2022 PRCA Media Guide

Tie-down Roping

Smidt Earns Third Gold Buckle

The setback for Caleb Smidt in 2020 made for an even bigger comeback. Days before preparing to compete in the 2020 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Arlington, Smidt tested positive for COVID-19 and missed the NFR for the first time since 2014. The tie-down roper did not let the opportunity slip away in 2021 in Las Vegas, taking home his third PRCA World Championship. He leaned on family and faith to lead himback to another gold buckle. “It’s an unbelievable feeling,” said Smidt, 32. “Last year was tough even rodeoing and then making the Finals and not being able to compete. I just had to believe in God. You know with bad things, good things come. That’s what we prayed for and that is why we’re here.” Smidt wasted no time making his way to the pay window with an 8.6-second run and a split fourth-place finish in Round 1. The Bellville, Texas, cowboy continued his excellence, placing in eight rounds total, including a Round 3 victory with a

7.1-second run. Smidt mentioned the large paydays as a reason for his rise to occasion. “I think what makes me step up themost at the Finals is the $27,000 we rope for every night if I’m being honest with you,”said Smidt, 32. “It brings out the best in everybody, and if it doesn’t you don’t need to be here because this is the place to be in December if you rodeo.” After Smidt’s strong showing at the NFR, he finished first in the average with 83.1 seconds on 10 head, claiming his third average title. Over 10 nights, the seven-time NFR qualifier earned $191,576. Smidt was quick to credit his horse for his success. “My horse (Pockets) was lights out all week for me, he was really great in that setup,” Smidt said. “He gave me a chance from slow calves to fast calves. He gives me a chance every time I back in there. There were lots of praying this week and God came through in all 10 rounds and I’m just blessed to be here.” Smidt finished atop the

2021 PRCA | RAM World Standings with $318,456, edging out fellow roper Haven Meged by $22,293. The earnings mark a new career high for Smidt in a single season. However, for Smidt it’s about more than the paydays. “I’ve just had a great support team with my family behind me,” Smidt said. “You know they’ve done so much for me from last year to this year. They push me and it makes me want to be better each and every year that I go out to rodeo. So, I’m beyond blessed to be here and walk away with yet another world title. You can never take one of these titles for granted no matter how many you’ve won in your career.” – Dagin Renck

PRCA ProRodeo photo by Roseanna Sales

A 7.1-second run won Caleb Smidt Round 3 of the Wrangler NFR. The win vaulted him to this third PRCA World title.

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2021 WORLD CHAMPIONS