Monthly Archives: November 2011

Benette Barrington used a great word to describe her barrel racing mount, JL Dash Ta Heaven, during his first-round run at the American Royal Rodeo a little more than a week ago. “He was very fluent,” she said of the 6-year-old sorrel stallion, whose daddy, Dash Ta Fame, is a top breeding stud in barrel racing. Dash Ta Heaven’s momma, Dyan’s Plain Special, guided Janae Ward-Massey to her only world championship in 2003. Fluent describes best what a good barrel horse can do, because the good ones make it seem easy, that the runs flow seamlessly. Barrington didn’t qualify for the 2011 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, but she’s off to a hot start for 2012. She’s No. 1 in the world standings with more than $14,000. Of course, $5,000 of that came in Kansas City last week. But she’s well on her way to return to the biggest stage in the sport. She just needs to keep mashing on the gas pedal.

Shane Proctor has qualified for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo for the first time in his career. It’s not that the roughstock cowboy hasn’t been at the top of his game before, but he’s focused his attention on the Professional Bull Riders organization. Proctor is also a saddle bronc rider, and he heads into the NFR No. 2 in the all-around world standings. He’d love to win enough money in Las Vegas to surge past record-setting all-around cowboy Trevor Brazile, who has a $120,517 lead. Brazile, as always, has the upper hand — he’s the only cowboy in the field who has qualified for the NFR in two events and has also qualified for next week’s Clem McSpadden National Finals Steer Roping; that’s three events to Proctor’s one. Besides, money Proctor has earned in the Xtreme Bulls Tour doesn’t count toward the all-around standings. That $53,000 can make the world of difference in the 10-day championship in Las Vegas. Besides, Brazile knows how to win; he’s struggled a little in calf roping and team roping late this year. The last thing any other contender wants is Brazile even more focused when $18,000 is on the line every night.

This is championship season. In a week, I’ll be getting prepared for the Clem McSpadden National Finals Steer Roping. That weekend also will feature the Canadian Finals Rodeo in Edmonton, Alberta. Not only is that the home of great Canadian champions, but several Americans have walked away from the Northlands with those coveted Canadian titles. It’s going to be fun.

I love learning something new. This past Friday night during the second performance of the American Royal Rodeo at securely tight Sprint Center, barrel racer Tana Poppino shared some valuable information with me. You see, not only is Jeanne Anderson a two-time qualifier to the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo from White City, Kan., she’s a descendent of the Benjamin family, from the famous Benjamin Ranch in Kansas City, Mo., Poppino said. Had I looked at her bio, I would’ve learned that she grew up around the Benjamin Stables, but I don’t think I would’ve put familial piece of information together had Poppino not “popped” up and provided me with those details. It’s proof that rodeo’s grand legacy around Kansas City is strong and valuable, that the area boasts of more than the American Royal. That’s something to brag about.

Home is where the heart is, or in the case ofLas Vegas, where the body rests for a few hours at a time. The MGM Grand Hotel & Casino will be the home of Rodeo Media Relations and TwisTED Rodeo during the 2011 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. It’s an awesome resort, and it’s just west of the action at the Thomas & MackCenter. Just click on this LINK to make your reservations. If you haven’t stayed at the MGM lately, you should check it out while you’re in Las Vegas. If you’re still looking for lodging during your stay, you will be in the middle of the excitement at a great rate. The MGM is Home of the Champions; once you arrive, you’ll see why.