Monthly Archives: February 2009
Spencer Update from Southern Miss Coca-Cola Classic PRCA Rodeo
Spencer Turner
Date, Rodeo Name and Location
On Saturday Feb 14th I went to the PRCA rodeo called the Southern Miss Coca-Cola Classic Rodeo in Hattiesburg, Mississippi
Which horse did you draw?
I drew a bay horse…949 Happy Hour
Stock Contractor?
The main stock contractor at Hattiesburg is Stace Smith Prorodeo Co. But Stace brought in a few other PRCA contractors in also. My horse came from the Korkow Rodeo company
How was your horse in the chute?
My horse stood like a champ in the chute. He made it real easy for me to get my things ready. They tied him in but I think it was just a precautionary measure because they tied in most of the horses there.
Did you learn about the horse before hand?
I had heard about this horse a little bit. The PRCA has a section on their website with the past judges sheets so we can see what a horse was marked in the past. My horse has been marked from a 16 to a 20 in the past (25 being the best they can be marked, 16 is kind of a weaker horse). I called the cowboy who had this horse at the Dixie National in Jackson, MS last week and he said that the horse was very, very good and fun to ride. After hearing that I was excited to go get on him even though I was kind of beat up from the night before.
Tell me about your ride, did you feel strong, did the horse perform the way you thought it would?
Since I had missed my mark out the night before I was going to make sure I marked this one out good. When I nodded he kinda rolled around the post and ran and hopped and skipped on his front end all the way to the fence on the side of the arena. When he came off the fence he bucked pretty good and I spurred him really well. But I think that before he bucked good he must have ran and not been good for at least 4 or 5 seconds so I knew that it would affect my score because he didn’t buck good for the entire 8 seconds. I was right, I scored a 68, which was not good enough for me to place. I was extremely disappointed with the way he bucked with me after hearing how well he bucked the week before. That would explain why he has been marked everywhere from a 16 to a 20 in the past. Even though I didn’t make any money this weekend, I am still very thankful and blessed that the Lord allows me to be out here on the road doing what I love.
Comments about the rodeo? committee, hospitality, etc.
I attended this rodeo a few years ago. It is held in a small coliseum but it was packed with fans. Stace Smith always puts on a great show with fireworks and some of the best Funny men and barrel men in the business along with great acts!
What CD is in your cd player at the moment?
There is a burned CD of Red Dirt that a good friend made in my player right now. I actually didn’t listen to the radio at all on the 9 hour trip from Hattiesburg, MS to Knoxville, TN. On the way to Knoxville I stopped in Chattanooga, TN and took a guided walk through tour of a Ruby Falls. It’s a really neat cave with an underground waterfall, it’s really beautiful and I recommend ya’ll check it out if you’re ever down there.
Posted in Rodeo Updates, Spencer Turner
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Amber's Top Ten….
- Amber Mostoller on Mighty Mouse
Top 10 Things Amber’s Horses Can’t Live Without When on the Road
10. Mrs Pastures Horse Cookies 
9. Buckets
8. Brushes & Hoof pick
7. Vetrolin linament, absorbine, green pack jelly, bigeloil (all helps with sore muscles and to keep them fresh when on the road for long periods of time)
6. Polo Wraps & Bell Boots
5. Saddle & Pad
4. Bits & extra reins
3. Emergency med kit (banamine, ace, bute, vet wrap, cleaning supplies)
2. Feed (Grain & Hay)
1. THE HORSE (don’t forget to check…when you have to leave at 4:00am sometimes you’re not all thereJ)
Posted in Amber Mostoller
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Spencer Update from Rotary Classic PRCA Rodeo…
Spencer Turner, Winning Ride at IFR 2008
Date, Rodeo Name and Location
Friday Feb 13th, Rotary Classic PRCA rodeo in Starkville, Mississippi
Which horse did you draw?
I drew a bay horse… 564 Slugger
Stock Contractor?
The stock contractor at Starkville was Classic Prorodeo, I believe they are from Texas
How was your horse in the chute?
My horse was a big pain in the chute. He was bout average size but he threw a big fit in the chute. We tied him in but he still was rearing up and trying to flip over. Eventually he sat down like a dog and I had a hard time getting him to stand up. With the help of some other cowboys we got him to stand up and while trying to put my saddle on he continued to throw hit fit. While trying to saddle him my saddle actually ended up on the ground beneath him and he was stepping on it. And trying to get it out was an ordeal all in itself. With the help of the other guys we eventually got him saddled and halfway calm.
Did you learn about the horse before hand?
I didn’t know anything about the horse. Before I got there I had a feeling it was a colt. After talking to the stock contractor, my feeling was right. It was a colt that he said had been bucked just a few times.
Tell me about your ride, did you feel strong, did the horse perform the way you thought it would?
I had no idea how he would buck or what he would do at all. The stock contractor said he usually bucks with his head a little lower so to give him a little more rein than average. Being a colt that I didn’t know I just gave the horse an average rein. When I got in and nodded he came out pretty hard and did put his head on the ground. I slid him some rein. He was really bucky and kicking over his head really well. It was a lot of fun. He was getting high in the air and bucking real good and I was riding him really well to. Everything was going great. After the buzzer sounded I double grabbed and was waiting on the pickup men. While doing that the horse had a little duck move and threw me off. He kicked pretty high and I landed on the ground underneath him and he landed on my lower leg and the pickup horse’s leg or hoof hit me in the head. It was kind of a train wreck. I got to my feet and walked out. While walking out (I kinda had the wobbly legs from being hit in the head) I heard the announcer say that the judge threw the flag at the beginning of the ride because I failed to mark the horse out of the chute on the first jump so I got a no score. I was disappointed to get a zero but I am extremely happy with the way I rode. I was blessed to walk out of the arena with just a badly bruised leg and a cut on my eye and a black eye.
Comments about the rodeo? Committee, hospitality, etc.
I’ve been to that rodeo before a couple years ago and I liked it. The stock contractor is always a very nice guy and the committee there feeds us well. The arena was packed and was a good show for all. I guess I should thank the EMT for cleaning my eye up too. He wasn’t sure about me at first, I told him I was fine and wanted to get my gear gathered up first before I went to get the injury looked at. He looked at me like I was crazy, but when I answered all his questions correctly he let me get my stuff. He thought I should go get it checked out at the hospital but I just went to hotel and iced my leg and eye.
What CD is in your cd player at the moment?
There is a Red Dirt CD that a good friend made for me in my cd player right now
Posted in Rodeo Updates, Spencer Turner
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Ashley Whyland
Ashley Whyland was a WPRA member from 2004-2006. Ashley and her horse Native Money, aka “Luther” traveled to many rodeos throughout the Great Lakes Circuit. Ashley will be making “guest appearances” for On The Rodeo Road to share stories and experiences while out rodeoing. Today she is talking to us about her first WPRA rodeo experience…………………
Ashley Whyland on Luther
I wanted to rodeo. That’s all I knew. My horse, Luther, had been on fire at home and I thought there was only one thing left to do, buy my WPRA permit and hit the road. Of course, the wintertime in the Great Lakes circuit is not the best time to decide to “haul hard”. Rodeos are few and far between, but if there is one, it’s going to be in an arena the size of a basketball court and probably have been used for ice hockey the week before. Sound like the prime spot for a rodeo rookie? Of course not! I entered Evansville, IN because it was close to home. Good place to get my feet wet, right? I was talking to my circuit director the week before the rodeo and she ask me where I thought I would enter for my first rodeo. I told her Evansville. Her reply, “Oh gosh…” She explained that it was a tiny arena and not the best place to start out! So to say that I arrived at Evansville calm and collected would be a total lie. I was a mess!
I purposely entered myself in the slack, because I had no idea how Luther would take the atmosphere. I still had to get him ready and warm up with all the other girls during intermission. As I was waiting aboard my horse to enter the arena I looked over and saw what I felt like was a mirror image of myself, Whiplash the cowboy monkey atop his trusty steed. As I looked down, Whiplash looked up at me, grabbed his horn (a metal bar) and shook his saddle as if to check the tightness. I couldn’t help but to bust out laughing.
Once we got into the arena I studied my angle to the first barrel, because I knew it would be tricky in such a tiny pen. Luther stayed really calm and focused during our warm-up so I knew he would be ok with all the commotion during my run.
After we exited the arena the girls in the performance got ready to run. I got off and uncinched my horse and waited. There were some phenomenal runs, which only made my tension greater!
After what took about 45 minutes to finish up the rodeo and get the pen ready for the barrel racing again, it was my time to run. I got Luther ready and mounted up. They yelled out my name and I pushed my horse forward only to find him stopped dead in his tracks, he wasn’t going to move. I looked up in desperation. I knew in rodeo you had to get your horse up there and go. They don’t mess around before they move on to the next girl. I was then approached by the girl that was so far winning the rodeo and she helped walk me down the tunnel. As Luther took off I heard someone over head yell, “Go on girl”, which made me kick even harder.
Luther came in and inhaled the first barrel. I then confirmed with myself that I WAS Whiplash the COWGIRL monkey. He left the first barrel so hard, I was grabbing leather to get back up before he set for the second barrel and before I knew it we were heading home from the third barrel. It felt like I was taking my whole run to get caught up! I was able to get a couple of kicks in before we crossed the timer and my time was good for 4th place so far!!!
I was congratulated by many girls on my way out. I was on cloud nine! Luther got a couple treats and his legs wrapped up for the ride home. I gathered my things and my horse and headed to the trailer. While packing my things I was approached by a sweet little girl asking for my autograph. Not only did my run make me happy, but the fact that I was being approached for my autograph! How cool is that!? J
The next day I jumped online to read my email to find a message from a 7 time Great Lakes Circuit barrel racer that I hardly knew. She told me what a nice run I had at Evansville, how I really should hit the road and what a nice horse I had. This, of course, made me so happy! And with that little message, I picked up the phone and entered my next one, Rockford, IL…….
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Spencer Update from Dixie Nationals PRCA Rodeo
- Spencer Turner
Date, Rodeo Name and Location
February 7, 2009, The Dixie National PRCA Rodeo in Jackson, MS
Which horse did you draw?
I drew a horse branded 007, it was a little sorrel.
Stock Contractor?
The Contractor at the Dixie National is Smith, Harper and Morgan Rodeo Co. There are so many contestants that Stace Smith has other contractors bring animals to the show. My horse was a horse from Wendal Ratchford (Wild Horse Rodeo Co.) I believe Stace is either going to buy some horses or he just leased a few from Wendal. Wendal is an International Professional Rodeo Association (IP) stock contractor and is not allowed to bring horses to a Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) show unless a PRCA contractor leases or buys his animals
How was your horse in the chute?
She was a little nervous in the chute, she didn’t do anything stupid but she just moved around alot. Last time I got on her she reared up with me in the chute and was a handful in the chute
Did you learn about the horse before hand?
I actually knew the horse. I went to an IPRA rodeo in St. Charles, Missouri the second week in January and I rode that horse. I ended up in a tie for 1st at St. Charles. I was surprised to have the horse in Jackson, because Jackson is a PRCA rodeo and the horse is owned by an IPRA contractor. I was excited to have her again.
Tell me about your ride, did you feel strong, did the horse perform the way you thought it would?
She was a little nervous in the chute, when I nodded my head and the gate opened she kinda stalled and froze up for a second, she then left the chute and did exactly what I knew she was gonna do. She was really good, kicking out and over her head for about 4 or 5 seconds then she got kinda long and was kinda kicking flat and wasn’t bucking as hard as in the first half the ride. She had the exact same trip in St. Charles with me.
Comments about the rodeo? committee, hospitality, etc.
The rodeo is a great rodeo. It is 10 performances long and this year they had 109 bronc riders. They added $10,000 in prize money in each event and $100 of the bronc riders fees went into the pot. It is held in a Coliseum and was packed on Friday night and Saturday night. There were 3 performances on Saturday and the ones at 12:00pm and 4:00pm were surprisingly crowded. They have a concert in the middle of the rodeo and Friday was Lady Antebellum and Saturday was Jeff Bates. The hospitality could have been a little better. Usually at PRCA rodeos they have a hospitality room or tent for the cowboys with food and drinks and stuff, and if they don’t have that then they usually give us a coupon for the concession stand. Jackson did neither and had nothing for us. Being a bigger rodeo I think they should have had a little something for us but that’s just my opinion
What CD is in your cd player at the moment?
I’m not sure but I think a Chris Led0ux CD is in there, it is scratched so I listened to my Ipod on Shuffle on the last drive from Jackson, MS to Knoxville TN.
*There were 109 bronc riders and Spencer scored 79. Unfortunately he was out of the money for this rodeo. Stay tuned for updates on Spencer at Starkville, MS and Hattiesburg, MS.
Posted in Rodeo Updates, Spencer Turner
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Amber Mostoller…
Full name, age, event, and circuit?
Amber Lee Mostoller, 25 years old, Barrel Racer
PRCA (Professional Rodeo Cowboys Assoc) Great Lakes Circuit
IPRA (International Professional Rodeo Assoc) Northeast Region
APRA (American Professional Rodeo Assoc)
CSRA (Central States Rodeo Assoc)
SRA (Southern Rodeo Assoc)
MSRA (Mid States Rodeo Assoc)
ACRA (American Cowboys Rodeo Assoc)
IBRA (International Barrel Racing Assoc)
What age did you get involved in Rodeo?
Both my parents rodeoed for a living, so I grew up in rodeo and around it.
Why did you decided to pursue rodeo?
I don’t think I ever really “pursued” rodeo, it found me! It’s an addiction that comes with extreme highs and the lowest of lows. It has always been a part of my life, & I can’t imagine my life without it
Please name your career highlights (or the ones that mean the most to you).
2X IFR Qualifier
1995 BBRA Youth Champion (won my first saddle)
2007 Northeast Region Champion
2008 APRA Reserve Champion
Making the Short go the last two years in St Tite, QU
What are you 2009 goals both personal and in the arena?
I would like to make the IFR again this year & the Great Lakes Circuit Finals. I will be on many different horses this year, and my goal is always to be able to ride each horse to the best of their ability, and to represent myself in a way that kids can look up to
How would you describe yourself?
I’m independent, strong willed, opinionated and stubborn. I like to stay open minded and I would do anything to help a friend in need. My mom always tells me that she loves the ambition that I have. I am very dedicated to what I believe in and work hard. There is a quote from Marilyn Monroe that I love, which I think describes me well “I’m selfish, impatient, and a little insecure. I make mistakes, I am out of control and at times am hard to handle. But if you can’t handle me at my worst, then you sure as hell don’t deserve me at my best! “
At this point in your career, how do you pick and choose between rodeos?
Added money is the major factor. I try to hit as many rodeos in the same area as I can to limit the wear and tear on my horses. I also try to keep notes from year to year on ground conditions, hospitality, etc to help me decide where I want to go.
What is something you cant live without, when you are on the road?
MEMPHIS!!! (My 6 year old mini Australian shepherd)
Favorite food?
Is chocolate considered a food???
Other hobbies?
Are there really any other hobbies when you rodeo? Ha! I enjoy working out, going to the beach, hanging out with friends and of course my baby, Memphis (my dog)
Who do you look up to in your event?
My mother
What horses are in your trailer at the moment?
Instant Victory aka Dorey * Dorey is a 11 year old bay mare registered Quarter Horse. I have had her a week now and she has been a dream. She is very sweet and super smooth to ride. I will be riding her until sold and look forward to seeing what we can accomplish together!
What rodeo do you look forward to the most and why?
Hands down…St Tite, QU. It is the largest IPRA rodeo of the year with $15,000 added. There is nothing like running down that alley Saturday night into that arena. The crowd and atmosphere is amazing!
What would you tell a Rookie starting out in the rodeo world today?
It sounds cliche, but Don’t ever give up on your dreams. Be patient! Things are not always going to go your way, and you will come across MANY rough roads in your travels. Remember, everything happens for a reason. If He leads you to, He will get you through it!
Docs Idaho Gold aka Mighty Mouse * Mighty Mouse is a 10 year old Dun Mare registered Quarter Horse. I bought her as a 5 year old and sold her at the IFR in 2008. She has now found herself a happy home with Mesa and Shiloh Leavitt! At 11 years old Shiloh is doing awesome on Mighty Mouse taking a 4th place finish in East Lansing, MI at their first rodeo together. Mighty Mouse and I accomplished alot together including 2 IFR qualifications a well as a Great Lakes Circuit Qualification. I will be able to run Mighty Mouse on and off this year and look forward to seeing her excel with Shiloh as well!
Posted in Amber Mostoller
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Spencer Turner…
- Spencer Turner
Full name, age, event, and circuit?
Spencer Turner,32 years old
Currently I compete in the IPRA and PRCA. In the IPRA I am competing in the Central Region and in the PRCA I am competing in the Great Lakes Circuit.
Why did you decided to pursue rodeo?
Why? Who didn’t want to be a cowboy as a kid? I thought that rodeo would be an awesome experience and I was right!
Please name some of your career highlights.
I qualified for the Interstate Rodeo Assoc. Finals in 2008.
I won the Average and was Finals Champ at the Interstate Rodeo Assoc. Finals in 2008.
I qualified for the American Rodeo Assoc. Finals in 2008 and I also won the Average and was Finals Champ there as well.
I qualified for the United Rodeo Assoc, Final in 2008 and I also won the Average and was Finals Champion.
I qualified for the International Professional Rodeo Association finals in 2008. I won two of the four rounds there with some of the top competitors in the country and Canada there.
I won the Central Region in the IPRA. I also won the Rookie of the Year in the IPRA in 2008.
What are you 2009 goals both personal and in the arena?
My 2009 Rodeo goals are….. I would like to qualify for the Great Lakes Circuit and possibly win it.
I would like to make the PRCA Heartland Rodeo Series Finals
I would like to be well into the Top 50 in the PRCA World Standings
I would like to qualify for the IFR again
My 2009 personal goals are….I would like to make new Christian Friends
I would like to make better decisions in my everyday life
I would like to Read my Bible or Devotionals everyday
I would like to Purchase a “new to me” vehicle
I would like to live better and like I should
How would you describe yourself?
I guess I would describe myself as a pretty fun fella. A lot of my friends call me a cowboy hobo. I tend to fly by the seat of my britches or “wing it” as I say. I love to travel and have fun doing it. I love enjoying and experiencing new things. I am a Christian and believe that the Lord has a plan for everyone and that everything happens for a reason. I am very thankful that the Lord has given me this opportunity to follow my dreams and live the life I live. I try to be a positive person and I help others whenever they need it. I know life isn’t all fun and games and there is a time to be responsible and serious. But in between those times I like to have fun.
What is something you can’t live without, when you are on the road?
Probably my cell phone, it is my life line to keeping in touch with family, friends and rodeos; however my saddle and gear bag would be hard to live without as well! If I didn’t have my phone I couldn’t enter rodeos and if I didn’t have my gear I wouldn’t need to enter rodeos. I purchased a laptop a few months ago and I’ve gotten used to having it around too. I use it to check finances and rodeos and for entertainment as well.
Favorite food?
Bar-B-Q is my favorite! I like to try BBQ from different parts of the country and different styles. I like pulled pork and ribs the best but love all BBQ. I also like ice cream a lot too but I try not to eat it as often as I used to. I try and eat as healthy as I can so I can splurge and enjoy my BBQ and ice cream regularly.
Other hobbies?
I enjoy being outdoors, I also very much enjoy taking pictures and messing with them. I don’t really have a clue what I’m doing but I enjoy it anyway. I am also passionate about working out and exercising and staying in shape. I probably don’t do as much as I should or need but I think I do enough to keep me on top of my game.
Who do you look up to in your event?
I look up to anybody who Rodeo’s for a living and gives the Glory to God for allowing them to do that.
What rodeo do you look forward to the most and why?
I look forward to any rodeo. If you aren’t looking forward to going to a rodeo, either big or small, then you need to stop or take a break until you look forward to going to them all. This is a job, it’s a fun job for sure, but when you aren’t excited to be there then that is when things start going downhill and you aren’t giving 100%, And if you aren’t giving 100% why be there? As far as specific rodeos one of my favorites is St. Tite, Quebec, Canada. It is a 10 day long festival and rodeo in French Canada. It is probably the most exciting rodeo in North America. The people are all French Speaking and the rodeo is announced in French. The people really dig rodeo up there. They only see it once a year at the Festival and they are glad to have us there and treat us very well. And it pays really well too.
What would you tell a Rookie starting out in the rodeo world today?
I would tell a Rookie to stay focused. Give 100% every time! Don’t make excuses for things that happen, because everything happens for a reason. Always keep positive no matter what the circumstances, ALWAYS. Watch who you travel with, some guys don’t want it as bad as others and are more worried about what happens after the rodeo than during the rodeo. Always take advice, take it from anybody who gives it to you or you ask, then later sort out what will work for you and your style. Not everybody rides the same. Keep a level head on your shoulders and never act like you know it all, because you don’t. Be confident but not cocky, there is a difference. Never give up on your dreams, Remember Phil 4:13. Always thank the Lord for the good days and the bad.
Posted in Spencer Turner
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Welcome….
Welcome to On The Rodeo Road….this website is dedicated to rodeo contestants that are traveling from arena to arena in 2009. Stay with us as we ride along with Amber and Spencer and learn about their ups and downs of their 2009 season. This site will consist of rodeo updates from each contestant, guest appearances from past athletes and funny stories of being on the road.
Spencer Turner, Winning Ride at IFR 2008
Amber Mostoller on Mighty Mouse
And introducing a guest appearance from Ashley Whyland as she talks to us about her first PRCA rodeo experience….
Ashley Whyland on Luther
Posted in Amber Mostoller, Ashley Whyland, Spencer Turner
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