Equine
A Gathering of Classic Cowgirls
By Janis Blackwell
Angie Watts Averhoff, a graduate of Tarleton State University and a four year member of the rodeo team, competed in breakaway roping and goat tying. Angie was an instrumental part of Tarleton’s winning the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Assn. girls’ team championship in 1969 and 1970. For her talent and effort devoted to rodeo during college and beyond, Angie is a member of the Tarleton Rodeo Hall of Fame and the Texas Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Fame. Ever the competitor, she still competes in the roping today; however, now days the team roping is her event of choice.
In January 2009, shortly after retiring from a career in school administration, Angie decided she was tired of only seeing her friends at funerals, too often their funerals. So she set about doing something about that. She devised a plan for getting old rodeo friends together somewhere other than funerals. She called up and invited a number of friends to her home to a reunion of those she had competed with and against in her college and professional rodeo days. At that first reunion held in her home, there were about 30 attendees, mostly Tarleton rodeo buddies and friends of rodeo; however, it was a party that was going to explode much larger than Angie could have ever imagined. The gathering was such a success that it was decided to repeat it the next year. Since then, it has been a yearly event. To read more pick up a copy of the July 2016 issue.
Angie Watss Averhoff competing in 1982.
Six of the eight WPRA world champions who attended the gathering. They are as follows: left to right Sandy Hodge Tie down calf roping; Jeannie Strickland Robertson Bareback Bronc riding; Jimmie Gibbs Munroe Barrel Racing, Tie down Calf Roping All-Around Champion; Patti McCutcheon Team Roping; Bonnie McPherson Bareback Bronc and Bull riding; Sharlene Martinez team roping. Not Pictured but in attendance, Sue Pirtle Bareback Bronc Bull Riding and All-Around Champion; Jan Youren Bareback Bronc champion. (Photo courtesy of Angie Watts Averhoff)
Old Broad’s 2012 T-shirt. (Photos courtesy of Angie Watts Averhoff)
By: Krista Lucas Wynn | Copy Editor
The name, “Daddy of ’em All,” instantly brings to mind the world’s largest outdoor rodeo and western celebration. Cowboys and cowgirls from all across the country dream of competing on the iconic Cheyenne arena dirt.
Every July, pro rodeo contestants travel to Cheyenne, Wyom. to vie for the title of champion of the Cheyenne Frontier Days. The rodeo is steeped in western tradition and celebrated the 125th year this summer. With nearly two weeks of rodeo action, fans watched bareback riding, calf roping, breakaway roping, saddle bronc riding, team roping, steer wrestling, barrel racing, bull riding, and steer roping.
Steer roper, Tuff Hardman, knew winning “the Dad” was a tall order, but with a good horse and a few prayers he left no doubt who the best steer roper at Cheyenne was when it was all said and done. After two rounds, Hardman qualified back for the finals tied for ninth place with a time of 30.8 seconds.
To read more, pick up a copy of the September issue of NTFR magazine. To subscribe by mail, call 940-872-5922.
Utilizing the horse to human connection.
By: Hannah Claxton | Editor
Deep in the heart of Texas, both humans and horses at Stable Strides Farm in Pilot Point, Texas aer demonstrating just how big their hearts really are. Founded by Mandy Cleveland in 2001, Stable Strides Farm serves dozens of Equestrians with Disabilities and Veterans each week.
Deep in the heart of Texas, both humans and horses at Stable Strides Farm in Pilot Point, Texas aer demonstrating just how big their hearts really are. Founded by Mandy Cleveland in 2001, Stable Strides Farm serves dozens of Equestrians with Disabilities and Veterans each week.
“My boys have been riding since they were 18 months old, and for the first 17 years they had a leader and sidewalker. When we moved here, and Mandy started teaching them, she just said, ‘Let’s see what they can do,’ and they ride independently now,” Danielle Frank explained, whose two sons, Adison and Aiden, ride with Stable Strides Farm. “Mandy is amazing beucase she doesn’t place any limits on them, she always wants to see what they can do.”
It is her dedication to never setting limits that earned Cleveland a spot as a national finalist for the NSBA 2024 Dianne Eppers Cowgirls Reaching-Out-to-Community Award. The award was established by the NSBA Foundation to recognize cowgirls across the industry for their selfless contributions to the equestrian community.
To read more, pick up a copy of the September issue of the NTFR magazine. To subscribe by mail, call 940-872-5922.
(Photos Courtesy of Hannah Claxton)
By Krista Lucas Wynn
The month of August is smack dab in the middle of summer. When in the thick of the hot summer days, it is important to keep horses, livestock and yourself cool, whether leisurely riding, competing or traveling. Texas temperatures, along with the humidity, can be extremely draining on equine athletes and riders alike.
The 100-plus degree days should come as no surprise. It happens routinely every year, and in true Texas summer fashion, it does not cool off much at night either. Horses cannot get much relief from the conditions, unless provided by a responsible owner. Sweating day in and day out can be detrimental to horse health.
It is vital to have fresh, cool water in front of horses at all times. Stalled horses should have at least two buckets in front of them. Electrolytes can help replace any lost hydration after riding. Fans are an important item to have on hand as well. They keep air moving, and now that it is dry and dusty, air movement is even more important.
To read more, pick up a copy of the August issue of NTFR magazine. To subscribe by mail, call 940-872-5922.
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