ProRodeo Sports News July 9, 2021

COWBOY CHRISTMAS

Bennett changes ways, has memorable Fourth

BY KEVIN CARMODY Special to ProRodeo Sports News A n injury-delayed and COVID-shortened 2020 season shaped Caleb Bennett’s perspective. And it perhaps could change the course of his career. The 32-year-old cowboy fromCorvallis, Mont., was admittedly “out of shape” following a six- month recovery from wrist surgery after the 2019 National Finals Rodeo. Then, when he did return to an abbreviated schedule, he didn’t make the rides to secure a ninth straight NFR appearance. “I didn’t quite get it done,” said Bennett, who finished 24th in the PRCA | RAMWorld Standings in 2020 with $24,785. “I know I’ve got a few years on some of these guys. Mentally and physically, I needed to change something to stay competitive and on top of my game. That was it for me.” One year later and with a supercharged nutritional and physical plan put in place by renowned rodeo personal trainer Doug Champion, Bennett feels like a new man. He’s riding like one, too. Bennett recently enjoyed one of his Cowboy Christmas periods of his 14-year career, winning $20,264 at six rodeos, the most of any ProRodeo roughstock cowboy during the stretch and not far from his entire 2020 total. Bennett also was the top roughstock performer during Cowboy Christmas 2016 earning $29,911. Bull rider Kanin Asay holds the Cowboy Christmas roughstock event record for one event at $36,031. Bennett’s week was highlighted by wins being out here, loving rodeoing again,” Bennett said. “I couldn’t have said that last year. I’ve always loved the sport of rodeo, but it was a rough year. I wasn’t enjoying it like I am now. Being healthy is huge. I finally feel 110 percent. I couldn’t be happier with the way I’m riding and feeling.” The windfall boosted Bennett from eighth to fifth in the world standings with $61,972. Now, it’s just a matter of keeping it going with plenty of big-time rodeos remaining on the 2021 schedule. “I’ve had a good week, and I’m in a solid position for the time being,” Bennett said. “There are a lot of rodeos left and still a lot of money to be won. If I’m not in the No. 1 spot, I’m going to keep going to get to the No. 1 spot.” Bennett seems to have that formula down, at least by his performance over Cowboy Christmas. But he also knows it’ll take more than just solid rides to get him there. “I’ve been doing this long enough to know that I need to know how to not only manage myself, but manage my time, so I know where I need to be, when I need to be there,” said Bennett, who made sure to leave enough time between rodeos in Montana and Oakley City (Utah) to rotate the tires on his truck along the way. “I need to keep myself feeling good, keep my vehicle running good and make sure I’m showing up on time for rodeos, to be ready to rock.” And feeling good while he’s rocking. “I feel like I’m riding better than I have in a long time, and I feel physically and mentally better than I ever have,” Bennett said. “Physically, when I feel good, it helps my mental game and my confidence. I can go into each ride with 100 percent confidence that I can do my job to the best of my ability, and to take advantage of the good horses and continue to do what I can every time I nod my head.” TOP ROUGHSTOCK 1. Caleb Bennett. ......................... $20,264 2. Jess Pope................................... $19,832 3. Stetson Wright...........................$19,519 4. Jordan Spears. ...........................$15,702 5. Clayton Biglow...........................$14,134 6. Tim O’Connell........................... $13,605 7. J.C. Mortensen............................$13,418 8. R.C. Landingham. ......................$12,647 9. Creek Young.............................. $12,539 10. Kaycee Feild............................ $12,224 11. Isaac Diaz................................. $12,209 12. Ryder Wright............................. $11,877 13. Austin Foss...............................$11,853 14. Tilden Hooper........................... $11,576 15. Shawn Bennett Jr.................... $10,730 at the World’s Oldest Rodeo in Prescott, Ariz. ($5,852), Cody (Wyo.) Stampede ($5,746) and Killdeer (N.D.) Mountain Roundup PRCA Rodeo ($4,054). “I feel like I’m 20 all over again, and I’m loving

ProRodeo Sports News 7/9/2021

ProRodeo.com

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