Could This Be Bareback Rider Ty Taypotat's Year?

The 2018 rodeo season has been a great one to bareback rider Ty Taypotat. He’s sitting third in the Canadian Standings, he’s No. 18 in the world standings, and he’s continuing that roll at the 2018 Strathmore Stampede. 

Watch the Strathmore Stampede LIVE on FloRodeo August 3 to 6, 2018.

The six-time Canadian Finals Rodeo qualifier has always shown tremendous talent, but he says the difference this year comes from having a healthy body. 

"I feel great, healthy," said Taypotat. "In the past, I've had lots of issues with being hurt... from torn biceps to torn off groins, to broken ribs... I fractured my sternum here last year too. Just a bad deal with injuries — everyone gets hurt in rodeo of course, it's going to happen."

According to Taypotat's PRCA bio, those injuries are minor compared to other he's sustained including a bruised heart, collapsed lung, broken ankle, broke hand, a kidney tear, and several concussions.

"I feel like I've had a few setbacks because of that and I'm just happy to be healthy this year, I feel great," said Taypotat.

That healthy feeling shows on the leaderboards almost everywhere Taypotat has gone this season. The Regina, Saskatchewan, cowboy has earned $21,338.10 in the CPRA and a possible career-best in the PRCA with $44,261.85 currently.

Taypotat could be adding to those totals after he turned in an 86.5-point ride in the opening performance aboard C5 Rodeo’s 204 Mushroom Cloud to go to the lead. He has three more performance to sweat out before he will find out the final results, but a score like that should easily earn him a large check.

More money on the board means a better chance to qualify for not only the Canadian Finals Rodeo in a higher position and have a better chance of winning a Canadian title, but also the chance to qualify for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo.

"That would be awesome, that's definitely my dream," said Taypotat. "I want to be there... hopefully [I] keep drawing good this year and stay healthy."