PRINEVILLE – A fast-paced team event that evolved from the ranch work of separating cattle into pens for branding is headed to the Crook County Fairgrounds next week.

The Cascade Team Penning Association’s year-end finals is on tap for Friday, Sept. 22. Action gets underway at 8:30 a.m.

Top team penners from across the Northwest including about a half-dozen riders from Central Oregon have been invited to compete for championship titles based on points they accrued throughout the year at CTPA events.

In team penning, three riders must separate three same-numbered cattle from a herd of 30 in 60 to 90 seconds (depending on the class).

According to Team Penning Northwest, once the three cattle have been cut from the herd they must be driven into a small pen at the opposite end of the arena.

Following Friday’s finals, a team penning competition to kickoff the 2007 season is set for Saturday, Sept. 23 and Sunday, Sept. 24. Action begins at 8 a.m. each day.

Spectators are welcome at the team penning finals and kickoff show at no charge.

Contact: www.ctpa.net or call 503-590-4198.