At the highly anticipated 3rd annual PBR Teams Draft, the Ridge Riders proudly welcomed Arizona native, Jacauy Hale to their 2024 roster.
The 22-year-old from Ganado, Arizona entered the draft with determination to secure a spot on just one of the coveted PBR teams, but to be selected by his hometown team made the accomplishment that much more special.
“Going into the draft, I wasn’t concerned about which team I could be on or which way I was headed, I just wanted to be on a team,” Hale explained. “After the first round, I heard Arizona was up next and they brought Mo Brings Plenty up on stage. I had a feeling, but just to hear my name, it’s everything I’ve ever imagined. I still can’t believe it and to have the Arizona Ridge Riders pick me being from Arizona, it was just like the cherry on top,”
Hale grew up in the Navajo Nation and comes from an extensive rodeo family. He recalls being around livestock and riding horses all his life, but his true passion comes in the form of riding bulls.
“My grandpa, my uncles, and my aunties all rodeo,” Hale stated. “I started out riding sheep, worked my way up to calves, steers, junior bulls, and then into the bigger bulls. Riding bulls is just a different kind of rush — it’s something I’ve always wanted to do since I was small.”
Since deciding to take bull riding seriously at the age of 16, Hale has been fortunate to see much success throughout his career. Last year alone, he finished top 40 in the world in the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association as well as earned the 2023 Indian National Finals Rodeo Champion Bull Rider title.
Now making the shift over to the PBR, Hale is excited for the opportunities to come.
“I grew up watching the PBR so I’m excited to walk into the big arenas, see all the lights, and be on the rankest bulls,” the newest Ridge Rider said.
The team aspect will be a new feat for Hale but he’s ready to face the challenge.
“I’ve never ridden on a team; it’s always been individual so I’m looking forward to that,” Hale noted. “You see the videos of everyone’s teammates on the back of the chutes cheering each other on and I just can’t wait to experience all of it.”
Additionally, Hale is looking forward to being able to receive coaching from the five-time PBR Finals qualifier and Ridge Rider head coach, Colby Yates.
“Like I said earlier, I grew up watching PBRs and watching Colby [Yates] ride. He was a great bull rider and I think he’s going to be an even better coach,” Hale remarked. “I can’t wait to learn new things from him, have him help me where I’m lacking in my riding, or just help me mentally. It’s great to have a good coach like him in your corner to make you better.”
The 2024 PBR Teams season is quickly approaching with the first game to take place July 12th in Oklahoma City and the Arizona Ridge Riders are excited to watch Hale’s talents unfold as he represents his home state team.
“We’re a team so we have to work as a team. Like any professional sports team, we all have one goal in mind and it’s to win the championship at the end. It’s always been a dream of mine to ride in the PBR and now to do it at the top level like it, it’s a feeling you can’t explain and I’ve just very blessed.”
Don’t miss your chance to watch Jacauy and the Ridge Riders compete for a title on home state dirt at Ridge Riders Days October 4-6 at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, AZ. Get your tickets now at: https://www.ticketmaster.com/pbr-team-tickets/artist/2859854?venueId=204917
Follow along with Jacauy and the Arizona Ridge Riders all season long on Instagram @jacauy_hale and @arizonaridgeriders