YOUR AD HERE »

Outside Circle by Jan Swan Wood: Meeks wins INFR Saddle Broncs, Steer Roping Finals, UBHA finals and futurity, barrels

Fall and November weather finally caught up with us. It was sure a nice fall while it lasted though! We needed to settle the dust so we could wean heifer calves, so a little snow was okay on Dry Creek.

South Dakota’s Jeremy Meeks is the 2016 World Champion saddle bronc rider from the INFR that was just held. It’s his fourth time to win the championship, so it was no accident! He’s a great bronc rider and we’re sure proud of him! I’ll report on the other INFR winners from our region as soon as I get the information to share with all of you.

Also at the INFR, South Dakota’s Wilson Rodeo stock won the tri-fecta of roughstock in the second go-round. Pejuta Haka won the barebacks, Golden Pearls won the saddle broncs, and Diesel Smoke won the bull riding. They have such good stock and it’s no surprise that their stock won the round. Just a little different slant to the go-round wins, for sure.



At the Clem McSpadden National Finals Steer Roping held last weekend in Mulvane, Kansas, the world champion was Rocky Patterson of Pratt, Kansas. He also won in 2009, 2010 and 2012, so he’s no stranger to the championship crown. Placing in the rounds were Troy Tillard, Douglas, Wyo in round three, Jess Tierney, Hermosa, S.D. in round four, Troy again placing third in round nine and in the average for the finals, Jess was sixth. Congrats to our two regional guys. That’s a super tough steer roping and they did very well.

The PRCA and CPRA have extended their co-sanctioning agreement for the 2017 rodeo season. The agreement allows the PRCA and Canadian cowboys to rodeo on both sides of the border and for their winnings to count in their associations.



At the WRCA Finals in Amarillo, Tex., the winning team was Jolley Ranch and S & L Livestock, both out of Agate, Colo. I have a personal interest in the ranches as the Jolley Ranch takes in some of my family’s ranches for the three generations preceding my Dad. They are good cowboys and manage that delicate shortgrass country very well.

The 2016 NRCA Finals Open 4D jackpot barrel race will be Nov. 27 at the James Kjerstad Event Center, Rapid City, S.D. Exhibitions will run from 8 to 9:45 a.m. and the open 4D will start at 10. Entries are taken that day and will close at 9:45 so be on time. You can call Amanda at 605-490-7661 or Courtney at 817-773-5639 for more information.

The UBHA (United Bucking Horse Association) Finals will be Dec. 1 at the South Point Casino, Las Vegas, Nev. There’s $35,000 in payout up for grabs with 16 contractors having qualifying horses for it. The finals starts at 9 a.m.

Following that by just a few days is the start of the 2017 UBHA season with the UBHA futurity at the Las Vegas Convention Center during Cowboy Christmas. There will be $2,500 added in each class with a $450 entry fee. It’s limited to 12 per class but the full 15 points will be given for first. On Dec. 5 will be the 2015 crop two year olds at 9 a.m. On the 6th will be the 2014 crop three year olds at 9 a.m.. On Dec. 7 will be the first ever bareback rider futurity at 9 a.m. with $3,000 added to that event. You can contact Guy French to enter or get more information at 832-244-6916.

On Jan. 7 will be the Double A Feeds WSRRA Bronc Bash at Torrington, Wyo. There will be 20 ranch bronc riders for the 8 Second Whiskey Tour event and it will start at 6 p.m. There might be an opening or two left to enter so call Naomi Loomis at 308-262-1458 right away if you want in.

Well, that’s my circle for this Thanksgiving week. We all really do have so much to be thankful for here in this great nation. I’m seeing hope back in the eyes of the oil field workers, coal miners, ranchers and others who depend on the land for their living. The cattle market is inching up a bit and there’s some optimism that things will keep getting better. I know that I’m thankful to live here in the northern plains, far from the angst of the big cities. I’m thankful to have good cattle and horses to take care of and enjoy. I’m grateful for my family and friends and all of you too. We are a blessed country and I’m sure glad it’s my home. Have a great Thanksgiving everyone.