Professional Bull Rider Koltin Hevalo, currently ranked as the number 5 bull rider in the nation, visited El Dorado High School’s JAG-K (Jobs for America’s Graduates-Kansas) students on Dec. 12, 2024, to share his experiences and advice about the world of bull riding. The event was a special opportunity for students to hear firsthand from one of the top athletes in the sport.
Hevalo, a native of Missouri, talked about his journey from a young rider to one of the best in the sport. He recalled how his peers used to make fun of him, but he did not let that stop him. “Don’t let nobody tell you you can’t do it,” he told the students, encouraging them to keep pushing toward their goals no matter the challenges they face.
The Life of a Bull Rider
Being a professional bull rider requires more than just the ability to stay on a bucking bull for eight seconds. Hevalo explained that bull riding is a physically demanding sport that requires daily practice, training, and preparation. “I find the best trainers, and I watch videos of the best riders, including my own old videos, to analyze and learn from them,” he said.
Hevalo also shared how important it is to take care of injuries and sore spots to prevent them from getting worse. “The best thing about being a professional bull rider is that you’re basically walking into a storm that you have no control over,” Hevalo said. “You just hope that by sticking to your training, the outcome is what you want.”
Top Bulls and Scoring in Bull Riding
Hevalo has faced many challenging bulls during his career, but one stands out: Man-Hater, the current number one bull in the country. Man-Hater, who lives in Oklahoma, has a top score of 49.25 and is known for his wild, unpredictable moves. Bulls are judged on their intensity, how high they jump, how they kick and rear, and whether or not they can buck off the rider.
The riders, like Hevalo, are judged on their ability to stay on for the full eight seconds, maintain control, and keep their opposite hand up. Hevalo explained that a rider’s spurring technique, ability to handle direction changes, and the way they control themselves during the ride all contribute to their score. The highest possible score for a bull ride is 100 points, 50 for the bull and 50 for the rider, but there has only been one 100 ranking in the history of bull riding. The current highest score is 98.75.
Hevalo’s highest rank came when he rode Riding Salty in Nashville, scoring a 90. He is one of only three riders to stay on that bull for the full eight seconds.
Preparing for the Ride and Overcoming Fear
Before each ride, Hevalo focuses on calming his nerves. “I tell myself, ‘I’m the best bull rider in the world,’” he said. “It helps me calm down and get in the right mindset.” He also explained that bulls can sense a rider’s heartbeat and nervousness, which can make the bull more agitated.
Hevalo’s favorite bull to ride is Mike’s Magic. When Hevalo rode Mike’s Magic for the first time at the World Finals, he stayed on for 6.5 to 7 seconds, but did not break Mike’s Magic’s 26 buck-off-streak. On his second ride, Mike’s Magic fouled and Hevalo was bucked off in the chute, but when he got the chance to ride him again at the Dallas-Fort Worth competition, Hevalo broke the bull’s 37-buck-off streak by staying on for the full eight seconds, scoring 89.75.
Safety First in Bull Riding
Safety is a top priority in bull riding, and Hevalo shared that gear like helmets, padded vests, and proper boots are essential. The sport has become much safer over the years, especially after the tragic death of Lane Frost, a bull rider who was killed by a bull’s torso kick. Now, riders wear Kevlar vests that protect their ribs, back, and chest. Other safety gear includes leather gloves, spurs, and chaps. While chaps are optional, they can help a bull’s feet slide off of a rider’s leg if they step on it and are also a place to display sponsorships.
Hevalo mentioned the importance of inspecting bull ropes to ensure they are safe for both the rider and the bull. The ropes are checked for quality and safety, and if anything is found to be faulty, officials will cut the rope and the rider will not be allowed to ride.
Advice for the Next Generation
Before leaving, Hevalo shared some advice for students. Hevalo’s advice was simple: be open to new opportunities and give your best effort in everything you do. PBR public relations representative Kacie Albert added, “When you find something you are passionate about, go at it whole-heartedly and don’t say no to any opportunity.”
Hevalo’s visit to El Dorado High School was not just about bull riding but also about life lessons—overcoming fear, working hard for your dreams, and never giving up on what you love. Whether students are interested in bull riding or not, Hevalo’s story serves as an inspiration to pursue their goals and stick to their training, no matter what.
This visit precedes the PBR Unleash the Beast tour which is stopping at Intrust Bank Arena in Wichita for the first time in more than a decade on Dec. 13-14. JAG-K students will get an exclusive pre-show tour and will perform the National Anthem before the bucking begins on Dec. 13.
