Lil Punch Helps Haven Meged Win NFR Open, Climb PRCA Standings

The NFR Open in Colorado Springs, Colorado, wrapped up, crowning the 2026 National Circuit Champions. Tie-down roper Haven Meged came out on top. Helping the Montana circuit champion to the title was a special horse they call Lil Punch.

In the final round, the seven-time NFR qualifier put up a great run of 8.3 to take the win. They came into the finals after putting together two solid runs to be a 19.0 on two. This win added $13,000, not including any of the round money, for Haven. This was only a small piece of his huge week. 

What made this win extra special was For Goodness Shakes, aka Lil Punch. The talented sorrel horse had been out due to injury, and the NFR Open was his first big show back. Lil Punch has been a big part of Haven's career, even though he may technically be owned by his wife, Shelby. Together, Meged and Lil Punch won the 2023 NFR Average Championship when that horse was only 6 years old. 

World Champion breakaway roper, Shelby Meged, had much success on him too, before Haven ever swung a leg over him. She won Rodeo Salinas in 2021 aboard the gelding when he was only four years old. That kind of win on such a young horse is very impressive, especially on a unique setup as you see in Salinas. But for Lil Punch, he just dominated.

It did not take long for him to take to the tie-down roping with Haven and they had immediate success on him from the futurities on. Ever since, he's been a star in the show.  An injury might have had him out of office for a little while, but now he is back in the winning circle with Haven. 

Meged has been on a roll, and has recently moved up to number 3 in the PRCA World Standings. He has over $130,000 won in 2026 while chasing his 8th NFR and 2nd World Championship. Riley Webb and Kincade Henry are all that is standing between Meged and #1. 

Haven and Shelby also welcomed their first baby boy, Wylder Meged, to the family this year, and that has changed a few things for them. While on the road, they now have a little one to take care of, and their priorities have shifted a bit. Without a doubt, Wylder now comes before roping, so they take him along with them everywhere they go. 

Not only did the NFR Open win make for a great week, but Haven also won a big chunk of money in Salinas, won the Larmaie Wyoming Jubilee Days, and made it back to the semi-finals at the Cheyenne Frontier Days. This streak he is on is not uncommon for Meged at all, and he is well on his way to another trip to Vegas. A gold buckle in 2026 might mean just a little more with his little boy in the stands.