story by Siri Stevens
Mason Spain won the Reserve Bull Riding at the National Junior High Finals in Lebanon, Tennessee. “It was a great experience to go out there – it was a great rodeo and I had lots of fun,” said the 15 year old from Forney, Texas. He repeated his performance from sixth grade as reserve champion. “You always like to win first, but one of my good friends beat me, so I was okay with it.” Mason will head to Forney High School in a few weeks. Mason likes school, but he prefers rodeo. “I’m going to have to go to college; I know bull riding won’t last forever, so you’ve got to have something to fall back on. I’m hoping to take over my grandfather’s ranch (Chester Bench, in Hugo, Oklahoma, right on the border. “Whenever I get a free weekend I go up there and learn as much as I can.”
Mason headed from Lebanon to Calgary, where he competed in the steer riding. This is his second trip to Canada – his family made the trip a family vacation last year. “My favorite part was downhill biking in Montana.” They visited Yellowstone, the Royal Gorge and lots of other stops on the way to Canada. He took reserve this year, and won it last year.
Mason got his start at the age of 2 – riding sheep. “My dad rode bulls, and he put me on them and it went from there.” His mom, Tina, hauls him to all his rodeos. “We usually go one place every week.” He has two sisters, – Mabry (10) and Maddy (17). “My little sister rode sheep and calves, but didn’t move up to steers – she’s done with it. I wish I had a brother so I could show him what I know.” He keeps in shape by working out whenever he can. I have a stationary bike and dumbbells – I have a little routine– I do some jump rope, dumbbells, pullups, sit ups and pushups.” When he’s not rodeoing, he has a lot of schoolwork. “I’m a straight A student, so I keep up with that.” Mason got a scholarship from CINCH for his grades at nationals.
“Dream big – that’s my life quote – you can’t accomplish anything unless you think about it.”
