January 18, 2010
Mr. Isham,
After spending the last 3 days and 4 nights at your facility, I must tell you what a great experience I had. I myself have a couple of horses, never did a lot with them other than trail riding (far from a confident rider) but always had a desire to learn how to rope and ride in a competitive setting. Not having picked up a rope before attending the class, and catching ½ my steers on day 3… man, what a rush, in such a short time to be able to feel confidence in being dangerous with a rope (I have a long way to go before I have any real expertise), and more confidence with my riding & horsemanship than before. I have a long way to go before I can think about being competitive; but the fundamentals foundation that was laid the last 3 days is the most important to building a strong desire to becoming a better horseman and roper.
As the head of the organization, you have done an outstanding job in selecting quality people, top notch products, and building a world class facility. You have put together an all star line up: Krece did an OUTSTANDING job as a teacher: patient, and understanding, put would push you to keep going. He was always willing to make sure everyone understood before moving forward… I can’t say enough about what a great teacher & person he is. Curtis, a ball of fire, his enthusiasm for the sport and NRS was evident every time I saw him. He was the first one I met when I arrived on Wednesday night, and helped me get settled in. His tour around the NRS World headquarters was also a great experience. I must also mention your wonderful food & accommodations, a true 5 star facility! (only missing the hot tub!) And thanks to all the other guys who helped out, Dean, Levi, and Justin… true horsemen.
It has always amazed me at what people are willing to spend money on and what they think they can do themselves. For someone to shell out 10’s of 1000’s of dollars for a trailer, sometimes an equal amount on a horse; but yet not spend a dime on learning and gaining the expertise of the sport that they wish to pursue seems absolutely foolish to me. Your clinics should be booked for every event that you offer, if people realized the value of what you are offering. Maybe it’s a guy thing, they think they are too cool to take “lessons”, but let me tell you what I learned in 3 days was so much more than just throwing a rope. I will tell you it was worth every penny ( I would say it was worth more, but I don’t want you to be raising the rates!!)
I would be remiss if I did not mention my “team” of ropers who joined me for those 3 days… An outstanding group of people from all over the country came to pursue their dream of becoming better at a sport they love. I’ll be seeing you guys around the arena…
Again, I want to thank you and your staff for all of your hospitality while in NRS Training Facility in Decatur… I will be back, and I will do my part to spread the word about what a great “experience” I had at your facility.
Sincerely,
Jason Blenker, President
June 08, 2009
Krece and Jason.
I just wanted to let you know that I enjoy my time at this past May’s Level 1 Clinic. I learned a lot, a little slow to get some of it and it highlighted areas where I need some improvement. Krece and Jason were great. They were patient, provided good feedback, challenged us at appropriate times and knew when we were struggling and did just the right things to help restore our confidence. The food was terrific. All in all, it was hard work but it was all worth it. I plan on doing it again.
As a matter of fact, I have already taken steps to make it to the Level 2 Clinic. This past week/weekend, after letting my body recover a bit, I’ve been swinging the rope and feel the swing is already better than when I left. Did a long ride up at LBJ this past weekend concentrating on balance and control. Altho, I don’t think our horses enjoyed it much. There was A LOT of trotting and loping. Yesterday I spent some time bareback to work on balance. Afterwards, got the home made roping sled out and practiced many runs. Everything seemed much easier than it did toward the end of the clinic. It was almost like it had time to soak in and all came together. I can already tell a BIG difference…all for the better. I was much more in control of both my body and horse. Jason…my left hand stayed right where it was suppose to. LOL We even worked on slow runs to make sure Fiddle (my horse) stayed in the right position and didn’t over run the steer. Between bareback and practice runs, we were out there for about 3 hours. I was a great day on horseback and I am looking forward to more.
Clinic staff,
I see you have both a July and August Level 2 Clinic. Are either full?
Also, we would like to discuss with Krece/Jason or whomever, training or at least evaluation for my girlfriends horse.
Thank you for the experience and I am looking forward to attending another clinic soon.
Have a great day.
Stuart A. Genung
Senior Tax Specialist
December 08, 2008
Hello David,
I just returned from the December 4-6th Beginners Toping Clinic and while I shared some of my thoughts in the feedback form I was pressed for time and was not able to fully articulate how impressed I was the entire NRS operation. I found my way to NRS literally by “Googling” Roping Schools. When I learned my husband, a pilot in the Navy, was going to be departing for an assignment in Iraq and leaving in January I knew I needed something to look forward to in the coming months. That was back in the late summer and having school to look forward to certainly kept me from thinking about it.
I manage a large sales team, have worked in new product development and can spot a motivated team, studied product knowledge and strong leaders when I see them. Krece has a unique ability to have achieved a high level of proficiency while being an incredibly gifted instructor that seems to thrive on find motivation in others success. It is also clear he is effective at business and people management as well. It was obvious Zane and Tyler both get developed and stretched in their roles as well and a key part of the team. I asked Krece if he really still enjoyed teaching beginners knowing it takes an immense amount of patience, direction, stamina and did I mention … patience. He confidently and genuinely answered yes.
I also wanted to sincerely thank you for the Rope bag, ropes and other items your team gave to us upon our departure. This was overly generous and well beyond anything the attendants expected. We all spoke later how nice it is to be surprised with an unexpected gift at any age.
I have been very fortunate to have been “raised in barn” in New Jersey of all places while finding myself on or around horses be it in the show ring or riding a pasture fence line for most of my life and wanted thank your team for making me feel right at home at the NRS Arena on a great horse, with a great instructor learning something new … I felt right at home.
Ps. I already started practicing the drills Krece taught us and after Billy’s speech already put a second coat of oil on my saddle!
All the best,
Emily M. Dodd
February 18, 2008
Krece,
Just wanted to drop you a note and say Thanks again for the best weekend of my life. I know I had a few problems, but I am going to work my tail off and be the best roper I can be. I am so far ahead of where I would have been, if I hadn't came tot he clinic last weekend. you, Jason and Zane are GREAT! All three of you made it a special weekend. I wish all three of you the best of luck, not only in your roping, but in your family and work as well. I will be back for a personal lesson. Look forward to seeing you guys at the U.S.T.R.C. finals this fall.
Jeff Hopper
May
31, 2006
Dear NRS,
I attended one of your begginers roping
schools.I have never been the same.
I have big plans in the future to
give roping and horsemenship lessons
at the training center.I practice
what Kreece and Buddy taught me quite
a bit on my dummy.Kreece and Buddy
are great they were patient with me
taught me so much!Thank you budy and
Kreece. I also thank Roany for being
a great roping and beginner horse
for me. I also thank God for letting
me go to the traing center.
God bless,
Carter S.
Dear
Krece and NRS Staff,
First of all, we would like to thank
you all for choosing Rylan as the
scholarship winner for the December
"Beginner's" Team Roping
Clinic.
Rylan not only came away from the
clinic with improved horsemanship
skills and roping techniques, but
most importantly, the clinic was a
great morale and self-esteem booster.
He goes over the techniques he learned
daily. He especially enjoyed the one-on-one
instruction.
Justin, Buddy, Kurt, and Krece have
become household names. What positive
role models for a ten-year old.
The entire staff showed us true Texas
hospitality throughout our stay! We
enjoyed the relaxed, family oriented
atmosphere (great meals and accommodations
at the bunk house). We all came away
with wonderful memories and friendships.
We were planning our next trip to
Decatur as soon as we began the trip
home.
Thanks for the Memories,
Rylan Ferbrache and Family
Krece
& Staff,
Just
wanted to let you guys know how much
our group enjoyed the Beginers clinic.
We wanted to learn how to throw the
rope correctly and we all feel very
confident with the instruction we
recieved.
Sean and I promise to be better horseman
next time we show up. Looking around
at the other students I recognized
we were miles away in horsemanship,
but we knew that coming in.
You guys were great and I would keep
ol Buddy at the clinics he will sell
more product in the arena than the
store. I was especially impressed
with the patience and caring attitude
of all the staff and David's showing
up and helping and thanking us all
for coming showed great customer service!
The one thing I see in the whole area
of roping is that even the stars will
take time and talk to you, no arrogance
or prima donnas just good people and
bringing my son into something that
is important.
David your store and staff were all
good people I admire a company where
everyone works together and I did
not hear one person complain or downgrade
another employee or staff.
If you want to expand your operation
to the Kansas City area I think you
would be very successful. There isnt
anything like it in the area.
Anyhow, again I thank you all and
we will maybe see some of you at the
George Strait in March or we will
stop by on the way down.
In your debt,
Dave
DeFeo
David,
First,
I want to thank you and your staff
for selecting Carter as a scholarship
recipient. It was very much appreciated.
I
also wanted to drop you a note concerning
the level 1 beginner team roping clinic.
My son, Carter and I attended last
weekend. I can’t begin to tell
you how much I was impressed. Carter
is 12 y.o. and has only been riding
a horse for about a year and a half.
I would have never figured he would
make so much progress in just two
days of working with Kreece, Buddy
and the rest of the staff. They certainly
know what they are doing and are exceptionally
good at it. It was very obvious that
your staff truly cares about teaching
correct basics for team roping. I
really think the skills he learned
will help him for the rest of his
life.
I’m
sure you already know this, but Kreece
is a real asset in your organization.
Not only is he an expert about roping,
but he is a great person. One of the
other participants was very uneasy
on horseback since having a bad wreck
on his horse. I watched him one afternoon
slip out of the arena and start to
load up his horse and get ready to
go home. When it was pointed out to
Kreece, he got off his horse and went
out to talk with this man. He was
obviously successful in reassuring
him and got him to stay for the remainder
of the clinic. Not only that, but
Kreece went and got one of his personal
horses (his wife’s) for this
man to use as he was uncomfortable
on his own horse. This was just one
of many things that impressed me that
your staff really cares and looks
out for the best interests of the
participants. I would also be remiss
if I didn’t mention Buddy. He
must be a great asset to you also.
He worked with those kids and adults
for hours before and after the clinic
showing them the proper way to rope.
He didn’t have to do that as
this was after hours. He is a great
man too and I really appreciated his
extra efforts. We left feeling like
both Kreece and Buddy were good friends.
Not
only did Carter learn a great deal
about roping, but he came away a better
rider which I believe will help him
become a better horseman as the years
go by. The ethics and values of your
staff and organization are truly impressive
and I’m certain that Carter
and I will be back in the future.
Also, your facilities are the best
I’ve ever seen.
Thank
you and your staff and May God Bless
You All!
Mark
Stallings
NRS staff,
I just wanted to drop a quick line
to express my thanks for providing
an opportunity for people like myself
to come fellowship with others and
learn the sport of team roping. I
can't recall the last time I enjoyed
myself so much. The friendly staff,
beautiful facility and enthusiastic
co-ropers made for a perfect weekend.
It's good to know that we have such
a facility here in Decatur.
When I become a decent roper (and
I will), and you every need a volunteer
to help out on a weekend clinic, please
keep me in mind. I would love to be
part of the NRS and help others learn
this sport.
Thanks again,
Dallas Proctor
Attention
to David
Hello David, I want to thank you and
your wonderful staff for a great weekend
and a very fun and eventful clinic.
This was my first clinic hope it is
not the last, I have already recommended
this to other friends of mine and
have passed on that you and the staff
are the friendliest and most helpful
folks I have had a chance to meet
in a long time. You have a great store
and great products and a wonderful
facility, I really enjoyed the one
on one training that was offered and
the small class that puts people at
ease, and if you can get up an hour
before the sun comes up you can find
Buddy from Dally Wraps down on the
floor ropin the dummy and he will
give some great advise and some great
stories.
Special thanks to Ryan for helping
me out Friday getting me a stall and
getting me set up for the weekend.
Team roping is a team sport, and as
I know as a firefighter a team is
somthing you depend on your team is
something you can be proud of.
Thank you
John Brasher
I
just wanted to drop you a line to
let you know how much I enjoyed your
clinic this past week. Roping is something
I have always wanted to do but for
one reason or another it got put off.
I also don't care to do anything half
way. I am very competitive! I think
after getting a good start with your
instruction I will be ready for the
next step. It doesn't look like I
will be able to make the clinic next
month as I just wont have a horse
to ride. We don't want to rush into
buying something real fast and then
paying for it later.
Thanks again to you and your family
for the effort you put in for us.
David Plato
Springtown, TX
Dear NRS Staff,
My
10 year old son Jeff and I started
riding on a trail ride in Arizona
only one year ago. He fell in love
with horses and I, having grown up
in Texas, had some of my West Texas
genes rejuvenated. I started my son
in riding lessons at a stable that
was very active in cutting and have
cutting shows in their indoor arena.
We
had a period of disillusionment at
the stable. We began to doubt our
abilities because of the yelling of
the instructor and the fact that
after 9 months they still did not
remember my son's name. It seemed
they
had no interest in us as the instructor
combined our riding times to
teach both of us at the same time
and usually sat and smoked throughout
the "lesson."
Then
I went on a trip to Ft. Worth &
Decatur Texas. I visited National
Roper's Supply in Decatur with my
87 year old mom and immediately was
treated as a family member as well
as my mom. Their patience, interest
in my trying to become a better horseman
as well as my son, their
enthusiasm and their downright honesty
and integrity so impressed me, I
signed my 10 year old and I up for
their late June 3 day beginners
team roping school. I told them we
were really beginners and I doubted
our horsemanship skills. I was told
that we would not be placed in any
situation they did not feel we could
handle and our experience proved
that correct. That school was the
best educational experience I have
ever had. My son went from the first
hour of thinking spokes are only
on wheels and holding an unruly stiff
rope to winning the Top Hand Award
and winning the roping contest as
a header, roping 3 out of 3. We
learned more the first half day than
we had since we began to take
lessons and greatest of all, we got
our enthusiasm back. The school
could be a model for educators all
over in all different fields. We
asked about horses for sale and were
given advice about the horses and
fitting our abilities but there was
never any hard sell, just concern
for us and education and "fun".
While
in Texas, we purchased a horse, Pete.
After buying him we
returned to Decatur and purchased
our tack at National Roping Supply.
We were greeted like family and they
were as happy as we were that we
found our dream horse, even if he
is a cutter and not a roper.
I
received in a box that came from Texas
with Pete on the transport
truck, his bridle and bit he was used
to and a beautiful touching
goodbye letter from Mr. Mike Randolph,
more to Pete I feel than me. I
now have that letter framed and hanging
in my 10 year old son's room
with pictures of Pete and the people
that have become part of his life.
I see my son looking at those pictures
often before bed and he usually
asks me, Dad, when are we going back
to see our friends in Texas?
Danny
Girton |