NFR REWIND - 2022 by NFRexperience

NFR REWIND 2022

FEBRUARY 2022 | NFRexperience.com

PHOTO: Steve Spatafore.

MISS RODEO AMERICA

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Get up to the minute western sports news, video highlights, standings, schedules, special features, early access to tickets and more. DOWNLOAD COWBOY CHANNEL+ APP FOR FREE NOW *Live Streaming + On Demand Requires Subscription

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MISS RODEO AMERICA

Official Network of ProRodeo

NFR REWIND 2022 MISS RODEO AMERICA

Ariat and Reel Amigos Production present

PHOTO: Steve Spatafore.

UNBROKEN 3

Featuring Six-Time Bareback World Champion Kaycee Feild.

LEARN MORE

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Vegas Was Back! The Wrangler National Finals Rodeo® returned to Las Vegas and felt like home for fans, sponsors and competitors

Inside Champion Moments Here are the first, exclusive comments from 2021 world champions as they celebrated with family and friends including deep insight with 7-time bull riding champ Sage Kimzey

A Cowboy Partnership For the first time, The Cowboy Channel took over title sponsorship of Cowboy Christmas. It was more than a perfect match

Publisher Las Vegas Events

Cover Photo Phillip Kitts

Project Manager/Editor Brian Hurlburt

Copy Editor Bill Bowman

Design Christopher Jones

Contributors Patrick C. Everson, Jack Nowlin, Bill Bowman

Cover Design Eric Berner

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Looking Back at NFR with Las Vegas Events President Pat Christenson

General Manager Allen Rheinheimer shares inside insights

38 New Miss Rodeo America takes her throne 44 The future of Rodeo was on display during YETI Junior World Finals 46 Around Vegas with Ariat World Series of Team Roping, ALL IN Barrels and Breakaway, and Bullfighters Only 50 The Golden Circle of Champions and NFR competitors honor kids with cancer

Las Vegas Events 770 W. Warm Springs Rd., Suite 140 Las Vegas, NV 89119 NFRexperience.com No re-production of any items within this publication without written consent of Las Vegas Events.

PHOTOS: flag girl - tom donoghue, sage kimzey - PRCA.

The Wrangler NFR Scene A dozen pages featuring a who’s who of the NFR from on and off the dirt

MISS RODEO AMERICA

PHOTO: Steve Spatafore.

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NFR REWIND 2021 MY FIRST RODEO WAS DECEMBER OF 1985. Who could have foreseen what Las Vegas and the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo® would become? For 35 years, the Thomas & Mack Center is where I spent the first two weeks in December. Until 2020. Both Vegas and the NFR continue to evolve and grow. The year 2021 began a new streak. More than 171,000 fans witnessed the crowning of a new set of World Champions. Another 350,000 participated in more than 200 custom events – 25 nightly viewing parties, 70+ concerts, the World Series of Team Roping, All In Barrel Racing and Breakaway, the YETI Junior World Finals, Bullfighters Only, the spectacular The Cowboy Channel Cowboy Christmas, and another half dozen gift shows. Few outside the rodeo world understand the relationship the NFR fan has with the 120 contestants who qualify for the 10-day test of resilience, athleticism and true grit that caps a year on the road of qualifying in more than a hundred rodeos. This feat becomes the foundation that connects like-minded Americans in Las Vegas. It has been our pleasure to stage this party. There is no other event – in a city that hosts the biggest in the world – that regularly connects fans like yourselves. We thank you for letting Las Vegas share in all of it. We are committed to bringing you even MORE in 2022 and beyond!

PHOTOS: pat christenson - LAS VEGAS NEWS BUREAU. STEVE SPATAFORE, BOTTOM.

LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

Pat Christenson

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The team behind the Wrangler NFR

GM MESSAGE

WRANGLER NATIONAL FINALS RODEO ® GENERAL MANAGER ALLEN RHEINHEIMER LOOKS BACK UPON AN INCREDIBLE 2021.

INCREDIBLE IS THE WORD I THINK OF WHEN describing the 2021 Wrangler NFR. Las Vegas is the city where the Wrangler NFR belongs, and while we are in a world that is changing fast, the NFR in 2021 brought us a great deal of normalcy. It was refreshing to celebrate all of the incredible people who participate in the NFR experience on and off the dirt. It was a successful return to Las Vegas, the home of the NFR. I truly believe that no other city can host the NFR like Las Vegas. Vegas offers so many options for everyone, and the city and venues are superb hosts for the huge group of rodeo fans who attend this amazing event. I am so proud of the team that worked tirelessly to make the ‘21 NFR a success. I’m thankful to the more than 250 staff members who returned with us to Las Vegas. It takes a special group to pull all of the aspects of the NFR together and produce such an event. I believe you need to surround yourself with great people to be successful, and you are only as good as the people that you work with on a daily and nightly basis. We have the most talented, hard working group of people in the business. Everyone worked together and was united in the goal to produce the greatest event possible. I believe we accomplished our goals in 2021 and we will continue to improve for years to come. Looking forward, I am excited to have a full year of planning to enhance the 2022 experience for fans, contestants, sponsors, contractors and staff. We have already begun planning for 2022 and our staff have

made tremendous contributions and suggestions for the year ahead. I learned a great deal in 2021, and with the organizational help of my assistant, Kennedy Snyder, I’m confident in working towards a successful NFR in 2022. I learned that collaboration is a key to success and we will continue to build upon relationships created in 2021. My father instilled in me a great work ethic and taught me all positions are important. Each individual who performs his or her duty deserves respect, regardless of the position. I went into 2021 with an open mind and that everyone has a seat at the table to discuss their needs and desires to make things work smoothly. I will continue speaking to everyone with the goal of making the NFR experience a great one for all involved. Looking back on 2021 there are so many wonderful memories, but a few that stand out were: -- The opening night was the first time the six NFR flags entered the arena since 2019, and it’s always a thrill to kick off the NFR no matter the year. However, in 2021, the thrill was the best yet. -- We hold a pre-production meeting every day prior the event, but the day the Golden Circle of Champions kids joined us will always be a treasured memory. The excitement they had being at the NFR and in that meeting lit up the room. Each child was fighting cancer or a childhood disease, and it was amazing to bring some joy and allow them to escape for a few hours. For more on this wonderful organization, flip to P. 50. -- The NFR Military Honors presented by Boot Barn was a program we started this year. It was such an honor to give back and recognize these men who did so much for the freedom we enjoy today. I sat with each one and really got to know them. Their stories were incredible and humbling, and to be in the presence of such great men was a true honor. As I wrote above, incredible is the word that I will always associate with the 2021 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. We’ll see you all back in Vegas in 2022.

MISS RODEO AMERICA

PHOTO: Steve Spatafore.

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Capturing the Best Beyond the Dirt Moments

PHOTOS: Steve Spatafore.

(1,2) Old Glory is always front and center (3) Fans hang out in the Aces High Saloon to watch the rodeo (4) Fans excited to be back inside the ProRodeo Zone.

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(1) Fans dance the night away inside the Cowboy Corral (2,3) The Brit Stokes Band keeps the crowd going post performance (4) The NFR Pre-Show including Joe Beaver, Trevor Brazile, and Justin McKee (5) Blue Man Group interrupts the NFR Pre-Show (6) Capturing the moment out on the Plaza.

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PHOTOS: Steve Spatafore.

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MISS RODEO AMERICA THE SCENE

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6 (1) Bull Riding in the ProRodeo Zone (2) NFR sponsors presented by flag girls (3) Honoring America and our veterans (4) Miss Rodeo America, Jordan Tierney, in the Grand Entry (5) The Grand Entry is the iconic start to the NFR (6) The excitement shows when running in the Grand Entry (7) ProRodeo Hall of Fame and Las Vegas Events flags welcome fans.

PHOTOS: Steve Spatafore.

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TUF COOPER

PHOTO: Steve Spatafore.

4x World Champion 12x NFR Qualifier

Official Coffee of the Wrangler NFR®

Official Coffee of the PRCA

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MISS THE RODEO AMERICA THESCENE SCENE

(1) Glen Templeton performs solo on the stage for his opening act (2) Military Honoree and National Anthem singer Jim McCloughan salutes the flag (3) Michael Gaughan and Fletch Brunelle present a check to PRCA CEO Tom Glause (4) Military honorees were always a crowd favorite (5) Little Big Town performed the National Anthem on night 3 of the NFR (6)Military Honorees were recognized on the dirt during the rodeo.

PHOTOS: Steve Spatafore.

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(1) Miss Rodeo America contestants prepare for the Justin Boot Parade (2) Miss Rodeo Texas showcases her auction items (3) Cheering on his champion (4) Cowboys visited the Grant a Gift Autism Foundation again this year (5) Golden Circle of Champions gather around with Justin McKee (6) Fans gather around for the Miss Rodeo America Live Auction.

PHOTOS: STEVE SPATAFORE, 1-3, 5-6. TOM DONOGHUE, Photo 4.

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MISS THE RODEO AMERICA SCENE

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(1) Patrick Gottsch with the Blue Man Group (2) John Harrison and his wife hang out inside the Cowboy Corral post performance (3) Pat Christenson and Cameron Hughes celebrate the NFR (4) Wyatt McCubbin and his wife (Holly) after his National Anthem performance (5) The Stallworths spend time with Bill Young (6) Joe Beaver with Golden Circle cancer survivor.

PHOTOS: Steve Spatafore.

NFR REWIND 2022 MISS RODEO AMERICA

PHOTO: Steve Spatafore.

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NFR REWIND 2022 MISS RODEO AMERICA THE SCENE

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(1) Mike Love, Patrick Gottsch, Mayor Carolyn Goodman and Steve Hill at the Opening Night Christmas tree lighting ceremony (2) Yellowstone’s Cole Hauser (3) The RMEF Calcutta on the Ariat Rodeo Live Stage (4) More than 240,000+ attendees and 350+ exhibitors (5) Kylie Frey performs on the Ariat Rodeo Live Stage (6) Attendees loved The Cowboy Channel interactive sponsorship.

PHOTOS: Steve Spatafore.

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(1) Meet and greets and autographs are CCCC highlight (2) Boot Barn X LVE fashion show was a hit on opening night of Cowboy Christmas (3) A special Bullfighters Only perf brought the house down (4) Steer Wrestlers sign autographs and greet fans at NFR Central (5) Blue Man Group at the Barn Again winning booth (6) Lainey Wilson stopped by NFR Central for an interview with Coyote 102.7.

PHOTOS: Steve Spatafore.

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1) The NFR stars were out at Gilley's at T.I. (2) The Orleans Buckin' Bash is headlined by Justin Rumford (3) George Strait rocked the T-Mobile Arena (4) This is Downtown Hoedown.

PHOTOS: TI, 1. THE ORLEANS, 2. JASON STOLTZFUS, 3. BLACK RAVEN FILMS, 4.

MISS RODEO AMERICA THE SCENE

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MISS THE RODEO AMERICA SCENE

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(1) The Downtown Las Vegas Events Center is a fan-favorite party (2) The Orleans viewing parties are just like being there (3) Jason Aldean symbolized the 2021 NFR in Vegas (4) Rodeo Vegas at Mirage was epic (5) Dancing the NFR away at Silverton with Ned Ledoux.

PHOTOS: JOHN PLUMMER, 1-2, 5. AL POWERS, PARK MGM, 3. THE MIRAGE, 4.

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1 2

(1) South Point viewing party (2) Shania Twain is always All In in Vegas (3) The Boots on the Boulevard concert series at Cosmopolitan included Cody Johnson (4) Up close at the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center viewing party.

PHOTOS: JOHN PLUMMER, 1, 4. ADRIAN BRETSCHER, 2. THE COSMOPOLITAN, 3.

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(1) Skyler Sutton prepares for her first day at the finals (2) Hayden Leavell is all smiles for Day 1 of the YETI Junior World Finals (3) Kooper Heimburg during the 1st performance (4) Jase Stout during the second performance of Bareback (5) Hunter Maxwell competing for a Bull Riding World Championship (6) Mollie Compton during Day 3.

PHOTO: SADDLEBOOK.

MISS THE RODEO AMERICA SCENE

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PHOTO: Steve Spatafore.

TAMI FORD

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SURROUNDED BY A GAGGLE OF RODEO reporters, Kaycee Feild tried to keep his emotions in check after clinching his record sixth bareback riding world championship at the 2021 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. There was talk throughout Wrangler NFR week that Feild might call it a career, and it was clearly going through his head as he fielded questions. Several of his responses inferred that the 34-year-old was thinking about what’s next in his life. But much like every other NFR contestant over those 10 days at the Thomas & Mack Center, he couldn’t help but comment on the event’s return to Las Vegas, as well. That was as special as any other part of his week – having

BY PATRICK EVERSON

the NFR back in its rightful home, after a one-year move to the Dallas area due to the pandemic. “Doing this back in Vegas is something awesome,” Feild said. “The energy here is something special, and you don’t get it anywhere else.” As it turns out, Feild later decided he’s going to ride at least one more year, so he might very well be back in Vegas in December 2022. The point remains: When it comes to the NFR, there’s no place like Las Vegas. All week long, contestants, NFR officials and, most of all, rodeo fans never stopped raving about the return of the Vegas vibe. Even before the NFR started, the night before Round 1 at the Downtown Hoedown, visitors from far and wide were amped up to be back in town.

PHOTO: Steve Spatafore.

VEGAS IS THE RIGHTFUL HOME OF THE WRANGLER NATIONAL FINALS RODEO ® AND A TRIUMPHANT RETURN IN 2021 HAD EVERYONE BUZZING.

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Las Vegas Events President Pat Christenson, whose fingerprints have been all over the Wrangler NFR since it moved to Vegas in 1985, understood the importance of this event returning to town. It’s a massive boost for the Vegas economy, of course, but it’s also what the contestants and fans most look forward to each December. “It is a relief to be back from COVID,” Christenson said, noting the party was bigger and better than ever. “The fact that we really had two years to plan for this has given us the opportunity to make really hundreds of small improvements and dozens of major improvements. Fans saw those improvements all around the city, not just at the Thomas & Mack Center. When we do this

“We missed this tremendously,” said Nicole Trujillo, a nurse from Albuquerque, N.M, who traveled with husband Alex for their second Vegas NFR, after attending in 2019. “When you see these people, you see the excitement in their eyes. It lights up the world.” Added Alex: “Dallas doesn’t have the same atmosphere or environment as Vegas. Vegas never left, and we’re just glad the NFR is back here.” Alex thought the Vegas scene might still have a little COVID hangover. But that wasn’t the case at the Hoedown, nor the entire 10 days of the rodeo, all around the city. “On a scale of 1 to 10, it was a 10. I was really surprised,” Alex said.

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Kaycee Feild won in a Vegas return, just like his father in 1985

“DOING THIS BACK IN VEGAS IS AWESOME. THE ENERGY HERE IS SOMETHING SPECIAL, AND YOU DON’T GET THAT ANYWHERE ELSE.”

PHOTO: PHILLIP KITTS.

VEGAS WAS BACK work to create, to put something together like this. They event, it’s a festival. There are more than 70 concerts, did a good job.” 22 viewing parties and then everything else Vegas has A few miles down Las Vegas Boulevard at the South to offer.” Point, the nightly viewing party – followed by the nightly Ah yes, the viewing parties. That’s where one really go-round buckle awards presentation –had the showroom found out just how happy people are to be back in Las packed and rocking each night during the NFR. Brandy Vegas during the NFR. From the Downtown Las Vegas Marquez of Lakeside, Calif., said she’s an NFR regular Events Center to multiple points on the Las Vegas Strip, when it’s in Vegas – and even during the 2020 NFR, when and of course to cowboy/cowgirl HQ at the South Point, it was held in Arlington, Texas. it was a raucous time all 10 nights. “I was here in Vegas when they “You’ve got the real grit and were in Texas,” Marquez said. “It’s just heartbeat of America right here,” said not December without Vegas and the Shawn Rafftery, while hanging out NFR. Oh my God, I missed it so much at the Events Center with a group of last year. Being able to watch it here in Minnesotans for the second go-round. Vegas is amazing. The energy in this “I’m sure glad to be back in Vegas. Not room is great. We can all be ourselves to ditch Texas, but Vegas is better.” and enjoy it.” “Pretty amazing and it is easy to All that said, the most difficult see that the sponsors and the Vegas element of the NFR to replicate is that hotels back the NFR extensively,” said atmosphere at the Thomas & Mack Marty VanDenEykel, one of Rafftery’s Center, packed with 17,000-plus rodeo traveling companions. “They create a diehards every night. The contestants country and rodeo theme. As guys who – Kaycee Feild, 6-time saw, heard and felt the difference. And work hard for a living, we were just bareback world champion they responded. talking about how this is a lot of hard

is the most exciting time you have, making barrel runs in that venue.” As first-year NFR general manager Allen Rheinheimer succinctly put it: “If you’re bored in Vegas during the NFR, you’re really not trying!” See you in 2022 in Vegas, HOME of the Wrangler NFR and all that goes along with it.

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“I’d be thrilled to go anywhere to compete in the NFR, but with that said, I’m very excited to be back in Las Vegas,” said three-time world champion barrel racer Hailey Kinsel. “The energy at the Thomas & Mack is just different. It’s been in Vegas for so long. That known factor is exciting and kind of just gives you jitters, the good kind. Making 10 runs in the Thomas & Mack, that

The tip of the Resistol by competitors had special meaning in 2021

PHOTOS: JOHN PLUMMER, TOP. STEVE SPATAFORE, BOTTOM.

Viewing parties in Downtown were, once again, a fan favorite

The Champions

NFR REWIND 2022 MOMENTS

A WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP AND GOLD BUCKLE are the pinnacle in the sport. On December 11, in front of a packed house, eight World Champions and an AllRound Cowboy were crowned with all the pomp and circumstance that comes with the accomplishments. When the champs exited the stage, they headed to the NFR media center where the emotions of this 10-day test of resilience, focus and fortitude were released for all of those within an ear and eye shot to witness. The mostly-private celebration is always exciting, provoking, and inspirational and yes … fun.

BY BRIAN HURLBURT

The world champs are met by family and friends, and more than a few hugs and pats on the back are passed around. Joyful tears and smiles are everywhere, and, if truth be known, a deep sense of relief is felt. There is no greater test in sports than the 100 or so rodeos necessary to qualify for the NFR and then 10 straight days competing against the best at the NFR, on the greatest stock in the world. Then once it’s over, it’s a dream realized. Here is what the champs had to say in those meaningful moments just after collecting their buckles:

PHOTO: Tom Donoghue.

EMOTIONS WERE STILL RAW WHEN THE NEWLY-MINTED 2021 WORLD CHAMPIONS ARRIVED IN THE THOMAS & MACK CENTER MEDIA AREA MOMENTS AFTER RECEIVING THEIR GOLD BUCKLES.

– Sage Kimzey, 7-time bull riding champion

SEVEN FOR SAGE

There are not many better numbers in Vegas than seven. “There’s no other arena like Las Vegas,” Kimzey said. “That’s the first thing that comes to my mind plus hearing the fans never gets old. The moment for number seven was something special. Nobody does rodeo quite like Las Vegas and it feels good to be back here. I’m thankful and grateful.” Kimzey’s ultimate goal is to eclipse Don Gay’s record of eight world titles. God willing, he stays healthy, that could happen in 2023. “I’m gonna relish this gold buckle for about a week and enjoy some time with the family, have Christmas and then it’s onto the journey for number eight,” Kimzey said. “Once the work starts, it never stops.” The biggest moment for Kimzey came in round 10. “Stepping up tonight with 17,000 people going crazy would be the one moment that sticks out,” Kimzey said. “It kind of came down to it and it was put up or shut up. Either

stay on and be the world champ or get bucked off.” Kimzey delivered with a little Vegas luck and a lot of Sage skill while overcoming a down year in 2020. For the first time in his career, he didn’t win a world title. The NFR being relocated to Texas due to the Covid-19 pandemic and a turbulent year led to the disappointment. Everyone wants to forget 2020, especially Sage. “The year of 2020 can be summed up in one word: Covid," Kimzey said. "It was a whirlwind of a lot of up and downs. I started 2020 out probably as hot as I’d ever started a season out. Everything was rolling, but a bull flipped on me in San Antonio and I needed ankle surgery and then, boom, the world stops due to Covid. “It was an interesting year. I learned a lot. It changed our schedule and lifestyle drastically, like it did for so many people. I was not motivated coming back off my injury and there was a lot of variables at play For some reason, I really didn’t care about rodeo like I usually do. I sat down and talked about it with my wife and told her

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“THERE'S NO OTHER ARENA LIKE LAS VEGAS. THAT'S THE FIRST THING THAT COMES TO MY MIND PLUS HEARING THE FANS NEVER GETS OLD. THE MOMENT FOR NUMBER SEVEN WAS SOMETHING SPECIAL. NOBODY DOES RODEO QUITE LIKE LAS VEGAS AND IT FEELS GOOD TO BE BACK HERE. I’M THANKFUL AND GRATEFUL.”

PHOTO: PHILLIP KITTS.

Driggers and Nogueira

FINALLY GOES WRIGHT

All-Around and saddle bronc world champion Stetson Wright is still in search of a clean sweep when it comes to the Wrangler NFR, but that will have to wait another year. Stetson has the Wright stuff, but the last time anyone won two events in rough stock in the same year was 1958 by a cowboy named Jim Shoulders. In 2020, Wright claimed the bull riding and allaround titles and was hoping to win saddle bronc, bull riding and all-around in 2021. The trifecta didn’t happen,

but winning two out of three, two years running puts him on the right track. And claiming his first saddle bronc world title meant that he is now officially in the Wright family business. “There’s zero disappointment about not winning all three,” Wright said. “I didn’t realize how incomplete I felt not winning a saddle bronc world title until they handed it to me this year. My dad, my brothers, my uncle, they all won a saddle bronc world title and I always wanted that as well. Even though I won it, I still feel like I am not as good as them, but I am happy with the way it went and I’m pretty satisfied.”

CALEB’S BIG THREE

Caleb Smidt is one of the best to ever tie-down a calf, and he proved it once again by winning a third world title after

PHOTO: Tom Donoghue.

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before we went to Texas, ‘I’m not going to win the world.’ I went in to the 2020 NFR number one, but I just felt like it was not in the cards. There was a certain peace over me about the whole thing.” Fortunately, 2021 went much better in Vegas at “home.”

MOMENTS

Tyler Waguespack

PHOTO: Steve Spatafore.

FAMILY TRADITION FOR BRIGGS

Jordon Briggs went from 50th in the world rankings in 2020 to the 2021 world champion barrel racer. Her accomplishment now puts her just three world titles behind her mother, Kristie Peterson, a member of the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame. As ole Hank sings, “It’s a family tradition.” There is a long line of World Champion Barrel Racers with great horses. Scamper, Skipper, Babyflo and Sister come to mind. The Brigg’s have two – Bozo and Lil Jet. Briggs rode Lil Jet to the her first world title in 2021 while her mother rode Bozo for many years, as has Briggs. “I just can’t believe God gave me that amazing horse,” Briggs said. “She’s a lot like Bozo and we have two amazing horses in our family. I’m just so grateful to win, especially in the time of the world right now. This is a big

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winning in both 2015 and 2018. No one comes to work better prepared than Caleb, but he believes there was also a higher power at play. “I’m just blessed, you know?” Smidt said. “You can’t do this without Jesus and he’s been with me this whole week. I am just blessed to have the success that I had and my family pushing me to be better each and every day.” The most intense moment for Smidt came during the ninth go-round when things didn’t go as planned, but he still managed a sixth-place finish “Well, I figure when I caught that calf’s tail last night and it dang near came off – that was the most challenging time, but it all worked out,” Smidt said. “I Just had to overcome some adversity. When things don’t go right, you have to keep pushing forward. You also have to learn to forget about it and move on to the next calf, the next day.”

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deal because the world needs rodeo. I’m so grateful to the Cowboy Channel so people at home can turn on the TV and see people who think like they do and work as hard as they do. To be on this platform is very special.”

Kaycee Feild

DYNAMIC DUO

MOMENTS

For team roper and heeler Junior Nogueira, winning a world title was nothing new, but earning a gold buckle in team roping was. For Kaleb Driggers, Noguiera’s header, it was his first world title. Nogueira won an All-Around world title in 2016, but never won a team roping world title. In 2021, the two celebrated with a solid 10 performances. Winning a world title was well worth the wait. “We won the fourth round and that was probably a big steppingstone for us to come into the latter half of the week,” Driggers said. “We had placed in the first three rounds and then we won the fourth round and that pumped us up. When I made the mistake in the seventh round, we had to get it together and finish strong. We’d been in this position a lot of times. We just needed to pull through this time. We failed earlier in the week and in the past, but this year we had a good groove going.”

TYLER’S REDEMPTION

Eventual steer wrestling world champion Tyler

“MY DAD WON THE FIRST WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP HELD HERE IN LAS VEGAS, AND SO TO COME BACK HERE AGAIN AND FOR ME TO BE THE FIRST WORLD CHAMPION AFTER A WEIRD YEAR LIKE LAST YEAR, THAT'S WHAT COMES TO MIND; DOING SOMETHING REMARKABLE, JUST LIKE MY DAD.” – Kaycee Feild, 6-time bareback world champion

PHOTO: PHILLIP KITTS.

REMARKABLE GOLD

Bareback rider Kaycee Feild goes for, and wins, lots of gold. He earned buckle number six in 2021. Kaycee’s mentor, coach and father was Lewie, a 5-time world champion and Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame inductee who sadly was taken from Kaycee and his family in 2016. After a couple years of getting the family business in order and dealing with injuries, Feild has been on a roll and won back-to-back titles in 2020 and 2021. “It’s all about grit and determination,” Feild said. “I’ve been here several years and I’ve competed in this arena 120 times and still the emotions that you feel, the electricity you feel in this arena, is like nothing anywhere else. And to come from Texas back to Vegas is special. My dad won the first world championship held here in Las Vegas, and so to come back here again and for me to be the first world champion after a weird year like last year, that’s what comes to mind; doing something remarkable, just like my dad.”.

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GILBERT’S CLEAN SWEEP

Sawyer Gilbert won the world title and also the average during the Wrangler National Finals Breakaway Roping competition. It was close between Gilbert and Shelby Boisioli, who had the world lead through the first nine rounds before a no time proved to be a dagger. Consistency paid off. Gilbert roped all 10 head and that was enough to win the world title by $2,197. She was the only roper to have a clean national finals event. “One of my strengths is I can always catch,” Gilbert said. “I told myself even if I broke a barrier to get all 10 roped. This means the world to me … I knew I could do it and just wanted to catch that last calf. This has been a dream before I even knew it was possible on this big stage. I am so honored and glad to get it done.”

MOMENTS

Sage Kimsey

PHOTO: CHRISTOPHER THOMPSON, PRCA.

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Waguespack wasn’t biting on the those who had buried him following a disappointing second round where he finished 14th. “After the second round I had guys come up to me, not guys who compete, because they all know how it is out here, but I had people in the stands come up and pat me on the back and say, ‘Man, that’s tough luck, you have to come back again next year,’” Waguespack said. “And I remember turning around and saying, ‘No, I’m gonna put my foot it on the gas and I’m gonna get back into play and be in position to win. “Well, I put my foot on the gas because I knew I couldn’t afford to just safety up in any run. I had eight runs where I had to go all out. Every time I had to get as much money as I could and I was fortunate enough to grab a check in all eight after that second round.”

MISS RODEO AMERICA

Hailey Kinsel

NFR REWIND 2022

Championship Style

PHOTO: Steve Spatafore.

3X WPRA WORLD CHAMPION BARREL RACER

FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED • OVER 90 STORES NATIONWIDE • CAVENDERS.COM

NFR REWIND 2022 MISS RODEO AMERICA

IN MANY BIG EVENTS ACROSS THIS COUNTRY, winners are often asked: "What are you gonna do now?" The inevitable answer: “We’re going to Disney World!” It was a little different – but no less satisfying – for Hailey Frederiksen after she bested 30 of her state rodeo queen peers to win the 2022 Miss Rodeo America Pageant. In the midst of the 2021 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, there was no time for Disney World. But there was time to eat. “I had an 8-ounce filet mignon. I told my parents, ‘I want a big, juicy steak,’” Frederiksen said, while noting she didn’t get any more carried away than that. “No drinks, but I was starving, and my parents asked me what I wanted, so I said I want steak. You know: Beef, it’s what’s for dinner.” It was a well-deserved steak dinner after a two-year process that led to Frederiksen claiming the crown. She won the Miss Rodeo Colorado title in 2020, but due to the pandemic, there was no Miss Rodeo America Pageant in December 2020. “When I won Miss Rodeo Colorado, I just wanted to represent Colorado well,” Frederiksen said. Instead, all of the 2020 state winners continued their roles for 2021, then headed to Las Vegas in December to vie for Miss Rodeo America 2022 honors. Frederiksen said she couldn’t have anticipated what began two years

BY PATRICK EVERSON

ago ending with a crown and flowers. When Dec. 5 arrived, the day of the Miss Rodeo America Pageant, the field was whittled down from the original 31 and Frederiksen remained in the running for the title. Then Frederiksen advanced to the final top 10 and then the final five contestants, but by that point, Frederiksen wanted God’s bigger picture to include that final step, the one in which the Miss Rodeo America crown is transferred from 2020-21 honoree Jordan Tierney to the head of this rodeo queen from Wellington, Colo. Her vision was finalized and she received the crown from Tierney. “It was a humbling moment and very satisfying,” Frederiksen said. “I knelt down crying. I couldn’t believe I’d just won the title. It’s a moment I’ll never forget. I’m beyond humbled and grateful for this opportunity.” Frederiksen’s main objective in 2022: to be the inspiration that Tierney and so many other Miss Rodeo Americas have been to her as she’s pursued her dream. In all, there have been 66 dating to 1956. “I just want to be that inspiring light for other people,” Frederiksen said. “I wouldn’t have gotten into rodeo queening without being inspired by others. I love to talk, and I’m deeply passionate about what I represent. I’m excited to express that passion with everyone I meet.”

PHOTO: TOM DONOGHUE.

A DREAM WAS REALIZED FOR 2022 MISS RODEO AMERICA HAILEY FREDERIKSEN.

MISS RODEO AMERICA

PHOTO: Steve Spatafore.

NFR REWIND 2022

Blue Man Group helped Just Plain Crazy's Jennifer Watchous celebrate

NFR REWIND 2022 COWBOY CHRISTMAS

IT WAS AN EPIC YEAR IN THE EVOLUTION OF the already stunningly successful Cowboy Christmas, an annual country & Western retail expo at the Las Vegas Convention Center, which coincides with the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo®. For the first time, the fast-rising The Cowboy Channel took its rightful place as title sponsor, and what ensued was 10 days of success, no matter what metrics were measured. Even with such a terrific show in the books, the future looks even more promising.

BY BRIAN HURLBURT

“This was the biggest investment we’ve ever made in marketing by becoming the title sponsor and I think it was worth every penny we spent and we look forward to growing it next year,” says Patrick Gottsch, founder, Rural Free Delivery Television (RFD-TV), home of The Cowboy Channel. “What is very exciting is that even with all of the success in 2021, this year will be the first year when we’ve had a full year of rodeos to go to and actually promote The Cowboy Channel Cowboy Christmas. We’ve already started with the Denver Stock

PHOTO: Steve Spatafore.

THE COWBOY CHANNEL COWBOY CHRISTMAS RETAIL EXTRAVAGANZA WAS A SUCCESS BY EVERY MEASUREMENT AND 2021 WAS JUST THE BEGINNING OF A NEW SYNERGY.

PHOTOS: Steve Spatafore.

There are also four daily live shows that emanate from the Ariat Rodeo Live Stage and include RMEF Calcutta, Outside the Barrel with Flint Rasmussen, Cowboy Revival with Shane Minor, and NFR Tailgate. There are also hundreds of autograph signings throughout the show floor featuring current and former NFR competitors, world champions and other western-world celebrities. There is a certain vibe that surrounds The Cowboy Channel Cowboy Christmas. It was felt by attendees, exhibitors and Gottsch. Those good vibes were also matched by verified statistics that revealed how successful the new partnership was. “The response was terrific and the research proved that the success that we all felt during the show was

Show and the Fort Worth Stock Show and rodeo. We will be going to at least 300 rodeos in person in 2022 that we will broadcast from, and we will be promoting Cowboy Christmas the whole year.” More than 240,000 attendees and 350+ exhibitors enjoyed The Cowboy Channel Cowboy Christmas in 2021. To give a little perspective to this mass gathering of people, the total number of attendees adds up to about four sellouts at the new Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas and about 15 NFR sellouts of the historic Thomas & Mack Center. That’s a dizzying quantity of cowboys and cowgirls enjoying all things country & Western. A new Wrangler NFR tradition was born in 2021 when The Cowboy Channel and Cowboy Christmas came together. According to Las Vegas Events president Pat Christenson, there may not be a more perfect combination between sponsor and event. “The fact that they both start with ‘Cowboy’ says a lot about the matchup,” says Christenson, simply, succinctly, and appropriately. “Most title sponsors use the platform to brand their product. The Cowboy Channel’s partnership with the NFR is unique because we have a stake in each other’s success and use the platform to grow rodeo and Cowboy Christmas year-round.” The Cowboy Channel Cowboy Christmas runs concurrently with the Wrangler NFR over 10 days and features more than 500,000 square feet of show floor and exhibitors from across the United States. The area is adjacent to the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation’s Hunter & Outdoor Christmas Expo and includes the Wrangler Rodeo Arena where the YETI Junior World Finals are held; NFR Central presented by Resorts World; Bites and Brews presented by Total Feeds; NFR After Dark presented by Community Coffee; Ranch Water Rodeo Saloon; and much more.

NFR REWIND 2022

(Left) Record fans and exhibitors highlighted Cowboy Christmas (Below) Boot Barn X LVE fashion show was a hit on opening night.

COWBOY CHRISTMAS

also tangible success, not just good feelings,” Gottsch says. “We tripled our number of subscribers to our app and that’s just one example of our success. Also, a lot of our partners were there that sponsor our broadcasts all year long. It was great to see the other booths also doing very well. The American Hat booth, for example, had a line going around it every day and I don’t think they’ve ever had such a successful Cowboy Christmas show. I think it was the same thing at Justin and Resistol, and everybody associated with us. Everybody couldn’t have been more pleased, especially our customers and sponsors.” The Cowboy Channel is the official network of ProRodeo and the first 24-hour television network totally dedicated to western sports and the western lifestyle. Headquartered in the Fort Worth Stockyards, The Cowboy Channel features content focused on ProRodeo, bull riding, roping, reining, barrel racing, and other western sports genres, along with western fashion and music. The lineup also features a wide variety of “live” coverage from major western events showcasing the world’s toughest and most talented cowboys and cowgirls. The network enjoys distribution into 42 million homes on cable/satellite systems on Altice, Charter Spectrum, DISH, DIRECTV®, AT&T U-Verse, Cox, Comcast, Mediacom, Verizon FIOS TV, and many other rural cable systems. In addition, The Cowboy Channel can be streamed online via The Cowboy Channel Plus at cowboychannelplus.com, DIRECTV NOW, Roku, iOS, Android, Firestick, Apple TV, and Sling TV’s Heartland Extra package.

Hailey Kinsel and many other NFR greats met fans

BEST IN SHOW For the first time, The Cowboy Channel Cowboy Christmas show organizers selected the best booth displays. The winners were alerted at their booths by Vegas performers Blue Man Group who led a large entourage. Earning top honors were, Just Plain Crazy, for best overall booth and best holiday-themed booth, and Barn Again, for best western-themed booth. The winners were determined by the Cowboy Christmas decorating committee after the exhibitors were asked to submit images for fans to vote on their top choices in each category. From the fan vote, the list was narrowed to the top six in total votes. The decorating committee surveyed those booths before making the final vote. Each of the two winners received a prize package that includes an award-winning ribbon each exhibitor can display on site, inclusion in NFR Experience social media channels and The Cowboy Channel, as well as custom profiles in both NFR Rewind Magazine and the 2022 NFR Fan Guide. Finally, each winner will receive a $1,000 discount towards their 2022 booth renewal. Just Plain Crazy is led by owner and designer Jennifer Watchous, and specializes in one of a kind, handmade leather hats. “I was very shocked to find out that we had won both awards in our first year because I knew there were so many competing who had wonderful booths that I had admired,” Watchous said. “It means even more because we are a little business from Kansas. To be able to compete with larger companies is something I’m very proud of. We came into a new environment as we had never done a show as big as Cowboy Christmas. But Cowboy Christmas is the largest event that attracts our target audience.” Barn Again is a popular Western arts and crafts business from California, and is operated by Renae Rosa and Helen Peters. “The main theme of my booth is 95 percent of everything must make you laugh out loud,” Rosa said. “Everything must be hysterical from the tea towels, shirts, painted horse wine glasses with leather tack and tails, to the windshield shades that look like a bunch of horse hooligans are driving your vehicle. You would not believe how much fun it is to host my booth and listen to people laugh until they snort. If they purchase, that is just a plus."

PHOTO: Steve Spatafore.

NFR REWIND 2022

More info: thecowboychannel.com

NFR REWIND 2022 MISS RODEO AMERICA

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NFR REWIND 2022

Marco Rizoo

JUNIOR WORLD FINALS

THE SPORT OF RODEO ONCE AGAIN TOOK OVER Las Vegas in December 2021. While current Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association cowboys and Women’s Professional Rodeo Association cowgirls were thrilling the crowds at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo® at the Thomas & Mack Center, the sport’s future stars were on display a few minutes away in a state-of-the-art building. The YETI Junior World Finals took center stage at the Wrangler Rodeo Arena inside the Las Vegas Convention Center, with 750 athletes from ages 8 to 19 competing in nine events – bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, bull riding, steer wrestling, tie-down roping, team roping, barrel racing, breakaway roping and pole bending – from Dec. 2-11. The JWF returned to Vegas after being held in Texas in 2020 because of the coronavirus pandemic. And by all accounts, the return to Vegas was a success. “This was one of the best-organized and smoothestrunning Junior World Finals we’ve ever executed here in Vegas,” said Bo Gardner, vice president of corporate marketing for Las Vegas Events and Junior World Finals general manager. “Everything came together this year. Plus, we hit our goal of more than $1 million in cash and prizes for the contestants.” In the past four years, Las Vegas Events has paid out

BY JACK NOWLIN

more than $2.7 million in cash and prizes, according to Gardner. With that kind of money on the table, it’s no surprise the Junior World Finals continues to attract the top young cowboys and cowgirls from across the country. Recent JWF alumni include NFR tie-down roper John Douch, whose younger brother Koby finished third in the 19 and under division of tie-down; current Sam Houston State cowboys Chris Villanueva and Bradlee Miller, both of whom won numerous roughstock titles at the JWF; and former JWF and College National Finals Rodeo champion steer wrestler Bridger Anderson, who finished ninth in the PRCA world standings in 2020. “The quality of contestants just keeps getting better,” Gardner said. “A lot of these kids are close to joining that PRCA circuit and making a name for themselves.” One of the 2021 winners is on his way to doing just that. Cash Robb of Altamont, Utah, who won the open steer wrestling, finished eighth in the Wilderness Circuit last year. When Robb isn’t competing collegiately – he’s a freshman at Texas A&M-Commerce – he often trains with three-time world champ Tyler Waguespack. The 31-year-old Waguespack was at the Wrangler Rodeo Arena to watch Robb win the Ote Berry Junior Steer Wrestling title for the third time just hours before winning his own third world title.

PHOTOS: SADDLEBOOK.

THE YETI JUNIOR WORLD FINALS IN LAS VEGAS SHOWCASES THE BEST YOUNG TALENT IN RODEO WITH MORE THAN $1 MILLION ON THE LINE.

NFR REWIND 2022

(left) Calvin Taylor, during the Open Team Roping, (top) Andy Watson at the 19 & Under Tiedown Roping “What Ote Berry is doing with the Junior World Finals is outstanding,” Waguespack said. “It lets kids come to a venue where they can win a lot of money. When I was in high school, I didn’t have that. So, it’s great that they have places they can go to get a little bit of a competitive edge before they’re ready to get up in the higher rankings. “Kids get to come to Vegas and have their entire families with them for support. It puts them on a heckuva stage and it helps them get the momentum rolling for whenever they’re ready to step up to a bigger stage.” In its effort to make the Junior World Finals the preferred event for future stars of the sport, Las Vegas Events continues to raise the bar. Teaming with The Cowboy Channel in 2021 provided fans who couldn’t be in Vegas the opportunity to watch all 10 days of the Junior World Finals. Based on the numbers, rodeo fans did just that. “We saw some impressive numbers,” Gardner said. “From The Cowboy Channel Plus app, which was a free download, they averaged over 11,000 downloads a day. On the first day of competition, there were 38,000 clicks to that app and over 63,000 hours were watched. That opens up doors for us to now look at future sponsorship, not only

2021 YETI JUNIOR WORLD FINALS CHAMPIONS BAREBACK Rookie: Layn Claxton, West, Texas Junior: Tyson Schmelzle, Gillette, Wyoming Senior: Collin Roland, Childersburg, Alabama Novice: Kooper Heimburg, Arizona

for the JWF, but for Las Vegas Events. Those type of things are such positive feedback for us, and we’re going to use that to make things better for future events.” And the growing presence of SaddleBook, which offers “a complete online solution for horse competitions,” at the JWF has proved to benefit the competitors as well as fans of the sport. Gardner and his staff are already working with SaddleBook founder and CEO Paul Hanson to make the viewing experience even better in the coming years. “We want to include contestants’ stats on the large LED board so you know their profiles,” Gardner said. “All that stuff that we do and we work so hard for at the NFR, we’re now going to implement that at the Junior World Finals next year.” In other words, expect the 2022 YETI JWF to be even better and offer even more opportunities to the sport’s future stars. As for those who think the popularity of rodeo is fading, eight-time world champ and Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame member Joe Beaver has other thoughts. “I’ve been around for a long time and this is as good as I’ve ever seen it,” he said. “I think the future of rodeo is bright. I think it’s as bright right now as a sunshiny day in Vegas in June.”

SADDLE BRONC

STEER WRESTLING

BARREL RACING

Rookie: Wade Magner, Breda, Iowa Junior: Zane Magner, Breda, Iowa Senior: Shane Scott, Ridgefield, Washington Novice: Benny Proffit, Canadian, Texas

Open: Cash Robb, Altamont, Utah 16 and under: Sage Schrunk, Valentine, Nebraska

Juniors: Charlie Ray Sohrt, Marvel, Texas Seniors: Morgan Beckstrom, Spanish Fork, Utah

TEAM ROPING

BREAKAWAY ROPING

17 and under #10.5: Owen Clemons, Okeechobee,

10 and under: Bronc Evans, Fairview, Missouri 15 and under: KC Gail Churchill, Waco, Texas 19 and under: Quincy Sullivan, Peralto, New Mexico

BULL RIDING

TIE-DOWN ROPING 12 and under: Rance Winters, Stephenville, Texas 15 and under: Roan Hudson, Fort Ogden, Florida 19 and under: Jaxon Clegg, Coweta, Oklahoma

POLE BENDING 17 and under: Cassidy Evans, Fort Supply, Oklahoma

10-11: JW Nunn, Seminole, Texas 12-13: Noah Lee, Azle, Texas 14-15: Luke Mackey, Ignacio’s, Colorado 16-18: Michael Caruso, Pilesgrove TWP, New Jersey

Florida/Blaine Burleson, Waller, Texas 17 and under open: Brandt O’Connor, Blair, Oklahoma/Trigger Hargrove, Elk City, Oklahoma

NFR REWIND 2022 ANCILLARY EVENTS Austin Ashley

PLENTY IS UP FOR GRABS IN ADDITION TO THE NFR ® DURING THE WORLD SERIES OF TEAM ROPING, BULLFIGHTERS ONLY AND ALL IN BARREL RACING AND BREAKAWAY.

BULLFIGHTERS ONLY Extreme action defines BFO in 2021 and beyond For Joey Austin, CEO of Bullfighters Only, 2021 couldn’t have gone much better. “The western industry and rodeo industry proved to be very resilient,” he said. “We had a lot of events when others weren’t able to and it culminated with the NFR coming back to Las Vegas and everything else around it.” And that trip back to Las Vegas for rodeo fans saw Bullfighters Only take a step up and into a brighter spotlight. Bullfighters Only and the newly opened Resorts World Las Vegas teamed up to put on sold-out shows from start to finish. “This year we had a new home in Resorts World,” Austin said. “It was a big chance that both of us took and they were pleased by having us and we were pleased to be there to help open it up. We’re looking to make it bigger and better in 2022.”

PHOTO: BULLFIGHTERS ONLY.

WHILE THE NATIONAL FINALS RODEO GRABS the majority of the headlines when the rodeo’s best-ofthe-best come to Las Vegas each December, there are specialized rodeo events taking place around town at the same time when top talent highlights the action and millions more dollars are on the line. Events such as Bullfighters Only, the Ariat World Series of Team Roping and the All IN duo of barrel racers and breakaway roping also make appearances in Las Vegas during that time, creating unique vibes and plenty of exciting competition. Add in the multiple trade shows where exhibitors show off their wares to rodeo fans and it all adds up to a 10-day run of rodeo bliss. The groups returned to Las Vegas in 2021 after a year away and were warmly received by competitors, fans, sponsors and event organizers alike. Here’s a look back at 2021 with an eye towards 2022 when each plan to make Vegas home yet again and the events will be bigger and brighter.

BY BILL BOWMAN

PHOTO: bullfighters only.

BULLFIGHTERS ONLY RESULTS World Champion—Weston Rutkowsi, Haskell, Texas Vegas Champion—Austin Ashley, Wynnewood, Oklahoma Rookie of the Year—Reynaldo Aguilar, Zacatecas, Mexico Contractor of the Year—Penthouse Fighting Bulls, Lipan, Texas

ALL IN BARREL RACING AND BREAKAWAY ROPING Fast and furious as usual, ALL IN went ALL IN For Chris Woodruff, event producer for the All IN Barrel Racing and Breakaway Roping, there was one huge factor for the success of the 2021 finale. “We were all very excited to be back in Las Vegas,”

Austin added that with the NFR returning to Las Vegas, it felt like old times and he’s hoping that feeling only gets stronger in the years to come. While success has been consistent for BFO, 2022 could be a breakout year. “We are the premier league for bull fighting,” Austin said. “We’re looking to do much more in 2022. Naturally, we want to increase money and attendance. We had sold-out shows in 2021, so we’re hoping to add to the infrastructure at Resorts World so we can have even more fans enjoy the show.” He also said the event’s 1:30 p.m. time slot is ideal. “Rodeo fans are definitely looking for entertainment during the day as well as the rodeo at night,” he said. “And we try to give them the best show in Vegas they can attend during the day.”

NFR REWIND 2022

Westin Rutkowski

2D Breakaway champ Rickie Engesser

NFR REWIND 2022 ANCILLARY EVENTS

2021 ALL IN FINAL RESULTS AT LAS VEGAS BARREL RACING

RACE 1 SHOWDOWN WINNERS 1D-Maggie Poloncic, 14.438 2D-Rilynn Rein Springer, 14.942 3D-Hadlee Landers, 15.442 4D-Lisa Jones, 15.947 5D-Abby Henson, 16.594

RACE 2 SHOWDOWN WINNERS 1D-Lynette Clyde, 14.393 2D-Kinley Follman, 14.913 3D-McKenna Hanson, 15.408 4D-Annette Noack, 15.924 5D-Maddy Black, 16.402

BREAKAWAY ROPING 1D-Kendal Pierson, 1.98 2D-Rickie Engesser, 2.48 3D-Beth Hitchcock, 2.98

PHOTO: ALL In.

he said of the event that was held at the Orleans Hotel & Casino, just off the Las Vegas Strip. “We had great events and great attendance. The fan and competitor base were certainly glad to have us back in Las Vegas as well.” A rise in participants in both events as well as more prize money also has Woodruff excited for the future. “There’s no doubt these events belong in Las Vegas,” he said. “With the barrel racing, the breakaway roping and the trade shows, Las Vegas is the ideal spot to keep everything close together. It’s no more than a couple minute cab ride to the events and you can even walk to some of them.” An epic year could be in store for ALL IN events in 2022 and the timing along with the NFR is perfect in many ways. “The success is definitely tied to Las Vegas and the NFR,” he said. “The logistics of putting our events back in Las Vegas was challenging, but we got it done and it worked out well. That will also make it a lot easier for 2022.” Woodruff said the wide variety of rodeo events on tap at the end of the year gives everyone a lot of choices.

Maggie Poloncic

NFR REWIND 2022

More than $14 million was awarded during the Ariat WSTR

ARIAT WSTR FINALE XV AGGREGATE WINNERS GOLD BUCKLE BEER OPEN

1- Riley S. Minor-Cory Petska, 31.76 on 5 2- James Arviso-Cooper Freeman, 33.92

NO. 14.5 PRIEFERT FINALE 1- David McCallister-Pedro Maestas, 28.41 on 4 2- Tyler Tryan-Denton Parish, 29.21

NO. 13.5 YETI FINALE

ARIAT WORLD SERIES OF TEAM ROPING For the World Series of Team Roping, 2021 saw the event return with a flourish at the South Point, a terrific event partner. “With all the uncertainty that comes from the pandemic and the cancellation just weeks before the event in 2020, we were thrilled to be back this year in Las Vegas,” said Connie Gentry, senior vice president of the WSTR. The eight-day event saw almost 4,000 ropers from around the world take their shots at winning their a share of the more than $14 million in cash and prizes up for grabs at the South Point Arena & Equestrian Center. Champions were crowned in eight divisions and big cash was being paid out everywhere. In fact, history was made when $2.26 million was paid out on one day, in the 9.5 division alone. Also in 2021, new technology was implemented at the event and video of each run was delivered by Equine Network’s GEMS technology. In addition, the event was live streamed at WSTRoping.com. The South Point's commitment to the equestrian lifestyle has allowed the WSTR to continue to grow. The South Point Equestrian Complex includes the 4,600 Seat Equestrian Arena with a 250’ x 125’ Show Floor, Priefert Pavilion with two arenas each featuring a 250’ x 125’ Show Floor, 1,200 Climate Controlled Stalls, Cinch Saloon Overlooking Arena and 270’ x 90’ Indoor Practice Arena, plus other staging and storage areas.

NO. 12.5 ARIAT FINALE 1- Copie Dickson-Shane McCall, 29.66 on 4 2- Lance Horner-Coy A. Thompson, 30.54

NO. 11.5 PRIEFERT FINALE 1- Joshua Comeaux-Rickey DeCuir, 31.52 on 4 2- Kyle Dagliesh-Brendan Fisk, 32.87

NO. 10.5 YETI FINALE 1- Ty Crouch-Clay D. Alexander, 32.72 on 4 2- Casey Lambert-Cooper Bradshaw, 35.07

NO. 9.5 ARIAT FINALE 1- Bud Swagel-Mike Foster, 35.65 on 4 2- Greg Kesler-Nash Nelson, 37.84

NO. 8.5 RESISTOL FINALE 1- Mac Fairey-Tyrel Campbell, 37.04 on 4 2-Chase Hulme-Denton Hulme, 39.5

PHOTOS: WSTR, TOP. ALL IN, BOTTOM.

1- Clay Acuna-Johnny Salvo, 29.72 on 4 2- Travis Nickolson-Guy Chomistek, 30.34

HEART OF THE NFR

about/golden-circleof-champions

PHOTO: golden circle of champions.

NFR REWIND 2022

Will Lummus shared with veteran rodeo writer Susan Kanode. “It reminded me that winning money here wasn’t that big of a deal. There are things a lot more important than money, and I just hope that we could help those kids and their families put their cares behind them for a bit and have some fun.” Hours after spending time with the kids and families, Lummus tied with Riley Duvall for first place in the NFR’s fourth round at the Thomas & Mack Center. Duvall also happened to be at the Golden Circle of Champions event earlier in the day. Immediately after his run of 4.3, he pointed directly at Golden Circle families in the stands. Each child was dressed like a rodeo contestant, wearing shirts with NFR COMPETITORS AND SPONSORS GATHERED TO sponsor logos and a big Golden Circle of Champions patch, cowboy hats and new championship belt buckles. SUPPORT KIDS WITH CANCER, AND WALKED AWAY Tie-down roper Taylor Santos also attended the WITH DEEP APPRECIATION. BY BRIAN HURLBURT event, getting to know young Ty, who was named after bull-riding legend Ty Murray. Young Ty also has a younger brother, Lane, named after the late great Lane IN A FIGURATIVE SENSE, RODEO IS LIFE FOR Frost. He shares that in common with Santos, who also many Wrangler National Finals Rodeo® fans and has an older brother named Lane for the same reason. competitors. “Ty beat brain cancer when he was 2 and he caught But in a more literal way, rodeo is life for 20 families his first calf at the Golden Circle of Champions at the with youngsters dealing with a cancer diagnosis. Their South Point,” an excited Santos said. situations hit home with some NFR competitors and It is moments such as those that brought a little sponsors during the 2021 Golden Circle of Champions sunlight to the families, kids and competitors, and event held in conjunction with the NFR. are instantly etched in “Heart of the NFR” lore. In Founded in 2016 by the Santa Maria Elks Rodeo addition to the Golden Circle of Champions, NFR organizers, the Golden Circle of Champions raises competitors also support several other meaningful awareness and provides funds to help children in need. events surrounding the NFR, including Grant a Gift for Very quickly, the Golden Circle project and cause was Autism and Tough Enough to Wear Pink Night at the taken up throughout the rodeo world. Thomas & Mack Center. The goodwill and support went to another level in Golden Circle of Champions founder Tina Tonascia 2018 when Golden Circle families were invited to Las is continually humbled with the support she receives Vegas for the first time to enjoy the NFR in Vegas VIP from all levels of rodeo. style. The Golden Circle of Champions event is now an “Our goal is to bring education and awareness, entrenched NFR tradition. locally and nationally, to pediatric cancer and offer a In December, 10 families from Southern Nevada ray of hope to the families that are navigating through along with 10 families from the around the country this difficult journey,” Tonascia said. “They desperately gathered for a series of events. The kids battling cancer need our help as a community, and we want to let inspired those around them as much—or more—than them know we are here for them. Being able to partner the rodeo competitors and others who were there to with the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo and the inspire them. Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation to bring these “I wasn’t feeling great about what was going on here at families, contestants, committees and the NFR, but seeing those kids and spending sponsors together is a huge stepping stone time with them changed my outlook and Info or donations: www.elksrec.com/p/ to achieving that goal.” was a bright spot in my day,” steer wrestler

NFR REWIND 2022

HATS OFF . N O S T E T TO S

MISS RODEO AMERICA

PHOTO: Steve Spatafore.

Congratulations to Stetson Wright for winning the All-Around and Saddle Bronc World Titles.

NFR REWIND 2022 MISS RODEO AMERICA

Thank you to all the attendees, exhibitors, sponsors and others who helped make the 2021 Hunter & Outdoor Christmas Expo a success!

We hope to see you again in December!

SAVE THE DATE

DECEMBER 1 -10, 2022 L AS VEGAS CONVENTION CENTER SOUTH HALLS

UPSTAIRS FROM THE COWBOY CHANNEL COWBOY CHRISTMAS

F R EE A D M I SS I O N &

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Firearm

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Optics

Total Archery Challenge

Outfitters & Guides

Great Elk Tour

Original Art

And Much More!

THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS

HUNTERCHRISTMAS.ORG

PHOTO: Steve Spatafore.

O P EN TO T H E P U B L I C !

NFR REWIND - 2022

Articles inside

Vegas Was Back

Inside Champion Moments

A Cowboy Partnership