Troy Shelley—owner and operator of Shelley Productions—and crew are prepared to kick off the third Ariat World Series of Team Roping Mega-Qualifier in Decatur, Texas, from Dec. 9–Dec. 13 at the NRS Arena. Here are some insights on what ropers can expect:

Kaitlin Gustave: What can ropers expect when they show up to rope at the Ariat World Series of Team Roping Mega-Qualifier in Decatur?

Troy Shelley: Good cattle. They have the building there, and we’ve set up an outside arena, so if we get as many teams as I think we’re going to get, then we’re going to try and run two arenas. We’re going to try not to make it a marathon—let people get away and make it to the rodeo and do all the stuff that everyone wants to do.

KG: Do you have any expectations on team counts?

TS: I don’t know the answer to that. They have 300 stalls set up and they’re all sold out, which is telling me that it’s going to be pretty good. I think we’re going to be pretty good.

KG: What will the cattle look like? Are you using any of the cattle that were going to be used at the Ariat WSTR finale?

TS: Yes ma’am! We’re using the cattle that were going to be at the Ariat World Series of Team Roping Finale in the higher numbers. We have some lower-numbered cattle out there that we will use later on in the week. Bobby Joe (Hill) does a great job of getting cattle ready. We’re happy that we’re able to use some of his.

KG: Have you received any exciting feedback from ropers that are planning on attending the roping?

TS: It seems like everybody is just happy to have somewhere to go because everybody had time off and they’re ready to go rope. We’re going to do our best to give them a great event and hopefully let them win a lot of money.