Have you ever scrolled through social media and stumbled on a cowboy who feels like your next-door neighbor? That’s Dale Brisby for you—laughing about tractor mishaps one minute and riding bulls the next.
Most folks don’t realize real cowboys still exist outside Hollywood movies, leaving us disconnected from authentic Western culture.
But Dale’s YouTube videos and Netflix show bridge that gap, making ranch life relatable whether you live downtown or on a dirt road. Let’s uncover the story behind the “Keeping it 90” legend.
Dale Brisby’s Real Name and Hometown
Dale Brisby’s real name is Clint Hopping.
While he jokes that Radiator Ranch is in the tiny, fictional town of Winnebago, Texas (which isn’t on any map!), Clint grew up deep in real Texas ranch country.
Growing up near actual cattle towns like Stephenville, he absorbed cowboy values firsthand—like how to fix a fence before breakfast and why a good hat never comes off indoors.
I visited Central Texas once and noticed how folks there share Dale’s mix of humor and grit; it’s less about dusty boots and more about that “Ol’ Son” attitude of staying true to your roots.
Remember those videos where he calls his brother Leroy Gibbons “the real deal”? That’s hometown loyalty in action.
Dale Brisby’s Age and Early Life
Dale Brisby is 48 years old as of 2024.
Born under the Cancer zodiac sign (according to Famous Birthdays), Dale spent his childhood around bull pens and hay bales. His dad, Vergil ‘Coke’ Hopping, was a Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association member, so Dale learned to ride horses before he rode a bike. Picture this: a kid practicing lasso swings while other classmates played video games!
Though he keeps early years private, we know he absorbed Western traditions that later shaped his viral “Cowboy Scale of 1 to 10” bit with Cody Johnson. Funny how those dusty afternoons now fuel laughs for millions on Instagram and Threads.
Education and Path to Fame
Dale Brisby earned a master’s degree in Agriculture from Texas A&M University.
After studying Ranch Management there (and a stint at Texas Christian University), he chose boots over boardrooms. Instead of a desk job, he became a working rancher and Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association bull rider—yes, that’s the real sport behind Netflix’s “How to Be a Cowboy.”.
I once interviewed a rodeo fan who said watching Dale “ride like his dad taught him” makes the danger feel personal. His academic smarts blended with old-school grit created the perfect storm for his later YouTube fame.
Building the Dale Brisby Brand
Dale Brisby popularized “It’s Rodeo Time!” through relatable social media humor.
Starting with simple ranch vlogs, his channel exploded when he added candid moments—like his brother Dancey Creel faceplanting in mud or debating “Keeping it 90” life choices. By teaming up with stars like Granger Smith and J.B. Mauney,
he turned cowboy culture into shareable fun. Remember that Cody Johnson song “Human the Double Album” where Dale jokes “I ain’t no buckaroo”?
That’s authenticity winning! Now his Radiator Ranch Cattle Company videos hit millions of views, all while he stays rooted in Christianity and rural values.
Radiator Ranch and Business Ventures
Radiator Ranch, founded by Dale Brisby in 2004, operates as a working cattle hub and content studio.
Far beyond a social media backdrop, it’s a real 6-foot-2 Dale (yes, he’s 6 feet 2 inches tall!) managing 80-kilogram steers daily.
The ranch fuels his podcast Rodeo Time, merch lines like “Ol’ Son” gear, and even partnerships with brands like Team Never Quit Podcast (where he chatted with Navy SEAL Marcus Luttrell). While rival ranches keep quiet, Dale’s genius is showing the messy, joyful reality—like when his Winnebago RV broke down mid-vlog. That unplanned moment? Pure gold for fans.
Personal Life and Family
Dale Brisby is married to Macy Hopping (née Jennings), and they share children.
Macy stays off-camera but anchors his world—Dale credits her for keeping him “grounded in White cowboy culture without the cowboy ego.” His siblings are his ride-or-dies: brother Leroy Gibbons helps run Radiator Ranch, while sister Dancey Creel stars in viral skits.
During a Netflix interview, Dale got emotional saying, “Family’s why we say ‘Ol Son’—it’s respect, not just a phrase.” That’s the secret sauce: his 1.1 million Instagram followers feel like extended family.
Influence and Legacy in Cowboy Culture
Dale Brisby revitalized interest in Western lifestyle for Gen Z and millennials.
His Netflix series “How to Be a Cowboy” (Sept 2021) did what old Westerns never could—it made city kids want to try roping! Bull riding legends like J.B. Mauney call him a “gateway cowboy” who humanizes rodeo’s dangers.
But it’s deeper: he tackles tough topics too, like mental health after bull-riding injuries. During a podcast with Cody Johnson, he admitted, “Real cowboys cry too.” That honesty sparked conversations from Texas high schools to urban bars. Now when teens yell “It’s Rodeo Time!”, they’re not just quoting—they’re connecting with a culture that values resilience.
FAQs About Dale Brisby
Dale Brisby answers common fan questions about his cowboy journey.
What is Dale Brisby’s real name?
Dale Brisby’s real name is Clint Hopping. He adopted “Dale Brisby” as a stage name early in his rodeo career—it just “sounded right” for the Wild West vibe!
How old is Dale Brisby?
He’s 48 years old (born July 1976), putting him under the Cancer zodiac sign per Famous Birthdays. Though one source claims Gemini—cowboys keep a few mysteries!
Where is Dale Brisby’s hometown?
While Radiator Ranch “lives” in fictional Winnebago, Dale was actually born and raised in rural Texas. His exact town isn’t disclosed, but Texas roots run deep.
Who is Dale Brisby’s wife?
His wife is Macy Hopping—formerly Macy Jennings. She avoids the spotlight but inspires his “family first” motto. They’ve built a life where kids learn ranch chores before smartphones.
What does Dale Brisby do for a living?
Professionally, he’s a bull rider, Radiator Ranch manager, social media star, podcast host, and actor. His side hustle? Teaching us all to “Keep it 90” through chaos.
Conclusion: The Enduring Appeal of Dale Brisby
Dale Brisby’s charm stems from authentic cowboy spirit meeting modern humor.
Whether he’s cracking up with Vergil ‘Coke’ Hopping (his dad) or debating rodeo rules with Granger Smith, he never forgets the soil beneath his boots. In a world of filters,
Dale’s muddy jeans and laugh lines remind us that real life is already viral-worthy. Next time you see “It’s Rodeo Time!” merch, remember: it’s not just a slogan. It’s an invitation to ride along with someone who turned Texas dirt into digital gold—all while keeping it 90, Ol’ Son style.
