AQHA JOURNAL - "STOLI THE SHOW"

STOLI THE SHOW
One money-making horse gives way to another for steer wrestler Matt Reeves.
By Amy C. Witt

In over a year, Stoli the Show, aka “Roy” has helped six-time Wrangler National Finals Rodeo steer wrestling qualifier Matt Reeves haul in a half-million dollars. And in July, the 10-year old grandson of legendary Frenchmans Guy helped Reeves earn the coveted 2018 Calgary Stampede Champion Steer Wrestling title, not to mention $114,500 Canadian dollars.

“As of now Roy has helped me make the biggest part of my best year,” Reeves said.

But his Calgary win was bittersweet. The second round offered a challenge with a muddy arena and a steer that hadn’t been caught. After making a long run, Matt looked and noticed Roy was possibly crippled. Immediately examined by a vet, Roy was hauled back to a veterinarian in Texas who treated him for sprained medial and lateral collateral ligaments.

“My thanks to Dakota Eldridge for letting me ride ‘Rusty’ at Calgary. But Roy helped me move on, Matt says. “He is major part of my career and life.”

Before the Cross Plains, Texas cowboy started rodeoing off of Roy in February of last year, he had been competing on his good horse, French Wonder, aka “Ote.” The 2002 palomino was second in the AQHA-Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association Steer Wrestling Horse of the Year voting in 2013. Matt’s wife, professional barrel racer, Savannah Reeves was turned on to Ote by fellow barrel racer Jordon Briggs when Jordon mentioned the horse had a lot of potential but not as a barrel horse. Interested in Ote’s bloodlines, Matt and his father in-law, Sam Koenig drove to Jordon’s house and jumped steers off Ote for the very first time. In that moment, Matt knew Ote would be something special.

“Ote definitely turned my career up, made things go faster and just allowed me to do better,” Matt says. “We had an unbelievable connection.”

Regardless of who rode Ote, they were almost guaranteed to win a check. Professional steer wrestler, Bray Armes knew that no matter where he rode Ote, he would be smiling in the winner’s circle. In 2013, Bray lost his best horse, “Ricky Bobby” so he called Matt and asked Matt if he would mount him on Ote at the upcoming rodeos. Matt agreed. In a short amount of time, Bray went from not winning a dime to cashing in every time he and Ote made a run. By the end of the season, Ote carried Bray to the pay window multiple times. A month before the 2013 NFR, Bray offered to purchase Ote from Matt. They made the deal, and within the 10 rounds of the NFR, Ote helped the two cowboys win approximately $180,000.

With the 2014 rodeo season approaching, Marr was in need of another horse. That January, Jordon calle to say she was familiar with another prospect that had speed: a 6-year old out of the great producer Sixes Future by Stoli. The mare sports a whole host of legendary speed horses on her topside like Dash For Cash and Beduino, and revered cow horses on her bottom side, including Doc O’ Lena and Peppy San Badger. Other Sixes Future offspring include barrel racing futurity and derby standout Stoli My Guy (by Traffic Guy) and Frenchmans Future (by Frenchmans Guy), who later went on to win the 2014 Barrel Futurities of America Juvenile Futurity. Matt was immediately excited.  The big gelding with a sorrel blazed face had never been in the box and never had any steers tracked on him. But after tracking a few, Matt instantly knew that this horse was meant for him. He bought Stoli the Show that same day.

“I wanted him because of the mare, but I also knew what I wanted him to feel like…and he did,” Matt says.

Quickly, Matt discovered that Roy was not only birthed from an outstanding mare, but he was sired by a stud who was significant: French Wonder. Yes, Matt’s beloved Ote had been kept a stud and sired 43 colts before he was gelded, which was his status when Matt purchased him years before..

As Matt went down the road in 2014, newbie Roy was his back-up horse. But in September 2016, Matt’s first-string rodeo horse, “Nacho” cut himself in the pasture and Matt was forced to humanely euthanize him. With the 2017 rodeo season approaching, Matt realized he had a 9-year old back-up horse and it was time to see what he could do.

Since entering their first rodeo, Roy has helped Matt win more than $550,000 in less than two years’ time while accomplishing many of the Reeves’ family’s goals and dreams. Matt anticipates he and his sorrel horse will be together in the arena again by late September.

“I am very thankful and glad that everyone had faith in me that I could do this. You can teach a horse a lot but I think they can teach you more.”

ROPERS SPORTS NEWS - The Best Kept Secret - Mane 'n Tail

November ROPERS SPORTS NEWS
The Best Kept Secret - Mane ‘n Tail
By Amy C. Witt

Since I was nine years old, I use to spend endless hours washing, scrubbing, grooming and polishing my horses and lambs with Mane ‘n Tail to keep them looking sparkly, lustrous and healthy for 4-H shows and rodeos. At a young age, I observed the quality of the product and its’ growth enhancements and quickly began using their shampoo and conditioner on myself. So when Straight Arrow most recently reached out to me and asked if they could send me product for review, I was beside myself. Now I know many of you have also been dedicated users and lovers of Straight Arrow’s products like the Original Mane ‘n Tail or everyone’s favorite, Cowboy Magic. Therefore, I am really excited to share with you a variety of new and exclusive Mane ‘n Tail products that not only can be used on all of your animals, but safe and wonderful for you and everyone you love!

ULTIMATE GLOSS SHAMPOO & CONDITIONER

Although I have not used the Ultimate Gloss shampoo and conditioner on myself, it is my favorite go-to for my horses and dogs. With a very mild fruity scent, the shampoo allows for deep lathering and gentle cleansing that targets dirt and stains. The moisturizing formula is pH balanced so it is great for horses and other animals with sensitive skin. After easily rinsing the shampoo out, my animals are left with a super glossy and silky coat. Following up with the conditioner, I am instantly delighted with the softness, smell and finish. After using both the shampoo and conditioner, a long lasting reflective shine literally intensifies and brightens Mo’s palomino color. After using both the products on my Australian Shepherd, Lily, her coat is always left silky and shiny for well over a week. I did notice that if you don’t brush the mane, tail, coat or hair while it is still wet, hair will be very free and lively. For example, Mo has a frail, short forelock and if I do not brush it while it is still wet, it will literally stick straight up. Also, I typically do not need to follow up with a detangler because both the shampoo and conditioner have detangling agents. The Ultimate Gloss shampoo and conditioner is the real deal and if you want to blind others with shine, this product was made for you!

DETANGLER – The Tangles and Knot Solution

I use this Detangler every day on myself and every time I ride my horses. I have really thick hair and many times I get rats’ nests or knots right at my hair line and the back of my neck. I like to spray a generous amount and use a brush (oppose to a comb)to brush it out. I’ve used a ton of different oils and products and this detangler is really the only thing that is effective on my hair. For some reason, my horses like to roll around in bur-clovers or cockleburs and without this detangler, it is nearly impossible to brush out the hundreds of stickers stuck in their forelock, mane and tail. When brushing out these troublemakers, I like to spray a lot of the detangler in the hair and let it soak for a few seconds before smoothly brushing all of the bur-clovers and cockleburs out. The detangler always leaves the hair soft and looking clean even when the animal hasn’t been bathed. Not to mention, it is formulated with natural herbal extracts and is paraben-free, dye-free and aluminum-free.

COLOR PROTECT SHAMPOO & CONDITIONER

Every time I wash my hair I use the new Color Protect shampoo and conditioner. It has significantly helped keep my bleached blond hair healthy and fresh. I also am not a fan of brassiness, and I noticed it has helped maintain my color. The Color Protect shampoo and conditioner has also contributed to hair growth and keeps my ends super healthy. Some shampoos are really harsh and leave my ends super crispy and brittle, but this shampoo does not! The smell is nice, but I wish it would be a little stronger because when it dries, it doesn’t leave the hair super fragrant, but rather clean and thriving. And cowboys, this isn’t just for us cowgirls, it is for you also! My brother Zeb and his crew, the Fulton Hotshots – also share the big bottle of shampoo and conditioner when they’re camped out on a fire.  

DEEP MOISTURIZER SHAMPOO & CONDITIONER

The Deep Moisturizer is very new to the market and was created with a focus to target and revitalize dry and damaged hair.  Although my hair is not damaged, I absolutely love this shampoo and conditioner for myself and my horse. My horses’ hair, as well as my hair, a lot of times is dry but this product has a natural moisturizing retention treatment combined with micro-enriched proteins that provides for extra moisturizing, gentle cleaning and super soft locks. With Vitamin E and Provitamin B5, it really nourishes and hydrates the hair leaving it silky and easy to manage. I also like to leave the conditioner on for five minutes or longer to really let the product saturate because it always intensifies the health, strength and softness of the hair.

SHINE ON

If you want instant, and I mean instant shine on you and your horses’ mane and tail, I highly recommend this finishing spray. Providing maximum shine, the Shine On spray is oil and alcohol free. With a wonderful fragrant smell, this product is long-lasting, repels dirt, eliminates frizz and conditions hair. Combining the Shine On with the Ultimate Gloss shampoo and conditioner, will really turn some heads…you will literally be glittering and shinning! What I found is a little goes a long way and if you have hair that absorbs product quickly, you will need a very small amount to prevent locks from looking greasy.  I sprayed the Shine On to my dry hair before a trail ride and left my hair down - I had absolutely no tangles or frizz and my hair looked super healthy and of course, shiny!

Mane ‘n Tail contains compounds like collagen, glycol distearate and coconut oil derivatives to rebuild damaged hair, achieve growth, maintain hydration, and keep locks gleaming while never stripping natural oils. The products are affordable, convenient and available at almost any department store. For nearly 40 years, Mane ‘n Tail has continued to evolve and create crossover products that speak for themselves.

SADDLE TRAMP BRAND - ROCKN W REPORT - OCTOBER ISSUE

It’s a Saddle Tramp Nation

You’ve seen Saddle Tramp Brand’s bold ritzy earrings and swanky leatherwork on the likes of Blake Shelton’s backup singer and SiriusXM Outlaw Country Radio DJ, singer songwriter, Elizabeth Cook. Circumnavigating the globe, Breann Beasley puts her spin on western fashion, stamping and sprinkling her glitter and signature on every magical horizon. From Canada to the United Kingdom, fashionistas and lovers from all over are cinchin’ up to whip and spur to the Saddle Tramp Nation.

An educated and well traveled cowgirl, Beasley was born in Utah and raised in Wyoming and has traveled to over 34 countries, with South America stealing her heart as the favorite continent visited.  After graduating college, she held many titles from a catering services manager, to fields of greenhouse gases and archaeology and even an environmental scientist in Alaska. But, going through the motions and being employed by corporate America wasn’t satisfying or even propelling her towards her dreams. With her father’s voice always ringing in her ear, “Baby, don’t be afraid to be your own boss,” Beasley walked out of her salaried position on July 8, 2016  – dumping gas and lighting a match to the fire that ignited her creativity!  Creating things that she liked, the Saddle Tramp Brand grabbed her boot straps and hit the ground stompin’, offering functional statement designs, jewelry, purses and leather work unlike any other.

Working hard to build her leather empire and with the help of Instagram and social media, in a year Saddle Tramp increased her sales by literally, 15,000%. And, her work speaks for itself as she sells out of hot items like the concho earrings, unicorn buckles, thunder bird satchels or trucker hats within hours of listing them to her website.  Now, she runs to the post office with garbage bags full of orders, shipping across the United States and internationally as women of all walks of life strut their Saddle Tramp Brand handmade jewels proudly.

A comedian, fashionista and super hustler, Saddle Tramp truly inspires and encourages us to live our best life, “Follow your arrow, folks!”

Your styles and designs are really fun and different – where does the inspiration come from?

I really like weird things! I love retro, high fashion with a mix on western fashion. But, the western industry isn’t really some place I get inspiration from…(unless it’s Dolly Parton.) I try to get inspo from everything! A lot of the times it can come to me at the most random times or even in the middle of the night.

What is your favorite thing to make? And, what has been the most challenging?

Bolo ties, for sure are my favorite.  Pistol cases have been the most challenging. And a lot of times, custom orders are extremely hard - I want to make sure that it is perfect and the customer is going to love it. In fact, unfortunately I am no longer offering custom orders.

What is your favorite part of the project process?

My favorite part is after the tooling is over. I get the opportunity and freedom to really explore with colors and depth, incorporating my personality. My wheelhouse is colors, painting and dyes. Love it!

Literally, woman around the world are wearing your products. How does that make you feel?

I can’t really express it, except exciting! Incredible.  It’s insane really. I can walk into a bar in another state and the bartender may recognize me. Or my friends or customers will tell me they will get stopped and asked are those Saddle Tramp earrings? I am just waiting for the day that I am in another country or at the airport and there are numerous women and men rocking things I made.

Lately, people have been trying to replicate your work – how do you approach the situation?

I am annoyed. In the early 90’s when my dad was going to shows and rodeos, people were only seeing the product displayed at trade shows or events, so you literally were showing up with work that no one had ever seen. Obviously with social media, that’s not the case.  Before, I was calling them out and putting them on my story and messaging them. My dad would say, “Just always keep moving because you know it is going to happen.” Now, I’m just trying to a better business owner and woman so I just block them and move on. I understand they’re not worth the effort.

How would you describe your style and who are your fashion icons?

I believe fashion is an expression of self. I don’t think it is about trying to outdo each other which I kinda feel has been done on Instagram. Fashion shouldn’t be sterilized and watered down – we all aren’t supposed to look or dress alike. With that said, I feel I have a distinct style – its bold, loud, not polished but it is eclectic. Like retro/vintage high fashion with a spin on western. I wear what I like and want. Grace Potter, Rihanna, Kate Hudson, Buck Owens, Elizabeth Cook and Dolly Parton are definitely my icons!

Tell us about styling for Elizabeth Cook

Man, I am lucky and timing really is everything! I’ve been a follower of Elizabeth for years and somehow we just connected. We’re kindred spirits. It really just snowballed from me providing jumpsuits for a photo shoot, making a custom guitar strap, styling her and her backup singers for the Ryman Auditorium and in September, flying to the UK to style her for a music festival she performed at. I just feel super lucky that she believes in me the way she does and supports my visions. 

Was there anyone who has really inspired and pushed you to pursue your dreams?

My dad, that man has truly forged his own path and always motivated and encouraged me to do what makes me happy. My brother Kalyn too – we’re both following my dad’s footsteps. Elizabeth Cook also, she’s a real hustler and business woman. And, Zach. He is my biggest supporter.

It is clear that you and Zach have a beautiful relationship – is there any advice you could give other women?

We work so well together because we are both just naturally ourselves. We maintain a very high level of communication and he is just an incredible individual. I am so lucky. But, he truly believes in me. And, I believe it is so important to communicate a lot and that you’re in a relationship with someone that inspires, pushes and supports you.

5 things on your bucket list

1.       Attend and sell at the maker tradeshow in Tokyo, Japan

2.       Learn how to ride a motorcycle and definitely take several road trips

3.       Drive the Pan American Highway – Starting in Alaska and ending at the tip of South America

4.       Hiking in Nepal

5.       Ride horses in Mongolia

What advice would you give women who fear taking the leap in really pursue their dreams?

A lot of people make too many excuses. It could be time, money, knowledge and resources, whatever. If you tell yourself you can’t do something, you’re not even going to try to take the steps to move forward. But you know, there is no time like the present. Get a fire in your belly and go for it!

What’s next?

Continue to grow. Expand, eventually become main stream. Start outsourcing and integrating technology better. I want to start styling more and really dive into some vendor pop-ups, tradeshows, musical festivals, rodeos, events, and really become more involved in face to face opportunities with customers, artists, entrepreneurs and women.  I will continue to evolve as an artesian, never compromising quality.  The best is yet to come!

“Never underestimate the power of Instagram. It doesn’t have to be decisive and negative. Have fun with it. Take charge of your destiny,” Beasley laughs.

Follow Saddle Tramp Brand on Instagram @sadletrampbrand and shop at www.saddletrampbrand.com.

ROPERS SPORTS NEWS - September - Looking at Best Ever Pads

ROPERS SPORTS NEWS - SEPTEMBER
Looking at Best Ever Pads

Have you been searching for a saddle pad that provides top grade biomechanical purpose, style and could possibly be the best saddle pad you ever owned? Well, look no further because Best Ever Pads provides top grade comfort and support that allows your horse and you to constantly strive to be the best, in and out of the arena.

Established in 2002 by creators and founders, Ryan and Tammy White, Best Ever Pads has been producing high quality innovation and cutting-edge designed saddle pads to help with saddle-fit, increasing the horse’s comfort, improving saddle balance for the rider’s benefit, absorbing sweat, and protecting the saddle. Best Ever Pads are specifically cut to allow the cinch to mold naturally around the horse’s girth area, allowing for closer contact for the rider’s legs. Each pad is American made and constructed with high quality 100% natural wool material. The wool allows the pad to breathe as a horse sweats.  The wool fibers work as pressure and heat distributors under saddles and can also reduce friction. Wool is used as it endures repeated pressure better than its synthetic competitors because its natural wool materials do not break down quickly like synthetic materials do when exposed to the heat, pressure, and sweat salts of heavy use.

Saddle pads are one of the most fashionable pieces of equipment we put on our horse. And, Best Ever Pad highly encourages customization. Each handmade pad is fully customizable with a variety of options to choose from. Starting with a wool foundation, there are five different saddle pad styles, each meant to serve a specific need. Additionally, you have the option to choose between three different types of gullet styles. The Regular Gullet provide wither clearance and reduced spinal pressure for average withers to round back/mutton withers. The Open Gullet eliminates pressure on high wither horses while the Closed Gullet continues the contour up and over the withers for higher withered horses. With over 40 different 4.5-ounce wear leather options, you are greeted with an opportunity to create a pad unlike anyone else! Taking personalization to the next level, Best Ever Pads knows how important details are as your pad can showcase your very own cutouts, custom brand, initial/name embroidery and even custom hand tooled or printed designs. If you are really looking to show stop – your pad’s finishing touches can include buck-stitching, fringe, crystals or metal embellishments.

Athletes like Jade Corkill, Brittany Kelly, Cesar De La Cruz, Charles Pogue and Katie Pascoe are just a few professionals who are riding into the winner’s circle proudly sporting their custom Best Ever Pad.  Enhance your performance and journey to the top of your game riding your Best Ever!

 “It is our mission at Best Ever Pads to use our 30-plus years of experience to continue producing the highest quality, best-looking saddle pads on the western market. It is also our goal to have the best customer service and public relations in the industry,” Ryan and Tammy White, exceptional people, ropers and horseman/woman.

Anything new/upcoming you would like to share?

We will soon be offering lasered logos and brands. Also, we will be launching our rancher collection offering extra thick wear leathers in roughout and oiled leather. We recently created a roughout/lasered pad for the Pendleton Round-Up. They’ll officially be launching in December for the NFR.  Saddles are now on our website that we launched this last year.

What is the best pad(s) for team roping? barrel racing? calf roping/breakaway?

Most barrel racers like our 1” OG or Kush. Most ropers like our 1.25” Kush pad. However, some saddles are poor fitting and some horses are hard to fit, which is why we also have our CEO collection to help with hard to fit issues.

What’s the difference between the OG Wool & Kush Wool?

Our OG and Kush wool options offer the greatest compression protection, and are also soft and durable, requiring little to no break-in time. The denser the pad, the less it will compress over time under the pressure of the saddle. Wool also meshes with the natural direction of the horse’s hair, reducing saddle slippage and increasing the comfort of the horse.

Our OG Collection has been the core of the company since 2002. This top quality 100% needle-punched F11 grade wool pad is 112 ounces per square yard, making it firm, durable and breathable. This pad is dark gray in color, and comes in either 3/4″ or 1″ thicknesses, to best suit your needs.

Needle punched refers to wool that is made by vertically needling fibers together to achieve a desired thickness and density. When viewing a cross-section of needled punched, the fibers lay vertically, as opposed to pressed felt, where the fibers lay horizontally.

The Kush Collection is made from 100% high-quality, F11 grade washed and pressed wool that is 136 ounces per square yard. It is durable and resistant to compression, yet soft and flexible. Properties of this pad allow it to absorb moisture, which aides in removing heat from the horse’s back. This pad is light gray in color, and comes in 1.25″, 1″ or 3/4″ thickness options.

What is the CEO Collection?

Our CEO collection, which we specially designed in 2010 for barrel racers, team ropers, calf ropers, senior, high-withered horses, sway back horses, and poor saddle fit. The CEO Collection is comprised of a series of three different saddle pads – The Fleesar, BHS and Cadillac Series,  all created to serve a specific purpose. Each CEO pad will have a wool foundation of either our OG or Kush collection. Any of our CEO saddle pads can be customized additionally with a neoprene or fleece lining to further fit your horse’s comfort needs.

The Fleesar Series, is a fully customizable and adds a fleece lining to create an especially soft feel for added comfort, with more shock absorption, and even better moisture-wicking ability. It is a great option if your current pad is rubbing your horse, or if your horse has thin or sensitive skin.

The BHS Series adds a 3/8″ closed-cell foam insert to help distribute saddle pressure over the bars of the saddle, and reduce the breakdown of the pad over the bars. This pad is great for high withered horses and poor saddle fit. This layered design is great for an everyday work pad and is designed for lasting wear. Pair it with a 1″ or 3/4″ wool base pad for a great all day cowboying pad, or try it paired with a 1/2″ felt for what we like to call our “1D Lite,” designed with the barrel racer in mind.

The Cadillac Series adds a 3/8″ closed-cell foam inserts throughout the bars of the saddle, and an additional 1/4″ closed-cell foam insert placed strategically over the shoulders. It helps prevent the pad from collapsing in the area behind the shoulders by offering extra support. A great pad for team ropers, calf ropers, steer ropers and performance horses. Also recommended for senior and extremely high withered horses.

The Cadillac pad also has an option for shoulders inserts only that can help to level out a saddle that tends to fall forward. Shoulder inserts are available in 1/4″, 3/8″, and 5/8″ thicknesses.

Fleece Lining creates an especially soft feel for added comfort, with more shock absorption, and even better moisture wicking ability. Neoprene Lining is shock absorbing as well as being anti-fungal and antibacterial, it won’t absorb sweat, and is easy to clean. But, we do not recommend this feature if you are unfamiliar with it, as it is not a very breathable option.

Visit www.besteverpads.com to build your own pad now!