Presley Smith didn’t plan on taking the rodeo world by storm in 2022, but if you ask her, she’ll say God arranged it that way. She and Jerry McGuire made headlines in May when they topped the inaugural Resistol Rookie Roundup—and popped back on the scene in a big way as the summer run kicked off.
Smith’s 15.35-second run in Mt Pleasant Texas earned her the win, then it was on to Hugo, Oklahoma, where her 15.32-second run meant another win, and $1,995 in her jeans. Her efforts moved her to No. 2 in the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association Resistol Rookie standings with $20,471.50 in 30 rodeos, behind No. 1 position holder Bayleigh Choate, who has $27,923.64 racked up in 43 rodeos.
After the Rookie Roundup, Jerry McGuire had the chance to run a few circuit rodeos and spend a lot of time relaxing at Smith’s home in Denham Springs, Louisiana. While the buckskin gelding rested, things began to shift around in Smith’s life at breakneck speed, and they led her to one conclusion: it was time for her to hit the road.
Hauling Partner? ✔️
Smith befriended multiple-time NFR qualifier Sarah Waguespack last year at a barrel race and plans on traveling with her fellow Louisiana cowgirl for the summer.
Jerry McGuire loving rodeos? ✔️
“I just haven’t put any pressure on him. If he shows that he wants to do this and he feels good I’ll enter him. I keep entering him and he keeps doing well,” Smith said.
Parental Support? ✔️
“I had a sit-down conversation with my parents, and they’re 100 percent in support. They feel like it’s a good time in my life financially and as far as adult responsibilities go, where I can get away. That opportunity might not always be there, and the horse might not always be,” Smith said. “We’re excited—they’re going to come to Cheyenne and cheer us on.”
Backup Horse? ✔️
Smith’s friend called her about Mister Prime Time, a 6-year-old gelding known as “Optimus Prime.” Optimus Prime is by PG Dry Fire and out of Prime Time Rocket, by Frenchman’s Guy. Erin Beukleman took the gelding to futurities as a 5-year-old. Smith has already cashed 1D checks at barrel races aboard the gelding, and she was pleased with his ability to play in the mud after encountering rain in Crossett, Arkansas.
With all the pieces rapidly falling into place, Smith couldn’t help but make the leap to head out for the summer.
“I’m super excited. This wasn’t planned at all. I’ve always dreamed of getting to go out west for the summer and rodeo, but I never really thought it would happen, at least not this early in my life,” Smith said. “I try to keep telling myself it doesn’t matter how I do out there, it’s just a blessing to get to go.”
For full results from last week’s ProRodeo events and more information on the winners, click here. ProRodeo coverage is brought to you all season long thanks to our friends at Equinety.
WPRA Resistol Rookie Standings as of June 06, 2022.
| 1 | Bayleigh Choate (R) | Fort Worth, TX | $27,923.64 | 43 |
| 2 | Presley Smith (R) | Denham Springs, LA | $20,471.50 | 30 |
| 3 | Kailee Murdock (R) | Litchfield Park, AZ | $17,689.95 | 20 |
| 4 | Taycie Matthews (R) | Wynne, AR | $17,126.35 | 32 |
| 5 | Jamie Olsen (R) | Brock, TX | $13,817.72 | 48 |
| 6 | Katie Chism (R) | Tiskilwa, IL | $9,792.47 | 15 |
| 7 | Laura Mote (R) | Llano, TX | $9,209.75 | 19 |
| 8 | Bugg Beeler (R) | Terrell, TX | $7,219.65 | 33 |
| 9 | Jordan Driver (R) | Garden City, TX | $6,452.93 | 31 |
| 10 | Chelsie Stodghill (R) | Prineville, OR | $3,866.56 | 9 |
