Categories: Rodeo NewsWNFR

PRCA World Champion Bareback Rider Iowa Cowboy Tim O’Connell’s Dream Comes True

Written by

When the win comes it’s more than just a rush. You also feel the magical spell, that single focus on life in ‘the zone’ disintegrate and sprinkle down to your spurs with the rest of the arena dust. In the shining moment those gold buckle dreams come true, there’s a little bit of bitter in the whole lot of sweet, for really? What’s a warrior without the war? In Tim O’Connell’s case, a man of faith who’s feeling beloved.

Tim O’Connell has turned heads from the moment he jammed his glove in that first bareback riggin’. Old hands knew he had that special talent, younger hands wished they did. There’s a great family, coaches and friends that all played supporting roles in building the road to bareback riding glory but let’s just tell one story at a time.

Three Hills Rodeo Company’s ranch isn’t far from O’Connell’s hometown of Zwingle, Iowa. In the spring, the Morehead’s gather the young hopeful bucking horses they’ve raised and give them their shot at stardom at the Three Hills Spring Buckout. It isn’t just the colts who get a chance, the riders who show up to get on them all ride for the joy of it, but the company offers the winners PRCA Permits and free entry to all of their regular season rodeos and that’s good, too.

O’Connell won that permit, made good on his commitment to attend those rodeos, stayed focused and humble, true to his roots and values. That all paid off as he made ride after ride at the WNFR leaving no one with the impression that he could be beaten and he wasn’t. His focus stayed on God and everything else rolled right into place.

Lori O'Harver

Lori O'Harver is a woman on a mission to tell the stories of the world without borders known as Bronc Riding Nation. From the vast grasslands the great bucking horses call home to the bright lights of Las Vegas, where good ones buck and the people called to ride them come to make their high flying dreams come true, she writes about the horses and people who feel the spirit of freedom and devote their lives to keeping the legends alive.

Recent Posts

Experience the Adrenaline: Twin Falls Chevrolet Idaho PBR Classic 2025!

Twin Falls, Idaho – Are you ready to feel the rush of adrenaline as the… Read More

11 hours ago

Prescott Frontier Days 2025

If I could describe Prescott Frontier Days in one word, it would be: historic. It… Read More

1 day ago

25th Annual Dakota Community Bank & Trust PBR Bull Riding Challenge

Hold onto your hats, North Dakota, this is one showdown you won’t want to miss!… Read More

2 days ago

2025 Pinto World Championship

The 2025 Pinto World Championship is fast approaching, bringing excitement to Tulsa, Oklahoma once again.… Read More

3 days ago

National Jr. High Finals Rodeo 2025

Hey rodeo fans! Get ready for an action-packed week of rodeo excitement! The 2025 National… Read More

5 days ago

Saddle Club Pool Party Returns to Las Vegas Daylight Beach Club June 21st!

With summer right around the corner, there’s no better way to soak up the Las… Read More

5 days ago