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South Texas teen ropers participate in Reno roping invitational
 COURTESY PHOTO
Velma Ramirez (left) and Kelsey Wiley enter the arena astride their horses in anticipation of competition at the Reno Rodeo Ladies Roping Invitational June 24 in Reno, Nev.
Wilson County News
July 28, 2009
1 comment
As most teenagers enjoy the lazy, hazy days of summer by swimming or just taking it easy, two South Texas teenagers took part in the Reno Rodeo Ladies Roping Invitational June 24 in Reno, Nev.
Velma Ramirez of La Vernia roped with her partner, Kelsey Wiley of Charlotte, representing the state of Texas. They not only roped against the wives of professional team ropers, such as Allen Bach, Tee Woolman, Tuff Hedeman, and Tyler Magnus, but also participated in the short round.
After three rounds, they qualified for the short round, consisting of nine teams. Unfortunately, Velma’s rope got caught as she left the roping box, said her father, Ariel Ramirez. As a result, the team received a no time and won the “hard-luck award,” he said.
This is the second year for Velma to participate in the all-ladies worldwide team-roping event. Teams from the United States, as well as Canada and Australia, participated.
Of the 126 teams competing for the $20,000 first prize, the South Texas girls were the youngest in the competition.
Velma attends La Vernia High School and Kelsey is a student at Charlotte High School. Both young ladies will be seniors this year.
Kelsey serves as the header and Velma, the heeler, in this pairing. They have been roping together for one year.
Kelsey is a “good consistent header,” Ariel said.
Reno was not the first major event in which they have competed. They also participated in the U.S. Team Roping Championship in Oklahoma City Oct. 24, 2008.
Velma’s beginnings
Velma started riding horses at the tender age of 4. The youngest of four daughters born to Ariel and Sonia Ramirez of La Vernia, Velma soon followed in her father’s footsteps.
Prior to living in La Vernia, the Ramirezes lived in Brenham, where he worked on a ranch. The Ramirez family lived the ranch life, and Ariel participated in roundups. Ariel said Velma always “tagged along.” This is where Velma was introduced to roping and ranch life.
After the family moved to La Vernia, Velma was introduced to Ray and Tina Richardson, now of Bay City, who in turn introduced Velma to youth cutting events.
Like her father, Velma soon began team-roping events and now has been competing for about two years.
Velma qualified for the state competition her first year, participating in the 2008 Texas High School Rodeo in Abilene.
Ariel also credits another trainer for Velma’s success, team roper Gary Sutton of Jourdanton. Sutton assists Velma with her roping skills; she also uses Sutton-brand ropes.
While Velma serves as the heeler in the Wiley-Ramirez pairing, she can also head. Ariel said that his daughter is a better header than heeler.
A saddle is among the prizes Velma has won thus far, as well as “lots of buckles … more than I have,” her father said. Ariel said his daughter loves horses. He is impressed with her horsemanship.
After graduating from high school, Velma plans to attend Tarleton State University in Stephenville, and hopes to earn a spot on the rodeo team.
To assist with her college tuition, Velma is working hard to impress rodeo scouts and earn scholarships.
Velma plans to continue in an ag-related business, by helping injured cowboys as a physical therapist.
All of Ariel and Sonya’s daughters ride horses. All the Ramirez family members are involved with rodeo events and are supportive of Velma’s dream of roping professionally. |
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Pat
August 2, 2009 4:01pm
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