story by Ruth Nicolaus
Brian Brown has heard all the “windies” from his dad, and now he’s working on making some of his own.
The eighteen-year-old cowboy is a bareback rider in the Rocky Mountain Pro Rodeo Association, following in the footsteps of his dad, Brownie Brown, who rode barebacks “back in the day” and now shares his stories with his son.
He got his motivation to ride barebacks from his dad, and from another cowboy, Wrangler National Finals Rodeo qualifier R.C. Landingham. His dad rodeoed with R.C.’s step-dad, and the four of them were hanging out, telling stories, when Brian got bit by the bug.
He’s been riding roughstock since his freshman year of high school and is not only a two-time Wyoming High School Rodeo Association champion but won the National High School Finals title in 2015.
He has been a member of the RMPRA for the past three years and competed at the Finals last year, where he finished in sixth place. He qualified in 2015 as well, but a partially torn pectoral kept him from competition.
When he’s not rodeoing, Brian is employed as a roustabout in the oilfields, a job he loves. “I love it. I love being able to get outside and work hard and learn new things. I like working.”
He’s on his PRCA permit, and in addition to Landingham, he can call former bareback rider Kelly Wardell for help as well. Kelly and his dad rodeoed together. “I have quite a few guys I can talk to and get coached on,” he said.
Brian loves to hunt and fish, and with the Green River 400 yards from his house, it’s a convenient thing to do.
He is the only son of Brownie and Tina Brown.
