Equine
RFDTV — The American
By Phillip Kitts
Well, the 2018 rodeo season has reached the next phase, and with this next phase there will not be much influence on the world standings, but there are big changes in competitors’ pocketbooks.
As we have talked about previously, the winter months bring a slower time for rodeo. In years past January, February and March are months where a lot of competitors focus on healing up from injuries, enjoying down time with family, and planning out their assault on the highways of America.
Over the last few decades the rodeo industry has capitalized on large indoor venues that have the capabilities of hosting large scale rodeos while keeping fans and competitors away from the bitter temperatures and unforgiving weather. This move has birthed some of the biggest rodeos in the business. Places like Fort Worth and San Antonio, have developed multiple round rodeos that pay out enough money that a winning cowboy can set the conditions for his season and a bid to the Wrangler National Finals at the end of the year.
With great things there are always challenges. Throughout the last several years some rather large organizations have recognized the value in hosting large indoor rodeos during these winter months. Some of these rodeos such as Rodeo Houston and RFDTV The American have adopted new formats that many say are more exciting for fans.
Because these new formats fall outside of many sanctioning bodies’ rules, these rodeos are essentially non-sanctioned and fall into the category of an open rodeo. In some cases, individual events such as barrel racing may have a sanctioning body, but this only applies to that individual event.
To read more pick up a copy of the April 2018 issue. To subscribe call 940-872-5922.
Matt Reeves put down a fast enough run in the long round to come back for the championship round where he claimed his share of the $1 million prize. (Photo by Phillip Kitts)
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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