“I grew up going to playdays and working cows,” Jongbloed said. “I didn’t really have a choice but to rodeo. That’s just what my family did, and they’ve been there every step of the way pushing me to be my best.”

Those early days built his foundation. By high school, he was juggling calf roping and steer wrestling—and it was the latter that earned him his first wave of success.

“I probably had more success in the steer wrestling than I did in the calf roping early on,” Jongbloed said. “I won state my junior year and did good at nationals, and that gave me confidence that I could compete with anybody.”

The Injury That Changed Everything

When Jongbloed hit the ProRodeo road in 2018, he entered both events until a knee injury at Ponoka forced him to rethink his path.

“I tore my knee up steer wrestling that year,” Jongbloed said. “After that, I decided to focus on calf roping. I’d already put more time, money and effort into it, and at this level you’ve got to be all in.”

The decision worked. By 2022, he was an NFR rookie finishing sixth in the world standings and third in the average race with $233,962 in season earnings.

Jongbloed’s Consistency

He followed with a solid 2023 season that left him just outside the Top 15, then came back in 2024 with one of his most consistent years yet. He won at Caldwell, Idaho Falls, and Huntsville, earned $94,218 in Las Vegas, and finished eighth in the world with $228,598.

Heading into 2025, the momentum hasn’t slowed. Jongbloed’s added wins at Ponoka, Sheridan, Billings, Great Falls and Lake Charles, seating him inside the Top 15.

“I’d say I had a pretty decent winter,” Jongbloed said. “That gives you some momentum heading into the summer. From there, I just tried to stay consistent and keep placing. But honestly, the bubble fight this year never stopped. Every time I thought I was safe, the guys behind me would win again.”

Rodeoing Smart with Haven Meged

Since 2022, Jongbloed has hauled with World Champion Haven Meged, and the two have built a routine that works.

“Our idea is to get to as many rodeos as we can,” Jongbloed said. “If we’re out there spending money, we might as well try to make some. Haven’s a great guy to be around. He’s positive and successful, and it rubs off on you.”

Their shared focus keeps them sharp.

“We don’t like idle time,” Jongbloed said. “We like to hustle and win early before the season gets tougher and the rodeos spread out.”

The Horses That Built Jongbloed

Behind every successful calf roper is horsepower, and Jongbloed knows his mares are key to his consistency.

“This year I rode two mares, Gucci and Kim,” Jongbloed said. “I like Gucci in the summer because she scores better and gives me a better look. Kim’s my winter horse. She fits the quicker setups.”

Still, he’s quick to name a gelding from his younger days as the one that changed everything.

“I had a horse named Little Rey in junior high and high school, a bald-face horse,” Jongbloed said. “He gave me all the confidence in the world. Every time I nodded my head, I won something. If I could haul one right now, it’d be him.”

NFR Mindset

Heading into his third NFR, Jongbloed’s preparation is simple—keep the same plan, tighten the barrier and stay out of his own way.

“I’ve been there twice and haven’t broken a barrier yet, which is good,” Jongbloed said. “But that also means I need to get closer to it. I know I’ve prepared as much as anyone, so my goal is to just not beat myself.”