CHEYENNE, Wyo., July 26, 2023 — It was a good day for contestants named Sage at the fifth performance of the 127th Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo (CFD).

And for the two guys in the performance that carry the name of a prolific sagebrush plant, every day is a good day to be Sage. The excitement for them started when seven-time world champion bull rider Sage Kimzey rode a previously unridden bull early in the rodeo.

Kimzey, from Salado, Texas, got on a bull named Red Demon owned by Universal Pro Rodeo that had been previously unridden in five attempts. That changed today at Frontier Park when Kimzey had the high score of the day at 91.5 points. He is now advancing to the Semi Finals with hopes to move on to Sunday’s Championship Finals and have a chance to ride for his first Cheyenne Frontier Days championship.

Kimzey is currently fourth in the world standings and is headed to his ninth Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (NFR) in December. Growing up in Oklahoma, Kimzey set a goal of beating Don Gay’s record of eight world titles. He is getting closer with every bull ride.

Sage Newman has quickly become one of the best saddle bronc riders in the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. The Melstone, Montana, cowboy has qualified for the NFR twice and is headed to his third. The world standings leader, Newman rode a Wyoming bucking horse owned by Summit Pro Rodeo to win Quarter Finals 5. When the judges added up their scores, Newman and the horse named Legend combined for 85.5 points. He is also headed to the Semi Finals and will be riding for his first CFD title.

A new star in bareback riding showed fans here just why he is third in the world at Frontier Park on Wednesday. Kade Sonnier from Carenco, Louisiana, scored 84 points on United Pro Rodeo’s horse, Joan Jett to win the day. Sonnier competed at the College National Finals Rodeo in Casper, Wyoming last month and finished as the reserve champion for McNeese State University. Earlier this month, he had the biggest win of his career when he earned the championship at the Calgary Stampede. A win here in Cheyenne would rank right up there with that feat.

The breakaway roping went to Cassidy Boggs from Stephenville, Texas. She grew up in Oklahoma and  has her master’s degree in business. Along with roping, she runs her own digital marketing business. Boggs stopped the clock in 4.0 seconds today and will be roping again in the Semi Finals.

Rain that came through midway through the rodeo made less than favorable conditions for the steer wrestlers, but great entertainment for the fans. The fastest time of the day went to Kodie Jang who now lives in Morgan Mill, Texas, but will always call Australia home. Jang brought his steer to the ground in 6.5 seconds for the win. If he keeps it up and gets the win on Sunday, he will be the second member of his extended family to win here. His father-in-law Leon Vick was the champion at Frontier Park in 1998.

Quarter Finals 6 begins on Thursday at 12:45 when fans will watch the final group of contestants aiming to advance to the Semi Finals.

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (July 26, 2023)- The following are unofficial results from the Quarter Finals (fifth performance) and Semi Finals qualifiers at the Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo on Wednesday, July 25. Payoff subject to change.

Bareback Riding: 1, Kade Sonnier, Carencro, La., 85 points on United Pro Rodeo’s Joan Jett, $2,448. 2, Jacek Frost, Browns Valley, Calif., 82.5, $1,836. 3, Cole Reiner, Buffalo, Wyo., 81, $1,224. 4, Clayton Biglow, Clements, Calf., 80.5, $612.

Breakaway Roping: 1, Cassidy Boggs, Stephenville, Texas., 4.0 seconds, $2.901. 2, Tibba Smith, Hobbs, N.M., 4.2, $2,176. 3, Shayla Hall, Belle Fourche, S.D., 4.4, $1,450. 4, Chenoa Vandestouwe, Weatherford, Okla.,  4.8, $725.

Tie Down Roping: 1, Catfish Brown, Denton, Texas, 11.5 seconds, $2,000. 2, Quaid Hiatt, Canyon, Texas, 11.9, $1,500. 3, Cole Tierney, Broken Bow, Nebraska, 12.1, , $1,000. 4, Brushton Minton, Witter Springs, Calif., 12.2, $500.

Saddle Bronc Riding: 1, Sage Newman, Melstone, Mont., 85.5 points on Summit Pro Rodeo’s Legend, $ 2,354 . 2, Ryder Sanford, Sulphur, La., 84.5, $1,766 . 3, Will Pollock, Utopia, Texas, 84 points, $1,177 . 4, Stetson Wright, Milford, Utah, 83.5, $589.

Team Roping: 1, Kevin Daniel, Franklin, Tenn., and Travis Graves, Jay, Okla., 7.6 seconds, $2,000 each; 2, Luke Brown, Rock Hill, S.C., and Hunter Koch, Vernon, Texas, , 7.9, $1,500 each. 3, Dustin Eguesquiza, Marianna, Fla., and Levi Lord, Sturgis, S.D., 8.2, $1,000 each. 4, (tie) Kaleb Driggers, Hoboken, Ga., and Junior Nogueira, Presidente Prude, Brazil;  and Jr. Dees, Aurora, S.D., and Ross Ashford, Lott, Texas, 8.4, $250 each.

Steer Wrestling: 1, Kodie Jang, Townsville, Queensland, Australia, 6.5 seconds, $2,000. 2, Dirk Tavenner, Rigby, Idaho,  7.5, $1,500. 3, Don Payne, Stephenville, Texas, 7.7, $1,000. 4, Tristan Martin, Sulphur, La., 8.8, $500.

Barrel Racing: 1, Sharon Harrell, Wickenberg, Ariz., 18.14 seconds, $2,413. 2, Tarryn Lee, St. David, Ariz., 18.23, $1,810. 3, Emma Charleston, Reeds, Mo., 18.27, $1,206. 4, Emily Beisel, Weatherford, Texas, 18.43, $603.

Bull Riding: 1, Sage Kimzey, Salado, Texas, 91.5 points on Universal Pro Rodeo’s Red Demon 78, $2,397. 2, Stetson Wright, Milford, Utah., 90, $1,798. 3, Ky Hamilton, Mackay, Queensland, Australia, 87, $1,199. 4, Parker Breding, Edgar, Mont., 86, $599.

The following events do not have Semi Finals.

Rookie Saddle Bronc Riding: 1, (tie) Isaac Richard, Eunice, La., and Slade Keith, Stanfield, Ariz.,  78 points. 3, Dahlyn Thomas, Woodward, Okla., 75. 4, Cody Weeks, Malad, Idaho, 69.

Wild Horse Race: 1, Billy Scharton Team, $550. 2, NDN Outlaw, $413. 3, Cowboy Chaos, $275. 4, Wagon Burners, $138.

Rough Stock Events – Bareback, Saddle Bronc and Bull Riding

To win the Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo, the stars have to align, and everything has to come together in a contestant’s favor. No one knows that more than Kaycee Feild. The Utah cowboy joined the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association in 2007 and has been coming here nearly every year since to compete in the bareback riding.

In 2020 he became one of the greatest bareback riders of all time when he tied with Joe Alexander for the most world titles at five. The next year when he won his sixth, he became the G.O.A.T. of the event. And he is far from being done. He is currently 8th in the world standings and is very likely to qualify for his 14th Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. One of the things missing from his legendary title is a win at the “Daddy of ‘Em All.” Feild will be trying to change that today.

Another of rodeo’s great bareback riders and one that is very familiar with winning here is Will Lowe. Lowe’s career includes three wins here in 2009, 2012 and 2018. And while he is on the downhill side of his career, he just won the Snake River Stampede in Nampa, Idaho, showing his young competitors what it’s like to love getting on bucking horses for the long haul. Also look for Tanner Aus who was the 2015 CFD champ.

Yesterday, seven-time world champion bull rider Sage Kimzey had an outstanding ride for the win. He is hoping for a repeat, but Stetson Wright and Ky Hamilton both want to see their names at the top of the leaderboard. Wright was also successful on Wednesday, but Hamilton, who was the 2021 champion here, needs a score to advance to the Semi Finals. So does last year’s champion Brady Portenier. They all get their second opportunity today.

A couple of college champions highlight today’s saddle bronc riders. Shea Fournier from Raceland, Louisiana won the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association Championship in 2022 for McNeese State University in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Damian Brennan from Injune, Queensland tied for the win last June to get the title for Western Texas College.

Timed Events – Steer Wrestling, Team, Tie-Down, Breakaway Roping and Barrel Racing

Breakaway Roping is definitely the fastest event at the Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo and it will be tough on Thursday. Along with many-time world champion Jackie Crawford, there are several National Finals Breakaway Roping Qualifiers. Crawford has led the charge to have breakaway a part of rodeos and has helped with the increased popularity. It’s been part of CFD three times and these women are leaving their mark here. Watch for Kelsie Domer, Cheyanne Guillory, and Danielle Lowman to all take chances to be fast.

Last year, Cheyenne’s rodeo made a big difference for Leslie Smalygo’s season and she needs that to happen again. While she didn’t win first, she earned enough at Frontier Park to secure her first NFR qualification. Fans will remember she dyed her hair red because she needed to “run like my hair was on fire.” The strategy worked and that became her trademark for the rest of the season.

Smalygo finished second behind Andrea Busby a year ago and will compete against her today. And never count out Hailey Kinsel and DM Sissy Hayday “Sister.” The four-time world champion and 2021 champion here will be the final barrel racer to have an opportunity to advance to the Semi Finals.

Shane Hanchey, the 2018 CFD and former world champion, comes to Frontier Park fresh from a big win on Sunday at the Utah Days of ’47 Rodeo in Salt Lake City. He’s notched some big wins this summer and would love to add another Cheyenne win to his trophy case. 2017 World Champion Marcos Costa is currently just outside the top 20 in the standings and doing well here could help boost the Brazilian to his fifth NFR.

Keep your eye out for anyone named Bridger in the steer wrestling. North Dakota’s Bridger Anderson is aiming for his second NFR and is currently ranked in the top 10 while Montana’s Bridger Chambers is just outside the top 20. He’s been to two NFRs and runs a business training drug dogs with his father. Don’t overlook reigning CFD co-champion Justin Shaffer or Louisiana’s Remey Parrott, whose brother Rowdy won his Quarter Finals earlier this week.

Today’s team roping features a pair of former CFD champion headers – Eric Rogers, who won here in 2017 the same year he won his world title, and Tyler Wade who was the 2016 champ. Rogers, who’s been to 11 NFRs and is currently ranked ninth, will rope with two-time world champion heeler Paul Eaves who’s looking for his first CFD title. Wade has been to five NFRs and is ranked 23rd. He’ll rope with 2019 world champion heeler Wesley Thorp who has made seven trips to the NFR. Regional favorites Kellan and Carson Johnson of Casper won the 2022 college national championship representing Casper College’s team coached by their dad Jhett.

Rough Stock Events – Bareback, Saddle Bronc and Bull Riding

To win the Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo, the stars have to align, and everything has to come together in a contestant’s favor. No one knows that more than Kaycee Feild. The Utah cowboy joined the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association in 2007 and has been coming here nearly every year since to compete in the bareback riding.

In 2020 he became one of the greatest bareback riders of all time when he tied with Joe Alexander for the most world titles at five. The next year when he won his sixth, he became the G.O.A.T. of the event. And he is far from being done. He is currently 8th in the world standings and is very likely to qualify for his 14th Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. One of the things missing from his legendary title is a win at the “Daddy of ‘Em All.” Feild will be trying to change that today.

Another of rodeo’s great bareback riders and one that is very familiar with winning here is Will Lowe. Lowe’s career includes three wins here in 2009, 2012 and 2018. And while he is on the downhill side of his career, he just won the Snake River Stampede in Nampa, Idaho, showing his young competitors what it’s like to love getting on bucking horses for the long haul. Also look for Tanner Aus who was the 2015 CFD champ.

Yesterday, seven-time world champion bull rider Sage Kimzey had an outstanding ride for the win. He is hoping for a repeat, but Stetson Wright and Ky Hamilton both want to see their names at the top of the leaderboard. Wright was also successful on Wednesday, but Hamilton, who was the 2021 champion here, needs a score to advance to the Semi Finals. So does last year’s champion Brady Portenier. They all get their second opportunity today.

A couple of college champions highlight today’s saddle bronc riders. Shea Fournier from Raceland, Louisiana won the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association Championship in 2022 for McNeese State University in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Damian Brennan from Injune, Queensland tied for the win last June to get the title for Western Texas College.

Timed Events – Steer Wrestling, Team, Tie-Down, Breakaway Roping and Barrel Racing

Breakaway Roping is definitely the fastest event at the Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo and it will be tough on Thursday. Along with many-time world champion Jackie Crawford, there are several National Finals Breakaway Roping Qualifiers. Crawford has led the charge to have breakaway a part of rodeos and has helped with the increased popularity. It’s been part of CFD three times and these women are leaving their mark here. Watch for Kelsie Domer, Cheyanne Guillory, and Danielle Lowman to all take chances to be fast.

Last year, Cheyenne’s rodeo made a big difference for Leslie Smalygo’s season and she needs that to happen again. While she didn’t win first, she earned enough at Frontier Park to secure her first NFR qualification. Fans will remember she dyed her hair red because she needed to “run like my hair was on fire.” The strategy worked and that became her trademark for the rest of the season.

Smalygo finished second behind Andrea Busby a year ago and will compete against her today. And never count out Hailey Kinsel and DM Sissy Hayday “Sister.” The four-time world champion and 2021 champion here will be the final barrel racer to have an opportunity to advance to the Semi Finals.

Shane Hanchey, the 2018 CFD and former world champion, comes to Frontier Park fresh from a big win on Sunday at the Utah Days of ’47 Rodeo in Salt Lake City. He’s notched some big wins this summer and would love to add another Cheyenne win to his trophy case. 2017 World Champion Marcos Costa is currently just outside the top 20 in the standings and doing well here could help boost the Brazilian to his fifth NFR.

Keep your eye out for anyone named Bridger in the steer wrestling. North Dakota’s Bridger Anderson is aiming for his second NFR and is currently ranked in the top 10 while Montana’s Bridger Chambers is just outside the top 20. He’s been to two NFRs and runs a business training drug dogs with his father. Don’t overlook reigning CFD co-champion Justin Shaffer or Louisiana’s Remey Parrott, whose brother Rowdy won his Quarter Finals earlier this week.

Today’s team roping features a pair of former CFD champion headers – Eric Rogers, who won here in 2017 the same year he won his world title, and Tyler Wade who was the 2016 champ. Rogers, who’s been to 11 NFRs and is currently ranked ninth, will rope with two-time world champion heeler Paul Eaves who’s looking for his first CFD title. Wade has been to five NFRs and is ranked 23rd. He’ll rope with 2019 world champion heeler Wesley Thorp who has made seven trips to the NFR. Regional favorites Kellan and Carson Johnson of Casper won the 2022 college national championship representing Casper College’s team coached by their dad Jhett.

Rough Stock Events – Bareback, Saddle Bronc and Bull Riding

To win the Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo, the stars have to align, and everything has to come together in a contestant’s favor. No one knows that more than Kaycee Feild. The Utah cowboy joined the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association in 2007 and has been coming here nearly every year since to compete in the bareback riding.

In 2020 he became one of the greatest bareback riders of all time when he tied with Joe Alexander for the most world titles at five. The next year when he won his sixth, he became the G.O.A.T. of the event. And he is far from being done. He is currently 8th in the world standings and is very likely to qualify for his 14th Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. One of the things missing from his legendary title is a win at the “Daddy of ‘Em All.” Feild will be trying to change that today.

Another of rodeo’s great bareback riders and one that is very familiar with winning here is Will Lowe. Lowe’s career includes three wins here in 2009, 2012 and 2018. And while he is on the downhill side of his career, he just won the Snake River Stampede in Nampa, Idaho, showing his young competitors what it’s like to love getting on bucking horses for the long haul. Also look for Tanner Aus who was the 2015 CFD champ.

Yesterday, seven-time world champion bull rider Sage Kimzey had an outstanding ride for the win. He is hoping for a repeat, but Stetson Wright and Ky Hamilton both want to see their names at the top of the leaderboard. Wright was also successful on Wednesday, but Hamilton, who was the 2021 champion here, needs a score to advance to the Semi Finals. So does last year’s champion Brady Portenier. They all get their second opportunity today.

A couple of college champions highlight today’s saddle bronc riders. Shea Fournier from Raceland, Louisiana won the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association Championship in 2022 for McNeese State University in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Damian Brennan from Injune, Queensland tied for the win last June to get the title for Western Texas College. Timed Events – Steer Wrestling, Team, Tie-Down, Breakaway Roping and Barrel Racing

Breakaway Roping is definitely the fastest event at the Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo and it will be tough on Thursday. Along with many-time world champion Jackie Crawford, there are several National Finals Breakaway Roping Qualifiers. Crawford has led the charge to have breakaway a part of rodeos and has helped with the increased popularity. It’s been part of CFD three times and these women are leaving their mark here. Watch for Kelsie Domer, Cheyanne Guillory, and Danielle Lowman to all take chances to be fast.

Last year, Cheyenne’s rodeo made a big difference for Leslie Smalygo’s season and she needs that to happen again. While she didn’t win first, she earned enough at Frontier Park to secure her first NFR qualification. Fans will remember she dyed her hair red because she needed to “run like my hair was on fire.” The strategy worked and that became her trademark for the rest of the season.

Smalygo finished second behind Andrea Busby a year ago and will compete against her today. And never count out Hailey Kinsel and DM Sissy Hayday “Sister.” The four-time world champion and 2021 champion here will be the final barrel racer to have an opportunity to advance to the Semi Finals.

Shane Hanchey, the 2018 CFD and former world champion, comes to Frontier Park fresh from a big win on Sunday at the Utah Days of ’47 Rodeo in Salt Lake City. He’s notched some big wins this summer and would love to add another Cheyenne win to his trophy case. 2017 World Champion Marcos Costa is currently just outside the top 20 in the standings and doing well here could help boost the Brazilian to his fifth NFR.

Keep your eye out for anyone named Bridger in the steer wrestling. North Dakota’s Bridger Anderson is aiming for his second NFR and is currently ranked in the top 10 while Montana’s Bridger Chambers is just outside the top 20. He’s been to two NFRs and runs a business training drug dogs with his father. Don’t overlook reigning CFD co-champion Justin Shaffer or Louisiana’s Remey Parrott, whose brother Rowdy won his Quarter Finals earlier this week.

Today’s team roping features a pair of former CFD champion headers – Eric Rogers, who won here in 2017 the same year he won his world title, and Tyler Wade who was the 2016 champ. Rogers, who’s been to 11 NFRs and is currently ranked ninth, will rope with two-time world champion heeler Paul Eaves who’s looking for his first CFD title. Wade has been to five NFRs and is ranked 23rd. He’ll rope with 2019 world champion heeler Wesley Thorp who has made seven trips to the NFR. Regional favorites Kellan and Carson Johnson of Casper won the 2022 college national championship representing Casper College’s team coached by their dad Jhett.

CHEYENNE, Wyo., July 24, 2023 — Canadian Dawson Hay started July by becoming the third member of his family to win the saddle bronc riding at the Calgary Stampede. His goal is to end the month by winning the family’s second Cheyenne Frontier Days (CFD) bronc riding championship.

He took the first step to that goal by winning Quarter Finals 3 with the highest score thus far this year. He rode Dakota Rodeo’s consistent bucking mare Cover Girl for 88.5 points.

Hay, who is known for not waiting for the pickup men to dismount after a successful ride, is currently riding with torn ligaments in his ankle that require a walking boot when he’s not on a bronc.

The three-time National Finals Rodeo (NFR) qualifier is currently ranked seventh in the standings and is in good shape for a fourth trip to Las Vegas in December. His win today advances him to the Semi Finals this weekend. His older brother Logan tied for first in Quarter Finals 1 on Sunday and will join Dawson in the Semi Finals.

Barrel racer Jessica Routier of Buffalo, S.D., and her palomino mare Fiery Miss West, known as Missy, took first in the barrel racing with a time of 17.69. Routier, a mom of five, has qualified for every NFR since 2018. She is currently ranked in the top 10 with a good chance to continue her NFR streak.

Landon Beardworth of Red Deer County, Alberta, may not be a household name but he wrestled his steer to the ground in 5.7 seconds to win Quarter Finals 3. That tied for the second-fastest run so far at the 127th Daddy of ‘em All. He bested 2019 world champion Ty Erickson and 2022 college champion Walt Arnold for Monday’s win.

Quarter Finals 4 begins on Tuesday at 12:45 where new contestants in every event except bull riding will vie for spots in the Semi Finals.

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (July 24, 2023)- The following are unofficial results from the Quarter Finals (third performance) and Semi Finals qualifiers at the Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo on Monday, July 24. Payoff subject to change.

Bareback Riding: 1, Mark Kreder, Claremore, Okla., 86.5 points on Stace Smith Rodeo’s Mr. Harry, $2,448. 2, Tristan Hansen, Dillon, Mont., 83.5, $1,836. 3, Trevar McAlester, Ronan, Mont., 81, $1,224. 4, Ben Kramer, Max, N.D., 80.5, $612.

Breakaway Roping: 1, Laramie Johnson, Shreveport, La., 4.4 seconds, $2.901. 2, Tammy Barnes, Larkspur, Colo., 4.5, $2,176. 3, K.L. Collmorgen, Lysite, Wyo., 5.0, $1,450. 4, Misti Brown, Valentine, Neb., 5.4, $725.

Tie Down Roping: 1, Trent Creager, Stillwater, Okla., 11.3 seconds, $2,000. 2, Tyson Durfey, Millsap, Texas, 13.1, $1,500. 3, Kalai Nobriga, Kealakekua, Hawaii, 14.1 , $1,000. 4, Carsyn Sunvision, McDade, Texas, $500.

Saddle Bronc Riding: 1, Dawson Hay, Wildwood, Alberta, 88.5 points on Dakota Rodeo’s Cover Girl, $ 2,354 . 2, (tie) Cameron Messier, Herald, Calif., and Zac Dallas, Las Cruces, N.M., 86 points, $1,471 each. 4, Cole Elshere, Faith, S.D., 84, $589.

Team Roping: 1, (tie) Miles Kobold, Huntley, Mont., and Cole Sherwood, San Tan Valley, Ariz.; and Mitch Barney, Blair, Neb., and J.W. Nelson, Alta, Iowa, 9.4 seconds, $1,750 each. 3, (tie) Clayton Van Aken, Yoder, Wyo., and Cullen Teller, Ault, Colo.; Curry Kirchner, Ames, Okla., and Billie Jack Saebens, Nowata, Okla.; and Teagan Bentley, Casper, Wyo., and Hunter Karlson, Garrison, N.D., 9.7, $500 each.

Steer Wrestling: 1, Landon Beardworth, Red Deer County, Alberta, Canada, 5.7 seconds, $2,000. 2, Walt Arnold, Coleman, Texas, 6.2, $1,500. 3, Ty Erickson, Helena, Mont., 7.3, $1,000. 4, Billy Boldon, Oglala, S.D., 8.1, $500.

Barrel Racing: 1, Jessica Routier, Buffalo, S.D., 17.69 seconds, $2,413. 2, Cheyenne Allan, Mabton, Wash., 17.97, $1,810. 3, Manchi Nace, Laurel, Mont., 17.99, $1,206. 4, Tracy Nowlin, Nowata, Okla., 18.02, $603.

Bull Riding: 1, Tristen Hutchings, Monteview, Idaho, 88 points on Dakota Rodeo’s Touch and Go, $2,397. 2, Canyon Bass, Johnson City, Texas, 87, $1,798. 3, Kase Hitt, Ardmore, Okla., 86, $1,199. 4, Conner Murnion, Jordan, Mont., 84.5, $599. Other Semi Finals qualifiers: Grayson Cole, Fredonia, Pa., 83, and Junior Souza, Sonora, Brazil, 81.5.

The following events do not have Semi Finals.

Rookie Saddle Bronc Riding: 1, Lavern Borntreger, Elsmere, Neb., 79 points. 2, Jacob Benham, Dodge City, Kan., 70. 3, Carter Sandberg, Casper, Wyo., 62.
Wild Horse Race: No finishers

Rough Stock Events – Bareback, Saddle Bronc and Bull Riding

If you think the rough stock events at Cheyenne Frontier Days have been exciting so far, pull down your hat. The fourth performance is stacked with talent, especially in the saddle bronc riding. At the top of the list is hometown favorite and three-time Frontier Days champion Brody Cress.

Add four members of the famous saddle bronc riding Wright Family and another four Wrangler National Finals Rodeo qualifiers and finding the four that advance from the Quarter Finals to the Semi Finals could be a real challenge for the judges. If the fourth position finds more than one person in it, all of those that are tied will advance.

Canada will be well represented in the bareback riding again with nearly half of the competitors coming from north of the border. The lone rider from Quebec is Pascal Isabelle who is one of the few rodeo competitors who is fluent in French. Orin Larsen grew up in Manitoba and has been competing in rodeos in both countries since 2010. He also came to Twin Falls, Idaho, to junior college then transferred to Oklahoma Panhandle State University. He won college championships for both of those institutions. He won the championship in Frontier Park in 2010 and has been to the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo nine times. He is coming off a big win last Sunday in Salinas, California, and hoping the momentum keeps him winning.

Kody Lamb is another College National Finals Rodeo competitor who is trying to qualify for the NFR for the first time. Lamb grew up in Alberta and when it came time to further his education chose Tarleton State University in Stephenville, Texas, where he earned his masters’ degree. When he’s not climbing aboard bucking horses, he can be found with a guitar and writes and sings about the cowboy way of life.

Yesterday’s bull riders are making their second appearance. Eight of them got scores and those top six have secured their spot in the Semi Finals. The rest of the field will be doing their best to ride for another eight seconds and add their names to the rosters on Friday and Saturday.

Timed Events – Steer Wrestling, Team, Tie-Down, Breakaway Roping and Barrel Racing

The tie-down roping is also star-studded today. The field includes former world champions Haven Meged, Monty Lewis and Shad Mayfield as well as 2023 world standings leader Riley Webb. Webb, Mayfield and Meged are ranked 1-2-3 in the current standings with Webb leading over Mayfield by nearly $80,000.

The second time that the “Daddy of ‘em All” hosted breakaway roping, a South Dakota cowgirl walked away with the title. Sawyer Gilbert won the breakaway championship in 2021 helping her qualify for the National Finals Breakaway Roping that season in second place. Then she came from behind to win the world championship and the finals championship. Reigning CFD co-champion Tiffany Schieck also competes today as does reigning Women’s Professional Rodeo Association world champion Martha Angelone.

Three-time world champion heeler Jade Corkill has won four CFD team roping championships. The first one was with Chad Masters in 2009, then in 2021 with Clay Smith. In 2013, and again last year he and Clay Tryan got to take the victory laps. In the 21 years that team roping has been part of CFD, Corkill has won nearly a fifth of the heeling titles. A win this year with Cody Snow would cement his place in the CFD record books. Andrew Ward and Buddy Hawkins II (ranked fifth in heading and fourth in heeling respectively) have ties to Wyoming. In 2019 they married sisters who grew up in Laramie.

Arkansas barrel racer Taycie Matthews barely missed last year’s NFR and is aiming to do so this season. In June she won the college national championship for the University of West Alabama and on Sunday she took first at California Rodeo in Salinas. Lisa Lockhart, won this rodeo in 2015 aboard her great horse Louie. She’s had success here on Rosa and will likely be riding her speed demon gray gelding “Levee” here today. She is a 15-time NFR qualifier and money won in Frontier Park has helped her secure several of those qualifications.

In 2010, Canadian Curtis Cassidy won the all-around championship here roping calves and steer wrestling. It’s a favorite win of the eight-time NFR qualifier as it is the only buckle awarded that says cowboy on it. He is only entered in the steer wrestling this year and has the horse power to get him or one of his buddies the title. His horse Tyson is a two-time AQHA horse of the year. Jesse Brown, who is second in the world standings will also be riding Cassidy’s horse.

NFR qualifier Dakota Eldridge is 13th in the world standings, lower in the standings than he is comfortable with. He is a two-time NFR champion as well for having the fastest total time on 10 head. A gold buckle and a buckle from Cheyenne have eluded the talented athlete. A good run here today could change all of that.