ProRodeo Sports News - March 3, 2023

JACKSON, MISS.

DIXIE NATIONAL RODEO

Celebration

Saddle bronc rider Ben Andersen claims Dixie title BY BRADY RENCK, Special to ProRodeo Sports News C Ben Andersen grew up around rodeo in Canada, but initially did not follow in his father’s footsteps. He left his own dirt tracks as a kid, riding motocross and BMX. There was even a purple mohawk in his past. But one afternoon, his cousin Dawson Hay was riding steers at a neighbor’s house. “I wasn’t looking to become a bronc rider,” Andersen explained. “But I tried it that day, and I thought this is something I’d love to do.” Andersen turned his fascination into his profession. At 23, he has qualified for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in 2021 and barely missed out last year. You don’t have to squint to see him making it back to the sport’s biggest stage with the way this season is starting out. Andersen delivered a terrific ride at the Dixie National Rodeo in Jackson, Miss., claiming the saddle bronc competition with a score of 90 points. Brookman Rodeo’s Ragin’ Lunatic provided the vehicle for Andersen to showcase his skills as he pocketed $5,725 for the win. “I saw Logan Hay get on him at the NFR, so I was pretty excited about the draw. Sometimes you can get a horse that doesn’t kick. He was awesome. The chute opened and away we went,” Andersen said. “It was a blast. Halfway through I thought I might not make (a big ride). He looks like a big, bumpy, hopper. I spurred him, sunk my hat down and did some riding.” Andersen spent his childhood playing hockey and riding bikes. He enjoyed competition. As he matures his career, he aims to refine his craft and evolve. It’s one thing to fine-tune the body through workouts. He is now focusing on sharpening his mind. He recently began reading a book by sports psychologist David Cook. “Mentally, it’s helping me realize the importance of living in the moment, taking one bronc at a time, setting myself up for success,” Andersen said. “In all honesty, there were times I was bad about it. But now, I know it’s about just doing my job whatever bronc I get. It’s about keeping it simple. I am excited about it and feel like it’s putting me in a better place.” For Andersen, it comes back to consistency. If you do good for long stretches, it translates to a great season. But that only comes with a narrow vision. Pressure is part of the rodeo life when results are measured in seconds. It is what you sign up for. Andersen, though, remains grateful that his passion is his profession. “It’s so cool to be able to do something you love at this level. At first when I started, you have some nerves, of course. You are just trying to push through that and compete. Then when it becomes something, you do all the time, there is an art to the sport, just like when I was riding BMX bikes or motorcycles,” Andersen said. “Now, when I get on that horse, and pull off the ride, it’s one of the coolest feelings in the world. There’s honestly nothing like it.”

TOP MONEY EARNER TOP SCORES

Ryan Jarrett ($6,542, tie down roping) BAREBACK RIDING

Jarrett

1. R.C. Landingham.....................88 pts. 2. Cooper Cooke................................ 87 (Tie) Sam Petersen........................ 87 STEER WRESTLING 1. Joe Nelson..................... 7.7 sec. on 2 2. Jacob Talley.................................. 7.8 (Tie) Gavin Soileau. ...................... 7.8 TEAM ROPING 1. J. Yeahquo/L. Yeahquo......... 3.9 sec. 2. M. Egusquiza Jr./J. Harrison......... 4.2 3. C. Thomas/C. Green...................... 4.3 SADDLE BRONC RIDING 1. Ben Andersen. .........................90 pts. 2. Ryder Sanford. .............................. 87 3. Three tied at ............................... 86.5 TIE-DOWN ROPING 1. Ryan Jarrett................. 17.8 sec. on 2 2. Carsyn Sunvison......................... 18.7 3. Zack Jongbloed. ......................... 18.9 BARREL RACING 1. Margo Crowther. ............... 13.77 sec. 2. Nicole Love............................... 13.78 3. Sarah Waguespack................... 13.81 BULL RIDING 1. JB Mauney...............................87 pts. (Tie) Connor Murnion.................... 87 (Tie) T. Parker................................ 87

Complete results/Page 50

Darlena Roberts photo

Saddle bronc rider Ben Andersen had a 90-point ride on Brookman Rodeo’s Ragin’ Lunatic to win the Dixie National Rodeo.

ProRodeo Sports News 3/3/2023

ProRodeo Sports News 3/3/2023

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