ProRodeo Sports News - Sept. 29, 2023

ABILENE, TEXAS

WEST TEXAS FAIR & RODEO Small gets big win in Abilene On Time BY BRADY RENCK Special to ProRodeo Sports News B ailey Small grew up around rodeo in McCarthur, Calif., in the northern part of the state. His dad Bryan and mom Sara competed. He knew someday he would be in the arena.

TOP SCORES

TOP MONEY EARNER Paul Melvin ($5,357, steer wrestling) BAREBACK RIDING

“As far back as I can remember, I was always watching and looking forward to getting out there myself,” said Small, who now calls Rock Springs, Wyo., home. “It is what I wanted to do.” While some take a straight line into the PRCA, Small is navigating a different route. He is a grad student at Tarleton State, a school that boasts eight national titles and 29 individual crowns. Taking his talents to the Texans was too hard to pass up, but Small continues to carry big dreams professionally. He showed his potential at the West Texas Fair & Rodeo in Abilene, winning the saddle bronc riding with an 86 score at Taylor Telecom Arena. The 22-year-old knew when he drew Beutler & Son’s Black Gold, a veteran stock, that prize money remained in reach. He combined intel with talent to pull off one of his biggest victories. “I had seen him quite a few times, but I had never been on him. I watched videos and saw Ryder Wright get an 89.5 on him. So, I called Ryder and a couple of other guys to see what they thought was the best way to handle the horse,” Small said. “It was really from a rein perspective. The horse is like 22 years old, been around a long time. I had a pretty good idea that I would go with a shorter rein, and it all worked out. I have been to that rodeo three times and it’s always a great place to compete.” For Small, the success comes as his schedule gets busy. Following a stint at Panhandle State in Oklahoma, Small moved on to Tarleton State. He is pursuing a graduate degree in agriculture education and communication, while improving his craft with the start of his collegiate schedule. “This was a great opportunity and when they offered me a spot I couldn’t turn it down,” Small said. “I have a chance to get on the best horses at practice and work with this coaching staff. They have changed my bronc riding tremendously.” Small hopes to help lead Tarleton to a national title, while claiming an individual crown as well. He competes in the all-around. At his most recent event, he finished fourth in bronc riding and won the average on bulls. But make no mistake his future remains on the saddle of a horse. “I would love to get my card next year. I am focusing on getting my master’s degree and competing in college rodeo,” Small said. “And yeah, the plan is to get a title here, while continuing to get better. I have grown up around rodeo my entire life. It’s what I love to do.”

Melvin

1. Will Lowe ............................ 83.5 pts. 2. Jacob Lees ................................... 79 (Tie) Anthony Thomas .................. 79 STEER WRESTLING 1. Paul Melvin ................... 7.1 sec. on 2 2. Tristan Martin .............................. 8.1 3. Jace Melvin .................................. 8.5 TEAM ROPING 1. B. Hall/P. Bray ............... 8.7 sec. on 2 2. E. Rogers/P. Eaves ....................... 9.1 3. R. Kittle/J. Helton ......................... 9.2 SADDLE BRONC RIDING 1. Bailey Small ........................... 86 pts. 2. Tate Kelly ...................................... 84 (Tie) Dahlyn Thomas .................... 84 TIE-DOWN ROPING 1. Bryce Derrer ............... 17.4 sec. on 2 2. Marcos Costa ............................. 17.6 3. Brushton Minton ........................ 17.7 STEER ROPING 1. J. Tom Fisher .............. 33.4 sec. on 3 2. Clay Long .................................. 33.8 3. Jess Tierney ............................... 35.2 BULL RIDING 1. Dustin Boquet ..................... 87.5 pts. (Tie) Jax Mills ............................ 87.5 3. Brody Hasenack ............................ 86

Complete results/Page 48

David Seymore photo Permit holder Bailey Small shined at the West Texas Fair & Rodeo in Abilene. He won the saddle bronc riding with an 86-point ride on Beutler & Son Rodeo’s Black Gold.

ProRodeo Sports News 9/29/2023

ProRodeo Sports News 9/29/2023

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