Ranch and
Rodeo Roundup
By Kim Dillon
S
pring is arriving here in Arizona and what a beautiful time
of year to get out and enjoy our horses. Arizona ropers have
been taking advantage of a calendar full of ropings.
Zamora Roping Productions and Cactus Ropes hosted a trailer
roping on February 1st. Approximately 200 teams competed at
the Casa Grande Rodeo
Grounds. John Henry
Gaona took overall top
honors and a new
horse trailer.
Other winners were:
#10 Handicapped Trailer
Roping Average
1st: Roberto Eggurola & Alvaro Vasquez
2nd: Blythe Beshears & John Henry Gaona
3rd”: Mark Waltz & Tommy Jackson Jr.
4th: Chris Sayers & Jose Coronado
5th: Dawson Graham & Trey Nowlin
#8 Handicapped Saddle Roping
Overall Saddle Winner: Larry Saraficio
#8 Handicapped Saddle Roping Average
1st: Quentin De La Cruz & Keaton Schaffer
2nd: Roberto Eggurola & Garrett Hanson
3rd: Blythe Beshears & Dillion Graham
4th: Judson South & Larry Saraficio
#12 with #11 Incentive Roping
Incentive Winner: Joey Nastacio & Tommy Jackson Jr.
#12 with #11 Incentive Roping Average
1st: Denny Nowlin & Trey Nowlin
2nd: Roberto Eggurola & Colten Fletcher
The Bob Scott Invitational Roping
hosted ropers 50 years and better
on February 4th and 5th. Held at
Horseshoe Park and Equestrian Center
in Queen Creek, ropers competed to
win one of 2 coveted Bob Scott trophy
saddles valued at $6,000 each. This was
a #10 total event with each team roping
10 steers. Over 96 checks were written
and with only 100 teams competing,
the generous payout had ropers
swinging their best! In the end, Bruce
Bolin and Dan Narramore walked away with the beautiful saddles
and $12,000 in earnings.
Other winners include:
2nd: John McFarlane and Joey Rezzonico $9,600
3rd: Delvin Stuber and Frank Simpson $8,160
4th: Jim Evans and Arnold Felts $6,240
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March 2014
5th: Sam Scott and Dave Fraser $5,280
6th: Billy Resor and Shorty Burruel $3,360
7th: Bo Ramsey and Scott Hutchins $1,920
8th: Jeff Busby and C.L. Oats $1,440
If you’ve never swung a rope before, there are plenty of ways to get
involved in this popular sport. Coming up in a few issues, AZ in
the Saddle will tell you how to get started. It’s never too late to try
something new!
Speaking of ropers, the “Cowboy King”
himself graced US Airways Center in
Downtown Phoenix. George Strait
and his 11-piece Ace in the Hole band
entertained a sold-out crowd with his 2+
hour, 33-song show.
Many may not know that George and his son, Bubba Strait, are
both members of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association
and partner in team roping competitions. The country music
superstar doesn’t just put on a hat and sing some twangy tunes.
He’s the real deal when it comes to cowboys and even continues
to host his annual George Strait Team Roping Classic held in
Texas every March. This year will mark the 32nd year for his event
which typically hosts 600 plus teams.
But I digress; back to his concert
in Phoenix. His performance was
incredible and the crowd was
the absolute loudest imaginable.
George Strait is such a classy
superstar who continues to play
traditional country music. No
flash. No fancy light shows or
costume changes. Strait’s performance is understated, steady
and cool. At 60 years old, he continues to top the charts with a
matching 60 No. 1 hits and a CMA Entertainer of the Year crown.
Here he is pictured with one of his all-time favorite opening acts,
Martina McBride, at US Airways Center.
George’s “Cowboy Rides Away Tour” is said to be his last and
scheduled to wrap up in Dallas on June 7th.
Much more to come next month. Until then, ride hard and
stay safe!
Kim Dillon grew up competing on
horseback here in Arizona. As a former
Miss Rodeo Arizona and Miss Rodeo
America runner-up, Kim enjoys sharing
her equestrian love and expertise with others.
AZintheSaddle.com