Keenan Hayes: The First Rookie To Win The World Championship
For the first time in rodeo history, a rookie brought home the world. Keenan Hayes became the first cowboy to win a PRCA Bareback Riding World Championship in his rookie season.
As a third-generation cowboy, Hayes has etched his name in rodeo history as an accomplished bareback rider, capturing the hearts of fans and setting records that speak to his exceptional talent and dedication.
This article takes you through his incredible journey, from his early years in Hayden, CO to his monumental triumph in earning the title 2023 Bareback Riding Resistol Rookie of the Year.
Early Days of Keenan Hayes
Keenan Hayes is known as the "Hayden Cowboy." And he's not just any rodeo star; he's a third-generation hero in the arena.
Born into a family where rodeo runs in the blood, Keenan's journey in rodeo began under the guidance of his father, Donnie Hayes, who introduced him to the world of bareback riding. Donnie, a retired bareback and saddle bronc rider, passed down his passion and skills to Keenan.
The tradition of rodeo in their family started with John Hayes, Keenan's grandfather, who was the family's first bareback rider. This lineage of rodeo expertise has been a guiding force in Keenan's career.
Kaitlynn Hayes, Keenan’s sister, is also making her mark in the rodeo world. She competes in barrel racing, goat tying, and breakaway roping as a member of the CSHSRA.
And the two have co-founded Rocky Mountain Mini Broncs, a venture into the mini bronc stock contracting business, showcasing their shared entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to rodeo.
Young Gun Making Waves
Keenan Hayes was an all-around athlete, excelling in wrestling and football. But at the age of 9, his true passion emerged: rodeo, starting with mini-steers.
He embraced all the roughstock events in high school, but a bull riding accident in his sophomore year led to a broken jaw and a tough decision. He chose to leave all sports behind except for rodeo, a clear sign of where his heart truly lay.
Keenan's early rodeo feats were impressive. He finished fifth in the Mini Bareback Riding World Championship Finals and went on to win the NJHFR World Bareback Steer Riding Champion title and the NHSRA Reserve World Champion Bareback Rider.
These achievements were more than just accolades; they signaled Keenan's destined greatness in rodeo, honoring his family's legacy in the sport.
The Road to the 2023 Resistol Rookie of the Year
For a young rodeo athlete like Keenan Hayes, capturing the Resistol Rookie of the Year title is a dream come true. It's a unique honor, different from the world champion title, and athletes have just one chance to claim it.
After earning over $1,000 in PRCA rodeos, Hayes entered his official rookie year, stepping up as a serious contender.
The National Finals Rodeo
Entering the NFR as the world's top-ranked bareback rider, Keenan Hayes led the pack with over $100,000 more in winnings and 17 wins under his belt.
Competing fiercely alongside rivals Kade Sonnier and Dean Thompson, Hayes was determined to win both the prestigious award and the world champion gold buckle.
On December 16, 2023, at the Thomas & Mack in Las Vegas, Hayes made a historic 90-point ride in the 10th round, becoming the first rookie to win the World Championship.
He concluded the season with an impressive total earning of $434,050, surpassing the previous single-season PRCA bareback riding earnings record set by Clayton Biglow in 2019.
Keenan Hayes’ Biggest Payouts
San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo: Earning $20,000
Keenan Hayes showcased his skills at the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo, earning a commendable second place in the initial rounds and securing $5,000. Advancing to the Semifinals, he rode Cervi Championship Rodeo’s Ain’t No Angel to an impressive 88.5 points. His performance peaked in the Finals with a 90.5-point ride, culminating in a total earning of $20,000 from this prestigious event.
Cinch Playoffs Governor’s Cup, South Dakota: Winning $19,000
During the season's final weekend, Hayes aimed to extend his lead in the World Standings. He achieved this goal by placing fourth in the Semifinal and then securing a second-place finish in the Short Round with an 86.5-point ride on Muddy Creek Pro Rodeo’s Black Mamba. This effort netted him $19,000, further bolstering his position in the standings.
RodeoHouston: Pocketing $20,000
At RodeoHouston, Hayes made a remarkable impact, winning two of the three Go-Rounds in the Super Series 5, advancing to the Semifinals. Despite an initial setback, he staged a stunning comeback in the Wildcard Round on Stace Smith Pro Rodeo’s Girl Crush. His highest scoring ride of 88 points in the Championship Shootout earned him a third-place finish and $20,000 in prize money.
Keenan Hayes' Top Scoring Rides
Mountain State Circuit Finals, Colorado: Scoring 90 Points
Hayes' first 90-point ride, a standout moment of the season, came at the Mountain State Circuit Finals in Colorado. He paired with Big Water Pro Rodeo’s Rambo in the third round, achieving a dazzling 90 points that put them at the top of the leaderboard.
Puyallup Cinch Playoffs, Washington: Achieving 90.5 Points
In the Puyallup Cinch Playoffs, Washington, Hayes delivered his highest marked ride of the regular season. Riding Calgary Stampede’s Yippee Kibitz, he scored an impressive 90.5 points, landing him a third-place finish.
Keenan Hayes’ High Scores
NFR Open, Colorado: Securing 86.5 Points
The NFR Open in Colorado was another highlight for Hayes, where he added over $18,500 to his earnings with a strong performance of 86.5 points.
Rodeo Austin: Triumph with 86.5 Points
At Rodeo Austin, Hayes demonstrated exceptional skill, scoring 88 and 84.5 on his first two horses, and then 86.5 points on Black Kat of Beutler & Son Rodeo, marking his first major win in Texas.
Ellensburg Rodeo, Washington: A Total of 174 Points
In the famous Labor Day Weekend event, Hayes scored 86 and 88 points across two rides, clinching the Average by 1.5 points over seasoned competitor Tim O’Connell. This win capped off his season with a sixth PRCA Playoff Series victory.
San Angelo Cinch Chute Out, Texas: Winning with 88 Points
Riding high from his Austin victory, Hayes scored a remarkable 90.5 points on his initial horse at the San Angelo Cinch Chute Out, leading to a victorious 88 points on Pickett’s Hooey Rocktop Notch in the final round.
Outside The Arena
Keenan Hayes has interests that extend beyond the rodeo, although they’re still nearby.
He and his sister, Kaitlynn, started a mini bronc stock contracting business called Rocky Mountain Mini Broncs and he’s interested in stock contracting. Plus, he is involved in training horses and managing his family's ranch, keeping his deep connection with the western lifestyle.
Final Thoughts
Keenan Hayes's remarkable journey in rodeo speaks to his talent, hard work, and the strong family legacy that he carries forward. His accomplishments are not just personal victories but are also symbolic of the enduring spirit of the western lifestyle. As Hayes continues to ride and compete, his story will undoubtedly inspire future generations of rodeo athletes, cementing his legacy as one of the greats in the sport.
Richard Sutherland
RichardSutherland@bitsnspurs.orgRichard is a western lifestyle author for Bits N' Spurs, the weekly newsletter that keeps pace with today's rodeo. His articles are featured on dozens of rodeo and Western related websites and provide a window to the world of cowboy culture.