Kinda Ranchy, Kinda Classy

07/02/2023

Quote of the Day

07/02/2023

10/08/2022

02/26/2019

12/25/2017

Merry Christmas!

07/11/2017

Winston Bruce ... one of the most beloved men in Bronc Riding Nation, left this world tonight.

It wasn't one of the thousands of rank bucking horses he made look easy over the course of his amazing career. Pneumonia claimed his life while the great rodeo he loved and put his very soul into, the Calgary Stampede lights up the Alberta night.

Winston was a guiding light to the BRN organization. He was inducted into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame in 1989; won the PRCA bronc riding world title in 1961, won the Canadian Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association title in 1957 and 1958; Cheyenne Frontier Days in 1959 and ten times qualified for the NFR.

He enriched and guided the Calgary Stampede program after he hung up his spurs and was always there for the horses, his vast circle of friends and the community.

Winston was a soft spoken man of kindness and wisdom.

We mourn with his family and rejoice in his life ... the good he did here on Earth will echo across the heavens like spur rowels on rimrock.

Winston Bruce
October 27, 1937 - July 10, 2017

Helfrich DeVere Photo

06/15/2017

~Photo is copyrighted and all rights reserved by Jodie Baxendale.
~Poem is copyrighted and all rights reserved by Tommi Jo Casteel Rice.

This shot I captured last week speaks volumes; but this hand actually already inspired a poem written by the daughter who admired them years before...

Mama's Hands
By Tommi Jo Casteel

"I saw you hide your hands in line, behind that lady fair,
I noticed, too, hers soft and white -- immaculate with care.

But Ma, I say, it's no disgrace, to have workin' hands like you,
And had she lived the life you have, she'd have hands just like it, too.

But her hands have never hauled in wood, or worked in God's good earth,
They've never warmed a baby lamb, or helped a mare at givin' birth.

They've never felt the bitter cold, or chopped ice for waitin' stock,
They've never doctored sick ones, or dressed a horse's hock.

They've never pulled a hip-locked calf, or packed water to the barn,
They've probably never patched blue jeans, or had worn ol' socks to darn.

They've never touched a young'un, or caressed a fevered head,
With hands so gently folded, all night beside his bed.

They've never scrubbed a kitchen floor, or done dishes every day,
They've never guided with those hands, a child who's lost the way.

They've never made a Christmas gift, shaped by a lovin' hand,
They've never peeled apples, nor vegetables they've canned.

They've never wore a blister, or had callouses to show,
For all they've done for others, and the kindnesses I know.

So you see, my dearest Mama -- yours are hands of love,
And I bet the Lord will notice when He greets you from above."

~Photo is copyrighted and all rights reserved by Jodie Baxendale.
~Poem is copyrighted and all rights reserved by Tommi Jo Casteel Rice.

05/08/2017

Lipstick N Whiskey, a 13-year-old mare owned by Powder River Rodeo of Riverton, Wyo., died Sunday, May 6th from complications in foaling. Lipstick N Whiskey had made five trips to the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (NFR) where she carried four saddle bronc riders to go-round wins.
Her first trip to Las Vegas for the NFR was in 2010 where the 2009 world champion Jessy Kruse rode her for 87 points. In 2015 Rusty Wright won the third round on her with an 86.5. Last year his younger brother Ryder had the exact same result. Then, their father, Cody, rode her in the eighth round for 88 points to earn another go-round buckle.
“We are devastated,” said Lori Franzen who along with her husband Hank own Powder River Rodeo. “She was an outstanding mare and not just an important part of our program, she was part of our family.”
The Franzens buried Lipstick N Whiskey on their ranch next to her sire, Cut The Cards, who was selected for the NFR 3 times. He passed away last year. Her dam, Bay Rum had also been selected for the NFR. Also buried in Powder River’s bucking horse cemetery is Khadafy Skoal, who was inducted into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame in 2012. He earned ba****ck horse of the year title on three occasions.

03/15/2017

MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR HARRY VOLD
Monday, March 20, 1 p.m.
ProRodeo Hall of Fame and Museum of the American Cowboy
101 Pro Rodeo Drive
Colorado Springs, CO 80919
(719) 528-4764
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made in Harry's name to the ProRodeo Hall of Fame

Harry Vold
Jan. 29, 1924 - Mar. 13, 2017

03/09/2017

Celebrating the life and legacy of Chris LeDoux, today and every day.