Bronaugh freshman Stratford claims world junior bull riding crown

Wednesday, August 23, 2017
J.R. Stratford displays his skills at the 10th annual Youth Bull Riders World Finals in Abilene, Texas.
Submitted photo

It’s been one wild ride this summer for youth bull riding world champion J.R. Stratford.

In late July and early August the Bronaugh R-7 freshman was in Abilene, Texas, competing in the 10th annual Youth Bull Riders World Finals, held at the Taylor County Expo Center.

Stratford tallied a three-round score of 210 (70, 67.5, 72.5). He then clocked a 7.9 second ride in the championship round — but was assessed a “no-score” for not reaching the 8-second threshold. Had Stratford remained on his bull for another tenth of a second, he would have been the only rider who hit the mark on all four bull rides.

The setback, however, wasn’t enough to derail Stratford’s title hopes, as he was one of only two junior riders to stay on three bulls for at least 8 seconds. The other riders who advanced to the championship round managed to stay on only two bulls for 8 seconds or more.

After the Taylor Expo Center dust had settled it was Stratford who edged out Trevyn Armstrong, 210 to 207.5., as the young bull riding phenom cemented his place in the junior bull riding history books.

Stratford said the experience was surreal.

“I really couldn’t believe it happened,” said Stratford, who placed 17th at last year’s World Finals. “This is something I’ve been working towards.”

Even before locking up the junior world championship, Stratford was a highly decorated youth bull rider. Last year he qualified for the American Royal Invitational Youth Rodeo, held in Kansas City, where he tied for sixth-place. In 2015 he was reserve champion of the Kansas Junior Bull Riding Association in his age division, and also won the “Best in the South” event.

Rooting Stratford on in Abilene were his mom, Monica Linn, dad, Steve Stratford, older sister Taylor and younger brother Chase. Cheering him on from home were his stepdad Ryan Linn and younger sisters Jenna and Jolie.

“Winning the world finals was going through my mind,” said Stratford, “but I was just trying to stay focused on one round at a time, and not get too ahead of myself.”

In a previous interview with the Daily Mail Stratford said bull riding is a mental sport.

“It takes so much focus,” he said. “It’s so much in your mind whether you think you can do it or not. You can’t overthink it. Most of the bulls weigh 1,700 to 1,800 pounds. And most of the bull riders weigh between 140 to 160 pounds. I weigh 120.”

At the World Finals in Abilene Stratford rode four different bulls, and said he was pleased with his draw.

“They were younger bulls,” explained Stratford, “but they were all right — they bucked pretty good.”

Stratford captured his first world crown at an early age, and he still has several more years of youth bull riding eligibility remaining.

“I plan on being back next year to defend my title,” he said.

Fresh off his triumph, Stratford won’t be kicking back and relaxing. He has a full slate of high school level rodeo circuit events on tap, including this weekend in Miland, Mo.

Stratford, who owns 11 bulls, said his favorite athlete is two-time world champion bull rider J.B. Mauney. Stratford confirmed he has his sights set on one day riding at the professional level.

In his spare time, Stratford gives pony lessons to his 5-year-old twin sisters, Jolie and Jenna, while also training their ponies.

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