Dawson Hay had never qualified for the NFR before this year, and in round six Hay got his first career round win after an 88.5-point ride on Mo Betta Rodeo’s Sue City Sue.
Dawson’s father, Rod Hay was a 20-time NFR qualifier and served as the inspiration leading up to this point in his career.
“I’ve dreamed of this day since I was just a little kid, watching my dad get presented his buckles and going on the stage with him. It’s a dream come true, and I can’t even put words to it. I don’t know if it’s sunk in yet. I won the Cody Stampede earlier this year and was 89-and-a-half. It’s an amazing horse. If you could have one like that at every rodeo, you’d be a rich son-of-a-gun.”
Dawson was struggling before Tuesday’s ride, failing to post a score in the two previous rounds. A conversation with his father may have been the turning point.
“He just said, ‘You ride so dang good, and you’ve got to remember that instead of the bad rides, think about what got you here.’”
With just four rounds left, the win came at a great time.
“A couple days there, I was having some trouble and getting on some really good horses, but not riding the way I did all year. So, to come out, have a really good ride and a good score going into Round 7, I couldn’t feel more confident.”
Heading into round seven, there are some familiar names atop the world standings.
Saddle Bronc Riding World Standings (NFR money in parentheses)
1. Zeke Thurston - $251,722 ($74,730)
2. Ryder Wright - $241,257 ($16,769)
3. Rusty Wright - $195,884 ($77,692)
4. Spencer Wright - $179,322 ($59,217)
5. Brody Cress - $174,638 ($68,666)