Dalton Massey began his rookie career in the rodeo world ten years ago. In his rookie year, the Oregon native took part in 19 rodeos all over the Pacific Northwest. Even with these many competitions, Massey only made $1,388. Since then, he began to push himself up the ranks in the PRCA all-time list. Still, he made $24,340 in the next four years of competing.

Thereafter, his graph started to rise upwards as he consistently improved his performance. The 2023 season was his best yet as Dalton Massey earned a whopping $164,649 surpassing the legendary Ty Erickson for the record of highest earnings in a single regular season. But what really pushed the rookie to leap from little to no income to topping the charts in 2023? Let’s find out!

The reason behind Dalton Massey’s rise

Before the 2023 season, Dalton Massey had never achieved higher than the 17th rank in the PRCA RAM World Standings. He had made $67,349 all year and was unknown in the rodeo circuit compared to others. However, something changed for Massey in 2023, and he started the season with an amazing victory at the RodeoHouston that fetched him a $50,000 cheque. This was only the beginning as he continued to add more victories and prizes. The 30-year-old rodeo star revealed to ProRodeo the secret behind his success, saying, “You know I got married last year and my wife and I bought a house. I have bills now, so you can’t go without winning”. Thus, Massey’s newfound financial responsibilities were the reason behind his determination to win.

Dalton Massey realized that earning a steady income would be crucial if he wanted to support his family. He no longer had the luxury of competing in the rodeos solely for the thrill of it. Massey said, “Being 19th, 16th, and 17th just wasn’t cutting it and I knew that”. He understood that if he could not rise to the top, he might need to walk away from that life and try other sources of income. However, he had put in years of hard work to his rodeo career, and he was not ready to give up just yet. He set three huge goals for himself ahead of 2023, two of which he has already achieved.

Two down, one more to go

Dalton Massey wanted to earn $150,000 and shatter the previous highest earnings records. He has successfully achieved both goals in 2023 by accumulating $164,649 in total earnings. The previous record holder was Ty Erickson who ended the 2017 season with $163,152. Lastly, Dalton Massey wants to make the NFR and “come back No. 1 to Las Vegas”. Massey is the only NFR qualifier ever among the top 7 PRCA Steer Wrestlers to have less than three qualifications for the Las Vegas rodeo.

Read More: “Absolutely Amazing”: Bull Rider Stuns Sports World by Achieving a Historic First at UTB World Finals

Still, Massey must not be underestimated, as he has already surpassed the great Stetson Jorgensen with $12,000 in earnings this year. Jorgensen was the NFR champ in 2022 and is a worthy candidate for the trophy in 2023. But, the breakout star from Oregon is proving to be a formidable competitor, consistently placing in the top rankings.

Watch This Story: “He Got Hit Pretty Hard”: Family Devastated After 19-Year-Old Bull Rider Gets Fatally Injured at Rodeo in Calgary