INCENTIVES: Riata Buckle

Two-time World Champion Heeler Patrick Smith purchased WSR Hesa Dunofa Lena in 2019, offering the stand-out stallion to the public in addition to the horse’s full schedule on the ProRodeo road.

“The way this horse is bred is a bonus,” Smith said of the 2004 stud known as “Rooster.” “The reason I bought him is the way he is to heel on. I knew I needed a great one, and I want people to see that.”

In 2019, Smith, heeling for Aaron Tsinigine, won $35,000 for fourth aboard Rooster at the Bob Feist Invitational, helping boost the horse’s lifetime earnings to well over $500,000.

Raised and trained by World Champion Randon Adams, Rooster appeared at the National Finals Rodeo with Cesar de la Cruz and has been ridden by the likes of Russell Cardoza and Dakota Kirchenschlager, too.

“He’s so honest,” de la Cruz said. “He gives you a good throw and a great chance, no matter the situation. His ability to slide and get on his hind end really sets him apart—he’ll leave 11s at a trot.”

Adams said Rooster’s offspring are the best he’s ridden, and Rooster’s paternal sibling WSR Hesa Alive carried Kaleb Driggers to the $100,000 American Rodeo win in 2023 and helped secure Clint Summers’ NFR berth at Sioux Falls, South Dakota’s Cinch Governor’s Cup in September 2023.

“We had a 100% success rate on getting the mares we bred in foal,” Smith added. “Ropers are embracing the program, and we’re really excited about that.”