ProRodeo Sports News - June 11, 2021

championship last summer at the Lazy E Arena in Guthrie, Okla. “That was pretty cool,” he said. “It was a big deal to go to all the junior rodeos, get exposure, get out there, enter up and rope against good competition. Now, at my stage, where these junior rodeos and ropings pay so good, it’s awesome to be able to go to them.” Webb – who has clocked runs of 6.20, 6.97 and 7.03 in recent years – also has learned from watching ProRodeo’s best. He has looked up to 26-time World Champion Trevor Brazile, received guidance during his early junior rodeo days from five-time NFR qualifier Clint Cooper and learned from his father, Dirk, who serves as director of The American. Soaking up knowledge like a sponge, Webb has taken what he’s observed and learned and worked to hone his skills in the arena with countless practice runs. One of the tie-down ropers he tries to emulate is 2019 World Champion Haven Meged, whose sister, Harley, has qualified for this year’s Jr. NFR in breakaway roping.

watching ropers, I learn a lot.”

Learning how to accept defeat and gain knowledge frommistakes is something the self- critical Webb is getting better at. “I don’t like losing, but at the same time, you’ve got to lose to learn,” he said. “I am hard on myself, but after I figure out what I did wrong or what happened, I’m going to move on to the next one and forget the past.” Like many successful tie-down ropers, horsepower has been key for Webb. His 14-year-old gelding, Titus, is rock-solid, giving Webb a chance to win almost every time he backs in the box. “It feels like he can run any calf and you’re

WHERE: Cowtown Coliseum, Fort Worth, Texas WHEN: June 28-July 3 WHO: Top youth competitors in rodeo from around the U.S. WHAT TO KNOW: A guaranteed minimum $200,000 purse will be awarded, with world champions taking home at least $10,000 each. HOW TO GO: Tickets at cowtowncoliseum.com/events .

going to get the same feel,” Webb said. “He gives you the same go every time, and he’s so athletic. He feels great, and I’m going to ride him everywhere we go this summer.” For Webb, rodeo isn’t just something he does, it’s a part of who he is. “We do it every day and go (compete) as much as possible,” Webb said. “It’s a lifestyle. Since I was a little kid, it’s all I’ve ever wanted to do.”

“Haven Meged is great and is one of my friends,” Webb said. “Just watching him rope, he does everything right. I’m a visual learner, so just

“I’m really excited about all the opportunities I’ll get this summer, and (the Jr. NFR) will be one of the big stops. Everybody qualified to get there and earned the opportunity to be there, so no one was just given anything.” – RILEY WEBB

ProRodeo Sports News 6/11/2021

ProRodeo.com

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