BY BRETT NIERENGARTEN @PRORODEOBRETT
Only three heelers have claimed the coveted Gold Buckle since 2019, and Wesley Thorp is one of them, with World Titles in 2019 and 2023.
In 2024, Thorp enters the NFR ranked No. 2 in the World, having earned nearly $20,000 more than in the 2023 regular season. This will be his ninth straight appearance at the NFR.
National Western Stock Show and Rodeo, $10,940
Dominating their early rounds in Denver, Thorp and Tyler Wade claimed three consecutive wins, earning more than $2,800 each time. While they placed fifth in the Finals, their overall performance told a different story.
San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo, $9,000
Two key runs defined Wade and Thorp’s success in San Antonio. Their 4.6-second time in Round 3 punched their ticket forward, and their 3.9-second run in for third place in the Finals was not only their best of the rodeo but also of the Texas Swing.
Central Wyoming Fair and Rodeo, $9,843
In July, Wade and Thorp captured their first of two PRCA Playoff Series titles, winning Round 1 and the Average in Sheridan. Overcoming a 6.4-second Round 2, they posted an aggregate time of 15.6 seconds on three runs. It was Thorp’s first career win in Wyoming.
Cheyenne Frontier Days, $10,582
Wade and Thorp improved their standing with each round, taking third in the Qualifier, second in the Long Round, and first in the First Semifinal. Despite not placing in the Finals, their efforts earned them three checks worth over $1,500 apiece. It was by far the most money Thorp had ever won in his career in Cheyenne.
Douglas County Fair and Rodeo, $5,421
Wade and Thorp turned in one of their best runs of the year in Castle Rock as part of a huge weekend to begin August. Not only were they 3.7 to win in Colorado, they also won the Mountain Valley Stampede in Heber City, Utah with a 3.8. That paid them another $5,418.
Horse Heaven Roundup Rodeo, $7,629
Wade and Thorp overcame a 10.1 in Round 1 by clocking 4.6 and 5.0-second runs, ultimately taking second in the Average with a 19.7-second total on three. They finished just two tenths behind fellow NFR qualifiers Andrew Ward and Kollin VonAhn.
North Dakota Roughrider Cup, $15,112
Wade and Thorp chose the perfect time for their fastest run of the season, going 3.6 to make over $15,000 in Mandan. They were four tenths faster than the next closest team.
Cinch Playoffs Governor’s Cup, $30,125
Just one week after the Roughrider Cup, Wade and Thorp cranked up the intensity to finish the season strong. They posted three straight runs of 4.3 seconds or faster in Sioux Falls, and despite a 14.0-second Finals time, they still walked away with a $15,000 check for their third place finish in the Finals.
Meet the NFR Athletes is presented by Montana Silversmiths #EveryBuckleHasAStory #BrandOfChampions #FromGreatToGold
