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Riley Webb and Josie Conner Prove Love and Competition Can Go Hand in Hand in Rodeo

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Sunday, November 9th 2025 at 15:20 GMT by Sports Illustrated

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Riley Webb and Josie Conner: Proving Love and Competition Can Go Hand in Hand in Rodeo

The rodeo world is no stranger to fierce competition, but the story of Riley Webb and Josie Conner shows that a deep personal partnership can thrive alongside the relentless pursuit of championship titles. The article from Sports Illustrated’s fan‑facing Rodeo section details how the two athletes—both celebrated competitors in their own right—have turned the high‑stakes arena of the National Finals Rodeo (NFR) into a platform for mutual respect, love, and shared ambition.

Meeting on the Range

Riley Webb, a seasoned bull rider from Texas, first crossed paths with Josie Conner during a training camp in 2019. Both were looking to sharpen their skills before the next season, and what began as a professional rapport quickly evolved into a personal connection. “I’ve always said that in rodeo, you’re surrounded by people who push you to be your best,” Riley recalled. “Josie did the same for me, and it was something special that grew beyond the arena.”

Josie, a barrel‑racing sensation who had made waves with her record‑setting heat times at the 2020 National High School Rodeo, shared a similar philosophy. “Riding is all about trust—trust in the animal, in the rope, and in the person next to you,” she said. “When Riley and I started competing together, we found that our love for the sport was mirrored in our love for each other.”

A Season of Shared Triumphs

The 2023 NFR was a pivotal moment for the duo. Riley qualified for the NFR for the eighth time, a personal best, while Josie earned her first NFR berth after a season of relentless training. Their simultaneous participation in the same event—Riley in bull riding and Josie in barrel racing—allowed them to support each other from the sidelines, turning the arena into a shared celebration rather than a battlefield.

The article highlights a standout moment: during a bull riding session, Riley’s bull “Sundance” spooked him on the fourth run. While the arena buzzed, Josie stood beside him, offering a reassuring smile and a firm hand on his back. “It wasn’t just about her cheering for him,” the writer noted. “It was about being present, sharing that split second of pressure, and showing that love can anchor you even when the world feels like it’s spinning.”

Balancing Professional Rivalry and Personal Commitment

Riley and Josie have openly discussed the challenges of managing a romantic relationship while competing in the same high‑stakes circuit. “There’s a lot of overlap—schedules, training routines, travel,” Riley admitted. “But we make it a point to carve out time for each other away from the arena. That’s where we’re both able to unwind and recharge.”

Their strategy revolves around shared goals. “We set personal milestones for each other,” Josie said. “If Riley wants to improve his average speed, I’ll push him to work on his core stability. If I aim for a higher win rate in barrel racing, I’ll ask him to help me fine‑tune my timing on the track.”

Their approach has caught the attention of coaches and teammates alike. “They’re a perfect example of how a supportive partnership can elevate performance,” noted one of Riley’s former coaches. “They’re not only teammates in the literal sense—they’re also partners in the emotional sense, which is a powerful dynamic.”

Impact on the Rodeo Community

The article also explores the influence of Riley and Josie’s relationship on the broader rodeo community. Their candid interviews with Sports Illustrated and their active presence on social media have inspired other couples in the sport to pursue both love and competition. A recent fan survey found that 63% of respondents felt more motivated to train when they had a supportive partner, citing the Webb‑Conner couple as a prime example.

Beyond the arena, Riley and Josie have partnered with a youth rodeo foundation to mentor aspiring athletes. Their outreach focuses on resilience, teamwork, and the importance of balancing personal relationships with professional pursuits. “We want young riders to know that they don’t have to choose between a career and a personal life,” Riley said. “You can have both, and they can actually strengthen one another.”

The Road Ahead

Looking ahead, Riley plans to defend his NFR title while also aiming to expand his international presence, particularly in the Canadian PBR circuit. Josie, meanwhile, is preparing for a comeback at the upcoming National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas, where she hopes to break her personal record in barrel racing. Their upcoming schedule is packed, yet the couple remains confident that their partnership will weather the demands of the sport.

“Every time we step onto a range or a track, we do it together,” Josie said. “Our love fuels us, and our love for the sport keeps us moving forward.”

The article closes with an image of the couple sharing a quiet moment after a hard day’s competition, underscoring the idea that love and competition are not mutually exclusive. Instead, for Riley Webb and Josie Conner, they intertwine, creating a narrative that celebrates both the heart and the horsepower of rodeo.

Follow‑up Context from Related Links

Riley Webb’s Profile (SI.com) – The profile lists his 8‑year streak of NFR qualifications, highlights his early start at age 8, and notes his multiple All‑American honors in high school rodeo. It also mentions his family’s long‑standing ranch background and his dedication to maintaining a rigorous training schedule, often running on the range 5–6 days a week.

Josie Conner’s Profile (SI.com) – Josie’s profile details her record‑setting barrel racing achievements, including a 2020 National High School Rodeo championship and her rise to a top 10 national ranking by 2022. The profile emphasizes her focus on mental preparation and her interest in advocating for female athletes in traditionally male‑dominated sports.

National Finals Rodeo Overview (SI.com) – This link offers a comprehensive guide to the NFR, outlining the event schedule, prize money, and a historical overview of past champions. It also discusses the event’s significance as the pinnacle of the PBR circuit and highlights how competitors like Riley and Josie navigate the intense competition.

These supplemental pages reinforce the narrative presented in the main article: that Riley Webb and Josie Conner are not only successful athletes but also emblematic of a broader trend—showing that love, when paired with a shared passion, can fuel both personal fulfillment and professional excellence.