Sterlin English and Hollis Harris showed that “quirky” horses can still cash big checks, winning the #13.5 Succeed Shootout at the Cinch USTRC National Finals of Team Roping in Fort Worth, Texas, worth $55,000.
The horsepower was English’s hard‑running gelding “Keystone” and Harris’ grumpy palomino “Sunshine.” The team roped four steers in 28.35 seconds, winning from the second‑high call position.
“We won the most tricked‑out saddles I’ve seen in a while, so I’m excited,” said Harris, 59, of Stephenville, Texas. “To have a chance to win ropings like this keeps you going. The USTRC is the best thing for kids—and it’s the best money.”
Their day began in the John Justin Arena with a 7.33‑second opener.
“On the first run I’m thinking, ‘Get the horns and get out of the way,’” said English, 22. “Hollis is a rodeo guy—if you bend their head, he’s going to put it down.”
A horse trainer by trade, Harris cleaned up every heel shot English gave him. They quickened the tempo in Round 2, stopping the clock in 7.03 seconds.
“I took a bit of a risky shot,” Harris said. “But Sterlin pulled him in there. That sorrel horse of his can really open the steers up.”
Harris gives English a lot of credit, but the gelding anchoring the run was palomino Sunshine. Originally a horse Harris got in for training, it became apparent Sunshine was so unfriendly that nobody would want to buy him. The pair are still building their camaraderie together, but Harris’ confidence in him is growing with every check.
Their fastest trip—6.03 seconds in Round 3—propelled them to a short go that paid more than $250,000.
“I blacked out during the short go,” said Harris, a stuntman from Belen, New Mexico. “You have to trust your instincts. If you’re thinking about everything, you’ll miss. I didn’t even hear what time we had to be—just, ‘Jesus, take the wheel.’ Nod, ride, get out.”
Keystone fidgeted in the box, but once he was “looking down the pipe,” it was game on.
While English focused on the start, Harris whispered a quick prayer.
“The announcers are talking it up, but you just have to stay focused and do your job,” Harris said. “Some people rope only for first; I just try to rope the steer as well as I can, whether it’s the first hop or the fifth.”
English spun the black Corriente—and it took a big hop as Harris threw his loop. Like a veteran, Harris left his hand down in the delivery, ensuring that Keystone finished the job for him.
The victory is English’s second major Shootout title. He won the #11.5 Shootout nearly a decade ago, at age 13, with his dad, John, on the heel end.
“That was probably the best win of my life,” English said. “I like watching Dad win more than I like to win myself.”
