Jake Long has heeled at six of the last seven Wrangler National Finals Rodeos. He roped with Brady Tryan at his first and second ones in 2010-11, Travis Tryan in 2012, Coleman Proctor in 2014-15 and Luke Brown in 2016. Long, 33, is a native of Coffeyville, Kan., who lives with his wife, Tasha, and daughters, Haven and Haizlee, in Morgan Mill, Texas.
KENDRA SANTOS: You won the 2007 Dodge National Circuit Finals Rodeo title with Colt Braden when you were a fifth year pro. Would you consider that your first big, breakout win?
JAKE LONG: Yes. I hadn’t won a whole lot in pro rodeo before that as far as a national-scene victory goes. It was kind of my first taste of success on the rodeo circuit.
KS: You didn’t make your first NFR until 2010, which was your eighth year out there. What were the most important things you needed to learn to get to that highest, world-class level?
JL: The first year that I really left home trying to make the Finals was 2007. It took learning that there are certain steers you have to just catch in certain situations. I started roping with Brady in 2010, and we buddied with (Brady’s big brother) Travis and Mike Jones. That was the first time I’d rodeoed with people who expected to make the Finals. To be able to follow a team like that around all year and see the belief those guys had was good for me and Brady both.
KS: I remember how emotional it was in 2014, when you helped Coleman realize his NFR dream for the first time. How long have you guys been best friends?
This story is from the June 2017 edition of Spin to Win Rodeo.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the June 2017 edition of Spin to Win Rodeo.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
At Home With
Whether he’s home in his native Brazil or here in America, Lincoln Figueiredo ropes all day every day. Heeling is his favorite—he’s an 8.5 on the back side—but he’s packed all kinds of roping into a very full 46 years. Figueiredo lives in Presidente Prudente, Sao Paulo, Brazil, with his wife, Marina, and baby girl, also Marina.
Zane Tisdale's Leather & Life
Although header Zane Tisdale has a lot of pride in his leatherwork, it’s a passion that shares space with a full-time job, roping and, most importantly, his growing family. —G.R. Schiavino.
Torres Brothers Missing Main Mounts
The Torres Brothers—Joshua and Jonathan—have consistently been Top-30 team ropers in recent years.
What Pro Heelers Prefer And How To Get Your Horse To Drag It The Right Way
Here’s a glimpse of what pro heelers prefer and how to get your horse to drag it the right way.
How Smoothing Out Your Start And Your Handle Will Speed Up Your Runs
How smoothing out your start and your handle will speed up your runs.
Remembering the “Answer Man”
This spring, the rodeo and roping world lost a man who spent his life in its folds, shaping its functions: Hugh “Rooster” Chambliss.
Randy Lewis: Horse Vet
For heeler Randy Lewis, DVM, becoming a horse doctor wasn’t a choice he made. Instead, it was just a fact of life since as long as he can remember.
Disciplining Yourself Is Key To Regaining Your Horse's Composure In The Box
Disciplining yourself is key to regaining your horse’s composure in the box.
Luke Brown On Earning His Spot Among The Best
Luke Brown on earning his spot among the best.
The Battle Of The Bubble Boys
The bubble. It’s not the place anyone wants to be right now, but it’s inevitable that there are teams put in that position every season.
