Anderson boy to compete in Texas rodeo championship

NATHANIEL JENKINS

Just when you think you have seen it all, a youngster sets the small town of Anderson and the rodeo scene ablaze. Eleven-year-old Nathaniel Jenkins of Anderson recently qualified to go to Fort Worth, Tex., and compete in the World Finals Steer Riding Championships. Jenkins in a member of the WRBRA (Western Regional Bull Riders Association) and attends Anderson Heights Elementary School in Anderson.

Jenkins has been riding horses since he was eight months old. He began riding sheep when he was four years old and won his first buckle that year at the Stonyford Rodeo. Jenkins' favorite part of riding steer is the same as anyone else's - winning.

His largest paycheck to date was $135 won at a jack pot riding in Angels Camp in 2008. On New Year's Eve, Jenkins competed at the National Bullriding Championships in Red Bluff and placed second with a 65 point ride.

At the World Finals in August in Fort Worth, Jenkins will be competing as a Senior Steer Rider because of his age. One of the events included in the Finals is a program called "Kids Riding for Kids." The young cowboys will go visit youth in the local hospitals in Fort Worth to spend time with them and sign autographs.

There are between 12 to 14 youth from the WRBRA (Western Regional Bull Riders Association) that will be making the trip to Fort Worth. Competitors for the WRBRA are three years old and up, They come from California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Arizona, Utah and Nevada. For the 2009 season, there are between 15 to 17 rodeos, plus other events that become available. Two of the events will be held in Redding.

Jenkins biggest supporters are his aunt and uncle, Linda and Dan Lentz and his grandfather Lou Sapian who are his legal guardians. His biggest fan is his aunt Linda and his rope man is his uncle Dan. Together they take him out on the road to all of his events. Retired bull rider Tuff Hedemen has been Jenkins' inspiration from the beginning.

This year, the family is building a set of bucking chutes out near the barn for Jenkins to practice. In April, Jenkins will go to Bishop to attend the Sankey Rodeo School, which is one of the only schools for youth in the State of California.

In many ways, Jenkins is just like any other kid on the block. He enjoys spending time with friends, playing video games, riding ATVs and camping out in the yard. Each year in May, he and his friends that rodeo make a 100-mile trail ride, camping along the way from Lake County to Stonyford where one of the seasons rodeos is held. The trip is 50 miles each way.

Jenkins also enjoys school. His favorite subject is science, he said he enjoys it because it is fun. Jenkins also enjoys running on the school track team, archery and snowboarding.

In his two year riding career, Jenkins has won many buckles and has taken home a few nice paychecks.

"The most I've taken home is $135. That is not bad for eight seconds of work," said Jenkins.

During October at the Regional Finals in Redding, the association had a "Tough Enough to Wear Pink," day. Jenkins dedicated his ride to his Aunt Cathy who was going through cancer treatment.

"It was a big day for Nathaniel. Besides dedicating his ride to his aunt, he placed third in the Finals," said Linda Lentz. "As a family, we believe that the sport of rodeo helps to build character in the kids, teaches them sportsmanship, leadership and it keeps them off the streets and turns them into unbelievable athletes. The older cowboys spend time mentoring and encouraging the younger riders."

When competing, Jenkins wears a helmet, protective vest, chaps and is all business. He knows that this sport is dangerous if you are not focused on what you are doing.

"I have to be serious and aware of what is around me," said Jenkins.

Jenkins is currently sponsored by Hawes Farm and Ranch, Samuels Cabinetry, Balleu Tool Company, Frontier Feed and Saddlery, Shasta Feed and Spurgeons Embroidery.

Jenkins' future plans include taking part in High School Rodeo, Riding on the CCPRA (California Cowboys Professional Rodeo Association) Circuit at age 16 and riding in the PBR (Professional Bull Riders) events as soon as he turns 18. Someday, Jenkins hopes to become a world champion bull rider.

The first WRBRA sanctioned rodeo will be held in March.