Warren Teen is Blazing His Own N.J. Rodeo Trail

Kai Lorimor of Warren is helping to put New Jersey on the rodeo map.
The 14-year-old boy started bull riding just over a year ago and joined the New Jersey High School Rodeo Association. Today, he is the state Bull Riding champion, All-Around Cowboy and Rookie of the Year for the junior high school division. He completed his first year with a trip to the National Junior High School Finals Rodeo in South Dakota, and recently competed in the Koloa Plantation Days Rodeo in Hawaii, where he took the winning buckle for steer riding in the three-day event.

Typically know as a Western sport, Kai fell in love with bull riding after viewing a YouTube video.

“I thought it was cool and I asked my parents if they could find me a place where I could learn,” Kai said.

He soon found a home at Luck of the Draw Bull Riding in Monroeville, which is in South Jersey. He trains alongside professionals and “goes through about three or four bulls” during a session, testing himself at a higher level each time.

Kai remembers that the first time he got on a bull he fell off even before they could lift the gate.

“Once I did it, though,” he said, “it was such an adrenaline rush. I was hooked.”

Under the tutelage of Scott Lynch, his coach at Luck of the Draw, Kai has come out of the chute blazing.

“I feel that he’s the reason why I’ve had so much success,” Kai said of his coach. “He just doesn’t tell you how to get on the bull, he shows you. And he explains everything.”

Lynch also serves as an inspiration for his student. Lynch was 35 when he broke into the sport and pursued a professional career until he tore a muscle in his shoulder. That’s one of the reasons why the very young rider has set his goals so high.

“I want to be the youngest Professional Bull Riding Champion ever, at the age of 18,” said Kai, who just completed Warren Middle School and will begin Watchung Hills Regional High School in September.

Kai has a ton of respect for rodeo pros “who never quit and always get up.” He is well aware that bull riding is a dangerous sport, and broken bones and worse are always possible.

“You really have to want it,” Kai said. “I pray before I ride. My faith is one of the things that keeps me going.”

Judging by Kai’s success so far, there’s no telling how far he can go in this sport or how long he will continue to ride.

“At least until my 50s or something like that,” he said. “It doesn’t have to be professional then, it’s just something that I love to do.”

Luck of the Draw Bull Riding has a practice pen for all levels. No experience is necessary and gear is provided at no additional cost. “Bull Riding School” sessions are conducted on Saturdays and Sundays each month.

For more information on Luck of the Draw, call 856-207-1530.

(above) Kai Lorimor of Warren at the National Junior High School Finals Rodeo in South Dakota.

(above) Kai Lorimor representing New Jersey in the South Dakota competition.