The ranch sorting at RodeoHouston was a smashing success, with all the cash, prizes, and good times associated with a Cinch RSNC event. The Gold Shootout classes rewarded precision and speed with combined payouts over $11,000.
Cinch #13 Gold Shootout
The Texas team of Tommy Roberson and Danie Teltow claimed top honors in the RodeoHouston Cinch #13 Gold Shootout when the team rode out with an impressive time of 158.39 seconds on 30 head in three rounds, earning them $6,086 in prize money.
Teltow, of Waelder, was mounted on her red mare, Smooth Lil Gal, affectionately named “Fluffy” by Teltow’s daughter.
“Tommy and I were ninth going out into the top 10. So, we were in a good position to see what we needed to win it,” Teltow said.
“Before we went in, 29 head was winning, so we needed a fast 9- or 10-head run to clutch it. The cows wanted to play nice and we ended up with 10 head to win it. We knew riding out that we couldn’t be caught so we celebrated as we rode out of the pen.”
Roberson, who producers ranch sortings with his wife, Laura, under the banner of TR Performance Horses, is no stranger to the winners circle. He’s been sorting for years. And the Robersons have built a wildly successful training business alongside their producer outfit that attracts people from across the world to ride for the TR brand.
Roberson and Teltow rode to the top of the Cinch #13 Gold Shootout in Houston, for $6,086. Cinch RSNC/Lesli L. Gay
“We’re leasing horses to folks from Brazil for the World Finals” Roberson said, noting that he has multiple clients from South America who will be coming to ride in Fort Worth. For Teltow, Roberson’s experience and stewardship of the sport is part of what makes him such a valuable partner. “I ride with Tommy a lot, and winning with him is always special,” she said. “I’m grateful for every ride.”
Professional’s Choice #9 Gold Shootout
Allentown, New Jersey’s Nelson Mas partnered with return champion Olivia Parks to dominate the RodeoHouston Professional’s Choice #9 Gold Shootout. The East Coast team took home the win with a total time of 150.48 seconds on 26 head across three rounds, netting them a check for $5,966. Parks shared insights into their winning strategy, crediting their success to a strategic approach and favorable draw.
“Nelson and I got really lucky with a good draw. The 2 [cow] was bad, and we drew the 1, so that was a huge advantage to us,” she explained. “Our plan was really to just go in and ride smart.”
Parks rode One Catty Badger, aka “Bethanee,” a 10-year-old mare sired by Catty Hawk, out of a Reys Dual Badger mare. The mare is owned by Florida’s Aubree Coker. Under saddle for Mas was comeback star Cattlinlilreycat—his 9-year-old gelding by Bet Hesa Cat out of TR Oubles Reyd by TR Dual Rey—known widely as “The Freak.”
Mas and Parks took home the win at the RodeoHouston Professional’s Choice #9 Gold Shootout for a nice check of $5,966. Cinch RSNC/Lesli. L Gay
The horse survived a fatal trailer accident on the way to the Cinch RSNC World Finals last year and, since his return from rehab, Mas estimates he’s earned more than $70,000 in the ranch sorting pen.
“We’ll be in Garwood, and we’ll be in Jersey for a double-qualifier,” Mas said of where he would be entering next with his daughter, Clara, with the goal of getting her qualified for the World Finals, too.”
About the Gold Shootout Classes
The Gold Shootout classes are new to the Cinch RSNC lineup. They are offered exclusively to Gold- and Platinum-level members of the Ranch Sorting National Championships. Upgrade at any event, or give us a call at 970-897-2901.
Though the fees to enter Gold Shootouts are higher, so are the rewards. Additionally, Gold and Platinum members who enter up in the Gold Shootouts throughout the season are eligible to compete in the classes at the Cinch RSNC World Finals in Fort Worth in June, with a guaranteed $75,000 payout.
