PRCA for the Record: Eagle Mountain
The first Pony Express Rodeo in Eagle Mountain, Utah, was held in 2010 to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the riders who carried mail across the West.
Like it’s namesake, news spread about this new ProRodeo competition, and some of the best in the sport have laid claim to the rodeo’s prize money while also leaving their mark in the Eagle Mountain record book.
Although he’s primarily known as a bull rider, Stetson Wright’s family is established as some of the best saddle bronc riders in ProRodeo, and the youngest competing member of Utah’s Wright family made it known that he’s a force to be reckoned with in both events. While on his permit in 2018, Wright set the Eagle Mountain saddle bronc riding record of 88 points on Bar T Rodeo’s City Lights.
Stetson broke the previous record that was set by his uncle Jesse Wright at the inaugural Eagle Mountain rodeo in 2010. Jesse posted an 86-point ride, which was matched by Tyrell Smith in 2012 and Rusty Allen in 2014.
Stetson went on to finish first in the 2018 PRCA | RAM Rodeo Permit Standings for saddle bronc riding and second for bull riding.
The following year was a whirlwind of success for Stetson, as he claimed the 2019 all-around world title while also collecting the bull riding rookie of the year and saddle bronc riding rookie of the year titles. He finished third in the 2019 PRCA | RAM World Standings for bull riding and 20th for saddle bronc riding.
Cowboys have from June 11-13 to top Wright’s record, and the rest, while claiming their share of the 2020 prize money.
Rodeo records
• Total payout: $52,231, 2013
• All-around: $3,051, Rhen Richard, 2013
• Bareback riding: 86 points, R.C. Landingham, 2010
• Steer wrestling: 4.0 seconds, John Franzen, 2012
• Team roping: 5.6 seconds, Trevor Merrill/Jake Freeland, 2014; Dax Barnson/Brody Adams, Thad Ward/Olin Pulham and Max Kuttler/R.D. Abplanalp, 2015
• Saddle bronc riding: 88 points, Stetson Wright, 2018
• Tie-down roping: 8.0 seconds, Rhen Richard, 2012
• Barrel racing: 15.47 seconds, Sammi Bessert, 2014
• Bull riding: 92 points, Shawn Proctor, 2012
Courtesy of PRCA