He’s not quite sure how long of a break he’ll take, but Stran Smith will not be competing for some time.

On Thursday, the 2008 world champion tie-down roper revealed he needs to heal. He had surgery a few weeks ago, then took a shot at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. He came back to the arena a little too early.

So he’ll spend time at his Childress, Texas, home, which he shares with his wife, Jennifer, and their three children, Stone, Scout and 2-week-old Faleh. And he’ll heal.

He’ll also get to spend time at home with the family, which is cherished by every rodeo cowboy. Of course, he’ll soon be on the road chasing another gold buckle, which is cherished by every rodeo cowboy.