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At the age of nine, Rocksie Marchand is the youngest person to ever win an Indian National Finals Rodeo world championship, and with her win in the open barrel racing, she has secured a spot in the semi-finals for RFD-TV's American in 2018. Rocksie, the daughter of Ashley Zacherle, a former jockey, was riding horses by the time she was three years old, and began barrel racing shortly after that. She bought her current barrel racing horse, Roo, with her own money earned in part by riding ponies to be sold at the Hermiston, Ore. horse sale. She came home with $800 from the sale, and more sale ponies to ride. She and her mom Ashley, dad Justus, and two younger sisters, Hartlyn, age four, and Gracyn, age two, live in Wilbur, Wash., about 65 miles west of Spokane, and are members of the Colville Confederated Tribes. Convincing her mom to let her buy Roo was tough. Roo was the fastest horse Rocksie had been on, and Ashley was worried. "It was really nerve wracking when she first wanted to ride Roo, because he's so fast," Ashley said. "She rode him a week before I found out she was riding him. The only way I agreed to let her buy him is if she wore a helmet."Roo, whose registered name is Moneys on the Redmond, and Rocksie make a good pair. At first Roo was anxious, but Rocksie learned how to relax her hands and keep him calm. "The two of them mellow each other out," Ashley said. Ashley says Rocksie has learned to be a good horsewoman. She's patient, soft with her hands, and able to listen. The patience was learned; at first she was not patient. "There were nights she got mad at her horse so I made her walk him on foot," Ashley said. "Getting mad at your horse isn't the solution." She's also very dedicated. She rides nearly every day with no prodding from her mother.

This was the first year that Rocksie competed in Indian rodeos, and she competed in two regions: the King Mountain region and the Western States region. Going into King Mountain's final rodeo, she sat in sixth place, but finished the rodeo at the top of the leaderboard, qualifying for the INFR, which was held in Las Vegas November 7-11. She's excited to be competing at the semi-finals for the American Rodeo in Arlington, Texas. She'll be one of about 150 barrel racers in Ft. Worth for the semi-finals Feb. 20-24. About ten barrel racers from the semi-finals, plus the top ten WPRA barrel racers from the 2017 rodeo season qualify to compete at the American on Feb. 25. Rocksie has big plans for the money she hopes to win at the American. She'd like to buy "a thousand ponies," and if there's any money left over, buy a truck and trailer for the family. When she grows up, she'd like to continue her barrel racing, and working with horses. Her little sisters are her biggest fans. On long trips, they love to watch videos of Rocksie run barrels. The little girls ride, but are a bit shy and not ready to compete in front of crowds. "They sure look up to her," Ashley said. The drive from Wilbur, Wash., to Fort Worth is about four days, and Ashley is trying to figure out a way to get horses to Texas so the family can fly there. She doesn't want Rocksie, a fourth grade student at Wilbur Public School, to miss too much school. The semi-finals for the American will be held February 18-24. Tie-down roping is Feb. 18 and 21; barrel racing is Feb. 20; bull riding is Feb. 21. The first performance of the semi-finals is Feb. 22; the second is Feb. 23, and the semi-finals shoot-out is Feb. 24. The top ten, after the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, in the events of bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping, team roping, steer wrestling, and barrel racing, plus the top ten from the PBR World Finals, are invited to the American on Feb. 25; the remaining spots are filled with those who have won the semi-finals shoot-out on Feb. 24.? One million dollars is up for grabs amongst the qualifiers. Cowboys and cowgirls who are invited to the event (i.e., were in the top ten in the PRCA (for the barrel racers, the WPRA, and for the bull riders, the PBR standings for 2017) are not eligible for the million dollars. The million is won by the qualifiers, and if more than one qualifier wins an event, it is split between those who win it. Think of Mandalay Bay, and the words, "Thankful, charity, giving of ones self," are probably not top of mind.

After a gunman took the lives of 58 individuals during a country music concert in Las Vegas in September, some in rural America second-guessed their plans for traveling to the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. The hesitance was probably temporary, but now, as some rodeo fans are buying their tickets for the Thomas and Mack Center, they may not reserve rooms at Mandalay Bay. One woman decided she wouldn't be fearful, anxious or angry. Instead she would be helpful. She would be joyful, she would focus on those who need a hand up. And she would do it at Mandalay Bay. Cowboy Cachet and Artisans, Help Thy Neighbor, Cowboy Christian Connection, the Giving Back Foundation and many other people and entities plan to join forces to raise funds to help farmers and ranchers in need via the Roper Cowboy Marketplace at Mandalay Bay from Dec. 7–16, 2017. According to Colorado Springs, Colo., businesswoman Donna Evanoika, Cowboy Christian Connection is a nonprofit that established a fund called Help Thy Neighbor, in order to have funds at the ready when a farmer or a rancher is in need."In the ag community, we pull together when there is a natural disaster, the community comes to help. But we believe this is something that should be available all the time, we shouldn't wait for a disaster."Evanoika pointed out that federal programs like Federal Emergency Management Agency don't always respond to ag needs. Evanoika said there is a board that oversees the funds. Anyone can ask for help on the "I need … " tab on the website. The board reviews the applications and works with local churches to be sure the needs are legitimate. People can also ask for help for a neighbor. "Sometimes we know of someone who needs help but doesn't want to ask for it."Say someone's haystack burned down and they need immediate assistance. The applications are reviewed, if we've got material, we provide it, or finances, or whatever they need."There are also tabs online for folks to click on to donate or to request prayer."On the 'I have … ' tab, businesses or others can report extra materials they might have, a pallet of posts or anything like that, and we'll be sure it goes the right individual."



Evanoika hopes cowboy churches across the country will register with them, to help them carry out their mission. She said eventually the site will give those churches a place to advertise – for free – their own local events like camps, trail rides, etc. The churches can also register to provide prayer help. Both donations and requests for help will be kept confidential unless the individual gives permission to the organization to share names – so that thank yous can be shared appropriately. Evanoika said her goal is "to bring people, businesses and organizations together, to be able to give of oneself for the benefit of others, and in turn glorify Jesus Christ."The fellowshipping event gives opportunity and exposure to those not full-time in the industry, possibly holding jobs outside of their passion for the cowboy and western lifestyle. With the support of sponsors and partners the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame, Chamley Financial LLC, Cowboy Cachet and Artisans, High Plains Travel, Giving Back Foundation and Art of the Cowboy Makers the Roundup Stage will a place to hear cowboy poets and more during the WNFR.
"HeBrews" Cowboy Coffee will kick off each day 9:30-10:30 a.m. with cowboy devotions and fellowship. Rick Thompson and Derek Barton's popular "Talk Rodeo" will be center stage 11 a.m. to noon with pro rodeo cowboys and cowgirls being interviewed. Live entertainment by cowboy pickers, singers, songwriters, storytellers and poets will fill each hour on the stage, as visitors stop by to learn more about donating to Help Thy Neighbor and enjoy the variety show. Hopefully some great rodeo film will be shown when loud events from the other arena tend to drown out the musicians. Workshops and talented artisans will also entertain and wow.

Dec. 8: 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Bob Park will show onlookers how to draw western floral patterns.

Dec. 9: he will show how to tool leather.

Dec. 10: he will demonstrate leather antiquing, drying and finishing in the morning and then burnishing edges in the afternoon.

Dec. 11: he will present gun leather design and contruction.

Dec. 12: onlookers can learn to make a small leather notebook.

Dec. 13: learn to make a wallet cover.

Dec. 14-15: learn to carve, tool and scuplt orchids.

Ranch reared, Donna knew the challenges faced by ranchers, farmers, cowboys and families, as well as organizations and businesses from the far flung Great Plains and other corners of America, dreaming of attending a NFR. Evanoika has made it her business to help create affordable trips for rural folks, including to the NFR in Vegas. This year she's on a mission to "support rural America through hardship and celebration" with the Help Thy Neighbor fundraiser at Mandalay Bay.Participating artist Kim Harrington said, "I have a special spot in my heart for people who live off the land … the backbone of this country … literally feeding us, as well as much of the rest of the world. Rural America is, in my opinion, the last stronghold of traditional Christian values. When they suffer, we all suffer; and anything we can do to help them in time of trouble we should do gladly."A milk can will be available at the Mandalay Bay event to accept donations for the Help Thy Neighbor Fund. Additionally, some artisans will sell handmade items created right at the venue, with a portion of the proceeds going to the fund. Businesses or individuals can also donate to a silent online auction that will raise money for the fund. At the National Cutting Horse Association World Championship Futurity, which currently is underway in Fort Worth, fans are beginning to learn which horses to watch in the open division. The open division features mostly pro riders. A total of 612 horses were entered in the open division at the 2017 Futurity. The Futurity, which is the sport’s most prestigious show, features the industry’s most promising debuting 3-year-old horses. It’s the first jewel of the sport’s Triple Crown Series. The 2017 NCHA Futurity began Nov. 15 and runs through Dec. 10 at Will Rogers Memorial Coliseum. The open division winner will receive the coveted $200,000 prize on Dec. 10. At the 2017 Futurity, the open division second round concluded last Thursday. After the first two rounds, a field of 69 horses with a two-ride aggregate score of 432 or higher advanced to the Dec. 9 open semifinal. Austin Shepard, the 2007 NCHA Futurity open champion division rider, and a stallion named Dual Reyish, finished the first two rounds at the 2017 Futurity with the highest aggregate score en route to earning an open semifinal berth. The duo turned in a two-ride score of 442.5 (222.5 in the first round and 220 in the second round).

John Sanislow and Im Quintan Checks, a stallion, turned in the second-highest aggregate score after competing in Round 1 and Round 2. They turned in an aggregate score of 441.5 (221 and 220.5). Shepard, who is from Summerdale, Alabama, also advanced to the semifinal aboard CR Dualin Tuff after finishing the first two rounds with a 433.5 (217 and 216.5) aboard the stallion. Matt Gaines, the Futurity’s defending open-division champion rider who is from Weatherford, advanced to the semifinal. Gaines made the cut aboard Matallic Drifter with a two-ride score of 437 (218 and 219) atop the stallion. Gaines also advanced to the semis aboard Take It Eazee, a gelding. The duo turned in a 432.5 (216.5 and 216). But during the Dec. 9 semifinal, no previous scores will count as competitors attempt to advance to the Dec. 10 final round where they'll attempt to win the $200,000 prize. Shepard also has been competing in the Fort Worth-based NCHA World Finals, which is being conducted in conjunction with the NCHA Futurity. The World Finals consists of four performances in the open and non-pro divisions. The first two performances were conducted on Nov. 24 and 25 at WR Watt Arena. During the Nov. 24 performance, Shepard and a mare named Deluxe Checks tied for first in the first round with an unusually high score of 233 and earned $5,431. During the Nov. 25 performance, Shepard and Deluxe Checks won the second round with another 233 and earned $6,035. After the first two performances, Deluxe Checks and Shepard were ranked No. 1 in the 2017 open world title race with $134,666. A mare named Eazee E, which is ridden by Tatum Rice of Weatherford, were ranked No. 2 in the world standings with $109,081. Eazee E is owned by Kevin and Sydney Knight of Weatherford. Deluxe Checks is owned by Louisiana residents Amanda and Rhein Standish. The World Finals’ last two performances were scheduled for Nov. 30 and this Saturday. One of the sport’s top bulldogging horses will be missing in action at the 2017 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. Landrys Cadillac (Cadillac), the 2016 Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association/American Quarter Horse Association Steer Wrestling Horse of the Year, which is owned by Sterling Wallace, was injured during a practice run with Clayton Hass on Nov. 16. Hass, a three-time National Finals qualifier from Weatherford, was preparing Cadillac for the WNFR by running steers on him when Cadillac had a bad step at Hass’ practice pen. The fall pulled a piece of bone away from the tendon in Cadillac’s back left leg and chipped part of it off into the joint, Hass said. Cadillac is scheduled to go into surgery on Dec. 4 to remove the bone chip. From there, he’ll begin the rehabilitation process and is anticipated to return to the arena for the summer run. The 19-year-old horse has been the primary mount for Hass, Tyler Waguespack and Ty Erickson this season. Hass narrowly missed qualifying for the 2017 National Finals, placing 17th, but he was helping the horse stay fresh for the Dec. 7-16 National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas. Waguespack advanced to the 2017 NFR after finishing fourth in the 2017 regular season steer wrestling world standings, and had planned on riding Cadillac at the WNFR again. Last year, Waguespack clinched the PRCA’s steer wrestling title after Cadillac helped him earn $213,218 at the 2016 National Finals. With his first-choice mount out of commission, Waguespack is planning on riding the 2017 PRCA/AQHA Steer Wrestling Horse of the Year, Canted Plan (Scooter), at the WNFR. Erickson, who will enter the NFR ranked No. 1 in the PRCA’s 2017 steer wrestling world title race, also had planned to ride Cadillac, according to Waguespack.