Q&A: Jake Brown Discusses Technique In Bareback Riding
Q&A: Jake Brown Discusses Technique In Bareback Riding
Two-time Wrangler National Finals Rodeo qualifier Jake Brown discusses his start in bareback riding and gives tips for aspiring rodeo athletes.
Jake Brown has never been interested in any other sport besides rodeo. With his dad, Paul Brown, being the rodeo coach at Hill College in Hillsboro, Texas, Jake spent most of his youth in the rodeo arena at the college. At age 3, he was competing in rodeos, but by 5 years old he knew he wanted to ride roughstock.
Brown made a name for himself at a young age by winning several championships in various roughstock events. He has shown he is a true champion by overcoming injuries and continuing to show success inside the arena.
Brown now calls Cleveland, Texas, home with his wife, Nicole. Their love for rodeo is evident as Nicole works with the Cowboy Professional Rodeo Association, and Jake is an assistant rodeo coach for Hill College.
Career Highlights:
FloRodeo: How did you start bareback riding?
Brown: Just being around it all the time while my dad was the rodeo coach at Hill College. I was riding bulls and wanted to do it all.
What is the best way to get started in bareback riding?
The best way to get started is to find someone who bucks nice practice horses and start getting on a lot, talk to people who know what they are doing, and don't be scared to ask questions.
What techniques do you find to be the most important in bareback riding?
Growing up, watching guys like Bobby Mote who ride technically correct, I have learned to try to do it correct: Lift on your riggin', chin down, and set your feet.
How important is your physical fitness, and what do you do to stay physically fit?
Physical fitness is pretty important. It doesn't make you a great bareback rider, but it really helps you keep from getting sore. Being fit means you will not get worn out during a ride and are able to get on more.
How important is your mental strength for bareback riding, and how do you make sure you are at the top of your mental game?
Mental is the biggest thing in bareback riding and all of rodeo! You have to know you can do it before you crawl on the back of a horse. I do a lot of visualization -- things going well over and over in my mind.
How do you stay sharp while you are on the road?
Just don't change anything from when you are home. I try to eat decent and keep working out. Haul with someone who pushes you and is fun to be around.
What is the best advice you can give someone wanting to be a bareback rider or someone who is wanting to start competing professionally?
Just give it all you have and always have fun because that is what it is truly about.
You have battled back from several injuries during your career. How did you make sure you were ready to compete both mentally and physically after suffering an injury?
I always listened to the doctors, and when they said I was ready, I was ready. They know what they are doing and won't release you to early. I'm always nervous the first couple back, but I have faith in God too.
What is your favorite verse or motivational quote?
Proverbs 27:17 has been really hitting home lately: Iron sharpens iron! Also, I really like "Chase The Lion" -- If your dream doesn't scare you, it's too small.
Any last information you would like to share (advice, sponsors, thank you, etc.)?
I have a lot of support from my wife, Nicole, and my family, which makes going down the road a lot easier. A huge THANK YOU to my sponsors who keep me going: Tony Lama Boots, Shoppas John Deere, P&W Machine, Pickett ProRodeo.
Brown made a name for himself at a young age by winning several championships in various roughstock events. He has shown he is a true champion by overcoming injuries and continuing to show success inside the arena.
Brown now calls Cleveland, Texas, home with his wife, Nicole. Their love for rodeo is evident as Nicole works with the Cowboy Professional Rodeo Association, and Jake is an assistant rodeo coach for Hill College.
Career Highlights:
- PRCA Career Earnings: $220,000+
- Two-time Wrangler National Finals Rodeo qualifier (2015, 2016)
- 2016 National Western Stock Show and Rodeo champion (Denver, CO)
- 2016 Clovis (CA) Rodeo champion
- 2016 Pioneer Days Rodeo champion (Guymon, OK)
- Two-time Texas High School Rodeo champion in bareback riding
- All-around champion for Texas High School Rodeo Association
- Three-time National High Finals Rodeo qualifier
- 2008 National High School Finals Rodeo champion in bareback riding
- Qualifier for the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Finals
FloRodeo: How did you start bareback riding?
Brown: Just being around it all the time while my dad was the rodeo coach at Hill College. I was riding bulls and wanted to do it all.
What is the best way to get started in bareback riding?
The best way to get started is to find someone who bucks nice practice horses and start getting on a lot, talk to people who know what they are doing, and don't be scared to ask questions.
What techniques do you find to be the most important in bareback riding?
Growing up, watching guys like Bobby Mote who ride technically correct, I have learned to try to do it correct: Lift on your riggin', chin down, and set your feet.
How important is your physical fitness, and what do you do to stay physically fit?
Physical fitness is pretty important. It doesn't make you a great bareback rider, but it really helps you keep from getting sore. Being fit means you will not get worn out during a ride and are able to get on more.
How important is your mental strength for bareback riding, and how do you make sure you are at the top of your mental game?
Mental is the biggest thing in bareback riding and all of rodeo! You have to know you can do it before you crawl on the back of a horse. I do a lot of visualization -- things going well over and over in my mind.
How do you stay sharp while you are on the road?
Just don't change anything from when you are home. I try to eat decent and keep working out. Haul with someone who pushes you and is fun to be around.
What is the best advice you can give someone wanting to be a bareback rider or someone who is wanting to start competing professionally?
Just give it all you have and always have fun because that is what it is truly about.
You have battled back from several injuries during your career. How did you make sure you were ready to compete both mentally and physically after suffering an injury?
I always listened to the doctors, and when they said I was ready, I was ready. They know what they are doing and won't release you to early. I'm always nervous the first couple back, but I have faith in God too.
What is your favorite verse or motivational quote?
Proverbs 27:17 has been really hitting home lately: Iron sharpens iron! Also, I really like "Chase The Lion" -- If your dream doesn't scare you, it's too small.
Any last information you would like to share (advice, sponsors, thank you, etc.)?
I have a lot of support from my wife, Nicole, and my family, which makes going down the road a lot easier. A huge THANK YOU to my sponsors who keep me going: Tony Lama Boots, Shoppas John Deere, P&W Machine, Pickett ProRodeo.