Tyson's Durfey's Nikko: April 4, 2004 To November 23, 2018

“It’s always the good ones that go too early” is a phrase commonly used in the rodeo world for those special horses that seem to only grace our arenas for a short amount of time. He should have had many good years left in him, but Tyson Durfey is thankful for the time he had with Nikko.

"He made my career," Durfey said of the horse he won countless rodeos and his 2016 world title on. "[I'm] very thankful to have had him for almost four years."

The 14-year-old bay underwent colic surgery and looked like he was out of the woods and would be able to return to competition, but later unexpectedly passed away due to a ruptured colon. 

The horse was a true athlete, a winner, and as Durfey heads to his 11th Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, he promises his partner one thing:

"I made Nikko a promise that I would finish the year off strong so this is what I am going to do," said Durfey in a Facebook post.

Nikko

April 4, 2004 to November 23, 2018