Hello Ropers! Spring is finally here and for a lot of you the spring weather has come none too soon. We finished up another great NTR National Finals in Wickenburg, Arizona. The fifth annual event had a phenomenal turnout and awarded lots of cash and prizes to the winners. You'll find highlights from some of our biggest winners in this issue with continued coverage in consecutive issues.

Changes. New this year I have decided to age cap the #9.5 and #8.5 Megabucks qualifiers. You must be 21 years of age in the calendar year to rope. The #9.5 and #8.5 Finale ropings will also have a 21 and over age cap. The winning times in those ropings look fine, however the perception is that the youngsters make those novice ropings too tough. I can't argue that at this year’s Finals the younger ropers did very well. All other ropings will be open to all ages.

The Horse Sale at Rancho Rio continues to be the No. 1 team roping horse sale in the nation as the top 30 horses sold averaged $33,467. This year's sale surpassed the million dollar mark and we're excited for the future of the rope horse industry. Legendary auctioneer Steve Friskup gives some great insight into the sale and the overall horse market on page 48.

Consignments for the sixth annual sale will open October 1 and close December 1, 2019. Nomination forms will be available online at RanchoRioAZ.com.

Our summer schedule (adjacent) is our best line up yet.

Watch the NTR website (nationalteamroping.com) for any changes or additions. I look forward towards this coming season and hope to see you on the ropin' trail.