At 14, Hayden Chambers isn’t planning on trying his luck at the casino while he’s in Las Vegas this week.
Instead, the Weld Central High School freshman will show off his talent at the Junior National Finals Rodeo, competing for a world championship in bareback riding.
Bareback riders grip a rigging with one hand as they try to stay mounted on a bucking horse for eight seconds without their free hand touching the horse. The rider is judged on their control and spurring technique, and the horse is also scored on its performance.
Chambers, a Roggen resident, has only been bareback riding for about a year and a half.
“It just kind of clicked,” he said. “It just made sense in my head.”
Chambers’ interest in bareback riding can partially be credited to one of his favorite musicians, country singer Chris LeDoux, singing about the sport in his song “Bareback Jack.”
14-year-old Hayden Chambers, left, talks with his coach Branden Ferguson, right, during his last practice before heading to the Jr. National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas, in a pole barn in Eaton on Monday, Dec. 1, 2025. (Brice Tucker/Staff Photographer)“It’s one of my favorite songs,” Chambers said.
After finishing second at the regional finals, Chambers earned a spot in the upcoming national competition. But a riding accident in August nearly kept him from competing.
At a high school rodeo, Chambers suffered a compound fracture that affected both bones in his lower left leg. The injury required him to undergo surgery and sidelined him for 12 weeks.
“It was just … a freak accident while I was riding,” Chambers said. “I got off-center and snagged my leg against a pickup man, and it just kind of snapped.”
Hayden’s mom, Kara, admitted that she still gets a little nervous when she sees her son climb aboard the horse as he prepares to compete in bareback riding.
“It is dangerous, but at the same time he loves it so much,” she said. “Seeing the happiness in his face … just kind of makes it all worth it.”
Chambers hopes to one day ride in the pro ranks. For now, though, he’s just happy to be able to ride and compete again.
14-year-old Hayden Chambers leaves his last practice before heading to the Jr. National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas, in a pole barn in Eaton on Monday, Dec. 1, 2025. (Brice Tucker/Staff Photographer)“It’ll be the first time I’m back since I got hurt,” Chambers said. “I’m just excited to get back on.”
The Junior National Finals Rodeo will take place Thursday through Dec. 13.
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