story by Riata Cummings
Goshen, Utah, is home to 14-year-old Kesler Riding, the son of Jason and Emily Riding and older brother to Pate Riding. Together, they spend time riding, roping, and travelling to rodeos or jackpots. Kesler just started his eighth grade year at Mt. Nebo Junior High School, where his favorite classes so far are math and science.
At a young age, Kesler started watching his father rope at various jackpots and practices, and soon gained an interest for the sport. It wasn’t long before he heeled for his father at a Nephi Junior Rodeo. Now he loves the sport and competes in team roping, breakaway roping and goat tying. His favorite is the team roping, where he enjoys stretching steers with his partner Bridger Crandall. So far, Kesler has won ten saddles at various rodeos and roping jackpots. He hopes to double that amount in the near future, and one day hopes to rodeo professionally.
Kesler heels off of Arizona, a little mare with a big heart. He breakaway ropes and goat ties off of Rio, a sorrel gelding. He tries to practice every day, whether it be roping the dummy or making live runs, and constantly seeks to improve himself and eliminate bad habits. So far, Kesler’s favorite rodeo was the 2018 Silver State International Rodeo, where he and his partner, Bridger Crandall, walked away with the team roping championship title. Rodeo has taught him many things, including the value of friendship and hard work. Kesler feels that one of his strengths is determination, as he is dedicated to making himself better every day.
One of Kesler’s favorite memories was at a memorial day roping in Heber City, Utah. He and his partner were first high call coming into the final round. With a fast steer and a little luck, he legged the steer to take the win. He would advise those new to the rodeo world that it is alright to miss or have a bad run. He knows that it is through the hard days that lessons are learned and winners made.
Kesler’s hero is Craig Hamilton, a NFR qualifying team roper and horseman. After attending one of his roping schools, Craig’s kindness and helpfulness left a permanent impression. Kesler feels that his biggest supporters are his parents, and he is grateful for all of their help. He lives by the saying, “Don’t call it a dream, call it a plan”. While most people will tell you to follow your dreams, Kesler knows that making a plan and working for the things you want is the only way to find success.
