“A Cowboy’s Got to Ride”
By: Jessica Burnette, Staff Writer
In continuing with last month’s rodeo theme, we will shift our focus from mutton to equine and bovine!
Eleventh grader Walker McAbee quickly shared that he has always wanted to ride bulls and saddle bronc in the rodeo. He’s heard all about his father, Kenny Buck McAbee, and his rodeo days and dreamed of following in his footsteps. Walker, however, says he was not allowed until recently and blamed all of that on his dad. When his dad was asked why he wouldn’t let him, he said, “My body feels like a 90-year-old man, and I’m only 40!” He continued to explain that after eight knee surgeries because of riding that he just didn’t want that for Walker.
Kenny Buck realized that it was inevitable and allowed Walker to begin rodeoing in August of 2021. He dove right in and started riding bulls. Since August, he has been in 12-15 rodeos for bull riding and 10-12 for saddle bronc. Walker borrowed all of his gear for the first rodeo, but knew immediately after his first rodeo in Pickens that he needed to invest in his own gear.
He has competed in Hartsville, Newberry, Fountain Inn, Pickens, Honea Path (all SC), Marshville, NC, and Perry, Georgia. Walker has had success in his early days. He is currently sitting second in the state in saddle bronc for the High School Rodeo Association. He is also now competing in the buckle series for bull riding in Honea Path.
Kenny Buck, who rode bareback and saddle bronc from age 14-20, accompanies Walker in the chutes for his rides.
Walker said that one thing he loves the most about the rodeo is the people. “We’re all just one big family in the chutes.” However, Walker and his dad both agreed that the adrenaline rush is what has driven them in the rodeo.
When asked what life lessons he has learned through the rodeo, Walker stated, “Even when you eat dirt, you have to get back up and get on again.” Kenny Buck added, “If I can strap myself to the back of an animal, I can do anything if I put my mind to it.”
Professional bull rider, Lane Frost is quoted for saying, “Don’t be afraid to go after what you want to do, and what you want to be. But don’t be afraid to be willing to pay the price.” Walker McAbee is doing just that!
Author: Tracy Sanders
