Round 4 of The Wrangler NFR

Things were heating up in the Thomas & Mack tonight as several athletes worked hard to get things going and make qualified rides and runs. Wacey Schalla's rigging was snapped by his horse and he had to borrow one from another rider, but that might have been his lucky charm for the night as he made a fantastic 87.25 point ride for first on No Whiskey's Redlicious Meats (Beutler & Sons Rodeo). Kade Sonnier had a pretty 86.75 point bronc ride for second on Lewandowski's Shoutin' Shoes (Sankey Pro Rodeo & Phenom Genetics). Jess Pope was fighting for a spot in the money with an aggressive 85.25 point ride on South Points Happy Hour (Beutler & Sons Rodeo). Rocker Steiner scored 80 points on his first ride on Tequila Queen (Three Hills Rodeo) with the bronc coming out backwards from the chute but was given a re-ride to make an 84.50 point ride on R. Watson's William Wallace (Cervi Championship Rodeo) to tie for 4th with Sam Peterson.

The bulldoggers were plagued with barrier issues tonight with every run in the 3's having an added 10 seconds. Tucker Allen had his second round win with his 4.0 second run on Banker hazed by Justin Shaffer who took fifth on Banker with a 4.6 second run hazed by Allen. Big dog Will Lumus shook off the ice and got things going to tie for first with Allen. Banker also was brought home the money for Jesse Brown, who placed fourth with his 4.5 second run. There was a bit of a tense moment when Scott Guenthner's steer almost ran in front of his horse in what could have potentially been a scary wreck.

Tyler Wade & Wesley Thorp broke their stretch of bad luck with a white hot 3.8 second run to tie for first with Dustin Egusquiza & Levi Lord. Once again the victory lap for the team roping looked a bit like a mini grand entry. Fast on their heels tying for second with matching 3.9 second runs were Andrew Ward & Jake Long and Clint Summers & Jake Corkill.

The eliminators were out tonight in the saddle bronc riding and these broncs were not cutting the cowboys any slack. Stetson Wright had an incredible 88.5 point ride for first on Freedom Xpress (Calgary Stampede) and a second bronc ride during the victory lap. Left Holman had a great ride right after Steston on a big droppy horse for third with his 87.5 point on Greely Hat Works Hired Gun (Beutler & Son Rodeo). Ryder Wright spurred one out beautifuly to take second behind his brother with his 87.75 point ride on Greely Hat Works Hammer Stone (Beautler & Sons). Zeke Thurston had a big rear out on Gucci Equine's Green Bay (Beautler & Sons) and was marke a 72 but there was a yellow flag and he was offered a re-ride. He made the smart businessman's decision to take it and made an 85.25 point ride to tie with Ben Anderson for sixth on Mighty Mo (Haper & Morgan Rodeo Co).

Tom Crouse had a bit of a miscommunication and bad luck with the gate opening as he moved back into the box instead of when he nodded forcing him to make a run on his back up calf which knocked him out of the money. Zack Jongbloed also had a bit of tough go getting lost in his hooey in what could have been a top time. Kincade Henry had the fastest feet and hands of the night to beat out Shad Mayfield by .1 second to take first with his 7.1 second run. Haven Meged had a bit of a bobble but quickly recovered to tie with John Douch for third with their 7.4 second runs.

It was the battle of the blonde horse tonight with Tricia Aldridge taking first with her 13.42 second run on Adios Pantalones. Emily Beisel took fourth with her 13.69 second run on Chewy and Katelyn Scott took fifth on Peanut Seed for their 13.77 second run. Hailey Gibson-Stilwell took second with a 13.55 second run on Piper. Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi had a horse change tonight, switching to Mo. The two paired up nicely and took third with a 13.68 second run. Hailey Kinsel also had a horse change tonight and switched to Spyder to give Sister the night off.

Jordan Spear was once again offered a re-ride but not able to capitalize on it to walk away with a check. Bryce Jensen made it to the whistle for the first time in the finals to take first with his 87.5 point ride on Purple Wave's Karaoke Nights (Barnes PRCA Rodeo). JR Statford again had a strong ride on his bull Frontier Coffee Baileys Brew (Frontier Rodeo) for 87.25 and second place. Luke Mackey had one heck of a 86 point ride on a very rank Belly Dump (Salt River Rodeo) for third. Ky Hamilton got a bit of redemption after last nights buck off with an 85 point ride on Bench Warrant (C5 Rodeo) for fourth. There were a few close calls. Jesse Petri got stepped on after he was bucked off but seems ok. T. J. Gray walked out of the arena but it looked like Justin Sports Med was checking him out after a hard buck off onto his back. Stetson Wright's bull looked like he may have landed on him a bit after buck off but the bulls legs and hooves just barely went around Stetson by inches. Stetson seemed shaken up but did not appear to be hurt.