RODEO COMPETITORS TO WATCH
Talk to some rodeo die-hards and they’ll swear up and down that the real stars of the circuit are the livestock — unrideable bulls, hoof-kicking horses and steers that veer every which way but straight. They’re not wrong, these animals are amazing — and often confounding. But it’s so much easier to relate to the cowboys and cowgirls who spend their nights driving across the country for a few moments of trying to craft the perfect ride, throw the perfect loop or beat the clock one more time.
On that note, here are a few Rodeo Houston competitors worth keeping your eyes on, because they’re favorites to take home some cash or they’re legends of their sport.
BARREL RACING
Longtime rodeo fans are sure to recognize Sherry Cervi’s name on the roster. And rightfully so — the veteran barrel racer has qualified for the National Finals Rodeo 19 times and won the world championships twice. She might not be a favorite here, but she’s always dangerous. Lisa Lockhart, from South Dakota, is another savvy vet who doesn’t seem to be slowing down. The true favorite has to be Amberleigh Moore, the reigning world champion who tied the arena record at the recent National Finals Rodeo. She’s riding well, and fast.
BAREBACK
Look close at these riders and you’ll see some big arms and thick necks. You need them to stay on these punishing rides. Kaycee Feild has stayed on as well as anyone ever has, earning some praise as the event’s greatest rider ever — don’t miss his work. Bobby Mote is a multiple world champ who’s been doing this longer than some riders have been alive. Tim O’Connell is the reigning PRCA champ, which means he’s probably still riding high.
BULL RIDING
Skim this list of competitors and a familiar, iconic name stands out. Yes, Joe Frost is related to the legendary Lane Frost, the cowboy who died after a bull gored him in the ring and inspired the 1994 film “8 Seconds.” Joe’s representing his family with aplomb, riding like a star. Parker Breding isn’t bad either, a man who’s done well on the big stage at the NFR. And then there’s Sage Kimzey, the reigning world champion who doesn’t seem to get tired of trying to get better.
SADDLE BRONC
This event might as well be a family reunion for the Wright brood from Utah. Five of the family’s bronc riders finished in the top 10 of the world
standings, including the aptly named Ryder, and they’ll all be in Houston. And Coburn Bradshaw, another Utah cowboy, married into the Wright family. He’ll also be riding at NRG. It’s a cool story, but don’t look past Zeke Thurston. The Canadian cowboy just won the world title.
STEER WRESTLING
Luke Branquinho is one of this event’s all-time greats, the favorite to wrestle a steer to the ground as fast as anyone — until someone beats him. If Branquinho ties to the past, James Struxness is the future, a college champion with a good future. They’ll both likely be battling with Tyler Waguespack, who’s won the NFR and Denver’s National Western Stock Show. So, yeah, he’s on a roll.
TIE-DOWN ROPING
There are some cowboy all-timers in this field: Fred Whitfield, Cody Ohl and Stran Smith. But while those guys are still skilled enough to win, they’re not the hands they used to be. Time can be cruel. A couple of Texas cowboys are the current crop of tie-down stars, as Tyson Durfey is the world champion and Marty Yates is always dangerous. Then there’s Tuf Cooper, from one of rodeo’s legacy families. He’s as good as his name suggests.
TEAM ROPING
Longevity can reign in this event, and the RodeoHouston field reflects as much with a contestant list full of the old and new of the sport. Dustin Egusquiza is one of the best young headers in the world, he’ll be teamed with veteran Kory Koontz. Jake Barnes is a living legend with a rope, he’ll be swinging it for Martin Lucero. Clay Tryan is a young gun with world championships on his mantel, he’s paired with Jake Corkill, who’s not short on the skill of throwing rope. They might be the favorites.