“Feel Super Guilty”: Bull Riding Father of 3 Spills the Beans on Complexities of Competing Next to His Teenage Sons

Bull riding has been part of the culture in the United States. Many kids who grow up around bulls and watching their parents, elders, and neighbors pursuing a vocation in rodeo, create an interest in the sport. The same is the case with Michael Francis’s kids, who grew up watching their dad compete in bull riding events and ultimately they took the sport.

Now, they shall be participating next with their dad in the world bull riding championship. This is a source of pride for the father to see how far his kids have reached in following his footsteps. But, he also has complexities in his heart related to the competition which he has shared.

Bull riding Father’s mixed feelings about son’s participation

It will be a unique day for a family in Lemhi, Idaho when Francis’ three sons will be competing in a bull riding competition just a few feet away from him. According to KSL Michael Francis’s sons Rolla 15, Dillion 14, and Steven 10 shall be participating at the International Miniature Bull Riding Championship in Ogden, Utah, which will be held next month from September 6-9. The sons have worked hard to gain the required qualification points for entry into the world championship. Francis, who himself is a professional bull rider and has been doing it since high school, feels honored by his children’s achievement.

Speaking on the incredible feat of his sons, Francis said, “It’s the most rewarding thing in the world for me. I’m right there, able to cheer them on, from 15 feet away through their whole ride“. He is happy that, in being so close, he will be the first to congratulate them and also save them if anything goes wrong. Commenting on safety, Francis said that there is a huge adrenaline rush in bull riding. But, it’s also dangerous for the severe and fatal injuries that can occur during the ride. He is like any father who doesn’t want his kids to get hurt in this rewarding sport. He said, “If they do get hurt and there’s nothing I can do, I feel super guilty that there’s nothing I can do“. The kids are, on the other hand, willing to show their strong family bond and passion for the game that comes with it.

Bull Riding Father inspires kids to take on bull riding

Michael Francis is the inspiration behind his kid’s passion for bull riding. According to him, “They all kind of want to be like Dad“. In the pursuit of their dream, they contacted and later on joined Flying S Mini Bucking Bulls. It is an association that teaches teens and young kids bull riding on mini bulls and gets experience and, later on, they will go for big ones when they grow up as adults. The organization is based in Idaho Falls and has attracted many kids to learn bull riding.

Read More: “Had My Head Stepped On”: 13-Year-Old Professional Bull Riding Aspirant Shares Gnarly Details on His Journey

The bull riding has received more interest in the southern Idaho area, which can be witnessed after 13 kids from the region are participating in the world championships. However, the participation at the championship is costly and Francis’s sons are collecting money through door-to-door meetings with the people and convincing them to help them achieve their dream. The dream in which they can get rewarded with a cash prize, buckle, and title.

It will be a special day for Michael Francis at the world championship, watching his sons carry forward the family’s passion for bull riding and also be attentive to their safety during their ride of the mini beasts.

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