Originally from Caldwell, Idaho, bareback rider Jacob Lees grew up in California where he first began his journey in rodeo.
Lees rode bareback horses at Western Texas College and started his career in professional rodeo five years ago, making his first run for the National Finals Rodeo in 2022 only to be interrupted midway through by a season ending elbow injury.
Due to the extent of Lees’ injury, surgery was required which then allowed him to make his return to rodeo for the 2023 season.
“The surgery and the elbow injury really made me focus on other aspects of my riding, not just holding on with my arm but getting a good hold with my feet, keeping my chin down, core tight, everything else you need to do,” Lees said.
Jacob married his wife Chelsea in the summer of 2021 after meeting through a mutual friend while she was attending West Texas A&M. With the many challenges and tribulations that come with the sport of rodeo, Chelsea has remained Lees’ biggest supporter throughout his career.
“This year has been full of ups and downs, this actually really has been a dream especially coming off of last year with the injury, we didn’t really know what this year would hold or if he would even ride again so it’s a blessing to even be where we are this year.” Chelsea said.
Both Chelsea and Jacob rely heavily on their faith in God throughout every aspect of their lives including rodeo, friendships, and marriage.
“It’s so important for us to be headed in the same direction spiritually because when we’re on the same page, whether he’s thousands of miles away or at home, we can find comfort in each other and comfort in God and know and trust that he has a plan for us and no matter what the plan is, it’s greater than anything that we could ever imagine for ourselves,” Chelsea said.
Lees secured his first National Finals Rodeo qualification in 2023 and currently sits No. 21 in the 2024 PRCA World Standings.
