It’s been six seasons since Cody Martin last qualified for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo.

But he hasn’t fallen off the face of the earth. In fact, he’s still been one of the best saddle bronc riders in ProRodeo. He took some time away from the rodeo trail to follow other career opportunities, but he came back to the game just as strong in 2010. Since then, he’s been in the top 40 in the world standings.

That helped the Arkansas cowboy into the field of this year’s RodeoHouston. He’s making the most of his opportunity so far. Now living in Eagle, Colo., Martin won the first two go-rounds in Super Series IV, then placed third in today’s final round to win the three-head average. He pocketed $8,300, almost twice as much as the No. 2 bronc riding money-winner, Sterling Crawley, who made $4,400.

Martin would love to make it back to the NFR this December, but for now, he’ll be quite content battling for the $50,000 prize that goes to the Super Shootout winners next weekend.