Congratulations to Dee Yates and the staff for continuing to publish Ropers Sports News. Its new look is refreshing, and I was delighted when Dee invited me to contribute an article for this issue.
I’ve been overwhelmed by the number of ropings available for Open Ropers after the PRCA year ends and fall begins. The last two months have been dreamlike for the pros, with numerous high-dollar ropings. However, the downside is the high entry fees, requiring ropers to invest significantly, hoping to place and win life-changing purses and outstanding awards. As a result, many team ropers are now sponsored, with entry fees covered by endorsements, or they receive incentives and bonuses for placing and winning.
When the Bob Feist Invitational (BFI) started in 1977, a major concern was the hefty entry cost—$500 per man. Back then, that was a substantial amount, but the roping also featured a 100% payback, making the risk potentially very rewarding. The best ropers competed against each other in a high-stakes environment, much like a card game, in front of a paying audience. Now, 47 years later, the fall season has proven to be one of the best ever, with events ranging from rodeo setups for faster runs to bigger arenas that encourage better horsemanship and more conservative roping.
I commend all the producers for the opportunities they have provided for Open Ropers, from futurity team ropings to the qualifying rounds in the Open division. I hope many of you were able to attend, compete, or view these events, which were predominantly live-streamed. The quality of most streams was exceptional, from the camera work to the announcing, and a special commendation to the graphic teams, whose work made it easy to keep updated on individual team times and the overall competition. In today’s noisy arenas where it’s hard to hear announcers, good graphics are essential for following the event. Many ropers placed in several of these events, making for a lucrative end to the regular season. Standout events included the World Rope Horse Futurity, with over $95,000 added money, and new events like the COJO and Southern Texas Showdown, both offering huge payouts and impressive awards.
The upcoming Wrangler National Finals offer the top fifteen a chance to win big in Vegas over ten days. This year, top ropers are heading to the NFR with over $200,000 won at PRCA rodeos alone, while the bottom of the top 15 have earned over $105,000. Considering the cost of travel, entry fees, and other expenses, an excellent Finals performance can make it all worthwhile and help secure future endorsements.
Many ropers have earned more outside the rodeo arena, taking the futurity and horse show route, which has paid off well, often better than following the traditional rodeo trail. Many lower-number handicap ropings paid more than the open ropings due to higher entry counts, despite generally lower fees.
Reflecting on the early days, team roping discussions in the fall on the West Coast always included the Oakdale 10 Steer, with events also in Santa Maria and King City, California. Back then, all the main team ropings were in California, home to the big names in the sport. Arizona also hosted significant fall ropings, like the Bill Roer Ropathon in Laveen and those at the Stardust Hotel in Las Vegas, which featured $100 per run—a significant sum at the time.
Looking ahead, I believe the future of big ropings will involve qualifying rounds that keep entry fees lower and make the main event more enjoyable to watch. Some events carry such prestige that the title and prizes matter more than the prize money itself. The PGA tour’s weekly qualifiers are a prime example, ensuring only the best compete in the main events.
Other major events like the ACTRA Finals in Reno just wrapped up, offering a festive end-of-year celebration for many roping families. It’s nice to see hobbyist ropers still have a venue to compete for good money and prizes with affordable entry fees.
This year, the recorded times at many competitions have been astonishing. I’ve never seen such consistently fast runs, a testament to the skill of today’s young ropers who benefit from improved training, better horses, and modern ropes that enhance speed and consistency.
In closing, I wish the best of luck to all contestants at this year’s WNFR, both seasoned veterans and first-timers. It’s sure to be an exciting event.
Merry Christmas y’all!
