Blayde Verdin

By Katlin Truelsen / CAC Media Group

Louisiana bull rider Blayde Verdin is fresh off his first trip to the Junior World Finals in Las Vegas where he placed 8th overall in the world. He is using the momentum he gained in December to kickstart the 2023 season. This past month, Verdin sat down with Katlin Truelsen of the CAC Media Group to talk about Vegas and how having the right mindset will help him to make sure he earns another trip to the finals this year.

KT: Okay, Blayde, can you start out by telling me a little about mindset and how it plays a part in bull riding?

BV: Mindset is really important. It is one thing that you must have if you want to ride bulls.

KT: So how has your mindset changed since you started riding?

BV: It has changed a lot. When I first started, I was just doing it for fun, but now I have really gotten into it, my mindset has grown along with my skills.

KT: And what situations would you say are hard that test your mindset when riding?

BV: Whenever I have breaks or I am playing another sport like soccer that gets in the way of bull riding, and I do not practice as much, which makes it tough when I get back on and ride again. I have to shift my mindset from one to the other.

KT: Does this make it difficult to transition from the practice arena to an actual event?

BV: When I am in practice, I try to take on any bulls that I think will make me a better rider but when I am riding in an event, I have to focus specifically on the bull I draw and shift my thinking to positive self-talk about how I can stay on that bull for eight seconds.

Blayde Verdin

KT: And what happens when the ride does not go as planned?

BV: I try to get up and shake it off and just hope for the best on the next one. When I go home, I watch videos of the ride to see what I can do better and try to keep my head up.

KT: Looking ahead to this season, what are some rodeos you are looking forward to this year?

BV: I want to go back to Las Vegas for sure and to the WCMB.

KT: Why those rodeos? Why do you want to go back to them?

BV: Because they are bigger rodeos than what I am used to riding in and they help me to become more professional and teach me how I should carry myself. nervous about having so many people ask for autographs and stuff, but he was really nice to everyone.

KT: What are some things you are working on to help you get back to rodeos like Las Vegas?

BV: I have to stay on top of riding and keep my head up.

KT: You mentioned earlier that you are playing soccer. Do you use your time on the field as a break from bull riding to help you refocus?

BV: Yes, it gives me a chance to rest up and it is a mental break too.

KT: Turning towards the future, what role do you see bull riding playing in your life?

BV: I plan to keep trying my best and eventually want to ride professionally. I am thinking about college, but I don’t know for sure if that will be my next step.

KT: And who is a professional rider that you look up to?

BV: I would have to say Mason Taylor because of the way he carries himself. The first time I met him I could tell he was nervous about having so many people ask for autographs and stuff, but he was really nice to everyone.

KT: Thanks for giving me an interview, Blayde and we wish you the best in this 2023 season. For more information about your favorite high school rodeo stars, you can check out the National High School Rodeo Association or the Junior World Finals on Facebook. Be sure to look for a new bull rider in next month’s Rider Rundown.

KT: So, to wrap up, can you tell us some fun things about you, like maybe your favorite food?

BV: My favorite food is mozzarella sticks from Sonic.

KT: Favorite movie?

BV: Eight Seconds

KT: And lastly, what is your favorite vacation spot?

BV: Rodeo arenas for sure!

KT: Thanks for giving me an interview, Blayde and we wish you the best in this 2023 season. For more information about your favorite high school rodeo stars, you can check out the National High School Rodeo Association or the Junior World Finals on Facebook. Be sure to look for a new bull rider in next month’s Rider Rundown.