Two fast runs put Rueger Swindle firmly on top of the leaderboard at the 2026 Hooey Jr. Patriot when the La Vernia, Texas, roper captured the 12 & Under tie-down roping semifinals average with an 18.99 on two head. 

He earned $1,100 for the win and $3,860 overall after winning both rounds. 

Swindle kicked the semifinals off with a 9.55 to top Round 1, then backed it up with the fastest run of the short go at 9.44 seconds. 

“I thought I wasn’t going to be that fast whenever I jerked him down,” Swindle said of the first run. “I kind of bobbled wrapping him on the first wrap.”  

He ropes aboard a 15-year-old horse named Trigger, a seasoned tie-down mount he credits for much of the success. 

“He’s just such a good horse,” Swindle said. “Me and him get along really well.”  

Even with a lead heading into the short round, Swindle stayed focused on making the same kind of run. 

“I was trying to lay off the barrier a little bit because I knew I was second ahead of the round,” Swindle said.  

The win continues a strong run for Swindle at Patriot events. He also won a title at The Patriot Event Las Vegas edition and captured the 12 & Under Tie-Down Semifinals in Fort Worth back in 2025.  

“I just try to keep calm and make the runs I’ve been making,” Swindle said.