When the bull attempts to throw off the rider, it’s a matter of life or death, making bull riding one of the riskiest sports in the world. And the beast usually shows no compassion to the fallen riders. Due to the inherent risks associated with this activity, only a small percentage of those interested in it actually participate. But bull riding has also had an impact on the youth of today, and convincing them to try out a different activity while they’re still too young to have a firm grasp on how the realities of life may be a major challenge for their parents.

The Washington Post recently shared a Facebook post about a story about a lady who faces a difficult decision regarding her seven-year-old son’s desire to pursue his passion for rodeo riding. A young bull rider’s recent death at a rodeo prompted the mother’s current predicament. This was another point that a number of readers brought up in the post’s comments.

Dilemma of a caring mother

Amanda Paquette, Preston’s mother, is concerned about her son’s well-being months after a rodeo tragedy. Demin Bradshaw, then 14 years old, suffered a tragic death when the bull he was riding threw him off after just a few seconds. When Demin fell to the ground, he was trampled to death by the bull in front of onlookers.

As the teenager who had hoped to make it as a professional bull rider lay motionless on the arena floor, rescuers could do nothing to assist. Amanda still shudders at the thought of her son Preston becoming a bull rider, despite the fact that he saw a fellow rider being crushed to death.

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At the Rafter K Rodeo, Preston tried to make his most recent qualified ride. By the time the family arrived, the stadium was already full of hundreds of fans. Amanda’s kid was ready to ride the bull that had killed Demin back in January, thus this was a momentous occasion for the family. The bull bucked incessantly as soon as the metal chute was unlocked and he was let into the arena.

Four jolts later, Preston rolled off the bull’s right side and crashed to the ground. Clearly feeling defeated, Preston rose to his feet and went away carefully. But Amanda was reassured that her kid was safe and sound and able to pursue his goals.

The viewers’ reaction to this young bull-riding enthusiast

Fans of the sport can attest that bull riding is no laughing matter, so the decision by a youngster’s family to support his interest in the sport is significant. Fans also swarmed into the Facebook post’s comment area to express their opinions.

As a lot of fans agree that bull riding is a dangerous sport, one comment read, “I hope she discourages him! Bull riding is a very dangerous and cruel sport!” Another fan pointed out how the sport should let go of the animals, saying, “Perhaps it’s just best to leave animals alone. Using them for our entertainment and putting them through stress and pain ultimately comes back to haunt us.”

It looks like a fan had a clear point of view writing, “What’s the dilemma? A parent’s job is to protect their children. No to rodeos.” A comment also points out how there are other sports to take an interest in, saying, “So many other sports to get your kid involved in that don’t hurt people or animals. The choice is not hard.”

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What is your opinion regarding this situation? Let us know in the comment section.