Tim O’Connell joined ProRodeo Live to break down the top rides of the weekend in Bareback and Saddle Bronc Riding.
The three-time Champion first spoke on Kade Sonnier who is having a tough sophomore season due to injury. Sonnier broke the thumb on his riding hand, something that O’Connell says is a big impact to a bareback rider.
“It changes everything when it comes to Bareback Riding.”
Sonnier said he needs to earn between $125,000-$150,000 this year, something O’Connell says he is very capable of doing.
“Kade believes it. He has that self-confidence. He has that strong faith. At the same time, he needs to focus on not being hard-headed. He has one of the best horses on the planet, on the Fourth of July, in Cody, Wyoming with Virgil.”
The opportunity is out ahead of Sonnier, but it will be a difficult road with the horses he has drawn.
In the saddle bronc riding, Lefty Holman has been as consistent as they come over the last few years.
“He is shining over and over and over again. When you think he is starting to hit his plateau, he makes you eat your words. He is hot right now going to the Fourth of July.”
Holman is up to No. 2 in the Saddle Bronc World Standings with over $111,000 earned on the season. Holman’s rig includes World No. 3 Sage Newman and two-time NFR qualifier Tanner Butner, so they are capable of all winning at the same time.
“When you travel with winners, you have to show up every single day,” O’Connell said. “When all you can think about is winning a World Title, and the guy sitting next to you driving down the same road, in the same truck, is thinking about winning World Titles, you have to got to put on your A game performance.”
