Wrangler National Finals Rodeo: Round Four

Back To Back Jack

Two Wyoming bull riders, out one right after the other, collected more than $26,000 finishing first and third respectively in the Sunday night session of the NFR broadcast live nationally. “Relieved,” said Kanin Asay afterward. The Powell, Wyoming man felt out of sync in his previous outings. “My Mom says you’ve got to ride for 10 – try, try, and try until you know you’ve made it and so do the judges.” His bull chose not to cooperate and take the expected left turn out of the gate. Instead there was an immediate right away from Asay’s hand. “I felt really good getting around there but he eventually got me tipped into my hand. I didn’t freeze up. I did what I had to do to get back in the middle,” Asay explained. He is speaking and riding with clarity. Excellent sign for Kanin and his fans. Bad sign for the bulls yet to come. The 82.5 score was good for third and $10K. Right before Asay’s ride, the gate swung open for Gillette’s Bobby Welsh and his bull called North Star. “He had an off day. I was just matching him jump for jump and stayed aggressive, “said Welsh. He was top man with an 88-point-ride. Bobby was bucked off early the previous two times but didn’t let it bother him. “I feel like I’m riding great and there’s nothing sore on me. I’m going to finish out the week in glory,” he said with confidence. His $16,767 check for last night’s first-place finish catapults Welsh to the #2 spot in the world standings.

Fourth Time The Charm

Kelly Timberman won the world championship in bareback riding in 2004. He is from the Casper area and has become a fan, and media, favorite across the world of professional rodeo. The first three rides at this year’s Wrangler National Finals Rodeo netted no money for Timberman who is competing at his fifth finals. “There are always ups and downs at this rodeo. I’m an athlete. I’m going to push myself to be the very best and with those struggles come success if you work hard at it, “Timberman reflected. Last night he rode a horse from Beutler & Sons nicknamed South Point – after the casino where go-round buckles are presented every night. A score of 87.5 gave Kelly the win and a trip to South Point along with just under $17,000. “Judges like the horses that stay close and buck in tight circles near the chutes. The difference between those horses and this one is the quality of his bucking. He kicks so hard every jump,” Kelly said. He was a little dejected after the first three nights at the finals but looks to be back on track. “It’s a privilege to be here,” Kelly smiled wearing the bright green selection of his chaps custom-made by former Kaycee bareback rider Larry Sandvick.

On Willy

Yesterday we went out to the area where the contestants keep their trailers to visit with reigning world champion steer wrestler Jason Miller about Willy the Canadian horse. He is carrying three of the 15 steer wrestlers at the 2008 WNFR. When time allows we’ll have a video feature on this amazing 22-year-old that I think you will enjoy. There’s only one Willy and we hope you will come back to this blog to find out more concerning the King of Cool.