LETTER FROM BOB
It has been a busy spring rodeo season so far on the West Coast. Entries were stronger than I had imagined despite the higher cost of travel, mainly due to high California fuel prices. Diesel in some areas has been over $8 per gallon and gasoline in the $5–$6 range. Entries in the rough stock events remained high, but some of the timed-event contestants felt the pinch hauling their favorite horses and pulling their big living-quarters trailers. Some of the contestants reverted to paying mount money and climbing on board some of the local horses, or riding one of the horses in their event that had been hauled out here from afar. I have been saying for the past few years that I think we are going to see far more mounting of others on talented horses in the future. I can see that at some of the bigger rodeos, where a stable, barn, or ranch will have numerous horses for contestants to choose from at various upfront, predetermined fees. If one does win something, then that upfront fee would be deducted from the mount money.
I have a hard time seeing why there aren’t more petroleum products along with tire manufacturers involved as award sponsors in our industry. It seems that you might see it on a local basis but not on a national basis. Fuel or tire gift certificates seem like a far more sensible award than some of the other prizes that are given. Airline tickets would also be great to add to the prize line at many ropings and rodeos. Auto parts store certificates would also be of great value to many contestants. Major food market certificates would also be useful to many of the contestants. Just some thoughts as some of you put together your prize line for your next event. If you aren’t a producer, then suggest these items to your local committee of western events.
One has to admire the young talent in our industry as more and more new names seem to be appearing on the result sheets of rodeos and ropings. I feel the Junior and High School Rodeo programs have a lot to do with these changes, as well as the fine college team training of today. Far more rodeo schools and private lessons are available, plus the exposure on TV and social media. Much of the podcast and YouTube content gives great incentive to the up-and-coming talent in our industry. The rodeos and ropings seem to be paying more than ever before, as entry fees also seem to be increasing.
The team of Korbin Rice from Hobbs, New Mexico, has been doing well with partner Cooper Freeman, hailing from Carthage, Missouri. They are currently leading the PRCA Heading and Heeling standings. It is early in the season, and many won’t make their big move until July.
Had the opportunity to attend the Clovis, California, Rodeo the last weekend in April, and it was great seeing the team roping over the longer score. Muleys were used again, making for fun watching of the headers’ handling skills. The Clovis Rodeo Committee goes above and beyond to make things go great for all of the contestants. The weather for the most part was good during their paid attendance performances. The slack proved to be a little challenging, with some serious spring rains in the beginning of the week. Many of the contestants had just come from the Red Bluff Rodeo, which is always the weekend before Clovis. Prior to these rodeos was the Oakdale Rodeo, which played with Mother Nature some of their rodeo week. Woodlake and Springville, along with Lakeside, also happen during the California spring rodeo run.
Glad to report that my announcing partner for over 60 years, Bob Tallman, is on the mend after a bad foot infection. Bob is not retired, just sitting out awhile until he heals up. Many assumed when he retired from the Fort Worth PRCA Rodeo that he was completely retiring from announcing. Not so. It was just from that one rodeo that he had been a part of for so many years. Prayers and thoughts go out to him, along with the same to Kendra Santos, who is recovering from shoulder surgery. I know they are both tough and will be back soon.
Dee Yates has been busy with RSN and having fun featuring special people in our industry each month. Loving reading her feature stories.
Safe travels, gang, and win a prize and get your name in the Ropers Sports News!!!
— Bob Feist
Bob Feist is the founder of Ropers Sports News and the namesake of the Bob Feist Invitational (BFI), one of team roping’s most prestigious events. He has been an announcer in the sport for over 60 years and writes the recurring “A Letter From Bob” column for Ropers Sports News.
As of early in the 2026 season, header Korbin Rice of Hobbs, New Mexico and heeler Cooper Freeman of Carthage, Missouri are leading the PRCA heading and heeling standings, though Bob Feist notes many ropers don’t make their big move until July.
No. Bob Tallman stepped away only from the Fort Worth PRCA Rodeo, not from announcing altogether. As of mid-2026 he is recovering from a foot infection and plans to return.
