One horse, however, stood out among the rest this year—Peso. Backing into the box with three different cowboys at the 2024 NFR, Peso earned nearly $300,000, out-earning any individual tie-down roper.
1. Daddys Shiner Cat
For the past several years, Daddys Shiner Cat, aka Peso, owned by Logan Bird, has been a standout in the Thomas & Mack Center, and 2024 was no exception. The remarkable buckskin gelding won money in eight out of ten rounds, earning a total of $292,304.95 for Ty Harris, Joel Braden Harris, and Tuf Cooper.
Earnings Breakdown
Round 1 Joel Braden Harris – $26,624
Joel Braden Harris – $26,624
Round 3 Ty Harris – $33,687 Joel Braden Harris – $20,104
Ty Harris – $33,687
Joel Braden Harris – $20,104
Round 4 Ty Harris – $5,433
Ty Harris – $5,433
Round 5 Joel Braden Harris – $33,687 Ty Harris – $8,693
Joel Braden Harris – $33,687
Ty Harris – $8,693
Round 6 Joel Braden Harris – $14,127
Joel Braden Harris – $14,127
Round 8 Ty Harris – $30,155
Ty Harris – $30,155
Round 9 Joel Braden Harris – $33,687 Ty Harris – $20,285 Tuf Cooper – $20,285
Joel Braden Harris – $33,687
Ty Harris – $20,285
Tuf Cooper – $20,285
Round 10 Joel Braden Harris – $2,717
Joel Braden Harris – $2,717
Average Ty Harris – $14,670 Joel Braden Harris – $8,150
Ty Harris – $14,670
Joel Braden Harris – $8,150
2. Marked Up Cat
In 2023, Riley Webb rode Marked Up Cat, aka Rudy, in nine of ten rounds, earning his first World Title. This year, in 2024, Rudy continued to shine in the Thomas & Mack, helping Webb secure his second World Title and first Average title, earning $258,307.12 at the Finals alone. Rudy helped Webb win three rounds and place in five others at the 2024 NFR.
Earnings Breakdown
Round 1 $33,687
$33,687
Round 2 $33,687
$33,687
Round 3 $26,624
$26,624
Round 4 $33,687
$33,687
Round 6 $8,693
$8,693
Round 7 $5,433
$5,433
Round 8 $11,410
$11,410
Round 10 $8,693
$8,693
Average $86,391
$86,391
3. For Goodness Shakes
Haven Meged and For Goodness Shakes, aka Lil Punch, showed up to work at the 2023 NFR, tying the arena record, earning $206,196 and the NFR Average title. At the 2024 NFR, Meged and Lil Punch delivered again, winning $166,482.39 by placing in five rounds and finishing third in the average.
Earnings Breakdown
Round 5 $26,624
$26,624
Round 6 $33,687
$33,687
Round 7 $26,624
$26,624
Round 8 $5,433
$5,433
Round 9 $8,693
$8,693
Average $55,421
$55,421
4. Major A 2009
Dylan Hancock and Major A 2009, aka Earl, made their first NFR appearance this year, but they performed like seasoned veterans in the Thomas & Mack. Earl, the third-place AQHA Horse of the Year, helped Hancock earn $133,066.88 at the 2024 NFR by placing in three rounds and winning Rounds 7 and 10. They capped their Finals debut by finishing sixth in the average.
Earnings Breakdown
Round 1 $8,693
$8,693
Round 3 $8,693
$8,693
Round 4 $17,115
$17,115
Round 7 $33,687
$33,687
Round 10 $33,687
$33,687
Average $21,190
$21,190
5. AMR Burning Cash
Shane Hanchey didn’t decide which horse to ride at the 2024 NFR until just hours before the first round. Ultimately, he chose AMR Burning Cash, aka Rachel, and the decision paid off as the pair earned $130,893.51 at the Finals. Despite Rachel being sidelined for most of the season due to injury, Hanchey and Rachel placed in five rounds and finished second in the average.
