Behind the Scenes with Bobby Mote

Behind the Scenes with Bobby Mote

Bobby Mote

SI photographer Darren Carroll went behind the scenes in Las Vegas recently with bareback rider Bobby Mote (center), who claimed his third world championship at the National Finals Rodeo. Mote, of Culver, Ore., had an event-record $310,219, which broke Will Lowe's single-season earnings record of $280,227 set in 2006. Mote had at least a share of first place in four of the last five rounds and won the aggregate race with 830 points on 10 rides. "I've been here four times in the same situation in the 10th round when it was do or die, and I've done well a couple times and have messed up a couple times," Mote said. "Having that experience sure enough helped, but it didn't make it any easier."

Strapping on the boots in the locker room

Last minute fix for the spurs

Strapping and stretching in the locker room

Putting on the arm guard

Strapping on the chaps

Backstage with the horses

Stretching backstage

Last minute adjustment to the gloves

All aboard!

And they're off!

Championship ride

Mote with family after claiming the crown