BILLINGS — How big is the annual Wrangler Team Roping Championship in Billings? Men, women, and full-fledged families from all over the world come together to take home more than $1 million in cash and prizes. Let’s say.
“Welcome to Hutchison’s Crib,” Jerome Hutchison said with a smile and a laugh as he climbed into his travel trailer.
The family of five appears to be living in a “crib” as much, if not more, than in their home in Watford, North Dakota.
It was planted this week under this nice big shade tree on the grounds of Metra Park, as far away from First Interstate Arena as my family can go.
“I love it,” said Braden, 15.
Teenage brothers Hayden and Braden say they can’t get enough of life on the road.
“It’s great. You get to hang out with your friends and do whatever you want on the weekends,” said Hayden, 17. “Half of it is like a hotel and the other half is a stock trailer.”
The Hutchison family transported seven horses, two trucks, and two trailers to Billings, hoping to leave the team with pockets full of prize money and contend for the championship.
“I think we have a great lifestyle: traveling with our families and horses, team roping, rodeos,” Jerome said outside another horse trailer.
Daughter Cassidy is the youngest of the family. She’s a 12-year-old with a passion for middle school rodeo, but she makes money with these team roping-only events. Due to the amount of travel we do, all three siblings are homeschooled, which has its pros and cons.
“Like, I just want to ride a horse and get it done. But it’s pretty good. It doesn’t take that long to get through a day’s worth of school,” Cassidy said.
The whole family has competed together at least once, including his mother, Kelsey. And they win many victories.
Jerome and Hayden’s candidacy Tuesday ensured victory in the district and paid them more than $20,000.
“We’re spending a lot of money here, so we have to win to at least stay even. But we had a good year here and won $40,000…$50,000.” Jerome said.
The Hutchison family says they have participated in the event every year but one.
“It’s expensive, but it’s fun,” Hayden said.
Two years ago, Braden won a new Dodge pickup truck in these championships when he was 13 years old and not yet old enough to drive.
“I was a little nervous, but (the result) was a different experience at the helm,” he said, reflecting on his feelings before the championship match.
“When they announced it, it was surreal. We all started crying. It was cool,” Hayden recalled.
“(That truck) was probably the biggest highlight of the win for us as a family,” Jerome said. “We try not to drive it. We try to keep it as new as possible so he doesn’t wear it out.”
Indeed, when a family of five constantly moves in a small space, sometimes someone has to play the role of “nuisance”.
“Braden definitely makes us the most nervous,” Hayden said without hesitation.
Cassidy agreed with a smile.
No matter the family, middle children usually seem to be hit the hardest. But the brothers will have to put up with Braden if they want to ride the new pickup.
