Cash Deal, NFR Saddle Bronc Hors by Dakota Rodeo Compay has passed away.
Dakota Rodeo Company has long been one of the stock contractors to take great stock to the National Finals Rodeo every year. For the last eight years, one of the amazing talented horses that made the trip to Vegas with them went by the name Cash Deal.
On March 20th, the wild Appaloosa, Cash Deal passed away unexpectedly at the age of 14.
Dakota Rodeo Company was headed to Rodeo Austin from the ranch in Perkins, Oklahoma with their trailer of horses once again. They reported that they were doing their head count and found Cash Deal laying under a tree where he looked to of passed peacefully. He was then laid to rest on the ranch where his legacy will remain.
In their post announcing his passing, Dakota rodeo company said, "Some horses leave a mark that goes far beyond the arena. Yesterday we lost Cash Deal. We’re grateful for every trip, every out, and everything he gave us."
This was a very unexpected loss as the gelding was strong, healthy, happy, and really in his prime. Sometimes these horrible things happen without good reason at all.
South Dakota cowboy, NFR Qualifier Shorty Garrett was set to match with Cash Deal at Austin this past week in the long round. He would then be in the draw for the short round too.
He made his eight appearance under the bright lights of Vegas this December. Each horse that makes it to the finals gets put in the draw in 2 of the the 10 rounds. In Round 4, Brody Cress matched with Cash Deal for 86.25 points. That placed Cress 5th in the round.
He was out again in Round 9 and this time the youngest Wright boy, Statler, drew him. At this time the World Title was still very undecided and all three of the Wright brothers were still in contention. No one really saw Statler as the biggest of threats though. He was 88 points on Cash Deal. That was good enough for 2nd place behind Stetson Wright. That round money helped boost Statler Wright just dollar ahead of Ryder to walk away as the World Champion for the first time in his young career.
Anytime a great equine athlete passes, the whole rodeo community mourns. Dakota Rodeo Company has a history of bringing up the greatest stock in the game. Cash Deal was no different. He was so fun to watch do his thing, and could always be counted on to win rodeos. Statler Wright is just one of the many cowboys that climbed in the chute on top of the powerful appaloosa on their way to a gold buckle.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Dakota Rodeo Company as they mourn this incredible loss. The legacy of these great horses really do live on forever. This one specifically will live on through buckle cases and trophy rooms of rodeos best saddle bronc riders in the world.