No. 8 | $71,726.53 

Prior to the PRCA trail, Denison was laying down runs at the amateur rodeos in Texas and Louisiana on any given weekend. But after buying and seasoning his good gray horse Gravy — Sanjos Playgun — in 2023, he decided to hit the road and try to make it to the Las Vegas lights. He started out that season with Dustin Davis and Cory Hendrick at the winter rodeos before kicking off with Braden the first week of June.  

“I didn’t hardly know [Braden] from Adam, really,” Denison added. “I had some people say he roped really good and we should try it — so we did.”  

Once they got started, Denison and Braden put runs together where it mattered. They won the first round at Greeley, Colorado (4.6 seconds for $4,206); won Red Lodge, Montana (3.5 for $4,794); and took the win in the first round in Spanish Fork, Utah (4.2 for $4,299). They also won Logan, Utah (4.2 for $4,597); won over $11,000 in Puyallup, Washington; and made a big move at the CINCH Playoff Series Championship in Sioux Falls, Idaho, when they were second in the first round (3.9 for $8,250) and won the second round (3.9 for $11,000).   

“Winning the second round at [Sioux Falls], that really secured my spot to the NFR,” Denison said. “That was the biggest thing to me because I felt like it was just a clutch moment where I had to do good on that steer or I wasn’t going to make it. That just meant a lot to me, to be in that type of situation and get the job done.” 

Speaking of the 2024 NFR, although it didn’t go quite as planned, the team walked away with two round placings and $29,560 in their pockets, finishing the year with $138,372 won.  

But this year? It’s all gas, no brakes for Denison. 

He’s teamed up with Lane Mitchell, who he roped with in 2019, and is on track to make back-to-back appearances in the little yellow building. So far, they’ve placed at the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo; won the first round at Pecos, Texas; placed at Cody, Wyoming, and a round at St. Paul; placed in both rounds and won Sheridan, Wyoming; and placed in the average in Salinas. As of July 22, Denison is No. 8 in the world standings with $71,726

Another thing to note is the horsepower Denison has in his trailer. Other than the good gray gelding, Gravy, there is a certain blue roan gelding that is now a part of his A-team — one he borrowed from Colby Lovell at the 2024 NFR.  

That’s right — the infamous Bartender is now officially in Denison’s possession.  

“He’s been a blessing to us for sure.”  

This season is turning out to be something special for the Louisiana cowboy and his family. His wife, Christeena; their 16-month-old cowgirl, Swayzee; and the rest of his crew are a key aspect of Denison’s success. With their support, and his faith at the forefront of the journey, Denison has his sights set on Las Vegas in December.