Muleshoe rider taking on world

Editor’s note: Following publication of this article online, Kasel’s parents posted on Facebook that he would not be able to compete due to injury but was still planning to attend.

A few years ago, Dalton Kasel was just another kid in west Texas between towns.

"I grew up in Muleshoe," Kasel said. "We lived about 15 miles outside of town. We didn't go to Muleshoe except for groceries. I went to school at Farwell, and my siblings went to school in Lazbuddie."

A few months ago, Kasel was just another unranked bullrider. Now he's one of Texas' biggest stars, and one of the country's most important rodeoers. This weekend will see Kasel, the Professional Bullriders Association's rookie of the year, compete for world supremacy in the fourth annual PBR Global Cup Saturday and Sunday at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

Following an incredible five-month surge up the world rankings, from unranked on June 1 to No. 8 by November, Kasel was put on the Team USA Eagles in the only nation versus nation bullriding competition. The U.S. has a pair of teams, with the Team USA Wolves made up solely of Native American riders.

Teams also come from Australia, Brazil, Canada and Mexico.

The PBR Global Cup debuted in 2017 in Edmonton, and went to Sydney in 2018. This weekend's competition will be the second-straight in Arlington.

Kasel answered questions from The News in the days leading up to the PBR Global Cup.

How did you first get interested in bullriding?

I was watching it on TV, and it just caught my eye. I ended up going in, started riding bulls and I haven't looked back since. I've been a (pro rodeo) rider for the last seven years.

Were you successful immediately, or did you have some obstacles?

I had success pretty much from the start. I did have a few injuries that held me back, but I had quite a bit of success. I did have a time I couldn't stay on anything, but then it started to click again and I am where I am now.

When did you realize this was something you could do for a living? Was there some event you won, or some words of praise you were given?

It was probably this past year. I was living with a guy named Riley Stanford. He told me I needed to get out and go. It kind of set up my career.

If you could hop in a time machine, go back a few years and tell your younger self something what would it be?

Trust the process.

How did the Global Cup come to be a possibility for you, and what was the reason you accepted?

The Global Cup, there are two coaches and they pick who they want. I got the privilege of being picked, and I definitely didn't turn it down.

What's the biggest adjustment when you're teaming up with people that you normally see as competition?

I don't really see anybody as competition. Your competition is the bull. It's cool having everybody around. They help each other out, and it's a family deal.

Who's been your favorite teammate to get to know and why?

I'm not sure. Chase Outlaw is on the team. I traveled with him. He got hurt, so he won't be competing with us anymore. But probably him.

How exciting is it for a Texan to be in a world competition in Dallas?

I guess you can say it's your home turf, both being in the United States. Being from Texas, it's something to be proud of.

What are you most looking forward to this weekend?

I'm just excited to get on a bull again. That's what I enjoy.