Bailey Small is the No. 1 saddle bronc rider in the Resistol Rookie Race but the race is tight as the 2025 season continues as the Top 3 in the Rookie Race sit inside the Top 20 in the PRCA World Standings.
“It’s definitely a dream come true. It’s pretty exciting. It gives you something to strive for everyday and push yourself to get better,” Small said.
With Small No. 1, Ira Dickinson sits seconds with Gus Gaillard in third. All three cowboys attend Tarleton State University together making pushing each other to these milestones that much better.
While Small is focusing on winning another Team Championship for Tarleton State, he is eyeing winning the saddle bronc riding at the College National Finals Rodeo before he zeros in on claiming Rookie of the Year, a trip to the National Finals Rodeo and the Average while he is there.
“The only way to do that is start knocking down the goals from the bottom to the top,” Small said.
The California cowboy always knew broncs would bring him to Oklahoma and he has now taken it one step further as he calls Texas home. Now, his Rookie Year will include a balancing act as he hustles for Tarleton State and guns for even more in the PRCA.
