ProRodeo Sports News - March 1, 2024

OKEECHOBEE, FLA.

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Michael Roberts photos Jake Lockwood, left, had an 87-point ride on Big Rafter Rodeo’s Mud Monkey, to tie for the win with Taylor Toves, right, who had an identical 87-point trip on Big Rafter Rodeo’s Smooth Disaster. They shared top honors at the 85th Brighton Field Day Festival in Okeechobee, Fla., Feb. 18.

Toves produced his top score on Big Rafter Rodeo’s Smooth Disaster. “It was cool. That bull felt really good. I had seen a video of him. And it was the same exact trip with me,” Toves said. “I knew if I did my job, I had a chance to get a good score. It was up to me and to let the judges take care of the rest.” For Toves, his success in Florida and the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo has inflated his confidence with helium. “I wish I knew what the key was,” he said with a laugh. “I would have done it a lot sooner.” Lockwood is in the infancy stages of his career. Only 23, this type of win allows him to dream. He posted his 87 on Big Rafter Rodeo’s Mud Monkey. “My buddy Tristan O’Neal rode him in Kissimmee. I just kind of knew he was going to be a little wild and throwing up his head in the air. I was able to ride him pretty good,” Lockwood said. “Being on a bull, you know it’s a thrill and something not many people can do. It’s more of a lifestyle. I grew up with it and I didn’t want to do a 9-to

5. I love it.” Toves, if only briefly, flirted with sports to quench his competitive thirst in Louisiana. He watched bull riding, but his mom was not keen on him riding. However, when the family moved to Stephenville, Texas – a rodeo hotbed – Toves found his lane. One of his football teammates rode stock and Toves convinced his mom to let him go along. “And that day it became the dream. I have been doing it ever since,” Toves said. “It’s been my life. I have never done anything else ever that makes me feel like I do when I ride a bull. I can’t play football for a living. This is what I love to do. And this year I am giving myself a good shot to reach my goals.” Lockwood is encouraged by his start this season. He plans on logging a bigger schedule as success follows. He knows there is nothing he would rather do. “My parents always said that your rodeo friends are friends for life,” Lockwood said. “And I definitely believe that.”

ProRodeo Sports News 3/1/2024

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