Dalton Gatrel riding CR McKellips bucking ponyTyler Acree riding Snowball.Dalton Gatrel, Clanci McKellips pony stock contractor, Tyler Acree, and Dalton's sister MaddyTyler Acree

Local Boys to Compete in Vegas in International Mini Bareback Riding Competition

Tyler Acree of Polo, Missouri and Dalton Gatrel of Cowgill, Missouri are both eight years old and have been traveling together going to rodeos for the last four years. They started out riding sheep and have now graduated to riding bucking ponies. They also enjoy training horses, roping, doing gymnastics on horseback, trick roping, and whip cracking. They are real cowboys and enjoy helping take care of the livestock at their family farms.

This year has been exciting as they have been working very hard improving their skills in the hopes of qualifying to be able to go to Las Vegas as part of the NFR experience. They attended many rodeos and battled hostile weather conditions such as extreme heat and pouring rain. The boys practiced for hours riding their ponies at home, went to a winter series of rodeos, asked for advice and help from veteran bronc riders, and generally worked very hard.

Dalton's mom Jennifer Gatrel stated, “I have been so impressed with the boys’ constant effort and try. They just absolutely love the sport and the other competitors. They have formed a family that will likely be with them the rest of their lives. Both boys almost literally eat, sleep, and breathe bucking ponies.”

All of that effort paid off in a big way October 8th when both boys competed against the best kids in the Midwest region in order to determine who advanced to Las Vegas. Dalton tied for 2nd with another boy who offered to let him go to Vegas if he could have the belt buckle award. Dalton and Tyler will compete in Vegas Dec. 1-4. They will be riding against the best mini bareback riders in the world.

Dalton Gatrel said, “"I am super excited to go to Vegas, it has always been a dream of mine. I would like to thank my parents and Valerie Acree, as well as the McKellips rodeo for making my dream happen"

Tyler Acree said, “The YFR is the super bowl of rodeo and I feel very honored to be a part of it. For me rodeo is a privilege and hard work, but I love it. I wish to thank all of my fans, Mckellip's rodeo company, Gatrel Land and Cattle company, Diamond Bar C, and Scott and Noah Priess for helping me along the way.”

The Caldwell County News

101 South Davis
P.O. Box 218
Hamilton, MO 64644
Phone: 816-583-2116
news@mycaldwellcounty.com

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