9-year-old bull rider from New Mexico becomes world champion

Monday, September 12, 2022
NEW MEXICO -- A New Mexico bull rider is getting recognized at just 9 years old after becoming a world champion.

Parker Hooks, from Lovington recently won the Youth Bull Rider World Finals.
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His want to ride bulls started when he was really young.

"My mimi and papa, which are my grandparents, they took me to a Lee County fair here, and I watched the bull riding, and I liked it. I wanted to do it, but I couldn't because I was little," Hooks said.

But he didn't let his size stop him.



"I watched a video on YouTube and then one day they let me ride sheep here at the fair," Hooks said.
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He then moved to riding small bulls, earning himself the title of world champion and a special buckle.



"I like rodeo, it's a different sport. Everybody's nice to you. It don't matter what skin color you are, they just are nice to you," Hooks said.

His goal is to one day become a professional bull rider.

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