Cowboys Take Advantage of Second Chances at San Antonio Stock Show Rodeo

 Susan Kanode

SAN ANTONIO, Texas ---It was a night of second chances for the some of the best rides at the first performance of the San Antonio Stock Show Rodeo..

                Matt Bright from Azle, Texas, received a re-ride in bareback riding when his original horse fell shortly after leaving the chute. He grabbed his rigging, regrouped and got on another one with a much better outcome. The 85 points he received put him at the top of the leaderboard and earned him $2,074.

 In saddle bronc riding, Bryce Miler from Buffalo, S.D., was fouled at the gate by his first horse, came off and got stepped on. He was awarded a re-ride by the judges and being the tough cowboy that he is, he got on another one within minutes. It was a good move for the five-time Wrangler National Finals Rodeo qualifier. When the judges added up his scores he was atop the leader board with 81 points earning him $2,074.

                In the bull riding it was Souli Shanklin that benefitted from a re-ride. Shanklin from Rock Springs, Texas, had an 86 to tie for second place with Clayton Foltyn from El Campo, Texas. They each earned $1,296. Tyler Willis, the 2009 bull riding Rookie of the Year in the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association won with an 88. He also earned $2,074.

                Steer wrestling saw Tommy Cook from McAlester, Okla., as the first gunner and he set the pace. His 3.7-second run was the best of the night. Cook was followed by another Oklahoman Ronnie Fields from Oklahoma City with a 3.9.

Contestants at this year’s rodeo will compete in four full rounds, and while their performance in the arena earns them paychecks, it’s the money that will advance them to the next round. At most rodeos, contestants advance based on their scores or times. Here, they will be adding up their paychecks in each of the four groups to see who has a chance to compete for the lucrative championships.

There are two performances of the San Antonio Stock Show Rodeo on Saturday at 1 and 7:30 p.m.