Two rounds into the 2023 National Finals Rodeo, the eight-time PRCA World Champion Stetson Wright made the decision of longevity over a Triple Crown.
A torn hamstring that he had toughed out during the regular season took over at the worst possible time. It was a tough decision to come to and he is now on the road to recovery.
“I’ve had injuries. I can ride with pain. But it got to where, like this deal, I couldn’t even control my own body. It was shutting me off,” Wright said.
During a talk with his dad, it was brought up that Wright has nothing left to prove. With All-Around, Saddle Bronc Riding and Bull Riding World Titles already to his name, Wright chose to call it after three total rides in the Thomas and Mack.
“Of course, my dad is the most positive person ever. If I sit out and get it fixed, I’ll come back and who knows, it’ll tack on six more months to my career, a year or five years just off of being smart and not hurting myself anymore,” Wright said.
Wright says this was the toughest decision he has ever had to make.
Looking forward, he is ready to pay dividends when he is healthy.
“There’s been winters that I never won a penny and then going into the summer is when I’ve made money and I’ve always done good during the summer. So if I’m healthy as ever rolling into Reno, there’s no reason why I shouldn’t be able to break any record I set last year,” he said.
The path to a Triple Crown in 2024 might look a little different but Wright’s end goal is still that.
“I’m excited to sit back and do this rehab and then come back stronger than ever,” Wright said.
