Rocky Western has been a proud sponsor of Professional Roughstock Series Bull Rider Shane Rickly since his 2014 season. His accomplishments over the last few years include:
· 2009 won the World’s Toughest Rodeo
· 2010 qualified to ride in first Built Ford Tough Series for PBR
· 2011 World Champion Bull Rider for International Professional Rodeo Association
· 2012 qualified for PRS World Final and finished in top 5
· 2014 PRS Bull Riding World Finals Average Champion
Shane shared with us the highs and lows of rodeo and what keeps him riding:
ROCKY: What are some of your goals for this year, both in and out of the arena?
SR: The number one goal is to make the finals in PRS, and the second goal is to finish in top five, if not higher.
ROCKY: What is it that you love about rodeo and keeps you coming back for more?
SR: It’s just in me, something been around all my life. Something I love and always will. I love to compete.
Dad had a farm and ranch in Amanda, Ohio and we always had cattle and livestock. My brother and sister were always in high school rodeos and Little Britches rodeos. We had a bucking barrel set up to ride every day. I started roping and riding calves when I was four and started roping off a horse at seven.
ROCKY: What is the worst injury you’ve had?
SR: Dislocated shoulder, broken nose and lost a finger.
ROCKY: How do you prep before a ride?
SR: If I know the bull, I think about what have to do to match his moves; I visualize the perfect ride. I think about what I want to happen, not what could happen. Don’t worry about what could happen just think about what you want to happen. Tons of stretching. Advocare challenge helps me get back on track and healthy when I need it.
ROCKY: Tell us about your Rocky gear and how it helps you perform your best.
SR: I’ve got a bunch of Rocky boots and love the Long Range collection. I love the waterproof ones because of working in snow and mud all the time. I prefer crepe outsoles on boots because it gives me a little more traction to get away from the bull and keeps my feet a little bit warmer when I’m standing on the cold concrete all day waiting and prepping for the ride.
My gear has to be made to fit my active lifestyle and has to be always on the go just like me. Rocky Boots do that and then some. They have top notch, superior comfort and the design is so thought out it empowers me to achieve my personal best. My gear gives me the confidence to succeed.
ROCKY: What are some of your hobbies?
SR: I play a lot of basketball and football, and I just like sports in general. I also do some team roping.