TARKINGTON PRAIRIE, Texas – At just 11 years old, Brently Hartinger from Tarkington Prairie, Texas, has already made significant waves in the rodeo world, showcasing his talent and dedication as a young rider.
Brently first began his rodeo journey at just six years old. His mother, Sarah Hartinger, recalled the moment that started it all: “I asked him if he wanted to ride in the mutton bustin’ when he was 6 years old, and ever since his first ride, he’s been hooked.”
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Since then, he has transitioned from Mutton Bustin’ to riding junior bulls, proving his dedication to the sport.
In December 2024, Brently achieved a major milestone by winning the title of NFR Junior World Champion in Las Vegas. When asked about his favorite trophy, he proudly shared that winning the Leal’s Junior World Finals championship trophy in Las Vegas was his most cherished accomplishment.
His dedication is evident in his everyday routine—his father, Trenton Hartinger Shackelford, noted that Brently practices his craft daily, focusing on maintaining good posture on the bull. Rusty also added, “Brently is the first in our family to pursue bull riding.”
Brently’s commitment to the sport is not just about winning titles. He wears his rodeo journey proudly—literally. Every day, he sports the belt buckle he won from his first event at the rodeo.
Additionally, he has a favorite blue shirt with angel wings, a tribute to his late great-grandmother and grandfather, which he wears during competitions.
With a strong support system, Brently’s family has played a huge role in helping him chase his dreams. His parents shared that through selling merchandise designed for him, branded as “Buckin’ Brently,” they were able to raise enough funds with community support to travel to Las Vegas for the Junior World Finals—where he ultimately won.
His grandmother, Desiree, expressed how proud the family is of Brently’s determination: “Brently has continued to make us proud, and he is eager to continue his journey and make me proud.” And that journey is just getting started.
In two weeks, he will begin competing in rodeos across the country, making stops in cities such as Mesquite and Fort Worth, Texas, with many more on the horizon.
This Sunday, Brently will compete at the TVE Fairgrounds in Liberty County at 2 p.m.
“I just go out there and ride my bulls and win,” he said as he prepared for the event.
With his sights set on the future, Brently hopes to one day become a professional bull rider and compete in the “Unleash the Beast” (UTB) series. He is not just a competitor; he is a leader with humble beginnings, a strong work ethic, and an incredible support system.
Stay tuned for updates and highlights from Brently’s upcoming competition as he continues to carve out his path in the rodeo arena.
Update: If you recall, last Thursday we did a story on Brently Hartinger, the 11-year-old competing in junior bull riding competitions. Just last Sunday, he had a competition in Liberty, where he won first place. He also has a big event this weekend in Fort Worth, Texas.
This Sunday, Brently will compete at the TVE Fairgrounds in Liberty County at 2 p.m. “I just go out there and ride my bulls and win,” he said as he prepared for the event. With his sights set on the future, Brently hopes to one day become a professional bull rider and compete in the “Unleash the Beast” (UTB) series. He is not just a competitor; he is a leader with humble beginnings, a strong work ethic, and an incredible support system.
Stay tuned for updates and highlights from Brently’s upcoming competition as he continues to carve out his path in the rodeo arena.
11-year-old Brently Hartinger won junior bull riding competitions. Just in Liberty on Sunday, where he won first place. He also has a big event this weekend in Fort Worth, Texas.
This Sunday, Brently will compete at the TVE Fairgrounds in Liberty County at 2 p.m. “I just go out there and ride my bulls and win,” he said as he prepared for the event. With his sights set on the future, Brently hopes to one day become a professional bull rider and compete in the “Unleash the Beast” (UTB) series. He is not just a competitor; he is a leader with humble beginnings, a strong work ethic, and an incredible support system his mother Sarah stated
Stay tuned for updates and highlights from Brently’s upcoming competition as he continues to carve out his path in the rodeo arena.
