ProRodeo Sports News - June 15, 2018

GRILLE COWBOY

Bull rider BRADEN RICHARDSON is a man on a mission. After wins at the Redding (Calif.) Rodeo and theWharton County (Texas) Youth Fair Xtreme Bulls Division 2, the 23-year-old, Jasper, Texas, cowboy is ranked third in the PRCA | Resistol Rookie Standings and determined to qualify for theWrangler National Finals Rodeo.

WITH AMBE BAILLIE PSN

How did you get into bull riding? Braden: Growing up I watched my stepbrother ride calves and mini broncs, and I took an interest in it. Are you a full-time bull rider or do you have another job? Braden: I’m full time; I’m getting better each year, moving up the ranks. I made the decision to compete full time once I started making enough money from bull riding. What does it feel like to ride a bull? Braden: Like a roller-coaster ride or a dance. If you’re in perfect timing, then nothing feels easier. What is a misconception about bull riding? Braden: Everyone says it’s only eight seconds, but there is a big fear factor in bull riding. Once you’re put in the bucking chutes and have to put a rope on the bull, it’s not just eight seconds. You can get intimidated quickly if you let yourself. What’s been your worst injury? Braden: When I broke my neck and back. When I broke my neck, I also had five broken ribs and a collapsed lung. When I broke my back, I had other injuries with it, too. Are you in good health right now? Braden: Yes. When I won Redding (Rodeo) this year, I was fighting an injury with my riding hand. I had to go to the doctor and take a few weeks off, but now I’m back on my toes. How do you stay fit for the sport? Braden: I work out every day at the gym, I do a lot of core exercises. A strong core really helps your balance. A lot of bulls will have some downdraft, so if your core isn’t strong the bull will pull you down. What made you want a PRCA card ?

Braden: Ever since I was little I’ve had the goal to win Rookie of the Year and to qualify for the NFR. It would be a dream come true to compete at the Finals because when you’re among the Top 15 you’re with the big dogs. How do you feel about the season so far? Braden: Good. I had to take medical leave during some big rodeos like Fort Worth and Denver but have healed well and feel like I have enough time to move up in the world standings. Who’s been your toughest competitor this year? Braden: The way I see it, my only competitor is the bull. I want my friends to win and I know that if I stay on for eight seconds, I’ve done my job. What has been your proudest moment in your career?

Braden: Getting my first Xtreme Bulls win (at Wharton County Youth Fair). I was in the last section and knew I had a bull that hadn’t been ridden. My buddy Cooper Davis, who is from the same town as me, was in the lead until I scored 88 points and took first. I look up to some of the guys who were there and wanted to do well in

front of them. That was a proud moment. What other interests/hobbies do you have? Braden: I enjoy wildlife and playing baseball. I also have an 8-month-old dog, named Tigger, who is my traveling partner and best friend. What else do you want people to know about you? Braden: I’m determined to go to the NFR. As soon as I bought my card last year things started to click, and I realized it was game time. On the professional level, everything is on a bigger stage: the caliber of bulls, people in the stands, and the cowboys that you’ve watched on TV are at the rodeos. What has helped you stay focused? Braden: Beginning my freshman year of college (Panola College in Texas), I made a goal to start going to the gym every day and have kept with it. By putting in the work and hours it has helped me get focused. Also, during college I’d get paid to ride bulls owned by local stock contractors. I rode decent and stock contractors wanted to see what their bulls could do. I would ride about 10 a week, and that experience took me to another level. How do you prepare for a ride? Braden: About an hour before, I’ll drink a Red Bull and sometimes listen to rapper Kevin Gates. His music fires me up, it’s positive motivation and gets my mind in the right place. I also say a prayer when the bull is being loaded into the chute.

RICHARDSON

ProRodeo Sports News 6/15/2018

ProRodeo.com

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