Common Intestinal Parasites in Horses

1. Large Strongyles (Strongylus spp.)
   These parasites can damage the blood vessels in the intestines, leading to severe complications like blood clots and colic, which can be life-threatening.
2. Small Strongyles (Cyathostomins spp.)
   These are the most common parasites found in horses. Their larvae burrow into the intestinal wall, and when they emerge in large numbers, they can cause serious inflammation and damage. In severe cases, this condition, known as “Larval Cyathostominosis,” can be fatal.
3. Tapeworms (Anoplocephala perfoliata)
   Tapeworms often gather at the junction between the small and large intestine, causing blockages that can lead to discomfort and colic.
4. Ascarids (Parascaris spp.)
   Roundworms are a major issue for foals and young horses. A heavy worm burden can lead to obstructions, lung inflammation, and even hemorrhaging as the larvae move through the lungs.

Signs Your Horse Might Have Intestinal Parasites

The signs of parasite infestations in horses can vary from mild to severe, depending on the type of parasite, the number of worms present, and the horse’s overall health. Some common symptoms may include:

• Weight loss and a decline in condition
• Reduced appetite
• Lethargy or fatigue
• Colic or discomfort
• Diarrhea
• Changes in bloodwork

Early detection and prompt action are crucial to preventing complications, so if your horse shows any of these signs, it’s important to consult with your vet as soon as possible.

Anthelmintic Resistance: A Growing Concern

Historically, deworming horses with anti-parasitic medications (anthelmintics) has been the main way to control intestinal parasites. However, over-reliance on routine deworming schedules has led to the development of drug-resistant parasites, making it harder to keep worm burdens under control.

Since the introduction of deworming drugs in the 1960s, horses were typically treated on a set schedule. While this helped reduce parasite numbers, it also encouraged parasites to evolve and become resistant to the drugs. With no new classes of dewormers in the past 40 years, the challenge of parasite management has only grown.

Targeted Strategic Dosing: A Paradigm Shift

To combat resistance and improve parasite control, a more tailored approach is now recommended. This is known as Targeted Strategic Dosing, which involves assessing each horse’s parasite burden before deciding whether to treat.

Here’s how it works:

• Fecal egg counts (FWECs) measure the number of parasite eggs in the horse’s manure. Horses with low egg counts (fewer than 200 eggs per gram) are not likely to be major contributors to parasite spread and may not need treatment.
• Blood or saliva tests can also help identify specific parasites like tapeworms or encysted small strongyles.

By focusing treatments on the horses that need them the most—those shedding the highest number of eggs—we can avoid unnecessary deworming, slow down resistance, and reduce the potential side effects of medications, such as colic or gastrointestinal upset.

The Role of Gut Health in Parasite Management

While eradicating all parasites may seem like the ideal goal, it’s important to recognize that horses have coexisted with parasites for centuries. A small, manageable parasite load can actually help stimulate the horse’s immune system, building natural resistance.

This is where digestive tract health comes into play. Horses with a healthy digestive system are better equipped to handle parasites naturally. Supporting the digestive tract with SUCCEED® Digestive Conditioning Program® can help maintain a balanced environment, including the essential bacteria, fungi, and protozoa that help keep the hindgut functioning properly.

A healthy digestive tract not only supports the horse’s overall health but can also improve how well they cope with deworming treatments when needed. Parasite management is an ongoing challenge for horse owners, but with the right approach, you can help keep your horse healthy and reduce the risks associated with intestinal worms. By monitoring your horse’s health, using targeted deworming strategies, and supporting complete digestive health, we can optimize parasite control, minimize drug resistance, and promote the long-term well-being of our horses.

The post Managing Equine Helminths: A Modern Approach to Parasite Control appeared first on Succeed Equine.

The Challenges of Winter Management

Poor weather, muddy fields, and reduced grass growth often means increased time in the stall. While stalling keeps horses sheltered, it also alters their natural behavior, restricting movement, limiting time browsing and grazing on forage, and increasing stress. These factors can negatively affect the gastrointestinal tract in several ways:

1. Reduced Movement: Limited movement decreases the transit rate of ingested feed, which can lead to problems like impaction colic. Regular exercise including ridden work, arena turnout, hand grazing or time on a walker, can support gut motility.
2. Forage Intake: Horses produce gastric acid continuously, so access to ad-lib, high-quality forage is essential. Forage not only buffers stomach acid to protect the stomach lining but also supports the fermentation process in the hindgut, which sustains the gut microbiota and provides energy for warmth and performance.

The Role of Stress

Some horses struggle more with increased stalling, experiencing stress and anxiety that can elevate levels of the stress hormone, cortisol. Elevated cortisol can:

• Increase gastrointestinal inflammation.
• Compromise immunity.
• Disrupt the balance of gut microbiota, affecting nutrient absorption and even impacting on temperament.

To help reduce stress:

• Use enrichment tools like foraging balls, horse licks and mirrors.
• Allow social interaction with other horses.
• Double-net hay to extend feeding time.

When Challenges Arise

Winter can be tough on our horses, no matter how carefully we plan. Empty hay nets in the morning, limited turnout or exercise, and changes in routine can leave horses feeling stressed and out of sorts. Over time, these challenges may lead to weight loss, reduced condition, and an unhappy horse.

Prevention is the key to success—let SUCCEED® Digestive Conditioning Program® support your horses complete digestive health to help them cope with seasonal challenges and ensure your horse stays healthy and happy.

Why Choose SUCCEED?

SUCCEED is specifically designed to support optimal digestive health, helping your horse thrive through winter and beyond by:

1. Promoting Cell Renewal and Repair: Optimizes digestive function, enhances membrane integrity, and improves nutrient uptake.
2. Boosting Natural Defences: Strengthens mucus membranes to reduce risk of inflammation by protecting against gastric acid, toxins, and pathogens.
3. Supporting Microbiota Activity: Provides essential nutrition for fiber fermentation, which supports overall health, condition and can even positively modulate temperament and anxiety.
4. Enhancing Immunity: Encourages the activity of macrophages (white blood cells) to fight harmful bacteria.
5. Binding Harmful Mycotoxins: Removes toxins often found in bagged feed and forage.

Start Early for Winter Success

A healthy digestive tract is the key to helping your horse handle winter’s challenges—limited turnout, routine changes, and the stress of colder days. Starting SUCCEED® Digestive Conditioning Program® early gives your horse the digestive support they need to stay happy, healthy, and resilient.

Set your horse up for success this winter and beyond—because a thriving GI tract means a thriving horse.

The post Winter Care: Supporting Your Horse’s Digestive Health appeared first on Succeed Equine.

Tyler Wade & Wesley Thorp

This pair of Team Ropers had a fairytale ending to their finals. The reigning World Champions were there to defend their title and defend it they did. At the end of 10 grueling rounds, Tyler and Wesley were crowned the 2024 World Champion Team Ropers!

They came out with a bang winning the first two rounds. Despite a few missteps after those rounds, this team found their stride again and won round 5 also placing in rounds 9 and 10. The Team Roping championship came down to the final round.  Tyler and Wesley are no strangers to that kind of pressure. Winning back-to-back World Championships is an accomplishment that few have, and now Tyler and Wesley can add that to their already impressive resume.

Haven Meged

Haven is proof that it doesn’t matter how you start the finals, it’s how you end them. Haven had a slow start to the NFR which is unusual for him. In each round he managed to get times on all his calves keeping him in the average.

Round 5 is where it all turned around for Haven. The halfway point can make or break a lot of athletes, and for Haven it was pivotal. Haven won 2nd in round 5 then went on to win round 6 and placed in rounds 7, 8, and 9. Even though it was a slow start to Haven’s NFR, his perseverance and ability to get a time on all 10 calves paid off. When the dust settled, Haven ended up 3rd in the average which was good for over $55,000 to end his year. Haven ended up 3rd in the World for the 2024 season.

Zack Jongbloed

Zack had a roller coaster of a finals but made the most of every single run. Sometimes things happen that are out of your control which, unfortunately, was the case for Zack in a couple of rounds keeping him out of contention for an average check.  Staying mentally strong helped

Zack place in 5 of the 10 rounds winning over $84,000 and finishing his year at 8th in the World!

Shelby Boisjoli-Meged

Shelby was outstanding at the Governor’s Cup which catapulted her to 1st in the World Standings. She went into the finals as the reigning National Finals Breakaway Roping World Champion.  Placing in 6 out of the 10 rounds earned Shelby $14,000 ending her 2024 season as 4th in the World. Shelby is considered one of the young great breakaway ropers. This was not the finals she might have anticipated and we look forward to seeing her in 2025 back at the NFR.

Ty Erickson

Ty Erickson is an NFR veteran with this being his 9th NFR qualification. He had a rocky finals compared to what he is used to but was able to capitalize in a few rounds. Ty got the ball rolling in round 2 to place 6th then won round 8 for a $33,000 payday winning over $62,000 for the finals. Ty ended up 14th in the World. With the great horsepower he has under him and his natural ability we will see him come back next year.

In Review

Team SUCCEED is so proud of each and every one of our athletes. Rodeo is a sport with so many factors that determine your success. When it’s your time you can’t stop it but you also can’t force it when it’s not your time.  All of our athletes prove every day that they have what it takes to be the best. Rodeo may not be a team sport, but it takes a team to be successful in rodeo. We are grateful to each of our athletes that they trust SUCCEED in being a part of their team.

To all our athletes, we are so proud of you! We are always in your corner cheering you on and are excited to see your dreams come true. The NFR is the most exciting 10 days in rodeo, and it has now come to an end and we set our sights on 2025!

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Team SUCCEED boasts six contestants that are all NFR veterans. From some contestants making only their second trip, to those making their ninth trip to the Thomas & Mack, our team is filled with star power! Without further ado, lets meet the team!

Haven Meged

Haven is probably one of the youngest athletes to be considered a veteran of the game. At only 26 years of age, Haven has already made the trip to Las Vegas five times and is heading into his sixth trip. In the past five trips to the NFR Haven has walked away as the World Champion, Average Champion, Reserve World Champion and has countless NFR round wins to his name. Last year Haven broke the average record at the NFR as well as breaking the arena record in round 7 with a 6.4 second run.

Haven is in the #2 spot in the Calf Roping World Standings heading into the NFR. Haven is well within striking distance of the number one man in the world, Shad Mayfield. This year it seems like the roll never stopped for Haven, and it is evident he thrives on the pressure of the NFR so we hope that roll continues on for him.

Shelby Boisjoli-Meged

The Meged household does not have a lack of gold buckles after Shelby brought home her first World Championship in 2023. This year marks Shelbys fifth National Finals Breakaway Roping qualification and she is heading back to Vegas ranked #1 in the World! Shelby has been the picture of consistency since her rookie year in 2020. Qualifying for the NFBR every year since while also finishing as Reserve World Champions, countless round wins, and a World Championship.

Shelby was able to put the cherry on top of her year by winning the Governor’s Cup in Sioux Falls, South Dakota  which catapulted her into the #1 spot in the World. After having a slower summer than she is used to, this final win was just what she needed before she heads to Vegas! Shelby is known for her phenomenal horsepower and we are excited to watch her and her incredible team of horses as they vie for another World Championship!

Ty Erickson

Ty Erickson is tied for the most NFR qualifications on Team SUCCEED with eight under his belt and is headed full steam ahead into his ninth trip to the bright lights of Las Vegas. When you are talking about NFR Steer Wrestling you can almost always count Ty Erickson to be a part of that conversation. With a World Championship to his name and over 1.5 million in career earnings, Ty definitely knows what it takes to come out on top at the end of the year.

Ty had a year full of milestone wins for him such as winning the prestigious Calgary Stampede. Ty is currently ranked 10^th in the World looking ahead to the NFR. Ty is always a force to be reckoned with inside the Thomas & Mack and we expect to see that continue on his way up in the World Standings throughout the 10 days of competition. As our newest member to Team SUCCEED, we are so excited to cheer him on this year!

Zack Jongbloed

Zack Jongbloed had the biggest comeback of the year for Team SUCCEED, possibly the biggest comeback of all the NFR Calf Ropers. In the beginning of August the NFR seemed to be a distant dream for Zack. By the end of August throughout the rest of the rodeo year, Zack could not be stopped. Having multiple weekends with earnings well over ten-thousand dollars, Zack quickly found himself within reach of going to the NFR.

Zack did not let the pressure get to him, instead he put up some of the best and most consistent runs of his career to clinch his second NFR qualification. In 2022 during Zack’s first NFR he was the picture of consistency placing in rounds and walked away with an average placing. With not having the NFR rookie jitters, and the momentum he had in the last part of the season, we are excited to see what Zack accomplishes during the 10 days in Vegas!

Wesley Thorp

Wesley Thorp is heading into Las Vegas as the reigning World Champion Team Roping Heeler along with his partner Tyler Wade. In addition to being the reigning World champions, Wesley is currently ranked second in the World Standings and is well within reach of #1 in the World. Similar to Zack Jongbloed, Wesley and Tyler could not be stopped in the last few months of the season.

Wesley is a seasoned veteran when it comes to handling the pressure that the NFR brings. His ability to handle the pressure, coupled with having great horses, and a great partner, you can’t count Wesley out when it comes to talk of a World Championship. In the last two weeks of the regular season alone, Wesley and Tyler won $45,000 to put an exclamation point on their year. We hope to see them bring this same kind of domination to the Thomas & Mack for all 10 nights of the Finals.

Tyler Wade

Tyler Wade is the other half of the dynamic duo of the Tyler and Wesley team. Tyler is also a veteran of the game boasting six previous NFR qualifications and he has now added a seventh qualification. Team Roping is unlike any other event in rodeo since it is the only team event. Tyler and Wesley know the importance of having the right partner. Since these two began roping together, the chemistry has been unbeatable!

Heading into the National Finals as the reigning World Champion Team Roping Header, as well as being ranked second in the World Standings is a place many dream of being. With the confidence they have together as a team, combined with the year that Tyler and Wesley have had, we expect to see dynamite performances from them during the NFR! Win, lose, or draw we are so proud of this addition to Team SUCCEED!

Team SUCCEED is Vegas-bound

Qualifying for the NFR is no easy feat, and we are so proud of those on our team that has accomplished that goal! As these athletes head into the most grueling 10 days of competition, we are excited to cheer them on every step of the way! At SUCCEED we pride ourselves in not just being sponsors, but true supporters of our team.

We know that when it comes to digestive care for their horses, these contestants have many choices and we are thankful that they chose and trust SUCCEED to keep their horses happy and healthy year-round.

Congratulations Team SUCCEED on an outstanding year.

The post Rodeo Rundown: Meet Our 2024 NFR Qualifiers appeared first on Succeed Equine.

Gaining momentum so early in the 2025 season is a great feeling especially if you are also getting ready to head to the NFR. Being able to start your new season with monumental wins such as the Circuit Finals and Canadian Finals is how every contestant dreams of beginning their new season. Team SUCCEED is proud of our athletes who were able to make the most of these early opportunities and hope to see that success continue.

Circuit Finals and Canadian Champion

The Texas Circuit Finals were good for our team. Ilyssa Riley won the Texas Circuit Finals Average Championship for the second year in a row. Ilyssa and her great horse “Money” dominated the field by placing in the top 3 in all 4 rounds. To have such success back-to-back is a testament to the fierce competitor that Ilyssa is, and also how consistent and reliable Money is.

After being the picture of consistency placing in every round, Tyler Wade and Wesley Thorp were crowned the average champions in the Team Roping. The money earned at the Texas Circuit Finals counts for 2025 earnings. The reigning World Champions have been on a roll and they don’t seem to be slowing down! Not to mention, Texas has the richest Circuit Finals giving contestants a great start to the new year.

Along with the prestige of winning the average championship, average winners of each circuit qualify for the NFR Open which is held in Colorado Springs in July. Only the year-end champion and average champion from each circuit get the invitation to this prestigious and wealthy event. After winning the Texas Circuit Finals Average Championships, Tyler Wade and Wesley Thorp, as well as Ilyssa Riley have punched their ticket to the NFR Open. The NFR Open is another prime opportunity to capitalize on a big payday that could have major implications on World Standings.

While some of our team was dominating down south, Haven Meged was dominating north of the border at the Canadian National Finals Rodeo. Haven didn’t just win the Canadian Championship; he also won two rounds and broke the CFR Calf Roping record with a 6.8-second run. Haven came into the finals second in the standings. After a mishap in round 3 that took him out of the average, it was a battle to the end for who would walk away as the Canadian National Finals Calf Roping Champion.

Horses of the Year

Lastly, every contestant knows that they would be nothing without their horses. One of the highest honors for any contestant is when your fellow competitors recognize and vote your equine partner as Horse of the Year.

Tyler Wade and his wife Jessi are the proud owners of the 2024 Head Horse of the Year fondly referred to as, “Spur”. Spur is a veteran at 17 years of age and has been Tyler’s main mount for several years now. Tyler knows how important it is to have such a trustworthy partner who allows you the chance to win every time you back in the box. Spur was also ridden by Tanner Tomlinson who is the traveling partner to Tyler and Wesley. Anytime a horse can be ridden by multiple people and win consistently, it is a testament to a horse’s ability and that is exactly what Spur has done.

Nine years ago, Ty Erickson and his wife Cierra took a chance on a racehorse they found on Facebook and thought they would see what he could do. For two years “Crush” was ranched on before he found his job in the steer wrestling pen. Crush didn’t start until the spring of 2018 as a steer wrestling horse and in 2019 Ty rode him at the NFR, which culminated in his first World Championship. Now, Crush is still taking Ty and many other guys to the pay window and has helped qualify Ty for another Wrangler National Finals Rodeo.

Haven Meged’s main mount “Smoke” was recognized as the Reserve Horse of the Year in the Calf Roping. Smoke has been Haven’s main mount for the last few years carrying him to many career wins and milestones. From helping Haven win Reserve World Champion in 2023, to most recently helping Haven win a back-to-back Canadian Championship, Smoke has done it all.

October in Review

Team SUCCEED is so proud of the widespread success our team has had this month. One of the most challenging aspects of rodeo is that there is truly no off-season. When one season ends, another one begins. No matter how your season ends, you must be at the top of your game and ready to get your new season off to the right start.

Whether you are coming off an incredible season like Haven Meged, or your season went the opposite of how you were hoping, there is no time to waste. It takes extreme mental toughness to compete at the level our athletes do day in and day out, and to see them start a season so strong makes us so proud to be in their corner.

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The three-year study, which focused on Thoroughbreds bred for racing, tracked bacterial diversity in the gut by analysing faecal samples from day 2 through to day 365 of life. The results were striking: foals with lower gut bacterial diversity at 28 days were more prone to respiratory diseases, and those with prolonged lower diversity faced a higher risk of developing soft tissue and orthopaedic conditions later in life. Perhaps most notably, foals with lower bacterial diversity early on also showed a significant reduction in performance success, measured by lower official ratings, less prize money, and weaker finishing positions compared to their peers with higher diversity.

The Impact of Antibiotic Use in Early Life

The study also investigated the effects of antibiotic use in foals during the first 28 days of life. Researchers found that antibiotics negatively impacted gut bacterial diversity, but also correlated with an increased risk of respiratory disease and poorer long-term performance outcomes. This finding underscores the importance of cautious antibiotic use in the first few weeks of a foal’s life, where the development of a healthy and diverse gut microbiome is particularly vulnerable.

The Importance of Gut Microbial Diversity in Early Life

The study highlights that at the very least, the first 60 days of a foal’s life are crucial for the development of gut microbial diversity. During this time, the foal’s gut transitions from a sterile environment to one rapidly populated with a range of beneficial bacteria. This microbial development is essential for imprinting immunity, promoting optimal health outcomes, and supporting overall well-being throughout the horse’s life. Any disruption to the gut microbiota during this critical period can have long-lasting effects.

Foals face numerous challenges to gut health, from natural changes in gut development and shifts in their diet—starting with the milk microbiome and later transitioning to solid feeds—to the potential risks of infections and the effects of foal heat. Supporting the gut during these early weeks and months is critical to help young horses thrive and give them the best chance of long-term health and performance success.

How SUCCEED Supports Developing Foals

SUCCEED® Digestive Conditioning Program  offers optimal daily support for developing foals, playing a vital role in nurturing a healthy and diverse microbiota. By improving gut structure, enhancing nutrient absorption, supporting the removal of pathogens, and boosting immunity, SUCCEED provides the foundation for strong health outcomes.

Given the profound impact that early gut health has on a horse’s future success, ensuring your foals receive the best possible digestive support should be a priority in every breeding program. SUCCEED helps pave the way for better performance by supporting the gut from day one, helping foals overcome challenges and grow into healthy, high-performing athletes.

Success Starts Early—Don’t Be Late

This groundbreaking study highlights just how essential early life gut health is for long-term performance and overall health. By incorporating SUCCEED into your foal management routine, you can give your young horses the best possible start, ensuring you are set up for success whether in the sales or on the track. Don’t let your foals fall behind—start their gut health care early with SUCCEED.

Refs

J. Leng, C. Moller-Levet, R. I. Mansergh, R. O’Flaherty, R. Cooke, P. Sells, C. Pinkham, O. Pynn, C. Smith, Z. Wise, R. Ellis, A. Couto Alves, R. La Ragione & C. Proudman (2024). Early-life gut bacterial community structure predicts disease risk and athletic performance in horses bred for racing, Scientific Reports 14: 17124

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Performance horses face numerous stressors, from intense training to travel and racing. These stress factors can have a significant impact on their digestive systems, leading to a myriad of problems and poor nutrient absorption. Stress weakens the gut lining and disrupts the delicate balance of the hindgut microbiota, which creates discomfort and affect the horse’s performance often through temperament issues, stereotypies and a reluctance to work to their best.

Managing stress through proper care and nutrition is key, and one of the most effective ways to support your horse is by maintaining their digestive health. The SUCCEED® Digestive Conditioning Program helps reduce the impact of stress on the gut by supporting the health of the gut lining, enhances digestion, and aids in the absorption of essential nutrients, keeping horses comfortable, healthy and ready to work.

By incorporating SUCCEED into your horse’s routine, you can help them cope with the rigors of training while supporting their long-term health and well-being, which can make all the difference when it comes to the sales or the track.

The post Managing Stress and Digestive Health in Performance Horses appeared first on Succeed Equine.

Shelby Boisjoli-Meged took home 1st place with $30,000 and a blazing 1.6-second run in the final four-man round. Shelby didn’t have as high a winning/placing percentage as in past years, so this win was a perfect way to end her season. The winnings moved her from 5th in the World Standings to #1. Congratulations! The reigning World Champion will head back to Vegas leading the pack once again to defend her World title.

Tyler Wade and Wesley Thorp were on a heater the last two weekends of the season. They took home $15,000 in Mandan, before going to Sioux Falls. Placing 1st in round 1 for $11,000 in Sioux Falls along with 3rd in round 2 for just over $4,000, and 3rd in the Finals added another $15,000 to their total. During the last two weekends of the season, these reigning World Champions earned nearly $45,000 to wrap up their season. This moved them to 2nd in the World Standings and well within striking distance of 1st in the World to defend their World Title in December.

Zack Jongbloed is another one who made the most of the massive payday at the Governor’s Cup. Zack’s consistency placed him in the Final 4 round where he placed 3rd and received a $15,000 check. Zack is someone we have talked about continuously since August. He won at nearly every major rodeo in the Northwest which skyrocketed him to 10th in the World. Zach has made waves in the Calf Roping these last few months.

Team SUCCEED Heading to the NFR

The road to the NFR is long and grueling. The struggles often outweigh the wins, even for those lucky few that end up in the Top 15 at the end of the year. Just because you have made the finals before, or maybe you’re even a World Champion, it doesn’t guarantee you a trip to the Thomas and Mack in December. For those who fell short, we hope that there were lessons learned and growth to be had that will propel you into the next year even stronger. To those who fought until the end and did accomplish their goal of qualifying for the NFR, job well done, it is no easy feat! Let’s take a moment to talk about Team SUCCEED’s NFR qualifiers, it is a star-studded lineup, and we are so proud of them!

First, we have our reigning World Champion, Shelby Boisjoli-Meged who heads back to Las Vegas in the number one position again. This will be Shelby’s fifth National Finals Breakaway Roping qualification. She continues to prove each year why she is one of the best in the business. At only 26 years old she is already becoming considered one of the sports all-time greats!

Next, we must talk about Shelby’s husband who is also a World Champion, Haven Meged! Haven is becoming an NFR veteran and is a contender for another World Championship. Haven is 2nd in the World after jumping Ty Harris who had held down the number 2 spot most of the season. Haven is positioning himself to have the incredible NFR that he always has. Haven won over $10,000 in the last two weekends of the season and we expect to see him keep up that momentum as the 2025 starts.

Next, we have Ty Erickson who is a new addition to Team SUCCEED this year but is not new to the lights of Vegas. Ty is ranked 10th in the World after the season and has had major career wins this year such as the Calgary Stampede. This year marks Ty’s ninth NFR qualification which speaks to his ability to endure the hardships of rodeo and continue his winning ways year after year. In 2019 Ty walked away from Las Vegas as the World Champion Steer Wrestler and we are excited to see him compete again for possibly another World Championship come December!

The next two we have to mention together because they are in fact a team. Tyler Wade and Wesley Thorp are the reigning World Champion Team Ropers and have been winning everywhere they go. This pair head into the NFR ranked 2nd in the World and are ready to defend their World Title. Between the two of them, Tyler and Wesley have 14 NFR qualifications combined, making them veterans of the game and a force to be reckoned with at the NFR.

Lastly, Zack Jongbloed who came from behind but made the last couple of months count in a big way to qualify him for his second NFR. We can’t wait to see Zack back in the Thomas and Mack in December. On Zack’s first trip to the NFR, he performed like a veteran placing in multiple rounds and getting a good check in the average. We look to see the same grit and determination at the NFR that we have seen all year from Zach.

At SUCCEED we want to be more than a sponsor — we want to be your biggest support system. We are extremely proud of the team we have headed to the NFR this year. Team SUCCEED has a field of NFR veterans headed back to Vegas and we hope all of them have a safe and successful rodeo finals. We are proud of all our team members and their successes whether they made the top 15 or not. We know this road isn’t easy and success is never guaranteed. SUCCEED hopes to see all our athletes return even stronger next year. No matter the journey, we are so proud of our Team SUCCEED!

The post SUCCEED Rodeo Rundown: Final weeks and NFR Qualifiers appeared first on Succeed Equine.

We are down to the wire in the PRCA/WPRA regular season. As the clock winds down every contestant within striking distance of the Top 15 is giving it their all. The athletes of Team SUCCEED are finishing strong still striving to make their trip to the Thomas and Mack.

The Calf Ropers of our team have made a big splash with Haven Meged closing the gap between himself and the men who hold down number one and two in the world. Then there is Zack Jongbloed who has set the World Standings on fire. From not being in the hunt in early August to being 10^th in the World, he has made it known he is hungry for another NFR qualification.

It is no secret that the last few months of the season, what is fondly referred to as the “Northwest Run”, can shake up the standings in big ways. With some of the world’s largest rodeos happening in the span of a few months, it can be make or break for rodeo athletes. For athletes like Zack Jongbloed who were coming into the last few months of the season behind, these big rodeos provide many opportunities to make up lost ground.

Zack Jongbloed

Our number one money earner this month is Zack Jongbloed. Since Labor Day weekend, Zack has won just over $30,000 skyrocketing him to 10^th in the World Standings. Zack has pulled checks from every major rodeo in the past few weeks starting with Ellensburg and Puyallup Washington, Pendleton Oregon and finally Albuquerque New Mexico.

Zack qualified for his first NFR in 2022. Last year he narrowly missed making another trip when he ended up 17^th in the World. It is evident that Zack doesn’t want to be on the outside looking in this year.

Zack is a prime example of just how much the standings can change in the last few months of the season. He has gone from well outside of reach of the top 15, to right on the bubble, to now 10^th with a little bit of cushion between him and the bubble. When August rolls around it might seem like the end of the season is near but sometimes the biggest standings shakeups come between August and September 30^th when the season ends. Zack is a testament to that.

Haven Meged

Haven Meged is no stranger to the winner’s circle or the pressure that comes with these final months of the season. However, he has taken his domination to a new level in the last month. While he might not have moved up in placings in World Standings, he has greatly closed the gap between himself, number 2 Ty Harris and Shad Mayfield who has had a firm hold on 1^st in the World Standings all year.

In 2019 Haven won his first World Championship. Last year’s NFR average win secured him the Reserve World Champion spot. It is evident he is hungry for another World title. With picking up consistent checks throughout the Northwest run, Haven continues to close the gap between him and the number one man, making the next World Championship within reach.

In the last three weeks, Haven has won just shy of $10,000 and has been the picture of consistency. His biggest checks came from the Ellensburg and Puyallup rodeos totaling nearly $8,000. Ellensburg is one of the most prestigious rodeos during the Northwest run and Haven was able to walk away with the win in round one.

In the final two weeks of the season there is still a lot of money left on the table. Haven can still close that deficit between himself and the World leaders!

Shelby Boisjoli-Meged

Winning is a family affair for the Meged household. Haven and Shelby both have World Championships to their name and continue with their winning ways. Shelby was the third-highest money earner for Team SUCCEED over the last few weeks bringing in a little over $5,000.

After several years of getting close to a World Championship, Shelby sealed the deal for the first time in 2023. This year she currently finds herself ranked 5^th in the World with over $110,000 for the year with two weeks left to add to that total.

Shelby’s earnings have been won fairly evenly across the board. Her biggest checks came from Blackfoot Idaho and White Sulphur Springs Montana with over $4,000 won between the two rodeos. Breakaway Ropers don’t have it as easy as the other events since every rodeo doesn’t offer breakaway roping. The Breakaway Ropers typically have to drive farther to rodeos and enter more rodeos to stay in the hunt for the National Finals Breakaway Roping. Shelby has become a veteran when it comes to the professional rodeo world and we are excited to see her finish this year strong. She will make another trip back to Las Vegas to defend her World Title.

Team SUCCEED Across the Board

We are always so proud of all our members of Team SUCCEED whether they make the NFR or not.  This time of year can either be filled with dreams coming true, barely missing your goals, or your dreams coming to a screeching halt altogether. At SUCCEED we support our athletes no matter what their season looks like.

We have had athletes that have had to go home due to horse injuries and athletes that welcomed their first child into the world who have stayed closer to home. And those that it just simply wasn’t in the cards for them this year. No matter what, we are so proud of our team across the board! We look forward to those who are still out on the road finishing this season strong and ultimately finding out who will be the top 15 in each event in a few short weeks.

The post SUCCEED Rodeo Rundown: Standings Shuffle appeared first on Succeed Equine.

While the fall is a time when many are slowing down, rodeo athletes are facing some of the most critical months of the rodeo year. With the regular season coming to an end on September 30th, all rodeo contestants who are within reach of the National Finals Rodeo are trying to make the most of every opportunity.

Team SUCCEED athletes are capitalizing on every run and they aren’t slowing down. Many of SUCCEED’s team members have had big wins recently. Our top three money earners for August are Michelle Alley, Haven Meged, and Zack Jongbloed. They have all surpassed $10,000 in winnings this month and the month isn’t over yet!

Michelle Alley leads the pack with over $18,000 won in August. What might be even more impressive is that she has won all of this on a four year old mare named Lipstick N Stilettos, fondly referred to as “Stiletto”. Michelle has accomplished on Stiletto what most consider bucket list wins like the prestigious Caldwell Night Rodeo. At this rodeo alone Michelle walked away with over $10,000.  Stiletto is out of Michelle’s great horse Seis Caress, better known as “Saucy”, by RR Mistakelly. Although Michelle is 35th in the world standings for Barrel Racing, she could still make the NFR. It’s a long shot but with the amount of money still left on the table and the consistency and blazing-fast times this team is showing, it is not impossible. What Michelle has accomplished on such a young mare is amazing. It can take some horses years to win at rodeos and handle all the elements life on the road throws at them. Michelle and Stiletto are a true-blue rodeo team.

The Calf Ropers

Our next highest money earner is a 26 year old who is already considered a seasoned veteran of the game – Haven Meged. Haven is a five-time NFR qualifier and World Champion. He has been on a rampage this month bringing in over $17,000 to date. Havens biggest win of the month came from Canby, Oregon where he placed in both rounds and won the average with over $7,000 total. He also won the first round of the Caldwell Night Rodeo for an additional $3,000 and picked up a nice third-place check at Gooding Idaho for $4,000. Picking up checks in Baker Montana, Billings Montana, and Kalispell Montana gives Haven the second most in earnings for Team SUCCEED.

The third highest money earner is Zack Jongbloed. With nearly $25,000 won in the last few weeks, Zack has moved into the Top 15 for another trip to the lights of Las Vegas. In the first week of August Zack won three rodeos alone and placed at two others. Now in the second half of this month, Zack won the Caldwell Night Rodeo for over $9,000. He also won checks at Gooding Idaho, and Moses Lake Washington. Zack is currently 13th in the World and climbing. The amount of money that is up for grabs has major implications on World Standings and Zack has made the most of it.

Honorable Mentions Across the Board

For the first year ever, Team SUCCEED has athletes in all events and we are so proud of our well-rounded team! In August our team won money in every event, and we are excited to cheer them on for the rest of the season.

Team ropers Tyler Wade and Wesley Thorp had an outstanding August winning over $10,000 each. This duo of young team ropers is no stranger to the pressure of rodeo or the NFR. With 14 NFR qualifications between the two of them, they are seasoned pros and know how to rise to the occasion. The reigning World Champions both currently sit third in the World Standings and are well on their way to another trip to Las Vegas.

World Champion Breakaway Roper Shelby Boisjoli-Meged is as consistent as always bringing in just over $6,000 for the month. She is currently fourth in the World and is quickly becoming one of the greats of Breakaway Roping! Shelby’s biggest win of the month thus far came from Caldwell, Idaho where she placed in the second round as well as the average. Shelby and husband, Haven Meged, make a great duo for Team SUCCEED.

Steer Wrestler Dirk Tavenner and his wife Courtney welcomed their first child into the world this year which kept Dirk home a little more than in past years. Nevertheless, he is always a force to be reckoned with. Dirk was able to capitalize at two major Northwest rodeos, Caldwell and Gooding Idaho. The Idaho native took advantage of the big money to be won in his home state.

The newest addition to Team SUCCEED is World Champion Steer Wrestler Ty Erickson. Ty is currently 7th in the World and continues to add to his season’s earnings with wins in Gooding Idaho, Moses Lake Washington, and Kalispell Montana. With $1.7 million in career earnings, Ty is no stranger to the winner’s circle.

Team SUCCEED has had an outstanding month in August this far. We look forward to cheering the team on through the rest of this season and into the new year which starts October 1st. When one season ends another begins and we can’t wait to see what this talented team accomplishes! With lots of major rodeos still to go, we could still see major shakeups to the World Standings. This is the kind of pressure every athlete thrives on, and we wish everyone luck in finishing strong!

The post SUCCEED Rodeo Rundown: August High Money Earners appeared first on Succeed Equine.