When we're little we all aspire to be something. Some of us want to be famous while others hope just to find the secret to happiness. For some men , however, they journey on from being a man to becoming a cowboy. Devon Dutton a bull rider from Clarksville, Arkansas is on this journey. Being a bull rider to him isn't just a way of showing off his strength or his inner craziness, it is his life.
Dutton always wanted to ride bulls, but like many young men his mother wasn't quite fond on the idea. Devon told me that at 16 he finally went to a buck out pin and mounted a bull for the very first time. While most teens are test driving pick ups or cars, Dutton was test drivin' a beast, one with horns and hooves. Although, being naturally talented Devon stayed on for the first eight seconds. It went all downhill from there and it's when Dutton notched his name permanently on any entry form he could get his hand on.
Being a bull rider is tough. Not only is there a physical toll which makes this 21 year old feel much older and constantly sends the line from the Garth brooks song "Much to young to feel this damn old" through his head but there is an emotional toll. Dutton mentions that bull riders must find their own way to escape the fear of it. He gave me the example about being the next guy out of the chute, and the rider out before you gets knocked out. "You have to block it out of your head, if you don't you will fall off. You have to find your brand of cockiness/confidence."
One thing that Dutton does best is never shy away from a battle. He hold a card to many rodeo organizations and plans on getting his PRCA permit. He has had a delay at getting his permit to the elite Pro Rodeo association due to injury. However, his fighter mentality makes him want to always compete against the best and beat them. If he could face one bovine opponent of his dreams it would be the late great Little Yellow Jacket.
Besides, being crazy enough to ride bulls, Dutton loves to be outdoors and if not riding bulls he prefers to be on the water, hunting or watching his beloved Arkansas Razorbacks or cursing the backroads to clear his head. If he hadn't found a career in bull riding he would probably be a hunting guide and dreams of one day opening a hunting ranch on the side ( I think that is really Kick Butt).
Devon says his biggest fan is his mama although he always hates when she has nervous breakdowns watching him ride. He wants to redefine the bull riding community by stripping away the "player" mentality from people minds and showing them that even good ol' boys find enjoyment in the bucking chute. Besides his family, Jesus is number one in his life.
Dutton would say he is his own worst critic and that people often tell him he is to pretty to be a bull rider. Ladies, if you look at him his adorable, breathe taking smile will definitely rope you in. He is living his dreams and hopes to etch his name into the record books. He will not call himself a cowboy for he feels like those are big boots to fill and he just isn't there yet.
If you want to catch Devon Dutton live you can find him riding from the plains of Oklahoma to the deep south of Mississippi. Devon is a bull rider to watch for and you better bet that his name will be put on many buckles and many rodeo programs. If you want to know more about this handsome gentleman than follow him on twitter (@DevonDutton).
The Cowgirl Dreamers (@21RockinCowgirl and @MissRowdyRodeo) are excited to be members of Team Dutton and cannot wait to watch Devon mature and win some of the biggest rodeos known to the rodeo community. Best of Luck on the Rodeo Trail Mr. Dutton and we hope to come support you live soon and recruit more and more fans for the team. We promise to make your mama a Team Dutton Shirt.
God Bless and leavin' the rodeo arena
