Bareback Bronc Buster
You might know bareback bronc buster Richie Champion as the first ever “Million Dollar” cowboy, winning the inaugural American Rodeo at the age of 21, the first ever to qualify and win such a grand-prize.
That life changing moment came only 3 years after winning the Texas High School Rodeo Bareback Title as a senior, with only a year and a half of experience riding broncs. Fearlessly relentless, Richie has since gone on to compete successfully in the PRCA. Qualifying for the National Finals Rodeo 8 times in the last 10 seasons and going back to back at the Calgary Stampede ( 17’-18’) as Bareback Bronc champion. And like most rodeo athletes, he’s no stranger adversity, battling injuries in 2022 & finishing 44th in the world, Richie came back with a fire in his belly, winning 10 events and climbing back to 15th in the world rankings. He’s one hell of a cowboy & a good friend of ours that we’re proud to support. Learn more about Richie in the Q&A below...
What is your profession? Did you always know this is what you would end up doing or was it something you “stumbled into”?
I am a Professional Bareback Rider, I thought I was going to be a bull rider for the longest time. After years of falling off bulls I decided to try bareback riding and it was an automatic “this is what I want to do”.
Favorite movie?
Top Gun
Favorite book?
Name of The Wind
Most inspiring quote, piece of art, saying, or advice that has impacted the way you live today?
“You can get bitter, or you can get better” -Tiger Woods
When you’re not working, what are you doing for fun?
Dadding, Fishing, hunting, golfing
Coolest place you’ve ever traveled?
Costa Rica
Bucket list destination you haven’t been yet?
Argentina, Italy, Croatia
You’re stranded on a deserted island - who is coming with you and why?
Bear Grylls, cause he's good at that shit
You get to have drinks with anyone (dead or alive) - who are you calling?
Jason Kelce, dude seems like a riot.
What advice would you give an 18-year-old that wants to do what you do?
If this is what you want to do, then do it all the way. 110% every time. Watch film, work out, ride your spur board, become obsessed with it. Get on lots of horses and learn from every ride.
Any guilty pleasures?
A good cigar
Favorite wild meat/fish to eat? (i.e. venison, dove, quail, king fish, redfish, etc.) And in what kind of meal do you prepare it/eat it?
Venison or redfish, blackened redfish is probably my favorite
What’s your favorite element of Turtlebox? (battery life, durability, waterproofness, sound, togetherness, elevating
experiences)
Oh, it’s hard to pick just one, i think lately its been the waterproofness, knowing its going to perform in the boat after my dog jumps in after a swim and soaks everything. Montana Spring brings all the seasons and being able to have a speaker outside with me on the go has been awesome
How do you use your Turtlebox?
I play music with it. Haha I have one in the gym, one in the rodeo rig, two in the garage, It’s easier to think of the ways I don’t use my Turtlebox.
Name the most famous contact in your phone
Cody Johnson
