ProRodeo Sports News - July 12, 2019

COWBOY GRILLE WITH AMBER BAILLIE

How did you get involved in saddle bronc riding? Ben: My dad (Chris) rode broncs and went to the Canadian Finals Rodeo a couple of times. My cousin (2018 Saddle Bronc Riding PRCA Rookie of the Year) Dawson Hay got me into steer riding when I was about 14. At first, I wasn’t interested but then when I gave it a try, I liked the adrenaline I got from it, like I do with motocross. It’s cool and I like doing things out of my element. How are you feeling about the season? Ben: Good. I travel with (saddle bronc rider and cousin) Logan Hay. For the first run, we traveled south and that was stressful. I wasn’t riding well. But when I returned home, I was able to regroup, get on a lot of practice horses and I started riding better. I’d like to win rookie of the year and make the CFR. I want to go to as many Canadian rodeos as possible; Logan and I entered a good number of rodeos for the Fourth of July run. What’s the biggest thing you’ve learned competing in ProRodeo? Ben: I think being humble and supporting kids who want to be involved in rodeo is important to the sport. Layton Green and Dawson Hay have really helped me along the way, and I want to do the same for younger contestants. What keeps you competing? Ben: Following my dreams. I hope to make the NFR one day and want to make the best bronc rides that I can. What’s been your biggest challenge? Ben: Learning how to ride broncs. I didn’t figure it out very fast. It was a long process until I got decent at it. What do you appreciate most about your event? Ben: I love riding bucking horses and hanging out with the boys (fellow contestants). It’s a cool sport that I want to continue to pursue and make a career from. My family has been very supportive. My mom watches it as much as she can and my dad supports me, looking after our cattle and doing my chores on the ranch. What would you like to improve on? Ben: Lifting my rein, I’ve always had a hard time with that because it doesn’t come natural to me. I’ll get going and have to remind myself to do it. It’s one of the hardest things to learn in bronc riding. How do you get ready for a ride? Ben: I like to stretch so that I can be loose and cool. I like to feel the energy of the horse and remain calm. I nod quietly, and then it’s game on. What’s the worst injury you’ve had? Ben: I’ve broken my collarbone three times, one of those times I also broke two ribs. It took about three months for me to recover and to really feel good again. Luckily, it was during the winter. After that, my friends thought I would quit riding, but I didn’t. A lot of guys will get discouraged after an injury and will delay getting back on a bronc. But for me, it felt good to get going again and to move forward instead of backward. What else do you enjoy besides rodeo? Ben: Riding dirt bikes. It requires a lot of endurance; you’ve got to be fit, and it keeps you fit. I also like to play hockey in winter, it’s good cardio. What’s your favorite way to de-stress? As summer temperatures have heated up, so has Ben Andersen’s rookie season. As of July 8, the 20-year-old saddle bronc rider was second in the PRCA | Resistol Rookie Standings with $21,586 ($11,162 behind leader Stetson Wright). With his goals being to win Rookie of the Year and to make the Canadian Finals Rodeo, the Eckville, Alberta, native isn’t slowing down anytime soon.

BEN ANDERSEN

Ben: Probably training colts. It’s relaxing to go outside and work with colts when I’m at home. Some people find it frustrating, but I think it’s cool. You just have to be patient. Do you have a favorite TV show? Ben: Lonesome Dove: The Series . I’ve enjoyed that since I was little. If I were to pick an era I’d want to live in, it’d be that one. What is your favorite time of the day? Ben: About 5 p.m., when the sun is going down. We get some cool sunsets at home, and I enjoy watching the Northern Lights. What is something you’re particular about? Ben: My truck. I’m OCD when it comes to cleanliness, and I also like to keep up with maintenance and oil changes. I’m a firm believer in that if you want to keep it going and for it to be reliable. Do you have any pets? Ben: We have a family dog. Her name is Sprout, she’s a Jack Russell terrier and is about 15 years old.

ProRodeo Sports News 7/12/2019

ProRodeo.com

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