ProRodeo Sports News - August 5, 2022

SALINAS, CALIF.

CALIFORNIA RODEO SALINAS

Bareback rider Landingham finally healthy, eyes buckle Motivated TOP SCORES

TOP MONEY WINNER Lucas

BY BRADY RENCK, Special to ProRodeo Sports News I mproved health created a narrowed prism for viewing goals. Bareback rider R.C. Landingham returned to the NFR in 2021 for the first time after a three-year absence due to multiple shoulder surgeries. He placed 11th in the PRCA | RAMWorld Standings. It changed his focus. “My goal is to win the gold buckle. That’s it,” Landingham said. “It takes me back to 2017 when I made my second one. But after sitting out the last few years, last year was just about making it. I found out I could make it and ride again at that high level. So, it’s about winning the championship.” Landingham spent the month of July building momentum. He strung together strong performances in Calgary, and in Utah at Ogden and Spanish Fork, before putting on a show at the California Rodeo Salinas. Landingham won the two-head average with 172 points, a meaningful result at a rodeo that was the California resident’s favorite growing up. “It was the closest big one to my home. We needed this one,” said Landingham, who hails fromHat Creek, Calif., and is a three-time NFR participant. “It means a lot.” Landingham put himself in the mix with his first ride on Four Star Rodeo’s Fringe FromHell, netting an 86. Consistency was the key. “I was thinking that horse would be good for the average. He had a good day, and I had a really good day,” Landingham said. To win the top prize, he would have to lean on a scouting report. He drew Girl Crush from Bridwell Pro Rodeos. This horse remains as unpredictable as Colorado spring weather. “I have been on that horse a few times. Some good, and one did not go good. I didn’t want to think too much about it, but it left me with a game plan to ride her differently,” Landingham said. “I felt like holding her those first few jumps and riding my feet through really made a difference.” Landingham registered an 86-point ride, netting a $5,771 prize. It is a reminder of how good Landingham is and what lies ahead. He is pursuing his passion with purpose, logging the miles with wife Bliss and 13-month-old sonWynn. At 31, he loves the sport, but his perspective has changed. “Well, when I was a kid, I love the lifestyle of being on the road and being able to do whatever I wanted and not having to worry really about anything,” Landingham said. “Having a family makes it different. It’s about making the most money I can in the shortest amount of the time. The best way to do that is riding horses.” That’s the thing about this sport. No matter how long you’ve been doing it or how many injuries have struck – Landingham had rotator cuff repaired, setting off left shoulder reconstruction – the thrill never leaves. “The adrenaline is something you can’t duplicate. There’s that anticipation of thinking you know what’s going to happen, but not really knowing,” Landingham said. “Sometimes you get a horse, and you know you will win or hit the dirt on him. That adrenaline is always there. I have never felt anything like it. Now, it’s about getting that gold buckle.”

Mooningham ($15,464, bull riding) BAREBACK RIDING

Mooningham

1. R.C. Landigham............. 172 pts. on 2 2. Cole Reiner................................... 171 3. Cole Franks................................ 168.5 STEER WRESTLING 1. Bridger Anderson..........19.2 sec. on 3 2. Tucker Allen................................. 20.7 3. Stan Branco................................. 21.2 TEAM ROPING 1. R. Richard/J. Buhler. ....47.4 sec. on 5 2. A. Rose/C. Freeman..................... 50.0 3. B. Teixeira/B. Bates...................... 50.4 SADDLE BRONC RIDING 1. Tanner Butner................ 175 pts. on 2 2. Shorty Garrett............................ 172.5 3. Two tied at................................. 171.5 TIE-DOWN ROPING 1. Hunter Herrin................33.5 sec. on 3 2. Bryson Sechrist........................... 33.7 3. Tyler Milligan............................... 34.3 BARREL RACING 1. Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi...64.79 sec. on 4 2. Bayleigh Choate......................... 65.03 3. Margo Crowther......................... 65.09 BULL RIDING 1. Lucas Mooningham.... 170.5 pts. on 2 2. Colton Byram................................ 166 3. Two tied at...................................... 85

Complete results/Page 63

Phil Doyle photo

Veteran bareback rider R.C. Landingham is healthy and riding better than ever as evident by his win at California Rodeo Salinas.

ProRodeo Sports News 8/5/2022

ProRodeo Sports News 8/5/2022

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