Billings, Mont. – The annual National Team Roping (NTR) Cowboy Christmas spanned four days and three states with ropers competing for more than $375,00 in cash and prizes including two new Ram trucks, 36 trophy saddles and 34 trophy buckles. Events took place July 4-7 in Mormon Lake, Arizona, Rapid City, South Dakota and Hamilton, Texas.
Ryan Carlson of Britton, South Dakota, was the high point roper at the Central State Fairgrounds in Rapid City and drove home in the new Ram truck. Carlson topped the average in the #9.5 Truck Roping with Lane Severson and finished seventh in the average heading for Bill Gunville.
“I think this was the seventh truck roping I’ve entered,” Carlson said. “I’d pulled some checks before, but it never quite panned out. This time it finally did.”
A contractor by trade, Carlson was riding Plenty Blue Haze, a horse he bought last year for his 9-year-olddaughter, Kaylee, to run barrels on.
“My daughter gave me a hard time about winning it on Blue,” laughed Carlson who may have to keep it around until she can drive. “It was just a very memorable day and even better to share it with my wife, kids and parents all there.”
Triston Cody, Ganado, Arizona, was the winner of the Ram truck at Mormon Lake Lodge in Mormon Lake,Arizona. The 21-year-old header finished fourth in average of the #10.5 Truck Roping with Eulogio Mendoza and sixth in the average with Ty McCabe to secure the high point title.
The NTR is in its sixth year of operation and holds their National Finals each year at Rancho Rio in Wickenburg, Arizona. The 2020 NTR National Finals VI will take place March 2-7. For complete results and a current schedule of events visit nationalteamroping.com.
—-
About the NTR: With low entry fees and big payouts, the National Team Roping Tour has more than 6,000 members who compete in NTR-sanctioned events nationwide. For more information on the National Team Roping Tour or to become a member visit nationalteamroping.com. Follow us on facebook at facebook.com/nationalteamroping and on Instagram, search nationalteamroping.com
