The “round-up” story at the 62 nd Western Heritage Days Rodeo, August 16-17, is that it continues long and strong. Long – 62 years and strong - Bristow’s Round Up Club, who hosts the event, was named as District 3’s 2023 Rodeo of the Year by the American Cowboy Rodeo Association (ACRA).
A total of 2,500 people came to watch bareback, saddle bronc, ranch saddle bronc and barrel racing with horses; wrestling, tie-down, team, breakaway and tripping roping with steer and calves; and bull riding.
Tyler Griffen from Durant scored 80 points after riding bareback on a bronco. “It felt pretty good,” he said. “I felt like I made a sure ride.” He earned first place and $607.50 in prize money. Despite previous injuries of a cracked clavicle, twice broken right ankle and twice broken right wrists, he loves riding. Why? “The money and the adrenaline. Not a better job in the world!”
Tie-down roping takes lots of training and a good horse. Dylan Hammons of Delaware roped his calf in 9.3 seconds. “Solid run,” he summarized. He earned third place and $612. He likes the sport because it takes skill, which he improves by practicing two or three hours a day.
Cowgirls showed their skills with breakaway roping and barrel racing competitions.
Jayla Fudge of Skiatook scored 17.1 on her horse, Benny, who is 14 years old, during her barrel ride. She was satisfied with the score. “He (Benny) tried hard so I can’t complain,” she said.
Younger cowgirls compete in junior (ages 914) and pee-wee (ages 8 and under) barrel racing categories.
Fun, non-competitive events? Sure. Mutton bustin, barnyard and calf scrambles, and the courageous-to-stare-down-a-steer, “Ring of Fire.”The Ozark Renegades, an eight-member horse riding troop, provided entertainment both nights. They wowed the crowd with reverse layovers (riding backwards), the Apache hideaway (riding on one side) and other trick riding.
The Round Up Club announced this year’s royalty as Paige Cooper (Queen), Brittan Byard (Princess) and Tessa Baxter (Baby Buckaroo).
The rodeo is held by Big Horn Rodeo Company. It is sanctioned by the ACRA, IPRA, and the WPRA.
Asked if this year’s rodeo was a success, Cora Franklin, President of Bristow’s Round Up Club, said, “I feel it’s always a success. It brings the community together…keeps the Western Heritage alive and it supports the awards of the Round Up Club.” They have 70 riders.
Franklin thanked club volunteers Heather Wilson, Mattie Wilson, Ron Crabtree and David Davis. She is grateful to 62 sponsors, highlighting Crown Bristow Auto World, Mid America Salebarn, and Heritage Title Escrow.