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Rooster Rules the Roost

Rooster Rules the Roost

Rodeo fans know Patrick Smith's stallion as Rooster, but his registered name; WSR Hesa Dunofa Lena. At the age of 18, Rooster is still going strong in the team roping world and Patrick has recently started "raising Roosters".

Rooster was purchased by Patrick in 2019 as a 2-fold investment. His abilities as a heel horse and his genetics for future performance horses. From Thomas & Mack, to the Bob Feist Invitational and many prestigious others, Rooster has earned $500,000 in jackpot PRCA earnings making him the highest earning stallion in the ProRodeo history. He's been heeled at the NFR by Cesear de la Cruz and Riata Buckle's 2022 Open Pro Futurity winner, Dakota Kirchenschlager. Patrick's plan was to stand Rooster for breeding, after he was retired from rodeo. When the Riata Buckle Program was introduced earlier this year Patrick knew it was a great opportunity for Rooster.

"His sire, Hesa Sonofa Dun bred until he was 27 years old. Rooster is so structurally sound, even at his age. His conformation and bone will be passed on to his offspring. I want to show people what his genetics are capable of producing."

Patrick has begun breeding mares to Rooster including Whimsical Serenade (an own daughter of Wimpys Little Step), One Time Pepto, and Metallic Cat mares. Rooster's colts are all gentle, pretty, and have color. His intentions are to train and futurity on these colts, then sell them.

"Trevor (Brazile) told me about the Riata Buckle. Anything that Denny does is successful. It gave me full confidence in getting involved with the Riata Buckle. Nobody used to really care about papers on a horse, now everyone is learning about horses, papers and genetics. And how horses are being bred for disciplines."

WSR Hesa Dunofa Lena is currently standing at Highpoint Ranch.