There is much still to be determined in the Qualifying Rounds of the Reno Rodeo, but after Thursday’s results the First Round has gone final in the bareback riding and saddle bronc riding, and the reigning Rookie of the Year is taking the first big payday of the Summer Run.
Rocker Steiner and Powder River Rodeo’s Two Buck Chuck were the match up to beat in the bareback riding in Reno and they lived up to the hype by putting together an 87-point ride.
“I’ve been looking forward to getting on that bucking horse for, I don’t know, years. Whenever you draw him, you’re just so excited to get to Reno and when it goes like that it’s just the best day ever,” he said.
Steiner will be back for Saturday night’s Short Round within striking distance as he trails two-head Average leader Cole Reiner by just two points.
In Round 1, Steiner beat out fellow Top 10 cowboy Kade Sonnier by one point. With one performance left in the Long Rounds, Orin Larsen leads Round 2.
You can watch the Short Round only on The Cowboy Channel and Cowboy Channel+ at 10 PM ET on Saturday.