News

By now, you’ve likely heard the unlikely news that Wyoming’s Johnson brothers—Kellan, 19, and Carson, 17—took the team roping title and gold medals at the Days of ’47 Cowboy Games & Rodeo, which ran July 19-21 and 23-24 in Salt Lake City. But you’re probably not aware of just how long the odds were against these two teen-aged brothers taking center stage to have those gold medals placed around their necks while being handed life-changing checks for more than $50 grand a man. To sum up this Salt Lake stunner in a word, “miracle” is more like it.

There isn’t a hotter barrel racer in the land right now than Hailey Kinsel and she continued her torrid run in Salt Lake City on Monday night. Kinsel of Cotulla, Texas, and her great horse DM Sissy Hayday “Sister” stopped the clock in 17.22 seconds. In 2017, the duo won the Gold Medal and $50,000 that propelled her to her first Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, where she set an arena record and finished as reserve world champion.

The loudest cheer of the night came for one of their own and reigning world champion saddle bronc rider Ryder Wright. Wright of Milford, Utah, rode Powder River Rodeo’s Look Again to top the leaderboard and advance to the finals with a shot at $50,000 and a Gold Medal. Wright is coming off a big win on Sunday when he collected $100,000 and the Calgary Stampede title. His uncles, Alex and Jake, will try to join the young gun when they take their shot on Monday night.

The Komatsu Equipment Days of ’47 Cowboy Games and Rodeo presented by Zions Bank in Salt Lake City will kickoff rodeo action on Thursday, July 19 with some of the top names in professional rodeo.

The night started off similar to 2017 with bareback rider Wyatt Denny atop the medal podium after turning in an 88-point ride aboard Sankey Rodeo’s Sozo. Denny of Minden, Nev., added a second gold medal to his collection and another $50,000 to his bank account.

Reigning PBR World Champion Jess Lockwood of Volborg, Mont., tied with Brazilian Allison De Souza with 85 point rides. Lockwood conquered Broken Arrow’s Cooper Comet, while De Souza matched Broken Arrow’s Nailed to advance to the finals. Lockwood will join his aunt, Lisa Lockhart, in the Gold Medal round on Tuesday after she topped the leaderboard in the barrel racing during performance two on Friday night.

Two-event cowboy Ryle Smith won the steer wrestling in 2017 and will be back on Tuesday to defend his title in that event. Smith of Oakdale, Calif., finished second on Thursday night with a 5.0 second run. Jace Melvin finished atop the leaderboard with a 4.7 second run. Melvin of Bluff Dale, Texas, won the bronze medal in 2017 but is hoping to be a little higher on the podium in 2018.

Last weekend our team joined in the celebration of our admirable United States Air Force at the Utah Air Show. Our excitement for this opportunity was matched only by our excitement to see the crowd that visited us at our booth on Saturday and Sunday.