VETERAN bull rider Brendon Denton is preparing for the ride of a lifetime as he gears up to compete for a world title in the United States next month.
The Booval local, who first climbed onto a bull at just 11 years old, has spent the past 30 years pursuing his passion – and now he’s within reach of achieving his lifelong dream.
“I’ve been riding for about 30 years – I’m now in the seniors division because I’m old,” he said with a laugh.
Denton has witnessed the sport grow and change since his early days on the circuit.
“When I first started, you got on steers and then junior bulls. Now there are five different age brackets, including mini bull riding for under 12s, under 15s, junior bulls, novice, open, and seniors.”
Despite the evolution of the sport, Denton has remained a constant, earning respect from fellow riders and fans alike.
Among his proudest moments is winning the National Rodeo Association’s rookie bull riding title back in 2002 – a title that launched him into the national spotlight.
Currently ranked in the top three in the country, Denton has secured a coveted place among the top 15 riders in Australia, qualifying him to compete in two prestigious events in Crawford, Nebraska.
“Every bit of literature I’ve kept over the years says the same thing – that all I’ve ever wanted was to be a world champion,” he said.
The upcoming competitions represent a chance to realise that dream, but also to reflect on the legacy he’s built within the sport.
“One of the boys on the circuit – he’s now the main clown – told me a few weeks ago that I was someone he looked up to when he was starting out,” Denton said. “That means a lot to me.”
Denton’s career has not only been long but fearless – he recalls riding a bull that weighed over a ton and a half.
“When you’re on top of something that size, not much goes through your head,” he said.
“But the biggest lesson I’ve learned is to never try to guess what a bull is going to do.”
After his US campaign, Denton will return home to compete in a local event in Thornlands on October 10, continuing a career built on grit, passion and perseverance.
To help support Denton’s world title bid, donations can be made via his GoFundMe page.
