Keenan Hayes, the 2023 World Champion in bareback riding from Hayden, Colo., has been enjoying continued success this year, positioning himself for a potential second trip to the National Finals Rodeo (NFR) and another shot at the world title. Hayes made history in 2023 by becoming the first-ever Bareback Riding Rookie of the Year to win the world title in the same year, earning over $400,000 in prize money. His first appearance at the NFR saw him competing against world champions and veterans, ultimately clinching his first world title with a score of 90 points in Round 10.
Despite being a rookie in 2023, Hayes was no stranger to big stages and titles, having competed in all three roughstock events in high school and winning the National High School Finals Rodeo World Championship in bareback riding in 2019. Since then, he has focused solely on bareback riding and has been on a winning streak. He kicked off the 2024 PRCA season with a victory at the New Year’s Eve Buck n’ Ball and has continued to place at rodeos such as Rodeo Houston, San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo, Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo, and the recent San Angelo event.
Currently sitting at No. 3 in the PRCA World Standings with $67,645 in winnings, Hayes is aiming to defend his world championship title in 2024. He is trailing behind three-time NFR qualifier Leighton Berry and 21-year-old Coop Cooke in the standings. The competition is fierce, but with his talent and determination, Hayes is setting himself up for another successful season in bareback riding.