With the largest payout of the show on the line, all eyes were on the Professional’s Choice pen when the Kruger brothers stepped in. Only 33 head of cattle stood between them and a $34,294 paycheck. When the timer stopped at 203.93 seconds, the boys knew they made history.
“I was going to do my ride just like in the practice pen,” Bodee, 17, explained. “Just put my head down and ride.”
Years of teamwork and growing up riding alongside each other paid off big in the finals. Knowing each other’s styles gave them an edge.
“Usually, Bronson ranch hands it, and I stay in the gate,” Bodee explained.
At just 14 years old, Bronson rode Sophisticated Play (Sophisticated Catt x Playgirl Lena CT), affectionately known as “Buttons.” The win was especially meaningful for Bronson, as the 2010 mare belongs to his grandfather and has been a cherished part of the Kruger Quarter Horse family since she was just 2.
Bodee was on Instant Reyn, aka “Buckles,” a 2019 gelding by Dual Rey out of Instant Mary.
“He’s pretty cool,” Bodee said of the horse. “I knew whatever came at me, he had it.”
As the sixth draw in the championship round, the boys were able to see how the cattle were moving, and, although Bronson admitted he wasn’t too fond of the position, they didn’t let it slow them down.
When the buzzer went off, the John Justin Arena erupted. Bodee threw his hat high into the air in celebration.
“I think I set a record,” he laughed.
“Just another day in paradise,” Bronson added.
Though the $34,294 prize was the biggest in Cinch RSNC history, the money won’t be going toward anything flashy. According to Bodee, it’s all going back into the horses.
The Krugers are no strangers to the ranch sorting world. The family operates Kruger Performance Horses, training and showing horses, as well as producing events in Arizona and Minnesota. Most recently, they’ve also become a Cinch RSNC Featured Trainer.
This article appears in the Summer 2025 issue of The Ranch Sorter, featuring World Champion stories, event recaps, regional results, and more.
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