Brotherly bareback: Two Minden brothers both qualify for nationals in bareback riding

VALENTINE, Neb. - When Koltdyn Heath climbs into the chute, he knows one thing for sure—there’s no room for fear.

“Sometimes I get a big old horse, and it makes me want to tighten up a little more because I get a little scared,” Koltdyn said. “But in all reality, when you’re climbing into that chute, it has to be the same mentality every time. You have to want to go and get some.”

That fearless mindset helped the Minden High School senior take first place in bareback riding at the Nebraska High School Rodeo Finals in Valentine last weekend. And now, he’s headed to nationals, but he’s not doing it alone. His younger brother has also qualified.

“I started bareback riding in the 7th grade. I started bronc riding this spring,” said Kanin Heath.

Kanin is two years younger than Koltdyn, but just as fearless. When asked if he’s ever scared before a ride, his answer is immediate: “Nope, never. You can't be."

Koltdyn actually was the one who convinced Kanin to take up the sport.

“It’s a lot funner to have someone right beside you who you know is blood related to you,” said Koltdyn. “It makes it a little more interesting, and it’s a little bit of a rivalry.”

It may be a love-hate relationship at times—“If I’m not riding good, I normally yell at him,” Kanin admitted—but it’s clear the competition drives them both. And now that both have punched their ticket to the national stage, the friendly rivalry may just push them even further.

Koltdyn has his sights set beyond high school rodeos.

“My dream is to make it to the NFR and win a gold buckle someday,” he said. “How soon that is, I’m not sure yet. But when that day comes, I’m going to try.”

Only time will tell if his younger brother plans to ride that dream trail too.