By Lindsay Leyden, Rodeo Austin

Austin, Texas, March 17, 2017 -- Rodeo Austin hosted its seventh night of the Ride for the Brand Cowboy Tournament and a new group of professional rodeo athletes rode for a spot in the

Playoff Round hoping to eventually earn the opportunity to compete for the Ride for the Brand Championship title.

Among tonight's athletes was two-time National Finals Rodeo qualifier, Tanner Aus. The 26-year- old bareback rider ended the 2016 rodeo season ranked number five in the world and is hoping to claim a top spot in this rodeo season as well.

Like many professional rodeo athletes, Aus travels several throughout the year to make a living and compete for champion titles across the nation.

I've been home and it has been nice to spend some time with family, but it's kind of short lived," Aus said. "Whenever every dollar you win is points toward the National Finals there is really no rest for us; we spend a little time at home to try to recharge batteries and then get back at.

Aus started competing professionally in the middle of his college career and began rodeo-ing full time right after he finished his fourth year of college.

"It is a job, but it is the best job in the world," Aus said. "It does not take a lot to keep you going when you keep your goals in mind and realize there's people who would like to do this if they could. I really feel like it is a privilege to be able to do what I do."

Aus rode for 86.5 points in tonight's performance moving him to number one in the standings. Aus hopes his score will advance him to the Playoffs held March 23-24, 2017.

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