By Ted Harbin
The only thing separating them as siblings is genetics.
They share many of the same passions, primarily centered on rodeo. That’s what brought them together in the first place, but the camaraderie is what’s kept them in the saddle through the rigors of the sport’s season. It’s genuine.
Traveling partners coexist out of necessity. In the rodeo business, sharing expenses is a crucial ingredient in cutting costs and maintaining a strong bottom line. The goal for any trade is to be profitable, and the same goes for cowboys and cowgirls who compete for prize money. In the process, though, true kinships develop and fortify.
During his rookie campaign, bareback rider Cole Franks traveled with Tim O’Connell and Jess Pope, both of whom have won world titles. They were instrumental in Franks’ first qualification to the National Finals Rodeo and Resistol Rookie of the Year award.
“When I got in with Tim and Jess, that was like a day-and-night difference,” Franks said in November. Everything they did, mentality-wise and with my riding, completely changed. Tim and Jess built me, and they helped me fine-tune everything.”
All three were at that 2021 NFR and finished the year among the top 10 in the world standings. This past December, Franks returned to Las Vegas with his new posse, which included first-timer Waylon Bourgeois and eventual world champion Rocker Steiner. The three were more than associates; they were pals.
Steiner said as much multiple times over the last two years. Of course, he wanted that gold buckle, but also atop his goal list was making sure Bourgeois was on the sport’s biggest stage. The feeling was reciprocated.
“We mess with each other all the time,” Bourgeois said. “We’re together for three months at a time. They’re like brothers to me. I want them to do just as well as I do.
“Just to qualify for my first NFR and have those two guys – that had my back throughout the entire season, pushing me to be better – is super special.”
It’s not just roughstock cowboys, either. In the midst of his world-championship run at the NFR, steer wrestler Tucker Allen might have been most excited for the ninth round, when Justin Shaffer – his traveling partner and owner of Banker, the Steer Wrestling Horse of the Year that Allen rode to gold – won the night. It was just his fourth NFR payday and his only go-round win in two qualifications.
“I am very pumped up for him,” Allen said of his traveling partner. “That’s a long time coming.”
Sentiments like that come from the heart and serve as a strong reminder of the bond between traveling buddies.
In the photo, Cole Franks, left, and Rocker Steiner, right, celebrate Waylon Bourgeois’ third-round victory at the 2025 National Finals Rodeo.
