FORT WORTH, Texas -- The 2017 edition of the World's Original Indoor Rodeo at the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo began with a saddle bronc riding battle at the first of 29 rodeo performances that run daily until February 4.

The competition looked like a family affair with three of the Wright brothers from Milford, Utah, and their brother-in-law, CoBurn Bradshaw, trading the lead. Older brother Alex Wright started the battle with a 74.5-point ride, but then Jesse (one of a pair of twins) moved into the lead with 77.5 points. Bradshaw took what seemed to be the lead with a score of 82 and then the other twin, Jake, scored 83. It looked as if Jake would be the leader after the first night of competition, but Canadian cowboy Jake Watson had the final say.

Watson, who had been granted a re-ride after his first bronc didn't buck enough to give him a fair chance, had better luck the second time around. After the bull riding ended the rodeo, Watson rode J Bar J Rodeo's Money Maker for 87 points and a four-point lead over Jake Wright in the first round.

Friday night's field in saddle bronc, bareback, bull riding, and team roping compete in round two Saturday morning at 10. Watson, who qualified for his first National Finals Rodeo in December, will be aiming for another high score to earn a spot in the championship finals here on February 4.

Garrett Smith of Rexburg, Idaho, is making the most of 2017 in Fort Worth. Smith was one of two cowboys to stay on a bull for eight seconds Friday night and leads the bull riding by 4.5 points. On Tuesday night he rode two bulls during the Bulls' Night Out action and earned just under $14,000. The only three-time national high school all-around champion Smith is currently ranked second in the 2017 world standings and is aiming for his second NFR.

The World's Original Indoor Rodeo continues Saturday with performances at 10 AM, 2 PM and 7:30 PM at Fort Worth's historic Will Rogers Coliseum.

-Information Courtesy of Johna Cravens