Past events
2021 AMC Event
In only its second year, The Hillwood Land and Cattle Company American Military Celebration, brought to you by Ariat, not only doubled the length of the event, it more than doubled funds raised for military veterans and first responders. The team roping event, which was held at National Roping Supply Arena in Decatur, Texas, October 26 – 31, proudly donated more than $115,000 to Building Homes for Heroes, including a mortgage-free home to Army Specialist Jonathan Merchant.
In 1999, two years after joining the Army, Merchant was involved in a tragic car accident. Despite a broken neck and traumatic brain injury, and quadrapalegic spinal cord injury, Merchant has persevered, learning to bike and swim, and now regularly competes as a triathlete.
The AMC features three main ropings in addition to numbered ropings for the public. The Military Roping for is for veterans, active service members, and first responders; a Pro-Am, which pairs military members with roping industry celebrities; and an NFR Showdown that brings the top 15 team roping teams in the PRCA world standings.
Crawford launched the six-day event with Horns ‘N Heroes, his free, three-day roping school he co-hosts with Trey Johnson for veterans, first responders, and their families. Trevor Brazile and Miles Baker made a surprise guest appearance and provided horsemanship lessons to participants.
In addition to roping, attendees could shop from several vendors or place bids in a silent auction with more than 90 items and a live auction with 18 items, including breedings to reining stallion Show Me the Buckles and roping stallion Justa Swinging Gypsy.
On Friday, Trey Yates and partner Kembe Holstein won the #13.5, and Jimmy Blake and Stoney Skidmore won the #11.5. Trevor Brazile and Trey Johnson won the Open Qualifier to compete in the NFR Showdown on Saturday.
An impressive 120 teams competed in the Military Roping on Saturday. The short-go was held with the NFR Showdown, and it paid $10,000 per man. The Military Pro-Am was a huge success, with veterans BJ Garcia and Kendall Stacy with celebrities Jake Long and Andrew Ward walking away with the win. Dustin Egusquiza and Travis Graves won the NFR Showdown after roping 25.8 on five.
AMC is grateful for all its sponsors, including 92.1 Hank FM, 95.9 The Ranch, American Hat Company, Classic, Elite Custom Saddles, Kinetic Vet, Legend Tack and Silver, Preifert, Smarty, Yeti, and X-Factor Roping. As a thank you to Hillwood Land and Cattle Company, Ross Perot Jr. was presented with a custom Elite Saddle that matched the championship trophy saddles made for the event.
Mark your calendars for next year’s AMC on October 26 – 30, 2022 at NRS Arena.
