Dec 16, 2023 – Four is the number as Canadian bronc riding superstar, Zeke Thurston gathered up his fourth gold buckle with a stand-out world title performance. The Big Valley, Alberta legend, was 86.5 for a sixth place split in round ten on the Calgary Stampede bronc Dandy Delight. Thurston won the aggregate (a record 863 points for his ten rides), winning $234,437 in WNFR earnings and $456,356 in his remarkable season. 

"I had a great week; it was awesome,” Thurston smiled. "It's been a dream to do this ever since I was Hardy's (his son) age. Every step I've taken in my life was for the betterment of this dream."

Fellow Canadian Dawson Hay picked up a fifth place cheque with an 87 point final round ride while Ben Anderson and Layton Green were out of he money in the final round.

The bareback riding has been the domain of rookie Keenan Hayes since early in the season. And tonight the Hayden, Colorado cowboy put the exclamation point on the win with a sensational 90 point ride on J Bar J's Straight Ringer. On a night when his challengers encountered uncharacteristic problems, Hayes was flawless as he was so many times in his magical season. Hayes won $168,154 over the ten day run and $434.050 for the year. Canadian Orin Larsen was out of the money in round ten to finish an NFR that was a struggle for the 2019 Canadian champion.

The steer wrestling went down to the last run of the NFR before the drama ended and Tyler Waguespack emerged as the 2023 World Champion steer wrestler for the fifth time in an amazing career. He split first in the final round with a 3.8 second run and when season leader Dalton Massey broke the barrier, it was official. Waguespack garnered $156,928 at the Finals and $303,576 in total 2023 earnings. The lone Canadian in the bulldogging field, Stephen Culling was out of the money in the final round but had a terrific first WNFR as he placed in six of ten rounds and was 4th in the aggregate and 9th overall. The British Columbia cowboy won $93,699 at the Finals and $197,725 for the season.

Similar drama was the order of the day in the team roping as the last pair to rope–Wesley Thorp and Tyler Wade–did what they had to do to protect the lead they had coming in. The Texans were 5.4 seconds and did not place in the round but Wade finished up with $308,057 while his partner Thorp on the heeling side was $325,284 for the world titles. 

The Canadian representative in the team roping, 2016 World Champion and two-time Canadian titleist Jeremy Buhler and his Utah partner Rhen Richard broke out in the final round but still collected $90,232 at WNFR 65 and $213,716 on the season.

It was a wire-to-wire victory for the 2024 World Tie-Down Roping Champion. Riley Webb held off the hard charging Haven Meged for his first world title with $452,851 in season earnings. 
The tie-down roping was probably more dramatic than anyone thought it would be thanks to the superhuman effort of Meged, the reigning Canadian Champion. Meged, who set two records during the ten rounds, the first his 6.4 second run for an arena record in round six and then his 77.4 seconds for a ten round aggregate total. But maybe the happiest guy of all 15 finalists was the Canadian, Beau Cooper, who cashed for the first time at his inaugural appearance at the Thomas and Mack Arena. The Stettler cowboy posted a rapid 7.4 second time for a third place $18,325 cheque.

Canada was two for two in the bull riding as Jared Parsonage was a brilliant 88.5 points on Powder River Rodeo's Flapjack to finish third in the round. The two-time Canadian Champ finished 4th in the aggregate for $37,144 to bring his WNFR earnings to $109,713. Parsonage capped off a tremendous season that saw him win $249,264 overall. Travelling partner Jordan Hansen, the 2016 Canadian Champion, was fifth in the final round with an 85.5 point ride on another Powder River bull, Manaba. Hansen topped out at $54,573 at the Finals and wrapped up a huge year with $198,796.

Although Ky Hamilton was unable to compete on his bull in the final round, the Australian won the aggregate and was crowned World Champion with a huge $595,414 for season earnings.

Records fell in the barrel race as Texas cowgirl Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi won her third world title. She and her four-legged partner, Benny, amassed a whopping $496,498 for their championship season. A knocked down barrel in the final round was the only blemish in a spectacular finals and equally outstanding season for the Texas cowgirl. Also impressive was four-time Canadian champion Lisa Lockhart, who won the aggregate and established an all time career earnings record of $3,510,066 to pass legendary Sherry Cervi.  

Unofficially, Canadian athletes won $773,818 at NFR 2023 (including the $10,000 base that WNFR event qualifiers are awarded for qualifying).

Other winners included Shelby Boisjoli-Meged who earned her first Breakaway Roping World title during the two day competition (at South Point in Vegas) that preceded the ten days at the Thomas and Mack. Boisjoli-Meged amassed $197,706 for the season, including a record-setting $33,157 haul at the Vegas Finals on her two time and reigning Nutrena World Breakaway Horse of the Year, No Wimpy Turns (Onna). Fellow Canadian Kendal Pearson finished the year in eleventh with $93,963. The 2023 All Around winner was Utah’s Stetson Wright who finished up the year with $479,620 enroute to his fifth title.

Look for stock winners and earnings along with other WNFR stories in the next issue of Canadian Rodeo News.

Dec 15, 2023 – Zeke Thurston’s quest for a fourth world title is a whole lot closer to reality after another go round win for the man from Big Valley, Alberta. The Canadian superstar has won or shared the win in three rounds, placed in seven of nine and leads the average by a bunch. And Zeke Thurston is one round away from that fourth gold buckle. Tonight he had the Calgary Stampede’s outstanding Zaka Kibitz for 88.5 points and another $30,706 first place payday.

“I had to get a little redemption on that horse; he bucked me off earlier this year at Hermiston,” Thurston commented. And as for the gameplan heading into Championship Saturday, he added, “I’m gonna go out there and ride my bronc and do what I do.”

Fellow Canadian Dawson Hay split ¾ on former World Champion Miss Ellie from the Frontier Rodeo firm. Ben Anderson was just out of the money and it continues to be a frustrating finals for 2017 Canadian Champion, Layton Green.  Neither Green nor Ben Andersen have cashed in so far at  the 6fth WNFR.

Haven Meged is not about to go quietly into the night. The reigning Canadian Champion tie-down roper and 2019 World Champion kept the pressure on season leader, Riley Webb as the Miles City cowboy placed in the round and remains in second place overall, $56,000 back of Webb. And Meged who has already set one record at this WNFR, his 6.4 in round seven, a new arena record, could become the all-time aggregate record holder (fastest total over the ten rounds) with even a solid run tomorrow. But Webb, the sophomore sensation hasn’t blinked. Though he did not place in round nine, he has roped all nine of his calves, is second in the average and is twenty-four hours and one more solid run away from his first world title. Canadian Beau Cooper’s solid ninth round run was negated by a broken barrier that kept him from cashing his first cheque at his first NFR.

Orin Larsen enjoyed his best moment at the 2023 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo with a solid 85 point ride on Hot Mocha from Muddy Creek Pro Rodeo. The 2019 Canadian Champion bareback rider has had a tough week and has taken a physical pounding most nights. But the likable nine-time NFR qualifier reached deep for his first cheque—a 5/6 split and $6438.  Crowd favourite Rocker Steiner won his third round of the Finals with an 87 pointer on Land of Fancy from Sankey Pro Rodeo and Phenom Genetics. World standings leader, rookie Keenan Hayes continues to enjoy a comfortable lead with only the decisive final round remaining.

Veteran Texas bull rider, Jeff Askey, at his 5th Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, topped the field in the bull riding with an 89 point effort on Salt River Rodeo’s Belly Dump. But the story on this night was those who didn’t ride, among them World leader Ky Hamilton who made his second trip to the Sport Medicine area after being thrown to the ground, seven-time World Champion and both Canadian bull riders, both of them former Canadian Champions, Jared Parsonage and Jordan Hansen. Heading to the final round, Hamilton the Australian talent extraordinaire, is comfortably atop the world standings.

The team roping will go right down to the final throw of the rope as Tyler Wade and Wesley Thorp are in the driver’s seat heading to the final round. But the Texans, who won round nine with a 3.5 second run, cannot afford even a minor slipup in the tight team roping race. Among the teams that are still in the running are Clint Summers and Jake Long who have won three rounds and split first in another, and Andrew Ward and partner Buddy Hawkins who are 4th in the aggregate and third overall. Canadian Jeremy Buhler and partner Rhen Richard struck for a share of second place in round nine. The cheque was the team’s third of the finals and they sit seventh in the aggregate and fifth overall.

The steer wrestling race tightened further in round nine and will come down to the final day as well before the champion is decided. Cody Devers jumped out and won his first cheque of the week ($30,706) for a 3.5 second run. But it’s still season leader Dalton Massey who holds down first with $264,677 and sixth in the aggregate. Tyler Waguespack and Jesse Brown are Massey’s closest contenders with solid season earnings and aggregate rankings going into round ten. Only Brown earned a cheque on Friday night where he was 3.9 for fourth (riding Curtis Cassidy’s legendary Tyson) and $10,401. Canadian Stephen Culling continued to capitalize on his first trip to the Thomas and Mack. The British Columbia cowboy was 4.0 seconds for the sixth place payoff – his sixth placing to date.

Kassie Mowry and Force The Goodbye (Jarvis) were on fire for the second consecutive night as they clocked 13.37 for top money and another round win. And tonight was momentous for the stand-out Lisa Lockhart who posted a 13.41 for second place – and enough of a payoff to see her break the record for All Time Career Earnings (previously held by Sherry Cervi). Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi shone brightly once again as well. The two time world champion – who enjoyed top spot all season long ran a 13.68 for sixth and came a step closer to formally earning her third world title.

Dec 14, 2023 – It was Canada Night. And Captain Canada did what he has done so often at the WNFR over the last four years. Zeke Thurston was one of three men to split the eighth round with 87.5 points, each of them collecting $24,433. The Alberta superstar had Frontier Rodeo’s 832 Yellowstone to share the win with his closest rival Sage Newman in the battle for the world title. Newman drew Three Hills Rodeo’s N20 Devil’s Advocate for his ride while the third member of the winning trio, Brody Cress was on Corey and Lang’s 532 Monster. It shakes down like this. Thurston came into the night leading Newman by $300.00. When the smoke cleared and the dust settled, his lead—still $300.00. But the Canadian’s advantage as he goes after his fourth Gold Buckle is in the all-important aggregate where he sits first, and Newman is back in seventh spot. Another Canadian, Dawson Hay, picked up some hard-earned cash in an all-Canadian partnership as he teamed with the Calgary Stampede’s W-1 Weekend Departure for 86 points and a 5/6 split in the round, good for $6438.

And speaking of Canadians, the Canadian flags that are so much in evidence at the Thomas and Mack were working overtime in the bull riding when both Canadians, Jordan Hansen and Jared Parsonage hit the pay window. Hansen, the three-time NFR qualifier from Amisk, Alberta was a sensational 88 points on Big Rafter Rodeo’s -65 Silver Bullet for a two-three split and $21,296.

“I’ve been on that bull before and he bucked me off. He gives a lot of guys grief but luckily it worked out tonight. I’ve had some luck on Canada Night before (Hansen won a round on a previous WNFR Canada Night) so I definitely wanted to do that again. I stayed on my bull so things are good.”

The other 88 was posted by seven-time World Champion Sage Kimzey on Ward Macza’s 685 Red Lipstick. Parsonage, the pride of Maple Creek, Saskatchewan, rode for 83 points on Legacy Pro Rodeo’s 42 Razzmatazz for a sixth-place cheque of $4953. But more importantly the two-time Canadian Champion moved up one spot to fourth in the ultra-lucrative aggregate. The round winner was Tristen Hutchings riding his first bull of the finals for 89 points and the win. Australian Ky Hamilton has all but clinched the title as he has amassed $516,666 with just two rounds remaining.

The bareback riding continues to be rookie Keenan Hayes’ title to lose. In round 8 he split sixth and continues to be second in the aggregate while maintaining his commanding overall lead. It was defending champion Jess Pope, a three-time aggregate winner, who won the round with an 88.5 on Championship Pro Rodeo’s Q52 The Crow to be back in his customary spot as the aggregate leader. On Canada Night the Manitoba product, Orin Larsen, saw his struggles continue. Larsen has been battling as he always does but the 2019 Canadian Champion is feeling the effects of the beating his body has taken through the first eight rounds of WNFR ’65.

First man out in the steer wrestling was season leader Dalton Massey who just a month ago was at his first CFR but on this night it was all the Oregonian could do to avert disaster on a bad steer.  And while he didn’t place in the round and fell to eghth spot in the aggregate, the guys who were closest to him didn’t win enough to close much ground on Massey who remains #1 overall. Bridger Anderson won his second go round at the Thomas and Mack with a lightning fast 3.3 seconds. Canadian Stephen Culling continues to enjoy his first trip to the WNFR as he added a fifth-place cheque for $7924 in the round to what he has won so far. Culling has placed in five of eight rounds and sits sixth in the aggregate.

The team roping continues to be a dogfight as just $240 separates the top two headers and less than $18,000 separates the top three with Clint Summers on top. And on the heeling side the numbers are similar with Wesley Thorp sitting at the top of the world standings. Round eight was won by Thorp and his heading partner, Tyler Wade with a blistering 3.3. The Canadian connection in the team roping. 2016 World Champion, and his header, Utah and Rhen Richard, took a no-time on this night to fall to ninth in the aggregate and eleventh in the world.

The action in the tie down roping remained hot in round eight as 12 time WNFR qualifier Hunter Herrin took top honours with a 7.4 second run. But the lead remains in the hands of 20-year-old Riley Webb who has been in top spot throughout the season and is about $60,000 ahead of closest contender Haven Meged. Both men picked up cheques tonight – Meged was third with a 7.7 while Webb earned fourth with 8.0. Meged leads the aggregate with 60.90 seconds on eight calves with Webb right behind with 63.70 on eight. It will come down to the last two days of WNFR action to determine the champion. And despite changing his hat, his clothes and his horse (to Logan Bird’s award-winning Peso), it was not Beau Cooper’s night. The Settler, AB hand had his calf get up for a no time.

What a night in the barrel racing. Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi ran her personal best time in the Thomas and Mack in 17 appearances – a blazing 13.34 on the Blazin Jetolena super horse, Benny for second place. The two time World Champion, who just set an All Time Seasons Earnings Record, has a massive lead in the world standings and sits atop the aggregate leaderboard as well. Three time NFR qualifier Kassie Mowry earned her first round win of the week with a 13.30, the fastest time so far at WNFR ’65.

Rookie Keenan Hayes came to Las Vegas with what looked like an uncatchable lead in the bareback riding world race. But he’s now looking over his shoulder as Clayton Biglow, the 2019 World Champion, who has been chipping away and has Hayes in his sights after winning round seven with an 88-point ride on 651 South Point Happy Hour from Beutler and Son Rodeo. While Hayes remains first in the standings and the average, Biglow has closed to within $53,000 of the leader and that sets the stage for the final three rounds of the WNFR. Canada’s Orin Larsen continues to have a tough NFR as he was 81.5 points and out of the money. And has been the case a few times this week, the 2019 Canadian Champion has taken a pounding both during and at the end of the ride. Three-time World Champion Tim O’Connell split second in the round with an 87 point ride on Big Stone Rodeo’s 313 Mayhem.

The steer wrestling is another event that is far from decided. Four-time champion Tyler Waguespack is trying to mount a charge at Canadian and World season leader Dalton Massey. Tonight “Wags” was 3.8 to split the round with Stan Branco while Massey was right behind at 3.9. With four rounds remaining the Oregonian Massey, who was at the 2023 CFR and finished third in Canada, sits at $264,000 with veteran Stan Branco second and Waguespack in third , both almost $30,000 in arrears. Canadian Stephen Culling placed in both rounds on this two-performance day, finishing sixth twice and making it four placings in seven rounds for the first time NFR qualifier. Both Massey and Culling are mounted on Tanner Milan’s Canadian and World Champion bull dogging horse EDS Famous Bar (Eddie).

The team ropers had a tough night as seven teams had no times on Wednesday night. There was a 1-3 split at the top of the leaderboard with Clint Summers/Jake Long, Derek Begay/Colter Todd and Clay Smith/Paden Bray taking home the big cheques. Summers and Long continue to lead the world standings but are only eighth in the aggregate and that could be a problem come Saturday night. Canadian Jeremy Buhler and his Utah partner Rhen Richard caught a leg and were 9.3, well out of the money.

The saddle bronc riding is another event that is not yet decided. The two men who present the biggest challenge to Canadian Zeke Thurston’s chase for a fourth world title, Kade Bruno and

Sage Newman, both placed big in the round. Bruno split first with Ryder Wright who had the Calgary Stampede’s E-54 Exotic Warrior—each with an 87 point score.  Newman was third in the round to keep his championship aspirations alive. None of the four Canadians in the field were able to place on this night, including Thurston, whose lead has shrunk to just $300.00 over Newman and $13,000 over Bruno heading into round eight (of ten). However, the four-time Canadian titleist has the advantage in the slot machine called the aggregate where he sits first, Bruno fourth and Newman seventh. Stay tuned. This one will likely be decided on Saturday night in the Thomas and Mack.

Barrel racer Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi topped the field in round seven with a rapid 13.47 on her Busby Quarter Horses-owned partner Jets Top Gun (or Benny as he’s more commonly known). Sired by Blazin Jetolena out of dam GL Famous First Lady (by the legendary Dash Ta Fame out of Lady Perks, the standout 2005 Canadian Champion Barrel Horse), Benny and Pozzi Tonozzi have been a force to be reckoned with throughout the 2023 season. Wins at Reno and the Calgary Stampede are only two of the multiple titles this pair have earned this year. With tonight’s round win and placings in all but one performance so far, along with a huge lead coming into this year’s WNFR, the two-time World Champion is in first place overall and leads the aggregate with only three performances to go. Along the way, the Lampasas, Texas cowgirl has established an All Time Seasons Earnings Record.

It’s a Hollywood story for sure. Australian bull rider Ky Hamilton who was carried out of the arena twenty-four hours earlier, then taken to hospital and released this morning was the only man to ride one in the eliminator pen in round seven. That ride was on Duane Kesler’s Championship Rodeo’s 731 Alberta Prime Devil’s Advocate and his 88 score netted the likable Aussie all the money--$99.053 to take his season earnings to $516,666 for an almost insurmountable lead in the event. Both Canadians, Jordan Hansen who picked up his first cheque in the earlier round today and Jared Parsonage who sits fifth in the aggregate were among the victims against a remarkably tough pen of bucking bulls.

The bareback riding was pretty darn special as well. And another Canadian superstar bucking horse was again front and centre. Jayco Roper, an NFR rookie matched up with the great gray, and 2017 World Champion, F13 Virgil for 89.5 points, a score that was matched by 2091 World Champion Clayton Biglow on this year’s Bareback Horse of the Year, 2708 Night Crawler from Pickett Pro Rodeo. In fact, three of the top five scores were recorded on Canadian horses.

Last year’s World Champion Jess Pope connected with Macza Pro Rodeo’s 118 OLS Tubs Stevie Knicks for 88.5 points and third in the round while Mason Clements put up an 87.5 on A-91 Agent Lynx from the Calgary Stampede string for a fifth place cheque. The challenges of the 2023 WNFR continued for Canada’s Orin Larsen as he managed only 74 points on another former World Champion bucker, Frontier Rodeo’s 16 Gun Fire.

On a night that saw six of the seven events feature the fastest time or highest score of the rodeo to date, the team roping had a distinctly Canadian feel to it. The veteran Luke Brown, who teamed up with 2019 Canadian Champion Hunter Koch, were lightning with a 3.8 second run for the round win. 2016 World Champion and two-time Canadian Champion Jeremy Buhler and American partner Rhen Richard split 2/3 in the round with a 4.0. Clint Summers and Jake Long continue to lead the world in a week that has seen them either win the round (three times) or take a no-time (two times).

In the bull riding, it was an all Kimzey night as Sage, the seven-time World Champion and 2019 CFR qualifier was a spectacular 92 points on Stace Smith Pro Rodeo’s 7033 Polar Express while younger brother Trey was the only other success story in the bull riding as he posted an 87.5 on Cord McCoy’s 117 Ridin Salty. The Australian, Ky Hamilton who had taken over the lead in the world standings just 24 hours ago was hospitalized after a nasty buckoff and the early word is that he suffered a concussion which may mean some time off for the world’s number one ranked man. And two Canadian bulls, Duane Kesler Championship Rodeo’s 715 Chester and Macza Pro Rodeo’s 829 Ugly This, both dispatched their riders prior to the eight seconds.

Caleb Smidt topped the field of tie-down ropers on Night Five at WNFR ’65 with an impressive 6.9 second run for his second placing and second round win of the week. The four time World Champion is fourth overall and seventh in the aggregate. But it’s Denton, Texas phenom, Riley Webb, who continues to show why he’s enjoyed top spot through much of the season. The second time WNFR qualifier posted a 7.4 for the second place cheque – his fourth payday of the week in five rounds. Webb’s overall earnings ($351,817) are $100,000 ahead of second place roper, Haven Meged. The aggregate lead is in the hands of Meged with a total of 39.40 seconds on five head with Webb right behind at 39.90/5. Canadian Beau Cooper had his calf get up on him with a resulting no-time.

Glenham, South Dakota barrel racer Summer Kosel and her horse Apollo earned the Purina Run of the Night for good reason. The first time WNFR cowgirl stopped the clock in 13.42 seconds - the speediest run of the first five rounds. But Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi and Benny continue to own the lead in the World standings with $270,563 – including a 13.58 tonight for a total of 68.27 seconds on five runs. Pozzi is the only barrel racer to place in all five rounds so far and leads the aggregate standings.

A similar scenario played out in the steer wrestling where Oregon cowboy Dalton Massey – who is enjoying his inaugural trip to the Thomas and Mack – showed the consistency that kept him at the top of the standings all year. The Hermiston roper was 4.0 seconds for his third placing of the week. Massey is first overall and leads the aggregate. Four time WNFR qualifier JD Struxness turned in the winning time on Night Five  – a smoking 3.3 for the top cheque – and has moved into second place overall behind Massey. Canadian 'dogger Stephen Culling was 4.6 seconds to finish just out of the money.

WNFR Night Four Wrap-up

Dec 11, 2023 - Round Four of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo was a little unkind to the Canadian cowboys. In fact, three-time World Champion and four-time Canadian Champion saddle bronc rider Zeke Thurston was the only Canadian who didn’t let a tough Monday night get to him. The Big Valley, Alberta sensation split 4/5 in the round to protect his place in the aggregate (splitting 1/2 with Brody Cress) and his second-place spot at the top of the world standings just $16,000 behind Sage Newman who leads the world but sits way back in 7th in the all-important and cash-rich aggregate standings. Canadians Ben Andersen with 80.5 and Dawson Hay at 78.5 were out of the money while Ben Andersen was bucked off on Monday night. Newman rode the Calgary Stampede bronc, B-7 Birch Bubbles to 86 points to match Thurston’s identical score on Muddy Creek Pro Rodeo’s 4361 Bugsy. Another Canadian horse, Big Stone Rodeo’s 734 Second Thoughts carried Chase Brooks to 84.5 for the sixth place payoff.

Steer wrestler Dalton Massey (from East Oregon) maintained his grasp on the World standings and aggregate leads after night four at WNFR ’65. The Canadian and World season leader put together another solid performance with a 4.6 second run aboard Tanner Milan’s Horse of the Year Eddie for a share of fifth and $4,292. Despite placing only twice in four performances, the first time NFR qualifier is $45,000 ahead of second place fellow-Oregonian Jesse Brown who is fifth in the aggregate. Two time NFR qualifier Bridger Anderson enjoyed the round win for his second cheque of the week while Canadian bulldogger, Stephen Culling, had tough luck in round four. Despite a fast time on the clock, the NFR rookie broke the barrier dropping from fourth to eighth in the aggregate.

Bareback rider Orin Larsen, the Manitoba hand making his ninth trip to the Thomas and Mack Centre in Las Vegas, was 83 points but finished out of the money for the fourth time in four rounds and sits 11th in the aggregate standings. The round was won by 2022 CFR qualifier Layton Berry on Frontier Rodeo’s 28 Painted Smoke. Season leader Keenan Hayes was third in the round and pretty much restored the massive lead (over $120,000) he had coming to Las Vegas, a lead that was challenged over the first couple of rounds by Rocker Steiner.

Twenty year old tie-down roper Riley Webb further secured his hold on first place overall with a 7.1 second run – good for second and $24,268. The Denton, Texas second time WNFR qualifier is $100,000 ahead of 2019 World Champ Haven Meged. But to keep things interesting, Meged shares first place in the aggregate with Tuf Cooper while Webb holds down fourth on the critical aggregate leaderboard. Tonight’s top money went to 2020 World Champion Shad Mayfield who clocked a 6.9 for his first 2023 WNFR placing to date. And four time Canadian Champion and 2013 World Champion Shane Hanchey cashed a fifth place cheque aboard Logan Bird’s star tie-down horse, Peso. Stettler, Alberta’s Beau Cooper is still trying to find his way at his first National Finals Rodeo and took a no-time in the round.

Three wins in four rounds have vaulted Clint Summers and Jake Long to first place overall in the team roping. In Monday’s fourth round the electric duo were 3.7 seconds to go to the head of

the class. They sit fifth in the aggregate, with WNFR 65 one round away from the halfway point. 2016 World Champion, Canadian Jeremy Buhler and his Utah partner Rhen Richard took a no time in the round and sit seventh in the world standings and ninth in the aggregate.

The bull riding was a two-man show on Monday night at the Thomas and Mack Arena. Australian Ky Hamilton is bearing down on his first world title as he is four for four after an 89-point round-winning ride on Bridwell Pro Rodeo’s -777 Fred. The Aussie super-rider has $402,013 in earnings for the year, to pass his travelling buddy Stetson Wright who has been sidelined for the duration of the NFR with a torn hamstring.  Seven-time World Champion, Sage Kimzey, was the only other man to make eight as he posted an 89 score to climb to fifth in the aggregate and third in the world standings. Two Canadian Champions, Jordan Hansen and Jared Parsonage both bucked off in what was the toughest round of bull riding to date.

Texas barrel racer Sissy Win and Scoop earned their second round win at this year’s Finals with a 13.50 – the fastest time of the week so far. Last night’s round winner, Lisa Lockhart, picked up the sixth place cheque, moving the 17 time WNFR qualifier – and four time Canadian Champion – a step closer to being the highest money earning barrel racer in WPRA history. But the World and aggregate lead remain comfortably in the hands of the amazing Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi. The two time World Champion was 13.52 for second in the round, her fourth cheque in as many days.

WNFR Round Three Highlights

Dec 10, 2023 - Night number three of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo saw some big changes to the storylines that highlighted the first two rounds.

British Columbia bulldogger, Stephen Culling put together a solid 4.2 second run, good for a share of second (with Stan Branco) and a $21,296 cheque. Coupled with a split of sixth in round two, Culling, riding Tanner Milan’s champion steer wrestling horse, Eddie, has not looked at all like a rookie NFR cowboy and sits 4th in the lucrative aggregate standings. Nick Guy bulldogged his steer in 4.2 seconds to win the round.

At the top end of the world title leaderboard, Canadian and World season leader Dalton Massey continues to lead both the average and the world race. Like Culling, the Oregon cowboy is appearing at his first NFR after setting the all-time PRCA season earnings record.

The bareback riding saw a major shift in the story arc that captivated fans through the first two rounds. The 19-year-old fan favourite, Rocker Steiner, who won the first two rounds in convincing fashion, managed only a 73.5 score to slow some of the momentum in his quest to catch rookie Keenan Hayes who was leading Steiner by $120,000 coming in. Steiner had cut that lead in half but Hayes split 2/3 in the round and more importantly moved past Steiner in the aggregate as Hayes is now fourth while Steiner dropped back to sixth. The round three win went to Mason Clements who was 88.5 on Frontier Rodeo’s Breaking News.

The Team Roping had a few surprises in round three as two of the top three teams (Clint Summers and Jake Long) and reigning champions Kaleb Driggers and Junior Nogueira both took no times. Tonight’s winners were Coleman Proctor and Logan Medlin who posted a rapid 3.7 for the win. In the World standings, header Nelson Wyatt (Clanton, Alabama) has gone to the number one spot while heeler Wesley Thorpe of Throckmorton, TX has taken over the world lead in the heeling.

Canadian and 2016 World Champion Jeremy Buhler and his heading partner Rhen Richard from Utah had a tough round three as they caught a leg and broke the barrier for 18.9 to be out of the money.

There have been three go rounds to date at the WNFR and three leader changes in the bronc riding. Tonight it was Montana cowboy Sage Newman moving to number one in the world after making a spectacular ride on the Calgary Stampede’s Weekend Departure. The effort netted Newman 89 points and the $30,706 first place cheque. Kade Bruno is in second place and the three time and reigning World Champion—Canada’s Zeke Thurston—was just out of the money in the round and fell to 3rd place but is only $15,000 back of Newman. And, while it’s early days, Thurston has the advantage as he’s splitting first in the all-important aggregate while Bruno is fifth and Newman holds down eighth.

Dawson Hay was best of the Canadian quartet in the bronc riding as he was 85.5 to cash a fifth-place cheque of $7924. Fellow Canadians Ben Andersen and Layton Green both finished out of the money. On the stock side, Lefty Homan earned the round three third place cheque with an 86.5 on C5 Rodeo’s Macho Man followed by Kade Bruno’s 86 (fourth place) aboard Calgary Stampede’s Y U R Friskey.

Riley Webb reminded fans why he’s number one in the world with a smoking 6.9 second run in the tie-down roping – the fastest of WNFR ’65 so far.  The 20-year-old Texan, who earned a small cheque the first night sits fifth in the aggregate. Nine time NFR qualifier Cory Solomon was 7 flat for second spot and $24,268. With consistent placings in the first three rounds, Solomon holds down first in the aggregate. CFR rookie Beau Cooper from Stettler, AB continues to face some adversity with a no time in round three.

Always popular Lisa Lockhart and her talented equine partner Levee clocked the fastest time to date in the barrel racing event, a speedy 13.51 second run from the top of the ground for the big cheque… her second placing in the first three rounds. The Oelrichs, South Dakota veteran – who is a four time Canadian Champion – has moved to fifth in the World standings and third in the aggregate race. World leader, Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi, who has a second, a share of fifth and a fourth so far maintains a firm lead overall and is first in the aggregate.

With injury having sidelined Utah superstar Stetson Wright for the remainder of this WNFR, the bull riding is all about whether his buddy and travelling partner, Australian Ky Hamilton, can catch Wright. Hamilton is now 3 for 3 after putting up an 87.5 score to finish second in the round and now sits first in the aggregate. More importantly Hamilton is now less than $30,000 behind the reigning champion. Creek Young, the Rogersville, Missouri talent, won the round with an 89.5, highest score of the finals to date, on Stace Smith Pro Rodeo’s Let’s Gamble while the two Canadians, Jared Parsonage, who won round two, and Jordan Hansen failed to make the eight seconds on this night.

Breakout Night for Jared Parsonage

Veteran steer wrestler Stan Branco posted a 3.9 second run to win round two in the bulldogging. Speaking of special moments, Branco was returning to the NFR after a ten-year absence. Canadian Stephen Culling picked up his first-ever cheque as he split 6th in the round (with Tyler Waguespack) with a 4.4 second run. Oregon cowboy Dalton Massey who was the World and Canadian season leader and was at the Canadian Finals a month ago did not place in the round but continues to hold a commanding lead in the world standings.

We have a race in the bareback riding thanks to Rocker Steiner. The colourful 19 year-old, 3rd generation cowboy from Weatherford, Texas has put on a clinic through the first two rounds of the 65th Wrangler National Finals Rodeo and has been cutting into what seemed like an insurmountable lead coming into the Finals. In round two, the sophomore finalist was 88.5 points on Sankey Pro Rodeo and Phenom Genetics’ Mustard to move to second place in the World standings, just $68,000 back of season leader Kennan Hayes. While $68,000 is formidable, consider that he was $120,000 back of Hayes coming to Las Vegas. And while it’s early in the Finals, Steiner leads the average that pays over $70,000 while Hayes is not on the average leaderboard after two rounds. Canadian Orin Larsen was 79 points and finished out of the money.

The Team Roping is a similar story to the bareback riding as the team of Clint Summers and Jake Long have won the first two rounds and have made a big move up the leaderboard. In round two the duo put up a rapid 3.8 seconds, moving Long to second spot just $3000 behind Junior Nogueira while Summers on the heading side has climbed to third place overall just $17,000 behind leader Kaleb Driggers.

Second place in the round went to 2016 World Champion Jeremy Buhler as the Canadian and his Utah heading partner Rhen Richard were 3.9 for $24,268 each.

In the tie-down roping four-time world champion Caleb Smidt was 7.3 seconds for the win, giving him a measure of redemption after a difficult first round that saw the Bellville, Texas cowboy have to go to two loops to rope his calf. Riley Webb continues to hold a commanding lead in the world standings. Stettler’s Beau Cooper struggled on night number two finishing with an 11.4 to be out of the money.

In a lightning-fast round in barrel racing, Texas cowgirl Stevi Hillman posted a blistering 13.62 second run for the win. Riding her six-year-old mare, Sandi, that took her to the winner’s circle at the Pendleton Roundup, the run highlighted a brilliant night of barrel racing. There were four runs that were 13.70 or faster after a first round that was won with a 13.71.

On a sad note, Utah’s brilliantly talented Stetson Wright who has seven world titles already in an amazing career has been forced to withdraw from the 2023 WNFR due to a torn hamstring that made it impossible for the superstar to continue.

Strong Start for Thurston at WNFR

The three-time Canadian titleist rode Legacy Pro Rodeo’s 368 Vein Reflections for 86.5 points to split the round with Kade Bruno. Both men moved up in the standings. Bruno, the Challis, Idaho NFR sophomore, moved to the lead in the world standings with $262,746 while Thurston, the pride of Big Valley, Alberta climbed to 3rd spot just $3300 back of Bruno.

“That little horse had me hustling,” Thurston noted of Vein Reflections.  “She was electric and it was a lot of fun”.

In the bareback riding, 19-year-old Rocker Steiner celebrated his second WNFR appearance by winning the first round with an 87 score on Stace Smith Pro Rodeo’s 17 Risky Business. Canada’s Orin Larsen was out of the money as he kicked off his 8th WNFR with a 78.5 on JBarJ’s FT15 Straight Stick.

 A fast night of team-roping was highlighted by a 4.2 second run by Jake Long and Clint Summers for the win while 2016 World Champion from Arrowwood, Alberta, Jeremy Buhler, and Utah partner, Rhen Richard, caught a leg for 9.5 seconds and finished 9th in the round.

John Douch posted a 7.7 second run for the tie-down roping round win while Canada’s Beau Cooper struggled in his first ever WNFR run and took a no-time.

Chapman, Texas cowgirl, Sissy Winn, was the barrel racing go round winner with a solid 13.71 run to edge season leader and two-time World Champion Brittany Pozzi Tonnozi, another Texan who was 13.75 on the top of the ground.

In the bull riding, it was the Australian Ky Hamilton who rode Cervi Championship Rodeo’s Vitalix Theodore to 86.5 points for the round win. Maple Creek, Saskatchewan hand, Jared Parsonage, put up an 80.5 score to finish one spot out of the money while travelling partner, Jordan Hansen from Amisk, Alberta bucked off his bull in the first round.

One storyline that wasn’t expected was an injury to the man who leads the world in bronc riding, bull riding and the all-around race. Stetson Wright appeared to be hampered by the torn hamstring he suffered just weeks ago. The Utah superstar bucked off in both the bronc riding and bull riding and fans will be holding their breath to see how the superstar fares heading into round two at WNFR 65.

The second performance of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo kicks off at 6:45 pm MT Dec 9.

Call it even.

A few weeks ago American superstar tie-down roper, Haven Meged came north and won the Canadian title, his first. Today his wife, Canadian-born Shelby Boisjoli-Meged claimed the World title in the breakaway roping at the South Point Equestrian Centre in Las Vegas. That makes it US I, Canada 1 in a family that truly is a rodeo power couple.

Boisjoli-Meged finished the final five rounds of the Breakaway Finals today and actually increased her lead over second place cowgirl Hali Williams to just under $40,000 as she amassed $197,706 for the season, including a record-setting $33,157 haul at the Vegas Finals.

The classy cowgirl was consistent over the two days of action, placing in six rounds, including two firsts and a 2nd place finish in the aggregate.

Kendal Pierson of Wardlow, Alberta had a strong finish in her first-time qualification for the WNFR. On day two, the two-time Canadian Champion displayed the form that won her back-to-back Canadian titles, placing in four rounds, climbing to 8th place in the aggregate and finishing the year as the 11th ranked breakaway roper in the world.

All in all, it was a tremendous showing by two outstanding cowgirls with a Canadian connection and just might be a precursor to an exciting week for Canadian and CPRA affiliated competitors at the 65th Wrangler National Finals Rodeo.

Total payoff: $250,000.

Dec 5, 2023 - Canada has already made its presence felt at the 2023 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo.

As the breakaway ropers invaded the South Point Hotel and Casino for the first five rounds of their NFR, Shelby Boisjoli-Meged protected her spot at the top of the season leaderboard. The former Albertan – now Stephenville, Texas resident – was part of a three-way split of first in round two and then capped off the day with a fifth-round win, courtesy of a 2.0 second run. She placed in four of the five rounds putting her fourth in the average. Despite one no-time today, Boisjoli-Meged amassed $16,379 to take her season earnings to $181,000 giving her a $25,000 lead over second-place roper, Hali Williams.

Two-time Canadian Champion, Kendal Pierson had an up and down day at her first WNFR. The Wardlow, Alberta talent collected two cheques, splitting 5/6 in the first round for $1226 and adding a solid 4th for a $2452 payoff in the final round. A couple of no-times have the NFR rookie out of the average heading the second and final day of competition.

Check back tomorrow for Breakaway Roping wrap-up highlights.

NFR Breakaway Results (courtesy of the PRCA)
Las Vegas, Nev., Dec. 5-6

First round: 1. Taylor Munsell, 2.00 seconds, $5,080; 2. (tie) Shelby Boisjoli-Meged and Martha Angelone, 2.30, $3,766 each; 4. Cheyanne McCartney, 2.60, $2,452; 5. (tie) Kelsie Domer and Kendal Pierson, 2.80, $1,226 each; 7. Sarah Angelone, 3.3; 8. Jackie Crawford, 3.4; 9. Bradi Good, 12.4; 10. Erin Johnson, Josie Conner, Rickie Fanning, Danielle Lowman, Joey Williams and Hali Williams, NT.

Second round: 1. (tie) Shelby Boisjoli-Meged, Hali Williams and Cheyanne McCartney, 2.10 seconds, $4,204 each; 4. Jackie Crawford, 2.20, $2,452; 5. Rickie Fanning, 2.70, $1,577; 6. (tie) Bradi Good and Kelsie Domer, 2.80, $438 each; 8. Danielle Lowman, 2.9; 9. Taylor Munsell, 3.1; 10. Martha Angelone, 3.3; 11. Kendal Pierson, 12.2; 12. Josie Conner, 12.3; 12. Erin Johnson, Joey Williams, Sarah Angelone and Hali Williams, NT.

Third round: 1. Taylor Munsell, 2.00 seconds, $5,080; 2. (tie) Joey Williams, Sarah Angelone and Bradi Good, 2.10, $3,328 each; 5. Kelsie Domer, 2.20, $1,577; 6. Josie Conner, 2.30, $876; 7. Erin Johnson, 2.4; 8. (tie) Cheyanne McCartney and Hali Williams, 2.6 each; 10. Danielle Lowman, 3.4; 11. Jackie Crawford, 3.5; 12. Martha Angelone, 12.0; 13. Rickie Fanning, 12.1; 14. Shelby Biosjoli and Kendal Pierson, NT.

Fourth round: 1. Hali Williams, 1.90 seconds, $5,080; 2. (tie) Sarah Angelone, Shelby Boisjoli-Meged and Kelsie Domer, 2.10, $3,328 each; 5. Martha Angelone, 2.20, $1,577; 6. (tie) Cheyanne McCartney, Taylor Munsell and Jackie Crawford, 2.90, $292 each; 9. Josie Conner, 3.5; 10. Rickie Fanning, 3.6; 11. Bradi Good, Erin Johnson, Joey Williams, Danielle Lowman and Kendal Pierson, NT.

Fifth round: 1. Shelby Boisjoli-Meged, 2.00 seconds, $5,080; 2. Josie Conner, 2.20, $4,204; 3. Martha Angelone, 2.80, $3,328; 4. Kendal Pierson, 2.90, $2,452; 5. Taylor Munsell, 12.00, $1,577; 6. (tie) Rickie Fanning and Cheyanne McCartney, 12.20, $438 each; 8. Joey Williams, Danielle Lowman, Bradi Good, Sarah Angelone, Erin Johnson, Kelsie Domer, Jackie Crawford and Hali Williams, NT.

Average leaders: 1. Taylor Munsell, 22.0 seconds on five runs; 2. Cheyanne McCartney, 22.4; 3. Martha Angelone, 22.6; 4. Shelby Boisjoli, 8.5 seconds on four runs; 5. Kelsie Domer, 9.9; 6. Jackie Crawford, 12.0; 7. Josie Conner, 20.3; 8. Rickie Fanning 30.6; 9. Hali Williams, 6.6 seconds on three runs; 10. Sarah Angelone, 7.5; 11. Bradi Good, 17.3; 12. Kendal Pierson, 17.9; 13. Danielle Lowman, 6.3 seconds on two runs; 14. Joey Williams, 2.1 seconds on one run; 15. Erin Johnson, 2.4. 

Total payoff: $250,000.

December 5, 2023 l Airdrie, AB - Excerpt from November issue of Canadian Rodeo News

Dec 5, 2023 - The enthusiastic waving of Canadian flags at the Thomas and Mack Arena during the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo Dec 7-16 will become even more frenzied than usual as the largest number of Canadian competitors in a long time will make the trek to Las Vegas and that number will be augmented by several more finalists with CPRA connections.

In the bareback riding, 2019 Canadian Champion Orin Larsen will make his ninth consecutive journey to
the bright lights and this time around will be in sixth place going into the Finals. The Manitoba product
had his 2022 Finals cut short with an injury, but is coming off a solid CFR that saw him finish the season
is second place and is in good health as he gets ready for what has become an annual journey to Vegas.

Saddle bronc riding has been a highlight of Canadian appearances at the NFR and this year is no
different. Zeke Thurston, fresh from winning his fourth Canadian title hopes to capture a fourth World title as well. The Big Valley, Alta. superstar will start the Finals in fourth place overall but less than $30,000 behind season leader Stetson Wright. Joining Thurston are his Canuck cohorts, Dawson Hay (5th), Ben Andersen (6th) and Layton Green (10th). All four are coming off tremendous seasons.

British Columbia steer wrestler, Stephen Culling, makes his first trip to Las Vegas and will roll into the
Thomas and Mack in 10th place. And in the tie-down roping, Beau Cooper’s Cinderella season sees him
making his first trip to the NFR, holding down 11th place in the tie-down roping.

The team roping sees 2016 World Champion heeler Jeremy Buhler returning to Las Vegas in the number
six spot as he prepares to go into battle alongside longtime heading partner, Utah roper Rhen Richard.
And bullriding travelling buddies. Jordan Hansen and Jared Parsonage are both returning to the NFR, Hansen for the third time and Parsonage for his second consecutive World Finals appearance. Both are Canadian champions, Hansen in 2016 and Parsonage a two-time titleist in 2021 and 2022.

The breakaway roping will feature a couple of Canadian faces as Shelby Boisjoli who now lives Stateside (and is married to 2023 Canadian Champion Tie-Down Roper, Haven Meged) sits atop the standings heading to the NFR showdown, and two-time Canadian Champion, Kendal Pierson in 12th place as she makes a first trip to the Vegas finale.

Other NFR competitors with CPRA ties include 2022 CFR bareback riding qualifier Leighton Berry and
former Canadian bareback champ Richmond Champion who qualified 15th for this year’s Finals. The new dad—he and wife Paige (former Canadian Olympic athlete) had their first child, son Forrest, Sept 7—will be making his 8th NFR appearance. And still on the rough stock side, 2019 CFR qualifier and seven-time World Champion bullrider, Sage Kimzey qualified in 10th position.

The steer wrestling season leader on both sides of the border, Dalton Massey, will make his first-ever
appearance at Las Vegas after setting a new season earnings record south of ‘49 as part of an amazing breakout year. 2022-23 CFR qualifier JD Struxness occupies 6th spot as he heads to Nevada.

Four Canadian champion tie down ropers (current and past) will be in the NFR field—Shane Hanchey in
fourth spot, Ty Harris in fifth and Tuf Cooper in 15th. They will be joined by 2023 Canadian Champion and
2019 World Champion, Haven Meged who sits 3rd on the world leaderboard.

And four-time Canadian Barrel Racing Champion Lisa Lockhart is the fifth ranked cowgirl as she makes her annual trek to the NFR.

And let’s not forget the four-legged superstars who are such a big part of the NFR. Over fifty head of
Canadian bucking horses and bulls, including 2023 World Champion Saddle Bronc, Xplosive Skies from the Calgary Stampede remuda, will be making the journey to the Nevada desert.

And Congratulations to Canada’s own Tyler Kraft on being selected as one of the Pickup Men for the 2023 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo and his horse Baby Hes Hot (Baby) on being awarded the PRCA Nutrena AQHA Pickup Horse of the Year! The Calgary Stampede Ranch manager and CFR Pick-Up man will make his first trip to the famed yellow chutes.

Also in attendance will be a pair of bull dogging superstars. World and Canadian Steer Wrestling Horse of the Year, EDS Famous Bar or Eddie owned by Tanner Milan will appear at this year’s ten day Finals along with Curtis Cassidy’s multi-time CPRA-PRCA Horse of the Year, Dashin Haze (Tyson).