2022 NFR Bareback Rider Jesse Pope with Britt on the Road

The last two years Jess Pope has been at his best at the Wrangler NFR winning consecutive average crowns.
The Waverly, Kan., cowboy was in top form Saturday capturing Round 3 with an 86.5-point ride on Stace Smith Pro Rodeos’ Mr. Harry.

“I had never been on that horse. I’ve seen him go a lot and I’ve seen him buck a lot and I always thought that was a bucking son of gun,” said Pope, 24. “I was a little bit nervous when I saw my name next to him, but I sure am glad it worked out. He is one to run you off your riggin’ and he is hitting you in your back trying to bring your upper body forward. It is one of those deals you have to dig down deep and see how bad you want it and see how much you can take. It is the most out of control in control chaos you have been involved in.”

Pope has a simple approach to the remaining rounds. He’s atop the PRCA | RAM World Standings with $233,149.

“I’m just going to take it one horse at a time,” he said. “I can’t control anything other than what I do and if I show up and nod my head and know that I gave it my all every time after that I’m pleased with how everything ends.”

courtesy of the prca