Rodeo Austin: Performance 5

We are four performances into Rodeo Austin and the leaderboard continues to change, almost nightly in events like steer wrestling while others times from the first performance are holding strong. The stage is set for Performance 5 as we get closer to filling the Top 24 that will return for the Semifinals.

BAREBACK RIDING

Rafter G Rodeo’s Ankle Biter is the horse that Leighton Berry rode for 88 points in the third performance to be leading the rodeo. Tonight, it is rookie Will Norstrom’s shot on the National Finals bucking horse. Canada’s Kody Lamb will climb on Rafter G’s Southwest, who Caleb Bennett rode for 86 points to be sitting second.

STEER WRESTLING

Curtis Cassidy’s multi-time Horse of the Year, Tyson, will be seen yet again in Austin. Cassidy and Jesse Brown are among the eight steer wrestlers out almost guaranteed to be on the bay. Cade Staton is another bull dogger known for having undeniable horse power and he too, will be out in Performance 5.

TEAM ROPING

Dustin Egusquiza and Levi Lord put on a show in San Antonio to capture the title. As a new team roping duo, they have had huge success in the 2023 season so far and both sit No. 3 in the World. Rhen Richard and Jeremy Buhler are long time partners and they sit just inside the Top 15 in the World going into Rodeo Austin.

SADDLE BRONC RIDING

Rafter G Rodeo’s Mission Belles is the horse that Stetson Wright finally had his shot with and he climbed to the lead on her during Performance 3. The horse is out in Performance 5 with Logan Cook. Rookie Ryder Sanford’s match up is Rafter G’s Orange Crush who Stetson Wright and Dawson Hay both covered in Fort Worth for scores in the high 80’s.

TIE-DOWN ROPING

Young gun Kincade Henry and Zack Jongbloed will back into the box tonight. Henry tied one in 8.1 seconds to tie for fifth in 2022 and pull a $2,000 while Jongbloed also had success in Austin last year. Blane Cox’s 7.7 is still leading from Performance 1.

BREAKAWAY ROPING

Texas cowgirl’s Bailey Gubert and Loni Kay Yates are known to be quick ropers and a Rodeo Austin win could help both climb the standings. As they both sit outside of the Top 50, early season money could turn the momentum in their favor.

BARREL RACING

Jimmie Smith-Tew is coming off a confidence building, momentum giving run in Arlington. Aboard her mare, Nicky, the duo has gotten better and better since their unexpected win in Denver. This includes winning run from Tucson.

BULL RIDING

Beutler & Son Rodeo’s Top Shelf is a NFR bull that young gun Levi Boyd has matched up with. Veterans Stetson Wright and Sage Kimzey have been 90+ points before on the bull and this is his first out since the NFR.