Down the Road with Don: Gearing Up for the 2024 Rodeo Season

Don Payne, Western Sports Media's sponsored steer wrestler, is gearing up for the 2024 rodeo season. Here's what he has planned for this month.

Madi Roelofsen | Jan 13, 2024

Hillary Maybery for SI Rodeo Daily

The 2023 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (WNFR) ended on a high note for steer wrestler Don Payne. With quick and consistent performances across all ten rounds, Payne secured the 2023 WNFR Steer Wrestling Average Championship. His impressive time of 44.9 seconds on ten steers earned him not only the coveted average champion gold buckle and a saddle but also a substantial prize of $78,747.

Sponsorship:

Despite entering the NFR without a single sponsor, Payne's year-long dedication caught the attention of Western Sports Media LLC, a partner of Sports Illustrated's Rodeo Daily. This newfound partnership provides Payne with sponsorship support as he embarks on the upcoming rodeo season.

Dedication:

Back in his hometown of Stephenville, Texas, Payne is far from slowing down. Every day at 3 PM, Payne practices in the arena with his brother Grady, brother-in-law Ty, and Grady's wife Madison. Rooted in family values, Payne emphasizes the importance of a supportive family in his journey.

Health:

Recognizing the physical demands of steer wrestling, Payne places high value on staying active in the gym. Maintaining physical strength and health is crucial for success in his sport, requiring both power and injury prevention.

Confidence:

"My goal is to make the NFR again and, of course, spend more time with family," said Payne. Looking back at his previous successful NFR qualification, Payne shares that he has developed a different mindset and gained more confidence.

Embarking on the 2024 Rodeo Season:

As Payne sets off on the rodeo road for the 2024 season, he has already earned over $5,000, placing him 24th overall. Even though the season is still in its early stages, Payne's newfound sponsorship, dedication to practicing and maintaining good health, and confident mindset are likely to help him succeed this season.

Upcoming Events:

Mark your calendars to catch Don Payne in action:

Jan. 17-18 - American Contender Central Regional Semi-Finals, Oklahoma City, OK
Jan. 27-28: Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo, Fort Worth, TX

Published Jan 13, 2024

MADI ROELOFSEN

Madi Roelofsen is a writer for Sports Illustrated's feature, Rodeo Daily. Madi not only writes about the western lifestyle and rodeo world but lives it daily. She attended Tarleton State University in Stephenville, Texas, and competed in the barrel racing as part of their rodeo team. Roelofsen graduated in 2019 with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a minor in animal science. Madi enjoyed not only competing in rodeo events but also spectating the greatest sport on dirt. In 2017, while on vacation attending the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas, she met her husband Tim Roelofsen. They got married a few years later in 2020. Tim had already established TVR Working Horses but together they grew their program and enjoy raising foals, training colts, barrel racing, team roping and standing their stallions (TVR Eye Needa Corona and CR Baron Bee Joy "Big Sexy") in both Texas and Iowa. They stay busy with the horses, farming alfalfa and raising their baby girl, Texi. Madi has always been passionate about horses, from learning about different bloodlines, breeding the foals themselves to training and competing. She expresses that passion within the articles she writes to open up the world of horses and rodeo to everyone. Twitter-@Madi_Roelofsen Facebook- @TVR Working Horses