Rocker Steiner, a name synonymous with rodeo success, isn’t your typical 20-year-old. Hailing from a family steeped in rodeo tradition, Steiner has carved his own path to success in the demanding world of bareback riding.
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A Rodeo Legacy, A Unique Path
While his father was a steer wrestling world champion and his grandfather a renowned bull rider, Rocker Steiner’s journey began far from the rodeo arena. Initially drawn to wakeboarding, Steiner eventually found his calling in bareback riding at the age of 13, encouraged by his grandfather. Despite having no prior horse riding experience, Steiner fearlessly embraced the challenge, diving headfirst into the sport. “There’s no way to gradually get into it,” Steiner reflects. His training ground was the family’s 300-acre ranch, where he honed his skills, bypassing the amateur circuit and turning pro at 18.
Early Success and Inspiration
Steiner’s natural talent and dedication quickly propelled him to the forefront of professional bareback riding. Drawing inspiration from established riders like Clayton Biglow, Steiner developed a unique riding style, blending techniques to create his own dynamic approach. His rapid ascent in the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA), culminating in a fifth-place finish in 2023, solidified his position as a rising star.
2023: A Year of Victories for Rocker Steiner
Steiner’s 2023 season was marked by a string of impressive wins at prestigious rodeos across the country:
- Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo
- Hood County Stampede (Granbury, Texas)
- Elizabeth Stampede Rodeo and the San Luis Valley Ski-Hi Stampede (Colorado)
- Eagle Rodeo and the Magic Valley Stampede (Idaho)
- Flagstaff Pro Rodeo (Arizona)
- Livermore Rodeo (California)
- West of the Pecos Rodeo (West Texas)
- Wild Bill Hickok Rodeo (Kansas)
- Jim Baier RAM Chute Out and Tri-State Rodeo (Iowa)
- Lion’s Dixie Roundup (Utah)
This success mirrored his debut year in 2022, where he earned the Resistol Rookie of the Year title. Among his most memorable rides are his victory atop Yippee Kibitz at the Fort Worth Rodeo and his experience with Virgil, C5 Rodeo’s renowned gray horse.
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A Mindset for Success
Steiner attributes his success to a simple philosophy: “Don’t overthink it.” He relies on muscle memory and instinct in the arena, avoiding elaborate strategies and trusting his natural abilities. This mental clarity, combined with unwavering self-belief, has enabled him to exceed expectations. “It wasn’t like I just surprised everybody that I made the finals,” he confidently states. “I was calling my shot since I’ve been 16 years old.”
More Than Just a Hobby
Steiner emphasizes the dedication and professionalism required in rodeo. It’s a demanding career, not merely a pastime. He challenges the misconception that rodeo is solely about fun, highlighting the hard work, commitment, and serious nature of the sport.
A Family Affair: The “Traveling Circus”
The Steiner family embodies the rodeo spirit. Rocker’s journey is supported by his father, Sid Steiner, a former world champion who recognizes his son’s exceptional talent. The family’s shared passion for rodeo has created a unique dynamic, described by Sid as a “traveling circus,” as they navigate the rodeo circuit, supporting each other’s endeavors.
The Future for Rocker Steiner
While currently focused on his riding career, Rocker Steiner remains open to future possibilities. Acknowledging the physical demands of bareback riding, he envisions a life beyond the arena, recognizing that rodeo is just one chapter in his life’s story.
