Contestants...

The 2010 Sunshine Stampede is an IGRA sanctioned rodeo. All IGRA rules and regulations shall be in effect.

Contestant prize money will be distributed based upon 2010 IGRA published rules. See IGRA rodeo rule VIII – Rodeo Prizes and Payoffs.

FGRA confirms that no International Host added prize money shall be awarded.

FGRA will add $5,250.00 in Association prize money as outlined below. Prize Money that is not awarded shall roll into the All Around Cowboy and Cowgirl Categories.

“Rookie” Shall be defined as a contestant who has not competed for more than eighteen months on the IGRA rodeo circuit.

FGRA will place $2.00 of the $4.00 received from contestant entry fee back into the event prize money pool. The three year average entries are 738, which would represent potential added prize money of $1,476.00*.

Category	Prize Money
Bull Riding: Men	0$500.00
Bull Riding: Women	0$500.00
Bareback Bronc: Men	0$250.00
Bareback Bronc: Women	0$250.00
Steer Riding: Men	0$350.00
Steer Riding: Women	0$350.00
Pole Bending: Men	0$400.00
Pole Bending: Women	0$400.00
Barrel Racing: Men	0$400.00
Barrel Racing: Women	0$400.00
Team Roping	$300.00
Breakaway Roping: Men	$200.00
Breakaway Roping: Women	$200.00
All Around: Men	0$275.00
All Around: Women	0$275.00
All Around Rookie: Men	0$100.00
All Around Rookie: Women	0$100.00
Total	$5,250.00

*Actual contestant entry fee pool subject to actual number of contestants and their events.

For our 5th Year Anniversary Rodeo, FGRA will be introducing our First ever Contestant Voted sportsmanship Buckle.

The Leo Sportsmanship award will be presented to a contestant, selected by their peers , for exhibiting characteristics of leadership, camaraderie and sportsmanship that all athletes and competitors strive to achieve.

This award and buckle are named to honor Leo, a beautiful 15 year old Paint gelding who represented FGRA with his owner before passing in 2009. Leo was majestic, athletic and loved by all who knew him. With the presentation of this Buckle, we hope to keep Leo’s spirit alive and recognize our rodeo contestants who bring excellence, exuberance and dedication to our cherished sport.

2010 Rodeo School Friday, April 16th - 10:30 AM to 3:00 PM

Registration for Rodeo School starts at 9:45 AM. Students can reserve space in the rodeo school as instructed below. All payments will be accepted during rodeo school registration.

• Location:
  • The Bergeron Rodeo Grounds of Davie, Florida.
• Fees:
  • $15.00 per event, or $50.00 for four events.
  • The Speed Clinic fee is $10.00 and is in addition to the four event price.
• Payments:
  • Checks, Visa, MasterCard & Amex accepted on day of Rodeo School.

Instructors : Chuck Browning & Brian Helander
Rodeo School Chair: Linda Lee – FGRA Trustee

Event Running Order: Goat Dressing, Steer Decorating, Calf Roping on Foot, Chute Dogging, Speed Clinic.

Lunch (Sandwich, Chips, Soda) will be provided by FGRA. Lunch will run from 12:30 PM to 1:00 PM.

Please reserve your spot by contacting Linda Lee.

All Rodeo School students/participants must view the Health & Safety Video at the IGRA web site prior to participating in Rodeo School.

Students shall provide their own safety gear, ropes, etc.

Insurance waivers must be completed during registration.

Registration for Rodeo School is in addition to registering to compete in the Sunshine Stampede.

About our Rodeo School Instructors:

Chuck Browning

Chuck was born in Casper, Wyoming, the youngest of 5 very athletic and sport oriented kids. He started IGRA Rodeo in 1995 with his best friend Brian Helander. Chuck has competed in all 13 IGRA events, and has won 13 International Championships: (3 Bull Riding, 1 Bareback, 1 Steer Riding, 3 Chute Dogging, 1 Calf Roping on Foot, 3 Goat Dressing, and one Steer Decorating) & several All-Around Cowboy Titles.

Chuck has won over 200 buckles to date, and has donated several to Royalty for Auctions as Fund Raisers. Chuck is the only contestant in IGRA history to be invited to all 13 events for an IGRA Finals Rodeo, Palm Springs 2000. Chuck is working on the one Event Buckle he has never won: Barrel Racing. Over the years, he has suffered two broken arms, two fractured ankles, a torn ear, ripped lip, four cuts on the head, & several bruises.

Brian Helander

Brian has been competing since 1995 in roping, speed, rough-stock and camp events. He is a four time international chute dogging champion (2000, 2004, 2006 and 2008) He is also the international goat dressing record holder with his rodeo partner Chuck Browning. Brian is currently serving his third two year term as IGRA president 2006-2010. By day he is a college instructor in emergency nursing, a trauma nurse specialist and CEO of a health care software development and consulting company based in Phoenix Arizona. He lives in Phoenix, Arizona and Santa Fe, NM with his partner Don and dog pal Jax

2010 Sunshine Stampede Rodeo Officials
Arena Director:	Heather Murray
Assistant Arena Director:	Frank Elam, Jr.
Chute Coordinator:	Scott Stringer
Assistant Chute Coordinators:	Scotty Shaddix & Tim Miller
Arena Crew Coordinator:	Kimberley Kay
Asst. Arena Crew Coordinator:	Jane Stahl
Auditor:	David Hill
Secretary:	Larry Lindstrom
Asst. Secretary:	Lorry King
Judge:	Amy Griffin
Judge:	Mike Lentz
Judge:	Jack Morgan
Judge:	Kyle Putnam
Scorekeeper:	Bruce Roby
Assistant Scorekeeper:	Patrick Terry
Rodeo Announcer:	Lewis Sanders
Rodeo Clown:	Jason "J-Bo" Delto
Veterinarian:	Brad Newman, DVM - FGRA
Grand Entry Coordinator:	Jim Soefje

2010 Sunshine Stampede Arena Crew Members
Anthony Ovaldson	Phillip Faustman
Steven Warren	Sterling Smith
Jane Stahl	Laura Scott
Barry Richardson	Jeff Neal

 

2010 Sunshine Stampede Chute Crew Members
Keith Wade	Mark Henry
Kelly Gilliand	Guy Bellar
Joe Pedro	Justin Higgenbotham
Your Name Here!	See Volunteer page for more info!

Rodeo Start Time Saturday and Sunday is 9:00 A.M.†

New Contestant Meeting - 8:30 A.M. on Saturday, or 30 minutes prior to rodeo start time at the Bergeron Arena - Premium Seating Area, near Announcer's booth‡
This meeting is mandatory for all first time contestants

Rodeo Event Running Order**
Calf Roping on Foot
Steer Decorating
Breakaway Calf Roping
Steer Riding
Pole Bending
Pre-Show Concert
GRAND ENTRY
Bareback Bronc Riding - See Note
Team Roping
Chute Dogging
Goat Dressing
Bull Riding
Barrel Racing
Flag Racing
Wild Drag Race

Note for Bareback Bronc Riding:
Bareback Bronc Riding is scheduled for this rodeo. If there are no pre-registered contestants for this event, it will be removed from the running order. Contestants who do NOT pre register should check the Sunshine Stampede web site for updates or contact our to verify that the event will be run.

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† Rodeo start time subject to change
‡ New Contestant Meeting location subject to change.  Any location change will be posted at Rodeo Registration on Friday night
** Running order subject to change

FGRA has partnered with Gay Vacation Travel  again on their Second Annual Country Western cruise for 2010. This is the perfect combination for a relaxing week at sea following by a weekend of hot rodeo action and more parties that all go to benefit our charities.

This year's week long cruise will return to port on Thursday, April 15th, so you'll have plenty of time to get to registration on Friday night.

Visit the GayVacationTravel.com web site for more information and to book your cruise tickets now.

Registration will be held from 6 to 9 PM on Friday, April 16th. Registration is currently scheduled to be held at the Sheraton Hotel.

Contestants can Register Online through the IRGA web site. The online registration deadline is April 2, 2010. To register online you need your four digit IGRA number. If you don't have your IGRA number you can visit the Contestant Lookup page to find your IGRA number. If you still need assistance in finding your IGRA number please contact the  

You can also download the Contestant Registration form from the IGRA website and mail it if you prefer. All mail in registrations must be postmarked by March 25, 2010. Late entries are subject to late fees - per IGRA rules.

FGRA Mailing Address:

FGRA
PO Box 13001
St. Petersburg, FL 33733-3001

FGRA will be accepting credit cards (Visa, and MasterCard), cash, certified checks, or money orders for registration fees that are still due at Friday night's registration.

New contestants - please read the New Contestant Information section below for some getting started information.

Late Fees: FGRA will collect a late fee of $50.00 for entries that were not submitted online or postmarked by the IGRA registration deadlines. New contestants (those who have not been assigned an IGRA contestant number) will not be subject to late fees. Late fees will not be charged for speed events. FGRA's policy is to not refund late fees.

If you've never competed in gay rodeo before but have always wanted to, here's how to get started:

• If you plan on bringing a horse for competition please see the Horse Stall Information and Florida Equine Information below.
• All contestants must belong to an IGRA member association.  You can join FGRA to qualify.
• New contestants can register for their events at Friday night's registration - to be held from 6 to 9 PM at the Sheraton Hotel. All contestants must be registered by close of registration at 9:00 PM to compete in the Rodeo. New contestants are not required to fill out the registration form until Friday night at registration.
• New contestants can contact Tommy Channel, the prior to their first rodeo to be set up to use the online registration system. You must complete this process a minimum of 30 days before your first rodeo.
• You will receive a copy of the IGRA Rodeo Rule Book at registration. It is your responsibility to be familiar with the requirements listed in the IGRA Rodeo Rule book
• There is a minimum registration fee of $75.00 to compete in the rodeo.  Each event is $25.00 per event, per day. All entry fees paid during registration can be paid with credit card (Visa, and MasterCard), or with cash, certified check, or money order.  New contestants are exempt from all late registration fees.
• Events are divided into four categories - visit the IGRA web site for complete event descriptions:
  • Rough Stock Events
    • Bull Riding
    • Bareback Bronc Riding
    • Steer Riding
    • Chute Dogging
  • Roping Events
    • Calf Roping on Foot
    • Mounted Break-away Roping
    • Team Roping
  • Speed Events
    • Barrel Racing
    • Pole Bending
    • Flag Racing
  • Camp Events
    • Steer Decorating
    • Wild Drag Race
    • Goat Dressing
• New contestants MUST attend the New Contestant Meeting.  Meeting time and location will be posted at Rodeo registration on Friday night.
  • If you miss the New Contestant Meeting you WILL be disqualified from competing, and all entry fees will be forfeited.
• All contestants are required to wear the following when competing:
  • Must wear a long sleeve shirt for all events
  • Must wear long pants for all events
  • Must wear a western hat for all events
  • Must wear boots that minimally cover the ankle and have a heel
  • Note:  This dress code does not apply to any camp events, but you must wear closed toed shoes
• Contestants must wear back plate number when competing.
• Contestants can not drink alcohol while competing or while wearing rodeo back plate number.

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Please remember - this is only a "getting started" list of information.  Be sure to read the IGRA Rodeo Rule Book for complete information.

NOTE: The IGRA Rodeo Rule Book for 2010 is now available online.

NEW CONTESTANTS - are required to attend the mandatory New Contestant Meeting on Saturday morning at the Bergeron Rodeo Grounds. If you miss this meeting you will be disqualified from participating in any of your rodeo events. Per IGRA Rules there are no exceptions.

The Bergeron Rodeo Grounds of Davie, Florida are not equipped with permanent stall facilities. FGRA has arranged for portable stalls to be used during the Sunshine Stampede Rodeo Weekend and stall space is limited. Stalls will be assigned on a first come, first served basis. Tack stalls will only be assigned after all horses have been accommodated.

If you're bringing a horse to the Sunshine Stampede please send an email to Mark, our to let him know you're coming. He'll want to know how many horses you're planning to bring and the size of your horse trailer. Please see the RV and Horse Trailer Information below for 

Access to the horse stalls will be limited to contestants/badge holders only. Identification/badges will be required after 6:00 p.m. each day.

If you're bringing horses from out of state, or from the western panhandle of Florida don't forget to review the Florida Equine Information below for important information about bringing horses into the State of Florida - and where you'll find the agricultural inspection stations.

Horse Stall Check In and Check Out:

Thursday April 15, 2010 - Early stall check in: 12:00 Noon-ish
Friday April 16, 2010 - Regular stall check in: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Monday April 19, 2010 – All stalls must be vacated by 10:00 AM

NOTE: Stalls are limited and are for Contestants only. If you're not competing in the Sunshine Stampede we will not be able to accommodate a request to rent a stall.

Important Information About Bringing Horses Into Florida

The State of Florida maintains Agricultural Inspection Stations on Interstate 10 west of Tallahassee, and on Interstates 75 and 95 near the Georgia border.  All horse trailers are required to stop for inspection.

If you are bringing horses across the Florida panhandle you will be required to stop at the Interstate 10 Inspection Station - this includes Floridians who live west of the Inspection Station.

The State of Florida maintains an online Importation of Animals document covering health requirements for bringing animals into Florida.

• Please see Rule 5C-3.002* for general requirements and limitations
• Please see Rule 5C-3.003* for horses (equidae)
• Please see Rule 5C-3.009* for dogs

*These rules can be downloaded individually as Word documents.

NOTE: Per IGRA rules (RULE II - CONTESTANT REQUIREMENTS, Paragraph 3) - horse owners are responsible for knowing the requirements for bringing horses into another state.

The State of Florida online Importation of Animals document is the official source of information; however these are the basic requirements for bringing horses in from out of state:

• Negative Coggins - dated within the last year.
• Health Certificate - dated within the last 30 days.
• Horses traveling from states affected by Vesicular Stomatitis must have a statement on their Health Certificates stating that the horses did not originate from an area affected by Vesicular Stomatitis.  See the Vesicular Stomatitis section (Section 5, Subsection A) under Rule 5C-3.002 for the statement requirements. Veterinarians in the affected states should know to do this already, but be sure to follow up.
• The Equine Event Extension form is only required for Florida horses that are traveling in and out of the State of Florida on a regular basis.

Also note that if you are bringing dogs with you and they are seen by the inspectors they will also be subject to inspection.  Please see Rule 5C-3.009 of the online Importation of Animals document for the requirements covering dogs.

If you have additional questions you can send an email to and we'll get you an answer.

RV's, Campers and Horse Trailers at the Bergeron Rodeo Grounds

The Bergeron Rodeo Grounds are located in a residential area. As a courtesy to our neighbors in the Davie area, no social activities other than the rodeo are scheduled for this location. All local ordinances regarding noise shall be in effect during the rodeo weekend.  Vehicles with generators will not be able to park near the homes behind the arena.

In an effort to provide the best possible security and to respect our neighbors, Camping will be restricted to contestants and officials only.

Contestants

Space for RV’s, campers and horse trailers will be available for all contestants.  RV and trailer parking is free for all contestants.  Vehicles will be able to park within the fenced perimeter of the Rodeo Grounds.  Once the fenced area is full additional RV and trailer parking will also be available directly adjacent to the Rodeo Grounds, but will not be inside the perimeter fence.

The camper/trailer parking area will remain secure at all times.  Only contestants or staff with FGRA issued badges will be permitted access to this area. Identification will be required to access this area after 6:00 p.m. every day.

The Bergeron Rodeo Grounds were not designed with overnight camping facilities in mind.  Hook ups for water tank refills are available, but not at all parking locations.  Electric hook-ups are not available.

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Please see our Horse Stalls information above for questions about reserving horse stalls.