ProRodeo Sports News - November 2, 2018

NFR ADVANCE with $137,179. He’s behind Tuf Cooper ($216,127) and Trevor Brazile ($188,688) in the all-around chase. Cooper and Brazile will compete at the Clem McSpadden National Finals Steer Roping in Mulvane, Kan., Nov. 2-3.

Jag, 20. “My little brother Kaden has owned Jag for 10 years,” Richard said. “He is a good-little horse, and he’s really quick and good on fast setups. I have options for my Plan B in tie-down roping as far as a horse.” BRIGHT LIGHTS, BIG CITY Excelling in the bright lights of theThomas &Mack Center is not easy, but Richard wants to keep things simple. “I’m not going to change my style,” Richard said. “My strength is handling my rope and being sharp. I think that should fit the building good, and I know my horses should fit that setup. I talked to Jake Barnes (seven-time PRCA world champion header) recently, and his advice to me was just go in there and have fun and take it all in. I’m going to work at trying to figure out how to get my best chance to catch. I know that place (Thomas &Mack Center) is hard to catch 10 in a row. I think it is crucial to go at the barrier every time and not be late.” As for preparation, Richard will hone his skills while competing at the RAMWilderness Circuit Finals Rodeo in Heber City, Utah, Nov. 1-3. “After the circuit finals is over we are going to start getting ready for the NFR,” Richard said. “We plan to set our arena up the same dimensions as theThomas & Mack here (in Roosevelt, Utah),” Richard said. “We have an indoor barn to practice. I’m excited about going to the NFR. I don’t know how much sleep I’m going to get on Dec. 5.”

“I don’t think there’s a way to go about winning the all-around for me,” Richard said. “I just need to do my best, and if I have a good Finals it will take care of itself. As much money as there is to be won (at the NFR) anything can happen.” DOUBLE NFR BID POSSIBLE As the 2018 season wound down, Richard believed securing two Wrangler NFR qualifying spots was realistic. “Going into the Northwest, I knew I had a really good chance in (tie- down) roping because I was in the top 10,” he said. “I knew if I just had some luck and kept winning in the team roping that we had a legitimate shot. My partner in team roping (Kesler), our styles fit, and I was able to get the job done in (tie-down) roping.” In team roping, Richard’s biggest paydays this season came in Nampa, Idaho ($7,571) and Kennewick, Wash. ($5,268). In tie-down roping, he earned $9,567 in Edmonton, Alberta. Kesler is thrilled to be headed to Las Vegas with Richard. Kesler’s only other appearance at the Wrangler NFR was in 2016 with partner Matt Sherwood. Kesler placed eighth in the world standings. “I’m excited to be going back, but I’m also happy for Rhen because he’s

worked so hard at it, and he definitely deserves this,” Kesler said. “The biggest thing that comes to mind with Rhen is that he’s really sharp with everything, his roping and his horses, and he pays close attention to detail. Everything is fast in Las Vegas. We just want to rope the steers we draw and not beat ourselves.” Richard was quick to credit his horsepower for fueling his Wrangler NFR run. He used two horses in tie- down roping – Patron, 7, and Little Joe, 18. In team roping, Richard’s main horse is Festus, 12, and his back-up horse is Hemi, 15. “Patron is an awesome little horse,” Richard said. “He’s not all the way finished yet, he’s only 7 years old, and this is the first year I hauled him. He did great. Little Joe is a good-old, solid horse, and I know the spots where he is good. Festus was awesome for me, and Hemi was Quinn’s horse, and I probably won $6,000 on him.” Patron was the 2018 PRCA | AQHA reserve Horse of the Year, and Festus finished third in the PRCA | AQHA Team Roping Heading Horse of the Year voting. As for the Wrangler NFR, Richard is taking Patron, but he’s unsure what secondary horse he will use. In team roping, Richard will use Festus, while his backup horse will be

Tie-down roper/team roping header Rhen Richard shares a moment with his wife, Chalis, and daughter, Ruby. Photo courtesy Chalis Richard

ProRodeo Sports News 11/2/2018

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