Written by: Jada Hamman

Written by: Shawnee Sagers

In December during the 2020 National Finals Rodeo (NFR), five determined individuals were recognized for their hard work all year long.  These individuals were the 2020 Resistol Rookies of the Year for the National Little Britches Rodeo Association (NLBRA).   The Resistol Rookie is the competitor in each age group that has the most points at the end of the year and has never competed in the NLBRA before.  Thanks to Resistol, Lane Howard, Brylee Hemphill, Kham Patterson, Rhea Fenner and Kash Woods had the opportunity to walk across the Rookie stage at Billy Bob’s Texas alongside the other distinguished cowboys and cowgirls that claimed the Resistol Rookie titles for the Pro Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) and the Womens Professions Rodeo Association (WPRA), as well as numerous rodeo legends like, Tuff Hedeman, Trevor Brazile, Joe Beaver and Sherry Cervi.

After the awards ceremony I was able to get a chance to chat with the Resistol Rookies from the NLBRA and get to know them just a little bit better, here’s what they had to say.

Lane Howard, the 20-year-old from Sheridan, IL won the Senior(Sr.) Boy Resistol Rookie title.  Howard along with his parents, Gerald and Brandy, host several NLBRA franchise rodeos at their home arena during the NLBRA rodeo season.  He said “having the rodeos at home and not having to travel was really nice, it was also a huge help in being able to continue having rodeos through COVID unlike other areas that had to cancel rodeos.”  In addition to winning the Resistol Rookie title Howard had other exciting memories at the 2020 NLBRA Finals as he also won the Sr. Boy All-Around Cowboy title and qualified to the Jr. Ironman where he will compete at the Lazy E in March.  Howard stated “this is the biggest thing in his life so far!”   When asked about his future plans, Howard will continue to rodeo in hopes of making the PRCA Great Lakes Circuit Finals.  Looking back at his experience during the Resistol Rookie awards in Texas he said “it was a great experience being surrounded by so many winners.”  As he continues his rodeo career he would like to take this moment to thank those that have gotten him this far including but not limited to the Franks Family and their support in horses, his family and everyone.

The Sr. Girl Resistol Rookie title was claimed by Brylee Hemphill, of Normangee, TX.  The 16-year-old cowgirl worked hard to earn points towards this title, stating that “it was very busy and exciting getting to go to all the rodeos and meeting new people.”  Though one of the biggest challenges throughout the year was “balancing grades, school activities and spending time with my friends while competing for my biggest title yet.”  Winning the Resistol Rookie title and “walking across the rookie stage was amazing, because I had never experienced anything like it before.  It felt like my hard work finally paid off!” As this accomplished and determined young lady continues with her rodeo career she is very excited to compete in the Junior American this coming March. 

Rhea Fenner walked away from the NLBRA Finals victorious as the Junior (Jr.) Girl Resistol Rookie of the Year.  The 10-year-old, from Lovelock, NV traveled many hours with her siblings and parents, Chand and Annmarie, to win this title.  Looking back Fenner remembers being welcomed to friendly people and open arms her first year in the NLBRA Family.  When asked about her experience in Texas, she said “being on stage was a little scary and not normal, she’s not good on stage and certainly not used to it.” Though this little cowgirl should start warming up to the spotlight, as she was not only visiting Fort Worth for the Resistol Rookie awards, but also to compete in the Jr. World Finals in the barrel racing and pole bending.  Fenner hopes that in the future she can claim an All-Around Cowgirl World title.

Kham Patterson claimed the Jr. Boy Resistol Rookie title.  The 13-year-old cowboy of Cleveland, OK said that “this win took a lot of heart and there was a lot of pressure.” He loved the experience, at Billy Bob’s, where he got to meet the legends he had watched on TV in person.  Patterson would like to extend a thank you to his family, his horse and God.  In future plans this tenacious cowboy hopes to win and All-Around Cowboy title and a Bull Riding World Championship, but “this Rookie title was extra special, not only is it something you can only win once, it was incredible to win it with my sister, Kash Woods.” 

​The Little Wrangler (LW) Resistol Rookie Title was also taken back to Cleveland, OK.  10-year-old, Kash Woods came out on top after a long year of rodeo.  The Rookie title wasn’t originally a goal of Woods, but when her brother was chasing the title she decided to try as well.  Kham and Kash’s parents, J.C.  and Alicia, hauled the siblings to many rodeos throughout the year.  Woods, mentioned it was a really tough title to win as she didn’t do so well in the beginning of the year, but it started getting better and finals was great or has her brother, Kham, puts it “she had lost hope but spanked them at finals.” For Woods being on the Resistol Rookie stage was overwhelming and she was very nervous but it is something she will remember forever.  She hopes that as she moves into the Jr. Girl age group her brother and her can claim the Ribbon Roping World title together.  Woods left me with extending a hand of thanks to her “parents for letting her go to all the rodeos.”

01/05/2021
Update from the National Office.
Attn all NLBRA members,
            As 2020 comes to an end we would like to take the time to thank you all for a very challenging year.  This year has brought un foreseen challenges that no one could have ever anticipated.  Viruses, storms, and very challenging economic times showed challenges to the rodeo world like never seen before.  However, you all supported the NLBRA and made it one of the best years yet, you continue to support your local franchise rodeos and your support has proven once again there are no better families than “Rodeo Families” and for that I would like to thank each and every one of you. 
The board continues to meet regularly to discuss ways to improve and make each finals a better experience than it was the year before.  They have decided to extend the National Finals out to 13 performances this year. Check in this year will be on Sunday July 4th by 3:00 pm with the mandatory contestant meeting being that evening at 6:00 pm.  Rodeo will start Monday morning and run two performances per day through Saturday and finish up on Sunday with the short go.  The hope is that this will allow our NLBRA Families to enjoy more time together, allow shorter performances so they won’t have to start so early in the morning and stay up so late in the evening, and take time to visit the local area and attractions.  Please note that all entries will be taken online this year for the NLBRA Finals so if you need help or have questions feel free to contact the National Office in advance to prepare for this.  The entries will open up in May and remain open for 30 days so continue to watch for updates.   
If you put a deposit down on your camp spot during the 2020 finals the deposits will be due no later than January 29th.  Remember that deposit is nonrefundable, if you have questions please contact the National Office prior to that date.  The regular camping and stalling will open up in March watch for more information to come available on that. 
For updates regarding camping and stalling release, upcoming rodeo schedules, current standings continue to check our website at www.nlbra.com or feel free to call the National Office at 719-389-0333 for any questions you have.  We look forward to hearing from you soon.
 
 
Annie
Executive Director NLBRA
awalter@nlbra.com
​

Written by: Annabella Chapman, 2021 LW Princess

If someone asked me last summer what being a rodeo queen is like, I would tell them it all
happens at the arena, but what I have learned this year is that Mama and I spend as much time
packing as we do at the rodeo!
And, who agrees? Sometimes you just have to tell Dad that it’s better to have it and not need it
than need it and not have it! Options! We need options!
This month, we have loaded the trailer with my Scott Thomas saddle and I traveled to L.B.
rodeos around my home state, Texas. I am goat untying and flags racing on my new horse, Jeri,
and we’re getting along just fine.
At the beginning of December, I packed up my favorite outfits and accessories, added a matching
mask, and took off to Arlington, TX to watch the Wrangler National Finals. My first NFR was
extra special because I watched the first ever National Finals Breakaway Roping!
During the day, we walked around Cowboy Christmas, Stetson Christmas, and the Stockyards. I
met with sponsors and thanked them for their help along the rodeo road. One day, we went to
Cavenders, and I was on a radio broadcast for Cinch, too!
At the rodeo performances I attended, we sold raffle tickets for the NLBRA Scholarship Fund,
and Wrangler gave us tickets to sit and watch the rodeo one night!
I couldn’t believe how many people I met that still had arena dirt on their boots after each round.
They’re rodeo legends in the making!
I’m very grateful NLBRA gave me this opportunity. It was a highlight of my year! We had a
wonderful time in Arlington, but we were also happy to pack up and head home. .
But, like the draw, sometimes things are in your favor and sometimes they aren’t. This month, I
also lost my Mimi. The NLBRA pageant in July was a special memory for my Mimi and me. She
never missed a rodeo. But now, my Mimi doesn’t just watch me ride. She rides with me. The
most important thing I’ll pack from now on are my memories, and I hope you will too.
What can you say about 2020? We counted our blessings. Let’s all dust off our hats, and in our
prayers, ask the Lord for a little luck. I tell Him we’ll do our best to handle the rest!

Written by: Shawnee Sagers

​The year 2020 had many of us down and put several things on hold for a lot of people.  That was not the case for 9 year old Izzy Coughlin, of St. George, UT.  This little cowgirl made her mark in the history books of rodeo in 2020, in July she took home the National Little Britches Rodeo Association (NLBRA) Little Wrangler (LW) World Champion Barrel Racing saddle, though that was just one of the titles she would claim in 2020.  Later in the year Coughlin made the trip from UT to Fort Worth, TX to compete in the Jr. World Finals in the historic Fort Worth Stockyards.  At the end of a long week she claimed the Jr. World Champion Barrel Racing title as well. 
Joining the NLBRA Family at the age of five, Coughlin has been a member ever since.  Just one short year later, at the age of six, Coughlin started getting a need for speed, it was on her mare Sunny that she learned to go fast and she hasn’t slowed down yet.  After leaning and growing with Sunny Coughlin stepped up to Joe Dynamite, the horse that helped her win two world titles in 2020.  She describes Joe as “an incredible teammate that she is so blessed to have.”   Coughlin describes her accomplishment as “a dream come true!  The competition was tough, but good ole’ Joe pulled through.”
Coughlin got her horse Joe, by chance.  He originally joined the Coughlin family for her 16 year old sister, Adi, who started focusing on soccer more than rodeo.  “Lucky me!” exclaimed Coughlin.  Her brother, Junior, doesn’t rodeo but is a huge supporter of hers when not on the football field. 
This coming year Coughlin looks forward to learning more about the sport of rodeo and toward having the chance to compete at the NLBRA Finals and the Jr. World Finals again in 2021.  In addition will be adding barrel racing futurities to her list as she is excited to compete on her Blazing Jetolena filly this year.
When Coughlin isn’t chasing the rodeo trail she stays very active training miniature horses.  When not on a horse, big or small, Coughlin enjoys snow skiing the UT slopes or relishing the waters of Lake Powell.  On top of all these accomplishments this little cowgirls speaks Chinese. 
Coughlin is certainly leaving her legacy in the sport of rodeo.  When asked what advice she could give to other competitors working towards their goals she said “Always be willing to learn or adjust and focus is key.  I try to always have my head in the game because I know my teammate does!”
 

12/17/2020
 
Update from the National Office. Attn all NLBRA members,

As 2020 comes to an end we would like to take the time to thank you all for a very challenging year. This year has brought un foreseen challenges that no one could have ever anticipated.  Viruses, storms, and very challenging economic times showed challenges to the rodeo world like never seen before.   However, you all supported the NLBRA and made it one of the best years yet, you continue to support your local franchise rodeos and your support has proven once again there are no better families than "Rodeo Families" and for that I would like to thank each and every one of you.
 
The board continues to meet regularly to discuss ways to improve and make each finals a better experience than it was the year before. They have decided to extend the National Finals out to 13 performances this year. Check in this year will be on Sunday July 4th by 3:00 pm with the mandatory contestant meeting being that evening at 6:00 pm. Rodeo will start Monday morning and run two performances per day through Saturday and finish up on Sunday with the short go.  The hope is that this will allow our NLBRA Families to enjoy more time together, allow shorter performances so they won't have to start so early in the morning and stay up so late in the evening, and take time to visit the local area and attractions.
 
We are currently taking applications for our personnel for the 2021 finals to include Judges, Timers, Announcers, and Stock Contractors. If you are interested in any of these positions please go to our website under the news and forms tab to get more information. The applications are due no later than January 11th 2021
 
If you put a deposit down on your camp spot during the 2020 finals the deposits will be due no later than January 29th.  Remember that deposit is nonrefundable, if you have questions please contact the National Office prior to that date.  The regular camping and stalling will open up in March watch for more information to come available on that.
 
The National Office will be closed from December 24th thru the New Year and will reopen the morning of the 4th• On behalf of the NLBRA I would like to wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
 
Annie
Executive Director NLBRA
awalter@nlbra.com

​2021 News/Forms (nlbra.com)

Photo Courtesy of Traci Davenport Photography

Written by: Dilynn Schafer

In September of 2019, Dilynn Schafer, at the age of 9, made the decision to join the Central Oklahoma Little Britches Rodeo Association as well as the National Little Britches Rodeo Association. She was a little overwhelmed at first being the youngest in her age division, but little did she know the growth that would come and the excitement and reward that would follow this decision. Dilynn qualified for her first national finals in 2 of her 3 events, Barrels and Poles. She also chose to enter the royalty competition and compete for the title of NLBRA Jr. Princess. Although Dilynn is no stranger to rodeo royalty contests, she has held several titles in Oklahoma including Rooster Days Rodeo Princess 2019, Drumright Round up Club Princess 2020 and Miss Rodeo Oklahoma Sweetheart 2018 and 2019, the NLBRA royalty pageant held many new areas of competition that provided a fun challenge. One of her favorite parts of the competition was the working cow horse portion of horsemanship. Dilynn had never done anything like this but with the help of a few local friends with some experience in the area, she quickly fell in love with this new event.
The week of competition in Guthrie was a lot of work but so much fun. Dilynn shined in several areas of the competition but also had some setbacks and disappointments so when it came time for coronation, she really had no idea which direction it would go and who would leave wearing the crown. When asked how she felt in that moment she said, “As I was standing in the middle of the lazy E arena, I was waiting for the announcer to call out who won the title of the 2021 NLBRA Princess. I had no idea who was going to win, but when I heard my name called out, I was so excited and knew this would be a great year!”
As we all have experienced together, 2020 has been a year for history books and things have been different but Dilynn and her family have been so grateful that rodeo has continued. In a world that seems unpredictable and unstable, rodeo has held our world together and allowed us to still have “normal” moments with our rodeo family! Being at rodeos almost every weekend since mid-August even has allowed us to forget how wearing masks, social distancing and canceled events has become the new normal.
When Dilynn was asked what her favorite activities and events so far during her reign have been she said, “It was so exciting getting to carry the American Flag for the very first time at a kid’s rodeo in Pawnee, Oklahoma. I have been able to carry the flag several times since then at multiple Little Britches Rodeos for the grand entry and National Anthem and it is still just as exciting to me as the first time. Another fun event I was asked to attend was the Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association Ranch Rodeo at the Lazy E. I carried sponsor flags between each event for 2 nights. It was a great event, and I was thrilled to participate and represent the NLBRA.”
Dilynn is currently gearing up for the National Finals Rodeo in Arlington, Texas. This and the American are 2 events that she has most been looking forward to since earning the title in July. With concerns of Covid still lingering, things will be very different this year but Dilynn is excited to be a part of this historical year of rodeo. There is so much to look forward to and Dilynn is excited and honored to be your 2021 National Little Britches Rodeo Association Jr. Princess! “I truly believe that Little Britches is where Legends Begin.....now let’s RODEO!!

​**For Immediate Release**
10/7/20
 
As times change and technology develops the NLBRA is changing as well.  With that being said the NLBRA has decided to bring the publication in house.  Committees and the Executive Board weighed their options and researched what was the best decision for the organization. 
The NLBRA will now be publishing articles on their publication website, www.readnlbra.com,  each week.  A hard copy of the publication will go out quarterly (every three months).  We hope that this transition will allow for the NLBRA to provide more content, unique stories on our sponsors and members, as well as, be more accessible to the NLBRA followers. 
We encourage you to read, comment and interact with our articles on the website and on social media.  The NLBRA excited to see where this new venture leads and hope that our NLBRA family enjoys it. 
If you feel that there is a story about an NLBRA member, family or franchise please feel free to reach out on our contact page of the publication.  Additionally, please let us know what contact you enjoy the most so we can be sure to keep our readers entertained.  

​In 1990, Lavonna “Shorty” Koger, started the legacy that is Shorty’s Caboy Hattery. Located in historic Stockyard City Shorty has been shaping, restoring and building custom hats. As a little girl competing in rodeos in the late 60’s and early 70’s Shorty said “she has always had a love for cowboy hats.”
In 1968 Shorty opened a western store where she taught herself how to shape hats. The shift from a western store to a hattery came from the encouragement of her brother after he sent their Fathers hat off to be restored and it unfortunately it came back ruined. That’s when Shorty started her search to learn more about the hat business. “Luckily, I found a man in Oklahoma City (OKC) that had a business like I was looking for and his name was also Shorty so it was meant to be.” She explained as she tells her story. Though the man already had a buyer for the business, the sale fell through and within minutes Shorty was the new owner.
Shorty states “I have been blessed to have been in business 30years this year. There is nothing more fulfilling than seeing a happy customer wearing one of my hats.” Shorty’s passion for hats and her business keeps her on the road as she attends approximately 90% of the shows they do, with each show feeling like a reunion and the joy of meeting new people. With that I asked Shorty who the most interesting person she has ever made a hat for was? Her response. “Everyone I make hat for is interesting and special to me.”
When Shorty learned the NLBRA National Finals was moving to Guthrie she knew she had to be involved. She describes the NLBRA as a “big family” with all the kids, parents and grandparents, having “Shorty’s Short Go” for her is a “great way to end the show.” Shorty gives all the glory to God, she loves the NLBRA and all the kids. And Shorty it is a safe to say the kids and the NLBRA love you right back. Thank you for your continued support.
To learn more about Shorty’s Caboy Hattery or to see their products visit them at shortyshattery.com or follow them on social media.