Equine
The Patriot & The American
By Krista Lucas
The world’s richest one day rodeo was held at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on February 25 for the fifth year in a row. The American was once again a huge success for the sport of rodeo, bringing rodeo’s underdogs, up-and-comers, and superstar veterans of the sport under one roof to compete.
The week leading up to The American was a busy one to say the least. Contestants who had previously qualified for The American semi-finals, held at the historic Fort Worth Stockyards, were vying for a chance to advance to Sunday’s big show.
Timed event contestants had several opportunities to compete during the week. Barrel racers, team ropers and calf ropers could also enter The Patriot, held at Will Rogers Memorial Center, in conjunction with The American. The Patriot is the richest combined equine event, where there is something for every level of competitor. Cowboys and cowgirls travel from all over to compete in Fort Worth during the month of February.
In the barrel racing, some of the toughest horses and riders were seen in the Open 4D, futurity, young guns race and an American qualifier for 2019. Wenda Johnson got a jump-start on qualifying for next year’s American by winning the first qualifying race on her horse “Dreams First Dash.” Two-time world champion barrel racer, Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi, won the futurity average on “Ima Famous Babe,” and McKenzie Morgan of Maryville, Tenn., won the youth race on “In Firewaters Honor.” The 4D Shootout Round proved to be an exciting race of the top 50 in each division coming back for one final run and a chance to win money and prizes.
To read more pick up a copy of the April 2018 issue. To subscribe call 940-872-5922.
Equine
Tuff Enough: Tuff Hardman Wins Big At Cheyenne Frontier Days
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.
Country Lifestyles
Mandy Cleveland & Stable Strides Farm
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)
Equine
Beat the Heat
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.
-
Country Lifestyles2 years ago
Scott & Stacey Schumacher: A Growth Mindset
-
Country Lifestyles8 years ago
Style Your Profile – What your style cowboy hat says about you and new trends in 2017
-
HOME8 years ago
Grazing North Texas – Wilman Lovegrass
-
Equine1 year ago
The Will to Win
-
Country Lifestyles5 years ago
Amber Crawford, Breakaway Roper
-
Outdoor9 years ago
Buttercup or Primrose?
-
Country Lifestyles8 years ago
June 2016 Profile – The man behind the mic: Bob Tallman
-
Country Lifestyles8 years ago
December 2016 Profile, Rusty Riddle – The Riddle Way