DODGE CITY, Kan. – It’s been about 10 months since his first one, but Hayden Harris finally secured his second event victory this year.
This one might mean as much, if not more. Harris rode Frontier Rodeo’s County Jail for 88.5 points to win the Dodge City Roundup Xtreme Bulls title Tuesday night.
“That bull’s been around awhile, and they’ve won a lot of money on him,” said Harris, 25, of Tahlequah, Oklahoma. “When you get on a bull like that, you’ve just got to stay on him and make it count.”
He did, earning nearly $5,400 in one night of bull riding at Roundup Arena. He also outlasted some of the top names in the world standings. Of the men in the mix, several have qualified for the National Finals Rodeo. It’s just another step up the ladder of success for the young Oklahoman, who hopes to add his name to that list of elite cowboys.
“I started out riding sheep when I was 5 years old,” Harris said. “I just kept going from sheep to calves up the rankings until now.”
Rodeo also helped him get an education. He was a three-time College National Finals Rodeo qualifier while competing at Southeastern Oklahoma State University.
“Growing up I’ve competed everywhere, but in Oklahoma, they’ve got some stout competitors for sure,” he said. “Christie Braudrick is the coach there, and I’ve known her and her husband, Kyle, my whole life, so I just ended up going down there. When I was there, we had a bunch of bull riders and did pretty good in the bull riding.”
It gave him the head start he needed once he decided to pursue the sport professionally. Harris is part of the Oklahoma Wildcatters, a member of the PBR teams competition. That has kept him busy and away from some ProRodeo events. No matter where he rides, though, he keeps his attention on the details.
“I just need to keep knocking them down and riding my bulls, finish strong and look to next year,” Harris said. “One of the main parts about bull riding is keeping your mind sound, always be positive and look for the next thing. I’d love to win the world title but for sure make the (National Finals Rodeo), but I want to be able to provide for myself and for my family doing what I love instead of working 9 to 5.
“I’ve nailed boards and stuff, and it’s a lot easier to stay on eight seconds than work eight hours.”
Dodge City Roundup Xtreme Bulls
Dodge City, Kan.
July 30, 2024
1. Hayden Harris, 88.5 points on Frontier Rodeo’s County Jail, $5,386; 2. Jate Frost, 86, $4,129; 3. (tie) Tyler Bingham and Mason Moody, 85.5, $2,514 each; 5. Creek Walker, 85, $1,257; 6. T.J. Gray, 84.5, $898; 7. (tie) Maverick Potter and Coy Pollmeier, 84, $628 each.