Local roper leads all-around standings as Badlands Circuit Finals starts today
DEADWOOD - Jay Mattson of Deadwood heads into this weekend's Badlands Circuit Finals Rodeo at Seven Down Arena atop the all-around standings. Mattson has a commanding lead, earning $14,988 for the year, which is $9,465 over second.
Mattson competes as a tie-down roper and team roper (header). Currently he is fourth in tie-down with $6,957 and leading by a small margin in heading with $8,031."It is important to have a good circuit rodeo," Mattson said. "My goal is to make the Dodge National Circuit Finals Rodeo in March." Only two in each event will qualify. "It is important to make consistent runs all the way through," Mattson said. "The draw is important also. No matter how good you are, if the calf or steer doesn't cooperate it is difficult to win."Mattson attributes his long running success to always being around horses. He trains horses and throughout the winter rides all day everyday. Having a strong roping partner that fits the style of the other rider is also important.Due to the crazy rodeo schedule, it doesn't always allow a rider to compete with his best horses. But Mattson will definitely be riding his two best horses this weekend.Mattson said his biggest wins this year came at the Black Hills Stock Show in Rapid City, winning the All-Around; taking top honors in the team roping at Red Bluff, Calif., and winning team roping and the all-around in Mason, Iowa.He had aspirations of making the National Finals Rodeo and was on pace through July, but will fall short this year. Mattson is currently ranked 36th in the Jack Daniel's World Standings. Only the top 15 qualify for the Finals."It is nice to compete so close to home," Mattson said. He has strong family support from his wife Melinda and three-year-old son Bodie.The Deadwood-Touchstone Energy Badlands Circuit Finals Rodeo will feature the best cowboys and cowgirls from North Dakota and South Dakota. Some of the top contestants in the world will be competing. The Rodeo starts tonight and runs through Sunday.
Mattson competes as a tie-down roper and team roper (header). Currently he is fourth in tie-down with $6,957 and leading by a small margin in heading with $8,031."It is important to have a good circuit rodeo," Mattson said. "My goal is to make the Dodge National Circuit Finals Rodeo in March." Only two in each event will qualify. "It is important to make consistent runs all the way through," Mattson said. "The draw is important also. No matter how good you are, if the calf or steer doesn't cooperate it is difficult to win."Mattson attributes his long running success to always being around horses. He trains horses and throughout the winter rides all day everyday. Having a strong roping partner that fits the style of the other rider is also important.Due to the crazy rodeo schedule, it doesn't always allow a rider to compete with his best horses. But Mattson will definitely be riding his two best horses this weekend.Mattson said his biggest wins this year came at the Black Hills Stock Show in Rapid City, winning the All-Around; taking top honors in the team roping at Red Bluff, Calif., and winning team roping and the all-around in Mason, Iowa.He had aspirations of making the National Finals Rodeo and was on pace through July, but will fall short this year. Mattson is currently ranked 36th in the Jack Daniel's World Standings. Only the top 15 qualify for the Finals."It is nice to compete so close to home," Mattson said. He has strong family support from his wife Melinda and three-year-old son Bodie.The Deadwood-Touchstone Energy Badlands Circuit Finals Rodeo will feature the best cowboys and cowgirls from North Dakota and South Dakota. Some of the top contestants in the world will be competing. The Rodeo starts tonight and runs through Sunday.
posted by Kevin | 10:43 AM
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