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Photo Courtesy of the Arizona Ridge Riders
Bull Riding

Beyond Eight Seconds: The Spirit of the Arizona Ridge Riders

Bull riding is often distilled into a simple metric: stay on for eight seconds and score big. But for those who live it, breathe it, and build their lives around it, bull riding is far more than a sport, it’s a testament to the grit, culture, and legacy of the American West and no team embodies this deeper meaning more than the Arizona Ridge Riders.

Culture at the Heart

At the helm of team culture is none other than Mo Brings Plenty. Recognized for his impressive role in Yellowstone, Brings Plenty is not just an actor, he’s a cultural steward. Joining Teton Ridge and the Arizona Ridge Riders as their American Indian Cultural Affairs Director in 2024, Brings Plenty signals the team’s commitment to honoring the roots of cowboy and indigenous traditions that make up the American West and beyond.

“Mo is a cowboy, and he lives his life as a constant leader in his community. Bringing that leadership and unique voice to our team is such an incredibly positive thing for the entire industry. We could not have identified a better mentor to shape the future of all efforts within Teton Ridge and help the Ridge Riders build a championship culture with our riders, partners, and fans.”

Casey Lane | Arizona Ridge Riders General Manager
Via Arizona Ridge Riders News

Mo Brings Plenty, a member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe sees powerful parallels between Native American and cowboy cultures: both built on respect for the land, resilience in the face of hardship, and a deep sense of community. In an interview with Teton Ridge Media, Brings Plenty states, “our culture is really parallel to the cowboy culture. Bridging those together and celebrating their stories side-by-side is my biggest goal” (Teton Ridge Media). The Ridge Riders roster includes Indigenous athletes such as Keyshawn Whitehorse and Brings Plenty often speaks of the shared values that unite diverse team members.

Mo Brings Plenty and Keyshawn Whitehorse
Mo Brings Plenty & Keyshawn Whitehorse | Photo Courtesy of the Arizona Ridge Riders

Keyshawn Whitehorse

The Arizona Ridge Riders aren’t just a team, they’re a tapestry of backgrounds, stories, and traditions as well as cultural ambassadors, showing that the spirit of the west is inclusive and resilient. Among their standout athletes is Keyshawn Whitehorse, a proud member of the Navajo Nation and one of the most respected bull riders in the sport.

Celebrated in bull riding arenas around the world, Keyshawn Whitehorse has earned the nickname “the riding sensation from the Navajo Nation.” He made a powerful entrance onto the PBR premier tour by capturing the Rookie of the Year title in 2018. Known for his strategic mindset and rigorous training, Whitehorse has achieved more than a dozen rides scoring over 90 points, an elite benchmark in the sport. With 22 career victories, including two early-season wins in 2024, he wrapped up the individual season ranked No. 21 globally. Now, he’s chasing even bigger goals: a world title and a PBR Teams Championship with the Arizona Ridge Riders.

Arizona Ridge Rider Days

Bull riding thrills are guaranteed at the 2025 Arizona Ridge Rider Days, but the biggest surprises are yet to come! The 2024 event kicked off with the official Fan Zone, where fans gathered on Friday and Saturday to meet the team, collect autographs, and soak in the excitement. Once the gates opened, the adrenaline surged as fearless riders faced off against powerful bulls in heart-pounding showdowns that kept spectators on the edge of their seats. The excitement didn’t end there, each night wrapped up with high-energy concert performances. With 2024 setting a spectacular stage, anticipation is already building for what 2025 has in store. Make sure to keep up to date with the Arizona Ridge Riders and don’t miss out on exciting entertainment options to come!

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Mutual Support

The deepest connections in the Western world are built on shared ground and a mutual vision. This is the very foundation of the years-long relationship between Cowboy Lifestyle Network and Mo Brings Plenty, a bond first sparked by a fateful meeting years ago at a Cowboy Downhill event in Steamboat Springs, CO. It’s a true partnership, one that has seen Mo champion countless CLN efforts, like the spirit of the Rio Round-Up Wrangler NFR Watch Party, and CLN champion his voice. This isn’t just a business alliance; it’s a testament to the enduring loyalty and respect that defines the Western way of life. That is why, when CLN is covering premier gatherings like the Rodeo Scottsdale, you can always trust that the presence of Mo Brings Plenty- the man who embodies the West’s cultural heart-is never far behind, reinforcing the unbreakable community we all share.

Last Updated on 10/03/2025 by Taryn Cantrell

About the Author:

Biography:

Taryn Cantrell is an Arizona native with a lifelong connection to the rodeo arena. From her roots in barrel racing to her role as the 2017 Gilbert Days Rodeo Queen and her involvement with the Cowgirls Historical Foundation, Taryn celebrates her western heritage with enthusiasm and authenticity. Taryn holds a degree in Vocal Performance from Arizona State University, allowing her to merge her passion for music with her love of cowboy culture. As a singer and bassist, Taryn performs with bands across Phoenix and beyond including Great American Regret, Honey Marie Knight, and Sareena Dominguez. Taryn is passionate about blending her diverse interests to offer an authentic and engaging perspective on journalism. Her goal is to connect readers to the events, concerts, and celebrations that matter most, bringing them closer to the experiences she treasures. Whether you’re attending your very first rodeo or adding another to your collection of memories, Taryn is here to guide you every step of the way!

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