Cowboy Lifestyle Network

Saddle up rodeo fans for “The Richest Weekend in Western Sports!” RFD-TV’s The American Rodeo is just around the corner this March 2nd and 3rd. Located at the Arlington, Texas AT&T Stadium, this event will feature the cream-of-the-crop when it comes to rodeo perfection. From the best team ropers to the strongest bucking bulls, The American Rodeo presented by RFD-TV is guaranteed to keep audience members on the edge of their seat.

 

Occurring annually, RFD-TV is proud to present The American. While the action only lasts two days, arriving at The American takes a year’s worth of hard work. Prior to March 2nd and 3rd lies an entire year’s worth of dedication by rodeo athletes as they travel from rodeo to rodeo to qualify for The Semi-Finals which occur February 27th-March 1st. The action cumulates with the final performance, The American. Athletes from across the country and beyond will complete in seven high-action PRCA events. These events include bull riding, bareback riding, saddle bronc, team roping, steer wrestling, tie down roping, and barrel racing. Over the course of its qualifiers, Semi Finals, and The American, RFD-TV will have a total payout of $2.35 million dollars, truly making it “the world’s richest weekend in Western Sports.”

What makes The American so unique is the opportunity for underdogs to compete against the industry’s toughest competitors. Anyone can qualify for The American through The American Semi-Finals. In fact, that desire to compete is so high that approximately 700 contestants compete for a shot at The American during the four-day long Semi-Finals. The stakes are high. Once competitors move on to The American, any underdog who out-competes the pros is eligible for an additional $1 million added to their winnings. Some of last year’s champions include Jess Lockwood, Cort Scheer, and Kaycee Field. Rodeo action will kick-off at 6:30pm on March 2nd and 2:00pm on March 3rd.

The party isn’t exclusive to the rodeo arena! During rodeo weekend, make sure to check out The Fan Zone. Occurring March 2nd at 12pm and March 3rd at 10am. The Fan Zone will be packed with exciting entertainment, Mutton Bustin’, shopping, and much more. Make sure to attend Meet and Greets with your favorite rodeo athletes, grab a cold drink at the Beer Garden, and enjoy a tasty treat from one of the many food vendors.The Fan Zone is free to the public and can be conveniently found in the East and West Plazas of the Arlington AT&T Stadium.

Can’t make it to Arlington? No worries! RFD-TV, The Cowboy Channel, & Rural Radio Channel 147 on SiriusXM have you covered. Each of these platforms will have full TV coverage of The American Rodeo, keeping you up-to-date on all the action.  

For information on how you can purchase tickets, click here!

Next stop, Arlington, Texas for “The Richest Weekend in Western Sports!” Cowboy Lifestyle Network hopes to see along the rodeo trail for RFD-TV’s annual rodeo extravaganza, The American!

This 23-year-old cowgirl from Gilbert is proud to welcome rodeo fans from across the beautiful state of Arizona and beyond to Apache Junction, February 22nd-24th for the 55th Annual Lost Dutchman Days Rodeo.

Sitting proudly upon a gorgeous paint horse, you are sure to find the 2018 Lost Dutchman Days Rodeo Queen Ashley Isaac. As the 2018 LDD Queen, this young lady has had the pleasure of representing one of Arizona’s most well-known and exciting rodeos, Lost Dutchman Days!  

Like many cowgirls, it wasn’t long before Ashley caught the rodeo bug. As a barrel racer, she enjoyed the thrills and excitement found in the arena. Her passions for the western lifestyle grew and soon she set her sights on another integral part of rodeo, rodeo queening. For Ashley, her journey has been one of many successes. As the 2016 P&M Rodeo Queen, Ashley fell in love with the world of queening. With a knack for rodeo knowledge and as a successful horsewoman, her queening career continued into 2017 as the Lost Dutchman Days Rodeo Queen. But the fun didn’t stop there. As the year progressed Ashley made quite the impact on the community of Apache Junction, so much so that she was crowned The Lost Dutchman Days Rodeo Queen again in 2018.

For Ashley, the rodeo arena is home. With a passion for Arizona’s western heritage and the promotion of rodeo, Ashley has made an immense impact in the rodeo community. Just recently she completed the “50 Pink Horses Breast Cancer Challenge.” During the month of October, Ashley rode 50 horses, each ride dedicated to a survivor, or individual currently fighting Breast Cancer. Through her hard work, Ashley raised over $1,200 to donate to a Breast Cancer foundation of her choice.

Outside of the rodeo arena, Ashley is an employee at GM Financial. She received her Associate’s Degree in Science from Chandler-Gilbert Community College. She plans to receive her Bachelors in Business. When she’s not on horseback Ashley enjoys dancing and attending movies with her friends. Ashley also has dealt her hand at judging Equestrian Extreme Trail Sports here in the beautiful state of Arizona. From in-hand to obstacle to trail, Ashley has found a passion in the careful detail it takes to judge such a competition.

Although her year as the 2018 Lost Dutchman Days Rodeo queen is coming to a close, Ashley is grateful for the many opportunities her year as queen has given her. In an interview with the Apache Junction Independent, Ashley’s shares some of her favorite experiences as the Lost Dutchman Days Queen. She states,

“Probably being able to be so much a part of the Apache Junction community and the work that we’ve done to help the kids out here. We’ve done 50/50s all year to go ahead and give to ‘putting smiles on kids’ faces” (Apache Junction Independent).

All of us here at Cowboy Lifestyle Network would like to congratulate Miss Ashley Isaac on her successful year as the 2018 Lost Dutchman Days Rodeo Queen! We hope you will join us at the 2019 Lost Dutchman Days Rodeo this February 22nd-24th!

Los Angeles, CA

For the first time, Iron Cowboy is coming to Los Angeles, California. PBR is taking over Hollywood and is bringing out all the stops, including a 40ft “Dirt” Carpet for some of the top names in the game and celebrities that represent the “cowboy” way of life.

All of this action is going down at the Staples Arena in LA on both Friday, February 22nd at 7:45 pm and Saturday, February 23rd at 6:45 pm. Make sure to check out the full schedule on the PBR website of all of the Meet N Greets with the riders.

Event Details: PBR: Unleash the Beast Iron Cowboy Presented by Ariat 2019

Date: Saturday, February 22 at 6:45 p.m.; Saturday, February 23 at 7:45 p.m.

Address: Staples Center (1111 S. Figueroa Los Angeles, CA 90015)

Admission: Tickets start at $15

 

There is something to be said for a business that is built on true passion and foundational values that can’t be taught or bought. That is exactly what WSM Auctioneers is creating. Between bulls at the Professional Bull Riders (PBR) and bullfighters in American Freestyle Bullfighting (AFB), WSM is creating a community that some can only dream of.

If you are wondering what kind of business is able to accomplish the great feat of creating such a wonderful community, then wonder no further. WSM Auctioneers is based out of Phoenix, Arizona and gives new life to vehicles, tractor supplies, construction materials, and so many other types of industrial equipment. You never know what you are going to find at WSM Auctions.

WSM Auctions has prided themselves on the reputation they have built for being fair and honest in their auctions. Not only do they host public auctions for folks to come and bid their hearts out, but they also take consignments that allow you to make money on assets you have possibly sitting around your house.

When John, owner of WSM, decided he wanted to pursue other avenues to represent his business, he went with what he loved, the Western industry. This is the reason why you will find his iconic logo on the jersey of “Sasquatch”, bullfighter for American Freestyle Bullfighting and Bullfighters Only (BFO), the shirts and helmets of multiple riders in the PBR and of course, a proud partner of Cowboy Lifestyle Network.

Do you have what it takes to be a Champ?

Well, folks, we are well into 2019 and that means a new year full of goals and plenty of opportunities! For some, it may be getting a raise or purchasing a new car; but for you Junior and High school rodeo contestants, your eye is on the prize, the finals. 

For any of you National High School Rodeo members your main priority this year is to make it to Nationals, which will be held in Rocksprings, WY. A week-long rodeo event full of some of the toughest competition and a lot of fun activities for the kids! To be a champ at the high school nationals is a title many wish they could have. But in order to make it, these next 5 months will be consisting of late night practices, long drives and a ton of dedication.

This past week I had the opportunity to sit down with Annabelle Hampton, she is an active member in both the Arizona Junior Rodeo Association and the Arizona High School Rodeo Association. Annabelle has achieved a lot of her goals some of which have been making it to Nationals several times and winning both horsemanship and the queen pageant at the 2018 NHSFR. With this being said, I asked her a series of questions relating to the amount of hard work and dedication she puts into being a competitor. Here were her responses along with each of my questions.

Roughly how much of your time do you dedicate when preparing for Nationals?

“ Getting ready for Nationals I dedicate just about all of my time to practicing and making sure we are ready before we go. I mainly focus on keeping my horses legged up and keeping them in good shape.”

What events are you hoping to compete in at Nationals? And based on your training do you believe you will place well?

“My goals for this year are to make nationals in goat tying, pole bending, and breakaway. Yes, I hope to place well,  due to my training and my improvement from this year I believe that I will place very well at Nationals.”

Do you have any tips to give to someone who may be wanting to make nationals in the future?

“ I would tell someone who is trying to make Nationals to just not give up and keep working hard because in the end it will pay off. As well as to remember that rodeo athletes have to be just as mentally and physically ready as any other athlete competing in sports… so really remember to take care of your body.”

As you can tell the National High School Rodeo Association has a big effect on their member’s rodeo careers. Although to some it may seem like just a sport, to these kids it is getting their foot in the door to become a College champion or even making it to the Finals in December. They are creating a name for themselves as well as many connections with people who can push them to become a better athlete. So do you think you have what it takes to be a champ?

Garth Brooks says it best, “ it’s bulls and blood, it’s dust and mud, it’s the roar of a Sunday crowd…” all of this pertaining to the great thing we call, a rodeo. Some people are born into it, some have the fire to start from scratch, and some aren’t blessed with the opportunity until later in life. There is no wrong way to get there, either way, you end up on rodeo road and you just never look back.

I am going to be perfectly honest with you all, I truly, one hundred percent wanted to be a stock contractor. No joke! Something about the production of the show, the care of the stock, the lifestyle, I wanted it. I wanted it so bad, I was doing all the research I could to figure out how to get started. Little did I know what battles lay ahead of me if I had gone that route, but the lifestyle still fascinates me. For this CLN Insider, I wanted to give you the inside scoop on stock contracting. The backbone of any successful rodeo.

For most rodeo goers, you sit on the edge of your seat when the gates are pulled and the bull or bronc comes flying out with a cowboy on his back, but that is all you see. The show starts and ends there for everyone watching, but there is a whole back production that goes on in order for that bull or bronc to come out of that gate safely.

Stock contractors know their stock, inside and out. They know how they sit in the chute, they know how they are going to come out, they know whether they are going to run or come right to the gate; these are all things that play a part in the show you see in the arena. The contractor then has to relay that information to the pick-up men who, really, are the heroes on horseback. Most pick-up men who travel with the same contractor get to know the stock just as well as the contractors do, in most cases.

There is so much more to it than just the “eight-second ride”, most people don’t see the countless hours put in taking care of sick stock, the hours on the road, or feeding the animals before even feeding themselves. Being a stock contractor isn’t just about providing the animals for the show, it’s a lifestyle that you have to love and be dedicated to. I have been lucky enough to know a few contractors in my short time, and let me tell you, it is so much more than “the boots and chaps and cowboy hats”.

I hope you enjoyed this CLN Insider, brought to you by all of the great stock contractors that have inspired me over the years. I am looking forward to doing a more in-depth article on contracting a little later, but if you liked this article, make sure to share it and follow Cowboy Lifestyle Network on social media.

 

Red Cloud’s War: Warning Signs

Legends of the Old West Podcast are excited to introduce the third episode in their new season, Red Cloud’s War: Warning Signs.  AIn the summer of 1866, an untested colonel leads a battalion of infantry onto the High Plains. His mission is to open the Bozeman Trail and build a series of forts in the Powder River Country. Red Cloud issues a declaration of war to protect his cherished hunting grounds and begins a campaign of harassment that takes a heavy toll on the soldiers.

As winter arrives, Red Cloud convinces his allies to forgo their traditional winter camps in the Black Hills. They agree to stay and fight with two goals in mind: wipe out the soldiers and burn the forts to the ground. Download on your favorite podcast app or for links to listen to the whole season go to: https://cowboylifestylenetwork.com/legends-old-red-cloud/

Hear the full story on what happens in this episode of Red Cloud’s War: Warning Signs.

To find out how this story begins, make sure to check out Episode 1 on Legends of the Old West Podcast, or listen & subscribe on your favorite podcast app.

Visit Black Barrel Media ( https://www.blackbarrelmedia.com/podcasts ) to discover their new series “Infamous America.” Their new podcast series explores the wildest and darkest chapters of American history. Season One features the tale of the Salem witch trials.

Now playing: Season Four — RED CLOUD’S WAR

February 25th through March 17th, come celebrate a one-of-a-kind rodeo experience in the heart of Houston, Texas. When you’re finished visiting the Space Center, Houston Zoo, and Houston Museum of Natural Science, make your way down to the NRG Park for a peek into the wild west at The 2019 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

Since 1932, The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo has provided the best-of-the-best for its rodeo and livestock show fans. Born from the common goal of seven men, preserving Texas’ cattle industry along the Gulf Coast, the first Houston Fat Stock Show and Livestock Exposition was held at the Democratic Convention Hall. As demand, popularity and the need for a new location grew, the event was moved to the Sam Houston Coliseum and the addition of the rodeo, downtown parade, and horseshow took place.

After becoming a PRCA sanctioned rodeo in 1954, Houston’s favorite event was in for even bigger changes. With an official name change to The Houston Stock Show & Rodeo in 1961, a new era was dawning for the event, marked by their move to the Houston Astrodome. Popularity only grew and grew and in 2002 the event moved to its current home, the NRG Stadium. Throughout the years as names, locations, and events changed, many common goals remained, one of them being, honoring the past, present, and future of Texas’ western heritage.

With a total of 21 action-packed days, there is an abundance of activities to attend and choose from. From the rodeo to carnival, to a Bar-B-Que contest, various concerts, parade, trail rides, wine show and auction, livestock and horseshows, petting zoos, and more, the list goes on and on! For a full schedule of events visit the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo website, here!

From the King of Rock n’ Roll, Elvis Presley to the King of Country, George Strait, The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo has seen its fair share of musical royalty. Whether you are there for the rodeo action or the singers on stage, there is something for the entire family to enjoy.

When it comes to rodeo action, check out the 19-day long Super Series competition as the best-of-best rodeo athletes compete in bareback riding, saddle bronc, bull riding, steer wrestling, tie down roping, team roping, and barrel racing. With $50,000 awarded to the winner of each event, round winnings, custom saddle, and belt buckle, the stakes are high. The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Super Series will feature some of the world’s most famous rodeo athletes such as Trevor Brazile, Sherry Cervi, and Tuf Cooper.

Separate from the Super Series is the one-day Super Shootout on March 9th. By invitation only, athletes compete individually as well as in teams from renowned rodeos across America. Competing in barrel racing, saddle bronc, bull riding, and steer wrestling, athletes duke it out for the individual grand prize of $25,000. Teams have the chance to win $12,500. Teams include The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Rodeo Austin, The Calgary Stampede, The San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, The Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo, The National Western Stock Show, The San Angelo Stock Show & Rodeo, and the Days of ’47 Cowboy Games & Rodeo.

Apart from preserving the western heritage of Texas, The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo also plays an integral role in community betterment. With a total of over 2 million people visiting the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo each year and more than 47,000 members making it a reality each year, the ability to give back to the communities of Texas is tremendous. Since 1932, the rodeo has been able to provide more than $475 million to students in the form of scholarships, grants, educational programs, and more.

Not only has the event made an impact in the classroom, but also in the workforce. Dr. Barton Smith, Ph.D. Professor of Economics from the University of Houston states, “While the primary benefit of the Rodeo is the unparalleled entertainment opportunities it provides the region and the large distribution of charitable giving, the Rodeo also provides a bonus economic stimulus to the overall economy that is significant. This stimulus is almost certainly greater than any other sports or arts production in Houston and is comparable to the presence of a major economic base corporation with local employment in excess of 3,000 employees” For more details on this economic study, click here.  

Their mission statement says it, committed to heritage, community, education, and preservation, The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is ready for another successful year of action.

“The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™ promotes agriculture by hosting an annual, family-friendly experience that educates and entertains the public, supports Texas youth, showcases Western heritage and provides year-round educational support within the community.”

Make sure to visit www.rodeohouston.com to keep up to date and purchase your tickets for this year’s festivities. Join in the fun as we here at Cowboy Lifestyle Network celebrate the 2019 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo this February 25th through March 17th!

 

For all you rodeo junkies out there who are needing that little bit of cowboy wisdom from a pro. Look no further, this past week I had the opportunity to sit down and talk with Rube Woolsey, Clay Cooper O’Brien and Brock Hanson. All of whom are past and present pro rodeo competitors, I was able to ask them a few questions based on what they would say to their younger selves, as well as what advice they would give to this upcoming generation of rodeo athletes.

Here is a brief bio of each man:

Rube Woolsey, was born and raised in Dewey, Arizona where he started his career as a young athlete going to all the high school/college rodeos. When he turned 18 he was eligible for his PRCA permit and decided to hit the rodeo trail. Only 5 years into his career he qualified for the NFR (1992,93,95 & 97) as well as receiving one of his biggest wins as the 1995 BFI Champion and winning the 1993 GSTRC with Kory Koontz. Now Woolsey is currently a team roping instructor and owner of the Walking N Arena in Casa Grande, Arizona.

Clay Cooper O’Brien (aka the Champ) was raised in California until the age of 16. A few years later he got his PRCA card and became one of the best team ropers of all time! O’Brien went on to win the American, as said in the interview that it was one of his greatest wins. He is currently still on the rodeo road and enjoying his time with his family.

Brock Hanson, born and raised in Montrose, Colorado; received his PRCA permit when he was 18 years old and never looked back. At the age of 27 he qualified for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, heading for Ryan Motes and was able to win the first round. Hanson mentions that winning the first round was a very comforting feeling knowing that he at least had one big win under his belt. Beside making it to his first NFR, another one of his most prized accomplishments was tying the world record with a 3.3 at one of the Pro Rodeos. He is currently still on the rodeo rode with his family, hoping to qualify for another year at the Wrangler NFR but this time as a heeler.

After gaining a little insight about each competitor I jumped right into asking them a series of questions relating to their careers and advice they would give to the younger ages. One of the questions asked was in relation to giving advice to their younger selves. Woolsey’s response was “ to buy more horses”. Although it was a very good response, Hanson’s was more realistic to the younger ages. He says to get an education and make school a priority, rodeo will always be there. But in the long run you should get an education you can fall back on.

 

What advice or piece of wisdom would you give to the future generation of rodeo athletes? O’Brien says that he would tell them to work hard and keep things in perspective, try to stay grounded in what important such as family and friends. Woolsey advice on this question was spot on “Gotta learn how to save your money when you’re winning for the times your not.” I think anyone who has ever entered any rodeo or jackpot can relate to this answer. Rodeo is an easy way to make a hard living. Check out the video below on how Brock prepares for a roping or a rodeo. 

Although the questions I asked were the same, each answer was unique in its own way. All three gentleman had a different story for every question but they were all linked back to one main thing and that was their love for the sport of rodeo.

Arena lights shimmer as they reflect off outfits adorned with rhinestones, beautifully curled hair flows in the wind as a bright smile welcomes rodeo fans. She rides with poise, confidence, and an unmistakable crown sitting upon her head. Traveling from rodeo to rodeo across her state and beyond, she takes delight in the public appearances she makes. Her passions lie in the rodeo arena and beyond. As a spokeswoman of rodeo, she takes pride in engaging audiences, educating communities, and serving the western heritage and lifestyle that makes her favorite sport of rodeo, a reality. She is a rodeo queen.

For many young women, the prospect of becoming a rodeo queen is a dream come true. It is the chance to give back to their community, to develop personal skills such as public speaking, the chance to travel, to meet new people, and let’s face it, an opportunity to wear beautiful outfits and ride gorgeous horses! While the glitz and glamour often make the first impression, it is the hard-work, dedication, and elbow-grease behind the scenes that makes being a rodeo queen such a rewarding and life changing experience.

The ability to work hard for one’s goals teaches lifelong lessons. Many young women competing for rodeo queen titles spend a fair share of their pageant preparation with their noses in textbooks studying rodeo rules, basic veterinary skills, local rodeo and state history, sewing their own pageant outfits and much more. Not to mention the countless hours spent in the arena perfecting their horsemanship skills. Quick as a whip, educated in their craft, and a strong seat in the saddle, girls are ready to take on their titles.

I had the privilege of speaking to one of these dedicated, hardworking young women, the 2018 Gilbert Days Rodeo Queen, Kennadee Riggs. Kennadee states that “the most rewarding part of being a rodeo queen has been learning through experience. From speaking at events to teaching elementary schools about the western way of life, each opportunity has been a thread that contributes to an intricate tapestry of knowledge.” Kennadee shares that she has “gained a new appreciation for the invisible hand in the arena. Working behind the production of a rodeo truly opens your eyes to vital details that once appeared small.”

Once crowned, rodeo queens partake in the journey of a lifetime, however the hard work doesn’t cease. Early mornings, late nights, mucking stalls, hauling feed, water, stall shavings, and horses is the daily schedule for a rodeo queen. That is in addition to parades, rodeos, community appearances, rodeo committee meetings, town council meetings, and school visits. The show must go on rain or shine.

Balancing schedules between their academic life and rodeo responsibilities can become quite the extravaganza. It is not uncommon to find rodeo queens working, attending school full-time, participating in a variety of extracurricular activities all while maintaining their responsibilities as a rodeo queen. It is this dedication to their academic and rodeo career that has created a path of success for many young women after they hand down their crown to the next rodeo queen.

When asked how Kennadee worked around her busy schedule she shared,

“I have spent my senior year of high school balancing life’s extremities with a rodeo queen schedule. At times, it can be easy to feel like I am spread too thin! But I wouldn’t trade it for the world. I’ve been blessed with the opportunities to be a part of various sports and clubs while holding a rodeo queen title.”

While the hours are long and the work is tough, rodeo queens see it as an honor to have such a myriad of responsibilities. Kennadee continues,

“the skills I’ve been able to develop through these experiences are un-exchangeable. The biggest thing I’ve come to realize is as I prioritized service and turning outward to others, everything else would fall into place. It’s something I can’t explain but it has been my saving grace while juggling a full schedule.”

To the future generation of rodeo queens, Kennadee hopes you “keep your head up high and your standards higher! Work hard and go for it. Of all the activities and sports I’ve been a part of, being a rodeo queen has been by far the most rewarding. Remember, the most important part of a rodeo queen is her spirit. Through life’s trials and adversity, keep a smile on your face and stay tough. But above all, be kind. You can truly see a light in the eye of a girl who genuinely loves others.

Constantly in the public eye and as an ambassador to the sport of rodeo and role models to the next generation of young cowgirls and cowboys, rodeo queens are far more than pretty faces. Equal parts thoughtful as they are tough, rodeo queens are ready to take on any task. Whether faced with an excited horse in the arena, the hustle and bustle at the arena gate, crowded and loud parades and social gatherings, it is the confidence, poise, and professionalism in and out of the arena that allow rodeo queens to stand out.