PRCA for the Record: J.J. Elshere Looks Back on Record Ride in Deadwood
Even through five Wrangler National Finals Rodeo qualifications and one NFR average title (2006) there’s a still a ride in Deadwood, S.D., that veteran saddle bronc rider J.J. Elshere remembers vividly.
In 2008, Elshere went for 90 points at the Deadwood Days of ’76 Rodeo to set the rodeo record that’s still standing 13 years later.
“That was definitely a ride that stands out in my career,” said Elshere, 41. “I do remember that the horse was a handful, she wasn’t just a straight-away bucker. She had a mind of her own each time she came out of the chutes, those are the ones that are a little harder to ride.”
Deadwood is just over an hour from where Elshere calls home now in Hereford, S.D.
“We always had to get to Deadwood, I don’t know if there was a time that I missed it until this year,” said Elshere, who last made the NFR in 2019. “It’s just a phenomenal rodeo, they always create a great atmosphere. It’s pretty cool to have that kind of rodeo right in our backyard.”
As his career begins to slow down, he gets to share those moments at rodeos with his children.
“My oldest just got his permit, so I’m still hitting a few of the close rodeos with him,” Elshere said. “I want to be a part of that, so I think I’m going to try and stick closer to home from now on. I look at it that I’m probably done with going hard in the sport.”
Deadwood Days of ’76 Rodeo records
|
Total payout: |
$229,074, 2016 |
| All-around: | $6,694, Trevor Brazile, 2006 |
| Bareback riding: | 89 points, Tyson Thompson, 2006; Ty Breuer, 2018 |
| Steer wrestling: | 3.0 seconds, Whiz Whisenhunt, 1956 (7.5/2, Tyler Haugen, 2009) |
| Team roping: | 4.1 seconds, Reno Stoebner/Colton Brittain, 2020; Erich Rogers/Paden Bray, 2020 (9.5/2, Keven Daniel/Kory Koontz, 2009) |
| Saddle bronc riding: | 90 points, J.J. Elshere, 2008 |
| Tie-down roping: | 7.4 seconds, Cody Ohl, 2000; Boe Brown, 2013; Jason Schaffer, 2014 (15.0/2, Cody Ohl, 2000) |
| Barrel racing: | 15.89, Kappy Allen, 1999 |
| Steer roping: | 7.9 seconds, Guy Allen, 2003 (29.2/3, Guy Allen, 2000) |
| Bull riding: | 91 points, Clint Craig, 2006 |
Courtesy of PRCA