Trevor Kastner Gets Key Win at the Spanish Fork (Utah) Fiesta Days Xtreme Bulls Event

In a sport measured by seconds, Trevor Kastner leans on his years of experience. The Oklahoma native began riding bulls professionally in 2008, a humble beginning that only sharpened his focus and motivation.

At 34, Kastner is no longer a young man, but winning never gets old. He rode Powder River Rodeo’s Domino to an 86-point score to claim the top prize at the Spanish Fork (Utah) Fiesta Days Xtreme Bulls event on Saturday night.

Kastner secured some intel about the bull from a friend, nodded his head and did his thing before an energized crowd. He also earned $22,631 for his performance.

“Nah, I didn’t know much about him. But I had a buddy send me a video, and that really helped. It was a younger bull,” Kastner said after his win as he packed up and headed to the Cheyenne (Wyo.) Frontier Days.

“In the gate he was moving to the left, then he kind of went right and it turned out well. It was a really good (environment).”

There is little Kastner has not accomplished in his career. His resume includes six NFR qualifications, including three consecutive berths from 2018-2020. His earnings eclipse the $1 million mark, and he finished 2021 ranked 23rd in the world. His NFR highlight is easy to recall. That came in 2012.

“I would probably say that was my most memorable ride. I was the only one to get a score in a round,” Kastner recalled.

For past seasons, Kastner has been aiming to transition to a lighter schedule as he spends more time on his ranch with wife Kate and their children, 4-year-old McKenna and 2-year-old Korbyn. But, then he inevitably wins a big event, putting him in line for another NFR qualification. Is that the goal this season?

“I am not sure. I am just playing it by ear,” Kastner said. “We will see what happens.”

Kastner loves the challenge of riding bulls even as his aching body – there have been most notably knee and rib injuries – reminds him of his long, successful journey. It’s what he does, though it’s not who he is.

“I enjoy it,” Kastner said. “But I mainly do it to provide for my family. That’s what is most important.”

Courtesy of PRCA