Father-son tandems sparkle at rodeo

Wednesday night was the wrong night for the Wrights.

But the nation’s first family of saddle bronc redeemed itself Thursday.

Rusty Wright, the 19-year-old son of two-time world champion Cody and nephew of several uncles who have earned considerable acclaim in the rodeo arena, rode high aboard an Ike Sankey-owned bucker called “Crow Nation” to provide one of the top highlights as the PRCA Big Sky Pro Rodeo Roundup continued before several thousand fans at Montana ExpoPark.

Rusty rodeo to the tune of 86 points.

“That horse really bucks. It felt really good,” Rusty said. “At least it did until after halfway when I hung my foot in my bronc rein and about got bucked off. But we got through it, got sat back down and finished it off pretty good.”

With two nights of competition remaining, Rusty’s 86-point bronc ride is tied with Wade Sundell for the best of the rodeo.

Cody, who did not earn a score Thursday, said it’s more fun to see his oldest son ride well.

“For sure,” Cody said. “There’s nothing better than to watch your boys do good.”

Rusty is a two-time national high school champion who is riding professionally for the second summer. He entered the week ranked third in the PRCA world standings and seems a sure bet to make his first National Finals Rodeo appearance in December.

“He’s been riding really good,” Cody said. “He’s been living it and breathing it. And he’s got that young fire that just shines so bright. It’s neat to see him do good. I love it.”

Cody has three other sons younger than Cody: Ryder, Stetson and Statler. All are bronc riders. Ryder, 17, won the championship at the National High School Finals Rodeo this summer in Rock Springs, Wyo., while Stetson, 16, won the national title at a rodeo in Winnemucca, Nev., for those who narrowly missed the NHSFR.

On Wednesday, Cody’s twin brothers Jake and Jesse did not have much luck in Great Falls. They failed to post memorable rides, and then had the misfortune to hit a deer later that night while en route to the next event.

“Bad day,” Cody said with a smile.

Rusty cleaned up the mess, though. He’s hopeful of making his first NFR appearance in a few months.

“It’s a dream come true. It’s awesome,” he said.

He was asked if he knew all his Dad’s secrets.

“Most of them,” Rusty smiled. “You don’t ever tell all your secrets. I think it’s about time I start figuring out a few of my own.”

There was also a family connection in the steer wrestling, where bulldogger Quincy Rasmussen turned in a solid effort that was heralded by his father, professional announcer Will Rasmussen of Choteau.

“Happy birthday tomorrow,” Will told his son via the microphone following Quincy’s 5.7-second time.

Quincy, 24 on Thursday, runs a few cattle on a place with his dad. He also helps his mother, Darcy. Quincy’s uncle is Flint and his grandparents are Stan and Tootie Rasmussen. All are familiar to Montana rodeo fans.

“I’ve been to a lot of these things just watching,” Quincy smiled. “It feels good to finally get in one.”

It was the first time Quincy had ever competed at the Big Sky Pro Rodeo Roundup. Does it put more pressure on when his father is in the announcer’s stand?

“Oh no, it’s just like home,” Quincy smiled. “I torment him enough, so it’s OK.”

Will is a pro all right, but he wasn’t a professional bulldogger. But he helps his son plenty.

“He’s got such a positive attitude,” said Quincy, a 2010 graduate of Choteau High who played football and basketball for the Bulldogs.

Thursday night’s run might not earn a huge check from this rodeo, but the experience was priceless for Quincy.

“It feels good,” he said. “I’m going on to another one tomorrow.”

There was also a family connection in the barrel racing, as Rene Cloninger of Helena broke into the top 10 with a smooth run. This summer has been a bit of a revelation for Cloninger, the mother of veteran Montana Circuit barrel racer Shelby Blixt.

“It’s been 25 years for me,” Cloninger said. “I’ve been helping my daughter and I just started going again this year because I have this young horse.”

Her mount is “Dixie,” a 6-year-old bay mare quarter horse who has proved to be one of the fastest around this summer. Cloninger won in Lewistown last week and placed third in Helena.

“She just loves the rodeo,” said Cloninger with a laugh. “When you first take them you’re worried they’re going to be scared of all the commotion. But she really likes it. And so it’s been a lot of fun.”

Cloninger, a 1980 graduate of Helena Capital, has been to the Montana Pro Rodeo Finals many, many times. Shelby’s father is Steve Blixt, the steer wrestling great.

But Rene has never qualified to run the barrels at the prestigious January event in Great Falls.

“My daughter’s been there twice,” she said. “The other cool thing is this horse is related to Shelby’s horse, so it’s kinda fun.”

And kind of a comeback.

“I’ve been riding and training horses,” Rene said. “But I haven’t been competing at this level. It’s been a wonderful summer. And you know, when you’re a little older I think you appreciate these things more. And it’s just fun.”

The rodeo has been proving enjoyment for a lot of folks this week. At least judging by the smiles in the grandstands.

“Things are going awesome,” said Lindsey Kunkel of the Big Sky Pro Rodeo Roundup committee. “We’ve had great contestants, great crowds and no injuries. Everything is really going well.

“It’s great to see the grandstands full. It means we’re doing a good job and putting on a good rodeo.”

The event continues Friday night and concludes Saturday night, with both performances slated for 7 p.m.