PRORODEO Sports News - February 21, 2025

FIRST-TIMER SADDLE BRONC RIDER KADE BRUNO CAPTURES INAUGURAL FORT WORTH CROWN By Tracy Renck

K ade Bruno has established The Idaho cowboy has made three career appearances – 2022-2024 – at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo presented by Teton Ridge and he knew his latest outing was pretty forgettable. Bruno finished ninth in the world standings after placing in just three rounds and earning $40,246. “It was dang sure frustrating,” said Bruno, 24. “I didn’t draw the best horses out in Vegas but I dang sure didn’t ride very good. That’s some thing that is on me. This season, I’m just trying not to waste any opportu nities because sometimes they don’t come around very often. “There are a lot of great bronc riders out there right now and if you can take advantage of the opportunities you’re given, it makes a world of difference. And this feels great.” himself as one of the top saddle bronc riders in PRORODEO.

Saddle bronc rider Kade Bruno spurs for an 87-point ride on J Bar J’s Stacked Deck in the Fort Worth (Texas) Stock Show & Rodeo semifinals.

decent winters, but I have always played catch-up in the summer and had good summers. So, having some money won right now and riding good and feeling good, I couldn’t be happier.” Bruno is no stranger to J Bar J’s Straight Moonshine. Back on Oct. 5, Bruno won the finals of the Brad Gjermundson Extreme Broncs with a 92.5-point trip on the horse in New Town, N.D. “(Straight Moonshine) feels so good and you know she is going to buck right out of there and has some moves,” Bruno said. “She’s a handful but she gives you every chance to win.”

Bruno seized the moment at the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo captur ing the coveted title with a 92-point ride on J Bar J's Straight Moonshine

in the finals on Feb. 8 at Dick ies Arena at the PRORODDEO Playoff Series rodeo. “This feels so good,” Bruno said. “I almost can’t even put it into words. I have never started a winter this good ever. I’ve had some

Saddle bronc rider Kade Bruno acknowledges the crowd after winning the Fort Worth (Texas) Stock Show & Rodeo.

32 PRORODEO SPORTS NEWS