By Shannon Lukens.
Keenan Hayes of Hayden is a rookie in the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. But he’s a really good rookie.
He’s leading the world in Bareback Riding, having earned $265,000 so far this season, which is a record for season earnings, and certainly the most a rookie who is 20-years-old has ever won.
“I’ve been lucky enough to draw good all year, and I’ve been riding good all year as well. It goes hand in hand. I couldn’t win everything without a good dancing partner everywhere, so that’s been a huge blessing.”
Hayes grew up in Hayden and Routt County and is appreciative of the support when he comes home.
“Oh, they’re amazing. Come home and see people and everybody wants to talk and congratulate me and it’s really cool seeing how many people actually support it. The community is amazing… Hayden, Craig, Steamboat. All of them. Shoot, I grew up here. Got on my first bucking horse here, actually.”
Hayes will likely be the Bareback Riding Rookie of the Year and could also be the PRCA Rookie of the Year. That is all announced at the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas in December. Hayes will be there. This is the premier rodeo event by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, showcasing the top 15 money winners in the season, in each event. It’s ten days of competition, and for Hayes, it’s done eight seconds at a time, on the back of a bucking horse.
- 2023 Earnings for Keenan Hayes $265,896
- Keenan Hayes Pro Rodeo Bio
- National Finals Rodeo Schedule of Events
Keenan Hayes, with his dad, Donnie, at the Routt County Fairgrounds in Hayden