NRS Events - National Roper's Supply - Roping, Horsemanship, Barrel Racing, Horse Training Schools/Clinics

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.

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

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,

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.

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

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?