ProRodeo Sports News - February 23, 2018

JOEY SONNIER

years. He’s about a third of the way to equaling that and it’s only February. Sonnier was sitting second in the 2018 circuit standings with $3,319 and seventh in the PRCAWorld Standings with $13,473 as of Feb. 15. In addition to the circuit finals win, he also tied for the victory at the Northwest Florida Championship Rodeo in Bonifay inOctober and won the rodeo that helped remind himhowmuch the sport meant to him– theMidWinter Fair &Rodeo. Michelle and the kids – son, Kade (18 years old), daughters Kenley (8) and Kylie (2) – are all in on him rodeoing full time. While Kade is at Nicholls State on a

baseball scholarship, Michelle, Kenley and Kylie are sad to see Sonnier head out on the road, but they wouldn’t have it any other way. When Sonnier first returned to the arena, his family wasn’t sure what would happen. “I didn’t know what to expect, I was nervous,” said Michelle, who has worked for a veterinarian office for 18 years. “I’m so happy for him. We love to watch him rodeo, we love animals, we love horses. … It’s kind of in the family. “We miss him when he’s gone. There are not many (rodeos) we get to make, with the kids in school and I have a full-time job. Whenever we do get the chance (to see him), we don’t miss him.” He’s taken up riding with Lefty Holman and Bradley Harter, who does the entering for them. Sonnier and Harter college rodeoed together but drifted apart. “I went down my career path,” Harter said. “It was pretty crazy, I thought I might never see him again. All of a sudden, he resurfaced a couple years ago. We just hit it right back off.” The way Sonnier rides has Harter – a 10- time WNFR qualifier and a seven-time RNCFR qualifier – believing that a trip to Las Vegas for the WNFR could be in Sonnier’s future. “He’s riding the most consistent I’ve ever seen him and he’s riding great,” Harter said. “There’s no doubt in my mind he could make the 2018 NFR.” Harter also sees the attention Sonnier lends to younger competitors. “It’s really neat to see how good he’s doing, SADDLE UP

ABOUT JOEY AGE: 38 HOMETOWN: New Iberia, La. CIRCUIT: Southeastern EVENT: Saddle bronc riding WINS IN 2018: Northwest Florida Championship Rodeo, RAM Southeastern Circuit Finals Rodeo, Mid Winter Fair & Rodeo

Above: Saddles made by Joey Sonnier III. Below: The Sonnier family poses for a photo. From left, Kade, Kenley (front), Kylie, Joey and Michelle. Photos courtesy Sonnier family

because he’s no spring chicken, as we all know,” Harter said. “He’s got a heck of a story. He’s a great guy and helps me and the younger kids realize different things in life.” Harter is riding on a saddle Sonnier made. “The past two years of my career he’s been a big help as far as making saddles for me and helping me out and traveling together,” Harter said. “… I wouldn’t be “To go from where I was five years ago to where I am now, it’s been a pretty awesome journey,” he said. “I dang sure couldn’t do it without the support of my family and a truly loving God.” Sonnier is ready to do what it takes to go farther than he has before. “I’m going to rodeo as hard as I can this year,” Sonnier said. “I’m 38 years old, probably don’t have a whole lot of time left (rodeoing). I’m going to do it this year the best I can.” winning and riding where I was at if I didn’t have his saddle.” Sonnier said his recent rodeo road has been a good one.

ProRodeo Sports News 2/23/18

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