8 Days to the NFR: Bareback Rider No. 8 Dean Thompson

Pendleton Round-Up champion Dean Thompson gears up for his first National Finals Rodeo

Kaleb Kistner | Nov 29, 2023

8 Days to the NFR: Bareback Rider No. 8 Dean Thompson /

The Wrangler Nationals Finals kicks off in eight days at the Thomas & Mack arena in Las Vegas. The NFR will take place from Dec. 7-16.

A rookie standout all year long, Dean qualified for his first National Finals Rodeo his first year going pro. Thompson is currently positioned in the No. 8 spot in the 2023 barebacking riding world standings.

Thompson has shown that he can ride with the best of them. Having won the famed "Let'er Buck" Pendleton Round-Up, Walla Walla Frontier Days, and the New Years Eve Buck and Ball.

At the beginning of August, Thompson was outside of the top-15 sitting in the 18th spot. After more success at the end of the season, he got all his ducks in a row to set himself up for his first NFR.

Thompson earned himself a little over $13,000 at the Pendleton Round-Up in Pendleton, Oregon.

Thompson also earned his way into the $1 million Cinch Governors Cup in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. While there, Thompson rode his way to $17,000 in earnings alone at the Governors Cup.

Thompson posted a career high 92.5-point ride on Frontier Rodeo's "Gun Fire" this 2023 season.

The Altamont, Utah native is looking to make a great first impression at the 65th annual NFR. The competition throughout the bareback riding is unmatched. With many riders returning to the NFR.

Thompson is among four other cowboys making their debut to the NFR. Following him is Keenan Hayes, Jayco Roper, and Jacob Lees.

Published Nov 29, 2023

KALEB KISTNER

Kaleb Kistner is from New Braunfels, a small community nestled in the Texas Hill Country. There’s only one “s” in Braunfels! Growing up in Comal County, it was an annual tradition to attend the Comal County Fair and Rodeo. Down the road was the San Antonio Stockshow and Rodeo, that his grandparents would religiously take him to each year. Along with the annual rodeos, Kaleb was an active member in FFA throughout high school. Showing rabbits and pigs, assisting with steers and goats, and participating in leadership development events, Kaleb received a well-rounded, basic education in agriculture. On top of that, Kaleb earned his Eagle Scout with Boy Scouts of America. Kaleb has a strong work ethic and love for agriculture and the great outdoors. He hopes to be able to spread his knowledge and bring a better understanding of the Western way of life to those who may not understand. Kaleb has pursued a career in plumbing, continuing to achieve each possible license as quickly as he can. Kaleb has a beautiful fiancée Makayla and his sweet daughter Kinleigh. During his down time, he and his family enjoy going to their parents’ ranches to spend time with the family.