Bareback rider Dean Thompson’s first Gold Buckle also landed him a spot in the American Rodeo at Globe Life Field. He has success at this rodeo before and he hopes to keep that up.
“The American has been absolutely incredible to me. I mean, in 2023 when I was trying to make that first NFR and running and gunning, it was honestly kind of what fueled my pocketbook. It let me go hard for the rest of the year and make that first NFR,” Thompson said.
When Thompson looks back at that 2023 American Rodeo, he realizes just how much confidence he gained when he went up against Kaycee Feild, who is arguably the best bareback rider to ever do it, and came in second.
“It’s funny now though. I’m the reigning World Champ, Kaycee was the reigning World Champ that year, I’m the reigning World Champ this year. He’s coming in looking for that $1 million and he gave me a pat on the back when I won twenty five... I just can’t help but think how much fun it’s going to be this year,” he said.
Thompson’s comeptition at the American Rodeo includes veterans like Kaycee Feild, RC Landingham and the first $1 million winner ever, Richmond Champion.
