Rodeo Daily

Ben Kramer Claims First Bareback Title at Badlands Circuit Finals

With stiff competition all around, earning a title at this year's Badlands Circuit Finals was no easy task.
Kaleb Kistner|
Ben Kramer Claims First Bareback Title at Badlands Circuit Finals
Ben Kramer Claims First Bareback Title at Badlands Circuit Finals

The Badlands Circuit Finals in Minot, North Dakota, is the biggest rodeo for those competing in the Badlands Circuit. The Badlands consists of all the athletes that claim North and South Dakota as their home states. There are some really good bronc riders that come out of this area, as well at steer wrestlers.

Notably, Ben Kramer took home the gold buckle for bareback riding. Kramer won the first round in Minot with an 81.5-point ride on Korkow Rodeo's "Dixie Gravy". That gave him a strong start and the confidence he needed to win this rodeo. Having placed in each of the other two rounds, Kramer took home the average with an incredible 240.5 points on three head and earning $3,341 for the 2024 season. 

Shane O'Connell made a daring effort, placing second in the first round with a 79-point ride and third in the second round with an 83-point ride. His third round finish wasn't enough to put him in first in the average and came up short with 238 points to come in second. He still earned $2,506 towards his standings.

Another cowboy that rode his heart out was Chase Yellow Hawk. With a third place finish in first round and again in the third round, Hawk was able to earn his way into the average money. Hawk made a 3rd place finish in the average with his impressive 228 points collectively. Hawk brought home $1,671 for the weekend. 

Lastly, our fourth place cowboy in the bareback riding at the Badlands Circuit Finals is Steven DeWolfe-Shedeed. DeWolfe-Shedeed made the fourth place spot in the third round to officiate his fourth place spot in the average. With 222.5 points on three head, DeWolfe-Shedeed earned $835 for his effort this weekend.

Kramer was No. 34 in the world last season and is making it clear already this season that his sights are set for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in 2024. If he keeps us this pace and wins some big rodeos, the NFR doesn't look so far for him. 

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Kaleb Kistner
KALEB KISTNER

Kaleb Kistner is from New Braunfels, a small community nestled in the Texas Hill Country. There’s only one “s” in Braunfels! Growing up in Comal County, it was an annual tradition to attend the Comal County Fair and Rodeo. Down the road was the San Antonio Stockshow and Rodeo, that his grandparents would religiously take him to each year. Along with the annual rodeos, Kaleb was an active member in FFA throughout high school. Showing rabbits and pigs, assisting with steers and goats, and participating in leadership development events, Kaleb received a well-rounded, basic education in agriculture. On top of that, Kaleb earned his Eagle Scout with Boy Scouts of America. Kaleb has a strong work ethic and love for agriculture and the great outdoors. He hopes to be able to spread his knowledge and bring a better understanding of the Western way of life to those who may not understand. Kaleb has pursued a career in plumbing, continuing to achieve each possible license as quickly as he can. Kaleb has a beautiful fiancée Makayla and his sweet daughter Kinleigh. During his down time, he and his family enjoy going to their parents’ ranches to spend time with the family. 

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