Monthly Archives: May 2011

GUYMON, Okla. – The Masters has the green jacket. Guymon Pioneer Days Rodeo has Carr Pro Rodeo’s Dirty Jacket. Either way, it’s a winning combination. Charl Schwartzel earned the green jacket at Augusta National Golf Course in April; Matt Bright and Dirty Jacket danced across the Henry C. Hitch Pioneer Arena dirt Sunday, May 8, to win the 79th edition of the Guymon rodeo and more than $2,700. It was the fourth straight year cowboys have won bareback riding at this rodeo on Dirty Jacket. “That’s an awesome horse,” said Bright of Azle, Texas, a qualifier to the 2010 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. “As many years as I’ve been coming to Guymon, they’ve won that rodeo on that horse. That’s one of the best horses in the world.” Dirty Jacket is owned by the Dallas-based livestock firm, the primary stock provider in Guymon. The 7-year-old bay gelding has been to the NFR each of the past two seasons. “It’s the match-up that makes the difference,” said Pete Carr, owner of Carr Pro Rodeo. “You’ve got a horse from the 10th round of the National Finals Rodeo, the TV pen, and you’ve got one of the top 15 cowboys in the world, an NFR qualifier. “It’s supposed to be good.” There were a lot of great rides and phenomenal bucking action over the four performances in the region once known as No Man’s Land. In bareback riding, for example, the top eight placers included seven NFR qualifiers. Results were similar in every event, from Louie Brunson’s hat-whipping and winning ride in saddle bronc riding to Seth Glause’s spinning victory in bull riding. “This arena is a good setup,” said Carr, who solicited four other stock contractors to bring their best bucking animals. “It’s a sideways delivery, and there’s a lot of room for everything to circle around. “It also draws the best cowboys in the country, so that makes a lot of difference in what happens here, too.” Pioneer Days Rodeo has been recognized as one of the best events in the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and is an annual stop for the very best ProRodeo has to offer. But having great animals on which to compete is a major drawing card for the cowboys who make their livings riding bucking beasts. “Pete’s got a ton of good horses,” Bright said. “When you go to one of his rodeos, it doesn’t matter what horse you have to get on, you have a chance to win, for sure. “Right before the rodeo, I talked to Pete Carr’s livestock superintendent, John Gwatney, and he reminded me that a lot of guys get strung out on that horse because he just keeps getting stronger. He said I just need to keep going, ride all the way through the whistle. So I was just focused on that, and I think that helped as much as anything.” Fourteen-time world champion Trevor Brazile, who won his record-setting eighth all-around championship in 2010, won the Guymon all-around title and pulled off a mini-Triple Crown – he also won the steer roping and team roping (with two-time world champion heeler Patrick Smith) to collect more than $14,000. “Guymon has always been a great rodeo that wants to make things better for the cowboys,” Carr said. “I like being associated with people who have that mentality because I think we can really do some great things. We had great crowds all four performances, and the fans got to see a great rodeo.”

GUYMON, Okla. – The Guymon Pioneer Days Rodeo has always served as a reunion, of sorts, for ProRodeo athletes with ties to the Oklahoma Panhandle. Winning the good money available is just a nice benefit, and several contestants reaped the rewards of returning “home” the first weekend of May. “They do a good job with this rodeo,” said Taos Muncy, who rode Korkow Rodeo’s River Rat for 86 points to finish second in saddle bronc money and earn $2,089. “The stock contractors all bring their best horses, and it’s really a good bronc riding. Everybody that stayed on today had good horses, and that’s what you want in these deals.” Muncy is one of many Oklahoma Panhandle State University rodeo team alumni who returned to Texas County for the annual rodeo. He’s also one of several who collected paychecks after competing at Henry C. Hitch Pioneer Arena. “This is one of the funnest rodeos to come back to all year,” said Muncy of Corona, N.M., the 2007 world champion saddle bronc rider who also won the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association title earlier that year. “All my family comes to town for this since it’s only five hours from the house.” Chad van Campen attended Panhandle State in the mid-1990s and enjoys returning to the region for the ProRodeo. This year was especially sweet for the steer wrestler originally from Granada, Colo. – he won the third go-round and the average championship, earning $4,530; it was the second time in five years he won the Pioneer Days Rodeo title. “I drew in the middle of the herd the first two rounds, then I drew pretty well in the third round,” van Campen said. “(Hazer) Todd Suhn did a great job of bringing that steer to me, and that helped a lot. “I just seem to like this rodeo pretty well.” Four-time NFR qualifying heeler Jhett Johnson does, too. Roping with Turtle Powell of Stephenville, Texas, Johnson, of Casper, Wyo., placed in two of the three go-rounds and finished seventh overall. That helped Johnson to a $3,170 payday and served as a nice boost to his fifth qualification to ProRodeo’s grand finale, which takes the top 15 money-earners in each event at the end of the regular season. Johnson’s earnings in Guymon moved him to the eighth spot in the standings. “At this point in the season, we’re just trying to make money,” Johnson said. “Turtle and I have roped off and on throughout my pro career. We get along really well, and we both have really good horses. That’s what you need at this level. There’s not one guy out there that can out-rope everybody, so you have to have that advantage somehow. I think our horses give us that advantage. The better the horse is, the better you are.” While Johnson is busy chasing his gold buckle dreams, Jett Hillman is content in chasing what team roping money is available while building his equine dentistry practice, a trade he’s been plying for about five years. “I’m roping closer to home this year,” said Hillman of Jones, Okla., a community just east of Oklahoma City. “My dentistry practice is going so well that I’m gong to stay close to home and take care of my clients and capitalize on the business growing. “This has been a good week for me. I got to come back and see some old friends and work on some horses and win some money at the rodeo.” Hillman, who competed with heeler Charles Pogue of Ringling, Okla., used consistent runs to finish second in the average. They also placed in the opening round and earned $3,250 apiece. Their 8.0-second run Sunday afternoon meant the tandem finished with 22.2 seconds on three runs, just three-tenths of a second behind winners Trevor Brazile and Patrick Smith, the reigning world champions. “We just wanted to rope smart,” said Hillman, who won the Central Plains Region team roping titles the two years he competed at Panhandle State and shared the national championship in 2002 with teammate Logan Olson. “Sure it would’ve been nice to win this rodeo, but it seems like a guy loses a lot by beating yourself. Second place pays pretty well.”

GUYMON, Okla. – Bareback rider Matt Bright knew something special was going to happen Sunday afternoon at the Guymon Pioneer Days Rodeo. “As many years as I’ve been coming to Guymon, they’ve won that rodeo on that horse,” he said of Dirty Jacket of Carr Pro Rodeo. “That’s one of the best horses in the world.” Bright and Dirty Jacket danced across the Henry C. Hitch Pioneer Arena dirt for 87 points to win bareback riding; it marked the fourth straight year the 7-year-old bay gelding has guided cowboys to the Guymon victory, with 87-point rides each May – three-time world champion Will Lowe won in 2010; Jared Smith won in 2009 and Jerad Schlagel won in 2008. “It’s the matchup that makes the difference,” said Pete Carr, owner of Carr Pro Rodeo, the primary stock provider in Guymon. “You’ve got a horse from the 10th round of the National Finals Rodeo, the TV pen, and you’ve got one of the top 15 cowboys in the world, an NFR qualifier. “It’s supposed to be good.” Bright is coming off his first qualification to ProRodeo’s championship. It was a bittersweet 10 days in Las Vegas – he relished in the experience, but he was knocked out of the Wrangler NFR when he was smashed in the back of the bucking chute by another Carr horse, Real Deal, the 2005 bareback riding horse of the year. Bright suffered a broken back and didn’t play the game for four months. Since he returned to action, Guymon is the second victory of the season for the Tennessee-born cowboy. His victory in the Oklahoma Panhandle was worth $2,708, which will move Bright into the top 30 in the world standings. “Right before the rodeo, I talked to Pete Carr’s livestock superintendent, John Gwatney, and he reminded me that a lot of guys get strung out on that horse because he just keeps getting stronger,” said Bright of Azle, Texas. “He said I just need to keep going, ride all the way through the whistle. So I was just focused on that, and I think that helped as much as anything.” Sunday’s performance wasn’t the only outstanding trip for the bucking animals. Lowe finished second with an 86 on Powder River Rodeo’s Show Boat on Saturday night. That same night, Louie Brunson of Interior, S.D., matched moves with Frontier Rodeo’s Let ’Er Rip for 87 points to win saddle bronc riding and $2,725. Seth Glause of Rock Springs, Wyo., rode Powder River’s Hustlin’ for 85 points to win bull riding, earning, $3,192. “This arena is a good setup,” Carr said. “It’s a sideways deliver, and there’s a lot of room for everything to circle around. “It also draws the best cowboys in the country, so that makes a lot of difference in what happens here, too.”   GUYMON PIONEER DAYS RODEO HENRY C. HITCH PIONEER ARENA FINAL RESULTS BAREBACK RIDING 1. Matt Bright, 87 points on Carr Pro Rodeo’s Dirty Jacket, $2,708; 2. Will Lowe, 86, $2,076; 3.Heath Ford, 84, $1,534; 4. Tilden Hooper, Joe Gunderson, Whitten Hoover and Steven Peebles, 83, $609; 8. Bill Tutor, 82, 271.   TEAM ROPING First round: 1. Colby Lovell, Madisonville, Texas/Cory Petska, Marana, Ariz., 6.2 seconds, $1,823; 2. Turtle Powell, Stephenville, Texas/Jhett Johnson, Casper, Wyo., 6.3, $1,585; 3. Brandon Beers, Powell Butte, Ore./Jim Ross Cooper, Monument, N.M., 6.4, $1,348; 4. Derrick Begay, Seba Dalkai, Ariz./Cesar de la Cruz, Tucson, Ariz., 6.5, $1,110; 5. Charles Pogue, Ringling, Okla./Jett Hillman, Jones, Okla., 6.6, $872; 6. Logan Olson, Flandreau, S.D./Kinney Harrell, Marshall, Texas, 6.8, $634; 7. Arky Rogers, Lake City, Fla./York Gill, Stephenville, Texas, 7.0, $396; 8. Adam Rose, Willard, Mo./Shawn Harris, Searcy, Ark., 7.1, $159. Second round: 1. Cody Doescher/Garrett Tonozzi, 6.0 seconds, $1,823 each; 2. Trevor Brazile/Patrick Smith, 6.2, $1,585; 3. Bryce Palmer/Garrett Jess, 6.4, $1,348; 4. Cole Cooper/Jay McClain, 6.7, $1,110; 5. Andrew Ward/Reagan Ward, 6.9, $872; 6. (tie) Jake Barnes/Walt Woodard, Tyler Schnaufer/Josh Fillmore and A.J. Horton/Kyle Horton, 7.0, $396 each. Third round: 1. Caleb Mitchell/Camish Jennings, 6.5 seconds, $1,823; 2. Chris Lawson/Justin Hendrick, 6.6, $1,585; 3. Jess Tierney/Paul David Tierney, 6.9, $1,348; 4. Turtle Powell/Jhett Johnson and Arky Rogers/York Gill, 7.2, $991; 6. Trevor Brazile/Patrick Smith, 7.3, $634; 7. Justin Yost/Kyle Crick and Drew Horner/Trey Johnson, 7.5, $277. Average: 1. Brazile/Smith, 21.9 on three runs, $2,735; 2. Charles Pogue/Jett Hillman, 22.2, $2,378; 3. Brandon Beers/Jim Ross Cooper, 23.9, $2,021; 4. Mitchell/Jennings, $1,665; 5. Nick Sartain/Collin von Ahn, 24.5, $1,308; 6. Horner/Johnson, 25.7, $951; 7. Powell/Johnson, 26.3, $594; 8. Barnes/Woodard, 26.5, $238.   STEER ROPING First round: 1. Kim Ziegelgruber, Edmond, Okla., 11.8 seconds, $2,015: 2. Buster Record Jr., Buffalo, Okla., 12.0, $1,667; 3. Chance Kelton, Mayer, Ariz., and Lawson Plemons, Axtell, Okla., 12.1; $1,146; 5. J.D. Yates, Pueblo, Colo., 12.2, $625; 6. Marty Jones, Hobbs, N.M., 12.4, $347. Second round: 1. Shay Good, Midland, Texas, 10.9 seconds, $2,015; 2. Riley Christopher, Clarksville, Texas, 11.5, $1,667; 3. Mike Chase, McAlester, Okla., 11.7, $1,320; 4. Trey Wallace, George West, Texas, 11.8, $973; 5. J. Tom Fischer, Andrews, Texas, 12.0, $625; 6. Jeff Wheelis, Goliad, Texas, 12.2, $347. Third round: 1. J. Paul Williams, Burbank, Okla., 10.1, $2,015; 2. Rocky Patterson, Pratt, Kan., 10.2, $1,667; 3. Shandon Stalls, McLean, Texas, 10.6, $1,320; 4. Kim Ziegelgruber, Edmond, Okla., and J.P. Wickett, Sallisaw, Okla., 10.8, $799; 6. Trevor Brazile, Decatur, Texas, 10.8, $347. Fourth round: 1. Rocky Patterson, Pratt, Kan., 9.7, $2,015; 2. Lawson Plemons, Axtell, Texas, 10.1, $1,667; 3. Tyler Mayse, Ponca City, Okla, 10.7, $1,320; 4. Neal Wood, Needville, Texas, and Jeff Wheelis, Goliad, Texas, 11.3, $799; 6. Jay Sellers, Waurika, Okla., and J.D. Yates, Pueblo, Colo., 11.4, $174. Fifth round: 1. Shay Good, 11.4 seconds, 2,015; 2. Tony Reina, 13.3, $1,667; 3. Mike Chase, 14.3, $1,320; 4. Trevor Brazile and Buster Record Jr., 14.6, $799; 5. Jimmie Cooper, 15.5, $347. Average: Brazile, 70.2 on five runs, $6,043; 2. Cody Lee, 76.0, $5,002; 3. Clint Singleton, 78.2, $3,960; 4. Good, 83.3, $2,918; 5. Chris Glover, 89.4, $1,876; 6. Kim  Continue Reading »

GUYMON, Okla. – Two nights before the start of the 2010 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, world champion bareback rider Will Lowe was presented his trophy belt from his win at last year’s Guymon Pioneer Days Rodeo. He ripped off his light brown leather belt, unfastened one of his three gold buckles and placed it on his dark brown champion belt outfitted with beautiful conchos reflecting the honor. On Saturday night during the third performance of the annual rodeo, Lowe put himself in position to earn another Guymon belt with an 87-point ride on the Powder River Rodeo Co. horse Show Boat to take the lead in the rodeo. “There are a lot of great guys that have been a pile of points on that horse,” said Lowe of Canyon, Texas. “It’s tough to draw a bad horse here. The committee knows people come here to see a good rodeo. To sell rodeo here, you’ve got to put on a great one.” This marks the second straight year Lowe has scored 87 points at Henry C. Hitch Pioneer Arena. In fact, that score has stood up each of the last three years. “I just try to do the same thing every time,” he said. “Some times it works, and some times it doesn’t. This is one of those times it worked.” That’s an overwhelming understatement from one of the best in the business. He’s qualified for the NFR nine times in his career and sits third in the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association world standings. “This is an important rodeo for us, because it’s good to get that confidence heading into the summer run,” Lowe said. “It’s also important because of how tough it is, because every guy that nods his head can come out here and win it.” Lowe worked his way to the top of the leaderboard early in the season, winning in Kansas City, Mo.; Denver; and Odessa, Texas. That helped the confidence of an already talented cowboy. “Any time you can get yourself a little bit of a cushion, it’s nice, but you’ve got to keep going hard,” Lowe said. “Anytime you ride bucking horses, you’ve got to have your hammer cocked and be ready.”   Guymon Pioneer Days Rodeo Third Performance Saturday Evening Bareback riding leaders: 1. Will Lowe, 86 points on Powder River Rodeo Co.’s Show Boat; 2.Heath Ford, 84; 3. Steven Peebles, 83; 4. Bill Tutor, 82; 5. Jason Havens and Wes Stevenson, 81; 7. Kelly Timberman, 80 8. Clint Cannon and Tom McFarland, 79. Team roping: Third round leaders: 1. Chris Lawson/Justin Hendrick, 6.6 seconds; 2. Jess Tierney/Paul David Tierney, 6.9; 3. Turtle Powell/Jhett Johnson and Arky Rogers/York Gill, 7.2; 5. Trevor Brazile/Patrick Smith, 7.3; 6. Justin Yost/Kyle Crick and Drew Horner/Trey Johnson, 7.5; 8. Andrew Ward/Reagan Ward, 7.8. Average leaders: 1. Brazile/Smith, 21.9 on three runs; 2. Horner/Johnson, 25.7; 3. Powell/Johnson, 26.3; 4. Barnes/Woodard, 26.5; 5. Begay/de la Cruz, 27.7; 6. Rogers/Gill, 27.8; 7. Ward/Ward, 32.2; 8. Cory Kidd V/Adam Plyler, 36.2. Steer roping: Third round leaders: 1. Shay Good, 11.4 seconds; 2. Tony Reina, 13.3; 3. Mike Chase, 14.3; 4. Trevor Brazile, 14.6; 5. Jimmie Cooper, 15.5; 6. Shandon Stalls, 15.6. Average leaders: Brazile, 70.2 on five runs; 2. Cody Lee, 76.0; 3. Clint Singleton, 78.2; 4. Good, 83.3; 5. Chris Glover, 89.4; 6. Kim Ziegelgruber, 53.0 on four. Saddle bronc riding leaders: 1. Louie Brunson, 87 points on Frontier Rodeo Co.’s Let ’Er Rip; 2. Taos Muncy, 86; 3. Hardy Braden, 85; 4. Bradley Harter, 83; 4. Luke Butterfield and Isaac Diaz, 82; 7. Jeff Willert, 81; 8. Travis Sheets, Brady Bolton, Jesse Bail, Chuck Schmidt and Jace Garrett, 80. Steer wrestling: Third round leaders: 1. Ronnie Fields, 3.6 seconds; 2. Matt Reeves, 3.8; 3. Zack Cobb, 4.4; 4. T.J. Bohlender, 4.7; 5. Beau Clark, 4.8; 6. Trell Etbauer and Ryan Swayze, 5.2. Average leaders: 1. Cobb, 14.5 on three runs; 2. Reeves, 14.8; 3. Jason Miller, 14.9; 4. Dane Hanna, 15.6; 5. Termaine Dubose, 15.8; 6. Cooper Shofner, 17.1. Tie-down roping: Third round leaders: 1. Stetson Vest and Jim Locke, 8.7 seconds; 3. Jeremiah Peek and Jim Ross Cooper, 8.8; 5. Cody Owens and Monty Lewis, 8.9. Average leaders: 1. Cole Dorenkamp, 27.1; 2. Peek, 27.3; 3. Paul David Tierney, 29.2; 4. Jarrett, 29.5; 5. Charley Russell, 30.5; 6. Locke, 31.5. Barrel racing: Second round leaders: 1. Kassidy Dennison, 17.24; 2. Carlee Pierce, 17.29; 3. Alicia Stockton, 17.34; 4. Mary Burger, 17.45; 5. Diane Axmann, 17.61; 6. Morgan Figueroa; 7. Nicole Yost, 17.71; 8. Sharin Hall, 17.72; 9. Jessi Eagleberger, 17.73; 10. Deb Christy, 17.75. Average leaders: 1. Dennison, 34.65 on two runs; 2. Figueroa, 35.35; 3. Axmann, 35.44; 4. P.J. Burger, 35.46; 5. Hall, 35.74; 6. Eagleberger; 7. Alicia Stockton, 35.53; 8. Angie Meadors, 35.62; 9. Carol Chesher, 35.80; 10. LeAnn Stockton, 35.84. Bull riding leaders: 1. Seth Glause, 85 points on Powder River Rodeo’s Hustlin’; 2. Tyler Willis, 84; 3. Steve Woolsey, 83; 4. Dillon Tyner and Rankin Lindsey, 81; 6. Nathan Klassen, 80; 7. Ty Clearwater, 76; 8. Corey Navarre, 73.

GUYMON, Okla. – The first time Taos Muncy came to the Oklahoma Panhandle, he was a skinny youngster wanting to learn the business of riding bucking broncs. The craving hasn’t changed for the Corona, N.M., cowboy, even a decade later. Mundy matched moves with the Korkow Rodeo Co. horse River Rat for 86 points during Saturday afternoon’s second performance to take the saddle bronc riding lead at the Guymon Pioneer Days Rodeo. He’s living the dream he established all those years ago when he made his way to the Deke Latham Saddle Bronc Riding School in Goodwell, Okla., just 10 miles from Henry C. Hitch Pioneer Arena. “This is one of the funnest rodeos to come back to all year,” said Muncy, the 2007 world champion saddle bronc rider who also won the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association title earlier that year. “All my family comes to town for this since it’s only five hours from the house.” It’s also where the family has been educated. Muncy and his sister, Jordan Muncy-Taton, attended Oklahoma Panhandle State University on rodeo scholarships, and both brought collegiate gold back to the region once known as No Man’s Land – Muncy-Taton is the reigning all-around and breakaway roping champion at the College National Finals Rodeo. On Saturday afternoon, Taos Muncy put together a classic ride on River Rat, a classic South Dakota bucking horse. “I think everybody wants to get on him everywhere we go,” Muncy said of the bronc. “He’s just a really good horse.” But Muncy is a really good cowboy, and he’s having an exceptional year. He’s fifth in the world standings with $28,523. He’s got a good chance to make some good money in Guymon with just two performances remaining. Oh, and he’s already been crowned a champion inside Hitch Arena – he won the second edition of the Classic Events Championship on Thursday night, a unique feature held in conjunction with Pioneer Days Rodeo in which 20 competitors rode two saddle broncs and competed in two rounds of steer roping. The specialized event featured saddle bronc riders who have plenty of all-around skills, and it fit into Muncy’s talent level quite easily. “That was a ton of fun,” he said. “I rope at home, but it’s pretty hard to do much when we’re on the road. It sure was a good time, and I’ll do it again.” He also hopes to win bronc riding in Guymon again, something he did in that magical 2007 season. “They do a good job with this rodeo,” Muncy said. “The stock contractors all bring their best horses, and it’s really a good bronc riding. Everybody that stayed on today had good horses, and that’s what you want in these deals.”   Guymon Pioneer Days Rodeo Second Performance Saturday afternoon Bareback riding: 1. Heath Ford, 84 points on Carr Pro Rodeo’s Grass Dancer; 2. Steven Peebles, 83; 3. Bill Tutor, 82; 4. Jason Havens, 81; 5. Clint Cannon, 79; 6. Matt Crumpler, 77; 7. Steven Anding and Casey Colletti, 76. Team roping: Third Round Leaders: 1. Turtle Powell/Jhett Johnson, 7.2 seconds; 2. Trevor Brazile/Patrick Smith, 7.3; 3. Justin Yost/’Kyle Crick, 7.5; 4. Andrew Ward/Reagan Ward, 7.8; 5. Derrick Begay/Cesar de la Cruz, 8.2; 6. Cody Doescher/Garrett Tonozzi, 8.7; 7. Jake Barnes/Walt Woodard, 8.8; 8. Cole Cooper/Jay McClain, 8.9. Average leaders: Brazile/Smith, 21.9 on three runs; 2. Powell/Johnson, 26.3; 3. Barnes/Woodard, 26.5; 4. Begay/de la Cruz, 27.7; 5. Ward/Ward, 32.2; 6. Cory Kidd V/Adam Plyler, 36.2; 7. Cody Scheck/Coy Thompson, 37.8; 8. Brady Tryan/Jake Long, 38.8. Steer roping: Third Round Leaders: 1. Shay Good, 11.4 seconds; 2. Tony Reina, 13.3; 3. Mike Chase, 14.3; 4. Trevor Brazile, 14.6; 5. Jimmie Cooper, 15.5; 6. Shandon Stalls, 15.6. Average Leaders: Brazile, 70.2 on five runs; 2. Cody Lee, 76.0; 3. Good, 83.3; 4. Chris Glover, 89.4; 5. Kim Ziegelgruber, 53.0 on four; 6. Chase, 54.0. Saddle bronc riding: 1. Taos Muncy, 86 points on Korkow Rodeos’ River Rat; 2. Luke Butterfield, 82; 3. Jeff Willert, 81; 4. Travis Sheets, Brady Bolton, Jesse Bail, Camp Crook, S.D., and Jace Garrett, 80; 8. Chad Ferley, 79. Steer wrestling: Third Round Leaders: 1. Ronnie Fields, 3.6 seconds; 2. Matt Reeves, 3.8; 3. T.J. Bohlender, 4.7; 4. Beau Clark, 4.8; 5. Trell Etbauer, 5.2; 6. Cody Moore, 5.3. Average Leaders: 1. Reeves, 14.8 on three runs; 2. Jason Miller, 14.9; 3. Termaine Dubose, 15.8; 4. Etbauer, 18.8; 5. Gabe Burrows and Jule Hazen, 19.7; 7. Clark, 21.2; 8. Fields, 22.1. Tie-down roping: Third Round Leaders: 1. Stetson Vest, 8.7 seconds; 2. Jeremiah Peek, 8.8; 3. Cody Owens, 8.9; 4. Clint Singleton, 9.1; 5. Trevor Brazile, 10.1; 6. Ryan Jarrett, 11.0. Average Leaders: 1. Peek, 27.3; 2. Jarrett, 29.5; 3. Brazile, 34.9; 4. Owens, 35.2; 5. Singleton, 35.6; 6. Vest, 36.6. Barrel racing: Second Round Leaders: 1. Kassidy Dennison, 17.24; 2. Carlee Pierce, 17.29; 3. Alicia Stockton, 17.34; 4. Mary Burger, 17.45; 5. Diane Axmann, 17.61; 6. Nicole Yost, 17.71; 7. Deb Christy, 17.75; 8. Darcy Clark, 17.77; 9. Gretchen Benbenek, 17.85; 10. Lindsey Ewing and Sherry Cervi, 17.87. Average Leaders: 1. Dennison, 34.65 on two runs; 2. Axmann, 35.44; 3. Stockton, 35.53; 4. Carol Chesher, 35.80; 5. Benbenek, 35.86; 6. Lauren Cox, 35.90; 7. April Denny, 35.97; 8. Christy, 35.99; 9. Clark, 36.04; 10. Sallye Williams and Annie Campbell, 36.07. Bull riding: 1. Steve Woolsey, 83 points on Carr Pro Rodeo’s Kickapoo Warrior; 2. Dillon Tyner and Rankin Lindsey, 81; 4. Nathan Klassen, 80; 5. Ty Clearwater, 76; 6. Jimmy Anderson, 72.

GUYMON, Okla. – Steve Woosley is realistic “It’d sure be nice to win with an 83, but there’s a lot of rodeo left,” said Woolsey, who has the lead in bull riding at the Guymon Pioneer Days Rodeo after matching moves with Carr Pro Rodeo’s Kickapoo Warrior on Friday night at Henry C. Hitch Pioneer Arena. “There are still a lot of good bulls and a lot of good riders to go, but hopefully I can get a little something out of this.” This is how Woolsey makes his living, riding bucking beasts eight seconds at a time. It’s not an easy life, but it’s the one he’s chosen. He’s pretty good at it, too. Woolsey has qualified for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo five times in his young career, but he’s still searching for that first world championship. “Right now, it just feels good to be riding and feeling good,” he said, noting that he suffered a torn posterior cruciate ligament earlier this season. “This is really the first time that I’ve felt this good.” Woolsey has taken some time away from the arena to heal, but he can’t be on the injury list too long; unlike most professional sports, rodeo cowboys have no guarantees. In fact, they must pay an entry fee in order to compete, and they only get paid if they finish better than most of their competition. “You can’t sit out until you’re healthy and expect to get paid,” he said. “The longer you’re out, the more you have to do when you can ride, so you don’t want to be out too long.” Woolsey is not among the top 20 in the world standings, and he’ll have to move into the top 15 if by season’s end if he’s going to qualify for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo for a sixth time. “I like playing catch up,” he said with a laugh. The ultimate dream, of course, is that gold buckle, a prize he’s been chasing since he first dreamed of being a rodeo cowboy. What does it take to reach that goal? “You just have to stay solid,” he said. “Anyone can make all sorts of excuses, but you’ve got to have the right attitude. You’ve got to know you’re going to win.”   Guymon Pioneer Days Rodeo First Performance Friday night. Bareback riding: 1. Heath Ford, Slocum, Texas, 84 points on Carr Pro Rodeo’s Grass Dancer; 2. Clint Cannon, Waller, Texas, 79; 3. Matt Crumpler, Winnie, Texas, 77; 4. Casey Colletti, Pueblo, Colo., 76; 5. Matt Croom, Fort Scott, Kan., 74; 6. Chris Harris, Itasca, Texas, 73. Team roping: 1. Trevor Brazile, Decatur, Texas/Patrick Smith, Midland, Texas, 7.3 seconds; 2. Justin Yost, Hico, Texas/Kyle Crick, Lipan, Texas, 7.5; 3. Derrick Begay, Seba Dalkai, Ariz./Cesar de la Cruz, Tucson, Ariz., 8.2; 4. Jake Barns, Scottsdale, Ariz./Walt Woodard, Stephenville, Texas, 8.8; 5. Cole Cooper, Grand Junction, Colo./Jay McClain, Byers, Colo., 8.9; 6. Terry Graff, Long Pine, Neb./Matt Wilken, Smithfield, Neb., 14.6. Steer roping: 1. Shay Good, Midland, Texas, 11.4 seconds; 2. Tony Reina, Wharton, Texas, 13.3; 3 Trevor Brazile, Decatur, Texas, 14.6; 4. Jimmie Cooper, Monument, N.M., 15.5; no other qualified times. Saddle bronc riding: 1. Luke Butterfield, Ponoka, Alberta, 82 points on Carr Pro Rodeo’s Empty Pockets; 2. Jesse Bail, Camp Crook, S.D., and Jace Garrett, Alliance, Neb., 80; 4. Dustin Flundra, Pincher Creek, Alberta, and Jesse Kruse, Great Falls, Mont., 75; 6. Ty Atchison, Jackson, Mo., 64. Steer wrestling: 1. Matt Reeves, Cross Plains, Texas, 3.8 seconds; 2. T.J. Bohlender, Canyon, Texas, 3.7; 3. Jason Miller, Lance Creek, Wyo., 5.4; 4. Gabe Burrows, Hugoton, Kan., and Termain Debose, Anderson, Texas, 6.0; 6. Jarrett Rasmussen, Valentine, Neb., 26.3. Tie-down roping: 1. Stetson Vest, Childress, Texas, 8.7 seconds; 2. Jeremiah Peek, Pueblo, Colo., 8.8; 3. Trevor Brazile, Decatur, Texas, 10.1; 4. Justin Maas, Giddings, Texas, 17.3; 5. Matt Shiozawa, Chubbock, Idaho, 17.7; 6. Clint Cooper, Decatur, Texas, 18.2. Barrel racing: 1. Kassidy Dennison, Tohatchi, N.M., 17.24; 2. Alicia Stockton, Hillsboro, Texas, 17.34; 3. Diane Axmann, Loup City, Neb., 17.61; 4. Deb Christy, Norton, Kan., 17.75; 5. Darcy Clark, Wayne, Okla., 17.77; 6. Sherry Cervi, Marana, Ariz., 17.87. Bull riding: 1. Steve Woolsey, Payson, Utah, 83 points on Carr Pro Rodeo’s Kickapoo Warrior; 2. Dillon Tyner, Hoyt, Colo., and Rankin Lindsey, Hillsboro, N.M., 81; 4. Ty Clearwater, Weatherford, Okla., 76; no other qualified rides.

Guymon Pioneer Days Rodeo Steer Roping Third Go-Round 1. J. Paul Williams, Burbank, Okla., 10.1, $2,015; 2. Rocky Patterson, Pratt, Kan., 10.2, $1,667; 3. Shandon Stalls, McLean, Texas, 10.6, $1,320; 4. Kim Ziegelgruber, Edmond, Okla., and J.P. Wickett, Sallisaw, Okla., 10.8, $799; 6. Trevor Brazile, Decatur, Texas, 10.8, $347. Fourth Go-Round 1. Rocky Patterson, Pratt, Kan., 9.7, $2,015; 2. Lawson Plemons, Axtell, Texas, 10.1, $1,667; 3. Tyler Mayse, Ponca City, Okla, 10.7, $1,320; 4. Neal Wood, Needville, Texas, and Jeff Wheelis, Goliad, Texas, 11.3, $799; 6. Jay Sellers, Waurika, Okla., and J.D. Yates, Pueblo, Colo., 11.4, $174.

Guymon Pioneer Days Rodeo Steer Roping First Go-Round 1. Kim Ziegelgruber, Edmond, Okla., 11.8 seconds, $2,015: 2. Buster Record Jr., Buffalo, Okla., 12.0, $1,667; 3. Chance Kelton, Mayer, Ariz., and Lawson Plemons, Axtell, Okla., 12.1; $1,146; 5. J.D. Yates, Pueblo, Colo., 12.2, $625; 6. Marty Jones, Hobbs, N.M., 12.4, $347. Steer Roping Second Go-Round 1. Shay Good, Midland, Texas, 10.9 seconds, $2,015; 2. Riley Christopher, Clarksville, Texas, 11.5, $1,667; 3. Mike Chase, McAlester, Okla., 11.7, $1,320; 4. Trey Wallace, George West, Texas, 11.8, $973; 5. J. Tom Fischer, Andrews, Texas, 12.0, $625; 6. Jeff Wheelis, Goliad, Texas, 12.2, $347.

CLAREMORE, Okla. – For many folks, turning 65 is like an alarm clock ringing retirement, a time to slow down and take a gentler path in life. That’s not the way it is at the Will Rogers Stampede, which is celebrating its 65th year with a bang during the three performance set for 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 27-Sunday, May, 29, at the Will Rogers Roundup Club Arena. “We want our 65th year to be our best year,” said David Petty, chairman of the volunteer rodeo committee that produces the annual rodeo. “We have a great core group of people who work very hard every year to make the Will Rogers Stampede a great event, and we’ve already kicked in overdrive for this year. We want it to be a celebration everyone in Rogers County will remember for many years to come.” The rodeo was established all those years ago to carry on an outstanding tradition of the Western lifestyle that is part of the region. From his days of twirling ropes and spinning tales, Will Rogers was an American icon. The rodeo – just like the Will Rogers Memorial Museum, the Will Rogers Birthplace Ranch and the J.M. Davis Gun Museum – is woven in the fabric of Rogers County. “It’s just pretty amazing for a rodeo to go on continuously for 65 years,” said Dawn Petty, a third-generation member of her family to be involved in the Will Rogers Roundup Club, the main organization behind the annual rodeo and other community events. “It’s also a 100 percent volunteer organization, so that says a lot about the rodeo, too. “I think it’s another great thing to do in Claremore over the Memorial Day weekend. There’s so much here, and with fuel prices the way they are, this would be a great day trip for the entire family. They could go to the Will Rogers Memorial or the gun museum during the day, then come to the rodeo that evening. What a fun day that would be.” The Will Rogers Stampede not only features great entertainment, but also some of the best contestants in ProRodeo. Memorial Day weekend is a great time for many contestants to be on the rodeo trail, and most are making their way through Oklahoma, Kansas and Arkansas to take a shot at the money available. “We get most of the big players in the game,” said Scott Grover, the arena announcer now in his seventh year calling the action in Claremore. “This is a good time. We’ve got two other rodeos in the Prairie Circuit that weekend, plus it’s right before the rodeo in Fort Smith (Ark.). That plays a lot into it, because the cowboys and cowgirls can take advantage of the rodeos’ proximity to one another. “But I think there’s a lot more to it. I think it’s the history and the hospitality. I talk to cowboys all the time who tell me they love coming to Claremore. That says a lot about the rodeo, but it also says a lot about the hard work the committee puts into having a great rodeo.” The world-class competition is a benefit for all of northeast Oklahoma – folks from all over the region make their way to Claremore every May to see the show. Whether it’s the time of year or the great opportunity to make money by making a run at the Will Rogers Stampede, the fans love the idea of seeing the best in the business fight for the coveted title. That’s been a consistent measurement in Claremore for more than six decades. “The rodeo provides the community the opportunity to see world champion cowboys, but also it provides a huge social event,” Dawn Petty said. “You come to the Will Rogers Stampede, and you see people you haven’t seen in years. You get to sit down and visit with them. “Plus the contestants make a huge economic impact on our community. We have 500-plus contestants coming into Claremore, spending money at the restaurants, the gas stations and the dry cleaners. They come into our town and they spend their money here.”

Guymon Pioneer Days Second Go-Round Steer Wrestling 1. Josh Peek, 3.8 seconds, $1,812; 2. (tie) Wade Sumpter and Jason Miller, 3.9, $1,344 each; 4. Dean Gorsuch, 4.0, $875; 5. (tie) Beau Clark, Stockton Graves and Cole Edge, 4.1, $292 each. Team Roping 1. Cody Doescher/Garrett Tonozzi, 6.0 seconds, $1,823 each; 2. Trevor Brazile/Patrick Smith, 6.2, $1,585; 3. Bryce Palmer/Garrett Jess, 6.4, $1,348; 4. Cole Cooper/Jay McClain, 6.7, $1,110; 5. Andrew Ward/Reagan Ward, 6.9, $872; 6. (tie) Jake Barnes/Walt Woodard, Tyler Schnaufer and A.J. Horton/Kyle Horton, 7.0, $396 each. Tie-Down Roping 1. Trevor Brazile, 7.6 seconds, $1,941; 2. Tuf Cooper, 7.7, $1,606; 3. (tie) Justin Maass and Brice Ingo, 7.8, $1,104 each; 5. Jerome Schneeberger, 7.9, $602; 6. Jeremiah Peek, 8.1, $335.

If possible, I will attempt to update you on the goings-on at the Guymon (Okla.) Pioneer Days Rodeo, where the second round of tie-down roping, team roping and steer wrestling is taking place today. But we will be en route to the Oklahoma Panhandle for the rest of the weekend’s festivities, so the reports may be delayed — it’s a nine-hour drive, so reports may be really delayed. If you want the results a little faster, go to the PRCA’s website or click HERE. But keep  checking back to TwisTED Rodeo. I plan to have all the cool tidbits here.

Guymon Pioneer Days Rodeo Tie-Down Roping First Go-Round 1. Landon McClaugherty, Tilden, Texas, 8.2 seconds, $1,941; 2. Clif Cooper, Decatur, Texas, 8.4, $1,806; 3. Clint Singleton, Medina, Texas, 8.5, $1,272; 4. Blair Burk, Durant, Okla., and Jerome Schneeberger, Ponca City, Okla., 8.6, $770; 6. Clay Cerny, Brazoria, Texas, and Cody Prescott, Jay, Fla., 8.8, $167.

PORUM, Okla. – D.V. Fennell sees a bright horizon for himself in the world of rodeo. Fennell, a two-time qualifier to the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, knows true champions face adversity and overcome challenges en route to gold buckles. Fennell has overcome plenty of hardships to remain one of the best bareback riders in the game; this season is no different. Last weekend while competing in Lufkin, Texas, Fennell matched moves with Smith, Harper & Morgan Rodeo’s Flaming Desire for 84 points to share the event victory with Steven Peebles, one of Fennell’s traveling partners. Each cowboy earned $1,873. More importantly, the ride gave Fennell his first victory of the 2011 season and strengthened the Porum cowboy’s building confidence. “It sure feels good to get that win,” said Fennell, who has teamed with Eric Norris State Farm Insurance of Neosho, Mo., and James Hodge Ford of Muskogee, Okla., in sponsorship agreements. “Eric Norris and Jack Hodge have been awesome to work with, and they’ve been right with me, pushing me along the way. “I’ve been able to win a little along the way. I feel like I’m riding well, and it’s just coming together.” Fennell has collected $7,786 this season, about $40,000 behind standings leader Tilden Hooper. But Fennell’s earnings in Lufkin moved him into the top 30 in the standings with the busiest time of the rodeo season fast approaching – the top 15 cowboys at the end of the regular season qualify for the NFR, the season-ending championship that will take place in December in Las Vegas. “The great thing about Eric is that he’s not only a great sponsor, a great partner in this deal, he’s also a great friend,” said Fennell, who grew up in the southeastern Oklahoma community of Valliant; attended college in Vernon, Texas, and Weatherford, Okla.; and has lived in Stroud, Okla., and Neosho, while competing in ProRodeo. “He’s pointed me toward some great investments. State Farm has one of the best life insurance/retirement portfolios out there on the market.” Of course, Norris realizes the relationship with Fennell is great for business. “When you own a small business like I do, sponsorship opportunities are a dime a dozen,” Norris said. “I always try to sponsor people with high morals and dedication to living life the right way and giving 100 percent. D.V. is that exact sponsorship opportunity for me. D.V. is a perfect fit to carry my State Farm agency patch on his shirt while out on the rodeo trail.” Fennell provides exposure for Norris’ agency, from the local level in extreme southwest Missouri to the Midwest to the national scene – it doesn’t hurt that Fennell has performed at the NFR, which is broadcast nationally 10 nights each December. “More important than that, D.V. brings friendship to the table,” Norris said. “D.V. is a true friend, and we have a friendship that can only develop between two people that love the Western lifestyle. Those friendships are true, honest and deep. “I am not a sponsor of D.V.; I am a fan. Just like any fan of anything, you love to see your favorites winning. In rodeo, if you don’t win, you don’t get paid. D.V. is a great guy, and you naturally find yourself just wanting the best for him. When I’m on the road with him, I’m more nervous than he is before his ride. I want nothing but the most success for him; I want him to win that gold buckle.”

Guymon Pioneer Days Rodeo Steer Wrestling First Go-Round 1. Lee Graves, Calgary, Alberta, 3.6 seconds, $1,812; 2. Jason Lahr, Stephenville, Texas, 3.7, $1,500; 3. Gabe LeDoux, Kaplan, La., 3.9, $1,187; 4. Shane Henderson, Winfield, Kan., 4.0, $875; 5. Jarrett Rasmussen, Valentine, Neb., Stockton Graves, Newkirk, Okla., and Kody Woodward, Dupree, S.D., 4.6, $292.

Guymon Pioneer Days Rodeo Team Roping First Round 1. Colby Lovell, Madisonville, Texas/Cory Petska, Marana, Ariz., 6.2 seconds, $1,823; 2. Turtle Powell, Stephenville, Texas/Jhett Johnson, Casper, Wyo., 6.3, $1,585; 3. Brandon Beers, Powell Butte, Ore./Jim Ross Cooper, Monument, N.M., 6.4, $1,348; 4. Derrick Begay, Seba Dalkai, Ariz./Cesar de la Cruz, Tucson, Ariz., 6.5, $1,110; 5. Charles Pogue, Ringling, Okla./Jett Hillman, Jones, Okla., 6.6, $872; 6. Logan Olson, Flandreau, S.D./Kinney Harrell, Marshall, Texas, 6.8, $634; 7. Arky Rogers, Lake City, Fla./York Gill, Stephenville, Texas, 7.0, $396; 8. Adam Rose, Willard, Mo./Shawn Harris, Searcy, Ark., 7.1, $159.  

Guymon Pioneer Days Rodeo Barrel Racing First Go-Round 1. Kassidy Dennison, Tohatchi, N.M., 17.38 seconds, $1,258; 2. Susan Kay Smith, Hodgen, Okla., 17.44, $1,078; 3. Tana Renick, Kingston, Okla., 17.47, $898; 4. Jeanne Anderson, White City, Kan., 17.49, $778; 5. Delores Toole, Manter, Kan., 17.50, $599; 6. Lindsay Sears, Nanton, Albertas, 17.57, $479; 7. Michelle Alley, Whitewood, S.D., 17.59, $359; 8. Sabrina Ketcham, Yeso, N.M., 17.60, $240; 9. Jodi Ray, Heavener, Okla., 17.61, $180; 10. Tara Timms, Leedy, Okla., and Stacey Barrington, Lubbock, Texas, 17.63, $60.

GUYMON, Okla. – It takes a lot to put on a great rodeo. The volunteers with the Guymon Pioneer Days Rodeo know that very well. They’ve seen the rodeo evolve from humble beginnings nearly 80 years ago to be what it is today: A showcase of great athletes that compete in America’s first extreme sport. “We take pride in being a great rodeo, and we have established over the years a legacy for being a great rodeo,” said Ken Stonecipher, the event’s production manager. “One of the great things about having Pete Carr and Carr Pro Rodeo is that he understands that. He wants to make our rodeo the best it can be. Pete understands production, and it shows in every performance of the Guymon Pioneer Days Rodeo.” Carr takes pride in the annual May extravaganza and takes a talented crew of rodeo professionals to the Oklahoma Panhandle to make sure the job is done well. But that’s his operation at every event he produces, whether it’s in Silverton, Texas, or Eagle, Colo. “I think the best part of the rodeo business is the satisfaction of putting on high quality events,” said Carr, a former bareback rider who has been part of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association for six years. “We put so much emphasis on the production. Yes, it takes great animals, and it takes great breeding programs. But it also takes preparation and planning.” From memorable openings to making sure every step of the looks as if it’s running smoothly, the Carr crew puts in many hours before the start of any rodeo. Carr has hired John and Sandy Gwatney, a husband-wife team that is instrumental in the behind-the-scenes work. “We try to have the theatrical portion of our show not interfere with the competition side,” said John Gwatney, a production supervisor for the Dallas-based livestock firm. “We try to run a good, fast, clean performance without interfering with the competition. “That’s where we’re different from other rodeo companies. If we’re not ready, the cowboy has to wait. When it comes time for that cowboy to compete, we’ve done everything we can to make that animal ready for that cowboy, so all he has to do is nod his head.” Work begins well before the first rodeo of the season, then all those plans are implemented inside the arenas across the country. Gwatney has served as timed event chute boss at some of the biggest events in ProRodeo, from the Clem McSpadden National Finals Rodeo to the Dodge National Circuit Finals Rodeo. “At the Rafter C rodeos, what starts the production is our version of Americana,” said Gwatney, a team roper and steer wrestler who has worked in rodeo production much of his life. “We’re looking to get peoples’ emotions up, get them on the edge of their seats so when that first animal bucks, the height of the excitement is already up. “Whether it is one of the many costume changes or the uniformity of the yellow horses, the pageantry of it all, we’re trying to stir something in those people. What makes Pete’s rodeos successful is the timing of it all.” Another important piece of the puzzle is having the crew that works well together, something Carr has in bundles. He realizes the need to have a good staff around him. “We micromanage our program ahead of time,” Carr said. “We can’t be perfect, but we can dang sure get as close as we can. We’re always striving to be better, identifying the weaknesses and taking constructive criticism. It’s an everyday challenge, but I think trying to be better is just trying to take it to the next level. “I’m proud of what we do, but I know we can always find ways to improve things. I like that the people I work with have that same mindset, too.” That mindset comes from years on the job and an understanding of what fans want to see. It also comes with great commitment and passion, the driving factor in the world of rodeo. “We love rodeo, and we love raising bucking horses. It’s something that gets in your blood. It got in mine in high school, and I haven’t been able to kick it yet,” he said with a laugh. “You do it because you love it.”

EDITOR’S NOTE: This is a story I did for the Fort Hays State University Alumni Association to be published in an upcoming edition of FHSU Magazine. The weather was plenty frightful April 15, the scheduled opening day of the Fort Hays State University Rodeo. The high winds – you know the wind has some power behind it when western Kansans say so – combined with snow made for miserable conditions at Doug Phillips Arena, so the officials and FHSU rodeo coach Bronc Rumford made the call to postpone competition a day, jamming three days of rodeo into two. But there was no delay in the celebration of the rodeo club’s alumni association, which conducted a reunion of former club members. The association also created and fully funded the Doc Garry Brower Endowed Scholarship – a touching recognition to the longtime rodeo coach – thanks in large part to a giving nature. “God bless the Alumni Association for providing that glue, the interaction and the vehicle to make it happen,” said Steven Knowles, one of the organizers of the reunion weekend. “It was a great beginning for us to be able to get all those groups together so we can get this club together for the betterment of the team. “Brower was the catalyst for all this to happen. We wanted to do something nice for him so we could tell him what he’s done for all us over the years.” The reunion brought together various generations of rodeo club members. Those from the ’70s could share stories with those from the ’90s with the hope of building the future of the rodeo program. It was fascinating to see the present team mingle with alumni. It might have been more fascinating to see more than $6,500 raised for the scholarship in just a few minutes. During the social banquet on the afternoon of April 16, Knowles reached out to the alumni with hopes of raising the $10,000 fund in three years – he noted that $3,500 had already been raised. That’s when university president Dr. Edward Hammond took the stage and showed us all how to raise money: He would write a $5,000 check if the alumni group could raise just $1,500 more in seven days. Donations were being called out all across the room, and within moments the endowment had been established. “When I got there and first saw the numbers that we’d already raised more than $3,000, it was a welcome surprise,” Knowles said. “This was supposed to just be the kickoff. We couldn’t have scripted it better. It was an awesome surprise, but it shows a lot for Brower, too. I think it shows how much he’s contributed to that rodeo team.” The reunion not only raised money for the rodeo program, it also established a hunger to keep the process going. Knowles said there are plans to have a barbecue every year during the rodeo and that a big reunion likely will take place every five years. “We’ve always wanted to do this, and with the new tools at our availability, we can make this team one of the strongest in our history,” Knowles said. “I think all of this will make recruiting better, which is exactly what we want to develop.”

GUYMON, Okla. – Dirty Jacket is just 7 years old, but already he’s built a lasting legacy in the Oklahoma Panhandle. Each of the last three seasons, the bay gelding out of Dirty by Night Jacket has guided cowboys to the Guymon Pioneer Days Rodeo bareback riding championship. Last year he was bucked twice, and he matched moves with three-time world champion Will Lowe for 87 points to win the event; two days later, he and Joe Gunderson danced across the Henry C. Hitch Pioneer Arena dirt for 86 points, good enough for second place. “He’s just a real good horse, the kind you want in a bucking horse,” said Gunderson of Agar, S.D., who used his finish in Guymon a season ago to qualify for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo for the first time in his career. “When you have a horse like that, you just let him do the work and try not to mess him up. He’s too good a horse. “You’d be the only reason you don’t win money on him.” There’s a good chance cowboys will win on Dirty Jacket during this year’s Pioneer Days Rodeo, set for 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 6; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 7; and 2 p.m. Sunday, May 8. Lowe has qualified for the NFR nine times and has dozens of well deserved honors that match his tremendous athletic ability. His win in Guymon last May was the first of his career, and he was plenty tickled to strap on that champion’s belt. He credited that fine piece of leather to the Carr horse. “That horse likes that arena a lot,” said Lowe of Canyon, Texas. “He just likes to buck. He’s such a good horse. He’s in the TV pen at the NFR, so you know he’s the one guys want to get on.” The “TV pen” features the horses selected to perform in the fifth and 10th go-rounds, the horses that can help cowboys reach 90-point rides on any given night. “That horse just bucks,” D.V. Fennell, a two-time NFR qualifier from Porum, Okla, said of Dirty Jacket. “He leaps in the air and shows off. He’s not just a dead easy hopper, but he’s a mix between a hopper and a bucker. He’s the one that you want.” Not only has Fennell won money on the gelding, he’s seen some of the best in the business do the same. One of his traveling partners, Jared Smith, won Guymon in 2009; Jerad Schlegal won in 2008 – each time Dirty Jacket has helped cowboys to the winner’s circle, it’s been with 87-point rides. “It’s just a good setup for that horse,” said Carr, who has been part of the No Man’s Land tradition for six years. “Probably the most deciding factor is we get some of the best cowboys in the country in Guymon. When you’ve got great cowboys, they make your horses look really good. Dirty Jacket’s drawn pretty well there.” But Dirty Jacket isn’t the only top-caliber Carr horse that will perform inside Hitch Arena. Two of his half-brothers, Deuces Night and Outa Sight, will be in the draw – both 6-year-old mares are coming off their first trips to the NFR. All three horses are by Night Jacket, one of the top bucking horse stallions in ProRodeo, and all bucked in Oklahoma City a month ago during the Dodge National Circuit Finals Rodeo. In fact, Kaycee Feild rode Deuces Night for 90 points to split the final go-round. “That Deuces Night is one outstanding bucking horse, the kind that will be the bareback horse of the finals, I think,” Fennell said. “Chris Harris won Pecos (Texas) on that horse, and she’s definitely a bucker.” Bareback riders make a living with their hands wedged into a rigging, that’s strapped tightly around nasty bucking horses. They realize how important great animals are to their livelihood and for chasing their gold buckle dreams. That’s why they go to Carr Pro Rodeo events and why they’ll be in Guymon next week. “I like Pete,” said Clint Cannon, a two-time NFR qualifier from Waller, Texas. “He’s always honest, and he always brings good horses to rodeos. He runs a good show. “The great thing about Pete is that he’s not afraid to bring his good horses. We know when we go to one of Pete’s rodeos that you don’t have to get on a piece of junk. You know you’re going to have a chance to draw a good horse.” The pen is stacked with great Carr horses, from veteran buckers like Real Deal, the 2005 Bareback Riding Horse of the Year, and Grass Dancer, which helped Ryan Gray to a record-tying 94-point ride in 2009, to younger athletes like Open Range and Hometown Girl. “They won first and second on those two horses at a futurity a few weeks ago,” Carr said. “I’ve got high hopes for Island Girl and a couple of really good ones in Cool Change and Buck Wild. They’ve been pretty special so far.” Of course, he can say that about a lot of the Carr Pro Rodeo bareback horses.