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– Story and photo by John Moon, Seven Springs Photo

October 16-17 was a big weekend for cowboys and cowgirls of the IPRA Southeastern Region. This is one of the final stops for IPRA contestants as they wind down the year to earn their way to the world finals in Jan. That, combined with the fact that these are the top contestants of the year in the Southeastern Region always makes for an explosive rodeo.

 

The regional finals rodeo is produced by the staff of the QC Arena and was held for the third consecutive year in their covered arena. Quercus Cattle is known for its quarter horse breeding program as well as it 500-600 head of bred Angus cows to make its cow/calf operation successful. They also offer accommodations for large and small groups to provide a rustic setting for corporate meetings or family outings.

Veteran announcer David Sharp manned the microphone and kept the action flowing and the fans informed. Funnyman/Barrelman Dusty Myers kept the crowd laughing with his quick wit and comedy routines. Audio was provided by Rick Ward. Cowboy protection was provided by veteran bullfighters Bryan McElwee and Shane Esco. Southern Rodeo, run by Robin Brooks and Joe Don Griffin provided the livestock.

 

The stands were packed for both performances this weekend. The action inside the arena didn’t disappoint anyone.

 

The average winners for each event were as follows:

Bull Riding – Ross Burney

Team Roping Heeler – Caleb Anderson

Team Roping Header – Cory Kidd

Barrel Racing – Kindyl Scruggs

Breakaway Roping – Kyle Mathews

Tie Down Roping – Riley Williams

Steer Wrestling – Darell Tipton

Saddle Bronc – Ben Maytom

Bare Back – Trey Moore

Each of these received a buckle at the awards presentation.

A special award was given to Susan Pritchett for her commitment to the Southeastern Regional Finals and for bringing the professionals of the IPRA Rodeo to the community.

 

Many of the faithful sponsors returned as well as a few new ones. The corporate sponsor along with QC Arena and the IPRA was Chonic Ram in Griffin GA. Chute sponsors included these local businesses: Georgia Power, LaGrange Farm Supply, Big Red Oak Plantation Shooting Preserve, Covered Bridge Feed, Tinker Toy Transit and Riners Appliances.

Event sponsors included Hughston Clinic, Twin Cedars, McCoy Grading Inc, Line Creek Feed and Tack, Complete Truck Bodies, Kia, Cane Creek Metals, Roosevelt Institute and Speedway Ford.