Stetson Wright's Triple Threat: NFR Round 7 Breakdown

As the 2025 National Finals Rodeo reaches its pivotal seventh round, one name continues to dominate conversations across multiple events: Stetson Wright. The multi-talented cowboy is making history yet again, competing in three separate events while simultaneously battling for the coveted All-Around title.

According to The Cowboy Channel's official NFR daysheet, Wright faces a demanding schedule that would challenge even the most seasoned professionals. Tonight, he'll compete in saddle bronc riding, bull riding, and continues his pursuit of the All-Around gold buckle against fellow competitor Wacey Schalla.

The All-Around Battle Intensifies

The 2025 NFR has delivered one of the most compelling All-Around races in recent memory. Wright and Schalla are trading blows "round for round," creating a neck-and-neck competition that has rodeo fans on the edge of their seats. The All-Around title, widely considered the sport's most prestigious honor, goes to the cowboy who earns the most money across multiple events throughout the season and at the Finals.

What makes this year's race particularly fascinating is the contrasting styles of the two competitors. Wright brings his signature aggressive approach across all three of his events, while Schalla demonstrates remarkable consistency in his own disciplines, which include bareback riding and bull riding.

Wright's Triple Threat Performance

Saddle Bronc Riding: Cracker Jack

In Round 7's saddle bronc competition, Wright has drawn Cracker Jack, a horse that will test his technical precision and timing. Saddle bronc riding demands a unique combination of grace and power, requiring riders to maintain perfect spurring rhythm while the horse bucks beneath them. Wright's ability to shift mentally between the rough-stock events showcases his exceptional versatility.

The saddle bronc lineup for Round 7 features some of rodeo's biggest names, including Ryder Wright, Brody Cress, and Zeke Thurston. Each matchup presents its own challenges, with horses like Northern Exposure, Faded Spark, and Yesterday's Delivery bringing their own distinctive bucking styles to the arena.

Bull Riding: Big Rich's Dinner For Two

Perhaps Wright's most dangerous draw of the evening comes in bull riding, where he'll face Big Rich's Dinner For Two. Bull riding remains rodeo's most treacherous event, where eight seconds can mean the difference between championship glory and serious injury. Wright's fearless approach to bull riding has earned him respect throughout the rodeo community, though it's also led to some spectacular wrecks over his career.

The bull riding competition in Round 7 features an elite field that includes Ky Hamilton, Luke Mackey, and Mason Moody. Bulls like Splash Tide, Zebulon, and Tiny Tornado represent some of the rankest animals in professional rodeo, each capable of ending a cowboy's night in spectacular fashion.

The Physical and Mental Toll

Competing in three events over ten nights represents an almost superhuman feat of endurance. Between each ride, Wright must mentally reset, adjusting his approach to match the specific demands of each discipline. The physical recovery time between events is minimal—often just minutes—leaving little room for the bumps and bruises to be properly addressed.

Consider the stark differences: Saddle bronc riding requires fluid, rhythmic spurring and perfect posture. Bull riding demands explosive power and lightning-fast reflexes. Each event taxes different muscle groups and requires distinct mental approaches. Most cowboys specialize in just one event for their entire careers; Wright is competing at the highest level in three simultaneously.

What's at Stake

As Round 7 approaches, the pressure continues to mount. With only four rounds remaining after tonight, every ride, every point, and every dollar becomes exponentially more important. Gold buckles are awarded to the winners of each individual event, plus the All-Around title, making this week's performances crucial for legacy-building.

The financial implications are substantial as well. The NFR distributes millions of dollars in prize money, with payouts determined by performance in each round. For cowboys like Wright and Schalla, success here can define an entire year's earnings and set the tone for their careers moving forward.

The Broader Competition

While Wright and Schalla command much of the attention in the All-Around race, Round 7 features world-class competition across all events. The barrel racing competition showcases talents like Hailey Kinsel and Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi. Team roping features powerhouse duos including Clay Smith and Coleby Payne. Tie-down roping brings together technical masters like Shad Mayfield and Haven Meged.

Each event contributes to the rich tapestry of the NFR experience, where ten rounds of competition determine world champions across multiple disciplines. The daysheet reveals the carefully orchestrated chaos that defines rodeo's premier event—hundreds of athletes, animals, and support personnel converging for excellence.

Looking Ahead

As we inch closer to the final rounds, Wright's strategy becomes increasingly clear: maintain consistency across all three events while looking for opportunities to gain ground. A single exceptional ride can shift momentum dramatically, while one mistake can prove costly in such a competitive field.

The beauty of rodeo lies in its unpredictability. Wright could draw challenging matchups that make scoring difficult, or he could catch the perfect storm of draws that allows him to separate from the pack. Schalla faces similar uncertainties, making every ride must-see television for rodeo enthusiasts.

Conclusion

Stetson Wright's performance at the 2025 NFR embodies everything that makes rodeo captivating: courage, versatility, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. His triple-threat approach to Round 7, competing in saddle bronc riding with Cracker Jack, bull riding with Big Rich's Dinner For Two, and battling Wacey Schalla for All-Around supremacy, represents the pinnacle of athletic achievement in Western sports.

As the Thomas & Mack Center lights shine bright for Round 7, all eyes will be on Wright to see if he can maintain his momentum across multiple events. Whether he succeeds or stumbles, his willingness to compete at this level commands respect and admiration from fans and fellow competitors alike. With three rounds remaining after tonight, the 2025 NFR continues to deliver the drama, excitement, and authentic Western competition that has made it rodeo's crown jewel.