Ford and Timberman set for busy schedule

RENO - Heath Ford and Kelly Timberman didn't have much time to celebrate their bareback success at the 88th annual Reno Rodeo Saturday night at the Reno Livestock Events Center.

Ford and Timberman are tied for the early lead in bareback after impressive rides. Ford, aboard X54 Kattle Kall, scored 87 for a two-ride total of 166. Timberman, who posted an 81 on his first ride, followed up with an 85 to tie Ford.

Both are headed to Canada to compete in a couple of smaller rodeos before coming back Saturday for the finals. The top 12 advance to Saturday's short round, and right now, Ford and Timberman are in good position despite the fact there are still almost 40 riders still to come.

"That didn't hurt things none," Heath Ford said of his opening-performance ride. "When I called back here, I thought I had a good horse. Royce (Ford) said it was a good one. He said it was one that he'd drawn (before). I felt good. I was excited to draw him.

"I'll come back for the short round, and then fly (back) to Canada on Sunday if I qualify there. I feel pretty confident I'll get another one."

So does Timberman, who drew Rosser Rodeo's Lady Red Hawk.

"I'm happy," Timberman said. "I like riding Rosser horses because they are big and strong.

"It's early, and there are some great riders, but I should be back on Saturday."

It was hard to get Lady Red Hawk out of the chute, but once he left the chute area, he bucked like crazy.

"Maybe she was spooked," Timberman said. "She didn't care to leave. That horse bucked like crazy. It was the best bucking horse I've had all year.

"It's very hard (when it takes so long), because you are all tensed up. If you relax even a millisecond, you'll get dropped on your head. It's tough and kind of scary."

Royce Ford is third at 157 following a solid 81-point ride aboard Grey Goose. Tom McFarland is fourth at 155 and Caleb Bennett is fifth at 154.

Another tough battle is shaping up in saddle bronc, as Jess Martin is the early leader at 164 for two rides. Martin has posted back-to-back 82s. Cody Wright is second at 162, Morgan Forbes is third at 161 and Shaun Stroh is fourth at 157. Wright's 84 was the top mark of the night.

"I've had two good days," Martin said. "I'm happy with things so far.

"I didn't know the horse. I rode its mother in Red Bluff (967 Gold Coast Cal). The mother wasn't as strong as this horse, but the mother was a good horse.

"The horse had a little hop, put its head on the ground and bucked out of there."

Martin said putting up a good number helps solidify his travel plans. He left late last night for Canada, and will probably fly back into Reno later in the week.

"I might be able to get a 7-day advance ticket," Martin said. "I'll be checking airline schedules."

Martin estimates it would take about 22 hours to make the drive down from Canada, and for that reason alone, he would fly instead of drive.

Levi Wisness still leads steer wrestling with a 4.9, followed closely by Tyler Karney's 5.0. Clay Cowan is third at 5.9, Casey McMillen is fourth at 7.4, Josh Peek fifth at 7.6 and Brock Andrus sixth at 8.6.

Clay Tryan and Walt Woodard lead team roping with a 5.8-second effort. There is a tie for second place with the team of Josh Bruce and Ryan Stewart at 6.1 along with David Motes and Matt Kasner.

The times in tie-down roping have been poor. Scott Kormis is the current leader at 9.3. Michael Otero is next at 11.1.

Maegan Reichert posted a 16.92 in barrel racing, the best score of the night. Linz Sears was next at 17.29 followed by Audrey Ridgeway 17.43, Katy Varian 17.43, Shelly Holman 17.56 and Trisha Wirth 17.90.

Reichert leads after two rounds with a time of 34.71.