INCENTIVES: Riata, Royal Crown Roping

Raised by the renowned Western States Ranches of Wes Adams fame, WSR Hesa Dunofa Lena—nicknamed “Rooster”—has earned his place in history as the winningest rope-horse stallion in the world of ProRodeo.

A stout bone and rich dun coat give him presence, but it was his legacy in the arena that made him legendary. Early in his career, he carried two-time world champion heeler Randon Adams as a backup behind the four-time AQHA/PRCA Horse of the Year, Diesel. He then stepped up and helped Adams claim the title at the California Rodeo Salinas in 2012 while heeling for his paternal sibling, WSR Hesa Alive.

When Adams stepped away from full-time rodeo to manage the family business, Rooster became the go-to pinch-hitter for the sport’s elite. He gave Dakota Kirchenschlager his first NFR ride, carried Russell Cardoza to a U.S. Open paycheck, provided Cesar de la Cruz a go-round check at the Finals and then Adams returned to the saddle with him to win at Logandale. Two-time world champion heeler Patrick Smith later secured Rooster and continued to campaign him at the top tier of the sport, claiming major rodeo wins and placing at the BFI. 

In spring 2024, David & Miranda Zito of Zito Quarter Horses purchased WSR Hesa Dunofa Lena from Smith and relocated him to Lazy E Ranch in Guthrie, Oklahoma—making him available for 2025 breeding bookings. Even as he settled into his breeding duties, Rooster answered the call from heeler Levi Lord and returned as a backup horse to the 2024 NFR in Las Vegas, reminding everyone that his champion heart still beats strong. Meanwhile, his brother, WSR Hesa Alive, got the NFR aggregate title on the head side with Clint Summers at 20 years young. 

If you’re looking to tap into a bloodline of longevity, grit and high-level results, it’s hard to find a safer and smarter play than WSR Hesa Dunofa Lena.