Keenan Hayes has picked up right where he left off in 2023. Last season, on his permit, Hayes would have qualified for the NFR at No. 14 in the world. Although he wasn’t able to make it to Vegas, Hayes has made up for lost time in 2023 and is now No. 2 in the PRCA World Standings in his rookie season.
Although Hayes knew he was capable of being one of the top Bareback riders in the World, even he is surprised at how well this season has gone.
“I always held myself to the best standard... I kind of always expect to be at the top of what I am doing, but it has been way better than what I would have expected. I am completely blessed to be in the position I am now.”
Hayes is a part of one of the best rookie classes we have ever seen in Bareback riding with five athletes inside the top 15, and Hayes leads them all by a wide margin, something he doesn’t take for granted.
“It is awesome, having all my buddies around me doing the same thing I am. I couldn’t as for a better group of guys to be around. We grew up together and it’s really cool to see us all go along to the same places and all succeeding at what we always wanted to do.”
Hayes is No. 2 in the PRCA World Standings with $107,000 earned on the season and is less than $10,000 behind Leighton Berry in first.