After a slow start to the 2024 National Finals Rodeo, Haven Meged hit his stride in Round 6, delivering a blazing 6.9-second run to win the round and pocket $33,687.
Meged, the 2019 world champ, struggled in Rounds 1-4, going home empty-handed, but began turning things around in Round 5 with a second-place finish worth $26,624. His Round 6 victory felt like a breakthrough.
“It feels like a breath of fresh air,” Meged said. “Honestly, the first four go-rounds were just a bad job of roping. Being able to place last night, I could’ve had a victory lap. After I threw my hands up, it was like, ‘Holy crap, it’s not that tough.’”
Drawing the same calf Ty Harris won Round 3 on gave Meged confidence heading into Round 6.
“Tonight I knew I had a good calf,” Meged said. “Ty Harris won the third round on him, so it was awesome to see that calf and just go out there, have fun, and make a good run.”
NFR Preparation: A More Mature Approach
Meged’s preparation for the NFR looks much different now compared to his first qualification in 2019.
“As you get older, you’re a little more sore and probably don’t practice as much as I did my first year,” Meged said. “My first year, I had a hurt ankle and didn’t practice much at all. This year, I practiced quite a bit. I set the futurity horses aside, rode just two horses a day, and made sure I was sharp. The biggest thing is staying prepared—making enough runs and flanking in time—because after the summer road grind, you want to take a break, but you’ve got to keep going.”
Coming into the 2024 NFR, Meged was ranked No. 2 in the world standings, trailing No. 1 Shad Mayfield by $65,038. A rocky start dropped him to No. 4, but his Round 6 win pushed him up to No. 3.
“I feel like I had a good mindset coming into the Finals,” Meged said. “I roped well all summer, but coming in here, I just tried too hard. Honestly. I got in my own way instead of just going and doing what I know how to do and make my run. I just tried too hard right off the bat and was beating myself.”
Lil Punch: The Horse Behind the Success
Meged’s standout performances at the NFR have been fueled by his remarkable horse, For Goodness Shakes, aka “Lil Punch.” The 7-year-old gelding, started by Meged’s wife Shelby, World Champion Breakaway Roper, has proven to be a game-changer.
“Lil Punch is one of the best horses in the world, especially for fast setups,” Meged said. “He’s flat, gives me good goes every time, and he’s a winner. Last year, we broke the arena and average records here, and he’s still just seven years old with a bright future.”
In 2023, Meged and Lil Punch shattered two NFR records: Shane Hanchey’s 2013 average record with a 77.40-second time on 10 calves, and the arena record with a lightning-fast 6.4-second run in Round 7, breaking the previous mark of 6.5 seconds shared by Cody Ohl, Shad Mayfield, and Trevor Brazile.
“My wife, Shelby, got him when he was three and did most of the work,” Meged said. “That horse means a lot to both of us. I’ve stolen him the last two years, and she always says she’s going to take him back. I tell her, ‘If he leaves, I’m leaving.’”
Celebrating the Win
After waiting patiently, Meged is eager to celebrate his Round 6 win at the South Point Hotel and Casino.
“I can’t wait to go to the South Point,” Meged said. “This is the biggest breath of fresh air—to win good money. Obviously, $34,000 is a lot of money, so I’m excited to head over there and see everybody. Every time you get to rope in the Thomas & Mack and make the trip over, it’s a blessing.”
