LAS VEGAS – Dean Thompson needed this.
He was already having a solid run at his second National Finals Rodeo, but he was searching for bigger paydays. He got one after posting an 86.5-point ride on Shoutin Shoes of Sankey Pro Rodeo & Phenom Genetics. It moved him into a tie for second place in Sunday’s fourth round and paid the cowboy $23,364.
“I knew she was awesome; I’ve been on her twice this year,” said Thompson of Altamont, Utah. “I got on her at St. Paul (Oregon), and she was awesome there. I got on her in Filer (Idaho), and this was toward the end of the year, and she got really weak.
“I knew how good she could be, so I was pumped to have her because she’s been off for two months. She looks fantastic, just bigger than I’ve ever seen her before.”
Shoutin Shoes was also energetic, which is a big reason the two matched so well. Thompson has placed in four straight rounds and has earned $57,633. He has a cumulative score of 338.5 points and is tied for second in the aggregate race. He’s also fourth in the world standings with $229,829.
“I finally cracked into that $20,000 range, which is incredible,” he said. “To make $20,000 in one night is just great. I’ve been comparing it a lot. Looking back at my year, I didn’t have a lot of huge wins early in the yea, but I had a lot of consistent rides. I’ve made some really good rides on really good horses, so it’s nice to get into this kind of pay range.
“I’m hoping (Monday) in the TV pen that I can make a great ride on just an absolutely outstanding horse and get that first round win. That’s what I’m hoping for, but if it doesn’t happen, I’m holding tight in that average, and that’s where I want to be.”
Thompson earned the right to compete at this NFR with a spectacular regular season, and he’s continued a hot streak in Las Vegas. This is his chance to cash in more money over 10 days that he earned throughout year n the road.
“You want to make great rides on the animals, on the cards your dealt, and you can go in knowing you want to ride well,” Thompson said. “You’re expecting yourself to ride well, but you can’t have any expectations about the results because anything can happen here. I’ve seen guys back there that over four days have their shoulders starting to slump a little more because they just expected to have s much money by now.
“I had no expectations other than go out there and ride my best. If I was 86.5, perfect. If I wasn’t, make my adjustment if I need to or draw better and just move on.”
That winning mentality is why Thompson is in position to win a world championship.