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By Judy Weeks

IMMOKALEE — The Immokalee Seminole Youth and Livestock Ranch (ISY&LR) geared up April 16–17 for a roping clinic at the John Jimmie Memorial Arena. The emphasis both days was on Tribal youth.

ISY&LR Director Benny Motlow enlisted the professional services of Tom Bourne of Chapel Hill, Tenn. Bourne was the 1989 International Pro Rodeo Association Champion heeler and qualified for the National Finals Rodeo in 1996. He is currently following the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) circuit in the Southeastern U.S., and teaching seminars.

Bourne’s heading partner is Ross Lowry of Summerville, Ga. He is a past PRCA All Around winner and Professional Cowboy Association Team Roping champion. Most recently Lowry took second place at the George Strait International. He is also touring on the PRCA circuit.

This roping duo conducts seminars for all ages, but admits to enjoying teaching kids the most.

“Although they have short attention spans, they are like molding new clay,” Lowry said. “Most children are either beginners or young enough to accept instruction and attempt to correct their problems. Adults, on the other hand, have usually adopted a set routine and developed long standing habits which are hard to break.”

The clinic kicked off Saturday morning with an introduction to basic roping fundamentals. Starting with ground work, they introduced beginners to the rope and cow’s head. Some of the youth have already been attending classes at the ranch on Saturday mornings and required evaluation to determine their roping levels.

By mid-morning they progressed to the Heel-O-Matic, where they practiced learning how to control their rope on a moving object. Before lunch, the boys and girls had an opportunity to work not only with the life-size mechanical steer but also Heel-O-Matics smaller version referred to as “the goat.” Both are designed for still use, but can be pulled behind the gator or other motorized vehicles.

Saturday evening, Motlow opened the arena to the public for a Three Head Round Robin and a One Head Average roping. It was a fun night for everyone, with some of the students from the seminar not only participating but placing among the winners.

Sunday’s activities followed a similar schedule and by 10 a.m. the group was already working on livestock. Bourne and Lowry spent a great deal of time on individual instruction and helping the youth develop their roping techniques. Emphasis was placed on correct positioning and controlling the horses.

After a strenuous morning of lessons, the students and their teachers assembled on the concession stand porch for a cowboy church service. Big Cypress resident Josh Jumper led the group in an opening prayer before teaching a short meaningful Sunday School lesson.

After dinner, it was back to the arena for practice, practice and more practice. By the time the weekend was over, both young and old had benefited from their experiences.

The youngest member of the group, three-year-old K.J. Davis had so much fun that he spent Saturday evening at home trying to throw a rope around a bucket. He got mad when they made him quit because it was getting dark. His brother, Kenny Joe Jr., was catching on the dummies and had a blast riding his new horse.

Although Andre Jumper has been roping for a year or so, he picked up a lot of good tips for improvement. His younger brother, Blevyns Jumper, roped from horseback for the first time this weekend.

Cody and Chad Motlow, Randy Osceola and Taylor Fulton Osceola have been taking lessons at the Youth Ranch on Saturdays. This clinic brought a vast improvement for each of them. Cody worked on his skills and plans to team up with Andre Jumper for their team roping debut in Eastern Indian Rodeo Association at the Cinco de Mayo Rodeo in a few weeks.

Chad Motlow and Taylor Fulton Osceola not only put in some long, successful hours on the dummies, but really enjoyed catching the Heel-O-Matic Steer. Jessica Osceola had shown no interest in roping until she surprised everyone by picking up a rope and the next thing you know she was catching the dummy.

Another success story is Randy Osceola. He has practiced on the ground a lot but never wanted to try a horse. Not only did he end the weekend riding, but was backing the horse into the heading box and trailing cows. Way to go Randy!

ISY&LR Secretary Jaime Yzaguirre came by to check on the progress.

“I am so proud of these children,” she said. “A short time ago, they couldn’t even hold a rope and look at them running down the arena after cows. They are a hard-working, determined little group and certainly are becoming role models for the community.”

Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end and this clinic was no exception. Bourne and Lowry gathered everyone on the porch and asked them individually what they had learned. Without coaching, the children responded quickly and made some very insightful comments.