LAS VEGAS – In his second qualification to the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, saddle bronc rider Tyler Corrington is having a lot of fun.

His amusement increased Saturday night on the back of Carr Pro Rodeo’s Cool Runnings, an 11-year-old black gelding that matched moves with Corrington for 85.5 points, a score worthy of second place in the third go-round. That paid the Minnesota cowboy $14,724 and gave him some much needed momentum heading into the final seven nights of ProRodeo’s grand finale.

“That was a really fun horse,” said Corrington, who last competed in Las Vegas in 2011. “It feels great to get a check somewhat early and try to keep it rolling.

“I haven’t seen that horse much. He mainly stays in Texas with Pete Carr, but he was aweseom. He was really fun.”

Bronc busters live to ride great horses, and it paid off quite well for Corrington on Saturday. Based on the 100-point scale, half the score is attributed to the horse’s bucking style, and half is awarded to how well the cowboy rides through the animal’s bucking motion. The best bronc riders in the world have the rhythm and timing to match moves with their partners while spurring the horse.

Corrington had an outstanding 2013 campaign, finishing the regular season fourth place in the world standings. He also qualified for the Canadian Finals Rodeo, which took place in early November. But success can be fleeting, so the third-round performance was key for the Minnesota cowboy’s demeanor.

“I’m feeling confident, but I was a little shaky after having a bad Canadian Finals,” Corrington said.

He has dropped to fifth in the world standings, but he remains in contention for that coveted gold buckle that is awarded to the world champion. Now Corrington has seven more nights to make it happen.

“I’m not even going to think about it right now,” he said. “I’m just going to have fun and let the chips fall where they may.”

When a cowboy rides broncs for a living, that’s a winning approach.