The Horse Connection w Clay & Travis

On this episode of the Horse Connection with Clay McCullar & Travis Hawkins we hosted H2M Marketing Solutions. H2M Marketing Solutions is for all your digital marketing needs, Social Media, Website design and management and SEO. Christina and Holly are a powerhouse when they put their mind to it and their clients will back this up the claims on how great they are to work with and how easy their marketing is when Christina and Holly break it down for you. Please reach out the them on FB, Instagram, YouTube at H2M Solutions of Abilene.

Farm & Ranch Insurance can be very tricky and coverage options can vary greatly depending on the operation. On this Episode of the Horse Connection Clay McCullar and Travis Hawkins visited with Mark Perkins owner of Perkins Insurance about Residential, Personal and Farm & Ranch Insurance. Knowing that your operation, home or hunting property is properly covered and protected when a accident happens or disaster strikes is very important in todays day and time. Accidents happen and knowing that your home and assets are protected is vital to keeping your family and livelihood protected. If you are not sure about your coverage or have questions reach out to Mark Perkins or Keith Carrol at Perkins Insurance to see if your home and assets are properly insured and protected. Thank you Mark for coming on the show and sharing with our listeners about what they need to be asking their agents when shopping for Insurance coverage.

Its Rodeo Season and this year will mark the 77th year for the annual Cottle-King County old settlers Reunion & Rodeo In Paducah Texas. $3500 added money to Rodeo Events: -Tie Down, Break away & Team Roping. -Saddle Bronc, Bareback, Ranch Bronc, Bulls, and Barrells. -Shetland Bronc Riding for Kids 12 years & under. -Mutton Bustin' for kids 9 years & under. To enter into the rodeo you can download the NEXTGEN APP or Call Champion Rodeo Company (903) 287-7852. Thank you so much Dana Wright Frank Wright for coming on the Horse Connection and doing this interview with Clay MccullarMcCullar Properties Group at Keller Williams Realty & Travis Hawkins

On this episode of the Horse Connection, Clay McCullar and Travis Hawkins interviewed Dustin Johnson of Cedar Ridge Aviation in Knox City TX. Dustin Johnson and his Business partner Garrett Durrett offer predator control, hog hunts and chemical application for pastures and row crops, but this week (March 18th-21st) received a call from several of their clients and friends that live along the border of Iowa & Nebraska. Flood waters from rains and broken Levees poured into the valleys where many of these farmers and families live and work. The water from failed levees had flooded out multiple homes, business and towns, that left people scrambling to gather their belongings and families to seek higher ground from the impending flood waters. While Dustin and Garrett were in Iowa and Nebraska they said that several individual farmers had lost over $750,000 worth of corn and beans that were stored in their grain bins. These grains have no insurance and no was to recover that loss.. Some lost everything and some lost two years worth of harvests and income in less than 72hrs not sure if they would be able to plant a crop this year. The flood waters impacted so many farmers in that area in some places reaching as much as 15ft deep and others a few feet deep.  While the news was busy worrying about celebrities paying off or bribing colleges to get their children into a school, no major news outlets had even bothered to cover the floods in these rural areas that feed our country. People we need to pray for these Farmers and communities that lost their homes and businesses.

On this Episode of the Horse Connection Clay McCullar and Travis Hawkins interviewed Miss Dericka Vaughn about her success during this years Stock show Season. Dericka Vaughn is the third generation from her family to show Lambs at the major stock shows in Fort Worth, San Angelo, San Antonio, Houston, and Austin. This year Dericka had over 15 show lambs that she worked with throughout the year to be able to have a top prospect for each show and judge at those competitions.  Stock shows are very competitive and take a great deal of time and dedication to be able to compete against all the other participants and their animals. The reward is well worth the time and investment for those who are dedicated to working with their animals on their showmanship in and out of the ring. Texas Stock shows contribute big money towards students scholarships funds and are a big deal to be involved in if you live in Texas. Thank you to the Vaughn Family for coming on the show to visit with Clay and Travis about the struggles and success that you live for each and every year!

On this episode of The Horse Connection we were joined by Mrs. Lauren Decker of Stamford TX. Lauren works with the Rolling Plains Cotton Growers and visited with us about the upcoming meeting in Abilene TX on February the 19th at the Big Country Hall at Taylor County Expo Center. Join us for our 2019 Annual Meeting. We'll have industry updates as well as from Washington, DC and Austin, TX. Please feel free to call for more information, (325) 305-6260 Agriculture is in a very tight and arduous position right now with commodity prices being at an all time low and expenses being very difficult to endure with such low income or rather non-income on Farms & Ranches all across Texas and the United States. The Current sitiuation with agriculture is at a very pivotal moment in time that frankly is a make it or break it situation. Producers across the region are currently struggling at great cost to hang on to their land, animals, equipment and livelihoods. Please listen to this episode an pass it along for others to hear! Thank you for listening and sharing, We wish everyone who listens to this the best day and year!!! Pray for your farmers and ranchers people.

Great episode about the Taylor County Texas Livestock show that is taking place this week in Abilene at the Taylor county Expo center. Mr. Jim Hudson is the President of the Taylor County Livestock Association, This is the association that promotes the FFA and the 4H stock shows around Taylor County TX. Mr. Hudson visited with us about all the details about how the Taylor County Livestock Association works in the communities of Taylor county to help raise awareness and funds to help make the Livestock show a success! If you are interested in getting your family involved with the livestock shows you can reach out to Kit Horne or Cody Hill @ 325-672-6048 to learn how you can be involved with 4H and FFA. Please like and share this episode and pass it along on Facebook, But more than that please head out to the Taylor County Expo Center to see all the students who will be competing this year in the Stock shows!

Mark MCMillian of MoorMans and ADM Feed visited with us about the Benefits of using quality Minerals and Feeds in your herd and for your animals. Whether your Riding Colts in wheat pastures and checking cows or stocker calves, having the right blend of nutrients and dietary supplements (minerals) can be the difference between a make or break year in this business. Be sure to Reach out to Mark McMillian or @Will Clay for any questions you may have. 325-721-2277 https://www.admanimalnutrition.com/webcenter/portal/ADMAnimalNutrition/pages_feed Damon Albus came on the show to give us a update about the NFR happening out in Las Vegas NV and told us a little bit about some of the Guys that are competing for that first place spot out there this year. Be Sure to Check out 5D Custom Hats & Leather @5dhats for all your Christmas shopping lists. He can make or do it all when it comes to leather and hat. He just wont build you a saddle!

Tucker Brown of the R.A. Brown Ranch came on the show to visit with us about the upcoming Bull & Cow Sale that R.A. Brown Ranch on Saturday December 15th. This Sale is not one that you can afford to miss if you are looking to get more Bull power and Excellent Genetics for a great price in your herd. The Bulls that will be in this sale are Of Age Advantage Angus, Red Angus, and Sim Angus Bulls that will start out @ $1750, so there are bulls in Everyone's price range. For more details please check out: http://www.rabrownranch.com/ Thank you Tucker for coming on the show today with Clay McCullar & Travis Hawkins of the Horse Connection.

On this Episode of the Horse Connection we had the honor to interview Bozo Roger about the Western Horseman Stock Horse World Championships held in Abilene TX at the Taylor County Expo Center this Weekend October 26th-28th. Bozo Rogers is not only know to be one of the best horse trainers in the business but also one of the most respected. Bozo is a Judge on multiple platforms across the horse industry, including the AQHA, NRCHA, SHTX and has held Clinics all over the United States and European countries of Germany, Scandinavia and Italy. Baru Forell and Bozo Rogers are just a few of the great horse trainers who help make these events possible for all age groups and all level of riders. The motto or mission statement behind the SHTX is "Helping people ride a better horse". With over 1300 entries at this Western Horseman Stock Horse World Championship there will be: https://stockhorsetexas.org/ *Cow Work & Reining, *Stock Horse Trail & Stock Horse Pleasure *Open 4yo Working Ranch Horse *Level 1 4yo Working Ranch Horse *Open 5-6yo Working Ranch Horse *Level 1 5-6yo Working Ranch Horse *Cowboy Working Ranch Horse *Amateur 4yo & Up Working Ranch Horse *Level 1 Amateur 4yo & Up Working Ranch *Ltd Amateur Working Ranch Horse *Level 1 Ltd Amateur Working Ranch *Youth Working Ranch Horse *Level 1 Youth Working Ranch Horse *Ltd Youth Working Ranch Horse *Level 1 Ltd Youth Working Ranch Horse The SHTX is open to the public and is a great place to bring kids and speak with the participants competing at the Taylor County Expo center about how you can get involved and participate. A huge shout out and thank you to Western Horseman, Arena Werks, Joe Allen's, Dennis Moreland Tack, and many others who have helped to make this event possible for the last 23 years! Please like this, Share it, pass it along and please head out to the Taylor County Expo Center October 26th-28th, Fun for all ages and plenty of shopping with over 20 vendors who will be set up at the Expo Center. Thank you to Ms. Baru Forell and Mr. Bozo Rogers for all you do! Thank you to everyone who listens to our podcast Clay and Travis appreciate all the support! If you have a event that you would like for us to know about or to promote please message Clay or Travis at: @mccullarproperties @clays4m @thawkinskw

The horse connection hosted Weston Rutkowski & Chuck Swisher, Weston & Chuck are members of the BFO and are some of the top professional athletes in their trade. Fighting bulls or protecting PBR riders during the rodeo isn't always hailed as the most glorious of positions but neither Weston or Chuck got into this to be in the spotlight. Weston Rutkowski is originally from Haskell Texas & has built a reputation as one of the best Professional Bull Fighters. 2016 BFO Reno Rodeo Champion 2016 Roughy Cup Champion 2016 Bullfighters Only World Champion Freestyle BullFighter 2017 Bullfighters Only World Champion Freestyle Bullfighter Chuck Swisher was born & raised in Dover, OK and started fighting Bulls when he was 15 & has made a reputation as one of the best Professional Bull Fighters as well. 2013 Present Rodeo Houston Bullfighter 2014 National Finals Bullfighter 2014 Present San Antonio Rodeo Bullfighter 2015 Las Vegas BFO Champion 2 time Prairie Circuit Finals BullFighter Part two

The horse connection hosted Weston Rutkowski & Chuck Swisher, Weston & Chuck are members of the BFO and are some of the top professional athletes in their trade. Fighting bulls or protecting PBR riders during the rodeo isn't always hailed as the most glorious of positions but neither Weston or Chuck got into this to be in the spotlight. Weston Rutkowski is originally from Haskell Texas & has built a reputation as one of the best Professional Bull Fighters. 2016 BFO Reno Rodeo Champion 2016 Roughy Cup Champion 2016 Bullfighters Only World Champion Freestyle BullFighter 2017 Bullfighters Only World Champion Freestyle Bullfighter Chuck Swisher was born & raised in Dover, OK and started fighting Bulls when he was 15 & has made a reputation as one of the best Professional Bull Fighters as well. 2013 Present Rodeo Houston Bullfighter 2014 National Finals Bullfighter 2014 Present San Antonio Rodeo Bullfighter 2015 Las Vegas BFO Champion 2 time Prairie Circuit Finals BullFighter

So much fun to have Mr. Damon Albus of 5D Custom Hats 517 Oak Street on the Horse Connection with Clay and Travis. We visited about the Awesome Season that Wylie Junior All-Stars had in 2017 and about their experiences in Taylor Michigan. Damon Albus described the whole experience as a great time and a lot of fun for the boys. The people of Taylor, Michigan were phenomenal. Just super down to earth people and I told them, ‘They're our people. It's like we're at home and everyone has done everything in their power to make it feel like home and welcome us here! We made life memories and this is something the Wylie boys will never forget, or the coaches, or the families and fans who traveled with us. Please share this episode and pass it along! It's truly awesome to have Players from the Big Country make it to this level of competition. Thank you Mr. Albus for coming on the show and sharing the awesome story with The Horse Connection & all the Great listeners we are blessed with!

On this episode of The Horse Connection we had the pleasure of hosting James Garcia and Cassie Cozart. James is a member of the Cowboy Heritage Church in Clyde TX where you can come and be a part of the church community that shares not only their Faith but their passion for rodeo. Playdays are a weekly thing on Fridays at the Heritage Church and anyone can participate no matter their experience level. These events are made to get youth involved with rodeos, riding, Barrel racing or Stick Horses. Cassie Cozart is one of the owners of the Triple C Arena in Anson Texas. Cassie and her husband have done some fantastic improvements to this arena and land to be able to provide a welcoming and enjoyable experience whether you are there for a Clinic or playday they can take care of you and your animals. They have 20 RV hookups for those who need power to their trailers but also will provide you and your animals tack if you need! Go to the Triple C Arena FB Page to see all the Details!

On this episode of the Horse Connection Clay McCullar and Travis Hawkins hosted Kit Horne who is the Taylor County County Extension Agent. The 4H Horse Show will be taking place this Saturday July 21-28th in Abilene TX and will host over 400 kids and 1000 horse. There will be a youth rodeo with tie down, team roping, Breakaway, and Ranch sorting. They will also have halter, cutting, sorting and reining events for performance horse. This event is open to the public and will host kids from all over the State of Texas In Abilene TX at the Taylor County Expo Center. Please come out to this event and support local youth who are involved. check out the Texas 4H app on Apple Itunes for more details: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/texas-4-h/id979732556?mt=8t you can also google Texas 4H State Horse show to see all the details about this show!! Thank you for listening and sharing this episode!!

On this Episode of the horse connection with Clay McCullar & Travis Hawkins we hosted Mr. Allen Means who visited with us about his Farm to Table operation. Grace Farms is a all natural beef operation that primarily focuses on the health and wellness of their Cattle but also on what goes into that animal. This is a farm to table business that grows finished grass fed beef that are exclusively out of Registered British Whites Cattle raised and bred at Grace Farms in Fisher County Texas. This is a small scale operation that Mr. & Mrs. Means started a few years ago as a retirement project but have decided to offer their beef to area families who are searching for an alternative to store bought meat that is not locally grown. They hope to expand their operation to a larger scale when demand and business grows to a scale that is both sustainable and profitable and plan to offer an alternative source of beef that is both healthy and of course delicious.

On this episode of the Horse Connection Travis visited with Congressman Jodey Arrington of district 19 at the Texas Cowboy Reunion in Stamford TX! We discussed the farm bill hurdles that Congressman Arrington, Mike Conaway and others face in Washington. Congressman Jodey Arrington continues his work with Congress in Washington D.C. to ensure that the American farmers & ranchers operations have the necessary protection that is needed! Congressman Arrington's work with Congressman Mike Conaway to secure cotton in the safety net of the new Farm Bill was a big victory for the Farmers of District 19 in West Texas! We also got to visit about Texas Tech Red Raiders Baseball Team and the Amazing season The Red Raiders had with the success of coach Tim Tadlock. We also visited about the upcoming Football season that Coach Kliff Kingsbury and the Red Raiders Face this year! Thank you Congressman Arrington for all your hard work that you do for District 19!

Stamford Texas has a deep history in the Texas rodeo scene, hosting the 1st ever AQHA show and is home of The Worlds Largest Amateur Rodeo. Better know by many to be the home of The Texas Cowboy Reunion with this year marking the 88th year of the Rodeo. Starting July 3rd The 45th annual Stamford Art Foundation will be hosting a Auction benefiting the West Texas Rehab Center, Dinner will be catered by Joe Allen's and Host Live music by Jake Hooker and the Outsiders. July 4th-7th 2018 the TCR will host 25,000 attendees who come to watch cowboys in the bareback, saddle bronc, wild cow milking, double mugging, tie down roping, Barrel racing & other events for all ages. Texas Cowboy Reunion Rodeo will host some of the best Cowboys & Cowgirls who work on some of the largest ranches in West Texas and travel here to win bragging rights, bring home the money, Spurs and Saddles. Learn more at https://westtexasrehab.org/events/45th-annual-stamford-art-show/ & http://texascowboyreunion.com/

For over 80 years The Fort Griffin Fandangle live outdoor theater show out In Albany Texas has entertained thousands of guest. This show brings to life the old west town of Fort Griffin right in-front of audiences with real life cowboys, Longhorns, Wagons and the true spirit of the west. This show started when Robert Nail wrote a play for the High School Students of Albany some 80 years ago. The show was such a success the town decided to bring it to life for everyone to enjoy! In 1965 the show began to outgrow the Football Field at Albany. The town of Albany created a 1 acre theater know today as The Prairie Theater to be able to host the 4 nights of shows that take place June 22-23 & June 29-30. Come out to Albany TX and look around the wonderful shops, boutiques, and art theater. Be sure to bring the kids for a stick horse race & Jump house every Saturday & make sure to enjoy the wonderful Dining options at The Beehive, The Ice House , & many others! fortgriffinfandangle.org

On this episode of the Horse Connection we hosted Mr. PJ Perkins who is the face behind Bucking for Heroes. Bucking For Heroes is a 501C3 non-profit organization for Veterans here in the Big Country that was create to help Veterans who live in the Big Country Area. All proceeds from this event go to help with veterans medical and living expenses. This rodeo is set to take place This Saturday June 16th out at the Nolan County Coliseum in Sweetwater TX with over 600 attendees. Over 65 kids have entered the show to ride in the Mutton Bustin, Mini Bulls, Full Size Bulls, Mini Saddle Bronc along with Mini Bare Back and all the way up to full size Saddle Bronc and Bare Back. Chris Villanueva is 16yrs old and he is from Mesquite Texas. He has competed in Bull riding since he was 10 yrs old, and has won the the Junior Nationals in Amarillo and won the Junior NFR in Vegas in Decemeber of 2017. Chris is working towards a Rodeo Scholarship to Sam Houston or Tarleton State University College.

On this episode of the Horse Connection we hosted Bailey Barrett and Jade Barrett who are both competing in the High School Rodeo Finals in Abilene TX at the Taylor county Expo center. To catch the Finals live go to www.thsra.org Both these young men grew up on a horse out here in West Texas working cattle with their dad Will Barrett. Bailey and Jade are riding in the Saddle Bronc and Bareback horse competition this week against 16 Bareback riders and 23 Saddle Bronc Riders all who are competing for a spot to be in the National High School Rodeo Finals. Bailey Barrett hopes to continue on into college and build up to being in the PRCA full time when he finishes up with college. Bailey has already received a scholarship offer to go to Panhandle State University in Oklahoma and hopes to have other scholarship offers in the future. Jade Barrett is going to pursue being a Vet in College and wants to be a Large animal Vet specializing in Equine Veterinary practice when he Finishes College.

Albany TX Fort Griffin Fandangle June 22-23 and June 29-30. This is a live theater show that comes to life right before your eyes and that is what makes The Fandangle Unique! The use real life cowboys who work on ranches or own ranches in this area and bring to life the spirit of the old settler and western days. This event and ticket information can all be found @ http://www.fortgriffinfandangle.org/ or by Calling 325-762-3838 ask for Meridith Thank you So much Mrs. Lorna Ayers for coming on this episode of the podcast and visiting with us about the Fort Griffin Fandangle. The Benjamin Texas Ranch Rodeo will be happening June 8th-9th in Benjamin TX. 4 man teams: Wild Cow Milking, Stray Gathering, Team Branding, Ranch Bronc Rodeo ( Mitch Terrell will bring the Bucking Stock) and the Wild Cow Ride. The Kids will also be able to enter a Mutton Bustin' and Stick Horse Ride. For more information please reach out to Amanda Novak 940-733-7378 or Kyle Everson 940-655-8323.

Another Great Episode where Travis and Clay give Updates on events happening in the area, about the weather and we had the privilege to visit with Mr. Randy Carson who owns the Abilene livestock Sale barn and was this years Agricultural Family of the Year! Mr. Carson gave us a update on the cattle market and visited with us about the market and where we might be headed if we don't get some rain soon! We also joked around about the new business that have gone in next to the Sale Barn and how people can get a new car, catch a movie or eat at buffalo wings going to or leaving the sale barn! Thank you Mr. Carson for coming on the show with us and for giving us a market update! Please Pray For Rain Folks!

That's Right... Food Truck Champion ship of Texas will host over 50 Food trucks on June 2nd in Graham TX. If there was a food truck Heaven it will be found in Graham TX on June 2nd 2018. foodtruckchampionshipoftexas.com This day will host a plethora of events for all age groups, there will be a area set up for kids with activities to keep them entertained along with a beer garden for those who want to enjoy their feast with a glass of wine or beer! The day kicks off at 8am with the Possum Pedal, this bike ride is for all experience levels of riders with routes from 6miles up to 83miles! The Food Trucks open up for business @ 11am until sold out!!! There will be so many food options available it will satisfy all taste buds! Concert to follow with the Turnpike Troubadours and Parker McCollum to get your tickets now head to foodtruckchampionshipoftexas.com Thank you Sarah Lundgren for coming on the show today and thank you to Graham Chamber of Commerce for all the hard work y'all do!

Great episode with Mr. Kyle Everson visiting with us about the 11th annual Benjamin TX Ranch Rodeo that will be taking place June 8th-9th 2018! Rodeo starts Friday @ 7Pm They will have the wild cow milking, Stray gathering, calf branding and bronc riding. They will also have a mutton busting for any kids that would like to participate. Rodeo continues Saturday @8am-9am and then there is a senior roping until Saturday evening @7pm when the Bronc Riding and rodeo continues! For more Information call or Text: Amanda Nowak @ 940-733-7378 Kyle Everson @ 940-655-8323

Congratulations to Seth & Anna Shortes of Raydon INC. on the birth of their new baby boy!! On today's episode we had Trey Kittley from J&J Cattle Co. giving us a update about the quality and type of horse you can expect to see at this sale. These horses are working ranch horses who are used in everyday operations from Branding, sorting to covering lots of country these horses offer it all! Be sure and check out lot #75 & #57 that J&J Cattle will have in the Western Heritage Horse sale Saturday May 12th @ 9:30am. We also Had Mrs. Joanna Robertson who is the Horse Sell manager, and is also in charge of building the Catalogs, Advertising, and Social Media for the Horse Sale. Joanna informed us that there are over 28 invitation only Ranches who are showcasing their Stock in this years horse sale. To see all 71 horses be sure and visit http://whcranchhorsesale.com/ to see all the details about one of the Top 3 quarter Horse Sales in the State of Texas! You don't want to miss this!

On this Episode of the Horse Connection Clay and Travis had the privilege to visit with Mr. John Anderson of the Muleshoe Ranch about the Horse Sale at the Western Heritage Classic this Saturday May 12th, 2018. The Western Heritage Classic Invitational Ranch Horse Sale features some of the best ranch horses available today. The horses have been born and raised on the ranch and, at sale time, are trained and ready for all facets of ranch work. The sale exclusively features ranch horses consigned by a select group of ranches, well- known for their outstanding horse operations and AQHA affiliations. The WHC Invitational Ranch Horse Sale offers the pinnacle in horse sales throughout West Texas. Thank you So Much to Taylor County Expo Center, The Western Heritage Classic Committee, Phil Guitar, John Anderson and Joanna Robertson for all the hard work each of y'all do to make this Sale a success and work so well!