IN THE NEWS CherishThe Memories August was a rough month in the rodeo industry with both human and equine partners being called home. The month started with the news of legendary stock contractor Neal Gay of Rafter G passing away at the age of 96. The month ended with a trio of losses within the WPRA family.
From Stevi Hillman The tears won’ stop, the thoughts continue to run places…and the pain just hurts a lot.
I have struggled to find any kind of words and have struggled to try and process this whole thing…and it still feels like a bad dream and we haven’t woke up yet. We have forever lost a huge piece of our hearts and we can only pray the hurt gets easier with time. Lemon Drop was our team member, a part of our family, and became me and Truck’s best friend. I loved that little mare so darn much and I know Truck man sure did. She brought so much joy and happiness to so many people in a short amount of time. She also brought a lot of frustration with her feisty, particular and ‘wild as heck’ spirit…that is what make her, Lemon Drop, and I feel that she was my spirit animal so it made me laugh and shake my head so often. I have so many memories I will forever be grateful for with her. We are so blessed to have had the time with her that we did and to have been a part of her beautiful story that was just beginning. We owe so much to that yellow dragon and will continue to fight like she did, and never give up and will push through circumstances that we may see as impossible. Lemon Drop you took a piece of my heart with you and until we see you again, we will run for you. Thank you Matt and Bendi Dunn for sharing her with us, as she quickly became a part of our family. The WPRA sends their condolences to each and everyone affected by these passings. New Life
On Monday, August 29, we learned of the passing of Chuck Peterson, husband to four-time world champion and ProRodeo Hall of Famer Kristie Peterson and father to reigning world champion Jordon Peterson Briggs. As Kendra Santos wrote: “Chuck was the kind, quiet win beneath the wings of Kristie Peterson when she went from school bus driver and sheriff’s department staffer to four-time world champion barrel racer on the back of her beloved bronc Bozo. Without Chuck, the fairytale could not have happened. And without the powerhouse partnership that was Chuck and Kristie, Jordon Briggs would not be the great champion who puts her family and horse Rollo first that she is.” We then learned that 1984 WPRA world champion team
roper Cherie Berthod passed away peacefully at her home in Longmont, Colorado, with her loving children by her side. She was 72 years old. And then came the news of the untimely passing of Famous Lemon Drop, a 6-year old palomino mare, who helped carry Stevi Hillman to two out of seven Wrangler NFR qualifications. Hillman, who will be making her seventh NFR appearance this December, wrote this tribute on her Facebook page following the untimely passing of Famous Lemon Drop. Lemon Drop, who Hillman rode at the 2021 Wrangler NFR, passed away on Monday, August 29, in Nampa, Idaho, after complications from colic surgery. As Bendi Dunn noted on her Facebook page, she left in Ty and Stevi’s arms knowing she was loved so much.
Kelsie Domer posted on her Facebook page: On Thursday, August 11, Ryan and Kelsie Domer were blessed with the perfect baby girl! Oaklynn Rae Domer came a little early and gave her momma some trouble for 48 hours, but we have a healthy baby and are so in love! We are excited for this next chapter! Domer is currently ranked 13th in the world with $42,193.
8 WPRA NEWS SEPTEMBER 2022
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