Kash Kling has perched upon the backs of about 400 bulls.
And he’s only 15.
The teen from Kersey, about 8 miles east of Greeley, has a way with the magnificent beasts. Since he started riding bulls three years ago, he’s been a two-time reserve state champion, qualified twice for nationals, and won a bunch of competitions with Spur Ride Rodeo Co.
Kling will be the youngest competitor this weekend at The Pioneer: A New Reign on Rodeo. It’s Friday and Saturday at Norris Penrose Event Center and also will feature mechanical bull riding, a petting zoo, inflatables for kids, a Saturday night dance and fireworks.
“Most people would say they’re nervous,” Kling said after a day of bucking bulls on his family’s property. “I’ve never been nervous. I can feel the nerves, but I get over it because I’ve got a job to do and I love it.”
Kling is following in the footsteps of his father, Dakota Kling, who rode bulls for two decades, including eight years professionally. Dakota is proud that his son, a freshman in high school, will compete this weekend with riders from the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association.
“This is the first bull riding where Kash gets to step up with the big dogs,” Dakota said. “There’s not a lot of freshmen bopping around Colorado being invited to this. Maybe once every four or five years a kid comes along and gets to step up. Kash is that guy now. He’s definitely got his work cut out for him. He’s got the least amount of experience years-wise.”
The Pioneer was renamed this year, after originating as Rocky Mountain Rumble four years ago, then becoming Colorado Springs Stampede. It features five adult events, including barrel racing and roping, and three kids events, including junior barrel racing and mini bulls.
Though it’s much like traditional rodeos, there is one difference — the degree of its contestants, says Jay Dial, the CEO of Triple J Rodeo, which puts on the event.
Dial is introducing a model of bringing contestants and paying them. In traditional rodeos, competitors pay an entrance fee and take their chance at winning. At The Pioneer the majority of contestants will receive payment per run, ride, rope or horse. They make the bulk of their money on the first night and have a chance to earn more if they advance to the second round and championship round.
“It allows us to bring in high-quality contestants who will perform well and are compensated for it,” Dial said.
Altogether, the rodeo will pay out more than $30,000 in cash to about 60 contestants from eight to 10 states, including Colorado. They’re a mix of cowboys from working ranches as well as some who stumbled their way into the sport and excelled at it.
Because it’s near the end of rodeo season, The Pioneer will bring in rider-friendly stock, meaning bulls and horses that are full of life and fun but aren’t eliminators, Dial says.
“We’re not trying to get (the contestants) into the dirt, but get their confidence up and their motor running,” Dial said. “They’ve been on the road since the end of May. Stepping into the off season some are tired and beat up. Let’s give them something out of the difficult lane. It helps the cowboys and shows off the horses and bulls.”
Kash feels pretty good about his odds at this weekend’s event. He knows the bull he’ll be riding — named Mojo — and anticipates a successful ride.
“I’ve been on a bunch of bulls kind of like him, even a little bit stronger,” he said, “and I’ve done really well on those bulls.”
