Dale Brisby: The Legendary Bull Riding Gypsy Soul

Dale Brisby, the self-proclaimed "legendary bull riding gypsy soul," has become a household name in the rodeo and Western lifestyle community.

Known for his larger-than-life personality and comedic approach to cowboy culture, Brisby has built a significant online presence and brand around his unique persona. In this article, we'll dive into the world of Dale Brisby, exploring his background, career, and the impact he's made on the rodeo community.

Dale Brisby: The Man Behind the Legend

Dale Brisby, whose real name is Clint Hopping, was born on May 21, 1987, in Texas. Coming from a family with deep roots in ranching and rodeo, Brisby's father was a rancher and member of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA). This background laid the foundation for Brisby's future in the rodeo world.

Brisby's journey in the world of rodeo and ranching is as colorful as his personality. He attended Texas A&M University from 2005 to 2011, graduating with a master's degree in Agriculture. This educational background, combined with his family heritage, has contributed significantly to his authenticity in the cowboy world.

Since May 2004, Brisby has been the Ranch Manager at Radiator Ranch Cattle Company in Winnebago, Texas. This real-world experience in ranch management has been instrumental in shaping his rodeo career and online persona.

Rodeo Time: Building a Brand

In July 2013, Brisby became the CEO of Rodeo Time, Inc., marking the official start of his "Rodeo Time" brand. The company sells a range of Western-inspired apparel and merchandise, including:

• Light to Moderate Ranchin Hoodie

• Desert Bronc T-shirt

• Cowboy hats and caps

Brisby's approach to "Rodeo Time" is encapsulated in his statement: "Here's the thing; Dale Brisby lives a simple life- ridin' bulls and punchin' fools. I ain't on your time. I don't even really care about time. There's only one time that matters to Dale Brisby- Rodeo Time!"

Social Media Stardom

In July 2014, Brisby expanded his brand by becoming the Chief Executive Officer of Rodeo Time Promotions, focusing on social media and content creation. This move has been a significant part of the "Rodeo Time" story, with Brisby building a substantial following across various platforms:

• YouTube: His channel, "DaleBrisbyBullRider," has over 631,000 subscribers and features more than 1,000 uploads.

• Instagram: Brisby boasts nearly 980,000 followers on this platform.

• Twitter: He maintains an active presence on Twitter, sharing his thoughts and interacting with fans.

Brisby's content

• Rodeo events and bull riding

• Ranch life and activities

• Comedic skits and interactions with others

• Behind-the-scenes looks at his daily life and adventures

Popular YouTube Videos

Some of Dale Brisby's most popular YouTube videos include:

1. "NEW MEAN BULL FOR THE INTERNS - Rodeo Time 260" (1.9 million views)

2. "JB Gets On a Bull and Wes Learns a Lesson - Rodeo Time 164" (1.9 million views)

3. "Catfish Noodling With My XGF Hannah Barron - Two"

4. "Trevor Brazile 26X World Champion & King of The Cowboys - Rodeo Time Podcast 152"

5. "THE BEST OF DALE and RODEO TIME MOMENTS"

These videos exemplify Brisby's unique blend of rodeo expertise, humor, and engaging storytelling.

Challenges and Authenticity

Despite his success, Brisby has faced unique challenges in his rodeo career:

1. Identity and Authenticity Struggles: Brisby has candidly shared his insecurities about being perceived as a genuine cowboy, expressing that it hurts his feelings when people doubt his authenticity.

2. Balancing Humor and Seriousness: Maintaining a balance between his comedic persona and real-life rodeo skills can be challenging.

3. Managing Public Perception: As a public figure, Brisby must navigate the fine line between entertaining his audience and ensuring they recognize his genuine contributions to the rodeo community.

4. Dealing with Criticism: While he enjoys attention, negative comments, especially those questioning his cowboy credentials, can be hurtful.

Radiator Ranch: The Heart of Dale Brisby's World

Radiator Ranch Cattle Company, located in Winnebago, Texas, plays a central role in Dale Brisby's life and brand. What makes Radiator Ranch special?

• It's Dale Brisby's home base and the setting for much of his content creation.

• The ranch has its own distinctive branding, including merchandise.

• It serves as a training ground for aspiring cowboys and cowgirls.

• Radiator Ranch symbolizes a modern interpretation of traditional cowboy culture.

• It hosts various activities related to rodeo and ranch life.

• The ranch functions as a community hub for fans of the cowboy lifestyle.

The Impact of Dale Brisby

Dale Brisby's unique approach to rodeo and Western lifestyle has had a significant impact on the community:

1. Bringing Rodeo to the Masses: Through his humorous content, Brisby has made rodeo culture more accessible to a wider audience.

2. Modernizing Cowboy Culture: By blending traditional cowboy values with modern social media tactics, Brisby has helped evolve the perception of cowboys in popular culture.

3. Inspiring New Generations: His content and persona have inspired many young people to take an interest in rodeo and ranch life.

4. Creating a Community: Brisby has fostered a sense of community among rodeo enthusiasts and fans of Western culture through his social media presence and merchandise.

The Dale Brisby Experience: More Than Just Rodeo

Television Appearances

Dale Brisby's influence has extended beyond social media and into mainstream television. He made an appearance in the popular neo-western drama series "Yellowstone," specifically in the fifth season. In the show, Brisby played the role of a background cowboy at the 6666 Ranch, further cementing his status as a recognizable figure in Western culture.

Netflix Docuseries: "How to Be a Cowboy"

In 2021, Dale Brisby starred in his own Netflix docuseries titled "How to Be a Cowboy." This series provided viewers with an in-depth look at life on Radiator Ranch and Brisby's approach to teaching the cowboy lifestyle. The show featured:

• Brisby mentoring aspiring cowboys and cowgirls

• Behind-the-scenes looks at ranch operations

• Insights into rodeo training and competitions

• A blend of Brisby's signature humor with authentic cowboy experiences

This series not only entertained but also educated viewers about the realities of modern ranch life, further expanding Brisby's influence and reach.

Dale Brisby's Merchandise: DALEWEAR

Beyond the "Rodeo Time" brand, Brisby has expanded his merchandise offerings with his own clothing line called DALEWEAR. This line includes:

• Western-inspired apparel for men and women

• Accessories like hats, belts, and jewelry

• Rodeo gear and equipment

The success of DALEWEAR demonstrates Brisby's ability to translate his online popularity into tangible products that resonate with his fan base.

Educational Contributions

While Brisby is known for his humor, he also makes significant educational contributions to the rodeo community:

• Rodeo tutorials and tips shared through his videos

• Insights into ranch management and livestock handling

• Preservation and promotion of cowboy traditions and skills

These educational efforts help to ensure that the knowledge and skills of rodeo and ranching are passed down to new generations.

The Business Side of Dale Brisby

Brisby's success isn't just in his rodeo skills or online popularity – he's also shown impressive business acumen:

• Brand Partnerships: Brisby has collaborated with various Western lifestyle brands, expanding his influence and revenue streams.

• Speaking Engagements: He's become a sought-after speaker at rodeo events and Western lifestyle conventions.

• Diversified Income Streams: From merchandise to content creation to ranch operations, Brisby has built a multifaceted business empire.

Personal Life and Values

While Brisby tends to keep his personal life private, some aspects of his character and values shine through his public persona:

• Family Man: Brisby has been married to Macy Hopping since 2014, though he rarely discusses his family life publicly.

• Work Ethic: His dedication to ranch work and content creation demonstrates a strong work ethic.

• Authenticity: Despite his exaggerated persona, Brisby's genuine love for the cowboy lifestyle is evident in everything he does.

Dale Brisby's Legacy and Future

As Dale Brisby continues to evolve his brand and influence, he's leaving a lasting impact on the rodeo and Western lifestyle community:

1. Modernizing Cowboy Culture: Brisby has played a significant role in bringing cowboy culture into the digital age, making it more accessible and appealing to younger generations.

2. Preserving Traditions: While embracing modern media, Brisby also works to preserve and promote traditional cowboy skills and values.

3. Inspiring Entrepreneurship: His success serves as an inspiration for others in the Western lifestyle community to pursue their passions and build their own brands.

4. Community Building: Through his various platforms and initiatives, Brisby has created a global community of rodeo and Western lifestyle enthusiasts.

Looking to the future, it's clear that Dale Brisby will continue to be a influential figure in the rodeo world. His unique blend of humor, authenticity, and business savvy positions him to adapt to changing trends while staying true to his cowboy roots.

Conclusion: The Enduring Appeal of Dale Brisby

Dale Brisby's journey from Texas ranch manager to social media sensation and Western lifestyle icon is a testament to his unique charm and savvy. By blending traditional cowboy culture with modern entertainment and business strategies, Brisby has created a brand that resonates with both long-time rodeo enthusiasts and newcomers to the Western lifestyle.

Whether he's sharing rodeo tips, showcasing life on Radiator Ranch, starring in a Netflix series, or launching new merchandise, Dale Brisby continues to embody the spirit of "Rodeo Time" in everything he does. His ability to educate, entertain, and inspire ensures that his influence on the rodeo and Western lifestyle community will be felt for years to come.

As the cowboy way of life continues to evolve in the 21st century, figures like Dale Brisby play a crucial role in bridging the gap between tradition and modernity. Through his efforts, the spirit of the American cowboy lives on, finding new expression in the digital age while staying true to its roots in the dust and glory of the rodeo arena.

Richard Sutherland

RichardSutherland@bitsnspurs.org

Richard is a western lifestyle author for Bits N' Spurs, the weekly newsletter that keeps pace with today's rodeo. His articles are featured on dozens of rodeo and Western related websites and provide a window to the world of cowboy culture.