Rodeo Daily

Hayes Claims First Round At Mountain States Circuit Finals

Keenan Hayes earns the first round win in bareback riding at the Mountain States Circuit Finals

Kaleb Kistner

Hayes Claims First Round At Mountain States Circuit Finals
Hayes Claims First Round At Mountain States Circuit Finals /

Keenan Hayes had a remarkable 2023 season, setting a new record for earnings in the bareback riding with $265,896. All while being a rookie. You can bet that Hayes will earn the Resistol Rookie of the Year Award in the bareback riding, awarded each year to the top rookie in each event. 

Hayes is looking to defend his title in the bareback riding at the Mountain States Circuit Finals. Last year, Hayes won all three go-rounds and blew away the average to dominate his way to his first circuit finals win. 

This year, Hayes is already in the lead after the first night. With an impressive 86.5-point ride on Summit Pro Rodeo's Bald Mountain, Hayes established himself in the first place spot early. 

With a near miss, Myles Carlson rode with all he had for an underwhelming 85.5-point ride. His aggressive ride put him in second place, for the time being. 

In third place was No. 36 in the world last season, Donny Proffit. He earned his way into the money with his 82-point ride. Also a rookie in 2023, Proffit is looking to earn his way into the National Finals Rodeo (NFR) for 2024. 

Bringing up the rear in fourth place, Roedy Farrell, placed right behind Proffit with an 81.5-point ride. At just 18 years old, you can expect Farrell to making some noise in the future. 

Hayes earned his way to his first NFR this year, separating himself and the second place cowboy by over $103,000. If Hayes can keep his momentum going, he should have no issue doing very well at the NFR. The NFR takes place at the Thomas and Mack Arena in Las Vegas, NV, Dec. 7-16. 

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Kaleb Kistner
KALEB KISTNER

Kaleb Kistner is from New Braunfels, a small community nestled in the Texas Hill Country. There’s only one “s” in Braunfels! Growing up in Comal County, it was an annual tradition to attend the Comal County Fair and Rodeo. Down the road was the San Antonio Stockshow and Rodeo, that his grandparents would religiously take him to each year. Along with the annual rodeos, Kaleb was an active member in FFA throughout high school. Showing rabbits and pigs, assisting with steers and goats, and participating in leadership development events, Kaleb received a well-rounded, basic education in agriculture. On top of that, Kaleb earned his Eagle Scout with Boy Scouts of America. Kaleb has a strong work ethic and love for agriculture and the great outdoors. He hopes to be able to spread his knowledge and bring a better understanding of the Western way of life to those who may not understand. Kaleb has pursued a career in plumbing, continuing to achieve each possible license as quickly as he can. Kaleb has a beautiful fiancée Makayla and his sweet daughter Kinleigh. During his down time, he and his family enjoy going to their parents’ ranches to spend time with the family. 

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