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Writing
Every person has a unique story to tell and I've been honored to write many of them for publications like Western Horseman, the NRHA Reiner and Rodeo News Magazine. Below is a short list of the pieces I feel best represent me as a writer, this is by no means an exhaustive list of the last ten years that I've been freelance writing.
To read one of these stories, just click on the photo.
The Performing Charro
As a third generation charro himself, Tomas Garcilazo is now raising the fourth out on the road with his wife, Justine. For Tomas, there’s nothing better than passing on his cherished family traditions to his kids the same way they were given to him and his brothers while growing up in Mexico City, Mexico.
Photos by Brittany Coffee Parker
Photos by Brittany Coffee Parker
The Next Wave
As reining continues to grow in new and unexpected ways, the quiet, humble work of NRHA Professional Tyler Smith is making waves in his home state of Hawaii.
Photos by Lindsay Humphrey
Photos by Lindsay Humphrey
The Secret to Success
The sky seems to be the limit for Andrea Fappani, NRHA's only Eight Million Dollar Rider who was recently named an NRHA Million Dollar Owner.
Photo by Cam Essick
Photo by Cam Essick
On the Trail: JJ Hampton
The only thing faster than the words coming out of JJ Hampton's mouth is her breakaway loop. She's the no nonsense type of person who's found a way to speak her mind while wearing her heart on her sleeve and the rodeo world is better for it.
Photo by Jackie Jensen
Photo by Jackie Jensen
Tools That Talk
True horsemanship is built on soft hands and a natural feel that only comes from experience. Even still, professionals and amateurs alike have their preferred tools of the trade.
Photos by Brittany Coffee Parker
Photos by Brittany Coffee Parker
The Art of Living
Perfecting the art of living comes naturally for Carla Curry, who learned early in life to embrace her unique self. Curry's affinity for adventure and all things Western paved the way for her unique career as a set designer.
Photos by Caballo Creative Co
Photos by Caballo Creative Co
Sade's Girl
A black-and-white blur with some sparkle mixed in launched Haley Proctor's now wildly successful career as a world-class specialty act in the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association.
Photos by Brittany Coffee Parker
Photos by Brittany Coffee Parker
Back When They Bucked: Bob Wiley
Lots of kids grow up aspiring to be a cowboy or a police officer, but only accomplish that feat. And even less manage to do both. The late Bob Wiley is the exception to that rule.
Cashing Checks
Michelle Fumagalli and TR Mr Joe have been cashing checks at every show they've entered, with their biggest coming at the NRHA Derby.
Photo by Carolyn Simanick
Photo by Carolyn Simanick
The Christian Gentleman
Success for a true horseman isn't measured by trophies, ribbons or even lifetime earnings. For horseman Bryan Neubert, his idea of success far surpasses anything he's done with a horse.
Photos by Stacy Judd Photography
Photos by Stacy Judd Photography
Saving the Best for Last
Devin Warren chose simplicity, a powerful message and a good horse to connect his sport and faith to win the RAM Invitational Freestyle.
Photo by Performance Horse Photography
Photo by Performance Horse Photography
Unapologetically Western
Born and bred in Britian, Pendleton Woolen Mills is a uniquely American story that's continued a family tradition for six generations. A tradition spanning 160 years, the story of Pendleton is synonymous with the American dream.
Photos courtesy of Pendleton Woolen Mills
Photos courtesy of Pendleton Woolen Mills
Oldies but Goodies
These are some of my favorite stories from the past few years that still align with my writing style.
Time Marches On
There's no question that rodeo is a generational sport, but how deep does that standard run? As it turns out, it breaches even the far corners of the rodeo office.
Most of the Best
The jingle of rowels is the drumbeat of the morning and signals the start of most days at TD Angus in North Platte, Neb. The lifelong partnership between man and horse isn't list on this operation.
Reiners of a Different Color
It's no secret reining is dominated by Quarter Horses and a kaleidoscope of splashy Paints, but with each passing year, a different pattern of spots is becoming more prevalent.
Art of Rodeo: Roper Kiesner
If you've been to a PRCA event recently, than you've likely heard the name Kiesner called contending for a top spot in the saddle bronc riding. Colorado native Roper Kiesner is a hand inside the arena as well as behind a work bench forging knives from a long list of materials.
The Backside of History
On the first Saturday in May, the stands are packed with hands holding mint juleps and heads covered by flamboyant hats. It's time for the Kentucky Derby and a record-seting 170,000 spectators huddled around the historic one-mile oval in 2019.
Why I Rein: Denise Severson-Hobbs
With a personality as colorful as her wardrobe, this 74-year-old reiner is living out her childhood dreams.
Back When They Bucked: Willard "Bill" Phillips
Leading a life filled to the brim with adventure and stewardship in WaKenney, Kansas, native Willard Phillips. He was an adrenaline junky and didn't even know it until he climbed into a roughstock chute for the first time at Kansas State University in 1984.
Stallion Showcase: D & S Cattle Co
More than 1,000 miles separate Hysham, Montana, and northern Texas. George Johnson rode every single one of them back in 1902. He was part of what was possibly the very last cross-country cattle drive. Johnson dropped the herd at their destination in Wyoming and then headed north for Big Sky country.
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