PUEBLO, Colo. – Transitioning between rounds, events and sometimes even tours, riders are generally rather habitual by nature.

They have gameday routines (some stretching, a meal or two, pregame coffee and just hanging loose), they (attempt to) ride their bulls and then they return home for the week.

Only to start the grind back over again. From the top.

Getting back into the gym. Staying true to a strict diet. Spending time with the family.

And then back on the road they go!

Wash, rinse, repeat. A good 35+ times or so per year.

In a world where the more things change, the more they stay the same, flexibility and being open to new and different concepts can pay dividends.

But when it comes to the toughest men in the world, they don’t feel the need to change too much.

The biggest constant within the bull riding industry seems to be sticking to what you know.

So when 24-year-old Brady Fielder found himself at the Texas Rattlers’ training camp last summer ahead of the inaugural PBR Camping World Team Series, it was a bit of an adjustment in itself.

Not just for Fielder though, by any means. For the entire sport of bull riding.

For 80+ riders, 10+ coaches and hundreds of tour employees, all of whom were set to embark on a journey which would eventually re-write the future of the sport.

Quiet by nature but dedicated to his craft, Fielder began forging relationships with his teammates as they figured things out leading into the electric 5-on-5 series.

One of the men who stood out right away?

Leading not only the stretching circle, but the unit itself, was Joao Ricardo Vieira.

A storied, experienced veteran, we’ve seen what he can do atop a bull. But in traversing the world’s biggest stage for more than a decade now, perhaps it was the pointers and lessons shared with the group that may have helped elevate them to their ultimate goal in October 2023.

Thankfully for Fielder, he joined a locker room which featured several established and talented riders, no doubt. But at the helm of the ship, one Cody Lambert.

Not just a coach of the Forth Worth-based squad. Not just one of the most impactful riders to ever climb aboard an animal athlete. But one of PBR’s founding fathers.

Now passing along the stories of yesterday to help transform today’s riders into the next big thing.

“Those are two great fellas to be around all the time. I’ve learned a lot from them,” Fielder shared.

“Not only how to become a better bull rider, but a better person as well.”

Some two years later, it doesn’t really matter which of PBR’s competitive tours you take a look at over the past two months.

Quick glances to the PBR Teams, PBR Australia and now Unleash The Beast World Championship standings have something in common: They feature a dominant Aussie.

Since going 2-for-3 inside T-Mobile Arena during the 2023 PBR Camping World Teams Championship for his Rattlers squad, en route to winning the second-ever postseason tournament honors, Fielder has produced a healthy 8-for-13 record over the span of two months, including an event-winning, 4-for-5 showcase during the PBR Australia Grand Finals in early November and now 4-for-8 record on Unleash The Beast.

While he didn’t necessarily change anything back home in Australia (surprise, surprise!), skipping a few continents away to enjoy some time doing what he loves, he sure seems to be firing on all cylinders since taking in the fresh air and family time.

“I went back home and participated in the (PBR Australia) Grand Finals,” he said.

“I was lucky enough to get a win there and got to hangout with a lot of family and friends. It was good being home but it sure is good to be back.”

Even though his main “day” job resides within the United States these days, now having competed on the premier series tour for a few seasons, home will always be where the heart is.

Or in Fielder’s case, where his animals are.

“Back home, I went back to work, I suppose you could call it,” he shared with a smile.

“I enjoy mastering riding my horse every day and spending time with my dogs. It’s really relaxing and I enjoy it. But when I’m here in the arena, I just have to do my job. Nothing else matters.”

Sure, being away from home has its downfalls.

But there’s plenty to be said about exploring the world while racking up some checks and doing exactly what he wants for a living.

“I get to do what I love: Ride bulls,” Fielder offered.

“This is where I want to be and this is what I want to be doing. I’m very happy with where I’m at right now.”

Ranked as the No. 4 bull rider in the world, we don’t blame him.

With rides like his 91-point conversion dancing with UTZ BesTex Smokestack last weekend, which officially tied his career-best score, he sure seems to be fitting right in amongst the world’s most talented riders. And after going a flawless 3-for-3 last weekend in Manchester, New Hampshire, his confidence couldn’t be higher.

“The one ultimate goal is to become a World Champion,” he concluded.

“That’s what I’m here for.”

Photo courtesy of Andy Watson/Bull Stock Media