As NFR debuts go, bull rider Tristen Hutchings is doing great so far.
The Monteview, Idaho, cowboy had a 90.5-point ride on Frontier Rodeo’s County Jail to win Round 5. He also won Round 1 with a 90.5-point ride on Stockyards Pro Rodeo’s Party Animal.
“I’ve actually been getting leaned back a little bit,” said Hutchings, 22. “I knew if I stayed on the front end a little bit better, longer, and let my hips get deep that things would work out. I’ve been drawing the right bulls so every time I get them rode they are going to score me high. I might not be first in the average, but I have two go-round buckles, I’m happy to be here, and I’m happy to be healthy.”
Hutchings is glad to see his hard work pay off.
“I think almost everybody rides better when they are riding into their hand and I knew that I would struggle when I didn’t,” Hutchings said. “I practiced really hard and I’m glad that I did because the only bull I’ve ridden into my hand, I got bucked off. I’ve gotten two knocked down riding away from my hand and that’s not bad when you’re going against the best bucking stock in the world.”
Hutchings is fourth in the world standings with $198,842. He has earned $70,859 at the NFR.
“It’s been a tough stretch for the boys in that locker room,” Hutchings said. “We started with 16 and now we’re down to 14. I got off to a great start and then went through a bumpy patch, so I had my head real low. But I’m excited to get another one rode. It’s tough out here in Vegas. All I can hope for is to just keep getting them rode.”
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