Brothers bond through bull riding
Photo submitted – Brothers Keeden and Kagen Williams have received several awards and recognitions for their bull riding accomplishments.
Mary Beth Sallee
Jobe Publishing Inc.
The Williams family has always been involved in rodeo. For brothers Keeden and Kagen Williams, it has become a way of life that is leading them towards their goals and aspirations.
“Keeden started out mutton busting and moved up from there to steers and now on to novice bulls,” said Keeden and Kagen’s mom, Sonya Williams. “Kagen skipped mutton busting as he was terrified. I know, crazy especially since he went right into steers after watching big brother. He is now on his first year of high school rodeo.”
Keeden is a 17-year-old junior at Caverna High School, and Kagen is a 15-year-old freshman. Throughout their already impressive rodeo careers, the brothers have won numerous buckles and custom awards, as well as both large and small monetary awards.
“Kagen was junior high state champ, and Keeden was high school reserve champ,” Sonya said of their accomplishments in 2024. “Keeden recently won reserve champ for a local event called Bullwhip, with little brother right behind him.”
As Horse Cave does not have a rodeo circuit, the Williams brothers travel to other towns and states to compete.
“Idaho is a rodeo state and has several events to offer,” Sonya explained. “In the last three years, bull riding is becoming more popular in the surrounding areas of Horse Cave.”
Bull riding can be both a mentally and physically tasking sport. It takes much practice and resilience.
When asked how often he practices, Keeden replied, “(I) try to get on practice bulls when I can and ride a horse bareback often along with visiting the gym.”
Photo submitted – “I enjoy the friendships and brotherhoods you make along the journey,” Keeden Williams said of bull riding. “I have so many great memories. I enjoy the pure thrill of it.”
“I do weight training and workouts to improve my balance and strength daily and get on practice bulls when I can,” said Kagen.
Kagen added that he also prepares for competitions by getting his mind focused on what he can do. Keeden prepares by getting a good night’s rest and moving forward with a winning mind set.
Nothing in life is ever without consequences. With bull riding, the potential for injury can be high.
“Bull riding is a dangerous sport,” Sonya said. “Anytime they walk out of the arena with no injuries is a win for me.”
But just as with any sport or hobby, the joy of doing something you love far outweighs the risks.
“I enjoy the friendships and brotherhoods you make along the journey,” Keeden said. “I have so many great memories. I enjoy the pure thrill of it. It’s been a honor to rodeo in several states – Idaho, Utah, Nevada, Oregon, Tennessee, Kentucky, Georgia, Texas, Oklahoma, Indiana.”
“What I enjoy most a bought bull riding is the thrill and excitement it brings to me and mostly the people you are surrounded by,” Kagen said. “I’ve met some amazing people in rodeo.”
Photo submitted – My most memorable moment was when me and my brother Keeden qualified for World Finals in Perry, Georgia,” Kagen Williams said of bull riding. “We had a great time and spent a lot of time with friends and had a great experience. It was a goal that I thought would never happen.”
Keeden’s goals include getting a rodeo scholarship, and Kagen would like to be a world champion before he graduates high school.
“One thing I want to continue doing in bull riding is being humble and enjoying it as much as I can every time I get on the back of a bull,” Kagen added.
Sonya shared that as a parent, watching her sons achieve their personal goals and dreams is a blessing.
“They’ve got to travel to several states and qualify for some awesome associations,” Sonya said of her sons. “Watching them grow in the sport has been rewarding.”
The Williams brothers are scheduled to attend a few upcoming events. The rodeo season will once again be in full swing this spring.
