I just got back from a trip to Las Vegas, and while it wasn’t the trip I envisioned, there’s a lot to reflect on, and I want to share those thoughts with you today.

First off, I want to take a moment to congratulate all the National Finals Rodeo (NFR) competitors on their incredible years. Making it to the NFR is no small feat, and just qualifying for that event is a huge accomplishment. No matter how the week turned out, getting there shows resilience, toughness, and the mental fortitude to keep moving forward. I don’t think there’s a tougher group of people out there. Rodeo is one of those sports where anything can happen, and while the outcome may vary, the journey and the effort put into reaching the finals is something to be immensely proud of.

Being in Las Vegas, I couldn’t help but be reminded of how cool it is to be a cowboy. The energy in that city was contagious. Everywhere I went, I was surrounded by people who love this lifestyle and take pride in it. It was inspiring to see, especially as so many of the champions and competitors gave credit to those who helped them get to where they are. The humility and sportsmanship displayed by these world champions was refreshing and served as a reminder of what makes this industry so special.

Our Vegas Trip: A Lesson in Resilience

Now, as for my Vegas trip, it didn’t go exactly as planned. Wade and I had spent a lot of time preparing, and everything was looking great. But as often happens in rodeo and life, things took a turn. The first day, one of our horses starting tying up in the warm-up arena. It was a frustrating moment, but thankfully, once we got some fluids in the horse, we got out of that deal with no major issues.

Then, the second day, Wade’s horse had a fall while warming up. We took Wade to the ER, where we learned he had fractured his humerus bone in his shoulder. It was a freak accident—he was trotting along, hit a slick spot, and the next thing he knew, he was on the ground.

It was a tough pill to swallow, especially after all the planning and hard work leading up to it. But as frustrating as it was, I couldn’t help but feel thankful. Yes, we weren’t able to compete further, but Wade was alive, conscious, and didn’t suffer a more severe injury. His recovery will take time, but it’s something we can work through.

In those moments when things didn’t go the way we expected, I was reminded of the importance of controlling our thoughts. It’s easy to get frustrated and feel sorry for yourself when things don’t go as planned. But in the end, we had a safe trip home, got Wade the medical care he needed, and we’re already looking forward to next year.

It’s about how you handle the setbacks. Life and horsemanship have a way of throwing punches, and it’s how you get back up that counts. Wade’s already thinking about next year, and that’s the kind of resilience we all need.

Looking Ahead: A New Year and New Opportunities

As we wrap up this year, I’m feeling grateful for the lessons learned and the people I’ve had the privilege of working with. We’ve got big things ahead in 2024, and I’m excited to see what the new year brings.

I’ve already started looking at our schedule for next year, and we’ve got some exciting changes in store. Our mentorships, private clinics, and public events will be even better, and we’ve got a few new offerings for those who want to escape the cold this winter. We’ll be keeping two furnished apartments available for anyone who wants to bring their horses down and work with me or my team. It’s a great opportunity to get away from the weather, focus on your horsemanship, and make significant progress in a short amount of time.

And of course, the Road to the Horse competition in March is on the horizon. I’m excited and nervous all at once. It’s an incredible opportunity, and I’m ready to take it on.

Final Thoughts

This year has been a reminder that things don’t always go according to plan, but the journey is what shapes us. Whether it’s facing setbacks in competition or learning how to handle the tough moments in life, it’s all about getting up, staying positive, and moving forward. I’m proud to be a part of this industry—surrounded by tough, resilient people who keep pushing no matter what.

I’m looking forward to all the challenges and opportunities that 2024 will bring. Thanks for being part of this journey with me. I’ll talk to you next week, and until then, keep working to be your best!