Happy Holidays

Holidays are a time for family and celebration.  We wish you an amazing holiday.  We look forward to a bright new year!

Steer Wrestling Tip

In Steer Wrestling, it is important to keep your feet in front of you.  As you lean down off your horse onto the steer, be sure to let your horse continue to run by.  This pulls your feet forward and puts them in the right position.  If you pull your feet off, they will be behind you and you risk the possibility of you and the steer going end over end.

Just like in this picture.  You can see his feet are out in front of him as he is getting ready to stop the steer.  


Building your abdominal muscles to be able to hold your feet up is an important part to conditioning for this event.  

What is a Rodeo Mom?

Rodeo Moms are dedicated to supporting their kids in rodeo competition.  They spend a majority of the their weekends hauling their kids to rodeo. They love their kids but they love their horses too.  They spend countless hours in the practice pen working, helping, and teaching.  They are also their kids biggest fans.  They sacrifice things in their life to provide their kids the gear, horses and entry fees they need to rodeo.  They work hard to find balance between maintaining a home and providing their kids the opportunity to do what they love.  


Here is my rodeo family:

Smart Roping - Great Advice

Allen Bach is one of my favorite heelers.  I am not sure what it is but I just love to watch him rope.  It may have something to do with the nice horses he rides.  Or maybe it is that he ropes really well.  

Allen has created an amazing site for roping.  The site is Smart Roping.  This is a great resource for anyone who wants to learn more about Team Roping, Horsemanship, and Competition.  There are tons of really great videos.  Your kids will be able to use what you learn on this site.

Allen Bach is one of the best coaches in the industry. Beginners and pros come to him for advice. Everything he has is available to you at SmartRoping.com.

My Secret for Sleeping While Traveling

We are gone most weekends to a rodeo.  We travel all over the state of Utah as well as other western states.  When we travel, I have a really hard time getting the rest I need to be able to be fully functional the next day.  I worry that the alarm won't go off on time and we won't be ready for the rodeo when it starts.  I hear every new noise at the place we are staying.  If we stay on the rodeo grounds, you can always hear horses, dogs and trucks during the night.  By the end of every weekend, I was exhausted and could count the number of hours that I slept on one hand.  


I know that sleep is important to your health.  But more importantly, I just wanted the energy the next day to enjoy my time at the rodeo and get to watch my kids compete without falling asleep during their performance.  I am also very sensitive to almost any drug that is out there.  I have been looking for an all natural solution that will allow me to turn off all of the noise and sleep through the night.  I also wanted something that I could easily wake up from without feeling groggy the next morning.  My husband and I started using Deep-Z.  The results are consistent and we feel rested the next day.  


For a limited time, they are giving away a completely free sample.  Just go to their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/deepzsleep and click Like.  Then go to the left and request your FREE sample.  This is a limited time offer. 

Rough Stock Riding and Safety School

Rough Stock Riding & Safety School

Utah High School Rodeo Association approved

November 4, 5, 6, 2011

Desert Peaks Complex – Indoor Arena

Tooele, Utah

***Free Safety Seminar Friday Noon - 6:00pm – everyone welcome!***

Saturday & Sunday Comprehensive Riding Instruction

8:00am- 6:00pm Only $175.00  

Instructors:

Barebacks: Kelly Wardell, Cody Demers                                      

Saddle Broncs: Rusty Allen

Bull Riding: Shawn Proctor

***Plus several other PRCA members will be on site to assist in instruction!***

           

We will comprehensively cover overall technique and procedure for your individual event – from the beginners to the professional rider. This will include: equipment, chute safety, and arena safety.

There will be video and photography coverage available. Video coverage will include a review by your instructor to further assist in the learning process. 

Professional pickup men and bull fighters will be there for your safety. There will be a range of bulls and horses available to accommodate your individual riding level. Also, there will be riding equipment available to use if you don’t have any. If you want to try a new event, don’t be afraid to show up on Friday to learn more about the event(s) that you may be interested in.

For Rough stock participants please call

Cody Flitton at 435-851-2202 or

Jared Rydalch at 435-840-4477

Rodeo Grandparents

Every weekend that we travel to a rodeo, I notice that there are a lot of grandparents who are supporting their grand kids that are competing.  The grandparents are there to cheer them on at the actual rodeo but most of their ties go a lot deeper than that.  


We are fortunate to be one of those families.  My kids' grandparents do come and cheer for the kids at the rodeo.  But they do much more than that.  They help provide some of the horses my kids have competed on at one time or another.  They help us find hay.  They give the kids advice on competing, training horses and roping.  


I have seen several grandparents pull into a rodeo with one of their horses for their grand kids to compete on.  There are those that help their grand kids practice.  Ones that sponsor rodeos, prizes or entry fees.  Ones that come every weekend to help in any way they can.


I would just like to recognize all of the rodeo grand parents for everything they do.  Rodeo is truly a family sport.  We are so fortunate to be a part of it.  

Great Book on Calf Roping

Tie down roping is one of my son's favorite events.  We spend a lot of time roping, flanking and tying.  There are a lot of really great teachers out there but sometimes you just have to go back to the basics.  It is great to learn from champions who have proven they can produce new champions.

One of the best books that my son has ever read about calf roping is Calf Roping by Roy Cooper.  His methods work.  My son used his ideas to help train his current calf horse.  She sits in the box, ropes well and consistently works the rope just like she should. 

I would highly recommend this book for anyone learning to tie down rope but also for those that are seasoned and want to improve their skills.

Chris Shivers Mini Bull Riding Championships

Chris Shivers
Miniature Bull Riders Championship
$7,500 Added Money
October 6-8
Golden Spike Arena
Ogden, UT


Contact Gail Bingham
801-710-5595

Ricky Green Team Roping School

Ricky Green Team Roping School
August 20-21
4B Arena
Craig, Colorado
Cost $350
Contact Sheila Brennise
970-824-4767
970-629-1396

Fantastic Rodeo Toys

While we were at the Little Britches National Finals Rodeo, I found the best rodeo toys.  If your kids were like mine, you bought every cheap corral, fence and cowboy toy you could find.  They would build fences, corrals and arenas.  They would play farm, ranch and rodeo for hours.  I just wish they could have had these toys instead.  They are made out of metal and indestructible.  They are all handmade. 

So you need to check out The Happy Toy Maker.  


Here is his website:
www.thehappytoymaker.com

Rodeo Family

We talk a lot about rodeo being a family sport.  For my family, we are definitely closer because of rodeo.  What other activities are your kids involved that you spend as much time with them as you do rodeo? 


To rodeo, you have to help your kids practice at least a couple of times a week.  You spend every weekend traveling with them.  You know where they are and who their friends are.

But rodeo is not just about our family.  It is about our extended rodeo family.  The people that we spend every weekend with.  The ones that cheer for our kids as loud as we cheer for theirs.  These are the people that we practice, camp and make dinner with.  You can always count on your rodeo family.


Since we rodeo all over the state of Utah, we have rodeo family all over.  So if we were broke down in Vernal, had a horse go lame in St George or need a vet in Lehi, we know someone close by that will come lend a hand.  


We truly love our rodeo family.

 

Bud Kirby Memorial Rodeo

NLBRA Presents:

Bud Kirby Memorial Rodeo
July 2-4
ConToy Arena
Mt Pleasant UT


$1,000 Added to the Jackpot
Prizes for the All Around and Event Winners


See flier for more details.  
http://www.allhorseutah.com/Library/Junior%20Rodeo/Little_Britches_Rodeo_July2011.pdf

Bailey Guthrie Goat Tying Clinic

With lots of rodeo left this summer, come learn new techniques while perfecting your own! It’s going to be a great day of goat tying!

Where:  10968 E  145 N Rigby, ID            

When: June 4, 2011       

Time: 9-5

Cost: $60    Space is limited so Please Call to Reserve Your Spot!  208-403-7990

                        Bring your own lunch and snacks.

2005-2008 Idaho District 4 Champion Goat Tyer

·        2005-2008 Idaho State Qualifier in Goat Tying

·        2006 & 2008 National High School Finals Goat Tying Qualifier

·        2008 Idaho State Champion Goat Tyer

·        2008 National High School 7^th place Goat Tying Finisher

·        2008 National High School Reserve All Around Champion

·        2009-2010 4^th place Southwest Region Goat Tyer

·        2010 College National Finals Rodeo Reserve Goat Tying Champion

·        2011 Southwest Region Champion Goat Tyer

·        2011 Number 1 Ranked Goat Tyer in the Nation

http://www.collegerodeo.com/Rodeos/National_Standings.asp

Helpful Site for Rodeo Queen Moms

There has been a lot of interest on the helpful tips and information we post about rodeo queening.  I came across a site that is extremely helpful for this event.


The site is Rodeo Royalty.  There are great articles on appearance, horsemanship and interviews.


Hope this helps the queen moms.  


www.rodeoroyalty.com

NLBRA Bud Kirby Memorial Rodeo

Central Utah Little Britches 
Bud Kirby Memorial Rodeo
May 21-22
Millard County Fairgrounds-Delta, UT


$1,000 Added to Jackpot
Prizes for the All Arounds


Age Groups:
Little Wranglers 5-7
Juniors 8-13
Seniors 14-18


Entries due by May 6.


Click here for the flier.

Be Kind to Your Rodeo Secretary

As in most positions in a youth rodeo organization, generally the rodeo secretary is a volunteer.  They are there donating their time to help the kids.  It is always nice when the parents as well as the kids appreciate the efforts put forth by the volunteers at a rodeo.  Here are a few suggestions for you to help out your rodeo secretary.


1) Do your best to complete all of the paperwork.  Fill out the forms completely. 
2) Calculate your fees.  Be sure to check with the secretary if you are not sure about all of the fees.  It is easier to take care of these before you get to the rodeo.  Send your fees with your completed paperwork.
3) Turn your entries in on time.  It is difficult for the committee to schedule the right amount of stock if they do not know for sure how many contestants they have.  There may or may not be an additional bull, steer or calf for you if you don't enter on time. 


Getting the right paperwork and payment on time really helps the secretary to have everything ready when it is rodeo time.  

Dixie Jr Rodeo Series Starts This Weekend

Dixie Jr Rodeo Series
April 8&9

May 21&22
June 17&18
Washington County Fairgrounds, Hurricane UT


Pee Wees are 7 and Under
Juniors are 8-11
Seniors are 12-14


Entries are $10
Contact dixiejrrodeo@gmail.com to enter. 


Click here for the flier.

Finding The Right Level of Horse

It is important to get the right level of horse for your child.  As parents, we think our kids are capable of anything.  They may be good ropers, good riders and even good trainers but the right level of horse can make a huge difference.

When my daughter was 13, she wanted to start breakaway roping.  We didn't really own a breakaway horse.  But we thought that we should buy her a younger horse and train it.  Then she could grow up with it. 


She had trained horses before. She was very good with young horses.  She had even taken Reserve Champion in the state 2-handed show.  But she had never trained a rope horse.  


We bought the horse and sent it to a calf horse trainer for 3 months and brought it home.  Then, we started entering her in rodeos.  She never had a good shot in the rodeo.  She was more worried about making sure the horse was doing things right because she did not want to mess up her training.  She was just learning to rope herself.  She had to focus on what the horse was doing and what she was doing too.  Each weekend she was just more frustrated.  She wasn't learning and neither was the horse.


So we sent the horse to my brother in law to rope on for a year.  Then we went out and bought a 20 year old rope horse.  He wasn't pretty but he was solid in the box.  He gave her the same shot every time and she learned to rope.  


The point is we need to find the right level of horse for each kid.  Sometimes they are not ready for a 1D barrel horse or state champion rope horse.  They may just need a good solid seasoned horse that they are comfortable competing on.  Kids learn things about pockets, positions and roping from a horse that knows what it is doing.  Then they can apply that to a young horse.  It is really hard to train a child on an event and train a horse at the same time.  


By the way, we got that rope horse back a year later.  In that year, my daughter had learned to rope and she was ready to move on from the old horse.  Her and that horse have went on to qualify for state high school finals and National Little Britches Finals several years in a row.  They have won a lot of breakaway ropings but she need to learn on the old horse first.

ProRodeo Rough Stock Camp

If your child is interested in learning about Saddle Bronc, Bareback or Bull Riding this is the camp for you.  The kids learn about the safety and fundamentals for each event. 


Events coming up in April are:
April 2
Red Bluff, CA


April 9
Prescott, AZ


For more details or the full schedule:
http://www.prorodeo.com/youthrodeo.aspx

Feeding Our Child Athletes

by Teresa Fackrell

Most of the time we may not see our kids as the athletes that they are.  We might make sure that our horses have the best nutrition including supplements but do we do the same for our kids.  Several of you may say you provide the right nutrition.  But I have been to too many rodeos to see the snacks and foods parents are handing their kids.

Most parents are handing their kids sodas, crackers, cookies, candy, rodeo burgers, nachos and a myriad of other junk.  These are all empty calories and do nothing to build the body of an athlete.  They may provide a temporary energy boost but there is always the sugar crash.  On top of the overload of sugar in soda, it also reduces your endurance and strips vital nutrients from your body.  Crackers, cookies and chips do not provide any of the essential nutrients your body needs to get stronger.  

In order to be in top athletic shape our kids needs to eat like an athlete.  It is important that they get the proper nutrition to focus and perform.  They need lean protein for sustainable energy and to build muscle.  They need fruits and vegetables to get all of the essential nutrients. Adding in nuts, seeds or the good oils like olive, coconut and flaxseed will give them the Omega 3s they need for their brain to be functioning optimally.  

Yes it will take some time to plan meals, cook the right things and pack nutritious food.  It is time well spent when your kids bodies are performing well.  Plan to give them what they need and not what they want. 

You can follow a few simple rules to make sure they are getting the nutrition they need.
1) Make sure they are getting 3 servings of lean protein everyday.  Eggs, whey protein shakes, turkey, chicken or beef are good choices.  Lean means not breaded or deep fried.
2) Try to get in 4-6 servings of fruits and vegetables.  Add a banana to a breakfast smoothie, make a veggie omelette, replace the potato chips with some raw veggies as a snack, give them an apple instead of a cookie,  or choose a salad instead of a potato for dinner.  A good rule for veggies and fruits is to eat a rainbow everyday.  The different colors provide different nutrients.
3) Add in some healthy oils.  Get a bag of raw nuts for traveling or make your own trail mix without all the sugar.  Cook with healthy oils like olive or coconut.  Make your own salad dressing with olive oil and spices.  

It may take some planning and work but your kids are worth it!

Little Britches Jackpot Rodeo

Little Britches Jackpot Rodeo

April 9-10
Millard County Fairgrounds-Delta



Sponsored by All Horse Utah 
Saturday April 9 Rodeo at 11:00 a.m. 
Sunday April 10 Rodeo at 10:00 a.m. 



Click here for the flier.

Walt Woodard Team Roping Clinics

Walt Woodard team roping clinics are extremely popular.  He teaches about good horsemanship and how that is important to becoming a great team roper.  He has posted his 2011 schedule.  Be sure to go to his site and see where there is one close to you.

http://waltwoodard.net/clinics/

Memorabilia Quilt

So what do you do with that rodeo shirt that your child made their first sheep ride in?  Or the jeans that you dyed for a rodeo queen contest?  Or the pants that were ripped when he won his first tie down roping?  Or the shirt she won her first barrel race in?  We all have those outfits saved.  They are the memories of our children’s journey and all of their favorite rodeo experiences.

How do you make that into something that you or they can cherish?  Make it a Memorabilia Quilt.

A Memorabilia Quilt is a custom order quilt from Rodeo Quilts.  Just send Rodeo Quilts the jeans and rodeo shirts that you would like us to use in the quilt. They will work with you personally to choose other coordinating material.  Prices will vary based on size and requirements but start at just $85 for the standard size

This is a new service offered at www.rodeoquilts.com.  

Tom Lewis Steer Wrestling School

Tom Lewis Steer Wrestling School
March 19
Lewis Arena-Lehi


Tom Lewis has been helping high school students learn the fundamentals of steer wrestling to win High School State Championships.  He recognized the need for a steer wrestling school where students can learn proper techniques.  Tom has a system that allows steer wrestlers to learn at a controlled rate, advancing at their own pace.


Tuition $150
Call 801.592.0763 or email tlewis@sunroc.net

Miniature Bull Riding World Tour

What a great opportunity for our young bull riders!

This World Tour Stop will take place at the Golden Spike Event Center in Ogden, UT on March 26^th, 2011.

Entries are open now and will close on March 12^th, 2011 at which time all forms and fees must be paid in full.

This is a spectacular event.  The bull riders will feel as if they are at a mini PBR.  There is smoke, fireworks  and pyrotechnics.  We have one of the very best announcers around.  It will be something they will remember for the rest of their lives.

Entry fees are $65.  It is 100% payback with $1000 added.  Custom made Trophy Spurs to the first place finisher in each age group.

Age groups are as follows:  Tiny Tots ages 3-4, Pee Wees ages 5-6, Jr. Bull Riders ages 7-10 and Sr. Bull Riders ages 11-14.  Must be under 14 as of October 1^st, 2010.  Must weigh 125lbs or less.

Check in will be at 3:00 in the Golden Spike.   There will be a MANDATORY contestant and stock contractor meeting at 4:00.  The draw will be done after the meeting.

Please fill out an entry form, release form and cowboy/cowgirl bio, a copy of birth certificate and send them along with your fees to:

            Doug Madsen, P.O. Box 14, Honeyville, UT 84314  (801)540-2036 or

Gaile Bingham, P. O. Box 234, Honeyville, UT 84314 (801)710-5595 

Jake Barnes Team Roping School

Jake Barnes Team Roping School

Friday, February 25, 2011

Logan, Utah  ~  Fairgrounds Indoor Arena

10 Headers & 10 Heelers

$400/person  $100 deposit

Call Troy Lowe to register 435-757-9267

Introducing Rodeo Quilts

This is an essential for every rodeo mom.  I carry one in my trailer and one in my car.  They are great for putting down on those cold hard rodeo benches.  It is good for covering up in any weather.  It is nice for putting down on the grass for the little ones to nap at the rodeo.  They are warm and durable.


These quilts are made with denim squares.  It makes them durable and heavy to keep you warm. They are hand made and hand quilted.  Each quilt is unique.  You will use them all the time.  


Go here to look at all of the ones currently available:
www.rodeoquilts.com

CSI Champions Rodeo School

Dates:  February 25, 26, 27, 2011
Place:  College of Southern Idaho Expo Center. Twin Falls, Idaho
Events:  Bull Riding, Saddle Bronc Riding, Bareback Riding
Instructors: 
o KELLY WARDELL:  *4X NFR Bareback Qualifier, Olympic 
Medalist, PRCA Season Champion.
o BRIAN TUBBS:  *CSI Roughstock Coach, former PRCA Bronc 
Rider and Instructor of numerous champions. 
o GARY LEFFEW:    *PRCA Hall of Famer, 1970 World 
Champion Bull Rider, 7X NFR Qualifier.


 Instruction includes bucking machines, video, classroom, and plenty of 
bucking bulls and horses.
 Positive Thinking & Mental Attitude Seminar by Gary Leffew
 Tuition:  $375-Bareback & Saddle Bronc 
      $400-Bull Riding                     Cash or money order only.
      
 $100 deposit due by February 11, 2011.
 Limited Enrollment in all events. Open to all ages and experience levels.
 Contestants must have proof of insurance.
 Contact:   Steve Birnie or Brian Tubbs


Phone:   208-732-6620 208-732-6618
Cell: 208-421-0853 208-420-9151


College of Southern Idaho
Rodeo Program
P.O. Box 1238
Twin Falls, Idaho 83303

SUU Goat Tying Clinic

Southern Utah University is putting on a goat tying clinic.


February 18-19
Cedar City, Utah


Featuring:
Kendra Hoffman
Carli Jo Baty
Milli Hughes


Whether you are just starting to tie or looking to shave off a few seconds this clinic is for you.


$200 per student for 2 days of instruction.
Saturday breakfast provided.


Contact Carli Baty @ 435-225-0890
or Milli Hughes @ 435-619-3333

Western Desert Youth Rodeo Series

Western Desert Youth Rodeo Association
January 28-29
February 25-26
March 11-12


Deseret Peak Complex-Tooele Utah


Click here for the flier.

Little Britches Rodeo - $2,500 Added

Little Britches Rodeo

March 25-27
Washington County Fairgrounds - Hurricane Utah
$2,500 Added to Jackpot
Sponsored by Dixie Little Britches Rodeo

Friday March 25 Rodeo at 5:00 p.m.

Saturday March 26 Rodeo at 11:00 a.m.

Sunday March 27 Rodeo at 10:00 a.m.

More details at www.allhorseutah.com.

Rodeo Mom Down and Out

So what happens when your son separates a shoulder in October and you take the winter off from rodeo.  Well since you don't help the kids practice or keep the horses in shape, you get out of shape.  You gain weight.  You start to hibernate.  

Winter in Utah is not friendly.  So you go out to shovel wet heavy 12 inches of snow.  What happens to your out of shape body?  Well you end up hurting yourself.  I have a twisted SI joint and a torn abdominal muscles down by my groin.  Can you say ouch?  Yeah I have not really been out for 3 weeks.  Going to work seems to be all I can manage.  Thanks to the chiropractor I am improving.

The moral to this story is you have to stay in shape even when your kids are not practicing.  Get out there and get some horses rode and keep moving.  

Joe Beaver Schools Near You

One of the best roping clinics I have ever taken my son to was the Joe Beaver tie down school.  It was held in Utah last May.  The kids worked really hard the whole time we were there but I was amazed at the personal interested he took in each one.  I was completely surprised when we ran into him 7 months later and the NFR and he remembered my son's name and about the school.  


We learned a lot of little things that made a hug difference in his flanking, roping and tying.  I would highly recommend his school to anyone wanting to get an edge in their competition.  You can go to his page here to find a school near you:
http://www.joebeaver.com/schools.html

Mike Beers Team Roping School

Mike Beers Team Roping School
February 25-26
Spanish Fork Fairgrounds-Spanish Fork
Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Saturday 10 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.


Contact Rory Ripple
801-367-1154
Click here for the flier.

Gary Leffew Bull Riding School

Gary Leffew

BULL RIDING SCHOOL

  *** March 17, 18, 19, 2011 ***  

 Nephi, UT Fairgrounds

  

Students are limited – $100 deposit required

 (deposit will be applied toward tuition cost)

Bull Riding Tuition $450.00

Steer Riding Tuition $375.00

Confirm your spot!

Contact: (Entries) Shawn Stephens 801-380-5265

Mail Fees Payable to Leffew Bull Riding School

c/o  Shawn Stephens

5079 West 9600 South

Payson UT 84651

(Info) Gary Leffew 805-929-4286

Alumni

HUGO PEDRERO                     KODY LOSTROH          STEVE WOOLSEY

2009 CBR CHAMP                   2009 PBR CHAMP       4 TIME NFR QUALIFIER

Diamond Fork Junior Rodeo Series

Diamond Fork Rodeo Series
January 15, February 19, March 19
Spanish Fork Fairgrounds
Spanish Fork, Utah


Click here for more information.