The bareback riding race at the 2025 National Finals Rodeo runs through the clear favorite, Rocker Steiner. The three-time NFR qualifier made $303,457 in 2025, but Vegas has a way of humbling even the best. His $82,000 lead could vanish fast with the NFR’s massive payouts and unpredictable scoring swings.

This breakdown dives into the real storylines: why 87.5 points is the magic mark for cashing big checks, how Steiner’s past NFR struggles could open the door, and which challengers, Sam Peterson, Bradlee Miller, Jess Pope, and Cole Franks, have the stats to make a run at a Gold Buckle themselves. The video also spotlights dark horses like Dean Thompson and Kade Sonnier, plus all-around wild card Wacey Schalla, whose multi-event talent could shift both the bareback  and all-around races.

With scoring climbing each round and pressure peaking in the final few nights, every ride matters. The Gold Buckle will come down to consistency, not flash, and this preview breaks down exactly what it’ll take to dethrone Rocker Steiner.

No Huddle Rodeo is presented by Justin Boots and Runyon’s Fine Furniture.

https://www.justinboots.com/

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