The Wright Family Supports Each Other

By Patrick Everson

There’s no Stetson Wright at the 2024 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. The five-time defending all-around world champion sat out this season to recover from injuries.

But per usual, that’s not stopping the Wright family from making its presence felt at the Thomas & Mack Center.

Ryder Wright is picking up the mantle in a charge to win the saddle bronc world championship. Ryder cashed in four of the first five go-rounds. That includes winning Round 4 with a 90.5-point ride aboard Tickled Pink, followed by a split of first place with Brody Wells in Round 5, as Ryder spurred Crossbreed’s Captain Hook to 89.5 points.

So Ryder pocketed $63,842 in just the last two nights. Through five rounds, he’s netted $105,175 to surge into first in the world standings, with $356,438 for the year.

“The Thomas & Mack makes a guy hungry. This crowd, this atmosphere, it never gets old,” Ryder said after Monday’s win in the fifth go-round.

Ryder has two saddle bronc world championships, but it’s been a few years. He won gold buckles in 2017 and 2020. He’s getting advice from several family members, as the Wrights are basically a saddle bronc conglomerate.

Of course, there’s Stetson, the 2021 saddle bronc world champ, who’s assisting from the sidelines. Statler Wright, the youngest of the four Wright brothers, is competing alongside Ryder in this year’s NFR. Spencer Wright, Ryder’s uncle, is also helping out, among others.

“Most of us have been on almost all these horses at least one time,” Ryder said. “It’s nice to have family to help.”

For example: Ryder had never drawn Captain Hook before Monday night. But Spencer won the Santa Fe rodeo on that horse earlier this year. So Spencer, the 2014 saddle bronc world champ, advised Ryder on the proper rein to use.

“I did what he said and used a shorter rein,” Ryder said. “You just try to get the correct rein, and it’s up to you from there. You can’t control the horse.”

Spencer’s advice apparently worked out just fine. And Ryder will continue leaning into family for advice and support in the final five go-rounds. While he’s atop the world standings, he’s ninth in the NFR average, due to a no-score in the second round. So strong performances the rest of the way are key to keeping the pace.

“We’re in pretty good shape right now. We’ll just keep rolling and see how it ends,” Ryder said.

Don’t be surprised if it ends with yet another Wright holding another gold buckle Saturday night.