Littlest cowpoke

GAVIN ROSE, BULL RIDER

BY JACEY CONWAY

From the young age of three, Gavin Rose has been in love with the rodeo and has allowed it to shape his young career as a bull rider.

The now-nine-year-old began his journey as a bull rider in 2015 when he became involved with mutton busting, an event similar to bull riding but for a younger age group riding sheep instead of bulls.

Rose continued riding sheep for two years before moving onto riding miniature broncs bareback.

After riding mini broncs for a year, he began riding mini bulls and fell in love with the sport even more.

“That is where his heart really is,” says Nikki Rose, Gavin’s mother.

In 2014, Gavin was diagnosed with autism but he’s found mini bull riding to be a coping mechanism.

It has given him an opportunity to find his voice.

His mother remembers when her son was shy to talk with others and lacked motivation to go anywhere or do anything.

Since becoming involved with the rodeo, Gavin has become a confident young man who is surrounded by a supportive group of friends and sponsors that encourage his exciting lifestyle.

“Rodeo has been the greatest thing in our life,” says Nikki.

Gavin has achieved great things so far; one of his highlights is making the first-ever Mini Global

Cup as part of Team Canada in 2019.

In addition to this great achievement Gavin has made his mark in the sport across North America and has travelled to several different states to compete.

In 2018, Gavin finished in first place in the peewee division for bulls and broncs and travelled to Oklahoma to compete in the International Miniature Bullriding Association (IMBA)

World Finals.

Placing in 18th, Gavin qualified for the IMBA World Finals again and continued to join seven other young men in the Mini Global Cup as a part of Team Canada.

He is planning to continue his journey as a bull rider and working toward making the Junior

World Finals in bareback and bulls.

One day Gavin would love to claim the title ‘First Canadian Miniature Riding

World Champion.’

There are many reasons why he loves bull riding but one great reason why Gavin continues is the family he has built in the last several years.

“No matter what, everyone is there to help you,” he says.

Gavin looks forward to the hard work it will take to continue his bull riding career and the upcoming travels to competitions.

Look out world, here comes Gavin Rose, bull rider extraordinaire. life