If the 2023 season is to be summed up in a single word, it must be exhilarating. While veteran rodeos have continued their dominance, rookies have caused massive upsets in the arena. Be it Caden Bunch’s Unleash the Beast heroics or Keena Hayes’ glorious 2023 season, it has been an exciting year for rodeo enthusiasts. The wins have been peppered with a lot of struggles and setbacks as well, making it all the more resoundingly victorious for the rodeo contenders.

After a stellar season of dominance, a 20-year-old cowboy was crowned as the 2023 World Bareback Riding Champion. Now, he has received yet another prestigious honour as fans hail this young wunderkind, being conferred with an honor most youngsters can only fathom in their dizziest daydreams.

Bareback riding phenom honored

In the latest post on Facebook, Steamboat Radio announced that Keenan Hayes was honored with another prestige. “Brent Romick and the Steamboat Pro Rodeo honored the World Bareback Riding Champion Keenan Hayes of Hayden tonight”, the caption of the post read. Brent Romick is a revered name in the rodeo world. A former rider, Romick is also the co-founder of the Creek Ranch Owners Association.

Hayes was ranked World No.1 in 2023, racking up a staggering $355,303.04 in earnings cummulatively. He won the 150th Silver Spurs Rodeo and the Home of Champions Rodeo. The other highlights of his 2023 season include the NFR Open, Brighton Field Day and Rodeo, and Steamboat Springs. Witnessing Hayes receive yet another honor, rodeo fanatics have started pouring love to the 20-year-old.

Rodeo world cheers for Hayes

It truly was a sensational season for Keenan Hayes. The drastic change came after he left bull riding and decided to focus solely on bareback riding in 2021. Now, as he reaps the rewards of the right decision, the rodeo world is all smiles. “So proud! What an achievement and accomplishment!”, a fan commented.

Getting a special visit from Brent Romick is a rare thing, and Hayes truly deserved that special honor. “Amazing accomplishment..great to honour him”, a user wrote. The 20-year-old was invited to a special dinner, and if the fans are to be believed, the food was delicious. “Shanon, you forgot the pictures of the beautiful food”, a user noted.

READ MORE: “Coolest Place”: Rodeo Legend JB Mauney Springs a Thrilling Surprise for Enthusiasts as the NFR Showdown Draws Near

Steamboat stands as one of the most venerated rodeo organizations, and so are Romick and now Hayes. Highlighting the same, another fan commented, “What a great picture! Thanks for being there!”. For the 2024 Season, Hayes is currently ranked 9th. He would hope to replicate last year’s heroics by the time the season comes to an end.

Watch this story: World No. 7 Bull Rider Overcomes ‘Blood Moon’ to Set Sight at $1,000,000 Prize