Shayde Etherton Holds Early Lead at Sandhills Stock Show & Rodeo

Shayde Etherton was on the doorstep of qualifying for his first Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in 2020 but came up just short. The steer wrestler has his sights set back on Las Vegas in 2022 and is off to a good start.

At the conclusion of the first round at the Sandhills Stock Show & Rodeo in Odessa, Texas, Etherton sits in first place with a 4.5-second time. He said while he would’ve like to be faster, he’s in a good position headed into the final weekend of competition.

“I would’ve liked to have a better start, somewhere in the threes or low fours,” said Etherton, 30. “But I was glad I was able to put somewhat of a run together to give myself a chance in the average.”

The rodeo still has three more nights of performances before an average winner is decided. An early season win is exactly what Etherton is looking for to jumpstart his 2022 ProRodeo season.

“We are headed back down to Odessa on Saturday, and it would be huge if I can come out of there with the average win,” Etherton said. “That could help me get into Houston and some of the other big winter rodeos that are coming up.”

A year ago, Etherton was hoping to be back in the hunt for the NFR, but the season didn’t go the way he anticipated. With a new horse by his side, he hopes this year things will finally fall into place for him to make his first trip to Las Vegas.

“I didn’t really win like I wanted to in the winter or spring, so it was just better for me just to stay home,” Etherton said. “After Lubbock (Texas) I bought the sorrel horse Roy off Matt (Reeves). The horse fits me really good, so I think I’d like to try this year to get the Finals made.”

Courtesy of PRCA