One of professional rodeo’s most important early season rodeos is set for its finals.
After three semifinal performances, the National Western Stock Show Rodeo has narrowed each event to 12 finalists who will compete for championship titles in Denver.
This is a win that often serves as a launchpad for momentum heading into the winter building rodeos and the heart of the Texas Swing too.
With semifinal rounds complete, the finalists represent a mix of proven champions and rookie talent.
Bareback Riding
The bareback riding was impressive across all three semi rounds.
Semifinal One saw R.C. Landingham and Daxtyn Field share the win with matching 83 point rides. Sam Peterson’s 80 points earned him a finals spot along with Kashton Ford.
Semifinal Two raised the bar as Gauge McBride and Cole Franks both delivered 85 point rides to top the round. Chett Weitz was close behind at 84.5. Garrett Shadbolt's 83 points also advanced.
The highest score during the semi finals came in Semifinal Three, where Wacey Schalla posted a huge 86.5 point ride. Jayco Roper, Cole Reiner, and Cooper Fillipek round out the top 12 finalists.
Steer Wrestling
The steer wrestling was sharp and fast again in the semi finals rounds.
Texas man Ty Bauerle led Semifinal One with a 4.0. Ryan Shuckburgh and his 4.1 was second. Landris White came in third with a 4.5. Bray Armes also advanced in fourth with a 4.6.
Semifinal Two followed suit, with Mike McGinn matching the 4.0 mark to win his bracket. Rhett Witt was second with a 4.3 followed by Tristan Martin, 4.5 and Riley Reiss with a 4.6.
In Semifinal Three, Tyke Kipp delivered, stopping the clock at 3.9 seconds. Mountain States cowboy Seth Peterson was a 4.5 for second. Emmett Edler's 4.6 and Landon Beardsworth's 5.0 also advance.
With the three semifinal winners separated by a tenth of a second, the finals are shaping up to be a true show.
Team Roping
Team ropers Kolton Schmidt and Chase Tryan claimed Semifinal One with a quick 4.2-second run. Semifinal Two belonged to Hagen Peterson and Dylin Ahlstrom, who posted a 4.7 to take the win. Tanner Tomlinson and Coleby Payne topped Semifinal Three at 4.6 seconds.
Cory Kidd and Carson Johnson along with Kellan Johnson and Trae Smith and Jet Toberer and Casey McCleskey qualified through Semifinal One.
Semifinal Two sent Brye Crites with Ross Ashford and Jhett Trenary and Daniel Reed, and Bridger Ketcham and Kaden Prince to the finals.
Last but not least was semi finals three. Also advancing from there was Luke Brown and Trey Yates, Jr. Dees and Landen Glenn, and Payton Pirrung and Tucker White.
Saddle Bronc Riding
The saddle bronc riding finals roster is full of both those seasoned veterans and the best up and comers in the sport. In Semifinal One, Gus Gaillard, the reigning Rookie of the Year, led the field with an 83-point ride. Semifinal Two saw Kade Bruno match that score to claim his bracket. The highest mark came in Semifinal Three, where Ryder Sanford scored 83.5 points, setting the standard heading into the finals.
Advancing alongside them are Jesse Kruse, Tanner Butner, Ryder Wright, Josue Molina, Kole Ashbacher, Parker Fleet, Dawson Dahm, Easton West, Stetson Wright and James Perrin.
Tie-Down Roping
Fast times dominated the tie-down roping semifinals. Dylan Hancock won Semifinal One with an 8.1-second run. Semifinal Two came with the fast time so far, as Quade Hiatt was a smokin 7.3 seconds. Semifinal Three brought a shared win by Blane Cox and Tate Talkington at 8.2 seconds. With multiple sub-eight-second runs already on the board, the finals is likely to get very fast.
Other finalists include Haven Meged, Reigning and 3 time world champion Riley Webb, J.D. McCuistion, Jett Barrett, Pecos Tatum, Cole Clemons, Cole Robinson and Travis Staley.
Barrel Racing
Just hundredths of a second separate qualifiers in the barrelracing as 12 competitors earned their way into the finals across the three semifinals.
Semifinal One saw Heidi Gunderson take the top spot with a 15.01-second run. LaTricia Duke followed closely at 15.03, while Fallon Forbes advanced with a 15.46. Morgan Addison claimed the final qualifying spot from Semifinals One with a 15.77.
In Semifinal Two, Makenzie Mayes posted the fastest barrel time of the semifinals, stopping the clock in 14.96 seconds. Sydney Graham secured second at 15.17, and Mataya Eklund rounded out the advancing trio with a 15.28.
Semifinal Three featured one of the most competitive groups of the week. Summer Kosel led the round with a 15.04, followed closely by Jordan Driver at 15.06. Julie Plourde continued her dominace advancing in third with a 15.15, while C.J. Vondette claimed the final finals position after clocking a 15.35.
Bull Riding
Bull riding at the National Western has had fans on the edge of their seats.
Semifinal One was led by Kobie Olson, who turned in one of the top rides of the round with an 88 point score. College cowboys Brenson Bartlett followed with an 86.5, while Colorado vs The World Champ Hayden Welsh advanced in third with an 84.5. Sage Vance secured the final qualifying spot from the opening semifinal with an 81-point ride.
In Semifinal Two, Koby Jacobson topped the round with an 86.5 point ride. A tie for second saw Luke Mackey and Colton Fritzlan each post 85 point rides to advance, while Riley Shippy rounded out the top four with an 83.5.
Semifinal Three was tough, with only two qualified rides. 10x World Champion, Superman, Stetson Wright led the round with an 83-point score/ Grady Young followed with a 73-point ride to advance. With no additional qualified rides in the round, Dawson Gleaves advanced based on his 79-point score from Semifinal One, and Canyon Bass earned the final finals position after topping the bracket average.
Stay tuned for finals results.