This'll be the 28th time in my career that I've set new goals and set the mark so I have something to shoot for. Everyone wants to make the (Wrangler National) Finals (Rodeo) or be a world champion. I've set that goal 28 times. You have to keep up with the times, look to the future and ask yourself, "What am I going to continue to do to rise above the field?" You need to get the rigs, horsepower and sponsorships in order. You're always looking for something to give you that edge. You've always had to have an edge to be successful in this sport, but now there are a lot more guys who are competitive. I don't care how good you rope these days-you have to rope good, draw good, have a good partner and a good horse. All the cards have to fall into place for you to have a chance.
To stay ahead on the food chain, you have to work harder. It's kind of like a computer that you have to keep updating and upgrading. You have to see the future, and what it takes, and try to keep coming up with something better and different. You have to have an advantage-a great partner, a great horse and great ability, for starters. You always have to go back to the drawing board in order to stay on top.
We've always practiced. But that's not enough anymore. You have to study it, and hone your skills down to a science. Even if you do that, there are no guarantees you're going to make it. But if you don't do that, it's almost a guarantee that you aren't going to make it.
