Event in which you compete: Steer Wrestler

Hometown: Hermosa, SD, USA

Number of years riding: : 15 years professionally

Career accomplishments to date: 

• • Wins at Pendleton, Cheyenne, Denver, and Reno
• • 13 NFR qualifications in SW

How you got started in your event: I was working on a ranch, still in high school, when my buddy, Paul Cleveland, put on a bulldoggin’ school. He offered my brother and me tuition if we would help him halter break 25 weanling colts! We thought that would be fair, but Paul got the best of that deal – he led the colts horseback while we got beat up on the ground, and then he watched the steers beat us up at the school! Lots of bruises, but definitely worth it!

Favorite Ariat product (by name): Cobalt XR Pro boots

Proudest career moment: When my son Slate told me “Good job Dad!”

Tell us about your first horse: My first steer wrestling horse was also the best! His name was Super San Wood. My two brothers and I picked him out of a whole herd of horses and named him when he was a weanling. He was a great horse; there will never be another like him.

You ride because: I love it!

If you weren’t a professional rider, you would be a: Rancher

Favorite mentor or idol growing up: : Brian Fulton was a local rodeo hero, and I was able to rodeo with him the first year we made the NFR, in ’96.

Favorite place to travel: Anywhere with my family that has trees and water, good scenery!

Name one fun fact that people don’t know about you: I like to sing Johnny Cash songs with Slate in the truck!

Favorite way to unwind outside the barn: Kickin’ back with my wife, Wendy, and our son Slate.

Good luck charm: Drawin’ a fluffy little steer that loves winnin’ first!