After capturing two of the largest PRCA’s winter season titles — the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo and the Sandhills Stock Show & Rodeo — calf roper Kincade Henry has surged to an early-season lead with a vengeance.
And he has some special horsepower behind him.
At just 24 years old, the Mount Pleasant, Texas, native has qualified for four National Finals Rodeo appearances, with his strongest finish coming at the conclusion of the 2025 NFR, where he placed third in the world standings. Riding that momentum, Henry has already earned more than $43,000 — and it’s only February.
With a gold buckle on his mind, Henry aims to maintain his Texas Swing success, anchored by his main mount, “Mario,” who has laid the foundation for many of his winning runs.
“Mario,” registered as Duals Crescent Boon, has been alongside Henry through nearly every chapter of his collegiate and professional career, including a 2022 College National Finals Rodeo championship and a career-best $342,799 season in 2025.
Humbly, Henry credits their partnership for much of his success while acknowledging their time together is limited.
“He’s 20 this year, so I don’t know how many more trips we’ve got,” Henry said. “Every time I get to ride him, I want to take advantage of it. I’m excited for the rest of the Texas Swing. Houston is my favorite.”
Henry explained that their partnership and complementary styles have fueled his consistency.
“I ride Mario at about eight or nine rodeos throughout the winter, and every time I get to ride him, it always seems to go well,” Henry said. “He’ll get the call throughout the winter, then be off for the summer, and then back again for Sioux Falls and the NFR.”
For Henry, Mario is more than just a competition horse — he’s family.
“My wife travels everywhere with me and is always helping me with Mario,” Henry said. “She’s been a great blessing to me and my career.”
As Henry prepares for the remainder of the 2026 Texas Swing and the season ahead, he expressed gratitude for the opportunity to stay close to home during the winter months.
“It’s nice in the winter during the Texas rodeos because you can go home and practice during the week,” he said. “My parents will also come to these rodeos. My dad pushed my calf in Fort Worth, and it was pretty special. I’m grateful for my parents’ support.”
Looking ahead, the four-time NFR qualifier plans to stay focused.
“It was great to get the win in Fort Worth,” Henry said. “Anytime you can add $20,000 to the world standings — whether it’s January or July — it’s huge. It’s a long way to September. We’re not going to get too excited. We’re just going to keep our heads down.”