Top Twelve Teams Compete in the Farstad Oil Ranch Rodeo Finals at the NILE

Billings, MT–The Farstad Oil Ranch Rodeo Finals at the NILE is Saturday, October 13 at 7 p.m. in Billings, Montana. Twelve of the top teams beat out dozens of other teams in events this summer to make it here–to the Metra. Under the lights, instant replay on big screens, and the huge crowd.

A ranch rodeo is different than a prorodeo in several aspects. A ranch rodeo has all teams, there are no individual competitors. Teams are made up of four to five people. Teams are allowed to have a fifth person on their team, only if that one person rides broncs. Teams are made up of men, women, and sometimes kids.

The events are different too, instead of barrel racing, and steer wrestling, there is trailer loading, branding, doctoring, and wild cow milking. Both types of rodeos do have bronc riding, but in a ranch rodeo the riders use the same saddle they would use for a broke horse. Prorodeo bronc riders have special saddles that are specifically for bucking horses. The use of the night latch is permitted in ranch rodeos and outlawed in prorodeo. A night latch is a piece of rope or leather secured to the saddle that can be held on to making staying on the bronc easier.

Several of the teams that qualified this year have made it to the NILE in the past. Some teams are brand new to the NILE circuit. The Hamilton Ranch qualified twice and two new sanctioned ranch rodeos. Sand Springs Cattle Co., Cow Camp Supply, Bootheel 7 Livestock, Dragging Y Cattle Co., Broken Arrow Livestock, 4 3 Ranch, Reid Ranch, and Steppler Ranch have made an appearance at the NILE in recent years. In fact half of them were here last year.

The first place team wins approximately $3,200, buckles, products from Farstad Oil, and an invitation to go on further to the Western States Ranch Rodeo Association (WSRRA) Finals in Winnemucca, Nevada.

Besides the first place team there are other prestigious awards. The Top Hand award is for the cowboy or cowgirl that is the MVP. The contestant that is an essential hand and goes above and beyond to help their team. Secret judges in the crowd determine this award. The winner receives a custom saddle made by Connolly's Saddlery.

The Top Horse award is given to the rider who has an exceptional horse. This winner receives a special package from Big Sky Tack that includes: Five Star Saddle Pad, Water Bucket, Water Bucket Hanger, Hay Net, Fly Mask, Rope Halter, Lead Rope, Horse Treats, and Roping Reins. Check them out in the NILE Trading Post, booth #23.

Some days are harder than others, somethings just don't work out. That's why there's the Hard Luck team award. The team that ends up in last place gets a consolation prize because they're not a bad team, they just had tough luck on that day. This team receives beautiful, unique silk scarves from Wild Rags by Lois (check out booth #20).