Goals are funny. They can motivate us. They can mock us. But when realized, they complete us, making everything worth it.
Weston Timberman of Columbus left nothing on the table in college, winning the bareback title while he was working on his permit. It made it an easy decision to buy his card and turn pro.
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He entered the season with high expectations and is methodically exceeding them. His stellar Resistol Rookie year continued at the Canby (Ore.) Rodeo as he delivered a 90-point ride on Calgary Stampede’s Yukon Rambler to net the $4,900 top prize inside Bob Trevers Arena.
“I saw that horse before. He has been around a bunch. I knew he was going to test me. He wasn’t just a hopper. He was going to buck pretty hard,” said Timberman, who edged out Jess Pope (86.5) and Cole Reiner (86). “I had to go in with that winning mindset. He kind of surprised me because I didn’t expect him to circle as tight as he did. But he had a good day. And I had a good day.”
Timberman has a lot of good days. Only 20, he has posted six victories across the country in Texas, Montana, and North Carolina and in Canada (at the Ponoka Alberta Stampede). By doing little things well in his training and practice, big things keep happening.
“It’s about staying focused and not looking too far ahead, you know. I can’t let myself get settled because of the wins,” Timberman said. “I definitely enjoy them, and I am very thankful. But my eyes have to remain focused on the next event, on continuing to put in the work.”
Timberman isn’t about to take his foot off the pedal. Not with what is at stake. He is 10th in the PRCA world standings, leaving him in a solid position to reach his first National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas.Â
As a kid who first began riding bucking horses at age 13 and grew up idolizing his father Chris Timberman and uncle Kelly Timberman, both professional cowboys, it is impossible to overstate what qualifying would mean. Kelly is the 2004 PRCA bareback riding world champion.
“It would be awesome. It’s something I have dreamed about forever. To come out and have a great rookie year so far and have a chance to make the Finals, it would be huge,” said Timberman. “I think a rookie has made it in bareback the last five or six years, so I would love to continue that streak.”
Timberman understands his success. And he isn’t about to take it for granted even after checking off several goals this season. The race isn’t over. And he cannot wait to keep on chugging down the road.
“It’s the easiest and hardest life at the same time. Not a whole lot of people get to travel the country, get on bucking horses and work for eight seconds,” Timberman said. “At the same time, you have to strap yourself to something scary on some days. It’s just the lifestyle, man. You are kind of like a gypsy, but you get to do what you love for a living.”
