Happy, Texas, is a very small town in west Texas, south of Amarillo. That’s where Wes and younger brother Wyatt, grew up and caught the calf-roping bug. In the beginning, without cattle, the boys would sit on their horses in the yard and rope the dummy.
Once they got calves, the boys tracked them around the arena and started entering Junior Rodeos and play days. During the summer Wes and Wyatt would spend a week with their brother-in-law, Josh Tim, who was instrumental in their training.
“Everywhere we went in Happy, people would help us and give us pointers,” says Wes. “We were constantly picking people’s brains on technique and things we could do get our horses to work better.”
During his early high school Wes started spending time with Johnny Johnson, a local calf horse trainer, where his horsemanship made vast improvements.
“We would show up and he would put us on his horses. I might ride a horse once and never get on him again,” explains Wes. “He would mount us whenever we needed. He helped us a lot and gave us a chance to practice. “
“Riding so many different horses has helped my confidence. If I show up at a rodeo, it doesn’t bother me to ride someone else’s horse, even if I’ve never been on him. Last fall my horse got crippled the day before a college rodeo. I got on roommate’s horse, that I’d never ridden, and placed.”
Wes, 21, is currently working on his Accounting degree at Tarleton University in Stephenville, Texas, with plans to pursue a Masters degree in the same field.
Wes received an Associates Degree from Weatherford College where he was part of the rodeo team. Wes gives credit to rodeo coach, Johnny Emmons, for helping him with his roping.
“I wanted to go to school in the Stephenville area to experience the challenging competition. There are so many good cowboys in this area, even the amateur rodeos are pretty tough.”
When not in school, Wes works at Fast Back Ropes in Granbury, doing everything from tying knots, sewing burners, to working in the office. Wes enjoys competing at amateur rodeos in Texas and plans to get his PRCA permit in the next year or so.
COWBOY Q&A
How much do you practice?
When I’m home, usually every day.
Do you make your own horses?
I finished the horse I’m riding now.
Who were your roping (rodeo) heroes?
Tyson Durfey and Scott Kormos.
Who do you respect most in the world?
My brother, Wyatt.
Who has been the biggest influence in your life?
My parents. They’ve taught me to work hard and appreciate what I have.
If you had a day off what would you like to do?
Take a day trip. There’s lots to see in Texas.
Favorite movie?
Dallas Buyers Club.
How would you describe yourself in three words?
Hardworking, dedicated, student of the game.
What makes you happy?
Going to a rodeo.
What makes you angry?
Bad drivers.
If you were given 1 million dollars, how would you spend it?
Buy a place and invest the rest.
What is your worst quality – your best?
My best quality is I’m pretty easy going; my worst quality is sometimes I’m too hard on myself.
Where do you see yourself in ten years?
Working as an accountant and going to pro rodeos.
