Pueblo, CO —Arizona Ridge Riders athlete Keyshawn Whitehorse competes to be the best. But that isn’t all that drives the PBR's 2018 Rookie of the Year.
“When it comes to legacy, any bull rider wants to be the best. That’s a given. But personally, as a ‘res kid’ that made it because it was something he always dreamed of… I want other ‘res kids’ to know it’s possible for them to do it too if there’s hard work and determination. But most of all, belief,” said Whitehorse, who made history by competing on an all-Native American PBR rodeo team in 2019.
Born on the Navajo reservation in McCracken Spring, Utah, Whitehorse’s belief in himself started young. Coupled with an intense work ethic and natural athletic ability, the decorated bull rider is firmly committed to his team.
“In sports a lot of times they want to use you and on to the next one. That isn’t the case here, they want to take care of you and be a family,” shared Whitehorse, who admitted moving from the reservation to the city to pursue his dream was “a strange transition.”
Whitehorse's coach, Colby Yates knows a thing or two about the PBR family. Throughout his 10-year professional career, Yates made five appearances at the PBR World Finals, qualified for the National Finals Rodeo and was crowned the 2011 Iron Cowboy Champion.
Yates said Whitehorse was selected for the Ridge Riders since the first year even though “he was originally not drafted.”
“That’s pretty crazy because Keyshawn is a pretty decorated athlete,” explained Yates. “He’s a big inspiration to our team, not only do they respect him, but he is also one of those guys who doesn’t complain about anything. He’ll do whatever you ask him to, he’s a team player. He’s always paying attention to what’s going on in his surroundings. If he sees that something is off, he’s going to come tell me or he may just take care of it to try and bring everybody together.”
Whether bringing his teammates together, or separating himself from anything that might deter him from winning a world title, Whitehorse remains grounded.
“As long as we see each guy give 100% effort and not quit, we’re there to pat ‘em on the back and tell ‘em to get up and say ‘it’s on to the next ride.’ ”
Annie Gimbel
