By: Kelsie Star Akers
Once again Age doesn’t mean a thing, if you want to do big things you’re going to need a big heart, a strong spirit, and drive for your passion. No matter the challenge this up and coming Bucking Bronco and wild Bull rider faces, there’s no stopping him, he’s definitely a one of a kind kid.
Trent Burkhalter: Houston, Texas
Trenton Burkhalter Jr., AKA T.J., was born and raised in Houston, Texas. He is 10 years old and attends McDougal Elementary, where he is an honor roll student (a star eagle), and a football and basketball player. As a football player, he went to the championships. As a Junior Deacon, who also ropes and rides horses, you would think this kid would have no room for anything else but he’s full of surprises and full of spirit!
T.J. Burkhalter is a Mini Bareback Rider, Calf Rider, and soon to be Mini Bull Rider NFR Qualifier. He has a love for riding bucking horses and he has been riding for more than a year and a half now. He has attended the Southeast Texas Bareback Riding School in Waller, Texas, Bayou Bronc riding school. He has been instructed by Kirby Cannon, Clint Cannon, Jay Cannon and many others. Two years ago, TJ won the Waller County Rough Stock event. He competed against 34 other kids who were also trying to win the spot to ride in Las Vegas at the NFR (National Finals Rodeo). 2015 was the very first year that the NFR added mini bareback riding to its list of events. He worked hard and overcame lots of obstacles. He was so determined, that drive and determination won him a spot in Las Vegas.
“I had the opportunity to ride bucking horses at the NFR, under the bright lights in Las Vegas. It was amazing! I want to do it again!”
This young man is so enthusiastic. He has won a rodeo in Oklahoma, he even got an opportunity to be on Good Morning Tulsa Ch. 8 for expert talk on bucking horses and the rodeo.
“I was also invited to the Challenge of Champions in Amarillo Texas on New Year’s Eve. This was an invite only rodeo just like the Heritage Rodeo.”
That same day he was interviewed by channel 10 KHDA morning news before the rodeo.
He has traveled to rodeos in East Texas and Oklahoma. So far there’s nothing he can’t win! Last year he went to 21 rodeos. This kid is definitely blessed. With the support of his parents and coaches, there are no limits to what he can accomplish. Keep your eyes glued, he is making us all proud!
Keep working TJ, we are all rooting for you!
T.J.: #WatchMeRide