DIVISION: NATIONAL 10 / EARNINGS: $16,400

McLeod

For the last four years Rocky McLeod, his wife, Rhonda, and their daughter, Shayle, have made the 27-hour trek from Kamloops, B.C., Canada, to Maricopa, Ariz., to enjoy the Sonoran Desert weather and the booming equestrian lifestyle. More importantly, they come to compete every chance they get.

The trio stays from November through March and like many snowbirds brings a slew of horses, this year hauling a total of 10.

Their herd included five barrel horses for the girls and five rope horses for McLeod and two buddies who joined their migration south — heelers Kelly Buhler and Kyle Bell.

“The horse I have been riding is actually my wife’s old barrel horse,” McLeod laughed. “We call him ‘Boots.’ He ran barrels for the first 10 years of his career and now he’s my go-to head horse.”

After qualifying for the National 10 with a heeler that was too young to advance to the Finale, McLeod intended to enter the draw.

“I was standing at the office and the guy in front of me was talking to the ladies about

wanting to maximize his number,” McLeod explained. “Then, I heard him ask if they could guarantee him a four header. I told him, ‘Hey, I can guarantee you a four plus header!’ That was that and we were entered up.”

That chance encounter and resulting partnership with Wade Baize paid off quite well when the team walked away with $16,400 and trophy Gist Buckles.

Baize

Growing up in the western industry has its perks and Wade Baize, of Anthony, N.M., is no stranger to the culture.

The Baize family owns Corriente Saddle Company—a business well known for their custom saddles and trophy awards—and being raised around the sport gave Wade a solid foundation.

“I get to talk to, and meet, a lot of great people and very talented ropers,” said Baize, who handles a lot of the marketing for the business. “We’ll sell a saddle to someone and the next thing you know you see them at a roping and that connection just helps you

meet more people. I always seem to know folks and have a partner wherever I go. I really like that part of my job.”

Given his massive network in the industry it was ironic that Baize found himself looking for a partner the morning of the National 10 Finale. Admittedly, it worked out better than he could have planned and he’s already added McLeod to his long list of future roping partners.

Baize came across his main mount, commonly known as Mr. Pibb, in a similar and unlikely chain of events.

“My brother was going to try a horse in Texas, and got rear-ended by a semi,” Baize explained. "It totaled his trailer but he still wanted to get to Stephenville to try this horse. I went and picked him up and the guy who was selling the horse put me on another horse to line steers, and that ended up being Mr. Pibb.”

Baize’s brother didn’t like the horse they originally went to try but they talked the seller into pricing the sorrel gelding despite the fact that he wasn’t for sale. The Baize boys took him home that night and three years later, Wade declares Mr. Pibb is by far the best horse he’s ever owned.