By Derek Beck
Territorial Rodeo Update/Your Ag Network
Fresh off a $50,000 payday at one of rodeo’s biggest stages, saddle bronc rider Wyatt Casper is riding a wave of momentum — and a self-described redemption tour — through the heart of the 2026 season.
Casper captured the Calgary Stampede title with a championship ride aboard Mary Lou, defeating a field stacked with many of the world’s best saddle bronc riders.
“Oh man, it means a lot,” Casper told the Territorial Rodeo Update. “You go up there and compete against some of the best bronc riders in the world, and to come out on top is a pretty awesome feeling.”
Casper had been waiting a long time for an opportunity to draw Mary Lou. When the moment finally arrived, the highly regarded bronc lived up to his expectations.
“It was everything I dreamed it would be,” Casper said. “I was glad I was able to pick that one.”
The Calgary victory continued a strong summer run for Casper, who has been collecting checks throughout June and July. That success has provided an added boost as he battles his way through the PRCA world standings.
“You get a little confidence about you, especially when you get on a roll like that,” Casper said. “My June and July have been pretty dang good to me, so the confidence is through the roof. We’re just beyond excited.”
There will not be much time for Casper to celebrate. His upcoming schedule includes stops in Salinas, California; Cheyenne, Wyoming; Westcliffe, Colorado; Salt Lake City; Ogden and Spanish Fork, Utah; and Pollockville, Alberta.
Casper entered the stretch ranked around ninth in the world standings as he works toward a return to the National Finals Rodeo. After narrowly missing the NFR in 2025, Casper said the disappointment became motivation for his 2026 campaign.
“It’s kind of my redemption year,” Casper said. “Missing out on the NFR last year was pretty heartbreaking for us, but it was back to the drawing board the next week. We got a good start to the 2026 season, and it’s still rolling.”
Preparing for each ride also involves studying the animal beneath him. Casper said his experience allows him to recognize many of today’s horses, but he will contact other riders and watch videos when he draws an unfamiliar bronc.
“Unless they’re new on the block or a young colt, I usually call my buddies or watch some videos and kind of get a game plan,” he said.
Casper is focused on returning to Las Vegas, but he also settled one other important question during his visit with the Territorial Rodeo Update: His steak of choice is a ribeye cooked medium-rare — leaning closer to rare.
Listen to the complete interview with Casper on this week’s Territorial Rodeo Update with Derek Beck.