ProRodeo Sports News - June 9, 2023

DARBY, MONT.

DARBY XTREME BRONCS Kaycee wins Darby for 2nd time in three years Feild’s Day

BY BRADY RENCK, Special to ProRodeo Sports News T he day retreats into darkness. The body hurts. But the serenity following a victory remains hard to beat. Kaycee Feild began his professional career as a bareback rider in 2007, back when gas prices flickered at $2.28 and Big & Rich dominated the radio with “Lost in the Moment.” After dotting his resume with six world titles, Feild takes nothing for granted, but he also has learned to soak it all in when the opportunity presents itself. Recently, as he drove back to Genola, Utah, his smile could be felt over the phone. “I am with my wife and family, and the kids are sleeping,” Feild said. “Life is good.” The drive through long stretches of sketchy cell service allowed him to reflect on his latest victory. He caffeinated his push for the summer with a win at the Darby (Mont.) Extreme Barebacks, registering a 93.5-point ride on Pickett Pro Rodeo Company’s Night Crawler in the rowdy Richard Cromwell Arena. “Being on that horse and in that atmosphere, it was a really great event,” said Feild, netting $12,111 for his finals ride and a total of $13,361 for the event. Truthfully, Feild expected a special evening given his history with Night Crawler. To say this pair has worked remains an understatement. At the Wrangler NFR last December – Feild is a regular as a 13-time qualifier – the cowboy delivered a 92-point ride on the biggest stage, earning $28,914 for the Round 10 win. Roughly a month later, at the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo, he set the bar higher with a 93, good enough for a $3,255 prize. Then came Darby on June 4. “Oh man, when I got that horse, it was like, ‘Here we go again.’ She really tests my ability every time I get on her,” said Feild, 36. “She changes leads, makes you move in directions you really are not used to, and she can wiggle guys loose. And after five seconds, she gives you everything she has to get you off.” Showing poise and talent befitting his status, Feild produced the 93.5, edging out Cole Reiner (91), Rocker Steiner and Shane O’Connell (90.5). Feild won the Darby event in 2021 with a 92.5-point ride on J Bar J’s Straight Moonshine. “For sure I knew it was going to be a challenge. I wanted to stay in control in the short round. There are so many kids competing, and you want to put on a show. And she makes it hard to turn your toes out and make your body look as best as you can,” Feild said. “But it worked out.” Feild’s resume drops jaws. But he did not reach the pinnacle of his sport by looking in the rearview mirror. Even as he conducted the interview, he was eyeing the road out of Montana, his mind trying to relax as he considered what’s next. This has been a been a different season for Feild, not as successful early on as in the past. “You know what, I don’t know if this one rodeo gives enough of a boost necessarily for the season. For that money to count, I have to compete in more rodeos than I have in recent years,” said Feild, who had an 87.5-point trip on J Bar J’s Bunny Hugger in the first section of the Darby event. “I am going to have to push myself more. But I did feel a little extra boost tonight.”

Laura Storey photo Bareback rider Kaycee Feild, owner of a PRCA event record six world championships, had his talent on display at the Darby (Mont.) Extreme Barebacks, registering a 93.5-point ride on Pickett Pro Rodeo Company’s Night Crawler for the win.

Complete results/Page 53

ProRodeo Sports News 6/9/2023

ProRodeo Sports News 6/9/2023

ProRodeo.com

ProRodeo.com

30

31