story by Lori O’Harver
Josh Hudson grew up spending hours looking at the black and white pictures of his dad on bareback horses knowing that he wanted to follow in Donnie Hudson’s footsteps. That journey began in the 7th grade in the Pro Youth Rodeos Association where the young man entered the steers and junior bulls before taking on the big, strong bareback broncs.
“I’ve always been kind of a thrill seeker,” said Hudson. “You’ve got to be a little crazy to wedge your hand on a horse whose main intent is to buck you off, knowing there’s not going to be an easy way out.”
He liked the idea of owning an event that other people were too scared to do. He also likes knowing that he’s doing what he can to support what industry professionals all fear is a dying breed of cowboy.
Hudson holds a PRCA card, was two times bareback riding champion in the United Pro Rodeo Association, twice won the Texas High School Rodeo Association’s Region 4 Bareback Riding Championship, three times won the Lone Star High School Rodeo Association’s top slot in the bares and qualified for the National High School Rodeo Association Finals. He currently tops the standings in the Texas Bronc Rider’s Association.
“The Texas Bronc Rider’s Association is a great idea and an association that I’m proud to be a part of. There’s all kinds of different associations for bull riders, but this is the first just for broncs and bares,” said Hudson.
His favorite type of bucking horses are the bigger, stronger, more droppy types. He feels like the timing these horses provide fits his style of riding.
“My mom, Angela Pahnka, is my biggest fan, and would have been whether I’d chosen to ride bucking horses or sew quilts,” Hudson said. “She’s always handled the business aspect of my career; entries, travel arrangements and all of that. My dad has been my driver and been there with me every step of the way. I’m lucky to have found a great girl in Sarah Poddick. She has my back 100% no matter if I’d decide to quit or go harder.”
“I’ve found home in Stephenville,” said Hudson. “I chose Tarleton State University mostly because of my love for Stephenville. Everybody is friendly.”
Watch for the Texas Bronc Rider’s Association Finals coming up on October 2 at Cowtown Coliseum in the heart of the Fort Worth Stockyards.
