story by Lori O’Harver
The bareback riding event isn’t for sissies. Of all the rodeo events, it’s the most physically demanding and most destructive on the body. Careers are traditionally short, unless you are Steve Anding.
At 40 years old, Anding knows the end of his career in the rigging is drawing near. That career was hard won by the Athens, Texas, cowboy who started entering rodeos when he was just 16.
“My mom raised three kids on her own,” said Anding. “We always had animals and went to play days and rodeos, played all of the team sports. I was drawn to bareback riding and didn’t have the money for schools, so I watched, learned and listened intently to anyone who would share the craft with me. I worked hard to earn entry fees. It’s paid off.”
A new member of the Texas Bronc Rider’s Association (TBRA), Anding is excited about the program not just as an ongoing opportunity for himself, but a way to share his passion, knowledge and skills with other young riders just getting started.
“I love bareback riding because of the adrenalin rush, but also because it’s an individual’s sport. Success or failure is all with me and the horse I’ve drawn. I’m in control,” he said. “The Texas Bronc Rider’s Association focuses on rider development and kids. I like knowing that I’m riding with and organization who is working to raise money for scholarships for the young people who are the future of the sport I am committed to.”
“I’ve just bought my TBRA card and rode with them one time,” Anding said. “I drew #12 Golden Ticket of Bob Champion’s to miss him out. The stock at the TBRA was great, the production was professional. I’m excited about the future of this organization and the opportunity it gives me to share what I’ve learned with the young guns.”
“I want to help as many of this young generation of bareback hands as I can on my way out,” said Anding. “I want to be a good role model and teach them to never give up. What you put into riding is what you get out of it. When you put it all out there with no half-way attempts, you get the best results. I tell these kids to always pay attention to the older hands and people who are trying to help them. Always listen, watch and learn. I believe that staying positive and never allowing yourself to dwell on the negative is critical to success in and beyond the rodeo arena.”
Anding credits his family and returns their devotion and understanding of his dreams and goals. His wife, Lori and three children; 8-year-old Alabama, 5-year-old Ace and 4-year-old Axl are usually in tow when he rides.
“When I help the high school kids and pony bareback riders who come around to work on the spur board, my boys work on it, too. I will never force them into the arena, but sure hope that when their opportunity to high school rodeo comes around, they take it.”
Anding’s personal creed is simple. Whatever you do in life, do it from your heart.
