The 2027 rodeo season is off to a strong start as rough stock athletes went head to head at the Three Hills Rodeo FFA Edition in Indianapolis, Indiana. Three cowboys landed on top and marked themselves as one to watch as the season continues.

Chad Rutherford

After finishing at No. 60 in 2026, Chad Rutherford came with something to prove this season and that he did as he pulled in yet another win already in 2027. The bareback rider came in strong in Indiana scoring a point and a half higher than the next top competitor.

Rutherford secured his place at the top of the leaderboard with a massive 90-point ride on Dakota Rodeo's Native Lights. He gets to add $6,712 to his already growing prize pot that currently has him sitting at No. 2 in the 2027 world standings.

Bareback riding : 1. Chad Rutherford, 90 points on Dakota Rodeo's Native Lights, $6,712; 2. Donny Proffit, 88.5, $5,146; 3. (tie) Toby Deudney and Kashton Ford, 88, $3,132 each; 5. (tie) Colt Eck and Garrett Shadbolt, 87.5, $1,342 each; 7.…