The First Ever “Riggin’ Rally” At Steiner’s Rockin’ X S Ranch
Cowboys left to right: Tilden Hooper, Rocker Steiner, Richmond Champion, Bobby Steiner, Sid Steiner, Kaycee Feild. Photo courtesy of Rodrigo Donoso
People in rodeo know at least a couple of the five-generation Steiner family. They have helped make rodeo what it is today. And if anyone can ‘buck’ the coronavirus pandemic (pardon the pun), it is this family. May 23rd Steiner’s Rockin’ X S Ranch, near Weatherford, TX, held the first ever ‘ Riggin’ Rally’ with seventeen of the top bareback riders in PRCA. Announcers Bob Tallman and Anthony Lucia handled the microphones, and promoted a constant report on scores. In typical Tallman fashion the backgrounds of these young, dynamic and dedicated bareback riders were shared with the audience throughout the evening.
Several of the riders competed at the Cave Creek, AZ Rodeo the night before, which was on the Cowboy Channel, but they weren’t going to miss this event, no matter what! Rodeo competitors are tired of waiting out this dreaded pandemic, and aching to compete! It’s not that the cowboys or Steiners have ignored the demands to distance themselves, stay at home, and avoid crowds. Governor Abbott of Texas had announced he was approving rodeos before this event. It’s time to begin to get back to normal.
After the arena dirt was worked to the max, by no other than Sid Steiner, 2002 World Champion Steer Wrestler, and the sun was sinking in the west, Steely Steiner (Sid and Jamie’s daughter) carried the American flag on her beautiful dapple grey horse around the arena.
They stood at attention in the middle of the arena while we bowed our heads in prayer and all sang the National Anthem. Everyone has missed the atmosphere and that song these past months.
Once all seventeen riders were introduced, the four chutes were filled with great looking bucking horses. They were so sleek and handsome it was like looking at pristine show horses, but, boy, could they buck! The judges were Butch Kirby and Buddy Reynolds, both PRCA judges. Chute bosses were handled by Darrell Barron and Mark Baker. And where was Bobby Steiner, 1973 World Champion Bull Rider? At the chutes, taking care of business, of course.
The Long Round:
½. Richmond Champion, Stevensville, MT – John Wayne, Rockin’ XS - 90 points
½. Clint Laye, Cadogan, Alberta – Hot Valley, Rockin’ XS – 90 points
3 Jess Pope, Marshall, MO – Walker, Smith Pro Rodeo – 89.5 pts.
4. Tilden Hooper, Carthage, TX – Borrowed Money, Rockin’ XS – 86 pts.
5. Leighton Berry, Weatherford, TX – Sun Catcher, Rockin’ XS – 85.5 pts.
6. Clayton Biglow, Clements, CA - Paper Clip, Rockin’ XS – 85 pts.
7/8. Will Lowe, Canyon, TX – Josey, Scotty Lovelace – 84 pts.
7/8. Bill Tutor, Huntsville, TX – Blue Moon, Rockin’ XS – 84 pts.
9. Kaycee Feild, Genola, UT – Robins Best, Rockin’ XS – 83 pts.
10/11. Jamie Howlett, Rapid City, SD (formerly Australia) – PWR Pro’s Joe Exotic – 82.5 pts.
10/11. Caleb Bennett, Corvallis, MT – Salsa, Rockin’ XS – 82.5 pts
12. Tim O’Connell, Zwingle, IA – Yellowstone, Rockin’ XS – 82 pts.
13. Zach Hibler, Wheeler, TX – Metallica, Rockin’ XS – 80.5 pts.
14/15. Cole Reiner, Kaycee, WY – The Gauge, Rockin’ XS – 80 pts.
14/15. Taylor Broussard, Estherwood, LA – Echo Ridge, Rockin’ XS – 80 pts.
16. Mason Clements, Draper, UT – Thin Lizzie, SR Rodeo – 77 pts.
17. Jake Brown, Cleveland, TX – Smoke Jumper, United Pro Rodeo – 0 pts.
The top scoring eight came back for the short-go, and added their two scores to determine the winner.
The Short Round:
1. Richmond Champion - Pow Wow Rocks, united Pro Rodeo – 90.5 pts.
2. Clayton Biglow – Confused Vegas, Big Rafter Rodeo – 90 pts.
3. Will Lowe – Colorado Kool Aid, Rockin’ XS – 88 pts.
4. Clint Laye – Chrome Cowboy, Rockin’ XS – 87 pts
5. Jess Pope – Mrs Julian, Big Rafter Rodeo – 86.5 pts.
6. Tilden Hooper – Adams Pet, Steve Wagaan – 84.5 pts.
7. Leighton Berry – Dear Rodeo, Scotty Lovelace – 83.5
8. Bill Tutor – Happy Trails, United Pro Rodeo – 0 pts.
Aggregate:
1. Richmond Champion – 180.5 pts - $10,000, plus a $15,000 belt buckle donated by Steiners
Made by B-J Buckles, Preston Johnson (grandson of long time competitor or stock
contractor, Bernis Johnson
2. Clint Laye – 177 pts - $7,500
3. Jess Pope – 176 pts - $5,000
4. Clayton Biglow – 175 pts - $4,000
5. Will Lowe – 172 pts - $3,000
6. Tilden Hooper – 170.5 pts - $2,000
7. Leighton Berry – 169 pts - $1,500
8. Bill Tutor – 84 pts - $1,000
Each rider, not winning money, received $500 for competing in this event. No entry fee was required.
Rocker Steiner, age sixteen, (son of Sid and Jamie) gave an exhibition bareback ride on a wild paint horse. Did he make the 8 second whistle? You bet he did! He became a Wake Board Champion when he was only 9 years old and held the title for 2013. But these days Rocker is itching to be old enough to join PRCA, which is eighteen. He wants to compete in bareback riding with the best.
This event was a tribute to the following deceased important people of rodeo: Tommy & Beverly Steiner, deceased parents of Bobby, who produced rodeos across the country, and were innovators of having movie cowboys and western musicians to entertain their outstanding rodeos; Benny Binion, entrepreneur and major supporter of rodeo and the person that got the National Finals moved to Las Vegas in 1985; and Lewis Feild, three time All-Around Cowboy of the World (1985-1987) and 1985 and 1986 World Champion Bareback Rider, father of Kaycee Feild, riding at this event.
The Steiners are gathering some mighty good bucking horses and have chosen to use a Grated Coconut bred stallion for their foundation stock. Grated Coconut is being inducted to the ProRodeo Hall of Fame this year. Other rodeo stock contractors had some of their National Finals quality bucking horses there, as well.
Sponsors for the first ever “Riggin’ Rally” were: Resistol, Polaris, Hooey, Steiner Ranch Steak House, Ronnie Campbell, Ariat, PWR PRO, Capri Campers, Crown Royal, Jerry Durant GMC, Cinch, Barstow Rodeo Equipment, Vaqueros Café & Cantina & Yellowstone ( television program on Paramount).
The Chuckwagon Feed was donated by the Steiner family. The entertainment during, and after the bareback riding, was Bobby Kerr and his Amazing Mustangs, 2017 Specialty Act of the Year and Tommy Shane Steiner and Drew Womack, providing the music.
The following morning, at Rockin’ XS Ranch, all the bareback riders were having coffee and discussing the event the night before. One cowboy said, “This is the first time I have ever felt like I did at a competition, except when I’m at the National Finals.” The other riders all had to agree, -- it was something special.
A good time was had by all, and everyone that attended can hardly wait until 2021 for the 2nd “Riggin’ Rally”.
This event was filmed by Cowboy Channel, with Janie Johnson interviewing the competitors. Check your local listings for the date it will be shown.
Several of the riders competed at the Cave Creek, AZ Rodeo the night before, which was on the Cowboy Channel, but they weren’t going to miss this event, no matter what! Rodeo competitors are tired of waiting out this dreaded pandemic, and aching to compete! It’s not that the cowboys or Steiners have ignored the demands to distance themselves, stay at home, and avoid crowds. Governor Abbott of Texas had announced he was approving rodeos before this event. It’s time to begin to get back to normal.
After the arena dirt was worked to the max, by no other than Sid Steiner, 2002 World Champion Steer Wrestler, and the sun was sinking in the west, Steely Steiner (Sid and Jamie’s daughter) carried the American flag on her beautiful dapple grey horse around the arena.
They stood at attention in the middle of the arena while we bowed our heads in prayer and all sang the National Anthem. Everyone has missed the atmosphere and that song these past months.
Once all seventeen riders were introduced, the four chutes were filled with great looking bucking horses. They were so sleek and handsome it was like looking at pristine show horses, but, boy, could they buck! The judges were Butch Kirby and Buddy Reynolds, both PRCA judges. Chute bosses were handled by Darrell Barron and Mark Baker. And where was Bobby Steiner, 1973 World Champion Bull Rider? At the chutes, taking care of business, of course.
The Long Round:
½. Richmond Champion, Stevensville, MT – John Wayne, Rockin’ XS - 90 points
½. Clint Laye, Cadogan, Alberta – Hot Valley, Rockin’ XS – 90 points
3 Jess Pope, Marshall, MO – Walker, Smith Pro Rodeo – 89.5 pts.
4. Tilden Hooper, Carthage, TX – Borrowed Money, Rockin’ XS – 86 pts.
5. Leighton Berry, Weatherford, TX – Sun Catcher, Rockin’ XS – 85.5 pts.
6. Clayton Biglow, Clements, CA - Paper Clip, Rockin’ XS – 85 pts.
7/8. Will Lowe, Canyon, TX – Josey, Scotty Lovelace – 84 pts.
7/8. Bill Tutor, Huntsville, TX – Blue Moon, Rockin’ XS – 84 pts.
9. Kaycee Feild, Genola, UT – Robins Best, Rockin’ XS – 83 pts.
10/11. Jamie Howlett, Rapid City, SD (formerly Australia) – PWR Pro’s Joe Exotic – 82.5 pts.
10/11. Caleb Bennett, Corvallis, MT – Salsa, Rockin’ XS – 82.5 pts
12. Tim O’Connell, Zwingle, IA – Yellowstone, Rockin’ XS – 82 pts.
13. Zach Hibler, Wheeler, TX – Metallica, Rockin’ XS – 80.5 pts.
14/15. Cole Reiner, Kaycee, WY – The Gauge, Rockin’ XS – 80 pts.
14/15. Taylor Broussard, Estherwood, LA – Echo Ridge, Rockin’ XS – 80 pts.
16. Mason Clements, Draper, UT – Thin Lizzie, SR Rodeo – 77 pts.
17. Jake Brown, Cleveland, TX – Smoke Jumper, United Pro Rodeo – 0 pts.
The top scoring eight came back for the short-go, and added their two scores to determine the winner.
The Short Round:
1. Richmond Champion - Pow Wow Rocks, united Pro Rodeo – 90.5 pts.
2. Clayton Biglow – Confused Vegas, Big Rafter Rodeo – 90 pts.
3. Will Lowe – Colorado Kool Aid, Rockin’ XS – 88 pts.
4. Clint Laye – Chrome Cowboy, Rockin’ XS – 87 pts
5. Jess Pope – Mrs Julian, Big Rafter Rodeo – 86.5 pts.
6. Tilden Hooper – Adams Pet, Steve Wagaan – 84.5 pts.
7. Leighton Berry – Dear Rodeo, Scotty Lovelace – 83.5
8. Bill Tutor – Happy Trails, United Pro Rodeo – 0 pts.
Aggregate:
1. Richmond Champion – 180.5 pts - $10,000, plus a $15,000 belt buckle donated by Steiners
Made by B-J Buckles, Preston Johnson (grandson of long time competitor or stock
contractor, Bernis Johnson
2. Clint Laye – 177 pts - $7,500
3. Jess Pope – 176 pts - $5,000
4. Clayton Biglow – 175 pts - $4,000
5. Will Lowe – 172 pts - $3,000
6. Tilden Hooper – 170.5 pts - $2,000
7. Leighton Berry – 169 pts - $1,500
8. Bill Tutor – 84 pts - $1,000
Each rider, not winning money, received $500 for competing in this event. No entry fee was required.
Rocker Steiner, age sixteen, (son of Sid and Jamie) gave an exhibition bareback ride on a wild paint horse. Did he make the 8 second whistle? You bet he did! He became a Wake Board Champion when he was only 9 years old and held the title for 2013. But these days Rocker is itching to be old enough to join PRCA, which is eighteen. He wants to compete in bareback riding with the best.
This event was a tribute to the following deceased important people of rodeo: Tommy & Beverly Steiner, deceased parents of Bobby, who produced rodeos across the country, and were innovators of having movie cowboys and western musicians to entertain their outstanding rodeos; Benny Binion, entrepreneur and major supporter of rodeo and the person that got the National Finals moved to Las Vegas in 1985; and Lewis Feild, three time All-Around Cowboy of the World (1985-1987) and 1985 and 1986 World Champion Bareback Rider, father of Kaycee Feild, riding at this event.
The Steiners are gathering some mighty good bucking horses and have chosen to use a Grated Coconut bred stallion for their foundation stock. Grated Coconut is being inducted to the ProRodeo Hall of Fame this year. Other rodeo stock contractors had some of their National Finals quality bucking horses there, as well.
Sponsors for the first ever “Riggin’ Rally” were: Resistol, Polaris, Hooey, Steiner Ranch Steak House, Ronnie Campbell, Ariat, PWR PRO, Capri Campers, Crown Royal, Jerry Durant GMC, Cinch, Barstow Rodeo Equipment, Vaqueros Café & Cantina & Yellowstone ( television program on Paramount).
The Chuckwagon Feed was donated by the Steiner family. The entertainment during, and after the bareback riding, was Bobby Kerr and his Amazing Mustangs, 2017 Specialty Act of the Year and Tommy Shane Steiner and Drew Womack, providing the music.
The following morning, at Rockin’ XS Ranch, all the bareback riders were having coffee and discussing the event the night before. One cowboy said, “This is the first time I have ever felt like I did at a competition, except when I’m at the National Finals.” The other riders all had to agree, -- it was something special.
A good time was had by all, and everyone that attended can hardly wait until 2021 for the 2nd “Riggin’ Rally”.
This event was filmed by Cowboy Channel, with Janie Johnson interviewing the competitors. Check your local listings for the date it will be shown.
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