“Ever since I was a little kid I knew I wanted to be a rodeo cowboy,” this week’s Rising Star Ty Owens said.

The 15-year-old Montana cowboy has worked his way up from the humble beginnings of mutton busting—much like many rodeo cowboys going today did—through the steer riding and mini bull/pony bucking ranks, and has now started his high school rodeo career. Like those other cowboys who grew up around rodeo, he also says he owes his homegrown Western heritage a thank you for giving him the opportunities he has had so far.

“Rodeo runs in the family,” Owens said. “So I am grateful to have gotten a start at such a young age.”

The bareback rider and bull rider is not only accomplished in the Montana Junior Rodeo Association, but he’s also had some unique opportunities to showcase his skills by being invited to exhibition at professional rodeo events as prestigious as the PRCA’s Montana Circuit Finals. 

As Owens makes his way through his first year in high school rodeo, he hopes to continue to build on his junior rodeo success. 

Watch the 2019 National High School Rodeo Finals LIVE on FloRodeo, July 14-20.

Ty Owens

Hometown: Townsend, Montana

Age: 15

Events: Bareback Riding, Bull Riding

The Rank: Currently Unranked 

Check out the entire rankings list HERE.

How did you get started in rodeo?

Ever since I was a little kid, I knew I wanted to be a rodeo cowboy. Rodeo runs in the family, so I am grateful to have gotten a start at such a young age. I first started mutton busting then moved on to steers, mini bulls, and ponies before moving up to bulls and horses.

What are some of your biggest accomplishments to date?

• 2018 Senior MJRA bull riding champion
• 2018 Novice MJRA bareback champion
• 2018 Junior NFR Qualifier, placing eighth at my first world show
• Invited to ride at Nile Stock show and Pro Rodeo
• Invites to ride at the Montana Circuit Finals

What do you like to do when you're not competing?  

When I am not competing I am thinking about competing! I spend the “off” season wrestling and keeping my body in good condition.

Who is your greatest role model?

Kaycee Field.

What is your favorite song?          

"July in a Cheyenne" by Aaron Watson.

What is your favorite food?          

Steak.

Are you a junior rodeo competitor and want to be featured on the site as FloRodeo's next Rising Star? Fill out the form HERE to tell your story!