In sports it’s easy to see from a young age when an athlete has the “it” factor. The skill is there, the work ethic is present, and no moment is too big. The sport of rodeo is no different.
Riley Webb set the ProRodeo world on fire during his first season as a PRCA cardholder. The Denton, Texas, tie-down roper not only captured the Resistol Rookie of the Year title but made his debut at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. He went on to finish 10th in the PRCA | RAM World Standings with $188,597.
As impressive as his rookie season was on the ProRodeo circuit, his second go around on the sport’s biggest stage has been even better. With over a month left to go in the season, Webb has earned $218,400, which surpasses tie-down roper Shad Mayfield’s record of $203,508 for the most money won in a single regular season before the NFR in the event. Mayfield set the mark in 2022.
“You always want to set high goals and do the best you can,” said Webb, 19. “That was a goal in the back of my mind, but obviously the main goal is to win a world title. All of that will take care of itself if you set your goals high enough and continue working hard.”
Webb has himself in a prime position to do just that in 2023. As of Aug. 16, he sits No. 1 in the PRCA | RAM World Standings with $218,400. A season ago, during Mayfield’s record year he was sharing the rig with none other than Riley Webb. He said it’s no surprise to him the success the young tie-down roper has seen so far this season.
“We all knew this was coming for Riley,” said Mayfield. “He’s a talented roper and he’s always won on every level he’s competed in. It’s no lucky deal this year. He’s a winner and he always has been.”
Webb kicked off 2023 in one of the best ways possible, on top, as champion of the National Western Stock Show & Rodeo in Denver. That began what many would call a historic winter run. In a two-month stretch from Jan. 20 – March 25, he pocketed $94,429 with key wins in Houston and Abilene, Texas.
“It seemed like I was placing just about everywhere this winter and winning Houston was definitely a big chunk of change,” Webb said. “For a while it felt like nothing could go wrong, but if I’m being honest, I’d say a lot of my success this season has been because of my horses. I wouldn’t be where I am this season without Boots.”
There will be more on Webb’s record-breaking season in the Aug. 18 digital edition of the ProRodeo Sports News.
Courtesy of PRCA