I didn't know about it until Saturday afternoon, so I stopped what I was doing just to go to the event. I've not ever been to a mini bull youth event before. The boys were ages 7-14, from throughout the Midwest - Nebraska, Kansas, Texas and Oklahoma, probably a few other places too. Iowa, I think.
This young man, Clayton, definitely has the cowboy spirit. I normally don't do prayer shots, but this moment called for it. Kent Kerschner, "Foto Cowboy" says he's known Clay since he was a toddler and the young boy is quite a good kid. I also had a chance to visit with Kent and really enjoyed talking with him "when he wasn't working!" He pretty much lives on the road, he says. (Added after original post: I just discovered that Kent is the president of the Association of Professional Rodeo Photographers, visit http://rodeoshooters.com)
There were a few times during this event, that were filled with heartpounding moments when the riders got hung up and the bullfighters did their job. I just couldn't bring myself to shoot the hangups as I was holding my breath.
Omar Martinez cashed out fairly well also. Here he is sharing his experience right after a ride with his fellow competitors.
If this event had been advertised more locally, I'm sure the place would have been packed. It was definitely worth an evening out. Congratulations to all the young cowboys.
