ARCADIA — With a warm evening packed full of anticipation and events, Florida teams gathered Aug. 1, in Arcadia for an opportunity to qualify for the coveted annual finals to be held Sept. 25 and 26 in Kissimmee, Fla.
All horse/rider combinations were eager, keen, quite consistent and handily scored top scores and drove home with a beautiful Desoto Ranch Rodeo Champion Qualifier buckle and a check. The prize winning team was the Trinity Ranch-Syfrett Feed rodeo team from Okeechobee. Members are C.J. Carter, Ty Bennett, Dalton Boney, Jed Gray and Frankie Chesler-Syfrett.

The team performed the required replicated ranch tasks; double mugging trailer loading, cowhide drag, calf branding and bronc riding, being consistent throughout the evening and earning good scores in every event.
DeSoto County and Arcadia Mosaic Company Foundation, major donors in the local community has announced the ground breaking of the new Mosaic Arena to be located adjacent the existing Turner Agri-Civic Center, with capacity just under 9,000 seats. The arena is expected to be a major economic boost to the area, as approximately 94 percent of the attendees at arena events come from outside of the county.
Mosaic Company is the world’s leading producer of concentrated phosphate and potash, two essential crop ingredients.
Weather and arena footing held up well and the working stock, which are very important, were healthy and fresh, being provided by Logan Perry and Associates. As the evening passed, the pressure was on, but all participants thoroughly enjoyed each round with good spirit and sport, especially the winners. With the season drawing to a close, the qualifying teams will be preparing with excitement for the upcoming finals where not only the events, but a fun-filled festival week occurs with daily entertainment. So, ranch rodeo fans, mark your calendar and see you there.
And remember as Frankie always says, “Let your seat feel the beat.”