February 2018 46 By Kimmie Dillon TACK TRENDS “Color” is the hot trend right now in western tack. After combing the various shows during the National Finals Rodeo (Cowboy Christmas, Country Christmas, Western Gift Show, and Cowboy Marketplace), I can report back that bright hues are the name of the game in gear for your horse. I’m not talking subtle tones in beiges and greys. Vivid colors are what retailers are displaying in a big, bold statement. Specifically, SERAPE STRIPES are popping up in all forms. You can adorn your horse with a striped saddle pad, tack set, and protective boots. You’ll also, see this striped print in rope bags, hay bags and just about everything you can imagine. Various prices Teskey’s Tack www.teskeys.com Eye-catching tack is still going strong. FRINGE BREAST COLLARS are all the rage in arenas right now. This year I saw several manufacturers displaying quality, authentic pieces. Prices are a bit higher but the leathers are more substantial than in years past. $375, Luan’s Leathers  www.luansleathers.com COLORED ROPE HALTERS are popping up everywhere. These hand-tied pieces come with an attached lead rope and are adjustable to fit most head sizes. $47, Pro Rodeo Originals www.prorodeooriginals.com FEATHERS in all forms are a big trend now. You’ll see them tucked in the bands of cowboy hats and tied in the manes of horses. They’re even appearing on painted tack. Various prices Bar H Equine www.barhequine.com We’re all used to our grey and black felt saddle pads. However this year, color is weaving right into these everyday staples. COLORED SADDLE PADS are eye-popping and can stand on their own without a saddle blanket under your favorite saddle. $229 5 Star Equine Products www.5starequineproducts.com PRCA AND USTRC NEWS George Taylor will begin his position as CEO of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) on January 22nd. The PRCA recently named the former Caterpillar executive its CEO after Karl Stressman retired from his role as commissioner of the association. Before his 19 years with Caterpillar, Taylor was an executive with IBM. He also holds an MBA from the University of Illinois as well as a B.S. in computer science from Illinois State University. “I have had the opportunity to work for two iconic global companies during my career and I believe the PRCA is yet another example of an iconic organization representing the best in the sports and entertainment industry,” Taylor said in a ProRodeo press release. Keith Martin, chairman of the PRCA board of directors, said he believes Taylor will bring the rodeo association to the next level. “George’s business acumen and his ability to work with so many different types of people are going to be really strong attributes, because in our organization that’s really needed. We appreciate his financial, digital, and marketing strengths, and those things all enter into being a good fit for us, taking us into the next century.” Taylor has set some initial goals: • Listening to the PRCA members and staff to prioritize initiatives. • Physically and digitally innovating the customer and member experiences. • Expanding rodeo’s reach globally. “In the end, it’s about continuing to grow revenue and the PRCA ProRodeo brand for the benefit of its members,” Taylor said in the release. Karl Stressman is the new president of the United States Team Roping Championships (USTRC). As an avid team roper himself, Stressman says he will focus on the members’ needs for his new role. “I think the most important issue, the agenda issue that I have is taking a look at the USTRC and creating the atmosphere that the contestants want to see, and we’ll go from there,” Stressman said in the USTRC video press release. More rodeo news next month!