ProRodeo Sports News - Jan. 6, 2023

COWBOY GRILLE WITH TANNER BARTH

Ryder Sanford, 24, rode on his permit throughout college, but now as a PRCA cardholder he’s taking the ProRodeo world by storm during his rookie season. The Sulphur, La., cowboy, not only leads the Resistol Rookie race in the saddle bronc riding with $17,237 but sits third in the PRCA | RAM World Standings. His big payday this season came at the RAM Southeastern Circuit Finals Rodeo. He took home the average title with 241 points on three head, earning $10,307 over the three days in Davie, Fla.

How’d you get your start in rodeo? Ryder: My dad roped a little bit and trained horses. So, I actually started off roping, but I had a few friends of mine that rode bucking horses. I thought I would try that in high school and I just kind of excelled from there. I quit roping and now here I am. When did you know you could make a career out of the sport of rodeo? Ryder: It was probably a couple of years into college when I realized that this was dang sure something I could make a career out of. I started having some success and decided to give it a go as a pro. Why did you decide to compete in saddle bronc riding? Ryder: For me I think it was the adrenaline that drew me in from the start and I just loved everything about it from that point on. I excelled more in that than I did roping, so I just decided to stick with it. What’s this season been like for you so far?

RYDER SANFORD

Ryder: So far, this season has been great. I’m very excited to have a good start that will allow me to get into all the rodeos that I want to get into. It’s a dream come true to be able to get into Houston, San Antonio, and those type of winter rodeos. I’m super blessed to have such a good start to the 2023 season. Why did you decide to buy your PRCA card this year? Ryder: I waited a little bit longer than some guys because I really just wanted to get through with college first. I had a pretty tough degree, graduating in civil engineering at McNeese State in Lake Charles, La. It was tough for me to go on the road and a miss a lot of school. So, I decided to wait until this year and be all in with it. Is there someone you look up to in the sport of rodeo? Ryder: You can’t not look up to the greats like Billy Etbauer. Then there is Trevor Brazile, who is probably like the Michael Jordan of rodeo. Their mentality and the way they went about things is second to none. What’s one rodeo you want to win in your career? Ryder: Winning the NFR would obviously be my top pick, but I’d really like to win RodeoHouston as well. I think that would be pretty dang cool. It’s one of those rodeos you grow up watching. What’s your go-to restaurant when you’re out on the road? Ryder: I don’t know if I have a specific restaurant that I like, but I’m a big sushi fan. I’m pretty specific when it comes to my sushi though, I’m not just getting it anywhere out on the road. What’s your favorite movie or TV show? Ryder: My favorite movie would probably be Step Brothers , I like a good

laugh. As far as TV shows go, I’m a big Yellowstone fan. What was the make and model of your first car?

Ryder: The first vehicle I had was a 2007 Dodge dually. Then when I started rodeoing more, I got a 2007 Mercury Grand Marquis that I still have. I needed a little better gas milage out on the road. When you’re not rodeoing, what do you enjoy doing for fun? Ryder: I really enjoy hunting and fishing when I can. We go duck and deer hunting around home and then I like to fish in the marsh when I have time.

What’s your favorite holiday? Ryder: My favorite holiday would probably have to be Christmas. I like to see the family and it’s around hunting season. So, that’s always a plus for me. What type of music do you like listening to? Ryder: Going up and down the road I listen to a lot of Texas country music. That is probably my go to when it comes to music.

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ProRodeo Sports News 1/6/2023