On Friday night, nine athletes locked in their places in the RODEOHOUSTON Semifinals, advancing one step closer to the championship round.
Contestants competed across three go-rounds, with the top four athletes in each event earning advancement based on their aggregate scores.
Super Series IV barrel racing champion Acey Pinkston secured her spot in the Semifinals with her time of 14.58. This is Pinkston’s second RODEOHOUSTON with her horse, Bullet. The dynamic duo is ready and excited to take on the Semifinals.
“We are not going to change anything. We’re going to show up, be at barrel practice and we are going to see where it goes,” Pinkston said. “God has a plan.”
Super Series IV Champions
- Tie-Down Roping — Quade Hiatt, Canyon, Texas – $6,000
- Bareback Riding — R C Landingham, Cassel, California – $6,500
- Team Roping — Mason Appleton, Cody, Wyoming and Sid Sporer, Chelsea, Oklahoma – $5,500 each
- Saddle Bronc Riding — Kade Bruno, Challis, Idaho – $6,500
- Steer Wrestling — Chance Howard, Sallisaw, Oklahoma – $4,750
- Barrel Racing — Acey Pinkston, Stephenville, Texas – $6,750
- Breakaway Roping — Rylee George, Oakdale, California – $6,000
- Bull Riding — Jordan Spears, Caldwell, Idaho – $5,500
Kade Bruno, ranked number five in saddle bronc riding, will also be advancing to the Semifinals. Going into the next round, he only has one plan in mind – be consistent with how he’s performed at RODEOHOUSTON so far.
For both Bruno and Pinkston, RODEOHOUSTON is one they look forward to each year, and they’re excited to have clinched their spot in Semifinals.
“They treat us good here,” Bruno said. “You always feel like you’re welcome. Everyone is friendly and that’s something you don’t get at everywhere.”
Advancing to Semifinals
These champions will be joined by additional competitors who advanced based on their aggregate scores from the three go-rounds.
The RODEOHOUSTON Super Series is a 20-day tournament-style competition that crowns champions in bareback riding, bull riding, saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling, tie-down roping, team roping, women’s barrel racing and breakaway roping. Event champions earn $65,000, in addition to winnings from earlier rounds, along with a custom-made saddle and belt buckle. In team roping, the $65,000 purse is split between the two athletes. Champions also receive an invitation to compete at RODEOHOUSTON the following year.
RODEOHOUSTON is an official PRCA (Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association) (NFR) National Finals Rodeo money event, with earnings from RODEOHOUSTON counting toward qualification for the NFR and the PRCA World Standings. For information about RODEOHOUSTON athletes, click HERE.