By Shannon Lukens.
(Keenan Hayes is shown here with his dad, Donnie, at the Routt County Fairgrounds in Hayden this fall. His family will be joining him in Vegas.)
The 65th National Finals Rodeo starts Thursday, Dec. 7 in Las Vegas. Hayden’s Keenan Hayes will be there competing as number one in the world in Bareback Riding. It’s ten days of competition, and for Hayes, it’s done eight seconds at a time, on the back of a horse.
“I’m just excited to go into the finals for the first time. I’ve been watching and going there for the last ten years or so and just watching. This year will be a lot different getting to go and ride.”
Hayes is leading the world in Bareback Riding, having earned $265,896 so far this season, which is a record for season earnings. He’s only 20 years old, almost 21.
“January 3rd so I just miss it. That’s a good thing. Keep me out of trouble, hopefully.”
The National Finals Rodeo is the premier rodeo event by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, showcasing the top 15 money winners in the season, in each event. Watch it on The Cowboy Channel for a fee.
KEENAN HAYES OF HAYDEN HEADS TO VEGAS AS WORLD BAREBACK RIDING LEADER
Keenan Hayes 2023 National Finals Rodeo Open riding Pass the Hat
National Finals Rodeo Schedule of Events