ProRodeo Sports News - July 7, 2023

LIVINGSTON ROUNDUP RODEO

LIVINGSTON, MONT.

Sam Petersen does homework on Silver Creek Pro Rodeo’s Trumpy Bear BY BRADY RENCK Special to ProRodeo Sports News A t 19, bareback rider Sam Petersen is barely out of high school. But his resourcefulness belies his age. He used a move straight out of the Rolodex – or contacts in his phone – to help produce a big victory. Research Dividends TOP SCORES

At the Livingston (Mont.) Roundup Rodeo, Petersen found himself paired with Trumpy Bear. One problem – he didn’t know anything about the mare. However, he did know the folks at Silver Creek Pro Rodeo, who owned the horse. He picked up the phone. “I called Randy (Schmutz), and he said they just got her, so he put me in touch with the former owner. I got some old ranch video, and I knew right away it was going to be good,” Petersen said. His instincts proved correct. Petersen logged an 86.5-point trip on Trumpy Bear, eclipsing Jess Pope (86) and Bradlee Miller (85.5) for the title. However, his confidence, if only briefly, was tested. “She got mad and tried smashing me into the sides,” Petersen said. “But once we got out there it was super fun. She got a little tired at the end, but it was one of those rides where everything worked out.” For Petersen, Livingston brought back a flood of good memories. He is from Helena, Mont. So, the days of competing at the Park County Fairgrounds remains fresh. “I rode mini bulls there growing up. It was a lot of fun to be back there and collect a good chunk of change,” Petersen said. With wins in Texas, Florida, and Montana this season, Petersen, after barely competing a year ago because of injuries, is not hiding from expectations in his rookie season. Las Vegas is firmly in the windshield view. “You know I don’t see it going any other way than getting to my first (Wrangler National Finals Rodeo),” Petersen said. “Last year didn’t work out, but I knew I was ready. This is just a great way of life. You get to meet great people and see new places. I was in St. Paul (Ore.), and I had a day off, so I booked a salmon trip, caught a king salmon, and then put up an 87 (point ride on Sankey Pro Rodeo & Phenom Genetics Bronc Riding Nation) on July 3, for third place. Rodeoing just gives us a chance to compete and do so many cool things.”

Egusquiza

Lord

TOP MONEY EARNER Dustin Egusquiza/Levi Lord (team roping, $6,116 each) BAREBACK RIDING

1. Sam Petersen........................86.5 pts. 2. Jess Pope........................................86 3. Bradlee Miller...............................85.5 STEER WRESTLING 1. Billy Boldon.............................4.0 sec. 2. Remey Parrott................................4.1 3. Joe Nelson......................................4.3 TEAM ROPING 1. D. Egusquiza/Levi Lord............3.9 sec. 2. S. Carroll/E. Arnold.........................4.0 3. D. Begay/C. Todd............................4.2 SADDLE BRONC RIDING 1. Houston Brown........................86 pts. 2. Tanner Butner...............................83.5 (Tie) Ryder Sanford..........................83.5 TIE-DOWN ROPING 1. John Douch.............................7.7 sec. (Tie) Ryann Jarrett..............................7.7 Matt Shiozawa....................................7.7 BULL RIDING 1. Trey Kimzey..............................87 pts. 2. Three tied at....................................86

COWBOY CHRISTMAS Complete results/Page 97

Josh Homer photo

Sam Petersen had an 86.5-point trip on Silver Creek Pro Rodeo’s Trumpy Bear for the win at the Livingston (Mont.) Roundup Rodeo.

ProRodeo Sports News 7/7/2023

ProRodeo Sports News 7/7/2023

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