SADDLE (WAY) UP!

MEET THE FULFORD BOYS, TREASURE COAST’S SOCIAL MEDIA STARS

Written by: Ava Grace

THE VIDEO HAD SO FAR GOTTEN OVER A MILLION ONLINE VIEWS AND LIKES.

Nothing cuter than a couple of young cowboys. Even more memorable is when little boys from Indian River County, on Florida’s Treasure Coast, use lots of creativity, and a sizable amount of determination, to saddle up.

What has made the world smile is Braford Fulford, who is 7, helping his 4-year-old brother, Bryndle, climb into the saddle of their horse, Penny. Bryndle uses his brother as a step ladder, in the end Braford reaching and pushing to settle him into the saddle.

It’s amazing teamwork … and impossible to not smile as the boys succeed in figuring things out.

Their mother, Cassidy Fulford, thought the boys working together was too cute, so she posted a phone video of them on social media.

And—bam! So far over a million online views and likes. One fan was the star performer Toby Keith, who played his “Should’ve Been a Cowboy” while watching the video. “This was their first day doing this while they were practicing their roping,” Cassidy Fulford says of her boys engineering Bryndle aboard Penny. “They pretty much nailed it first try! It was so heart-warming seeing them help each other, since this super pregnant mom was … supervising under the shade tree.”

Cassidy, who had a future cowboy, Boone, due in October, and dad, Cole, couldn’t be prouder of their two young cowboys. “My husband and I were super excited that Toby Keith took the time to watch and share the video! And it was wonderful to see all the positive comments from people from all over about the boys’ teamwork, good horse, and brotherly love,” adds Cassidy.

Other fans are grandmother, Vicki Markham, and the boys’ aunt, Colbie Carter. “This video is a true reflection of how my grandsons live each and every day, and although they may fight, like all brothers do, they will have each other’s back for the rest of their lives,” says

Markham, an executive assistant with U.S. Sugar, the agricultural company in Clewiston, Florida.

“Watching that video of my nephews, and seeing all of the positivity that came from it, has brought me so much joy. They live a life full of love, simplicity, faith, hard work, and determination. I have no doubt that these two little boys will grow up to be amazing men and cowboys, and I can’t wait to watch them every step of the way,” says Carter, also with U.S. Sugar as a Human Resources administrator.

Although nothing makes these two young cowboys happier than riding, they also like working cows, hog hunting, fishing and running free in the woods. “Competing in their youth rodeo association, spending time with family and friends, and thoroughly enjoying a random trip to the beach, (that) also makes them happy,” Cassidy Fulford says. FCM

Roundup

Put a smile on your face www.bit.ly/3nQtmSA

TikTok - Duet with Fulford Boys and Toby Keith www.vm.tiktok.com/ZMRx23THH/