Laura Pittman - Keeping Stories Alive

Queen of the Ring

A good queen is well-versed in many areas and shares her passions as a leader in the field. Whether it is dogs or horses, Emm Evaristo is proud to wear the crown.

Not yet 20 years old, Emm has traveled the country as an equestrian competitor, rodeo queen, mustang trainer, and dog handler/breeder.

Growing up, Emm loved watching the Westminster dog show. Her enthusiasm for the show led to her begging her mother to let her get a dog they could take through the ranks. Her mother bought into the dream with the condition that it would have to be a hunting dog for her dad’s sake. So, their search began, and they found themselves enamored with a UKC registered black and tan coonhound named Lulu.

Fiction God Letters Love Wildlife

The Heart Maker

He could visualize each creature, from the young girl who would soon be born in Seattle to the baby fawn about to be enveloped by the looming shadows of Carolina pines. Pale speckled eggs starting to crack, puppies’ noses’ twitching for the scent of their mother. Everything blossomed like springtime, but with international oversight it was far more than seasonal.

Purpose came with needs, and He loved to intertwine the two. For the hummingbird, every heart would need to beat over and over with a spirit of joyful solitude for those long solo trips across endless skies. The cheetah’s chest would need pacing to blaze across the savannah without tire, its pulse matching the pounding of its paws on the dry foliage beneath, both ground and body too silent to let loose the secret presence.

Catfishing Wildlife

The Face of a Fisherman

Scattered throughout the state of Oklahoma, in long forgotten rivers and lakes, massive catfish lurk beneath the surface. In addition to being genetic exceptions, most of these fish have one thing in common: they’ve met a man named Austin Brown.

Some were reluctant to accept the invitation, waiting until the middle of the night to taste the freshly prepared meal he left for them, and then fighting the whole way to his riverbank doorstep. Others came somewhat more willingly, running toward him before a last second panic and sudden thrashing.

Regardless, each enjoyed a fuller belly and an adventure with a good ending as they were released back into their home to further contribute to the gene pool and live out the end of their lives.

Artisan Photography Wildlife

The Glistening of Dark Eyes

Kyle Underwood has a few friends in the forest. Some are owls, some coyotes, and some are deer or insects. His talent for documenting the subtle glances and intricate behaviors of wild animals has turned into a storytelling business: Kyle Underwood Photography.

His photography is easily recognizable, his trademark darker tones a combination of editing and choosing to shoot on days where rain, fading daylight, or wintry weather prevail. Not only does this represent a part of his personality, but also reflects his desire for his photos to evoke emotion in their viewer and create a bond between the natural world and its observer.

Bareback Riding Bull Riding Horses United Rodeo Association (URA)

The Maverick of the Rodeo

Maverick Griffin stands out at a rodeo for far more than his leopard print chaps. A young man with great talent in both the bareback and bull riding events, rodeo is Maverick’s happy place.

His story has been riddled with rodeo from the start, attending his first rodeo at just 3 days old. His dad was competing, and the rodeo was not far from the hospital, so Maverick was introduced into the family tradition as the third generation.

Horses Rodeo Announcer

The Voice of the Rodeo

If you’ve ever listened to rodeo announcer Charlie McKellips, you’d think he was born announcing rodeos. His natural banter, enthusiasm, and passion for narrating the sport align perfectly with his chosen profession.

Bareback Riding Barrel Racing Breakaway Roping Bull Riding Events Horses PRCA Rodeo Queen Saddle Bronc Riding Steer Wrestling Team Roping Tie-Down Roping United Rodeo Association (URA)

The 60th Annual United Rodeo Association Finals

This past weekend, talented cowboys and cowgirls from around the country gathered in Topeka to compete and connect with old friends during the 60th annual United Rodeo Association (URA) Finals. With the support of businesses and individuals sponsoring events, the hospitality of the staff at the Stormont Vail Events Center, and the devoted attitude of its members, the weekend was full of high-quality stock and professional competition in a family friendly environment.

Country Singer Horses

Sterling Drake EP Highway 200

Sterling Drake captures a blend of old time, western, and outlaw music with “Highway 200” Nashville, TN — Drake releases his sophomore EP, Highway 200.

Drake’s lifestyle as a ranch hand shines through in his music, and he infuses his melodies with relatable lyrics, stating he wants to create music that you’d “want to listen to in the feed truck.”

A laid-back, reflective guy, Drake makes a point to tell the honest stories of the struggles facing American ranchers, while also providing stress relief in the form of new dance hall favorites and honkytonk tunes.

Horses Round Up Club

A Community Treasure

There are a series of lily-white poles connecting panels that stand in stark contrast to the red dirt of the arena that the rail encases. The chutes, corral, and side gates have held riders, parents and passionate spectators for years. They’ve served as the welcoming arms to weekend adventures, weeknight practices, and ongoing fellowship.

Breakaway Roping Clinician Horses Round Up Club Youth

Rodeo University: Fulfilling Breakaway Dreams

The Hereford Heaven Round-Up Club of Sulphur, Oklahoma recently hosted a special weekend event in their arena: Rodeo University. Led by breakaway roping competitor and teacher Chelsea Novosad, the weekend drew ladies ranging from 12 to 34 years old from several states and stages of roping experience.

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