Provided photo

Tuf Cooper, Clif Cooper and Stran Smith traveled to Brazil to compete in one of the region's most prestigious calf ropings, the Jaguariuna Brasil. Tuf Cooper won the roping aboard his Brazilian mare, Victoria's Secret, and earned $4,500 for the win.

"It was a really tough roping," Cooper said. "A bunch of ropers put it on, and it's awesome down there. If I could live down there and still haul for a gold buckle, I would."

Smith placed fifth in the average, and Clif Cooper made it back to the short round against a slew of tough South American ropers.

Cooper and his parter have owned the mare he calls Gisele for a year and are working on getting her to the States so he can rodeo on her full time. "This was the first roping I took her to, and I guess you can say we're off to a good start."

Catch videos from the roping here:

PRCA members 21 years of age and older interested in applying can log on to the Pendleton Whisky website beginning Monday, May 20 at noon EST. Applicants must compete in at least two events consisting of one rough stock event and one timed event, and display Pendleton Whisky brand values including integrity and hard work. Applications will be accepted through Friday, September 20.Those selected to participate in the 2013 Pendleton Whisky Legendary Cowboy program will receive a $100 gas card and an official Pendleton Whisky Legendary Cowboy patch.

“Cowboys who compete at both ends of the arena today are rare, and we want to recognize those who are up to the challenge,” said Ron Dodge, Hood River Distillers president and CEO. “We are looking forward to the possibilities of this program and supporting those true, all-around cowboys.”

Pendleton Whisky, born of the rich tradition of one of the oldest and most prestigious rodeos in the world, was uniquely founded in history and heritage. The Pendleton Whisky Legendary Cowboy program was established to continue those rich traditions and heritage by identifying all-around cowboys to further promote the brand in the western lifestyle industry.

For more information, please visit www.pendletonwhisky.com. For more news from Pendleton Whisky, find them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PendletonWhisky.

About Pendleton Whisky

Pendleton^® Whisky is imported, bottled and marketed by Hood River Distillers of Hood River, Ore., and is available nationwide. The oak barrel-aged whisky uses glacier-fed spring water from Oregon’s Mt. Hood and is known for its uncommonly smooth taste and rich, complex flavor. Pendleton Whisky is the official spirit of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA), and the presenting sponsor of the All American ProRodeo Series, which includes 400-plus PRCA rodeos.

About Hood River Distillers

Founded in 1934 and headquartered in Hood River, Ore., Hood River Distillers is the Northwest’s largest and oldest importer, producer, bottler, and marketer of distilled spirits. Pendleton^® Whisky, 1910 Rye Whisky, Broker’s^® London Dry Gin, SinFire^™ Cinnamon Whisky, Yazi^® Ginger Vodka, ULLR^® Nordic Libation, HRD^® Vodka, Lucid^® Absinthe Supérieure, and the complete line of Monarch^® distilled spirits are just a few of the company’s brands distributed across the country. Hood River Distillers is a member of the Century Council and promotes responsible drinking habits. For more information, visit www.hrdspirits.com.

In the wake of the Moore, Okla., tragedy a decision needed to be made concerning a possible cancelation of the Guthrie qualifier this weekend, which includes the Heartland #13 Finale. After considerable internal discussion our unanimous decision was that the very best thing that World Series of Team Roping can do in the wake of this disaster is to turn the Heartland event into a Red Cross Benefit, with proceeds staying locally where they are needed. As a sport and as the roping family we have the ability and means to make a difference for the Oklahoma victims. The OKC area has been instrumental in the development of team roping in the United States, and this is the perfect opportunity for our group to give something back to this community.
The National Weather Service is predicting clear weather at the end of the week and over the weekend. This could be the most important roping of the year, and we hope you will make every effort to join us.

Powell Butte World Series Qualifier
Location: Brasada Ranch, Powell Butte, Ore.
2013 Dates: June 14-16
Contact: (406) 360-2225, wstroping.com
Format: Open, #15 and #13, #12, #11, #10, and #9 WS qualifiers, junior pick/draw
Fee: $250/run (Open pick/draw with 5-steer buy back in first round), $150/roper (#15, #13, #12, #11, #10, and #9), $100/roper (junior)
How Many Times Can You Enter? 2
Payout: $50,000 (Open alone), first year for WSTR qualifier
Prizes: Buckles, jackets
What Makes It Great? “Central Oregon in the summer is amazing. The location is actually an equestrian golf resort. They have a great pool. So the wives can come, and it’s like a little vacation spot. It’s like a getaway. And a lot of the top ropers in the world were here last year for the Open. We want to have a real top quality roping here. We’ve had a huge turnout for our Sunday afternoon ropings, and the World Series has been migrating up north a little bit, and we want to give the guys a chance to qualify for the World Series Finale here.” – Dean Tuftin

WestStar Summer Series
Location: WestStar Ranch, Ellensburg, Wash.
2013 Dates: June 1, 14 and 29, July 13 and 27, August 2 and 17
Contact: (509) 962-4144, weststarranch.com
Format: #5.5 handicap drawpot, #7.5 handicap drawpot, #7.5 handicap pick 1/draw 1 (ACTRA numbers)
Fee: 3 for $25 (5.5 and 7.5); 4 for $50 (7.5 pick/draw)
How Many Times Can You Enter? 5
Payout: $7,000 per roping
Prizes: Saddle pads and coats (nightly), engraved rifle, trophy crooked stirrups, pistol, cinch buckles, headstall, saddle pad, breast collar, wooden table, winter blanket, halter (series)
What Makes It Great? “People who come enjoy themselves, and a lot of times they bring friends with them. Beverages are free, and everyone just helps themselves. It’s more social, but that’s not to say they aren’t competitive. More people come and watch than other area ropings, and we’ve got great fresh cattle and great ground.” – Jo Repp

Big Loop Big Money Team Roping Tour Finals
Location: Brazos County Expo Complex Covered Arena, Bryan, Texas
2013 Dates: July 19-21
Contact: (713) 806-6012, philippranch.com
Format: Open, #15, #13, #12, #11, #10, #9, #8 (pick 1/draw 2 or draw 3), junior roping (one-end, ages 14 and under), Must have attended three of eight qualifiers to rope at the Finals
Fee: $150/roper (Open, #15, #13, #12, #11, #8), $100/man (#10), $50/roper (#9, junior roping)
How Many Times Can You Enter: 3 (Open, #15, #13, #12, #11), 5 (#9, junior roping), 2 (#8)
Payout: $230,000
Prizes: 14 Don Gonzales handmade trophy saddles, handmade boots, Yeti coolers, Sonny Silva trophy spurs, 80% payback
What Makes It Great? “The good thing about it is that you can go to three out of eight of our qualifiers throughout the year and get to go to a good finals locally. You can win $5,000 and prizes close to home, and all of our qualifiers give out buckles to average winners, too.” – John Philipp

Lone Star Cowboy Church Finals
Location: Lone Star Arena, Montgomery, Texas
2013 Dates: Aug. 30-Sept. 2
Contact: (936) 537-5739, lonestar.tv/arena
Format: #8 capped at a #4 pick/draw, #10 capped at a #6, #13 slide jackpot no cap
Fee: $125 (#8 and #10, pick 1 draw 4 or draw 5), $30/roper (#13 slide)
How Many Times Can You Enter? 2 (#8 and #10), 10 (#13)
Payout: $32,000
Prizes: Two-horse trailer, trophy saddles
What Makes It Great? “We want to get people through the door who haven’t maybe been to church in a while. We keep the fees low, and it’s just a great roping that feels like a social event. We have two warm-up arenas, and our arena is filled with volunteers who want to make it a great day. We’ve got professional-quality flaggers, secretaries, and ground, and always good cattle.” – Charlotte Casey

4th Annual Gunslinger Classic
Location: Middle Park Fairgrounds, Kremmling, Colo.
2013 Date: June 22
Contact: (970) 531-6876
Format: Open handicap draw, #12 straight-team
Fee: $30
How Many Times Can You Enter? 10 each side
Payout: $10,000
Prizes: Pistols
What Makes It Great? “Get out of the Colorado heat and come up to the mountains to rope. It’s on a Saturday during a window that you can hit some rodeos, too, when you come up.” ­– Shea Meeks

Mormon Lake World Series of Team Roping Qualifier
Location: Mormon Lake Lodge Arena, Mormon Lake, Ariz.
2013 Date: July 5-7
Contact: (928) 692-8465, fullerteamroping.com
Format: #14 and #10 Warm up, #13, #12, #11, #10, and #9 WS qualifiers, All-Girl, #8
Fee: $100/roper (#14 and #10 Warm up), $50 (All-Girl), $200 (#8)
How Many Times Can You Enter? 3 (#14 and #10 Warm up), 5 (All-Girl), 2 (WS Qualifiers)
Payout: $302,000
Prizes: Buckles
What Makes It Great? “Mormon Lake, AZ is an ideal place to rope in the summer because of it’s location. Mormon Lake is 30 minutes from Flagstaff, AZ in the cool pines, there is plenty of room for camping, there are cabins to rent, a great restaurant and bar, and it is a family friendly environment.” – Stacie Fuller

Fernley World Series of Team Roping Qualifier
Location: Fernley Fairgrounds, Fernley, Nevada
2013 Date: June 22
Contact: (408) 640-6026, wstroping.com
Format: #13, #12, #11, #10, #9 WS qualifiers
Format: #13, #12, #11, #10, #9 WS qualifiers
Fee: $150
How Many Times Can You Enter? 2
Payout: $153,768 (in 2012)
Prizes: Buckles and breast collars
What Makes It Great? “You get 80-percent payback on your money, and you get to qualify to rope for the big money in Las Vegas.” – David Brown

Longhorn Productions ProRodeo Hall of Fame Ropings
Location: ProRodeo Hall of Fame Arena, Colorado Springs, Colo.
2013 Dates: Kicks off May 19, June 2, 16 and 30, July 14 and 21, August 4 and 18, Finale Sept. 15
Contact: (480) 710-2103, lhpropings.com
Format: #13 handicap, #12 handicap, #10 with #8 incentive
Fee: $125/roper (#13), $30/roper (#12), $30/roper (#10)
How Many Times Can You Enter? 3 (#13), 5 (#12 and #10)
Payout: $17,000 per roping
Prizes: Saddles, buckles, spurs, Resistol Hats (year-end)
What Makes it Great? “The producers make the day a family event. They provide beverages to quench our thirst on hot sunny days. They always make sure there is something for the kids to do (stick horse race, egg toss, sack race, etc.) and every kid that participates gets a prize. They have a vendor on-site for food, drinks and ice cream. Ropers are happy with the cattle, and there is very little downtime in between ropings. It’s just a great atmosphere with tons of rodeo history with great people!” – Mary Adamczyk Hughett

National All Amateurs' Cowboy Christmas
Location: Rapid City, South Dakota
2013 Date: July 4-6
Contact: 520.251.1495; www.naateamroping.com
Format: Pick 1, Draw 2 or Draw 3 for $150
How Many Times Can You Enter? Two to three times
Payout: $160,000 in cash and prizes
Prizes: Saddles, buckles, Ford dually truck
What Makes It Great? “National All Amateurs already caters exclusively to 5 Elite-and-under ropers by providing great cattle, short scorelines and, most importantly, huge payoffs. The roping's called Cowboy Christmas because so much loot is up for grabs over three days. Think about it–Trevor Brazile has won more money during the PRCA’s Cowboy Christmas than any human–$39,993 in 2011. At the NAA Cowboy Christmas in Rapid City last year, 18-year-old Amelia McGuire earned $60,000 including a new truck. Merry Christmas, indeed!” – Ty Yost

If you're a camping enthusiast as well as a horse lover, overnight horse camping could be the perfect combination of your interests. If you're interest in events such as endurance riding or competitive trail riding, horse camping is often part of the experience.

No matter why you're hitching up and camping out, the key to having a good time is making sure that both you and your horse are prepared.

One of the ways to be prepared is to make lists.

"I have a camp list for horses and a people camp list that I use," says Bonnie Davis, consulting editor for The Trail Rider.

Horses
This is my basic camp list for horses. As I load an item in trailer or towing vehicle I check it off list. Before leaving, items are reviewed to make sure everything has been checked off and loaded! Add your own items too!

• Highline ropes
• Lead ropes
• Highline lead ropes
• Extra ropes
• Hammer
• Insect spray
• Bickmore
• Grain bags
• Rags
• Nails (various sizes)
• Saddles
• Saddle pads
• Gloves
• Water cans
• First-aid kit
• Bridle(s)
• Extra head stalls, reins
• Saddle bags
• Hay nets
• Knot eliminators
• Water tubs
• Pails
• Horse blankets (summer & winter)
• Manure rake
• Feed (weed free when required)
• Extra set of shoes
• Horse shoe nails
• EZ-boot
• Salt blocks (Mineral & plain)
• Broom
• Funnel
• Hooflex
• Spurs
• Halter(s)
• Extra halter Grain
• Horse’s medication
• Grain tubs
• Coffee can (for measuring)
• Baling wire or string
• Burlap bag(s)
• Hay hooks
• Tree savers
• Hoof cleaning tools
• Brushes Folding rake
• Duct tape Flashlight (extra batteries)
• Garbage bags Shovel
• Papers (ownership, vet, etc.)
• Leather sewing kit
• Water

Emergency road equipment-road flares or stands, spare tires for both trailer and towing vehicle checked to make sure they have air in them, jacks, lug wrenches to fit lug nuts on both trailer and towing vehicle tire nuts, chocks, large piece of canvas or folded lug tarp to put on ground when wet or snowy.

RESISTOL
The finely-woven, yet durable, 200X Sutter straw hat will be your best friend this summer (and many more to come). The vented crown, mesh lining, and genuine leather sweatband keep perspiration out of your eyes, no matter what your activity. The stitched-leather band and buckle set add a dressy final touch. Best for: Trail riding $139, 888-234-5450,
resistolhat.com

STETSON
Stetson has been crafting quality hats since 1865. The felt 6X Bar None, made with a blend of wild hare and rabbit, is ideal for cold-weather work and dress. Available in practical colors including blade, silverbelly, and black, it has a sharp self-band and silver buckle set. A tall crown and genuine leather sweatband with satin lining means your head won’t get overheated, whether you’re roping or dancing. Best for: Team roping $209, 888-234-5450, stetsonhat.com

CATALENA HATTERS
This handsome 10X Top Hand Crease in bone felt features a bound edge with matching band. Handmade and custom-shaped in Bryan, Texas, by the Catalena family, these hats are as authentic cowboy as you can get. The color makes this a great transitional dress-to-work hat. Best for: The All-Around $200, 800-976-7818, catalenahats.com

SUNBODY HATS
This versatile straw topper is named after Reata Brannaman, for the hat she wears in real life and in the movie about her father, Buck (2011). Shaped to her specifications and made of Guatemalan standard palm, it has a slightly flexible 4-inch brim that provides good coverage because of the dipped front. A slight back curve prevents it from being knocked off while you’re in the saddle or working; the telescoped 4-inch crown keeps things cool. Best for: Round-ups $53, 800-310-7093, sunbody.com

Casual Hats

CHARLIE 1 HORSE
Beloved by true cowgirls and celebrities alike, Charlie 1 Horse turns out original hats with authentic Western flair. Southern Girl is a straightforward silverbelly-dyed straw hat on the surface, accented by the iconic horseshoe brand logo, a tooled band, and shallow pinch-front crease. The underside, however, is gussied up with suede turquoise leather inlay overlapped by tooled leather. Best for: Beating out the boys $200, 972-494-0511, charlie1horse.com

GREELEY HAT WORKS
The edgy Felt Floral Tattoo is sure-‘nuff competitor-quality. It’s available in stone, with a black motif on the underside of the 4-inch brim, and a practical low crown. The final touch? A self-band with black and silver buckle set. Best for: Winning the World $400 and up, 888-367-2428, greeleyhatworks.com

AMERICAN HAT COMPANY
The straw 5050 has a catchy, two-tone herringbone-pattern that helped make it the brand’s bestseller of 2012. The vented crown provides airflow, and custom shaping allows you to further showcase your personal style (pictured: cowboy crease). Best for: Riding bulls $129, 817-625-6650, americanhat.net

ATWOOD HATS

Made with lightweight shantung, the two-tone, unisex Pendleton makes for a great summer-weight hat. A low crown, venting, two-cord band, and 4-inch brim keep you feeling and looking fresh, even in soaring temps.
Best for: Riding fences $80, 800-496-1086, atwoodhats.com

Dress Hats

AMERICAN HAT COMPANY
This custom-shaped, handmade 1000X felt hat is built to last. Made of specially blended Portuguese beaver and mink (color pictured: natural; also comes in black, silverbelly, silver sand, and pecan), this classic, dignified cowboy hat comes with a 4-inch brim finished with a 14K-gold buckle set on a self band. Best for: Living the legacy $2,500, 817-625-6650, americanhat.net

RESISTOL
The granite-hued and versatile 6X Powell is impressively fine-textured. It’s accented with a self band and silver buckle set, and the genuine leather sweatband and satin lining make for a cool, comfortable head…not that you won’t already be feeling your oats wearing this number. Best for: Date night dancing $219, 888-234-5450, resistolhat.com
 
D BAR J HAT COMPANY
This iconic Roy Rogers hat was hand-shaped by Master Hatter David Johnson in Las Vegas, Nevada. D Bar J specializes in historic hats and beloved classics, like this one in the Texas Torpedo style, with a double telescope gambler top crease. It’s available in 5X to 100X in custom colors and combinations (pictured: granite gray 10X blend with self band, gold and silver buckle set, and bound edge). Best for: Making an entrance $320 and up, 702-430-0681, dbarjhat.com

GREELEY HAT WORKS
This seriously stylish hat is handcrafted by Trent Johnson in Northern Colorado. Ultra-soft, yet sturdy, the Beaver20 in agave doesn’t show dirt and is versatile enough to use for work, dress, or performance. The low crown ensures a snug fit, while the wide, 4 1/2-inch brim is modern and practical. A self band with silver buckle makes for an understated yet classic finish. Best for: Looking like the boss $625, 888-367-2428, greeleyhatworks.com

The Association: The mission of the Western Dressage Association of America is to build an equine community that combines Western riding traditions with classical dressage. WDAA honors the horse, values and promotes the partnership between horse and rider, and celebrates the legacy of the American West.

The brainchild of Western trainers Eitan Beth-Halachmy and Jack Brainard, WDAA was founded in July 2010 through the vision of that pair as well as that of other well-known horsemen and horsewomen. WDAA currently has 600 members across the nation.

“It doesn’t sound like a lot, but just a year ago we had only 50 members,” says WDAA president Ellen DiBella. “We currently have seven state alliance partners, and there are 18 more in the forming process now.”

Riders: “It’s for everybody, really,” says DiBella. “We see new members who never want to compete, but want to learn Western dressage so that when they go trail riding, they have a more reliable horse. Or they compete in a different discipline, and know that dressage will make their horses more responsive and athletic for, say, barrel racing. Dressage works to improve anything else you do with your horse.”

The new discipline also gives Western riders who’ve been interested in the traditional sport of dressage—where horse and rider are judged individually and work their way gradually through well-defined levels—a way to try it out without changing gear.

“More than half the people in this country ride in a Western saddle,” DiBella observes. “Western dressage gives them a way to participate as they are.”

Horses: Any breed that can walk, trot, and canter is eligible to participate in the sport. According to the WDAA, this broad acceptance gives all horse owners “an incentive to enable their horses to benefit from the teaching of good training techniques.”

“Any horse will benefit from Western dressage because the focus is on building basic skills,” notes DiBella.

Tests: Currently there are six published tests—two that involve work at the walk/trot only, and four that include the walk, trot, and canter. Those tests were originally devised by the United States Equestrian Federation for Morgan horses. (The American Morgan Horse Association has sanctioned Western dressage for its members for the past several years.)

In 2013, WDAA will debut an entirely new set of rules and tests. The new tests will measure a horse and rider’s level of accomplishment based on the different levels of achievement; changes will enable gaited breeds to be accommodated as well.

Benefits: Riders learn correct horsemanship skills and horses become more responsive and athletic. “Because Western dressage is modeled after classical dressage, riders learn fundamentals that follow a perfect natural progression for the training of their horses,” says trainer Lynn Palm, four-time AQHA Superhorse rider and a longtime devotee of dressage. “The ultimate goal is to build a harmonious partnership between horse and rider, resulting in a willing, balanced horse that’s happy in his performance.”

Good to Try If: You like classes that involve patterns or challenges, such as Western horsemanship, Western riding, reining, or trail. “Also, if you’re seeking a really strong partnership with your horse—give it a try,” says DiBella.

Coaching Opportunities: WDAA is now involved with horseshow.com. “We use it as a way to coach riders,” DiBella explains. “Participants can upload videos to the site and have them critiqued by Western dressage coaches. It’s also a continuing education resource for coaches and riders.”

Learn More: info@westerndressageassociation.org; westerndressageassociation.org.

Barn names: Handsome and Sshamey.

What grabs us: This stallion only gets better with age--competing (and winning) against younger horses at 18 and having a Breyer figurine modeled after him at 21.

Owned by: Lisa Shover and Jerry Kackley, Scottsdale, Arizona.

Trained by: Chris Culbreth, Scottsdale.

Find out how to win a Breyer model of Sshameless++!

H&R: What's his personality like?

Lisa: He’s probably the most amazing horse I’ve ever been around, and not just because he’s mine. I met him five years ago, and he’s just got this amazing, expressive dark eye that just pulls people to him.

He’s just got this soulfulness about him. He can be very gentle and quiet, which he is 99 percent of the time. And then he can fire up when you show him in halter and be the epitome of what an Arabian stallion is.

I just showed him last May. Literally people from all over the show grounds heard him going in to the arena. He was digging through the dirt, throwing it over his back. He went in that ring like I’ve never seen him, and he beat the 4-year-olds. He was 20 at the time.

He just came off the Scottsdale show where his Breyer model was introduced, and in five days, he met 700 children one on one. He’s just got this incredible love of people. He has an affinity for those who’ve been troubled. I’ve seen it happen with adults and children. There’s just something about him that draws these folks to him. They walk away with a sense of peace.

I’ve been working with animals my whole life, and I’ve never seen a temperament like this. That’s what drew me to him. We weren’t looking for a stallion, let alone a horse. I just fell in love with him. He was next to one of my mares at the show barn. That’s how we met. I would just share carrots and apples with him. Then I started going in his stall and grooming him. My trainer, Chris, said you’re just going to be broken hearted—his owners are taking him home to sell him. My husband surprised me with him. He’s a magnet.

H&R: Does he do any events other than halter?

Lisa: We are the only team for the Arabians to ever win a performance national title (for Western pleasure) and a halter national title (stallion halter, amateur owner) at the same U.S. National competition.

He went polar opposites. He had to be really quiet and calm for Western and then he had to be bouncing off the walls for halter. He was competing against horses between three and 12 years old, he was then 18.

It’s interesting. The gentleman who was his handler for the U.S. Nationals as a 3-, 4-, and 5-year-old--when he got his first titles--was at the last Scottsdale show when I presented the American flag with him for the opening ceremonies, and he said, “That horse looks better than he ever looked in his life; I’d never believe he’s 21.”

H&R: What do you think makes him special?

Lisa: He had some bad history before us, and he loves having his family. He lives at home with us, which is very unique for a stallion that’s still breeding. When I first took him for his collection, I thought it was our true test: If he’d be able to deal with coming home. He’s just truly a gentleman.

It’s almost like a person who’s been through tough times and appreciates all the good around them. It’s a true appreciation for what he has. He loves being home. There’s an appreciation about him.

When people ask how I treat him, I say it’s with a level of respect. He responds to that. That’s what we do with all of our animals. My kids are four-legged, not two-legged. It’s just a blessing to have him in our lives. He returns that, too. It’s an appreciation about him and an affinity for or understanding about what isn’t so good. I think that’s what he recognizes about people who are troubled, because in some ways, he’s been there.

H&R: What is he like under saddle?

Lisa: Amazing! You can’t tell if you’re on the wrong lead--not that he takes it. He is so smooth. He’s a big horse for an Arabian stallion------he’s 16 hands, but he moves so softly. There’s just such a dignity about what he’s like under saddle.

When we carried the flag a the Scottsdale show, it was probably one of the biggest honors and most memorable moments of our year. He literally takes people’s breath away; you can hear them gasp. When he breaks through the gate, they stand. Someone said, “I don’t know if they’re standing for the flag or if they’re standing for Sshame.” It’s just a vision, and he’s so respectful.