Bareback Rider Richmond Champion Retires After 15 Years in Pro Rodeo

Richmond Champion has been a key name in PRCA bareback bronc riding since 2011, when he first began competing in professional rodeo at just 19 years old. Now, 15 years later, Richmond is officially retiring at age 33.

This cowboy has led an immensely impressive career, competing in the NFR 9 times throughout his career. Although this alone might be enough for some riders to call it a career, Richie has a seemingly endless list of accomplishments to his name.

One of the most memorable moments in his career happened early on when he won the inaugural American Rodeo in 2014. This earned him the nickname of the “Million Dollar Cowboy,” a nickname that followed him through most of his career, and rightly so. With almost $2 million earned throughout his PRCA career, he stands just outside the all-time top 10 in earnings among bareback riders. Furthermore, he ranks among the top 40 highest-earning rodeo athletes across all events.

Richmond also held the title of the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association Champion in 2018 when he won the Canadian Finals Rodeo. Continuing his Canadian wins, Richmond also racked up back-to-back wins at the prestigious Calgary Stampede in 2017 and 2018. His career was a long and successful one that will not soon be forgotten by rodeo fans.

The announcement of Champion’s retirement was made on Cowboy Channel Live, where he explained that he continues to hold a deep love for rodeo but is excited about the prospect of seeing what the world has to offer. For nearly half his life, Richmond has made bareback riding his main focus. Now, in retirement, he is creating the opportunity to explore other endeavors as well as to cherish his health and family.

As with any athlete’s retirement from competitive rodeo, Richmond describes his decision as bittersweet. He is slotted to compete at the Calgary Stampede once more, and due to his deep love for that event, Champion elucidated that he would be happy to have that arena be the last one he rides for.

Overall, Richmond Champion is an outstanding bareback rider whose career speaks for itself. After a long and successful ride, Champion has officially thrown in the reigns in search of rest and a quieter life. The rodeo community will miss seeing Richmond in the arenas but are sure to cherish the exciting ride they got to watch as he moved from win to win.