Polson's Mesa Bell to compete at Indian National Finals Rodeo

Polson fans were ecstatic when Mesa Bell caught her calf in winning time to take the break-away roping at the River Rodeo held this past weekend at the Polson Fairgrounds. The win means that Mesa will be representing Polson and the Flathead Reservation at the Indian National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas October 18-22.

Mesa also competed in the barrel racing later in the evening under the lights. She had a clean run, but her time did not put her near the top. The winner of the barrels was Tiffany Teehee from Oklahoma who was the first barrel racer of the night to run the pattern. Her combined time for two runs was 35.634.

The bareback riding event was the lead-off event and the riders did not disappoint. Four riders scored in the 70’s and Cam Bruised Head from Standoff, Alberta won the event with a score of 81 for the night and a combined score of 156.

Twelve men showed their brut strength in the steer wrestling competition. Kash Shade from Lethbridge, Alberta came into the event with the third fastest time in the long event and then caught and flipped his steer in 3.26 seconds to win both the night and the overall steer wrestling competition.

Kordell Walker from Elmo participated in the saddle bronc event but had a disappointing night as he was tossed off — flying over the bronc’s head. He was not alone, however as all except one rider were bested by their saddle broncs. Justin Whiteman from Busby, MT scored an 84 to win the event as the only rider to make it to the buzzer.

The bulls in the bull riding event bucked and spun fiercely and also sent all but one rider to the ground before the buzzer. That rider, Preston Louis from Browning, MT scored an 82 to assure his participation at the national finals.

The tie-down roping event was won by Nolan Conway of Cut Bank. Most of the ropers caught their calves, but in their efforts to have a fast time, several broke the barrier or had their quick tie-down kicked off by their calves. Conway made it a double win by taking the team roping event with his heeler, Dustin Bird. Their combined time between the long and short rounds was 13.49.

The grandstands were full from beginning to end and additional spectators filled picnic tables and the beer garden while more stood near the fence throughout the night of thrilling rodeo action. Several former world champions as well as current leaders in their events competed and kept the excitement high.

The crowd was also treated to an appearance by Mo Brings Plenty, one of the stars of the hit series "Yellowstone." Mo was present to hand out awards at the end of the rodeo and also brought some comedy with his interactions with the rodeo clown and a couple of fun-loving spectators.

The pick-up men and the bull fighters did a tremendous job in protecting the riders from their rough stock foes after their rides. Many of the animals were quite challenging--going after the riders they had shed or refusing to leave the arena. Several of these horses and bulls may very well appear at the INFR finals.

All of the rodeo athletes who finished Saturday evening with the best combined scores or best combined times not only won prize money, but also assured themselves a spot in the INFR finals. Several others at the River Rodeo will also compete at the finals based on their prize money earned during the touring season. The finals will be held in Las Vegas October 18-22 and the competition will be televised on RIDE TV.