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Nez, Lizer recognize bull rider Keyshawn Whitehorse

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Finished seventh in world rankings

Numerous sports seasons were upended during the COVID-19 pandemic, but Professional Bull Riding managed to see its season through, capping off with the PBR World Finals in Arlington, Tex. from Nov. 12-15.

One of those finalists hails from the Navajo Nation: Keyshawn Whitehorse. Growing up in southern Utah, Whitehorse and his cousins would run around the land from dawn to dusk, and he began bucking calves by the time he was eight.

Whitehorse and his father learned about bull riding together by watching PBR events on TV and later practicing on a makeshift barrel behind their home.

He is recognized by his fans for embracing his Native culture, which is shown best by his ride preparation that includes a prayer that blends Navajo tradition and Christianity. He anoints his body with burnt cedar and asks for protection and for communion with the bull he is riding, and that the two become partners.

After the event ended, Whitehorse posted the following message to his fans on Facebook:

“Managed to ride a few bulls this week at the [PBR] World Finals to have a second place finish, and I finished the season off seventh in the world.” He then thanks his family, fans, and sponsors.

In addition to those fans congratulating Whitehorse for his success, he was also recognized by Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez and Vice President Myron Lizer.

“[We] congratulate and thank Diné professional bull rider Keyshawn Whitehorse for competing hard in this year’s PBR World Finals!” A post from the Nez-Lizer administration’s Facebook reads. “Keep working hard and thank you for being an inspiration for our Diné people. It was wonderful to watch one of our own compete at the highest level.”

Whitehorse came in second place in the final round with a score of 93.75. He also won Round 2 on Nov. 13 with a 91-point ride.

This was Whitehorse’s third season in PBR. He was named Rookie of the Year in 2018.

To keep up with Keyshawn Whitehorse’s career, visit https://www.facebook.com/keyshawnwhitehorsepbr/.