In the gritty, high-impact world of professional bull riding, where American and Brazilian athletes have long dominated, an unassuming Australian cowboy has steadily climbed to the very top of the sport. Who is Brady Fielder? Brady Fielder, the 25-year-old from Clermont, Queensland, has become not just a standout performer but the top-ranked bull rider in the world, representing the Texas Rattlers in the Professional Bull Riders (PBR) circuit. His journey from remote Australian cattle stations to American arenas represents more than personal success – it showcases the global evolution of rodeo sports and demonstrates how grit, technical precision, and mental fortitude can overcome geographic boundaries.
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Who is Brady Fielder? Background and Origins
Brady Fielder was born and raised in the rugged outback of Queensland, Australia, where he grew up on a 56,000-acre cattle station outside Clermont. This remote rural environment provided the perfect training ground for his future career, exposing him to livestock and riding from a young age. Fielder began his unconventional athletic journey riding sheep and calves at just two years old, developing the balance and fearlessness that would later define his professional approach. Even early accidents, like being kicked in the stomach by a calf and playing with a hoof mark for weeks, couldn’t deter the determined young man.
Like many children from Australia’s outback stations, Fielder attended St. Brendan’s College in Yeppoon, a boarding school renowned for both its rugby program and its world-class rodeo training. The institution has produced an impressive number of Australia’s best bull riders, including Troy Dunn, the last Australian to hold the world No. 1 ranking before Fielder.

Troy Dunn
The Rise of an Australian Bull Riding Phenomenon
Fielder turned professional in 2019 on the PBR Australia tour, where he quickly earned the Rookie of the Year title. His early success qualified him for the PBR World Finals in Las Vegas that same year, although his early performance proved to be modest as he went 0 for 5, missing the five-second mark with just one attempt. Rather than discourage him, the setback strengthened his determination to improve and return to compete at a higher level.
The start of the PBR Teams League in 2022 was a turning point in Fielder’s career. He was selected 26th overall in the inaugural draft by the Texas Rattlers, joining a structured team environment that perfectly honed his approach to the sport. Under the guidance of PBR co-founder and rodeo legend Coach Cody Lambert, Fielder quickly became a cornerstone of the Rattlers’ lineup. His consistent performance was instrumental in the team’s 2023 PBR Team Series World Championship in Las Vegas.
Fielder’s breakout season came in 2024 when he claimed the inaugural Great 8 Award for having the highest ride percentage (73.08%) during the PBR Camping World Team Series. He finished the individual season ranked No. 8 in the Unleash the Best standings, setting the stage for his remarkable climb to the world No. 1 ranking in early 2025.
Brady Fielder’s Career Achievements
| Year | Achievement | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | PBR Australia Rookie of the Year | Immediate professional success |
| 2023 | PBR Team Series World Champion | Key player for Texas Rattlers championship |
| 2024 | Great 8 Award Winner | Highest riding percentage in team series |
| 2024 | No. 8 Unleash The Beast Final Rank | Breakout individual season |
| 2025 | World No. 1 Ranking | First Australian since 1997 to hold top spot |
Riding Style and Technical Mastery: What Sets Fielder Apart
Brady Fielder’s dominance in professional bull riding stems from a unique combination of technical precision and preternatural composure that sets him apart from his peers. His approach has been described as making “the look so easy” by PBR announcers who regularly marvel at his economical movements and flawless form. While many riders demonstrate dramatic adjustments and visible effort, Fielder maintains a remarkably unwavering position with his torso against the bull’s violent forces.
This technical excellence translates into exceptional consistency. Throughout the 2025 season, Fielder led the Premier Series with the highest ride percentage (73.91%) and most qualified rides (17 for 23) during the Unleash the Beast competition. His performance isn’t limited to individual series – statistical analysis shows that Fielder maintained a 68.1% ride rate across all events in 2025, the highest of any rider. Perhaps most impressively, he achieved these numbers against increasingly difficult competition, maintaining a 56.9% success rate against bulls with a 75+ power rating.
Fielder’s mental approach complements his physical technique. PBR commentator Craig Hummer observes that Fielder has an “uncanny ability to not overcomplicate things” and doesn’t “get too attached to the outcome, especially if the outcome is negative”. This flexibility allows him to bounce back quickly from disappointments, a key trait in a sport where even the best riders fail to complete a ride in about half the time.
Case Study: Grit Amid Injury – Fielder’s 2025 Comeback Story
The most striking example of Fielder’s toughness came during the 2025 season when he demonstrated extraordinary resilience after a major injury. During the Texas Rattlers’ “Last Cowboy Standing” event, Fielder broke his leg but surprisingly continued riding, advancing to the final round and finishing second overall. This seemingly supernatural feat was a powerful testament to his determination and competitive mindset.
Even more impressive was his performance after the injury. After a brief recovery period, Fielder returned to competition in stunning form, winning five consecutive events and earning over $62,000 in just five days. His ability to not only recover physically but also improve his performance after injury speaks volumes about both his physical conditioning and mental toughness. The comeback solidified his position as a leading contender for Team MVP in 2025 and displayed a champion mentality that Australian Bull Riding general manager Glenn Young described as “hungry for that global honor.”
Expert Opinions and Training Insights
The professional bull riding community recognizes Fielder’s exceptional talent and work ethic on a global scale. Cody Lambert, his coach with the Texas Rattlers and co-founder of the PBR, offers a straightforward definition: “Brady Fielder is really good. As good as he gets.” Lambert particularly values Fielder’s consistent presence on and off the field, noting that he “chooses to have a good day every day.”
PBR commentator Craig Hummer provides unique insight into the Australian mentality that Fielder brings to the game: “Australians are generally laid-back, but they have a strong determination. Brady Fielder has both qualities, which are important in bull riding, along with an uncanny ability to not overcomplicate things.” Hummer also pointed to the excellent student-teacher relationship between Fielder and Lambert, noting their compatible approach to the game.
Fielder’s training method reflects his professional dedication. He maintains a year-round conditioning program that includes regular strength, flexibility, and balance training. In addition to the gym, he incorporates horseback riding into his routine to maintain his riding muscles and reflexes. Perhaps most importantly, he emphasizes mental preparation through visualization, goal setting, and flexibility training – all supported by a coaching staff. This holistic approach to training enables his continued performance at the highest level of the game.
Original Insights: Beating the Odds as an International Rider
Brady Fielder’s success as an Australian in a sport dominated by American and Brazilian athletes offers valuable insight for aspiring bull riders everywhere:
- Embrace the team dynamic: Fielder has excelled in team formats despite coming from an individual sport background. “When you ride bulls alone your whole life, you don’t think much about team dynamics,” he notes. “But once I got in that locker room with the Rattlers, it clicked. We’ve got each other’s backs. We ride for each other.” This adaptation to a team environment has been key to his success.
- Build resilience through adversity: Fielder’s early exposure to the tough Australian rodeo circuit built the resilience needed to compete at the highest level. His ability to bounce back from disappointments like a 0-for-5 performance in his first World Final shows the psychological toughness required for longevity in the sport.
- Balancing Tradition and Innovation: Grounded in traditional cowboy culture, Fielder has embraced contemporary sports science with targeted strength and conditioning programs that reduce downtime and increase ride success rates. This balanced approach allows him to maintain the ruggedness required for bull riding while improving performance through innovative methods.
- Foster Strategic Sponsorships: Fielder’s partnerships with major brands like Monster Energy, Wrangler, and Australian Rodeo Gear reflect the modern reality of professional sports where branding and business acumen complement athletic ability. These relationships provide financial stability that allows for focused training and competition.
The Future of Brady Fielder
From the red-clay cattle stations of Queensland to the bright lights of the American arenas, Brady Fielder has established himself as a transformative figure in professional bull riding. His technical mastery, mental flexibility, and consistent performance have not only earned him top world rankings but have inspired a new generation of Australian riders. As he continues to compete at the highest level, his focus remains on one ultimate prize: the PBR World Championship Gold Buckle, the first Australian rider to win since Troy Dunn won in 1998.
With his unique blend of Australian toughness and refined technique, Brady Fielder represents both the global future of bull riding and the timeless values of the rodeo tradition. His journey offers a compelling blueprint for athletic success built not on flashy theatrics but on quiet consistency, professional dedication, and an unwavering passion for the sport. As the PBR circuit continues its season, all eyes will be on the unassuming Australian who has made beating the odds against the best bulls in the world just “part of the job.”








