Tilden Hooper is headed to the NFR for the fifth straight year and the ninth time in his career. Hooper is No. 11 in the PRCA World Standings with $113,188 earned on the season. A late-season push secured Hooper’s spot at the NFR and nearly put him inside the Top 10 after being on the bubble the majority of the season.
Here is a look at Hooper’s regular season.
BIGGEST PAYDAYS
Rancho Mission Viejo Rodeo, $6,486
Hooper took the win at the Rancho Mission Viejo Rodeo after an 89-point ride and earned nearly $6,500. It was a loaded field at the rodeo, as Hooper edged out fellow NFR qualifiers R.C. Landingham, Kaycee Feild, and Cole Reiner for the win.
Cody Stampede, $6,486
Hooper was a half-point away from an even bigger payday, placing second with an 88-point ride, which was just short of Cole Reiner’s 88.5-point ride which won the rodeo. Hooper was marked 88 on Championship Pro Rodeo’s Meat Cracker.
HIGHEST MARKED RIDES
Fallon County Fair and Rodeo, 90 Points
It’s no surprise that Hooper’s highest-marked ride of the year came on famous bucking horse, Virgil. Hooper and Virgil teamed up to win the Fallon County Fair and Rodeo after a 90-point ride, the only 90-point ride of Hooper’s season. The win earned Hooper $4,054.
Magic Valley Stampede, 89 Points
Hooper earned a nice payday at the Magic Valley Stampede thanks to a rodeo-winning 89-point ride. With the win, Hooper earned $3,772.
West of the Pecos Rodeo, 88.5 Points
Hooper earned a second-place finish at The West of the Pecos Rodeo after an 88.5-point ride on Night Faded.
NOTABLE WINS
New Mexico State Fair and Rodeo, 85 Points
While it may not be Hooper’s highest-marked ride or even biggest payday, his win at the New Mexico State Fair and Rodeo came at a crucial time as he was fighting for his life on the bubble. Hooper earned over $3,000 which locked him into another NFR appearance.
Sanders County Fair and Rodeo, 88 Points
Hooper took the rodeo with an 88-point ride, but more impressive than the win alone was the stretch Hooper was on. This came in the middle of three consecutive wins which earned him over $13,000 over the span of two weekends and three rides.
Dinosaur Roundup Rodeo, 86.5 Points
Coming off a strong showing at the Cody Stampede where he placed seconds, Hooper rode Shade Tree for 86.5 points and a win at the Dinosaur Roundup. The win earned Hooper a trip to the pay window for $3,913.
MEET THE NFR ATHLETES IS PRESENTED BY MONTANA SILVERSMITHS #everybucklehasastory #goldbucklebound