Garrett Shadbolt is heading to his second consecutive NFR, although in a much different position this year compared to last. In 2021 Shadbolt finished No. 5 in the PRCA World Standings, in 2022, he finished the regular season at No. 15.
Shadbolt spent much of the regular season competing on the bubble, and oftentimes was outside looking in, but thanks to a big month of August, jumped inside the all-important Top 15.
Here is a look into Shadbolt’s 2022 season and how he qualified for his second-career NFR.
BIGGEST PAYDAYS
Cheyenne Frontier Days, $11,104
Shadbolt impressed at the Cheyenne Frontier Days placing in all three rounds he competed in. In the opening round, Shadbolt was marked 87 points to secure a third-place finish. He followed that up by winning the Second Round with an 86-point ride. In the Finals Shadbolt placed third after an 86.5-point ride, wrapping up a fantastic weekend that shot him up the World Standings.
San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo, $11,000
One of Shadbolt’s most impressive performances came in San Antonio where the cowboy won three of five rounds and placed fourth in another. Shadbolt opened the rodeo with a round-winning 84-point ride which earned him $2,500. In Round 2 of his bracket, he was marked 80 points which was good for a fourth-place finish. Shadbolt followed that up with two consecutive Go-Round wins thanks to 85.5-point and 87-point rides. Unfortunately for Shadbolt, he was unable to submit a qualified ride in the finals.
HIGHEST MARKED RIDES
Dodge City Roundup, 91.5 Points
Shadbolt got the 2022 Horse of the Year in Gun Fire and the two did not disappoint.
He was marked 91.5 points which would win him the rodeo and over $6,000 for the weekend. Shadbolt’s 178 on two head was a full five points better than Jess Pope who would finish second in the average.
Rodeo Rapid City, 89 Points
Rodeo Rapid City was one of Shadbolt’s biggest single-ride wins, earning over $5,000 after an 89-point ride on Game Trail. Shadbolt was a half-point better than Orin Larsen who would finish in second place.
NOTABLE WINS
Buffalo Bill Rodeo, 85.5 Points
Shadbolt took the Buffalo Bill Rodeo in mid-June during one of the more impressive stretches of his season. It came in the middle of a run of rodeos where he finished Top 2 in seven of eight performances. The win earned Shadbolt $2,000.
Newton Rodeo Days, 87.5 Points
Shadbolt was matched up with Pop A Top at the Newton Rodeo Days and the two combined for an 87.5-point ride. The ride would win Shadbolt the rodeo and earn him just under $3,500.
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