Sanders County Rodeo helps set up pros for National Finals

We may not have the big lights of Las Vegas, but Sanders County knows how to draw the big stars of rodeo.

This year at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas it was no different from seeing the big names right here in your own back yard.

“I started in small rodeos, and Plains is one of the best small-town rodeos I go to each year,” said reining World Champion Bull Rider Sage Kimzey.

Kimzey not only won the bull ride at this year’s rodeo, he also placed in the event on the Thursday evening with two days of rodeo to follow.

Kimzey dominated his fourth consecutive WNFR with his fourth consecutive world title.

He was not the only current world champion to enter in the local rodeo; Tyler Pearson drove into the grounds after the Thursday night and with only a handful of spectators during the Friday morning slack, Pearson stepped into the arena to lay a steer down in the bull dogging event (steer wrestling) which added to his successful season.

Pearson entered the WNFR behind Montana star Ty Erickson who was leading the world standings at the time.

Though as fate would see it, Pearson over took Erickson during the 10 rounds in Las Vegas to come away with his first world title.

Once again it proves that small-town rodeos that are strategically placed between some big name rodeos at the end of the summer run are just as important and locals get to see more than just a few gold buckles on belts worn.

Rodeo announcer Bob Tallman who has become an honorary local over the many years he’s traveled to Sanders County was also a recipient at the 2017 WNFR.

Tallman was once again voted the PRCA Announcer of the year. A deserving title for all those that have witnessed and more importantly experienced his signature opening ceremony of the local rodeo.

“The rodeo in Plains is set at the right time of year and the right location for these cowboys and cowgirls to get that extra earnings in wins that will help them make the finals in Vegas,” said Tallman.

In the Saddle Bronc, Ryder Wright won the world title, and though he didn’t compete in Plains, two ofhis uncles did this past 2017 rodeo season.

Jake and Jesse Wright, whom are just another part of the Wright Family legacy both competed in Plains. Though the Wright boys didn’t fare to well with the Powder RiverRodeo / D&H Cattle Co bucking horses, it wasn’t the case for Brody Cress.

Cress competed at his first WNFR and walked away with the Reserve Championship title. Cress bucked out on Lip ripper to take the win. The $1,819 pay check certainly helped him make his way to Las Vegas.

“I really enjoyed the rodeo in Plains,” said Cress.

Not to mention the ever so talented DeMoss brothers Codey and Heath who are also extremely accomplished in the area and living legacies along with the Wright family made sure to stop at the rodeo.

Cody DeMoss didn’t end the season as he had hoped but still showed the Sanders County locals why he is a constant at the WNFR each year with an 85.5 score during the 2017 Plains Rodeo.

At the time of rodeo it was estimated that locals were lucky enough to see up to 34 WNFR qualifiers and more than a few past and current world champions ride under the big arena lights.

With the aid of longtime stock contractors, Powder River Rodeo Company; the Franzen’s have helped make the small town and county as a whole stand out on the pro rodeo circuit.

Though their 2016 World Champion Bareback Horse of the Year Craig at Midnight was the 2017 Reserve Champion and didn’t make the local rodeo this year, not many people know that it was the back yards behind the arena in Plains were he got his name.

“There’s something special about coming here. Which is probably why we fell involve with the people and town 30 years ago,” said Lori Franzen of Powder River Rodeo.

There not only seems to be something in the water, accompanied by a great arena; the Sanders County Rodeo in Plains continues to draw the best of the best in rodeo.

The big sky overlooking the arena during one of the last true All-American country fairs is sure to bring more big name stars to this small corner of the world.