Kim Sutton knows the difference a hundredth of a second makes in the sport of rodeo

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Sutton Rodeo women wear many hats producing rodeos

Official NFR Timers: Tammy Bradeen, Sherry Gibson and Kim Sutton (right)

Sutton Rodeo easily could have the middle name “National Finals,” the bucking stock and men are well decorated with accomplishments dating back to the very first National Finals Rodeo.

However, let’s meet the Sutton women; the trio are easily identifiable with genuine smiles, fashion forward outfits and the working knowledge of rodeo production.

This past December marked Kim Sutton’s fourth year working the National Finals Rodeo as a Timer. “The most stress is knowing the contestant is competing for money and titles. Every dollar counts at the end of the year. You never want to miss a time and cause a re-run,” stated Kim, “The best moment is finishing an event successfully, no mistakes and all the equipment working.”

Kim Sutton’s mother-in-law, Julie Sutton

Her mother-in-law, Julie and Bea Hutson taught her the skillful art of operating the stopwatch in 1983. Rodeo Timers know that a hundredth of a second determines a contestant’s fate. The Black Hills Stock Show & Rodeo is a signature Sutton Rodeo event for the past 38 years. Jim and Julie spend nearly a month in Rapid City handling logistics, publicity and advance promotion before the two week run in January-February.

Kim and her husband Steve, two sons Brent and Brice along with daughter Amy and son-in-law Steven Muller are all involved in the stock contracting, ranching and rodeo business. Amy handles the Sutton Rodeo social media along with producing the Girls In Spurs event.

Timing for a rodeo occurs in all types of weather indoor and outdoor and Kim shared her secrets for keeping warm. “Cold is the worse, so wear Under Armor (clothing) and keep “Hot Hands” packets around.”

FUN FACTS about Kim Sutton

Most important role is being a wife, mom, and grandma.
Competed in Barrels, Poles, Break-away Roping, Team Roping and Cutting.
While competing in the State Finals 4-H Rodeo, she met Steve.
Loves reading, dark chocolate and wine
Holds a teaching degree in Consumer Education with a minor in Early Childhood Education

Post and tweet your favorite Sutton Rodeo pictures to @cowboylifestyle during the Black Hills Stock Show & Rodeo January 31- February 8, 2014

Gretchen Kirchmann

Gretchen Kirchmann is a veteran journalist covering a variety of events across the country each year. She founded Kirchmann Media Group in 2009 and works as a marketing consultant with a forte for the western lifestyle industry, festivals, fairs and rodeo world. Her work includes 15 national communication awards plus coverage of Nashville's CMT Awards and CMA Fanfest. A favorite assignment was attending the all cast reunion of the Dukes of Hazard in 2006 and 2007 at Dukesfest. In December you will find her covering the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo and Miss Rodeo America pageant live from Las Vegas. Her favorite color is orange, favorite song "Rocky Top" and she loves to dance especially clogging.