superlooper-dec 2010

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2010 CINCH USTRC National Finals of Team Roping Results

Dec 2010 Cover_Cover 11/12/10 2:40 PM Page 1

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FEATURES8 Just the Way It Is by Ben Clements

10 USTRC Announcements

12 By the Numbers by John Findlay

16 Gold Plus Report by Ty Hillman

18 USTRC InsiderInterview with Kirk Bray

22 Top Tips with Rickey Green

24 HorsemanshipFreeing Up a Horseby Chris Cox with Cynthia McFarland

28 Upcoming Events Lasso del Sol

32 USTRC On Tap

34 US Open Tour Standings

USTRC Championship Results40 US Open Tour

44 Gold Plus #12 Champions

48 Gold Plus #10 Champions

52 US Open Tour Champions

54 Cruel Girl Year End Champions

56 #15 Shoot-Out Champions







96 Cruel Girl Champions

98 Century Champions

100 Preliminary Events

108 SSG Jr.Looper Champions

110 Who Won What

2010CINCHUSTRCNationalFinals ofTeamRoping

38

COVER AND TABLE OF CONTENTS PHOTOSCOURTESY OF LONE WOLF PHOTOGRAPHY

07 TOC_TOC 11/12/10 11:06 AM Page 7

Life, at best, is difficult. Life hands out some dirty cardssome of the time, and we must be ready to handleourselves accordingly.

I am telling you to try to make the best of everysituation. Sometimes we have to take a beating to realizewhat is important. Sometimes we dont know what good isuntil weve experienced some bad. Sometimes we do notrealize blessings are blessings until they are gone.

We all know of people who have struggles in their lives.We know people who are going through rough times andhave bad things happening to them. It is not always clearwhy this bad stuff is going on or why it is happening.There are people who take this negativity and turn it in to a positive and then there are others who take negativityand go into a tail spin to rock bottom. Dont be that person who falls flat. Be the person who embraces thechallenges of life and becomes the better and strongerperson. No one knows what cards may be dealt, but thetruth of the matter is, you always play the hand that isgiven, and no matter how bad the hand, you can play it tothe best of your ability.

The point is we can be the best we can with what wehave to work with or we can be the worst. There are noguarantees in anything. Look at the racehorse Zenyatta.She had never lost a race in her career. She ran her heartout every time she was entered. She was a sure bet, but onNovember 6, 2010 in the Breeders Cup Classic she ransecond by mere inches. No one expected it and no onecould believe it. She was a sure shot. Just because she ransecond, didnt mean, that she did not try her very best. Itdoes not mean that she is any less of a horse. She is asuperstar, and always will be. I am just saying that nomatter how sure things are, there are still no guarantees.

The only guarantee in life is a baby boy born in amanger over two thousand years ago. Jesus is the only surebet out there. Our attitudes, our perceptions, our conceptsand responses are our responsibilities and our choice. Wemake the decision to rise to the occasion or plummet to theground. What are you going to do? How are you going tolet outside influences affect you? I, myself, am going to bestrong and to stand proud because I know I am not alone. Ican handle anything because I have support all around me.

As 2010 winds down make the choice to be the best youcan be no matter what comes hurtling toward you. You areonly as good as you choose to be, so choose to be the best and that is just the way it is..

DECEMBER 2010

ts December! It is time for gifts, family, friends, forparties, getting together, fellowship, and for just being thankful that Jesus was born and died for us. I cannot

believe that 2010 has gone by as quickly as it has. Justyesterday it was summer and the day before that it was NewYears Day. I know I am blessed and hope you feel that way as well.

I really enjoy what I do and all that I have going. I have awonderful family, a super wife and more awesome friendsthan I can even count. Life is good. Many times we do notrealize how truly blessed we are until we look around at other situations. I work really hard to stay positive and upbeat in every aspect of my life. However, I am just likeyou. I am human.

Sometimes, a restlessness sets in and there is a yearningfor something more. Something clicks inside of each us andwe go off in a different direction than what we ever expected.Life throws a curve ball and we were ready for the fast ball.

So who are we, where are we headed and why? Whatmakes us tick and what makes us do the things we do? Manytimes situations and pressures in life can cause us to becomepeople we are not. The same difficulties can cause us to dothings we would not normally do. In essence ourpersonalities are altered in some form or fashion because ofsomething that may be out of our control or because we let asituation get to us.

No matter where we are in our lives, we need to realize inour voyage through this world we are never completely andtruly alone. It doesnt matter who you are, there is alwaysfamily, friends or acquaintances that are there for you. Evenmore importantly, Jesus is always ready to receive us and tohold us up. He carries us even when we do not realize it. I do not care who you are or where you are in your journeythrough life, there is always a positive shining light.

It isnt the size of the cross we carry, but how we carry itthat matters most. The world is full of negativity, stress,strain and pain, but our hearts do not have to be. We havethe choice to rid our minds and hearts of such garbage andto move forward though life with our heads held high andour hearts full of joy. We can be positive, upbeat and facethings or we can be down and out and struggle even more.Keep the negative vibes away because they will eventuallydestroy you. It is inevitable, litter leads to trash.

I am not saying the going wont ever be tough. I am notsaying that you wont have low points in your life. I am alsonot saying that you will like every hand that life deals you.

JJUUSSTT theWWaayy IT IS

I

08 JTWii_Layout 1 11/12/10 9:44 AM Page 8

SUPERLOOPER MAGAZINE / 9

DEPARTMENTS130 On the Edge of Common Sense

by Baxter Black

131 Riding Herd by Lee Pitts

132 The Other Half by Gracie Mae

134 Sports Medicine Stable by Mark Duncan

136 Walt Woodard

138 SuperLooper Events Calendar

141 MarketPlace

185 Advertisers Index

SUPERLOOPER MAGAZINE2340 Menaul NE, Suite 400 Albuquerque, NM 87107

Advertising or Editorial:505/899-1870 fax: 505/792-5678

Produced and published by USTRC

EDITORIAL & ADVERTISINGUSTRC Editor: Ben ClementsAssociate Editor: Ryan Davis

Sales Manager & Event Advertising: John EnglishAdvertising Representatives:

Elizabeth DominickCustomer Service Representative: Jules Price

CIRCULATION & PRODUCTIONArt Director: Marcia Rackstraw

Production Coordinator: Violet Sue AndersonGraphic Designer: Doug Purdy

Administrative Assistant: Kathy Williams

OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHY BYAllens Rodeo Photos

P. O. Box 270428, Flower Mound, TX 750271-800-438-8659 www.allensrodeophotos.com

December 2010 / Vol. 19, No. 12SuperLooper Magazine (ISSN 1069-5508, USPS No. 009983)is pub lished monthly by

Western Sports Publishing, Inc., 2340 Menaul NE, Suite 400 Albuquerque, NM 87107

Subscription price: 1 yr. - $20. Periodicals Postage Paid at Albuquerque,

New Mexico and additional mailing offices. Copyright 2000 by Super Looper Magazine. Material may not be used without permissionfrom the publisher. Deadline for editorial and

advertising is the 25th of the month,two months preceding issue date.

Advertising rates on request. POSTMASTER: SEND ADDRESS CHANGE TO

SuperLooper Magazine c/o Western Sports Publishing, Inc.,

2340 Menaul NE, Suite 400 Albuquerque, NM 87107

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10 / DECEMBER 2010

USTRC

ThanksThe USTRC wants to say thanks to all

of you who attended the 2010 CinchUSTRC National Finals of Team Roping.It was a fantastic event that went offreally well. It was because of you that itwas a success. Thanks for your supportand see you next year! The dates for the2011 Cinch USTRC NFTR are October 22-30, 2011.

Shoot-OutsRemember team ropers, USTRC

Shoot-Outs and Flex Earnings are oneand the same. A USTRC National Shoot-Out is worth $6,000 in USTRC FlexEarnings ($3,000 for each partner) and aUSTRC Regional Shoot-Out is worth$2,000 in USTRC Flex Earnings ($1,000for each partner).

Flex EarningsAll USTRC members receive Flex

Earnings upon participation at a USTRCSanctioned or Affiliate Event. Gold Spurmembers receive $1,000 and Gold Plusmembers receive $3,000, which can beused at any Regional Finals or the CinchNational Finals of Team Roping.

2011 USTRCMembershipsRenew your membership today for

2011. The USTRC membership makes agreat stocking stuffer and is the perfectgift for your favorite team roper. 2011Gold Plus Memberships are $300 andGold Spur Memberships are $100. Call 254-968-0002 today or get online to www.ustrc.com and make your purchase.

2010 Cinch USTRCFinals DVDs AvailableThe DVDs from the 2010 USTRC

Finals will be available online later thismonth in time for Christmas. The DVDwill show all 5 go rounds of the US Openplus the short go round. It will alsoinclude the short rounds of all Shoot-Outs, the Cruel Girl and the CenturyRoping. This makes a great gift for the

Send Us Your Letter!Do you have a question, concern, complaint or praise you would like to address

to the USTRC? In todays high tech world it is easier than ever to send us yourLetter to the Editor. We invite you to send us an email at [email protected] your comments about the USTRC, team roping in general or the magazine.

To see all previous USTRC announcements

made for the 2010 seasonvisit www.ustrc.com

and click on theAnnouncements link.

Lost and Found at the 2010 Cinch USTRCNational Finals

Please call 254-968-0002 to claim anything.

2 sets of Dodge Truck keys, 1 w/remote1 golf cart key1 Nikon Cameron lens cover2 costume earrings (not mates)1 pair prescription glasses1 pair child pink sunglasses1 childs play cell phone1 cell phone cover1 green cap with a B on it1 navy/red chair cover with a logo on it1 Gap ladies denim jacket 1 red hooded sweatshirt from Abilene Team

Roping Finals 20101 red hooded sweatshirt w/a cattle co. logo1 brown hooded canvas jacket w/Priefert logo1 red/black Nike jacket1 red/black plaid long-sleeve shirt 1 gray long-sleeve jacket w/logo (Texas company)1 childs jean jacket w/Elissa Moore written inside1 green camo cap with logo1 sack from USTRC store with tee shirt and dally wraps in it

team roper in your family. DVDs shouldbe available for purchase on line atwww.ustrc.com the week of December 13.

CorrectionAll of the Southern Colorado Photos

in the November issue were taken by 3Lazy J Photography. If you would like toorder any photos from that event, pleasecall them at 303-981-5788.

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tick another feather in the USTRCs Resistol hat. The 2010 Cinch National Finals of

Team Roping was, by nearly allmeasures, another great success. Allaspects of the huge production ranoff with maybe a hiccup or two butno hitches. What a great nine days.Even the weather cooperated as therewere clear skies and balmytemperatures for every day except thefirst Saturday. From the Trade Show,to the Horse Sale, to the Team RopingSeminars, to the SSG Jr. LooperChampionships and, oh, the roping!!What a show! There was some greatropings and some great stories thathave come out of those ropings thatyoull find in these special DecemberFinals pages. And, boy, did the roperscome - over 7,000 teams made upfrom a total of 3,520 ropers. And thequestion of this column is, Wheredid they all come from?Needless to say, with the economy

in the doldrums like it has been allyear, the staff and management of theUSTRC were a little nervous abouthow the financial circumstances ofour team roping community wouldimpact this years Finals. Just howmany of our members would be ableto cinch up and make thesignificant monetary commitmentnecessary to attend and compete atthe worlds largest and richest teamroping. Well, you could hear acollective sigh of relief coming out of

12 / DECEMBER 2010

USTRC

BY JOHN FINDLAYby theNNUUMMBBEERRSS

Oklahoma, which is to be expected.But as you can see, there are veryfew states that are dotless. In all,ropers came from 41 states, 2Canadian provinces and Brazil. Lastyear the tally was 41 states, 1Canadian Province and two othercountries, Australia and Italy. Sowhile the number of statesparticipating did not diminish, thenumber of total participants did, butonly slightly. Turning now to theTable, youll see that the number ofparticipants was down from 3,732 in09 to 3,520 in 10. Thats is only adecline of 5.7% or a total of 212ropers. In order to determine whichstates sent more ropers and whichstates sent less ropers this year thanlast year, I sorted the states in theTable by the difference between thenumber of ropers sent each year(column 4). The results of thiscomparison revealed someunexpected findings.The state that sent the most

ropers was, as always, Texas. AndTexas was also the state that sentmore ropers this year than last, atotal of 72. I believe that is indicativeof how well ropings in Texas did thisyear. With few exceptions, Texasropings all did well in 2010, throwingoff lots of Shoot-Out spots and FlexEarnings that were obviouslyutilized. Surprising to me though, isthe drop in the number ofOklahoma ropers. The Finals home

S Stephenville as entries came pouringin from all over the country and byentry deadline, USTRC knew wewould be having a very respectableevent. When the final tally was in, the2010 Finals finished with 7,032 teamsand awarded $3.67 million in cashplus $625,000 worth of great prizes.Last years team count was 7,422which means this year was only off by390 teams or slightly more than 5%,which in this shaky fiscalenvironment was more thanacceptable. Some misguidedprognosticators were thinking that aloss of over 1,000 teams was in thecards. But that clearly did nothappen. And from whence did allthese corriente catchers come from?To the maps, my friends, to the maps!I thought I would see if there were

any significant differences betweenthis years roping contingent and lastyears. How might have the GreatRecession effected 2010s travelpatterns. A first glance at the twomaps, one for 2009 and one for 2010,there doesnt seem to be muchdifference. The patterns are quitesimilar. To explain exactly what yourare looking at, each red dotrepresents the home zip code of eachroper that competed at the Finals.The pink dots mean fewer roperscame from that zip code, the red dotsmean multiple ropers came from thatzip code. As usual, the lions share ofdots are in the states surrounding

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ss

2010 Finals Ropers

2009 Finals Ropers

12-14 By the Numbers_Layout 1 11/10/10 3:31 PM Page 13

Cinch USTRC National Finals Ropersby State, Province and Country

2009 - 2010

14 / DECEMBER 2010

CONTINUED FROM PAGE13

by theNNUUMMBBEERRSS

state experienced a decline of 51ropers, the largest decrease of all thestates. Now that one has me puzzled.Fifteen states plus one country andone province sent more ropers thisyear than last. 25 states plus 2countries and 1 province sent less.Two states sent the same number(Idaho and Maryland). Anothercurious aspect of these results is thatof all the states that sent more ropersthis year than last, only one of themborders on Oklahoma (Texas). All theother border states (NM, CO, KS, MO,and AR) sent less includingOklahoma. And Louisiana, which isalmost a border state, was second toOklahoma in its decline in numbers(36), while Kansas was third (32).Now why would states that are soclose to the Mecca of team ropingshow a decline while states that aremuch further away show an increase,states like Oregon, North Carolina,Pennsylvania, Washington, Ohio andConnecticut? Well, I am perplexedbecause I would have predicted thetrend to be reversed. Because of thecost of traveling long distances, Ithought outlying states would havebeen sending fewer ropers. Havesome of our closer-in ropers becomejaded? Are they getting bored ropingfor a chance to win $100,000? Surely,this cant be true. There must beanother reason. If you have anyobservations, please send them tome: [email protected].

Well their loss is the outliersgain. Hopefully those ropers fromafar who made the trek were richlyrewarded for their efforts. That wewill explore next month when I willshow you just where the money wentfrom this years $4 million plus CinchNational Finals. Till then . . .

ST/PV/Country 2009 2010 Difference % DiffTX 1,066 1,138 72 6.8%AL 33 42 9 27.3%NE 64 72 8 12.5%OR 6 13 7 116.7%NC 1 6 5 500.0%PA 1 6 5 500.0%WA 2 7 5 250.0%OH 7 11 4 57.1%CT 3 5 2 66.7%BC 0 1 1 NADE 0 1 1 NA

Brazil 0 1 1 NANY 4 5 1 25.0%IL 11 12 1 9.1%UT 25 26 1 4.0%GA 27 28 1 3.7%FL 51 52 1 2.0%ID 20 20 0 0.0%

MD 2 2 0 0.0%IA 48 47 -1 -2.1%WI 10 9 -1 -10.0%AB 3 2 -1 -33.3%

Australia 1 0 -1 -100.0%WV 1 0 -1 -100.0%SC 14 12 -2 -14.3%IN 10 8 -2 -20.0%

MN 6 4 -2 -33.3%KY 15 12 -3 -20.0%HI 22 18 -4 -18.2%TN 43 37 -6 -14.0%

Italy 6 0 -6 -100.0%AR 155 147 -8 -5.2%SD 22 14 -8 -36.4%MI 10 1 -9 -90.0%MO 137 127 -10 -7.3%MS 60 50 -10 -16.7%ND 18 6 -12 -66.7%MT 21 8 -13 -61.9%NM 208 193 -15 -7.2%AZ 111 95 -16 -14.4%CA 46 29 -17 -37.0%NV 38 19 -19 -50.0%WY 43 18 -25 -58.1%CO 185 159 -26 -14.1%KS 235 203 -32 -13.6%LA 154 118 -36 -23.4%OK 787 736 -51 -6.5%

Total 3,732 3,520 -212 -5.7%

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USTRC

GGOOLLDDPPLLUUSS

by Ty Hillman

T his is my first day back in the office from the CinchUSTRC National Finals of Team Roping. Watching ropers win thousands of dollars in high pressuresituations always pumps me up and motivates me. Whetherit is the U.S. Open Championship, the #8 Shoot-Out, theNational Finals Rodeo, or the Super Bowl, I love watchingpeople compete under pressure. Seeing people control theiremotions and stay focused when tens of thousands ofdollars are on the line is awesome to watch. I think I like itso much because it motivates me to work at whatever I amdoing and to do it to the best of my ability. It reminds methat the ones who prepare the most, win the most. In hisarticle last month, Walt Woodard said, What I discovered iswhen youre under pressure, its the execution offundamentals that makes you succeed. Only those whowork hard and prepare correctly have the discipline toexecute the fundamentals in those pivotal situations.Although I have not roped very much or competed for a few years now, my experience at the Cinch NFTR has re-motivated me to start roping again.

I want to commend the USTRC staff for a job well done.From the secretaries to the announcers and timers, to thechute and cattle crews, to the stall office, and everyone in between; everyone did a fantastic job. I also want tothank you, the ropers, for your great support. I had theopportunity to visit with a few of you who had problems ormisunderstandings with rules, entries, or stalls. I apologizefor any issues that arose, but I appreciate your flexibilityand understanding. I really enjoyed visiting with all of youand have some great ideas for next year.

There is truly something to do for everyone and never adull moment at the Cinch NFTR. Between the ropings atGuthrie and the Challenge Arena, the SSG Junior Looper,the goat ropings, the free clinics in the Purina Arena, thevendors, the bible studies, and the rope horse preview andsale, there was always something to do. I really enjoyedlistening to the various speakers including Walt Woodard,Kory Koontz, Speed Williams, Rube Woolsey, and Rickey

Green, who spoke at the Purina Arena. I was surprisedthere were not bigger crowds as students normally paythese professionals hundreds of dollars to hear them speak.Thanks to Purina and Equibrand, these speakers gaveclinics in Barn 3 for free all week.

My favorite part of the week happened during the #12Gold Plus division where Ryan and Terry Leatherwoodroping from the 16th callback position made a great runand ended up winning first place in the Average. I felt badfor all of the teams who had misfortune but it was cool tosee a son/father team win the Average and pocket $45,400.Since they were the high money winners of the roping, theyimmediately had to find different partners to compete in arope-off for the Dodge truck, which is awarded to the highmoney winner and the Case tractor which is awarded to thesecond high money winner. The rope-off is a match whereeach team gets all four steers and a miss constitutes as 60seconds rather than a No Time. Ryan chose Jeff Smith,one of our USTRC roping producers and Ryans boss, to behis partner while Terry chose Enoch Mcgill who also worksfor Jeff Smith and is Ryans co-worker and best friend. It gotreally interesting after both teams missed the first steer. Tosee the match turn into a competition among family andfriends was really entertaining as Ryan and Jeff bestedEnoch and Terry allowing Ryan to win the Dodge truck andTerry to win the Case tractor.

Even though I had a blast at the Cinch NFTR, I amhappy to be home. We are quickly approaching my favoritetime of year, as I love the holidays. I have been so blessed tohave such a great family. Not only do I love spending timewith them, but I love the holiday atmosphere. It is a greattime to remember everything that we have to be thankfulfor and also a great time to bless others who are not asfortunate. Please take this Christmas season to think howfortunate we are. If times are tough and you cannot think of a single thing, at least you can be thankful you live in this great country. That alone is truly a blessing.

Have a Merry Christmas.

16 / DECEMBER 2010

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18 / DECEMBER 2010

Yes, its that time of year when theorganizations you belong to start sending youthose letters. You know, the ones that say DearValued Member, or maybe your name spelledwrong or with your first name and middleinitial, like its your first name. Then they askyou for your continued support.

Guilty.

USTRC, like every other organization you belong to,depends on the loyalty of its members to keep the doorsopen. Membership fees pay for the overhead of keeping theorganization rolling and the expenses arent unlike what youface everyday in your own family. Electricity, buildingmaintenance and upkeep, phone service, Internet and thelist goes on. Even more importantly, those fees pay for thelivelihood of the employees who answer the phones, manevents and provide services to the members.

Key to that loyalty, however, is that USTRC has to earn it.Fortunately, while almost every other segment of the

equine industry suffered major decreases in its membershipover the past three years, USTRC held fairly steady and forgood reason.

Because the organizations business principles havealways been conservative, the funding it received throughmembership fees and event participation has been closelymonitored and frugally applied. It has also stuck to one of its long-held policies, providing quality competitions with integrity.

One of the major functions of the USTRC is to classifyropers who compete in the sport, said President Kirk Bray.For more than twenty years USTRC has been charged with

maintaining a level playing field for all ropers to compete on.Without a classification system, there would be no place inthe sport for novice and amateur ropers and surely nogrowth. So, for the member, when they invest in amembership with USTRC, they are actually investing in thelongevity and integrity of the sport.

With the support of its membership base, USTRC was ableto develop the TRIAD classification system, the most valuedand accurate classification system in the sport and amongany equine organization that offers classification.

USTRC has always done the heavy lifting when it comesto classifying the ropers said Bray. The TRIAD system ismuch more objective about the ropers ability and its highlypreferred to the days when classifications were set by acommittee casting their subjective vote. You can see it in thenumber of producers that require the TRIAD number fromthe roper. Even though they may not be affiliated withUSTRC at all, they respect and appreciate the system.

Besides the value of the nations most trustedclassification system, USTRC membership brings value with each of its membership levels.

Every member receives a basic package of services. Theseservices include a distinctive card with the name of themember USTRC ID number and handicap classification,along with 12 monthly issues of the only magazine solelydevoted to team roping, SuperLooper Magazine,maintenance of each members individual record of earningsand accomplishments, a monthly e-newsletter and eligibilityto compete in more than 80 sanctioned events and 350affiliate events nationwide.

Probably one of the most valuable aspects tomemberships are the Flex Earnings that are automaticallyprovided once a member ropes, said Bray. Gold Spurmembers receive $1,000 in Flex Earnings which qualifiesthem automatically to rope at any Regional Finals. Gold Plus

USTRCINSIDER

By Julie Bryant

18-19 Insider_Layout 1 11/12/10 9:28 AM Page 18


membersreceive $3,000 in Flex Earnings that theycan use at Regional Finals at $1,000 for their half of threeShoot-Outs or at the National Finals for one qualification.

Bray says that the best-kept membership secret seems tobe the Gold Plus membership, which not only offers moreFlex Earnings, but competition enhancements at eachsanctioned roping event.

For Gold Plus members, their membership dollar bringsthem even more value because of the increased level ofservice they receive, said Bray, pointing out that Ty Hillman,the Gold Plus representative is focused on bringing evengreater value.

Gold Plus is absolutely the best value, Hillman agrees.From the special Gold Plus roping events to the addedmoney at the Regional Finals and the RAM Rodeo truck andCase IH tractor at the Finals, Gold Plus members are eligiblefor so much more for relatively little extra cost.

Hillman said that while all USTRC members receiveunmatched customer service, Gold Plus members receivethose extra conveniences that make roping with USTRC that much better, such as a toll free number to reach USTRC,stall reservation services, later entry deadlines and checkwriting privileges.

Both the Gold Plus andGold Spur membershiplevels provide for additionalfamily memberships thatcome with $1,000 in FlexEarnings to family members20 and younger living withinthe same household.

In addition, because of itsstrong membership base,USTRC has been able to gainthe support of corporatepartners who provide a number of services to

USTRC members at a lower cost.With preferred pricing from Dodge and Chrysler to

rebates in the hundreds of dollars from Case IH, membershipvirtually pays for itself, said Bray.

Other promotions are also offered for banking servicesthrough Bank of America, insurance through Broadstone andFirst Equine and roadside assistance through Equi-Rescue.Gold Plus members also receive a 10% discount on anyproduct purchase through National Ropers Supply.

Most ropers tend to wait until they rope to join, however,they miss out on some great service by waiting, said Bray.Joining at the first of the year ensures uninterrupted issuesof SuperLooper Magazine and email updates. Also, byrenewing now ropers will have the peace of mind that comes with knowing they are already eligible when theydecide to enter somewhere. Too many times it happens earlyin the year that a roper fails to buy their membership andthus ends up being disqualified. We dont want that tohappen to anyone.

To join, look to page 36-37 of this issue or go online towww.ustrc.com and click on join, or call 254.968.0002.

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The Official Home of AMERICAS COWBOY SPORT

UNITED STATESTEAM ROPINGCHAMPIONSHIPS

18-19 Insider_Layout 1 11/12/10 9:29 AM Page 19

The team roping industry is all a-buzz with therecent conclusion of this years Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team Roping. Ropers everywhere are looking forward to this issue ofSuperLooper Magazine to see who won what at this years multi-million dollar event.In addition, we here at SuperLooper Magazine have

received a lot of excited reader reactions to the newcontest we introduced last month that will begin inJanuary. We are all very energized about the buzz it hascreated among our readers.Here is a quick recap of the contest. Keeping true to

the spirit of team roping, Americas Cowboy Sport, weare reaching out to find the countrys true Americancowboy heroes. We know there are many of you out therewho represent the true image of the cowboy, keeping thespirit of the West alive and theculture that we all enjoy closeat hand.Due to the nature of the

sport, every team roper has tiesto the Western tradition of thecowboy or cowgirl. The horse,cattle, ropes, hats, boots, thelist goes on and on, making thesport of team roping trulyAmericas Cowboy Sport. With this in mind, we are

asking readers to send us alittle info and a photo of theirfavorite cowboy or cowgirl. Wewill select one each month to highlight in the magazineas SuperLooper Magazines Ultimate American Cowboyor Cowgirl.We have taken lots of phone calls and emails

concerning the contest and one of the most askedquestions has been, What are you looking for exactly?Well, here is your answer.We are looking for an individual that represents the

Ultimate American Cowboy or Cowgirl. We know thatencompasses a lot, but it also allows us a chance to

highlight a lot of people in future months. We will takeentrys that include dads who continually teach their kidsgood American cowboy values of how to work hard anduse common sense. As well as moms who may work allday, but still have breakfast on the table every morningand a homemade dinner served every night because thatis the way she grew up and that is the way she wants herkids to grow up, sitting around the dinner table, enjoyingeach others company.We will also take submissions about those who serve

to protect out country who may also have ties toAmerican cowboy traditions, as well as those who serveas police officers, fire fighters and those who protect ourborders and allow us to sleep peacefully at night. And, ofcourse, we would love to hear about those who come offthe ranch and into town just once a month or so, thosewho still straddle a horse daily for their livelihood, oreven those who work in the feedlots, taking care of cattlethat feed the millions of people across the world.Really, the contest is open to anyone who has ties to

the American cowboy, the sport of team roping or justenjoy the Western heritage, but most importantly has a

great story to tell of giving ofthemselves, their humanitarianwork, being brave, putting theirhead down to tackle and finish ajob, going above and beyond onjust a handshake deal or doingsomething a little reckless just tokept the wild side of the cowboyalive and well.We know many of you already

have someone in mind. Maybeits your husband, brother,daughter, friend or neighbor.Whoever it is give them a chanceto be recognized as a

SuperLooper Magazine Ultimate American Cowboy orCowgirl. Send us some info and a photo or two so we canshow the world that the Western heritage is alive and welland being a cowboy or cowgirl means more than justwearing Western attire, its walking the walk to keep thetradition alive!Everyone chosen as one of SuperLooper Magazines

Ultimate Cowboy or Cowgirl will be honored withspecialty awards courtesy of a variety of todays teamroping sponsors. n

SuperLooper Ma

gazines 2011

SuperLooper Magazines Ultimate American Cowboy or Cowgirl Information!Please send all info to [email protected].

Include at least one photo of each entry, as well asinformation on why they should be selected as oneof the 2011 SuperLooper Magazine UltimateCowboy/Cowgirl. Please include Cowboy orCowgirl in the subject line of the email and makesure you include your contact information so we canget in touch with you for any further information.For questions, please fell free to call the WesternSports Publishing office at 505/899-1870 x 107.

Ultimate American Co

wboy / Cowgirl

20 / DECEMBER 2010

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22 / DECEMBER 2010

RickeyGreen

with

I Like Ratelike a horse that will rate. What is rate? Some people might

call it cowing up. Whatever you want to call it, I like the feel of a horse that will go to position, hover there and let me

rope without having to pull on the reins to show himwhere I like to rope from. Some horses just have it naturally, as you get to a steer they start to slow up and match the steers speed.

I personally think that I can rope so much better on a heel horsethat I can set up before the corner starts and then just let him go andkick and push him into position and know that he wont run over asteer. When a heel horse has a natural feel for your position, you cancompletely release your roping talent because you arent having to useso much of your ability to just get to position. Youre always going toheel better on a horse that you can stay up over and drive because youdont have the tendency to sit down and pull like you would on ahorse that is too free. Some horses that actually cheat and dont getclose enough for you to rope can cause some problems, but I wouldrather have a heel horse that is a little cheater than a heel horse that

has no rate and is too free.How do you teach rate if your horse

doesnt have enough? Sometimes you canput the horse in the position you want torope from and then drop the reins downand let him rate at that position. If hestarts to get too close pick him up, slowhim down, put him back into position andthen release pressure on the reins. If youdo it enough, some horses will figure outthat youre showing them a certainposition. Not all horses will learn like this.Some horses are stupid and you have tofigure out different ways to communicatewith them. With some horses, you can startthe rating process like this: before you getto position really set the horse down andmake him stop several times, until whenyou come to the steer he thinks youregoing to pull on him and stop. Then you

can start to give him his head and let him rate because he isthinking about stopping. It doesnt hurt to let this kind of horsecheat you a little for a while until you have a pattern built ofhim wanting to rate.

A head horse is a little different story. Its like my uncle Waltsays, If they say they have a horse with a lot of run, it means hehas no rate. And if they say they have a horse with a lot of rate,it means he cant run. I believe most headers never get all thespeed out of their horses because they run too tight, so theystart to pull on their horses before they get there so they dontrun over the steer. Also, some of these horses naturally slowdown without the header rating him because they dont want to run over the cow and the header has brought them in too narrow.

How much rate do I like in a head horse? Well, I alwaysthought I liked a horse to rate at the hip, but I noticed that if Istarted roping as soon as I got to the hip then these horsesstarted rating back behind the hip or a coil back. Then if I ropeda coil back, these horses started rating two coils back and prettysoon they just start loping. When heading, I like a horse thatkeeps running until his head gets up by the horns. I want himto keep running all the way up beside the steer, just not passhim. This allows me to rope a coil back or at the hip and myhorse keeps running. It doesnt bother me to rope heading onthe gain with very much rate as long as I have some width.

How do I teach a horse this? As you deliver, continue to rideyour horse forward through the delivery and let him gain a littleon the cow. As you pull your slack, then he can slow down alittle when you go to the horn. Try to teach him to continue torun through the delivery. Again, I say if you will stay three tofour feet wide, you wont need as much rate. Also, I say I likerate, but in a head horse I would rather have no rate than toomuch because the ropings are so tough you have to have ahorse that will run.

Your Friend,Rickey Green

Isaiah 61:10

22 Rickey Green_Project1 11/8/10 3:05 PM Page 22

January 22 & 23, 2011 February 19 & 20 February 26 & 27Andrews, TX Andrews County Expo Jackson, MO Flickerwood Arena Baton Rouge, LA

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24 / DECEMBER 2010

e all want to rope off horses that move freely and smoothly, rapidly responding to our cues. Yet many times horses get sticky and shut down or duck out during a run. This is where a

lot of ropers can lose a finger or thumb, because the horse shuts down tooearly and the rider has a finger or thumb in the coil.There are two basic causes: the horse is misreading or not reading the

individual steer, and instead is just working out of a pattern. Or, the rideris causing the problem because of his/her body language and wrong cues. For example, when heading, you may be leaning and the horse starts

turning out of habit in response, even when its not the right time. Or ifyoure heeling, you may be swinging and trying to sit down too early andpulling up on the horses head. In either case, the horse is picking up onthe riders cues, which are inconsistent with what the steer is doing.Anticipation on the horses part can also cause him to make errors.

Many riders always rope in the same spot after the second or third swing.

They dont realize the horse starts to listen forthe swing, and will anticipate and move in thedirection he thinks he should, even when its notthe right time. In this case, the horse is actuallytrying too hard.Anticipation is one of the horses most

advantageous traits, but it can also work againsthim if the horse outthinks the rider, whether itsabout working a cow, running barrels, performing areining pattern, or anything else. Anticipation canbe a great training tool, but if we dont have control,it can come back to haunt us.

Back to Basics

Realize that your horse cant stay at a highperformance level 100% of the time. You need togive him the opportunity to let down and dosomething other than always work on his discipline.A top level competition horse doesnt always needto be roped off all the time. You must take the timeto maintain foundation basics, otherwise it willstart to cost you some money in the arena. One wayfor a header to reinforce that solid foundation is totrack steers on a horse for a while. When you dorope, dont always catch on the second or thirdswing, if thats how you usually do it. Make sure youare setting up the horse properly so he can performto his best ability. For example, make sure thehorses shoulders are square behind the steer, so thehorse isnt ducking out of the pocket. I also like topractice with a Heel-o-Matic because I think its agood tool that, when used right, will consistentlykeep a horses foundation solid.

FREEING UP A HORSEBy Chris Cox with Cynthia McFarland

Phot

o by

Dav

id S

tock

lein

W

continued on page 26

24-27 Horsemanship_Layout 1 11/11/10 4:42 PM Page 24

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26 / DECEMBER 2010

With heeling horses, Ive found that anticipation is usually less of a problem than it can be with heading horses. When it does happen, its usually the riders fault. I want to be able to consistently swing over that steers back without the horse shutting down and anticipating the stop.

I also want my heel horse to act like a cow horse and read the steer. He has to be able to read and rate cattle, just like any other cow horse. If thehorse is reading and rating the steer, hell put the rider in position to havethe best delivery possible. He should stay in rhythm with the steer until Icomplete my delivery.

Get Practical

To unstick a horse so he wont anticipate delivery, I recommend doing a lot of tracking of cattle or using the Heel-o-Matic until the horse getscomfortable with the sweet spot, which is to say, the position where I havethe best percentage of roping that steer. I want the horse to stay in that zoneand listen to my swing, but be prepared. When I go to pick up my slack and Sit down, that horse should almost be in a backup mode.

Whether Im heading or heeling, I want to shape my horses ribcage andshoulders. On a head horse, I want him to be straight. We used to think it wasall about the shoulders, but we also need to bend that ribcage so the horsecan get his left hind leg up underneath him and set it, so hes ready for thejerk of the steer. Its really like doing a counterbend in motion.

On a heel horse, I want his nose to be away from the steer so he doesntcover up my shot. This allows me to have my best delivery.

With your competition horse, you need to over-exaggerate the correction inthe practice pen. Keep in mind that your legs play a big role in correcting andkeeping the horse traveling the way he should. If you are kicking the horse toomuch, you are desensitizing him to your leg. Then when you get in a jam andreally need the horse to move, you kick but dont get the response you need.

Work on softening the horse to your leg. Use a 1-2-3-4 sequence, with 1being squeeze with your leg, 2 being pressing harderwith your leg, 3 being kicking the horse, and 4using your spur. Only increase thepressure to the next level if you dontget a response to the first level youused. Notice that spur is the last resort. Spurs are a great tool, but they canwork against you and cause a horseto become spur-bound, to wherehes actually leaning into the spur. Neverpick at the horse with either your leg or spur.

When a horse ducks out, hes not listeningto your leg. But once the horse responds to

the feel of your leg, you can keep him fromducking out by pushing his ribcage andshoulder back in.

To avoid a horse getting sticky in the firstplace, dont catch the steer too soon duringtraining sessions on your horse. Dont alwaystake your first shot. The horse will startanticipating if you always take your first shot, but if you dont, then you keep the horse engaged.

Outside riding away from the arena andsteers will play a big role in your horseperforming well. So many times ropers dontride unless theyre roping. You have to domaintenance on these horses to keep thembroke and soft. If all you do is rope steers everyday, problems will eventually arise. Horsesneed to be ridden and used to keep theirhandle sharp.



Up Close With Chris CoxBorn in Florida and ranch-raised in Australia, Chris returned to the

United States in 1986 to make a career of working with horses. Years ofworking horseback on the ranch near Queensland gave Chris a healthyrespect for the horses ability and intelligence, and helped him develop hisown methods of individualized training.

Active in the cutting horse world as both a trainer and competitor,Chris has trained a variety of breeds for different disciplines. He also lovesto rope, having been into calf roping in the past, and in more recent years,team roping. He participates in the Reno Invitational each year and plansto host an annual invitational roping at his own ranch. He will also beholding horsemanship clinics for team ropers designed to prevent andsolve problems with rope horses and to help riders better maintain thecompetition rope horse.

Chris and his wife, Barbara, and their children, Charley and Case, liveon the Diamond Double C Ranch in Mineral Wells, Texas. Chris travelsaround the world appearing at expos, conducting clinics andhorsemanship demonstrations. His Come Ride the Journey tour takeshim to cities across the U.S. each year. This two-time Road to the HorseChampion offers horsemanship courses and roping clinics at his Texasranch, and has a regular horsemanship program on RFD-TV.

Western Horseman has released Ride the Journey, by Chris Cox withCynthia McFarland, a 225-page book packed with step-by-step exercisesand color photos that details Chris practical methods and trainingtechniques. Visit www.chris-cox.com or call Chris Cox HorsemanshipCompany at 1-888-81-HORSE for information on upcoming clinic andcourse dates, expo appearances, equipment, books and training DVDs.

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28 / DECEMBER 2010

LASSO DEL SOLScottsdale, ArizonaDecember 31, 2010 - January 2, 2011

ff in the distance the sun hung on the horizon and slowly made its way out of

sight. It was a quiet stillness and it alwaysmade the hour at dusk one of comfort and relaxation.Ezquiel** rose from his sentry post under the large blooming agave century plant that loomed high above his head. He yawned and stretched andlistened to the approaching night sounds. Off in the distance a chaparral cussed a rattler and Ezquiel knew it would be dark before he got back to the camp.

The clear, dry desert air was good for his mindset.He loved the desert and he loved all it stood for.Somewhere a dove called in the darkening hour andprobably waited for coyotes to move away from thewater. Thinking about that Ezquiel guzzled waterfrom his leather pouch, swished it in his mouth andspit it out. Nothing like a cool drink of water as thedesert sun set.

The Sonoran Desert was his home and had beenfor as long as he could remember. It didnt matterthat his father worked the nearby ranches and that

Scottsdale was filling daily with people looking forgold. The Indians had the area all to themselves forcenturies now and Ezqueil appreciated them forleaving a little for him.

Scottsdale is a combination of Native Americanculture and American Cowboy lore. Located in thebeautiful Sonoran Desert, Scottsdale, Arizona isbordered by Phoenix to the west and the McDowellMountains on the east.

The magic of Scottsdale begins with the fact it sitssmack dab in the middle of the lush Sonoran Desert.With Indigo skies that beckon you to come out ofdoors to explore the trails, the rivers and themountains, it is an area that reaches out to grab youand will not turn loose.

Scottsdale will welcome the Lasso Del Sol the lastfull weekend of 2010 and will kick off the New Year2011. Scottsdales sunny skies and idyllic weathermake experiencing the beauty of the desert almosthabit forming and adding a roping like the Lasso DelSol will make the event all that much memorable.

Kick off the adventure of a desert vacation withsome good USTRC team roping. You cant help buthave a good time with a hike on one of the citysscenic trails or how about eco-tours, horseback

O

28-29 Upcoming_Layout 1 11/10/10 12:12 PM Page 28


riding, mountain biking or watersports like river rafting and kayaking.You can also take to the sky with airtours, hot air ballooning and otherlocally offered aerial adventures.Scottsdale is yours for the asking,

yours to enjoy and explore. Scottsdale is one of the worlds

premier business and vacationdestinations. There is no doubt youwill appreciate the warmSouthwestern hospitality thatembraces visitors and residents alike.If you love team roping you will loveattending a team roping like theLasso Del Sol in Scottsdale.

As Ezquiel made his way downthe sandy desert trail he watchedand listened. Off in the distance anowl called to his mate and sheanswered. The magic of the desertreminded him of the NativeAmerican healing spas that sootheyour body and soul. The desert wasgood for what ailed you and Ezquielcouldnt help but smile. He loved itand he would never leave. It hadcaptured his soul and given him azest for life. That is the way of thedesert; it heals your hurts andnourishes your soul.

** Fictitious Name for Writers Intent

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32 / DECEMBER 2010

K Roadway Inn478/987-8777 Hotel

K Red Lobsterwww.redlobster.com Restaurant

K Applebees Neighborhood Grillwww.applebees.com Restaurant

K Cracker Barrel Old Country Storewww.crackerbarrel.com Restaurant

K Angelinas Italian Garden Cafe RestaurantK LongHorn

www.longhornsteakhouse.com RestaurantK Outback Steakhouse

www.outback.com RestaurantK Perry Country Club

www.perrycountryclub.com GolfK Houston Springs Club

www.houstonsprings.com GolfK Museum of Aviation

www.museumofaviation.org EntertainmentK Our Place Fun and Spirits

www.ourplaceperry.com EntertainmentK Calvins Jazz LLC

www.calvinslive.com Entertainment

Heart of Texas ChampionshipsJanuary 14-16, 2011Heart of Texas Fair ColiseumWaco, TexasUSTRC www.ustrc.com

Great Eats, Entertainment and Visitor InfoK Sleep Inn

www.sleepinnhewitt.com HotelK Quality Inn & Suites Waco

www.qualityinn.com HotelK Georges Restaurant & Catering

www.georgesrestaurant.com RestaurantK Red Lobster Restaurants

www.redlobster.com RestaurantK Outback Steakhouse

www.outbacksteakhouse.com RestaurantK Lake Brazos Steakhouse

www.lakebrazossteakhouse.com RestaurantK Lone Star Steakhouse & Saloon

www.lonestarsteakhouse.com RestaurantK Texas Roadhouse Waco

www.texasroadhouse.com RestaurantK Logans Roadhouse

www.logansroadhouse.com RestaurantK La Fiesta Mexican Restaurant

www.lafiesta.com Restaurant

Lasso Del SolDecember 31-January 2, 2011Westworld Equestrian Center Scottsdale, Arizona www.scottsdaleaz.gov/westworldUSTRC www.ustrc.com

Great Eats, Entertainment and Visitor InfoK Country Inn and Suites

480/314-1200 HotelK Scottsdale Thunderbird Suites

480/951-4000 HotelK Sleep Inn North Scottsdale

480/998-9211 HotelK Flemings Prime Steakhouse

www.flemingssteakhouse.com RestaurantK Mastros City Hall Steakhouse

www.mastrosrestaurants.com RestaurantK Lone Star Steakhouse & Saloon

www.lonestarsteakhouse.com RestaurantK Pinnacle Peak Patio Steakhouse

www.pppatio.com RestaurantK Outback Steakhouse

www.outback.com RestaurantK Rubios Fresh Mexican Grill

www.rubios.com RestaurantK The Orange Tree Resort

www.shellhospitality.com GolfK Silverado Club

www.scottsdalesilveradogolfclub.com GolfK McCormick Ranch Club

www.mccormickranchgolf.com GolfK Desert Storm Hummer Tours

www.dshummer.com EntertainmentK Unicorn Balloon Company

www.unicornballoon.com EntertainmentK Scottsdale Historical Museum

www.scottsdalemuseum.com EntertainmentK River of Time Museum

www.riveroftimemuseum.org EntertainmentK Myst Nightclub

www.mystaz.com Entertainment

South Georgia ClassicDecember 31-January 2, 2011Georgia National FairgroundsPerry, GeorgiaJohn Johnson and Jx2 Productions 423/340-0640 USTRC www.ustrc.com

Great Eats, Entertainment and Visitor InfoK Travel Lodge

478/987-7355 Hotel

USTRC

OONNtap Choice Hotelswww.choicesportstravel.comSpecial rate ID #00214570K Catfish King of Waco

254/753-7700 RestaurantK Cottonwood Creek Course

www.waco-texas.com GolfK Lake Waco Country Club

thelakecountryclub.com GolfK Cameron Park Zoo

www.cameronparkzoo.com EntertainmentK Dr. Pepper Museum: Gift Shop

www.drpeppermuseum.com EntertainmentK Texas Ranger Hall of Fame & Museum

www.texasranger.org EntertainmentK Texas Sports Hall of Fame

www.tshof.org EntertainmentK Waco Water Park

www.waco-texas.com EntertainmentK Supersaver 6

www.starplexcinemas.com EntertainmentK Waco Hippodrome Theatre

www.wacoperformingarts.org Entertainment

Bayou ChampionshipsJanuary 20-23, 2011Coushatta Pavilion www.coushattacasinoresort.comKinder, LouisianaSteve and Sherry Judd 601/928-3218 USTRC www.ustrc.comDirections: 777 Coushatta Drive Kinder, La

Great Eats, Entertainment and Visitor InfoK Coushatta Casino and Resort

1-800-584-7263 HotelK Coushatta Casino

www.coushattacasinoresort.com RestaurantK Faustos Family Restaurant

337/738-5676 RestaurantK Cajun Restaurant

337/738-5423 RestaurantK Big Sky Steakhouse

800-584-7263 RestaurantK Koasati Pines Club

www.koasatipines.com GolfK Coushatta Casino Resort

www.coushattacasinoresort.com EntertainmentK Riverfront Canoe Rental

337/639-2710 EntertainmentK Tupper General Merchandise

Museumwww.tuppermuseum.com EntertainmentK Gumbeauxs Sports & Oyster Bar

www.coushattacasinoresort.com Entertainment

32-33 On Tap_Layout 1 11/12/10 4:39 PM Page 32


Arizona ChampionshipsFebruary 4-6, 2011Apache Gold Casino ArenaSan Carlos, ArizonaUSTRC www.ustrc.comDirections: Hwy 70 East, San Carlos, Arizona

Great Eats, Entertainment and Visitor Info Apache Gold Casino Hotel and Resort

928/475-7800 Hotel San Carlos Cafe

928/475-2722 Restaurant Sunrise Cafe & Bakery

928/475-3063 Restaurant De Marcos Restaurant

www.demarcosrestaurant.net Restaurant Apache Stronghold

www.golfapache.com Golf Apache Gold Casino Resort

www.apachegoldcasinoresort.com Entertainment San Carlos Lake Tackle Shop

928/475-2756 Entertainment San Carlos Recreation & Wildlife

928/475-2236 Entertainment San Carlos Apache Cultural Center

www.sancarlosapache.com Entertainment

For more information call anytime:

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Seats 14 - 141/2 - 15 - 151/2 - 16 PRICE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$540LETTERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $50SHIPPING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $35TOTAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $625

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32-33 On Tap_Layout 1 11/12/10 11:08 AM Page 33

1. Chad Masters................312. David Motes .................283. David Key.....................254. Turtle B. Powell ............205. Trevor Brazile ...............186. Derrick J. Begay............167. Justin V. Davis ...............16

8. Drew Horner.................159. Wade Kreutzer ..............1010. Kevin Stewart .................911. Jered A. Hollaway............912. Jeff K. Kanady.................713. Tee Woolman..................714. Aaron Tsinigine...............6

15. Jake Cooper....................516. Garrett L. Tonozzi............417. Charly B. Crawford..........418. Ryan Motes ....................319. Tate Kirchenschlager .......220. Cory W. Kidd V ................221. Ty N. Blasingame ............1

HEADERS

HEELERS1. Jade Corkill ..................452. Rich Skelton.................263. Ryan Motes ..................204. Jhett Johnson................175. Cory Petska ..................166. Steve Northcott ............147. Justin L. Copp...............13

8. Jimmie R Cooper ..........119. T. J. Watts.....................1010. Travis Graves ................1011. Todd Wilson....................912. Buddy E. Hawkins II ........913. Tyler D. Magnus ..............714. Travis Woodard ...............7

15. Brock G. Hanson.............616. Trey Johnson III...............617. Russell Cardoza Jr ...........518. Allen L. Bach..................319. Clint Summers.............. 220. Blake D. Stocker .............2

$10,000 to Year End HighPoint Header and Heeler$5,000 to runners-up.

STANDINGSUS Open Tour

34 / DECEMBER 2010

34 Open Tour_Layout 1 11/8/10 1:26 PM Page 34

NEW FACE.NEW FACE.SAME ROPE.

NEW FACE.

Rich Skelton 2003 and 2004 World Champion

Kollin VonAhn 2009 World Champion

Randon Adams 2008 World Champion

Walt Woodard 2007 World Champion

Follow TheClassicRealDeal on:

2:50:54 PM

S06DF_RtlRpGT4_P_Layout 1 5/5/10 3:25 PM Page 1

Cell Phone

F

Must be

2

No.___ Heeler

STRIKE GOLDFOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

Gold Spur Membership Participation at a USTRC event automatically qualifi es you for a Regional Shoot-Out position

Membership Benefi ts Receive $1,000 in Flex Earnings just by participating at a USTRC event

Distinctive card with your name, USTRC ID number and TRIAD classifi cation

12 monthly issues of the industry leader, SuperLooper Magazine

Eligible to compete at more than 80 sanctioned and 350 affi liate events nationwide

Draw in and never worry about fi nding a partner again! (some restrictions apply)

An individual record of your earnings and accomplishments

Unmatched customer service

Gold Spur OptionsTailor your Gold Spur membership to fi t your style with these options

Rope both ends? Get a double number! (Fees can apply)

Keep It in the Family Add immediate family members (children and spouse) in the same household age 20 and under at the time of application

Each family member receives the same Gold Spur Membership benefi ts, including $1,000 in Flex Earnings upon participation at a USTRC event

Lifetime Membership: Youve Earned It Ropers currently 70 or celebrating that milestone anytime in 2011 are eligible for a lifetime membership at the time of application (family members must renew annually)

Enjoy all the benefi ts of the Gold Spur membership for a one-time only fee, including $1,000 in Flex Earnings annually upon participation at a USTRC event

Available for U.S. addresses only

International Gold Spur Membership Gold Spur benefi ts know no borders. You receive the basic benefi ts plus $1,000 in Flex Earnings upon participation at a USTRC event.

SuperLooper Magazine provided through U.S. Foreign Mail Service

For Non-US Residents

Jr. Looper Membership FREE to youth age 12 and under at the time of application

Includes Jr. Looper card with name, USTRC ID number and birthdate

$1,000 in Flex Earnings annually upon participation at a USTRC event

Valid age documentation required (i.e. birth certifi cate, certifi ed ID card)

No annual renewal

Social Security Number required

Gold Plus Membership The best membership value for the roper who demands more and has the National Finals in sight! (must be 18 or older to purchase)

Membership Benefi ts You get all the benefi ts of the Gold Spur for you and your immediate family members, plus

Participation at a USTRC event qualifi es you and your spouse (legal proof required) to each receive $3,000 in Flex Earnings. Additional family members 20 years old and younger and living at home will receive Gold Spur memberships and qualify for $1,000 in Flex Earnings upon participation at a sanctioned event.

Receive a 10% discount on any product purchased through National Ropers Supply.

Gold Plus Ropings Exclusively at USTRC Sanctioned Events

For Gold Plus members 21 and older

Enjoy $6,000 ($3,000 per roper) in Flex Earnings to the top three Average Winners and top three Incentive Average Winners

Guaranteed added money at Regional Finals Gold Plus ropings

Check Writing Privileges Available at all USTRC sanctioned and affi liate events

1-800 Direct Calling Enter by phone and charge to your Visa, Mastercard or Discover

Reserve stalls (limited to two per member at ropings offering service) up to one week prior to the event

Apply for Double Number at No Extra Charge

Extended Entry DeadlinesEnter by phone up to one week after the postmark deadline with your credit card. A 3% surcharge will apply to all credit card transactions.

The Official Home of

AMERICAS COWBOY SPORT

UNITED STATESTEAM ROPING

CHAMPIONSHIPS

2011MmbrAppSpr_P_Layout 1 10/11/10 12:03 PM Page 1

Gold Spur Membership $100 USTRCs Standard Membership Package. First-time member.

Personal Information (Primary Member)

Gold Plus Family Members / Gold Spur Family MembersMust be an immediate family member, spouse or children, living at home age 20 and younger at the time of application


Name to appear on card

Male Female Birth Date

USTRC ID # (if renewing) SS# (required) First time members must contact classifi cations dept.

Email Address (required)By providing USTRC your email address, you give permission for USTRC to send important member updates and information. You may opt out at any time.

Occupation (i.e. rancher, teacher, mgmt)

Address

City/State/Zip

Country

Home Phone Work Phone Cell Phone



Male Female Birth Date Email Address

USTRC ID # (if renewing) SS# (required)

Relationship to member











Carholder Name

Card #

Visa Mastercard Discover Exp. Date Security Code

Signature

Were happy to accept your credit card application over the phone at 254.968.0002 or join online at ustrc.com.

Payment InformationPlease make check or money order payable to USTRC and mail to:

Please provide the following information when paying with Visa, Mastercard or Discover

USTRC MembershipP.O. Box 1198Stephenville, TX 76401Phone 254.968.0002Fax 254.968.0003

2011 Membership ApplicationMembership active as of September 1, 2010 and expires December 31, 2011. Take advantage of joining online at ustrc.com or complete the application below. Indicate in the boxes the number of memberships at each level for which you are applying. PLEASE PRINT OR TYPE.

USTRC memberships are NON REFUNDABLE, NON TRANSFERABLE. All memberships expire December 31, 2011, with the exception of membership purchased after August 31, 2011 and before January 1, 2012. Membership purchased during that time will be valid until December 31, 2012. Allow 3-4 weeks for processing. Allow up to 6 weeks for delivery of SuperLooper Magazine. USTRC reserves the right to obtain a payment electronically for any check or other instrument you send by initiating an ACH (electronic) debit of the amount of your check or instrument to your account. Your check or instrument will not be returned to you by USTRC or your bank. Your bank account may be debited the same day payment is received.

Gold Plus Membership $300 USTRCs Premier Membership Package. Available to adults 18 and older. Must be 21 or older to rope in Gold Plus ropings.

Qty Fee

Gold Plus Upgrade $200 Must be a current Gold Spur member

Lifetime Gold Spur Membership $100 Available to members 70 and older within the 2011 calendar year.

Lifetime Gold Plus Membership $200 Available to Lifetime members only. Requires annual renewal.Total $___________

Additional Family Membership $50 EachPlease list names and information on this application form. One SuperLooper Magazine subscription per household.

Jr. Looper Membership FREEAvailable to youth 12 and under at the time of application. Valid age documentation and social security number required.

First Time or Expired Double Number $40Must be classifi ed as a #5 or higher. Application fee non-refundable.

International Gold Spur Membership $120

I am requesting a double number as a

No.___ Header No.___ Heeler

BE A PART OF

Become a Member of the USTRCAMERICAS COWBOY SPORT

2-3 4:51:29 PM

2011MmbrAppSpr_P_Layout 1 10/11/10 12:03 PM Page 2

The Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team Roping concluded on October 31,2010 at the State Fair Arena in Oklahoma City, in solid fashion offering $3.67million in prize money and $625,000 in prizes to 7,032 teams.

Produced by the United States Team Roping Championships (USTRC), theworlds leading team roping organization based in Stephenville, Texas, the Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team Roping exceeded all expectations.

From 15-year-old Wesley Thorp of Throckmorton, Texas, who won more than $65,000, to the Connecticut team of Tyler and Cody Christensen ofGuilford, who had the roping of their life to win the reserve in the #10 and split $49,000, the Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team Roping was filled with stories of euphoric success and bitter disappointment as the competition rolled through nine sun-filled days.

I think most people in the competition segment of the horse industrywould agree that the economy is still wreaking havoc, but this Finals proved that team ropers are a community of people very engaged and passionate abouttheir sport, said USTRC President Kirk Bray. For 21 years this event has servedthe industry as a true National Finals where ropers from all across the UnitedStates and abroad come to compete for the sports richest purse and mostcoveted prizes.

The Championship event awarded a total of 10 United States Championshiptitles and 9 National Finals titles which not only came with the cash prize, butcustom Martin Trophy championship saddles, Gist Silversmiths Gold buckles,full-quill ostrich Tony Lama boots and Western Horseman commemorative prints.

Furthermore, two Dodge RAM Cummins Diesel 4 X 4 trucks were awarded tothe high money-earning Gold Plus member champions in two divisions, alongwith two Case IH tractors being awarded to the reserve high money-earningGold Plus champions in those divisions.

The event launched Saturday, October 23, with a real crowd pleaser, the US Open Championships preliminary rounds.

The opening weekend of the Finals is akin to watching the Masters in golf,said Bray. The top ropers in the industry compete on a level that is truly the

pinnacle and its a great chance to see the best in action. Theonly real difference is that the PGA likely wouldnt have lotsof kids playing alongside the green, alluding to the numberof families who attend the event.

Taking the U.S. Open Championship, which offered$202,600, was former PRCA World Champion Chad Mastersof Clarksville, Tennessee, and partner Jade Corkill of Lipan,Texas. The team roped five head in a time of 44.52 secondsto win $71,600.

Corkill was also the US Open Tour heeling champion,while Gable Hildebrand of Bartlett, Kansas, was the Tourheading champion. Both were awarded $10,000 bonuschecks for their year-end achievements.

The largest purse of the event was found in the #9 Shoot-Out, offering a total of $405,900, to 443 teams. One of the

Awards More Than $4.2 Millionand Hosts More Than 7,000Teams from Four Countries

CINCH USTRC

PHOTOS COURTESY OF LONE WOLF PHOTOGRAPHY

38 FINALS_INTRO_Layout 1 11/12/10 12:02 PM Page 1


tractor. Roping four steers in a time of 34.52 seconds, the teamscored earnings of $42,900, with Smith capturing the truck andEchelle the tractor in the rope-off.

Newlywed Andrew Lux of Ozark, Arkansas, shared the spoils ofthe #10 Shoot-Out win with partner Jordan Johnson, who farmswith his dad in Summers, Arkansas. Lux, who works in fiber opticsand computers, and Johnson earned $89,400 of the $350,200 purseroping in a time of 32.54 seconds on four.

The event ended on a high note with more than $203,400offered to 289 teams in the #8. Frankfort, Kansas, native WillieSchooler and his partner, Larry J. Nutch, of Alma, Kansas, teamedup to come out of the fourth callback position to win the #8 with atime of 36.4 on four head to win $45,100.

The 2011 Cinch National Finals of Team Roping will be heldOctober 22-30 at the State Fair Arena in Oklahoma City. Ropersqualify for the event by earning shoot-out positions during themore than 85 USTRC sanctioned events around the country, aswell as its seven Regional Finals. For more information, contactthe USTRC at www.ustrc.com or by calling 254.968.0002.

few high callback teams to keep it together in the short round, theteam of Joe D. Jones of Macon, Mississippi, and partner 17-year-old Coledon Harmon of Stephenville, Texas, roping together forthe first time, roped four in a time of 35.81 to win $100,700.

Taking the #15 Shoot-Out was the team of Drew Horner ofPlano, Texas, and 13-year-old Brady Norman of Springer,Oklahoma. The team earned $71,000 of the $279,800 purse, ropingfive head in a time of 37.73 seconds.

Bringing home earnings of $81,000 of the $322,400 purse toLouisiana was Natie C. Johnson of Choudrant and another 13-year-old, Cody Hogan of Pelican. That duo roped five head in atime of 38.24 seconds for the win in the #13 Shoot-Out.

In the #12 Shoot-Out Peggy Bach of Millsap, Texas shared thewinning prize of $76,900 with the partner she met the day of theevent, B.J. Thompson of Pitkin, Louisiana. That duo roped in atime of 30.32 seconds on four head to take their share of the$298,500 purse.

It was a moving moment in the #12 Gold Plus Shoot-Out,offering a purse of $220,500, when father and son team Terry andRyan Leatherwood, of Grady, New Mexico, and Sterling, Kansas,respectively, came from the 16th callback position and roped in a time of 32.63 seconds on four head to win $45,500, with Ryanwinning the RAM truck and Terry taking home the Case tractor in a rope-off.

Stephenville, Texas, realtor Jamie Mader-Hayden and herpartner, high school freshman Wesley Thorp of Throckmorton,Texas, brought home $93,500 of the $374,900 purse in the #11Shoot-Out. The team roped in a time of 32.78 seconds on fourhead for the win.

Mader-Hayden also won the Cruel Girl All Girl Championships with partner Jimmi Jo Montera of Greeley,Colorado, roping four steers in a time of 31.81 seconds to win$15,500 of the $57,800 purse.

With a nod to the veterans of the sport, the CenturyChampionships, for ropers whose ages total 100 or more, went to Arkansans Ronnie Carter of Berryville and Eddie Cole of Branch, roping in a time of 30.76 seconds on four to earn $16,600 of the $75,400 purse.

The #10 Gold Plus Shoot-Out brought out 1975 NFR calf roping qualifier Don Smith of Hodgen, Oklahoma, and partnerAnthony Echelle, a civil engineer from Glencoe, Oklahoma, to run for the $202,800 purse, along with the RAM truck and Case

38 FINALS_INTRO_Layout 1 11/11/10 3:37 PM Page 2

40 / DECEMBER 2010

Chad Masters Jade Corkill

otoriety has a special connotation. Perhapseminence is a better word but just doesnt quite fitthe scenario. Famous doesnt fit either because none

of them look at it that way. Some of them are humble whileothers are distant and aloof. Without fail they may even be a bitmisunderstood and miscalculated.

My grandmother once said, I dont care who you are orwhere you came from you still put your pants on one leg at atime. The thing to understand is they are just like you and I.They rope, they practice, they play hard and rope with aprecision seriousness that defies explanation. They getfrustrated and they are humbled over a mere miscalculation.

So where does our awe and devoted appreciation come fromif we are all so much alike? Why cant we picture ourselvesdoing and being who and what they are? What makes us standback and dream their dream? What shocks us if they fail or fallshort? Why is our vision the one they have already captured andwhy do we hang onto their dreams wishing we could be thatand more? Why do we hold our breath when they rope and sighand cry when they fail?

They are the Open ropers of the United States Team Roping

Championships and they possess a certain mystique thatkeeps us all intertwined with their successes, their failures,their ups and their downs. We follow their careers with awishful determination that belies our own interests andimaginings.

As the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds Coliseum filled up withsome fifty plus of the best team ropers in the business, ropingfans settled in for an excitment-packed and competitive fiverounds of the best team roping to unfold during the 2010Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team Roping.

Following an impressive opening that ensured everyonepresent that God and patriotism are alive and well in theroping and rodeo business, the US Open Championships gotunderway. Each team would rope five steers and as theevening progressed the fans became more involved as theywatched their favorites rise or fall as circumstances dictated.

This is the best Open roping

superlooper-dec 2010

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