Keeping Stories Alive
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
It’s often been said that we see glimpses of our truest self during our childhood. Our passions and dreams during these formative years are sometimes drowned out by the demands and voices of daily life in adulthood, but when we pause to reflect on what still sparks our inner light, we may discover it is the same thing that has been there all along.
Jessie Jarvis is devoted to honoring the western industry through preserving its past and offering new possibilities for its future. Founder of the unique job board Of The West, Jarvis and her husband Justin have been intertwined with the industry all of their lives in the unique intersection of ranch, rodeo, and stock shows.
If you’ve stopped scrolling through Facebook because a beautiful pair of spurs caught your eye, there is a good chance you were looking at a picture of Brian Strange’s work. Brian is a true artisan with a focus on metal smithing and producing spurs, buckles, and bits.
Tenaya Wilson is a horse trainer with a knack for discovering the hidden potential in horses that life has tossed aside. She and her husband own the aptly named Rough Diamond Ranch, which has become a home to several on her string while also providing the opportunity for a temporary training bond before others went on to their forever home.
