Tough Draw Tuesday: Chase Dougherty’s Return to Form

Among them is Oregon cowboy Chase Dougherty, now based in Decatur, Texas, who is putting together a strong comeback season after battling through injury a year ago. After missing significant time in 2025, Dougherty has returned to competition with focus and determination, working his way back into contention.

“Last year I had to sit at home most of the year—about six or seven months,” Dougherty explains. “I didn’t get to go to a single event, and it really hindered my ability to get into some of the major events this year.”

This past weekend marked a major step forward.

Dougherty recorded two Top 5 finishes, placing fourth in Buffalo, Texas and second in Montgomery, Alabama-results that are expected to move him back inside the Top 25 in the Pro Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) World Standings.

For a competitor who missed key opportunities during the 2025 season due to injuries, his results in early 2026 reflect both resilience and confidence. Now, with his health returning and momentum building, Dougherty has his sights set on a return to Las Vegas and what would be his third National Finals Rodeo qualification.

The road back from injury is rarely straightforward, especially in a sport as physically demanding as bull riding.For Dougherty, the process is all about regaining rhythm, confidence, and consistency across the long season.

That mindset has already begun to show in his recent performances, where steady rides and strong finishes are building the foundation needed for a successful year.

"2026 has been a pretty cool year for me. Just with the hip surgery I had last April and everything. I have been dealing with that hip for almost 3 years leading up to that surgery. It bugged me, but it didn't really bother me too bad til around Calgary and just really hindered me the rest of the year," Dougherty said about his injury. 

There were doubts surrounding the future of his career, but Chase has proven everyone of them wrong.

"I had a handful of people trying to make me think about retiring or maybe doing something else. Honestly, when I had the surgery I wasn't really sure if I was going to be able to ride like I wanted to again."

Dougherty continued, "Everything has been going way better than I expected, so we are just trying to keep clicking right along." 

Dougherty was one of the early athletes to align with Tough Draw Sports, becoming the third athlete to officially join the roster. Since then, he has played a key role in helping shape the culture and direction of the brand.

As both a competitor and collaborator, Dougherty has consistently provided insight, feedback, and perspective, serving as a trusted voice as Tough Draw continues to grow across verticals.

His willingness to engage, share ideas, and contribute beyond competition reflects the relationship-driven approach that defines Tough Draw Sports.

Chase talked about his relationship with Tough Draw Sports.

"I originally got in touch with Brad through Trey Holsten awhile back. It has just gotten better and better. When they started the agency, that worked out great, and they have helped me a bunch." 

For Dougherty, the evolution and growth within the Tough Draw ecosystem has directly correlated with the growth in his career. 

"Now with the Tough Draw Tour coming on, I mean it seems like every couple of years, they just add another level to it all."

As the season progresses, Dougherty’s focus remains on consistency and positioning himself for another run at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (NFR).

With strong early results and his momentum building, the path back to Las Vegas is well within reach for Dougherty.

"I have a couple of goals. A couple big ones, and a couple smaller goals that I am hoping are gonna help me accomplish those big ones. I haven't changed a whole bunch as far as I want to make it to the NFR and go win the world. I would like to have over $200,000 going into the NFR." 

That forward momentum extends beyond the standings.

As Tough Draw continues to expand across storytelling, athlete representation, and live events, Dougherty has also been actively engaged in the early conversations surrounding the Tough Draw Tour, a new event series designed to create additional opportunities for riders while elevating the overall experience for athletes and fans alike.

With a focus on athlete input, storytelling, and fan engagement, the Tour represents a natural extension of the relationships built through Tough Draw Sports.

“The Tough Draw Tour is going to create great opportunities for guys like me to compete at a high level,” Dougherty shares.  

For Dougherty, the alignment is clear: continue building as a competitor while being part of something that is helping shape the future of the sport.

“The Tough Draw Tour matters to me because it gives riders like me an opportunity to voice our opinions and be part of how things are built,” Dougherty reveals. 

As the season unfolds, both his performance and his perspective will be worth watching.

With momentum building across the Tough Draw ecosystem, more details surrounding the Tough Draw Tour, including its first stop and upcoming ticket availability, are expected to be announced soon.

For now, Dougherty’s focus remains the same to stay consistent, keep climbing, and make the most of every opportunity in front of him.

If his start to 2026 is any indication, this is another comeback story worth following all the way to December.

Tough Draw is a Western storytelling and athlete advocacy platform operating across live events, sports representation, media, and production. Founded in 2014, the brand was built on a commitment to honor Western culture while elevating the athletes who define it. Today, Tough Draw operates through multiple verticals, including Tough Draw Tour, a premium bull riding–only league; Tough Draw Sports, an athlete representation agency; Tough Draw Talks, a Western-focused podcast; and Tough Draw Film, a production company rooted in documentary storytelling. Guided by athlete-first values and long-term relationship building, Tough Draw blends sports professionalism with authentic storytelling to expand opportunity within the Western industry.