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About Hermiston herald. (Hermiston, Or.) 1994-current | View Entire Issue (July 31, 2019)
RODEO ROOKIE Stetson Wright is making the most of his rookie season The Farm-City Pro Rodeo takes pride in bringing in the best cowboys and livestock. This year is no different. Rodeo fans will get a look at rookie Stetson Wright on Saturday night in the saddle bronc and the bull riding. The Milford, Utah, cowboy comes from a long line of world-class saddle bronc rid- ers, but he’s also making a name for himself on the bulls. Through July 18, he leads the world all-around standings with $120,853 — $10,000 more than Caleb Smidt. Trevor Kastner, and is 22nd around title at the St. Paul Rodeo, pocketing $16,808. in the saddle bronc. He was second in the saddle “I like both (events) equally,” bronc and the bulls. Wright said. “I was fi ghting my saddle earlier this year, “That kid is talented,” said bullfi ghter Tim but everything is going well veteran O’Connell. “He is something now.” special in the bulls.” Wright has earned more than $115,000 riding bulls this That Wright has been so suc- season, which has surprised cessful his rookie year is not a surprise to those who fol- even him. low rodeo. “It has been an awesome ex- perience,” he said. “There are He won the National High no words to describe it. It has School Finals Rodeo all- been a crazy year. I have been around title in 2017, along with the saddle bronc and super lucky.” bull riding titles. Wright also leads the rookie saddle bronc standings by Wright also gets a little qual- more than $20,000, and the ity advice on the home front. rookie bull riding standings His dad, Cody Wright, is a by $43,367. 13-time NFR qualifi er and Wright recently won the all- two-time saddle bronc world champion. His older brothers Rusty and Ryder have made their mark, as well. Rusty was the 2014 PRCA rookie of the year in saddle bronc, has made three trips to the NFR, and won the Cal- gary Stampede saddle bronc title July 14. Ryder has made three trips to the NFR and won the saddle bronc world title in 2017. And, uncles Jake, Jesse and Spencer Wright, and CoBurn Bradshaw, have a combined 20 trips to the NFR and two saddle bronc world titles. “They all have something to say,” Wright said. “It’s surprising, Wright said of leading the all-around standings. “This is something I dreamed of forever, but I didn’t think it would happen this fast.” Wright, 19, also sits third in the bull riding standings behind Sage Kimzey and Photo credit: PRCA photo/Kent Soule 12 | Farm-City Pro Rodeo 2019 East Oregonian/Hermiston Herald