“If I could go back and tell my younger self anything, it would be not to take anything for granted. It could all be over tomorrow. You just have to thank God for every opportunity,” said 10-time National Finals Rodeo qualifier Tilden Hooper.
At 20 years into his professional career, Hooper defines success differently than he once did.
The bareback rider, originally from Carthage, Texas, has built a decorated career spanning two decades. Hooper has earned more than $1.7 million and is entering his 20th season as a PRCA cardholder. He is now chasing his 11th NFR qualification — and his first gold buckle.
A dominant 92-point ride in the final round of the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo secured Hooper the win and a $20,000 payday earlier this month. Currently ranked No. 5 in the world standings midway through the Texas Swing, he is positioning himself well for another strong year.
But for the veteran competitor, success is about more than scores and standings.
Hooper speaks often about gratitude — for his family, his faith and the perspective rodeo has given him through its inevitable highs and lows.
“Rodeo is such a roller coaster. You can be 90 one day and zero the next, and it’s easy to focus on the zero in the heat of competition. It’s easy to gloss over the good times,” Hooper said. “I’m very grateful I’ve been able to do this long enough to see it for what it is and know in my heart I didn’t take it for granted. My family was there with me in Fort Worth, and I got to high-five my kids in the front row.”
Moments like that, he said, are what matter most.
“It’s not that what I do doesn’t make me happy, but my happiness doesn’t come from the score they call out,” Hooper said. “It comes from the blessings God has given me — my family and friends. I’m always grateful when it all comes together and works out inside the arena.”
Throughout his 20-year professional career, highlighted by years of NFR qualifications and wins at nearly every major professional rodeo, like Fort Worth (2020, 2026), Reno Rodeo (2012, 2021), and the Pendleton Round Up (2019)-- just to name a few; Hooper said gratitude has carried him through difficult seasons and kept him steady during winning streaks.
“Don’t get too high on the highs and too low on the lows,” said the proud husband and father.
The nature of professional rodeo, he added, demands both physical and mental resilience.
“The sport of rodeo is the only sport I’ve played professionally, but it has to be one of the most physically and mentally demanding,” Hooper said. “One day you’re qualifying for your 10th National Finals, and the next the NFR is over and you didn’t win a check. A few weeks later, you go to Fort Worth and win.”
As Hooper pursues his 11th NFR qualification, he will look to build on his early-season momentum through the remainder of the Texas Swing and into the spring and summer run of the PRCA season — grounded in discipline, guided by perspective and anchored in gratitude.