STETTLER, Alta. — If Kyle Stuckey had his way, miniature bull riding would replace steer riding in most rodeos.
“It’s going to be as big as we can get it,” Stuckey said after wrapping up a miniature bull riding jackpot and practice session April 15.
Miniature bulls are smaller versions of full size bucking bulls. The animals’ twist, turn, snort and chase bullfighters just like the big boys.
The only difference is size. Miniature bulls can’t be taller than 48 inches from the ground to the shoulders.
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Learning how to ride bucking, spinning, smaller-sized bulls gives young riders a better idea of what riding big bulls is like, said Stuckey, who has started a breeding program of Dexter, Zebu cross and small Brahma to get bulls under 48 inches.
Most young bull riders start their careers steer riding. Some steers race across the arena with only a few hops, and riders can find it difficult to graduate to the twisting, turning bulls.
Riders are encouraged to ride the miniature bulls with one hand to maintain their balance, just as riders do on the big bulls, said Stuckey, who belongs to the Canadian Miniature Bull Riding Association.
“When the bull drops its front end, the arm keeps you balanced.”
Stuckey’s grandfather, Bill, said the miniature bulls teach riders to be aware of their surroundings.
“When kids get bucked off a bull, they know they have to get up and get out of the way,” said the senior Stuckey, who won a steer riding championship at the Calgary Stampede when he was a teenager. “With steers, kids don’t learn how to ride bulls, they learn how to hold on for dear life.”
Connor Larrivee, 13, of Strathmore, Alta., came to the practice and jackpot event with his father, Darren.
His goal is to make it to the Professional Bull Riders circuit and then win. He hopes to gain experience and knowledge by riding the miniature bulls.
“It helps transition better than just riding steers,” said Connor. “These have a lot more shoulder. It’s more like a real bull would be.”
Larrivee began his bucking career riding sheep in mutton busting and then graduated to steers and now miniature bulls.
“I always wanted to try it. Once I got on I was hooked. It’s cowboy crack,” said Larrivee. “It’s really a big adrenaline rush.”
Larrivee’s father said he supports his son’s choice of events.
“There are a lot of things the kids could be doing. In rodeo they are usually staying out of trouble.”
Curtis Clark of Carstairs, Alta., won the evening’s jackpot and took home $200 for his bull riding.
“It’s fun. I enjoy bull riding. I love the sport,” said Clark.
“Mini bulls are built more like bulls. I’m getting ready for the big bulls.”
Dinessa Johnson, 9, of Camrose, came out to ride the smaller, quieter bulls in Stuckey’s rodeo string.
“I like riding bulls. I’ve done it once before,” said Johnson.
Her mother, Nancy Myers, said she likes miniature bull riding.
“The team they have here is amazing. They make sure they are riding safe.”
Skylar Running Rabbit, 9, of Siksika First Nation, said his goal is to become a professional bull rider, and this is a good place to start. He also rides steers, wild ponies and junior bareback.
Skylar’s sisters Sage, 8, and Syrianna, 6, also hopped on the quiet bulls with the help of Stuckey and his cousin, Lane Stuckey, who acted as the bullfighter.
Brendin Running Rabbit said the children enjoy the event so their family has made the effort to come to all the miniature bull riding events.
“If they want to become a professional bull rider, the miniature bulls do more spinning. It’s more realistic of some of their mannerisms. It will give him more of an insight of how a bull is ridden.”
Running Rabbit doesn’t think miniature bull riding events will replace steer riding because few parents will let their children on a bull, even if it is small.
“They hear the word bull and they get scared and think that a bull is mean.”
Bull riding judge Doug Rogers of Bentley, Alta., doesn’t believe miniature bulls will replace steer riding, but it’s a new twist at rodeo events.
“It’s pretty cool that the kids get to ride bulls.”
