Topper

2008 Tie Down Roping champion Stran Smith, has had many ups and downs in his life.

I first met Stran in January of 2000 at a Wrangler party thrown during the National Stock and Rodeo Show in Denver. I was excited to have my picture taken at the party with two famous ropers, Speed Williams, and a tall handsome young man I was convinced was a model. Later, of course, I found out that was Stran Smith.

I saw Stran again last year at the NFR, sitting in a booth with a pensive look on this face, waiting to greet shoppers at the Cowboy Christmas gift show. I'd come to know Stran's amazing story, but still I couldn't think of anything to say. Sometimes just seeing a guy like Stran is enough to impress you . . . and I walked away. I regained my composure and decided to backtrack and at least wish him good luck in his final round at the NFR.

By the time I got back to where he was he was busy chatting with fans young and old, and signing autographs. I knew his time with a young roper was more important than anything I might

I didn't intend to write this post about Stran, I meant to feature his amazing horse, Topper