The National Finals Rodeo wrapped up last week, and I’ve been thinking a lot about what an incredible event it really is. I’m a fan of rodeo—all of it. Every event. The competitors. The adversity they deal with. The highs and the lows. Watching ten nights of competition at that level is like riding a wild roller coaster, and I can’t imagine the mental challenge of holding it together night after night under that spotlight.

Every time you nod your head at the NFR, every eye in that building—and on TV—is on you. That’s your moment. And while that kind of pressure can wear on you, I really believe what they say: pressure is a privilege. Most of the pressure we feel is self-inflicted anyway. The fact that you’re in a position where pressure even exists means you earned the right to be there.

I always think back to something Trevor Brazile said in an interview years ago. He talked about pressure and reminded everyone that none of this is ever life or death. If you win, great. If you don’t, great. It’s not life or death. That perspective matters—not just in rodeo, but in everything we do.

Success Isn’t Always Measured by the Scoreboard

There were competitors at this year’s NFR who didn’t have the finals they wanted. And there were others who came in with long shots and finished exactly how they dreamed. Both deserve tremendous respect.

Just qualifying for the National Finals Rodeo is an unbelievable accomplishment. Ten days in December, standing on that stage, giving yourself a chance—that’s something to be proud of, regardless of how the week ends. Hats off to the contestants, the stock contractors, the producers, and everyone involved in making that event what it is.

I had my brother out in Vegas for a few days, and while he’s a fan of sports, he’s not involved in horses or rodeo. He kept commenting on the vibe—the people, the respect, the way folks carry themselves. You hear it all the time from people in Vegas: they love NFR week because of the western crowd. People who hold doors, say yes ma’am and yes sir, and treat others right. That makes me proud of our industry.

Prepared, Not Perfect

Wade and I were out there roping at the World Series Finale, and while we didn’t have the results we wanted, we learned a lot. And that’s important.

Walking back to the trailer after one of the ropings, Wade said something that really stuck with me: “I’d feel worse about it if we weren’t prepared.” But we were prepared. We had structured practice. Our horses were good. Boone handled his first time out there really well and gave me a chance every time.

We had opportunities we didn’t capitalize on. That happens. You need a little luck out there too—a couple things have to go your way. But the biggest thing for me was knowing that the preparation was there. When you put in the work and show up ready, you can live with the outcome.

Anybody who thinks they’re going to go to an event like that and just luck into winning is probably going to get their feelings hurt. The people who “get lucky” are prepared to get lucky.

Competition Teaches You What Practice Can’t

One thing that really hit home for me was a conversation with Wade’s father-in-law, Chad Cherry. He talked about how the guys who go the most—who enter the most—tend to win more, because every time they leave a roping, they know exactly what they need to work on.

Sometimes in the practice pen, you don’t get that same clarity. Competition has a way of showing you the truth. It exposes timing, decision-making, and mental mistakes you might not notice at home.

I love being home. I love our place. But I also know I need to block off time to go compete more this year, even when it’s inconvenient. That environment sharpens you. It raises the standard.

I’ve said it before—when I was rodeoing a lot, jackpots felt easy. When you’re used to hitting the barrier under pressure, everything else slows down. That’s something I want to get back to.

Sometimes You Win. Sometimes You Learn.

John Maxwell says it best: sometimes you win, sometimes you learn. Not sometimes you lose — sometimes you learn.

And truthfully, you often learn more when you don’t win. That’s what sets you up for success the next time. As long as you’re paying attention, it’s always a win.

That applies far beyond competition. Life works the same way. I was reading Proverbs recently about the importance of accepting correction—being willing to learn. We all have moments we look back on and think, I wish I hadn’t said that… done that… thought that. I’m guilty of that too.

But if you learn from it—if you let it make you better—then it served a purpose.

A Lesson in True Professionalism

I want to give a special shout-out to Katelyn Scott and Lorissa Jo Merritt. Watching how they handled adversity at the NFR was one of the most impressive things I saw all week.

Katie’s horse went down hard in the sixth round—a scary situation by any measure. She got up smiling, stayed composed, and handled it like a true professional. No finger-pointing. No excuses. Just class.

If you’re looking for role models in this industry, watch people like that. Winners act like winners—especially when things don’t go their way.

Grateful for This Industry

This past week was a reminder of just how strong our industry is. Despite challenges, despite concerns, it showed up—and it showed up big. The Western industry isn’t just about horses or competition. It’s a mentality. It’s the people. That’s what draws folks in and keeps them coming back.

I feel incredibly blessed to be part of it and to do what I do every day. Thank you to everyone who watched, who competed, who supported, and who continues to stand behind this industry. God bless each and every one of you. And as always—today and every day—let’s be our best.

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