ProRodeo Sports News - March 9, 2018

JADE BLACKWELL

February. Blackwell also tied for first in the second round of Bracket 1 at the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo with an 83.5-point ride on Beutler & Son Rodeo’s Four Aces for $2,081. He finished off the month by winning the average at La Fiesta de los Vaqueros in Tucson, Ariz., for $5,866 Feb. 25. “I’ve been to all of these rodeos before and I think it’s the mentality of it in the winter time,” Blackwell said, noting that there’s less pressure when competing in familiar settings which makes it easier to focus on riding. “He was having fun and sticking to business, and he did his homework on his horse and rode it perfectly,” Schmidt said. “He definitely outshined everyone that day.” Blackwell’s February wins boosted him to 17th in the 2018 PRCAWorld Standings with $15,022. The 24-year-old cowboy is also ranked second in the 2018 RAMBadlands Circuit Standings with $3,928. “I quit thinking about it when I get on,” Blackwell said. “Louie Brunson told me I think too much, so I worked on my mental game and then do what I taught my mind to do, and it seems to be working for me.” His new approach is working well for the 2018 season. Blackwell ended the 2017 season ranked third in the Badlands Circuit with $13,413 and 43rd in the world standings with $24,173. “He’s riding really good and it’s definitely well-earned, and he’s not even gotten the top of the pen,” Schmidt said. “He’s making them work and making money on horses most wouldn’t make money off. He’s stepped it up and is riding well. He’s not over-thinking and he’s having fun and I think he’s got the hunger to get out there and win. I honestly couldn’t tell you what the secret is, it’s a fine balance of focus and relaxation, and he’s finding that.” GETTING BETTERALLTHETIME Blackwell’s on pace to top his personal best when he finished 29th in the

2015 PRCAWorld Standings with $30,123 – double his rookie year earnings in 2012. “When I was a rookie, I was figuring out the ropes,” Blackwell said. “Every day is still a learning day and I try to learn off every horse. It’s hard to explain the feeling on how things have changed, like lifting on my rein and spurring better. I’mmore confident now too, so my confidence is there. I know I can do it, and that’s the biggest difference from my rookie year to now.” Schmidt said Blackwell is always working on getting better. “Jade’s ridden good before, but he’s getting more consistent and his style is improving, and he’s developed his own,” Schmidt said. “He’s very good at watching other guys and learning from their mistakes, and he’s just picking up that good, classic style everyone tries to imitate. “He’s progressed tremendously. You

ABOUT JADE AGE: 24 HOMETOWN: Rapid City, S.D. CIRCUIT: Badlands EVENT: Saddle bronc riding RECENT WINS: La Fiesta de los Vaqueros in Tucson, Ariz.; PRCA Championship Rodeo in Bismarck, N.D.

can tell his consistency and that little extra he has now is because of maturity and more confidence.” Blackwell is going to keep doing what’s been working. “This is by far the best winter I’ve ever had and I’m grateful and feel blessed to be able to do it,” Blackwell said. “It’s a good feeling but there’s a lot of ground to cover with 10 months until the Finals, and there’s a long road ahead of us.”

South Dakota saddle bronc rider Jade Blackwell works on his ranch when not out competing at rodeos.

Photo courtesy Jim Buchanan

ProRodeo Sports News 3/9/18

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