RODEO

Bullfighter is 'on top of the world'

By Krista Allen
Special to the Times

LECHEE, Ariz., Oct. 17, 2011

A bull bolts out of the bucking chute.

It might have horns sharp enough to puncture someone.

Then it might blow, buck, jump, kick, spin, or run around the arena until the rider bails out or gets bucked off.

Throughout the ride, bullfighters risk their lives to safeguard riders from getting injured.

However they don't watch over just the riders, they keep everyone around them from getting hurt by the head, horns, and hooves of those hefty bovines.

Bullfighting is about distracting the bull.

But for Aaron Henry, bullfighting is about a passion for the sport.

Minutes before being introduced last Saturday night at the 11th Annual Kenny Young's Bull Riding Classic, Henry stood behind the rodeo gate with his teammates and more than 80 bull riders.

When the announcer introduced him, the crowd loudly applauded.

Wearing his black and blue camouflaged jersey, Henry is distinguished by an open crown hat with a slight kink on each side.

So what does it take to be a bullfighter?Henry said it takes compassion, enthusiasm, and a love for bull riding.

Having said that, he played football at Chinle High, where he graduated in 2002, and in college.

He is Tsenjikini (Honey Combed Rock People Clan), born for Tsi'najiinii (Black Streak Wood People Clan).

He grew up around livestock and today he credits his brother, Dwayne Henio, for getting him into bullfighting in 1999.

"I used to see my brother (also a bullfighter) doing it," Henry said.

"I thought, 'I should try it and just go along with it.

'"In 2005, he was honored as bullfighter of the year by the Central Navajo Rodeo Association.

Today he participates in rodeo associations and events across the Navajo Nation.

"It feels like the top of the world," the 26-year-old Rabbit Brush, Ariz., native said.

"It's a lot of fun.

"At 6-foot-3, he is one of the elite bullfighters for Kenneth Young's K/L Bucking Bulls in Page, Ariz.

"My goal is to make sure the rider is safe and gets back to their feet," he said Sunday night after a K/L cookout.

"That's the main thing I care about in the arena.

"When not facing off bulls, he is ranch hand on the K/L Ranch.

But there's no stopping now for Henry.

With a degree in physical education from Haskell Indian Nation University, he plans to keep bullfighting until there's an open slot for teaching.

Henry thanks his parents, brother Dwayne, the rest of his family, and the Kenneth Young family including 4B Bucking Bulls from Fort Defiance, K/L Bucking Bulls, and V Bar S Bucking Bulls from Rabbit Brush.

"I want to thank them for all of the support," he said.

"They helped me a lot."