story by Lori O’Harver
Eric Frazier is a 42-year-old father of three, grandfather of one who is poised to step into a new job as Texas Area Manager for Paramount Utility Company. He’s also sitting 8th the RIDE TV GO Texas Bronc Riders Association Bareback Riding Standings and riding better every time he nods.
“I started riding bareback horses about 20 years ago, fresh out of high school. Horses were different then, not as strong as they are today. I was out for several years and am amazed to see the results of the Born To Buck programs in terms of producing bigger, better, stronger horses. It’s great to be riding again and feel exactly how well that program is producing,” said Frazier.
As a 20-something, Frazier worked in the cell phone industry building towers. It was his job to climb, which kept his body in great shape for the demands of the bareback riding event. Today, his workouts don’t come as a perk of his job, but he uses them to inspire and lead his young sons as they grow in youth sports.
“My 6-year-old, Braxtyn, has been playing flag football and baseball and the youngest, Brody the 4-year-old has been ‘playing’ alongside his team since he was old enough to get around good. He’s about to try out for a flag team of his own. Both of them are serious about athletics while I work to keep them balanced in their focus on academics,” said Frazier.
“Exactly 18 months ago, the company I worked for had a ‘biggest loser’ fitness program that I participated in. I weighed in at 248 pounds and in six weeks, lost 33 of those. I told my wife, Amanda, that I was feeling so good I thought I should crack out the riggin’ and enter up somewhere. Instead of laughing, she helped me find a rodeo close to home,” Frazier said.
“Rodeo is truly a family sport, which sounds odd since only the team roping has two contestants truly working together, but it is. It’s family oriented and I’m grateful to be able to travel with my family, to have them be a part of what I love,” said Frazier. “I believe in leading by example, so when my boys and I play catch in the yard before my workouts, they join me. We train together. It’s just another way to share the values that contribute to success in life. But when it comes down to how I’m able to rodeo, I credit my wife. There is a lot to say about her and how amazing she is. It helps out a lot when you have a great woman, wife, mother and best friend in your life to help catch your dreams.”
“I’m also gratified to see the hard work and rising success of the TBRA. I’m honored to be representing for this growing organization and believe that it’s not only very much needed for the future of the horse riding events, and what is rodeo without those? I believe the TBRA business model is built for longevity and success. I admire Daryl McElroy and his team for the relentless way he works for us and the growth of the sport,” said Frazier.
