Tie-down roper Caleb Smidt entered the professional rodeo circuit in 2013 and made 10 National Finals Rodeos and won four World Titles along the way.
But things have changed since he turned pro a decade ago. He’s 34-year-old now and with his family expanding, his focus and priorities have evolved.
“I woke up everyday wanting to rope calves and now I have different priorities,” Smidt said. “I don’t practice near enough, I drive out (to Vegas) every year and figure out how I’m going to beat these guys every day.”
As Smidt’s family continues to grow, he found himself at a crossroads and has ultimately made the decision to take a step back to focus on his faith and family.
“I looked back at my parents and the opportunity they gave me, I didn’t come from a lot of money, they poured every penny they had to me and my brother being great in whatever we wanted to do,” he said. “I’d rather watch my kids do whatever they want to do than them watch me do this.”
On his way out, Smidt also acknowledged just how good the next generation of tie-down ropers is. When he was growing up, runs that began 8-second range were winning jackpots and rodeos, now you have to be in the 6s and 7s at most.
“These young guys, they tie ‘em in six every night, the sport has changed,” he said.
Smidt has made more than $2 million in his ProRodeo career and along with his four Gold Buckles also has four NFR Average crowns as well. He finished No. 4 the final PRCA World Standings with $296,165 in 2023.
