How ‘Bout The American?!

Holy cow!! Did you watch The American this last Sunday?

If you did you are probably just as excited about it as I am! The richest one-day rodeo actually crowned a $1 Million winner – Richmond Champion! What a great name….and how appropriate! And how about that Junior (Testa) Nogueira?! I have NEVER seen anyone heel like that in my entire life! He can rope like crazy and his presentation is like anything I’ve ever seen!

See what I mean?! The American certainly didn’t disappoint and I truly believe it opened up an entire new chapter for rodeo….I’m excited to see what happens next! It was great to see two of our friends/neighbors competing also – Chad Ferley, in the Saddle Bronc Riding and Lisa Lockhart, in the Barrel Racing. Chad ended up third overall and Lisa…..well, she took first place!!

She won $100,000, a new Polaris Ranger, and a whole bunch of other great prizes. I cried for her I was so happy…..I know how much Louie (and all of her horses) mean to her. She is one of the hardest working gals I know. It’s not uncommon to see her working her horses in below zero weather…..she is definitely not a fair-weather cowgirl! Her acceptance speech was classy and really heartfelt. I cried with her….again! What an awesome win for her!

It’s amazing to see how far rodeo has come in the last few years. It’s been a struggle and has experienced growing pains. The recent upheaval over moving the National Finals Rodeo the last few months has sure created some conflict. I’m sure glad there are people in the association who are strong and willing to fight for what they believe in – more money for the cowboys and cowgirls. Apparently the NFR will stay in Las Vegas for another 10 years……however, with the huge advances in big paying rodeos like The American, Houston, Calgary, etc....who knows who will be going where…..it will be interesting to watch this all unfold! ~Cheyenne