In a building where legends are made and the big pressure never lets up, one calf horse continues to rise above the rest. Peso, the talented little buckskin tie-down roping horse owned by Canadian cowboy Logan Bird, added another chapter to his Vegas legacy in Round 6 when he carried Joel Harris to the win with a 6.8-second run.
It was Harris’ first round victory of the 2025 NFR, and no surprise to anyone in the tie-down world, Peso was a major reason why.
The Thomas & Mack demands a special kind of horse—quick-footed, mentally sharp, explosive out of the box, and calm in the chaos. Peso has all of it.
He first showed this magic in 2021, under heartbreaking circumstances. Logan Bird’s standout horse TJ passed away suddenly from an aortic aneurysm just weeks before the NFR. TJ had been the main mount of NFR qualifier Shane Hanchey, who was devastated by the loss. With little experience inside the yellow chutes, Peso was called up for Shane, ready or not.
He didn’t just hold his own in the little yellow arena, he helped Shane win that very first round. Since then, Peso has carried some of the top hands in rodeo to big NFR paychecks. Shane Hanchey, Tuf Cooper, Joel & Ty Harris, Brusthon Minton, Westyn Hughes, and Kyle Lucas have all won NFR money aboard Pesos.
This year is no different. Peso is being ridden by Kyle Lucas, Ty Harris, and Joel Harris, proving once again that he is the first pick for many of the guys.
What Sets Him Apart
One of the most remarkable moments this year has been Peso’s ability to seamlessly work for multiple cowboys within the same performance, even when asked to do extra.
Both Kyle Lucas and Ty Harris had to go to their second loop during early rounds. This is something that can disrupt even the best horses. Peso handled those extra steps like a veteran, then walked back into the box for the next cowboy as if nothing out of the ordinary happened.That kind of consistency is rare and that kind of reliability is priceless.
In Vegas this year alone Pesos will made 30 runs out of the box before it is over. This is why so many believe Peso may be the greatest tie-down horse ever in the Thomas & Mack.
Logan Bird purchased Peso for around $8,000 and the gelding quickly proved he was something special. Daddys Shiner Cat, Pesos, is out of Paddys Lena Twist by Shiners Black Cat. He is 14 year old, and in his prime. Along with several fantastic NFR showings, Pesos has now earned the title of CPRA Tie-Down Roping Horse of the Year four times, including this year.
Shad Mayfield wins the 2025 Calgary Stampede in Tie-Down Roping with 6.8 seconds2025 Calgary StampedeHe’s also been part of huge wins outside of Vegas. This year this included helping Shad Mayfield secure the 2025 Calgary Stampede championship with a 6.8.
Everywhere he goes, he changes the game.
When Joel Harris backed into the box in Round 6, the stakes were high. Harris had been roping sharp all week but had some issues the night before when a calf got up. He needed a big comeback. Peso helped Joel deliver.
The pair stopped the clock at 6.8 seconds, tying the fastest run of the entire finals so far.Harris couldn’t have been more appreciative of that amazing horse.
A Buckskin With a Fan Base
Peso has become one of the most beloved horses at the NFR, not just for his speed, but for his heart and his ability to elevate every cowboy who swings a leg over him.
He’s a once-in-a-generation kind of horse. He just keeps winning, no matter who is on him. Wherever Peso goes, big runs seem to follow.
Fans are excited to watch Ty, Joel, Kyle, and Peso continue their 2025 NFR. Three rounds remain.
