Bareback rider Garrett Shadbolt is learning a few things about his sport and about himself at the National Finals Rodeo. It may feel a bit like a slow course, but it’s just another of the challenges that he faces in Las Vegas. After failing to place in the first three go-rounds, Shadbolt finally found his way to an NFR payday with his 87-point ride on Four Star Rodeo’s Dirty Harry to finish in a tie for second place; it was worth $20,053. It did more than pad his pockets. His ride provided a great deal of confidence for the cowboy who lives on the northern edge of the Nebraska Sandhills. The fear is gone, and, along with the $10,000 bonus he earned for being an NFR qualifier, Shadbolt has pushed his Vegas earnings to more than $30,000. He is 13th in the world standings with $134,002 on the season. Shadbolt has ridden all four bareback horses so far. Other notes of interest from the NFR with local ties, Levi Lord of Rapid City has placed high in three of the four rounds at this years NFR in team roping. 1st place in first round, did not place in round two, placed 4th in round 3 and third place in round 4. Lisa Lockhart of Olrichs South Dakota has also had a good NFR to this point. Lockhart has also placed in three of four rounds in Las Vgas. After not placing in round one, she came back and took 4th in round 2, 3rd in round 3 and tied for 2nd in round 4 in barrel racing.
Shadbolt Gaining Confidence at the NFR
