Cowboy Lifestyle Network

There’s no better place to start your Wrangler National Finals Rodeo live experience than that dancin’, drinkin’, mechanical bull riding party Coors Banquet Bar tent at the ProRodeo Zone right where the shuttle drops you and your friends off at Thomas & Mack Center.

Take a little warm-up spin around the dance floor or just let the Coors’ Rodeo Rockin Divas teach you a few new moves from the top of the bar to use later on.

Snap pics to let your friends at home follow you on Facebook, Instagram or Snapchat them something wickedly fun from your Wrangler NFR experience from the back of the fire-breathing, high-tech mechanical bull or in front of the official Wrangler NFR bucking chute under the big top. The rodeo paparazzi is always there shooting the fan-famous cowboys and cowgirls. Show off those Vegas Wrangler NFR styles every chance you get!

The ProRodeo Zone’sCoors Banquet Bar springs to life at 4 pm and doesn’t close until 10:30 pm. It’s not just for killing time before the performance starts, it’s the hot spot where the time of your life is just waiting to happen.

Cowboy Lifestyle Network would like to give a special thanks to Donna Keffeler for doing such a fantastic job with the Coors Banquet Rodeo program throughout all the rodeo seasons, as well as the Coors Banquet Bar every year during the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo.

JR Vezain was confirmed on his way to his 6th Wrangler National Finals Rodeo when disaster struck. The horse he’d drawn in Pasadena, Texas, fell over backwards in a freak accident that left the young bareback rider without the use of his legs. He’s hopeful, faithful and strong in his commitment to walk again – is approaching his physical therapy like the professional athlete he is.

Vezain and his wife, Shelby, haven’t seen home in Cowley, Wyoming, since the accident. They’ve gone from the trauma hospital in Houston to a nearby rehab center and are now residing in Utah at yet another rehab center. Add the fact that they’re expecting their first child and it’s easy to see that they need not just prayer, they need financial help.

Checking the hashtag #VezainStrong across social media shows that the international rodeo community stepped up with many successful fundraisers, but we’re not done.

View this post on Instagram

Bitter sweet day for me…blessed to have gotten to be here for the week with my son but sad I have to leave to go home. He earned his turn in the shirt because of his determination and kindness. No matter how old they get, they are still just my babies. I love you @jrvezain with all my heart. #vezainstrong #myboy #firstborn #onetoughcowboy #mytribe #miracleinthemaking #rejuveniqueoil #godisgood #allthetime #sadday #blessed

A post shared by shilo jo (@shilo.christman) on Sep 30, 2018 at 3:56pm PDT

Here are two ongoing ways to help:

• Through Go Fund Me at www.gofundme.com/65w85a0
• Raffle for 2019 Wyoming Deer Hunt online tickets at www.broncridingnation.com/raffle or get them the Junior Roughstock Association, Rodeo Fame and Bronc Riding Nation Cowboy Christmas Booth #5405 on the upper level of the Las Vegas Convention Center. Facebook Live drawing at Legacy of the West Gala at Mirage on December 12 at 2 pm. Need not be present to win.

 

“I sponsor people who remind us what American spirit and character is all about. I support role models for what they teach us about courage, optimism and plain hard work. In Shorty Gorham, I found all that and more.”

John Cadzow, WSM Auctioneers – Phoenix, AZ

The Western Industry, and the sport of Professional Bull Riding in particular, tends to bring together people of like minds and hearts. It draws people in as family.

So it’s no surprise that investors and sponsors such as WSM Auctioneers, recognize everything that our rodeo family encapsulates:  patriotism, honor, doing business on a handshake, gritting your teeth and moving forward despite pain or other challenges, and really remembering what America is all about.

These old-fashioned principles are what attracted John and Shelly Cadzow of WSM Auctioneers to sponsoring bull riding, professional bull riders, and people like PBR Bullfighter Shorty Gorham.

So what, exactly, would be the long and short of Shorty Gorham? Well – truth be known – there’s nothing short about Shorty!

We can, however, summarize the PBR Bullfighter’s career with one word: Early.

Everything started early. However, there will be no early ending to his career!

A quarter of a century ago, a 14-year-old boy was taken under the wing of a California rancher named Gilbert Aguirre.

When Aguirre took that 14 yr old kid to a local rodeo in Indio, CA, that kid jumped at the chance to take the place of an AWOL bullfighter. Because Shorty came prepared. He came with all his gear.

Even then, he knew to prepare and jump at any opportunity to do what he knew he was destined to do: Bullfight.

From there, Shorty literally fought his way up to the elite, televised PBR level; protecting cowboys and keeping bull riders out of trouble for twelve consecutive years from 2005 through 2017.

Along the way, he’s managed to be a husband to his wife Amanda Lyne; a dad to two kids (both of which compete in rodeo and have competed in the American Semi’s – his stepson Tanner, a Tie-Down Roper, and his daughter London, a young barrel racer); train hunting dogs; lead his peers in respecting our country’s military and flag with the “We Stand United” initiative; aid the Texas Department of Transportation’s “Click-It or Ticket” campaign, helping to keep cowboys alive in and out of the arena; create and organize the American Freestyle Bullfighting Tour (AFB); and form/manage the “Lights Out” Fighting Bull Breeding Program.

However, the 2018 PBR: 25th “Unleash the Beast” World Finals (Nov. 7-11 in Las Vegas) will sadly be minus Gorham.

According to the PBR website, “Gorham injured himself [dislocated his left foot] leaping onto the back of the bucking chutes to avoid “Big Benny” during Round 1 of the Winstar World Casino & Resort PBR Invitational in Austin, Texas (the last week of September)….and will be out for multiple weeks.” 

He may not be working the PBR – however, he will still be managing and producing his AFB Tour events!

According to the AFB website: Shorty “turned to the future [beyond the PBR], by turning to his past, when he founded ShortyGorham’s American Freestyle Bullfighting – AFB – and is now producing top freestyle bullfighting events of the world.”

Deemed the “Most Dangerous Dance on Dirt”, up and coming bulls and bullfighters are scored on their levels of engagement while competing in the “ultimate salsa dance”.

Each bullfighter has 40 seconds to engage a fighting bull – one specifically geared towards a one-on-one arena encounter. Or, as Shorty has said, “This ain’t no bull ride; it’s the bullfighters’ turn to shine.”

He’s “looking to use his own brand to create a new generation of western sports superstars.”

Shorty’s finding those “superstars” of the future – the ones who’ll keep bull riders alive and healthy – something that Shorty has craved his whole, entire life.

And with the help of local sponsors such as  WSM Auctioneers, who’ve just come on board as an association title sponsor, Shorty’s making things happen!

WSM is helping him to accomplish mutually important objectives: To continue to protect and keep bull riders from harm; training up future bullfighters, and continue to highlight principles  America was originally founded upon.

Upcoming AFB events:

Nov 10 – San Antonio, TX – Freeman Coliseum

Nov 11 – McAllen, TX – State Farm Arena

Nov 16 – Houston, TX – Toyota Center

Nov 18 – Dallas, TX – American Airlines Center

Upcoming WSM Auctions:

Dec 8 – Phoenix, AZ – Live Public Auction

Jan 12 – Phoenix, AZ – Live Public Auction

Click Here for WSM Auction details

The Las Vegas Convention Center’s famous Cowboy Christmas second level arena is again hosting Jr. NFR championship action of the Junior Roughstock Association (Mini Bareback and Mini Bronc Riding World Championships). Start time is 12 noon. In four age divisions, riders from ages 6 through 17 compete for the Jr. NFR title on seasoned, carefully selected bucking mini-horses, ponies and horses under 56 inches tall.

Don’t let the smalls fool you. In the PeeWee (6 to 8 year old) division, contestant ponies aren’t wild buckers. Those youngsters’ mounts are just enough to let those kids get a feel for life as bucking horse riders. Once they nod and the chute gate opens, these pairs are flanked by fast-footed men on the ground who follow their movement and catch the kids when the whistle blows at 6 seconds or they start to come loose.

It gets real in the upper age divisions. These riders spend all of the regular season on the road to qualify. The small horses they ride, buck! There is professional coaching all along the way, safety is taken seriously in both competition and horse selection, but the overall goal is to build great contestants both in and out of the arena.

“I was astounded by the skill and grit level these young riders bring to the contest,” Lori O’Harver of Bronc Riding Nation said. “What was even MORE astonishing was the professionalism kids from 6 through 17 bring to their post-ride interviews. Just teaching rodeo’s young to compete is good, but not enough in today’s urbanized world where people misunderstand and sometimes resist animals being involved with people. They represent themselves and their sport as true ambassadors everywhere from their social media presences to greeting fans. These kids are nothing short of impressive.

His voice is heard and his image is seen by more than 30 million people across the country each year. He entertains and informs more than 3 million fans a year in Texas alone. From rodeo circuits to national commercials to regional charity events, his is the voice people recognize and trust. He is Bob Tallman and our Bobby T.

With each word, Bob draws his audience into his world, allowing his listeners to enjoy and experience what he has come to love. With Bobby T’s Jerky, that experience will happen with their first taste of its smoky Texas hickory flavor, stimulating visions of cattle in green pastures, crackling fires and wide open spaces.

Drive just north of Weatherford, Texas to small-town Poolville and you’ll find 3T Ranch, a place that represents all that goes into Bobby T’s Beef Jerky. A 5th generation rancher and Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame announcer, Bob Tallman makes it his personal priority to have the best beef jerky, not only in the great state of Texas, but across the nation.

Handcrafted in Menard, Texas (population 1,653), by the family-owned Ranch House Meats, Bobby T’s Jerky has to live up to Texas standards for taste and tenderness.

Try all our flavors, Sweet Smoked, Peppered Hickory, Brown Sugar BBQ, and Valle Sagrado Chile. Go to bobbytsjerky.com to order online or locate a retailer near you!

Members of the Ak-Chin Community Council work hard to develop and advance the Community while protecting its cultural and environmental integrity. This team works well together and has made strides in working with neighboring communities while moving forward in community services and development.

One of the most visible symbols of this team’s success is the multi-million dollar expansion at Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino. Completed areas include the spa, a conference center with multiple ballrooms and meeting rooms, a parking garage, additional restaurants and more than 200 additional rooms. The resort’s new tower is 17 stories high and is joined to the casino by a pedestrian bridge called the Skyway. Throughout the casino, the gaming floor was refurbished with games restored on a new floor.

Two new restaurants on site offer specialty food in comfortable atmospheres. Oak and Fork features quality wine paired with small plates. And Chop, Block and Brew specializes in gourmet burgers, steak and seafood cooked over a wood-burning mesquite grill.

Another accomplishment, the Ak-Chin Indian Community Tribal Transit started in winter 2017, offering free transportation to all within the community. Riders can use regularly scheduled routes or call for demand-response service within Community boundaries.

Members of the Ak-Chin Community Council also represented the Community at sponsored events. One of the best-known local events is the Waste Management Phoenix Open presented by the Ak-Chin Indian Community. The Community served as the event’s presenting sponsor since 2016.

The 2017 Waste Management Phoenix Open Presented by The Ak-Chin Indian Community pumped $389 million into Arizona’s economy according to an economic impact study by the Arizona State University W.P. Carey School of Business.

Another popular event hosted in part by the Community Council, the Native American Basketball Invitational (NABI) happens each summer. Teams travelled to represent Native American tribes from across the country and around the world. In addition to exciting basketball competition, the event also strives to support Native American youth with programs that encourage higher education, sports, health and wellness and community.

The Ak-Chin Community Council also oversees the Ak-Chin Endowment, benefitting the Indian Legal Program at the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University. The endowment provides scholarships for anyone interested in learning about and pursuing a career in Indian law, according to a Pinal Central article.

While the scholarship is open to non-Native Americans, Ak-Chin Chairman Robert Miguel noted in the article that he hopes it will increase interest in studying law among members of the area’s Indian tribes.

Your Ak-Chin Community Council members are Chairman Robert Miguel, Vice Chairman Gabriel Lopez, and members Alvin Antone, Ann Marie Antone, Delia M. Carlyle. Here’s to a job well done by this outstanding team!

With the 2018 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo right around the corner, excitement in Las Vegas, Nevada is brewing. Don’t forget that this December also marks the 2018 Bullfighters Only World Championship held in conjunction with the NFR. The BFO Championship will occur December 6th-December 15th at 2 pm every day at the beautiful, Tropicana Las Vegas Resort & Casino. This year’s BFO championship is sure to excite fans with more thrilling performances and more seating to accommodate larger audiences. As Bullfighters Only CEO Aaron Ferguson put it, “this year we’ve upped the ante.”

This year’s competition is sure to keep audience members at the edge of their seat as the world’s top bullfighters compete for the coveted title of 2018 BFO World Champion. With two Wrangler World Championships under his belt, BFO superstar Weston Rutkowski is returning to the arena with the hopes of achieving a third world championship. Such success in the arena has earned Rutkowski the title as the first freestyle bullfighter to earn more than $115,000 in one year. As we approach December, all eyes are on Rutkowski.

Current Wrangler Tour standings as of September 2018, show Rutkowski in first place with winnings totaling at $21,670. Second place shows Kris Furr with total winnings at $18,361, and in third is Toby Inman at $15,675.

December 6th will mark day one of competition as the current top nine freestyle bullfighters in the standings compete for the Fourth Annual Roughy Cup. Competition will continue throughout the week as these athletes compete for the ultimate title, the 2018 BFO World Champion.

A Haskell, Texas native and third generation cowboy, Rutkowski’s success in the freestyle bullfighting arena has taken him all over the United States and is ready to land him back in Las Vegas, Nevada for this year’s Bullfighters Only Championship. Rutkowski shared in an interview with houmatimes.com that when in the arena, “it’s definitely a huge adrenaline rush. It’s the ultimate challenge. It’s man versus beast. Those bulls have a mind of their own, and you just have this natural adrenaline rush. You’re a little scared, you’re breathing heavy and it’s a rush. But the key is being able to control your emotions and go out and do your job.”

As the 2013 and 2016 World Champion, will Weston Rutkowski leave Vegas with this year’s 2018 BFO Champion title?

Join Cowboy Lifestyle Network as we cheer on this year’s 2018 Bullfighters Only competitors at the Tropicana Las Vegas Resort & Casino! For room reservations visit: https://book.passkey.com/event/49726506/owner/1356/home

Gilbert, Arizona Celebrates 40 Years of Horsepower and History

Rodeo is a window to the past. For many of the western states, the sport of rodeo and the western lifestyle have played pivotal roles in the foundation of communities that thrive today.

Once known as “The Hay Capital of the World,” Gilbert, Arizona was founded on agriculture. Land that once grew acres of hay is now home to new restaurants, bars, and shopping districts. However, as Gilbert expands, one thing holds true and that is Gilbert, Arizona’s western heritage. Today, Gilbert celebrates its rich history each November with the month-long “Gilbert Days” celebration. Festivals, a parade, and the Gilbert Days Rodeo are just a few of the activities community members can attend and participate in.

The Gilbert Promotional Corporation (GPC) is the engine behind the vastly successful and popular Gilbert Days Rodeo. Made up entirely of volunteers, this Non-Profit Organization has been organizing, maintaining, and producing the Gilbert Days Rodeo since 1978. This year they are proud to celebrate 40 Years of Horsepower and History.

For the GPC, the Gilbert Days Rodeo is an integral part of Gilbert’s history and is the result of hard work, planning and love for the sport of rodeo all year-round. Having faced trials and tribulations when the original Gilbert Rodeo Grounds were lost in 2011, the GPC persevered and quickly found alternate grounds so that the Gilbert Days Legacy could carry on. As Gilbert, Arizona quickly grows and continues to develop, the GPC is nurturing and keeping Gilbert’s history alive through the annual Gilbert Days Rodeo.

As the Gilbert Promotional Corporation Celebrates the 40th Anniversary of the Gilbert Day’s Rodeo, they are also proud to celebrate the platform, “Kickin’ Up Kindness” created by the 1998 Gilbert Days Rodeo Queen, Shanda Brady Riggs. Today, Shanda’s daughter Kennadee Riggs is proud to hold the same title her mother did in 1998 as she follows in the footsteps of former Gilbert Days Rodeo Queens by “Kickin’ up Kindness.” The 2018 Gilbert Days Royalty Court includes, The 2018 Gilbert Days Rodeo Queen Kennadee Riggs, Rodeo Teen Queen Karlie Brewer, Rodeo Princess Lindsey Brewer, and Rodeo Missy Raylen Riggs. All four members of the royalty court encourage rodeo fans to share their kind deed stories and to always “Kick up Kindness” in everything you do!

Kicking off the month-long festivities is the Gilbert Days Pony Express Ride on November 9th and 10th. Just like it was done in the past, riders will travel from city to city to deliver mail across the state of Arizona. Beginning in Gilbert with a commencement ceremony, riders will travel through Sacaton, Stanfield, Casa Grande, Eloy, Coolidge, Florence, and Queen Creek, Arizona. Not only is this a thrilling experience for eligible horsemen and women in the community, but is a perfect example of history preserved to teach our present and future generations.

The Gilbert Days 5D Barrel Race will occur at the John Volken Academy on November 10th and is open to all riders.

As for the Gilbert Days Rodeo, this three-day event will occur November 16th, 17th, and 18th at the John Volken Academy located at 26601 South Val Vista Drive, Gilbert, Arizona 85298. Each Grand Canyon Professional Rodeo Association (GCPRA) Performance will be jam-packed with the most exciting rodeo entertainment that the entire family can enjoy. For the little cowboys and cowgirls in the family, a ‘Lil Dudes Rodeo will be held each day before the main rodeo performance on November 16th, 17th. The ‘Lil Dudes finals will take place in the main rodeo arena on the 18th. In addition to thrilling rodeo action and entertaining clown acts, food, drink, and shopping vendors will be present for fans to grab a bite to eat and shop around in between events.

Cowboy Lifestyle Network is excited to celebrate this year’s Gilbert Days Rodeo alongside the Gilbert Promotional Corporation. We hope you will join us in celebrating 40 years of Horsepower and History!

Information on tickets and scheduling can be found below and at https://gilbertdays.org/ .

Performance Dates and Times:

Main Rodeo Performances

• Friday, November 16th, 2018 – Gates open at 5 pm, Performance at 7 pm
• Saturday, November 17th, 2018 – Gates open at 3 pm, Performance at 5 pm
• Saturday, November 17th, 2018 – Gates open at 12 pm, Performance at 2 pm

‘Lil Dudes Rodeo Performances

• Friday, November 16th, 2018 – Sign-ups at 4 pm, Performance at 5 pm
• Saturday, November 17th, 2018 – Sign-ups at 2 pm, Performance at 3 pm
• Saturday, November 17th, 2018 – Sign-ups at 11 am, Performance at 12 pm

Ticket Prices:

Child (ages 7-15, 6 and under Free) – $12.00

Adult (ages 16-54) – $18.00

Senior (55 and up) – $12.00

Military (With ID) – Free

Family Pack (includes 6 tickets/available online only) – $70.00

Did you ever think that maybe it’s not just by chance when you stumbled onto something or someone way bigger than you could ever even imagined?

Me either – well until I watch Gary Leffew from a distance sitting on the arena fence at the Youth Bull Riding World Finals videoing the riders.

Gary Leffew spent the week in Abilene with his mini HotMan team but made himself available to any rider who wanted to talk about what went right or what went wrong during their ride.

At 74 years old his passion for the sport of bull riding is still undeniable.

“There will always be a changing of the guards – the future of bull riding is right here!” Gary Leffew said.

I used to think he “arrived” in 1970 when he won the National Finals Rodeo but I’m pretty sure that’s when he stumbled onto his purpose and the impact he would have in the sport of bull riding was just getting started.

This isn’t the “great” debate on who’s the best bull riding coach – every rider has the responsibility of finding the style of teaching that works best for them but, there’s no denying the number of Champions that have sprouted out of the Hotman tree.

Forty-eight years after winning his world title he is still chasing white lines all over the country putting on bull riding schools- makes you wonder if he’s looking for his next protege or if he really just wants to see a champion in every Young Gun he meets.

Gary Leffew will be inducted into the Ring of Honor at the 25th PBR Unleash the Beast World Finals Nov 7-11 in Las Vegas for his commitment to the past, present, and future of the sport of bull riding.

If his legacy teaches us anything it’s that there is not one finish line when driven by purpose.

Congratulations Gary Leffew the impact you have made in the Professional Sport of Bull Riding will be felt for generations to come!

Earnhardt Lexus hosts its annual Off the Record Fundraiser for Phoenix Children’s Hospital on Saturday, November 10 from 7:00-11:30 p.m. It’ll be a good time for a great cause!

“As a family owned and operated business in Arizona, we are proud to support the leading children’s hospital that does so much to support families and children of Arizona!”

Hosted at the Earnhardt Lexus showroom, Off the Record is a one-night-only party with live music from recording artist Russell Dickerson. Emerging country music star Dickerson’s single, “Yours,” and its later-released extended-play version, both received popular reviews. The extended-play version reached Number 1 on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart. The popularity of this song netted Dickerson a spot on the iTunes Best of 2015 list, and also on TheKnot.com’s list of best wedding songs of 2016.

Over 400 guests will join the PCH50 on November 10 at this intimate party of music, drinks, food and fun. PCH50 is a group of 50 community leaders who generate support for Phoenix Children’s Hospital through fundraising, volunteer efforts and awareness building.

Tickets for the Off the Record fundraiser are $1,000 per couple and include admission, beverages, heavy appetizers and an Off the Record T-shirt. Tickets are now available online.

You can also support Phoenix Children’s Hospital by following them on Instagram! Earnhardt Lexus has pledged to donate $1 for each new Instagram follower that @friendsofPCH receives, up to $6,500, to the Phoenix Children’s Foundation.

The Phoenix Children’s Foundation uses donations to help improve the lives of Phoenix Children’s Hospital patients and families. Please make a difference today by following @friendsofPCH on Instagram! Tag your friends and share to help @friendsofPCH reach its goal of 10,000 followers!

Since 1983, the mission of Phoenix Children’s Hospital has been to provide hope, healing and the best possible healthcare to children. It is the only freestanding pediatric hospital in Arizona, and it’s the sixth largest children’s hospital in the nation.

Buy your tickets today, or follow @friendsofPCH now to help this worthy cause!