A Dallas County couple has a history of sending area youth to the national championship for bull riding. Pam and Jimmy Boswell of Tyler sponsor a faith-based program, Alabama Youth and Junior Bull Riders Association, that teaches children and youth how to ride more than just bulls, the program teaches them about life.

“We want to ride horses, sheep, calves and bulls while still serving God,” Jimmy Boswell said. “We have cowboy church after each practice and everyone is welcome to come and join us while we worship.”

A professional bull rider himself, Boswell said the first event of the year they are holding for bull riding is March 14-17 in the Dallas County Horse Arena.

“It will be the late season finals for the United States of America Bucking Bull Association, the largest winter outdoor bucking bulls final event in the world,” Boswell said. “We already have contestants from New Mexico, Arizona, Texas, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Wyoming, Mississippi and Georgia as well as Alabama.”

The bull riding season for the Boswell’s association runs from March until September each year. In October the couple holds an annual State Finals exposition and those contestants with the highest average advance on to the World Championship.

“We took eight kids to Colorado in 2012 and seven ended up in the top 20,” Boswell said. “Two of our kids were in the top 10. This number really resonates when you consider that there were over 500 contestants in the 2012 USA World Championship Bulls and Barrels Finals.”

One such bull rider was local Caleb Cook who Boswell calls a hometown hero. Cook came in 10th in the nation last year.

The Alabama Youth and Junior Bull Riders Association operates solely off of community sponsorships, Boswell said. Local businesses such as Holley True Value, Montgomery Stockyards and Linden Stockyard have kept the program going.

“If you have never experienced rodeos the Christian way, now is the time to join us,” Boswell said.

Those that are looking to learn to ride or those looking to help with the program and rodeos can contact Jimmy Boswell, 334-874-6640 or 334-525-0436.