Team ropers had a big-time with great prizes at the 4th Annual Sunshine Classic.
Photography by CBarC Photography
It was another successful year at the Western Horseman Sunshine Classic team roping in Wickenburg, Arizona. It was the event’s fourth year. Close to 400 teams entered in the #8.5, which was an over 50 division (40 and older for women). The #10.5 roping, for ropers over the age of 40, saw more than 200 teams. Out of the 20 highest placing teams, only one missed.
Wickenburg is fondly known as the capital for team roping snowbirds. In fact, folks traveled from as far as Georgia, Texas, Colorado and Montana to attend the event.
The day paid $97,590 back to the ropers with $45,00 in prizes. John Tiegen and John Miller came out on top with a time of 33.48 second on four steers, winning $11,600 plus a Heel-O-Matic custom painted training system.
Thanks to the event’s sponsors, which included Cactus Ropes and Saddlery, Gist Silversmiths, Heel-o-Matic, Martin Saddlery, Professional’s Choice, Roper Nation and Yeti, ropers won breastcollars, buckles, saddles, coolers, Heel-O-Matics, spurs, hats and saddle pads.
Below are some highlights from the event.
James Cotteral hooks horns in the #8.5 Legends division. Jack Sparrowk and Walt Stein shake hands on a job well done. The two each earned Cactus Saddlery breast collars. Bud Fenster heads while Gene Surber heels to the No. 1 spot in the #8.5. It’s all knuckles for Fenster and Surber, who took home $6,000 in the #8.5. Rory Tibbs’ horse won top head horse honors and Pat Tibbs’ horse claimed the top heel horse title. Each earned a Resistol hat and Western Horseman print. Mike McLean and Trenton Shaffer clocked the fastest time in Round 1 of the Sunshine Classic.
