Champions Ride Rodeo Archive, Home on the Range

SADDLE BRONC RIDING

First Go
1. Dusty Hausauer Dickinson , ND 79.5
2. Sam Spreadborough Snyder, TX 78.5
3. Jake Costello Newell, SD 78
4. Jake Hayworth St. Anthony, ID 76.5
5. Cody Wright Milford, UT 75
6. Cody Horwedel Parkfield, CA 74.5

Second Go
1. Rod Hay Wildwood, AB, Canada 84
2. Cody Wright Milford, UT 81
3. Josh Reynolds Corvallis, MT 76
4. James Willert Kadoka, SD 75
5/6. Jeremy Meeks Batesland, SD 73
5/6. Denny Hay Mayerthorpe, AB, Canada 73

Jim and Tom Tescher Championship Round
1. Cody Horwedel Parkfield, CA 87
2. Cody Wright Milford, UT 79
3. Jake Hayworth St. Anthony, ID 78
4. Sam Spreadborough Snyder, TX 77

50th Annual Champions Ride Winner:
Cody Wright Milford, Utah

Bucking Horse of the Match:
Mullen Hill of Burch Rodeo Company

Father/Son Tie-down Roping Match:
Tierney Family
Paul and Paul David

Cody Wright

Paul David Tierney

2006 ND High School Rodeo Queen, Carly Ann BackhausPhotos by Doll Rodeo Photos

Champions Ride Commemorative Print

"Little Britches, Big Dreams" is the title of the commemorative print that was painted by Towner artist, Andrew Knudson. The idea for the painting came to Knudson quickly after he was asked to do it. "The cowboys and kids theme seemed real obvious," he said. "That’s usually the first thing that comes to mind for a lot of people when you say Champions Ride. They think of Home On The Range, and, of course, the kids." The painting shows some children looking in awe through the fence as a saddle bronc rider rides across the arena. In the distant background is Cassedy Hill with the comforting view of the cross extending up into a beautiful blue North Dakota sky, reminding us of Father Cassedy, founder of Home On The Range and Father Fahnlander, his successor, who both gave so much of themselves to make the Ranch a true home to children in need. The talented artist truly captured the tie between Home On The Range and Champions Ride when he painted "Little Britches, Big Dreams" to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of Champions Ride. It is a series of 480 signed and numbered prints priced at $25.

Knudson works out of his Plains Perspective Studio/Gallery in Towner, ND. His creative flair is evident throughout, from his handmade furniture to his art using feathers, antlers, and nearly everything in between. He does his own framing and matting, often building his own frames out of interesting old wood. As he modestly shows his artwork, you can tell that he has a keen artist’s eye and that art has always been a big part of his life. The authenticity and detail in his work is amazing. Like many artists, Knudson is never totally happy with his own work. "I sometimes have to just walk away or send it out the door to the client or I will keep changing things. I never feel really done," Knudson explained. "I keep seeing things that I can improve on."

Knudson is a graduate of North Dakota State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Art. Growing up, he always knew that art would be his field. "I drew all through school," he stated, and then added with a smile, "but it was usually when I wasn’t supposed to be!" Art was the only thing that interested him in school and he pursued every medium possible. His godmother was an art teacher and purchased his first art supplies for him. She also helped him with his first painting. Knudson is a former rodeo contestant and an avid outdoorsman and his work reflects his life experiences. He is well known for his attention to detail and his love for the northern plains is evident in his paintings.

Knudson has been making quite a name for himself with his unique art painted directly on feathers. He does several limited edition series for Ducks Unlimited each year. Each feather is hand painted, numbered and a true original. He does a different series for three states. He is also very involved in the Catch a Painted Pony charity for Easter Seals. The life size horses are painted by various artists, displayed at businesses, and then auctioned to the highest bidder. This fundraiser has been a huge success for Easter Seals, largely due to the generosity of artists like Knudson.

Home On The Range feels fortunate to have had Knudson commemorate fifty years of Champions Ride with his original artwork. He is on hand to autograph your print today. Be sure to meet the artist who created "Little Britches, Big Dreams." To learn more about Knudson’s work, please visit his website at www.plainsperspective.com.

The print sells for $25 and is available in several locations and at HOTR. Postage for mailing is $10. They are signed and numbered. We did a series of 475 prints