This browser does not support the Video element.
ARGYLE, Texas - A 9-year-old boy from argyle is getting ready for the world championships of mini bareback riding.
Lealond Henderson has spent most of the year ranked number one, and he's getting ready for more contests.
Lealond likes baseball. He wanted to play football but decided he liked bareback riding better. And in a few short years, he’s become the best in the world.
At 9 years old, the third grader has spent the first half of this year as the number one ranked mini bareback rider in the world. He even rubbed elbows with the kings of the sport. He practices on his family's ranch here in North Texas.
At 55 pounds, he's one of the lightest riders in the Pee-Wee division. Hard hits and mild concussions are all part of the deal.
“And I had a big ol’ rainbow across my head where a horse kicked me when I landed on my hands and knees,” Lealond said.
His parents are as proud as can be and go as far with the riding as Lealond chooses.
"Because there are moments where he wants his Mom, so that's a good feeling too,” said Deborah Henderson, Lealond’s mom. “But I know he's got it covered.”
"He has a natural talent to do what he's doing,” said his dad, Jimmy Henderson. “And he's been good at it ever since he's 3 years old."
His goal is to be ranked number one again after slipping to second in the past few weeks.
“There's a lot of tough kids to compete against,” he said. “So this will be a pretty tough matchup."
Lealond will compete in Las Vegas on December 5.