Ryder Sanford made veteran-like rides throughout his rookie year in the PRCA. Not only is he is your Resistol Rookie of the year, he is also going to Las Vegas as the No. 15 ranked saddle bronc rider.
A close rookie battle between Sanford and Canada’s Q Taylor came down to the very last day of the regular season when Sanford punched the very last ticket to the 2023 NFR.
BIGGEST PAYDAYS
Puyallup Cinch Playoffs, $16,931
Although Sanford only placed in the money in one of the two qualifying rounds at Washington State Fair, his total of 172 points on two head brought him back to the Semifinals, where he placed fourth and earned a spot in the Finals. From there, Sanford climbed on Calgary Stampede’s Dandy Delight to be 89 points and cinch the win, which came with a $13,000 payday for winning the Short Round.
Southeastern Circuit Finals (Florida), $10,307
Early on in the 2023 season, Sanford made a name for himself at the Southeastern Circuit Finals when he won Rounds 2 and 3 and placed second in Round 1 before winning the Average. It kicked his season off strong with a five figure payday.
HIGHEST MARKED RIDES
Cheyenne Frontier Days, 92.5 Points
The Daddy of ‘Em All had a career-making moment in store for Louisiana’s rookie saddle bronc rider. After placing second in both his performancs and the Semifinals, Sanford went on to draw the reigning Saddle Bronc Horse of the Year, Sankey Pro Rodeo and Phenom Genetics The Black Tie, in the Short Go. The two would be an astounding 92.5 points to set a new arena record that was worth over $8,000.
Wild Bill Hickok Rodeo (Kansas), 90.5 Points
Abilene, Kansas would bring in Sanford’s second highest score of the season. He would match up with Andrews Rodeo’s Cracker Jack to be 90.5 points to take home the win by two points.
NOTABLE WINS
Casey Tibbs Match of Champions Xtreme Broncs (South Dakota), 89 Points in Finals
At the esteemed Casey Tibbs Match of Champions, Sanford once again proved his abilities when he walked away the Co-Champion of one of South Dakota’s favorite events. After drawing Sutton Rodeo’s South Point in the Finals, Sanford was 89 points alongside reigning World Champion Zeke Thurston.
Lawton Rangers Rodeo (Oklahoma), 87 Points
In Oklahoma, Sanford found himself matched up with Beutler & Son Rodeo’s Rage. The two would land on top of the leaderboard in a tie with Tegan Smith at 87 points. Lawton added $3,861 to his season earnings.
Meet the NFR Athletes is presented by Montana Silversmiths #EveryBuckleHasAStory #BrandOfChampions #FromGreatToGold
