"Self-assured" and "fearless" are the words that come to mind while speaking with seven-year-old Whip Gertner of Stettler who was crowned the saddle bronc finals champ in the buckaroo saddle bronc category on Friday, Oct. 7 at the Montana Mini Buckers 2016 State Finals held in Butte, Montana.
Whip also placed third in the bareback event in the peewee category.
Having had a great year so far, getting some good riding even in the local events such as the Stettler Junior Rodeo, Whip also qualified to ride in Rock Springs, Wyoming on Oct. 21 and 22 at the World Mini Bronc Riding Championships as well as the Regional Mini Bareback Finals.
"He started riding a young buckskin mare last summer that likes to crow hop, but instead of getting scared like most kids would, Whip kicked her out and rode her through it," recalled Dawn Gertner, Whip's mother. "Darrell Cholach has helped him immensely, especially with his positive thinking and attitude. He also looks up to the Thurstons of Big Valley, who helped set up his new saddle and gave him some tips the day before he left to go to Butte."
According to Gertner, Whip being fearless gives him a lot of self-confidence although it also makes him think that he can do anything which can be good and bad.
"Luckily the horses and bulls he gets on are hand-picked for the age group," added Gertner. "The Montana Mini Buckers Association is building rough stock cowboys from the ground up and encourages positive attitudes and learning the correct techniques."
On Sunday, Oct. 16 Whip won the peewee saddle bronc at an event in Billings, Montana as well as the "Rookie" Bulls.