PRORODEO Sports News - October 3, 2025

COWBOY GRILLE WITH KENSIE DARST-TODD

M ason Spain, 22, has had a standout PRORODEO sea son. The Forney, Texas, cowboy clinched big wins at key rodeos that put him in position to make a push toward the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. How’d you get your start in rodeo? Spain: I grew up around rodeo – my dad and grand father both rode bulls. I remember riding sheep when I was about 5 years old. One day, I told my dad I wanted a go-kart, and he said, ‘Well, you better win enough money to buy one.’ Seventeen years later, not much has changed – except now I’m buying Harley-Davidsons and Cadillacs. When did you know you could make a career out of competing? Spain: I’ve always been pretty successful. I was beyond blessed to be part of a college national title team last year at Tarleton State University and this is my first year – my rookie year – but I’m planning to make it my career plan to make my first NFR. Why did you decide bull riding would be your event? Spain: I tried a few other events when I was in junior high. I rode bareback and bucking horses, but I couldn’t seem to beat

he draws a bull he doesn’t like or it’s raining – he’s always ready to rodeo. What’s one rodeo you want to win before your career is over? Spain: There are several marquee events I want to win in my career – of course, the NFR, and notably, Salinas. But one that stands out on a personal level is the Calgary Stampede. Back in 2016, I was fortunate enough to win the cow riding there, and in my interview afterward, I said I’d be back to win the bull riding. That’s a promise I fully intend to keep. What’s your favorite movie? Spain: Top Gun and Lonesome Dove. What’s your go-to restaurant before or after a rodeo? Spain: Big fan of Chili’s – you can’t beat the chips and salsa and the triple dipper. What’s the first vehicle you drove? Spain: The first vehicle I bought was a Cadil lac Sedan CTS. Do you have a favorite dessert?

Spain: Blue Bell Choc olate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream. What do you enjoy doing when you’re not rodeoing? Spain: Being in my rookie year, I really have focused

Bradlee Miller and Keenan Hayes, so I decided to stick with bull riding. What do you hope to learn during your Resistol Rookie season? Spain: I definitely hope to learn the tools to success, wheth er that’s traveling or what rodeos to enter. Just the secrets to being successful at the top at the premier level. Who’s someone you look up to in the rodeo business right now? Spain: Clayton Sellars. That guy has the most posi tive outlook on life.

on rodeo and haven’t had that much spare time, but in the little time I have, I like to ride my Har ley-Davidson. What’s your favorite holiday? Spain: My favorite holiday is Thanks giving – it celebrates the start of the NFR. What type of music do you like listening to?

There’s nothing that can get him down, whether

Spain: Texas Country – anything with a steel guitar twang.

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