HINESTON, La. (KALB) - Young rodeo competitors took over Ted Johnson Arena for the “Christmas in the Country Youth Rodeo” on December 13, 2025, where family traditions and future aspirations collided in the dirt.
The event, organized by the West Louisiana Rodeo Club, brought together riders from across the region for competition in multiple events, including bareback riding, bull riding, barrel racing, pole bending and goat tying.
Kolt Carlson, 12, from Ragley, said rodeo runs in his family. His father competed, inspiring Carlson to start his own rodeo journey.
“He roped. He went to a few team ropings when I was little bitty. He team roped, and he calf roped,” Carlson said.
Just months into bareback steer riding, Carlson is learning the physical demands of the sport.
“You gotta be strong. It makes it kind of sore, like if you don’t want to stretch,” he said.
Despite his young age, Carlson has set ambitious goals for his rodeo career.
“I wanna be a world champion, if I can,” he said.
Carlson placed first in 13U Bareback Riding at the event.
Bryer Prince, 18, from Sulphur, follows his father’s path in bareback riding.
“My dad rode bareback, and I want to be as good as him, if not better,” Prince said.
Prince described the physical challenges of the event.
“It’s a lot of jerking, and a lot of physical force, and you just got to keep breathing, keep fighting and stay tucked up underneath your rigging,” he said.
His preparation paid off at the Christmas rodeo with a winning performance, a 66-point ride.
Prince said rodeo involves more than just competition.
“There’s a lot of financial...gas, entry fees, wear and tear you put on your vehicle. It’s just a lot that goes into it. More than just show up and ride,” he said.
Christina Kinchen, 16, from DeRidder, competes in barrel racing, pole bending and goat tying. She said her rodeo journey included early challenges.
“My first barrel horse that I got, she was way too much for me. I fell off a couple of times, and I was scared to death to ride her for a really long time. But we’ve come a long way, that’s for sure,” Kinchen said.
Kinchen said her enthusiasm now carries over to her horse during competition.
“I get so excited when I’m out there doing it, and my horse can start feeling it, and he gets excited, and he loves doing his job,” she said.
The West Louisiana Rodeo Club, founded by Kinchen’s parents, organized the event. Kinchen said helping with the rodeo made it special.
“It’s amazing to actually put on one, after watching them for so long and doing them for so long. It’s fun. I love it,” she said.
Kinchen placed second in the 19U poles at the event.
Briggs Cooley, 17, from Basile, competes in bull riding and said the sport provides a unique experience.
“There’s no way to explain it. It’s an adrenaline rush,” Cooley said.
Cooley said he values the relationships formed through rodeo competition.
“I like how everybody’s going against each other, but nobody dislikes each other. We’re all civil about everything,” he said.
For young people considering rodeo, Cooley offered encouragement.
“I’d say go for it. It’s fun. It’s a different experience from everything else,” he said.
Cooley placed first in 19U Bull Riding at the event.
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