Indholdsfortegnelse for February 2026 i The Team Roping Journal

NRS [ Rios of Mercedes Women's NRS Ride Ready Malt Carpincho Vamp 15in Pink Denver Embossed Top Boots] nrsworld.com; $659.99 The boot team at NRS partnered with Rios of Mercedes to design a line of boots built to endure countless hours in the saddle. The Rios of Mercedes Women’s NRS Ride Ready Malt Carpincho Vamp 15-inch Pink Denver Embossed Top Boots feature the thoughtful details serious riders demand for added support and stability—and they’re ready to ride straight out of the box. Style #121160 5 Star Equine Products [5 Star CoolStride Boots] 5starequineproducts.com; $86.95 5 Star Equine Products introduces CoolStride Boots, a new leg-protection option developed in partnership with Gatusos. Designed to keep horses cool without sacrificing protection, CoolStride Boots feature ventilated panels for air flow, an ultralight build and…

The ladder to the top starts on the bottom rung. In roping’s case, that usually means your little local-area jackpots, where you first hone your skills and learn all the aspects of competing. When I was 11-12-13 years old, my family had a jackpot on the weekends in Southern California. There were a few other arenas in the area also, so that’s where the process of learning to compete started for me. As soon as I got my driver’s license, I moved to Arizona at 16. There were a lot of good ropers and ropings there, then I spread out and started enlarging my circle by roping against people in different regions, and amateur rodeoing in Oklahoma and Texas. As you rise up the ranks, you reach a new confidence…

ANOTHER WEEK FOR THE RECORD BOOKS The Ariat World Series of Team Roping Finale History in the Making - Again! SOME EVENTS RAISE THE BAR. ONE EVENT IS THE BAR. What unfolded at the 2025 Ariat World Series of Team Roping Finale wasn’t just another chapter—it was a line in the history books. When the dust finally settled at the South Point, the numbers told a story that’s impossible to ignore. A record-setting $20.4 million payout reinforced the event’s status as the richest Quarter Horse competition—and the richest recreational equestrian event—in the world! That number alone is staggering. But what it represents matters even more. In 2006, the World Series of Team Roping started as something modest by design—a high-fee, focused roping built for people who loved the sport and…

TOTAL PAYOUT $902,400 For Roy son Hillman and Colter Buttars, the Ariat World Series of Team Roping #14.5 Zesterra Finale delivered exactly that. The Idaho-Utah duo stopped the clock at 28.68 seconds on four head to claim the championship and a $147,000 payday in front of friends, family, and a packed house inside the South Point. Some wins don’t need a lot of explanation—they just need context. It was much needed,” they both said—at the same time. Coming back third high call, Hillman of Dayton, Idaho, and Buttars of Lewiston, Utah, knew they were in striking distance. A clean, controlled 7.48-second run in the short round was all it took to finish the job. “After our week in Arizona, I told him the last two days, I’m just going to…

TOTAL PAYOUT $2,029,250 For Jim Breck Bean and Jasper Klein, the Ariat World Series of Team Roping #11.5 Silencer Central Finale was the payoff for years of roping together, practicing together, and building something the old-fashioned way. The Alpine, Texas, best friends stopped the clock at 29 seconds on four head to claim the title and a massive $306,000 payday. The marksmen from Texas dial in their windage and deliver the kill-shot in the Silencer Central Finale “That’s the first four steers I’ve ever caught for him,” Klein laughed. “We’ve won the ProRodeo in El Paso together, won a little in Big Springs. But never four steers in a row.” For Bean, the moment carried a different kind of weight. “It’s by far the biggest check I’ve ever won at…

TOTAL PAYOUT $2,253,000 For cousins Dylan and Clay Martin, the Ariat World Series of Team Roping #8.5 Morton Buildings Finale is now a memory that will last a lifetime. The Wyoming duo roped four steers in 35.10 seconds to claim the championship and a $329,000 payday-money and a moment that don't come around often, especially this far north. From a dummy in the gym with Ben Clements, to him calling their names in the short-round, the Wyoming memories keep stacking up. "I didn't ever think it would be in the cards for me to rope for this much money," Dylan said. "To be able to have a shot at this, it's kind of surreal; kind of sets you back a little." "We're really blessed beyond measure," Clay added. "Like he…

TRJ: TELL ME ABOUT THE RELATIONSHIP YOU’VE BUILT WITH COPPER (HEZALUCKYSONOFAGUN). He wants to be your best friend, and that’s as important to me as them working good is. I want to be their buddy. I want them to want to be my buddy. And he’s just got such a cool personality. He would literally pin me up against the wall— just lay his head into me—and want me to sit there and scratch on him. I’ve only had him a year, but we bonded right away. Andy (Ward) got tired of me saying how much I loved Copper; I told him that over and over for a few months. I was always like, ‘Hey, have I told you that I love Copper?’ He’s a special horse. He can really…

Gregory Mitchell leads the USTRC Resistol Junior heading leaderboard with 101 points. Roping is all the 16-year-old homeschooled junior from Adairsville, Georgia, has ever known. “I’ve been roping ever since I can remember,” he said. “My dad taught me how to rope.” Mitchell started his USTRC success at the South Carolina Championships, held May 17-18 in Prosperity, South Carolina, where he placed second in the #11.5 for 9 points. From there, he went to the North Alabama Championship, held June 14-15 in Rainsville, Alabama, where he earned 20 points by winning both the #13.5 Slide and the #12.5. Two months later, at the North Alabama Classic, he placed third in the #11.5 for 8 points. Mitchell had a good weekend at the Tennessee Special, held Aug. 29-31 in McDonald, Tennessee,…

FREEZE FRAME with Tanner Tomlinson Photo by Jamie Arviso SITUATION: Round 6 of the 2025 NFR PAYOUT: $36,667.95 a man TIME: 3.4 seconds a) STEER I didn’t think he was going to be easy, but I knew he was going to be great. We’ve drawn good the last two nights, and I’m back to my old self—going aggressive. Chip and TG are tapped off. The steers are amazing. Bobby Joe’s done an outstanding job, given all he’s had to go through with the border and everything. We’re blessed that he does all he does. Great set of steers, great set of team ropers. b) BEST NIGHT OF TEAM ROPING I kind of felt like an idiot celebrating, especially when there was a 3.1 and a 3.3 tonight. I mean, it’s…

TOTAL PAYOUT $325,000 Rahlmann and Medlin claimed the Riata Open to the World Finale title with a time of 37.58 seconds on six head, earning a $100,000 payday and announcing themselves as a team with real momentum. The win marks their first together, and it came with another major piece of news: during their victory lap interview with Amy Wilson, the pair confirmed they’ll be hitting the ProRodeo road as partners in 2026. There’s a certain edge to the Riata Open to the World. $50,000 cash added by Riata It exists in that narrow space where elite ropers land when the NFR doesn’t work out—but the hunger, the skill and the expectation absolutely remain. No top-15 guys in the world. No safety nets. Just a loaded field of open ropers…

TOTAL PAYOUT $1,404,900 For Brady Pitch ford and Clint Robinson, that feeling turned into reality at the Ariat World Series of Team Roping #13.5 USA Haulers Finale, where the Spanish Fork, Utah, duo claimed the championship and walked away with a $230,000 payday after posting 28.79 seconds on four head. Some wins feel inevitable once the pieces start lining up. Longtime friends. Former traveling partners. Guys who’ve put in the miles together long before the lights cameon in Las Vegas. This one wasn’t about catching lightning in a bottle—it was abouttrust, timing, and doing what they’ve done for years. “I used to rope calves and rodeo,” Pitchford said. “I went with Clint a little bit; he helped me out a bunch. Then I got bad knees and bad hips and…

TOTAL PAYOUT $2,475,000 The Ariat World Series of Team Roping #10.5 YETI Finale did exactly that on Dec. 11, delivering the largest first place payout the division has ever seen— and it was Texas cowboys Chance Hanna and Dalton G. Miller who stood on top. The pair roped four steers in 32.44 seconds to earn a staggering $362,000 and etch their names into #10.5 history From never won a buckle to winning the biggest 10.5 in history. I “It keeps it affordable, no doubt,” Hanna joked. “My wife’s got it earmarked for something, I’m sure. I’m just excited about the buckle. This is my first team roping buckle ever, let alone all the other stuff up on that stage!” For Miller, the moment landed a little heavier. “I’m at a…

TOTAL PAYOUT $1,088,00 For Antonio Siller and Clemente Sanchez, the Ariat WSTR #7.5 Standlee Finale was the payoff for years of showing up, staying patient, and believing that eventually the door would open. The Texas duo roped four steers in 45.33 seconds to claim the championship and walk away with $184,000. HEADER ANTONIO SILLER ELMENDORF, TX WINNING $184,000 43.53 on 4 HEELER CLEMENTE SANCHEZ SAN ANTONIO, TX No matter if you fall, you get back on and continue to ride for the win. For Antonio Siller and Clemente Sanchez, the Ariat WSTR #7.5 Standlee Finale was the payoff for years of showing up, staying patient, and believing that eventually the door would open. The Texas duo roped four steers in 45.33 seconds to claim the championship and walk away with…

It’s always more fun when you’re successful, whether you rope for a living or just for fun. I’ve noticed over the years that winners, both humans and horses, share some common traits. Confidence is one of them, and that goes for two-legged and four-legged success stories. Confidence comes from a strong work ethic, and it’s pretty hard to deny people who believe they can win. There are so many obstacles that can get in the way of winning. If you haven’t had a strong support system, be it parenting or coaching, you can get off track pretty easily and the wheels can fall off of your progress. Work to build your own strong foundation. Maturity is another thing that comes into play. A lot of guys are pretty green when…

The women in the USTRC Cinch standings have been stacking points as the year comes to a close. On the heading side, Georgia’s Holly Childers holds a commanding lead with 74 points. She started her year at the Florida Panhandle Championships, finishing third in the #9.5 Legends for 8 points. From there, she went to the North Alabama Championship, where she earned 19 points by finishing second in the #9.5 and first in the #9.5 Legends. She also won the #11.5 Legends at the North Alabama Classic for 10 points. At the Southern Alabama Championship, Childers picked up 18 points by placing first and third in the #9.5 Legends. She extended her lead at the Northwest Georgia Classic, winning the #11.5 Legends for 10 points and finishing second in the…

The Riata Showcase Horse Sale wasn't designed to be flashy. It was designed to be useful. In its second year, the Riata Showcase once again proved why it fits so naturally alongside the Ariat World Series of Team Roping Finale. With 59 head averaging $52,522 and a packed house at the South Point, the sale reflected exactly what Riata set out to do-connect real rope horses with the people who actually use them. That matters, especially in a year when many sales across the country felt the pressure of a softer national market. While the average dipped slightly from 2024, consistency was the real takeaway. The top five horses averaged $110,000, the top ten averaged $90,000, and bidding stayed active from start to finish. Most importantly, the buyers told the…

TOTAL PAYOUT $342,800 The Ariat World Series of Team Roping Finale opened with exactly that kind of statement as Denton Parish and Colby Corkill stood tall atop the #15.5 Priefert Finale, locking down the championship and a $57,000 payday after stopping the clock at 27.29 seconds on four head inside the South Point Arena. Some weeks don’t build—they announce themselves. For Parish of Perrin, Texas, and Corkill of Stephenville, Texas, the win didn’t come from flash or desperation—it came from execution. Coming back high call in the short round, the young duo made what ropers call a businessman’s run. Nothing wasted. Nothing forced. Just doing their job when it mattered most—at 18 and 14 years old. “I just figured if I got out of the barrier and turned him, I…

TOTAL PAYOUT $1,543,750 For Michael Ortiz and Adrian Martinez, the partnership that carried them to the Ariat World Series of Team Roping #12.5 Ariat Finale title was years in the making—long before the four steers they ran in 29.94 seconds at the South Point, long before the $225,000 check headed back to New Mexico. Some teams are built on timing. Others are built on trust. Ortiz of Bosque Farms and Martinez of Los Lunas didn’t just win a roping. They capped a relationship forged through mentorship, shared miles, shared horses, and countless quiet days roping together when no one was watching. “Since I was a little kid, he’s just helped throughout everything since I moved away from home,” said Ortiz, 25, of his 35-year-old partner. “He’s just a big supporter.”…

TOTAL PAYOUT $2,475,000 For Garrett Lefebvre and Clancy Wilkerson, the reality of what they'd just done took time to sink in. In the highest-paying roping of the Ariat World Series of Team Roping Finale, the Arizona duo stopped the clock at 32.71 seconds on four head, earning a massive $407,000 and a victory that changed everything. Consistency is the game and with a.05 second spread, none have done it better By the time the dust settled, both ropers were still processing it. "I'm pretty lost for words," Lefebvre said. "It's an unreal feeling. I mean, that's what we all come here to do, and anybody can win it, and it just so happened to be us." "I'm probably going to have to get ahold of my accountant and see what…

Hign risk. High reward. Four steers set the stage for an epic hand of high card draw. HEADER LEWIS PERRY NEW SMYRNA BEACH, FL HEELER KEITH HERITAGE ALACHUA, FL The Ariat World Series of Team Roping #9.5 Laredo Custom Haulers Invitational delivered one of the most memorable moments of the week, as Florida cowboys Lewis Perry and Keith Heritage roped four steers in 34.32 seconds to claim the title. When the dust settled, Perry walked away with $100,000, and Heritage drove home a brand-new Laredo Custom Haulers truck valued at $160,000. But first, they had to pick a card. After the short round, the New Smyrna Beach-Alachua duo stood on the arena floor as a red carpet was rolled out and a card table unloaded from the Laredo Custom Haulers…

Total Payout: $2,366,700 The Ariat World Series Finale gave ropers a new look for the add-on events this year. The #13.5, #12.5, #11.5, #10.5, and #8.5 Key Card Advantage Qualifiers were a huge success as 1,675 teams competed for a total payout of $2,260,500! These add-on events allow contestants to rope with their partner in the South Point the day before their Finale run, giving them a chance to get rid of some butterflies and dial in their run as well as compete for outstanding payouts. Key Card and Key Card Max members received exclusive entry discounts, saving $200 with each entry! Pairing these savings with added member benefits including access to Roping.com, top-notch 24/7 roadside assistance with US Roper, all their Finale runs delivered straight to their phone with…