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The American FEAT

An Interview with

Orin Larsen

Rodeo Life: What made you choose Bareback Riding over
Saddle Bronc Riding? Have you ever tried, or thought about
trying your hand at Saddle Bronc? What are some of the key
differences between the two?
Orin Larsen: I actually got on my first Saddle Bronc horse a year
after I got on my first Bareback horse when I was sixteen. I rode
broncs until my senior year of college. I loved riding broncs but
getting on with a bareback rigging was always my passion. When
I was helping at the bareback school last May, my older brother,
Tyrel, convinced me to get on a bronc at the bronc match in
Goodwell, OK after the school was over. I ended up placing
second at the match and it had me thinking about entering some
rodeos here and there. I had full intentions on entering a few
Canadian rodeos in August, but due to me being on the bubble
on making the Finals in the Bareback Riding at that time I didn’t
think it would be wise to jeopardize my year any more than I
am. Other than the obvious equipment differences, the biggest
difference between the two events is in Saddle Bronc Riding,
you’ll get sore every now and then; in Bareback Riding, you are
always going to be sore in some degree no matter what kind of
horse you get on.

RL: What is the life of a professional Bareback Rider like?
OL: Life as a Bareback Rider I’m sure is similar to other events.
I couldn’t imagine a more incredible lifestyle than one of a
Bareback Rider’s. It comes with a lot of hard work and dedication,
and a lot of traveling from one end of the country to the other –
but it’s a lifestyle I wouldn’t trade for anything.

RL: You’ve qualified for the Wrangler National Finals
consecutively for the past four years, what have you learned
from your past performances that will help you qualify again
this season and hopefully secure that World Title?
OL: The biggest thing I’ve learned over the past four years of
making the finals is that anything can happen in Vegas. As far as
myself, I’ve learned to not be so hard on myself. It’s a good thing
to be self-critical or self-disciplined, but there’s a fine line and I
didn’t know where to draw the line. We all strive to break records ª

Rodeo LIFE 37
PRCA ProRodeo photo by Phil Doyle