Loops-May 2011

May 2011 • Vol. 14 #5 • $3.00

The Official Publication of the

ALSO INSIDE

KING ROPES Poly-Grass Ropes are Back

VSA IN HOUSE PROOF CRX’D

“When you're buying calves that weigh under 200 pounds,you better have a feed that they want to eat and goes towork quickly. Precision Calf Feeds is the answer for me.”

Lanham Mangold Owner/operator of USCRA and L&M Cattle Co.

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No Doctoring. . . No Gathering. . . No Mortality Loss. . . No Feeding!!!

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LOOPS MAGAZINE10601 Lomas Blvd. NE, Suite 106

Albuquerque, NM 87112

Advertising or Editorial:505/899-1870 fax: 505/792-5678

Produced and published by USCRAEDITORIAL & ADVERTISING

Editor: Ryan DavisAssistant Editor: Tracy Mangold

[email protected] Manager &

Event Advertising: John EnglishAdvertising Representative:

Elizabeth DominickCustomer Service Representative:

Jules Price

CIRCULATION & PRODUCTIONArt Director: Marcia Rackstraw

Production Coordinator: Doug PurdyAdvertising Graphics: Violet Sue AndersonAdministrative Assistant: Kathy Williams

May 2011 / Vol.14, No.5LOOPS Magazine (USPS No. 019674)

is pub lished monthly by Western Sports Publishing, Inc.,

10601 Lomas Blvd. NE, Suite 106Albuquerque, NM 87112

Subscription price: 1 yr. - $24. PERIODICALS Postage Paid at Giddings,

Texas and additional entries.

Material may not be used without permission from the publisher.

Deadline for editorial and advertising is the 10th of the month,

one month preceding issue date. Advertising rates on request.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to:USCRA, P.O. Box 690, Giddings, Texas 78942

www.loopsmagazine.com

Advertising claims are the sole responsibility of the advertiser, not Loops Magazine.

DEPARTMENTS

5 In the Books

12 USCRA Insider

14 2011 USCRA Schedule

22 Down the Line with Stran Smith

23 Lonestar Cowboy Church

25 Out My Window

COVER PHOTO: Six Head at Salado Breakaway Champion, Lauren BanePHOTO COURTESY OF PHOTOS BY RUSTY

UNITED STATES CALF ROPERS ASSOCIATIONP.O. Box 690, Giddings, Texas 78942979.542.1239 fax 979.542.0170

www.USCRA.com

Calf RopingNews Acrossthe NationLoops is the only magazine dedicated to calf roping.

Each month, it features stories on current and past champion calf

ropers, tips to help you with your roping,

entertaining articles on the sport and news on calf roping events across the United States.Call to subscribe or advertise

505.899.1870

12 Issues Per Yearfor Only $24

Mail to:Western Sports

Publishing2340 Menaul NE

Suite 400Albuquerque, NM 87107

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Or check payable to Loops Magazine

6 USCRA Six Head at Salado

9 Roping Fans Team with Sponsors to Raise Money for Multiple Sclerosis

24 King Ropes - Poly-Grass are Back!

LOOPS MAGAZINE • 5

Each month, Loops will print a list of ropers who have won Showdown positions in the past month. This report reflects the ropers who have won a Showdown position from March 20, 2011 through April 20, 2011. For a complete listing of all Showdown positions, please go to www.uscra.com.

EECalvin Steen Hawley, TXEddie Armstrong Henderson, TX

00Ronnie Williams Huntsville, TXDoug Hough Giddings, TX

#1Neil Dove Stephenville, TXDave Laster Alvarado, TX

#2Reno Gonzales Magnolia, TXTravis Hill Rosanky, TX

BreakawayLauren Bane Caldwell, TXWyn D’ Lee Roberts Hawly, TX

Open Cody Quaney Weatherford, OKClay Long Midlothian, TX

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6 • MAY 2011

or the first time since theUSCRA started in 1996, Salado,

Texas was the host for a USCRAcalf roping. If you have never beento the Wildfire arena in Salado,then you have missed out becauseit is an outstanding facility. It hasit all, parking, stalls, hook-ups,clean facilities, and location.

The #1 roping was the ropingof the weekend. There were 39ropers competing for the addedmoney and the Wild West buckle.Neil Dove stopped the clock on 6

head of stock in 72.49 secondsand was the high money winnerof the weekend, with $2,970. Thethree short-round format kept theroping exciting for ropers andspectators. Neil won or placed inthree out of the six rounds.

The 00 roping was also a sixhead roping and before it was allover the lead in the averagechanged hands several times.When it came down to the finishline there were only four veteransthat could say they had tied down

EE Champion, Calvin Steen

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six head of calves. With an 86.03on six head, Ronnie Williams wasthe winner of the Six Head atSalado 00 roping. That’s not thefirst time he has roped six in arow and even though he neverplaced in a round Ronnie won$975 for his efforts.

In the EE roping, witnesseswatched a roper win his firstbuckle and the most money hehad ever won at one roping.Calvin Steen won $1,140 by tying4 Calves in 60.59 seconds. Theexcitement that Calvin expressedafter the roping was priceless.This was a big win for Calvin andwe are all glad that the USCRAwas a part of it.

Arguably the most competitiveroping of the weekend was the #2roping. There were 5 roperswithin 3 seconds of each othergoing into their 4th calf. Ryan

Brockenbush came up with therun he needed in the final roundto take the win. His time of 44.37on four head was good enough towin one round as well as theaverage and take home $1,005.

Honorable mention goes out toLauren Bane and Cody Quaney forwinning the breakaway and theOpen roping showdown positionsat the event in Salado.

00 Champion, Ronnie Williams

#1 Champion, Neil Dove

8 • MAY 2011

#2 Champion, Ryan Brockenbush Breakaway Champion, Lauren Bane

EE RopingFirst Go1. Jerome Klawinsky (EE), Richards, TX, 12.54,$410; 2. Troy Carr (EE), Houston, TX, 14.98, $275Second Go1. Calvin Steen (EE), Hawley, TX, 12.04, $410; 2. Cloys Warren (EE), Sante Fe, TX, 13.12, $275Third Go1. Dakota Felton (EE), Mt Home, TX, 10.13, $410;2. Bob Haygood (EE), Hockley, TX, 11.71, $275Fourth Go1. Rex Sandifer (EE), Elgin, TX, 11.65, $410; 2. Jack Crow (EE), Runge, TX, 12.33, $275Average1. Calvin Steen (EE), Hawley, TX, 60.59/4hd.,$730; 2. Eddie Armstrong (EE), Henderson, TX,74.21/4hd., $640; 3. Colton Williams (EE), Waco,TX, 44.66/3hd., $460

00 RopingFirst Go1. Danny Stephens (00), Bay City, TX, 10.7, $365; 2.Andy Davis (00), Mountain View, OK, 11.64, $320; 3.Russell Moore (00), New Braunsfels, TX, 12.03, $230Second Go1. Ruben Wood (00), Cameron, TX, 10.12, $365; 2. Frank Meehan (00), Beaumont, TX, 10.43, $320;3. Freddy Vest (00), Pilot Point, TX, 11.37, $230Third Go1. Don Sims (00), Dublin, TX, 11.25, $365; 2. Randy Stone (00), Stephenville, TX, 11.27, $320; 3. Steve Kolle (EE), Iwez,, 11.65, $230Fourth Go1. Ben Dale (00), Weatherford, TX, 9.71, $305Fifth Go1. Andy Davis (00), Mountain View, OK, 9.84, $305

Short Go1. Randy Stone (00), Stephenville, TX, 9.72,$305Average1. Ronnie Williams (00), Huntsville, TX,86.03/6hd., $975; 2. Doug Hough (00),Giddings, TX, 89.20/6hd., $730; 3. Steve Kolle(EE), Iwez,, 90.77/6hd., $490; 4. Larry Menley,Llano, TX, 00.09/6hd., $245

1 RopingFirst Go1. Kyle Rothlisberger, Bandera, TX, 12.1, $570;2. John Tibbets, Rising Star, TX, 12.19, $500; 3. Dave Laster, Alvarado, TX, 12.23, $355Second Go1. Westyn Hughes, Caldwell, TX, 9.85, $570; 2. David Porter, Leesville, LA, 11.76, $500; 3. Mark Langevin, Weatherford, TX, 11.78, $355Third Go1. Coley Salge, Lockhart, TX, 8.38, $570; 2. Neil Dove, Stephenville, TX, 9.41, $500; 3. Justin Locock, Hico, TX, 10.4, $175; 4. ChanceTuggle, Wylie, TX, 10.4, $175Fourth Go1. Neil Dove, Stephenville, TX, 9.87, $475Fifth Go1. Mark Langevin, Weatherford, TX, 9.39, $475Short Go1. Neil Dove, Stephenville, TX, 11.31, $475Average1. Neil Dove, Stephenville, TX, 72.49/6hd.,$1,520; 2. Dave Laster, Alvarado, TX,81.72/6hd., $1,140; 3. Mark Langevin,Weatherford, TX, 83.67/6hd., $760; 4. WestynHughes, Caldwell, TX, 86.81/6hd., $380

2 Roping First Go1. Ryan Brockenbush, Lexington, TX, 10.07,275; 2. Shawn Felton, Dublin, TX, 10.44, 180Second Go1. Travis Hill, Rosanky, TX, 10.24, 275; 2. MikeArnold, Huntsville, TX, 10.28, 180Third Go1. Ethan Hill, So. Coffeyville, OK, 9.28, 275;2. Travis Hill, Rosanky, TX, 10.18, 180Fourth Go1. Neal Felton, Mt Home, TX, 9.04, 275; 2.Jacob Smith, Abilene, TX, 9.61, 180Average1. Ryan Brockenbush, Lexington, TX,44.37/4hd., 730; 2. Shawn Felton, Dublin, TX,45.41/4hd., 490

BA RopingFirst Go1. Wyn D’ Lee Roberts, Hawly, TX, 3.28, $100;Second Go1. Lauren Bane, Caldwell, TX, 2.4, $100Third Go1. Lauren Bane, Caldwell, TX, 3.5, $100Average1. Lauren Bane, Caldwell, TX, 05.90/2hd.,$275

OpenFirst Go1. Clay Long. Midlothian, TX ,10.54Second Go1. George Rowland. Paradise, TX, 8.45Average1. Cody Quaney, Weatherford, OK, 19.70/2


Namgis Quarter Horses andRanchForeman, Ltd. have joined

forces once again with the SouthTexans Against Multiple Sclerosis, Inc.(STAMSI) to raise funds for multiplesclerosis (MS) research through aninvitational fundraiser tiedown roping.The 1 p.m. event will host 40 - 50 calfropers on May 15, 2011. The Namgisfacility is located on 5101 FM 462South in Hondo, Texas.This marks the second year for the

fundraiser. Last year’s event raisedover $28,000 for MS research andpatient services while paying out over$31,000 to the competing cowboys.Seventy-five National Finals Rodeo(NFR) qualifications were representedby the entered ropers. The cowboyswill again compete for over $30,000 incash and prizes that include $12,000added money, a custom tooled trophysaddle by Cactus Saddlery, and troplybuckle by Montana Silversmiths. Thisyear’s entries include professionalcowboys such as Fred Whitfield,Monty Lewis, and Justin Maass.“Being involved with a first-year

event that enjoys that kind of successis such a blessing,” said JamesO’Brien, founder of RanchForeman,Ltd. “It requires a supportivecommunity, engaged sponsors andhigh quality ropers. We werefortunate enough to have all three. It’sgreat to support a cause every nowand then, but it’s better to do it whileyou’re watching a great roping, ”O’Brien said with a smile.Stan Sigman, founder of Namgis

Quarter Horses and former CEO ofAT&T Mobility, has a passion forhorses, roping and good causes. Afterthe success of last year’s event, hewanted to again team up with theowners of RanchForeman, Ltd., ahorse business innovation company,to produce an event even greater thanthe last.“Last year’s event met and exceeded

our expectations,” Sigman said. “Wewant to improve each year for thecontestants, the fans and the cause.”Sigman talked about the great

ropings around Texas and hopes tomake this event into a destinationcaliber event.

“South Texas needs a good tiedownroping,” Sigman said. “You hear aboutthe Spicer Grip Memorial, the WindyRyon Memorial and San AngeloRoping Fiesta. We are establishing thatlevel of success with the NamgisInvitational in an effort to provide apremium offering for roping fansdown here in God’s Country.”The cowboys will compete in two

rounds with the top ten fastestaverage times advancing to a finalround. While the cowboys willcompete for prizes & money, CowboySponsors of the event will becompeting too. Each Cowboy Sponsorwill be paired with a cowboy whomade it to the final round. That roperwill represent the sponsor as theyrope their final calf.The sponsors also have a shot at

taking home prizes if their roper wins.Sponsor prizes include a MontanaSilversmiths trophy buckle thatmatches the finals champion buckleand a fully tooled Cactus Saddlerybriefcase that matches the averagewinner’s trophy saddle.“Great sponsors are key to the

success of an event,” O’Brien said.“Frankly, the Cowboy Sponsorship wasa difficult sell last year because it wassuch a new concept. No event offeredthat level of participation for a sponsor.However, we received fantasticfeedback. It provides so much exposureand is just great fun competing throughtheir cowboy. I heard them say that it’sthe next best thing to actually being inthe arena roping.”We want to thank those great

sponsors that include Namgis QuarterHorses, RanchForeman, McCoys,Ranch at the Rim, Bisset RanchPartnership, The Koehler Company,Morgan O’Brien Ranch, RangelFoundations, Alamo Area VeterinaryClinic, Hondo National Bank, TexasAg Finance, D&D Services, Lyssy &Eckel Feeds, Mumme’s Inc, HermannSons, Blue Sky, and Agri-Insurance.Additional funds will be raised

from the Saturday night CharityCalcutta which begins at 6:00 p.m.,where each cowboy will be sold inauction-style, allowing the winningbidder to win money if their

purchased cowboy wins money in theSunday roping. Monies usuallydesignated for the ‘house’ go insteadto the charity. The Sunday eventbegins with Cowboy Church at 9:00,which will be open to the public andall are invited to attend.Gates will remain open until 10:00

Sunday morning.Tickets will be sold at $50 per

person in advance and at the gate(after 10:00 a.m.).Ticket purchases are tax deductible

and contribute to the money raised.STAMSI is a non-profit, 501(c)(3)

organization dedicated to improvingthe lives of people affected by MS.The Namgis Premier is its largestfundraiser, and funds raised aredistributed to the Multiple SclerosisCenter of South Texas and theNational Multiple Sclerosis Society.“MS research and patient services

in South Texas are very important toits residents,” said Tonni O’Brien,president of STAMSI and a MS patientherself. “It has been humbling to seethe amount of support that we getfrom the city of Hondo and thesurrounding San Antonio area. A bigthank you to those involved! Wecouldn’t do it without you.”MS is a chronic, often disabling

disease that attacks the centralnervous system (CNS), which is madeup of the brain, spinal cord, and opticnerves. In the United States today,there are approximately 400,000people with multiple sclerosis (MS)—with 200 more people diagnosedevery week. Worldwide, MS isthought to affect more than 2.5million people. While the disease isnot contagious or directly inherited,epidemiologists—the scientists whostudy patterns of disease—haveidentified factors in the distribution ofMS around the world that mayeventually help determine whatcauses the disease. K

To make a donation to the event, contactSTAMSI at (210) 286-6281. To purchasetickets to the event, contact the HondoChamber of Commerce at (830) 426-3037.For more information, visitwww.NamgisQuarterHorses.com/premier.

Roping Fans Team with Sponsors to RaiseMoney for Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

San Antonio, TX, April 11, 2011

How To Improve Your

Fuel Economy

10 • MAY 2011

here is little doubt those whorope or rodeo are becoming

discouraged as they roll up to the fuelpump. $4 plus fuel prices put a damperon events as ropers dig deep into theirpockets just to attend events, and inmany ways may take entries awayfrom those who just can’t afford to go.As fuel prices begin to reach yet againrecord highs, many are looking forways to make changes to produce bigimprovements in their MPG!There are two variables that make

a difference to your vehicles fueleconomy, driving habits, and vehiclemaintenance/repair/upgrades. Lookahead at the followingrecommendations that can help yousave a dollar or two at the pump this summer!

Driving Habits1. Anticipate, coast, and use yourbrakes less. Anticipate stops orslow-downs ahead and take yourfoot off the gas: try to coast muchmore than you brake. Anyadditional distance you coast willsave fuel and extend your brake-pad life.

2. Don’t accelerate quickly.Accelerating at about 1/4 throttlewill be slower than you’re used to,but it saves a lot of fuel. Whetheryou’re driving an automatic ormanual, this will tend to shift up tohigher gears at slower speeds,turning fewer engine revolutions.

3. Minimize idling, and idle smart:Engines only need 10 to 30 secondsfor warm-up, and idling yourengine for more than a minutetypically costs more fuel than re-starting it. So avoid the drive-thrulines at the bank and the fast-food

shop: instead ofsitting in line,park and goinside. However,when you must idlewith an automatictransmission, put thetransmission in Neutral orPark while you’re waiting: this willcut your fuel usage at idle by 15-35% depending on the vehicle.

4. Use Cruise Control. It’s proven tosave fuel.

5. Overdrive and gear selection. If youhave an automatic with Overdrive,use the Overdrive. If you have amanual transmission, shift early tokeep engine rpm’s lower and besure to use the highest gear forhighway cruising.

6. Slow down. As you increase speedabove 60 mph, wind resistancestarts increasing dramatically as apercentage of total fuelconsumption. Estimates are thatevery mile over 60 mph costs you1% in fuel economy.

7. Watch your tire choice. Replacingyour tires/wheels with widerand/or taller ones may lookawesome, but keep in mind thatyour choice could have a 1 to 3%penalty in fuel economy.

8. Carefully consider your route andthe time of day. Stop-and-go trafficcan be a nightmare for better fueleconomy. On the other extreme, ifthe traffic is moving smoothly andfast (at 60 - 80 mph), your fueleconomy is going to be muchbetter. For maximum fuel economy,follow a larger vehicle and use yourcruise control.

9. Plan and Combine errands to makefewer trips. Think like your great-

grandparents did. Plan meals andgrocery shop once a week or twicea month; just make a list of othererrands during the week, plan yourroute, and do it all on the same day.

10. Drive first to your furthestdestination of the day. Whenrunning errands, driving to yourfarthest point first will warm upyour vehicle’s engine andtransmission most quickly, whichallows it to operate with moreefficiency during the rest of your stops.

11. Clear off the snow and ice. Snowand ice buildup costs you fuel intwo important ways: it increasesyour vehicle’s wind resistance, andit adds a lot of weight.

12. Use an engine block heater. Whenyour engine warms up morequickly, it gets efficient morequickly. But “idling” your engine isan expensive way to warm it up inthe winter. Instead, have an engineblock heater installed and plug itinto a hardware-store timer.Depending on the enginetemperature, 1 to 3 hours on thetimer will give you an optimalboost for your fuel economy.

13. Use air conditioning wisely. In citydriving, it’s cheaper to use thevents and/or roll the windowsdown. But at highway speeds, it’s a

T

different story: rolling the windowsdown will cost you more fuel thanusing the air conditioner. Inaddition, try to remember to shutoff the A/C before you get to yourdestination. These factors canaffect fuel economy by 1-5%.

14. Drive in style - tint your windows.Window tinting offers both privacyand “coolness”, by reducing theload on your Air Conditioner.

15. Close passenger air vents. If yourvehicle is a commuter rather than afamily car, you don’t need to becooling your entire car interior.

16. Buy fuel wisely. Ok, this isn’tactually improving your fueleconomy, but there are severalthings to save money on: Filling upon Tuesday afternoon orWednesday morning will normallysave you money. Those are typicallythe lowest prices of the week. Also,filling up in the morning when thefuel pump is cooler will get you afew extra cents of fuel. So your besttime to fill up is - on average -Wednesday morning. Don’t “topoff” your tank: you risk losing fuelto the station’s vapor-recoverysystem, giving them back some ofwhat you’re paying for.

17. Use a good fuel additive. Injectorswith excessive deposits have poorspray patterns that can cost you 2to 15% in fuel economy. Thosedeposits are caused by poor qualityfuel. Find a good fuel additive thatwill clean your injectors, keep themclean, and (for diesels) lubricateyour fuel pump.

18. Lose some weight! Reduce yourvehicle’s weight: clean out bed ofyour truck. For every 200 poundsof extra wheight, it costs youroughly 1 mpg.

19. Park in the Shade: The hotter thefuel tank gets, the more gas you loseto evaporation. Additionally, mostof your savings from shade parkingwill come from the air conditionernot having to work as long to cooloff your car’s interior. Also, If youcrack your windows a bit and use asunshade in the front windshield,you’ll not only sweat less, but you’llsave money from your A/C nothaving to work as hard.

20. Keep a log of your mileage andfuel. This helps you monitor yourfuel economy and driving habits.Not only can you learn the costbenefits of changing your drivingstyle, but you can spot the poorfuel economy that is often a first-alert to maintenance issues.

21. Use your Fuel Economy display.These prominently display theinstantaneous fuel economy. Manydrivers have noted that this resultsin developing more frugal andsedate driving habits.

Vehicle Maintenance/Repair/Upgrades

These all fall into two general waysto improve fuel economy—decreasefriction in the vehicle’s drivetrain andmake it easier for air to flow throughthe engine, anywhere between the airintake and the exhaust tailpipe. 1. Keep your engine tuned up. If you

have a dashboard service-enginelight on, you’re typically wastingfuel. Overall, poor engine tuningand lack of maintenance willoften decrease fuel economy by10-20%, and it can be even worsein some cases.

2. Inflate your tires to their optimum,“higher” pressures than “normal”.Besides improving fuel economy,this will improve handling, increasesafety, and increase tire life. Under-inflated tires can lower gas mileageby 0.4 percent for every 1 psi dropin pressure of all four tires.

3. Switch to best-quality syntheticoils and filters throughout yourdrivetrain: engine oil, transmissionfluid, differential gear oil and wheelbearing grease.

4. Improve airflow around yourvehicle:• Consider adding a truck bedcover: they can give you a 1 to 2mpg boost.

• Reduce air turbulence under yourvehicle: “Off-road” packageswhich include protectiveunderbody “skid plate” features,or “ground effects” stylingpackages can help enough to add1-5% in fuel economy.

• Adding an air deflector to theroof of your vehicle when towing

will also add 1 to 3 mpg, butkeep in mind that it will alsoreduce your non-towing fueleconomy by about the sameamount if it’s still on the vehiclewhen you’re not towing.

• Loaded roof racks or cargo podscan cut 5% or more off your fueleconomy. Fill the trunk first. Acargo rack that slides into atrailer hitch allows you to carryextra stuff, still get into yourtrunk, and use less fuel.

• Sunroof air-deflectors can behandy, but they do cost you a bitof money. Removing the airdeflector might save 1/4 to 3/4%in fuel economy.

5. Improve airflow into the engine.This can happen in several stages ofincreasing complexity, but the firstplace is the air filter. If your filter isdirty, that reduces fuel economy -up to 10%. However, there’s aconflicting problem. Conventionalfilters should NOT be replacedbefore the OEM’s recommendedinterval or they will increase yourengine wear rate: they rely on the“dust cake” buildup to achieveeffective filtration, which can reducefuel economy.

6. Improve airflow out of the engine:Install an aftermarket exhaustsystem. These have larger diameterpipes and larger, less restrictivemufflers. This helps to reduce“backpressure” losses which cutdown on horsepower, torque andfuel-economy. Keep in mind that onturbo-charged engines, anything youdo to improve flow (reducebackpressure) through the exhaustsystem will pay rewards in increasedturbo pressure, faster spool-up, andof course, better fuel economy.

7. Watch your transmission modes.Use overdrive when possible.Don’t use 4-wheel drive whenyou don’t need it. And whenbuying a new vehicle, consideryour driving conditions andhabits: if 4WD is important toyou, you might want to considerAWD (All Wheel Drive) optionsfor improved safety and automaticfuel-economy management of thedrive system. K


12 • MAY 2011

Tiedown and Women’sOpen BreakawayMembership $100(Members from states otherthan Texas, Oklahoma,Louisiana, and New Mexico are $75)

A USCRA membership allows ropers to compete at all regular USCRA ropings and gives ropers theopportunity to compete at the year endSemi-Finals and Showdown Finals. Aroper that wins first or second in theAverage at a USCRA roping earns ashowdown position to rope at the2011 Showdown Finals. TheShowdown Finals will host ropings inthe EE, 00 #1, #2, Open, and Women’sOpen Breakaway divisions. Addedmoney will be collected from entryfees at all USCRA produced ropings for the Showdown Finals.

AttentionOpen Ropers and Open Breakaway Ropers

Open Tiedown - One dollar per roper from the stockcontractor and one dollar per roper from the USCRA producerwill be collected for every roper in the EE, 00, #1 and #2throughout the season This money will be added to the OpenShowdown Finals. The added money collected does not comefrom the EE, 00, #1, and #2 pot. This money is coming out of he stock contractor and producer’s pocket.

Women’s Open Breakaway - One dollar per roper from thestock contractor and one dollar per roper from the USCRAproducer will be collected for every roper in the breakawayroping throughout the season. This money will be added to the Women’s Open Breakaway Showdown Finals.

2011 Membership Types

Attention #2 Ropers Changes for the 2011 Season

Ropers 40 years of age and older that have not been in the top50 final standings of the PRCA for the last 4 years, are eligible torope in the #2 roping. Age is as of December 31, 2011.

K EE and OO PenaltyIn the EE and 00 roping it is only aone-second penalty for not gettingyour calf up.

K Just Catchem4 out of the 6 EE ropings this year,if you caught all of your calves,you automatically placed in theaverage.

K Mo Betta CancelledThe Mo Betta roping in OklahomaMay 13-15 has been cancelled.

K W.E.B. MemorialW.E.B. Memorial Calf Ropingin Denton, TX July 16 & 17th2011. Trophy Saddle to thehigh money winner of any 1roping. $1000 Added to theEE, 00, and #1. Buckle to theaverage winner of each roping.

K Payment SystemThere will no longer be apayment system for theUSCRA membership cards,starting with the 2011 season.

K Great News!Ropers Forum is back up!

K Firecracker 5-HeaderThe Firecracker 5-Header iscoming up in Stephenville, TX,July 2, 3, & 4, 2011. Tod SloneSaddles to the Average winnersof the EE, 00, #1, and #2 ropings.$500 added to the Open tiedownand the Women’s Breakaway.

K GA Bits and SpursGA bits and spurs (GordyAlderson) is donating a pair ofbits to each roping at the 2011finals.

K USCRA FinalsUSCRA Finals in Stephenville, TXwill be September 15-18, 2011.

Did You Know?


PAYMENT OPTIONS: The USCRA accepts

checks, money orders, or

VISA or Mastercard for

membership dues. Please

make checks or money

orders payable to USCRA

and mail to: PO Box 690,

Giddings, TX 78942. Please

fill out the information below

for credit card payments:Visa-M/C Account Number

_ _ _ _ - _ _ _ _ -

_ _ _ _ - _ _ _ _

Exp. Date _______________

Cardholder Signature

X__________________________

DISCOUNT FAMILY MEMBERSHIP: $50 Tiedown and Breakaway You must fill out a separate membership application for each Family Membership. First family membership is full price; all ad-

ditional family memberships are half price. Family memberships are defined as spouse and/or child 19 years & under or siblings

that are both 19 years of age & under living at home. Family memberships receive one copy of Loops magazine per household.

Additional subscriptions to Loops can be purchased for $24.00. To receive discount all blanks below must be filled out:

DISCLAIMER: The USCRA reserves the right to re-classify or change classification numbers at any given time. I will not hold

USCRA and all those associated with the arena performed in liable for injuries. I understand I am roping at my own risk. Pho-

tographs taken at USCRA events may be used for advertising and promotional purposes. All entry fees are to be paid in cash.

Pay-outs will be in cash.

Please Sign Here: X_________________________________________________ Signature of member or guardian if member is a minor

ROPING SECRETARY USE ONLY Record class. #, date, dues paid, and paid by when application is turned in by roper.

CLASSIFICATION #_______ DATE JOINED__________ DUES PAID $________ PAID BY: Cash Check #______ Credit Card

MAILED_________ NEW CLASS #______ DATE CHANGED _________ NEW CARD MAILED__________ LOCATION JOINED_________

Membership Dues: $100

Tiedown (Classes EE, 00, #1, #2, )

and BWomen's Open reakaway

2011 Memberships are good from

August 1, 2010 – September 1 9, 2011USCRA Membership includes a one-year subscription

to Loops Magazine.

To join, fill out the application & mail to the USCRA office or

you can join on-line at our website at www.uscra.com. Please

print all information completely and legibly; please fill out a

separate form for additional members.

FIRST NAME

LAST NAME

MAILING

ADDRESS

CITY, STATE,

ZIP

EMAIL

ADDRESS

SOCIAL

SECURITY #

BIRTHDATE

WORK #

HOME #

CELL #

Have you been a member of the USCRA? ______Yes ______No

Male Female

Tiedown

Breakaway

United States Calf Ropers Assn PO Box 690, Giddings, Texas 78942 979-542-1239

Current 2010 USCRA Member’s name_________________________ ID #________ Relation to you_________________

Open

2011 Membership ApplicationMembers from states other than Texas,

Oklahoma, Louisiana, and New Mexico are $75

north Texaschampionships

June 11 & 12, 2011Denton, TX • Diamond T Arena

Schedule and FeesSaturday, June 119:00 a.m. #2 - 4 Head for $25011:00 a.m. 00 - 4 Head for $2503:00 p.m. #1 - 4 Head for $250

Sunday, June 129:00 a.m. EE - 4 Head for $25012:00 p.m. Ladies Breakaway -

4 Head for $25012:00 p.m. Open -

4 Head for $250

Run 1st round of Breakaway, then 1st round of Open

and alternate back and forth.

Prizes

WILD WEST BUCKLES to the Average Winners

General Information� GPS Directions:

6900 E. Sherman Dr. Denton, TX

� Arena # 940.484.6101� Stalls and hookups available.

New Members call 979-540-7755 before you haul for classification. For more info: USCRA - Lanham Mangold 979/540-7755

mAy 13-15

**CANCeLLeD**

mo betta

Apache, OK

JuNe 11-12

Denton, TX

JuLy 1-3

Firecracker 5 Header

Stephenville, TX

JuLy 16-17

W.e.b memorial

Denton, TX

August 6-7

Hamilton, TX

August 26-28

Calf Ropers

Reunion

Bryan, TX

septembeR 15-18

USCRA Finals

Stephenville, TX

2011 USCRA Events

2011 USCRASchedule

USCRANational Sponsors

M.A.C. Precision Calf FeedsThe Official Feed of the USCRA“For Maximum Performance”

Made by: Mannsville Ag Center580-371-9588

[email protected]

Stephenville, Texas Chamber of Commerce

The Home of the USCRA FinalsP.O. Box 306,

Stephenville, TX 76401800.658.6490

www.stephenvilletexas.org

Classic EquineThe Official Tack of the USCRA

1301 Weatherford Hwy.Granbury, TX 76048

800.654.7864; www.classicequine.com

Martin SaddleryThe Official Saddle of the USCRA

1301 Weatherford Hwy.Granbury, TX 76048

800.654.7864; www.martinsaddlery.com

Rattler RopesThe Official Rope of the USCRA1301 Weatherford Hwy., Granbury, TX 76048

800.654.7864; www.rattlerrope.com

14 • MAY 2011

Firecracker 5 HeaderJuly 2, 3, & 4, 2011

Stephenville, TX at Lonestar Arena

ScheduleSaturday, July 29:00 a.m. 1st, 2nd, and 3rd rounds of EE1:00. p.m. 1st, 2nd, and 3rd rounds of #1Sunday, July 38:00 a.m. 4th & 5th rounds of the EE10:00 a.m. 4th & 5th rounds of the #112:00 p.m. 1st, 2nd, and 3rd rounds of #22:00 p.m. 1st, 2nd, and 3rd rounds of 00Monday, July 48:00 a.m. 4th & 5th rounds of the #29:00 a.m. 4th & 5th rounds of the 001:00 p.m. Open 4 head

Breakaway 3 headStart with round of the open thenround of Breakaway and alternate back and forth.

FeesEE, 00, #1, and #2 are 5 head for $300Open is 4 head for $300Breakaway is 3 head for $200

PrizesTOD SLONE SADDLES

to the Average winners of EE, 00, #1, and #2 ropings

� $500 Added to the Open� $500 Added to the Women’s Breakaway

Must have 20 ropers entered to add money

General Information� GPS Directions:

4696 N US Hwy 377Stephenville, TX 76401

� Stalls and hookups available. 254/965-7981

For more info: USCRA - Lanham Mangold 979/540-7755


W.E.B.Memorial Calf Roping

July 16 & 17, 2011Denton, TX • Diamond T Arena

Schedule and FeesSaturday, July 169:00 a.m. Breakaway10:00 a.m. EE2:00 p.m. #1 1:00p.m. #1

Sunday, July 179:00 a.m. #211:00 a.m. 002:00 p.m. Open

Fees are 4 Head for $250

General Information� Stalls and Hookups available

940/484-6101� Call 979/540-7755 for

Classification and Info� GPS directions: 6900 E.

Sherman Dr

MATCH ROPING� Trophy Saddle to High Money

winner of any 1 roping. Canonly count 1 roping.

� $1,000 Added to the EE, 00,and #1. Total of $3,000Added Money.

� Buckle to average winners ofeach roping.

16 • MAY2011 CALF ROPINGS & ROPING SCHOOLS

$30,100 Payout

GUARANTEED

Two DayEvent

THREE AGE GROUPSJUNIORS 16 & UNDER30 max Jr. DivisionSENIORS 17 TO 2140 max Sr. DivisionGIRLS BREAKAWAY21 & Under - 30 max contestantsFEES $350 BOYSFEES $250 GIRLSSPECIAL T/R HELPER JACKPOT$100 Entry – Enter 3x max.Heading & Heeling (80% Payback)Must be entered by 9:00 a.m. on SaturdayChurch Service 8:30 a.m. on Sunday

Mail Entry to: CARTER ROBERTSON MJTECAttn: DeLynn Crick11625 Bowden Road Lipan, TX 76462

254/646-6918 - [email protected] For More Information Contact: David Robertson 817/598-6923Dewey Brashear 817/692-3858 Austin Robertson 817/598-6924 Randall Robertson 817/694-2279

CARTER ROBERTSON MEMORIALJR. TIMED EVENT CHAMPIONSHIPS

Saturday & SundayMay 21 & 22 at 10:00 a.m.

NRS Training Facility • Decatur, TexasCheck-In Saturday 8:00 to 9:30 a.m. • Calcutta & Dinner at 6:00 p.m.

TIE DOWN CALF ROPING 2 Runs Per ContestantPRCA Rules. 2 loops. Must carry 2 ropes.

TEAM ROPING-HEADING 2 Runs Per ContestantPRCA Rules. 3 loops. Will head two steer runs with any heeler as long as heeler is in age

bracket of contestant, does not have to be a contestant and can heel for

maximum of 3 contestants (2 runs each). Contestant must list helper at check in.

TEAM ROPING-HEELING 2 Runs Per ContestantPRCA Rules. 3 loops. Will heel two steer runs with any header as long as header is in age

bracket of contestant, does not have to be a contestant and can head

for maximum of 3 contestants (2 runs each). Contestant must list helper at check in.

CHUTE DOGGING 2 Runs Per ContestantNHSRA Rules. Average based on total combined times.

60 second maximum time limit on each run.

GIRLS BREAKAWAY 2 Runs Per ContestantNHSRA Rules. Top 10 short go.

Pre Entries ONLY! Due May 14May 21-1st RD. T/R –HD, T/R –HL, Both RD C/D, 1st RD -C/R • May 22-2nd RD. T/R –HD, T/R –HL, Both RD BAW, 2nd RD -C/R

SENIOR T/E PAY OUT: AVERAGE:

1st $4,000 + Saddle2nd $2,500 + Buckle3rd $1,400 + Breast Collar4th $1,000 + Rope Bag5th $500 + Horse Pad6th $350 + NRS Gift Certificate

GO-ROUNDS:1st $3502nd $150

Go rounds will be paid for fast timesfor both rounds in each event

JUNIOR T/E PAY OUT: AVERAGE:

1st $3,000 + Saddle2nd $1,900 + Buckle3rd $1,000 + Breast Collar4th $750 + Rope Bag5th $350 + Horse Pad

GO-ROUNDS:1st $250 2nd $125

Go rounds will be paid for fast timesfor both rounds in each event

B/A PAY OUT: AVERAGE:

1st $2,350 + Buckle2nd $1,600 + Rope Can3rd $1,000 + Breast Collar4th $550 + Horse Pad

GO-ROUNDS:1st $2002nd $100

Go rounds pay 1st and 2nd for eachround and 1st for the short-go.

Name ____________________________________________________________________________________________

Address __________________________________________________________________________________________

City/State/Zip_____________________________________________________________________________________

Phone: ____________________E-Mail: __________________________ JR BOY _____ SR BOY _____ FEES $350

Can Enter J/P T/R at Check-In on Saturday - FEES $100

GIRLS________FEES $250

TOTAL FEES ____ _______ AGE ON MAY 21, 2011 _____

ENTRY FORM

18 • MAY 2011 CALF ROPINGS & ROPING SCHOOLS

ROYCE KITCHENS MEMORIALCALF ROPING & TEAM ROPING

Diamond S arena • Comanche, TX

MAY 21 - 22, 2011

SATURDAY

9 AM START

“EE” TIEDOWN, 2 ANDSHORT FOR $175“B” BREAKAWAY

3 AND SHORT FOR $150“0” TIEDOWN

2 AND SHORT FOR $175“00” TIEDOWN

2 AND SHORT FOR $175

K PRIZES K

Buckles To Average Winner Of Each DivisionCallaway Donating Rope

To Second Place In The Average

Saddle To High MoneyWinner Of The Weekend

Boots To 2nd High Money Of The Weekend

Donated By Scott’s Westernwear

Buckles & SaddleSponsors

Charlie Seider Family

TEAM ROPING

SATURDAY, MAY 21, 2011 • START 9:00 AM

USTRA #9 • #11 • #15

2 AND SHORT FOR $20 PER MAN - PROGRESSIVE AFTER ONERopings run together - Separate short go’s

K PRIZES K

Sponsored By Terry & Tommy KitchensSaddle To High Money Winner Of The DayBuckles To Average Winner Of Each Roping

INDOOR ARENA

SUNDAY

10 AM START

#1 TIEDOWN, 2 AND SHORT FOR $175

AMATEUR TIEDOWN2 AND SHORT FOR $175

OPEN TIEDOWN2 AND SHORT FOR $175

K CALF ROPERS K

MUST BE A DIAMOND S CALF ROPING ASSOCIATION MEMBER

OR PAY $35 FOR A DAY MEMBERSHIP

OUTDOOR ARENA

JR. CALF

ROPING AND

BREAKAWAY

SUNDAY

10 AM START

BREAKAWAY3 FOR $100

TIEDOWN - 3 FOR $11515 & UNDER12 & UNDER10 & UNDER

age as of January 1, 2011

Buckles To AverageWinners

For more information contact Charlie Seider 325.330.0360 or Terry Kitchens 325.647.8085

www.diamondscalfroping.com

LOOPS MAGAZINE • 19CALF ROPINGS & ROPING SCHOOLS

SixChampionshipTrophy Saddles

2010 Payo

ff

Over $62

,000

WRANGLER Presents

26th Annual

��Two Arena System will be usedFriday 12:00 noon 13-15 TiedownSaturday 9:00 a.m. 12 & Under TiedownSaturday 11:00 a.m. 13-15 BreakawaySunday 9:00 a.m. Cowboy ChurchSunday 10:00 a.m. 19 & Under Girls BreakawaySunday 12:00 noon 12 & Under BreakawayMonday 9:00 a.m. 16-19 Boys Tiedown

Friday, Saturday, Sunday & MondayMay 27-30, 2011

Memorial Day WeekendHardy Murphy Coliseum

Ardmore, Oklahoma

For Entry Blanks # �� #�"��!

��( �%��'��# ��"��

�# � ��"�%��$$$�� &�# ��

ENTRIES CLOSE Postmarked by May 10. Fees must accompanyentry form. Age is as of day of roping.

ROPING FORMAT: 3 head with top 15 back to a Short-go

12 & UnderBreakaway & Tiedown

Fees - $90 for each+ $15 office

19 & UnderGirls Breakaway

Fees - $140+ $15 office

13 - 15Breakaway & Tiedown

Fees - $120 for each+ $15 office

16 - 19Boys Tiedown

Fees - $180+ $15 office

Old Shadows Calf Roping 1/2 horizontal

L

Wendy BallardMemorial Calf RopingSunday, May 29, 2011

��!��%/*� :-1+�<��#%�� -&&21��23-1+�<��#%�� %/*��23-1+�<��&�#%'��#%��

��!��%/*� :-1+�<��#%�� -&&21��23-1+�<��#%�� %/*��23-1+�<��&�#%'��#%��

��$�!��%/*� :-1+�<��#%�� -&&21��23-1+�<��#%�� %/*��23-1+�<��&�#%'��#%��

��

High Money winnerover the 2-day ropingwins 2-Horse CMTrailer with frontdressing room -$5,000 value. 2nd place HighMoney winner - custom saddle -$2000 value.

3rd place - NiceCactus breast collar - $150.

��

�522*�2*�'/%66-*-'%7-21�5)48-5)(��!��!/7-0%7)��)-()5��*�:28�(2�127�,%9)�%�180&)5�'%//�-1�%(9%1')��52(8')5��$%'.��)1/):�� 25��%621��%//%5(��

��"��<�� #��)*��&'�#�� &��#�$�&'��#(� ��#"��!� �� '#�%��'��#��!� �&�'#��"��%��#�%��'��%�"��#"�%��'�

Monday, May 30, 2011 ��!��

��%/*� :-1+�<��#%�� -&&21��23-1+�<��#%�� %/*��23-1+�<��&�#%'��#%��

��$�!��%/*� :-1+�<��#%�� -&&21��23-1+�<��#%�� %/*��23-1+�<��&�#%'��#%��

��$�!��3)1��%/*� :-1+�<��#%�� 3)1��-&&21��23-1+�<��#%�� 3)1��%/*��23-1+�<��&�#%'��#%��

��

�� %(()(�72�'%/*�523-1+�� 72��9)5%+)�-1�)%',�2*� �523-1+6��9)5�� -1�35-;)6�%1(�%(()(021):�(21%7)(��-1'/8(-1+�523)6�675-1+6��0-6'��-7)06�

20 • MAY 2011 CALF ROPINGS & ROPING SCHOOLS

JUNE 4 - 5, 2011 • HAPPY, TEXAS

�� $2,500 ��

9:00 a.m.19 & Under (day of roping)

3-head for $200$1,000 Added ~ Limited to 30

1:00 p.m.Open Calf Roping

3 and a Short for $400Limited to 40 ~ Rope one set of fresh

calves in three roundsBuckles to Average Winner

7:00 p.m.Happy Community Center

Introduction of Steer Ropers

10:00 a.m.Senior Steer Roping

1:00 p.m.Open Steer Roping

3 and a short for $500Limited to 40

Buckles to Average Winner

Saturday, June 4 Calf Roping &Steer Roping

Sunday, June 5

$100 DepositDeposit due May 15, 2010.

No entries will be accepted withoutdeposit. Send deposit to: Happy Rodeo Association

P.O. Box 121Happy, Texas 79042

West Texas Western StoreHappy State Bank

Tulia Livestock AuctionBJM Sales Service

WalcoWells Fargo, Canyon

Lextron

Bill Pearson806.764.3522Trey Johnson806.433.7382

��

��

Sponsors

Information

John WallaceMemorial Calf Roping

Haskell County ArenaHaskell, Texas

Sunday • May 29, 2011

3-Head & Short-Go for $300

Trophy Saddle to Average WinnerCalf Roping starts at 3:00 p.m.

To enter call by 9:00 p.m. on May 24Carl Hopkins 940/864-5299J.W. Wallace 940/864-3509

Limited to 40 ropers

1/2 horizontal

L CR VSA IN HOUSE PROOF CRX’D

TM TM

Early Bird

$175 By6/13/11

Regular Rate $225

Lone Star Cowboy Church Presents

Bull Riding - Barrel Racing - Beginner and Advanced Horsemanship

Team Roping Heading and Heeling - Calf Roping - Breakaway Roping

(936) 597-5742 | facebook.com/RodeoBibleCamp

Battle in the Saddle is back in 2011 with more than

$145,000 in added money!July 5-9, 2011

State Fair Park, Oklahoma City, USA

Enter now at battleinthesaddle.com or call Valerie Smith at (806) 378-4341 for more information!

COWBOY MOUNTED SHOOTING $10,000

BARREL RACING $7,500

ROPING $40,000

WORKING COW HORSE $10,650

RANCH REMUDA $10,000

CUTTING $65,000

VERSATILITY RANCH HORSE & RHAA

$3,000

22 • MAY 2011

A special thanks to my sponsors for supporting not only me, but also the sport that lets me do what I love.

TM

his is the sixth year I’ve beenwriting this Down the Line

article. Each month this job rollsaround faster than you can imagineand I sometimes scramble forsomething to write about.

So when faced with this task,I remind myself that peopleactually want to hear what Ihave to say. Enough so, that theyread my article. That’s veryhumbling to me – to think thatpeople are actually interested inwhat I have to say. I believe, asit says in the Bible, when muchis given, much is required. Andthough I’ve been blessed and

given so much, I’m still honoredand take this very seriously.

At the same time, I ask myself,“Who am I to give advice on life?”Usually when I’m writing about lifeor my philosophy on how to live,I’m speaking as much to myself asanyone. I do try very hard to givegood and honest advice or thoughtsstraight from my heart.

Ultimately what I want foreveryone who reads this article isto live life to the fullest. Expect alot of yourself and revel in yourtriumphs and embrace life’schallenges. Because on the otherside of the hard times are the good

times. The best times of your lifecannot be fully appreciated withoutknowing the joy of surviving andtriumphing challenges.

Leading up to my recentshoulder surgery I was in constantpain. I had decided that if thesurgery did not remedy this, Iwould seriously look at windingdown my calf roping career. Duringthe recuperation I still had somepain here and there and washesitant to call the surgery asuccess. Today I roped twenty-fivecalves and my shoulder hasn’t feltthis good in years. I had forgottenwhat it was like to rope without

T


pain in my shoulder. I could tell bythe smile on my dad’s face what adifference it made in my roping. Though I had dreaded the

surgery and what it might mean, Ican now celebrate the outcome.Life is a journey that is sometimesrocky and out of our control, but Iplan to soak up each moment and

experience and thank God for it.An experience that has been

profound for me recently is havinga little girl. I love all my childrenexactly the same amount, butthere’s something a little different,more protective, about having agirl. My daughter is two monthsold now and it still blows me

away. She is so dependent,innocent and pure. It’s given me anew perspective.If you have any questions or

anything you would like me towrite about, please email me [email protected]. Till next, GodBless, and I’ll see you down the line. K

ow that I have your attention with mytitle for this article, I’d like to tell you astory about how God uses the things of

the flesh to teach us lessons for the heart. TheOld Testament talks about how the children ofIsrael wandered in the desert for 40 years afterGod had redeemed them from slavery to theEgyptians. What should have been less than amonth’s journey to God’s Promised Land forthem wound up taking 40 years. The reason forthe long detour was because when God wouldtest them, they would always flunk the test.They failed the test by murmuring, complaining,rebelling, and building idols. Therefore, whathappened after God had given them his tencommandments was that they treated hiscommandments like the ten suggestions.After the first generation died in the desert the

second generation had been born and was at theJordan River ready to cross over into what Godhad prepared for them, which was their PromisedLand. Jericho was across the river; it was afortified city with walls 20 feet thick and 25 feettall. God parted the waters of the Jordan so hispeople could walk across on dry ground.Remember there were over 2 million people onthis journey. I can imagine the elation of thepeople to reach a fertile land full of fruit, a hugevariety of food that was waiting on their arrival.The confidence that I’m sure had risen up in themabout conquering Jericho was huge. And I’m surethat they were chewing at the bit to get it done.When all of the sudden, God said to Joshua, theirleader, to circumcise all of the men before they

attacked Jericho. Why in the world would God sayto do something like that at that point in time? Ibelieve the reason was that they had to submittheir flesh and their will to God before they couldever have victory in their Promised Land. The scripture also talks about circumcision of

the heart. And what that means is the cuttingaway of the excess that keeps us from God’s willfor our lives. They had to place their faith, theirfate as well and their future in God’s handscompletely. Many people in our culture todaybelieve that faith is getting what we want. I wouldsubmit to you that true faith is being a vessel forGod so HE can get what HE wants. As long as youare making decisions according to the flesh thatyou live in, you will repeat the same problemsdecade in and decade out and never change. If theday ever comes when you are willing to allowGod’s word to rule your life that’s the day you willfind peace. You will leave your desert and you willcross over into your Promised Land. When youunderstand God’s will and conquer the issues ofyour life then you will find peace for you, yourspouse and your family. Too many times, we wantGod to get in on what we are doing, when whatwe should do is get in on what God is doing.When was the last time you cut off the excess

in your life that kept you from your destiny? “Aperson is not a Jew who is one only outwardly,nor is circumcision merely outward and physical.No, a person is a Jew who is one inwardly; andcircumcision is circumcision of the heart, by theSpirit, not by the written code. Such a person’spraise is not from other people, but from God.”Romans 2:28-29 (NIV)

God Bless!Randy Weaver, Pastor

Lone Star Cowboy Church936-449-5719

Montgomery, TX1 mi. W of FM 149 on Hwy 105 W

Service Times: Sundays 8:30, 10:00 and 11:30 a.m.Mondays 7:00 p.m.

Circumcision

N

24 • MAY 2011

For all of your equineinsurance needs . . .

Sweetwater, Texas 1-800-351-1444Arthur Maberry

325/338-7007 mobileemail: [email protected]

Kirk Maberry432/202-1537

[email protected]

Sid Miller Calf Roping Horses��

��

��

Stephenville, Texas254/977-9133

[email protected]

ing Ropes is spreading thenews, their long-overdue

shipment of Poly-Grass rope hasarrived and they are cutting, tyingand sending out orders! Althoughthere are a 4-6 week wait on theordered ropes, it is much better thanthe 1 to 2 years they have beenwainting trying to get the order ofbulk rope inported.

Tie-down ropers have been usingPoly-Grass mix ropes for the lastfifteen plus years. The reason theyare so popular among ropers is thenatural feel of the grass and thestrength of the poly. However, thelong overdue wait for the bulkshipment have had ropers using otherropes in the meantime. According toKing Ropes though, the news hasspread rather quickly and the calls arecoming in from all across the country,from pros to amateurs who want toget their hand on a few ropes for the

remainder of the season. King Ropes said in a recent

interview that they have secured acontract with a manufacturing plantso they can continue to send themthe bulk material for ropes. Sincethere is not a manufacturer of thePoly-Grass mix rope in the UnitedStates, the shipments have to beimported. This is where the hard partcomes in. For the past couple ofyears, the company that was makingthe mix ropes went out of business.King Ropes searched and found anew company which they hadoriginally bought rope from some 15years ago still making the Poly-Grass,bulk rope. However, getting itimported was a long process andthey are very happy to see that theirgoal to get the rope to their faciltyhas finally happened.

The rope finally landed on USsoil and King Ropes got their hands

on the majority of the importedrope and was soon doing their finalpreparations to the ropes andsending out the many orders to calfropers. Although only the 57-Thread rope arrived, they expectthe 60-Thread bulk supply to be inby mid-June so they can startsupplying the orders for that sizetie-down rope as well.

King Ropes was excited about theimport and said the rope looked andfelt better than any rope they havereceived in recent years. They alsosaid the rope was twisted tight andthat the calf ropes made from thebulk material were standing up andsurpassing the test they were puttingthem through. They expect to seemany of these ropes in the hands oftheir biggest customers at all of thePRCA events, USCRA events and ofcourse at this year’s National FinalsRodeo in Las Vegas, Nevada. K

Poly-Grass Are Back!

K


he old tradition of brandingcattle could be on the line if a

new proposal by the USDA goesthrough. Although it wouldn’t goaway entirely, branding could takea back-seat to the practice of ear-tagging cattle, which has beenproposed by the USDA. Theproposal says ear tags should bethe federal standard foridentifying livestock. In addition,it would not mean that brandingwould be outlawed for now, butinstead, states would make theirown decision on what would bethe method of tracking theanimals. The proposal is still inthe early stages, and still hasonly been brought up in someUSDA meetings.

It seemed in early February of2010, the USDA used considerableresources to proudly announcethat it would listen to cattlemenand back away from the NationalAnimal ID system that it hadproposed. For the remainder of2010 USDA worked withcattlemen to try and, to develop abottom-up system that would berun by the states and federallysupported but not federally led.

That ended at the beginning ofthis year as the USDA did anabout-face and is now proposingto delist the hot-iron brand. Thisis a plan to delist the brand as anofficial animal identification deviceand include feeder cattle in theADTF (Animal DiseaseTraceability Framework). Thiswould discredit the brand as ameans of identifying cattle ininterstate transportation. Frommany ranchers point of view, thisis a result of anger from the PETA

forces within the Obamaadministration.

Here is what the delistingwould mean in a nutshell:1) The brand and accompanying

certificates would forever bedelisted as an official animalidentification device.

2) USDA will be excluded fromrequiring permanent brands onimported cattle after brands aredelisted.

3) States will have to set up theirown laws for the use of brandsto identify cattle, causing thebrand to be demoted to asecondary position in relationto USDA’s ear tag.

4) The ear tag will be a substitutefor brands, providingjustification for brandopponents such as packers thatbelieve hide values wouldincrease, and tag companiesthat believe sales wouldincrease, without brands.

5) USDA’s delisting of the brandwill send a signal to theindustry that brands are oflimited use for diseasetraceback.

6) USDA’s delisting of the brandwould be the first step towardthe eventual elimination of hot-iron branding in the UnitedStates.

7) With dozens or hundreds ofanimals with similar-lookingear-tags grouped together itcould become morecomplicated when trying toidentify an animal that wandersonto other nearby properties.The proposal is still in the early

stages, and still has only beenbrought up in some USDA

meetings. Action is beingencouraged by the cattlemangroups. Please begin by contactingyour congressional delegationsand USDA to tell them the newanimal identification proposal isabsolutely unacceptable and mustbe stopped. You can reach yourcongressional members by callingthe capitol switchboard at 202-224-3121 and asking for yourSenator and Representative byname. You can contact USDA bycalling 202-720-3631.

by Ryan Davis

Spring Branding:How Long Will It Last?

TEXAS HORSESHOEING

SCHOOL2 weeks - $1,2004 weeks - $2,0006 weeks - $2,700

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1-800-734-3440Mobile: 972.345.5700

www.texashorseshoeingschool.comjburgin@texashorseshoeingschool.com

New classes start every

Monday

T

26 • MAY 2011

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BB.L. Quarter Horses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26Barry Burk Jr. Calf Roping . . . . . . . . . .19Brooks Maberry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24

CClassic Equine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27

DDiamond S Calf Roping . . . . . . . . . . . .18

HHappy Rodeo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

KKing’s Saddlery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26

LLone Star Cowboy Church Rodeo Bible Camp . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

MMannsville Ag Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2Sid Miller Calf Horses . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24

NNamgis Quarter Horses . . . . . . . . . . . .17

OOld Shadows Calf Roping . . . . . . . . . . .19

RRattler Ropes, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3Carter Robertson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

ADVERTISERS’ INDEX

VSA IN HOUSE PROOF CRX’D

B.L.QUARTER HORSES

LOCATED IN ELOY, ARIZONA

Brent and Cami Lewis

Owners & TrainersCall

602.524.4150or

[email protected] Lewis - PRCA Tie Down Roping Contestant

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SSparky Superior Roping Machines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

Stran Smith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22

TTexas Horseshoeing School . . . . . . . . . .25

UUSCRA Firecracker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15USCRA North Texas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14USCRA Sponsors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14USCRA Membership Application . . . . . .13USCRA W.E.B. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

WJohn Wallace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20Willard Ropes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5Wrangler . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28

P/U W CH VSA IN HOUSE PROOF CRX’D

Supplier of all sizes of syn grass. All sizes of poly ropes(3 & 4 strand), strings and skid boots.

A complete tack store for all phases of the sport.

184 North MainSheridan, Wyoming

1.800.443.8919307.672.2702 or 672.2755 Fax: 307.672.5235

Kory KoontzChampion Team Roper

12:26:11 PM

Loops-May 2011

Documents

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