Meet the Characters | currentagconcerns

Buckin' Bull Buddies is based on two real-life Iowa bull riders, who were born on the same day, an hour apart, and who have developed a friendship through their love for this sport. Not only are they real people, but so are all the supporting characters who make an appearance behind the chutes or in the background. The book itself is based on bits and pieces of their actual story, which they shared over the course of several interviews.

Bode grew up in Cherokee, Iowa and has been riding bulls since he was seven. Riding has become everything to him. Bode took home the title of Reserve World Champion in 2022 at the Cinch Junior World Finals in Guthrie, Oklahoma. He has three other top-four world finishes including Las Vegas, Wyoming, and South Dakota. He has also found tremendous success closer to home, winning the Extreme Bull Riding Championship.

Cade Smith is from Sidney, Iowa, where his family owns and operates Double S Bull Company. Cade has been around bull riding his entire life, getting on his first bull when he was five. Through the years, Cade has taken on additional roles at rodeos. working as a pickup man and trick roper in addition to riding the junior circuit himself. Career high accomplishments include qualifying for the Junior World Finals in Las Vegas and winning the Extreme Bull Riding Tour Championship.

Everyone who is part of this story plays an actual role in the real story of Bode and Cade's lives. They have various titles including mentors, friends, and family but one thing is certain, each character has had a big impact on shaping the success of these young riders.

Creek Young
Professional Bull Rider

Creek Young from Rogersville, Missouri has been a part of Cade and Bode's story for many years.
At 24, Young has made a name for himself in the PRCA world, qualifying for the NFR four consecutive times. In 2023 he posted the highest scored ride for the entire ten days with an 89.5 to take the third round. Young has several other impressive wins including the Will Rodgers Memorial Rodeo in Oklahoma and the PRCA Ozark Pro Rodeo in Missouri.

Trevor Reiste
Professional Bull Rider

Trevor Reiste from Finley, Oklahoma grew up in Iowa and connected with the Smith family early in his career. He is currently a member of the PRCA and was ranked 18th in the standings for 2023. He has had one NFR appearance back in 2017. Reiste says two of his favorite rodeos to compete in are Cheyenne Frontier Days and the Pendleton Round-Up. When he is not heading to a rodeo, you can find him in the gym, riding horses, or cheering for the Iowa Hawkeyes.

Sage Vance
Friend

Sage Vance became a bull rider because his dad used to ride. This family tradition has carried him to the title of two-time college regional champion and earned him the status of Rookie of the Year. He met Cade back in 2019 when he started riding on Smith's family's Extreme Bull Riding Tour. Vance is a college student and is currently pursing his third degree.

Hadley Harris
Friend

Hadley Harris from New Market, Iowa started riding bulls after watching the NFR when he was little. In 8th grade he won the Iowa Junior High Rodeo and has since qualified for the Junior World Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas. He first met Bode and Cade at a rodeo in Nebraska City. The boys enjoy spending time together getting on practice bulls or riding horses.

Parents are often our greatest teachers, cheerleaders, and mentors and both Bode and Cade have benefited from the continued support of Shad and Vicki Smith. The Smith's own and operate Double S Bull Company and offer competitive bull riding events for athletes throughout the Midwest. They are also big supporters of the junior bull riding program and have helped many young riders get their start. Along with putting on events, the Smith's own nationally recognized bucking stock, which are featured in rodeos all over the U.S. including Denver, Houston, and the NFR in Las Vegas.

Shad and Vicki Smith
Parents and Mentors

Hallie and Kevin Dessel
Grandparents

Grandparents Hallie and Kevin Dessel have been a huge part of Bode's life ever since he was little. They have traveled thousands of miles taking him to rodeos and have always been in the stands as he chased his dream of riding bulls. Family is very important to the Dessels and they are looking forward to watching him finish out his high school season in 2024 and compete on a college rodeo team next fall.

The bulls in the story are also real characters. They are owned by Cade and his family and live on their farm in Sidney, Iowa. These bulls get to travel all over and meet cowboys from every state and sometimes even other countries! They are athletes who take their jobs seriously. When they are not giving a great eight-second performance for their thousands of rodeo fans, they hang out with their friends, nap in the sunshine, and munch on delicious corn silage that is grown for them right on the farm!

Real Name: Broken Dreams

Age: 4

Favorite Rodeo: Extreme Bulls PRCA Event in Nebraska where his rider rode him for 90 points!

Fun Fact: Cookie loves scratches in the pen before he gets ready for his event.

Real Name: Smokin Mirrors

Age: 7

Something Unique About Me: He has only been ridden for eight seconds two times in the past five years.

Fun Fact: His favorite spot on the farm is atop the hill in his pen because it gets the most sunshine and he likes to nap there.

Real Name: Vitalix Hard Knox

Age: 5

Favorite Rodeo: The National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas where he competed in 2021.

Fun Fact: Britches likes to go for trailer rides to new places.

Real Name: Full Send

Age: 4

Something Unique About Me: He is just starting his career and hopes to buck for a long time.

Fun Fact: Sunday is his favorite day of the week because that is the day the bulls get their new vitamin tub for a snack, and he likes the sweet molasses flavor.