The contestants in the first go-round ever in the Jr. Ironman Championships learned some valuable lessons Friday morning.

This is a rugged test of a cowboy’s talent. By the time the opening day was complete, Myles Neighbors of Benton, Ark., roped, tied and wrestled four animals in 44.7 seconds to win the first round and pocket $1,000.

More importantly, he carries a 3.4-second lead heading into Saturday’s second round, which begins at 9 a.m. Haven Meged of Miles City, Mont., sits second with 48.1, followed by Bo Yaussi in 52.3.