Rodeo Life

Category Archives: Articles

American Hat: Josie Conner

Written on October 3, 2024 at 12:00 am, by

  “I have been with American since 2020,” said American Hat athlete Josie Conner. “It has been a great experience.”  “I love their hats, and the people at American are amazing,” she added. “You walk into one of their stores, and the atmosphere is unbeatable.” Iowa, Louisiana cowgirl Josie Conner is nothing short of a  Continue Reading »

Resistol Rookie: The race for the PRCA Resistol Rookie of the Year title is in full swing.

Written on September 10, 2024 at 12:00 am, by

Story by Paige Brandon | Photos by Jake Hodnett The PRCA Resistol Rookie of the Year is the only world champion title with one shot. First-year PRCA card holders in their debut season strive for the coveted crown and the honor of having their name alongside legends like Trevor Brazile, Joe Beaver and Luke Branquinho._  Continue Reading »

From Queen to President: Pendleton Round-Up President, Tiah DeGrofft

Written on September 5, 2024 at 12:00 am, by

Interview by Kristen Schurr, Photos Courtesy of Pendleton Roundup Tiah DeGrofft is a 38-year volunteer and the 47th President of the Pendleton Round-Up. She is the first female president in the Round-Up’s history. DeGrofft combines her passion for Pendleton and the Round-Up with a career background in professional Sports Marketing and Event Management. She joined  Continue Reading »

Western Art Round-up: Sammy Bird

Written on September 4, 2024 at 12:00 am, by

The Gift that Keeps on Giving Sammy Bird created her first painting to be auctioned off at a friend’s benefit. This spirit of giving, positivity, and hope has prevailed as her career as an artist has grown. Today, Palomino Paintings by Sammy Bird can be seen at art shows, rodeos, and in homes across the  Continue Reading »

American Hat: Caden Ussery

Written on September 4, 2024 at 12:00 am, by

“I’ve been with American since I was in the sixth grade,” said North Carolina cowboy Caden Ussery. “It’s been a long time. “My mom and I wrote a letter to Keith Mundee. He immediately wrote back and was very welcoming,” he said. “He said he was impressed that I would put myself out there at  Continue Reading »

The Championship of Champions

Written on September 4, 2024 at 12:00 am, by

The Horse Nations Indian Relay Council: A Legacy of Tradition The Horse Nations Indian Relay Council (HNIRC) is more than just an organization; it is a guardian of a vibrant cultural tradition that dates back centuries. Established in December 2016, HNIRC is dedicated to preserving and promoting Indian Relay racing, a sport steeped in Native  Continue Reading »

Team Cavender’s: Brodey Clemons

Written on September 3, 2024 at 12:00 am, by

“I have a few friends that were on Team Cavender’s in the past, and this year at the Texas High School Rodeo Finals, they set me up to talk with some people. I did well enough that they offered me a spot on the team right before nationals,” said Brodey Clemons, a senior on the  Continue Reading »

Trust the Process with Breakaway Roper Rickie Fanning

Written on July 31, 2024 at 12:00 am, by

  Breakaway roper Rickie (Engesser) Fanning once again leads the standings in 2024, thanks to her exceptional horsemanship and consistency. Although she recently lost her number one horse, Rolo, Fanning is still roping well and staying at the top of the WPRA standings. We had the chance to interview Fanning before her busy Cowboy Christmas  Continue Reading »

Western Art Round-up: Whey Jennings

Written on July 31, 2024 at 12:00 am, by

Family, Faith, and the Future Country singer-songwriter Whey Jennings’s story contains multitudes, from the depths of addiction to finding sobriety and peace through faith, music, and the people he loves. The grandson of Waylon Jennings, he is putting his own stamp on country music, and helping others along the way. Jennings’s most recent writing is  Continue Reading »

Team Cavender’s: Kiley Hargrave-Batten

Written on July 30, 2024 at 12:00 am, by

  While Kiley Hargrave-Batten only joined Team Cavender’s a year ago, she had nothing but good things to say about her experience. “It was really a wonderful experience the year I was on the team,” said the 17-year-old cowgirl from Trinity, Texas. “The whole organization is full of amazing and kind people. They have been  Continue Reading »