Cowboys Supporting Cowboys: Making an Impact

For many years, young guns aspiring to make it big in the rodeo world have looked up to cowboys and cowgirls that possess qualities they find admirable, but what makes their idols stand out?

There are many icons in the wide world of rodeo that are known for taking time out of their busy lives and helping an aspiring world champ. Athletes such as Lane Frost inspired many young men that wanted to become a bull rider and did his part in giving them tips to do so. Legends like Frost have left a legacy that continues to be carried on.

In today’s time, it is important to do what you can to keep rodeo alive, as it is a very misunderstood sport and industry. Athletes like Hunter Ramsey (pictured below), nineteen-year-old professional bareback rider from El Dorado, Arkansas, has already inspired many young, aspiring rodeo athletes, and is doing his part in making a positive impact on our youth.

Ramsey has been riding for 6 years, has already earned 17 titles in his career, and expressed that he is working towards his goal of making it to the National Finals Rodeo this year. He is sponsored by Wrangler, Bloomer Trailers, and Cross MG Rasp Spurs.

In an interview I conducted with Ramsey, he shared that rodeo was a trade that was passed down to him. His dad, who he expressed he idolizes, rode bareback and made the NFR. Other family members of his participated in rodeo events as well.

When asked “What makes rodeo such a unique sport from the rest?” he answered, “It’s the godliness that is brought out of others when we’re together. Rodeo is a Christ centered sport, there are a lot of Christians involved. When the prayer is said and the National Anthem plays, hats come off and everyone is on their feet”. Ramsey also said that he has traveled to bible camps and shared the gospel with young kids.

When it comes to any sport or organization, it gets competitive amongst other competitors and at times can cause tension between them. The feeling of wanting to win or be the best overcomes the best of people, and effects how much they support others in their events. I asked Ramsey “Do you feel like in current times athletes are less supportive of each other, does generation play a role in that”? He says “Personally, I surround myself with guys who support each other. When it is go time, it’s between me and the horse. It’s not a competition sport amongst each other. The horse I’m on is like a dancing partner”.

Furthering the discussion, Ramsey says “Generation matters on the attitudes in the arena. Sometimes, talent can all go to someone’s head. It’s important to stay humble without letting everything go to your head.”

Ramsey also added, “I was once a little kid who looked up to others. I want to help kids out by giving them advice. I think rodeo is a dying breed, and we should do what we can to keep it going. Rodeo gives the gateway to holding onto morals, keeps you going in the right direction, and saves lives. It saved me from going down the wrong path”.

I asked Ramsey “What advice would you give to someone who aspires to be a successful pro rodeo athlete?” He said he would tell them “If your dreams don’t scare you, they aren’t big enough. Set goals, reach them, then set more goals. Never stop setting goals for yourself”.

To close out our discussion, I asked. “What is the legacy you would like to leave behind?”, he answered with “I want to be known as the guy who gave everything to God. I’ll let my talent do the talking, but I want to be a big part of what keeps rodeo alive”.

Hunter Ramsey is a force to be reckoned with. He is a bright and talented young man who is already making his mark on the rodeo world and will continue to make an impact in and out of the arena. It was an absolute pleasure having the opportunity to speak to Ramsey. He is destined to do great things in this world, and I have no doubt he won’t reach any goal he has set for himself. He has a bright future ahead.