Local ranch team tops Western Heritage rodeo
By Sandy Morris
Several Albany residents competed at the 36th annual Western Heritage Classic in Abilene earlier this month after last year’s event was cancelled due to COVID concerns.
Ranch Rodeo
Matthews/Nail Ranch of Albany won first place in the Ranch Rodeo division. The team previously won the same title in 2019.
Green Land & Cattle Company took second place in the contest.
Fiddlers Contest
Shackelford County was well represented in the WHC Fiddlers Contest on Saturday, May 8.
Robbin Westmoreland placed first in the 31-59 years of age division.
Sidney Bartee won first place in the 13-30 years of age division.
In the 12 years and under division, Charli Trail of Albany earned third, Romie Henshaw of Moran placed fourth, Connor Smith of Albany won fifth, and Olena Hinshaw of Moran rounded out the category taking sixth place.
Youth Rodeo
The Haney Cannon Stick Horse Rodeo and Steer Dummy Roping also was held on Saturday, May 8.
Clancy Burton competed in several events in the ages three to four division.
Burton won third in barrels, first in bronc riding, and first in the boot race.
Tres Bezner earned second place in bronc riding in the same division as Burton.
Parade
The WHC parade marched through downtown Abilene on Thursday, May 6.
Fort Griffin Living History took top honors in the Open Division.
Former Fandangle cast member David Beard placed third in the Buggies and Carts category.
Rodeo Championship
1. Matthews/Nail Ranch, 2. Green Land & Cattle Company.
Calf Branding – Green Land & Cattle Company
Team Doctoring – Matthews/Nail Ranch
Wild Cow Milking – Matthews/Nail Ranch
Bronc Riding – Matthews/Nail Ranch
Fiddlers Contest
31-59 years – 1. Robbin Westmoreland.
13-30 years – 1. Sidney Bartee.
12 years and under – 3. Charli Trail, 4. Romie Henshaw, 5. Connor Smith, 6. Olena Hinshaw.
Youth Rodeo
Barrels, 3-4 years – 3. Clancy Burton.
Bronc Riding, 3-4 years – 1. Clancy Burton, 2. Tres Bezner.
Boot Race, 3-4 years – 1. Clancy Burton.
Parade Results
Open Division – 1. Fort Griffin Living History. Buggies & Carts – 3. David Beard.
