee. The paper work was already sent in so after receiving the permission from Charmayne and North Florida Horsemen’s Association it was decided that I would be riding for Marlene.

Q. When will you be racing?

I will be racing the 15^th and 17^th of December.  The races leading up to the main event will consist of the members.  On the 17^th Chaymayne James, Kappy Allen, Andrea Cline, myself (Alissa Burson), and four Florida women will be running in the race with the $20,000 added.

Q. How many horses will you take and what are their names?

I am hauling one horse to Florida, her name is Frenchmans Highlight aka Frisbee. This name comes from the fact that she is so smooth and hardly looks likes she’s running. She is a 10 year old buckskin mare. We have both come a long way since my junior year of high school when I first started riding her. In the past year our relationship has come to the point where I think she does it.

Q. There is a $20,000 purse for this race, how exciting are you to race for this kind of money?

Twenty thousand dollars is a lot of money, but going into this I am pushing that to the back of my mind. I want to have nice runs without mistakes. Barrel racing has always been more than riding for a pay check to me. What I plan on taking home is experience and memories of this great opportunity.

Q. What did you do to prepare yourself and your horse(s) for the long haul to Florida?

I had to take all of my finals a week early so I could go on this trip. Frisbee, well she’s been living the good life down at Marlene’s ranch. I believe it is a 14 hour drive from Austin, Texas to Gretna, Florida.  Frisbee had a few well earned weeks off after the college rodeos ended, but for the past month she has been conditioned 4 miles a day. When it comes to hauling that far, I am all for walking the horses often and giving them drinks. We ask a lot of our horses, and they deserve to be kept comfortable.

Q. Can you tell us about North Florida Horsemen’s association and how they have treated you thus far?

Well we broke down on Sunday night and had to call them for help at midnight. We had a place to stay the night thanks to them and a driver was sent to retrieve us the next day. They have welcomed us and listened to our opinions. Their priority is to keep is keeping us happy.

Q. This was your first fall season of college rodeo, how did you like it?

Heading to my first college rodeo I was not sure what to expect. When I took third in the long round I was surprised, the ground was really packed and slick. The next day I won the short go. The rest of the rodeos went smoothly as well. We made it back and placed in all but one short go round. The rodeos are well put together. Having fellow teammates to cheer you on is really neat. I really liked my first season, and being in a new state and meeting people really helped make it unique.

Q. What is your major?

I am majoring in equine science. I hope to pursue a career dealing with equine nutrition products or research. It is a perfect major for me.

Q. How is it managing both school and rodeo?

College is a whole new world. I went from my back yard being an arena to having to drive to my horses. When I want to rope I have to haul somewhere also. The first semester for me was all about balancing homework and practice. I always need to remind myself school comes first.

Q. What type of practice routine do you have during the college rodeo season?

During the rodeo season I ride my barrel horse at least 5 days a week. I usually rope twice. Roping the bale is very important too.

Q: What events did you compete in this 2011-12 college rodeo season?

I competed in barrels and breakaway. Breakaway is my fun event, although I really struggled last season because we changed some stuff. I haul two buckskins to all the college rodeos, Frisbee and Taz my rope horse. Although I’m sure some people wonder if it is on purpose, it really is not.

Q: Who has been your mentor to help you with some of the success you have had in rodeo?

I believe it is crucial to have a great support system behind you. My mom and a close family friend Nancy Brimhal have hauled me to all my rodeos this past year. Without their help I would not be on this road chasing my dreams.

My mentor for the past 4 years has been Marlene McRae. She has taught me everything I have needed for that competitive edge. Marlene has definitely been a wonderful role model to me. She is always a phone call away and reviews all my videos.

Q: When did you begin to rodeo and when did you start barrel racing?

Unlike a lot of girls I did not grow up riding horses. Nancy Brimhal taught me to ride horses and run barrels my 8th grade year. I did a few barrel races here and there, but mainly focused on my horsemanship skills. I began high school rodeo my sophomore year. I did not have a nice horse the first season, but I still loved every second. When spring came that year I purchased my first barrel horse from Marlene. I began running at all the local barrel races, and every year I improved greatly.

Q: What is gameday like for you at a college rodeo?

Gameday’s for me at college rodeo consist of making sure Frisbee and Taz are feeling great, observing the arena set up, and checking out the ground. If they are in a small stall I walk them frequently.

After hauling and running, I hose Frisbees legs. Our warm ups consist of me making sure she’s listening after we trot and lope a few miles we are good to go. She knows it is almost our turn when I stretch her legs like she loves, and put her polo wraps on. For roping, I rope the bale a lot and make sure I know my game plan before I get in the box.

Q: What are your plans after college rodeo and will you continue to rodeo?

I want to pursue pro rodeo after college most definitely. I will see where rodeo takes me the next few years and plan according to that. I also plan on having a job dealing with the equine industry.

Q: Do you have a funny or serious story that you would like to tell us about your college rodeo life?

Well I must say I have an embarrassing story from my first college rodeo. I am still teased about it to this day. I missed my calf, literally.  I misunderstood the day sheet and thought I was up in an afternoon performance. Turns out there was not an afternoon performance and I was up that morning. My traveling partner called me and said hey you were just turned out. I was new and no one knew me very well, so my first impression to my team was probably “Oh boy, look at this blonde who doesn’t even know when she’s up”. Luckily I redeemed myself in barrels.

Q: Do you give your horse any special grain or supplements during rodeo season? If so what?

I feed whole oats with platinum year round.

Q: What other hobbies or activities to you enjoy besides rodeo?

I enjoy snowboarding and lake sports when I’m not riding. I also like to play intramural volleyball at school.

Q: What is it like to rodeo at Colorado State University? What made you chose this school?

We have a rodeo club, not team unfortunately, so all of us are at CSU for an education. We raise almost all of our money and have to work together to establish practices.  I chose CSU to challenge myself with an advanced education.

Q: What is your goal for the 2012 college rodeo season?

Due to a torn ACL and meniscus that occurred in the middle of this college rodeo season from a freak accident, I may be looking at setting out for the spring. Although I was able to run and compete despite the pain a few days after the injury, I will have surgery the day after I get back from Florida.  I need to allow myself time to heal properly. It’s kind of a heart breaker since I’m setting so well in the points. The fall season of 2012 for me will be all about coming back bigger, better, faster, and stronger!

STAY TUNED TO WESTERN ALL AMERICAN AS WE WILL HAVE AN ENDING ARTICLE ABOUT THE PARI-MUTUEL RACE IN GRETNA, FL.

Go to http://www.flhorsemen.com/ to read more about North Florida Horsemen’s Association (NFHA).

Go to http://www.creekentertainment.com to read about Creek Entertainment Gretna (CEG)

The 2011 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo is now in the books. Every race for the world title was decided in the last round, except the bareback riding. Kaycee Feild was announced the World Champion after the ninth round. He went on to win the average title in the bareback riding. The average at the WNFR pays so much that it makes the difference in the World Champions almost every year. Typically the individual that wins the average at the WNFR is the World Champion. This happened this year in the Bareback, Steer Wrestling, Team Roping, and the Barrel Race. Taos Muncy won second in the average in Saddle Bronc riding, this led him to win the World Title. Taos Muncy and Jesse Wright were the only two to ride all ten saddle broncs at the WNFR. They were also first and second in the world title race. The Tie Down roping and Bull Riding was also determined by the average; however the World Champions did not win the average. In the Bull Riding, Shane Proctor won the World Title, only winning fourth in the average. The extra money that Shane Proctor won in the average helped him to win the World Title.  The Tie Down was decided more on who did not win the average title.  Cody Ohl was on his way to win the average and set a new record on ten head at the WNFR, until he missed in the ninth round taking him out of the average race.  Since Cody Ohl did not win the average he helped Tuf Cooper win the world. The average in the Tie Down roping was one of the toughest races this year. The top six in the average did not use two loops.   This being said, the two loops should be taken out of the Tie Down roping, since these guys are the best in the world and they don’t use them any other time of the year.  In the Barrel Race only three girls made ten clean runs. Brenda Mays won third in the average, she made ten clean runs on two different horses; however only placing in one round and she still had a big payday. Lindsay Sears won the average and the World Title.  Lindsay placed in eight rounds.

The top fifteen that made the WNFR were the best in 2011 at their particular event.  Some shined at the finals and some had trouble, they qualified for the WNFR by being the best no matter how their performance was at the WNFR.  It is easy to sit at home and say that you could have caught a steer or rode that bull tonight and won the money, but remember they are the best and sometimes they still have a bad day at the office.   There are many factors in winning at every level, and winners always figure out how to win.  Whether they change the horse they ride or adjust their riding style, winners find a way to win.  The World Champions this year won due to consistency on every ride and every run all year long.  Some contestants did not draw the best animal but they did not beat themselves, they did the best they could on every run and every ride.  Sometimes just getting a score, not hitting a barrel, or getting a time is all you need.  This holds true from youth rodeos to the WNFR.  Typically youth rodeos are series with several days of competition over several months.  Lots of people wonder why the same kids wins every time; consistency is the mark of a champion.  In the end the champions probably did not win first every time, but they placed consistently and waited for everyone else to mess up. Consistency will win from youth rodeo to the WNFR.

The next time you practice your event you may want to practice the fundamentals and make sure you can get a score, not hit a barrel, and make sure you catch. Your chance at a World Title might depend on it.

Russell Sullivan

We are getting close to the end for this years WNFR. There have been several changes with the finish of Round 8. Only 2 more rounds remain for the 2011 WNFR. Here are your current standings after Round 8.

WNFR Round 8 Standings
Bareback Riding – Kaycee Feild / Bobby Mote / Clint Cannon (Three-way Tie)
Steer Wrestling – Jason Miller
Team Roping – Brady Tryan (Header) / Jake Long (Heeler)
Saddle Bronc Riding – Jacobs Crawley
Calf Roping – Scott Kormos
Barrel Racing – Jane Melby
Bullriding – J.W. Harris

2011 WNFR Round 8 Highlights

It has been quite a round and has been very interesting this year. Take a look at the current standings after Round 7!

WNFR Round 7 Standings
All Around – Trevor Brazile
Bareback Riding – Kaycee Feild
Steer Wrestling – Luke Branquinho
Team Ropingg – Clay Tryan (Header) / Travis Graves (Heeler)
Saddle Bronc Riding – Taos Muncy
Calf Roping – Tuf Cooper
Barrel Race – Lindsay Sears
Bullriding – Shane Proctor

2011 WNFR Round 7 Highlights

Its halfway through the WNFR and the race for the World Championship are all still up for grabs. The only Championship that is decided is the All-Around title, by Trevor Brazile, with almost a $170,000 lead he is almost unstoppable.

The Bareback riding has been a Kaycee Field. He has placed in 4 out of 5 rounds. He has won 3 firsts and a second. He also holds a commanding lead on the average. The average paying $45,000 will potentially decide the World Champion in almost every event.

The steer wrestling race is wide open. Luke Branquinho and Jason Miller have been dominating forces in the steer wrestling. However there is about five guys that have a chance for the world title. It seems that the steers have been really good and the bulldoggers have been throwing them fast. Two horses Jessie, ridden by Jason Miller and Trevor Knowles, and Gunner, ridden by, Luke Branquinho and Stockton Graves, have won most of the money. Those two horses have won almost $200,000 for the those four guys. You could say that the horse makes all the difference, however with those four men riding them the pair makes the difference.

The Team Roping has not been that fun the watch. The steers are smaller, lighter, and have smaller horns. This makes handling the steers in a fast setup more difficult. In round four there was only 2 clean times times and the rest had legs. Its not just the heelers that have had trouble, but the header have missed lots of steers and waved it off the horns. These 30 guys are the best in the world at what they do and if they are having trouble, it can’t be as easy as it looks. Turtle Powell and Jett Johnson have won money in every round and have been consistent all five nights. However, Trevor Brazile and Patrick Smith are winning the average and only placing in 3 out of the 5 rounds. There is only 2 teams that have caught all five steers. This race will definitely be decided by the average at the end of ten rounds.

The Saddle Bronc riding is still up for grabs. Taos Muncy is currently in second place for the world title and third for the average. Cody Wright is leading the world, however he is down a ways in the average. Wade Sundell is the wild card, he is riding good, fearless, and has plenty of confidence. Wade got a no score on one round, knocking him down in the average. This race will definitely come down to the last round.

Tuf Cooper and Cody Ohl are going to battle it out to the end in the Tie Down roping. They are virtually tied in the average. Cody has won more, but Tuf has a $40,000 lead over Cody. With the average paying as much as it does, this race will come down to the end. Matt Shiozawa is the wild card, he has been roping good and placing 4 out of 5 nights. Matt is fourth in the average. These three guys are on a role and it is going to be hard to stop.

The Barrel Race has been fun to watch with a new arena record set last night by Carlee Pierce. She has won rounds four and five and her and her horse are really starting to get that run down. Lindsey Sears and Sherry Cervi have been flawless not hitting any barrels and leading the average. Don’t forget Brittany Pozzi, she hit a barrel, however is still fifth in the average. This race is to close to call. I predict another arena record before round ten.

The Bull Riding is between two guys, J.W. Harris and Shane Proctor. They are one and two in the world standings. J.W. is currently first in the average and Shane is fifth. With J.W. only riding 3 bulls so far, and Shane riding two bulls, the average is still up for grabs.

With such great talent and five rounds to go it is hard to predict the World Champions, however Western All American is going to try.

All Around- Trevor Brazile
Bareback Riding- Kaycee Field
Steer Wrestling-Luke Branquinho
Team Roping- Turtle Powell and Jett Johnson
Saddle Bronc Riding- Taos Muncy
Calf Roping- Tuf Cooper
Barrel Race- Lindsay Sears
Bullriding-J.W. Harris

Author: Russell Sullivan