Hayden, Colo.’s Hayes Dominates Bareback Riding Scene with World Championship and Rookie of the Year Honors

Hayden, Colo.’s Keenan Hayes has been making waves in the world of bareback riding. He had a standout 2023 season, becoming the first-ever Bareback Riding Rookie of the Year to also win the world title in the same year. Hayes ended the season with over $400,000 and secured his first world title at the National Finals Rodeo (NFR) with a score of 90 points in Round 10.

As a high schooler, Hayes was a force to be reckoned with, competing in all three roughstock events and winning the National High School Finals Rodeo World Championship in bareback riding in 2019. In 2021, he focused solely on bareback riding and continued his winning streak into 2024. So far this year, he has won several rodeos including New Year’s Eve Buck n’ Ball and placed at others such as Rodeo Houston, San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo, and Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo. His latest victory came at San Angelo.

Hayes is currently sitting at No. 3 in the PRCA World Standings with $67,645 won as of April 25th, 2024. He is determined to defend his world championship title next year. The top two spots are held by three-time NFR qualifier Leighton Berry and young phenom Coop Cooke. As the season progresses, Hayes will continue to compete and work towards securing another world title in bareback riding.