World Champion Tie-Down Roper Shane Hanchey’s 2023 season might not have started how he wanted but it ended with him heading into his 14th National Finals Rodeo as the No. 4 ranked cowboy.
After a slow winter, a turning point came in Hanchey’s season when he finally got in synch with his horse, Bugsy.
“I went to Logandale, Red Bluff and Clovis and it ended up getting my season going and I guess better late than never. It got me and my horse a lot of confidence headed towards the summer rodeos,” Hanchey said.
Bugsy and Hanchey’s first rodeo together was the 2022 NFR and looking back, Hanchey says that was unfair to the both of them. However, the duo we see back into the box this year is firing on all cylinders.
Reflecting on his season, Hanchey narrowed down a few standout moments and one that quickly came to mind was the third week in July. A wave of momentum came his way and he found success in Salt Lake City. It was a $45,000 week in just a few days.
Looking forward, Hanchey’s confidence and excitement for the never is back.
“He’s so fast, that’s one of the best things about him. He scores so good and he’s so fast across the line. I feel like I could catch up on any kind of calf and I’m kind of going in there this year with the mentality of nothing to lose,” he said.
Hanchey and Bugsy have found their stride and if all goes their way in the Thomas and Mack, they stride their way towards Hanchey’s second World Title.