story by Kyle Eusitce
Troutman, North Carolina native Lane Barnette is something like a rodeo prodigy. At just 8-years-old, the third grader at Southview Christian School got on a sheep for the first time when he was 3. His parents, Cory and Melissa, have watched in awe as their young son has quickly grasped how to effectively compete and to their surprise, actually win. As one of the youngest JRSRA members, which he joined in 2016, Lane is off to an incredible start.
“Lane already has five years under his belt and he has really done well,” said Cory. “He does a lot with the National Junior Bull Riders Association Carolinas’, which usually has more rodeos than the JRSRA. He’s qualified to go to the world and national finals in Texas.”
Lane rode sheep for a few years before he tried riding calves. He was the state champion sheep rider three times in a row. This is his first year as a full-time calf rider.
“I like hanging out my friends and just riding,” said Lane. “I practice a lot.”
Lane has 5-year-old twin brothers, Cason and Colton, and a 10-year-old sister Brittany. When asked if he liked being a big brother, he wasn’t quite sure. “Yes,” said Lane. “I mean, no.”
Lane has been going all over North Carolina competing in various events. His father, who is a private investigator in five states—North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Tennessee, and Georgia—admits he’s hard on him, but he believes a strong work ethic will get you far in life. It’s definitely paying off for Lane.
“I’m strict about practicing and I try to teach him to be humble,” said Cory. “He finished 9th in the world and 4th in the nation in mutton busting last year. I knew he had to make the transition to calf riding, which is the hardest one you’ll ever make. We put him on calves exhibition style and let him ride calves the whole season so he could get used to it. He ended up winning the finals and his first buckle when he wasn’t even trying.”
Lane took the lead in his last rodeo after winning first place again. There have been a lot of people rooting for Lane and helping him hone his skills as a calf rider.
“So many people have helped him,” said Cory. “But it’s not just about rodeo. You have to give 100 percent in everything you do—marriage, job or whatever. He enjoys rodeo so much, I figure I can teach him some life lessons through rodeo.”
With his ethics intact, Lane is a role model to his twin brothers. After Lane had been riding for two years and won two state titles, his parents started a bank account for him.
“His brothers really want to follow in his footsteps,” said Cory. “The boy really loves fighting bulls, too, but not in the traditional sense. He plays a lot with his brothers. He’s the bull and he lets them ride him.”
Right now, Lane is focused on school and training. He qualified last year for nationals and will head back in October for the finals in Amarillo, Texas.
“It sounds harsh, but I think rodeo teaches him life lessons and makes him work hard,” said Cory. “I don’t ever want him to feel like it’s something he has to do though. He tries hard, and has proven himself over and over again.”
At this stage in Lane’s life, he and his family aren’t thinking too long term. He plays baseball in the off season and enjoys being with his friends.
“I don’t know exactly what he wants to do,” said Cory. “I want him to do it as long as his heart is in it. He’s focused now and wants to win.”
