Keyshawn Whitehorse is a 26-year-old Native American who lives in between the Four Sacred Mountains in the high desert of Southern Utah where he and his cousins roam free within the land that is their playground. He has been bull riding for over 21 years and did professionally for 8-9 years. “I got my first big bull when I was 12 As a kid Keyshawn knew he was going to be a professional bull rider. “That’s all I wanted to do, as I got older like in high school. I never doubt myself or question it. I just knew it was bound to happen and take up on the work.” His father Nobert Whitehorse is his coach and his supporter. “We learned how to ride bulls together he supported and trained me.” Keyshawn says. He is known as the pride of the Navajo Nation. He became rookie of the year in 2018 and reached milestones since his debut, including being a 3-time PBR Global Cup qualifier, being proud of his native culture. He includes a prayer before he rides and hopes for the best for the ride. Instead of dominating the bull, he asks for partnerships between him and the bull. Culture is very important to him. He always wears a mandolin with him. Keyshawn has gotten twelve 90 pointers and is ranked 45 in the world winning over 20 events. Riding, bulls seems very easy and fun, but it’s the most dangerous sport that could either lead to death or injury. Keyshawn has experienced many life threatening events. “It’s when you get knocked out, you can’t really do much. You don’t know what’s going on. I think that’s mainly it. I had a bull flipped over me in the shoot before really hard, and I coughed out blood that was really scary for me.” Being a bull rider even has issues they have to deal with mental and physical strength. Dealing with training hard all the time especially traveling. It’s really tough but you just got to have that mindset. He works out, he has a stationary bull practice the fundamentals. Keyshawn would tell his younger self to train even harder and keep pushing it even more.” I think the more I push myself when I was younger the better I would be. Other than that enjoy life more because having a happy life and training a lot really helps on your riding.” Keyshawn has to wake up in the morning for events. Keyshawn gave some pep talk to those who want to become future bull riders. “Just be certain this is what you want to do. It’s a dangerous game. Be all in or be all out. You can’t hide it. You got to face it, There is always that person or people that push you to be your best.” Keyshawn says that his parents benefit him. “My dad helped me out on my riding we learned how to ride bulls together, he taught me tricks and supported me and helped me become better. My mom also helped me she took me to events and even got to meet the best bull riders out there!” Keyshawn has gained a lot since his rookie of the year in 2018, If you want to see him ride see him at the PBR World Finals 2024 May 18-19 in Arlington, TX!
