Local cowboys win big in Houston

By Sam Waller

Four Shackelford County cowboys participated on the top two teams Saturday, March 8 at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo’s Youth Ranch Rodeo.

Gatlin Wills and Jack Nail were members of the Creighton Ranch team, which won the event for the second year in a row. Slayton Parsons and Riggyn Saunders were part of the Texas Cattle Exchange team, which claimed the reserve champion title.

Creighton Ranch received the top prize of $2,700 and buckles for each team member in addition to $1,000 added money for winning two events. Texas Cattle Exchange received $1,620 and trophy buckles.

Parsons also was awarded the Top Horse prize, receiving a headstall and reins.

The five-member teams competed in Trailer Loading, Doctoring, Shetland Bronc Riding and Milking. Creighton Ranch won Doctoring and Milking, earning $500 added money in each event.

Wills was the Creighton Ranch bronc rider, tying for third place with a score of 77, in addition to sorting in Trailer Loading. Nail heeled in the Team Doctoring, helping Creighton Ranch to the fastest time. Creighton Ranch recorded a time of 14 minutes, 41 seconds in winning Milking.