LAS VEGAS – Through the first five nights of ProRodeo’s grand finale, first-year player Bradlee Miller has felt the ups and downs that come with riding bareback horses at an elite level.
He’s won two go-rounds outright and placed in two others, but getting on consecutive bucking broncs can be tortuous, especially in his specific event. Cowboys wear specially designed with binds on the edges, then they wedge them into a rigging that is strapped tightly to the horse. Every bucking motion the horse does puts pressure on each man’s hand, elbow, shoulder and neck.
Add the pressure of riding the best horses from this year, the jarring power can be felt in every bone, every muscle. Miller experienced that a bit Monday night while competing in the fifth round of the National Finals Rodeo. He rode J Bar J Rodeo’s Straight Stick for 89 points to finish fourth, worth $14,127, but he also felt the tingling sensation of a pinched nerve in his neck, what athletes and describe as a burner.
He spent time with the Justin Sportsmedicine Team following his ride to make sure his body is ready for the final five nights of this 10-round title bout in the Nevada desert. He’s made a significant move since he arrived, having earned $118,125 so far. He’s moved seven spots to fourth place in the world standings with $225,490.
At just 21 years of age, Miller has proven his resiliency. After finishing 28th in the world standings in 2023 in his rookie campaign, he found some big wins and earned a lot of paychecks during his sophomore season in ProRodeo.
Unlike other professional sports, rodeo cowboys can compete at both the intercollegiate level and the professional level at the same time. Miller is a senior on the Sam Houston State University rodeo team, which is coached by his father, Bubba.
He’s earned three straight qualifications to the College National Finals Rodeo and is one his way to another trip to Casper, Wyoming, next June, sitting atop the Southern Region bareback riding standings with five events remaining in the spring semester. Alas, his focus this week is staying healthy and cashing in on as many opportunities as possible. It’s a rugged 10 days in Sin City, but it’s worth it.