Tim O’Connell vs. Beutler & Son Rodeo’s Killer Bee

This is a match-up Tim O’Connell has been waiting for in his storied career.

O’Connell, a three-time PRCA bareback riding world champion, will finally climb aboard renowned Beutler & Son Rodeo’s Killer Bee at the Lawton (Okla.) Rangers Rodeo, Aug. 8.

“I think a lot of people get bucked off that horse, and she intimidates most people,” said O’Connell, 28. “She is big and strong and one of the buckiest horses in the world. My game plan is to go at her. I’m not afraid of that horse. I’m not afraid to go at that horse, and I think that’s how you have to go after the horse to get it done.”

Killer Bee also has quite the resume. She was the 2019 PRCA Bareback Horse of the Year and was voted top bareback horse in Round 3 of the 2019 Wrangler NFR after bucking off Austin Foss.

Killer Bee also was the top bareback horse of the 2018 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo and the top saddle bronc horse of the 2013 and 2014 NFRs. Killer Bee was runner-up for the 2015 Saddle Bronc Horse of the Year.

“I’ve been waiting for something like this,” said O’Connell, who won titles in 2016-18. “I haven’t been drawing very good, and I think someone answered my prayers. I have three good horses to get on this week (in North Platte, Neb., Logan, Utah, and Sikeston, Mo.) before I get on Killer Bee. Once Friday night (Aug. 7) gets over, I will be ready to go to war on Saturday.”

O’Connell was leading the PRCA | RAM World Standings with $95,016 as of Aug. 4. Kaycee Feild, who is in second, trails by $21,956.

“I’m thankful for the cushion I have in the standings, but I wish it was bigger than what it was,” O’Connell said. “I’m just approaching things one at a time, and when Saturday gets here, it will be a showdown (with Killer Bee).”

Courtesy of PRCA