Breakaway Roper JJ Hampton Wins CEAT Rodeo Fan Vote Contest; Hope Thompson Comes in Second

CEAT Specialty Tires Increases Support of Rodeo

CEAT Specialty is again riding rodeo in 2024 to build brand awareness and sales with North American farmers and ranchers. This marks the company’s fifth year of sponsoring rodeo organizations and events across North America, including the company recently sponsoring a chuck wagon competitor at the Calgary Stampede and entertaining customers at “the world’s largest outdoor rodeo.”

The company, which markets a comprehensive line of Ag and OTR tires in North America, is again the Official Ag Tire of the WCRA (World Champion Rodeo Alliance), WRWC (Women’s Rodeo World Championship), NHSRA (National High School Rodeo Association, National Junior High Rodeo Association and the University of Kentucky rodeo team. The sponsorships include brand exposure on TV and social media, as well as branding at high-profile rodeo competitions. There are more than 40 million rodeo fans in North America.

A new component of the WCRA sponsorship this year is branding through the ABBI (American Bucking Bull Inc.). CEAT Specialty received significant exposure in a national broadcast by CBS-TV on the ABBI organization.

“Our long-term association with rodeo is paying significant dividends in terms of brand awareness with rodeo fans, many of whom are farmers and ranchers,” said CEAT Specialty Chief Executive Amit Tolani. “Rodeo fans are very passionate and loyal to the brands that support their sport, and we look forward to another great year of rodeo involvement.”

From Waurika, Oklahoma, the Sellers sisters live and breathe the world of rodeo. Charly Sellers, at 15, and Chaney Sellers, at 14, represent a new generation of riders dedicated to the ranching lifestyle and thrilling sport of rodeo. Born and raised in the saddle, each sister has embarked on their own rodeo journey filled passion, dedication and dreams in the arena.

CEAT Specialty Tires is proud to sponsor rodeo events across North America, including supporting outstanding young competitors like Charly and Chaney. Rodeo provides a great opportunity for CEAT to inform farmers and ranchers about its high-quality farm radial and bias tires and also inspiration by supporting a sport that so many folks are passionate about.

The Daily Juggle: Balancing School, Basketball and Rodeo

Charly’s and Chaney’s life is a real balancing act, where they navigate between the demands of school, basketball and their love of rodeo. In the morning before school, they tend to their horses, including feeding them BlueBonnet Energized for their daily boost. After school and basketball practice, Charly and Chaney return home to the stables, making sure their horses are cared for; then they prepare to do it all again the next day.

Meet the Sellers Sisters’ Horses

Of course, you cannot compete in rodeo without a horse, and both of the sisters have two of their own. Charly’s two four-legged partners in crime are Copper and Jordan. Copper, her 10-year-old breakaway horse, has been a part of her life since the age of five. Copper adds a playful element to their training sessions with his big personality. Her other horse, Jordan, is a 9-year-old barrel horse. Charly got him less than a year ago; he mirrors Copper’s antics and shares an equal love for people and attention.

Chaney’s partners in the arena are her remarkable horses, Burrito and Mojito. She has trained Burrito, her breakaway horse, over the years establishing a bond built on hard work and dedication. Chaney recently added Mojito, a barrel horse in the making. Mojito and Chaney are still finding their rhythm, but Chaney is determined to train Mojito to excel at barrel racing.

Friendships and Connections

For the Sellers sisters, rodeo isn’t just a sport—it’s a way of life that provides a support system and lifelong friendships made in the heat of competition. In the close-knit community of rodeo enthusiasts, they have found a group of friends that they can always count on, making every ride and every event a memorable experience.

Goals for this Year

Charly has set her sights on competing in breakaway roping and barrel racing. Her goal is to make it to nationals in breakaway roping. Despite facing a setback in barrel racing due to her horse’s temporary hiatus, Charly remains optimistic about getting back on track and leaving her mark in the arena.

Chaney is competing in barrels, breakaway, and ribbon roping this year. She has set her sights on making it to nationals competing in both ribbon roping and breakaway. With her determination, skill, and the support of her trusty horses, she is set up for success on the national stage.

A Family Legacy

Charly and Chaney come from a lineage of rodeo cowboys, with their grandfather, Buster Record, holding the title of Steer Roping World Champion. The legacy continues with her father, Jay Sellers, who once tripped steers but has now taken a step back to support his daughters in pursuing their passion. Their mother, Christy Sellers, spends countless hours helping with the animals and making sure everyone is ready to go. Their younger brother, Stony, is their biggest cheerleader.

With their dedication, dynamic duos of horses, and clear visions for national success, the Sellers sisters’ rodeo journeys are full of passion and promise. These young ladies from Waurika, and many other young rodeo competitors across America, inspire us all and make us feel good about the future of our great country.

As a sponsor of the WCRA (World Champions Rodeo Alliance), CEAT Specialty received great brand exposure at the recent WCRA Triple Crown event at the Lazy E Arena in Edmond, OK.

Exposure included:

• Brand logo signs throughout the spacious arena.
• CEAT Tire Roll pitting two contestants in a timed contest.
• CEAT sponsored Kiss Cam where couples in the stands are encouraged to kiss on the jumbotron screen
• CEAT TV commercials played multiple times on the jumbotron screen
• Multiple PA announcements mentioning CEAT as a sponsor

WCRA is a professional sport and entertainment entity, created to develop and advance the sport of rodeo by aligning all levels of competition.

The Triple Crown of Rodeo is a title for any athlete who wins three consecutive major WCRA events for an impressive $1 million dollar bonus.

As part of CEAT Specialty’s overall WCRA sponsorship, the brand is the title sponsor of the WCRA’s Division Youth competition. CEAT Specialty sponsors rodeo events across North America to leverage the popular sport for brand awareness with farmers and ranchers.

The nation’s top youth rodeo competitors are putting on a show! In Fort Worth’s Cowtown Coliseum recently, 12 youth rodeo athletes from around the country were crowned champions at the $55,000 WCRA CEAT Division Youth (DY) Showcase. Each champion took home a minimum of $2,000.

CEAT Specialty Tires has been supporting rodeo for four years now, and this year became the title sponsor of the WCRA Division Youth (DY) Series. The tire company is riding rodeo to promote its tractor and implement tires to America’s farmers and ranchers.

The 2023-24 series features four CEAT Specialty WCRA Division Youth Showcase events. The Cowtown event capped off the 2023 edition, with the next stop in Guthrie, OK, during the WCRA Stampede at The E.

At the Cowtown Coliseum, Mollie Jo Compton (Cleveland, Oklahoma) set the bar high for the pole-bending event, starting a day of lightning-fast runs. She found herself in a close competition with Rylie Edens (Hillsboro, Texas). Both ladies expertly navigated the course, but Compton’s time of 20.863 pushed her to the top of the leaderboard and made her the event champion. Edens came in second place, trailing Compton by a little less than two seconds, with a time of 22.366.

Kashton Ford (Sturgis, South Dakota) delivered the only 80.0+ performance in the  Bareback riding. The WCJR event champion found himself earning the highest-marked ride of the night, outscoring Payton Blackmon’s (Andrews, Texas) and Triston Flinn’s (Hico, Texas) 73.0 scores.

Sawyer Bell (Stamps, Arkansas) was unstoppable in steer wrestling. The No. 7 ranked athlete on the WCRA DY Leaderboard ran the only time under eight seconds, distancing himself from WCJR champion (Jasper, Texas) 8.09-second time.

A fiercely contested race in the goat tying began as 2023 WCJR (World Championship Junor Rodeo) All-Around Cowgirl Amy Ohrt (Victoria, Texas) and Tawni Kaye Shelton (Gonzales, Texas) tied for first place, both landing a remarkable 6.24-second time. Ohrt also captured the breakaway roping title, stopping the clock at 2.27, defeating Chloe Schoenberg’s 2.57 seconds.

 Jacob Stansbury (Santa Fe, Texas) stood out in the team roping. Bridger Ketcham (Yeso, New Mexico) and Stansbury delivered a 6.36-second run to win the top spot as one of only three team roping pairs to deliver a qualified run. Stansbury also earned the No. 2 spot after logging an 8.09 with Zane Starns at the heels.

As the Saturday matinee continued, Colt Bass (Statesville, North Carolina) and Jase Stout (Decatur, Texas) were the only riders who reached the required 8.0-seconds. Bass captured the event title and the accompanying $2,000 payday after an 81.5 score.

WCRA DY World Champion Kyan Wilhite (Clovis, New Mexico) was the undeniable star of the tie-down roping after earning another WCRA under his belt courtesy of his 9.02 time. Wilhite came ahead of Bryce Ehlinger (Manvel, Texas) who ran a 10.39.

As the event continued, a hotly contested race in the barrel racing began. Savannah Sanders (Willis Point, Texas) and Laynee Massey (Willis Point, Texas) finished the event edging each other’s times. Sanders navigated the course with ease sitting atop, BUGGING ME BABY, and ran the fastest time of the day with a 13.526-second time, edging out Massey’s 13.728-second time. Jesus Villa Jr. was the only bull rider to earn a qualified time. The Texas athlete went home with $2,000, courtesy of his 72-point score.

WCRA DY is a culmination of a leaderboard race of rodeo events worldwide. Athletes can qualify for July 2024 $200,000 Added Money World Championship Junior Rodeo at the Lazy E Arena by nominating their rodeo efforts and earning points for the WCRA DY leaderboard positions using the VRQ (Virtual Rodeo Qualifier). Athletes can nominate their rodeo efforts starting June 26, 2023, and have until Sunday, June 23, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. to nominate and earn points. The top 16 on the leaderboard will qualify for the event with no entry fees.

WCRA (World Champions Rodeo Alliance) will enter the 2023 Division Youth Series with a new title partner for the organization’s Division Youth Showcases events through a partnership with CEAT Specialty.

The 2023-24 WCRA Division Youth (DY) Series will feature CEAT Specialty WCRA Division Youth Showcase events in Guthrie, Oklahoma, Fort Worth, Texas, and Mill Spring, North Carolina. Each event will pay $55,000 and feature the top eight from the Junior DY Athletes (19 and under) in each discipline.

“This sponsorship of the new WCRA Division Youth Series builds on our support of young rodeo competitors,” said CEAT Specialty Chief Executive Amit Tolani, noting that the company has been sponsoring several individual junior rodeo competitors for several years.  “Our growing support of rodeo is part of CEAT Specialty’s overall commitment to improve the life and livelihood of American farmers and ranchers.”

CEAT Specialty entered the North American market five years ago. The quality of its tractor and implement tires, combined with a more than competitive acquisition price, is being appreciated more and more by farmers and ranchers.

At each event, athletes will battle it out in one round of competition for the $26,400 added money ($2,600 added per discipline), with each event champion taking home a minimum of $2,000.  The Showcase will crown champions in each of the 11 Junior disciplines: Bareback Riding, Steer Wrestling, Team Roping (Heading/Heeling), Saddle Bronc Riding, Tie-Down Roping, Ladies Pole Bending, Ladies Goat Tying, Ladies Breakaway Roping, Ladies Barrel Racing, and Bull Riding.

Payout is as follows per discipline:

WCRA Division Youth rodeo athletes recently rewrote the youth rodeo record books when the organization capped off their first WCRA Division Youth complete series as they wrapped up the dominant 2023 (World Championship Junior Rodeo) in Guthrie, Oklahoma. The youth world championship event shelled out more than $407,000- creating the richest youth rodeo in over two decades.

In early October, the first CEAT Specialty showcase event will occur at WCRA’s Rodeo Carolina in Mill Spring, North Carolina. Athletes can qualify by nominating any age-restricted youth rodeo and earning points for the WCRA Junior Leaderboard (DY24 Leaderboard) positions using the VRQ (Virtual Rodeo Qualifier). Each discipline’s top eight on the leaderboard will qualify for the event. Those who are eligible must pay a $300 entry fee (100% payback). Athletes can learn how to nominate and earn points HERE.

The showcase schedule and deadline are as follows:

*Subject to change

“While the main focus of the DY athletes is qualifying for the $200,000 added money World Championship Junior Rodeo, these are additional earning opportunities at WCRA Triple Crown of Rodeo events for the top eight on the Junior Division leaderboard,” said WCRA President Bobby Mote. “The points earned and money won at these showcase events will help propel these athletes to a world championship title at the WCJR.”

WCRA DY is a year-long leaderboard race of rodeo events worldwide, culminating at the World Championship Junior Rodeo (WCJR). The 2023 event will have over $200,000 in added money and will take place in Guthrie, OK at the Lazy E Arena the July 25-29, 2023. Athletes can qualify by nominating their rodeo efforts and earning points for the WCRA DY leaderboard positions using the VRQ (Virtual Rodeo Qualifier). Athletes can nominate their rodeo efforts until Sunday, June 25, 2023, at 11:59 p.m. to nominate and earn points. The top 16 on the leaderboard will qualify for the event with no entry fees.

About WCRA (World Champions Rodeo Alliance):

WCRA is a professional sport and entertainment entity, created to develop and advance the sport of rodeo by aligning all levels of competition. In association with the PBR, WCRA produces major rodeo events, developing additional opportunities for rodeo-industry competitors, stakeholders, and fans. To learn more, visit wcrarodeo.com.

By CEAT intern Hannah Loethen

CEAT Specialty Tires is increasing its support of rodeo, marking the company’s fourth year of sponsoring rodeo organizations and events across America. The sponsorships include brand exposure on TV and social media, as well as at high-profile rodeo competitions.

The company, which markets a comprehensive line of radial and bias Ag tires, is again the Official Ag Tire of the WRWC (Women’s Rodeo World Championship), WRCA (Working Ranch Cowboys Association), National High School Rodeo Association and the National Junior High Rodeo Association.

In addition, CEAT Specialty Tires is the title sponsor of a new division youth circuit in the WRWC, an extension of the company’s

sponsorship of individual rodeo youth competitors. CEAT Specialty Tires also sponsors individual rodeo competitors Chaney Sellers and Tyler Acree, in the National Junior High Rodeo Association, as well as Charly Sellers in the high school division. Chaney found success in the National Junior High Finals Rodeo this year earning a 6th place finish in Ribbon Roping. CEAT is also a proud sponsor of bull rider Ridge Disselkamp, a member of the University of Kentucky Rodeo Team. Ridge recently took 2nd place at the Double T in Glendale, Ky.

CEAT is also expanding its rodeo support into Canada by sponsoring multiple chuckwagons in the Rangeland Derby during the Calgary Stampede, which is known as “The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.” The popular Rangeland Derby is one of the most prestigious of all chuckwagon races in North America with the highest prize money.

There are more than six million loyal rodeo fans in the US and Canada. “Connecting our brand with rodeo continues to make perfect sense for us,” said CEAT Specialty Chief Executive Amit Tolani. “Rodeo fans are very passionate about the sport and the brands that support it. A significant portion of them own ranches and farms, so it is a great opportunity to discuss CEAT’s mission to offer high quality tires at a better value to America’s farmers and ranchers.”

By CEAT intern Hannah Loethen

The rodeo world is full of tough and talented athletes who spend countless hours perfecting their craft. The best of the best competed recently in the National Junior High Finals Rodeo in Perry, GA, and CEAT-sponsored Chaney Sellers performed exceptionally well – an impressive 6th place finish in Ribbon Roping.

Chaney and her horse, Burrito, practiced every single day in preparation for the national competition. Right when she got home from school, the young athlete headed straight to the barn and practiced for hours. This practice came into play when Chaney competed in 20 rodeos in Oklahoma to earn enough points to qualify for the National Junior High Rodeo Finals. It was with her 3rd place finish in Oklahoma’s state rodeo competition that secured her spot at the nationals.

Success in rodeo is not new to the Sellers family. Chaney’s father, Jay, was a former professional steer roper in the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and older sister Charly competes successfully at the high school level. Jay has enjoyed helping both his girls hone their rodeo skills. Jay, along with the rest of the Sellers family, drove 15 hours from their home in Waurika, Oklahoma, to Perry to support Chaney in the National Junior High Finals Rodeo.

“We are super proud of her,” exclaimed Chaney’s mother, Christy. “Very proud of her consistency and toughness throughout the year to get there.”

Ribbon Roping in NJHFR is a mixed event (one boy and one girl team). Chaney’s partner, Cactus Cain (what a great name for a cowboy!), was the roper mounted on horseback and Chaney (the runner) was on foot. After the calf was roped by Cactus, Chaney ran to the calf and deftly took the ribbon from the calf’s tail. Chaney then dashed back to the designated finish line with ribbon in hand. Sounds pretty difficult eh? It is!

Chaney’s 6th place finish in Ribbon Roping at the national level  is a true testament to her skill, dedication, and hard work as a rodeo athlete. Her example serves as an inspiration to all those looking to excel in the rodeo arena.

CEAT Specialty Tires is proud to support Chaney and the NJHFR organization as a whole. With their hard work and dedication, these young folks make us feel good about the future of America! Congratulations Chaney on your impressive accomplishment!

Guest blog post by CEAT intern Hannah Loethen

Tyler Acree has done it again! He’s claimed his spot to compete calf roping at the National Junior High School Rodeo on June 18-24 in Perry, GA. However, it has not been an easy journey for Tyler.

Tyler faced and overcame some serious challenges this rodeo season. One being having to compete with an injured foot. As a result of breaking a bone in his foot, Tyler had to compete wearing a walking boot.   “I was told that I might not be able to compete at state while wearing a walking boot. Although I was stressed out, i stayed consistent at the Missouri State Junior High Rodeo both days and earned second place,” the young cowboy said.

Adjusting to competing on a different horse was another challenge. Tyler’s  horse this year has been a big change from his pony, Rocket, from last year. “Unlike competing with Rocket, this horse teaches me all the ins and outs of the sport,” Tyler says.

Although it has been a challenge to adjust to a bigger and stronger horse, Tyler and his new horse are now preparing to compete at the National Junior High School Rodeo.

As Tyler trains and prepares to compete for the nationals, he’s focusing a lot on the mental side of things. “A lot of it is really mental . . . A lot of it!  A lot of people get really worked up because the announcer is talking crazy and he’s always saying that you need to beat this time and you have to be so fast. But it’s really not that. You just got to take your shot that you have right there,” stated Tyler. His plan of action for the Georgia event is stay “composed and consistent.” Click here for brief video of Tyler.

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“I would like to thank my sponsor CEAT because without them I wouldn’t have had all of these great opportunities that they have made possible. I would not be here without CEAT.”

– Tyler Acree

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Tyler’s resilience and determination are inspiring. CEAT Specialty Tires cannot wait to cheer him on at the National Junior High School Rodeo.

CEAT Specialty Tires is a proud sponsor of rodeo. We have met so many nice, hardworking families in this sport over the past three years.

We are especially proud to sponsor junior competitors, the future of the sport, and are thrilled to welcome sisters Charly and Chaney Sellers of Waurika, OK, to the CEAT team.

The Sellers girls, daughters of Jay and Christy Sellers, have been riding horses for most of their young lives and are very dedicated to the sport.

Charly is a high school freshman. She runs barrels, ties goats and is in breakaway. Like so many junior rodeo competitors, she excels in many areas. Charly plays basketball, is active in FFA, and serves on the livestock judging team. Despite all these activities, she’s also on the academic honor roll.

Her rodeo accomplishments include:

• 2020 Junior High National Qualifier, barrel racing
• 2020 Top 15, OKJRHSRA goat tying
• 2021 Top 15, OKJRHSRA, ribbon roping, goats, barrel racing
• 2021 BBR World Finals Youth barrel champion
• 2022 Top 15, OKJRHSRA, goat tying, ribbon roping, breakaway

Chaney is a 7th grader. She runs barrels, ties goats, competes in breakaway and does ribbon roping. She is a middle school cheerleader, plays basketball, is on the livestock judging team in 4-H, and is on the academic honor roll like her sister.

Chaney’s rodeo achievements include: 2019 MRCA Reserve All-around champion, 2019 MRCA goat tying champion and 2021 OKJHSRA Top 15 in goat tying.

CEAT Specialty Tires is the “Official Ag Tire Sponsor and Exclusive Category Event and Broadcast Partner” of the World Champions Rodeo Alliance (WCRA), Women’s Rodeo World Championship (WRWC) and the National High School Rodeo Association (NHSRA).

“I come from a farming family, so I know that equipment buying decisions including farm tires are not taken lightly,” said Ryan Loethen, president of CEAT Specialty Tires. “The wrong decision on tires can really set you back, and on the flip side, having the right tires for the equipment and operating conditions can significantly contribute to profitability. With these sponsorships, CEAT hopes to connect with the farmers and ranchers that comprise the backbone of the rodeo community and help them make the right decisions when it comes to their tire needs.

Loethen added, “We are especially pleased to sponsor outstanding young competitors like Charly and Chaney Sellers who represent everything great about this great sport!”

Guest post by CEAT intern Hannah Loethen

Beautiful ball gowns, rhinestone boots, and sparkly cowboy hats are just a small part of the National High School Rodeo Association Queen Contest. Washington’s queen, Madison Stoddard, told us how she prepared and got involved in the queen contest.

Madison is the High School Rodeo Queen for the state of Washington. Madison is 16 years old and got involved in the National High School Rodeo Association this past year. “It has been a great experience for myself and I have met plenty of really nice people,” stated Madison.

Along with the queen contest, Madison competes in barrels and poles, and she hopes to start doing breakaway this coming year. She also has competed in many jackpots and barrel races around the world.

When Madison started high school rodeo this past year, one of her mentors, Christy Gray, talked to all of the girls about having some people step up to compete in the queens contest in state finals. “I thought it would be a great opportunity and I always wanted to run for queen,” recalled Madison. “Since I started, I have met tons of great people and I have gotten more involved in my high school rodeo in Washington.”

After Madison won the Miss Washington title, she only had three weeks to prepare for nationals. In those three weeks, she and her mother had to get multiple outfits together which required them to get really creative. “We had to dye boots and pants, and find outfits that fit in that short time,” Madison recalled. “Although we were crunched for time, we had a lot of fun finding colors that look good on me and what colors I like to wear best. I also had a lot of fun writing my speech.”

In the queen contest, each contestant has to deliver a two-minute speech. Madison’s speech was about her great grandpa and how she started riding at only three years old. She started out riding her great grandpa‘s old ranch horse named Copper. “My speech went on to talk about how I rode the little devil pony named Elvis at the farm that no one could touch,” she said. “My great grandpa taught me some great words of wisdom . . . if I could ride the pony that no one else could ride, then I could ride anything. From then on, those words became the motto for my life.”

One memory that has stuck with Madison is when her doctors told her that she could indeed ride horses. “I struggle with focal complex seizures and when I was told I could ride I went for it,” exclaimed Madison. “And from there I started learning how to ride horses and started training my current barrel horse.” Madison’s barrel horse is her “best friend” and she has taught him everything he knows.

“The NHSRA experience has really helped my confidence. Everyone is at a different level, especially in barrel racing,” stated Madsion. “All these girls have very fast horses and it doesn’t matter how fast your horse can go, it matters how well you run your pattern.”

Madison’s biggest goal is to make it to the NFR. With her being in the NHSRA and barrel racing alongside these girls, it has taught her that the competitiveness is intense.

“A huge part of a rodeo queen’s job is to do grand entries. Grand entries show all of our sponsor flag. I would like to say a huge thank you to CEAT for their sponsorship,” concluded Madison.

CEAT Specialty Tires began sponsoring rodeo three years ago to promote its farm tractor tires to farmers and ranchers across America. The tire company, which has been in North America for five years now, is the “Official Ag Tire Sponsor and Exclusive Category Event and Broadcast Partner” of the World Champions Rodeo Alliance (WCRA), Women’s Rodeo World Championship (WRWC) and the National High School Rodeo Association (NHSRA).

At the early age of three, Tyler Acree was strapped on a pony and rode for hours. “I would ride until I fell asleep on the pony, and I would never ride without my sippy cup,” Tyler recalled.

Today, Tyler and his pony Rocket are turning heads in junior high school rodeo competition and CEAT Specialty Tires is thrilled to be along for the ride. In fact, CEAT is sponsoring the young man, as well as various rodeo associations such as the Women’s Rodeo World Championship (WRWC) and National High School and Junior High School Rodeo. The company is using rodeo to spread the word to farmers and ranchers that its farm tractor tires are technologically advanced and affordably priced.

Tyler and Rocket competed in the National Junior High School Rodeo on June 19-25 in Perry, Georgia.  I asked him some questions about his life competing in rodeos. 

Tyler and Rocket have a strong bond and can calm each other’s nerves before every competition. “Rocket is the main reason why I’m here, he gets me in the best spot,” stated Tyler. Rocket was also loved by everyone at the rodeo. People were coming up left and right telling Tyler that Rocket is the cutest pony they have ever seen. Not only is Rocket a cute pony, but he also has a funny personality. “Rocket will annoy me by trying to get me to give him treats, but he knows I won’t give in,” laughed Tyler. 

Tyler and Rocket have created such a strong bond by training together every day. The affable pony learns best from consistency and repetition, according to Tyler. They will practice the events over and over again until Rocket has the utmost confidence. “He does a lot for his age,” Tyler said. “He is only 6 years old and with training horses you normally start at 10 years old, but I have kept training and training him and here we are.”

Tyler started off in sheep riding and did well, but discovered that it wasn’t his thing. He then did a little trick riding and still does from time to time, but rodeo is his passion.  

Tyler has made many achievements in his career. When he was seven years old, he went to the YBR World Finals for sheep

riding. After that he went to the National Junior High Rodeo finals for bare back and earned 30th place. Next, he went to the

North American Trick Riding Championship and won the competition. Then he earned 4th in Missouri’s state competition for breakaway and 3rd in goat tying. “Hopefully one day I’m going to win the World Championship, but you never know,” he noted.

Being a part of the Missouri Junior High Rodeo Association has played a huge role in Tyler’s life. “It has taught me how to control my emotions when I rodeo and realize that it is not the end of the world if I don’t place how I want to. If you want to be good at something, you really have to work hard at it. Practice makes perfect,” Tyler observed.

As Tyler gets older he aims to be a part of the Missouri High School Rodeo Association and then go to college to become a vet. Another path he is considering is to become a full time professional rodeo competitor. 

In closing Tyler stated, “I would like to thank my sponsor CEAT because without them I wouldn’t be able to compete in the NJHFR and I wouldn’t be able to enter as many competitions as I have. I just can’t thank CEAT enough.”  

 Tyler’s hard work and determination is inspiring. CEAT Specialty Tires, which makes hard working farm tires for hard working farmers and ranchers, cannot wait to see what he accomplishes next!

We’ve all heard of the saying “this ain’t my first rodeo,” but I actually did experience my first rodeo recently. I was in Fort Worth, Texas, at the Women’s Rodeo World Championship which was sponsored by CEAT Specialty Tires. I was in awe watching these women professionals compete.

I did not know exactly what to expect. The only thing I knew was that there were going to be people riding horses and trying to rope calves. What I did not know was how fun the atmosphere is around the rodeo and how impressive the competitors and horses are.

The Events

Three events took place at the Women’s Rodeo World Championship in Fort Worth. One of the events was barrel racing; I had not heard of that before. There were three barrels, and the competitor and their horse had to ride in a cloverleaf pattern around the barrels as fast as they could. The way that they took the turns so tight around each barrel was so impressive — they made it look so effortless!

The other two events at the Fort Worth competition were breakaway roping and team roping. These two were a lot of fun to watch because I don’t think I have ever been more impressed watching a sporting event. In breakaway roping, the competitor and their horse wait in a box next to a chute that has a calf inside. Once the calf is released from the chute, the competitor and their horse charge out of the box and try to rope the calf’s neck as fast as possible. Some of the competitors at the Women’s Rodeo World Championship roped the calf in only two seconds! It blew my mind how these competitors were able to ride a horse, focus on the calf, and rope the calf’s neck all at one time.

Team roping is just like breakaway roping, except there are two competitors going at once. The first competitor is trying to rope the front of the calf, while the second competitor is trying to rope the hind feet of the calf. I can easily say team roping was my favorite event because it requires so much coordination from both competitors to rope the same calf. Not only are they trying to rope the calf with accuracy, but they are also racing against the clock.

The People

Throughout the rodeo, you are surrounded by some of the nicest people you will ever meet. I don’t think there was a single person that was not as friendly as can be.

Overall, I have a new appreciation for rodeo. Before I attended this rodeo, I did not realize how much skill it takes to be able to do these events. In any other sport, your number one priority is yourself, then your team; however, in rodeos, your number one priority is your horse, then yourself. I can confidently say that this will not be my last rodeo!

With rodeo’s deep roots in America’s agriculture and ranching history, CEAT Specialty Tires is sponsoring rodeo events across the US again this year to build awareness of CEAT as the Ag tire choice for farms and ranches of all sizes.

The tire company, which has been in North America for five years now, is the “Official Ag Tire Sponsor and Exclusive Category Event and Broadcast Partner” of the World Champions Rodeo Alliance (WCRA), Women’s Rodeo World Championship (WRWC) and the National High School Rodeo Association (NHSRA).

“I come from a farming family, so I know that equipment buying decisions including tires, are not taken lightly,” said Ryan Loethen, president of CEAT Specialty Tires. “The wrong decision on tires can really set you back, and on the flip side, having the right tires for the equipment and operating conditions can significantly contribute to profitability. With these sponsorships, CEAT hopes to connect with the farmers and ranchers that comprise the backbone of the rodeo community and help them make the right decisions when it comes to their tire needs.”

The sponsorships entail branding on the organizations’ digital assets, national TV coverage and significant exposure at seven rodeo events in 2022:

• WCRA Triple Crown Rodeo in Corpus Christi, TX
• WRWC Finals in Fort Worth, TX
• NHRSA Junior High Finals in Perry, GA
• NHRSA High School Finals in Gillette, WY
• Days of 47 Cowboy Games and Rodeo in Salt Lake City, UT
• WRWC Finals in Las Vegas
• The Cowboy Channel Cowboy Christmas in Las Vegas
• WCRA Cowtown Christmas Championship in Fort Worth, TX

About CEAT

CEAT was established in 1924 in Turin, Italy. Today, it is one of India’s leading tire manufacturers, and CEAT tires are sold in more than 115 countries worldwide.

The brand came to India in 1958, and later became part of the RPG Group. RPG is among the top business houses in India, with a group turnover of $3 billion.

In the specialty segment, CEAT manufactures farm, mining and earthmover, industrial, and construction equipment tires, as well as special application off road tires. The CEAT Specialty Tires office in Charlotte, NC, was opened in 2017.

The first-ever WCRA Rodeo Fan Vote Contest by CEAT Specialty Tires is in the books. Breakway roper JJ Hampton collected the most votes in the online Facebook/Instagram contest, and breakaway roper Hope Thompson came in 2nd place. CEAT is sponsoring rodeo to promote its farm tractor tires and implement tires to North American farmers and ranchers.

Hampton will receive $1,000 and Thompson $500 from CEAT, a 90-year-old company that entered the North American Ag tire market four years ago.

Hampton, a two-time National Finals Breakaway Roping qualifier and 17-time WPRA champion, grew up competing in junior rodeos in barrel racing, goat tying and breakaway roping. She dropped barrel racing by the time she was in 5th or 6th grade to concentrate on roping. She finished 7th in the world in breakaway roping in 2020. Her awards include: Tarleton’s Rodeo Hall of Fame inductee, 2014; member of Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame, Texas Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Fame and the Cowboy Capital of Texas Walk of Fame; and had the WPRA Breakaway Roping Horse of the Year Sara Rey Lynx, 1996 & 1998.

Thompson, a four-time world champion in breakaway roping, had an outstanding 2021 season. She tied for second at Dickinson (ND) ProRodeo Breakaway Roping and finished second at Rapid City (SD) ProRodeo Breakaway Roping. Also:
• Tied for third at Burley (ID) ProRodeo Breakaway Roping
• Tied for third at Mobridge (SD) ProRodeo Breakaway Roping
• Won the Charlie 1 Horse All-Girl Challenge Team Roping during the Bob Feist Roping in Guthrie, OK, with partner Whitney DeSalvo.

In July, CEAT announced a three-year partnership with the World Champions Rodeo Alliance (WCRA), wherein CEAT was designated the “Official Ag Tire Sponsor and Exclusive Category Event and Broadcast Partner.”

With this sponsorship, CEAT hopes to connect with the farmers and ranchers that comprise the backbone of the rodeo community and help them make better decisions when it comes to their farm tractor tire needs.

“I come from a farming family, so I know that equipment buying decisions including tractor tires, are not taken lightly,” said Ryan Loethen, president of CEAT Specialty Tires. “The wrong decision on farm tractor tires can really set you back, and on the flip side, having the right tires for the equipment and operating conditions can significantly contribute to profitability.”

Loethen continued, “We definitely want to contribute to the profitability of ranchers by offering them high quality farm tires at affordable prices.”

An exciting WCRA season is wrapping up on Dec. 15-18 with the Cowtown Christmas Championship Rodeo in Fort Worth, as is the CEAT Fan Favorite online contest.

Top voter getter will receive a $1,000 cash prize, and second place finisher gets $500. All voters will be entered into a random drawing for $100.

At the present, breakaway roper JJ Hampton is in first place, and breakaway roper Hope Thompson is in second.

In July, CEAT announced a three-year partnership with the World Champions Rodeo Alliance (WCRA), wherein CEAT was designated the “Official Ag Tire Sponsor and Exclusive Category Event and Broadcast Partner.”

With this sponsorship, CEAT hopes to connect with the farmers and ranchers that comprise the backbone of the rodeo community and help them make better decisions when it comes to their tire needs.

“I come from a farming family, so I know that equipment buying decisions including tires, are not taken lightly,” said Ryan Loethen, president of CEAT Specialty Tires. “The wrong decision on tires can really set you back, and on the flip side, having the right tires for the equipment and operating conditions can significantly contribute to profitability.”

Loethen continued, “We definitely want to contribute to the profitability of ranchers by offering them high quality tires at affordable prices.”

With rodeo’s deep roots in America’s agriculture and ranching history, it’s no surprise CEAT Specialty Tires is tapping into the rodeo community to educate people about how to save money by investing in the right tires.

In July, CEAT announced a three-year partnership with the World Champions Rodeo Alliance (WCRA),

wherein CEAT was designated the “Official Ag Tire Sponsor and Exclusive Category Event and Broadcast Partner.”

CEAT will also sponsor the upcoming (Oct. 26-29) Women’s Rodeo World Championship (WRWC) in Las Vegas. This event, with a very impressive purse, is being put on by the WCRA and Professional Bull Riders (PBR). CEAT is also sponsoring the National High School Rodeo Association (NHRSA) and the Indian National Finals Rodeo (INFR).

The tire company is currently running an online Fan Favorite Contest with cash prizes for the top two vote getters.

With these sponsorships, CEAT hopes to connect with the farmers and ranchers that comprise the backbone of the rodeo community and help them make better decisions when it comes to their tire needs.

“I come from a farming family, so I know that equipment buying decisions including tires, are not taken lightly,” said Ryan Loethen, president of CEAT Specialty Tires. “The wrong decision on tires can really set you back, and on the flip side, having the right tires for the equipment and operating conditions can significantly contribute to profitability.”

Loethen continued, “We definitely want to contribute to the profitability of ranchers by offering them high quality tires at affordable prices.”

They are some of the most loyal fans anywhere. That’s rodeo!

CEAT Specialty Tires has launched a Fan Vote Contest on Facebook focusing on athletes competing in the WCRA (World Champions Rodeo Alliance). The tire company, which entered the North American market five years ago, is the official Ag tire sponsor of the WCRA (wcrarodeo.com), a professional sport and entertainment entity that produces major rodeo events across America. The sponsorship is for three years.

The contest runs through Nov. 30, 2021. The competitor with the most fan votes will receive $1,000 from CEAT and 2nd place competitor gets $500. In addition, monthly random drawings are being held for the voters with a $100 winner each month.

CEAT is also sponsoring:

• WRWC (Women’s Rodeo World Championship), a first-of-its-kind event open to any female athlete in the world competing in breakaway roping, barrel racing and team roping. This year’s competition, organized by the WCRA and PBR (Professional Bull Riders), will be held Nov. 1-6 in Las Vegas in conjunction with the PBR World Finals.
• The National High School Rodeo Association, the world’s largest youth western equine association founded in 1949.
• The INFR, an organization devoted to enhancing and keeping Indian professional rodeo alive.

“Rodeo is such a natural fit for CEAT,” said Amit Tolani, Chief Executive- CEAT Specialty. “A large percentage of rodeo fans are farmers and ranchers. We were also drawn to the competitors themselves- young men and women who compete in rodeo at all levels.”

Get your cowboy (and cowgirl) on! CEAT Specialty Tires is sponsoring youth and professional rodeo competitions across America.

“It’s a natural fit for CEAT,” says Ryan Loethen, President of CEAT Specialty Tires North America. “We offer a comprehensive line-up of hardworking Ag radial and bias tires for getting the ranch jobs done. And speaking of ‘hardworking,’ we are extremely impressed with the work ethic and dedication rodeo competitors put into their sport.”

Case in point is CEAT-sponsored Tyler Acree of Missouri. Tyler first started riding horses at three years old after his mother safety strapped him to the saddle of his pony Hanna. Tyler had a smile from ear to ear that day and his emergence into the world of rodeo and other equestrian events began with his mother Valerie serving as his primary coach and mentor.

Tyler started mutton busting that year and by the age of five had earned the nickname “sticky iceman” for his resolve to stay on the sheep as they ran. Tyler’s grit proved itself early when he won the Missouri – Kansas (MO-KAN) mutton busting championship and was sent to Amarillo, TX, to compete at the mutton busting world finals.

As Tyler grew out of mutton busting, he and Valerie searched for their next rodeo competition. They found Pony Broncs, and Tyler excelled in this as well, eventually winning several buckles and qualifying for the Jr. National Finals in Pony Broncs in 2016.

Tyler began trick riding with Jenny Gatrel in 2017. Jenny taught Tyler how to compete in this dangerous sport and once again Tyler excelled. He performed across Missouri, in South Dakota at the Black Hills Stock Show and eventually in Oklahoma where he won the North American Trick Riding Championship 2018.

Tyler’s knowledge of horsemanship continues to grow as he has attended various clinics such as the Double Dan Reining clinic. Tyler is also taking lessons from Whitney Kincade for reining, along with calf roping lessons twice a week with Gene Crouse, who is the father of two national calf roping champions.

Through the years, Tyler has worked and trained several horses and ponies, including one set of ponies for a girl with special needs. These ponies were prone to kick and were dangerous for a young blind girl. When Tyler was done working with the set of ponies the desire to kick was gone and the ponies were safe for the young girl.

Tyler’s most trustworthy ponies are Painty, a bombproof 25 year old roping horse that has been in the family since he was bought off a ranch in South Dakota as a colt and Rocket, a 5-year-old pony cross that has trained to compete in trick riding and calf roping.

Tyler, who trains and competes most of the year, has maintained good grades and was his school’s alternate in the county spelling bee.

CEAT salutes Tyler for his hard work and awesome cowboy skills, as well as his parents George and Valerie for their outstanding support. Keep your eye out for Tyler as he continues to develop as a great young man and cowboy! Please join our Facebook and Instagram pages so you can keep up with Tyler’s exploits and our many other rodeo activities.