Back to the New Mexico Lobos Newsfeed

NM State Fair showcases professional rodeo cowboys

“I think I’m an adrenaline junkie. Every time I get on, it’s for a world title, every horse that I get on is another opportunity to get another gold buckle...My goal in rodeo is to be a six-time world champion and be the best ever,” said professional rodeo bareback rider Tim O’Connell on preparing for rodeo competitions.

O’Connell is the defending Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association World Bareback Riding Champion 2017. A native Iowan, 25-year-old O’Connell’s PRCA career earnings are a reported $771,272, according to the PRCA website.

O’Connell said he’s been bareback riding since he was 18, but professionally since 2013.