Jesse, Lindsay, and their three children pose for a photo in their barn
Words By: North 40 Outfitters
Categories: Learn, Farm & Ranch
Posted: January 10, 2023
Comments: 1

Last week, one of our favorite contributors, Hailey Rae, headed out to Fromberg to interview some Montana rodeo royalty.

There’s several household names out there on the Montana rodeo scene. One of those is Jesse Kruse. The saddle bronc rider and CMR graduate has been in the headlines for over a decade for his talent in the rodeo arena. Three NFR appearances and several surgeries later, the 2009 world champion is still making the rounds with his wife, Lindsay, and their three kids, Paisley, Kree, and Harlow.

Lindsay has her own accolades as a talented barrel racer. She’s qualified for the Montana Circuit Finals several times and has numerous rodeo wins.

Lindsay and Jesse are both qualified for the Montana Circuit Finals this week in Great Falls at the Expo Park. Hailey sat down with Lindsay to learn about their year on the road and what it’s like having rodeo be a family affair.

Jesse and Lindsay's son Kree with his cowboy hat on waiting for his turn at the rodeo in Nampa, Idaho.Jesse and Lindsay's son Kree with his cowboy hat on waiting for his turn at the rodeo in Nampa, Idaho.
Jesse Kruse preparing to ride saddle bronc behind the chutes at the Great Falls RodeoJesse Kruse preparing to ride saddle bronc behind the chutes at the Great Falls Rodeo
Lindsay Kruse competing in barrel racing at the Augusta rodeo in 2022.Lindsay Kruse competing in barrel racing at the Augusta rodeo in 2022.

Hailey: What is the hardest, and also the most rewarding part of rodeoing as a family?

Lindsay: Hardest part about rodeoing when you have a family on the road is being able to focus your needs on yourself as a competitor. Kids come first no matter what. The most rewarding is being able to share our experiences with our kids. They see what success and failure is. They are our biggest support. We get to be together as a family a lot and that means the most to us.

Hailey: What have each of you been doing to get ready for the circuit finals?

Lindsay: Jesse has started his workouts again and he also uses his bucking machine. As far as myself, I’ve just been learning what my main horse has needed to be maintained. She had stifle surgery last fall so this summer was her first runs back. She hasn’t had but maybe 3 runs indoors, so I’ve been working on showing her she can also open up indoors.

Hailey: What was a memorable moment from the past rodeo season?

Lindsay: For myself it was Livingston this year. Krush had her surgery in October of 2021, and Livingston was one of her first few runs back and she made one of the most beautiful runs I’ve ever had on her. She ended up second there. One of those runs that brings tears to your eyes. For Jesse it was Nampa, Idaho. He got to take Kree with him that weekend. Jesse drew well and made the short round and Kree was a 100 points and won the sheep riding.

Keep scrolling for Montana Circuit Finals Results!

Lindsay Kruse talking to her three kids while standing with her horses in their barn near Fromberg, MontanaLindsay Kruse talking to her three kids while standing with her horses in their barn near Fromberg, Montana
Jesse Kruse competes in saddle bronc with the grandstands in the background at the Nampa, Idaho rodeo in 2022.Jesse Kruse competes in saddle bronc with the grandstands in the background at the Nampa, Idaho rodeo in 2022.
Jesse Kruse standing between two horses in his barn near Fromberg, MontanaJesse Kruse standing between two horses in his barn near Fromberg, Montana
Jesse Kruse sweeps dirt into a shovel held by his three children inside their barnJesse Kruse sweeps dirt into a shovel held by his three children inside their barn

Jesse Kruse came out on fire Thursday evening on the first day of the Montana Circuit finals. His score of 80 in saddle bronc earned him a first place tie with Josh Davison. Before his ride, Lindsay said her husband was "as healthy as he could be."

Lindsay came into the barrel racing finals with a new horse, Krush. They had a great run going until knocking over the second barrel. 

Jesse kept the momentum up for Friday night's performance, scoring a 72 and earning a third place finish, while Lindsay found herself in a tough spot. She had to get staples in her shin and checked out of the competition. However, the real star of the show was their son, Kree, who got to go out into the arena in a blow up suit as part of the clown act.

The Saturday night finale was more of the same for Jesse, who scored an 83, won the round, and took home his 7th Montana Circuit Finals Rodeo Saddle Bronc title.

Congratulations Jesse!

 

Photos and Interview by Hailey Rae

Top Left: Kree Kruse puts on a show with rodeo clown JJ Harrison duing the Montana Circuit Finals in Great Falls on Friday night. Top Right: Jesse Kruse competes in saddle bronc riding Thursday night at the Cicuit Finals. His score of 80 was enough to tie for first place. Bottom Left: Harlow Kruse holds a North 40 Patriot Night bag while waiting for her parents to compete. Bottom Right: Lindsay Kruse competes in barrel racing on Thursday night of the Montana Circuit Finals Rodeo. Below: Jesse Kruse prepares to ride in the second round of the Circuit Finals on Friday night in Great Falls.