MONCKS CORNER, S.C. – A 13-year-old Moncks Corner boy has a shot at earning a world championship title in bull riding. Dalton Weise, a 7th grade student at Berkeley Middle School, recently qualified through the South Carolina Rodeo Association to compete in the 16th annual Youth Bull Riders World Finals this August in Abilene, Texas.
“I’m excited about it. It’s an opportunity of a lifetime,” Weise said. “The association that I ride in takes the top two, and I’m in first place.”
While most kids his age are busy playing video games, riding bikes or taking part in more traditional sports, Weise is regularly practicing his bull riding technique.
“Every weekend I train. I also go to the gym three nights a week. I also have a bucking barrel that I get on at the house,” he said. “It’s mostly mental training, getting your mind ready for once you climb onto it (the bull).”
Weise has been taking part in the sport for a little less than two years and enjoys every minute of it. When he grows up, he hopes to become a professional bull rider.
“This is what I want to do from now and forever,” he said. “My ultimate goal once I get older is to be one of the best there’s been ever to do it.”
While the thought of riding a bucking bull can be scary for some people, Weise enjoys the challenge and adrenaline rush that comes with the sport. Fear isn’t a word in his vocabulary.
“I don’t really get scared. It’s mostly just, you’ve got to put it out of your mind,” he explained. “Also, there ain’t a whole lot going through my mind. I kind of just sit there and ride.”
When Weise competes in the youth bull riding championship this summer in the 12- to 14-year-old category, he’ll be the only person representing Berkeley County.
“It’s awesome that I’m the only one from down here doing it,” he said. “Bull riding has taught me to be tough and stay humble. You always fall off more than you ride, so you’ve always got to stay humble and tough.”
During the upcoming competition, Weise must ride the bull one handed for eight seconds without letting go of the rope or touching the bull or himself with his free hand. Four judges will assess how he performed on the bull. Ultimately, the winner of the world championship will receive a large cash price and championship buckle.
Weise is currently seeking donations and business sponsors to compete in the upcoming competition. His family recently created a GoFundMe page to help cover expenses. To donate, click this link. Donors can also contribute by Venmo at this link.
