NFR Cowboy Countdown with Team Best Ever

Get the inside scoop on thoughts and preparations for this year’s National Finals Rodeo from our 14 qualifiers.

“I’m trying to make sure and spend plenty of time on my good horses between now and the NFR. I’m not wanting to run a bunch of steers on them, but mainly exercise them, score on them, and just make sure they’re mentally at their best.”

-Wesley Thorp

“This years NFR is special, after not being in Vegas last year. When I think of the National Finals Rodeo, I think of Las Vegas. I feel great, I have a lot of confidence from the regular season & I’m ready to run 10 in a row @ the Thomas & Mack. My 12th year there is just as good feeling as my first. Obviously I won’t have the first time jitters but them lights are still as bright as they’ve ever been!

-Shane Hanchey

“I’m treating it just like I always do. Just roping some & making sure my horses are good. If you think you can you will, if you think you can’t you won’t, either way you’re right.”

-Travis Graves

“Best way to describe it, is a dream is finally becoming reality & I can’t wait to find out what it feels like to make that first run @ our first NFR.”

-Amanda Welsh

“Man, I can’t even believe the time that has gone by! The difference professional wise, is just time. But personally I’m not sure there is any difference? I still am 100 percent the same excited as I was the first time and I’m honestly proud of that. Probably sounds weird I don’t know, but I am. Just because the appreciation has never gone away for me and I am more happy about that than anything I’ve ever won. I will never take any of it for granted for sure.”

– Jade Corkill

“I’m really excited to be going to my first NFR, I’m glad it is back in Vegas. Can’t wait to get in that yellow arena!”

-Ross Ashford

“It’s nice to have a little lead coming into the finals but a guy can win so much money out there, it kind of takes the regular season out of play. So I’m just planning on winning as much as I can out there.”

– Dustin Egusquiza

“Right now my main focus is my horse and making sure she and I are physically and mentally strong. It is a long ten days in Vegas and to really peak at the right time can be a challenge. So, if both of us are feeling good physically and mentally leading up to Vegas it is a real asset.”

– Nellie Miller

“I would call it motivated hard work because your’re putting many hard long days in, but it’s all for a dream come true!”

– Coy Rahlmann

“Going into the NFR leading the world standings is a great opportunity to take care of business and capitalize on that lead during those nights of rodeo.”

– Jacob Talley

“It’s gonna feel weird without Riley, he’s all I’ve ever known! Derick has been around the game a long time, hopig for good things!”

– Brady Minor

“I’m not changing much, just keeping my horse in shape focusing on clean runs and consistent feel. As for me, I just visualize leaving the box and making great runs and trust in my preparation.”

– Cody Snow

“The thing I look forward to the most about NFR is getting to rope under the bright lights for 10 nights and getting to be around all our amzing sponsors!”

– Haven Meged