National Circuit Finals Steer Roping

I have been having a blast traveling the rodeo trail as Miss Rodeo Wyoming!  I have learned a lot of new things, ridden a lot of nice horses, and met some great people who have impacted my life for the better.  Each trip brings a new adventure and I am so glad to have the opportunity to represent such a great sport that has so many of the values America really needs to turn to. 

The National Circuit Finals Steer Roping was outstanding and a HUGE congratulations to Rocky Patterson for winning the title!!!  He was certainly deserving and his horse worked great!  The National Circuit Finals Steer Roping has been going on for three years now and is having huge success in Torrington due to the hospitality the committee provides.  There was a wonderful reception the first night where the ropers were introduced complete with fresh oysters on the half shell and a cheese assortment fit for a king!  All meals were provided and the cowboys arrived in complete comfort with nice stalls complete with shavings and hay as well as the flexibility to feel at home wherever they chose to park and tie.  Steer Ropers are such a classy and handy set of cowboys.  They were all so kind to work with and their horses were out of this world!  We had 6 circuits represented this year and 24 ropers.  They all roped 8 head and from there 8 ropers made the semi-finals on down to 4 in the finals for a sudden death round.  The cattle were fresh and the horses did great handling them as well as the ropers. 

            My dad (Pete), Fred McClanahan, and I, were able to take a really fun and quick road trip out to Ft. Laramie.  Thank goodness I was with two history buffs, because it made the trip that much more exciting.  Ft. Laramie is very special to Wyoming’s history and definitely a place I need to stop at more often!  After heading back to Torrington, it was time to get ready for the first round of the Steer Roping Finals.  I rode a horse by the name of Dooley, and boy was he a doll! As a matter of fact, I almost had tears in my eyes when I gave him back.  He was big, black, kind, and so responsive, ready to work all day.  I am so appreciative for the way everyone treated me.  The steer ropers, committee, Larry Schaneman (who provided Dooley for me to ride) and everyone attending were just the greatest group of people to spend the weekend with. 

Three special men were honored during the finals; Doctor (Jim) Baker, Tom Gipson, and the late Bob Grant.  All of these men are truly remarkable and have done a lot to shape the sport of Steer Roping.  Doc Backer and Tom even had a match roping during the finals that was great!  Bob Grant was such a dear friend to my family and myself.  He always supported me and I always loved seeing him at various rodeos and events.  We have wonderful memories of dancing in Pendleton, Oregon, and dancing at my Miss Frontier Coronation Ball.  He was such a dandy and a Gold Card Member of the PRCA.  Bob Grant will be missed forever but never forgotten, he touched so many lives and I am so glad he was able to touch mine too!!