ProRodeo Sports News - November 17, 2023

BULL RIDING Record Breaker

Stetson Wright eyes third bull riding world title BY TANNER BARTH S tetson Wright is a man on a mission in 2023 and no record will get in his way of accomplishing his ultimate goal of winning three gold buckles and $1.2 million by season’s end. A year ago, he set the PRCA record in the bull riding for the most money won in a single regular season before the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. In true Stetson Wright fashion, he couldn’t help but one up himself this season. As the ProRodeo regular season came to a close on Sept. 30 – Wright had blown past those totals from 2022. He wrapped up the year with $368,630 earned in bull riding with a $114,465 lead over his traveling partner Ky Hamilton in the No. 2 spot. He said while the standings reflect a huge season, it didn’t feel that way until the final month of the season. “The money earned in the standings doesn’t reflect on how slow the year felt like it was going for me until literally this last month or so,” said Wright, a seven-time PRCA World Champion. “It felt like everything was moving slow, but finally when I was able to get on everyday that’s when it started really clicking again.” During the month of September, Wright won three rodeos and another two Xtreme Bulls events in the bull riding alone, pocketing $141,875 in the process. He climbed on the back of 23 bulls during that stretch and covered the eight seconds on 19 of them. With his average score over 87 points on the qualified rides.

2023 BULL RIDING STANDINGS

1. Stetson Dell Wright, Beaver, Utah.......... $368,630 2. Ky Hamilton, Mackay, Australia................ 254,165 3. Josh Frost, Randlett, Utah........................ 232,034 4. Tristen Hutchings, Monteview, Idaho....... 181,192 5. Trey Holston, Fort Scott, Kan................... 178,544 6. Creek Walker Young, Rogersville, Mo...... 156,286 7. Hayes Weight, Goshen, Utah.................... 154,695 8. T. Parker, Winnie, Texas........................... 152,792 9. Trey Kimzey, Strong City, Okla.................. 150,715 10. Sage Kimzey, Salado, Texas.................... 145,021 11. Jordan Hansen, Amisk, Alberta............... 144,223 12. Jared Parsonage, Maple Creek, Sask...... 139,552 13. Cody Teel, Bryan, Texas.......................... 135,671 14. Jeff Askey, Athens, Texas........................ 135,244 15. Cullen Telfer, Plant City, Fla..................... 128,245

FROM THE CHAMP

“It started off really hot when I moved into the No. 1 spot in the world in bulls and broncs. It didn’t really slow down from that point on. But then I had a few injuries, where I had to have surgery and sit out for a while. When you’re missing rodeos,

QUOTABLE “I’m at a point in my career where I never doubt myself ... now it seems like when I crawl on a bull, I’m thinking how many points we are going to be, instead of I hope I can ride. I just know I’m going to stay on, and I think it has been showing in my riding.”

Wright

you feel like you aren’t doing your best sitting at home. I had to learn a lot of patience. I had to trust everything my mom and dad were saying when I needed to sit out. I think it paid off because this was my best year yet.” – Stetson Wright

– Stetson Wright finds himself as the world standings leader headed into the NFR yet again. A big reason for that was the $40,000 he earned at the Cinch Playoffs Governor’s Cup.

His confidence is a high as ever. He admits doubt used to creep in, but now the 24-year-old said it’s a thing of the past. “I’m at a point in my career where I never doubt myself now,” he said. “There would be some second thoughts before when you don’t have all the confidence in the world. “Now, it seems like when I crawl on a bull, I’m thinking how many points we are going to be, instead of

I hope I can ride. I just know I’m going to stay on, and I think it has been showing in my riding.” He doesn’t see the train slowing down anytime soon. “I feel like you don’t hit your prime in this sport until you’re in your 30s and I’m only 24 right now. So, I think it's only the beginning for me,” Wright said. “I’m going to continue setting my goals high and pushing myself to be the best that I can possibly be.”

Clay Guardipee photo photo

– Stetson Wright

ProRodeo Sports News 11/17/2023

ProRodeo Sports News 11/17/2023

ProRodeo.com

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