Bull riding is a risky sport for even the most experienced of riders, but one young man in Panaca is already beginning to set himself apart in a sport that many adults are scared to attempt. 

Truce Tolman has been riding mini bulls since he was 7 years old, though his mother, Chanelle Chouquer, says these animals are not as “miniature” as the name would suggest. Truce, now 9, also participates in horse riding events like roping and barrel racing, but in his opinion, he belongs on the back of a bull.

Chanelle says her son has wanted to ride bulls since he was old enough to know about the sport, and coming from a long rodeo legacy didn’t hurt. However, while Truce’s family is known best for their roping and barrel racing skills, Truce is taking on one of the most dangerous sports one can do. And, he’s already showing his natural talent through multiple competitions around the country. At the Professional Mini Bull Riding (PMBR) event in Ogden, Utah, Oct. 10, kids from nine states around the West gathered to put their skills to the test. 

According to their website, the PMBR is “an Idaho-based nonprofit organization that teaches bull riding and life skills to children ages 14 and younger” in hopes that they can bridge the gap between smaller events like mutton busting and full-sized bull riding. 

In the first round of the event, Truce took first place in his age group. While he finished in third overall, that was enough to get him a buckle and feed his need to ride.

Chouquer mentioned Truce’s natural talent has been a huge blessing in these competitions, because while other kids have the resources to practice their riding abilities and get lessons on how to ride bulls, Truce is content to use a barrel on a spring. Despite these limitations, he has proven he’s one of the best riders in the country for his age, and this indicates a promising future for him in the sport.

Truce has also participated in events like the Long Valley Lions Junior rodeo in Orderville, Utah, where he took first in calf riding and placed fifth overall. In May, Truce will also be participating in the Stetson Wright Invitational, where he hopes to set himself apart as the best mini bull rider in the West.