IN HONOR OF NATIONAL DAY OF THE COWBOY
Every Cowboy Has A Story
National Day of the Cowboy was founded in 2005 and falls on the fourth Saturday in July. It was founded to recognize the stoic, hardworking symbol of the American West. At Ariat, we partner with several incredible cowboys and cowgirls that embody the true cowboy spirit. Learn more about a few of these cowboys and what being a cowboy means to them.
Ezekiel Mitchell, Professional Bull Rider
“Being a cowboy for me just isn’t a title, it’s something that I always wanted to be. I am so proud of the fact that I can embrace the western heritage and what helped America to grow into what it is today.”
Ezekiel grew up in Texas, one of 11 siblings, aspiring to be a cowboy. Unlike many of his peers, he didn’t come from a rodeo family. Instead, he learned to ride bulls by watching YouTube videos and eventually building his own bucking barrel in his backyard.
Ezekiel’s love of the sport and determination helped him realize his dream of riding with the best. He currently rides on the premier tour of the PBR (Professional Bull Riders), sitting within a prestigious group of the Top 25 Bull Riders in the World.
Kaycee Feild, Professional Bareback Rider
“A cowboy is the biggest icon in the world, in my opinion. Every kid around the world at some point in their life has dreamed about being a cowboy. So, when I say I am a cowboy I respect all, am true to my word, and a fierce competitor!”
Hailing from Genola, Utah, Kaycee began practicing riding bareback broncs at the age of 13, dreaming of becoming the world’s best. Because he was small for his age his father and idol, Pro Rodeo hall of Famer and 5-time PRCA World Champion, Lewis Feild, forbade him to practice or compete regularly until he turned 17.
Having to wait only fueled Kaycee’s aspirations and later his many accomplishments:
Four-time PRCA World Champion Bareback Rider
Winner of four consecutive bareback riding world championships between 2011 & 2014
Qualified for ten National Finals Rodeos
Jackie Hobbs-Crawford, Professional Roper
“Being a cowboy to me means being part of a culture that takes pride in God, country, and family. We are all one big family!”
Jackie was born in Springfield, IL, where as a child she began to ride and do speed events. At age 12 she moved to Sallisaw, OK, and found a love for roping. She’s an Intercollegiate World Champion Breakaway Roping Champion, has accumulated 19 Women’s Professional Rodeo World Titles, and competed at the men’s professional rodeo level.
In addition to competing, she trains multiple horses for every level of roper at her home in Stephenville, TX, where she lives with husband Charly Crawford, a 9-time NFR Header and fellow Ariat sponsored athlete.
Along with balancing being a wife, mother, competitor and trainer, Jackie has played a key role in the exploding trend of breakaway roping being brought to the forefront of rodeo. She conducts some of the biggest breakaway roping and team roping clinics all over the world.
José Vitor Leme, Professional Bull Rider
“For me being a cowboy means continuing a tradition. Not just wearing a hat or a boot, but being honest, having faith, being committed to your work, being a good person, never giving up, and fighting to the end for your goals”
Brazilian-born José Vitor Leme came to bull riding later than most. Instead, he spent his teens playing semi-pro soccer and becoming an accomplished martial artist. José never even attempted riding bulls until he was 18 years old, but by the time he was 21, he became only the second Brazilian rider to win the PBR Brazil national title, Brazilian Rookie of the Year and the Brazilian Finals event winner in the same year.
José followed up that feat by traveling to the United States and winning the PBR Velocity Tour Finals, PBR Finals event and became the PBR Rookie of the Year a month later. He is currently the #1 Bull Rider in the World.
Trevor Brazile, Professional All-Around Cowboy
“Cowboys are a little bit different breed. And I think the way we get our payment builds heart and character because there are no days off. There are easier ways to make a living, but no better way to live.”
Holder of the record for the most PRCA world champion titles—currently 25—Trevor Brazile is a living legend. Born in Amarillo, TX, he now lives in Decatur, TX with his wife Shada and three children. Trevor’s hope is to be remembered as a great cowboy and his accomplishments are many:
The sport of rodeo’s most decorated all-around champion ever
Holds the record for the most World All-Around Cowboy Champion titles—14
Holds 25 World Champion titles
Trevor strives to embody the highest ideals of the American cowboy: honesty, self-sacrifice, toughness, hard work, and faith.