The Working Ranch Cowboys Association World Championship Ranch Rodeo brought the ranching community together for a weekend of rodeo, shopping and showing.
Twenty ranches from eight states traveled to Amarillo, Texas, for the Working Ranch Cowboys Association (WRCA) World Championship Ranch Rodeo held November 7–10. The event, now in its 24th year, is a favorite for many in the ranching community not only for the ranch rodeo but also for its trade show, entertainment, horse show and more. This year proved another success with unforgettable moments.
When the Ranch Goes to Town: Cowboys traveled to Amarillo to compete in Ranch Horse Association of America classes. Among the winners was Robert Forst of Oklahoma, riding Seven S Indian Maid in the senior horse class. Forst also won reserve in the junior horse class on Seven S Cats Meow.
Ranch Gelding Sale: The WRCA hosted it’s first Invitational Ranch Gelding Sale. The high selling horse was Hesasmooth Hillbilly (Smooth as a Cat x Dual Peppy Cat x High Brow Cat) for $50,000, and was consigned by Mozaun McKibben.
Top-Notch Trade Show: The trade show at WRCA never disappoints. Shoppers can browse three exhibit halls filled with new and used tack and gear, ranch equipment, clothing, jewelry and more. Many vendors say this show is their bread-and-butter event.
Watch Me, Whip: The buzz around town was about the talented Whip Peterson. The handy 15-year-old was part of the Hatchet Ranch and Willows Ranch team.
Kansas State Represents: Out of the 20 ranch rodeo teams, five were from Kansas—Arndt Ranch & Bailey Ranch; Beachner Brothers Livestock; Haywire Cattle Company; Keith Cattle Company & Perry Thomspon Ranch; and Lonesome Pine Ranch.
Ranch Bronc Arena Record: Justin Peterson, of Haywire Cattle Company, broke an arena record in the ranch bronc riding with a score of 85.5.
Silver Screen Cowboys: Directors and producers Bud Force and John Langmore presented two free screenings of their film, Cowboys: A Documentary Portrait. The documentary provides an honest look at ranching life and working cowboys on big outfits.
Top Honors: After scoring the arena record in ranch bronc riding, Justin Peterson of Haywire Cattle Company was named top hand for the second year in a row. Top horse honors went to Ima Wynna RAB, owned by Rob. A. Brown and ridden by JoJo Lemond.
World Champions: Jolly Ranch/ S&L Cattle came out on top of the 24th annual world championship. Members of the Colorado team included Jesse Jolly (team captain), Dustin Bowling, Nick Peterson, Phy Lord, Kyle Spitz and Will Shaffer.