In this crossover episode with Solo Select, industry leaders break down the full earning potential across futurities, Riata, Old West, Royal Crown, and the Global Handicap System. From 4-year-olds with million-dollar upside to everyday ropers stacking checks, this episode maps out where the money is, how to access it and why the pipeline has never been stronger.

You’ll hear:

• How team roping surpassed $120 million annually in payouts
• The real earning potential of futurity horses (hint: it’s bigger than advertised)
• How intermediate and non-pro ropers are winning serious money
• Why tracking earnings and pedigrees is changing the breeding game
• The full lifecycle of a rope horse—from yearling to jackpot winner
• Why youth roping is outpacing every other sport in earnings

If you rope, own horses, or are thinking about getting into the futurity game, this is the clearest look yet at where the industry is headed—and how to get your piece of it.

Santos breaks down his surgeries, recovery, months of rehab and the mental battle of not knowing if he’d ever compete at the highest level again. He shares how he decided he was ready to come back, the horsepower that carried him through all five events, how his wife stayed steady and encouraging and what the emotional win meant for his family after years of setbacks.

The Score’s Chelsea Shaffer caught up with Santos in the arena at the Lazy E after his second Ironman title.

__

This episode is presented by Fast Back Ropes. For close to thirty years Fast Back Ropes has been developing best selling ropes by listening to our customers. Fast Back offers a variety of ropes with a size, weight and style to fit every team roper.

More from The Score

1. The Short Score: Winter Rodeo Catchup 2026
2. How Team Roping Hooked Former UFC Fighter Travis Browne
3. The Short Score: 2025 NFR Average + World Champs Ward and Long
4. The Short Score: Aguilera and Profili Win Round 9 of the 2025 NFR

One of the winter's biggest rodeos wrapped up in February with the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo, introducing some newer names on top. Corben Culley and Trent Vaught took home the 2026 Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo win after a 5.4 in the clean-slate finals. They pocketed $24,900 a man and join this episode of The Short Score.

The end of February also wrapped up the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo, and Lightning Aguilera and Wyatt Cox came out on top. Aguilera and Cox were 3.8 in the short round and took the win with the most money won at $24,218 a man. Arizona had La Fiesta De Los Vaqueros -- The Tucson Rodeo as well. Brye Crites and Ross Ashford came out on top with a 9.9 on two head for $7,034 a man winning $12,709 apiece with the round monies.

Travis talks candidly about what it’s like to go from the elite level of one sport to being brand new in another, and how quickly team roping humbled him. From missing steers at his first jackpot to learning horsemanship, pressure, and patience, he shares the challenges and the rush that hooked him on the sport.

We also dive into how his background as a professional fighter shaped his mindset, coachability, and approach to learning, why team roping has become a family affair, and what he loves most about the people and culture in the industry.

It’s an honest conversation about starting over, being willing to fail, and finding joy in the process. Whether you’re new to team roping or have been in it your whole life, this episode is a reminder of why this sport pulls people in and keeps them coming back.

---

Episode sponsored by DECHRA: Every horse deserves to feel their best. That's why veterinarians trust Dechra Veterinary Products — a global leader in equine health. From joint comfort and mobility to reproduction, skin and eye care, and essential fluid therapy, our solutions support horses through every stage of life. When your veterinarian recommends Dechra products, you can be confident your horse is receiving high-quality, proven care. Because at Dechra, we're dedicated to helping your horse live healthier, longer, stronger.

Ward and Long went 3.9 seconds in Round 10 of the 2025 NFR to split the round win and take home the average title with a 44.0 on nine steers. It also sealed the deal on the world championship, bringing them to $373,838.26 and $372,091.71 on the year. 

Ward and Long join The Short Score to talk about their run, the wins and more.

__

This episode is brought to you by Oz Ona Hot Streak,, the Nebraska-raised stallion built for both AQHA gold and NFR pressure. Oz is the 2019 AQHA Jr. Heading World Champion, a top-ten heeler, and the first stallion with that title to rope inside the Thomas & Mack. During the NFR, Solo Select is offering $500 off every Oz breeding. Lock your contract in at SoloSelectHorses.com or by calling Madison at 940-580-0156.

Aguilera and Profili pocketed another $36,667.95 apiece for their 3.4-second run. They've collected $130,846.52 a man inside the Thomas & Mack to jump from 15th and 14th in the world to sixth and fifth.

Heading into Round 10, Kolton Schmidt and Jonathan Torres continue to lead the aggregate after a 4.3 in Round 9, as well as the world standings with $294,451.12 and $286,185.02, respectively. Kaleb Driggers and Junior Nogueira have moved up in the world standings again, now sitting third and second, trailing by $19,714.53 and $11,448.43. Andrew Ward and Jake Long sit second in the aggregate, behind Schmidt and Torres by 7.1 seconds. They're also fifth and fourth in the world, sitting $47,472.13 and $40,952.58 behind the world leaders.

___

This episode is presented by Oz On A Hot Streak, the stallion that wins everywhere he goes. AQHA World Champion. PRCA champion. Calgary champion. And now the first AQHA World Champion stallion ever to rope at the NFR. Oz breedings are $500 off all NFR long. Lock your contract in at SoloSelectHorses.com or by calling Madison at 940

Schmidt and Torres turned in a 3.8-second run for the round win to give them the lead in the average with a 28.7 on seven head and the lead in the world standings with $279,074.24 and $270,808.14, respectively. They've raked in $159,136.03 a man to skyrocket from 14th and 15th in the world to No. 1. 

They join The Short Score for the third time this week to talk through their run and their world-championship chances.

___

This episode is presented by Oz On A Hot Streak, the record-breaking grey from Nebraska. AQHA World Champion. PRCA money winner. And the first stallion with an AQHA world title to rope at the NFR. Solo Select is offering $500 off all Oz breedings during the NFR. Lock your contract in at SoloSelectHorses.com or by calling Madison at 940-580-0156.

The Grahams turned in a 3.5-second run for $36,667.95 apiece to push them to fifth in the world standings with $229,858.23. They join The Short Score to talk about their round win, their first solo win.

___

This episode of The Short Score is presented by Oz On A Hot Streak, the stallion who brings the same run every time. AQHA World Champion. Major rodeo winner. And the first AQHA World Champion stallion ever to rope at the NFR. Oz breedings are $500 off during the entire NFR. Lock

The win puts Tomlinson No. 1 in the world with $276,605.71 and Graves No. 2 with $242,717.48. It also puts them fourth in the aggregate. They join The Short Score to talk about their win, a horse change and more.

___

This episode is brought to you by Oz Ona Hot Streak,, the Nebraska-raised stallion built for both AQHA gold and NFR pressure. Oz is the 2019 AQHA Jr. Heading World Champion, a top-ten heeler, and

Schmidt and Torres took the Round 5 with a 3.7-second run for $36,667.95 a man Dec. 8. The win pushed Schmidt to fifth in the world with $223,776.61 and Torres to fourth with $215,510.51 on the year. Schmidt and Torres join The Short Score to break down their win.

___

This episode is presented by Oz On A Hot Streak, the stallion that wins everywhere he goes. AQHA World Champion. PRCA champion. Calgary champion. And now the first AQHA World Champion stallion ever to rope at the NFR. Oz breedings are $500 

Wade and Thorp and Egusquiza and Lord turned in 3.8-second runs to split the round for $32,823.73 apiece. The win comes as redemption for both teams after two no-times for Wade and Thorp and a no-time in Round 3 for Egusquiza and Lord.

Both teams join The Short Score to talk about their Round 4 win.

___

This episode is presented by Oz On A Hot Streak, the record-breaking grey from Nebraska. AQHA World Champion. PRCA money winner. And the first stallion with an AQHA world title to rope at the NFR. Solo Select is offering $500 off all Oz breedings during the NFR. Lock your contract in at SoloSelectHorses.com or by calling Madison at 940-580-0156.

Dawson Graham and Dillon Graham took an early lead in the round with a 3.8-second run as the second team out. Lightning Aguilera and Kaden Profili and Kolton Schmidt and Jonathan Torres joined the 3.8-second club back-to-back. All six men pocketed $29,176.65.

The Short Score caught up with the Grahams, Aguilera, Profili, Schmidt and Torres after their runs.

___

This episode of The Short Score is presented by Oz On A Hot Streak, the stallion who brings the same run every time. AQHA World Champion. Major rodeo winner. And the first AQHA World Champion stallion ever to rope at the NFR. Oz breedings are $500 off during the entire NFR. Lock

Smith and Rich turned in a 3.9-second run for $36,667.95 a man. After the round, they unofficially moved to fourth in the world standings with $194,087.46 and $183,337.45, respectively.

They join The Short Score to talk about their win.

___

This episode is brought to you by Oz Ona Hot Streak,, the Nebraska-raised stallion built for both AQHA gold and NFR pressure. Oz is the 2019 AQHA Jr. Heading World Champion, a top-ten heeler, and the first stallion with that title to rope inside the Thomas & Mack. During the NFR, Solo Select is offering $500 off every Oz breeding. Lock your contract in at SoloSelectHorses.com or by calling Madison at 940-580-0156.

The pair of two-time NFR qualifiers set the pace with a 4.0-second run that stayed No. 1 for the remaining 14 teams. Aguilera and Profili pocketed $36,667.95 apiece to bump them to No. 8 and 7 in the world with $161,403.70 and $160,203.50, respectively. The round was a first for Aguilera and a second for Profili, and they join The Short Score to break down their win.

__

This episode is brought to you by Oz Ona Hot Streak, the 2015 grey stallion rewriting what a rope horse can do. Oz is the 2019 AQHA Junior Heading World Champion, a top-ten heeler the same year, and now the first AQHA World Champion stallion ever to compete at the NFR. Dec. 4, is officially National Oz Day, and Solo Select is celebrating with a Buy-One-Get-One breeding special, today only. Starting tomorrow Dec. 5, mare owners get $500 off every Oz breeding during the NFR. Lock your contract in at SoloSelectHorses.com or by calling Madison at 940-580-0156.

Oz is a 14.3 hand rocket by A Streak Of Fling and out of Oz One Hot Mama, a One Hot Jose daughter. He is fast, honest and about as drama free as a stallion can be. He is also making history. Oz won the 2019 AQHA Junior Heading World Championship and is the first AQHA roping world champion to ever go on and qualify for the NFR in team roping.

In this episode, you will hear how Oz got his name, why Nate bought him back after selling him as a baby, how Lane ended up with the ride and what makes this stallion the same horse whether he is running at Salinas, Odessa or under the bright lights of the Thomas & Mack. We will also talk about his growing breeding career, his special day in Nebraska, and what this NFR run means to everyone behind him.

---

Today’s episode of The Score is brought to you by Fast Back Ropes, proud supporters of team ropers and the presenting sponsor of this show.

This is Mr Joes Shadow Bar's second award and Cut Off My Spots first.

---

This episode is presented by Fast Back Ropes. For close to thirty years Fast Back Ropes has been developing best selling ropes by listening to our customers. Fast Back offers a variety of ropes with a size, weight and style to fit every team roper.

---

This episode is brought to you by Dechra. Dechra is a global specialist in veterinary pharmaceuticals and related products. Our expertise is in the development, manufacture, and sales and marketing of high-quality products exclusively for veterinarians worldwide. We are driven by our purpose of sustainable improvement of local animal health and welfare.

Dechra’s equine portfolio is diverse andfocuses on mobility, joint health, reproduction, anesthesia/analgesia, dermatology, ophthalmology, and fluid therapy.

Our key brands include Zycosan (pentosan polysulfate sodium injection), Osphos (clodronate injection), ProVet APC(Autologous Platelet Concentrate) system, Orthokine vet irap, Equidone Gel (domperidone) and Vetivex Fluids.

Dechra’s rapid growth is fueled by these key products and others in the portfolio, as well as recent highly successful acquisitions. We continue to grow because we understand the challenges veterinarians face and we give them what they need. Dechra provides continual training and support to help veterinarians help animals.

For more information, please visit www.dechra-us.com or call (866) 933-2472.

The Florida transplant finished the regular season No. 15 in the PRCA world standings with $114,735.75 won on the year after battling it out near the bubble the last month of the season. On this episode of The Score, Aguilera talks about his 2025 season, returning to the Thomas & Mack and how he's preparing for his second NFR.

• Lightning Aguilera: From South Florida to San Antonio
• Lightning Aguilera’s Jess A Moose is 2022’s Head Horse of the Year
• Within Reach: Aguilera’s Team Roping Roots and Aspirations

Brought to you by: The Hombre head rope from Fast Back Ropes—small, light, and built for performance. Available at fastbackropes.com or by calling (817) 279-1851.

MORE FROM THE SCORE

• The Short Score: 2025 Riata Championships
• Finally: The Score's Head Horse of the Year Episode
• The $465K Added Solo Select Stallion Incentive Futurity
• Who Deserves the 2025 AQHA/PRCA Heel Horse of the Year Award?
• Ride Registered: Stressman and Canida of AQHA Talk Team Roping and Registered Horses on The Score

Logan Allen and Ketch Kelton paired up to win $149,500 in the 2025 Riata #14.5 Championship after roping four steers in 29.33 seconds Sept. 25. They also won the 6-&-Under Incentive for another $8,000 apiece. Iowa’s Allen was aboard I Got Dibs Doc, a 2020 stallion by Aint Seen Nothin Yet out of MS Docs Poco Leo Bar and owned by Lisa Johnson. On the heel side, the reigning and youngest Cinch Timed Event champion rode Shane Decker’s Pretty Poco Girl Fja, a 2021 mare by Cat Man Do out of Pretty Poco Boots.

Jacob Lewis and and Tripp Townsend both had previous Riata #10.5 Championship titles—Lewis in 2023 and Townsend in 2022. Lewis rode Hez Got Cowboy Cash, the 2016 Myers Ranch-bred head horse by Cowboys Cartel, again for the 2025 win, while Townsend was on the famous TRR Lucky Brazos, by Pepcid, the first Riata stallion to win a Riata championship.

MORE FROM THE SCORE

• Finally: The Score's Head Horse of the Year Episode
• The $465K Added Solo Select Stallion Incentive Futurity
• Who Deserves the 2025 AQHA/PRCA Heel Horse of the Year Award?
• The Philipp Ranch Production Sale Preview
• The Short Score: Who's In, Who's Out and What's at Stake in Puyallup

Brought to you by Cactus Ropes

This episode is presented by Cactus Ropes’ new Kool Kat CoreTX Rope. The Kool Kat is a 4-strand, poly-nylon blend rope that creates optimal weight and balance. This rope has a unique diameter to weight ratio, slightly on the medium to smaller side. The Kool Kat has had the best winning percentage since it has started being used by Cactus’ pro athletes of any rope the company has ever made. The Kool Kat, the newest rope using CoreTX™, is the most complete and balanced rope in the line. The smaller diameter but solid weight allows for ropers of all levels to feel their tip and have the confidence they need to win.

---

This episode is brought to you by Equinety, the supplement that fuels most of the Horse of the Year contenders, year after year.

In this episode, host Chelsea Shaffer is joined by Melanie Smith, founder of Solo Select, and Clay Logan, event producer, to unpack the brand-new Solo Select Stallion Incentive Futurity — launching with a jaw-dropping $465,000 payout in its inaugural year.

They cover everything you need to know before entries close on September 21:

• How to enter — with or without a breeding
• Why stallion owners stepped up in a big way
• What makes this event different from every other
• The judging format, cattle selection, and short-round clean-slate setup
• Why this isn’t just an elite event — it’s built to lift the whole industry

Whether you’re already entered or just roping curious, this episode breaks it all down before the gates open in Hamilton, Texas, October 1–2.

We’re hearing directly from the best in the business:

Coleby Payne – breaking down why his bay gelding may be the new frontrunner over the three-time Horse of the Year, Kadabra King.

Travis Graves, Jake Long, Levi Lord, and Wesley Thorp, offering their personal picks, stories, and what really makes a heel horse worthy of the title.

Whether it's Turbo, Coon, Sug, Boon, or Mabel — the opinions are strong, and the respect for great horses runs deep. From arena-tested consistency to raw speed and grit, these pro team ropers explain what separates the greats from the good ones.

f you’re a fan of team roping, horsepower, or just want a peek behind the curtain of what goes into choosing the PRCA/AQHA Heel Horse of the Year, this episode is for you.

Sponsored by Fast Back Ropes — Featuring the Ombre head and heel ropes. Shop now at FastBackRopes.com

🔊 Listen now to get the inside edge on this year’s hottest heel horses before the ballots go in.

From proven head and heel horses to standout breakaway prospects and elite-bred prospects, this sale offers something for every roper — including the emotional Lot 39 filly, with proceeds going to the Ace Ashford Foundation.

Whether you're planning to bid online at CCI.live or attend in person at the Brazos County Expo Center, this episode gives you the full inside scoop on what to expect — and which horses to watch.

The top 23 in the Playoff Series standings—plus NFR Open winners—will head to Puyallup Sept. 4-7, with a shot at a $75,000 purse on each end, with as much as $20,420 per man up for grabs. That kind of payday, paired with a berth to the Governor’s Cup in Sioux Falls, makes Puyallup one of the most critical rodeos of the year.

On this episode of The Short Score, we break down who's in, who's out and what that means for their seasons.

MORE FROM THE SCORE

• The Short Score: Old West Rope Horse Futurity 2025
• “Team Roping Is Going to Save the Day for Everybody” — Steve Friskup’s 2025 Horse Market Report
• The $1.7 Million Rope Horse: Meet the Man Who Bought Her
• The NEW U.S.-Mexico Cattle Border Closure
• Top 5 “The Score” Podcast Interviews of 2025 (So Far)
• The Short Score: Late Summer Check-In
• Ride Registered: Stressman and Canida of AQHA Talk Team Roping and Registered Horses on The Score

About AQHA

From the back of the box to the barrier, and from the break of the steer to the dally—roping demands a partner who knows the job and lives to do it. The ideal partner? An American Quarter Horse. For decades, AQHA has been the standard-bearer, preserving the bloodlines, honoring the legacy, and supporting the sport you love. We put the horse in Horsepower. Ride Registered. Join AQHA.

Andrew Ward and Jake Long got Cowboy Christmas rolling earlier this summer with the Greeley Stampede win in June for $11,225 a man. And while Ward and Long were amongst the top of team roping's Cowboy Christmas earners, Clint Summers and Jade Corkill led the pack with $29,897 apiece.

Dustin Egusquiza and Levi Lord capitalized at the NFR Open in Colorado Springs, Colorado, winning the sudden-death finals with a 4.8-second run and claiming over $15,000 each. The win also secured them their first national circuit titles.

The longest score in ProRodeo and a the only five-head battle, California Rodeo Salinas was no problem for Tanner Tomlinson and Travis Graves. They roped five steers in 48.5 seconds to claim the win and $11,254 each.

Aaron Tsinigine and Jeremy Buhler won their second major PRCA rodeo of the summer, first with the Reno Rodeo and now the Cheyenne Frontier Days. But their road to No. 1 was perhaps less than conventional.

MORE FROM THE SCORE

• The Short Score: Here Comes the Summer
• The Short Score: Old West Rope Horse Futurity 2025
• "Team Roping Is Going to Save the Day for Everybody" — Steve Friskup's 2025 Horse Market Report
• The $1.7 Million Rope Horse: Meet the Man Who Bought Her
• The NEW U.S.-Mexico Cattle Border Closure
• Top 5 “The Score” Podcast Interviews of 2025 (So Far)

In this episode of The Score, Bobby Joe breaks down what he knows about the shutdown, what it means for ropers and producers, and how the situation is more political than biological. From skyrocketing steer prices to a dwindling supply of cattle for jackpots and ProRodeos alike, Bobby Joe shares hard facts and personal insight from a stock contractor’s front-row seat to the crisis.

Shaffer also shares follow-up conversations with Ty Yost, who offers a more measured perspective—but agrees on one point: this situation is far from simple.

Whether you rope, produce or are just trying to understand how a closed border affects an entire sport, this is one episode you don’t want to miss.

Brought to you by: The Hombre head rope from Fast Back Ropes – small, light, and built for performance. Available at fastbackropes.com or by calling (817) 279-1851.

Jones didn’t set out to make headlines. He thought he was just buying a horse. But what followed was an industry-wide ripple effect, elevating the rope horse market and reshaping expectations for what's possible. From his humble beginnings in a radiator shop to building a successful manufacturing business and ranching legacy, Jones shares the backstory behind his bold move—and what it means for the future of roping.

Tate Kirchenschlager and Almost LostMy Ticket won the Old West Futurity Heading for a life-changing $100,000. Coming from second call, Kirchenschlager topped the field to mark a major milestone in his rope-horse training journey.

SLR Swinging Hickory's $100,000 Old West Futurity Heeling win with Jeremy Buhler earned her the title of the winningest mare on the heel side of the rope horse futurity industry.  

Joseph Harrison also changed history becoming the first $1 million rider in ARHFA history. Harrison won the Pre-Futurity Heeling aboard Stunnerr for $50,000.

Rhen Richard swept the Pre-Futurity Heading for over $90,000. Richard and Reliance Ranches' Watch The Lane won the 4-&-Under for $50,000, and he also picked up $29,792 for second aboard Captain Leggett and $5,320 for eighth on Little Foose Sug.

On this episode of The Short Score, Kirchenschlager, Buhler, Harrison and Richard talk about their wins at the Old West Futurity.

About Cactus Saddlery

This episode is brought to you by Cactus Saddlery. All of Cactus Saddlery’s products are handcrafted right here in the U.S., and they stand firm in their belief that creating amazing product starts by using the highest quality materials. Cactus Saddlery provides premium saddles, tack and equine accessories that are designed, developed and ridden by some of the world's top endorsees. Head over to cactussaddlery.com today to check out all they have to offer.

Some 48 hours after the sale, we caught up with Friskup as he'd had time to process the significance of the moment and what it means for the horse industry as a whole.

---

This episode is presented by Fast Back Ropes. For close to thirty years Fast Back Ropes has been developing best selling ropes by listening to its customers. Fast Back offers a variety of ropes with a size, weight and style to fit every team roper. 

More from The Score

• The Short Score: Corpus Christi Catch Up
• Miles Baker & Joseph Harrison: Oil Can Classic Champs
• Sweep: Saebens on The Score Podcast After Oil Can Classic Pre-Futurity Dominance
• JD McGuire: The Rope Horse Market Series Part 1
• Driggers & Nogueira Get Real on 2025 Battles After BFI Win
• Mike Gets the Mic: Hear from Doug Arnew's Heeler, Mike Ramsey

With 19 NFR appearances between them, Ward and Long won Rodeo Corpus Christi with a 5.43-second run in the three-man round May 10, to clinch the $18,000 win and secure Ward a spot on the Free Riders team at Kid Rock’s Rock N Rodeo. Ward and Long kicked off their week with a 6.04-second run in the Wild Card Round for $2,500, followed by a 5.82 to win Progressive Round 1 for $5,000. Their consistency landed them second in the Progressive average for another $2,500. They powered through the Showdown Round with another 5.43, placing second and punching their ticket to the final three-man shootout. 

On this episode of The Short Score, Ward and Long break down their win, how to nail the stoplight start system and the rest of the year.

More from The Score

• Miles Baker & Joseph Harrison: Oil Can Classic Champs
• Sweep: Saebens on The Score Podcast After Oil Can Classic Pre-Futurity Dominance
• JD McGuire: The Rope Horse Market Series Part 1
• Driggers & Nogueira Get Real on 2025 Battles After BFI Win
• Mike Gets the Mic: Hear from Doug Arnew's Heeler, Mike Ramsey
• Loss to Legacy: Troy Ashford Shares Significance of Wesley Thorp's BFI Cowboy Auction Donation on The Score
• That Time We Let Tyler Wade & Wesley Thorp Host The Score with Doug Arnew

Then, ARHFA World Champion Joseph Harrison joins the conversation after making headlines by taking first through fourth in the heeling futurity. He walks us through each of the standout horses in his program, and what makes them so effective. Harrison shares what it means to deliver for his owners, why certain movement patterns predict stopping power, and how he’s setting up for the rest of the futurity season.

It’s a behind-the-scenes look at two powerhouse horsemen with futurity strings that are turning heads—and winning checks.

Learn more about Baker's training program on Roping.com: https://bit.ly/3y515QT

In the heading, Saebens rode Una Furiosa, a 2021 gray mare bred by the Flag Ranch and owned by Shane Boston. The gray powerhouse, by Bobby Starlight out of a Furyofthewind daughter Playin For Fury, earned a composite score of 912.18 on four head to take home the title. For the win, Saebens and Southern Ranches pocketed $6,080.

In the heeling, Saebens topped the field aboard Hallle Berry, a 2019 red roan mare by Metallic Cat out of One Sparking Time, owned by Southern Ranches. The flashy red roan, whose flashy looks matched her big stops, put together a composite of 902.96, banking $10,430.

What is driving a businessman to invest in the horse industry so heavily, and where does he see the business going?

---

This episode is presented by Fast Back Ropes.

---

This episode is presented by Cactus Ropes' new Kool Kat CoreTX Rope. The Kool Kat is a 4-strand, poly-nylon blend rope that creates optimal weight and balance. This rope has a unique diameter to weight ratio, slightly on the medium to smaller side. The Kool Kat has had the best winning percentage since it has started being used by Cactus' pro athletes of any rope the company has ever made. The Kool Kat, the newest rope using CoreTX™, is the most complete and balanced rope in the line. The smaller diameter but solid weight allows for ropers of all levels to feel their tip and have the confidence they need to win.

We gave Mike the chance to clear his name on this episode, and we also provide details on the BFI Cowboy Auction, where Tyler Wade and Wesley Thorp will auction off their John Deere Gator to benefit the Golden Circle of Champions, the Live Like Ace Foundation and the World Youth Team Roping Championship. Bid online: https://bit.ly/BFI-Cowboy-Auction

More details on the Gator auction: https://bit.ly/BFI-Cowboy-Auction-Wesley-Thorp-Gator

Link to bid: https://bit.ly/BFI-Cowboy-Auction

The 2025 Bob Feist Invitational Cowboy Auction will this year play host to a special charity sale of a John Deere Gator, donated by Wesley Thorp. The Gator's proceeds will go toward the Live Like Ace Foundation, the Golden Circle of Champions and the WYTRC, and in this episode Ashford talks about what that donation means to his entire family.

In the last year, Kelton has won the JR Patriot, the NTR Finals, the High School Finals Rodeo, the South Point Super Qualifier and placed at the Bob Feist Invitational, and he won the Cinch Timed Event Championship with ease. But for all Kelton's talents, telling us long stories in interviews really still isn't his jam. Luckily, we had Casey Allen chatting with his mom, too, so this interview is both Ketch and Tammy Kelton, talking about what this win means to the whole family.

---

The Patriot is gracing Fort Worth once again March 9-16. The Ariat WSTR Open to the World will kick off the Patriot Fort Worth as part of the Texas Two Step Super Qualifier on March 6, followed by multiple ropings through March 8. The Patriot team roping gets underway Sunday, March 9, with the #9.5 All Ages Truck Roping. 

Dustin Egusquiza and Levi Lord took home the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo win, cashing in $23,130 a man. Egusquiza and Lord were nearly flawless, winning all three rounds in their bracket for $7,878 a man and locked in the overall title Feb. 22, with a 4.1 to win the Finals and another $15,252 apiece. This marks Egusquiza’s third San Antonio title–he won his first in 2020 with Travis Graves–but Egusquiza and Lord’s second together in the last three years.

On this episode of The Short Score, we introduce Mann, the Jr. Ironman champion, talk all things Patriot Fort Worth and catch up on Egusquiza and Lord's San Antonio win.

___

More from The Score

• The Short Score: What to Know About the 2025 CTEC
• The Short Score: Royal Crown Recap
• The Short Score: Trey Yates Talks 2025 National Western Stock Show and Rodeo Win
• Round 10, the NFR Aftermath and 2025 with Coleman Proctor
• NFR 2024 in Review: Listen to the NFR Round Winners on The Short Score
• 5 Conversations from the 2024 NFR You Need to Hear
• The Short Score: Ace Ashford and Steer 27

While the event can be streamed on Roping.com for free, we break down the need-to-know information for this year's CTEC on The Short Score. Timed Event contestants Marcus Theriot, Kyle Lockett and Nelson Wyatt also share how they're preparing and what they've learned over the years inside the Lazy E.

___

2025 Cinch Timed Event Championship schedule

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26

• 6:30 p.m. Steer Wrestling Jackpot

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27 

• 9 a.m. Pro-Am Jackpot
• 12 p.m. Pro-Am Awards Intro of CTEC Contestants and Calcutta – MIO Luncheon
• 5 p.m. 1st Performance of the Jr Ironman
• 7 p.m. 1st Performance of the CTEC
• After Party in the Gold Buckle Cantina immediately following  

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28 

• 12 p.m. 2nd Performance of the CTEC
• 5 p.m. 2nd Performance of the Jr Ironman
• 7 p.m. 3rd Performance of the CTEC
• After Party in the Gold Buckle Cantina immediately following  

SATURDAY, MARCH 1 

• After Party in the Gold Buckle Cantina immediately following 
• 12 p.m. 4th Performance of the CTEC
• 5 p.m. 3rd Performance of the Jr Ironman
• 7 p.m. 5th Performance of the CTEC

Watch the 2025 CTEC on Roping.com

More from The Score

• The Short Score: Royal Crown Recap
• The Short Score: Trey Yates Talks 2025 National Western Stock Show and Rodeo Win
• Round 10, the NFR Aftermath and 2025 with Coleman Proctor
• NFR 2024 in Review: Listen to the NFR Round Winners on The Short Score
• 5 Conversations from the 2024 NFR You Need to Hear
• The Short Score: Ace Ashford and Steer 27

The team roping kicked off with Miles Baker and Relentless PYC winning the 6 & Under Heading. Relentless PYC is the richest futurity rope horse mare of all time, and she and Baker won the average with a 616.26 after four rounds to add another $21,095 to her life time earnings. 

Billie Jack Saebens had a successful week, winning both the 4 & Under Heading and Heeling. Saebens won the 4 & Under Heeling on 2021 stallion Emojii, followed by the 4 & Under Heading on One Time Pick, a 2021 gelding. 

Jeremy Buhler cleaned house in the 6 & Under Heeling winning every round, but it was DT Hickorys Angus that took the cake, winning the average with a 619.40 after four rounds. Buhler also had three other horses in the short round.

___

This episode is presented by Roping.com. The 2025 Royal Crown from Buckeye, Arizona, now lives on Roping.com. Watch every roping from inside the Buckeye Equestrian & Events Center with a Roping.com membership. Get unlimited access to Roping.com’s comprehensive team roping, tie-down and breakaway roping video libraries and learn from world champions like Trevor Brazile, Jake Barnes and Clay O’Brien Cooper. Plus, binge hundreds of hours of live and archived ropings including the Cinch Timed Event Championship, The Patriot Events, and more.

MORE FROM THE SCORE

• The Short Score: Trey Yates Talks 2025 National Western Stock Show and Rodeo Win
• Round 10, the NFR Aftermath and 2025 with Coleman Proctor
• NFR 2024 in Review: Listen to the NFR Round Winners on The Short Score
• 5 Conversations from the 2024 NFR You Need to Hear
• The Short Score: Ace Ashford and Steer 27
• The Short Score: 2024 NFR Champions Clint Summers and Jake Long

Yates joins The Short Score to talk about the emotion behind the win, his partnership with 14-time NFR header Brown and more.

___

MORE FROM THE SCORE

• Round 10, the NFR Aftermath and 2025 with Coleman Proctor
• NFR 2024 in Review: Listen to the NFR Round Winners on The Short Score
• 5 Conversations from the 2024 NFR You Need to Hear
• The Short Score: Ace Ashford and Steer 27
• The Short Score: 2024 NFR Champions Clint Summers and Jake Long
• The Short Score: 2024 World Champions Tyler Wade and Wesley Thorp
• The Short Score: 2024 NFR Round 9 Winners Proctor and Medlin

Proctor missed his Round 10 steer to lose the 2024 PRCA Heading and All Around World Championships, and Proctor's perspective on the loss is a masterclass in sports psychology for any competitor.

Rhen Richard won the 6 & Under Heading on SJR Diamond Bond for $11,000. They picked up another $19,000 for first in the Elite Stallion Incentive, and the 6-year-old won another $9,000 in the Elite Breeder’s Incentive. 

Richard's old ProRodeo partner and 2016 World Champion Jeremy Buhler and SLR Swinging Hickory won the 6 & Under Heeling, pocketing over $31,000 all in all. 

___

This episode is brought to you by Purina. There’s more talk than ever about the importance of probiotics in equine health. But not all probiotics are created equal. New Purina Systemiq Supplement remains live & active after the pelleting process and throughout the digestive system making it all the way to the hind gut. Systemiq was designed to support normal recovery after exercise and occasional gastrointestinal stress. Whether you’re using a probiotic now or not, it’s time to use a live and active supplement from a name you trust. New Purina Systemiq probiotic.

MORE FROM THE SCORE

• 5 Conversations from the 2024 NFR You Need to Hear
• The Short Score: Ace Ashford and Steer 27
• The Short Score: 2024 NFR Champions Clint Summers and Jake Long
• The Short Score: 2024 World Champions Tyler Wade and Wesley Thorp
• The Short Score: 2024 NFR Round 9 Winners Proctor and Medlin

But even in death God's hand is present. In this episode of The Short Score, Hill Rodeo Cattle’s Bobby Joe Hill—a longtime friend of the Ashford family and the team roping steer contractor for the NFR—and Ace's dad Troy tell the story of Steer 27, the last rodeo steer Ace ever roped. Steer 27 is making its way to the Ashford home, but there's more to the story between Steer 27 and Ace.

___

Episode presented by Purina

Confidently address your horse’s unique weight needs and help optimize their overall well-being with research-proven PurinaAnimal Nutrition feeds — designed by passionate equine nutritionists. Partner with Purina to nourish your horse to their optimal body condition. Explore weight management resources for your horse today at purinamills.com/feed-finder.

Remembering Ace Ashford

• Steer 27, Ace Ashford and God's Hand in Everything
• Ace Ashford, 18, Dies in Horse Accident Aug. 12, 2024
• New Money: Ace Ashford and Jade Philipp Win Riata Buckle Jr #10.5 and $20,920

More from The Score

• The Short Score: 2024 NFR Champions Clint Summers and Jake Long
• The Short Score: 2024 World Champions Tyler Wade and Wesley Thorp
• The Short Score: 2024 NFR Round 9 Winners Proctor and Medlin
• The Short Score: 2024 NFR Round 8 Winners Driggers and Nogueira
• The Short Score: Proctor and Medlin Win Round 7 of the 2024 NFR

Summers and Long came in second in the average, and their 4.0-second run sealed the deal with a 44.3 on nine head. They picked up fourth in the round for $14,126.88 apiece and $86,391.31 a man for the aggregate title. They join The Short Score to talk about their run, their 2025 plans and more.

__

This episode is presented by Professional’s Choice. It’s that time of year again…. time to BOOT UP! From NOW until the end of December, Professional’s Choice, the leader in equine leg protection, wants to thank you with BIG savings one all Professional’s Choice leg gear. 

Visit any Professional’s Choice retailer in store or online nationwide and you’ll enjoy an instant $20 rebate on all 4 packs of Sports Medicine Boots and $10 off on any 2packs of Boots. These savings also include Professional’s Choice therapy offerings like Ice Boots and Theramic Combo Wraps. 

Protect your equine athlete and save BIG with Professional’s Choice. It’s time to BOOT UP!

Wade and Thorp sealed the deal on their consecutive gold buckles after winning second in Round 10 with a 3.8-second run for $26,623.74 a man. The newly-crowned world champs join The Short Score to talk about their world titles.

__

Designed around cooling and comfort, Professional’s Choice is proud to present the revolutionary 2XCool technology in a Contoured Cinch. 

The cinch’s liner features patented Triple Chill Effect technology which uses cooling minerals to instantly and continuously adsorb heat and wick moisture. A silicone honeycomb soft grip overlay keeps the saddle firmly in place.

Combined with an innovative contoured design that allows for freedom of movement while assisting with pressure distribution, the 2XCool cinch will keep your horse cool and comfortable. At Professional’s Choice the more comfortable the horse the better the performance.

Proctor and Medlin won Round 9 of the 2024 NFR with a 3.8-second run for $33,687.18 a man. Proctor now sits second in the world and Medlin third. After Round 9, the projected world standings have Proctor the world champion header and Medlin the world champion heeler. 

There's still plenty of money to be won in Round 10 and the average, and The Short Score caught up with Proctor and Medlin to talk about their round win and the world standings race.

__

This episode is presented by Professional’s Choice. It’s that time of year again…. time to BOOT UP! From NOW until the end of December, Professional’s Choice, the leader in equine leg protection, wants to thank you with BIG savings one all Professional’s Choice leg gear. 

If you’re in Las Vegas for the National Finals Rodeo stop by the Professional’s Choice booth #3011 at Cowboy Christmas or visit any Professional’s Choice retailer in store or online nationwide. You’ll enjoy an instant $20 rebate on all 4 packs of Sports Medicine Boots and $10 off on any 2packs of Boots. These savings also include Professional’s Choice therapy offerings like Ice Boots and Theramic Combo Wraps. 

Protect your equine athlete and save BIG with Professional’s Choice. It’s time to BOOT UP!

Kaleb Driggers and Junior Nogueira entered Round 8 needing to win the round to stay in the conversation, and they did just that, winning the round with a 3.4 for $33,687.18 a man. They now sit second in the world standings. They join The Short Score to talk about their week and their mental approach for the last two rounds of the 2024 NFR.

__

Designed around cooling and comfort, Professional’s Choice is proud to present the revolutionary 2XCool technology in a Contoured Cinch. 

The cinch’s liner features patented Triple Chill Effect technology which uses cooling minerals to instantly and continuously adsorb heat and wick moisture. A silicone honey comb soft grip overlay keeps the saddle firmly in place.

Combined with an innovative contoured design that allows for freedom of movement while assisting with pressure distribution, the 2XCool cinch will keep your horse cool and comfortable. At Professional’s Choice the more comfortable the horse the better the performance.

Proctor and Medlin catch up with The Short Score to talk about their run and their careers.

__

This episode is presented by Professional’s Choice. It’s that time of year again…. time to BOOT UP! From NOW until the end of December, Professional’s Choice, the leader in equine leg protection, wants to thank you with BIG savings one all Professional’s Choice leg gear. 

If you’re in Las Vegas for the National Finals Rodeo stop by the Professional’s Choice booth #3011 at Cowboy Christmas or visit any Professional’s Choice retailer in store or online nationwide. You’ll enjoy an instant $20 rebate on all 4 packs of Sports Medicine Boots and $10 off on any 2packs of Boots. These savings also include Professional’s Choice therapy offerings like Ice Boots and Theramic Combo Wraps. 

Protect your equine athlete and save BIG with Professional’s Choice. It’s time to BOOT UP!

For Hall, the round win is his first since the 2020 NFR, but it's Profili's first at his breakout Finals. Hall and Profili join The Short Score to break down their run.

__

Designed around cooling and comfort, Professional’s Choice is proud to present the revolutionary 2XCool technology in a Contoured Cinch. 

The cinch’s liner features patented Triple Chill Effect technology which uses cooling minerals to instantly and continuously adsorb heat and wick moisture. A silicone honey comb soft grip overlay keeps the saddle firmly in place.

Combined with an innovative contoured design that allows for freedom of movement while assisting with pressure distribution, the 2XCool cinch will keep your horse cool and comfortable. At Professional’s Choice the more comfortable the horse the better the performance.

Wade and Thorp pocketed another $33,687.18 a man to also widened their lead in the world standings. Wade and Thorp once again join The Short Score to talk about their night.

__

This episode is presented by Professional’s Choice. It’s that time of year again…. time to BOOT UP! From NOW until the end of December, Professional’s Choice, the leader in equine leg protection, wants to thank you with BIG savings one all Professional’s Choice leg gear. 

If you’re in Las Vegas for the National Finals Rodeo stop by the Professional’s Choice booth #3011 at Cowboy Christmas or visit any Professional’s Choice retailer in store or online nationwide. You’ll enjoy an instant $20 rebate on all 4 packs of Sports Medicine Boots and $10 off on any 2packs of Boots. These savings also include Professional’s Choice therapy offerings like Ice Boots and Theramic Combo Wraps. 

Protect your equine athlete and save BIG with Professional’s Choice. It’s time to BOOT U

NFR rookie J.C. Yeahquo and Buddy Hawkins set the pace as the first team out with a 4.1-second run. Clint Summers and Jake Long followed shortly with another 4.1, and so did Dustin Egusquiza and Levi Lord and Cody Snow and Hunter Koch. All eight men pocketed $23,635.36 to also help Egusquiza and Lord regain ground on world standings leaders Tyler Wade and Wesley Thorp.

On this episode of The Short Score, we briefly hear from each team on their run.

__

Designed around cooling and comfort, Professional’s Choice is proud to present the revolutionary 2XCool technology in a Contoured Cinch. 

The cinch’s liner features patented Triple Chill Effect technology which uses cooling minerals to instantly and continuously adsorb heat and wick moisture. A silicone honey comb soft grip overlay keeps the saddle firmly in place.

Combined with an innovative contoured design that allows for freedom of movement while assisting with pressure distribution, the 2XCool cinch will keep your horse cool and comfortable. At Professional’s Choice the more comfortable the horse the better the performance.

Driggers and Nogueira took the lead in the round with 3.7-second run, and two runs later Egusquiza and Lord joined them atop the round with their own 3.7-second run. Each man pocketed $30,155.46, and they join The Short Score to break down their night.

--

This episode is presented by Professional’s Choice. It’s that time of year again…. time to BOOT UP! From NOW until the end of December, Professional’s Choice, the leader in equine leg protection, wants to thank you with BIG savings one all Professional’s Choice leg gear. 

If you’re in Las Vegas for the National Finals Rodeo stop by the Professional’s Choice booth #3011 at Cowboy Christmas or visit any Professional’s Choice retailer in store or online nationwide. You’ll enjoy an instant $20 rebate on all 4 packs of Sports Medicine Boots and $10 off on any 2packs of Boots. These savings also include Professional’s Choice therapy offerings like Ice Boots and Theramic Combo Wraps. 

Protect your equine athlete and save BIG with Professional’s Choice. It’s time to BOOT UP!

Wade and Thorp took control of the world standings after Round 1, and they've extended their lead to $58,104.22 over season leaders Dustin Egusquiza and Levi Lord. 

Wade and Thorp join The Short Score to talk about their back-to-back wins, how they sit in the average and world standings races. 

--

Designed around cooling and comfort, Professional’s Choice is proud to present the revolutionary 2XCool technology in a Contoured Cinch. 

The cinch’s liner features patented Triple Chill Effect technology which uses cooling minerals to instantly and continuously adsorb heat and wick moisture. A silicone honey comb soft grip overlay keeps the saddle firmly in place.

Combined with an innovative contoured design that allows for freedom of movement while assisting with pressure distribution, the 2XCool cinch will keep your horse cool and comfortable. At Professional’s Choice the more comfortable the horse the better the performance.

Wade and Thorp won $33,687.18 a man for the first-round win Thursday, Dec. 5, with a 3.7-second run. The round win also pushed them into No. 1 in the 2024 world standings.

On this episode of The Short Score, Wade and Thorp break down their run.

__

This episode is presented by Professional's Choice. It’s that time of year again…. time to BOOT UP! From NOW until the end of December, Professional’s Choice, the leader in equine leg protection, wants to thank you with BIG savings one all Professional’s Choice leg gear. 

If you’re in Las Vegas for the National Finals Rodeo stop by the Professional’s Choice booth #3011 at Cowboy Christmas or visit any Professional’s Choice retailer in store or online nationwide. You’ll enjoy an instant $20 rebate on all 4 packs of Sports Medicine Boots and $10 off on any 2packs of Boots. These savings also include Professional’s Choice therapy offerings like Ice Boots and Theramic Combo Wraps. 

Protect your equine athlete and save BIG with Professional’s Choice. It’s time to BOOT UP!

Smith has pulled together a set of superstar prospects, performers, embryos and broodmares for the Thanksgiving Select Online Sale, with plenty eligible for the roping industry's biggest incentives—including Solo's Select's Stallion Incentive for 2025, which will pay out an estimated $330,000.

The win—worth $25,703 for their final score of 231.5—was Baker’s first AQHA World Championship, and it was Pride And Joyy’s second heeling globe, having won the Bronze Globe in 2023 for third with Trevor Brazile. 

On this episode of The Score, Baker reviews his whirlwind of a last four years with the Relentless Remuda that culminated in this world title.

But–more importantly—Yates won the AQHA Junior Heading World Title on Tearney Ranch's Sue C Royalty. The 2020 mare by One Time Royalty out of Sue C Lena marked a 229.0, worth $25,298.85 for the win against 76 other 5-and-under horses in the Level 3 Championships

In this episode of The Score, we catch up with Yates the day after his win from the practice pen to get his hot take on the state of the rope horse training industry and where we go from here.

On this episode of The Short Score, we introduce two circuit stories we've enjoyed so far: Jared Fillmore's Wilderness Circuit Finals win and Braden Pirrung's Badlands Circuit year-end title.

Episode presented by Purina

Confidently address your horse’s unique weight needs and help optimize their overall well-being with research-proven PurinaAnimal Nutrition feeds — designed by passionate equine nutritionists. Partner with Purina to nourish your horse to their optimal body condition. Explore weight management resources for your horse today at purinamills.com/feed-finder.

MORE FROM THE SCORE

• The Kirchenschlagers are AQHA World Champions
• The Short Score: Riata Part 2
• The CoJo Roping Champs: Andrew Ward and Jake Long
• The Short Score: Mike Kunzler and Celtic Tuff
• The Mental Game That Got Travis Graves to 15 Wrangler National Finals Rodeos
• How the Solo Stallion Incentive Will Work PLUS the Select Online October Yearling & Mixed Sale Preview

Both men helped each other to win the title in Oklahoma City Nov. 3, with Dakota, 33, winning in a rope-off against Cade Rice and Roll Your Nickles, in which Tate headed for both men aboard Starlight Oak 017, too. 

For the Senior Heading, Tate, 32, won owner Inderman Schaffner LLC $23,967.33 for the 2017 stallion by Starlights Gypsy out of Lenas Oakling. 

The Senior Heeling title paid Dakota and owner DT Horses $26,154.82 for the 2017 mare by Hickory Holly Time out of Play Like Clay.

Episode presented by Fast Back Ropes

Fast Back Ropes is thrilled to unveil its latest innovation in roping technology: the Hombre. After rigorous testing by Fast Back endorsees over the past year, the Hombre is set to redefine performance expectations in team roping.

A four-strand crafted with a core, the Hombre stands out with its vibrant orange color, ensuring exceptional visibility in any arena. Its smaller diameter and rough exterior are meticulously designed to enhance grip, making it ideal for swift and precise maneuvers around the saddle horn.

“The Hombre represents a significant advancement in our team rope lineup,” said Coy Upchurch, General Manager at Fast Back Ropes. “It offers a relaxed feel combined with superior functionality that ropers of all levels will appreciate. Our endorsees have given it high praise during testing.”

Available in both head and heel variations, the Hombre head rope spans 31 feet and is offered in XX-Soft, X-Soft, Soft, and MS lays. Meanwhile, the 35-foot heel rope options include Soft, MS, Medium, and HM lays. This versatility ensures that every roper can find a Hombre rope suited to their specific needs.

“The Hombre is designed to meet the demands of competitive ropers who seek precision and reliability,” added Upchurch. “We’re excited to bring this game-changing rope to market and anticipate it will make waves in the roping community.”

The Hombre will be available for purchase at retail locations starting September 1st, marking a new era in team roping technology. For more information about the Hombre and Fast Back Ropes’ complete product offerings, visit fastbackropes.com.

On this episode of The Short Score, we continue our Riata series with the #10.5 and #9.5 champions. Tauna Alcorn and Taylor Pettigrew won the #10.5 on SJR Diamond Metalica and Call Me Mr Jonez for $109,600. Alcorn had a huge week inside the Lazy E winning nearly $150,000 on SJR Diamond Metalica.

In the #9.5, Craig Moore and Bobby Simmons pocketed $106,000 between the 2024 Riata #9.5 win and the head and heel horse incentives on You Rey and Sundae Rebel.

__

Episode presented by Roping.com

Roping.com is the online training resource for team ropers. In addition to thousands of videos and exclusive roping films in your back pocket, members get private access to World Champion coaches like Jake Barnes, Clay O’Brien Cooper, Matt Sherwood, 26-time World Champion Trevor Brazile, and more every day. Take advantage of step-by-step tutorials, run critiques, private members-only Facebook group, live video demos and other benefits. 

Join now for only $29.95/month. 

MORE FROM THE SCORE

• The CoJo Roping Champs: Andrew Ward and Jake Long
• The Short Score: Mike Kunzler and Celtic Tuff
• The Mental Game That Got Travis Graves to 15 Wrangler National Finals Rodeos
• How the Solo Stallion Incentive Will Work PLUS the Select Online October Yearling & Mixed Sale Preview
• The Short Score: Riata and More
• Hurricane Helene: How the Roping Community Can Help

In a roping that had seen sub 5-second times all day long, Ward and Long just had to be 8 to win it all at high back. Ward got out the barrier, and they made a 6-second run in the middle of the pen to seal the deal. We caught up with them after their win. 

---

This week’s episode is brought to you by Gold Buckle Horse Sales. Gold Buckle Horse Sale has come up with a process to take the guesswork out of finding the right horse and allowing both buyer and seller to find the perfect match with confidence. Each horse consigned through Gold Buckle Sales is professionally photographed, videoed and demoed by a professional Gold Buckle Pro. Visit www.goldbucklehorsesale.com.

Episode presented by Fast Back Ropes

Fast Back Ropes is thrilled to unveil its latest innovation in roping technology: the Hombre. After rigorous testing by Fast Back endorsees over the past year, the Hombre is set to redefine performance expectations in team roping.

A four-strand crafted with a core, the Hombre stands out with its vibrant orange color, ensuring exceptional visibility in any arena. Its smaller diameter and rough exterior are meticulously designed to enhance grip, making it ideal for swift and precise maneuvers around the saddle horn.

“The Hombre represents a significant advancement in our team rope lineup,” said Coy Upchurch, General Manager at Fast Back Ropes. “It offers a relaxed feel combined with superior functionality that ropers of all levels will appreciate. Our endorsees have given it high praise during testing.”

Available in both head and heel variations, the Hombre head rope spans 31 feet and is offered in XX-Soft, X-Soft, Soft, and MS lays. Meanwhile, the 35-foot heel rope options include Soft, MS, Medium, and HM lays. This versatility ensures that every roper can find a Hombre rope suited to their specific needs.

“The Hombre is designed to meet the demands of competitive ropers who seek precision and reliability,” added Upchurch. “We’re excited to bring this game-changing rope to market and anticipate it will make waves in the roping community.”

The Hombre will be available for purchase at retail locations starting September 1st, marking a new era in team roping technology. For more information about the Hombre and Fast Back Ropes’ complete product offerings, visit fastbackropes.com.

MORE FROM THE SCORE

• The Mental Game That Got Travis Graves to 15 Wrangler National Finals Rodeos
• How the Solo Stallion Incentive Will Work PLUS the Select Online October Yearling & Mixed Sale Preview
• The Short Score: Riata and More
• Hurricane Helene: How the Roping Community Can Help
• Who Deserves the 2024 AQHA/PRCA Heel Horse of the Year Award?
• The Short Score: Pendleton Champs

His road to the 2024 Finals wasn't easy—but Graves' veteran mentality got him there at crunch time and helped the team win when it mattered most. In this episode of The Score, Graves describes how he and Brown thought about their 2024 season and how they plan to practice for the NFR.

–––

SPONSOR: Boehringer Ingelheim

Empowering Excellence in Every Horse

As the global leader in equine health, Boehringer Ingelheim is focused on sharing our passion to improve the life of every horse. We understand that no one cares for a horse alone; it takes a whole network of passionate people to provide the highest level of care. Our team goes beyond our comprehensive product portfolio to support veterinarians, equine care professionals and horse owners alike in raising equine health to an art form. To learn more about our philosophy of care, visit TheArtofHorse.com.

The sale features 112 premium lots, from Woody Be Tuff, Show Me The Buckles, Dirty Fling and Stevie Rey Von yearlings to three-in-one broodmares and ready-to-go show horses. Shaffer and Smith talk through which horses may turn out the top sellers, which are barn favorites and what crosses are ones to watch.

On this episode of The Short Score, we hear from the Riata #14.5 champions, Reed Boos on Yes Im Sassy and Cord Forzano on Smartlookncat. We also catch up with Bubba Buckaloo and Joseph Harrison, winners of the 2024 Clay Logan Open.

Episode presented by Purina

Confidently address your horse’s unique weight needs and help optimize their overall well-being with research-proven Purina Animal Nutrition feeds — designed by passionate equine nutritionists. Partner with Purina to nourish your horse to their optimal body condition. Explore weight management resources for your horse today at purinamills.com/feed-finder.

MORE FROM THE SCORE

• Hurricane Helene: How the Roping Community Can Help
• Who Deserves the 2024 AQHA/PRCA Heel Horse of the Year Award?
• The Short Score: Pendleton Champs
• Who Deserves the 2024 PRCA/AQHA Head Horse of the Year Title? And WHY?
• Jake Smith’s ProRodeo Breakthrough, 12 Years in the Making

Egusquiza and Lord roped three steers in 17.9 seconds and pocketed $12,223 a piece between the rounds and the average. The win also locked them in as the No. 1 team in the PRCA Playoff Series standings heading into the Governor's Cup in Sioux Falls at the end of the month, an opportunity they missed by one point in 2023.

On this episode of The Short Score, Egusquiza and Lord talk about the Pendleton Round-Up team roping win, the year they've had and more.

Episode presented by Purina

Confidently address your horse's unique weight needs and help optimize their overall well-being with research-proven Purina Animal Nutrition feeds — designed by passionate equine nutritionists. Partner with Purina to nourish your horse to their optimal body condition. Explore weight management resources for your horse today at purinamills.com/feed-finder.

MORE FROM THE SCORE

• Who Deserves the 2024 PRCA/AQHA Head Horse of the Year Title? And WHY?
• Jake Smith's ProRodeo Breakthrough, 12 Years in the Making
• How Kory Koontz Found Life in ProRodeo Retirement
• The Short Score: Hermiston and More
• JoJo LeMond: On Going Home & Starting Over

We get Brenten Hall, Coleman Proctor, Dustin Egusquiza, Tanner Tomlinson and Tyler Wade to weigh in on who's the best of the best over 80 rodeos in the PRCA.

---

This week’s episode of The Score is presented by Fast Back Ropes’ Hombre.

Fast Back Ropes is thrilled to unveil its latest innovation in roping technology: the Hombre. After rigorous testing by Fast Back endorsees over the past year, the Hombre is set to redefine performance expectations in team roping.

A four-strand crafted with a core, the Hombre stands out with its vibrant orange color, ensuring exceptional visibility in any arena. Its smaller diameter and rough exterior are meticulously designed to enhance grip, making it ideal for swift and precise maneuvers around the saddle horn.

“The Hombre represents a significant advancement in our team rope lineup,” said Coy Upchurch, General Manager at Fast Back Ropes. “It offers a relaxed feel combined with superior functionality that ropers of all levels will appreciate. Our endorsees have given it high praise during testing.”

Available in both head and heel variations, the Hombre head rope spans 31 feet and is offered in XX-Soft, X-Soft, Soft, and MS lays. Meanwhile, the 35-foot heel rope options include Soft, MS, Medium, and HM lays. This versatility ensures that every roper can find a Hombre rope suited to their specific needs.

“The Hombre is designed to meet the demands of competitive ropers who seek precision and reliability,” added Upchurch. “We’re excited to bring this game-changing rope to market and anticipate it will make waves in the roping community.”

The Hombre will be available for purchase at retail locations starting September 1st, marking a new era in team roping technology. For more information about the Hombre and Fast Back Ropes’ complete product offerings, visit fastbackropes.com.

Smith is a Wildfire Open to the World Champion as a heeler, and in 2023 he won the Riata Championship Open with Douglas Rich, his best friend and rodeo partner.

We called Smith to discuss which horse should be Head Horse of the Year, but in Smith had plenty to say, so we're sharing the whole interview because it's well worth it.

But when he stepped away from professional rodeo—after seasoning iconic reacher Dustin Egusquiza—Koontz found himself re-creating his life from the ground up, learning how to budget and to manage a teaching business, all while starting life with his new wife.

Along the way, Koontz learned some valuable lessons that he shares in this week's episode of The Score.

---

This week's episode of The Score is presented by Fast Back Ropes' Hombre.

Fast Back Ropes is thrilled to unveil its latest innovation in roping technology: the Hombre. After rigorous testing by Fast Back endorsees over the past year, the Hombre is set to redefine performance expectations in team roping.

A four-strand crafted with a core, the Hombre stands out with its vibrant orange color, ensuring exceptional visibility in any arena. Its smaller diameter and rough exterior are meticulously designed to enhance grip, making it ideal for swift and precise maneuvers around the saddle horn.

"The Hombre represents a significant advancement in our team rope lineup," said Coy Upchurch, General Manager at Fast Back Ropes. "It offers a relaxed feel combined with superior functionality that ropers of all levels will appreciate. Our endorsees have given it high praise during testing."

Available in both head and heel variations, the Hombre head rope spans 31 feet and is offered in XX-Soft, X-Soft, Soft, and MS lays. Meanwhile, the 35-foot heel rope options include Soft, MS, Medium, and HM lays. This versatility ensures that every roper can find a Hombre rope suited to their specific needs.

"The Hombre is designed to meet the demands of competitive ropers who seek precision and reliability," added Upchurch. "We're excited to bring this game-changing rope to market and anticipate it will make waves in the roping community."

The Hombre will be available for purchase at retail locations starting September 1st, marking a new era in team roping technology. For more information about the Hombre and Fast Back Ropes' complete product offerings, visit fastbackropes.com.

Tanner Tomlinson and Patrick Smith have been fighting tooth and nail to climb in the standings, and they’ve landed themselves both at 21st in the world after a $14,064-a-man weekend. Tomlinson and Smith won the Farm-City Pro Rodeo in Hermiston, Oregon, picking up $10,101 each. They won $2,546 a man for second at the Lea County PRCA Rodeo in Lovington, New Mexico, and $1,417 a man for eighth in Logan, Utah, at the Cache County Fair and Rodeo. On this episode of The Short Score, Tomlinson briefly talks about their weekend, how they’re climbing in the standings and their mentality going into the last few weeks of the 2024 season.

The Short Score also breaks down some other big winners over the Aug. 7-11, weekend.

Episode presented by Roping.com

Roping.com is the online training resource for team ropers. In addition to thousands of videos and exclusive roping films in your back pocket, members get private access to World Champion coaches like Jake Barnes, Clay O’Brien Cooper, Matt Sherwood, 26-time World Champion Trevor Brazile, and more every day. Take advantage of step-by-step tutorials, run critiques, private members-only Facebook group, live video demos and other benefits. 

Join now for only $29.95/month. 

MORE FROM THE SCORE

• JoJo LeMond: On Going Home & Starting Over
• The Short Score: Old West Part 2
• The Short Score: From Utah to Cheyenne
• How to Market Your Rope Horses with Elite Equine Promotions
• The Short Score: From the NFR Open to Salinas

But the move home wasn't sunshine and rainbows for LeMond, and he's as real as it gets with how he made the transition out of full-time rodeo and into life as a cutting horse trainer.

---

This episode is presented by Gold Buckle Horse Sales. Gold Buckle Horse Sale has come up with a process to take the guesswork out of finding the right horse and allowing both buyer and seller to find the perfect match with confidence. Each horse consigned through Gold Buckle Sales is professionally photographed, videoed and demoed by a professional Gold Buckle Pro. Visit www.goldbucklehorsesale.com.

Riding the famous stallion The Darkk Side, Brazile explains what leaving flat means in the box, and how he uses his body to stay with the horse from the corner to the steer. He talks through the problems created by squatting in the corner, and Brazile talks about how to eliminate squatting in the corner in the box, too

Become a Better Roper:

Roping.com is the online training resource for team ropers. In addition to thousands of videos and exclusive roping films in your back pocket, members get private access to World Champion coaches like Jake Barnes, Clay O’Brien Cooper, Matt Sherwood, 26-time World Champion Trevor Brazile, and more every day. Take advantage of step-by-step tutorials, run critiques, private members-only Facebook group, live video demos and other benefits. 

Join now for only $29.95/month. 

MORE FROM THE SCORE

• The Short Score: Old West Part 2
• The Short Score: From Utah to Cheyenne
• How to Market Your Rope Horses with Elite Equine Promotions
• The Short Score: From the NFR Open to Salinas
• Why Martin Lucero Stepped Away From Rodeo

In this final feature of the Old West futurity, The Short Score brings you conversations with Clay Smith and Joseph Harrison after their wins.

Clay Smith was the first $100,000 winner of the weekend, taking home the win in the Open Futurity Heading on Lead On. Smith and the 5-year-old gelding won the Open Futurity Heading with a 930.24 on four.

Joseph Harrison had the biggest win of the week, not only winning the Open Futurity Heeling on Copperton, but also winning second on Nu One Time Blues and third on CR Better Be Tuff. All in all, between the average and the rounds, Harrison pocketed $168,480.

MORE FROM THE SCORE

• The Short Score: From Utah to Cheyenne
• How to Market Your Rope Horses with Elite Equine Promotions
• The Short Score: From the NFR Open to Salinas
• Why Martin Lucero Stepped Away From Rodeo
• The Short Score: A Little Bit of Everything

Miles Baker kicked off a historic weekend at the Old West Rope Horse Futurity, winning $50,000 in the Pre-Futurity Heading Thursday, July 25, on Relentless PYC. Baker talks about the mare they call Nala and why the win means so much to "a kid from Oklahoma."

With an 8.3-second run, Hayes Smith and Justin Davis won their first Cheyenne Frontier Days titles, something they've both dreamed of since they were kids. They break down their win and the emotions behind it.

MORE FROM THE SCORE

• How to Market Your Rope Horses with Elite Equine Promotions
• The Short Score: From the NFR Open to Salinas
• Why Martin Lucero Stepped Away From Rodeo
• The Short Score: A Little Bit of Everything
• The Short Score: Joseph Harrison is the Richest ARHFA Roper
• Is Jade Corkill *Really* Retired from ProRodeo? (Does Anyone Really Retire from Rodeo?)

---

Episode presented by Cactus Saddlery. Cactus Saddlery is the industry’s leading saddle makers, with all saddles and strap items handmade in the United states. With 150 years of combined saddle making skills, Cactus Saddlery provides premium saddles, tack, pads and equine accessories designed, developed and ridden by the professionals of our sport. Fit, quality, looks and personalized customer service are the expectations. Cactus Saddlery offers a full line of equine products to satisfy everyone from pleasure riders to professional competitors.

Erich Rogers and Paul Eaves picked up their second California Rodeo Salinas titles Sunday, July 21, 2024, with a 46.5 on five steers. All in all they pocketed $10,946 a man to push to No. 15 and 16 in the world standings. 

Kaleb Driggers and Junior Nogueira added a new title to their resumes, picking up their first national circuit titles winning the 2024 NFR Open July 13. Between the overall win and the second-round win in their bracket, Driggers and Nogueira pocketed $16,000 a man to push Driggers to No. 1 in the world standings and Nogueira to No. 2.

On this episode of The Short Score, Rogers and Eaves share about their Salinas win, and Driggers and Nogueira talk about their win in Colorado Springs.

___

This episode is brought to you by Purina. There’s more talk than ever about the importance of probiotics in equine health. But not all probiotics are created equal. New Purina Systemiq Supplement remains live & active after the pelleting process and throughout the digestive system making it all the way to the hind gut. Systemiq was designed to support normal recovery after exercise and occasional gastrointestinal stress. Whether you’re using a probiotic now or not, it’s time to use a live and active supplement from a name you trust. New Purina Systemiq probiotic.

More from The Score

• Why Martin Lucero Stepped Away From Rodeo
• The Short Score: A Little Bit of Everything
• The Short Score: Joseph Harrison is the Richest ARHFA Roper
• Is Jade Corkill *Really* Retired from ProRodeo? (Does Anyone Really Retire from Rodeo?)
• The Short Score: Kolton Schmidt’s Rhianna

---

This episode of The Score is presented by Equinety. The amino acids in Equinety Horse XL are specifically formulated to stimulate the pituitary gland, (the master gland in the body), and this is what releases the necessary hormones that help the body repair at a cellular level. More: https://bit.ly/WhatIsEquinety

Cowboy Christmas 2024 is officially in the books, and Kaleb Driggers and Junior Nogueira came out on top as team roping's top money earners. They crushed the record they set in 2022 of $35,152 a man by raking in $47,275 each this year. But who else was inside the top five in terms of money won this Cowboy Christmas?

The American Rope Horse Futurity Association’s Cowtown Classic also took place over the weekend, and Tate Kirchenschlager reigned supreme as he and his horses unofficially amassed $31,465 in earnings over two days of competition.

National circuit titles are on the line as the 2024 NFR Open kicks off Tuesday, July 9. We break down everything you need to know about this year's NFR Open on this episode of The Short Score.

___

This episode of The Short Score is presented by Gold Buckle Horse Sales. Gold Buckle Horse Sales has come up with a process to take the guesswork out of finding the right horse and allowing both buyer and seller to find the perfect match with confidence. Each horse consigned through the program is professionally photographed, videoed and demoed by a professional Gold Buckle Pro. Learn more at goldbucklehorsesale.com.

Harrison joins The Short Score to talk about what it means to be the richest roper in the ARHFA and how to ensure a successful future in the rope horse and futurity industry. 

__

MORE FROM THE SCORE

• Is Jade Corkill *Really* Retired from ProRodeo? (Does Anyone Really Retire from Rodeo?)
• The Short Score: Kolton Schmidt’s Rhianna
• The Short Score: California’s Preston Burgess
• The Short Score: Memorial Day Weekend Roundup

But what factors went into Corkill's decision? And will he be back? Find out on this don't miss episode of The Score.

---

This episode kicks off our summer-long series with guys who've decided to take time off from ProRodeo, exploring what made them make the tough call and how they built their lives—including their finances—in life after rodeo.

---

Resistol is the official hat of the PRCA, the World Series of Team Roping, the USTRC and numerous other western sports events and organizations. Since 1927 Resistol has supported as much as they can in the western industry to ensure growth and a western lifestyle for generations to come! We Live It Every Day

Visit Resistol.com to find your favorite hat or locate a retailer near you 

Registered as Carters Won Time Out, Rhianna comes to Schmidt from A&C Racing and Roping, Rhen and Kaden Richard's top-notch training program. Carters Won Time Out spent 2023 on the rope horse futurity scene with Rhen, picking up wins like the 6-&-Under Heading at the Royal Crown Futurity Rock Springs, Wyoming.

Chelsea Shaffer joins The Short Score to chat with Schmidt on Rhianna and how she joined his team.

____

This episode of The Short Score is presented by Gold Buckle Horse Sales. Gold Buckle Horse Sales has come up with a process to take the guesswork out of finding the right horse and allowing both buyer and seller to find the perfect match with confidence. Each horse consigned through the program is professionally photographed, videoed and demoed by a professional Gold Buckle Pro. Learn more at goldbucklehorsesale.com.

Burgess, a Hilmar, California, native, and Cowden have steadily climbed to fifth and third in the circuit standings after pocketing $6,718 a man between their average win at the Santa Maria Elks Rodeo May 30-June 2, and a fifth-place finish at the Livermore Rodeo June 8-9.

Burgess joins The Short Score to talk about their recent circuit success, his partnership with Cowden and rodeoing on the West Coast.

___

This episode is brought to you by Purina RepleniMash. Attention horse owners. Are you looking to help your horse recover with ease, after a strenuous workout? Would you like to nourish your horse and their digestive system? If so, try the new Purina RepleniMash Product. It’s much more than a mash. RepleniMash promotes hydration, replenishes electrolytes and supports gastric comfort. Put Purina’s research to the test. Stop into your local Purina retailer and grab a bag of Purina Replenimash product.

MORE FROM THE SCORE

• The Short Score: Memorial Day Weekend Roundup
• Kenna Francis' and Whitney DeSalvo's $60K WRWC Win
• The Short Score: WCRA Rodeo Corpus Christi 2024
• The Short Score: Guymon Champs

The best of the best enter across multiple Open ropings in the South, such as the Windy Ryon Memorial Roping, Cody NesSmith Memorial and the Danny Dietz Memorial Classic, before they head out for the summer run. On this episode ofThe Short Score, we go over who won what big ropings over Memorial Day weekend 2024.

The weekend kicked off with Luke Brown and Travis Graves taking home the 50th Annual Windy Ryon Memorial Roping. Brown and Graves won the historic roping with a 41.22 on five steers for $9,904 May 24, 2024. 

In Decatur, Texas, Clint Summers and Jake Long took home the Danny Dietz Memorial Classic Open win May 25. With a 33.03, they pocketed a combined $21,560 for the aggregate title. For Summers, the day marks his first Dietz championship, but Long celebrated No. 5 at the benefit event in memory of the late Navy SEAL, Danny Dietz. This also adds another major Open win in Long's already large 2024 resume. (PS: You can watch the Dietz on Roping.com!)

The action continued with the Cody NesSmith Memorial Team Roping in Buffalo. The Cody NesSmith Memorial Team Roping remembers and honors the life of Cody NesSmith, who passed in 2020 to Ewing’s Sarcoma. Kollin VonAhn and Andrew Ward won the Cody Johnson Resistol Open 7 Header with a 57.13 on seven to split $40,000. The seven-header was followed the next morning by the Bill Fick Ford Open 5 Header, where Tyler Wade and Paul Eaves took home the win with a 30.34 on five.

Lastly, the Priefert Ranch Pro Roping kicked off today, May 28, and runs through June 2, and you can watch the action live all week long over at Roping.com.

___

MORE FROM THE SCORE

• Kenna Francis' and Whitney DeSalvo's $60K WRWC Win
• The Short Score: Guymon Champs
• Yeti US Open Champs Andrew Ward and Jake Long on The Score Podcast
• The Short Score: Weekend for the Resistol Rookies
• The Short Score: Sydney Ball

Francis and DeSalvo were one of three teams who made it through the WRWC tournament throughout the week inside Cowtown Coliseum and put an exclamation point on the week with a 6.62-second run in front of the jam-packed PBR World Finals audience inside AT&T Stadium May 18.

Francis and DeSalvo join The Score to talk about their week, their top-of-the-line mounts and more.

____

This episode is presented by Cactus Ropes.

The team at Cactus are ranchers, ropers, rodeo contestants and horse enthusiasts who take pride in blending traditional team rope making artistry with technical innovations to produce the industry’s best equipment.

Cactus has had many great individuals influence the team rope making process over the years starting with Cactus Jack, Jacky and Rob Stephenson, Joe Mathews, Barry Berg, and Mike Piland. Clay O’Brien Cooper, Jake Long, Chad Masters, Riley Minor, Matt Sherwood, Nick Sartain, Lari Dee Guy, Hope Thompson, Stran Smith along with many other team ropers, breakaway roper, and tie-down ropers have lent their professional expertise time and time again to help the master rope makers at Cactus hone their craft.

One of the greatest opportunities for the Cactus crew was the partnership with the GOAT (Greatest of All Time). For the last decade Trevor Brazile, the King of the Cowboys, has been working with Cactus Ropes to design the best feeling head and heel team ropes on the market. Trevor’s Relentless attention to detail coupled with the team rope design team at Cactus resulted in not only the creation the best selling Relentless line of team ropes and calf ropes, but a positive effect on the quality of all Cactus products, from ropes and sports boots to horse blankets.

Today many of the original cast of the Cactus start-up are still pushing the yellow and green every day in the rope shop in Pleasanton, TX. Mike Piland is the head of public relations, Barry is the general manager, and Rob is making sure every team rope is perfectly coiled. The Cactus Crew has stuck together for knocking on thirty years now with no signs of slowing down in the future.

The 2023 Rodeo Corpus Christi champions Riley Kittle and Jace Helton returned to the American Bank Center ready to repeat their victory. They took home the Progressive Round 1 win with a 4.64 for $5,000, locking them in for the Showdown Round May 11, which features seven teams.

Progressive Round 2 belonged to Jake Smith and Douglas Rich with a 4.16-second run. Their win locked them in for the Showdown Round and pocketed them $5,000. 

When the dust settled, Luke Brown and Jade Corkill took home the 2024 WCRA Rodeo Corpus Christi title. They advanced to the Showdown Round with a 16.23 in the two-head average. They topped the Showdown Round with a 4.75-second run to advance to the Triple Crown of Rodeo Round, comprised of three teams. With a businessman's run of 6.0 in the Triple Crown of Rodeo Round, they took home the Rodeo Corpus Christi title for $15,000 and the surfboards. They also secured their spot on the Free Riders Team in Kid Rock's Rock N Rodeo, and joining them will be Jake Smith and Douglas Rich who finished second overall.

On this episode of The Short Score, you'll hear from the round winners as well as the overall Rodeo Corpus Christi champs.

This episode is brought to you by Purina RepleniMash. Attention horse owners. Are you looking to help your horse recover with ease, after a strenuous workout? Would you like to nourish your horse and their digestive system? If so, try the new Purina RepleniMash Product. It’s much more than a mash. RepleniMash promotes hydration, replenishes electrolytes and supports gastric comfort. Put Purina’s research to the test. Stop into your local Purina retailer and grab a bag of Purina Replenimash product.

MORE FROM THE SCORE

• The Short Score: Guymon Champs
• Yeti US Open Champs Andrew Ward and Jake Long on The Score Podcast
• The Short Score: Weekend for the Resistol Rookies
• The Short Score: Sydney Ball
• The Short Score: Luke Brown’s 2008 Pendleton Win

Egusquiza and Lord have had a major first half of the 2024 ProRodeo season, notching wins like the National Western Stock Show and Rodeo (Denver), Sandhills Stock Show & Rodeo (Odessa) and Rodeo Austin, as well as picking up major checks at the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo and San Angelo Stock Show and Rodeo.

On this episode of The Short Score, Egusquiza and Lord talk about their win in Guymon and how this year is going.

MORE FROM THE SCORE

• Yeti US Open Champs Andrew Ward and Jake Long on The Score Podcast
• The Short Score: Weekend for the Resistol Rookies
• The Short Score: Sydney Ball
• The Short Score: Luke Brown’s 2008 Pendleton Win
• Genuine Billy Cook’s Saddlemaker Jody Ramer

---

This episode is presented by Cactus Ropes, sponsor of BOTH Andrew Ward and Jake Long. Cactus Ropes has pioneered the rope-making industry for more than 25 years, creating specialized products for ropers of all kinds. Andrew Ward won the US Open with his Cactus Xplosion, while Long won the roping with his Cactus Mojo.

The third-annual Resistol Rookie Roundup was at Cowtown Coliseum in Fort Worth, Texas, April 26-27. Utah cowboys Ben Jordan and Scott Lauaki took home the 2024 win with a 4.5-second run in the four-man Round to pocket $2,500 a man. Chelsea Shaffer, host of The Score, caught up with Jordan and Lauaki after their win.

Over on the West Coast, the muleys were back in Clovis, and Resistol Rookies came out on top there, too. Resistol Rookie of the Year contender Korbin Rice took home the Clovis Rodeo win with 2021 Resistol Rookie Heeler of the Year Caleb Hendrix. They were 32.3 seconds on four head for $5,305 a man. Rice joins The Short Score to talk about their win.

MORE FROM THE SCORE

• The Short Score: Sydney Ball
• The Short Score: Luke Brown’s 2008 Pendleton Win
• Genuine Billy Cook’s Saddlemaker Jody Ramer
• The Short Score: 2024 BFI Week

The 23-year-old Virginia native, now living in Texas, leads the 2024 WRWC Challenger leaderboard on the head side heading into the WRWC May 13-28 in Fort Worth. Sydney, 23, and her twin sister Sally didn't start roping until they were 17, yet they've had an impressive start with the Women's Rodeo Championship.

Read Sydney's Story HERE

On this episode of The Short Score, Sydney talks about how she started heading, what it means to be the reigning Challenger world champion header and more.

___

The 2024 Women’s Rodeo World Championship will take place May 13-18. The first four days of competition will happen at Cowtown Coliseum in Fort Worth, Texas, followed by the Championship Round at AT&T Stadium in Arlington May 18-19. For more information, visit www.wrwc.rodeo.

More from The Score

• The Short Score: Luke Brown’s 2008 Pendleton Win
• Genuine Billy Cook’s Saddlemaker Jody Ramer
• The Short Score: 2024 BFI Week
• The Short Score: Horsemanship and More with Kory Koontz

Back in 2008, Luke qualified for his first NFR where he would place in seven of 10 rounds. But his trip to Las Vegas wasn’t really punched until September that year when he won the Pendleton Round-Up with his regular season partner Monty Joe Petska. On this episode, Chelsea Shaffer, host of The Score, has a quick conversation with Luke about winning Pendleton that year and why it was so important. This episode is an inside like at an article from the May 2024 issue of The Team Roping Journal Magazine, reliving the win and featuring cool pictures from the day.

READ: Luke Brown: Lessons Learned From 13 NFRs

Host of The Short Score, Taylor Vollin, also notes who won which ProRodeos over the weekend, including Logandale, Nevada, Oakdale, California, Davie, Florida, and Kingman, Arizona.

__

This episode is brought to you by Purina RepleniMash. Attention horse owners. Are you looking to help your horse recover with ease, after a strenuous workout? Would you like to nourish your horse and their digestive system? If so, try the new Purina RepleniMash Product. It’s much more than a mash. RepleniMash promotes hydration, replenishes electrolytes and supports gastric comfort.  Put Purina’s research to the test. Stop into your local Purina retailer and grab a bag of Purina Replenimash product.

More from The Score

• Genuine Billy Cook’s Saddlemaker Jody Ramer
• The Short Score: 2024 BFI Week
• The Short Score: Horsemanship and More with Kory Koontz
• Horse Market Report: Brooke Wilson’s Horse Sale Dominance

---

This episode is presented by Genuine Billy Cook Saddles – the finest handmade saddles and tack, the fairest prices – world famous since 1953, Billy Cook saddles continue to be built in the USA by horsemen for horsemen. In 2020 Genuine Billy Cook was revitalized and has been operating under a new business model aimed at producing the highest quality to ensure maximum performance while keeping true to western horsemanship traditions. The finest handmade saddles and tack, the fairest prices. Genuinebillycook.com

Multiple champs from BFI Week join this episode of The Short Score to talk about their wins, including The Feist champs, Kaleb Driggers and Junior Nogueira, the 12.5 champs, Cole and Birch Eiguren, and the Charlie 1 Horse All-Girl winners, Kenzie Kelton and Whitney DeSalvo.

Kaleb Driggers and Junior Nogueira have both made multiple trips to the BFI, but 2024 marked their first-ever The Feist title. The long awaited win for the pair of world champs brought them $160,000 after roping six steers in 44.76 seconds.

WATCH THE BFI

Cole and Birch Eiguren might not be household names, but they took home a major win at the Lazy E. The cousins from Oregon took home the largest check of BFI Week, cashing in $200,000 for winning the 12.5 March 30, after roping four steers in 32.46 seconds.

Lastly, Kenzie Kelton and Whitney DeSalvo are now back-to-back All-Girl champs. Kelton and DeSalvo won the Charlie 1 Horse All-Girl last year, and this year they took home $23,000 for the win after roping four steers in 31.27 seconds. Also noteworthy, this marks six Charlie 1 Horse All-Girl wins for DeSalvo, and in 2024 she also won second...on the head side. 

The 2024 BFI can be watched at Roping.com.

This episode is brought to you by Roping.com.

Become a better roper:

Roping.com is the online training resource for team ropers. In addition to thousands of videos and exclusive roping films in your back pocket, members get private access to World Champion coaches like Jake Barnes, Clay O’Brien Cooper, Matt Sherwood, 26-time World Champion Trevor Brazile, and more every day. Take advantage of step-by-step tutorials, run critiques, private members-only Facebook group, live video demos and other benefits. Join now for only $29.95/month. 

More from The Score

• The Short Score: Horsemanship and More with Kory Koontz
• Horse Market Report: Brooke Wilson’s Horse Sale Dominance
• The Short Score: 2024 Lone Star Shootout Champs
• The Short Score: 2024 Lone Star Shootout Champs

Roping.com recently released a full youth clinic with Koontz, with a range of videos with great tips, from dummy roping, how to rope the sled, live steers and a lot of focus on the fundamentals. On this episode of The Short Score, Roping.combrings an audio clip from his Koontz’ clinic, focusing on the importance of horsemanship.

In this clip, Koontz explains how horsemanship defines winning and losing. He spends time talking to the kids about how critical good horsemanship was to the development of his career, and he explains how his great horses defined success in his career. This leads into a full explainer on attitude and mental game, and how gratitude and hard work affect the future of your career as a team roper.

Head over to Roping.com to watch his full series.

Become a Better Roper:

Roping.com is the online training resource for team ropers. In addition to thousands of videos and exclusive roping films in your back pocket, members get private access to World Champion coaches like Jake Barnes, Clay O’Brien Cooper, Matt Sherwood, 26-time World Champion Trevor Brazile, and more every day. Take advantage of step-by-step tutorials, run critiques, private members-only Facebook group, live video demos and other benefits. Join now for only $29.95/month. 

Wilson, 36, of Canyon, Texas, is a wife, mother and 5.5 header who won more than anyone else at the first Riata Buckle in 2022. She and her husband Rodey have topped the Horse Sale at Rancho Rio the last three years, and they're consistently ringing a bell at the major rope horse sales across the country.

In this episode, Wilson talks about how Wilson Cattle Co. came to be and how they became one of the industry's premiere sellers of World Series of Team Roping horses. She also analyzes where the rope horse market is from her perspective, and she talks about the impact the Riata Buckle is having on their program.

---

This episode is presented by Genuine Billy Cook Saddles – the finest handmade saddles and tack, the fairest prices – world famous since 1953, Billy Cook saddles continue to be built in the USA by horsemen for horsemen. In 2020 Genuine Billy Cook was revitalized and has been operating under a new business model aimed at producing the highest quality to ensure maximum performance while keeping true to western horsemanship traditions. The finest handmade saddles and tack, the fairest prices. Genuinebillycook.com

Just 24 hours later, Egusquiza and Long headed to Austin for the Rodeo Austin short round with their regular season partners—Levi Lord on the heel side for Egusquiza and Clint Summers on the head side for Long. When it was all said and done, Egusquiza and Lord took the Rodeo Austin win with a 12.5 on three head.

On this episode of The Short Score, Casey Allen—host of The Rundown at BarrelRacing.com—caught up with the winners following the short round to talk about the win.

Watch the Lone Star Shootout at Roping.com

Roping.com streamed all four days of the Lone Star Shootout, starting with the 2D Rope Horses Open, March 21–24, 2024, providing full coverage of the fastest jackpot of the year. The event streamed to all Roping.com members live from the Taylor County Expo Center in Abilene, Texas, and is now available on-demand.

Roping.com is the online training resource for ropers. In addition to thousands of videos and exclusive roping films in your back pocket, members get private access to World Champion coaches like Jake Barnes, Matt Sherwood, Miles Baker, 26-time World Champion Trevor Brazile and more every day. Join now for only $29.95/month and take advantage of step-by-step tutorials, run critiques, private members-only Facebook group, livestream event coverage and other benefits available exclusively to Roping.com members. 

Yeahquo and Hawkins are a new team in 2024 and have both jumped to No. 1 in the world standings after taking home $54,375 a man in Houston. Yeahquo now has $65,674.40 won on the year, and Hawkins has $70,240.46 on the heel side.

Yeahquo and Hawkins join The Short Score to talk about the win and their new partnership.

Read about their win: JC Yeahquo and Buddy Hawkins Win Houston, Debut Partnership at No. 1

____

This episode is brought to you by Purina. The PhD Equine Nutritionists at Purina Animal Nutrition tackle problems using science. And their love of horses keeps them at it until they get it right. Even with the most established feeds, they keep innovating. Even when it takes years of research, they don’t stop until it’s right. They are dedicated to the scientific method, but it can’t capture the feeling of seeing a horse reach their full potential. It takes science and love to help your horses live their best life. Put their research to the test at HorseInnovation.com.

In this episode, Smith explains his decision to sell Rooster (as well as his Riata Buckle spot) and how time commitments have kept him from focusing on the breeding business.

The Select Online Sale is March 17 ONLY online and on the app.

Tierney finished the three-day marathon with a time of 322.8 seconds on 25 head worth $100,000, winning second with a 58.7 in Round 2 worth $2,000, third in Round 3 with a 57.9 worth $1,000 and third in Round 5 with a 60.3 worth another $1,000. 

The Score's Chelsea Shaffer caught up with Tierney in the arena at the Lazy E after his third Ironman title.

---

This episode is presented by Genuine Billy Cook Saddles – the finest handmade saddles and tack, the fairest prices – world famous since 1953, Billy Cook saddles continue to be built in the USA by horsemen for horsemen. In 2020 Genuine Billy Cook was revitalized and has been operating under a new business model aimed at producing the highest quality to ensure maximum performance while keeping true to western horsemanship traditions.  genuinebillycook.com. The finest handmade saddles and tack, the fairest prices. Genuinebillycook.com

The roping will take place in Scottsdale, Arizona, Nov. 27-30, 2024, and will pay out $1 million across a 10-round Open format.

In this Breakaway Breakdown crossover episode of The Short Score, the host of The Breakaway Breakdown, Lillian Kent, joins Chris to shed light on the new event, the payout, format and how to get qualified.

He doesn't often do interviews, but when he does, he says what he means and means what he says, dropping the most useful knowledge you'll find on the horse industry anywhere. Barwick's background is in the NCHA, but he's been a quick study on the rope horse game since partnering with guys like Shane Hanchey, Kaleb Driggers and Haven Meged on Gold Buckle Futurities.

If you enjoy this episode, remember to follow The Score on your favorite podcast platforms and leave us a review.

---

Genuine Billy Cook Saddles – the finest handmade saddles and tack, the fairest prices – world famous since 1953, Billy Cook saddles continue to be built in the USA by horsemen for horsemen. In 2020 Genuine Billy Cook was revitalized and has been operating under a new business model aimed at producing the highest quality to ensure maximum performance while keeping true to western horsemanship traditions.  genuinebillycook.com. The finest handmade saddles and tack, the fairest prices. Genuinebillycook.com

The only two classes Baker didn't win were the intermediate divisions, and Logan Anseth, the intermediate heeling champ, joins us as well.

---

This episode is presented by Fast Back Ropes' Cobalt. The Cobalt is the rope Dakota Kirchenschlager used on the help side behind Baker for all those wins. The Cobalt is a perfect combination of poly and dyed nylon resulting in a highly durable rope. The Cobalt is medium in diameter and weight and will likely appeal to ropers who prefer more tip weight and less body or bounce.

Hall and his new partner, Kaden Profili, are hot off their $15,000-win at The American Contender Finals Feb. 10, in Abilene, Texas. Hall joins The Short Score to talk about the win and reflect on past struggles—including horses injuries and missing out on the NFR—and how these experiences have shaped his current mindset of enjoying the journey and relying on his faith.

In its third year, the 88 Ranch's Remuda Sale runs Feb. 2 to Feb 4 online, offering the ranch's finest prospects and a ranch-raised stallion, Roller And Shaker. In this episode, 88 Ranch owner Garrett Henry sits down with Chelsea Shaffer and discusses the ranch's history, 88 Remuda Sale, their new stallion Sheik Jean Fly HHT and the future of the rope horse and barrel horse industries.

---

This episode is presented by 88 Ranch. The 88 Remuda Sale goes live Friday, February 2, 2024 at 8 a.m. MST and closes Feb. 4, 2024, at 3 p.m. MST. Join 88 Ranch live on the 88 REMUDA SALE Facebook Page at 5 p.m. MT February 2 for a virtual preview of all of the sale horses. You are more than welcome to come to the ranch at this time to watch the preview in person. The Henrys will talk about each horse, take a look at them and watch them ride! They will also be able to answer any questions.

Saebens, drawing from his extensive experience, provides practical insights into the practicalities of rope horse breeding programs. Listeners gain an understanding of the process involved in selecting and pairing horses for optimal performance in the arena, offering a glimpse into the methodical world of creating high-quality rope horses.

The episode takes a pragmatic look at the nuances of buying and selling rope horses, with Saebens offering advice on what to consider when investing in a rope horse. From identifying essential attributes to navigating market dynamics, his guidance serves as a resource for both buyers and sellers in the rope horse industry.

Listeners are then led through the realm of rope horse futurities, gaining insights into the competitions that showcase up-and-coming stars of team roping. Saebens shares details on strategies, training approaches, and the thrilling moments that define these futurities, providing a comprehensive view of this segment of the sport.

Throughout the conversation, Saebens' passion for team roping is evident, and his practical wisdom contributes to a narrative that resonates with listeners across experience levels. The episode aims to offer a straightforward exploration of the world of team roping, relying on Saebens' experiences and genuine enthusiasm for the sport.

Whether seasoned ropers or newcomers to the arena, listeners are invited to tune in and gain practical insights into the heart of team roping culture. The Score from The Team Roping Journal, in this episode with Billie Jack Saebens, aims to be a valuable resource for those interested in the functional aspects of the roping community.

---

This episode of The Score is presented by Spalding Fly Predators. Too many flies last year? Fly Predators® can fix that! 

Effective and easy-to-use Fly Predators kill flies before they hatch, which dramatically minimizes your fly problem while saving you time.  

Don’t struggle with flies another season. Learn more about Fly Predators and other Spalding Labs’ fly control solutions at spalding-labs.com. 

In the Progressive Rounds, Jake Wells and Bryer Hamilton took the first-round win with an 8.22, and Heath King and Stephen Britnell won the second round with a 5.79. Peyton Walters and Joe Mattern took home the win and $15,000 with a 5.52-second run in Saturday's Triple Crown of Rodeo Round. 

On this episode of The Short Score, we catch up with the Progressive Round winners and the Stampede at The E champs.

____

This episode is presented by Spalding-Labs. Too many flies last year? Fly Predators® can fix that! Effective and easy-to-use Fly Predators kill flies before they hatch, which dramatically minimizes your fly problem while saving you time. Don’t struggle with flies another season

___

This episode is brought to you by Purina. The PhD Equine Nutritionists at Purina Animal Nutrition tackle problems using science. And their love of horses keeps them at it until they get it right. Even with the most established feeds, they keep innovating. Even when it takes years of research, they don’t stop until it’s right. They are dedicated to the scientific method

It all came down to Round 10, and when it was all said and done, Tyler Wade and Wesley Thorp held on to the lead in the world standings to clinch the 2023 world title. Derrick Begay and Colter Todd went into the tenth round leading the average as the only team to catch all steers. They stayed the course, roping their steer in 4.4 seconds to win the average.

Chelsea Shaffer sat down with both teams to talk about their monumental wins.

___

This episode is presented by CSI Saddlepads. CSI has supported our multimedia coverage of all things team roping for a decade. Their mission is to make sure you and your horse both enjoy riding, which is why they’ve created the CSI Saddle Pad and educate and communicate with their customers

Wade and Thorp join Chelsea Shaffer on The Score to talk about their run, the steers and how they feel heading into the tenth round as the projected world champions.

___

This episode is presented by Resistol, who have supported us in our multimedia coverage of all things team roping since 2012. Check out Resistol’s NEW footwear collection, primed to ring in 2024 with a bang. 

Wade and Thorp not only won the round, they tied the team roping world record and pocketed $30,706 a man. That $30,706 was good enough to put them back in contention for a world title. On this episode of The Score, Chelsea Shaffer sat down with Wade and Thorp to talk about the run, how they felt good about their draw and how they feel being back in world title contention.

___

This episode is presented by CSI Saddlepads. CSI has supported our multimedia coverage of all things team roping for a decade. Their mission is to make sure you and your horse both enjoy riding, which is why they’ve created the CSI Saddle Pad and educate and communicate with their customers and the horse community.

Chelsea Shaffer sits down with all three teams on this episode of The Score to talk about their night. 

____

This episode is presented by Resistol, who have supported us in our multimedia coverage of all things team roping and rope horse since 2012. Check out Resistol’s NEW footwear collection, primed to ring in 2024 with a bang.

Host Chelsea Shaffer sat down with them on The Score to talk about the run, their horses and how they turned things around.

___

This episode of The Score is presented by Soft Ride. Soft Ride has been supporting our efforts in bringing you all the top news of the team roping and rope horse industries since the beginning, and they continue to bring unparalleled comfort for your horses in all their products.

The win in Round 5 actually marks Koch's first-ever NFR go-round win. On this episode of The Score, Brown and Koch talk about Koch's first round win and how they've bounced back.

___

This episode is presented by Resistol, who have supported us in our multimedia coverage of all things team roping and rope horse since 2012. Check out Resistol’s NEW footwear collection, primed to ring in 2024 with a bang.

Summers and Long are back with Chelsea Shaffer on The Score in a feel-good episode. They talk about what it’s like to live out their absolute childhood dreams, what their mindsets look like this year and just how grateful they are for good horses. 

___

This episode of The Score is presented by Soft Ride. Soft Ride has been supporting our efforts in bringing you all the top news of the team roping and rope horse industries since the beginning, and they continue to bring unparalleled comfort for your horses in all their products.

After starting off the Finals with two misses, Proctor and Medlin bounced back, cashing in $30,706 a man for the round win. Chelsea Shaffer sat down with Proctor and Medlin on this episode of The Score to talk about the win, horses, mindset and their steer.

More NFR Coverage:

• 2023 NFR Team Roping Results
• Heating Up: The 2023 NFR Round 3 Cheat Sheet

This episode is presented by CSI Saddlepads. CSI has supported our multimedia coverage of all things team roping for a decade. Their mission is to make sure you and your horse both enjoy riding, which is why they’ve created the CSI Saddle Pad and educate and communicate with their customers and the horse community. 

Summers and Long were a blazing 3.8 seconds in Round 2 to win the round, bringing their NFR earnings thus far to $61,412.82 a man. On this episode of The Score, host Chelsea Shaffer sits down with Summers and Long once again to talk about their win, horsepower and the meaning behind Long's tie-dye shirt.

____

This episode of The Score is presented by Soft Ride. Soft Ride has been supporting our efforts in bringing you all the top news of the team roping and rope horse industries since the beginning, and they continue to bring unparalleled comfort for your horses in all their products.

On this episode of The Score, host, Chelsea Shaffer, sits down with Summers and Long to talk about their win.

___

This episode is presented by Resistol, who have supported us in our multimedia coverage of all things team roping and rope horse since 2012. Check out Resistol’s NEW footwear collection, primed to ring in 2024 with a bang.

Begay and Todd are some of rodeo fans' favorite team ropers and for good reason. Chelsea Shaffer sat down with Todd in the media room of the Thomas & Mack after running the team roping steers through Tuesday, Dec. 5, and Todd gets very honest about his nerves and thoughts as he prepares for his NFR return.

More with Colter Todd

• Begay and Todd are “Rodeoin’ a Bit” and Inside Top 15 with Greeley Win
• Right Where they Belong: Begay, Todd Win 2023 Pendleton Round-Up
• Ask the Pros with Colter Todd

___

This episode is brought to you by Purina. The PhD Equine Nutritionists at Purina Animal Nutrition tackle problems using science. And their love of horses keeps them at it until they get it right. Even with the most established feeds, they keep innovating. Even when it takes years of research, they don’t stop until it’s right. They are dedicated to the scientific method, but it can’t capture the feeling of seeing a horse reach their full potential. It takes science and love to help your horses live their best life. Put their research to the test at HorseInnovation.com.

To be ready to rope for the amounts of money up for grabs at the Finale, you need to practice like you're already there. On this bonus Roping.com tips episode of The Short Score, Jake Barnes explains how you can practice as if you were in a high-pressure situation.

WATCH: Practicing to be High Call at the Ariat World Series of Team Roping Finale

____

This episode is brought to you by Sentinel. No one knows your horse’s thoughts, emotions and moods as well as you. Just as in touch as you are with their personality, Sentinel’s expert nutritionists are in tune with their dietary needs. With feeds in the form of extruded nuggets to provide exceptional nutrition, and formulas made for every life stage and activity level, Sentinel’s wide choice of carefully crafted feeds makes it easy to find the perfect fit to better your horse’s health. Learn more at feed Sentinel dot com slash score. That’s feed Sentinel dot com slash score.

---

This episode is presented by Resistol, who have supported our efforts to tell the stories of the best horses in the rope horse business since we kicked off this campaign in 2021. Check out Resistol's NEW footwear collection, primed to ring in 2024 with a bang.

On this episode of The Short Score, Theriot talks about his first NFR qualification, making the Finals in the heading as the son of 1994 World Champion Tie-Down Roper Herbert Theriot and what he's looking forward to in Las Vegas.

This Episode is Presented by 5 Star Equine Products.

5 Star’s exclusive wool, quality and craftsmanship has set the standard in the equine industry. 5 Star’s durability has been proven in the arena, on the ranch, and on the trail.  Custom designs and styles to fit even the toughest of backlines, 5Star has a pad for your horse. And, best of all, all 5 Star Equine products are handcrafted in the USA! Let us take the worry out of keeping your horse comfortable, while you enjoy the ride. Customize your pad at 5StarEquine.com.

In this bonus Roping.com tips episode of The Short Score, Jake Barnes shows you the correct way to hold your loop and your slack to get the most effective swing and delivery.

Watch "Head Rope Grip

Curry heeled for fellow Mississippian and all-around cowboy Marcus Theriot, and the two will make their first appearances in the Thomas & Mack together.

On this episode of The Short Score, we talk with Curry about what it means to make the NFR, what it took to qualify and what he's looking forward to the most.

More with Curry:

• Theriot and Curry Steal Southeastern Circuit Finals Average Win with 5-second Lead
• Theriot & Curry Claim 2023 WCRA Rodeo Carolina Win Ahead of First NFR

___

This episode is brought to you by Sentinel. No one knows your horse’s thoughts, emotions and moods as well as you. Just as in touch as you are with their personality, Sentinel’s expert nutritionists are in tune with their dietary needs. With feeds in the form of extruded nuggets to provide exceptional nutrition, and formulas made for every life stage and activity level, Sentinel’s wide choice of carefully crafted feeds makes it easy to find the perfect fit to better your horse’s health. Learn more at feed Sentinel dot com slash score. That’s feed Sentinel dot com slash score.

The Thanksgiving Day Sale will feature embryos from great rope horse mares like Apache R Hali and J Low's Glo, crossed on Woody Be Tuff and Shining Spark. There have never been embryos offered like this in all the rope horse market, and it's worth an entire episode to understand.

The sale is Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 23, 2023, and closes at 5 p.m. CT.

In this bonus Roping.com tips episode of The Short Score, Patrick Smith explains these topics, and feeding your rope for maximum efficiency on the heel side in this clip from the Legend film.

Watch Now: Dummy Instruction with Patrick Smith

Don't forget that Smith's new instructional video Stay Driven, by PoleStar Visuals, drops on Roping.com the week of Thanksgiving 2023. Stay Driven, will focus on the team component of the sport, an element often overlooked by ropers of all levels and will use never-before-seen camera angles and video technology to deepen viewers’ understanding of the sport. 

Become a Better Roper:

Roping.com is the online training resource for team ropers. In addition to thousands of videos and exclusive roping films in your back pocket, members get private access to World Champion coaches like Jake Barnes, Clay O’Brien Cooper, Matt Sherwood, 26-time World Champion Trevor Brazile, and more every day. Take advantage of step-by-step tutorials, run critiques, private members-only Facebook group, live video demos and other benefits. 

Join now for only $29.95/month. 

Cooper Bruce and Wyatt Kanan came from fifth and fourth in the Great Lakes standings to clinch the year-end titles, thanks to a third-round win Saturday, Nov. 11. Kanan joins The Short Score to talk about the win and what it means to him.

Clay Green has a similar story. He and Bart Brunson paired up for the Southeastern Circuit Finals, Brunson entering Davie second in the heading standings, while Green entered ninth on the heel side. By winning the first round and the average, Brunson and Green were able to capture the year-end titles as well. Green discusses on The Short Score what that leap means to him.

Time Toget Wreckless is by Hickory Holly Time, the same stallion who sired the first Riata champion heel horse DT Hickorys Mistycat, ridden by Dakota Kirchenschlager, to the same title in 2022. DT Horses' Hickory Holly Time was the leading sire of Riata Buckle horses in 2022, with offspring earning $222,700 across the roping. 

Derrick Begay, Erich Rogers and Aaron Tsinigine were all instructors at the WAR Clinic for Navajo Nation veterans. This episode comes from a clip with Tsinigine on prioritizing fundamentals. Tsinigine talks to ropers at the WAR Clinic about how to put his fundamentals first when heeling.

___

This episode is brought to you by HorseWeek. Trevor Brazile and Miles Baker know that to be at the top of team roping competitions requires better horses and a specific breeding approach. In “Raised Ready: The Relentless Remuda” brought to you by Equinety, Trevor and Miles take you on a deep dive into their passion for the futurity rope horse industry and the breeding of their remuda stock. From identifying untapped potential in the industry to taking the Relentless bra

---

This week’s episode is brought to you by Gold Buckle Horse Sales. Gold Buckle Horse Sale has come up with a process to take the guesswork out of finding the right horse and allowing both buyer and seller to find the perfect match with confidence. Each horse consigned through Gold Buckle Sales is professionally photographed, videoed and demoed by a professional Gold Buckle Pro. Visit www.goldbucklehorsesale.com.

---

This episode is presented by Cactus Saddlery. Cactus Saddlery is proud to be the official saddle of the PRCA, NIRA, and WSTR. All of our products are handcrafted right here in the USA. We believe that creating amazing product starts by using the highest quality materials.

Cactus Saddlery provides premium saddles, tack, and equine accessories that are designed, developed and ridden by some of the world's top endorsees. Fit, quality, looks and personalized customer service are the expectations.

Cactus Saddlery offers a full line of equine products to satisfy everyone from pleasure riders to professional competitors.

Ride the Choice of Champions! 

Tryan and Smith broke five records during their CFR '49 appearance. They were 3.5 seconds in Round 3 to set a new arena record (along with Rhen Richard and Jeremy Buhler). They won the last four rounds consecutively to set a new record. They won the average with a 24.3 on six steers to break their third record. They both won $62,837 at the CFR, setting another record. And lastly, they won the year-end with $91,493 in season earnings to break their fifth and final record.

On this episode of The Short Score, Smith joins us to walk through their runs and share some insight on what it meant to break some records. 

This Episode is Presented by 5 Star Equine Products.

5 Star’s exclusive wool, quality and craftsmanship has set the standard in the equine industry. 5 Star’s durability has been proven in the arena, on the ranch, and on the trail.  Custom designs and styles to fit even the toughest of backlines, 5Star has a pad for your horse. And, best of all, all 5 Star Equine products are handcrafted in the USA! Let us take the worry out of keeping your horse comfortable, while you enjoy the ride. Customize your pad at 5StarEquine.com

This marks the 24-year-old Sapulpa, Oklahoma, native's first NFR qualification, and it comes after a year of battling the bubble.

On this episode of The Short Score, we introduce you to Clay and discuss his lifelong dream of making the Finals and what it took to make it a reality.

More with Jake Clay:

• Sun Comes Shining Through for Jake Cooper Clay
• Oklahoma’s Finest: Clay and Saebens Bring BFI Title and $150K to Sooner State
• On Making History: BFI Champions Clay and Saebens

In this bonus Roping.com tips episode of The Short Score, Charly Crawford discusses the most important aspects of team roping and how to prepare yourself to win, mentally and physically. This audio clip comes from one of his Smarty Young Pro clinics. He starts with the importance of practicing for less-than-ideal shots, and dives into sports psychology and how your brain can keep you from winning in team roping.

Become a Better Roper:

Roping.com is the online training resource for team ropers. In addition to thousands of videos and exclusive roping films in your back pocket, members get private access to World Champion coaches like Jake Barnes, Clay O’Brien Cooper, Matt Sherwood, 26-time World Champion Trevor Brazile, and more every day. Take advantage of step-by-step tutorials, run critiques, private members-only Facebook group, live video demos and other benefits. 

Join now for only $29.95/month. 

In Redmond, Jeff Flenniken and Jake Minor were 24.2 seconds on three head to win the circuit finals. Garrett Rogers and Tyler Worley both took home the year-end titles.

In the Mountain States Circuit, Zane Murphy and Dusty Taylor were also 24.2 seconds on three head to win the average at their circuit finals. Clayton Van Aken and Cullen Teller took home the year-end titles.

On this episode of The Short Score, we introduce you to Murphy and Taylor, the first-time Mountain States Circuit Finals champs. We bring you some insight into who they are, how their weekend went and what the win means to them.

____

This episode is brought to you by HorseWeek. Trevor Brazile and Miles Baker know that to be at the top of team roping competitions requires better horses and a specific breeding approach. In “Raised Ready: The Relentless Remuda” brought to you by Equinety, Trevor and Miles take you on a deep dive into their passion for the futurity rope horse industry and the breeding of their remuda stock. From identifying untapped potential in the industry to taking the Relentless brand to the next level, see how their program is helping the team roping industry grow in a major way. 

In this bonus Roping.com tips episode of The Short Score, World Champion Clay Smith explains how to shorten the margin of error when reaching.

Become a Better Roper:

Roping.com is the online training resource for team ropers. In addition to thousands of videos and exclusive roping films in your back pocket, members get private access to World Champion coaches like Jake Barnes, Clay O’Brien Cooper, Matt Sherwood, 26-time World Champion Trevor Brazile, and more every day. Take advantage of step-by-step tutorials, run critiques, private members-only Facebook group, live video demos and other benefits. 

Join now for only $29.95/month. 

Dakota is a past champ of the ARHFA, a three-time NFR qualifier and a Roping.com coach with very user-friendly practice sessions with Brad Lund. Dakota joins The Score to talk about the head and heel horses he's got at the futurity and how his business has evolved over the years. Dakota has changed a lot over the years from when he first made the NFR in 2013 with Spencer Mitchell to the horseman he is known for today.

___

This episode is presented by Fast Back Ropes. Fast Back Ropes was created in 1995 with a single mission in mind – to build the best rope on the market. That will always be Fast Back’s number one goal. Fast Back believe it’s important to focus on building the best product possible, and treat customers as with the respect they deserve. That philosophy has served the company well as they are enjoying rapid growth across the industry.

The Texas Circuit Finals ran Oct. 10-13, 2023, in Waco with rounds paying $2,212 to win and the average paying $4,424. in Duncan, Oklahoma, the Prairie Circuit Finals kicked off Oct. 13 and ended Oct. 14, paying out $2,149 to win the rounds and $3,223 to win the average. And lastly, the Badlands Circuit Finals took place in Minot, North Dakota, where the rounds paid $2,228 to win and the average paid $3,341. 

On this episode of The Short Score, we talk about how the circuit finals went and hear some short snippets from some circuit finals average winners. 

_____

This episode of The Short Score is presented by Gold Buckle Horse Sales. Gold Buckle Horse Sales has come up with a process to take the guesswork out of finding the right horse and allowing both buyer and seller to find the perfect match with confidence. Each horse consigned through the program is professionally photograp

In this bonus Roping.com tips episode of The Short Score, Rickey Green explains in a throwback audio how a heeler can use their torso to get more power and speed on their swing.

Become a Better Roper:

Roping.com is the online training resource for team ropers. In addition to thousands of videos and exclusive roping films in your back pocket, members get private access to World Champion coaches like Jake Barnes, Clay O’Brien Cooper, Matt Sherwood, 26-time World Champion Trevor Brazile, and more every day. Take advantage of step-by-step tutorials, run critiques, private members-only Facebook group, live video demos and other benefits. 

Join now for only $29.95/month. 

Along the way, Summers learned a lot about his abilities, relied on some talented horsepower and drove a lot of miles in the pickup. In this episode, we check in with Summers after the dust settled on the head side as he prepares for his third NFR, and second on the head side.

If you don't know Clint Summers' full life story, listen to our first episode with him here.

———

This episode is presented by Gold Buckle Horse Sales.

On this episode of The Short Score, we catch up with the Progressive Round winners and the Rodeo Carolina champs.

In Progressive Round 1, Heath King and Stephen Britnell blasted a 4.58-second run to win the round for $1,500 a man. Progressive Round 2 was won by the Rodeo Corpus Christi champs Riley Kittle and Jace Helton with a 5.03. And finally, with a 5.70-second run, Marcus Theriot and Cole Curry were the 2023 Rodeo Carolina champs, pocketing $15,000 a man. 

Between the rounds and the grand prize, Proctor and Medlin both took home $35,000 and solidified their spots at the 2023 NFR. They each finished the season with $133,487.42 to put Proctor No. 6 on the head side and Medlin No. 5 on the heel side.

---

This week’s episode is brought to you by Gold Buckle Horse Sales. Gold Buckle Horse Sales has come up with a process to take the guesswork out of finding the right horse and allowing both buyer and seller to find the perfect match with confidence. Each horse consigned through Gold Buckle Sales is professionally photographed, videoed and demoed by a professional Gold Buckle Pro. Visit www.goldbucklehorsesale.com.

On this episode of The Short Score, we give you a full rundown of what happened in Sioux Falls, touch on how Jake Clay made his first NFR the hard way and what to look forward to, including the WCRA Rodeo Carolina this weekend, October 5-8.

But what sets him apart is how he deals with them. In this bonus Roping.com tips episode of The Short Score, Trevor explains how he battles the nerves.

___

This episode is brought to you by Resistol as part of Women in Rodeo Month 2023. Resistol has joined The Team Roping Journal, The Breakaway Roping Journal, BarrelRacing.com and CalfRoping.com in celebrating Women in Rodeo Month to honor the ladies who drive the sport forward.

On this episode of The Short Score, we take a look at the standings, who is going to Sioux Falls for the Governor's Cup, what bubble guys still have a fair shot at the Finals and how the Governor's Cup pays.

Must-Reads

• The PRCA Playoff Series? What’s that?
• NFR within Clint Summers’ Striking Distance; Bubble Battles to Watch in Final Week of 2023 ProRodeo
• Sioux Falls to Determine 2023 NFR Field

This episode is brought to you by Mane 'n Tail as part of Women in Rodeo Month 2023. Mane 'n Tai has joined The Team Roping Journal, The Breakaway Roping Journal, BarrelRacing.com and CalfRoping.com in celebrating Women in Rodeo Month to honor the ladies who drive the sport forward.

On this bonus Roping.com tips episode, Jake and Clay talk about how they've seen the event become the premier event in Western sports. 

More from Jake and Clay

• The Short Score: Long vs. Short Game Evolution
• The Short Score: Are Kaleb and Junior the Best of this Generation?
• Breaking It Down: Understanding Every Aspect of the Run

This episode is brought to you Nutramax. Cosequin ASU Joint & Hoof Pellets contain quality ingredients to support joint and hoof health and leave out the fillers molasses and alfalfa — all while delivering the taste horses love. The colors of our ingredients shine through for a difference you can see. Visit cosequinequine.com. 

A team roper and breakaway roper herself, Minick called the team roping play-by-play in the 1980s at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. Her longtime knowledge of the sport put her in the role, knowledge gained as a team roper herself who was also the 1973 Miss Rodeo America.

---

This episode is presented by our #WomenInRodeoMonth sponsors: Mane N Tail, Resistol and R Watson Boots.

His new instructional video by PoleStar Visuals, Stay Driven, will focus on the team component of the sport, an element often overlooked by ropers of all levels and will use never-before-seen camera angles and video technology to deepen viewers’ understanding of the sport. 

On this episode of The Short Score, Smith joins Chelsea Shaffer, host of The Score, to talk about his new instructional video.

____

This episode is brought to you by R. Watson Boots as part of Women in Rodeo Month 2023. R. Watson Boots has joined The Team Roping Journal, The Breakaway Roping Journal, BarrelRacing.com and CalfRoping.com in celebrating Women in Rodeo Month to honor the ladies who drive the sport forward.

On this bonus Roping.com tips episode, Jake and Clay talk about the goal and what not winning it meant to them and their careers.

___

This episode is brought to you Nutramax. Cosequin ASU Joint & Hoof Pellets contain quality ingredients to support joint and hoof health and leave out the fillers molasses and alfalfa — all while delivering the taste horses love. The colors of our ingredients shine through for a difference you can see. Visit cosequinequine.com

---

This episode is presented by Fast Back Ropes and their Centerfire2. The Centerfire2 is an all nylon with core construction. The Centerfire2 will appeal to ropers who like the feel of a bigger, heavier rope.

• Core construction
• Large diameter
• Reduced body, no bounce
• Durable

Lays: XXS, XS, S, MS

Length: 31'

More information: https://fastbackropes.com/collections/team-ropes/products/centerfire2-head-31

With a 4.9-second run in the four-man round on Sunday, Tyler Wade and Wesley Thorp were crowned the champs, pocketing $19,833 a man. On this episode of The Short Score, we talk with Wade and Thorp about their major win.

On this bonus Roping.com tips episode of The Short Score, Jake and Clay explain why and how they analyze runs.

_____

This episode is brought to you Nutramax. Cosequin ASU Joint & Hoof Pellets contain quality ingredients to support joint and hoof health and leave out the fillers molasses and alfalfa — all while delivering the taste horses love. The colors of our ingredients shine through for a difference you can see. Visit cosequinequine.com.

---

This week’s episode is brought to you by Gold Buckle Horse Sales. Gold Buckle Horse Sale has come up with a process to take the guesswork out of finding the right horse and allowing both buyer and seller to find the perfect match with confidence. Each horse consigned through Gold Buckle Sales is professionally photographed, videoed and demoed by a professional Gold Buckle Pro. Visit www.goldbucklehorsesale.com.

On this episode of The Short Score, we break down what went on over the weekend, how the standings have shuffled, who's going to the PRCA Playoff Series Finale this weekend in Puyallup, Washington, and why you should be paying attention.

PRCA Playoff Series Resources

• The PRCA Playoff Series? What’s that?
• Field for Puyallup Set with Big NFR Implications

On this bonus Roping.com tips episode of The Short Score, Jake Barnes and Clay O'Brien Cooper weigh in with their opinions.

____

This episode is brought to you Nutramax. Cosequin ASU Joint & Hoof Pellets contain quality ingredients to support joint and hoof health and leave out the fillers molasses and alfalfa — all while delivering the taste horses love. The colors of our ingredients shine through for a difference you can see. Visit cosequinequine.com.

The 20-year-old heels for 2018 NFR header Bubba Buckaloo, and on this episode of The Short Score, Gonzalez visits with Lillian Kent, Jr. Western Digital Content Producer for BarrelRacing.com, The Team Roping Journal and The Breakaway Roping Journal, to talk about the year he's having, his partnership with Buckaloo and his special equine counterpart, ASAP.

On this bonus Roping.com tips episode of The Short Score, Jake Barnes and Clay O’Brien Cooper discuss the evolution of heading.

Become a Better Roper:

Roping.com is the online training resource for team ropers. In addition to thousands of videos and exclusive roping films in your back pocket, members get private access to World Champion coaches like Jake Barnes, Clay O’Brien Cooper, Matt Sherwood, 26-time World Champion Trevor Brazile, and more every day. Take advantage of step-by-step tutorials, run critiques, private members-only Facebook group, live video demos and other benefits. 

Join now for only $29.95/month. 

In this episode, we hear from each trainer about their horses and their programs, as well as how they navigated the course at the Royal Crown.

---

This episode is presented by Fast Back Ropes. Fast Back Ropes was created in 1995 with a single mission in mind – to build the best rope on the market. That will always be Fast Back's number one goal. Fast Back believe it’s important to focus on building the best product possible, and treat customers as with the respect they deserve. That philosophy has served the company well as they are enjoying rapid growth across the industry.

On this episode of The Short Score, we visit with Tyler to talk about the roll they're on and what the end of the year looks like for them.

__________________

This episode of The Short Score is presented by Gold Buckle Horse Sales. Gold Buckle Horse Sales has come up with a process to take the guesswork out of finding the right horse and allowing both buyer and seller to find the perfect match with confidence. Each horse consigned through the program is professionally photographed, videoed and demoed by a professional Gold Buckle Pro. Learn more at goldbucklehorsesale.com.

---

This episode of The Score is presented by Bye Bye Insects. Bye Bye Insects™ combines the essential oils you love, plus the fly protection you need for your horse and family into one bottle. Ingredients including geraniol, peppermint, rosemary, citronella and lemongrass ensure that Bye Bye Insects™ provides excellent protection against house flies, biting stable flies, mosquitoes and deer ticks with a great smell and feel. Visit spalding-labs.com to order your bottle of Bye Bye Insects today or call their team of experts at 877-Kill-Fly (545-5359) 

On this bonus Roping.com tips episode of The Short Score, Jake Barnes and Clay O'Brien Cooper talk about how it was making a living as a team roper back in the day.

Become a Better Roper:

Roping.com is the online training resource for team ropers. In addition to thousands of videos and exclusive roping films in your back pocket, members get private access to World Champion coaches like Jake Barnes, Clay O’Brien Cooper, Matt Sherwood, 26-time World Champion Trevor Brazile, and more every day. Take advantage of step-by-step tutorials, run critiques, private members-only Facebook group, live video demos and other benefits. 

Join now for only $29.95/month. 

On this episode of The Short Score, Cox and James talk about heating things up the last few weeks, Wyatt's experiences on the bubble and all things rodeo.

On this bonus Roping.com tips episode of The Short Score, Jake and Clay talk about the struggles they ran into in their partnership over the last four decades.

Become a Better Roper:

Roping.com is the online training resource for team ropers. In addition to thousands of videos and exclusive roping films in your back pocket, members get private access to World Champion coaches like Jake Barnes, Clay O’Brien Cooper, Matt Sherwood, 26-time World Champion Trevor Brazile, and more every day. Take advantage of step-by-step tutorials, run critiques, private members-only Facebook group, live video demos and other benefits. 

Join now for only $29.95/month. 

On this episode of The Short Score, Smith and Boos join us to talk about their wins and what it meant to be the young guys coming out on top against some of the best guys in the world in Sidney.

Become a Better Roper:

Roping.com is the online training resource for team ropers. In addition to thousands of videos and exclusive roping films in your back pocket, members get private access to World Champion coaches like Jake Barnes, Clay O’Brien Cooper, Matt Sherwood, 26-time World Champion Trevor Brazile, and more every day. Take advantage of step-by-step tutorials, run critiques, private members-only Facebook group, live video demos and other benefits. 

Join now for only $29.95/month. 

After their win, host Chelsea Shaffer sat down with both of them in their living quarters in the parking lot to visit about the significance of their win and where they go from here.

---

This episode is brought to you by Fast Back Ropes' THE CURE. The Cure is an all nylon four-strand with a purple poly core construction. Small and light, the Cure is a vibrant Chartreuse for high visibility. Performs well in all weather conditions. For every Cure sold, one dollar will be donated to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. 

*NOTE: Since the recording of the episode, money has been added to Levi's total in the standings.

With a 48.5 on five steers, Rahlmann and Torres took home the coveted Salinas title, and on this episode of The Short Score, Rahlmann and Torres talk about the big win.

Become a Better Roper:

Roping.com is the online training resource for team ropers. In addition to thousands of videos and exclusive roping films in your back pocket, members get private access to World Champion coaches like Jake Barnes, Matt Sherwood, 26-time World Champion Trevor Brazile, and more every day. Take advantage of step-by-step tutorials, run critiques, private members-only Facebook group, live video demos and other benefits. 

Join now for only $29.95/month. 

On this episode of The Score, Wyatt and Worley talk about their runs, battling the mud and their decision a year ago.

___

This episode is presented by Cactus Ropes.

The team at Cactus are ranchers, ropers, rodeo contestants and horse enthusiasts who take pride in blending traditional team rope making artistry with technical innovations to produce the industry’s best equipment.

Cactus has had many great individuals influence the team rope making process over the years starting with Cactus Jack, Jacky and Rob Stephenson, Joe Mathews, Barry Berg, and Mike Piland. Clay O’Brien Cooper, Jake Long, Chad Masters, Riley Minor, Matt Sherwood, Nick Sartain, Lari Dee Guy, Hope Thompson, Stran Smith along with many other team ropers, breakaway roper, and tie-down ropers have lent their professional expertise time and time again to help the master rope makers at Cactus hone their craft.

One of the greatest opportunities for the Cactus crew was the partnership with the GOAT (Greatest of All Time). For the last decade Trevor Brazile, the King of the Cowboys, has been working with Cactus Ropes to design the best feeling head and heel team ropes on the market. Trevor’s Relentless attention to detail coupled with the team rope design team at Cactus resulted in not only the creation the best selling Relentless line of team ropes and calf ropes, but a positive effect on the quality of all Cactus products, from ropes and sports boots to horse blankets.

Today many of the original cast of the Cactus start-up are still pushing the yellow and green every day in the rope shop in Pleasanton, TX. Mike Piland is the head of public relations, Barry is the general manager, and Rob is making sure every team rope is perfectly coiled. The Cactus Crew has stuck together for knocking on thirty years now with no signs of slowing down in the future.

Become a Better Roper:

Roping.com is the online training resource for team ropers. In addition to thousands of videos and exclusive roping films in your back pocket, members get private access to World Champion coaches like Jake Barnes, Matt Sherwood, 26-time World Champion Trevor Brazile, and more every day. Take advantage of step-by-step tutorials, run critiques, private members-only Facebook group, live video demos and other benefits. 

Join now for only $29.95/month. 

This podcast is sponsored by Purina Animal Nutrition, with three research-backed ration balancers to fill nutritional gaps in your horse's diet. Enrich Plus delivers a concentrated source of protein, vitamins and minerals without unnecessary calories. Enrich Plus Senior features ActivAge Prebiotic Technology and Outlast Supplement for aging easy-keepers. Omega Match is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids and Vitamin E, great for horses without access to green grass. Find a ration balancer for your horse at purinamills.com/RationBalancers, or visit your local feed store.

This is Lord’s best Fourth run to date, but Egusquiza’s been in this position before. In 2021, the five-time NFR header and Travis Graves broke the Cowboy Christmas team roping record with $30,465. When reigning world champs Kaleb Driggers and Junior Nogueira broke that record in 2022, Egusquiza decided he wanted to go for it again.

Despite waving it off in St. Paul, Oregon, Egusquiza and Lord had a nice foundation built after cashing in $4,999 a man on borrowed horses in Prescott and $3,973 at the Oakley (Utah) Independence Day Rodeo. Egusquiza and Lord finished first at the Livingston (Montana) Roundup Rodeo, Mandan (North Dakota) Rodeo days and Basin City to put together the richest Cowboy Christmas team roping run this year.

Episode presented by Fast Back Ropes. Fast Back Ropes was created in 1995 with a single mission in mind – to build the best rope on the market. That will always be their number one goal. Fast Back believes it’s important to focus on building the best product possible, and treat customers with the respect they deserve. For close to thirty years, Fast Back Ropes has been developing best-selling ropes by listening to their customers. Fast Back offers a variety of ropes with a size, weight and style to fit every team roper. Fast Back’s most recently released rope, the Cure, is the first and only team rope built with a poly core. For every Cure sold, $1 is donated to St. Jude's Children Hospital.

About Spalding Labs

Have you found a fly-control solution that actually works? Instead of going after the adult flies, this year try stopping them before they hatch with Fly Predators, a preventative approach to fly control. Fly Predators are the all-natural fly control solution used by top professionals because they just work. Fly Predators kill flies before they hatch, meaning they’ll never get a chance to bother you or your horses. Get ahead of the flies this summer—visit spalding-labs.com to order your Fly Predators today or call their team of experts at 877-Kill-Fly (545-5359).

Become a Better Roper:

Roping.com is the online training resource for team ropers. In addition to thousands of videos and exclusive roping films in your back pocket, members get private access to World Champion coaches like Jake Barnes, Matt Sherwood, 26-time World Champion Trevor Brazile, and more every day. Take advantage of step-by-step tutorials, run critiques, private members-only Facebook group, live video demos and other benefits. 

Join now for only $29.95/month. 

_____

This episode of The Short Score is presented by Gold Buckle Horse Sales. Gold Buckle Horse Sales has come up with a process to take the guesswork out of finding the right horse and allowing both buyer and seller to find the perfect match with confidence. Each horse consigned through the program is professionally photographed,

With the 2023 season in full swing, Buhler shares with us the trials, triumphs, and pivotal moments that have shaped his journey thus far. Buhler covers the dynamic partnership and synergy that propels them to the top of the standings.

Reflecting on the unforgettable World Championship night in 2016, where he and Levi Simpson clinched the prestigious title, Jeremy invites us into the heart-pounding experience that defined his career. With a play-by-play account, he relives the intense moments, the pressure and the sheer joy of claiming victory on the biggest stage in rodeo.

Beyond the physical aspect, Jeremy emphasizes the importance of a strong mental game in rodeo. Drawing from personal experiences, he unveils the strategies and techniques he employs to maintain focus, overcome obstacles and perform at his peak under high-pressure situations. Prepare to be inspired as he shares invaluable insights on mental toughness.

--

This episode of The Score is presented by ADM Animal Nutrition. ADM’s Forage First® GLO feeds are ultra-premium feeds for your equine partner. Each bag includes GROSTRONG® minerals, Inside Tract™ (a unique supplement to optimize hind gut health), Butyric Acid, Omega Flax™, and Natural-Source Vitamin E, allowing you to feed the BEST. Learn more at admequine.com

Become a Better Roper:

Roping.com is the online training resource for team ropers. In addition to thousands of videos and exclusive roping films in your back pocket, members get private access to World Champion coaches like Jake Barnes, Matt Sherwood, 26-time World Champion Trevor Brazile, and more every day. Take advantage of step-by-step tutorials, run critiques, private members-only Facebook group, live video demos and other benefits. 

Join now for only $29.95/month. 

On this episode of The Short Score, Lillian Kent, Jr. Western Digital Content Producer for Barrel Racing Magazine, The Team Roping Journal and The Breakaway Roping Journal, caught up with Krieger to talk about his partnership with Skelton and how the year is looking.

About Nick Sartain

Sartain is a six-time NFR header and the 2009 world champion and NFR average title winner who has a ProRodeo record that speaks for itself. But, in 2018 and 2019, Sartain heeled for more than $250,000 in earnings at the Ariat World Series of Team Roping Finale, the bulk of which came from winning the Ariat #12 in 2018 with Bob Freeman to earn $272,000 for the team. In the Yeti #13 that year, he and Mike Row placed third for a team total of $127,000 and, when he returned in 2019, he placed second with Glen Crane in the AGCO #14.5, worth $136,000.

Become a Better Roper:

Roping.com is the online training resource for team ropers. In addition to thousands of videos and exclusive roping films in your back pocket, members get private access to World Champion coaches like Jake Barnes, Matt Sherwood, 26-time World Champion Trevor Brazile, and more every day. Take advantage of step-by-step tutorials, run critiques, private members-only Facebook group, live video demos and other benefits. 

Join now for only $29.95/month. 

--

Episode presented by:

ADM’s Forage First® GLO feeds are ultra-premium feeds for your equine partner. Each bag includes GROSTRONG® minerals, Inside Tract™ (a unique supplement to optimize hind gut health), Butyric Acid, Omega Flax™, and Natural-Source Vitamin E, allowing you to feed the BEST. Learn more at admequine.com

The 8x world champion claims the Great Lakes Circuit nowadays heading for Levi Pettigrew, and the two had a successful circuit weekend June 9-11. Beaver and Pettigrew were 8.3 in Tarkio, Missouri, to win fifth and $286, 5.0 to win $1,303 for second at Merrill, Wisconsin, and 4.8 to win Hawley, Minnesota, and $954. In this episode of The Short Score, we talk about their runs, their partnership and why the Texan is claiming the Great Lakes Circuit.

Become a Better Roper:

Roping.com is the online training resource for team ropers. In addition to thousands of videos and exclusive roping films in your back pocket, members get private access to World Champion coaches like Jake Barnes, Matt Sherwood, 26-time World Champion Trevor Brazile, and more every day. Take advantage of step-by-step tutorials, run critiques, private members-only Facebook group, live video demos and other benefits. 

Join now for only $29.95/month. 

Join us as we explore the reasons behind Cesar de la Cruz's demeanor, unmasking the layers of his personality that fueled his attitude at the time. We dig into the events leading up to that final steer and how things have changed in the 13 years since.

As we peel back the curtain on the sport of team roping, we gain a greater understanding of the psychological challenges athletes face and the impact it can have on their performance and relationships within the roping community.

Prepare for a thought-provoking and enlightening conversation that not only examines Cesar de la Cruz's behavior but also delves into the larger themes of sportsmanship, redemption and personal growth. This episode of The Score Podcast promises to captivate listeners, whether you're a seasoned roper, a fan of the sport, or simply fascinated by the intricate dynamics of competitive rodeo.

--

This episode is presented by Fast Back Ropes' Venom. The Venom is an all nylon with core construction. The Venom is bright green for high visibility.

• Core construction
• Small diameter
• Snappy
• Great body

Shop: https://bit.ly/Venom_FastBackRopes

In this bonus Roping.com tips episode of “The Short Score,” Charly Crawford explains the mechanics of how the loop works through each part of the catch and how breaking down a miss the right way can turn into a productive tool to help increase catch percentage. 

Become a Better Roper:

Roping.com is the online training resource for team ropers. In addition to thousands of videos and exclusive roping films in your back pocket, members get private access to World Champion coaches like Jake Barnes, Matt Sherwood, 26-time World Champion Trevor Brazile, and more every day. Take advantage of step-by-step tutorials, run critiques, private members-only Facebook group, live video demos and other benefits. 

Join now for only $29.95/month. 

The weekend started out Friday, May 26, 2023, with the 49th Annual Windy Ryon Memorial near Fort Worth. Clay Smithand Junior Nogueria were 35.36 on five head to take home the Open title.

Casey Allen, host of our sister podcast The Breakaway Breakdown, was on-site at the 14th Annual Danny Dietz Memorial Classic in Decatur. She caught up with Tyler Wade and Jake Long, the Twisted X Open champs who roped five head in 30.28 seconds.

The weekend continued in Buffalo, Texas, with the Cody NesSmith Memorial Team Roping. Dustin Eguisquiza and Travis Graves took the win with a 28.28. Last but not least, the Priefert Ranch Open Roping kicks off Tuesday, May 30 and will be livestreamed on Roping.com.

Matt Sherwood is a two-time world champion header whose professional career spans over two decades.

Become a Better Roper:

Roping.com is the online training resource for team ropers. In addition to thousands of videos and exclusive roping films in your back pocket, members get private access to World Champion coaches like Jake Barnes, Matt Sherwood, 26-time World Champion Trevor Brazile, and more every day. Take advantage of step-by-step tutorials, run critiques, private members-only Facebook group, live video demos and other benefits. 

More information on the Riata Buckle.

————

SPONSOR: ADM’s Forage First® GLO feeds are ultra-premium feeds for your equine partner. Each bag includes GROSTRONG® minerals, Inside Tract™ (a unique supplement to optimize hind gut health), Butyric Acid, Omega Flax™, and Natural-Source Vitamin E, allowing you to feed the BEST. Learn more at admequine.com

The Women's Rodeo World Championship ran from May 14-20 in Fort Worth, Texas, and paid out over $750,000 while crowning World Champions in both the Pro and Challenger classifications in the team roping (Heading and Heeling), breakaway roping and barrel racing. 

When the dust settled on the team roping, it was all about WPRA world champions Angelone and Crawford, who each took home $60,000 for their win. Angelone also walked away with the 2023 Women’s Rodeo World Championship All Around title. Lillian Kent, Jr. Western Digital Content Producer for Barrel Racing Magazine, The Team Roping Journal and The Breakaway Roping Journal was on site to talk with the champs.

Travis Graves is a 14x NFR heeler and the 2017 NFR Average champion.

Become a Better Roper:

Roping.com is the online training resource for team ropers. In addition to thousands of videos and exclusive roping films in your back pocket, members get private access to World Champion coaches like Jake Barnes, Matt Sherwood, 26-time World Champion Trevor Brazile, and more every day. Take advantage of step-by-step tutorials, run critiques, private members-only Facebook group, live video demos and other benefits. 

Join now for only $29.95/month. 

In the first performance of the Progressive Round, Clay Smith and Jake Long went 4.5 seconds to take the win and move on to the Showdown Round. The young guns Riley Kittle and Jace Helton took the win of the second performance with a 4.41. Lastly,  Nelson Wyatt and Jade Corkill  punched their tickets to the Showdown Round with a 3.86, the fastest time of the week.

Kittle and Helton took the Showdown Round win with a 5.21 to continue to the Triple Crown of Rodeo Round. The round got interesting as the college rodeo partners took the final win with a 10.16 after roping a leg.

On this bonus Roping.com tips episode of “The Short Score,” Roping.com coach and seven-time world champion Clay O'Brien Cooper discusses how to mentally block out things going on outside the arena.

Become a Better Roper:

Roping.com is the online training resource for team ropers. In addition to thousands of videos and exclusive roping films in your back pocket, members get private access to World Champion coaches like Jake Barnes, Matt Sherwood, 26-time World Champion Trevor Brazile, and more every day. Take advantage of step-by-step tutorials, run critiques, private members-only Facebook group, live video demos and other benefits. 

Join now for only $29.95/month. 

We also caught up with 2019 World Champion Heeler Wesley Thorp to go into more detail on the rule proposal and the entire process of getting it approved. Thorp played a significant role in the rewriting and proposal of the new rule and also held a seminar last fall at his house in Texas where judges and contestants came together to work on a solution to the controversial call. 

--

This episode is presented by Purina. Level up your horses’ performance this season with choices from Purina Animal Nutrition. From Purina Ultium Competition Formula to Purina Impact Pro Performance and everything in-between, Purina has the right option for your horse – including supplements like Purina SuperSport Amino Acid Supplement, Purina Amplify High Fat Supplement and Purina Outlast Gastric Support Supplement. There are many choices for optimal nutrition when you choose Purina…all backed by science. Level up your performance this season and put Purina’s research to the test. Ask for Purina at your local feed retailer today.