GLENDALE, Ky. — A central Kentucky family is working to bring a new type of youth sport to the Commonwealth.
Tyler and TaLana Lasley are providing a place in Hardin County where kids can try out and compete in mini bull riding. The couple, which owns Double-T Cattle Co., built an arena and started raising miniature bulls on their property.
Mini bull riding peaked the Lasleys’ interest when their seven-year-old son, Keller, got involved in the sport. Keller began riding sheep at three-years-old after his family took him to XB Arena in Loretto, Kentucky for his third birthday and he got to try it out. Tyler says his son was a natural during that first ride at the arena.
When he was old enough, Keller graduated to riding miniature bulls and has since won awards competing.
Mini bulls are classified by being 48 inches or shorter when measured at the shoulder. Usually, they’re bred to be small or are stunted.
The family just began buying bulls in the spring and has about 30 at their Glendale farm now.
“We started buying them just one by one,” Tyler explained. “It’s something to get your whole family involved with—it’s taking care of them, buying them, going and picking them out.”
For generations, the Lasley family farm has been used for raising dairy cows and beef cattle.
However, after the Lasleys began buying bulls earlier this year, their farm also became the first place to hold sanctioned World Championship Miniature Bull Riding events in Kentucky. They’ve already held 12 competitive events just in the past several months and had 69 kids compete at their finals in September.
“I’m trying to do something for the youth, and this is something different,” Tyler said. “I’d really like to see it blow up.”
The family, along with friends and other community members, built their state-of-the-art arena by hand, putting safety first.
The surrounding gate is a foot higher than required for regular bull riding.
“We built it for the big bulls, you know, and if it’s good enough for the big bulls, it’s definitely good enough for the small ones, too,” Tyler said.
The father of four is hoping to teach other kids like his son how to properly ride and compete in the sport. The family is holding one final outdoor rodeo of the year this weekend and is inviting other families to come out and learn what mini bull riding is all about.
Kids with experience can ride a bull that’s drawn, like Keller does. However, the Lasleys also offer exhibition rides, where they hand pick a bull for a child’s size and skill level, even if it’s that child’s first time getting on one.
The family says safety is a top priority at the events. Tyler says the family has two bull fighters available at every event, and they can run next to a child during the ride if parents prefer it. TaLana says they also pay EMS to be staged at their events when crews are available.
Tyler adds, “If I’ve got a bull that’s too aggressive that a kid rides, we get rid of it. I do not keep aggressive bulls here. I do not want to see a kid get hurt.”
Although it’s different from more popular sports like football or soccer, Tyler is proud of the responsibility mini bull riding has taught his son.
“I would just encourage everybody to come see it at least one time,” he said. “Just come experience what it’s like to be around it.”
Double-T Cattle Co’s Bulls and Ghouls Bull-Riding Event will be held Saturday, Oct. 28 at 180 White Mills Glendale Road West in Glendale.
There will be a Trunk or Treat when gates open at 5 p.m. ET and the mini bull riding show will begin at 7 p.m. ET. Concessions and barbecue will also be available for purchase.
Families are encouraged to bring chairs and tents and dress in Halloween costumes.