Changing the Game

Tanner Tomlinson may be the most exciting young roper on today’s pro scene, at least according to partner Patrick Smith. 

“His roping ability is going to be a game changer,” says Smith, who joined up with Tanner in 2021. Tomlinson and Smith currently sit at #9 in heading and heeling, respectively, in PRCA standings. It's been a an incredible summer for the up-and-comer and the decorated veteran.

“We started jackpotting in 2021, and started doing pretty good,” Tanner says. “We just got together and practiced some. And now here we are.”

Tomlinson was two when Smith was named the 2003 PRCA Rookie of the Year. He grew up watching Smith, a heeler, and Trevor Brazile rope. 

He says that going to battle night in and night out with one of his childhood idols is a dream come true.

“It’s an honor,” Tanner says. “I’ve looked up to Patrick my whole life. It feels like yesterday I was watching him and Trevor on television.”

Seventeen years later it was Tanner who found himself Rookie of the Year, besting Britt Smith by less than $1,000 to take the 2020 title. The Angleton, Texas, cowboy finished 28th in the world that year. Smith says Tanner will just get better and better, and the sky is the limit with what he can do.

“Tanner goes as fast as you need him to go,” Smith says.

During the fast pace of July, also known as “Cowboy Christmas,” Tomlinson showed why he’s worthy of such high praise. He has fought his way into the top 15, putting him in great position to qualify for the NFR in December. 

“I just want to be the guy who catches a lot by two feet and just let Tanner show off,” Smith says.

This summer, Tomlinson has been using our newest rope, The Frio, which will be available in the fall. With all the success this young cowboy has had these past few months, you might want to try The Frio, too. Sign up below to be the first to know when The Frio launches.