Specialty Act presented by CHI St. Alexius: Rider Kiesner & Bethany Iles
2020 PRCA Dress Act of the Year
Get ready for a show-stopping performance from one of the most decorated specialty acts in rodeo today — Rider Kiesner and Bethany Iles bring high-energy entertainment, jaw-dropping skill, and world-class showmanship to Mandan Rodeo Days!
Together, Rider and Bethany are a powerhouse duo — blending tradition, talent, and theatrical flair into an unforgettable specialty act. Don’t miss them at the 2025 Mandan Rodeo Days!
Bethany Iles
Bethany Iles began trick riding at the age of nine and quickly fell in love with the sport. Though she wasn’t raised in a rodeo family, she blazed her own trail — performing across the Midwest with her sisters before turning pro at 18.
At 19, Bethany joined forces with Rider Kiesner, and together they’ve taken the rodeo world by storm. Their performances combine traditional western artistry with elite athleticism, captivating audiences across the country.
Career Highlights:
2020 PRCA Dress Act of the Year (with Rider Kiesner)
PRCA Cardholder since age 18
Performed at top rodeos across the country, including:
Mountain States Circuit Finals
Prairie Circuit Finals
Great Lakes Circuit Finals
The American Royal (Kansas City, MO)
Road to the Horse
TV Appearances:
NBC’s Spartan Ultimate Team Challenge
TBS’s Go Big Show
Bethany is passionate about honoring the women who paved the way in trick riding, and continues to inspire the next generation with her talent and dedication to the sport.
Rider Kiesner
A fifth-generation cowboy, Rider Kiesner started roping at age nine with a Will Rogers trick roping kit — and hasn’t put the rope down since. By age 11, he was already performing at professional rodeos. Today, Rider is one of the most accomplished western performers in the world.
Career Highlights:
4X World Champion Trick Roper
2X World Champion Gun Spinner
2X World Champion All-Around Western Performer
3X Time Event Championship Winner
2020 PRCA Dress Act of the Year
10X PRCA Dress Act of the Year Nominee
7X NFR Performer
2X NFR Open
3X Coors Man in the Can Nominee
9X Cheyenne Frontier Days Performer
International shows in 14+ countries, including: Canada, Mexico, France, Japan, China, Dubai, Lebanon, Taiwan, and more
Rider continues to honor the traditions of the American West through his daily practice and competitive performances in trick roping, whip cracking, and gun spinning.