November 2017 20 RANCH & RODEO By Kimmie Dillon WEEKEND PRO COWBOYS AND COWGIRLS The Prescott Valley Events Center provided a fantastic venue for the RAM Turquoise Circuit PRCA Finals held October 5th-7th. The top cowboys and cowgirls from Arizona and New Mexico competed in the picturesque Prescott Valley during the circuit finals. The 3 day event offered contestants the opportunity to advance to the RAM National Circuit finals Rodeo held in Kissimmee, Florida. Total rodeo payoff was $179,087 with all prize money counting towards qualifying for the Wrangler National Finals held next month in Las Vegas. So what exactly is the circuit system? Back in the day, the circuit system was originally created to support the many talented professional cowboys and cowgirls that, for whatever reason, couldn’t travel at a national level. The PRCA divided the U.S. into 12 sections or “circuits” with Arizona and New Mexico making up the Turquoise Circuit. Within the framework of the circuit system, rodeo contestants can compete at a professional level and stay in one geographical region. Every year, the top two contestants in each circuit finals event will then compete and the RAM National Circuit Finals in Kissimmee, Florida in April. HERE ARE THE RESULTS FROM THE RAM TURQUOISE CIRCUIT FINALS: Photos courtesy of Dale Miller-Miller Photo All-Around Cowboy: Jace Melvin (pictured below), $4,535 (events: Tie- Down Roping and Steer Wrestling) Bareback Riding: 1. Kyle Charley, 237.5 points on three head, $2,608 2. Trenten Montero, 229.5, $1,956 Steer Wrestling: 1. Jace Melvin, 15.7 seconds on three head, $2,721 2. Dean McIntyre, 19.3, $2,041 Team Roping: 1. Brady Payne/Junior Zambrano II, 22.5 seconds on three head, $2,721 each 2. Tanner Baldwin/Logan Medlin, 22.6, $2,041 Saddle Bronc Riding: 1. Leon Fountain, 237 points on three head, $2,636 2. Taos Muncy, 236.5, $1,977 Tie-Down Roping: 1. Seth Hall, 28.7 seconds on three head, $2,721 2. Jerrad Hofstetter, 29.0, $2,041 Barrel Racing: 1. Lori Todd, 46.08 seconds on three head, $2,721 2. Nicole Riggle, 46.13, $2,041 Steer Roping: 1. Corey Ross, 27.2 seconds on two head, $2,364 2. Leo Campbell, 30.3, $1,773 Bull Riding: 1. Joseph Vazquez, 169.5 points on two head, $2,665 2. Lon Danley, 85.5 on one head, $1,998 BARREL RACING IN QUEEN CREEK On the same weekend as the circuit finals, Santan Livestock sponsored a 4D Barrel Race and Gymkhana at Horseshoe Park and Equestrian Center. Over $10,000 in cash and prizes awarded during the October 7th and 8th competition. Riders raced on a standard size the first day (90’x105’) and then a smaller size (75’x85’) the second day. The youth riders warmed up the arena for the open riders that clocked some smokin’ fast times! Special thanks to these sponsors: Santan Livestock, Desert Mountain Equine, Theraplate by Rene Audsley, Dos Cowgirls Tack Store, Bill Post-Farrier, Julie Tate Real Estate, Wales Hay Co., Nutrena Feed / Rebecca Porter, and Eclectic Creations Custom Cowboy Hats. HERE ARE THE RACE RESULTS: Photos courtesy of Southwestbarrels.com October 7 PeeWee (10 and Under): 1st 21.294 $ 20.00 Audrey Solomonson on Babe 2nd 24.354 $ 15.00 Dakota Kitchen on Domino   October 7 Youth (17 and under): 1D Placings   1st 18.094 $ 93.00 Sophia Cruickshank on Chic   2nd 18.099 $ 71.00 Grace Knaup on Chewy   2D Placings   1st 18.647 $ 84.00 Jillian Lutz on Spur   2nd 18.811 $ 64.00 Sherayl Worker on Cash   3D Placings   1st 19.226 $ 71.00 Alexis Spaulding on Scout   2nd 19.411 $ 55.00 Reese Krahling on Ranger   4D Placings   1st 21.192 $144.00 Taylor Starkey on Royal   October 7 Open:  1D Placings   1st 17.716 $286.00 Shiann Irwin on Mary Jane   2nd 17.796 $212.00 Amanda Radford on Firewater Fooler   2D Placings   1st 18.262 $257.00 Riley Blunk on Sinfully Quick   2nd 18.282 $191.00 Bryn Foxx on Voodoo   3D Placings   1st 18.742 $219.00 Aimee Laird on Disco Rules   2nd 18.752 $163.00 Bryn Foxx on Honey   4D Placings   1st 19.763 $190.00 Bobbi Lorz on CC   2nd 20.113 $142.00 Rene Audsley on Jo Jo   October 7 Masters (45 and older): 1D Placings 1st 17.968 $ 81.00 Clara Ness on Kats Charmed Ta Fame 2nd 18.632 Jill Starkey on JWS Cuteasa Button  2D Placings 1st 19.424 $ 62.00 Nancy Criss on Lil D 2nd 19.763 Bobbi Lorz on CC  3D Placings   1st 20.753 $ 45.00 Nancy Criss on Lil Mare   2nd 23.424 Cindy Durham on Melody   Continued on page 27