Bronc rider cashes in at Newport, Sandpoint

NEWPORT – A Nevada saddle bronc rider had a big Saturday night, Aug. 2, competing first at the Newport Rough Stock Rodeo and then traveling to Sandpoint where he got on another bucking horse the same night. He won money with both rides.

Joe Harper of Paradise Valley, Nevada, tied for first with a 76-point ride at Newport. He then drove to Sandpoint, where he won second in the rodeo there. Harper pocketed more than $3,600 Saturday night, winning $1,435 at Newport and another $2,186 at Sandpoint’s Professional Rodeo Cowboys’ Association rodeo.

Harper tied with Tate Owens of Colbert who scored 76-points later at the Newport saddle bronc riding.

Another saddle bronc rider, Blaine Ross, didn’t fare as well. Ross was knocked out when he was kicked by his bronc after bucking off. The country music singer walked out of the arena after regaining consciousness after a few moments. The horse’s hoofprint was visible on his face.

Bodee Gundson of Monroe, Washington, took home the most money from this year’s Rough Stock Rodeo for winning the bull riding. The high school rodeo competitor pocketed $2,640 for his eight seconds of work with a 66-point score. He was one of two of 14 bull riders to make qualified rides.

Ranch bronc rider Ryan Anderson of Tonasket, Washington won that event and $2,050 with a 76-point ride, one of three riders to get scores in the wild event, with Aces Wild bucking horses getting the upper hand on the rest of the dozen riders.

Bareback rider Hunter Greenup of Lexington, Oregon, won the bareback riding with a 72-point ride. He took home $780.

The barrel racing event drew the most competitors, with Hailey Pierson taking top honors with a blistering 14.887 second run on her horse called French Doll on Fire. She collected $1,150 for the run. The barrel racing paid eight places, more than any other event.

The Newport Rough Stock Rodeo drew 1,528 spectators.