Small town, big dreams: Junior Saddle Bronc Reserve World Champion calls Graford his home

Story by Mary Hill | Photos by Erika Carter

Local resident, Casin Shave, is the 2025 Junior Saddle Bronc Reserve World Champion

Driven by grit and supported by family, Casin Shave of Graford earned his place last year as a rodeo athlete and achieved championship status at the age of 13.

As the winner of the 2025 Junior Saddle Bronc Reserve World Championship, Casin displays a quiet confidence yet humble attitude toward mastering his next “eight-second ride.”

The YETI Junior National Finals Rodeo, which took place in December, was the perfect wrap for Casin’s tough season, which included a broken left arm and right shoulder. The 10-day competition in Las Vegas attracted more than 700 youth contestants ages 6 to 19 from the United States, Canada, Mexico and Australia.

When asked for details on his tough season and the injuries he endured last year, Casin didn’t spend a lot of time dwelling on the topic.

“It was a rainy and muddy day, my gear was slippery, and I couldn’t get traction,” he said about the conditions that led to his shoulder injury in April. “It took six weeks to heal. After week five I was able to stop wearing the sling and begin lifting weights. Now it’s my strongest arm.”

Casin credited his family for fostering his passion to ride horses, and he called the rodeo community his extended family because its members support one another in the arena and daily life as well. He said his list of professional rodeo mentors includes Jacobs Crawley and Stetson Wright.

“Both of these men are really good riders,” he said when asked why they’re his favorites. “They are also respectful and love God.”

Casin said discipline is a key element for staying in shape for bronc riding. His home gym routine focuses on strengthening his core, legs, grip and balance. He gave credit to his mom for providing healthy and high-protein foods to eat, such as chicken salad and deviled eggs.

For snacks on the road, Casin says he avoids “gas station” protein bars and opts for healthier options.

When asked about his focus during the first two seconds of a ride, Casin said he makes sure he is square, has his “mark out” and doesn’t look down. He also described how important it is to show horsemanship by maintaining a calm, responsive and controlled partnership with the horse.

“I don’t think about getting bucked off while I’m in the chute,” he said when asked about his mental preparation. “My advice is to try not to get it in your head, since horses can feel that spirit, too.”

Casin said his rodeo journey began at age 10, when he started attending bronc riding schools. He said he received training on the fundamentals of bronc riding, including proper technique, safety protocols and equipment usage, and his use of spur boards helped him to develop and build muscle memory, timing and rhythm before actual competition. Casin said he recommends bronc riding school as one of the first steps for anyone serious about bronc riding.

After earning his Junior NFR title, Casin was selected as a member of the 2026 Priefert Junior Elite team. The primary goal of the program is to develop future leaders in the sport of rodeo, with a strong focus on leadership training and character building. Selected members receive a one-year partnership, exclusive apparel and mentorship, and the chance to attend a three-day training camp at the Priefert Ranch in Mount Pleasant, Texas.

Casin said it’s an honor to be associated with Priefert, one of the largest ranch and rodeo equipment manufacturers in the world.

“I had to write an essay to apply for this program,” he said. “They asked really good questions about my goals and qualities, and it’s hard to talk about them. I like to show it, not just talk about it.”

This March, Casin turns 14 and has plans to improve the quality of his rides. He confidently outlined the details of his improvement plan, which includes covering 80 percent to 90 percent more of his horses, controlling his ride and achieving better scores.

With more than a hundred rodeos under his belt, Casin continues his weekend rodeo trips with his mom, which sometimes includes two per day. According to the teenager, the more rodeos he makes, the better he gets.

“Not everyone understands rodeo people,” Casin said when asked what he wants others to know about him. “We’re caring and loving – and when you rodeo, you get closer to God.”