Don Payne

Name and Hometown: Don Payne, Stephenville, Texas

1-time Wrangler National Finals Rodeo Qualifier

Joined PRCA: 2015

Regular Season Earnings: $84,612

Starting 2023 NFR in 15th place

Major regular season wins –

• Reno (Nevada) Rodeo, $5,763
• Greeley (Colorado) Stampede, $10,158
• Dodge City (Kansas) Round-Up, $12,195

Fun Facts about Don: He didn’t intend on qualifying for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo this year. His plans were to go to circuit rodeos, win enough to qualify for the Texas Circuit Finals and be high enough in the world standings to get into the winter rodeos. Those plans changed as he won more money and set higher goals. He rode bareback and saddle bronc horses in high school until he literally outgrew them. He is 6’4” and weighs in at about 210 pounds. His wife’s father helped him learn the basics of steer wrestling. He trains horses and is constantly working on his horsemanship. Don and Shaina (his wife) have a son and they are expecting baby number 2 during the NFR. They are hoping that baby waits until daddy is done competing on rodeo’s biggest stage before making an entrance.