National Junior High Rodeo Finals

Posted by Sunnie R. Clahchischiligi | Jul 2, 2015 | Rodeo |

Kayenta junior bull rider defies odds, finishes in top 20 at nationals

FRUITLAND

Brad Moreno, 13, placed 13th overall in the junior bull-riding event at the 2015 National Junior High Rodeo Finals in Iowa last weekend. Moreno scored a 61 in one of three rides to qualify for the finals. (Courtesy photo)

At first glance, Brad Moreno could still pass for a wooly rider. But once he jumps on the back of a bull he rides like a veteran champion.

There is no question that Moreno, who is a 13-year-old Kayenta Middle School student, doesn’t look like he’s ready to ride a full eight seconds on the back of a beast but that’s exactly why he rides.

“Only chickens are scared, I’m a man,” Moreno said. “I like that if I ride, everybody thinks I’m cool and tough, and they want to be like me.”

It’s only been a couple of months since Moreno graduated from steers and moved onto junior bulls, and he’s already a national competitor.

Last week Moreno competed in the 2015 National Junior High Finals Rodeo in Iowa where he placed 13th overall in the average race in junior bulls. He had one qualified ride out of three with 61 points.