story by Riata Christiansen
Stetson Dell Wright – Western Edge Photography
17 year-old Stetson Dell Wright, Milford, Utah is eagerly awaiting his 18th birthday. Becoming an adult means being able to join the PRCA alongside his dad, uncle and brothers. He has been waiting for that day for a long time, and it’s almost here. Stetson plans to graduate early from high school in order to devote as much time as possible to rodeo. Stetson’s dad and idol, the one and only Cody Wright, and his mom ShaRee chose to raise their kids close to the family ranch in the small town in southwestern Utah. Stetson’s favorite thing about Milford is how small it is and the freedom that it gives you.
Just this month in Gillette at the NHSFR Stetson was named the All-Around Champion Cowboy after covering all three bulls and scoring well enough on two broncs to take home the coveted title. The title All-Around Champ quickly became his proudest accomplishment in the rodeo world. His favorite thing about the NHSFR was the trade show in the Expo Center.
Stetson first started to rodeo when he was in the 4th grade. He joined the Utah 5th and Under Rodeo Association and competed in the steer riding. Then moved through the ranks of the Utah Junior High Rodeo Association, Utah High School Rodeo Association, Rocky Mountain Pro Rodeo Association and other local rodeos. Unlike the other members of the Wright family, Stetson’s favorite event is the bull riding and he hopes to ride both broncs and bulls in the PRCA.
His favorite rodeo is the Duchesne RMPRA rodeo and he actually enjoys watching the tie down roping. If you ask other guys behind the chutes, they will tell you he is a great friend and is always cheering for other contestants.
Stetson Dell Wright at the 2017 Utah State Finals – Western Edge Photography
Most people don’t know that Stetson was a star on his successful high school football team and was also a very successful high school wrestler. So when he’s not at a rodeo, or practicing, he enjoys playing football, wrestling and hanging out with friends. If he had a spare minute to watch television, you would find him watching the PBR. He feels blessed not to have suffered major injuries or setbacks to doing what he loves. He likes to listen to songs with a cool beat like “Tribe Called Red” when he is preparing for bull riding.
When asked which sibling he is the most like, he quickly replied, “None of them.” His family will tell you he’s more outgoing and vocal than his older brothers. Stetson has already proven that he’s his own man and he will make a name for himself – a name that won’t be quickly forgotten. He likes to be an original and although he says he doesn’t have a motto that he lives by, he would encourage younger rodeo athletes to keep working hard. He says, “Never settle for anything less than the best.”
