Patrick Smith and the Team Roper at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo

If you’re a fan of Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, you’ve probably seen Patrick Smith’s name pop up a few times on the roping trail. He’s been in the saddle for over three decades and has been a part of numerous memorable moments. After a few years away from the rodeo spotlight, he’s back and ready to make his mark on the world stage.

It’s no secret that Smith has been having a good week at the WNFR. While he hasn’t qualified for the coveted title of World Champion in seven years, he’s made his mark on the world through his roping abilities and business acumen. His most recent effort at the WNFR was a successful one, as he and his partner Tanner Tomlinson finished third. They earned $14,690 each on Friday and are sitting in the top spot in average for the bucking bronc class.

For the past several months, the pair has been on a roll, roping all three heads and earning the respect of many in the roping community. On Saturday, they made a run for first place in the tie-down roping class, finishing with 18.8 points. Those figures are quite impressive considering that the pair were only able to score the winning point on two of their five entries.

When the Wrangler NFR opened on Thursday, the team of Tomlinson and Smith had a combined earnings of $117,368. That’s a lot of money, but it’s not all that hard to see why they’re having a great time. With an estimated payoff of $74,150 for taking the top spot in average, the pair are certainly playing the field and should be in good shape for the long haul.

During his time at the WNFR, Smith has learned a thing or two about the art of the deal, from overcoming nerves to identifying the right horse for the job. In his spare time, he likes to share his roping knowledge through his blog, which you can find here.