{"id":5044,"date":"2025-12-03T04:30:41","date_gmt":"2025-12-03T04:30:41","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.wyolifestyle.com\/?p=5044"},"modified":"2025-12-03T04:41:15","modified_gmt":"2025-12-03T04:41:15","slug":"heading-into-vegas-5-big-storylines-for-the-2025-nfr-through-the-lens-of-3h-rodeo","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.wyolifestyle.com\/?p=5044","title":{"rendered":"Heading into Vegas: 5 Big Storylines for the 2025 NFR \u2014 Through the Lens of 3H Rodeo &#8211; by Wayne Hassinger, Photojournalist &#8211; 3H Photography\/3H Rodeo"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">As we prepare for the energy, excitement, and suspense of what is the <em>Wrangler National Finals Rodeo<\/em> (NFR), I thought I\u2019d share some storylines heading into this year\u2019s Super Bowl of Rodeo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>It is important to note at the onset, while I capture a lot of rodeo action through the lens, I am not a \u201ccarded\u201d PRCA photographer and thus do not have access to \u201cshoot\u201d the National Finals Rodeo. PRCA photographers must go through a comprehensive process to get their card, and even then, they must be selected to shoot the NFR. While I await news on my recent PRCA application, I continue \u201cshooting\u201d amateur, youth, and pro rodeos and bull ridings that I am invited to.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Typically, this time of year is full of anticipation leading up to the NFR while winter rodeos kickoff around the country signaling the beginning of the new rodeo season. However, as of this writing, the rodeo world is solely focused on an outbreak of Equine herpes virus (EV-1) that broke out mid-November which has numerous events canceling or rescheduling in an effort to keep all horses safe. In simplified terms, think Covid for horses (both in terms of potential danger to the horses and people\u2019s reactions to the outbreak). I could write an entire blog on the current situation, but Kendra Santos already penned a fantastic post covering the topic (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/kendrasantoscowboys\">https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/kendrasantoscowboys<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Let\u2019s look forward by reflecting just a bit. It\u2019s been on my mind to reflect on five key storylines coming into the 2025 NFR, and how some of what I captured at the Daddy of \u2018em All (<em>Cheyenne Frontier Days<\/em>) ties into what is going to make this year\u2019s NFR one for the books. Every cowboy and cowgirl knows &#8211; a win at Cheyenne can change their season and propel them into solid spot in the top 15.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>1. The Bubble Battles: Who Fought Their Way into the NFR<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Easily one of the most compelling themes of this rodeo season has been the fight to just <em>get in<\/em>. Ride hurt, sleep less, travel farther, be cowboy \u2014 the guys and gals who clawed for every dollar while gutting it out to secure that coveted NFR berth should be congratulated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While Rocker, Stetson, Wacey, and Riley all punched their tickets to the show with plenty of season left, some of the sports\u2019 biggest names were down to the wire:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.wyolifestyle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/3HRodeo7-19-25_CFD_02185_Rocker-scaled.jpg\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"http:\/\/www.wyolifestyle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/3HRodeo7-19-25_CFD_02185_Rocker-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5045\" srcset=\"http:\/\/www.wyolifestyle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/3HRodeo7-19-25_CFD_02185_Rocker-1024x683.jpg 1024w, http:\/\/www.wyolifestyle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/3HRodeo7-19-25_CFD_02185_Rocker-300x200.jpg 300w, http:\/\/www.wyolifestyle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/3HRodeo7-19-25_CFD_02185_Rocker-768x512.jpg 768w, http:\/\/www.wyolifestyle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/3HRodeo7-19-25_CFD_02185_Rocker-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, http:\/\/www.wyolifestyle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/3HRodeo7-19-25_CFD_02185_Rocker-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, http:\/\/www.wyolifestyle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/3HRodeo7-19-25_CFD_02185_Rocker-1140x760.jpg 1140w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">2025 CFD July 19th Rodeo Performance<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Saddle bronc rider Lefty Holman secured the 15th spot on the season\u2019s final day, edging out Wyat Casper by less than $2,000.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>16-time qualifier tie down roper Shane Hanchey punched his ticket for the 15<sup>th<\/sup> spot by a mere $1,600 by earning a $4,000 payday in Sioux Falls<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bareback rider R.C. Landingham missed the 15<sup>th<\/sup> spot taken by Tilden Hooper by $110 \u2013 down to the wire, to the last jump \u2013 unbelievable!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.wyolifestyle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/3HRodeo7-24-25_CFD_09357_-scaled.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"673\" src=\"http:\/\/www.wyolifestyle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/3HRodeo7-24-25_CFD_09357_-1024x673.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5046\" srcset=\"http:\/\/www.wyolifestyle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/3HRodeo7-24-25_CFD_09357_-1024x673.jpg 1024w, http:\/\/www.wyolifestyle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/3HRodeo7-24-25_CFD_09357_-300x197.jpg 300w, http:\/\/www.wyolifestyle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/3HRodeo7-24-25_CFD_09357_-768x505.jpg 768w, http:\/\/www.wyolifestyle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/3HRodeo7-24-25_CFD_09357_-1536x1009.jpg 1536w, http:\/\/www.wyolifestyle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/3HRodeo7-24-25_CFD_09357_-2048x1346.jpg 2048w, http:\/\/www.wyolifestyle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/3HRodeo7-24-25_CFD_09357_-1140x749.jpg 1140w, http:\/\/www.wyolifestyle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/3HRodeo7-24-25_CFD_09357_-500x330.jpg 500w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">2025 CFD July 24th Rodeo Performance<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Why it matters for Vegas:<\/strong> These are the scrappers with momentum. They\u2019ve earned a spot in the show, and in a pressure cooker like the NFR, that kind of grit can lead to a championship buckle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>2. History-Making Performances at Cheyenne &amp; Their Impact on the Standings<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Daddy of \u2018em All is more than the largest outdoor rodeo &#8211; it is a battleground where world standings shift in real time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>On Championship Sunday, bareback rider Kade Berry broke a <em>51-year-old<\/em> arena record with a 93.5-point ride on <em>Lunatic Heaven<\/em>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Also, on Championship Sunday, Brody Cress took a historic victory lap \u2013 look at the excitement of winning his record 4<sup>th<\/sup> CFD saddle bronc championship on <em>The Black Tie<\/em> and making huge movement to qualifying for his ninth NFR.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The total payout at CFD was huge \u2014 more than <strong>$1.12 million<\/strong>! That kind of cash doesn\u2019t just keep you going down the road \u2013 it reshapes the race to Vegas!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.wyolifestyle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/3HRodeo7-27-25_CFD_02495_Brody-scaled.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"http:\/\/www.wyolifestyle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/3HRodeo7-27-25_CFD_02495_Brody-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5047\" srcset=\"http:\/\/www.wyolifestyle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/3HRodeo7-27-25_CFD_02495_Brody-1024x683.jpg 1024w, http:\/\/www.wyolifestyle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/3HRodeo7-27-25_CFD_02495_Brody-300x200.jpg 300w, http:\/\/www.wyolifestyle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/3HRodeo7-27-25_CFD_02495_Brody-768x512.jpg 768w, http:\/\/www.wyolifestyle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/3HRodeo7-27-25_CFD_02495_Brody-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, http:\/\/www.wyolifestyle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/3HRodeo7-27-25_CFD_02495_Brody-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, http:\/\/www.wyolifestyle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/3HRodeo7-27-25_CFD_02495_Brody-1140x760.jpg 1140w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">2025 CFD July 27th Rodeo Performance<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>I\u2019m fortunate to shoot from \u201cthe dirt\u201d on the hallowed grounds of Frontier Park, and I work hard to capture moments for the cowboys &amp; cowgirls as well as the grit, the emotions, and the pageantry of pro rodeo. I get the shots of tight grips on the reins, deep breaths in the ready-area, the Dandies at work, and the animal athletes when they\u2019re not performing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.wyolifestyle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/3HRodeo7-19-25_CFD_03020_-scaled.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"http:\/\/www.wyolifestyle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/3HRodeo7-19-25_CFD_03020_-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5048\" srcset=\"http:\/\/www.wyolifestyle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/3HRodeo7-19-25_CFD_03020_-1024x683.jpg 1024w, http:\/\/www.wyolifestyle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/3HRodeo7-19-25_CFD_03020_-300x200.jpg 300w, http:\/\/www.wyolifestyle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/3HRodeo7-19-25_CFD_03020_-768x512.jpg 768w, http:\/\/www.wyolifestyle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/3HRodeo7-19-25_CFD_03020_-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, http:\/\/www.wyolifestyle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/3HRodeo7-19-25_CFD_03020_-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, http:\/\/www.wyolifestyle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/3HRodeo7-19-25_CFD_03020_-1140x760.jpg 1140w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">2025 CFD July 19th Rodeo Performance<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>3. Young Guns vs. Experienced Killers<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This year\u2019s NFR field is packed with contrasts: First-time qualifiers going toe-to-toe with proven rodeo veterans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>In bareback, four cowboys are making their NFR debut.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>On the women\u2019s side, Lisa Lockhart secured her 19th NFR qualification, tying the all-time record.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>During 9 CFD rodeo perfs, I photographed a number of these faces: The rookies brimming with optimism, the veterans with their calm intensity, and the anticipation of what the future holds.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.wyolifestyle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/3HRodeo7-27-25_CFD_03638_Lisa-Lockhart-scaled.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"http:\/\/www.wyolifestyle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/3HRodeo7-27-25_CFD_03638_Lisa-Lockhart-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5049\" srcset=\"http:\/\/www.wyolifestyle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/3HRodeo7-27-25_CFD_03638_Lisa-Lockhart-1024x683.jpg 1024w, http:\/\/www.wyolifestyle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/3HRodeo7-27-25_CFD_03638_Lisa-Lockhart-300x200.jpg 300w, http:\/\/www.wyolifestyle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/3HRodeo7-27-25_CFD_03638_Lisa-Lockhart-768x512.jpg 768w, http:\/\/www.wyolifestyle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/3HRodeo7-27-25_CFD_03638_Lisa-Lockhart-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, http:\/\/www.wyolifestyle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/3HRodeo7-27-25_CFD_03638_Lisa-Lockhart-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, http:\/\/www.wyolifestyle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/3HRodeo7-27-25_CFD_03638_Lisa-Lockhart-1140x760.jpg 1140w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">2025 CFD July 27th Rodeo Performance<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Vegas significance:<\/strong> When fresh energy meets hard-earned experience, the result is unpredictable \u2014 and electric.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>4. Paychecks Are Bigger Than Ever and the Stakes Are Higher<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Pro rodeo has come a long way in the last decade, and that\u2019s clear when you look at the money to be won. There is a lot of discussion about the money in rodeo \u2013 some suggest that the added money makes it look better than it actually is for many cowboys &amp; cowgirls \u2013 but that\u2019s an article for another day.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Nearly all NFR qualifiers this year crossed six-figure earnings in the regular season.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The massive payout at The Dad had real consequences for the world standings. CFD has always had this effect, but the purse continues to grow which is the other reason every cowboy must make it to Cheyenne.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Higher earnings mean tighter margins, more pressure, and bigger swings in who comes out on top in Vegas.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.wyolifestyle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/3HRodeo7-27-25_CFD_01519_-scaled.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"655\" src=\"http:\/\/www.wyolifestyle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/3HRodeo7-27-25_CFD_01519_-1024x655.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5050\" srcset=\"http:\/\/www.wyolifestyle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/3HRodeo7-27-25_CFD_01519_-1024x655.jpg 1024w, http:\/\/www.wyolifestyle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/3HRodeo7-27-25_CFD_01519_-300x192.jpg 300w, http:\/\/www.wyolifestyle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/3HRodeo7-27-25_CFD_01519_-768x491.jpg 768w, http:\/\/www.wyolifestyle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/3HRodeo7-27-25_CFD_01519_-1536x982.jpg 1536w, http:\/\/www.wyolifestyle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/3HRodeo7-27-25_CFD_01519_-2048x1309.jpg 2048w, http:\/\/www.wyolifestyle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/3HRodeo7-27-25_CFD_01519_-1140x729.jpg 1140w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">2025 CFD July 27th Rodeo Performance<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>5. Gold Buckle Dreams &amp; Who Can Handle the Heat<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Above everything else, the NFR is about one thing: <strong>The gold buckle<\/strong>. The season storylines about the newcomers, the veterans, and the money chase all lead to Vegas for the top 15 in each event, and now it\u2019s time to see who can handle the pressure on the biggest stage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>In bareback, Rocker Steiner has been a dominant force and solely focused on taking that buckle home, but guys like Sam Petersen, the new young gun in the bareback event, are coming into Vegas with plenty of confidence. &nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cowboys like Ty Harris &amp; Brody Cress have been here many times before but have yet to take the world champion buckle home.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>In all my years shooting CFD, I have always worked to capture images of cowboys and cowgirls facing the pressure and winning despite it. The great thing about the Dad \u2013 contestants want to win the coveted CFD buckle almost as much as that NFR gold buckle \u2013 so the pressure is always on at the Daddy of \u2018em All.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Vegas matters because<\/strong> this isn\u2019t just about the payday. It\u2019s about legacy. Who can peak at the right time and be their best for 10 days in December? Who can handle the lights, the pressure, and the expectations?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.wyolifestyle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/3HRodeo7-20-25_CFD_02965_-scaled.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"http:\/\/www.wyolifestyle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/3HRodeo7-20-25_CFD_02965_-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5051\" srcset=\"http:\/\/www.wyolifestyle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/3HRodeo7-20-25_CFD_02965_-1024x683.jpg 1024w, http:\/\/www.wyolifestyle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/3HRodeo7-20-25_CFD_02965_-300x200.jpg 300w, http:\/\/www.wyolifestyle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/3HRodeo7-20-25_CFD_02965_-768x512.jpg 768w, http:\/\/www.wyolifestyle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/3HRodeo7-20-25_CFD_02965_-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, http:\/\/www.wyolifestyle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/3HRodeo7-20-25_CFD_02965_-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, http:\/\/www.wyolifestyle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/3HRodeo7-20-25_CFD_02965_-1140x760.jpg 1140w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">2025 CFD July 20th Rodeo Performance<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Closing Thoughts \u2014 Through the 3H Lens<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As I look ahead to the NFR, just a short 10 days away now, I don\u2019t just see those yellow chutes and the lights of Vegas \u2014 I see stories. Every picture I made this year at Cheyenne has its echo in Las Vegas: the rising rookies, the veteran champions, the celebrations &amp; the disappointments, and the pressure-filled ready-area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s what I\u2019ll be watching in Vegas:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Those bubble-qualifiers who fought, who grinded, who were cowboy, and who made it.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cowboys &amp; cowgirls who made major moves at Cheyenne and carried that momentum all the way to Vegas.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>How the first-time NFR qualifiers handle the bright lights and pressure of the show.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>How the veterans handle the pressure from the young guns. They\u2019ve got experience handling the pressure of the NFR, but how do they handle those coming for them?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>You can bet on this \u2013 I\u2019m pulling for every one of them! Thanks for riding and reading along.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>All photos \u00a92025 3H Photography\/3H Rodeo <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Follow 3H Photography\/3H Rodeo &#8230;  <a href=\"https:\/\/www.3hrodeo.com\/\">website<\/a>   <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/profile.php?id=100091835653165\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/profile.php?id=100091835653165\">Facebook<\/a>   Instagram @3hphotography<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>As we prepare for the energy, excitement, and suspense of what is the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (NFR), I thought I\u2019d share some storylines heading into this year\u2019s Super Bowl of Rodeo. It is important to note at the onset, while I capture a lot of rodeo action through the lens, I am not a \u201ccarded\u201d PRCA photographer and thus do not have access to \u201cshoot\u201d the National Finals Rodeo. PRCA photographers must go through a comprehensive process to get their card, and even then, they must be selected to shoot the NFR. While I await news on my recent PRCA application, I continue \u201cshooting\u201d amateur, youth, and pro rodeos and bull ridings that I am invited to. Typically, this time of year is full of anticipation leading up to the NFR while winter rodeos kickoff around the country signaling the beginning of the new rodeo season. However, as of this writing, the rodeo world is solely focused on an outbreak of Equine herpes virus (EV-1) that broke out mid-November which has numerous events canceling or rescheduling in an effort to keep all horses safe. In simplified terms, think Covid for horses (both in terms of potential danger to the horses and people\u2019s reactions to the outbreak). I could write an entire blog on the current situation, but Kendra Santos already penned a fantastic post covering the topic (https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/kendrasantoscowboys). Let\u2019s look forward by reflecting just a bit. It\u2019s been on my mind to reflect on five key storylines coming into the 2025 NFR, and how some of what I captured at the Daddy of \u2018em All (Cheyenne Frontier Days) ties into what is going to make this year\u2019s NFR one for the books. Every cowboy and cowgirl knows &#8211; a win at Cheyenne can change their season and propel them into solid spot in the top 15.&nbsp; 1. The Bubble Battles: Who Fought Their Way into the NFR Easily one of the most compelling themes of this rodeo season has been the fight to just get in. Ride hurt, sleep less, travel farther, be cowboy \u2014 the guys and gals who clawed for every dollar while gutting it out to secure that coveted NFR berth should be congratulated. While Rocker, Stetson, Wacey, and Riley all punched their tickets to the show with plenty of season left, some of the sports\u2019 biggest names were down to the wire: Why it matters for Vegas: These are the scrappers with momentum. They\u2019ve earned a spot in the show, and in a pressure cooker like the NFR, that kind of grit can lead to a championship buckle. 2. History-Making Performances at Cheyenne &amp; Their Impact on the Standings The Daddy of \u2018em All is more than the largest outdoor rodeo &#8211; it is a battleground where world standings shift in real time. I\u2019m fortunate to shoot from \u201cthe dirt\u201d on the hallowed grounds of Frontier Park, and I work hard to capture moments for the cowboys &amp; cowgirls as well as the grit, the emotions, and the pageantry of pro rodeo. I get the shots of tight grips on the reins, deep breaths in the ready-area, the Dandies at work, and the animal athletes when they\u2019re not performing. 3. Young Guns vs. Experienced Killers This year\u2019s NFR field is packed with contrasts: First-time qualifiers going toe-to-toe with proven rodeo veterans. Vegas significance: When fresh energy meets hard-earned experience, the result is unpredictable \u2014 and electric. 4. Paychecks Are Bigger Than Ever and the Stakes Are Higher Pro rodeo has come a long way in the last decade, and that\u2019s clear when you look at the money to be won. There is a lot of discussion about the money in rodeo \u2013 some suggest that the added money makes it look better than it actually is for many cowboys &amp; cowgirls \u2013 but that\u2019s an article for another day.&nbsp; 5. Gold Buckle Dreams &amp; Who Can Handle the Heat Above everything else, the NFR is about one thing: The gold buckle. The season storylines about the newcomers, the veterans, and the money chase all lead to Vegas for the top 15 in each event, and now it\u2019s time to see who can handle the pressure on the biggest stage. Vegas matters because this isn\u2019t just about the payday. It\u2019s about legacy. Who can peak at the right time and be their best for 10 days in December? Who can handle the lights, the pressure, and the expectations? Closing Thoughts \u2014 Through the 3H Lens As I look ahead to the NFR, just a short 10 days away now, I don\u2019t just see those yellow chutes and the lights of Vegas \u2014 I see stories. Every picture I made this year at Cheyenne has its echo in Las Vegas: the rising rookies, the veteran champions, the celebrations &amp; the disappointments, and the pressure-filled ready-area. Here\u2019s what I\u2019ll be watching in Vegas: You can bet on this \u2013 I\u2019m pulling for every one of them! Thanks for riding and reading along. All photos \u00a92025 3H Photography\/3H Rodeo Follow 3H Photography\/3H Rodeo &#8230; website Facebook Instagram @3hphotography<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":5045,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1706,69,167,184,146,1707,118],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5044","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-3h-photography-rodeo-blogs","category-most-recent","category-wy-people","category-wyoming-agriculture","category-wyoming-athletics","category-wyoming-rodeo","category-wyoming-travel-and-tourism"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.wyolifestyle.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5044","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.wyolifestyle.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.wyolifestyle.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.wyolifestyle.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.wyolifestyle.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=5044"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"http:\/\/www.wyolifestyle.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5044\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5055,"href":"http:\/\/www.wyolifestyle.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5044\/revisions\/5055"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.wyolifestyle.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/5045"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.wyolifestyle.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=5044"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.wyolifestyle.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=5044"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.wyolifestyle.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=5044"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}