Meet our WSRRA Stock Contractor of the Year!

Meet our WSRRA Stock Contractor of the Year!
By Naomi Loomis, WSRRA Representative

Wayne Larsen, Justin Quint-WSRRA Ranch Bronc Director and Rand Selle
at the 2014 WSRRA National Finals in Winnemucca, Nevada.
(Photo Credit to Mary Williams Hyde)

Congratulations to our 2014 WSRRA Stock Contractor of the Year.

Meet Bad Medicine Rodeo Stock selected by the top 15 ranch bronc riders as the Stock Contractor of the Year of the WSRRA 2014 National Finals. I sat down with the owner, Wayne Larson, and learned quite a bit about being a stock contractor. 

Who is involved in your business?

My wife Jodi and I.  Recently Rand Selle has been helping us with our business. But there are always other people that help us out at practices, and at bronc rides.

You were invited to the WSRRA Finals as a stock contractor, can you tell us what horses you bought and why?

We brought seven of our most solid buckers. They were Blue Storm, Silver Dollar and Storm Watch who are out of our Canada stud. We also brought Chisum out of a Burch stud; Ruby, an older mare, who has been to numerous finals; Odd Ball, a solid bronc that the cowboys really like to get on; and Red Bird, a five year old that shows a lot of promise.

Where is your home base?

We call Chugwater, Wyoming home.  Chugwater is a small town north of Cheyenne, Wyoming. We live on the ranch where Steamboat, a world champion bucking horse in the 1900’s was raised.  He is the famous bucking horse that you see on all of the Wyoming license plates. Hauling horses to the WSRRA National finals was rewarding, though it was a long ways out there.

Jim Gebauer riding Storm Watch at the 2014 WSRRA National
Finals. (Photo Credit to Mary Williams Hyde)

 How did your horses do at the WSRRA Finals?

The broncs did well enough that we got invited back to Winnemucca and we were asked to bring 10 head of broncs to the 2015 WSRRA National Finals.

How do you raise good bucking horses?

I breed some of my older, proven mares to studs with several generations of proven bucking horse blood lines. I bought some of War Paint’s grand daughters and a son of Custer from Ike Sankey.  I used another stud from Max Burch. I also bought a stud from Canada raised by Calgary Stampede Horses. The last several years I have been breeding mares to Hairy Feathers, who belongs to JD Hamaker.  JD and I have been sharing our breeding program for the last six years.  He brings mares to my studs and vise versa.

In the last couple years I have been breeding half of my 3 year old mares and then bucking the other half.  I then buck the mamas when they are five years old while I buck the other half in the meantime. That has given me another generation of bucking horses a little quicker.

What are your accomplishments with your horses?

My biggest accomplishment is that I sold a horse named Chugwater Blue to JD Hamaker. She was selected to go to the NFR two times.  Jessie Wright won the 5^th round on her.  “My other accomplishment is that we are still in business,” said Wayne with a laugh!

How do you select which horses buck at an event?

Jodi Larsen, Bad Medicine and JD Hamaker
(Photo Credit to Jessi Snowden)

I select horses according to the event, so for high school rodeo events, I take my younger horses and some of my older horses. We take horses that match the cowboys’ abilities.  For college, amateur rodeos and ranch bronc rides, I take my better quality, proven, highest point horses.

What shows do you take stock to?

We have taken broncs to high school rodeos, senior pro rodeos, Nebraska State Finals, Nebraska High School Finals, Wyoming Rodeo Association Finals, South Dakota State Rodeo Finals, College National Finals, and the WSRRA National Finals.  We also take horses to bronc rides in Nebraska, Wyoming and Colorado.

Do you have any other stock?

No we just have bucking horses and a handful of well-bred saddle horses.

How long have you been a stock contractor?

I have been a stock contractor since 1994.

How did you get started as a stock contractor?

My boys wanted to ride broncs, so I started raising horses for them to practice on.  I then went into business with Byron Juma from Torrington, Wyoming.  He is a stock contractor that raises bulls and horses.  Juma and I are still partners and we have been hauling rodeo stock to rodeos since 1995.

Do you take horses to any other WSRRA events?

We have been taking ranch broncs to Double A Feeds WSRRA Ranch Bronc Ridings for 5 years and two years before the WSRRA existed. We also have taken ranch broncs to the Kimball Ranch Rodeo, Saratoga Ranch Bronc Riding and to the 2015 WSRRA Ranch Bronc Riding Bash.

On behalf of the Bad Medicine Rodeo Stock, Wayne would like to thank everyone who has helped them become successful.

The Western States Ranch Rodeo Association thanks you for coming so far!

The above video features Chris Laucomer on Hannah and Ruby at the 2015 WSRRA Ranch Bronc Riding Bash. Hannah is Rand Selle's. 

THANK YOU to our WSRRA NATIONAL SPONSORS!!

               

Rodeo News

WSRRA Helping Neighbors Out

By Naomi Loomis, WSRRA Representative

“Success has nothing to do with what you gain in life or accomplish for yourself. It’s what you do for others.” ~Danny Thomas

In 2008, the WSRRA was formed. Its mission was to create a ranch rodeo association that would include anyone that wanted to compete.  The WSRRA also wanted to reach out to member families that are in need.  At the first WSRRA National Finals Rodeo held in 2010 at the Winnemucca Event Center, Winnemucca, Nevada, the WSRRA Cowboy Crisis Fund was started. Since 2010 the Cowboy Crisis Fund has raised more than $51,000.00 for 9 members and their families in need.

The WSRRA Cowboy Crisis Fund Silent Auction at the WSRRA Finals is set up for members and/or member’s families that are in need of some help.  The WSRRA donated one hundred percent of the proceeds from this year’s auction to these recipients. This year at the 2014 WSRRA National Finals, the Cowboy Crisis Fund raised $12,000 and with a generous matching donation by an anonymous donor, the 2014 WSRRA Cowboy Crisis fund was able to give out $24000, to the three recipients.

The 2014 WSRRA Cowboy Crisis Fund helped three Cowboys and their families. Wade Kornemann from Montana, Fred Loomis Memorial from Nebraska and Les Dial from Nevada.

Wade Korneman has been diagnosed with brain cancer. This will be a lifelong battle for Wade. Wade has spent his life ranching on his family ranch, riding saddle bronc horses, being a pickup man and competing in ranch rodeos.  Wade competed on the Flat Iron team at the 2014 WSRRA National Finals.  Proceeds from this year’s auction will go to Wade to help with Wade’s medical treatments.

Fred Loomis was from Broadwater, Nebraska. He lost his battle to cancer on August 22, 2014, just one day short of his 77th birthday. Fred was a rancher, raised Quarter horses and was a WSRRA supporter. He was very active in helping his daughter-in-law, Naomi put on a WSRRA ranch rodeo in Bridgeport, Nebraska. Fred leaves behind a wife of 52 years., Darlene. His son, Cody competed at this year’s WSRRA National Finals. One third of proceeds from this year’s auction will go to Fred’s wife, 2014 WSRRA Grand Marshall, Darlene, in honor of Fred.  Another Cowboy, gone too soon.

Les Dial is from Winnemucca, Nevada.  Les was raised in New Mexico.  Les and his wife, Brenda are supporters of the WSRRA and the Hot Creek Productions. Les and Brenda love the western way of life. He was in a roping accident where he suffered a fractured neck.  He will be coming home soon.  One third of proceeds from this year’s auction will go to Les and Brenda to help with Les’s medical needs.

One of the highlights of the 2014 WSRRA Cowboy Crisis Auction was when Wade Korneman donated his own personal chinks to be auctioned off by WSRRA Clown, Tuffy Gessling.  The first winning bid of the live auction, was DeLong Ford of Winnemucca, Nevada for $4500 and then they donated the chinks back to be resold. The chinks were then sold again for $2500. The winning bidder was Ty Van Norman, of Van Norman Quarter Horses, then Ty had numerous WSRRA contestants and audience sign the chinks for a donation to Wade and Jessica. The chinks and the donations were given back to Wade, Jessica and Ryder.  “It was an honor to be part of the entire 2014 WSRRA Cowboy Crisis auction, but it was more of an honor to sign the chinks for a tough buckaroo,” stated Tuffy Gessling.

The response to this year’s silent auction was amazing.    It was humbling to see the support of the 2014 WSRRA Cowboy Crisis Fund.  The WSRRA thanks Kathy Flanigan, the WSRRA Cowboy Crisis Auction coordinator, for all her efforts in making the Cowboy Crisis Fund a success.

The western lifestyle and its traditions are important to us all. The west was won on handshakes, honest people and good neighbors.  The lifestyle and traditions are alive and well in the WSRRA.

If you are interested in making a donation or would like more information about the WSRRA Cowboy Crisis Fund please see www.wsrra.org or email infor@wsrra.org. 

THANK YOU to our WSRRA NATIONAL SPONSORS!!

               

Meet our World Champion Ranch Bronc Rider

Meet Travis Yutzie!

Travis Yutzie is from Ione, Oregon. He is the WSRRA National Finals Champion Ranch Bronc Rider. Please meet, Travis.

2014 WSRRA World Champion Ranch Bronc Rider
Travis and his daughter, 2014 WSRRA Queen,  Jenna Taylor

How long have you been a WSRRA Contestant?

I have been a WSRRA Contestant for 5 Years.  

When did you first become interested in rodeos and what attracted you to them?

I have been interested in Rodeo since I was big enough to sit on a horse.  The exciting fast paced action is what drew me to Rodeo.

Describe your early rodeo experiences, first as an observer and then as a participant.

I grew up observing from the stands until I was a sophomore in high school.  I started out competing as a Team Roper, then moved to Bareback and Saddle Bronc riding and Bullfighting.  In 2006, I was introduced to Ranch Bronc Riding.

What do you like most and least (or your best and worst experiences) about participating in rodeos and WHY?

The best experience in Rodeo is winning the 2014 WSRRA World Champion Ranch Bronc Riding Title. The worst experience is a toss up. As a junior in High School, I got bucked off a bareback horse and fractured vertebrae in my back. When I was 22, I broke four ribs fighting bulls at a High School Rodeo, during a bad hang up.  At the 2011 WSRRA Finals, I got bucked off in the second round.

What training and/or skills are essential for rodeo participation?

Rodeo requires good physical shape and a positive mind.  Knowing your job, being prepared through practice and putting the practice to work when you arrive at a competition.  Be the best you can be and enjoy what you do.

What are your specific achievements, accomplishments and recognitions (honors, awards) in rodeo?

I am a 5 time WSRRA NFR Qualifier. I qualified as the year end High Point Bronc Rider three times. I qualified the other two years as second and third.  I am the 2014 WSRRA World Champion. I also have numerous other victories along the way.

Travis and his fiance', Glenda

What are your future plans concerning rodeo?

My future plans in Rodeo are to continue helping build the WSRRA to the next level. This includes educating people on who we are and what we are about and passing on encouragement and knowledge to the younger up and coming contestants.

Tell me a little about yourself. 

I am a General Construction Contractor in Oregon and Washington. I have an awesome fiancé Sweet Momma Glenda, and 5 kids that give me gray hairs. I start colts and I rope whenever I have the opportunity.

What has made you successful at riding ranch broncs?

My success comes from the ability given to me by our Maker Jesus Christ. Being able to keep a positive and determined mind set has been possible because I have a great support system of Family and Friends.

Anything else you might want to add?

Life in general and Rodeo life has been a long road of ups and downs. Everything happens for a reason. Build on the good and learn from the bad. Stay positive.

Travis Yutzie at the 2014 WSRRA NFR

On behalf of the Western States Ranch Rodeo Association, I would like to say Congratulations Travis! Thank you for all you do for our association. ~Naomi Loomis

THANK YOU to our WSRRA NATIONAL SPONSORS!!

               

Merry Christmas from WSRRA!

On behalf WSRRA, I would like to wish all of our members, representatives, directors and officers a very Merry Christmas!


















I am leaving you with a Cowboy's Christmas Prayer.

THANK YOU NATIONAL SPONSORS!!

Attention WSRRA Event Producers!!

Hello to all our WSRRA Event Producers:
            Ranch Bronc Riding
           Women's Steer Stopping
           Women's Ranch Rodeo
            Open Ranch Rodeo

Happy Holiday's to all of you!

On behalf of the WSRRA, I would like to say "Thank You" for making the WSRRA a success.  Your hard work does not go unnoticed.

We are asking for your help this year.

We are asking that you either call in with your event information or download a form from the WSRRA website and send it to the WSRRA office.
http://wsrra.org/Resources/Event%20Sanctioning%20Agreement%20rev%203-2014.pdf

If you have questions please don't hesitate to call 916-296-2326.

The mailing address is:
WSRRA
PO Box 503
Wilton, CA 95693

THANK YOU NATIONAL SPONSORS!!

2014 WSRRA National Finals Report

5^th Annual Western States Ranch Rodeo Association National Finals Rodeo

By Naomi Loomis, WSRRA Representative

The fifth-annual Western States Ranch Rodeo Association National Finals Rodeo was held October 30- November 2 at the Winnemucca Events Complex in Winnemucca, Nevada. 

The WSRRA National Finals showcased events of the working cowboy and cowgirls.  Throughout 2014, WSRRA sanctioned 41 open ranch rodeos, 15 women’s ranch rodeos and more than 100 ranch bronc riding events in 13 Western States.   The top 41 open teams, 15 women’s teams, 15 steer stoppers, and 15 ranch bronc riders competed for cash and prizes at the National Finals.  Prizes included Gist Buckles, custom made gear made by Ricardo’s Saddlery and John Mincer.

The Nationals Finals kicked off with ranch-dog trials, open jack pot roping, open women’s steer stopping, and a big loop roping.  The WSRRA big loop winners were RC Crutcher and John Schulte.  The WSRRA open jack pot roping winners were Rob Webb and Daxton Jim. The women’s steer stopping winner was Marcia Eiguren.

Friday, October 31, WSRRA kicked off the finals with all the teams working their ranch horses.  Friday also started the long go performances.  Teams competed in everyday ranch work events; tie down steer roping, trailer loading and team roping.  The WSRRA held the first 2014 night performance.  The performance highlighted the Grand Marshall, Darlene Loomis from Nebraska, and two rounds of the PWHRA (Professional Wild Horse Racers Association), WSRRA Ranch Bronc riding round 1 and team event competition by the open and women’s teams.  Rodeo clown, Tuffy Gessling entertained the crowd with his rope tricks and laughs. Devoted to providing a family atmosphere the WSRRA held a Halloween costume contest during the performance.  After the performance the crowd was invited to join recording artist, Joni Harms for a WSRRA Kickoff Party. 

Saturday, November 1, WSRRA held another long go performance which included sort & rope doctoring, and team branding. WSRRA National Sponsors, Performix Nutrition and The Boot Barn sponsored a dummy roping contest.  Buckles and Jackets were awarded to the kids. As the sun was going down the second evening performance was held.  This performance was full of Wild West action and western traditions.  Team events were held for the open and women’s teams, two rounds of PWHRA and WSRRA ranch bronc riding round 2.  The crowd again was entertained by Tuffy Gessling.  Saturday ended with year-end and long go awards at the Winners at Winners awards party, music by the Jeff Palmer Band, hosted by the Winners Inn & Casino. 

Sunday, November 2, WSRRA held the championship round ranch rodeo for the open and the women’s divisions.  It was also the final rounds of the PWHRA and ranch bronc riding.  Champions were crowned at the end of the performance.  The arena was highlighted with talent and traditions of the WSRRA.

Devoted to the west and its traditions, the WSRRA succeed in crowning cowboys and cowgirls for their efforts at the finals.  Congratulations to all the contestants. 

Established in 2010, the WSRRA is becoming the most popular ranch rodeo circuits for cowboys and cowgirls.  The association currently has more than 650 members. 

The WSRRA wouldn’t be around without the help of our sponsors, which include: Winnemucca WVCA Board, Ram Trucks/Ram Rodeo, Boot Barn, Performix Nutrition, Les Schwab Tires, 8 Seconds Whiskey, Gouveia Ranches, Working Ranch Magazine, Mary Hyde / Buckaroo Country Official WSRRA Photographer , Host Hotels Winnemucca Inn, Winners Inn  Casino, Cowboy Showcase/ Lee Raine

The 2014 Western States Ranch Rodeo World Champions are as followed:

Women’s Steer Stopper: Victoria Jackson

Open Ranch Rodeo Team: TL Ranch from Idaho

 Members: John Schutte, Ira Walker, RC Crutcher, Jason Eiguren

Women’s Ranch Rodeo Team: Shoebox Ranch from Idaho

Members: Amy Ward, Justine Munns, Coree Shiner Kyndall Tibbits

Ranch Bronc Rider: Travis Yutzie       

ALL AROUND COWBOY

Justin Quint 

ALL AROUND COWGIRL

Justine Munns 

TOP HAND COWBOY

Jason Ward

TOP HAND COWGIRL

Amy Ward 

ALL AROUND RANCH HORSE – OPEN Darrel Norcutt 

ALL AROUND RANCH HORSE – WOMENS Carmen Buckingham 

STOCK CONTRACTOR OF THE YEAR 

Bad Medicine Rodeo Co.

BRONC OF THE YEAR SELECTED BY JUDGES 

Crypt Orchid owned by 7 C Buckers / Wes Clegg 

PICK UP MEN OF THE YEAR 

Myles Blossom and Jess Jones 

Make plans to attend a sanctioned WSRRA Ranch Rodeo in 2015!!

Figure 1 2014 WSRRA Stock Contractor of the Year - Bad Medicine Rodeo Wayne Larsen (Photo Credit to Mary Hyde)

Figure 3 2014 WSRRA Champion Open Ranch Rodeo TL Ranch from Idaho Members: John Schutte, Ira Walker, RC Crutcher, Jason Eiguren   (Photo Credit Mary Hyde) 

Figure 2 2014WSRRA All Around Cowboy - Justin Quint (Photo Credit to Mary Hyde)

Figure 4 2014 WSRRA Champions Women's Ranch Rodeo Team Shoebox Ranch from Idaho Members: Amy Ward, Justine Munns, Coree Shiner, Kyndall Tibbits (Photo Credit Mary Hyde)

Figure 5 2014 WSRRA Champion Ranch Bronc Rider - Travis Yutzie (Photo Credit to Mary Hyde)

THANK YOU NATIONAL SPONSORS!!