Pole Bending Clinic - Upcoming Event

Pole Bending Speed Event Horsemanship Clinic

Featuring:

KEN SMITH


May 7-9, 2010
Craig, Colorado


Contact: 
Sheila Brennise 
ph#970-824-4767
sbrennise@aol.com


See more information about Ken Smith here.

Breakaway Roping - Picture of the Week

This is a great picture of getting the rope around the calf's neck.  However sometimes when I look at rodeo pictures, I really wonder how horses move like that.  We catch them at the weirdest angles. 

Get Your Rope Going

Although this is a breakaway tip that we have talked about before it is extremely important.  The best way to have the fastest time in breakaway roping is to get your rope going quickly.  You should be swinging as soon as you nod.  There is no other way to be in the 2 to 3 second times without swinging fast.  


As you can see in the picture, the calf is not even completely out of the chute but his rope is already in full swing.  

Even when you are practicing, start your swing in the box.  You may even want to take a few runs where you don't rope but just get that start right.  So let the calf out focusing on getting your swing started.  Sometimes you need to just work on one thing at a time. 

Getting Ready - Picture of the Week

Sometimes the thing I like best about youth rodeo is the family moments.  When parents are making sure everything is just right before the kids enter the arena.  They try to give them the best chance for a winning performance.

Steer Wrestling School - Upcoming Event

rockinropinpen.com

Presents

Luke Branquinho

Steer Wrestling School

May 27-29, 2010

*Where: Salina, Utah

*Cost: $450 (Sign up before May 5, & receive $50 off)

*Deposit of $150 will guarantee your spot.

**There are limited spots available**

**BUCKLE given to winner of the Jackpot following the school.

**Other awards and certificates will also be given.

For more information please contact Kody Jacobs

*435-773-0754 or 435-669-4564

Easy Practice Night Recipe

Easy Yummy Crockpot Chicken Tacos

Ingredients:

4-5 Chicken Breasts

1 Can Stew Tomatoes

1 Can Rotel Tomatoes

1 Package Taco Bell Taco Seasoning

To prepare:

1) In the morning put chicken and all ingredients in the crock pot on low.  

2) When you get home from work or an hour or so before eating, shred the chicken.

3) Then serve with your favorite taco condiments like sour cream, guacamole, or salsa.

This is a really delicious easy recipe that you can have cooking while your family is out practicing.  Then all you need to do when you come in from practice is break out the tortillas and fixings and you have an easy dinner.  It is also great for salads, quesadillas and burritos.  

Winners!

Our 3 lucky winner have been randomly chosen.  The winner will receive their quote n vinyl from Lisa's Vinyl Creations.

'Tough times don't last, tough people do"
Submitted by Kathy

"Don’t go where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path. . . and leave a trail."
Submitted by Mandee

"Winning isn't everything but, wanting to is!"
Submitted by Rachel

We appreciate your comments.  There are a lot of really great quotes and motivations for other to use.

If you are one of the lucky ones above, just contact Lisa at lisa@lisasvinylcreations.com.

Little Britches Jackpot Rodeo

NLBRA Jackpot Rodeo

May 21-23

Millard County Fairgrounds

Delta Utah

Sponsored by All Horse Utah

Friday May 21 Rodeo at 6:00 p.m.

Saturday May 22 Rodeo at 11:00 a.m.

Sunday May 23 Rodeo at 9:00 a.m.

Age Groups:

Little Wranglers 5 to 7

Juniors 8 to 13

Seniors 14 to 18

Entries must be mailed by May 7. Entry forms are available at www.nlbra.com. Entry fees are $15 per event with $5 stock charge for roping events and $15 stock charge for rough stock. No Late Entries will be accepted. Stalls are $15 per night per horse.

For More Information Contact and Mail Entries to:

Teresa Fackrell 375 W 700 N Nephi, UT 84648

435-623-5374 teresa@allhorseutah.com

Entry forms available on www.nlbra.com.

More information visit our site Central Utah Little Britches.

Vet Box for Tack Room and Trailer

A good rule of thumb for a rodeo mom is to have a vet kit on hand. You never know when you are going to have to clean, dress and administer a little helping hand to your best ride or someone else in the rodeo family.

First of all a prayer in your heart that you will be able to fix what’s broken – that’s instinct really for all mom's I know. These are items that I have on hand for all types of mom – vet work!

1. Tool box or box to hold supplies and equipment
2. Vet Wrap – doubles for Halloween costumes or compression
3. Gauze – good to put with vet wrap or bandages
4. Diapers – these are great to bandage with, soak up fluid or blood
5. Beta dine – great for hoof abscess, cleaning wounds
6. Bantamine – muscle relaxer, must have a scribe to get, critical if your horse starts to colic
7. Ace – depressant – must have a scribe to get
8. Syringe – good for water fights on a hot day or administering medicine
9. Needles
10. Penicillin – cure all
11. Furazene or ointment to help with infections I really like Neosporin
Which is a human product but works great.
12. Hoof Freeze – made by Hawthorne Product
13. Ice O Gel or FreezeEx – good for muscle strains or wind puffs
14. Leg wraps – good for wrapping muscle strains 
15. Quilted wraps- good for heat wraps
16. Equine boot – lost shoes – hoof abscess
17. Ice packs - strained muscles
18. Ice boot – strained muscles
19. Scissors – hair cuts?
20. Duck tape – mouthy rodeo kids after a slow run? Hoof abscess,
21. Saran wrap – heat wraps
22. Dish soap – cleaning of wounds
23. Clean dry towels – water fights - compression bandage if nothing else
24. Alcohol – sterilize
25. Holy water – not a blessing from a father but a great rub made here in Utah

These are items that I seem to use year around. There are some great websites that go along with these products, and all of these you can purchase at a feed store or the vet.

Contest Entry Reminder

Our first contest ends this Thursday April 15.  Be sure to get your entry today!


Just submit your favorite motivational or rodeo related quote.  Your quote can be turned into vinyl art by Lisa's Vinyl Creation.


Get all the details here.

Worth Quoting

"Don't be afraid to go after what you want to do, 
and what you want to be.
But don't be afraid to be willing to pay the price."
Lane Frost

Great New Product - Cowgirl Dirt Make-Up

Cowgirl Dirt is an all natural, organic mineral makeup line made with all cowgirls and cowgirls at heart in mind.

Unlike Bare Escentuals™ and Bare Minerals, we don't use parabens, chemicals or unnecessary fillers while creating our products. If you are currently using Bare Escentuals or bareMinerals you owe it to yourself to give our products a try - you and your cowboy will both see the difference!

Our collections are created with the cowgirl in mind:

The Cute Cowgirl Package includes the Wheat Field base eye shadow, along with Matte Copper and Matte Saddle Up eye shadow. It also includes Cow Pie eye liner. Topped off with Sweet Tea lip tint and a glossy White Lightening lip gloss.

Price: $48.94 YOU SAVE $10.00

Flirty Farmgirl is all about pink. This package includes Wheat Field eye shadow (base), Tough Enough, and Let's Ride. It comes with Black Gold Eye Liner, Flicka Lip Tint, and Cowgirl Pucker Lip Gloss.

Price: $48.94 YOU SAVE $10.00

Barn Beauty is all about natural colors. It starts with a Dirt base eye shadow. Followed by Tumbleweed and Arena Sand eye shadows. Cow Pie eye liner and Flicka lip tint top it off. Southern Sky will give that extra glow you need.

Price: $48.94 YOU SAVE $10.00

Rodeo Razzle is for those evening nights out on the town. Start with a base of Rhinestone. Then add Hi Ho Silver on the lower lid and Oklahoma Storm in the crease. Includes a Texas Tea color Mud Slinger Eye Liner. The final touch is the Farmhouse Yee Haw Lip Tint and Middleton Passion Bodacious Lip Gloss. You will look stunning!

Price: $48.94 YOU SAVE $10.00

To order  or learn about other products call Lisa Woodland (801) 372-6176 or email lisa@lisasvinylcreations.com. 

Head Horse Ducking Tips

A common problem with good head horses is they learn to duck or go hard left as soon as the roper catches.  So here are a few tips that might help:


1) Do some steer stopping.  Instead of letting him go left.  Ask him to stop straight and stop the steer.
2) Don't dally immediately.  Leave some slack in your rope.  Force him to track the steer for awhile, then dally, and turn it off when you are ready. 
3) Work on control.  When you are not roping, work him off your left leg.  Do some basic roll backs and side passes.  This will help you have better control when you are roping.
4) Just track some steers.  Get him out of the habit of roping quick and going to the horn.  Several times during practice throw your rope but just track the steer to the bottom of the pen.
5) Adjust your position.  If you are not leaning left and moving left, the horse won't go left early.  Stay straight and change your position when you are ready to turn.  


The key is to mix it up so the horse is not trying to get ahead of you.  Get control and don't let the horse decide when you are ready to go left.  

Happy Easter

First Aid for Sprains and Strains

Sometimes in rodeo injuries happen. We hate to see an injury to any kid but especially to our own.  Today’s article is how to make them go away as fast as possible.

Sometimes what we do for them often makes them worse. That’s particularly true of sprains and strains. The problem is everyone thinks they already know what to do.

How often have you received a ton of advice on how to treat it?  Like you should put heat on it or you should ice it or hold it above your head.  Almost everyone has the idea.  But the details are important.

Sprain vs. Strain: Do You Know the Difference?

What’s the difference between a sprain and a strain?

A sprain is a ligament injury. Ligaments are the tough, fibrous tissues that connect bone to bone. They literally hold your joints together. When they are damaged, we call that a sprain.

In contrast, a strain is an injury to a muscle or tendon. You already know what muscles are. Tendons are the tough, fibrous tissues that connect muscle to bone. When either a muscle or a tendon is damaged, that is a strain.

There are three different classifications for sprains and strains:

·         Grade 1. This kind of injury happens when the fiber (ligament, muscle, or tendon) is stretched a bit beyond its normal limits and sustains some minor damage.

·         Grade 2. This kind of sprain involves a partial tear of the fiber.

·         Grade 3. This kind of sprain involves a complete rupture or tear of the fiber. Severe damage may require surgical repair.

All sprains and strains recover best when treated immediately.  You also need to be able to distinguish between those you can treat yourself and those that will need medical attention.

Signs and Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of sprains and strains overlap significantly.

Common signs of a sprain include swelling, bruising, and decreased joint mobility. If the ligament ruptures, you may actually hear a “popping” sound. Symptoms of a sprain include pain and difficulty using the affected extremity.

The signs of a strain are very similar. They include discoloration and bruising. Generally strains are accompanied by less swelling than sprains, but that obviously depends more on the severity of the injury than on the type. Symptoms include local pain and stiffness.

If you suspect that you have suffered a sprain or a strain and you are experiencing severe pain or functional impairment, you should probably consult a doctor.  If, on the other hand, your injury is not severe, you can treat it yourself by remembering the following simple mnemonic.

The RICE Method

RICE stands for Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. It is the best form of treatment for most sprains and strains. Though it may sound like common sense, you need to make sure that you are doing each step correctly.  That will ensure your child is healed quickly and ready to go to the next rodeo.

1. Rest

The biggest mistake that most people make with sprains or strains is to try to “walk them off.” That’s fine for cramps. For sprains and strains, however, additional force usually means additional injury. Buts lots of us continue hobbling through our activities and then apply ice only much later that night, if at all.

Then it is too late. The first 24-48 hours after an injury are when ice, compression, and elevation will make the most difference. If you don’t start resting immediately, not only do you run the risk of hurting yourself even more.

The other mistake that people make is resting too much or too long after an injury. Prolonged immobilization causes joints to stiffen up and muscles to waste away. That means you can’t “baby” an injury, either.

Instead, you should rest only until you are pain-free -- within one to three days for most injuries. Then try to ease back into your normal routine. Listen to your body. Stop if it hurts, but do as much as you can handle. Strength and flexibility fall into the use-it-or-lose-it category. Appropriate rest will speed your recovery.

 2. Ice

As funny as it may sound, most people also ice incorrectly. You should ice immediately after an injury to minimize swelling and ease pain. Swelling is the real problem. Ice keeps swelling down because cold constricts blood vessels, which slows the arrival of inflammatory molecules. It also numbs the nerves at the site of injury to reduce pain.

Don’t wait. Ice right away.

You should never apply ice directly to the skin for an extended period of time. There are two better options. You can place a thin layer like a towel between the ice and your skin. Or you can perform an “ice massage.” To do that, just move the ice over the injured area as if you were rubbing it. Either way, don’t leave the ice in place without a barrier.

You also shouldn’t ice for more than 15-20 minutes at a time. Though your injury may still hurt at the end of that time, further icing won’t do any good. In fact, it may hurt.  Instead, wait an hour or so. Then check the area again. If it feels warm to the touch, you can ice it for another 15-20 minutes. You can then repeat that process as many times as you like.

The ideal ice pack is a Ziploc bag filled about three-quarters full with ice and a little bit of water. The water helps the ice pack conform to your body. You can also use packages of frozen vegetables.

For those who prefer hot to cold, heating does have its place. It is a great way to loosen up stiff muscles and joints. It relaxes tissues and stimulates blood flow. You can use heat before exercising (also for 15-20 minutes at a time), but you should never heat after an injury, as it will exacerbate swelling. (You should also never heat while you sleep.) A simple rule of thumb is to heat before, ice after.

3. Compression

The mistake that most people make with compression is one of omission. Compression helps to immobilize an injury and provide support. When combined with ice, it also helps to minimize swelling and pain.

To compress an injury, wrap an Ace bandage around the site. Try to overlap about half the width of the bandage on each pass until you completely cover the injury. You want it to be snug, but make sure that you don’t cut off circulation. If you start to get cold, blue, tingly, or numb, it’s too tight. Undo the bandage and rewrap it a bit looser.

You should use compression bandages at least as long as you are icing the injury. (You don’t have to take it off every 15-20 minutes, though.) Even after you stop icing, you can continue to use compression for support. Just don’t let the bandage keep you inactive for too long. Remember to rest only as long as you need to.

4. Elevation

Finally, elevate the site of your injury above the level of your heart. Just like cold compression, elevation works to decrease swelling. Elevation also prevents fluid from pooling. Keep the injury elevated at least as long as you are icing it.

The RICE method is the most effective possible treatment for most sprains and strains. As you can see, all four steps work in concert to treat sprains and strains.

Injuries happen, even to professional athletes and often at the most unfortunate times. If your child suffers from a sprain or strain, just remember to rest, ice, compress, and elevate.