ALL ACCESS PASS: Rodeo Roots: The Ballard Family Legacy

The Ballard family from Marion County has a very strong family legacy in bull riding, and all share a very strong passion for it despite the toll it takes. Their legacy began in 1979 with the oldest brother of the Ballard family, Scott. He explains how he grew up riding horses and watching bull riding on TV and was intrigued by it. He later decided, “it was just something I wanted to do”. When his senior year of high school rolled around, he started bull riding. Scott recalls his early passion for bull riding and demonstrates how passion can come from anywhere, at any age.

By the time Scott retired from the professional circuit at 30 years old due to injuries, his younger brother John, was already on the bull riding scene. John followed in his brother’s footsteps, starting at age 13. He recalls his own story of finding his calling into bull riding, demonstrating once again that passions can come at any age. John also retired in his 30s due to injuries, but his continued passion and longing for bull riding is inspiring.

The youngest of the Ballard brothers, Neal, had a much later start to his rodeo career, despite wanting to begin in high school. His parents, having already dealt with two sons involved with rodeo and receive lots of injuries because of it, would not let him. Once Neal was 18 and able to sign for himself, he became the sole member of the University of Kentucky’s rodeo team. He recants his story of going to the president’s office to get permission to start the rodeo team. Neal later transferred to University of Tennessee Martin where he was able to join an already established team.

The Ballard legacy is still being carried on today, with John’s son, Brandon. He is 22 years old and currently riding on the professional circuit. Brandon explains how he inevitably fell into bull riding because he grew up around it. Brandon shares, “I just kind of … grew up in it and there was nothing else I ever wanted to do other than this.” Brandon’s love of bull riding carries on the family legacy and passion, despite the physical and mental toll that it takes.

            Another bright spot in the current world of rodeo, is Addey Lawson. Addey just recently graduated from Garrod County High School and plans to continue her career at Oklahoma State University on a rodeo scholarship. Addey explains how she grew up around farming her whole life and was very comfortable riding horses to move cattle. This led her to try her hand at rodeo. While Addey does still experience nerves when competing, she explains, “I enjoy doing it, and so I get nervous because I want to do good at it. If I don't get nervous, there's really no point in doing it, I guess.” Addey’s determination and mind-set is an inspiration to women in sports and demonstrates her perseverance and passion in the face of adversity.