PUEBLO, Colo. – Daniel Keeping is a master of visualization.

A newcomer to the PBR, Keeping signed as a free agent with the Texas Rattlers in August and was soon slotted into the high-pressure closer role for the struggling squad.

But then something incredible happened.

The Rattlers started winning as Keeping started riding, posting an astounding 9-for-12 (75%) record in the regular season. He notched two 90-point rides, went 3-for-3 in front of the Rattlers’ home crowd in Fort Worth and had two walk-off rides.

The Rattlers ended the regular season with a three-event winning streak, and Keeping’s record as the team’s closer was a perfect 5-for-5.

“When you’re at home, you practice it,” Keeping said. “You play it out hundreds of thousands of times, and you play that role. So, when you get to the level you want to be at and you’re in that position, it’s just like you’re at home again or practicing. You don’t have to make it a really high-pressure situation. You can make it a fun pressure situation, test yourself, push even harder. So, I love having that weight on you. Makes you step up your game a little better.”

However, despite his successes, Keeping credits the whole locker room for their contributions and acknowledges that it was the group that was successful, not just him.

“I don’t think it’s me being as big as everybody’s saying,” he said. “This is a whole team event now. I know we’re still riding for ourselves, but the guys you hang around in the locker room, like (head coach Cody) Lambert, Cody Jesus, you’ve got Joao (Ricardo Vieira), you’ve got Ednei (Caminhas) – you’ve got so much knowledge and wisdom and success and a positive outlook on it. The energy just picks you up, and another guy’s pushing you even harder than you thought you could push yourself.”

Keeping gives special credit to Lambert for truly helping him grow as a bull rider. Beyond the physical aspect of the sport, he appreciates the knowledge he’s gained from being a member of the Rattlers.

“It’s really a true blessing to be able to be around him and be able to take that wisdom in, and he’s kind of matured me a little bit more,” he said. “Made my opportunity views a little bigger, so I know when there’s a good opportunity and not such a good opportunity. So, it’s a lot of wisdom I’ve been taking in from him.”

Keeping’s spotless streak in the five-spot came to an end at the PBR Team Series Championship in Las Vegas, where the Rattlers ultimately finished third—but having gone 11-for-16 (68%) in his first full season in the PBR, Keeping still secured his first berth on the Unleash The Beast.

“I hope I just keep doing what I’ve been doing,” Keeping said. “Try to keep the hot streak going, and just stay consistent. That’s really what I want to do, is stay consistent.”

So far, so good.

Keeping made his premier series debut at the PBR Monster Energy Invitational in Tucson, Arizona, last weekend, going 2-for-3 to finish ninth overall. He kicked off his UTB career with an 89.75-point ride on Sky Walker to win Round 1, splitting the victory with eventual event-winner and Rattlers teammate Brady Oleson and 2016 World Champion Cooper Davis.

He followed that up with 86.25 points on Crazy Love in Round 2 before being bucked off by July in 4.44 seconds in the championship round.

So, where the heck did this version of Keeping come from?

Well, a lot of that motivation comes from right at home.

Keeping and girlfriend Shelby Baker’s first daughter, Saige Elizabeth Keeping, was born this summer.

“July 19^th, right before Cheyenne,” Keeping said with a smile. “So, I missed the Daddy, but I’ll be back hopefully next year.

“She came at the right time, while I’m doing this. She’s a big influence for me riding so good on this team.”

Being a parent, he says, has changed his outlook and given him a new reason to want to hang on until the 8-second whistle. After a season of ups and downs and financial struggles, Keeping was determined to have more ups for his family’s benefit.

“It’s a lot of motivation having little Saige around now because it used to be you’d just ride for yourself, and you kind of don’t hold yourself up to the high standards you should,” Keeping said. “And becoming a parent, it changes your view, your outlook and your drive, and your incentive to do better not just for yourself now, but kind of leave a path for her now.”

Keeping’s season continues this weekend at the PBR St. Louis Invitational, presented by Cooper Tires, in St. Louis. He will take on Light’s Out (6-4, all levels) in Round 1 on Saturday (7:45 p.m. ET, RidePass on Pluto TV).

With the Team Series season put to bed, he now looks ahead to his next big goal.

“Get that gold buckle, finally,” Keeping said. “Put in all that hard work and effort and everybody’s dedication and support, and finally get something I’ve been driving for my whole life.”

Photo courtesy of Andy Watson/Bull Stock Media