ProRodeo Sports News, June 29, 2018

GRILLE COWBOY

For Canadian cowboy DAWSON HAY, saddle bronc riding is a family affair, learning rodeo’s classic event from his father Rod Hay, a 20-time Wrangler NFR qualifier and 2007 NFR average winner in saddle bronc riding. As of June 25, the 19-year-old fromWildwood, Alberta, topped the PRCA | Resistol Rookie Standings and could be on his way to winning Saddle Bronc Riding Rookie of the Year, just as his dad did in 1989.

WITH AMBE BAILLIE PSN

How old were you when you first tried saddle bronc riding? Dawson: I was 15. I didn’t start competing at rodeos until I was 16 or 17. Last year was the hardest I rodeoed, competing on my permit. Before, I was just doing amateur bronc riding. What’s the most challenging aspect of the sport? Dawson: Keeping my head on straight. There’s a lot of mental prep because it’s hard to think when you’re out in the arena, you’ve got to think before you get on. You’ve got to keep your confidence up and stay in shape to be competitive, and that’s not always easy when you’re on the road all the time and not getting the best sleep. What do you do to improve in your event?

Dawson: I like to get on practice horses when I’m not doing as well as I want to be. My dad raises bucking horses; I like to come home and practice on them, get away from the rodeo and just go back to the basics. What’s been your best PRCA rodeo? Dawson: I had a rough start to the season, I wasn’t riding well, but then I competed at (Rodeo) Austin and that broke the ice. Things have turned around since. It’s been my top rodeo so far. What role has your dad (pictured left) played in your career? Dawson: A huge role, as a role model and coach. Clear back to the first horse I got on, he set up my saddle and has helped me, watching my performances and breaking it down from his point of view. It’s incredible to have a coach like my dad because he’s been there, done that. It’s cool to be competing in the same association he did. What do you admire most about your dad? Dawson: As stubborn as he is, that’s why he’s been successful. He doesn’t take ‘no’ for an answer and is a go-getter. He dedicated a lot of work and time to bronc riding to be the best bronc rider that he could. When my brother and I were young, we’d get to pick certain weekends to go with him. Watching rodeo since I was in diapers, I’ve always dreamed of making it in professional rodeo. It’s a cool lifestyle and has always been my goal.

How do you prepare for competition? Dawson: I watch bronc riding videos while on the road and have NFR tapes from 1989-2010 that showcase guys like Billy Etbauer and Dan Mortensen. I like to watch them and study the art of saddle bronc riding. Those guys had cool riding styles; I like to pinpoint how they did certain things and try to work some of it into my own riding. Does your brother compete?

Dawson: Yes. Logan (age 21) is on his permit. He’s ridden broncs for as long as I have but has experienced some tough injuries and needed to take more time off. He’s stayed healthy since his last injury and been placing at a lot of Canadian rodeos. I imagine next year he’ll start his rookie year and we’ll be competing at similar rodeos.

When you’re not competing, what do you like to do for fun? Dawson: I like to go snowboarding. Living in Canada, we get quite a bit of snow in the winter. My family takes a lot of ski trips because we live close to ski hills. I also enjoy playing golf, even though I’m not very good at it. Do you have a favorite saying or quote? Dawson: If you’re not living on the edge, you’re taking up too much space. Do you typically research the bronc you’ve drawn? Dawson: Absolutely. I research stock stats and have learned more about certain horses by quizzing experienced contestants like Layton Green, Colt Gordon and Zeke Thurston.

Do you have a favorite bronc? Dawson: I was able to ride (Flying 5 Rodeo’s) Sundance at the Reno (Rodeo), which was really cool because my dad rode him during his career. I didn’t score, but he was a fun horse to get on and I would like to ride him again. How do you balance rodeo and a personal life? Dawson: It seems rodeo is my personal life. When I’m not rodeoing, I’m at home trying to heal up and get back on the road. I look forward to traveling with friends and being able to ride with top contestants like Isaac Diaz and Taos Muncy, who I’ve watched since I was little and have looked up to.

DAWSON HAY

ProRodeo Sports News 6/29/2018

ProRodeo.com

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