Local tie down, breakaway ropers, goat tiers, and horses had the opportunity during the month of August to compete at a weeknight jackpot series. The series included breakaway roping for green horses and open horses, goat tying in different age divisions, as well as tie-down ropers from pro to beginning. Jason and Natasha Vohs created the series at their arena south of Dickinson, N.D.

“We started this jackpot series to get more competitive exposure for our girls and for the rodeo community and youth. The more opportunities for youth to compete against older competitors, the better,” explained Natasha Vohs, roping producer and rodeo mom.

Open Breakaway Champs Morgan Foss, fast time, series finale Rubi Johnson and Amber Carson with Natasha and Jason Vohs [Photo: Natasha Vohs]

“We really wanted to show our girls what it takes to produce an event and instill work ethic and values. A lot of work goes into hosting rodeos and jackpots. We wanted them to know it’s not just show up and rodeo. We are fortunate to get to attend rodeos and jackpots across the Dakotas and Montana. It is a thrill and an honor to put these on for the youth,” added Vohs.

Youth Goat Tying Champs Cassidy Hutchison and Willow Vohs (Quincy accepting award) with Jason and Natasha Vohs [Photo: Tisa Peek]

The finals, which were held the evening of August 31, hosted the iconic Pendleton Roundup Rodeo style set-up, where calves were ran down a hundred-foot lane through an electric eye triggered barrier into an open arena. This proposed a new challenge and set up to further increase the roper’s skill sets.

Youth Breakaway Champs Chezney Gjermundson and Cashin Carson with Jason and Natasha Vohs [Photo: Tisa Peek]

A lot of sponsors were involved in making this series happen. Taylor Bang Cattle Sales, BOB Enterprises, Boote Septic Solutions, Bank of Baker, and YES Electric all showed their support to the roping, youth, and rodeo industry sponsoring added money and prizes.

Tie Down Champs Weston Lapierre, Jason Vohs, Chasyn Ystaas, Tel Sorensoon, and Natasha Vohs [Photo: Tisa Peek]

Triston Hall, Bismarck, made his way to the announcing microphone along with musical direction, making the series an exciting and amped up atmosphere to help season horses and riders.

“This is just fun. It’s great to see the competitors come out on a weeknight and have a good time competing,” stated Hall.

Hall also announced at the MHA Nation Rodeo this past weekend and takes the announcing calls as they come. “I wasn’t intending on doing this, but for a little over a year, I’ve had a great introductory experience with announcing,” added Hall.

Jason Vohs, producer and roper, explained, “After thirty plus years of competing and roping, this is the first series I have produced. It started last year and has progressively gotten better. If we can maintain numbers, we will keep trying to have it.”

The Vohs Family (Willow, Natasha, Jason, and Quincy) [Photo: submitted]

The Vohs moved to North Dakota a little over a decade ago from Nevada with their daughters, Willow, 13, and Quincey, 11. “We love North Dakota for the simple fact of the people. The western atmosphere and raising our children with family and conservative values has made this place our home,” the couple said.