A Labette County native with roots in the Cherryvale and Coffeyville area is bringing home a national title. Competing for Clarendon College in Texas, Tagg Bond of Edna captured the saddle bronc championship Saturday at the Collegiate National Finals Rodeo in Casper, Wyoming.

 

Bond dominated the competition, winning all four rounds of saddle bronc riding and clinching the championship with an 85-point ride in the finals.  He says one of his favorite parts of rodeo is the people involved in the sport, noting that many competitors are simply out there trying to make a living doing what they love.

 

Bond says scoring is based on both the horse and the rider. Competitors are judged on a 100-point system, with half of the score based on the rider's performance and the other half on the horse's performance. Judges evaluate factors such as control, spurring technique and timing, while also scoring the horse on its power, bucking ability and overall performance.

 

*Photo Credit:Tagg Bond*