North Dakota’s very own National Finals Rodeo (NFR) bareback rider Ty Breuer is back at it despite some broken ribs that occurred in the 4^th round of the NFR (Dec ‘22).

Dakota Horse Magazine (DHM) caught up with the champion bareback rider to hear what the brief, off-season of a Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association (PRCA) athlete is like.

Breuer is a competitor that demonstrates being a North Dakota superstar comes with his own spin — subtly pulling off greatness, yet not consumed by it. Highlighting his down-to-earth nature in a conversation with DHM, he comes across as as a genuine, hard-working father, husband, and rancher from the prairies of North Dakota.

Breuer with his sons [Photo: submitted]

“When a guy gets back after it post NFR and the holidays, ideally working out an hour daily and twice a day if it works, is important when it comes to rodeo,” said Breuer.

“Thank goodness my wife (Kelli) is into working out and does it every day. We work out together in the mornings and that keeps me motivated to do it and stay fit at the same time,” added Breuer.

Staying healthy for the duo, isn’t a choice, it’s part of their life. Kelli has a grueling schedule herself working for Sanford DMS where she travels to the smaller communities around the state performing MRIs, all the while raising three children and keeping up with the demanding schedule of a PRCA athlete.

The NFR bareback rider is no stranger to injuries and comebacks. After making his first finals in 2013, he ended up breaking his back in 2014. Qualifying for the NFR in 2020, he couldn’t even compete due to a torn bicep.

“You get wiser and smarter about entering rodeos as your career progresses. I can’t go to a hundred rodeos a year anymore. It’s about picking the right ones for myself and which horses are worth getting on,” explained the cowboy.

Focused and driven workouts while working on form and maintaining his athletic bareback riding abilities is what the couple’s morning routine is about.

Breuer said that Kelli picks a variety of workouts ranging from HITT, strength, endurance, and stretching. “Switching it up and getting a solid hour and staying active at the ranch helps me stay in riding shape. We have been driving a lot of horses this winter too. That’s been good especially with broken ribs; I’ve been a little limited to which workouts I can do.”

Always appreciating and doing what made him Ty Breuer, the cowboy lit up when he talked about his grandpa’s team of horses.

“My grandparents have had teams of horses my whole life. “My Grandpa Ed and I have been working with Jack and Jenny this winter. Jenny and Jack are 3-year-old Belgiums,” said Breuer. The family also enjoys pulling a chuckwagon with a team during branding season, as well.

Breuer with the team of horses, Jake and Jenny. [Photo: submitted]

When it comes to giving advice to up-and-coming bareback riders, Breuer said it’s like anything. “Once you have a grasp and feel of the ride, never stop thinking and practicing it in your head. The off-season is a time when you can really make that mental practice a habit.”

For Breuer’s 2023, the champ said he intends on getting fully recovered. If he can ride in Denver, he will, and his draw may have an influence on that decision. Ft. Worth, San Antonio, and Houston are all on the books to get to.

After Houston, the North Dakotan will make his way home to the ranch and start calving. There’s no other place this cowboy says he would rather be than raising his family and some food to put on America’s tables, while spurring bareback horses at top rodeos around the country.

Breuer family (Ty with wife, Kelli, daughter, Kayd, 5, and sons, Treyt, 3, & Trex, 1) [Photo: submitted]

A little piece of heaven 28 miles southwest of Mandan, N.D. with open skies and premier sunsets is where he calls home with his wife, Kelli and their daughter, Kayd, 5, and sons, Treyt, 3, and Trex, 1.