Amish Bull - Rider Aspires To Big Leagues of Sport

GARNETT, Ks.--What does a good Amish boy growing up in Jamesport, Mo., do?

In Henry Yoder‘s case, he becomes a professional bull-rider.

In Henry Yoder’s case, he becomes the 2008 world champion of the National Federation of Professional Bull-riders.

“Everybody has God-given gifts,” Yoder said. “This is mine and I enjoy doing it.”

Being an Amish bull-rider might appear a bit against the grain, but Yoder said it’s a natural fit for him. Yoder grew up around farm animals on his parents’ farm at Jamesport. When his parents weren’t looking, “my cousins and I would dare each other to try to ride calves and young steers.”

When an uncle tried bull-riding, Yoder decided he would try as well. He’s been on the bull-riding circuit seven years, since he turned 18.
His parents and family were surprised when he made his career choice, he said.

“When I first started, they were a little leery of it,” Yoder said. “But I kept on riding and improving and they could see I could take care of myself.”

Part of bull-riding’s popularity as a spectator sport is that it looks dangerous. Riders grab a rope with one hand, climb aboard and wrap their legs around three-quarters of a ton of muscle and fury. When the gate opens, the bull explodes in a frenzy of spins, short charges and leaps with riders holding on for dear life. The ride lasts only a few seconds, until horse-mounted riders and garishly dressed rodeo clowns race in to drag them from the bulls‘ backs.

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"Dear Joe and Esther: Once again, thanks so much for coming and sharing your heart and MAP's ministry with us last Sunday. Our hearts are burdened along with yours for teh Amish, and we are grateful to be privileged to partner with you in ministry. -- In Christ, Portage Community Church"

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