Better than Average

To those outside of the rodeo realm it must seem strange to hear talk of “average” and think it matters much. Just look at the beaming face of Powell, WY bull rider Kanin Asay and you know that winning the average at the national finals rodeo is a magnificent accomplishment that nudges the newlywed toward the pinnacle of his chosen profession. He rode a bull called Big Iron tonight and the big score was the highest of any ride at the 2009 NFR – 93 points. Asay finished second in the world standings winning $205,000. But it is the last ride that gave him a bull riding average championship – most points scored over the course of the entire finals. Please sit back and enjoy a look at Kanin’s ride, the aftermath and our interview with Asay standing with his new saddle, gold buckle and his best friend, first-time NFR bullfighter Dusty Tuckness from Meeteetse, WY. What shows below is courtesy of our talented video guru Mike McCrimmon:



Kanin Asay won almost $113,000 at the 2009 NFR. Bobby Welsh of Gillette finished fourth in the world standings this year and came ever so close to edging nearer to the top with his performance in the final round. Welsh came off his bull at 7.78 seconds. Clayton Savage of Casper was also in the top ten, finishing in the eighth position.

Kelly Skies

Kelly Timberman closed out his 2009 on a high horse. The Mills, WY 33-year-old won the world championship in bareback riding five years ago and continues to be among the elite pros in rodeo. Wise Guy is wild and Kelly matched him jump for jump:



Timberman finished third in the bareback riding average and that alone added $28,000 to his annual earnings. Kelly rose to fifth in the world standings for 2009 by gathering almost $72,000 over the last ten days.

We must also add that our Team Wyoming team roper, Jhett Johnson from Casper, netted just over $34,000 at this years’ NFR. He isn’t complaining.

Sincerest appreciation is given here to Winnercomm Productions (the company that brings rodeo to your television set) and the PRCA for allowing us to obtain video and to be close to the Wrangler Nationals Finals Rodeo action again this year.

We are most proud of Team Wyoming and hope to see you along the rodeo road in 2010.