ProRodeo Sports News - September 21, 2018

“I was worried something would go wrong,” Jesse said. “The first time I rode him, he bucked me off at 7.5 seconds, and I spurred over my rein and it threw me over my saddle.” This time around, Jesse came out on top. “He did everything I expected him to do, he’s just really strong out of there (the chute), and he’s big and a really good horse,” Jesse said. “I was stoked about it (scoring 85), I couldn’t ask for anything more.” All told, Jesse won $7,681 at Pendleton, but he’s not celebrating as much as he did in 2016. Before winning Pendleton, Jesse was 34th in the PRCA | RAMWorld Standings with $31,483. His Pendleton win helped move him to 27th with $42,239. “If I was in a different situation it would be really cool, but I’m not, so I haven’t put much thought into how much I won,” Jesse said. The second week of September was a good one for Jesse. He raked in about $10,000 between Pendleton and placing second at the Dixie Roundup in St. George, Utah, Sept. 15. “I just drew good horses and then was living the good life, I guess,” Jesse said. “I’m happy for him, he’s had a rough year, but it’s always fun to win Pendleton,” Jake said. “It’s not an easy task, and he rode good.” WRIGHT’S REBOUND Jesse’s plans to make his eighthWrangler NFR qualification took a detour June 29 when he was bucked off Calgary Stampede’s Urgent Delivery at the Ponoka (Alberta) Stampede and broke his clavicle. Jesse qualified for seven of the eight previous Wrangler NFRs, 2015 being the exception. Before the injury, he was 23rd in the world standings with $26,554. “I didn’t put much thought PENDELTON ROUND-UP

know what it is, when you’re hurt, you’re hurt, and when you’re good, you’re good.” Jesse was out of competition for eight weeks while his brothers and nephews were out competing. “I felt bad, but you’ve got to keep your head down and keep going,” Jake said. Although he didn’t need any physical rehab, sitting on the sidelines for recovery was a struggle. “It seemed like forever to me,” Jesse said. “I was ready to come back when they told me I could go ahead.” Jesse’s shoulder was still tender at Caldwell, and he was bucked off. “I was a little skeptical, but it stayed together,” Jesse said. “I took it in stride like I did the rest of them.” Now he’s looking ahead at the RAMWilderness Circuit Finals Rodeo. “I’m healthy and I’m winning,” Jesse said. “I’m ready and stoked to start the year out fresh.” In the meantime, Jesse will be celebrating his son, Kruz, turning 7. “We’re going to go deer hunting and hang out, and then there’s Thanksgiving and Christmas,” he said. “I’ll enjoy the family life. It’s going to be nice.” ANALL-WRIGHT LINEUP As of Sept. 17, five of the Top 15 saddle bronc riders were from the Wright family – Ryder (second), Rusty (third), Jake (12th), Spencer (15th) and CoBurn Bradshaw (11th), Jesse’s brother-in-law. “Heck, yeah, good for them,” Jesse said. “I’m stoked, I wouldn’t expect anything less. Everyone is doing good, and that’s awesome.” Jake agreed with his brother and is optimistic Jesse will be back at the Wrangler NFR soon. “We’re only 29 years old, and hopefully we’ve got another 12 years in us,” Jake said, adding that their brother, Cody, is still competing at 41. “I think it’s great,” Jake said. “We’ve put a lot of time and effort into it. We keep working hard, and everyone is trying to set the bar higher. Ryder is riding as good as anyone can ride now, and it pushes us to do better too. It’s just fun. That’s why we have so much success, because we drive each other to be better.”

into it since we hadn’t really started our summer run,” Jesse said. “When I did think about it, it didn’t bother me that much compared to last year when I broke my foot when I was 10th in the world. I was like, ‘You’ve got to be kidding me.’” Jesse recovered in time to make 15th in the 2017 world standings. The timing for this year’s injury couldn’t have been worse. He went into surgery July 3 to have his left clavicle plated back together and was out of competition until the Caldwell (Idaho) Night Rodeo, Aug. 14-18. “I just came back and wanted to do good,” Jesse said. “I don’t

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Complete results on Page 60

SADDLE BRONC RIDING 1. Jesse Wright .............. 168 pts. on two 2. Isaac Diaz ...................................... 167 3. (tie) Ryder Wright ....................... 166.5 Allen Boore ................................. 166.5

TIE-DOWN ROPING 1. J.C. Malone ............ 31.3 sec. on three 2. Shane Hanchey ............................. 31.6 3. Ty Harris ....................................... 32.9 4. Tyler Prcin .................................... 33.1

STEER ROPING 1. Chris Glover ............ 47.5 sec. on three 2. Trevor Brazile ................................ 48.2 3. Jarrett Blessing ............................ 50.8 4. Will Gasperson ............................. 51.4

BULL RIDING 1. Jordan Spears ............ 166 pts. on two 2. (tie) Roscoe Jarboe .......... 85.5 on one Koby Radley ................................. 85.5 4. Two tied at .................................... 83.5

ProRodeo Sports News 9/21/2018

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