Equine
Behind the Chutes – Thoughts from a Rodeo Wife
By Lacey Corbett
There is a common question for most women of childbearing age, and that is the question of how many kids they would like to have. I have thought about this question ever since I was a little girl, and the answer was always as many as God would like to bless me with. I think my 12-year-old self would have had a come-apart if she knew that I would be blessed with 60 kids before I was in my thirties.
As the wife of the NMSU Rodeo Team coach, I do feel a mother-like responsibility for all of the students on our team. Although I may not have given birth to them or raised them from infants, these are “my kids” while they are on our team. I get anxious thinking about the day that my own daughter goes to college, so I can imagine the emotions that parents experience leaving their “babies” at school, often hundreds or even thousands of miles from home. I hope they can rest assured knowing that I am here to help when home is so far away. Sometimes trouble strikes, and when Mom and Dad can’t make it, my husband Logan and I step in to take their temporary place.
We have showed up when students get in fender benders and don’t know who to call. We have hauled cowboys to the emergency room and have helped nurse concussions when bronc riders take too hard a hit in the practice pen. We have had many heart-to-heart conversations about how tough life can be and the best way to persevere. The students act like big brothers and sisters to our two-year-old, Conlee. Let’s not forget all those chats about what it’s like dating in college. I have learned there is nothing like a big bowl of spaghetti to help mend a broken heart and empty stomach after one of those relationships goes south.
To read more pick up a copy of the November 2018 NTFR issue. To subscribe call 940-872-5922.
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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