Brady Oleson

The Lows and Highs of Brady Oleson

“And there are so many people that are affected by it, not just the ones that are drinking, but the others that are in their lives too. I didn’t see it then, but now that things have cleared up, I can see the effect on others.”

Brady started out riding calves and steers, and seemed to be on the road to the rodeo world. When he was about 12 years of age, he saw the PBR Built Ford Tough Series in Nampa, and that was when he decided he wanted to ride with that organization and make his living in rodeo. He had already been exposed to the Western lifestyle a bit earlier on.

“My stepdad rode bulls, and my mom had horses. She ran barrels, that sort of thing, so it’s kind of in the family.”

But when he was still a teenager, a fork in the road set him down a different path. He is very open to speaking about it, because he feels that his alcohol addiction and subsequent recovery is an important part of his story.

“I was about 17 years old the first time I drank. I was a little late, compared to most,” he laughed. “I really stayed away from that for the longest time, and it was when I was in college where I really took a turn. Partying for sure, but I think just getting away from home. I had a little freedom, I guess you could say.”

Brady Oleson rides Shuler Bucking Bulls Pickle Moonshine for 90.75 during the championship round of the Tucson Unleash The Beast PBR.

Photo provided courtesy of BullStock Media.

But over the years things just got worse from there. Drinking was no longer about the parties. Then in 2018, just when he was on the brink of really making it in the PBR, he had to undergo two different surgeries, one on the wrist of his riding hand, the other on his left shoulder. Those two surgeries kept him out of the bull riding action for quite some time. That led to depression and more alcohol to try to bury the depression. His life became a downward spiral.

‘There were a lot of times that people tried to help me before I was ready. I think that’s what is important about that deal. The person who is in it has to be ready to just be done.

Ultimately, Brady put himself into a program.

“I didn’t have many other options at that point, it was looking pretty dark. That seemed like the best choice, I couldn’t take living that way anymore. My family was thrilled with that decision, but they are still pretty cautious and worried. It’s one day at a time, and you never know for sure. But it’s been a good change for everyone, no doubt about it.”

I made the comment to just look where he was now, and he remarked, “Yeah, pretty crazy, right? But that changed my whole life. Bull riding is starting to turn around for me, but I changed as a person. My attitude towards everything is different.

“And there are so many people that are affected by it, not just the ones that are drinking, but the others that are in their lives too. I didn’t see it then, but now that things have cleared up, I can see the effect on others.”

It is not too hard for Brady when some of the other men want to go out and have a good time. He surrounds himself with people that support him, in a sense.

The people I hang around with, we have a lot in common, as far as our goals and where we want to go, so there’s not too much worry of that.”

For the moment, Brady is happy with where he is, but pointed out that they always want to take the next step. Still, he is pleased with the direction his bull riding career is headed.

Photo provided courtesy of BullStock Media.

Another thing that he is happy about is the team competition. He is aware that while most of the bull riders are excited about it, many of the fans still are not enthralled. Still, being on the Texas Rattlers team and coached by Cody Lambert was a big thrill for him.

“For me it’s been a great experience,” he said. “I did question it at first whether it was a good thing or not, but for the first year I definitely like it. I think it’s beneficial to me as a bull rider. Look at the coaches, they are legends. They are guys who have kind of been in our shoes at one time. They have a lot of knowledge.

“When you get put on their team you get all that knowledge and experience. That has been huge for me, and Cody has been such a big help. I don’t know where it’s headed in the future. I do like the team series, and I also like the individual, because that gives you the chance to win a gold buckle.”

Right now, Brady does not have many hobbies. He told us his focus has changed since the teams, but now he is going into the individual.

“I come home for the week, and basically prepare for the next. But when I do get a chance I like to golf or go fishing,”

He generally travels alone to events, but sometimes he will room with Bob Mitchell. He is content to be by himself, and quipped, “It’s not the worst thing.”

It takes a lot of guts to get on a 2000-pound bull and attempt that eight second ride. But it takes even more determination and bravery to accomplish what Brady has been able to do; overcome his demons. We at Humps N Horns magazine wish him all the best this year and the years to come.

Brady Oleson rides Braun Bucking Bulls' Hard Candy during the first round of the Tucson Unleash The Beast PBR.

Photo provided courtesy of BullStock Media.